tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27723995467453261362024-03-21T08:06:43.742-07:00Blog of Donna Robb as eclectic as she is.While I would like to say this is a blog about something specific, it's not. Some posts will be about business, others about cooking, still more about faith. You get the drift. If I had a separate blog site for every interest, I'd never get anything else done.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-26942016585011149452015-08-14T06:18:00.001-07:002015-08-14T06:18:08.444-07:00Easy beef Stroganoff with hamburger<p dir="ltr">Beef Stroganoff with hamburger.</p>
<p dir="ltr">1 pound hamburger.<br>
1 chopped onion<br>
2-3 cloves garlic<br>
1 can cream of mushroom soup<br>
8 oz sour cream<br>
Salt just a little<br>
Pepper to taste<br>
Egg noodles (not homemade type but bagged egg noodles).<br>
Olive oil</p>
<p dir="ltr">Start water in a pot for your noodles. Cook them as instructed on package.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Start sauteeing onions until sweating. Add garlic. When onions are caramelized and ground beef. Cook until brown, then drain the grease and remove the meatloaf mixture to paper towel covered plate to drain.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wipe remaining grease from pan with paper towel. Add can of soup and sour cream. Mix together well. Add meat/onions/garlic mixture. Heat over medium low until warmed through, not boiling. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Drain noodles when they are done. You can either plate the noodles, and ladle the stroganoff mixture over, or throw it all in the pot with the drained noodles. Your choice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Salt and pepper to taste. I prefer freshly ground somewhat chunky pieces of pepper for this dish.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-42308860162201970852015-07-25T21:52:00.001-07:002016-09-01T21:04:54.896-07:00Wells Family Meatloaf by Donna Robb<div dir="ltr">
It's a family meatloaf recipe that has been passed down through 3 generations. From my Grandma, to my late Dad, to me. We each changed it just a bit, but the basics are the same.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
My late husband called it meatcake, because it was too good to be called meatloaf!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
If you are in a hurry, or don't want to turn on the oven, it's also good for meatloaf burgers or meatballs with mashed potatoes.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This recipe is for one pound. I will put adjustments per pound as my late husband could really demolish this.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Preheat oven to 375℃.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
*1 Lb 73% or 80% lean ground beef. DO NOT USE LEANER, it will be a dry brick!<br />
*1 egg for every 1-2.5 pounds of hamburger. <br />
*1 TBSP melted butter. Increase by 1/2 TBSP per pound.<br />
*1 package cheap, dry onion soup mix. (Don't use the Lipton brand, as the onions look like toenail parings). If 2.5 pounds or over add 2 packages.<br />
*1/2 sleeve Club Crackers smashed into flakes. (I put in a freezer zipper bag and pound on my cutting board with my meat tenderizer. Flat side first, then spiked. Add another 1/2 sleeve up to 2.5 lb. *Maximum 2 sleeves for a 5 lb loaf.<br />
*Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning in the short, round, green, cardboard container to taste. About 4 good shakes per pound. It's not spicy hot.<br />
*Garlic powder 5 good shakes up to 2.5 pounds.<br />
*Seasoned meat tenderizer, if you like. Just about 1 shake per pound.<br />
*1/3 of glaze (see recipe below).</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Glaze recipe per pound. Remember 1/3 in the meatloaf. 1/3 on the meatloaf at the start of baking. 1/3 15 minutes out from the end of baking time after you drain off the grease. You may have to make more for the final glazing, I always do. If so just half the original recipe, or add another third to the original.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I don't measure so bear with me.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
*A mound of brown sugar in a two cup mixing cup or bowl. The top of it should be about two inches and the rest tapers down like an ant hill. <br />
*Prepared yellow mustard, squirted about 6-7 times around the inside of the cup/bowl.<br />
*Heinz Ketchup, (or Hunt's but no cheap or gourmet types) about 12 times around the measuring cup.<br />
*Two good shakes of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce. (Stick with the brand name on this, it makes a difference).<br />
*6 dashes Tobasco, the original. (Brand name specific as other pepper sauces alter the flavor.)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Mix glaze together well. Taste it and adjust to your liking.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Add 1/3 of glaze in meat mixture. Mix the meatloaf ingredients well with your hands. So all is blended well throughout.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Spray cooking spray, or grease baking dish. Put meatloaf into baking dish, I usually use glass. And form into a loaf. (This is very important, or good luck getting cooked on glaze off your baking dish.)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Glaze with another 1/3 of glaze.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
For one pound cook 45 minutes for each additional pound add 15 minutes to total time.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
When 15 minutes from end of baking time. Take out, close oven door. Drain grease and use last of the glaze.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Cook remaining 15 minutes.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Let stand about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Good served with scalloped potatoes as a side.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Enjoy!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-81138714778869203562015-06-16T11:28:00.001-07:002015-06-16T11:29:23.633-07:00Donna Robb's Chicken Noodle Soup<p dir="ltr"><br>
Donna Robb's Chicken Noodle Soup</p>
<p dir="ltr">Boil 4 chicken breasts until done in a stock pot.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Make noodles as soon as you start your chicken so they have time to dry. This is the recipe I used.</p>
<p dir="ltr">http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/11991/egg-noodles/</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you set them to dry, then continue. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Remove schmaltz from top.<br>
Remove chicken, keep liquid, put in colander and run cold water over until you can safely handle. Dice, tear or shred into bite size pieces. Return to pot. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Dice medium yellow onion, add to pot. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Peel and dice 2 carrots add to pot.<br>
If you like add one bay leaf but remove before adding noodles as you don't want to eat it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Add two or more boxes of liquid chicken broth or stock. I like reduced sodium. It will still be plenty salty to help sore throats if you have them.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You want plenty of liquid as the noodles will soak most of it up.<br>
I also pepper heavily with fresh ground pepper and add a bit of garlic powder, oregano and several dashes of Tabasco sauce. A little Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning is good too if you can find it, in a little green round container. Sorry I don't measure anything. I would say pepper to taste. Garlic powder I cover the top of the broth four times. Oregano probably twelve shakes. Tabasco 12-16 shakes (too taste). Tony Chachere's cover pot four times (it's not spicy hot). 1 or 2 bay leaves if you like.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cook until carrots are nearly done.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At this point you want to start your noodles. If you don't want them soaking up all your liquid, cook them in a big pot of boiling salt water separately.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you like mostly noodle, noodle soup, cook in your soup pot. Note, these noodles expand so roll them thin and cut them narrow, and it's still hard to find the chicken, carrots and onions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When I rolled out the dough, it was hard to get it thin, so I grabbed it by the top when it was in a circle and let the weight of it stretch it out like a pizza dough. Pull on it to help. Then when it's thinner continue with your rolling pin. It's a very dry dough so it's tougher to roll out, but you want it to stay dry. Since it's fresh pasta, it doesn't take too long to cook after you dry it for twenty minutes. I rolled it up and used a sharp knife to cut it. A pizza roller would do the trick too. I think it only took about 7-9 minutes for the noodles to be done.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After the noodles are cooked add to the soup and enjoy!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQMoW74mm-Gt4tV6By1_rQyLDI1PDQabfD0PapxW73nnRlaxRLREN3rUZC2jrLLLF-ArimHrrJebsN2_AK2SYixVYUzAmzZOXXoCMegIodrXy-AwIb_lDLCkmjR4C0zhUXM39ilC515ne/s1600/IMAG0613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQMoW74mm-Gt4tV6By1_rQyLDI1PDQabfD0PapxW73nnRlaxRLREN3rUZC2jrLLLF-ArimHrrJebsN2_AK2SYixVYUzAmzZOXXoCMegIodrXy-AwIb_lDLCkmjR4C0zhUXM39ilC515ne/s640/IMAG0613.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-67671687598423446962015-03-31T12:44:00.001-07:002015-03-31T12:44:17.075-07:00Advice to a teenage girl.<p dir="ltr">I remember that until I was 25, I was convinced my parents knew nothing. Their sole purpose in life seemed to be to oppose everything I wanted to do. At age 25, I finally started to see that my parents were on my side, and just maybe they might actually know something. Since then, the older I get, the more intelligent they are. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I always try to learn from the mistakes of others. So I hope you will too.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It's all about trust. You trust in God, so give him credit for giving you the parents he did. He doesn't make mistakes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Know your Dad was once a young man. Those days are easy to remember as they are our heyday in life. He knows what young men are thinking, he was one once. Even though you don't like to think of it, he thought those thoughts once too. Trust him, know he is doing what he does for a reason. His reason is to protect you from making a mistake that can hurt you. He loves you. He would probably give his own life to save yourself. </p>
<p dir="ltr">That's why Honor your Father and Mother is a commandment, because it is extremely difficult at times to do so. Rely on Christ to help you. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Whatever the world throws at you, it is all calculated to trying to remove you from your salvation and walk with Christ. Don't let it. Pray for strength and guidance. Then realize the guidance might be found in Godly and loving council from your parents. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Your friend,</p>
<p dir="ltr">Donna</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-919574911538808312015-03-19T11:53:00.001-07:002017-02-28T22:49:28.231-08:00I Peter 2 Honor all people.<div dir="ltr">
In my reading today first, one of my favorite verses 1 Peter 2:9 KJV.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I love being called "a peculiar people". Always have, don't know why unless it goes to show that we who love Christ don't always have to fit in a mold. We don't have to wear or do certain things to be a Christ follower. We can be ourselves, who He called us to be. He does call us to be in the world, not of it. We are called to be holy, set apart, sanctified. But we can still have our own unique and beautiful personalities.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This next part, also reinforces that which God has been dealing with me about lately. Respecting authority. I haven't been sharing any anti-president/goverment posts lately, even though I have wanted to. This is why.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
1 Peter 2:13-17New King James Version (NKJV)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Submission to Government<br />
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
There have been anti-Christian statements made about folks who have forgotten verse 17. Honor all people. - Folks, this is simple, the word is "all". Not some, not those you agree with. Not just your enemies enemy. But all. It doesn't matter if they commit sin. Even as a Christian, you, I, and every other Christian out there still sin. We ask for forgiveness from God. If we have truly repented, and have no unforgiveness on our hearts, it is given. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Each sin, except one, the unpardonable sin, carry an equal weight, death and the separation from God if we love that sin more than Him. So why do we point fingers at folks who sin differently from us? What right as sinners do we have to judge others? None!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Now, if someone has accepted Christ and become part of a church family, and falls into sin; the Bible gives direction about how to deal with that to hopefully bring the person back to repentance and fellowship. That's not what I am talking about.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I am talking about our actions towards others. Are they loving? Are they kind? Can the person look at us and see Christ looking back at them? If not, are we really a Christian? Being a Christian literally means being Christ-like. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Christ never said following Him would be easy. If fact, just the opposite. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
John 16:33New Living Translation (NLT)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
John 15:17-19 New Living Translation (NLT)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
17 This is my command: Love each other.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
The World’s Hatred<br />
18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
His command, that we love one another, even our enemies.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Matthew 5:43-48 NLT</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So we must love like Christ, give everyone honor. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Taking an example from recent news, and just using it as a thinking point, not trying to bash those businesses. If a gay or lesbian couple wanted something from your business for their wedding. A cake, wedding clothes, invitations, etc.. You as a Christian, may not feel comfortable about participating in an event of this type. If you do, are you promoting this lifestyle? </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Point 1: Does the Bible say "Honor all people", or honor only those you agree with?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Point 2: You may not agree with the "sin issue". But tell me have you ever done a wedding for folks who lived together or had sex before marriage? Or someone who has been divorced and is getting remarried? Or for someone who is a notoriously greedy or abusive, or drunkards? </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
You probably have. Everyone has sin in their lives. All of the above sins are mentioned in the same section of 1 Corinthians 6:9,10, but read on just a bit further through 6:11.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NLT</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
See in verse 11, some of you were like that. But you were cleansed and made right through Christ. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
My question to you is, if someone doesn't show a person the love of Christ, maybe that person won't get to verse 11. What if that person is supposed to be you? What if you blow it by being hateful, or turning away their business? Do you really want someone to lose out on the eternal life that Christ has to offer because of you? I know I don't. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So what do you do? Get preachy, or all Church-Lady on them? No, of course not. Ask Christ to let you love them like He does. Breathe, relax, they are not going to bite you. They put their pants on, just like you do in the morning. Give them your most sincere and heart felt smile. Tell them it would be your pleasure to make their wedding day everything they hope it will be, then do your job. Let them see Christ in you. If you feel led by the Holy Spirit to say something, then do so. Otherwise as Saint Francis of Assisi said “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-43730280452175923312015-03-11T11:39:00.001-07:002015-03-11T11:42:38.537-07:00One Christian's realization about Obama.<p dir="ltr">Finished reading Hebrews this morning. Of late I have been convicted about my feelings, actions and behaviors towards President Obama. Every time I want to like or share something about him that is negative. I understand that even though, I do not agree with him, that, as a Christian, I am still supposed to honor and obey him as the leader which God has placed over me. We are called to pray for our leaders too. I don't know what to pray for, for him, except ask for God's will for him. Many times the Church has suffered persecution, and more came to believe in Christ in the midst of it. Soon, perhaps, the United States of America may become persecutors of Christians, more so than it already is. I may not like it, but I know Romans 8:28 KJV says:</p>
<p dir="ltr">28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is a verse, that again reminded and convicted me this morning. Hebrews 13:17 KJV.</p>
<p dir="ltr">17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Note also that our leaders have a responsibility towards us in this verse too. They have watch over our souls and must give an account. Thus we can be assured that God will deal with our Leaders appropriately. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Just thought I was supposed to share.</p>
<p dir="ltr">God bless.<br>
</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-11422729535003652952015-02-26T09:56:00.001-08:002017-03-02T11:32:04.837-08:00Hebrews 12:2 and what it means to me.<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Getting ready to start Hebrews. Everytime I read it I wonder who authored it. Always I have figured it was Apollos. But the Nelson Study Bible said while Martin Luther and many others believed the same, one scholar, Adolf Harnack suggested Priscilla. That may make more sense as to why no one knows, although they did in the early church, just left us to wonder. The commentary suggests that the masculine pronoun in 11:32 probably rules that out. What if she felt, that it would be better received if it was thought to be penned by a man? Thus leaving out the introductory greetings and using a male pronoun? Stranger things have been known to happen. The commentary's author suggests that it is unlikely to be Apollos as he was an Alexandrian, and the Alexandrian church would have known it. Unless they, like the Nazarenes failed to accept Apollos in his own home. Luke 4:24 NKJV Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Not to say Apollos was or was not a prophet, but I think the saying could still apply. I do not know the relationship Apollos had with the Alexandrian church, but it's all just supposition. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Anyway, my favorite verse is Hebrew 12:2 NKJV.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are the "joy that was set before Him." We are the reason He "endured the cross" even while he "despised the shame". He did it for us. To have the joy of being in relationship with us. Despising the shame of our sins, taking our curse. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Deuteronomy 21:22, 23 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
22 “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Do you think Christ didn't know what a death, hung on a tree meant? He is "the author and finisher of our faith." He is the Word.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
John 1:1-5 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Christ is the Word, so He knew what he was doing as He hang upon the tree. He was cursed for our sake. So that we, His joy, might never need be separated from Him, on Earth, or in Heaven. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Romans 3:23 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Romans 6:23 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Romans 5:8 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
He did, He died. He took our burden of sin and shame. He nailed them to a cross. He who knew no sin became sin for us.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
So we could have freedom over death, Hell, and the grave.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
So to accept this gift, we are all so unworthy of, what do we do?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Romans 10:8-13 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For“whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
I don't care who you are. I don't care what you have done. Christ loves you, died for you and wants to be with you forever. He forgave me, and trust me, I have done so many things that broke His heart. I repented, asked forgiveness, and He forgave, and forgot.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
1 John 1:9 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,<br />
Because His compassions fail not.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
23 They are new every morning;<br />
Great is Your faithfulness.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,<br />
“Therefore I hope in Him!”</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
My hope is in You Lord, and You never disappoint. I only intended to write that I was starting Hebrews and my favorite verse. But You made this so much more. Thank you Lord.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa-YV3bLrsXkGxRz19BYnq-IB7LzY_9hvcaDyTBvzooQJsSOTfkT3ggdxprnta1e0owWlRsU8KUIOa8sxqoFBGS25_G2ZmL05r85SMXr0_QpiqKU0PqkgOOIgsWVZL9kkSFhZsSPJ7tl_/s1600/IMAG0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa-YV3bLrsXkGxRz19BYnq-IB7LzY_9hvcaDyTBvzooQJsSOTfkT3ggdxprnta1e0owWlRsU8KUIOa8sxqoFBGS25_G2ZmL05r85SMXr0_QpiqKU0PqkgOOIgsWVZL9kkSFhZsSPJ7tl_/s640/IMAG0435.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-73163531594274749712015-02-22T14:52:00.001-08:002015-02-22T14:52:50.311-08:00My new recipe, Jimmy Dean and Chicken Noodle Soup!<p dir="ltr">Hey all fellow cooks. I made up a new recipe today. With the snow, today is a soup day. For some reason I was craving Jimmy Dean sausage, chicken, chicken broth and noodles or pasta. I couldn't find a recipe so I made one up. It's good, not the best thing I have ever made, but was still good and yummy enough I will have again for dinner. A little more of the seasonings might do the trick.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Jimmy Dean & Chicken Noodle Soup<br>
Approx. 1 hour to make. By Donna Robb 2/22/2015.</p>
<p dir="ltr">8 oz Jimmy Dean regular sausage (1/2 chub) the kind you use for breakfast.<br>
12.5 oz can of cooked chicken breast.<br>
2-32 oz low (or no sodium if you can find it) Chicken broth.<br>
14.5 oz Hunts fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic.<br>
2 tsps Basil <br>
1 tsp Cavenders Greek seasoning (or Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning)<br>
1 tsp Italian Seasoning<br>
1 tsp Garlic Pepper<br>
3-4 dashes of crushed red pepper flakes<br>
1.5 tsp (5 or 6 grinds) of fresh ground black pepper.<br>
A dash of sugar<br>
8 splashes of Red Wine Vinegar<br>
8 oz egg noodle or pasta<br>
Shredded Mozarella cheese to top</p>
<p dir="ltr">In a soup pot crumble 8 ounces of Jimmy Dean regular (or spicy, but not maple) sausage. Cook on medium heat until light brown on both sides. Remove sausage and drain grease on a plate lined with paper towels, pat dry with other paper towels. Wipe the grease from the pot, but don't rinse. Deglaze the pan with about an inch of Chicken broth. Be sure to scrape off the brown from the sausage on the bottom of the pan and get that into the broth. Add 1 tsp each basil, Cavenders, Italian, Garlic Pepper. 3-4 dashes of crushed red pepper flakes. 1.5 tsp of fresh ground black pepper - or 5 or 6 turns of the pepper mill. Stir well. Let cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Open the can of chicken saving the lid. Squeeze out the fluid with the lid. Add cold water and squeeze out again. Add to pot, add just enough broth to cover chicken, stir . Cover pot and cook on medium low for about three minutes. Add cooked sausage, add just enough broth to cover. Stir well. Cover and let cook another 3 minutes. Taste, add a pinch of sugar, another tsp of basil and three splashes red wine vinegar. Add rest of broth, stir well. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Add noodles/pasta, cover and cook for three minutes on medium-high. While cooking open your can of Hunt's tomatoes. When three minutes are up add 5 splashes red wine vinegar and tomatoes. Stir well. Cover and cook for seven minutes. When the cooking time is up, note there will be a creamy colored foam on the surface from the starch of the noodles, it's okay, just stir it in. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with shredded mozarella as a topping. Stir in to soup while hot to melt. It also cools the soup somewhat. Enjoy!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjO2hGgi8qPgP7-hhsq3AeAUoPnroHP2mhLg5ixRSWiPLbCWY-aYIFDAL1XNaA9hrpNIt0_k2UX9mZuw7Jeedn8KZ8IUYS2XDxEFeqRguRnuo2G_k7QHlZ83bS4fzOUhQOxpmIGha-Hzz/s1600/IMAG0428_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjO2hGgi8qPgP7-hhsq3AeAUoPnroHP2mhLg5ixRSWiPLbCWY-aYIFDAL1XNaA9hrpNIt0_k2UX9mZuw7Jeedn8KZ8IUYS2XDxEFeqRguRnuo2G_k7QHlZ83bS4fzOUhQOxpmIGha-Hzz/s640/IMAG0428_1.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-57227702283658579162015-02-05T22:43:00.001-08:002015-03-09T07:21:15.307-07:00Gun Buying Pointers for Women<p dir="ltr">Some buying tips on guns for women, by a woman.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There's a newer gun model out that I will check into for my next gun purchase. It's called Sccy pronounced Sky. I haven't researched them thoroughly, but what I have heard and found, I like. Especially the price, size, weight, and crazy awesome warranty. They run about $250-$275. They are supposed to be pretty indestructible. </p><p dir="ltr">I like my gun too, it's a Glock 19 gen 3. Both of these are 9mm. In my opinion the 9 mm is the smallest caliber I would go. If you have to use it in defense, you want to stop someone, not piss them off. The Glock has a trigger safety only. The Sccy has one version with safety, one without. It may have a trigger safety on the one without, am not sure. Both guns are supposed to shoot no matter what you do to them. I know Glocks are easy to clean as Matthew said above. I don't care for the gen 4 as my finger rests on the trigger itself, not safe. Plus the grip is very uncomfortable in my hand. It does have adjustable back straps to adjust for the size of your hand that the gen 3 doesn't and comes with a 3rd cartridge. Then gen 3 has 2. As far as how mine handles, I love it. I only noticed recoil the first time I shot it. I was so nervous, it may have just been me, not the gun. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Also, gun guys a lot of times at the store will try to sell you a revolver instead of a semi-automatic. My instructor said a lot of women had problems cocking them, or doing the longer trigger pull instead. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Best thing to do is to go somewhere like Bullseye. They have where you can rent a gun for about $10 an hour. You have to buy their ammo at about $18/50 rounds. They let you trade out guns. You may want to decide what ones you want to try and make sure they are all the same caliber so you only have to buy one size ammo. Again, I would suggest 9 mm. Have them show you how to load them before you rent so you are not on the clock. Shoot 10-15 rounds depending on how many guns you want to try. Then change to the next gun and try it. You may want to buy a separate target for each gun and write the name of the gun on it. That way you can see how well you aim each of them. Read up online about how to aim using your sites and proper stance. If there's a woman there at the range store, ask her how she stands, accounting for the "girls" being in the way. You either hold your arms over the top. Or from the waist. I go over for a better stance. Have her show you how to hold it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">When you are done shooting be sure to wash your hands in cold water immediately. When you get home wash exposed skin in cold water. Wash clothes in cold water too. You want to get the lead off. </p>
<p dir="ltr">When you know what gun you want, call around for prices. Gun stores usually are the highest priced by a good margin. Just like the mark up on ammo. Get ammo at Wal-mart or Cabela's or some Ace Hardware stores have good prices. Check they have it in stock and ask them to hold it for you to pick up right away. Remember FMJ=full metal jacket is practice ammo. It's not good to use for defense as it's not as safe for that use. JHP=Jacketed Hollow Point is defensive ammo. Hollow points expand upon impact and should stop. FMJ's go through a person, wall, etc. and keep on going. Very dangerous to your neighbors and others. </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="text-align: center; font-family: sans-serif;">Update: M</span><span style="text-align: center; font-family: sans-serif;">y Concealed Carry instructor told me </span><span style="text-align: center; font-family: sans-serif;">that he's had multiple folks with Sccy on the range. They had multiple malfunctions within only the 25 rounds needed to qualify. He said my Glock 19 was a much better gun. Which is why I bought it in the first place. I did ALOT of research before I bought it. My best friend and another friend from church did ALOT of research too and both ended up going with Glock 19, one has a Gen 4 and I think the other a Gen 3. So you can't really go wrong with a Glock. If you don't like the 19, there are other 9 mm model Glocks you can try. I have huge hands, so mine is a good fit for me. But there are more compact Glocks too. I wouldn't get anything larger than a 19 though, as it's right at the maximum size you want to conceal. Any larger, you will have a hard time with concealed carry purses and some holsters.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlmy4c4z1fjJyc58zccq4WpCL10teDaDw1iOwwmpmgQXkY-ugFHQXI8P6ERRHgOQnOKv6-MK9OSs7oIqyQAW_0tEaRkhhioDW80zRf-IWFOVimcJo-l6jO6MGLoRlSmlhHJvFd6DEnkeI/s1600/IMAG0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlmy4c4z1fjJyc58zccq4WpCL10teDaDw1iOwwmpmgQXkY-ugFHQXI8P6ERRHgOQnOKv6-MK9OSs7oIqyQAW_0tEaRkhhioDW80zRf-IWFOVimcJo-l6jO6MGLoRlSmlhHJvFd6DEnkeI/s640/IMAG0032.jpg"></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-21805448720318474932015-01-23T12:31:00.001-08:002017-03-01T01:51:03.860-08:00Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting for the Bread Machine.<div dir="ltr">
Wow, I think I should have halved the cream cheese frosting part of the recipe as well. I initially did, but then when it made enough dough for two pans, I went ahead and made the entire amount of frosting. I just ate one and had to scrape off frosting. However, these rolls are better after being refrigerated overnight. Even the massive amount of frosting is good.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Here's the recipe I adapted to be made with a bread machine.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Cinnamon rolls for Bread Machine.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Ingredients:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Dough:<br />
1/2 Cup of warm water <br />
1/4 C<br />
1 package or 1 Tbsp active dry yeast<br />
1/4 Cup of milk<br />
1 Tbsp of butter<br />
3/4 Teaspoon of salt<br />
1 egg<br />
2.5 Cups of all purpose flour</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Filling:<br />
2 Tbsp butter<br />
2 Teaspoon of cinnamon<br />
3/4 C Brown sugar</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Frosting:<br />
1/2 Teaspoon of vanilla extract<br />
1/2 package (4 ounce) of cream cheese<br />
1 Cup of powdered sugar<br />
1/4 Cup of butter</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Cooking instructions:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
1. Put 1/2 cup warm water 80 degrees. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
2. Add egg and milk.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
3. Add flour, 1/4 C granulated sugar, salt, 1 Tbsp melted butter.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
4. Add dry yeast. (If using timer function, make a well in the flour and put yeast in the well to avoid mixing early).</div>
<div dir="ltr">
5. Start the bread maker on the dough setting. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
6. Stop bread maker. Remove dough from bucket. Turn out onto lightly floured board punch down. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
7. Shape into an 18 x 9 inch rectangle (approximately). Melt 2 Tbsp of butter and brush the rectangle with melted butter. Combine 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of the sugar mix over dough. Roll each up to make 18-inch roll. Seal edges firmly. Cut each roll into several pieces, mine made 26 about a ½ inch wide. The ends usually have little to no filling, so I hold back a little in reserve and dip them in it.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
8. Place, cut side up, in a greased 9 inch round cake pans or greased 8-inch square pans. Cover; let rise in a warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Bake in moderate oven (350 F) about 20-25 minutes, or until done (golden brown). Remove from pan and place on plate to frost.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
9. CREAM CHEESE ICING: In a medium microwave safe bowl cut cream cheese and butter into pieces. Microwave for 30 seconds or slightly longer if needed. Using a mixer on low mix until creamy. Beat in the vanilla. Beat in the sifted powdered sugar and mix until smooth scraping sides as needed. Put the icing on the hot rolls and let it cool down a bit.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
10. Enjoy.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Adapted from Fleischmann’s Creative world of baking (mid 1970′s) as found on Blog of Alexandra titled I Adore Food. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Changed by Donna Robb to be able to be used in a bread machine, which included halving. Also changed margarine to butter. The granulated sugar for the filling to brown sugar. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Still makes about 24-26 smaller rolls. Also changed proofing and finishing process.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Updated 5/9/15 to add more butter and cinnamon to the filling and clarify some steps. Renumbered to break into more logical steps.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-91478195262917747432015-01-14T23:29:00.000-08:002015-01-14T23:29:51.662-08:00Print ads I was asked to create for KWLS US 107.9 Real.American.Country.Last week my old classmate, Amy, asked me if I could work on a project with her to create some moving billboard and print ads for the new radio station where she works. She knows I've been unemployed and we had worked together on our class reunion this summer. Recently when she was consulting at another business, I saw some print ads for it that totally horrified me. Everything I learned about what makes up good print ads in my marketing and advertising classes, was missing. I went over the ad (she didn't create or place it, it was before she started consulting there) with her. Told her all the many things that were wrong with it. Gave suggestions for a replacement ad.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So when her new station needed some ad copy for a campaign they are beginning, she asked me to help. While I'm not a graphic designer, I am a geek, have a good eye, and marketing training and background. Plus this station plays primarily traditional country music (i.e. Country and Western to those of us who grew up with it). But they have a syndicated show that plays newer country too. The cool thing is they are the only FM station in the Wichita Metropolitan area playing the classic country. They also play a variety of bluegrass, honky-tonk, and other sub-genres that I'm not really sure I've ever heard of referred to as a genre before.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having been forced fed "Hee Haw", "The Grand Ole Opry", and "The Porter Wagoner" show from a very small child, I know quite a bit about "Classic Country". I've even grown to appreciate and reminisce when I hear old Country & Western. Quite a few songs they play remind me of my late Aunt Cheryl, who had Down's Syndrome and only ever had the intellectual capabilities of a three to five year old. She couldn't speak, read or write either. But she certainly had no problem curating a huge collection of old 45's and 33's recordings. She later moved to cassette tapes. I remember setting on the floor of her bedroom in Liberal for hours as a child listening to her play song after song for hours. She would always amaze me that I could ask her for any song and she went right to it in it's huge stack (amongst several other huge stacks) of 45's approximately 3 feet high. At first I thought she had them alphabetized or categorized in some fashion. Then I noticed most of the labels were worn off with use. It was only as an adult, I finally snapped to the fact that she couldn't read even had they not been worn off. To this day I have no idea how she knew where each and every record was that she played. So Country music has become a big part of who I am. Although, I can't think of a music genre that I don't appreciate. I truly love music.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I grew up I remember the change over from classic country and western to the country music and artists that are popular today. Things started changing around the time "Rhinestone Cowboy" came out in 1975, sang by Glenn Campbell. In 1980, John Travolta starred in the pivotal movie "Urban Cowboy". Then 1981 saw the song "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" sung by Barbara Mandrell. That six year period seemed to me to be the end of Country and Western as many knew it. What came after were many wannabe Cowboy's and music that went along with the new Country craze and popularity. Many C&W aficionados had/have nothing but disdain for the "new Country". So I tried to separate marketing techniques for the new Country artist and make this totally separate, solely focused on Country & Western fans, not "new Country."<ptext-align:>
With all of this in mind, last Friday, I downloaded a new graphic editing software Gimp. Found a blog that explained how to make photo collages with it. Thank you very much Erin of <a href="http://lifeonspincycle.blogspot.com/2010/04/creating-simple-photo-collage-in-gimp.html">Life On Spin Cycle</a> blog. With the recent death of Little Jimmy Dickens a couple weeks before, I came up with the concept and the initial ad. Frank at the station loved it. Gentle Ben and Amy helped with the wording and which performers we should put on the new ads. My thought was to have all the same feel and look, but have different artists that would appeal to different age demographics and musical tastes.</ptext-align:></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My main concern was that the artists used were readily visually identifiable by their photographs. I also wanted to keep the same theme, not necessarily the same wording or images, but that the styles and visuals would be consistent. Since three ads were going to be on a moving billboard, I insisted we keep the word count down so that folks could actually get the message in the short time they will be exposed to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's what we came up with. Let me know what you think.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please note, I am still looking for a new career. Would love to find something that I love. My preferred positions have people, planning (i.e. event planning, travel planning, etc.), and technology included. I also enjoy most things to do with marketing. If you would like to know more, please visit my <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/profile/public-profile-settings?trk=prof-edit-edit-public_profile">LinkedIn profile</a> the sooner the better!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Donna Robb</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Inspired Acts with people, planning and technology.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPV3W2xh352hgHeVPy8JJxyGYxmukp3JP3AhLkqtXpCbcpZ0GkT37oX05-H0ZPktOA_aAEAuFFv1xAY60R3XL9l2Np4Jcdw5RsKd1Lxx3Q9mDDLrFnRtrIpi47qmJb-ERxHlY5B6OvhrI/s1600/KWLS+Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPV3W2xh352hgHeVPy8JJxyGYxmukp3JP3AhLkqtXpCbcpZ0GkT37oX05-H0ZPktOA_aAEAuFFv1xAY60R3XL9l2Np4Jcdw5RsKd1Lxx3Q9mDDLrFnRtrIpi47qmJb-ERxHlY5B6OvhrI/s320/KWLS+Ad.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CUlAKnHVoqRpzTPGKCatISOb37S7ywapBCeSxz8CBBAAa6UvK1F2NMX0COjltZ2Wa4mQh1ILlTduowKfbEdWWVI0C_JKhnhx-QWENOI2l1qp0FYk2uYfCZ9ifBxB0j1MMMx8Ewrzlber/s1600/Only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CUlAKnHVoqRpzTPGKCatISOb37S7ywapBCeSxz8CBBAAa6UvK1F2NMX0COjltZ2Wa4mQh1ILlTduowKfbEdWWVI0C_JKhnhx-QWENOI2l1qp0FYk2uYfCZ9ifBxB0j1MMMx8Ewrzlber/s320/Only.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezCFUy9ZtYpOJl5UV_Ibgz8gfiYuKTbVhTV9BBzenMIbnYSExqGw1HTZOQjGDLUAXCogox8x62XEHVz2sjQ9H2m4fp4NAyOCmhEmi-8G9g7dEi6kwHo3LFndRhlrTYKpZdyQ51qHLX3_E/s1600/New+and+Old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezCFUy9ZtYpOJl5UV_Ibgz8gfiYuKTbVhTV9BBzenMIbnYSExqGw1HTZOQjGDLUAXCogox8x62XEHVz2sjQ9H2m4fp4NAyOCmhEmi-8G9g7dEi6kwHo3LFndRhlrTYKpZdyQ51qHLX3_E/s320/New+and+Old.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30frk37L96VmdYUjrID0iWwj1FkRDZab65597rA6iGf9377JyuxZGe0AsITLJgz3wW_qpCjBIeckECblA4uQOt_CEBduv3hWwH8P25O1L9o5oTynM6GDUJaFbVHizZ3zyuywiqUbv65Pt/s1600/Willie+Redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30frk37L96VmdYUjrID0iWwj1FkRDZab65597rA6iGf9377JyuxZGe0AsITLJgz3wW_qpCjBIeckECblA4uQOt_CEBduv3hWwH8P25O1L9o5oTynM6GDUJaFbVHizZ3zyuywiqUbv65Pt/s320/Willie+Redo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr835U4IIOSj8JaNjHLUKwb2iILu5g_vIEgnxKk3wMld8-cpSK71HdfDM2Euni4gaDAQZw5yviqrshxEgtEyWl5pXp_zx2-dbqWW2TC9znk8cQOaccc2nuaOReVghPbqkEQqqNT2m97dW/s1600/Everyday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr835U4IIOSj8JaNjHLUKwb2iILu5g_vIEgnxKk3wMld8-cpSK71HdfDM2Euni4gaDAQZw5yviqrshxEgtEyWl5pXp_zx2-dbqWW2TC9znk8cQOaccc2nuaOReVghPbqkEQqqNT2m97dW/s320/Everyday.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-72904736197870825512015-01-03T13:48:00.001-08:002015-01-03T13:48:29.294-08:00Bread making lessons I am learning.<p dir="ltr">Well, my goal today is to make some lighter yeasty bread than the recipe with my breadmaker calls for. So I got out my trusty Joy of Cooking - the blue one. The new one is awful. I decided to use a basic recipe for two loaves of bread as the one for three was too large for my bread maker. Well, the ingredients fit for two loaves, but after rising I would probably have a huge mess and a non-functioning bread maker:-( I hadn't added the yeast mixture yet, so I scooped out all the flour down to the milk mixture. Let that cool down to 85 degrees (didn't see that step even after reading three times). So I popped it and a kitchen thermometer (best investment ever for a kitchen device after the bread maker) in my fridge. Took about thirty minutes to cool down after scalding it. Then I had to add the milk to the yeast and start stirring in flour, manually. Then yep, you guessed it, I had to knead it. Hopefully I did it long enough. My hands were killing me. Now it's raising for two hours before I have to deal with it again. Now I know to halve that recipe and do it in the bread maker next time. I am using all purpose flour as the loaves with the "bread machine" flour has so much gluten, it's way more dense than I like. John said he could understand now how people lived off of bread and water in the past as it's super filling. Good but just not as tasty as what I remember Grandma Wilson (Dad's mom) made. I don't think they worried about things like bleached vs. unbleached flour back then. So I used regular old all pupose flour like the recipe called for. Now to go clean up my mess and start a recipe for cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. Mom and Dad are particularly anxious to try those!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I don't know what's gotten into me lately but I have been a bread making fool. So far I have finished twelve loaves. Today will be the equivalent of four more. Biologically both my birth Mom and half-brother Loris were both big into breadmaking or so I have been told. So maybe it's been "bred" into me. . . Har, har!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Boy the yeast from that rising dough sure smells good. Y'all have a good day.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-33732706795297234152014-12-25T09:10:00.001-08:002014-12-25T09:10:14.411-08:00A Birthday Present For A King.<p dir="ltr">Hey, everybody, I have an idea for a Birthday present worthy of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us love one another. Regardless of race; religion or lack of one; whether a police officer or rabble rouser; whether straight, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered; regardless of political affiliation or job title (lawyer, politician); young or old; rich or poor. . . Or anything else. Let's put that all aside and go forward from today, trying to love each other, like Christ loves us all. </p>
<p dir="ltr">He loved us with such an intensity that He left His throne. He came to Earth as a helpless baby. Lived a life free of sin. Healed the sick, resurrected the dead, fed the hungry and taught us about love. Then He loved each and every one of us so much He suffered our punishment, took our shame and died to pay our penalty on the Cross. Then He defeated Death, Hell and the Grave by rising again on the Third Day. Now He prepares to come for His Church, His Bride.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Show love to one another, while driving, in public, while watching the news. For that is what He commanded we do. That will be a gift to bring a smile to His face.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-31590355294932345452014-12-04T09:45:00.001-08:002017-03-02T12:22:10.853-08:00Great Ham with gravy recipes<div dir="ltr">
I just typed up this ham and gravy recipe, followed by a ham leftovers shepherds pie. Both the original recipe and the shepherds pie were amazingly good. Hope you like it if you try it.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Take a ham, not spiral cut or bone in. Score the top and bottom in a criss cross pattern.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Preheat oven according to the package the ham came in. Plan on 20-30 minutes per pound bake time.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Sorry, I don't measure anything.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Made a glaze of Smuckers Apricot spreadable fruit or apricot jam all of a small mason jar size. Brown sugar to taste. Dijon mustard about six circles of it in a small bowl. Juice of one orange freshly squeezed. A little orange zest just peeled off with a vegetable peeler.One to two teaspoons of ground clove. Remember with clove, less is more! (Or you could put the cloves in the ham if you have whole cloves. I couldn't find mine.). Whisk until ingredients are blended.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Put some glaze down on the bottom of the pan where the ham will sit, just enough to cover the bottom. Put the ham on top of it scored on both the bottom and the top just a bit. Put the glaze on top. Cover with an aluminum tent or lid of your baking dish. Bake for half the time. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Take the ham out baste with juices and put more glaze on bottom before sitting ham back down. Turn ham over so the top is now the bottom. Re-glaze the new top again and put back in oven, uncovered to cook for the rest of the time.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
When ham is done, remove from oven and let set while you make the Red-Eye (ham) gravy. In my opinion Red-Eye gravy is not only the tastiest, but the easiest to make.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Pour off the pan juices with glaze remnants included into a medium sized pan. Put on the stove at about 3. Mix together corn starch and cold water. Depending on how much drippings you have. I'd say a medium sized glass and four to six to tablespoons of cornstarch was what I used for a 2.5 lb ham. Used a gravy shaker it you have one, or just a glass and blend the water and corn starch with a fork until smooth.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Pour in a bit of the water mixture stirring constantly. When you no longer see the white from the mixture pour in more and repeat. Continue until the last of your water mixture is gone. Then give it a few more minutes to cook the last of the mixture. It should be getting thick by this point. It doesn't get as thick as hamburger gravy. But it should have a nice consistency.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Make mashed potatoes to pour gravy over.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Serve your ham, mashed potatoes and Red-Eye gravy.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Leftovers Ham Shepherds Pie.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
When I made this last week, I still had gravy, ham and mashed potato leftovers. By that point we had eaten on it a couple times and was ready for something else. I preheated the oven to 350 degrees. So I cubed the rest of the ham. Heated up the gravy in the microwave. Sprayed a casserole dish with Pam. Put the gravy on the bottom, then layered in the ham. I put in on top of the gravy. Then put it in the hot oven to heat up the ham. When the gravy started popping, I took it out and put mashed potatoes that I had reheated in the microwave so they were spreadable. I then covered the mashed potatoes with shredded sharp cheddar and baked again until the cheese melted and got lightly brown on the edges.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Let stand about 10 - 15 minutes. Then serve. Be very careful as when we ate it, the ham burnt our mouths it was so hot. I don't think I let mine stand, so I added that as a precaution.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
This was a really yummy way to finish off the ham and leftovers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_nZF3M0bI8p9Qp8sy5zoePzBLjYrjU7BH3z-ohT0EAtcfK0a78S_-sWZNgAHbhCHztTB7TcFcxk7RBxpRk1SOgfQLDwmacRDfx9oEtp7Lbew_RpWrf9wCPUnHiUs23myuwa4xk6ITd-C/s1600/1417715088333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_nZF3M0bI8p9Qp8sy5zoePzBLjYrjU7BH3z-ohT0EAtcfK0a78S_-sWZNgAHbhCHztTB7TcFcxk7RBxpRk1SOgfQLDwmacRDfx9oEtp7Lbew_RpWrf9wCPUnHiUs23myuwa4xk6ITd-C/s640/1417715088333.jpg" /> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-12276713021548830772013-02-26T12:33:00.001-08:002015-01-12T10:05:51.241-08:00The Blizzard of Oz - the good and the bad of it. Photos by Donna Robb<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqbgy7cglAc4kCzvV_Jhq0wLh7V1GWOL7mW-qynHb7AJNfhMY4YF7Omy-L8JEp8RQivwIFlmYqSSTjjGaU5atMYEAhNBc9yZMgbRELq7EQRILA2M4Sd6ShvpwAiLHmogvMmGGQDQjqr_J/s1600/IMAG0404.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqbgy7cglAc4kCzvV_Jhq0wLh7V1GWOL7mW-qynHb7AJNfhMY4YF7Omy-L8JEp8RQivwIFlmYqSSTjjGaU5atMYEAhNBc9yZMgbRELq7EQRILA2M4Sd6ShvpwAiLHmogvMmGGQDQjqr_J/s640/IMAG0404.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL91ryrY44bYNowz-0fsrTz8ZM1W8UZtxFFMzwdu5b1l8HbwdhDJ0Y6T88Dy0wZ8EuJ_MCjCXmrcXtNuIEdDucF3QYRQ_LSJnq0tK3n_QudRjpEx9avTSKi-hYKHysNdgsuCYgxHr1vo7/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL91ryrY44bYNowz-0fsrTz8ZM1W8UZtxFFMzwdu5b1l8HbwdhDJ0Y6T88Dy0wZ8EuJ_MCjCXmrcXtNuIEdDucF3QYRQ_LSJnq0tK3n_QudRjpEx9avTSKi-hYKHysNdgsuCYgxHr1vo7/s640/IMAG0405.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQHLgGYEpj5-fzfbyOu6BZKKrlVTd2w_p2Hy-7YShwUvQe6qyhp1dKXSYf5-Z7DsdiJ2P-OHk-PIUVpypW1NnaFI7PkdC8hekf4g5GEX7akJcwTFqHvJu7AUWjq5hPjYNtWno8qXkFceW/s1600/IMAG0406.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQHLgGYEpj5-fzfbyOu6BZKKrlVTd2w_p2Hy-7YShwUvQe6qyhp1dKXSYf5-Z7DsdiJ2P-OHk-PIUVpypW1NnaFI7PkdC8hekf4g5GEX7akJcwTFqHvJu7AUWjq5hPjYNtWno8qXkFceW/s640/IMAG0406.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGbrF8uopc_1WHjKVgunujgL8SBhz-at0UPTdgASmZwttEPDuKHpXCiI-58A6b79drwNksre6ykL4K3FlBKgdI_JfYJS38-PgUfy4npYUxeYS-P8RheXfIUwAp7U6dSM3PL-KjNniCZl2/s1600/IMAG0412.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGbrF8uopc_1WHjKVgunujgL8SBhz-at0UPTdgASmZwttEPDuKHpXCiI-58A6b79drwNksre6ykL4K3FlBKgdI_JfYJS38-PgUfy4npYUxeYS-P8RheXfIUwAp7U6dSM3PL-KjNniCZl2/s640/IMAG0412.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsTg07nyaOBGD3YEFgqokqg4H6pupeU04Y9b4vOyKLfMs-oNFDti8ScGWZAMxnI0tzGewRxfnPBiaLXE1TB72fSUBUUYsDrF8gaJ8iq68H6uypJPuYwifacF0E6glU9fcvQoW6emENUuZ/s1600/IMAG0411.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsTg07nyaOBGD3YEFgqokqg4H6pupeU04Y9b4vOyKLfMs-oNFDti8ScGWZAMxnI0tzGewRxfnPBiaLXE1TB72fSUBUUYsDrF8gaJ8iq68H6uypJPuYwifacF0E6glU9fcvQoW6emENUuZ/s640/IMAG0411.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpZdcVqN2kuUUb5J8HwMH6nzLghRhuVdJT5BxuQkmAU-PadrDZ45Tz0aiG746VDFmjRqq9pCNXYmTY-kyGdJ8O_yjRq17nw7hOmcDoNfVggLLol4yuu_pYYwPmQu-i7maWjeT82Fhv46x/s1600/IMAG0414.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpZdcVqN2kuUUb5J8HwMH6nzLghRhuVdJT5BxuQkmAU-PadrDZ45Tz0aiG746VDFmjRqq9pCNXYmTY-kyGdJ8O_yjRq17nw7hOmcDoNfVggLLol4yuu_pYYwPmQu-i7maWjeT82Fhv46x/s640/IMAG0414.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqXY1fCevjAWHyawzzrmekvW3vLRur9UtWjXVEmTvKRbzB0LktVn-dpM9fE6gBUT9VArWZ2dIx-_CCBEtIWakEOpRR-MhcIdRVPLnwIhZXLLuGvsiIEDl4eGxGQPNqDplgoT8bjDSYCgu/s1600/IMAG0418.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqXY1fCevjAWHyawzzrmekvW3vLRur9UtWjXVEmTvKRbzB0LktVn-dpM9fE6gBUT9VArWZ2dIx-_CCBEtIWakEOpRR-MhcIdRVPLnwIhZXLLuGvsiIEDl4eGxGQPNqDplgoT8bjDSYCgu/s640/IMAG0418.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCAKwFCs8UxlIJLpG6ebbdpVY-9o-nQYLZkK2lSHTqcFKN7rH_dSHDI3BBxZYfpR6DLlOP1-vUmUcwL-oa3b39bTTDXtJW1NXPHU9ruU2B9f2-N0SReER8JURT05DHFNltairH3Y_cZ09/s1600/IMAG0403.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCAKwFCs8UxlIJLpG6ebbdpVY-9o-nQYLZkK2lSHTqcFKN7rH_dSHDI3BBxZYfpR6DLlOP1-vUmUcwL-oa3b39bTTDXtJW1NXPHU9ruU2B9f2-N0SReER8JURT05DHFNltairH3Y_cZ09/s640/IMAG0403.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdpflJ38ccJYH1_9Lh2YykNRvhW2RxK_tLTWsX-ZJDq8aemd16UBzb4xUzvGVCXFB1pQCuACHuPoNpEF8qzhJTg3xE3Wm4U_Vve3A08AzduCGk_qcmNFW29MMft1pOFpvTMQdTaV2gHLV/s1600/IMAG0419.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdpflJ38ccJYH1_9Lh2YykNRvhW2RxK_tLTWsX-ZJDq8aemd16UBzb4xUzvGVCXFB1pQCuACHuPoNpEF8qzhJTg3xE3Wm4U_Vve3A08AzduCGk_qcmNFW29MMft1pOFpvTMQdTaV2gHLV/s640/IMAG0419.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj8jRwHAALL47vnn1euecYZFf9qLNSNnn0HKOrdzrq_QWxQ2C8tCKIzypkM_mG_-pMR8tFNZFKk9gE0DeDMYfNkplQOIpatuX7Xd7yITlZDCwzrq2W2EzHT9yN4imkkC4BBhaoeAn8lrR/s1600/IMAG0420.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj8jRwHAALL47vnn1euecYZFf9qLNSNnn0HKOrdzrq_QWxQ2C8tCKIzypkM_mG_-pMR8tFNZFKk9gE0DeDMYfNkplQOIpatuX7Xd7yITlZDCwzrq2W2EzHT9yN4imkkC4BBhaoeAn8lrR/s640/IMAG0420.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XlSIE3fjvAKt40jSX8zhtLQKAswwyfjoUYRLM0mQPjzSYK13mc4WZ2b0qL94RCxY0ZEHQsrfTrY6wSzoomnZEbZAHgx5YEkbysy5WCT4iQx1x9fZDqBf_FVG3xFPJQyvnVd9HMmHl66/s1600/IMAG0411-1.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XlSIE3fjvAKt40jSX8zhtLQKAswwyfjoUYRLM0mQPjzSYK13mc4WZ2b0qL94RCxY0ZEHQsrfTrY6wSzoomnZEbZAHgx5YEkbysy5WCT4iQx1x9fZDqBf_FVG3xFPJQyvnVd9HMmHl66/s640/IMAG0411-1.jpg' /> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-74461491561028715942013-01-01T21:29:00.000-08:002013-02-26T12:27:44.993-08:00Missing my baby on New Years Day.<p>My Mom and I saw Mariah Carey on the Talk today.  I told her that she's the one who sung the song All I Want For Christmas Is You and that it really choaked me up a few times this Christmas season.  I told her that song was in Thomas's favorite Christmas movie, Love Actually, and it really reminded me of him.  I told her we would snuggle up on the couch together, with cats and blankets, and watch that together.  Then we'd watch The Family Stone or Home Alone 1, a couple of my favorites.  I tried to sing the song for her and couldn't finish for crying.  She said that I was lucky having those memories because she can never watch a movie with Dad because when a commercial comes on, or he looses interest, he channel surfs.  So I should be glad that we shared memories like that.  </p>
<p>I am, it's just so hard discovering new things about him that I miss.  I was so looking forward to him coming home from my dream this morning, until I woke up and REMEMBERED.  </p>
<p>Even little things, like needing to go borrow my neighbor to help me change the furnace filter.  I remember how Thomas and I had to really work together to get the stinking thing in last time I changed it.  I only change it twice a year because it's so hard to do the way my furnace is set up.  I remember him jamming a finger last time and cussing a blue streak and laughing at him sucking his finger.  I have determined you cannot change my filter without at least one finger jam for someone.  Today I jammed mine.  </p>
<p>Today is the first day of a year without him in it.  It feels weird going on into a new year that he won't be a part of.  Like I am leaving him behind.  It just feels wrong and I don't know how to explain it.  </p>
<p>There are just so many things I find that I miss him for.  Going to the Farmer's Market.  Going out together.  Changing filters.  Going grocery shopping.  Watching movies together.  Nudging him in church if he got sleepy.  Going to bible studies.  Chasing Madison around the house.  Watching Jean Luc push Batmobiles off the shelf.  Watching Jean bean him in the head with a big bottle of olive oil that I couldn't get to in time.  Listening to Paul McCartney and Phil Keagy and praying for them to be over soon.  Listening with joy to Jeremy Riddle and Need to Breathe together.  Our first kiss.  When he proposed at Stewarts Jewelry.  Feeding the ducks at Riverside with John Wesley Meadows.  Going to Mead's Corner.  Going to the Donut Whole and Kimmies.  Going to the Need to Breathe concert at the Cotillion together.  How sweet he was to me when I had my surgery.  He fixed the bedroom all up for Hiccup and I to recoup in as we both "got fixed" at the same time.</p>
<p>He was such a loving man, and I just miss him so much.  </p>
<p>Happy New Year Baby.  You may be gone, but you are not forgotten.  I still love you so much.  I can't wait until God lets me see you again.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-37640746150991480632012-12-19T18:40:00.001-08:002012-12-19T18:42:49.809-08:00Steak with sauteed garlic, onions & baked potatoes.<p>Preheat oven to 425.  Clean a russet potato.  Butter skin, salt with sea salt.  Place directly on oven rack unwrapped. Medium to small bake 40 minutes, large 60 minutes.  Puncture skin with fork once halfway through cooking and turn potatoes.  </p>
<p>Sautee one clove of garlic and one small onion on a griddle or large skillet.  While cooking, tenderize steak and rub with coarse ground pepper and sea salt.  When onions begin getting some scorching, put the steak on the griddle after clearing some space for it.  Sear the steak on both sides until blood starts coming up on top.  Continue to cook if you like it medium to medium  well, until juice comes out brownish clear on top.  Turn and cook the other side the same.  Make a small cut to check doneness.  Be sure to cook with suet (fat) attached to help steak stay moist.  </p>
<p>Plate with grilled onions/garlic on top and baked potato fixed to your liking.  You'll find the potato nicely flaky and the skin very tasty.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweNoT-4-kTadCgU_N79lvyZI7SDyxe6zhsR3Xj3fvBZLEx812hk4ObaYPSyaw0dZE3yopzKlKc0rtMhyphenhyphenS6l01rmml3m97k9oSHektGIb33BFDJma9pro69IY_HlBTgCcbrcrA9QX8YyPp/s1600/IMAG0298.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweNoT-4-kTadCgU_N79lvyZI7SDyxe6zhsR3Xj3fvBZLEx812hk4ObaYPSyaw0dZE3yopzKlKc0rtMhyphenhyphenS6l01rmml3m97k9oSHektGIb33BFDJma9pro69IY_HlBTgCcbrcrA9QX8YyPp/s640/IMAG0298.jpg' /> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-35439220811961361782012-12-09T00:34:00.002-08:002012-12-09T00:34:46.424-08:00At the old Woolworths Soda Fountain Sit-In Statue photos by Heather Pray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZnES9MJkhE-kYq6xaGvs1lD69K1JKvwEPGuTVQMgx4XZlYaMSbiqD_QKj61iVmieCya1-kkMipY230JRVpIRASGo3vrFR7wTk5uE2CVwJui03d_n2S1gI64nUpHcC14Q4lm_dDMCQ68D/s400/IMG0009_1.jpg" width="400" />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4Klcug9k346fG-FK9F8Xyd5bRFPkZmyLIvS04uFbwWF0xKooA3XTIFhYmaiP0yrEUHIcYrm2nm6YVoTjrcXmZVhVglwX8U3Av61_bFdJO_NZltHjSpFAxrrMi70gvKk0kvxMAk5hbauG/s1600/IMG0005_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4Klcug9k346fG-FK9F8Xyd5bRFPkZmyLIvS04uFbwWF0xKooA3XTIFhYmaiP0yrEUHIcYrm2nm6YVoTjrcXmZVhVglwX8U3Av61_bFdJO_NZltHjSpFAxrrMi70gvKk0kvxMAk5hbauG/s400/IMG0005_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6Xi_R1IkDTpajRnVGyHtFs5IdYbWA7GxpnMlttFMPVXwOE5UXoMaKqg7ZDSEPYYR6O8Mz4fyv2eDDp0armgnO13crPc_RKO7yz4KLHSBkgt1eGB3mDtXQ2d_0pse9HFDbQozNFLNpdcM/s1600/IMG0003_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6Xi_R1IkDTpajRnVGyHtFs5IdYbWA7GxpnMlttFMPVXwOE5UXoMaKqg7ZDSEPYYR6O8Mz4fyv2eDDp0armgnO13crPc_RKO7yz4KLHSBkgt1eGB3mDtXQ2d_0pse9HFDbQozNFLNpdcM/s400/IMG0003_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This park is actually called Reflection Square Park, also features some other cool statues, a water feature shown in one of the photos. The life sized soda fountain statue is by artist Georgia Gerber. This is a tribute to those brave souls who took a "seat" for human rights in the 1960's. This pocket park is where the old Woolworths Five and Dime store used to be. I am old enough to have visited the store as a child and sat at the actual soda fountain counter which was also known as a luncheonette.
<br />
<br />
These photos were taken by Heather Pray as our engagement photos. That handsome and debonair man is my much missed late husband, Thomas. The top photo is at the water feature in the same pocket park.
<br />
<br />
The park is on the South side of Douglas between Main and Broadway. There are many more interesting statues for art lovers, children, and young at heart alike. Be sure to take a walking tour.
<br />
<br />
For more information on this interesting piece of Wichita art work/park/history, check out the links below.
<br />
<br />
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM9JBZ_Protest_Sit_In_Soda_Fountain_Wichita_KS
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3000" target="_blank">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3000</a></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-75538244884427504422012-12-08T23:58:00.003-08:002012-12-08T23:58:57.421-08:00Photos of Arkansas River and Riverside Park in Wichita, Kansas by Donna Robb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQlv7G5nqlkCCgRFpz3vou3K7xZw_JDWnjrgCbMQWpvZfGej93065GhVpkfVwn5KHV2lq1EwkM-6bXvP6zyJ-lRSCO74JxKHf5BvIqg-rnBvl_PlhFXovaeO1gUHabkNAUCFzj2zH5YLi/s1600/IMAGE_367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQlv7G5nqlkCCgRFpz3vou3K7xZw_JDWnjrgCbMQWpvZfGej93065GhVpkfVwn5KHV2lq1EwkM-6bXvP6zyJ-lRSCO74JxKHf5BvIqg-rnBvl_PlhFXovaeO1gUHabkNAUCFzj2zH5YLi/s400/IMAGE_367.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu28RzmyXTSFsK8JN9kD6nbAlt01Hp3kyeCSltyT_lzn-ET2qWhmR6NHkiuszFWaNQnZ0CoK0roB_ki9jPbl9nwcXz2sLQqCBaBtTseQ0Lp1nyC0UrZh5kkpadTq9VTvVShp7etxW7q8d/s1600/IMAGE_375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu28RzmyXTSFsK8JN9kD6nbAlt01Hp3kyeCSltyT_lzn-ET2qWhmR6NHkiuszFWaNQnZ0CoK0roB_ki9jPbl9nwcXz2sLQqCBaBtTseQ0Lp1nyC0UrZh5kkpadTq9VTvVShp7etxW7q8d/s400/IMAGE_375.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8BZkGpLBXZ9prQ3aeFI34f-J0UEI26GappABy2zjM8Zso94d5jypzrtTgkUzKr8KFahoOvAteecNfAZ1KmwhQXNctlFE9uOPAY84eTFI3Rv80ag9T44GJqtIkRjY27hDLgfzA4691Qfx/s1600/IMAGE_377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8BZkGpLBXZ9prQ3aeFI34f-J0UEI26GappABy2zjM8Zso94d5jypzrtTgkUzKr8KFahoOvAteecNfAZ1KmwhQXNctlFE9uOPAY84eTFI3Rv80ag9T44GJqtIkRjY27hDLgfzA4691Qfx/s400/IMAGE_377.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAIkp2EYklASYg3kJV5w9SKFcKURa5ny4Q_12zBES0972QL0CgnaU4BcFzsKDae5CYlLiPlovYZOaNpH1poUTxbup91BrLID8FYSxYLshc-KwZ3pR3r5ntJ4UsLvmdYiShSBRC5yjDwyk/s1600/IMAGE_376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAIkp2EYklASYg3kJV5w9SKFcKURa5ny4Q_12zBES0972QL0CgnaU4BcFzsKDae5CYlLiPlovYZOaNpH1poUTxbup91BrLID8FYSxYLshc-KwZ3pR3r5ntJ4UsLvmdYiShSBRC5yjDwyk/s400/IMAGE_376.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-56816904790056199772012-12-08T23:27:00.001-08:002012-12-08T23:53:19.964-08:00The Keeper of the Plains - photo by Donna Robb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu_xnWRUihP5XgIONJJcGknW6YFK1EddL4LsKJaOqtjudewRkaw8Kct_R00C9mWbFXi7hnixd2LRfKwf1w104ndXIhH3S5MIw6-Jq8OedXanjupSkgYiquY_46QgzHX0sgaaAj6YyYUme/s1600/IMAGE_374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu_xnWRUihP5XgIONJJcGknW6YFK1EddL4LsKJaOqtjudewRkaw8Kct_R00C9mWbFXi7hnixd2LRfKwf1w104ndXIhH3S5MIw6-Jq8OedXanjupSkgYiquY_46QgzHX0sgaaAj6YyYUme/s400/IMAGE_374.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-28777359004713864902012-11-21T21:32:00.001-08:002012-11-21T21:32:27.550-08:00That Creamy Corn Stuff - a surefire hit that's easy to make.<p>By Donna Robb - recipe from a lady I used to work with many years ago whose name I can't remember. She always made it in the crockpot. I have experimented with several different ways. Hands down, the double boiler method works best to avoid burning the cream cheese.</p>
<p>This is a family favorite that my Mom decided to make this year, so I have no pictures for you. You will probably need to double it or more based on how many people are expected. </p>
<p>Ingredients: 16 oz package of frozen whole kernel corn.<br>
8 oz cream cheese cut up into pieces about an inch square.<br>
1 stick butter cut up in 1 tablespoon pieces.<br>
Please note generic ingredients work fine on this recipe.</p>
<p>Serves 4 for more just double everything.</p>
<p>About 1 hour and 15-30 minutes before you leave the house, or serve dinner. Put hot water in a standard size or the next sized down crockpot. Turn on low, or if it has warm use that. Cover and plug in.</p>
<p>Using a double-boiler is the best way not to have anything burn. But you can also make in a regular pan, a crockpot (which takes forever), or melt in the microwave. But a double boiler is THE BEST WAY to make it. If you don't have one you can use a medium large saucepan inside a bigger one with boiling water in it. Make sure there is not so much water that it comes into the saucepan.</p>
<p>Put the cubes of cream cheese and butter into the saucepan. As they start to melt, stir with spoon occasionally, a wooden spoon is best.</p>
<p>When they have melted fully, stir together until blended and creamy. Add approximately 1/4 of the uncooked frozen corn. The coldness of the corn will cause the creamy mixture to freeze up around the corn. This is normal. Give it a few minutes, about five, to start to melt. Stir again until creamy. Then add in another 1/4 of the frozen corn and repeat process. Once all corn has been added and has been stirred back to creamy state it is done.</p>
<p>Unplug crockpot, remove lid away from your face to avoid steam. Pour hot water out, down your drain, again pour away from your face. When empty wipe dry with clean paper towels. </p>
<p>Pour in creamy corn mixture. Make sure outside of crockpot and plug is dry. Replace lid and plug back in. Make sure it's on the lowest setting and stir about every 15 minutes making sure to stir clear down to the bottom so it doesn't burn. Serve when ready and enjoy.</p>
<p>If transporting elsewhere, wrap unplugged crockpot in a clean bath towel. Wrap the plug around and loop it in the cord. Place in a similar sized cardboard box and buckle it in with a seat belt. Or wedge between the front and back seats of the car on floorboard. You may want to heat up about 15-20 minutes or so in the crockpot on low when you arrive if it cools down. </p>
<p>Enjoy and expect a tussle over the last spoonful.<br>
</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772399546745326136.post-13667039976037369482012-11-15T14:15:00.001-08:002012-11-20T20:50:59.787-08:00Business Owner, Know Thy Business Before Going on Shark Tank<br />
<div class="PadderBetweenControlandBody">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Donna Robb</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It never ceases to amaze me that Business owners and Inventors who appear on Shark Tank, never seem to have watched and learned anything from previous shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shark Tank is currently in its fourth season and is a reality show on the ABC network that introduces entrepreneurs and inventors, hereafter referred to as Bait, to Angel Investors, or what is known in this case as Sharks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Week after week as I watch this guilty pleasure, I see folks who have a great idea, product, or business crash and burn because they didn’t take the time to prepare and do a little research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, would you apply for a show such as Jeopardy without having watched it enough to at least know that you have to phrase your response as a question to the clues provided?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most intelligent people would answer no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with anything you hope to succeed at, DO YOUR RESEARCH!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of those that crash and burn, I would like to see succeed, and they probably could have had they watched the show a time or two, took some notes, and thought out a few things so they were ready to answer the Sharks questions any regular viewer knows are coming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Most important thing – Have a realistic value of your company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>When the new Bait comes in, they introduces themselves, their company, product and/or idea and tells the Sharks what they are looking for to make a deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most appear to have no understanding that by using simple math, (Yes, Virginia, there is a use for math and algebra when you grow up), they can see what they are valuing their company at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the value they come up with is so astounding, you would think they were valuing Apple, instead of their small start up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One man recently asked the Sharks for $90,000 for a 5% of equity in his invention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be fair it was a great invention and could easily be the Next Big Thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To calculate value simply divide 1.00 by the percent of the stake, multiply that result by the amount requested and you can quickly see that this fellow valued his invention at $1,800,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.00/0.05 = 20 X $90,000 = $1,800,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did the young man have any idea of how much he had personally invested in the invention to date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did have purchase orders to show that there were potential sales of $1 Million to QVC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But was it high enough to validate such a high valuation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man also offended all of the Sharks by virtually ignoring Lori’s offer of $900,000 for a 30% stake plus future funding if needed, bringing his value to $3 million!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the negotiations at one point he had an offer from Daymond for $1 million for a 25% stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kevin had offered $90,000 for a 5% royalty on sales and the Bait could keep his much valued equity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They keep after him to tell them what he wants, he finally spits it out and asks for $750,000 for a 5% stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started wanting $90,000 for the same 5% stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This guy obviously doesn’t know the value of his business as now he thinks it’s worth $15 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then asks if he could contact his brother to get some help with the valuation of the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets back from his phone call and counters with an offer of $1.5 million for only 10% equity, still valuing the company at $15 million but asking for way more money than anyone has offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point all the Sharks, except Lori, were already sick of this pretentious and rude fellow, all bailed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bait continues to try to get Mark on board after he dropped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lori, who is a QVC mogul, after being ignored by the Bait, even when she is the only Shark still in, decides to drop her offer back to $90,000 for a 10% stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offers her 8% for the $90,000 and finally condescends to doing business with Lori after having made all the other Sharks decide they didn’t want to work with someone like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left with his company valued at $1,125,000.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t ignore or insult people you are trying to get support from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>This fellow wasn’t the only one who opened his mouth and inserted his foot on this show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times people get so heated in the negotiations they become snappy, bitter, rude or just plain odious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a negotiation; there is no reason to take it personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go in there knowing you will have to do a dance of give and take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some have their hearts set on working with one particular Shark so much that they ignore other offers from others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to entertain all offers and be rude to none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weigh if the benefits will outweigh your personal preference of Shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometime your Shark just isn’t interested, or they can be turned off by the way you treat their colleagues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let that lose your deal that will help grow your business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the people with bad manners and poor social skills, unless like the guy above they have such a tremendous product or idea, walk out with nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No deal whatsoever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are going to be a jerk, just don’t go on there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let someone else who wants to make an effort have their chance instead, because you will have wasted yours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Realize this is a negotiation with yourself and five very savvy investors at once, be willing to negotiate on equity, royalties, and company valuation or just don’t go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>The person who does the worst on the show are kind of like the guy above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants everything, but doesn’t want to give up any equity to get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I know equity is important and potentially valuable, if you can’t fund your business to grow and get some business help from experts, it could very well flop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just like a sales manager who won’t give a discount to a customer to make a sale because that would cut into his margin too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So on a $100,000 deal, he makes 24% of nothing instead of 17% of $83,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know which I would rather have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Have a strategy, know it backwards and forwards.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what each Shark brings to the table as far as expertise and who can take you the farthest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently saw a couple ladies give up more equity to do a deal with Barbara and Mark instead of Kevin. Barbara and Mark were the Sharks with the network they needed and the personalities they wanted to work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted Kevin probably has contacts pretty much everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as to who I would rather work with, sorry Mr. Wonderful, Barbara and Mark would win in that show down every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they made an excellent deal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Know your sales and make sure you have purchase orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>If you went to a convention / trade show and people loved your product or idea, ask for purchase orders, close the deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re not a salesperson, take one with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But close those deals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prospective sales based on interest at trade shows don’t hold a lot of weight with the Sharks, purchase orders do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also know how much you have sold since the start of your company, the start of the year, and what your reasonable projections are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me, they will ask!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be personable, passionate, courteous and friendly – but don’t be an oddball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>If you want to be taken seriously, present yourself as a serious business person who is passionate about what you are doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humor is good, being right out crazy isn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One guy came on, did a somersault, made strange beeps and other strange noises at the Sharks and appeared to me to be possibly under the influence of some drug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, they were briefly amused, but it ended quickly and he left without a deal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Know the market and how your company or product fits in.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they ask you about the market, you’d better know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have information ready to show how your latest and greatest thing fills that need and know who your competition is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One lady whose idea had been stolen and was in litigation with two companies for infringement, lost the deal because she hadn’t enforced her proprietary rights soon enough to prevent her competition from making a lot of money with her idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure your offering isn’t too much of a niche item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want as wide a customer base as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big niche is fine, little (or perceived little) niche is death in the Shark Tank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let someone else fill the smaller niche markets who doesn’t need the Sharks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Know your margins before and after their investment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Know how much it costs to produce now, how much is wholesale, and how much is retail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also know how much it will be after you implement the automation or expansion you are using their investment for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is your pricing in line with the market for similar items, could it be higher or lower?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you giving too much of the margin to the retailers of your product?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pricing is a crucial part of marketing your product or service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again do your homework.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Show them how invested you are, how passionate, how much you’ve done on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>If you are not going to work hard to see your offering succeed, they’re not going to take a chance on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want to know how much money, time and effort you have personally invested in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you quit your day job and are working full time at this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you making a living at it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why or why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many places have you found on your own to sell your product or service?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many units have you sold on your own?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t like to hear you have no or only a miniscule amount of sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want to know you have a business plan and you have come to them at the logical step to grow your already established business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most successful people come on there having invested a hundred thousand to a million or more of their own money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have taken the business as far as they can themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need the Sharks to help with capital to fund production facilities to keep up with purchase orders in hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or they have production in place but need the Sharks contacts to get into more retail locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may need both, or help with advertising, web creation, or just business know how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also if you are the brand, such as the sole designer, you’d better know how you can replicate what you can do to meet demand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Be honest, if you aren't they will bite you, but not in the way you want.</b> If you have another investor, be honest and upfront about it. If you started the same type or similar business before but had to restart, explain why. Don't try to hide it if they ask about it. They are human too and know folks have pasts and issues. But if you try to hide it, it won't be pretty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Know what you need their money and time for and what you are going to do with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>If you need money know how much you need to take the next step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need more, explain that ‘I need X amount right now to open a production facility, but in 9 months I will probably need X amount more to hire more employees when this goes international to keep up with projected demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also need your contacts in the fashion/retailing/sports world to grow this company, so I need some of your time in that area.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So ask for all that you need with an appropriate amount of equity or royalties to fund it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure you know what amount of royalties will work for you so Kevin doesn’t throw you for a loop you’re not ready for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Know the Sharks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Know their background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Research them online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know them from watching the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will see that they have particular areas of interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I have gathered just by being a fan of the series.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert Herjavec</i> – Probably the nicest Shark of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rarely invests and knows precisely what he is looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s not in his bailiwick, he quickly withdraws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a son of an immigrant and is the Shark who you want to go to if your company makes jobs and keeps them in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that, he loves animals, and is a gadget freak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, if he can’t be passionate about it, he’ll go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s probably the hardest to win, if you ignore him when he makes an offer, he will quickly withdraw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he makes an offer, talk to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask him if he might make this or that change, but don’t ask others for their offers or he will pull his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get him to invest time in the discussion and treat him as a valuable person in his own right and I think you’d have a chance at working with someone of high integrity who will really help your business. Warning once he is out, he usually stays out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lori Greiner</i> – The QVC queen and prolific inventor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She likes ideas she knows that will sell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seems to invest more in products and inventions that can be carried on QVC, infomercials and chains of retailers that she has connections with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s a good idea, she’ll stick with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is probably the least easily offended Shark, but I think she would be a great motivator for the right Bait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all Sharks were out on a recent episode, the lady who was the Bait started to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though her business plan and acumen were awful, Lori came back in and invested in her because she could see her passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she has heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Barbara Corcoran</i> – She’s a no-nonsense real estate mogul. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She only invests in things she can be passionate about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barbara generally likes to invest in restaurants, real estate items, food specialties, and things she can see that can use her help to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s a food product and not-tasty, she will not invest in it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s pretty much true across the board with the Sharks, if it’s a drink or food item and it doesn’t taste good, good luck getting a sponsor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it tastes good for say an energy drink, but doesn’t taste good to someone who is not used to energy drinks, only those who know what regular ones taste like will stay in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barbara is very much a lady, treat her as one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tends to like things she can see using in her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s not into trendy, but more homey type businesses. Also sometimes she will offer advice, whether in or out of the bidding, listen to her. She knows her fellow Sharks way better than you do. I don't think I've ever seen her steer someone wrong. She will wrangle a bit for a good deal, but I still don't remember ever thinking badly about what she said to the Bait. Very intelligent, caring and sharp, but don't take her for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kevin O’Leary a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful</i> – The Sharkiest Shark of all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is very good at making money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will help you make a lot of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He invests all over the board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he goes out, and there is a good opening to have a bigger bite, he will come back in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will probably have to have products produced off shore somewhere, rather than in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure you have the patents to your ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want him to bite don’t be too married to the idea of your product as many times he is more interested in licensing the unique and proprietary process or intellectual property to many different manufactures rather than tie himself to one product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times he is happy to take a royalty instead of a stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are shy of sharing equity, this is your guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I don’t wish to cast aspersions on his character, he is the one I would be “leery of” (pun intended) , as his main thing is making money for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That comes first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I think he could be a very good partner, he would be one I would choose to go into business with last out of all the Sharks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daymond John</i> – Started the clothing line FUBU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely the one you want if it’s clothing or fashion related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also invests in club scene and trendy things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s also big on getting celebrity endorsements for your product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not the nicest of Sharks, I’d probably put him just above Kevin O’Leary in the warm fuzziness category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he knows his stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he partners with you, I think he will put much effort into helping you succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With him, you’d better be working hard or the romance will be quickly over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So slackers, stay away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably wouldn’t hesitate too much going into business with him if it was his type of business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhat easily offended and has no patience for folks that are just plain out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are not serious about your business, he won’t be interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he can’t put up with you, likewise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mark Cuban</i> – Owner of the Dallas Mavericks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is easily offended but pretty reasonable overall and quite a charismatic person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He likes things he can sell in stadiums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He likes things that are club scene, trendy, or cool ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would rate him pretty high on the personal integrity spectrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he makes you an offer, like Robert, you’d best focus just on him or he will pull it and go out quickly at that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally he will go back in, but it has to be a killer idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Daymond, if you are hard to work with or not serious, forget about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope if you are inspiring entrepreneur or inventor with dreams of appearing on Shark Tank, this will help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember this information is good to know for any type of business who are looking for investors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Best wishes to you,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Donna Robb</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05235182787445348244noreply@blogger.com0