Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Bob Martin--Ulysses, Leoti, Tribune

Bob Martin, 55, passed away on November 28, 2010. Born on May 17, 1955 to Ronald and Wilma Burch Martin.

Survivors include his 2 daughters, Jill and Joelle Martin; his parents; his brothers, Frank, Larry and Dennis Martin, his grandmother, Bessie Burch of Leoti, and his granddaughter, Aaliyah Urias.

His funeral was Tuesday, November 30th, at Oasis Assmbly of God Church in Ulysses. Interment in Ulysses Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Ulysses Relay For Life in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Ulysses.

Obituary courtesy of Garnand Funeral Home of Ulysses.

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Lost Cat

A 2-year-old male cat named Felix is lost somewhere in the northwest corner of town. He is dark gray with long but not fluffy hair and a long bushy tail. If you think that you know where he might be, call me at 375-4584. I'll pass your information on to his people. He has been missing since Thanksgiving.

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Chocolate Pudding Bars

No frosting necessary for these bars!

1 3 1/4 ounce package of chocolate pudding that requires cooking

1 package chocolate cake mix

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)


Cook the pudding with milk according to the manufacturers directions. Stir in the cake mix. Mix very well.

Pour this batter into a greased 9" x 13" pan or 10" x 15" pan. Scatter the chocolate chips and nuts, if desired, on the top.

Bake for 25 minutes. After cake is cooled, cut it into bars.

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Butterscotch Bars

This is one of those cakes that require no frosting. The cake makes it's own!!!

1 3 1/4 ounce package of regular butterscotch pudding that requires cooking

1 package Butter Brickle cake mix

1 cup butterscotch chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)


Cook the pudding with milk according to the package's directions. Sir the cake mix into the prepared pudding. Mix well.

Pour into greased 9" x 13" or 10" x 15" baking dish. Scatter chips over this. Scatter nuts on top too if you are going to use them.

Bake for 25 minutes. Once cooled, cut into bars.

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Peanut Clusters

It is that time of the year again when everyone expects to find some homemade candy. Unfortunately, most of us don't seem to have much time to spend on their preparation though. Here is a simple recipe that most of us can fit into our busy schedules!


For this recipe, you will need a double boiler. Many of us who do not center our lives around cooking don't always have these pans. If you are one of those such people, do this instead. Use a large saucepan that a smaller saucepan will fit into easily.

Fill the large saucepan up halfway with hot water. Heat to boiling.

Place the smaller saucepan into the larger one.

You're ready to go!!!


1 pound white chocolate (Most grocers carry this.)

12 ounces of chocolate chips (usually semi-sweet)

1 pound salted peanuts


Melt the white chocolate in the top pan. Add the chocolate chips. Mix well until all are melted. Stir in the peanuts.

Use a tablespoon to scoop out each cluster. Place on waxed paper covered cookie sheets. Cool. Serve immediately or place in airtight containers or ziplock bags.

I told you that this was going to be simple, didn't I???

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Cracker Jack Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar
______________________________________________________________________
2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla
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1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder
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2 cups Old Fashioned oatmeal (uncooked)

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup shredded or flaked coconut (optional)

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheets with PAM.

Cream the butter and sugars together. Add the eggs and vanilla. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and baking powder together. Add the creamed butter and sugars to this bowl. Beat well.

Now, add the oatmeal and Rice Krispies. If you are using the coconut or pecans, add them at this time also. Beat well.

Drop tablespoonfuls onto your cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes.

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Porcupine Meat Balls

This is one of those recipes that we used to hear about a lot. Now, they are not cooked as much. I think that it is high time that we bring them back!!! LOL!!!

These are easy to make. Use a greased 2-quart baking dish or a 9" x 13" pan. Each recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings.


1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground pork

a little salt and pepper

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup cracker or bread crumbs

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 cup UNCOOKED rice
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1 LARGE can tomato soup

1/2 of the soup can water


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the top 6 ingredients (those above the black line.) Stir well. Form them into little meatballs about the size of walnuts. Place them into the greased casserole dish. Set aside.

In a medium sized bowl, pour the soup. Add the water a little at a time while you are stirring constantly. Pour this over the meatballs.

Bake for 1 1/2 hours.

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Pecan Pie with NO Pecans

1 cup of COOKED pinto beans, drained (See NOTE)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 stick of butter or margarine, melted

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

Several pecan halves (optional)

1 unbaked pie shell


Note: Do not use any kind of meat to season the pinto beans. Simply cook them in water.


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mash the drained beans. Set aside.

Combine sugar, butter and eggs. Beat in the beans and vanilla. Pour into an unbaked pie shell. If you want, scatter some pecan halves onto this mixture and bake for about 45 minutes.

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How to caramelize sugar

Recently, I have been posting some recipes that require your sugar to be caramelized. Many of us do not know how that is done. Here are the instructions:

White sugar and water is all that is needed for this. If you are going to need 1/2 cup of caramel, you will need 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. It is necessary for you to follow these instructions perfectly!

1. Use a thick-bottomed pan.

2. Dump your sugar into the pan. Dump your water into the pan. DO NOT STIR!!!

3. Turn the heat on your stove to HIGH. Bring the water and sugar to a boil. Again, do not stir!!! Lower heat to MEDIUM-HIGH and continue boiling gently. If you notice that the caramel on the outer edges of the pan is turning brown quicker than the rest of the mixture, swirl the pan around to mix everything up better. DO NOT STIR!!!

4. Continue to boil until the caramel is the color of amber.

At this point, the caramel is at the perfect consistency to pour. CARAMELIZED SUGAR HARDENS QUICKLY--within a minute, you will no longer be able to pour it!!!

Use it right away or your caramelized sugar will turn into burnt sugar.

I hope that these instructions will help you. Just remember that at NO time, should you stir the mixture. SWIRLING INSTEAD OF STIRRING is the name of the game with this process!

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Caramel Pie

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup milk

2 heaping tablespoons of flour

1/2 cup boiling water

1 cup brown sugar

2 egg yolks (beaten)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons butter
_____________________________________________________
Meringue ingredients

2 egg whites

1 tablespoon COLD water

1 tablespoon sugar
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In a skillet or saucepan, caramelize sugar.

Add boiling water until sugar is dissolved. Add milk and let boil.

Combine brown sugar, flour and beaten egg yolks. Add the caramelized mixture to this. Cook until tickened. Add vanilla and butter.

Pour into baked crust.

Make the meringue by beating the egg whites until fluffy. Add the cold water and sugar.

Spread the meringue over the pie and bake until golden brown.

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Easy Pecan Pie

1 large package instant vanilla or butterscotch pudding

1 cup dark corn syrup

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1 cup chopped pecans

1 unbaked pie shell

Blend the pudding and syrup together. Add the milk and egg. Stir in the pecans.

Pour the mixture into the pie shell.

Bake for 40-50 minutes at 375 degrees or until the pie is firm.

Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

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Apple/Cheese Cracker Spread

This spread should make 16 servings.

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon apple juice

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon OR apple pie spice

1 medium red apple, chopped (see NOTE:)

1/4 cup chopped pecans

crackers of your choice

In small bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on MEDIUM speed until fluffy. Beat in the brown sugar, cinnamon or apple pie spice. Using a spoon or fork, stir in the apple and pecans.

Top with apple pieces, pecans, etc, if desired. Serve with crackers and a non-sharp knife.

NOTE: If you are going to be serving this to people who have difficulty with apple peels such as young children or people who have dentures, you may want to peel the apple instead before you chop it.

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Cheese spread with cranberries and pecans

Wouldn't this be great during the Christmas Season to take to parties, etc???

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2 tablespoons orange juice CONCENTRATE, thawed

Crackers of your choice

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pecans, cranberries and orange juice concentrate. Level out the top with a spoon. Put into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an attractive look, place a few pecans and/or cranberries on top of the cheese spread. Serve with plenty of crackers. Don't forget to place a non-sharp knife with the duo. (I just hate it when people use their own silverware, etc to retrieve such things as this!)

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Yummy Cheesecake squares made out of chocolate and caramel!

This recipe will make 24 squares in a 9" x 13" baking dish.

2 2/3 cup (about 66 cookies) vanilla wafers; finely crushed

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup margarine or butter; melted
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24 ounces of cream cheese; softened

2/3 cup sugar

4 squares (1 ounce each square) semi-sweet chocolate; melted

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 eggs
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48 pecan halves

1/2 cup caramel AND/OR chocolate ice cream topping

In a small mixing bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, chopped pecans and margarine or butter together. Press into the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. This will be your crust.

While your crust is baking, use a large mixing bowl and electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy. Add one egg at a time, mixing after each one, until all three eggs are mixed into the cream cheese batter. Do not over-beat! Pour over the HOT crust.

Bake in the 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are ALMOST set. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 2 more hours.

Cut into 24 squares. Top each square with 2 pecan halves. Lightly drizzle each square with the ice cream topping.

Refrigerate any unused squares.

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Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc are invited!

If you are one of these people and would be interested in reading to classes at RBSES on Friday, please contact your child's teacher or call 375-2314 to find out when you can read. This is in observance of Read Week.

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Read Week at RBSES

As I mentioned last night, Read Week is observed from November 29th to December 3rd this year. Here is the schedule of events for this week at RBSES:

Monday: The kids were to wear their school colors. A pep rally was held in the morning to get enthusiasm up for reading this week. The students also received plastic water bottles with lids that they can use on Friday. Each bottle said "Reading Rocks!".

Tuesday: "Open a Good Book Day" The classes will drop whatever they are doing and read two times during the day.

Wednesday: Classes will read to each other. For example, the 2nd graders will be reading to the 6th graders.

Thursday: Kids are urged to wear comfortable clothes to school such as pajamas, sweats, wind suits, etc.

Friday: "Select a Good Book Day" Every student will receive a new book!!! (I think that you would be surprised at what a thrill this is for so many kids who are not able to purchase books at school.) This is also "Read-In". The students are to bring a blanket, pillow, a drink with a lid and 2 snacks to enjoy while they are reading. The kids will get to read most of the day.

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Kugles with Noodles (Entree)

I got this recipe from a Jewish lady who uses it often especially during Hannukah. Of course, anyone can try it so I decided to post it here.

This is to be used as an entree. It requires 4-24 hours of refrigeration before you can bake it.

1 16 ounce bag of dried or frozen egg noodles

1 cup butter or margarine, softened (divided)

6 ounces of cream cheese, softened

2 cups sugar

16 ounces of sour cream

2 teaspoons of vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

6 eggs

1/2 cup golden or regular raisins (optional)

8 cups of corn flakes (crushed to make 2 cups of crumbs)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (divided)

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

Cook noodles according to their package's instructions. Drain well. Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, use your electric mixer to beat 1 cup butter and cream cheese on MEDIUM SPEED until fluffy. Add 2 eggs at a time until all 6 are used. Beat them just until each set of eggs is well added. With a spoon or fork, gently stir in the noodles and raisins, if desired. Pour into a greased 9" x 13" baking pan.

In a medium bowl, stir in the crushed corn flakes and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well. Add 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well. Sprinkle this crumb mixture onto the casserole's top. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.

A few minutes before you are ready to bake your Kugels, heat your oven to 350 degrees. Once it has reached it's heat level, place your casserole into the oven. It will need to be baked for anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes. You'll know when it is done because the center will be set, not squishy. Remove from the oven and allow it to stand for 10 minutes before serving. It needs to be warm when you serve it.

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Monday, November 29, 2010

Read Week 2010

Today, Monday, November 29th, was the beginning of the United States Read Week. Teacher, Mrs. Marti (Lewis) Engel got the RBSES students off to a great start today!!!

All grade school students took their seats in the grade school's gym as they were entertained by the Wichita County High School Band directed by Mr. Allen Brockmeier. People were quite impressed with the musicians who played such songs as the Leoti Indians' fight song. There was an exception to our well-known fight song. At points where people would normally shout "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!", the lyrics became "READ! READ! READ!!!"

USD 467 Superintendant Dr. James Hardy went on stage wearing his Dr. Seuss necktie. The kids loved listening to him as he read "GREEN EGGS AND HAM" which was written many years ago by Dr. Seuss. Terry and Carol (Crowley) Laws also gave a great production that everyone in attendance enjoyed a great deal!

100% of the students who I visited with after school told me that they thoroughly enjoyed the entire presentation this morning and are excited about other reading events this week!!!

It is such a delight and relief to know that our children are being educated in a school system that is just full of people whom go out of their way to provide the best possible education to our children of today and tomorrow!!! Not all school systems do this for their students...

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THE LITTLE FOCKERS

Years ago, we met the parents. Then we met the Fockers. Now, we get to meet THE LITTLE FOCKERS. In the first movie, we got to watch Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo and Blythe Danner. In the second movie, we reunited with them as they introduced us to Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand. This time, we get to rejoin all of them AND meet THE LITTLE FOCKERS!!!

This latest sequel to the original comedy, MEET THE PARENTS, starts nationwide on Wednesday, December 22nd. It is rated PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content.

Synopsis: It has taken 10 years, 2 little Fockers with wife, Pam, and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get "in" with his father-in-law, Jack. When Greg and Pam's entire clan--including Pam's lovelorn ex (Owen Wilson)--descends for the twins' birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he's fully capable as the man of the house...

This is one movie that we can hardly wait to see!!!

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

Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel and Josh Lucas star in LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, a movie that is described as Comedy/Drama/Romance. It is rated PG-13 because of sexual material, language and some drug content. It will be showing on Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th, at 7:30 CST each evening.

Synopsis:

Holly Berenson is an up-and-coming caterer and Eric Messer is a promising network sports reporter. After a disasterous first date, the only thing that they have in common is their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in her world, Holly and Eric are forced to put their differences behind them...

Tickets: $5.00 each for anyone 13-years-old and older. Everyone else pays $4.00. Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

Don't forget to sign up for the FFA ham which will be given away on Monday, December 20th!

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Another Adorable Christmas House

If you're out and about in Leoti, check out 106 South 6th Street! Turn East at the Main/Broadway Intersection for 2 blocks. Turn South for 1/2 block. The house is on the West side of the street.

You're gonna love this one!!!

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Beef Mexicali Casserole

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or pork

1 15-ounce can of Mexican-style diced tomatoes (Ro-Tel)

1 1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn (thawed)

1/2 cup PLUS 2 tablespoons of finely shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (divided)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg; beaten

2/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons cooking oil
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1 cup red grape or cherry tomatoes cut into halves

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

remaining 1/2 cup of corn

1/3 cup green or black olives cut into halves
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 12" skillet, cook the hamburger or pork; drain off fat. Stir in undrained Ro-Tel and 1 cup of the corn; heat thoroughly. Stir in the 1/2 cup of cheese. Transfer to a greased 9" x 13" or 2-quart casserole dish. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, egg, milk and oil. Stir well. When thoroughly mixed, pour or spoon it onto the meat mixture. Sprinkle with the last 2 tablespoons of cheese. Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes or until topping is set. Let stand for 5 minutes.

3. Put your fresh tomato toss together by stirring your halved tomatoes, cilantro and halved green or black olives together. Spoon this onto each individual serving of casserole.

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Swedish Kottbullar Meatballs

Here is the new recipe. It is also known as Danish Frickadellars. With this recipe, you will need 1 1/2 pounds of ground pork OR you can use the same amount of ground beef or ground veal or use two or all three of them as long as you end up using 1 1/2 pounds of the ground meat.

This recipe makes 12 servings.

1/2 cup bread or saltine cracker crumbs

2/3 to 1 cup whipping cream or Half and Half

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

1 medium onion; chopped

salt and pepper to taste

pinch of cloves or allspice OR 1/2 teaspoon ginger

2 tablespoons flour

3/4 cup beef or chicken stock (broth)

1. Soak the bread or cracker crumbs in 1/3 cup of cream or Half and Half. Put 1 tablespoon of the butter into a large skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add the onion and a bit of salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cream-soaked crackers or bread, onion, meat and spice. With your hands, mix everything well. Don't overmix. With wet hands or spoons, shape the meat mixture into small meatballs no more than 1 inch in diameter.

3. Put 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter in the skillet and turn the heat to MEDIUM-HIGH. When the butter melts, begin adding the meatballs, a few at a time. (Larger quantites of the ingredients will require you to cook the meatballs in batches.) Brown nicely on all sides and turn off the heat. Serve immediately or proceed to the next step for making a sauce.

4. To make the sauce, remove all but a trace of the fat from the pan. Return the pan to stove over MEDIUM heat. Add the remaining butter. After it melts, add the flour. Stirring constantly, add the broth and cook until slightly thickened. Add the remainder of the cream and continue to cook for a few more minutes or until thickened.

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Bobby Martin--Ulysses, Tribune and Leoti

Word has been received that my cousin, Bobby Martin, passed away on Saturday. I will post more information as I get it. His maternal grandmother is Mrs. Bessie Burch of Leoti. Her daughter, Wilma, is his mother. He has a great deal of relatives in Tribune and Leoti.

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Recipes

Folks, I just discovered that someone felt "obigated" to remove my posting for the Danish Frickadielers that I posted here last night. To say that I am angered at this would be an understatement. Work is in progress to make sure that no one other than Stan, our daughters and I can get onto the blog and do any kind of damage to it in the future. In the meantime, please know that I WILL be re-posting the recipe very soon.

My sincere apologies if this has caused any inconveniences for you.

I do know who did this to me and the situation is being remedied at this time. In most cases, this could not happen. Unfortunately, I had given my password information to someone whom I thought that I could trust. I was wrong.

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Hamburger Noodle Casserole

1 pound lean hamburger
1 medium onion; chopped
1 stalk celery; chopped
---------------------------------------------------------------------------1 1 ounce package of taco seasoning mix
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8 ounces package egg noodles
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1 15 ounce can of chili
1 14.5 ounce can peeled and diced tomatoes
1 15 ounce can whole kernel corn; drained
1/4 cup salsa
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4 to 8 ounces of shredded cheddar or cojak cheese

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease a 9" x 13" OR a 10" x 15" pan. Set aside. In a large skillet over MEDIUM heat, combine the ground beef, onion and celery. Saute for 10 minutes or until the meat is cooked and the onion is tender. Drain off fat. Stir in the taco mix. No water is necessary. Set aside. In a large saucepan, cook the noodles according to it's package's directions. Once tender, drain off all of the water. Stir in the meat mixture, chili, tomatoes, corn, and salsa. Mix well. Place all of the mixture into your baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. VLE-B

Hamburger Pie

This is one of our favorite meals! This recipe makes 6 servings.

Enough mashed potatoes to cover this casserole to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch thick. You can also use a 24 ounce package of frozen mashed potatoes at your grocery store. Follow it's directions.

1 1/4 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup (1 medium) chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon salt

Dash black pepper

2 1/2 cups green beans

1 10.75 ounce can of tomato soup (NOT DILUTED)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Make mashed potatoes. While the potatoes are cooking, cook your hamburger with the onion until hamburger is completely cooked and onions are tender. Drain the fat.

Add the salt and pepper. Stir in green beans and soup.

Pour into a greased 9" x 13" OR a 2 quart baking dish. Cover with mashed potatoes. Top casserole with the shredded cheese.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese begins to brown.

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Bleu Hamburgers

3 pounds lean ground beef

4 ounces blue (bleu) cheese

1/2 cup minced fresh chives (optional)

1/4 teaspoon Tobasco Hot Pepper Sauce (optional)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon mustard powder

12 french rolls or hamburger buns



In large bowl, mix all of these ingredients together with your hands. When mixed well, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat your grill or skillet on HIGH. Lightly grease the pan now. Lower heat to MEDIUM. Form into 12 patties. Place each on the grill or skillet. Cook each side for 5 minutes or until well done.

Serve on french rolls or hamburger buns with ketchup, mustard, sliced pickles, onions, etc.

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Mini Blizzard in Wichita County

Stan told me that he drove through a mini blizzard in Wichita County this morning. Snow was flying everywhere. He said that it didn't last for long. Here in town, we have nothing on the ground except for a lot of cold. I wish that I could say we had a bunch of SNOW though!!!

We heard from cousins in Utah this morning. As of last night, they had 7 inches on the ground and winds reminiscent of Kansas to blow the snow around. Lucky dogs!!!

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Cyber Monday!!!

Today is what is commonly being called "Cyber Monday". It is the Monday that follows Black Friday. In some cases, the online sales that you will find are actually better deals than what you were entitled to at stores around he nation. Cyber sales are only available online. So if you want to take advantage of these prices, check them out NOW. In many cases, free shipping is only available today.

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Invitations to Thanksgiving Dinner...NOW???

If you are a Facebook subscriber, you may be surprised to see that one of your friends has invited you for Thanksgiving. You might want to contact that person. It is quite possible that that person might be planning a later Thanksgiving or that FB has had some kind of a glitch. It could happen. If you received an invitation from me, it was a mistake. We celebrated last Thursday.

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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Juanita Grace Nightengale--Scott City

Juanita Grace Nightengale
(May 25, 1929 - November 27, 2010)


Juanita Grace Nightengale, age 81, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on May 25, 1929 in Gray County, Kansas, the daughter of Sam & Agnes Smith Unruh. A resident of Scott County, Kansas since 1948 moving from Copeland, Kansas, she was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Scott Mennonite Church in Scott County, Kansas.

On November 27, 1947 she married Ervin Nightengale at the Salem Mennonite Church in Copeland, Kansas.

Survivors Include Husband - Ervin Nightengale of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sons - James & Elaine Nightengale of Scott City, Kansas, Charles & Phyllis Nightengale of Scott City, Kansas, Mark & Barbara Nightengale of Scott City, Kansas, Six Sisters - Luella Koehn of Montezuma, Kansas, Vada Unruh of Montezuma, Kansas, Shirley Unruh of Copeland, Kansas, Maxine & Eldon Schmidt of Copeland, Kansas, Sylvia & Delton Wedel of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Jeanette & DeVern Nightengale of Montezuma, Kansas, Two Brothers - Eugene & Janice Unruh of Copeland, Kansas, Sam Jr. & Jan Unruh of Copeland, Kansas, One Sister In Law - Ruby Unruh of Copeland, Kansas, Nine Grandchildren and Twenty Two Great Grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers – Cecil & Louis, One Brother In Law – Obed Koehn, and Two Sister In Laws – Elizabeth Unruh & Ruby Unruh.


Funeral Services will be held at the Scott Mennonite Church in Scott County, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2010 with Franklin Koehn presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott Mennonite Church Cemetery in Scott County, Kansas.

Memorials amy be given to the Gospel Tract & Bible Society % of Price & Son Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.


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

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Buffalo or Beef Burgers

What American food could be any more American that buffalo? But buffalo is not generally as easy to find as beef is. This recipe is great for either ground buffalo or ground beef.

This recipe makes 6 burgers which will feed 4-6 people. Serve them on hamburger buns with ketchup, mustard, pickles, onion slices, etc.

1/2 cup softened butter

1 green onion, chopped finely

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon parsley flakes

1 small red hot pepper; finely minced
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2 pounds lean ground buffalo, ground beef or a mixture of the two meats
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1 stick of butter cut into 6 slices


In small bowl, combine all of the softened butter, green onion, cilantro, parsley and minced hot pepper. Stir well. Set aside.

In large bowl, place all of the meat. Break it up. Using your hands, add the first mixture to this. Work the spices, etc into the meat very well. Once this has been done, make 6 equally sized balls of the meat mixture. Place each ball onto a hot skillet or grill. Flatten with a spatula until the desired depth is reached. Using a tablespoon, made a depression in each patty. Place one of the butter slices into the hole left behind. Using your fingers, gently pull the meat around the hole over the patty so that the butter slice is hidden.

Continue to cook each patty until both sides of it are well cooked. Ask your guests how rare or well-done they want their burger done.

Put on buns and serve with all of the fixings.

Enjoy!

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Swedish Pork Sausage Potato Cakes

Potato cakes are not just for breakfast. Give them to your family and guests ANYTIME! They'll enjoy them!

1/4 pound (4 ounces) pork sausage (Uncooked)

1 1/2 cup cooked mashed potatoes

1 egg (beaten)

1 pinch of salt


Crumble and brown the sausage in a small to medium skillet. Drain and SAVE the drippings.

Place the browned sausage, potatoes, eggs and about a tablespoon of drippings in a large bowl. Mix well.

Form this mixture into 4 patties. Fry them in the rest of the saved drippings (add vegetable or canola oil, if necessary).

Serve hot.

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Wichita County Christmas Programs

Tuesday, December 7th--Wichita County Junior/Senior High School at 7:30 CST

Thursday, December 16th--RBSES Concert at 7:00 CST


Both concerts will be held in the high school auditorium. Expect to see outstanding performances.

RBSES Vocal Music Teacher: Mrs. Jayme (Brown) Bishop

WCJR/SRHS Vocal Music Teacher: Mrs. Torrie (Graff) Koehn

All Schools Instrumental Music Teacher: Mr. Allen Brockmeier

See you there!!!

VLE-B

Gingerbread with the Works Cookie Bars

As you'll soon see this is a recipe that calls for a gingerbread mix. Of course, using the mix allows you not to have to purchase all of the individual ingredients to make it PLUS this recipe calls for ingredients not normally found in gingerbread. Enjoy!

This recipe makes 24 bars.

1 14-1/2-ounce package gingerbread mix
3/4 cup water
1 egg
1 7-ounce package tropical blend mixed dried fruit bits
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
3 to 4 teaspoons milk


Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Grease a 9" x 13" baking pan; set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together gingerbread mix, the water, egg, fruit bits, and pecans. Spread batter in prepared baking pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

For glaze, in a small bowl stir together the powdered sugar and ginger; stir in enough of the milk to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over gingerbread. Cut into bars.

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Local Handyman Who Gets the Job Done!

I would strongly recommend Mr. Leroy Givens to do any work done around your house, shop, etc. He lives in Leoti. Here is his website:

http://leroythehandyman.bravehost.com .

VLE-B

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Chocolate-Caramel Layered Dessert

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)

3/4 cup butter (divided)

1 (14 ounce can) Eagle Brand

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup whipping cream (divided)

1 1/2 cup marshmallow cream

1 cup creamy peanut butter (divided)

1 1/2 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

14 ounces unwrapped caramels

1/4 cup butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9" x 13" pan with PAM.

Melt 2 cups choloate chips in large saucepan over LOW heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Add Eagle Brand and vanilla. Stir in flour. Spread in prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in medium saucepan over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Stir in sugar and 1/4 cup cream, 1/4 cup peanut butter and cream and peanuts. Stir in the caramels. Pour over bottom layer that has cooled. Cool until set.

Combine 1 cup chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and 3/4 cup peanut butter in small saucepan. Cook and stir over LOW heat until melted. Spread over caramel layer. Chill for 30 minutes or until set.

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Christmas Pumpkin Layered Treats With Mincemeat

1 3/4 cup flour

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup cold butter

1 cup chopped nuts

1 (27 ounce jar) None Such Ready To Use Mincemeat

1 (15 ounce can) pumpkin

1 (14 ounce can) Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt


HEAT oven to 425°F.

Combine flour, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts.

RESERVE 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom and halfway up sides of 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Spoon mincemeat over crust.

COMBINE remaining ingredients in small bowl; mix well. Pour over mincemeat. Top with reserved crumb mixture.

BAKE 15 minutes; reduce oven to 350°F. Bake an additional 40 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Cut into 10-12 bars. Serve warm or cool. Top with ice cream if desired.

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School Events in Leoti

School resumes on Monday, November 29th, in Leoti.

Monday: High School Scholars Bowl at Dighton at 4:00

Tuesday: High School Scholars Bowl at Tribune at 4:00

Saturday: High School KMEA Honor Choir and Band at Dodge City

Saturday: 9:30 High School Wrestling at St. Francis

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Christmas Open House in Leoti

Don't forget to meet all of your family and friends downtown from 6-8:00 CST on Thursday, December 2nd. We'll all be thrilled when the downtown Christmas lights are lighted!

Stores will be open until 8:00.

Our very popular parade which includes jolly Old Saint Nick, himself, begins at 6:00.

After the parade, he will take a break at Pioneer Communications so that he can talk to his biggest fans--children.

There will be a chili supper at the former KaGee Korner from 6-8:00. Any proceeds will be given to Christ Covenant youth for their ski trip this winter.

You and your family can take a carriage ride during the event. You will need to gather at Western Hardware to ride. The ride costs $1.00.

Hope to see you there!!!

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Note of Interest for our Blau Relatives

I've been told that a few of our relatives read my blog from time to time. When this article was brought to my attention, I thought that I needed to post it here for those people to read.

Leoti Standard December 1, 1910

"A car load of alfalfa seed was shipped from here to Kansas City last week by Smades, Blaus, Leverich and Wing."

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Cinnamon-y Christmas Ornaments

Interested in making your Christmas tree extra special this year? Have children or grandchildren who want to contribute their own craftiness? Then this is a great thing to try!!! These ornaments will be very spicy scented. They are also great to be used for lingerie drawers, coat closets, linen cabinets, etc.

For this project, you will need 16 ounces of store bought applesauce. (Homemade will be too watery.)

8 ounces or more ground cinnamon

1 ounce of either, allspice, nutmeg or cloves

decorative glitter for extra sparkle (optional)

Combine all ingredients and stir until very well mixed.

Lay out waxed paper. Wrap plastic wrap around a rolling pin.

Roll the dough out until it is 1/4" thick. Use Christmas cookie cutters to make individual ornaments. Once ornaments are cut out, use a toothpick, etc to put a hole in the top of each ornament where the ornament string or wire will be inserted after the ornament has dried.

Place ornaments onto a cookie sheet. Put in a 150 degree oven for 90 minutes. Pull tray out, turn each ornament over. Place back into the oven for 90 additional minutes.

These will be hard objects and can be used year after year.

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Tradition in Leoti

Quite a few years ago, Dean and Dorothy (Summers) Harbin, eracted a handsome basketball hoop on a flat concrete driveway for their grandchildren to play basketball on. Since then, Dorothy was called Home but Dean remains in the home that they had made. Their local grandchildren have since grown. Only three remain in the Leoti area. As time has passed, I have driven past their house on many occassions and have found a bunch of children who have taken their places playing basketball on the Harbin basketball court. It is nice to see that Dean allows others who are not related to him in any way to drop by and shoot some hoops! It is wonderful to live in a community where people feel comfortable doing things such as that!

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Christmas Hits Leoti!!!

One of the main things that children look forward to at Christmastime is the decorative lights and decorations inside and outside of homes and businesses. Here in Leoti, the Christmas street lights are in place but have not yet been turned on. That hasn't stopped other people in town from plugging in their own lights.

Last night, the girls and I did some minimal hunting for Christmas yards in town. Here are some addresses that we thought that you might enjoy!

For viewing from a parked vehicle, go to Ellis and Janice Rewerts' home which is located at 211 South Wyoming Street. This is just one block straight south of the United Methodist Church. Once parked, turn your radio station to 88.7 FM. In case you forget it between now and then, you'll find the number on a sign underneath their tree in the front yard. You'll soon discover that the lights in their yard will dance to the rhythm of the Christmas music that you will be able to hear on your radio station.

Just a few blocks north and west of their house, you will find Tokoi and Shirley Hilton's house at 902 Broadway Plaza (caddy-corner from the First Baptist Church). You'll find a multitude of delights ranging from a toy train to a cold snowman who is trying to warm his behind next to a fire!

Robert and Linda Meyer have decorated their front yard at 303 North Second for Santa Claus to come and visit. The easiest way to get to their house is to go to the post office and turn west for 2 blocks. The house is the second house going north.

We drove past Kyle and Heather Leimkuhlers home before going home for the night. Everything seems to be set up but is not electricified as of yet.

I am sure that the bulk of the Christmas lights around town will come to life during Leoti's Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 2nd, or later.

Happy Hunting!!!

VLE-B

A Lovely Day

Leighlyn and Abigayle will be in their school's Christmas programs right away. Both girls needed new outfits to wear for them. They are constantly growing. Therefore, things from yesterday no longer work for tomorrow! LOL! Since there was no school yesterday, we decided to head to Garden City and take advantage of Black Friday sales. We were just thrilled when Lona Sue joined us!!!

After touring several stores and had failed to find just "the perfect dress" for Leighlyn, Lona Sue and Abigayle found it in Maurices. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! We snapped it right up! From there, we went to Target where we found the gorgeous ballet clothes that Abi needs for her solo part at the RBSES program. Boy, Lona Sue definitely knows what is in fashion and what to do to dress outfits up even more!!! Hmmm, she didn't get that from me!!! I might know how to dress up a house but when it comes to dressing up people, I know N--O--T--H--I--N--G!!! Hopefully, my daughters will learn much from their Aunt Sue Sue!!!

After we finished buying clothes, tights, dress shoes, we asked Lona Sue and Hunter to join us for dinner in Garden City. We chose a Mexican restaurant that was packed. It took us over 30 minutes of standing in line before we were seated. Once at our table, it was an hour before we received our meal! Fortunately, our waiter kept us well-supplied with chips and dip!

We all enjoyed a great day!!! I am confident that it will be one of those days that will remain in our memories for many years to come...

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Hunter Dane Carson

Ever since I started writing my blog over a year ago now, you have been forced to read my writings on my "outstanding" nephews, daughters, son and daughter-in-law! My eldest nephew is Hunter, Lona Sue and Rob's son. He is now 16-years-old and lives in Garden City. Hunter is a Junior in high school.

Ever since he was practically a baby, he has been very interested in doing something in the human service area as an adult career. His Uncle Leif is one of the volunteer firemen for the Wichita County Fire and EMS Department in Leoti. Since Hunter (and the rest of Leif's nieces and nephew) adore him, Hunter thought that working in the emergency scheme of things just might be a realm that he would really enjoy. So this year, when he had the opportunity to take various classes on Emergency Medical Services was made available to him, he jumped on it! After Hunter had spent so many hours in the classroom, he was allowed to join licensed EMTs in Finney County to see just how everything goes together in real life. Hunter has found this professional career to be the one that he will more-than-likely pursue for his livelihood. Hunter thoroughly enjoys being able to help and serve others!

He was given such things as professional rubber gloves to wear in emergency situations to protect himself as well as the patients whom he may be caring for. He was advised to carry them with him at all times just in case.

Well, "just-in-case" cropped up on him yesterday when he was doing some shopping in a store in Garden City. A customer had passed out for some reason. Hunter was nearby and was able to stay with the customer until the ambulance crew arrived to take over.

We are so very proud of Hunter and everything that he has already accomplished in his short life so far! How many teenagers do most of us know who are so willing to give of themselves to others, many of whom are total strangers, to help???

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Black Friday Violence in Garden City

I am always shocked with dismay when I hear of the catastrophies at various stores in the United States on Black Fridays. Stores around the nation offer extreme sale prices on various much-desired products. Large groups of customers often stuff themselves against the stores locked doors of stores so that they can be the "first" customers in to grab up all of the bargains. Consequently, much pushing, shoving, grinding, etc takes place. People end up being knocked to the ground while other customers trample them, etc. Every year, people die at the result of this stupidity and greediness. There have also been instances where customers have carried guns and/or knives with them, pulled them out and used them against other customers who are fighting with them over such items as video games, TVs...

Well, the girls and I were in a popular convenience store in Garden City last night while a store employee and a Garden City Police Department Officer were visiting. They were conversing about a large group of customers who got into a knock-down brawl at a nationally-known variety store in Garden City yesterday morning. Several police officers were brought in to break up the ball of adults who were pulling and tugging at products and actually punching other customers in their faces and stomach areas! We're not just talking about a few people who were involved in this violent non-sense. The officer said that there was a large amount of people involved in this particular altercation. Ridiculous!!! To my knowledge, no one was seriously injured.

I hope that your Black Friday was peaceful...

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The Blau Family Thanksgiving

We had an exceptionally wonderful Thanksgiving, other than the fact that Stan was unable to be with us. (Unfortunately, pigs think that they need to be fed on holidays just as we do. LOL!) He was able to be with us late in the afternoon!

We hosted the get-together at our home this year. Our guests included Grandma, Neva Kiefer-Duncan, Mama, Donna Lou Pepper-Elder, Leif, Lori and Lars, Lona Sue and Hunter, Adam, Mel, Leighlyn, Abigayle, a friend, Dean, of Leoti and myself.

As usual, God blessed us with a beautiful bounty of food for all to share. Most importantly was the lovely companionship! So much love and joy was shared!!! At times like this, we always remember the folks out there who are unable to spend such wonderful time with their family and friends because of national military service, jobs, long distances, etc. We also wish that all could enjoy the abundance of laughter and humor that almost always surrounds our family.

On Wednesday, I suggested that people start a Thanksgiving Family Tablecloth to be used every year at Thanksgiving and passed down from year to year throughout the generations. The girls and I purchased a beautiful shade of cream fabric cloth that came with cut-outs of pumpkins, squashes, leaves, etc that was especially made for Thanksgiving. We also bought three permanent magic markers, black, blue and red. As the people began filing in, each chose the color of marker they preferred and went to writing what they were thankful for this year. Once everyone had gathered at the dining room table, each person read what he or she had written. It was great! Everyone respected the thought and so it was discovered that this cloth will be used over and over for Thanksgiving.

That evening, everyone returned to their individual homes. We are all looking forward to Christmas Eve and Christmas when we will all gather again and start everything all over! Unfortunately, Adam and Mel will be unable to join us this year as they will be going to Texas to spend time with Mel's family. Of course, we totally understand their need and want to do this. So, the week after Christmas, we will enjoy another Christmas with them at our house!!!

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Ladybug Flower Shop in Leoti

For all of your floral needs, give the girls at the LadyBug a call. They specialize in the latest designs for holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, funeral rememberances, etc.

Their phone number is 620-375-2172.

You will find that their fresh flowers, beautiful plants and other gifts are extremely well-priced! You'll also be happy to know that they deliver!!!

The LadyBug accepts MASTERCARD, VISA, etc.

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Eva W. McCowan--Leoti

Eva W. McCowan, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at the Wichita County Long Term Care Unit in Leoti, Kansas. She was born on April 7, 1917 in Wichita County, Kansas, the daughter of Henry W. and Katherine Fuchs Kuhlmann. A lifetime resident of Wichita County, Kansas, she was a homemaker, mother, wife, bus driver and librarian.
Her current membership includes the First Presbyterian Church in Leoti, Kansas. Eva’s other past memberships included the Wichita County Museum, Leoti Library, The First Presbyterian Women and was a community theatre member.

On September 15, 1940 she married Arthur R. McCowan in Wichita County, Kansas. He survives.

Survivors Include her Husband - Arthur R. McCowan of Leoti, Kansas, Two Daughters - Linda L. Scheel of Leoti, Kansas, Paula M. Leazure of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, One Sister - Mildred Cascone of Pensacola, Florida, Five Grandchildren and Four Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Three Sisters and One Brother.


Funeral Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Leoti, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2010 with the Rev. Steven Wing presiding.

Interment will be in the Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Wichita County Museum, First Presbyterian Church or the Wichita County Long Term Care Unit % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti.

Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday and 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Monday.

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

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Justin Lee Lobmeyer--Garden City

Garden City, Kansas

Justin Lee Lobmeyer, age 26, died Thursday, November 25, 2010 at Select Specialty Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was born November 3, 1984 in Garden City, Kansas the son of Donald L. and Christina Stegman Lobmeyer A longtime resident of Garden City he had worked various jobs with the most recent being a restaurant cook.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors include: One Daughter, Madison McIntyre-Lobmeyer of Wichita, Kansas; Father, Don Lobmeyer of Garden City, Kansas; Mother, Christina Ladd of Garden City, Kansas; Grandmother, Agnes Stegman of Garden City, Kansas; Five Brothers, Don Lobmeyer Jr. of Wichita, Kansas, Charles Lobmeyer of Garland, Texas, James Miller of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, Jonathan Lobmeyer of Seward, Nebraska and Jason Lobmeyer of Durango, Colorado; One Sister, Jacque Sowers of Holcomb, Kansas and Several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Savannah McIntyre-Lobmeyer.

Vigil and Rosary services will be held at 6:00pm on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 2:30pm on Monday, November 29, 2010 at the St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Matthew Kumi presiding.

Friends may call from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

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

The family requests that memorials be given to the Madison McIntyre-Lobmeyer Education Fund 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.

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Friday, November 26, 2010

ETC

Good afternoon, All!

Just getting back with you to update you of why my blog has not been updated before now. We had a LOVELY Thanksgiving yesterday, I will be posting more about that later today or this evening. Late last night and this morning, we had computer problems. HOPEFULLY, they have been resolved now.

Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know that all is fine and and well and that I will be updating the blog very soon! Right now, Leighlyn, Abigayle and I are off to Garden City to purchase a dress for Leighlyn's Christmas program and hopefully, a really cute ballerina outfit for Abi's Christmas program. (Abigayle has a solo part that requires that she dress like a ballerina doll.)

I'll be talking to you very soon!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Another Tradition

I received a phone call on this awesome tradition!

On paper, write all of the alphabet's letters. Cut them out and place them in a bowl, hat, etc. Sometime on Thanksgiving, ask each guest to reach into the container and pull out one or two letters. Each guest will then be asked to show their drawn letter and find a word that starts with that letter that they are thankful for.

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Thanksgiving Traditions--Tried and True

I would like to ask you to comment on what your Thanksgiving traditions are that are important to you and your family. If you are willing to share those with us, please leave your comments under this post or send me an email to slblaus@gmail.com .

For us, we always seem to have WAY TOO MUCH food!!! We all continue to nimble on it all day long!

We are extremely fortunate to have MOST of our closest and dearest with us on each Thanksgiving.

We are always thrilled to add our new loves to our Thanksgivings such as new spouses, babies, etc.

Every Thanksgiving afternoon, we pull out our most favorite Christmas movie DVDs and/or family games that we play around the dining room table.

Unfortunately, Stan will not be able to join us for Thanksgiving this year as he will have to work. No matter what, the hogs need to eat anyway! We'll celebrate with him tomorrow evening!

Guests who will be sitting around our large dining room table are Grandma (Neva Kiefer-Duncan), Mama (Donna Lou Pepper-Elder), Leif, Lori and Lars Christensen, Lona Sue and Hunter Carson, Adam, Mel, Leighlyn, Abigayle and me. We'll be looking forward to Stan joining us tomorrow evening!

Our family wishes you a holiday full of love, family, warm memories from yesteryear as well as memories that will be formed for next year, etc...

From all of us to all of you!

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Neat Thanksgiving Tradition

Stan just called me and told me about a great Thanksgiving tradition that he just heard about on the radio. We will be starting it tomorrow!

For this, you will need a good used or a new solid colored tablecloth in a light or medium color that fits your dining room table. It needs to be made out of cloth. You will also need at least one permanent magic marker in black or other colors. Having the kind with the fine tip works best for this!

Once your guests arrive for Thanksgiving, ask them to go into the dining room or kitchen, and write what they are thankful for this year, have them post what year it is with their message. Make sure that everyone who is sharing the day with you writes their comment.

If your family is like ours, you will need to wash it after the meal. Save it for the next years. Place it back on your holiday table and again, have all guests sign it. As time goes by and your loved ones pass away, have the guests who are still here, write a new message about what they were thankful for about that particular person in addition to what they are thankful for that year.

This will definitely become a much-treasured family heirloom that will need to be passed down to future generations!

I just thought that you, too, might be interested in starting this tradition with your own family...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

VLE-B

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Earl E. Strong, Jr.--Leoti and Garden City

Earl E. Strong, Jr.
(November 26, 1938 - November 22, 2010)

Earl E. Strong, Jr., age 71, died Monday, November 22, 2010 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born November 26, 1938 in Burns, Kansas the son of Earl E. and Matilda Morgan Strong. A resident of Garden City since 1980 moving from Leoti, Kansas, he had worked in the maintenance department for Monfort, Inc. retiring in 1995.

He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Garden City, KS.

He married Evelyn Renick in the mid 1970’s.

Survivors include: One Son, Matthew Strong of Kemp, Texas; One Daughter, Jolei Elliot of Beloit, Wisconsin; One Sister, Alice Roof of Arizona; and Five Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.

There will be no calling times at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials be given to the Earl E. Strong Jr. Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.

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

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Really Ticked Off!!!

Just a bit ago, my daughters and two friends of theirs were walking to another neighbor's house. I watched in horror, as two vehicles that came seemingly out of nowhere, raced each other down the street where my kids were, on West "E" Street. Both vehicles were being driven by inexperienced Freshmen boys of Leoti. It was quite easy to see that at least one driver was not accustomed to driving at highway speeds on gravel roads. (Both vehicles were going around 45-50 mph!) They were barely more than a flash!)The driver of the car was swerving from side to side and barely missed hitting one of my daughters and her friend!!! A parked vehicle next to the road was also just barely missed!

I blew a Mommy gasket!!! I grabbed my cellphone and called the police as I was running out the door to gather my kids and their friends. I want to appeal to parents of kids who are able to drive vehicles now to tell your kids to follow the traffic laws or DON'T DRIVE!!!

In this case, the sheriff was trying to find the boys. I hope he did and I hope he got the message across to them!!!

I would like to say that this is an isolated case for around this neighborhood, but that is totally wrong. We deal with this time of nonsense far too often--sometimes 2 or 3 times a day!!!

If you notice anyone speeding around your house or business, PLEASE contact the police department!!! I am very concerned that if nothing is done, someone will be hurt very seriously--or WORSE...

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Homemade Spiced Tea Mix

This recipe makes 3 1/2 cups of mixture that will make 64 servings. It must be kept in an airtight container such as Tupperware when not being used. It is great to give as gifts or to keep for yourself! Keep some cinnamon sticks on hand that your guests can use to stir their tea with.

1 1/2 cup instant tea powder such as Lipton or Nestea

2 cups TANG or other orange-flavored instant breakfast drink powder

1 3-ounce package lemonade mix such as Kool-Aid or Wylers

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Cinnamon sticks (optional)

In mixing bowl, place all ingredients. Blend very well. Pour the mixture into an airtight container.

CAUTION: NEVER allow children who are under 10-years-old to handle boiling water!!!

To make one cup, place 2 teaspoons of the mix into a coffee cup or mug. Add boiling water, stir. Place a cinnamon stick in each cup if you want to.

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Christmas Open House in Leoti

Mark your calendars to join us at the big Christmas Open House in Leoti on Thursday, December 7th. The stores on Main Street will be remaining open until late that evening. Santa Claus will be arriving sometime that evening so that he can find out what each good little boy and girl in Leoti wants for Christmas!

Look for more information on this subject later!

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Family Recipe of Hot Chocolate Mix

Large Tupperware containers or other air-tight cannisters, etc are needed for this recipe. Make a lot of it to keep on hand when unexpected friends and family stop by to warm up!!!

10 cups non-fat dry milk powder

4 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (optional)

Cinnamon sticks to be used as stir sticks (optional)

In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir until well-blended. This makes 15 cups of mixture which is equal to 45 servings. Store in the air-tight container until ready to use.

NOTE: ONLY people who are 10-years-old or older should be allowed to use the boiling water!!!

To make a cup to drink, place 1/3 cup powder in a coffee cup or mug. Slowly add 3/4 cup BOILING water, stirring often until fully-dissolved. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows. For fun, place a cinnamon stick in the coffee cup to be used as a stir stick!

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Cup of Hot Cocoa, anyone???

This is a hot cocoa mix that anyone can make. Keep it for yourself or place it in an air-tight container and give it to a friend for Christmas, etc. The miniature chocolate chips add a zing to this recipe! This particular recipe will make 4 cups of mix.

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup MINI semi-or milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup powdered non-dairy coffee creamer

1/8 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredients into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until evenly-blended.

Store in a tightly-covered container at room temperature.

To pour a cup for yourself, just put 3 or 4 heaping tablespoons of this into a mug or coffee cup. Slowly add boiling water; stirring frequently.

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Wichita County God Squad and GAP

There will be no God Squad or GAP meetings tomorrow, Wednesday, November 24th. They have been cancelled due to Thanksgiving.

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Fun Fact!!!

Did you know that wild rice is NOT at all related to what we consider to be "normal" rice??? It is actually a grass seed that is grown in the Upper Midwestern United States. It can be used in anything that you want to add a toasty flavor to!

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Caramel Rice Pudding

Want a sweet treat that the whole family will enjoy??? Here it is!

1/2 cup short-grain rice

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

3 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping

1/3 cup sugar

2 drops HOT water

This recipe makes 4 servings.

In a medium saucepan, cook and stir uncooked rice in hot butter or margarine for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in milk and cinnamon (mixture may splatter). Bring to a low boil. Cover and cook over low heat about 30 minutes or until most of the milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally. (It is normal for this mixture to look curdled. Don't worry about it! It'll be just fine!)

Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla. Swirl in caramel ice cream topping. Transfer to four individual serving bowls. KEEP WARM!

In a small saucepan, heat the 1/4 cup sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking saucepan occasionally to heat sugar evenly. DO NOT stir until sugar begins to melt. Reduce heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more or until sugar is melted and golden in color. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the 2 drops of HOT water. QUICKLY drizzle topping over each serving of rice pudding.

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Chicken Fiesta in a Crockpot

This would be a great meal for extra family and friends who will be joining you for the holidays!

2 tablespoons cooking oil

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; cut into bite-sized pieces

1 chopped medium onion

1 chopped green pepper with the seeds removed first

3 cloves minced garlic

1 SMALL chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)

14 1/2 ounces Mexican style diced tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

1. Pour the oil into a large skillet; heat. Place the pieces of raw chicken into the skillet until browned on all sides. When browned, the chicken needs to be put into your crockpot. Discard the rest of the oil.

2. Using the same skillet, saute the onion, green pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano and jalapeno, if desired. Once these are slightly cooked and softened, they are ready to join the chicken in the crockpot. Stir well.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 7-9 hours.

Spoon the food into a warm flour or corn tortilla. Eat it just like that or roll it up like a burrito. Serve with refried beans, Spanish Rice, etc.

OLE!!!

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Think Your Crock-Pot Recipe Beats the Others Cold???

If you have any kind of recipe that you cook in a crock pot that you think outdoes the others, send it to www.crock-pot.com . This is the original slow cooker's website! You'll find a heading about submitting a recipe for Crock Star. Click on it. You'll also find new recipes, new styles of slow cookers that are now available, etc. on this website! It is entirely possible that you will find Christmas gifts there for your hardest-to-please loved ones!!! VLE-B

Leighlyn's New Book

As you know, both of my daughters have discovered that they, too, love writing! Recently, Leighlyn's English Teacher, Mrs. Leslie Niswonger, asked the class to write stories. The stories will then be treated just like a published book. I don't know about all of the kids but Leighlyn was totally thrilled to get this experience!!!

She has been writing a neat fictional story that supposedly takes place in one of Leoti's most famous houses--the Washington-Ames House! (If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you have heard much information about it. Recently pictures were put on my blog so that more people can have an idea of what it is like--especially now since folks such as Curt and Karen Walk, Don and Jeanene French, etc have been pouring so much of their love and tears into it's renovation!)

I am soooo proud of her for doing this!!! Once in awhile, she has me drive by the house and park so that she can just look at it to get more inspiration for her story.

Once she brings her "book" home, I am going to try to post it right here for all interested people to read.

Anyway, I just thought that this might be something of interest to you!!!

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Watergate Fruit Salad

My mom made this delight over and over again when I was still in high school and afterwards. As I flipped through my handy, dandy recipe box, I came across it. It seems to me that I should post it here in case you may not have had it before. By the way, does anyone know why it was named "Watergate"??? I know that when Mama first discovered it, the political investigation, Watergate, was in full force. Hmmm... By the way, if you are preparing this for a large group of people, you may want to double or triple the ingredients. This salad is ALWAYS popular!!!

1 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple WITH juice (Do NOT drain)

1 small package of pistachio instant pudding

1 cup miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) Cool Whip

A few chopped pecans for garnish (OPTIONAL)

Mix everything EXCEPT the Cool Whip in a medium to large mixing bowl with a spoon, not an electric mixer. Once you have thoroughly done this, stir in the Cool Whip. Mix well.

Pour into your serving bowl. Smooth the top with your spoon. Garnish the top with a few chopped pecans.

I recommend that you chill this in your refrigerator for an hour or so so that the flavors can all mingle with one another.

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A Reader's Recommendation For Pinto Beans

One of my readers left a comment that I want to pass on to you. Shred or slice up an onion and put it in with your ham and beans also. PLUS, have you ever had shredded onions in your fried potatoes??? That's the BOMB!!! That's how my parents fried our potatoes all of the time!

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Real Christmas Trees Tips, Etc.

Is it just me or does it seem like Christmas decorations are going up earlier every year??? This year, 2010, is the 500th anniversary of people using real-life Christmas Trees! Isn't that just amazing???

Before you choose a live Christmas tree and take it home for the holidays, you need to read important guidelines for these and be willing to follow them completely. Otherwise, the tree will not remain as beautiful as it was when you first saw it. Even worse, it could cause your house to burn to the ground!!!

When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of it's weight is water.

***The best advice for you is to use one of the old-fashioned Christmas tree stands that have a deep reservoir for holding fresh water in it. Before you place the tree into the stand, measure the width of it. It is vitally important that you have the proper amount of water at all times. Have one quart of water per inch in your reservoir. For example, if your tree's trunk is 6" around, you need to place at least 6 quarts of water into the reservoir. By keeping plenty of liquid in the reservoir, your tree should remain pretty and fresh with very little needle loss.

***Keep the tree away from heat such as fireplaces, sunlight, wood-burning stoves, heaters, heat ducts, etc.

***Lower the heat in that particular room for as long as the tree is in place. This will also keep the tree fresher longer.

***It is extremely important that you check the tree's water EVERY DAY!!! The temperature of the water is not important.

***Use low-heat lights such as miniature lights to hang on the tree.

***Irregardless of what type of Christmas Tree you choose for your home, ALWAYS check your strings of lights BEFORE you hang them on the tree!!! If they don't look as good as they did when they were new, toss them out.

***Don't overload your electrical circuits.

***NEVER leave your Christmas Tree lights on when you leave the house of when you go to bed at night.

***After Christmas or when the tree is dry, get it out of your house!!!

***NEVER try to burn your old Christmas Tree in your fireplace or wood stove!!!

Once your tree has done its time, it is best if you look for a tree recycling program near you. To find the nearest location, go to www.realchristmastrees.org . Once there, type in your ZIP code. Some of my viewers live in Canada. For you, go to the same website and click onto the heading for Canada. Unfortunately, the closest place that I can find for recycling trees in Wichita County is within 60 miles of Montezuma, Kansas.

Enjoy your Christmas tree but remember that even with all of it's beauty and fresh pine scent, it can also be deadly if not cared for properly.

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Children in Need of Christmas Gifts

As you know, I posted ages of kids in Wichita County last year who were not going to have any Christmas gifts unless we pulled some together for them. Several of us came through for them. I later received reports that the kids (and their parents) were just thrilled with what they received!

This year, I am once again asking for some help for area kids whose parents cannot afford to give them anything because of a lack of money due to joblessness, etc.

So far, I have received names of three children who need our support. Here is their information:

8-year-old girl

9-year-old boy

10-year-old boy

Something that I want to share with you about these particular children is that until we stepped forward and gave them the joy of Christmas gifts last year, these particular kids never expeienced their own Christmas gifts besides the gift that they received at their school Christmas parties. (The family is NOT Jehovah's Witnesses.) It still breaks my heart whenever I think of them...

If you think that you can help me with these children, please let me know as soon as possible. These kids are from the same family. If you would prefer to buy them a group gift such as a game instead of buying individual gifts, that would be great also! If you prefer to give me cash for me to purchase gifts with, that is fine also. I hope that you understand that I will not be disclosing their names on my blog. I do not want anyone to say anything to these children or their parents which could damage their pride.

Please send me an email to slblaus@gmail.com or call me at
620-375-4584 or 620-376-8922 if you want to help.

Thank you!!!

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Barbequed Pork for Sandwiches (CROCKPOT)

This is a GREAT recipe for BBQ Pork!
1 pork roast--approximately 4 pounds--shoulder, butt, fresh picnic

large onion (sliced)

4-6 cloves of fresh garlic (sliced lengthwise)

Your favorite BBQ sauce

Brown both sides of the roast in a skillet with a small amount of oil in it. While doing this, peel and slice the onion. Place half of the slices in bottom of the crockpot. Tranfer the roast into the crockpot now. Add 1/2 cup of water. Add remainder of onion and garlic.

Cover and cook on LOW for 9-11 hours. Remove meat from the crockpot, place on platter and allow to cool enough that you can safely handle it. Discard the onions and juices left in the pot. Tear or shred the meat into small pieces with forks. Return meat to crockpot. Add your barbequed sauce that you like the most and continue to cook for another 1 1/2 to 3 hours or until the flavors have mingled well. Serve the shredded pork on hamburger buns. Have such condiments as ketchup, mustard, pickle slices, onions slices available for your guests to add if they want to. Serves 8-10 people. VLE-B

Ground Beef (or pork) and Bean Soup (CROCKPOT)

1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground pork

1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup) or 4 tablespoons of dried onion flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced or 2-4 tablespoons of ground garlic

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Tomato Soup (UNDILUTED)

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup water

2 cans (about 15 ounces each) red kidney beans, drained

1/4 cup chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1.Cook the beef or pork in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.

2.Stir the beef or pork with the onion, garlic, soup, tomatoes, water, beans, chili powder and cumin in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.

3.Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours.

Serve with saltine crackers and slices of cheddar or monterey jack cheese.

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Instead of Ice Cream, Try Cranberry Ice

This is a food that you will use just as you would ice cream!

1 32 ounce bottle of cranberry juice cocktail

3 1/2 cups (28 ounces) of canned orange juice (UNDILUTED)

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 1/2 cups sugar

Mix all ingredients with a wooden spoon or with an electric mixer or blender. Place in freezer until it is solid. Pull out and allow it to warm slightly before you beat with an electric mixer until it is the consistency of ice cream.

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Relish Starring CRANBERRIES!!!

1 pound of fresh cranberries; sorted and rinsed

3 naval oranges; peeled

1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Place the cranberries, oranges and sugar into your food processer. Grind until the cranberries are evenly chopped. DO NOT over-process because the relish will be too liquidy. (When it is at a good point, a tablespoon of it will be mounded in the middle without it being drippy.) Stir in the nuts if you want them in the relish. Pour this relish into a pretty serving dish. Chill until ready to serve!

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Buttery-Garlic Mashed Potatoes (CROCKPOT)

If you like butter and garlic, you're going to LOVE this side dish!!!

Spray your crockpot with PAM. Set it on LOW or HIGH, whichever you prefer for this. It will take 7 hours to thoroughly cook if you turn the dial to LOW. If you don't have that kind of time, turn the dial to HIGH! It will only take 4 hours on that setting!

2 pounds baking or regular potatoes

1/4 cup hot water

2 tablespoons butter; cut into 1/8" pieces

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 to 1 cup milk

You can either leave your potatoes' skins on them or peel them. It is whatever you prefer. Wash them well and cut into 1/2" cubes. Place them and all of the other ingredients EXCEPT MILK in your prepared crockpot. Toss the ingredients with your hands to mix them well. Turn the heat dial onto whichever setting you have chosen and cover with the lid. Once your potatoes are tender, add the milk, a little at a time until the proper consistency has been acheived.

Now, use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to beat these until they are smooth. Top them with a few slices of butter and serve if you are going to leave them in the crockpot OR move them to a serving bowl and THEN place the slices of butter on top.

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Another Hint for Sprucing Up Pinto Beans!!!

My grandmother made the best pot of ham and beans out there! In addition to her ham and beans, she added 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and salt and pepper to the other ingredients when she first started them to cooking. Your beans don't taste sugary as you might expect. They just have a better richness about them. She always served cornbread and fried potatoes with them. Hmmm...sounds so good, I'm going to start a crockpot full of them for dinner tonight!!!

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An Eye Treat For All to See in Leoti

Well, Kyle and Heather (Harkness) Leimkuhler have done it again!!! For the past few years, they have put out an absolutely AMAZING Christmas display in their front yard. It literally takes DAYS to get everything placed where it needs to be, cords stretched out to electrical outlets, etc. I keep expecting to see Heather dressed in an apron with a white wig and rosy cheeks and Kyle who has donned a Santa Claus suit, to be standing in their front yard passing out Christmas cookies to everyone who passes by! It has become a community favorite for young and old alike to visit.

If you haven't seen it for yourself yet, their house is located at 901 North Third Street--just behind Porter's Body Shop. You won't miss it as long as you follow the golden glow in Northern Leoti! LOL!!!

Last night when we drove past it, the lights were not turned on yet. I imagine that electricity will be sparking its way to the Christmas decorations on Thanksgiving or right after it.

It is a good thing that the Leimkuhlers know an electrician, Roger Long who is Heather's uncle--because as more decorations came along, Roger had to put in new electrical outlets, fuse boxes, etc to safely allow the show to continue onward. I asked Heather about their electric bill. She told me that it goes up considerably during the month that it is set up. They started out with just a few things, then little by little and lot by lot, they purchased more things and people gave them others that they were no longer going to be using because they were moving out of Leoti, etc.

Anyway, you owe it to your family and yourself to take a cruise by their house! If you have kids like we do, they'll want to drive by it VERY often. LOL!!!

Our family wants to thank you, Kyle and Heather, for doing all of this to help put us and keep us in the Christmas mood!!!

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Star Theatre's Turkey Winner is Announced

The winner of this year's turkey contest at Tribune's Star Theatre is Mrs. Judi (Pringle) Bergner!!! In case you can't quite place Judi, she is one of the fine registered nurses at the Greeley County Hospital!Judy was amongst others who attended movies at the Star and had the opportunity to put her name in the hat!!! The turkey came from Gooch's Grocery Store of Tribune.

Now, starting this weekend, November 27th and 28th, theatre audience members can place their names in the hat to win a free ham for Christmas. The ham is from Greeley County's Chapter of FFA (Future Farmers of America). The winner's name for it will be drawn on Monday, December 20th!

Congratulations, Judi!!!

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The Price is Right???!!!

Earlier this evening, Leighlyn brought up a fun website to see an older Price is Right Show.

Go to www.youtube.com

Once there, type in price is right's worst player. You'll love it! After seeing it, you'll wonder why the host didn't retire sooner than he did! LOL!!! I am sure that there were many contestants who came close to driving him as crazy as this lady did...

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OOOOOOOPS!!!

I just heard from Catherine Wright of Tribune. She very nicely corrected some information that I posted incorrectly.

First of all, The Tribune Christmas Open House was NOT tonight. It will be NEXT Monday, November 29th. At that time, SHREK will be showing for the children's matinee at the Star Theatre. More on that later...

On December 4th and 5th, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT will be playing at the Star.

I apologize for any problems that this may have caused anyone!!!

Catherine, thank you soooooooooo much for bringing these bloopers to my attention!!! I'll try to do better from now on!

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South--of--the--Border Pinto Beans (Crockpot)

1 pound dry pinto beans; sorted and rinsed

1 large chopped onion

2 cloves of minced fresh garlic OR 3-4 teaspoons of ground garlic

6 1/2 cups HOT water

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine all of these ingredients in a greased crockpot. Stir well. Set the crockpot to the LOW setting. Cook for 7-9 hours. Serve with cornbread.

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Baked Beans with Pizazz

This recipe serves 4 people.

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 clove of minced garlic OR 2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon margarine or butter

2 15-ounce cans pinto beans; drained

1/2 cup chunky salsa

1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Set aside.

In large skillet, melt the margarine or butter. Stir in the onion, green pepper and garlic. Mix well. Add the drained pinto beans and salsa. Stir until mixed thoroughly.

Transfer the bean medley into your casserole dish. Bake COVERED for 30-35 minutes. When thoroughly heated, sprinkle with the cheese and serve.

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Vicks VapoRub

We've tried this on our daughters and us. It works beautifully!!!

Lecturers tell us that essential oils rubbed into our feet's soles can be quickly absorbed. For example, rub some ordinary, everyday garlic onto your soles. Within about 20 minutes, you can literally taste it!

For the past MANY years, people have relied on Vicks to cure their chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts along the way.

Just recently, research was done that proved that in ALL of the tried cases, a person with heavy, deep coughing quit coughing in 5 minutes after Vicks VapoRub was generously rubbed into the soles of their feet. After you have put the Vicks on, gently put your feet into clean, dry socks. The cough will be gone for HOURS if you do this!

This treatment is great for children and adults.

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The Farmer's Almanac Says...

My dear B.B. just sent this email to me. I think that it is so cute that I need to blog it!!!

"The Farmer's Almanac is predicting a veerryy cold winter. It must be true because the squirrels are gathering NUTS! Three of my neighbors have already disappeared!"

Thank you, B!!!

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Fettucini Alfredo (EASY)

Here's a great easy dish that you can serve your family and guests!

Serves 4-6 people.

6 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cup whipping cream (not like Cool Whip)

3-4 cups COOKED fettucini noodles

1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese

salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste

Prepare your noodles as directed on their package.

While they are cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan until lightly browned. Add 1/2 cup of the cream. Boil rapidly until the bubbles are shiny. Stir occassionally. Reduce heat to MEDIUM.

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce. Stir. Add the remainder of the cream and cheese a little at a time. Stir well. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.

Serve immediately.

Note: Noodles should be kept moist but not liquidy.

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Bolognese Sauce for Pasta

For all of us who enjoy Italian food, this recipe will hit the spot! Bolognese sauce, also known as orragu, is believed to have originated in Bologna, Italy. Use this to smother spaghetti, fettucini, penne, etc... It is great when served with garlic bread! Your family and friends who will be spending a few days with you at holiday time would enjoy this!

1/2 pound ground beef (or veal)

1/2 pound ground pork

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree

1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

3/4 cup dry white wine

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed

1 pound dried pasta, cooked and drained (It should weigh 1 pound BEFORE it is cooked.)

Grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

This recipe serves 8 people.

Cook and stir ground beef, pork, and onion in a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven until meat is browned. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook 3 to 5 minutes more or until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Drain off fat.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, salt, rosemary, red pepper, black pepper, and fennel. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over hot pasta. Sprinkle with grated Romano cheese. If desired, garnish with rosemary sprigs.

To Make-Ahead: Spoon sauce into a freezer container. Seal, label, and freeze. Remember to pull it out and thaw for a day or two in the refrigerator. Once thawed, heat and serve!

I wanna know...

In the time that I have been writing my blog, I have come to realize that more people than just my family and friends in Leoti are reading it. According to my stats, etc., I have discovered that people in the following countries read it also:

South Korea
The Netherlands
Canada
United Kingdom
Russia
Germany
Spain
Latvia
Denmark
Slovakia
France
Italy
United Arab Emirates
Africa
South Africa
Kenya
Mexico
Australia
Saudi Arabia
Vietnam

What an absolute THRILL that is for me to know!!! I hear from some of you, but now, I have another request. Could you please leave comments here or send an email to me at slblaus@gmail.com to let me know what country or state you live in, (city, too if you want to) and let me know how you found my blog. I would really appreciate it if you could leave information such as what you like about my blog as well as you what you do NOT like about my blog. If there is something that you would like me to write about, please give me that information also.

In the meantime, I want all of my blog readers to know that each of you have become VERY important to me! I truly look forward to writing more on my blog for you to read.

Thank you!!!

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Seven Day Weather Forecast for Western Kansas

Getting ready to head back home to our neck of the woods for Thanksgiving? You just might be interested in what the Weatherbug is predicting for our area. It might guide you on what clothes you need to pack.

Monday: Partly Sunny High 52 Low 22

Tuesday: Mostly Sunny High 52 Low 32

Wednesday: Breezy. Mostly Sunny High 48 Low 12

Thanksgiving: Sunny High 32 Low 10

Friday: Sunny High 49 Low 22

Saturday: Sunny High 54 Low 25

Sunday: Sunny High 55 Low not available

Drive safely!!!

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HEART OF A TEACHER

I just received this information and thought that this book would be just perfect for your child's teacher! It's title is 'HEART OF A TEACHER' and was written by Paula Fox, a school teacher for 35 years. She taught everyone from preschool through adulthood in her classrooms.

In her book, you will read her stories, quotes and her beautiful poetry that only she could write. So, if you have ever known a teacher in your lifetime or in the lifetime of your child, you may want to consider this as a beautiful Christmas present.

People from Canada, Australia, etc can purchase this book and have it shipped. Ordinarily, this book sells for $15.95. Right now, you can buy it for $10.00. When you order the book, why not purchase a black or red leather box to give it in? It sells for $5.00 and can be used for any 6 3/4" book.

Go to WWW.MOTIVATIONINAMINUTE.COM (Motivation in a Minute) to order this inspirational masterpiece or one of the many other fine books, etc. While there, feel free to sign up for their newsletter.

Tell a teacher just how much he or she has made a difference in your life or the life of your child's.

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School Events for This Week

Because of Thanksgiving, the school week will be greatly shortened in Leoti. YAY!!! School will let out at regular time on Tuesday and will not resume until 8:30 on Monday morning.

Monday, November 29th: 4:00 High School Scholars Bowl at Cimarron

Tuesday, November 30th: 4:00 CST High School Scholars Bowl in Tribune.

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Upcoming December Movies at the Star Theatre in Tribune

As I already posted, THE SOCIAL NETWORK will be playing this Saturday and Sunday, November 27th and 28th.

On December 4th and 5th, AS WE KNOW IT will be playng.

On December 11th and 12th, MEGAMIND will be the movie.

See you at the movies!!!

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Name of Mattinee Movie in Tribune Released

The Star Theatre will be showing SHREK (the original version) tonight during the Tribune Open House. There will be

1. FREE admission to ALL!!!

2. FREE small box of popcorn to everyone!!!

3. FREE small drink to everyone!!!

I just want to thank the people of the Star Theatre including the new manager, Mrs. Catherine McGann, for all that you do for all of us who make our way to your BEAUTIFULLY renovated theatre!!!

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Barbequed Meatloaf in Crockpot

Planning on having dinner guests before and after Thanksgiving? This recipe is easy and simply DELICIOUS!!! For large crowds of guests, this recipe is very easily doubled.

Meatloaf ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds of very lean ground beef

1 egg; slightly beaten

1 cup onion; finely chopped OR 2-3 tablespoons of dried onion flakes

2-4 tablespoons of green pepper; chopped

1 cup soft bread crumbs that are torn apart

2 teaspoons prepared mustard (such as French's)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 teaspoon parsley flakes (optional)

1/2 cup ketsup

Sauce ingredients:

1 cup ketsup

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke (salad dressing department)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup minced onion OR 2-3 tablespoons of dried onion flakes

Spray crockpot with PAM or a butter flavored cooking spray. Heat crockpot on LOW.

In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, finely chopped onion, chopped green pepper, bread crumbs, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, parsley and 1/2 cup ketchup. Mix well. Form this mixture into a ball and place it in the prepared crockpot.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients. Mix well. Pour this over the meatloaf ball.

Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

Serve with potatoes of your choice, vegetables, etc.

Keep this recipe close as I am sure that your guests will be asking for it!

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Tribune Open House

Tonight, Monday, November 22nd, is the open house in Tribune. Various businesses will be offering great deals on their products.

And while you shop, don't forget to take your kids to the Star Theatre for a FREE movie mattinee! They will also receive a free small box of popcorn and a free small drink. This mattinee is open to everyone, not just to kids who live in Greeley County.

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

The drama and biopic, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, will be playing at the Star Theatre in Tribune on Saturday and Sunday, November 27th and 28th, at 7:30 CST. It is rated PG 13 because of sexual content, drug and alcohol use and language. It lasts for 125 minutes.

Stars include Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, etc.

On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius, Mark Zuckerberg, sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere 6 years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history, but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both, personal and legal, complications.

Starting this weekend, moviegoers to the Star Theatre can sign up for the Christmas ham being given away to the lucky winner whose name is drawn on Monday, December 20th. The ham will be purcased from the Greeley County FFA (Future Farmers of America).

Adults, 13-years-old and older, pay $5.00 per ticket. Everyone else pays $4.00 each.

See you at the movies!!!

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Be Careful!!!

If you live in the Northwest corner of Kansas or the Northeast corner of Colorado, you have probably been well-aware of the fog that we have had over the past couple of days. Coupled with the below freezing temperatures outside, it is causing ice to form on roads and highways. Of course, it is not too bad that roads need to be closed but you do need to be aware of the ice and drive accordingly. Bridges are especially dangerous in weather such as this.

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Wonder why you are noticing donkeys and mules in cattle pens?

Lately, I have been seeing donkeys and mules in pens and fields with herds of cattle. Stan took us out to a field of them a few months ago. Until last night, I did not know what the reason was. Come to find out, ranchers use them as a Security device.

A mule or donkey in a pen with cows believes that the cattle are his/her family. Therefore, when an enemy of the cattle enters onto the cattle's property, the mule or donkey attacks it with his/her legs by kicking it. Often, the donkey will not stop kicking the predator until the predator such as a coyote, fox, etc is dead. They are especially protective of the calves.

Now...you know the rest of the story. LOL!!!

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Goats, God-Made Weed and Feeders??? Yeppers!!!

I received these neat articles from ex-Leotian, Linda (Pearson) Nealy who now lives in Colorado. I wanted to pass them on to all of you! You will need to log onto gazette.com (The Colorado Springs Gazette). In the SEARCH section, type in GOATS. Several of their recent articles will come up that are quite interesting and may even convince you that this weed and feed method might work very well for your yard or farm or ranch, etc. I learned last night that Denmark has been using this method for a very long time. On a personal note, I think that this is something that we should all consider.

1. One of the 400 Cashmere Goats Hired to Munch Weeds, Yucca, Thistle and Even Small Trees...

2. R.S. Standing in His Freshly Mowed Yard After a Night of...

4. Hired Help Arrives...

5. Nearly 800 Cashmere Goats Arrived in Bear Creek Park on Tuesday...

10. Nature's Own Weed-and-Feed Coming Back to the Springs...


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