Sunday, October 31, 2010

I'm Baacckk!!!

It has been a few days saince I was on here.  I have been dealing with various issues that have kept me off of here.

I do want to let you all know that I ended up having an absolutely delightful birthday!  The day got off to a terrible start.  After that, it continued to get worse.  I really do not want to bring anyone down so I am not going to discuss any of that right now.

Later that afternoon, I accepted a beautiful birthday cake that was the product of Bakery Cakery in Scott City.  From halfway across the world, Peter and Chris made arrangements for it for me.  (Love you Guys!!!)  It was just wonderful!!!

Originally, Grandma, Mama, Leif, Lori and Lars, Lona Sue and Hunter, and Adam were to meet us at Peking Garden in Scott City on Thursday evening.  One by one, everyone cancelled out at the last moment for one reason or another.  The evenimg was not a total loss though.  Adam took us out for dinner at La Fiesta in Scott City.  Unfortunately, his wife, Mel, was unable to be with us as she had to work.  So, everyone decided to meet at P. G. on Thursday evening.  Everyone that is except for Lona Sue and Hunter who sent me an email telling me that they were just "too busy". 

Anyway, our plans were to pick up Grandma,  Lori and Lars at Leif and Lori's house.  Mama had already gone to Scott City to reserve several tables for all of us.  The evening wore on and on as we waited for Lori's call that we could pick them up.  According to everyone else, Lori was tied up on a Keys for Networking phone conference.  I kept telling Stan that Grandma and Mama were going to be very upset if we didn't get to Scott City soon!  Finally at about 7:00, Lori called Stan and told him that they were ready to be picked up.\\

The girls, Stan and I hurried right over to their house.  Grandma's car was parked out in front of their house.  No other vehicles were there.  As you all know, Lori is extremely ill right now and has been since the 5th of July.  Stan told me that Lori needed me to go inside and help Lori finish getting ready to go.  I huried right in.  Immediately, I detected a delicious smelling scent.  I assumed that Lori had been cooking something earlier in the day.

Lori called out for Lars to hurry so that we could get going.  That's when my birthday took a dramatic swing upwards!  Lars popped out of their kitchen followed by our nephew, Hunter, Lona Sue, Adam and my brothers, Rob and Leif!!!  What a thrill!!!!!!!!!!  All of these people had been planning on surprising me for my birthday for a couple of months!!!  It was--without a doubt--one of the most special nights of my entire life!!!!  I was totally engulfed in so very much love!!!  Each of these people play such a special part in my life.  God has blessed me with the greatest family ever!!!

Grandma made a meatloaf and Lori made cabbage rolls.  Everyone else brought in wonderful foods to eat!  For dessert, we all ate the birthday cake!

I just want to thank each and every one of them for all that they did for me that night!!!  As always, we all enjoyed great bouts of laughter and unity.

VLE-B

Roger Charles Funk--Scott City

Roger Charles Funk - Scott City


(August 1, 1951 - October 30, 2010)



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Roger Charles Funk, age 59, passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas after losing his 22 month and 27 day battle with brain cancer. He was born on August 1, 1951 at the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Charles Hamilton and Beulah (Gordon) Funk.

On February 18, 1978 he married Kathleen Dumler in Oakley, Kansas. To this union three children – Dessie Miriah, Aspen Loy and Kaid Asher were born.



Roger attended school at Wichita, Hartford and graduated at Jamestown, Kansas. He attended Cloud Community College before his stint in the US Army from 1970 until 1972 serving with pride in the Big Red One. After the Army he attended Kansas State University.



He worked for Joe Bergeson and Donnie Johnson and the Moose Club in Cloud County, Kansas. Roger then worked for Larry Lightcap in Hugoton, Lou Parkinson in Scott City, and Maple Creek Farms as a manager in Leoti, Kansas.



A proud supporter of the Pork Producers of America, The Relay for Life, National Rifle Association, the Kansas, Colorado and Texas Black Powder Muzzleloaders Association and the Scott City Beavers. Roger played softball and coached many years for Girls Fast Pitch Softball and made uncountable friends and colleagues through these. He was also a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas.



Roger is survived by his wife - Kathy of Scott City, Kansas, One Son – Kaid Funk of Yoder, Kansas, One Daughter – Aspen Loy Funk of Colorado Springs, Colorado, One - Grandson Kordnse Michael Stewart of Colorado, Springs, Colorado, One Stepmother – JoeAnn Peterson of Hanover, Kansas, One Aunt – Wanda Smith of Palm Harbor, Florida, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.



He was preceded in death by his Parents, One Daughter – Dessie M. Funk, Two Brothers – Bill Confer and David Confer, and One Stepfather – David Peterson.



Memorial Service Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2010 Officiate Pastor Warren Prochnow



Inurnment Will be held at a later date.



Memorials SCHS Fast Pitch Softball Team % Price & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Friday, October 29, 2010

Mary A. Salinas--Leoti

Mary A. Salinas - Leoti


(September 17, 1941 - October 27, 2010)
Mary A. Salinas, 69, passed away October 27, 2010 at the Rio Grande Inn in La Jara. Mary was born September 19, 1941 in Ordway, Colorado the daughter of Louie Jim Salinas and Carmen Medina Salinas. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, embroidering, crafts, she was an avid bronco’s fan and enjoyed the time she spent with her loving family and with her great nieces and nephews. Survivors include her siblings Frank Salinas of Scott City, KS; Juanita Phythian- Cisneros (Abel) of Sanford, CO; Carmen Salinas (Theodore Shavers) of De Kalb, TX; Joe Salinas (Pauline Taylor) of Tom, OK; Elizabeth (Angel) Rivas of De Kalb, TX; two half brothers Ruben (Julie) Salinas of Albuquerque, NM; Louie (Donna) Salinas of North Carolina. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and aunts, uncles and cousins of Leoti, KS. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother Phillip Louie Salinas. A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary was held on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Romero Funeral Chapel in Alamosa. Another Rosary will be held on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 7:00 PM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Leoti, KS. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10:00 AM also at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, KS. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Rio Grande Inn (39 Calle Miller, La Jara CO. 81140).

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

My first Italian birthday wish!!!

This was just the neatest thing!!!  My dear Chris (Campbell) and Peter sent this to me a few minutes ago!  I just loved it and wanted to post it here!!!

Buon Compleanno a te,


Buon Compleanno a te,

Buon Compleanno cara Lynn,

Buon Compleanno a te.



Amore

No. It really was NOT an accident

This morning, we worked on Leighlyn to make her look as BAD as possible!!!  LOL!  The junior and senior high students were to come to school in their Halloween costumes this morning if they wanted to do it.  Leighlyn decided that she wanted to look like she was in a motorcycle accident.  By the time that her metamorphisis was complete, I really got an eerie feeling that I really did not like!

We took a pair of her old jeans that she used for just working around the house and took a little tiny hole that was in one of the knees and RIPPED it wide open.  By the time that we pulled, tugged and used scissors on it, you would have thought that she had been in some kind of a wreck.  Of course, we did not stop there!  We wrapped some guaze around her head and applied "blood" to part of it.  We ended up getting some of it into her eye.  Fortunately, she was able to rinse it out!  Then, we wrapped more guaze around the top of her left arm.  She wore an apparatus on one of her legs that are used for people with severely sprained ankles.  She wore a nylon on her left arm that covers her arm from the shoulder to her wrist that is just covered with tattoo after tattoo designs on it.  We also had a pair of crutches out for her to take with her.  At the last moment, she decided to leave them at home.

Now, Abigayle will be celebrating Halloween at school later this afternoon so we just bagged everything up and she took it.  She found the absolute cutest mask I have ever seen at Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago!  It is a white mask with soft pink cheeks, glitter all over it and some furry ears attached to it.  We also bought her a frilly skirt because she wanted to look like a "girl bunny".  The two were adorable with a white tee shirt but she also found a large pair of real feathered angel wings that she just had to have.  Now she calls her costume a "road killed rabbit that went to Heaven!"  That girl's imagination really goes out there sometimes!!!

Stan will be taking her trick-or-treating on Sunday.  Leighlyn and I will be staying at home to hand out treats and one of our favorite things on Halloween--watching ghost documentaries on TV.  We just LOVE doing that!!!

Happy Halloween to all of you!!!

VLE-B

Happy birthday--to ME!!!

What a way to start out my birthday!  During the school week, Stan always calls me to wake us up to get ready for the day.  Before I was on so very much medicine, my body would automatically wake up at practically the same time every day so that I could get Adam and Leighlyn up at 7:00 a.m.  Since 2002 when my health ran away in a hand basket, I have a terrible time of waking up in the morning.  My seizure medicines really do their job--numbing my brain.  LOL!!!

Given the fact that today is the day that the schools are celebrating Halloween, we needed to be up a bit earlier so that I could help Leighlyn prepare herself for the contest today.  All junior and senior high students were asked to dress up for the holiday before they came to school.  Stan started calling much earlier than normal and no one answered the phone.  He finally had no recourse other than to call my cellphone.  Thank the Good Lord, I heard that ring!  Come to find out, neither of our cordless phones were placed on their chargers last night...  They are both being charged right now.  Though the phone has rung 5 times in the past 30 minutes, they are just barely charged enough to ring for one or two rings but they are not charged enough for me to talk to anyone or even to see the caller's name on our caller ID.  Bottom line, if you are the ones trying to call me, please call me on my cellphone:  620-376-8922.

My birthday celebration actually started yesterday evening.  We had to take Leighlyn to Pamida in Scott City to purchase some last minute make-up for her costume today.  Our sweet son, Adam, took us out to dinner while we were there!  We all had a wonderful meal at La Fiesta.  (The girls and I just adore their guacamole sundaes...)  After that, we returned home.

Once at home, I received an email that I am gonna get some kind of surprise from the Cakery Bakery in Scott City this afternoon.  MMM, mmm good!!!  Wonder if it is going to be white, chocolate or strawberry...  No matter what flavor it is, I'll love it!!!  I can hardly wait to see how it looks!!!!!!  We'll take a picture of it--PRE-KNIFE-- and post it here for all of you to view.  I am quite confident that it will give you a good idea of the artistry that Julie puts into all of her special occassion cakes!!!

Tonight, most of our family is meeting up at another of our favorite restaurants--Peking Garden--in Scott City for dinner.

I'll tell you what.  It is an amazing feeling knowing that my family loves me so very much to pamper me like this!!!  I hope that all of you have such wonderful love in your own lives!!!

Oh, and in case your are wondering just how old I am, I'll tell you.  I am 49 today.  Given the fact that I came extremely close to death in the Spring of 2002, I greatly appreciate each and every birthday.  I think that all of us should!  Our lives are a blessing from God.  We need to remember that each day that we wake up is a direct gift from Him.  It is up to us to take that day and do beautiful things with it.  Thank You, God!!!

VLE-B

VLE-B

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Clark M. Harbach--Scott City and Leoti

Clark M. Harbach, age 87, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on June 25, 1923 in Germantown, PA, the son of George Clarkson and Ethel Millard Ray Harbach. Clark graduated from Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas and then attended Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia before graduating from Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City with a Masters in Divinity. He was a US Army Veteran of World War II.


Memberships include The First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas and the Civil Air Patrol, Kansas Wing – Lt. Col. Chaplain.

On August 2, 1948 he married Evagene Ford in Leoti, Kansas. She survives.

Survivors Include his Wife - Evagene Harbach of Scott City, Kansas, One Son - Mark & Tricia Harbach of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Four Daughters - Lois & Ted Champlin of Sidney, Nebraska, Ruth & Ed Marks of Anaheim, California, Evelyn & Dan Kough of Scott City, Kansas, Betty & Ben Silliman of Apex, North Carolina, Two Sisters - Ethel Smyth of Coronado, California, Betty Gillingham of Philadelphia, PA, Eighteen Grandchildren and Eleven Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Two Brothers and One Grandson.

Funeral Service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 1, 2010 with the Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Graveside services will be in the Beulah Cemetery in Wichita County, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 1, 2010.

Memorials may be given to Camp Christy % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott CIty, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Big Excitement in Downtown Leoti!

Traffic was stopped in various areas on the highway between Leoti and Lakin today as several pieces of equipment passed along the road. Vehicles were pulled over onto dirt roads and at the Lydia Elevators. There was absolutely no room for any other vehicle beside this load. Once in Leoti, cars were practically piled up so that they could see everything going on. Several of those people pulled out cameras to take a multitude of pictures.

I visited with employees who are transporting this oil refractory from Tulsa,, Oklahoma to Billings, Montana. The load is 25 feet wide, very long and extremely tall. Every high line along their route must be stretched to the limit in order for this load to get under it. Five pilot cars lead the way and five other pilot vehicles followed the truck. The lead vehicle has a very long "tape measure that extends off of it's front bumper to make sure that the load can get under it without any difficulty. It has to measure each and every electric, telephone and cable line before the crew can move down the road.


One of the men to whom I talked told me that this massive tank is lined with 5 feet of solid ceramic. Its peak speed is 36 mph. Of course, winds, etc would slow it down even more. The transport truck pulled the trailer with the tank but a second truck was "hooked to it" by a long piece of iron. That truck is responsible for pushing the load on through. That truck must carry weights behind it to provide extra pressure for pushing. It is estimated that it will take two months from the time that they left Tulsa until they drop it off in Billings. It took these men and women an hour after they arrived in southern Leoti and left the western city limits of Leoti enroute to Tribune. Many people from utility companies travel with this load as they must lift lines all along the way.


It was frightening to us on-lookers as we watched several men on foot who were constantly having to go underneath the equipment to check things out. This is not an easy and totally safe operation. Believe me, I am thankful that my husband and son do not have that job! I would be a nervous wreck!!!

Washington-Ames House Needs

If you happen to have at least 5 cream-colored lace panels and would be interested in donating them for the W-A House parlor, please call Karen Walk- at 620-874-0707 or come to see her at the museum.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Butterfinger Cupcakes

I think that these would be great for the holidays and Halloween!!!

Butterfinger Cupcakes
1 1/2 cups Flour

2 tablespoons Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon Salt

8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter -- room temperature

1 1/2 cups Sugar

2 tablespoons Sugar

4 large Eggs

1 cup Mashed Bananas

2/3 cup Buttermilk

2 Butterfingers Candy Bar -- or 12 fun-size



Frosting:

8 ounces Cream Cheese -- room temperature

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter -- softened

1/2 cup Peanut Butter -- creamy

3 1/4 cups Powdered Sugar

1 cup Cool Whip®

Garnish:

1/2 Butterfingers Candy Bar -- coarsely chopped



To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt; whisk together and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium low and add in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the mashed banana until well combined. With the mixer on low speed alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing only until just incorporated. Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 to ¾ full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20-22 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan 5-10 minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.



To make the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, butter and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and well blended. Mix in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.



To assemble the cupcakes, cut candy bars into 24 small pieces, and place a candy bar piece on top of each cooled cupcake. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe onto the cupcakes, covering the candy bar completely. (I used a large, unlabeled star tip to frost these cupcakes.) Sprinkle with chopped candy bars for garnish.

VLE-B

Dollar General

Just a reminder that if you  think that you would patronize Dollar General in the time of 9-10:00 p.m., you need to buy something at the Leoti store either tomorrow, Friday, October 29th, or Saturday, October 30th.  If there is enough business, the corporation will keep the store open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

THE PLAINS

Our family toured Fort Larned, Ks in early September.  We thoroughly enjoyed it!  We were given a copy of THE PLAINS edition of November 25th of 1865.  I found some interesting things to mention here that I thought that you might enjoy as well.

SELECT POETRY

The Wives'

God bless the wives.
They fill our hives with little bees and honey;
They ease life's shocks.
They mend our socks,
But----don't they spend the money?

When we are sick,
They heal us quick--
That is, if they should love us:
If not, we die,
And yet they cry,
And place tombstones above us.

Of roguish girls,
With sunny curls, We may in fancy dream:
But wives--true wives--
Throughout our lives,
Are everything they seem.
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(Aught Married People to Sleep Together?)

Hall's Journal of Health, which claims to be the highest authority in medical science, has taken a stand AGAINST married people sleeping together, but thinks they had better sleep in adjoining rooms.  It says that kings and queens do not sleep together, and why should other people?  Think of seperating a newly married couple on a cold winter's night, because Hall's Journal of Health says so.  You can go to grass, Mr. Hall.
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There is no place like home--the difficulty is getting there...
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HELP WANTED:

At this office, a half dozen young ladies to learn the printing business.  The foreman of this office will render all the assistance necessary.  None but GOOD LOOKING ONES need apply.
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It will be a source of much gratification to the friends of the person who was said to be dead, yet walking around to save funeral expenses, to know that he is much better.
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The mail from the States arrives here but once a week.  If not interrupted by bands of hostile Indians, and in consideration thereof, the soldiers and officers at this point think their friends and relatives at home should write oftener, especially as they cannot be with them on Christmas or New Years, and need something to keep them cheerful and contended on those days.
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A large wagon train of lumber passed here this week, destined for Aubery crossing.  It is needed there very much.as the soldiers have no barracks except "holes in the ground."
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The prairies in this vicinity have been burning quite extensively for the past two weeks.  The mischievous rascals who set them on fire cannot, as yet, be detected.  It is to be regretted that their time cannot be employed to better advantage.

When I have more time, I will post some more goodies on the blog.

VLE-B

Wanna travel for a lot less money?

I have heard about this free option before but never knew what website you need to go to check out more information.  I now know the address.  Go to http://www.couchsurfing.org/ .

Couch Surfing is a hospitality network.  There is NO charge to join this.  This is a worldwide network for making connections between travelors and the local communities they visit.  There are over one million members around the world.  Once you are signed up on http://www.couchsurfing.org/ , you place your current address on the website.  People then go onto the network and make arrangements to come and stay at your home.  For instance, if I signed up today, I would list my address as being in Leoti, Kansas.  If a person or family lives in China and wants to come to the Leoti area to learn of our culture and to meet our people, I would be notified and told that this person/family wants to stay in my home.  After that, arrangements would be made.  I know of a family of three people who live in New York City.  They joined this organization and found another family in London, England who wanted to visit NYC.  They contacted each other and decided that they would basically trade homes for the same two weeks.

This service will also pair you with other people in your area who share the same travel interests as you do.  That way, you can go to different locations around the world with each other instead of having to travel by yourself.  You do not have to travel to other countries.  If you just want to travel to a different part of the same state that you live in, you can sign up to do that also.

Of course, you will still be responsible for your own food purchases, car, bus, train or airline expenses, etc.

If you think that this might be something that you would like to try, go to the website and do more research.

VLE-B

WCHS Cross Country

The WCHS Girls Cross Country Team has qualified for State!  They will be traveling to Wamego on Saturday, October 30th.

VLE-B

WCHS Football

The Wichita County High School Indians will be playing football at Oberlin on Thursday, October 28th, at 7:00.

VLE-B

Halloween Music Concert

The K-6th grade students are excited to share their Halloween songs with parents, the community and their fellow students.  They would like to invite you to attend their 4th annual Halloween concert on Friday, October 29th.  The students will be dressed in their costumes and each grade will perform a Halloween song in the grade school gynasium.  The concert will begin at 2:30 CST, and end shortly thereafter in time for them to return to their classrooms for their Halloween parties.  There is no admission charge for this.

The school really appreciates the support of our citizens who do or do not have any children in the school system.

Come and enjoy!!!

VLE-B

White Rotel Dip

1 1/2 pounds pork sausage, bulk or patties

8 ounces cream cheese

1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles, original

1 1/4 cups sour cream

Cooking directions:

In skillet, cook the sausage until done.  Crumble and set aside.

In saucepan, combine the cream cheese and diced tomatoes and green chilies.  On LOW to MEDIUM heat, cook until cream cheese melts.  Stir occassionally.

Add sausage to cream cheese and tomatoes, etc.  Add sour cream.

Mix well and heat until warm.

Serve with chips.

Makes 15 servings.

VLE-B

Garbage Can Turkey

I just received this recipe and think that we just might want to try it for our own Thanksgiving!  Of course, if you want to try it before Thanksgiving, go right ahead!  For this method of cooking, you will need:

HEAVY DUTY aluminum foil

a 15 inch wooden stake (clean--no paint, stain or varnish)

one 12 pound THAWED turkey with the neck and giblets removed

a NEW 15-gallon METAL garbage can with a lid    (After you have used it for this turkey, wash it out and save it for your next turkey.)

No seasonings are necessary.

1.  Lay 3 LONG sheets of your foil out on your grass to make a square that is about 3 foot by 3 foot first.

2.  Pound the wooden stake into the ground in the center of the foil.

3.  Fill the lid of the garbage can with with a large pile of charcoal.  Light it.

4.  Place the thawed turkey onto the stake, legs down.

5.  Turn the garbage can upside down and place over the turkey.

6.  Place piles of charcoal on the top of the can and around the sides of the can. 

7.  Cook for at least 1 1/2 hours or keep going until the coals go out.  DO NOT lift can during cooking!!!

8.  Brush the charcoal off of the can and lift carefully as some of the heat may rush out when you lift the can.

9.  The internal temperature of the turkey should be at least 180 degrees F. (83 degrees C.) when taken in the thickest part of the thigh.

10.  You can brush butter all over the cooked turkey if you want to.

11.  Serve with any foods that you want.

VLE-B

You're gonna enjoy this if you live in Leoti!

Halloween has never meant much to me.  Even as a teenager, it wouldn't have bothered me if we skipped from October 30th to November 1st.  But for our children's sake, I have done my best to appear enthused with the whole thing.

Late yesterday evening, we were headed home after buying a few groceries.  Out of the corner of one of the girls' eyes, she noticed a Halloween decoration set-up that we just had to see.  I was driving so we went over to check it out.  I don't want to ruin it for any Leotians so at this time, I am not going to describe what we saw.  Just know that this is something so kool that I think the young, the old and everyone in between will get a great kick out of the whole deal!  It is NOT goury, in my opinion anyway.  I think that it is probably best to see it in daylight.

I am sorry but I cannot tell you who lives there.  Given the fact that a police car was parked in the backyard, I am assuming that a police officer lives there.  The address is in the 600 block of North 6th Street on the east side of the street.  Believe me, you won't miss it!  Here are the directions:

1.  Go to Wheatland Electric.  Go straight east for one block.

2.  Turn to the north.  You'll be able to see what I am talking about right away!

OR

1.  Go to the Main/Broadway Street intersection in the middle of town.  Turn to the north at that blinking red light.  (Disgusting, as I think that we should have a Red/Yellow/Green stoplight there!!!)

2.  Continue north to the first intersection past the railroad tracks.  (You'll be right next to the ADM, the former Collingwood Grain.).

3.  Turn Right (east) for just one block.

4.  Turn back to the north.  Now, you simply cannot miss what I am talking about.  The house to the north of it is really cute also!

These two houses are houses that Lou Boultinghouse moved to Leoti several years ago and put up for sale after he had done a thorough remodelling of them.  They had been put on the auction block when St. Catherine's Hospital decided to expand their hospital several years ago.  They either had to be moved or torn down.  I am glad that he moved them to Leoti!  They are just as cute as they can be!

VLE-B

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

FREEZE WARNING!!!

Just in case you do not already know this, a freeze warning has been issued for ALL of the Western half of Kansas.  The warning is in effect from 1-9:00 a.m., CDT.  If you have any plants outside that you do not want to freeze, bring them in before midnight.

VLE-B

Pro-Life Voter's Guide

As a Christian, I have NO idea how anyone can choose to vote for abortion in most cases.  Maybe I am wrong for believing that if the mother's life is in danger, it is okay to abort the baby.  But when it comes to just the everyday abortion where a baby is killed just because the father and mother decide that they do not want a baby, I believe that that is out and out legalized murder!!!  I understand that women are impregnated each and every day who do not want the baby.  If that is the case, believe me there are MANY people out here who would very happily adopt that same baby.  Give me a call.  I'll tell you how very much we adore children and how dreadful it is to live childless when you so want a child...

As most of us are aware, our next election is next Tuesday, November 2nd.  I would like to post the following information for those of us who are in favor of Pro-LIFE.

U.S. Senate:  Jerry Moran (Republican)

U.S. House:  Tim Huelskamp (Republican)

Governor/Lt. Gov.  Sam Brownback/Jeff Colyer (Republicans)

Secretary of State:  Kris Kobach (Republican)

Attorney General:  Derek Schmidt (Republican)

State Treasurer:  Ron Estes (Rebublican) and Dennis McKinney (Democrat)

Ks. State Representative:  Don Hineman (Republican)

Ks. Court of Appeals:  Henry W. Green, Jr.

Always remember that children are gifts that only God can give.

VLE-B

Southern Candied Potatoes

I am going to be adding at least one new recipe every day through Christmas that I think that you might be interested in serving your most special guests for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Enjoy!!!


This recipe came from the Food Network.  Professional chefs have put this recipe together to prepare for restaurants.  Of course, if this recipe is too large for your holiday gathering, cut it in half or even quarters,  if necessary.  It is also very easily doubled for larger groups!

SOUTHERN CANDIED POTATOES

4 pounds yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and cut to large bite-sized pieces


2 cups orange juice

3 cups light corn syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons lemon zest (optional)

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.



Boil yams until slightly underdone, to avoid breaking. Strain, cool and set aside.



In a large container whisk together orange juice, corn syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and zest. In another bowl, whisk flour and both sugars together.



Put cooled yams in a deep baking dish, add dry ingredients and stir to coat. Pour liquid over yams and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

VLE-B

Marjy L. Staats--Scott City

Marjy L. Staats - Scott City


(May 20, 1932 - October 21, 2010)
Marjy L. Staats, age 78, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on May 20, 1932 in Cimarron, Kansas, the daughter of Milton and Irene Kenton Standley. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1958 moving from Wichita, Kansas, she was a homemaker and a nurse’s aide at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City.

On August 5, 1949 she married Glen F. Staats in Hutchinson, Kansas. He survives.



Survivors Include her One Son - Ronald & Kathy Staats of Cimarron, Kansas, One Daughter - Glenda Welch of Salina, Kansas, Two Brothers - Don Standley of Las Vegas, Nevada, John P. Standley of Canyon City, Colorado, One Sister - Mary Jo Fortsch of Las Vegas, Nevada, One Half Sister - Teena McBride of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Two Step Sisters - Sandra Burton of Dodge City, Kansas, Jackie Conrady of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Six Grandchildren and Three Great Grandchildren.



She was preceded in death by her Parents, One Son – Danny Staats, One Grandson – Neil Staats, and a Step Mother – Mildred Standley.



Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2010 with Steve Payne presiding.



Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.



Memorials may be given to the Marjy L. Staats Memorial Fund % Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Recipe that was accepted

I have learned that in order to get to my recipe that was accepted, people are having to list an extensive amount of information.  Here is the recipe in case you want to see it.

Crockpot Steak With the Works

one 2-3 pound gooseneck round (You can purchase this at our local meat locker, Heritage Meats.)
several peeled potatoes, cut into halves
one 16-ounce package of frozen vegetables of your choice
2 regular sized cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 pouches of dried onion soup mix
1 soup can of hot water

1.  Spray crockot with PAM.
2.  Place the prepared RAW potatoes on the bottom of the pot.
3.  Slice the meat into pieces for each person whom you will be serving.
4.  Place this meat on top of the potatoes.
5.  Spread the frozen vegetables on the meat.
6.  In a mixing bowl, pour in your mushroom soup.  Add the dried soup mix and stir well.  When well- mixed, slowly add the hot water, a little at a time, until a nice sauce is produced.
7.  Pour the sauce over the top of everything.
8.  Cook on LOW for 6 -8 hours OR Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours until done.

Now, if you are unable to find any gooseneck, you can use any beef or pork roast and do the same thing.  We've also used boneless pork chops for this recipe.  Serve with bread and dessert or whatever you want.  We have always received wonderful compliments on this recipe!!!

Bon Appetit!!!

VLE-B

Ghosts???

It is that time of the year when people appear to be a bit more tuned into the aspect of ghosts than at other times.  Leighlyn checked out a book at the Jr/Sr High School Library yesterday.  It deals with ghost stories in Kansas.  She and I both found it to be quite interesting.  Most of the "events" written about were in Eastern Kansas but there were still some in Central and Western Kansas.  I have to admit that I was disappointed that Wichita County's White Woman event was not listed in the book.  The closest ghost story to us was in the Satanta County area.  It seems that the forts on the Kansas prairie are quite haunted...

I have discussed the story of the White Woman with others on a BUNCH of occassions.  Until the last few years, I was convinced that it was none other than a legend.  I was wrong on that one.  In case you have not heard the story, allow me to tell you now.

Back in the so-called "olden days", a man married the woman of his dreams somewhere east of here.  Right after the wedding, they hitched their horses to the wagon that contained all of the earthly possessions and headed out West for a good life.

Along the way, they stopped somewhere on the creek that is located to the south of Leoti and winds around to the area between Leoti and Tribune.  They ate their lunch and then loaded back up on their wagon to continue their journey.  Later in the afternoon, they noticed a tribe of Indians.  The husband told his wife that if worse turned to worst, he would meet her at the location where they had stopped to eat their lunch.  The Indians chased the couple in their wagon and soon caught the wagon.  The husband was killed at the scene and the woman was taken back to their village where she became their slave, so to speak. 

For a great many years, people have claimed to have seen the ghost of the wife on the White Woman bridge just to the south of Leoti.  Those people believe that she remains there in wait of her husband to return to her.

Of course, I don't know if that is true or not.  I cannot say that I have seen her myself.  I am on the fence right now.  In some ways, I do not believe in ghosts but, in other ways, I believe that it is quite possible that ghosts do exist.  I have seen and heard stories that really point to the fact that ghosts may be amongst us right now and right here!!!  Some of those stories have come directly from people whom I put a great deal of respect.

If you are interested in posting your opinions, one way or the other, on my blog, I would greatly welcome them!  If you are like so many others and have difficulty getting to the point where you can leave a comment, send your opinion and/or ghost stories to me at slblaus@gmail.com .  When you send me your story, let me know whether or not you want me to post it here.  Also, let me know if you want me to mention your name or not.  I am more than happy to protect your privacy anytime that you give me your information!!!  I think that it would be rather awesome to list ghost stories right here on my blog!  What do you think???

Looking forward to hearing from YOU!!!

VLE-B

Halloween in Leoti

Earlier, I questioned people if they knew whether or not Halloween would be celebrated in Leoti on Saturday or Sunday this year.  Various towns such as Tribune elected to celebrate on Saturday.  It is official.  Leotians will be donning their costumes on Sunday.  I called the Wichita County Sheriff's Office and asked Sheriff Randy Keeton.

VLE-B

Monday, October 25, 2010

Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

NANNY MCPHEE, THE RETURN makes it's way to the Star Theatre in Tribune on Saturday, October 30th, at a special afternoon mattinee at 2:30 CST,  and on Sunday, October 31st,  at it's regular time of  7:30 CST.  There will be no Saturday evening performance as that is when the ghosts and goblins will be out terrorizing the streets of Tribune as they gather treats,  Of course, since they will be having the afternoon mattinee on Saturday, everyone will only have to pay $4.00 per person irregardless of age.

This movie is rated PG for rude humor, some language and mild thematic elements.  Stars include Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans and Maggie Smith.

In the latest installment, Nanny McPhee appears at the door of harried parent, Mrs. Isabel Green, who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is off to war.  But once she's arrived, the nanny discovers that the children are fighting their own war against their two spoiled city cousins who moved in and refuse to leave...

Adults, 13-years-old and over,  $5.00
Children:  $4.00
All refreshments are also very fairly priced.

WALL STREET:  MONEY NEVER SLEEPS, will be playing in Tribune on Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th.  Each performance will begin at 7:30 CST.

VLE-B

Weather Alert

Winds have picked up significantly this afternoon and are expected to become much worse tonight between 7:00 and midnight.  Dirt is blowing through the air with the greatest of ease!  Weathermen are recommending that you gather anything that might blow away and put it out of the wind. 

Also, a frost advisory is out for Tuesday night.  If you have any plants outside that you do not want to die, bring them in the house.

VLE-B

I made it!!!

I just found out that a recipe that I submitted to Recipe 4 Living was accepted onto their website! If you are interested in having the recipe, just click on the following word: null

Believe me, this is an outstanding recipe that adults and kids both love!!! If you do not have the steak, substitute it with a beef or pork roast. What about pork chops???

VLE-B

test posting from the "unknown blogger"

Lynne has been wanting to learn how to post pictures on her blog, so...i have decided to take it upon myself to make sure that it can be done.  with a picture of none other than HERSELF!  hehe...don't tell on me!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Julia versus Julie

Quite some time ago, the hit movie JULIE AND JULIA made it's way through he theatres in America. Though I have always been a big fan of Meryl Streep, I must admit that I was not that interested in seeing this particular movie. But, sometimes kids can talk their parents into everything. That is exactly what happened at the Blaus House.

Several months ago, we subscribed to NETFLIX. I mentioned it here many posts ago. It is an amazing system that you can have in your home for less than $10.00 a month. You must have the internet and a major video game such as WII and Playstation in order to purchase it. Once you have NETFLIX, you can pick MANY movies to watch right here in the coziness of your own home.

So, anyway, I made my trip to Tribune and returned back home. Once here, the girls told me that they thought that it would be wonderful if we all sat down to watch JULIE AND JULIA. We all gathered a drink and some snacks that Stan and the girls had purchased at the Mexican Store, found our seats and began watching this delightful movie. If you have not already viewed this movie, I would like to suggest that you watch it sometime.

Don't worry, I am not going to go into great detail about this movie and ruin the entire story for you. But, Julie and I have something in common. We both have found the great joy of blogging on a daily basis. I share in the same joy as Julie does whenever she discovers that someone has actually commented on one of her posts! OH, MY GOODNESS!!! Unless you are a blogger, yourself, you probably have no idea just what an awesome feeling that is--even when the commenter says something AGAINST you and/or your writings. LOL!!!

I also discovered that I am not the only person out there who seeks acceptance from others--both frends and relatives as well as total strangers--through their blog. I just want you to know that I greatly enjoy our little "talks" right here! Maybe I say something that you do not agree with. Maybe you do like what I write. No matter what, just know that I so appreciate hearing from you in either case!

Eventually, Julie's blog became more and more popular until finally, publicists throughout the country came forward to purchase her blog. Today, she is a professional writer. I am going to try to find some books of hers. If I find some, I will post their titles right here!

VLE-B

Nitrogen in your tires?

I just returned from Tribune a few minutes ago. While I was there, I noticed a sign in an automotive store that advertised that you can now purchase nitrogen there to inflate your tires. Since then, I have also found out that KT Tires in Leoti also offers nitrogen. I did some research on the matter and thought that you might be interested into checking in to it also.

These are the credits for nitrogen:

1. Enhances the handling of your vehicle.
2. Improves fuel efficiency
3. The larger molecules are the least permeable and stay in your tires longer.
4. It extends the life of tires.
5. Usage of nitrogen protects Earth.
6. And, finally, tires filled with nitrogen keep their car's people safer.

On the down side, I have heard that it is more expensive at the onset to fill your tires with nitrogen. I cannot actually tell you what the price is though. But, you should be able to save money by the fact that you should not need to replace your tires as often as otherwise.

For more information, go to www.getnitrogen.org .

VLE-B

My birthday wish

My birthday is Friday, October 29th. I am asking for anyone who is interested to go on the following website and make a one-time donation to my favorite cause--helping children who have been abused in one way or another. The minimum donation is $10.00 (ten dollars) but you can choose to leave higher amounts if you want to. My ultimate goal is $1,000.00

Twenty one years ago, SRS (Social Rehabilitation Services) for the state of Kansas, came to Stan and I and asked us if we would be willing to become foster parents. I immediately said "NO". At the same exact time, Stan was saying "YES". The social worker asked me why I was not willing to do this. I explained to her that my decision was purely selfish--I didn't want to have to say "good-bye" to the kids.

At the time, we had not been able to have our own children. I knew that as soon as the parents of these foster children had completed their court-mandated changes, the kids would be returned to them and we would be left with voids in our hearts.

The social worker told Stan and I that she had two little boys who would be going up for adoption. She really wanted us to be their forever parents. Ben was 12 and Adam was 10. Both boys were older than what we would have hoped but it seemed that God wanted to put all four of us together anyway.

Stan and I decided to think about the issue for awhile. The very next morning, we called the SRS office and told the worker that we had decided to become foster parents. Within a week's time, a study had been done on our home, our personal backgrounds had been done and our foster care license was on it's way! Just after that, Ben and Adam were brought to our home.

Ben was extremely talkative. Adam was the direct opposite. We never heard his voice for two MONTHS!!! He would whisper to Ben whatever it was he wanted us to know. These boys had been subjected to horrendous abuse all of their lives. Adam had withdrawn into himself for protection. Stan and I were patient and extended our love to Adam and absorbed whatever he was able to give back to us. As time went by, Adam began to trust us little by little and finally, lot by lot. He discovered that he had a family whom loved him with all of our hearts. That family included not only us. My parents, Stan's parents, our brothers and sisters, etc were only too happy to accept him!

Eventually, Ben moved on. We weren't equipped with all of the knowledge that was needed to help him. Two years after Adam moved in, we were able to complete his adoption! It took many hours of counseling and a great many tears through the years to get where we are today. I don't think that most people have any idea of just how much so many children have been hurt in this world of ours. Kids are not "just" being physically abused. Many are being mentally and/or sexually abused. Honestly, from the many children who were brought into our home, I cannot believe that any of them did not sustain emotional abuse. I think that emotional abuse comes right alone with any of the other forms of abuse. Many of these children are subjected to all of these forms of abuse.

Just by being moved into a foster home is not the "cure" for all of the pain that these children have gone through. All of the love and support of the world is not enough to heal them. And, believe me, the children never forget what they went through. These scars will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Oftimes, these abused people become abusive people to their own children or other children who are in their lives. They need help to be able to override these urges to hurt someone else.

Right now, you know children who are being abused even if you do not see the signs. Our experience as foster parents taught us that abusive parents often threaten their child/children with more abuse or even DEATH if they tell someone about what is happening. You really need to go on the internet and find out what the signals are that point to abuse. If you learn that a child is being hurt, you need to contact the proper authorities and let them know what you have seen or heard. By choosing to ignore the signs of abuse, you are allowing the abuser to continue his/her reign of terror upon the child.

New foster parents are always needed in every state in the union. If you are willing to open your homes and hearts up for kids, please contact your local authorities. You do NOT have to have alot of money or a huge house to do this. You are also allowed to choose what age group you want to move into your home. Some people don't have time for young children. Others do not want to deal with older children.

If you are able to make a donation for this cause, please go to the following site and give however much money you can to help.

http://birthdays.causes.com/wishes/72062

Thank you for going out of your way to make a difference!!!

May God bless you and all of the children who are or will be subjected to all of this pain.

VLE-B

Friday, October 22, 2010

"Cat Head Biscuits"

Once these biscuits are fully-baked, they should be the size of a cat's head.

2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons lard or shortening
about 1 cup buttermilk or sweet milk, your choice

Sift the dry ingredients together. Cut in the lard or shortening. Add enough milk to make a soft dough. Pinch off about a lemon-sized ball of dough for each biscuit. Pat out with your hands.

Bake in preheated 450 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuit tops are golden brown. Remove the biscuits from the oven and rub butter on the top of each hot biscuit to coat.

Enjoy!

VLE-B

Want some deviled eggs?

If you do, Two Fat Girls can prepare them for you! The ingredients that we use in our recipe that was handed down to us from our Grandmother Vera Pepper, (an EXCELLENT cook in her own right) are:

eggs
mustard
sugar
mayonnaise
paprica for garnishment

We can also use your own recipe if you prefer.

Again, call us at 375-4584, 376-8922 or 874-0715.

VLE-B

Two Fat Girls' Cooking

My sister, Lori, who is an incredible cook and I am are starting our own small time catering business in Leoti. We have decided on the following foods to begin business with. We are also very willing to cook your favorite foods also. We both fully realize that it is getting to be more and more problematic for families to enjoy home cooked meals. More and more women are being forced out of their homes and into the work place. So, the last thing that working couples or singles usually want to do when they get home after a long day at work, is to cook and mess up their kitchen.

That's where Lori and I come in. Just pick any of the following combos, let us know and we'll go to work for you! Once you decide what you want and when you want it, please call me at 620-375-4584 or 620-874-0715 or 620-376-8922. We'll get everything scheduled! Please know that NONE of our meals are made out of mixes. Everything will be made fresh!!!

All meals are to feed 4-person families. Any amount of food that you do not eat at mealtime, can be easily frozen, taken out later and re-heated in the microwave.

Baked steak, REAL mashed potatoes with homemade pan gravy $20.00

One dozen pigs-in-blankets made with all-beef wieners and homemade bread dough served with potato salad and baked beans $20.00

One fried chicken, potato salad and coleslaw OR with mashed potatoes and homemade pan gravy.

Danish Frikadillers with mashed potatoes and coleslaw $20.00

Large 9" x 13" pan of Barbequed meatballs, pan of cheesey potatoes $20.00

Spaghetti and homemade spaghetti sauce like Italian cooks make for their own families--nothing jarred, loaf of garlic bread $20.00

Baked ham garnished with pineapple slices and marashino cherries served with mashed potatoes

9" x 13" tuna/noodle casserole with baby peas in cheese sauce

We will be offering exotic foreign foods. We will also be selling dinner rolls, crescent rolls, desserts at an additional charge. All foods will be put in containers that you will not need to return to us.

Again, call 620-375-4584, 376-8922 or 874-0715 if you have any questions or wish to make an order.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Who cares???

Wichita County parents of current students have been invited to go to visit with their children's teachers Monday and Thursday evenings of this week. We met with Abigayle's teacher on Monday. From there, we made our way to the Jr/Sr High School for Leighlyn's conferences. We missed getting to see two of her teachers so we returned tonight to see them.

In the past, conferences were held on one evening and one morning every semester. Morning conferences were not well attended because of the fact that so many parents were working during the day. To accomodate parents, the morning meetings have been deleted and another evening session has been added.

Card tables were set up just outside of the principal's office. Six boxes were in place to contain each particular class' students' report cards. Since it was only about 5:30 on Monday when we arrived, very few report cards had been pulled from the 7th grade class box. Tonight,we went back to the school to visit with Leighlyn's other two teachers. We were dismayed to see that all six boxes contained the bulk of the report cards. It is beyond us how so few parents appear to care enough about their children's educations. Hmmm...Suppose that might be part of the reason our education system has failed so many in the past couple of decades??? If the parents don't care, who else will???

VLE-B

Need a TV? (SOLD)

We have a 27 inch color television for sale. It is cable ready and in great condition. We are asking $25.00 for it. It is available immediately!

Please email us at slblaus@gmail.com or call Stan or me at 375-4584 or 376-8922.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Prayer Request

It has been awhile since I have offered any updates on my Lori. For the most part, she has been feeling a bit stronger and has even been able to shop at Mel's and at Wal-Mart once. That does not mean that all is well. It is not.

She is in a constant state of pain and nausea. Another CT Scan was recently done that showed more problems.

I am here to beg each of you to pray for Lori. Believe me, she needs each one!

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Geese

I forgot to mention yesterday that Stan and I viewed our first "gangle???" of geese headed South on Tuesday evening. They were flying oh so gracefully on their trek. Of course, we heard them before we saw them! LOL!!!

I think that Winter is getting closer and closer... YAY!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

THE TALK

CBS's THE TALK began at 1:00 CST on Monday, October 18th. So far, I have seen 2 editions of it and can honestly say that I like it! I enjoy every last hostess on the show. Today, a pregnant dancer from DANCING WITH THE STARS made an appearance. The hostesses tried to decide what sex the baby will be. One thought that it was going to be a boy because of what she had learned from an old wive's talk that claimed that "if the woman is carrying a girl, all of the beauty will drain out of her face and be passed on to the unborn baby girl." Since the soon-to-be-mommy was still just as beautiful as ever, the hostess chose a cute little blue bear for the baby.

Another of the hostesses gave her a pink blanket just because she had a "feeling" that the baby would be a girl. Another, held up two hangers. One had a bloue sleeper hanging from it. The other hanger held a pink sleeper. Then, she asked the mother-to-be if her husband had "many girlfriends" before they met. Her belief was that if the husband had led a life with just a few girlfriends, he would be blessed with a baby boy, BUT, if he had had more than his fair share of ladies, he would be blessed with a baby girl. She believes that girl baies go to men as sort of a punishment for all of the girls' hearts he broke.

The sonogram proved that the baby is a little girl! Guess her daddy must've been "well-liked" also. LOL!!!

Now, in the case of my Danley and our three children, I am left with an unanswered question: Our son is, of course, a boy. He came before our daughters, Leighlyn and Abigayle. BUT...he was originally born to another family whom we adopted him from. So...since Leighlyn was our first biological child, does that mean that Danley was well liked also??? LOL!!!

Folks, my Daddy had three daughters (which he always prayed to have). The answer is "YES", he was extremely well thought of by the ladies...

Just something cute that I thought that you might enjoy hearing!!!

VLE-B

Upcoming Movie Schedule in Tribune

As I reported here earlier, YOU AGAIN, a Walt Disney comedy, will be playing in Tribune this weekend, October 23rd and 24th, at 7:30 CST. (6:30 if you live in Mountain Time zones.)

Halloween Weekend will be the hit, NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS. On Saturday, the 30th, it will be showing ONLY at 2:30 CST. Of course, this is an afternoon mattinee so the tickets will only cost each person in attendance, $4.00.

Because of the fact that monsters and goblins, etc will be on the prowl on Tribune streets that night in observance of Halloween, there will be NO Saturday evening performance. On Sunday, October 31st, it will be shown at 7:30 CST.

November 3rd and 4th: WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS will be playing.

At this time, it looks like SECRETARIAT, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT and LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS will also be playing in Tribune, however, they have not been confirmed as of yet.

Thank you, Christy Hopkins, for passing this infomation on to all of us!!!

Enjoy the movies!!!

VLE-B

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Sexual Predators of Children

I recorded yesterday's edition of OPRAH. This morning, I watched it and was HORRIFIED! I learned some new things that I want to pass on to everyone else.

1. Do not allow your child to spend any time with an adult whom you do not know and therefore, should not trust.

2. Tell your child to not be "roped in" by adults who just seem to appear out of nowhere with a puppy or dog or cat...

3. Don't allow your child to work for adults if you do not know them unless you are going to be with the child the entire time. For example: cleaning house, doing lawn work, walking the dog, etc.

Some of the worst molestors out there are your next door neighbor, minister, priest, teacher, Boy Scout leader, etc.

ALWAYS encourage your child to talk to you and to be open with anything that might be bothering them. If you learn that someone may have touched your child inappropriately, NEVER scorn your child for this activity!!!!!! Contact your doctor and police right away!!!

Don't think that just because you live in a small town such as Leoti, Kansas, you have no reason to be concerned about child molestors. THEY LIVE EVERYWHERE!!!

I know 3 adult men who have all endured being raped by men when they were just boys. Out of the three, only one man was able to survive with no major flaws mentally and emotionally. The other two still suffer to this moment in time. If you have a child who has been brutalized like this, get psychological help IMMEDIATELY for that person. It is never too early nor too late to get counselling.

VLE-B

Wichita County Flu Shots

The health department in Leoti started giving flu shots last week. If you are interested in getting one, you can call 375-2289 to be scheduled. This year's shots cover seasonal flu, H1N1 as well as other strains of flu. If you are privately paying for your shot, the cost will be $15.00 per person. If you are paying privately for your injection, you are not allowed to take the nasal dose instead of the injection. Fortunately, there is NO shortage of this vaccine!!!

VLE-B

A trip down memory lane

Last night and Thursday evening, teachers of the Wichita County school system are giving parent-teacher conferences. Stan and I were scheduled with Abigayle's teacher, Mrs. Sara Brown, at 5:00 yesterday. As soon as it was completed, we went to the junior-senior high school for meetings with Leighlyn's teachers.

Of course, we had been to ball games in the gym and music programs in the audititorium there but had had little exposure to the other classrooms for several years since our son, Adam, had finished his high school career there in 1996. Leighlyn was born in 1997.

Boy! It seemed that very little had changed since I graduated in 1980!!! Basically, I think that everything was exactly as my class left it 30 years ago except for the fact that I THINK the carpet in each room may have been replaced. The hallway lockers were looking like they had been used for another 30 years. Other than being a bit roughed up, the only thing that had changed was that they now sport combination locks. It is sad to see that times have changed so much since 1980 that these locks had to be put into place. I don't know why I was so surprised to see that in August when I took Leighlyn to school to set her locker up for the 2010-2011 school year. After all, shoplifting is at an all-time high in our country. It just makes sense that people would steal out of student lockers also!

At this time, I need to thank my mother for the embarrassing and heartbreaking ordeal she put me through when I was just 3-years-old! At that time, there was a little grocery store located where the vacant lot is now between Western Hardware and the Leoti Standard office named Johnsons. Mrs. Johnson had a pretty kool store there! She sold everything that anyone ever needed--including small toys that were hung in plastic bags on a rotating rack. It was located right next to the front door. One afternoon, Mama and I walked into the store. IMMEDIATELY, the toys caught my attention. As soon as I spotted a plastic doll, I told Mama that I wanted it. She told me "No". Her reluctance to purchase it for me caused me to take matters into my own hands!!! Though the part where I put the doll under my clothes now slips my memory, I do remember standing up in the car after we had paid for our groceries and telling Mama that I had taken the doll anyway.

MERCY ME!!! That wa my second mistake of the day!!! Mama walked me AND my doll into the store and back to the counter where Mrs. Johnson was. Mama demanded that I give the doll to Mrs. Johnson AND I had to apologize for what I had done. If that wasn't bad enough, I also had to promise my mother and Mrs. Johnson that I would NEVER steal again. I was totally in tears and sobbing shortly after I gave my oath to never do it again. Mrs. Johnson was proud of Mama for taking this stand but felt terrible for me in my emotional distress. So, she offered the doll to me anyway. Of course, I would have been just fine accepting it but Mama was steadfast in not letting me have it. She really wanted me to learn my lesson well.

To this day, I remember this lesson and have never ever had the impulse to steal anything again. It is too bad that all parents don't teach their children the same lesson that Mama taught me almost 46 years ago!!! There wouldn't be as much theft in our world today as a result of that!!! I am always floored when I watch talk shows such as Dr. Phil and see that parents and grandparents are teaching their children how to steal clothes, food, etc!!!

Anyway, back to where I began... Walking through those hallways and into the classrooms was very moving for me. It was sad to walk into those classrooms and expect to see my teachers such as Mr. Norman (Jack) Homan at the desk. Time has really flown by, but for me, some things stayed in place in my memory...

VLE-B

Bake date

Just getting back to everyone who is interested in my cinnamon, dinner or crescent rolls or the brownie cake. I had more orders scheduled for tomorrow, (Wednesday), so I will be baking everything then. (I have a large order of cinnamon rolls to do for a local business meeting tomorrow so it made more sense to me to do all of them at the same time.) If tomorrow does NOT work out for you, please let me know and I will bake them this afternoon or whenever works best for you.

I am perfectly willing to do baking for anyone, ANYTIME! Just call me at 375-4584 or 376-8922 or email me at slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Monday, October 18, 2010

To go to church OR not to go to church... Hmmm...

Two people sent this to us tonight but I have seen it several times and find it to be very smart. You can choose to read it or not. It is your choice!!! VLE-B

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!

Why Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals but I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing ~ God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

All right, now that you're through reading, send it on! I think everyone should read this!

When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me, please?"

VLE-B

Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

Walt Disney's YOU, AGAIN??? is playing at the Star Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, October 22nd and 23rd, at 7:30 CST. Stars include Kristin Bell, Betty White, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, etc. It is rated PG for brief mild language and rude behavior.

Successful PR pro, Marni, heads home for her older brother's wedding and discovers that he's marrying her high school arch enemy who has conveniently forgotten all of the rotten things that she did so many years ago. Come to find out, Marni's mother and grandmother will also come face to face with their arch enemies at the same time.

Adults, 13-years-old and older, pay $5.00 per person. Everyone else pays $4.00 each. Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

VLE-B

Wichita County Parent-Teacher Conferences

Don't forget that tonight, Monday, October 18th, and Thursday, October 21st, are the evenings set aside for these conferences at both R.B.S.E.S. and the Junior-Senior High School.

VLE-B

Anonymous Meetings

Last night, I asked for any information on any of the Anonymous meetings that are available in our area. I have since learned that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meets every Thursday evening at 7:30 CST at Christ Covenant Church in Leoti. It is located at 205 North Wyoming. I also learned that it is rather difficult to find available Narcotic Anonymous (NA) meetings in our area so it is fine and well accepted that people who suffer with narcotic addiction join in at the AA meetings. Those addictions are quite similar.

So far, I have not heard of any concrete meetings in Tribune or Scott City. I was given the name of a couple in Scott City who can help you. Please call me at 375-4584 if you need their names.

Garden City's New Chance Organization on Fulton Street welcomes all people who have problems with addictions to alcohol and/or narcotics. They have meetings everyday at noon and evening.

I also have the name and telephone number of someone in Leoti who is very willing to be your sponsor or just someone whom you can call on for support anytime, night or day. If you want that phone number, please call me.

I have not found any information in regards to Gamblers or Sexual Anonymous meetings. If you have any issues with these two addictions or any others, I recommend that you contact your clergy.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Anonymous Meetings in Leoti???

I am trying to get some information for a couple in Wichita County. They are wanting to know what ___Anonymous groups meet here. The last that I knew, Alcoholics Anonymous had a group here. Do they still get together? Other Anonymous groups that I an aware of are Narcotics, Overeaters and Sex Addiction. If there are any other Anonymous groups out there that I did not mention here, please give that information to me also.If any of those meet somewhere in the Wichita, Scott, Greeley or Finney Counties, would you please let me know? Also, if you know when and where these well-respected meetings are conducted, please let me know that also. It would probably be best if I just had the group's leader's name on here IF IT IS OKAY WITH HIM OR HER OR THE LOCATION OF THE MEETING(S). I am sure that there are more people in our area other than these two who could benefit from these meetings...

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Virl James Rundell--Garden City

Virl James Rundell, age 91, died Friday, October 15, 2010 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born on October 6, 1919 in Pierceville, Kansas the son of Joe J. and Ella Ardrey Rundell. A resident of Garden City 1950 he worked for several local car dealerships as a salesman and was an avid collector of model cars. Virl was a WWII US Army Veteran and was a member of the American Legion.

On November 3, 1950 he married Glenelle Scott in Tucumcari, New Mexico. She survives.

Other Survivors Include: One Daughter, Karen S. McCoy of Newalla, Oklahoma; Two Grandchildren, Six Great-Grandchildren and Three Great-Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Gilbert Rundell.


Funeral Services will be held at 4:00pm on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.


There will be no public calling times.

Interment will be at the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.


The family requests memorials be given to Pierceville Federated Church or to the Pawnee Acres Community Building both in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City,

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Pre-Halloween pranks or just plain old CRIME???

Recently, it seems that people have been out doing mischief around Leoti. I was angered as soon as I heard that "grafitti" was left on a local car as it was parked in front of it's owners' home. The owners are having to drive the vehicle as it is because they have no money to "fix the damage".

Then, today, a lady told me that until last night between 8:00 and 9:00, she and her husband owned FOUR solar lights that they had just placed a few feet from their home. By 9:00, two had been stolen. Folks, solar lights are not cheap!!!

This morning in a different section of town, a man scrambled to the street in front of his home to gather up his solar lights that had been ripped from his property and discarded in the street.

Just before I heard of these two thefts, I learned that someone is "having fun" with mailboxes throughout the county. It seems that these IDIOTS are not aware of the fact that destruction of postal mailboxes is a FELONY which is punishable by heavy fines, imprisonment or BOTH. Approximately a month ago, someone ran their car into our mailbox post. We had to revamp the post and do some minor repairs to the box, itself. Whoever was doing the driving left something for us--their vehicle's paint on the post! That makes me think that their vehicle did not get off any better than we did. YAY!!!

I've also heard lately that someone is going around town releasing dogs and horses from their pens at night.

One of the people who talked to me about this nonsense told me that this is really sad. Not so long ago, people in Leoti were able to go to sleep at night knowing that their doors were wide open. Unfortunately, we can hardly take a few steps from our homes without securing our doorlocks. I am hoping that the responsible people are caught soon!!!

If you know who these "pranksters" are, please call the Wichita County Sheriff's Office at 620-375-2723. If you have been pranked, contact the S.O. as soon as possible. The police cannot do something if they are not aware of the criminal act. As always, the Wichita County Sheriff's Office is open 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.

VLE-B

Greeley County Secures Date for Halloween

This year, Halloween makes it's grand appearance on Sunday. In the past when that has happened, some communities have chosen to celebrate it on the previous Friday or Saturday evenings. That way, trick-or-treaters can be out later than they would normally be out on a school night. Stan and I would really appreciate it if Wichita County chose to do Halloween on Saturday this year.

I have heard from Greeley County people who have told me that Greeley Countians will be celebrating on Saturday, the 30th.

So far, I have heard nothing official from people who live in Scott City or Leoti in regards to when Halloween will be celebrated this year. Everyone who I've spoken to about it is hoping that Saturday will be the big night here.

As far as the Leoti Blau family is concerned, we would like to invite all of you, ghosts and goblins, etc, to the Blaus house on Saturday evening! We will have our parking lot light, porch light and backyard light turned on just for YOU!!!

VLE-B

Trial Period at Dollar General

When Dollar General first came to Leoti, the store closed every night at 7:00. Shortly after that, the new closing time was upped to 8:00. Still, customers wanted an even later close time so they opted to keep the business open every night until 9:00. Wichita Countians have really appreciated the longer workday at Dollar General. I have seen people arrive at the store at 9:00 and still want to be admitted in to shop.

So, now, the powers-that-be of Dollar General Stores have decided to run a trial on Friday and Saturday, October 29th and 30th, to see if they should keep the store open until 10:00 CST.

Personally, I am extremely happy and thankful that Leoti has a Dollar General Store! Plenty of Greeley County customers drive to Leoti on a regular basis just so they can take advantage of the DG prices. Leoti's store is quite popular! $G is our small town Wal-Mart. LOL!!! I am also very pleased that it stays open as late as it does. There have been a bunch of times when we have had to make a fast run to purchase something that we need RIGHT NOW--not tomorrow. LOL! So, if you are a person who thinks that you would patronize a 10:00 closing at Leoti's Dollar General, do some shopping on those two evenings! That is the only way that the corporate offices will know if there is enough business to warrant the later closing time.

I would also like to mention that I am extremely impressed with the clean facelift inside the store! It is so easy to get around in the store now. The shelves are full and there always seems to be some brand new variety of products! Much of the credit needs to be given to Shonda Harp-Taylor who is the new store manager.

VLE-B

Souped Up Suppers

We just purchased some ground beef at Mel's Foodliner and discovered a label on it that listed a code on it to see if we won a grocery cart full of store brand foods. Of course, as soon as we arrived at home and put our groceries away, I went to the computer to see if we had won! Of course, we did not. But, I was quite impressed with the website there! You'll find a multitude of FREE easy-to-make casserole recipes that consist of ground beef and your favorite soups. You might want to check into it for yourselves!

www.soupupsuppers.com

VLE-B

Bill Cosby, Presidential Candidate for 2012

We just received this email and I LOVE IT!!! I just have to post it here for all to read. Maybe, it is time for many of these "policies" to be written into law and enforced to the letter!!! Personally, I would love to see Mr. Cosby actually run for office!!! I would vote for him in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VLE-B

Bill Cosby has done it again...

I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT IN THE YEAR 2012..
HERE IS MY PLATFORM:

(1). Any use of the phrase: 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned... English is the official language; speak it or wait outside of our borders until you can.

(2). We will immediately go into a two year isolationist attitude in order to straighten out the greedy big business posture in this country.... America will allow NO imports, and we'll do no exports.. We will use the 'Wal-Mart 's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.' We'll make it here and sell it here!

(3). When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it coming in here.

(4). All retired military personnel will be required to man one of the many observation towers located on the southern border of the United States (six month tour).. They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5). Social Security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. Neither the President nor any other politician will be able to touch it.


(6). Welfare. -- Checks will be handed out on Fridays, at the end of the 40 hour school week, the successful completion of a urinalysis test for drugs, and passing grades.

(7). Professional Athletes -- Steroids? The FIRST time you check positive you're banned from sports ... for life.

(8). One export of ours will be allowed: wheat; because the world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.

(9). All foreign aid, using American taxpayer money, will immediately cease and the saved money will help to pay off the national debt and, ultimately, lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask The American People if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision as to whether, or not, it's a worthy cause.

(10). The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.

(11). The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

My apology is offered if I've stepped on anyone's toes ... nevertheless....


GOD BLESS AMERICA !


Sincerely, Bill Cosby

Please forward this to everyone you know, no matter which side of the fence they're on.

Yours,truly!

New Blog That You May be Interested In

I was just on FACEBOOK and discovered a blog there. It is www.ToGrowUpStrong.blogspot.com I have read a few of the posts on there. From what I have read so far, the woman who writes it and is originally from Leoti, has a great deal of difficulty with a husband who is addicted to gambling and losing all of his paycheck to his addiction. In the meantime, she is left to raise her children fairly much on her own. She and the kids end up having to move way too often because of the lack of money to pay their rent. To top it all off, she has her own struggles with Bi-Polar Disorder, which as you know, I also face every day.

If you are interested in reading the blog, go to it. You can also sign up as a member so that you can receive automatic alerts of new posts waiting to be read.

VLE-B

Coffee Can Bread

Years ago, our family lived next door to Mrs. Mackey in Leoti. She was a very sweet lady and our family thought the world of her. One of my favorite memories of her was that she regularly baked this bread for us. It was always such a thrill for our whole family. Though it's recipe had almost become a thing of the past, my sister, Lori, found this and sent it to me. I just have to pass it on to all of you!!!

You will NOT need loaf pans for this dough. You will need two METAL 1-pound coffee cans that are well-greased.

4 cups Flour -- divided
2 1/2 teaspoons Yeast
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
2 large Eggs -- beaten

Combine 1 1/2 cups of flour and the yeast in a large bowl. Mix well and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, oil, sugar and salt. Place over medium heat and cook until mixture reaches 105 - 115 degrees F. Remove from the heat and pour the heated mixture into the flour and yeast mixture.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs, mixing well. Slowly add the remaining flour, beating until smooth, elastic, very stiff batter is formed.

Spoon batter into two well oiled 1-pound coffee cans. Cover coffee cans with lids and allow to rise in a warm place 35 - 40 minutes or until batter rises to within 1-1/2 to 2 inches from top of can. Uncover and bake 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in cans 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks.

These loaves can be baked and frozen for later use.

Yield- 2 loaves

VLE-B

FOR SALE

I am currently selling baked goods. I will be baking these today or will bake them on the days that you want me to. They can all be frozen in case you want to save them for holidays or special events. The rolls are nice, plump and tender!!!

1. Cinnamon rolls
2. Crescent rolls
3. Dinner rolls

I will also bake Brownie Cakes.

They are all baked from scratch. None of these came out of a box, etc.

Give me a call at 375-4584, 376-8922, leave a comment here or email me at slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

THANK YOU, UNCLE CHARLIE!!!

Last Thursday was the last school day for the week. Uncle Charlie Blau was the substitute driver for the bus that takes our daughters to and from school. I was not at home when the bus dropped off the 2 dozen kids at our bus stop that day. While I was en route home, Abigayle called me. It was quite evident that she was broken-hearted about something. Come to find out, she had left her school bag on the bus. Of course, that was a terrible tragedy. LOL!!! After all, she had second grade homework to do and so did her parents, in that bag!!! (Our homework was to fill out her Pre-conference Form for her teacher that she was to bring to school with her on Monday morning.)

Given the fact that Abigayle takes her school responsibilites quite seriously, not handing in her homework (or ours) at the given time, just would not do!!! Stan called Uncle Charlie and made arrangements for the bag to be delivered to us when he came back to town this weekend. As he promised, Uncle Charlie has delivered his end of the deal to us. Now, Abigayle will be quite happy!

VLE-B

Milk Glass

Recently, I made a trip to one of my favorite hangouts--Effie's Thrift Shop in Scott City, Kansas. Though I was not looking for Milk Glass Water and Wine Goblets when I walked through Effie's door, (I had a much more practical item that I was in need of), I soon came face to face with her collection of 12 goblets that were setting on a shelf. I really like this particular style of antique glassware and have since I was of grade-school age. I just HAD to check them out. These goblets are white with a pattern that is 3-D of grapes and vines. There is no color. Everything is white. Each goblet was marked with a $1.00 price tag but the tags were pink in color. Last week, if you purchased anything with a pink tag, the purchase price was half off. In Effie's shop, each item receives a colored price tag. Then, every week, Effie places a sign on her front door telling customers what color of tag will produce even better bargains than others.

I couldn't pass them up and my daughters were in full agreement with me. We had to give those goblets a new home--OURS! So for a total of $6.00 plus Scott County tax, they were ours.

This morning, I did some research on the internet. So far, I have found that each perfect goblet is worth anything from $12-19.00. As far as my naked eye can detect, all of these goblets are as perfect as they can get. I think that I did quite well with the price that I paid for these antiques! At this time, I have no interest in selling these jewels. Instead, we plan on using them for special events for family and friends. (Of course, the littler kids will NOT be using these. LOL!!!)

When I was a little girl, my parents had a candy dish constructed from this glass. It has been gone for a long time. I also remember that we once had some plates from this style when we were first married--and DUMB!!! Back then, they did not mean nearly as much to us as they should have. Some of them were later broken. Eventually, we gave the others away. Wish I had them back today...

Of course, there are other glassware designs from the same era that these were made that are worth much more today than Milk Glass, for example, Carnival Glass which I also LOVE, but I think that I could become a serious collector of this style anyway. Maybe I need to start scouring garage sales, thrift shops, antique shops a bit more often...

VLE-B

Saturday, October 16, 2010

CORRECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was completely wrong when I stated that my sister, Lona Sue Carson-DuVall, is the director of the Finney County Economic Development Office. She is the director of the business retention center for economic development. In other words, it is up to her and her personnel to do whatever is necessary to keep existing businesses in the county. I apologize for this flub.

VLE-B

National Boss Day

Today, October 16th, is National Boss Day. Don't forget to remember yours!

VLE-B

Bullied to Death

Recently, I watched a well-known and respected TV talk show that dealt with the topic of bullying that usually begins in the early years of grade school and carries through into adulthood in many cases. Before computers opened up such things as FACEBOOK, MY SPACE, TWITTER, etc, alot of the victims were able to get a brief break from bullies once the were back in the safety of their own homes. Now, much of the cruel and merciless attacks carry on for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Many of these victims are being bullied for such things as their looks, the way they dress, hygiene, religion, way they talk, who their family is, where they live, what their parents drive, what someone in their family has done in the past, right on but not limited to their individual sexual preferences--or at least what the bullies think the victim's sexual orientation is. Some of these kids skip school, hide under their school desks and cover themselves with their coats. Others turn to alcohol and drugs. Once the bullying finally goes too far, way too many of these kids resort to suicide. One teenager tried suicide 3 times before he finally succeeded in killing himself.

At least one girl was teased so much for being caught kissing another girl, that a group of bullies attacked and took turns raping her supposedly in "an attempt to show her what she was missing by choosing women over men". Out of this group of rapists, only one was punished through the legal system. His punishment--20 hours of community service. What is wrong with our supposed law enforcement??? She is not the only girl who has endured this horror. It happens many times every year.

Bullying changes the character of the bullied. In some cases, parents and siblings can hardly recognize these loved and cherished ones.

It is past time for all of us to wake up and take heed to these tragedies! These victims are REAL PEOPLE not just headlines!!! Bullies and victims exist in each and every school. NO school system is free of bullies. Some school systems such as Wichita County have hired bully experts to come to their schools to educate the teachers as well as the students. Hopefully, this measure will help to break down the numbers of these kids who are literally facing their lives ending in ruin--and, in some cases, DEATH.

One thing that is preached to everyone in these seminars is that bystanders MUST go to a responsible adult for help. Of course, the brave bystanders will face the bullies themselves and do all that they can to stop the bullying. Not all kids are capable of doing that.

Family and churches need to support these victims.

If you know someone who is being terrorized by bullies, advise them to do the following:

1. Go to their family.
2. Go to their friends.
3. Go online and seek out support groups.

EVERYONE needs to make a difference by being open-minded and make it clear to others that you DO NOT condone bullying. Your involvement may actually save someone's life--literally.

For more information, I recommend that you click on to www.DrPhil.com .

VLE-B

Friday, October 15, 2010

USD 467 Community Newsletter--October Edition

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USD 467 Community Newsletter

Wichita County Public Schools

District Office
106 South Indian Road
Leoti, Kansas 67861
(620) 375-4677

October 15, 2010

RB Stewart Elementary
200 East J Street
Leoti, Kansas 67861
(620) 375-2314

Wichita Co. Junior-High School
800 West Broadway
Leoti, Kansas 67861
(620) 375-2213

Dear USD 467 Community,
Please take a few minutes to read our community newsletter. We hope the information is helpful
and informative. Thank you for supporting your community schools and thank you to all who have
contributed to this effort. Feel free to contact us with ideas and comments!

From the
Superintendent-

Dear Wichita County,

Thank you to the heroes of
Wichita County! Wichita
County is that unique place
where our citizens just seem
to “step up” to fill a void,
accomplish a task, and
contribute for the betterment
of all who live here. They do
so through their unselfish
attitude and sense of
community. The list is endless
from our volunteer fire
department and EMS, the
dedicated museum folks ,
individuals who serve on the
hospital board, help with the
amusement and fair
association, city and county
government, Economic
Development, people who do
community theater, or pursue
ideas like the ‘Fall Cruisin
Fest” not to mention the 4-H
and Scout leaders. These are
the civic minded citizens who
make “things happen” here

IN THIS ISSUE:
ü Important Dates!
ü USD 467 receives several Standards of
Excellence for state academic test scores
ü Construction Update
ü RBSES and WC Jr-Sr High News
ü Register to receive school news texts

CALENDAR ALERT!!
Parent/Teacher’s Conferences: October 18th and 21st
RBSES: 4:00-8:00pm
Junior-Senior High School: 4:30-8:30pm

Congrats to USD 467 Principals, Staff,

and we are fortunate to have
so many.
The same applies to our
school system. For the school
district it is parents who
choose to get involved in
their student’s education by
helping as grade school class
room parent helpers, going on
field trips, and helping with
special events. We also have
community members who
choose to serve on the Board
of Education, coach our little
league and junior and senior
high sports, volunteers who
help with Scholars’ Bowl and
Forensics, annual junior high
league music festival, and of
course, the dedicated TRIBE
Booster Club members who
support WCHS. The list could
go on and on.

You can tell a lot about a
community by the people
who call it home We are
blessed to have folks who
care ( our heroes) to make
a difference in Wichita
County for our community
and our community
schools—Thank you!

It is an honor to be your
school superintendent.

Yours in Education,
Dr. Jim Hardy

and Students!!

USD 467 met the state Standards of Excellence in several
areas, grades and building wide. It is especially more
impressive when one considers the challenge of meeting the
increasing target scores. Not all grades are tested.
R B Stewart Elementary: Reading grade 3, Reading
grade 4, Reading grade 6, Reading Bldg.-Wide,
Math grade 4
Wichita County Junior-Senior High School: Reading 7,
Reading 11, Reading Bldg.-Wide,
Science 7, Science Bldg.-Wide
GOOD JOB!!!

! Calendar Updates!

Important dates:
o October 18th and 21st Parent/Teacher’s Conferences:
RBSES: 4:00-8:00pm Junior-Senior High School: 4:30-
8:30pm
o October 22 NO SCHOOL
o November 9th 2nd Grade Math Night
o November 12-13 High School Musical: 7:30pm

Construction News!

There have been a lot of changes around the future Wichita
County Elementary School. The brick work is completed
and the new windows are installed. The next steps in the
exterior work involve final door installment and dirt work.
The effort of the interior work will now increase dramatically.
Examples of inside work include new energy efficient heating/
air conditioning, preparing the new Pre-K room, and moving
some upstairs walls, painting, flooring, and a new elevator. The
playground and landscaping plans are also being developed.
The junior-senior high is still in the midst of receiving its new
energy efficient heating/air conditioning as well as upgraded
energy efficient lighting. Please feel free go by the construction
site and take a look. If you would like a personal tour or have
questions contact Dr. Hardy, school superintendent, at 375-4677.

Thank you!
Ø Thank you to the
Arts Alliance and

RB Stewart Grade School News!

teacher, Martha
Myers, for providing
an outstanding art
program for the grade
school students.
Thank you to the
AIM Committee for
purchasing stability
balls and Bal-A-Vis-X
balance boards.

Principal: Mrs. Dawn McKinney

Wichita County
Junior-
Senior High
News!

Principal: Mr. Keith Higgins

WALK WEDNESDAY AT RBSES Come join students and staff
for morning exercise every Wednesday during October at 8:00 on
the east RBSES playground.

WE WANT YOU! USD #467 needs parents and community
member volunteers to serve on the district site councils. Site
council meets three to four times per school year. The purpose
of the school site council is to be a sounding board and to assist
in a continuous school improvement process.

Please contact R.B. Stewart Elementary at 375-2314 or WCJSHS
at 375-2213 if you have questions or are interested in serving on
the site council.

Do you have the desire to make a difference? R.B.S.E.S. has
the answer – become a volunteer! Volunteers are needed to
listen to students read, help teachers with displaying of student
work, make games, journals, and bulletin boards, and help serve
healthy snacks.
Contact the office or your child’s teacher at 375-2314 for more
information.

WCHS Presents Bye Bye Birdie!

On November 12 & 13 at 7:30 p.m.,
the WCHS Choral Department will
present the hit musical Bye Bye
Birdie! Come join the excitement as
pop icon, Conrad Birdie, comes to
Sweet Apple, Ohio to bestow his final
kiss before going into the army!!
With outrageous characters and toe
tapping music, this is one show you
don't want to miss!!

HOW TO RECEIVE TEXT

MESSAGES FROM YOUR
SCHOOLS

TextCaster is a cell phone text messaging
service sponsored by Western State Bank.
The district utilizes this to inform parents,
students and patrons about things that are
happening in USD 467. It has been use for
school closings due to weather, information
about school activities, not only at the
Junior Senior High, but also R. B. Stewart
Elementary.
If you don’t currently receive TextCaster
messages or have recently switched phones
or providers, go to the district internet home
page at leoti.org, scroll to the bottom until
you see the Indian Alert link, click on the
link and follow the instructions. Make sure
you have your cell phone to complete the
activation. Unless your service provider
charges to receive text messages, there is no
cost to you. Thanks again to Western State
Bank for providing this service to the district
and community!
Sponsored by:

Western State Bank

TRIBE Booster Club

Meetings the 2nd Sunday of each Month at the Fire Barn 2:00pm
Parents of all our students who participate in school activities are invited
to attend. NEXT MEETING: Sunday November 14th 2:00pm

Early Childhood Screenings

USD 467 and High Plains Educational Cooperative are
offering free Early Childhood Screening for preschool
ages 3-5 years.
The following areas will be screened:
v Vision/Hearing
v Speech/Language Development
v Cognitive/Educational Skills
v Social Development
v Adaptive/Self Help Skills
v Fine and Gross Motor Skills

To find out more about your child’s development,
schedule a screening with your local Early Childhood
Specialist. For more information and to schedule
a screening contact Amy Spencer at RB Stewart
Elementary at 375-2314.

Find out more about USD 467 by going to
the school web page: leoti.org

“Coming together is a
beginning.
Keeping together is
progress.
Working together is
success.”

USD 467

“Continuing Our Tradition of
Excellence in Education.”

For more up to date school news, stories, and pictures, please subscribe to the Leoti
Standard. Thank you to Pat for her great coverage of our community schools!!!!!