Update on Movie

As promised, I now have more information on the movie that will be playing this weekend, January 5th, 6th and 7th.  RED DAWN which was scheduled to play last weekend will not be showing afterall.  At least not at this time.  So, as previously scheduled, THE HOBBIT:  AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY 3D will be playing at 8:00 CST.  This Adventure/Fantasy is rated PG-13.  It was just released on December 14th, 2012.  Stars include Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, etc. 

Synopsis:  An evil dragon has stolen the mountain home of a group of dwarves.  It is now up to Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, to lead them on their trek to reclaim it.

Because this is a 3D movie, the tickets will cost a bit more.

Adults, 13 and older:  $7.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $6.00
Babies through 3-years-of-age:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

3D glasses are provided by the theatre.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B

Trribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

Let me start by telling you that I am unsure of just what the movie will be this weekend.  The reason is that RED DAWN was to have been shown last weekend.  Due to circumstances beyond the Star Theatre's control, that movie was not available.  So the movie, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS 3D, was shown instead.  According to the previous movie schedule, THE HOBBIT 3D, is scheduled for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  As soon as I know what will be playing, I will let you know here and on FACEBOOK.

Thank you!

VLE-B

Dwain M. Ingram--Tribune

One of my all-time favorite people who touched my life is Dwain Ingram of Tribune.  He was a great man.  I am sooo happy that my daughters got to know him as much as they did.  Unfortunately he passed away last Thursday, December 27th.  He is survived by my dear friend, Theoma, and their 3 children, Eddie Ingram of Tribune, Lesa Nolan of Tribune, and Lynette Lewis of Nickerson.  All three of their children gave them grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom Dwain and Theoma cherised with all of their hearts..  Here are his funeral arrangements:

2:00 MST on Wednesday, January 2nd, at the United Methodist Church in Tribune.

VLE-B

Update

Just wanting to let you all know that all is fine here. Our family enjoyed one of the very best Christmases ever.  We entertained at our house for Christmas Eve.  Our son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Mel, Mama, Grandma, Leif, Lori, Lars, Lona Sue and Hunter were all here.  The same people went to Leif and Lori's house for Christmas Day.  On Christmas Eve, We enjoyed cheeseballs, dips, homemade soups including Stan's great chicken and noodles.  Christmas Day was the day for delicious Mexican food.  We had homemade tamales, rice, beans, chili puff...  and Leif and Lori provided the very best Reece Alamonde with Cherry Sauce   The only way it could have been better is if our loved ones whom we have lost through the years, could have been with us. 

 I have been off of here for awhile due to my doctor appointment, holiday get-togethers, the girls' Christmas vacation, etc.  Nothing is wrong.  Soon, I will be updating everyone on some of our family's highlights for 2012.  As soon as things slow down a bit more, I will resume my writings.  In the meantime, be happy and be safe.

Happy New Year!!!

Stan, Lynn, Leighlyn and Abigayle

Soft Gingersnap Cookies

These are simply DELICIOUS!!!  The girls and I got this recipe out of our Graham Family Cookbook years ago and have been baking them ever since.

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon ginger

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt
-------------------------------------------------------------
3/4 cup solid Crisco or other vegetable shortening

1 cup granulated sugar
-------------------------------------------------------------
1 egg

1/4 cup molasses


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease cookie sheet(s)

Combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon and salt together in a large mixing bowl.  Mix well.

In a small mixing bowl, cream the shortening until soft.  Add the sugar.  Cream until fluffy.

Beat in the egg and molasses and blend well.

Add the molasses/shortening mixture to the dry ingredient mixture.  Beat until thoroughly blended.

Form into small 1 teaspoon balls.

Roll each ball in granulated sugar.

Place on cookie sheet leaving room for the cookies to spread out during the baking process.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are slightly rounded, crackled and lightly browned.  They should still be soft when you bring them out of the oven.

Cool.  Store in an airtight container.

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On the Go Comfort Food

I was looking for a recipe for a main dish that I could start in the crockpot and forget about it until it is time to eat tonight.  I found this one and can hardly wait to try it!

6 peeled POTATOES; chopped into 1" pieces

2 pounds GROUND BEEF, PORK or TURKEY

2 teaspoons GARLIC (optional)

1 teaspoon CHILI POWDER (optional)

1 large ONION: finely chopped  (The amount of onion for you to use is what you and your family prefer.  A whole onion was way too much for our family so I cut it back to about 1/4th of an onion.)

1  1/2 cup KETCHUP  (divided)

3/4 cup crushed butter-type crackers such as RITZ or SALTINE CRACKERS

2 EGGS

2 teaspoons SALT

1/2 cup firmly packed BROWN SUGAR

1/2 teaspoon PREPARED YELLOW MUSTARD


Grease the inside of your crockpot (slow cooker).

Place peeled, cubed potatoes around the bottom of the pot.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the uncooked meat, garlic, chili powder, onion, 3/4 cup ketchup, cracker crumbs, eggs and salt.  Mix well.  Scoop into pot.  I use my hands to do the mixing and the pressing so that I make sure everything is evenly combined.

In a small mixing bowl, stir the other 3/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar and mustard together.  Spread this over the uncooked meat.

Cook on LOW for 6 to 10 hours.

VLE-B

Beautiful Website

A dear friend of mine just sent this website to me.  Its lovely.  I want to pass it on to you also. 

www.openmyeyeslord.net/Train%20Ride.swf

Featured is Floyd Cramer on the piano.

Enjoy!

VLE-B

Rule of Thumb for Buying Christmas Gifts

I just heard this and I like its simplicity.

When purchasing your gifts for your loved ones, don't forget to buy them at least one thing out of each of the following categories:

Something that the person wants.

Something that the person needs.

Something that the person wears.

Something that the person reads.


Sounds like that should just about cover it all!

Merry Christmas!

VLE-B

Update on Blizzard

Some people had decided that since the snow had not begun falling as early as experts had predicted, we would not be having the blizzard afterall.  They would soon find that they were wrong.  Within MINUTES after snow was falling, it was being whipped around quickly.  Total white out conditions at our house were noticed within one hour.  Gusts of winds were measured at 60 mph plus.

Since then, I've heard of considerable damage in town.  Tree branches were broken and strewn around yards.  Something heavy, I don't know what it was yet, hit the side of our house.  Metal yard buildings were cast clear across yards until they were thrown into fences.  Highway 96 between Leoti and Tribune was closed down.

In Scott City, electrical power from the Main Street lights and the entire west side of town was lost.  When our son called us from there at about 7:30 last evening, it had not yet been restored.

And now for the good news...this snow was just packed with moisture.  I don't care who you are in Western Kansas, you should be thanking God for sending it to us.  We so very need this.  Hopefully it will be enough to save the 2013 wheat crop.  I was told recently that if we did not get substantial moisture soon, much of the crop would be totalled.

I'd like to thank emergency personel who have been working throughout the night clearing roads and highways, providing emergency care to whomever needed it, etc.

More snow can be expected here on Christmas Day!  Yay!!!

VLE-B

School Closings

Scott County Schools will NOT have school today.  Greeley County Schools who sent their students home at 2:00 CST yesterday, will start school one hour later than normal today.  As of 7:00 a.m. CST, I've heard of nothing different for Wichita County Schools.  If I hear of any changes, I will let you know.

VLE-B

Blizzard is Here!!!

Late this afternoon, snow moved into Wichita County.  Within a few minutes, winds were lapping it all around.  Roads are getting very bad.  Trucks were losing traction west of Leoti about an hour ago.  If you don't have to be out and about, stay put.  If it is necessary, chech the road conditions.

VLE-B

Upcoming Movie Schedule (UPDATED ON 12/20/2012)

Just got the latest update on the Star Theatre's movie schedule.  As you know, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS 3D, will be playing this Friday and Saturday, December 21st, 22nd and 23rd.

December 29th, 30th and 31st will be RED DAWN.

THE HOBBIT in 3D will be shown on January 4th, 5th and 6th.

LINCOLN is coming to Tribune very soon!

Showtime is always 8:00 CST.

Non-3D Movie Tickets:
Adults, 13 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $4.00
Babies through 3-years-of-age:  Always F-R-E-E

3D Movie Tickets:
Adults, 13 and older:  $7.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $6.00
Babies through 3-years-of age:  Always F-R-E-E

The theatre provides the 3D glasses necessary to view the 3D movies at no extra cost to the customer.  Please don't forget to give these back to the theatre volunteers as you exit the building.

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

Don't forget that gift movie passes and punch cards are available year-round.  I wrote about these earlier this week.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B

Pam Hahn--Leoti

Mrs. Hahn's funeral will be at 2:00 CST on Saturday, December 22nd, at the First Baptist Church in Leoti.

VLE-B

Blizzard Watch

Just received information that a Blizzard Watch has been posted for most of Western Kansas.  The watch begins late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.  One to three inches of snow with very strong winds is possible in parts around Garden City.  Areas north of Garden City will possibly have 2-4 inches with very strong winds.

Now is the time to take appropriate measures.

VLE-B

Update on Bed Bugs

For the past few years, the notorious bed bugs have been making their way back into our homes, etc.  Last week, I spoke to a resident of Wichita County who just found out that her family brought bed bugs into their home after a trip out of state.  They were very concerned, needless to say.  In this family's case, they learned that a product, Tempo, is available for sale in Leoti.  Tempo kills bed bugs and other pests.

I did some more research on this topic and want to pass it on to you.  Bed bugs are being spread rapidly throughout our nation.  You can bring them to your house just by spending one night in someone else's house or motel.  We need to be protected.  Bed bug proof mattress and box spring encasements are available right now.

If you discover that you have these unwanted pests in your house, help is available in the following methods:

Bed bug kits

Bed bug sprays

Bed bug traps

Bed bug dusts

Bed bug vacuums

Bed bug heat treatment

Bed bug steamers

Bed bugs are VERY small.  People usually have no idea that they have them until they discover bites on their bodies.  All it takes is ONE bug to start an infestation in your house.

VLE-B

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

This is gonna make many of us happy!  The much awaited, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS 3D will be shown at Tribune's Star Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 21st, 22nd and 23rd.  Showtime is 8:00 CST.  This movie is described as Animation/Adventure/Family.  The movie was released on November 21st and is rated PG.  Jude Law, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, etc have lent their voices to this nominee of a Golden Globe award.

Synopsis:  When the innocence of the world's children is in danger of being stolen by an evil spirit, a group of super heroes gather to protect them.

This is a 3D movie so higher admission will be charged.  Theatres pay higher rent for these movies.

Adults, 13 and older:  $7.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $6.00
Babies through 30-years-of-age:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

At this time, I do not know what the next movie that will be playing is.  As soon as I have that information, I will post it here.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B

Star Theatre Gifts

Are you still looking for some ideas for birthday or Christmas gifts?  What about stocking stuffers?  Well, I have an idea for you!  Why not purchase movie passes or movie punch cards for watching movies at Tribune's Star Theatre?  Here is how it works.

You can choose to buy individual movie passes.  Buy one.  Buy a dozen.  Buy passes of any amount.

Regular Movies
Adults, 13 and older, pay $5.00 each time they watch a movie there. 
Children, 4 through 12, pay $4.00 each. 
Children 3 and younger, are always admitted free-of-charge. 

3D Movies
Adults, 13 and older:  $7.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $6.00
Children, 3 and younger, never pay for their admission.

Punch cards

Punch cards are set up for 5 or 10 movies. 
A 5 movie card costs the customer $20.00.
A 10 movie card costs the customer $40.00.

These can be used for 3D movies too but the recipient will need to pay $2.00 for each 3D movie when they come in to the movie.

If an adult attends 5 movies and pays each time he attends a movie, he would normally pay $25.00.  A 5 movie punch card only costs $20.00.  Five dollars would be saved.  In other words, you can watch 5 movies for the price of 4.

By purchasing a 10-movie punch card, you will save $10.00   Needless to say, some major money can be saved.  The recipient will get to watch 10 movies for the price of 8 movies.

The owner of the punch card needs to bring it into the theatre when he will be attending a movie.  The volunteer will use a hole puncher on the card whenever it is used.

If you would like to purchase individual movie passes or punch cards, please send your personal check or money order made out to the Star Theatre to the following address:

The Star Theatre
P.O. Box 368
Tribune, Ks.
67879

For any questions, please call the GCCD Office at 620.376.2548.

The punch cards and individual passes can be purchased at any time of the year.  If you choose to buy a punch card, it can be used by one person, two people or the entire family.

VLE-B

A Thought to Ponder...

We took God out of our schools.  Who is standing guard now?

VLE-B

Blue Day

In honor of all of the people killed in last Friday's school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, we are all asked to wear blue tomorrow, Monday.  These victims' poor families must now pick up the pieces of their lives and rebuild now.

VLE-B

Cookie Dough for Cut Cookies

A single recipe will produce 2-3 dozen cookies.

2/3 cup vegetable shortening

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

4 teaspoons milk

2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt


Egg Yolk Glaze:

1 egg yolk

2-3 drops of food coloring


White Decorating Icing:

1-- 2 pound package powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons  egg whites


Directions:

Use an electric mixer for this.
 
1.  Cream the shortening, sugar and vanilla together for about 2 minutes.  Add the milk and mix well.

2.  Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.

3.  Blend flour mixture into the creamed batter.

4.  If making a single recipe, divide the dough into two pieces.  If you doubled it, divide dough into three pieces.  Slightly flatten each piece between two sheets of waxed paper.  Use a rolling pin to flatten it to a 1/4" thickness.  Refrigerate these pieces of flattened dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes.

5.  Roll out the cold dough on a lighly floured surface.  Use a glass glass or cookie cutters on the dough.  Transfer the cut cookie dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Chill until firm for approximately 30 minutes.


For making egg yolk glaze:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  While cookies are chilling, mix the yolk, 1 teaspoon water and 3 drops of food coloring.

3.  Use a soft kitchen brush to apply this to the top of the chilled cookies.

4.  Bake for 6-7 minutes.  Do NOT brown these.  It is normal for them to come out of the often puffed up a bit.  The glaze will be crackled.

5.  Place the baked cookies on a rack, if possible, for 30 minutes to thoroughly cool.

If you prefer not to use the glaze, that is fine.  You can sprinkle colored sugar on top of the raw cookies instead or you can frost the baked cookies with the icing.

Stir the icing ingredients together very well.  When this is thickened, you can frost the cooled cookies with the icing.  Allow to dry.

Enjoy!

VLE-B

Advice for Parents and Grandparents

I have been following the breaking story of the horrific shootings at the New Town, Connecticut elementary school that has resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people including at least 18 children who were in the kindergarten through fourth grade classes.  The 24-year-old assassin did most of his killing in the kindergarten class that his mother taught.  She was also killed.

As the story has unfolded, psychiatric experts, etc have reported on what we as parents and grandparents of young children need to know.  I want to pass that on to you now.

1.  Do NOT allow your young children to watch the TV shows or listen to the radio stations that are reporting on this tragedy.  This can cause very serious issues now and later in life.  Parents might not want to allow any of their underage children to have access to the internet for the next few days.  Reports of this incident will be all over the internet.

2.  Make sure that you explain to your child(ren) that they are safe at their school.  Tragedies such as this happen to very few children.  Be truthful but try not to pass on too much information that young children will have trouble absorbing.

3.  Allow your child to talk to you openly and as long and often as they need to to discuss their feelings and fears about this.

4.  Some of the children will need extra comfort for awhile.  They may request that they be allowed to sleep with parents. 

5.  Some children may be prone to wetting their beds as they sleep for awhile.  It is VITAL that we not scorn or discipline the children who have this problem.  Do NOT allow anyone to make fun of the child for this.  This is a VERY emotional time for most of us who have heard about these senseless killings.

6.  If your child(ren) continue to worry about this incident, you may need to seek professional counciling.  Your church or local mental health clinics can and will provide this.

7.  As soon as you can, restore your child's life to normal.  Don't allow him/her to become overly wrapped up in these happenings.  I plan on baking Christmas cookies and watching some fun and light-hearted movies with my angels this weekend.  We'll be injecting some humor as much as possible.  We've all heard the phrase "Laughter is the best medicine."  I can't think of a time when healing is as important as it is right now.

It only makes sense that we pray for all of the people who have lost their loved ones today.  Our prayers should not stop there.  We need to remember all of our country as we all try to wrap our heads around this topic.  And...don't forget to thank Our Heavenly Father for keeping our children safe and healthy.  An extra hug or two for our children might be just what all of us need right now.

God bless you and yours...

VLE-B

Cheese for Sale

Last weekend, Stan and Leighlyn made a quick trip into a grocery store in Garden City to buy some cheddar cheese.  They saw what they thought was cheddar cheese.  Instead, it was cheddar melt which is an imitation cheddar cheese.  We don't appreciate it much.  So, now we have 3  8 ounce bags of this shredded cheese.  We paid $1.89 for each bag.  None of these bags have been opened.  We would like to sell them to anyone out there.  If you are interested, please call me at 375.8033 or email me at

slblaus@gmail.com

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Update on Vinegar in the Dishwasher

Just getting back to you about the vinegar that I told you about earlier this week.  Since then, people have told me that they have started using it too.  They are really impressed by how well this inexpensive natural substance is cleaning up their glassware, silverware, pots, pans, etc.  Some were like us and had actually not noticed just how bad the build-up was on their dishes.  Now that they are using the vinegar, EVERYTHING is coming out clean and looking like new again.

To my knowledge, vinegar does no harm to anything.

Thank you for letting me know how much you have appreciated my tip!  I am glad that I can help you along the way!

VLE-B

Gilbert Knipp--Scott City

Funeral Services for Mr. Knipp will be at 10:30 on Monday, December 17th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Ks.

VLE-B

Extra Guests for Christmas, Etc?

If you are one of the fortunate people in Wichita County who will be welcoming loved ones for the holidays but don't have enough rooms for everyone to sleep comfortably, may I recommend Hi Plains Motel right here in town?

I recently took a tour of this recently renovated motel.  I was surprised to learn of what all is available at our very own small town motel.  Not only do they have single rooms, they also have 2 and 3 connected motel rooms.  What I mean by that is that you can go from one room to the next without having to go outside.  This is wonderful for families or groups of hunters, friends or workers, etc.  They also have a great room that is equipped for handicapped guests.  Its entry and bathroom doors are also much wider than most doorways so that wheelchairs can go through them easily.  A shower chair is also available if the guest wants to use it. The bathtub has rails on it for people to hang on to while showering or to enter or exit the tub safely.  The toilet is taller than most and has an apparatus on its sides to help a disabled person lower and raise up from the toilet safely.

They also have rooms with king sized beds in them.

Rooms with three large beds are also available.

Reduced room rent is available for people who will be staying for awhile.

Just recently, new wallpaper has been hung and the walls have been painted.  All rooms are spic and span clean. 

Whats for breakfast?  Anything on the menu!  The owners of the motel offer F--R--E--E breakfast to all of their motel guests in the dining room.  How can it be any better than that?

And don't forget that the famous Wichita County Free Fair with the 25 CENT carnival rides will be the first weekend of August.  And when I tell you that each ticket costs just 25 cents and each ride just requires ONE ticket, I am being sincere.  Believe me, it is not too early to make your reservations.  The rooms are fully reserved quite awhile before the fair.

If you are expecting out-of-town guests, give Bruce or Rhonda a call at 620.375.2239 or 620.375.4438 to set up reservations or to get more information.  Wichita County is VERY fortunate to have such a wonderful motel!

VLE-B

New Christian Home Product Line

Dennis Rainey is a well-known pastor across the nation.  He is involved with A Weekend to Remember which is a weekend get together for married couples to strengthen their unions.  His wife's name is Barbara.  She has just started a company that sells Christian products for the home.  I urge you to go to the website and have a look around.

www.EverThineHome.com

While you are there, you can sign up for routine email updates.

Enjoy!

VLE-B

Kansas Fuel Prices

Price of unleaded gas in Leoti is now $3.31 per gallon.  At least that was the price as of last night.  The farther east you go, the price comes down considerably.  I just spoke to a couple of people who told me that the price of gas in Central Kansas is just $3.05 per gallon.  The people are on their way to Topeka which is located in far Eastern Kansas.  I'm anxious to see how much gas is priced out there.  I am curious to know why our gas is so much higher here than it is in other parts of Kansas...  Must be the high price of fuel that the oil companies are having to pay to get their fuel to the western portion of Kansas.  LOL!

VLE-B

Nice Mobile Home for Sale in Leoti

From what I am being told, our population in Wichita County is growing.  Many of the people who are moving here are having problems finding a place to live. Just today, I was told of a nice mobile home in a nice neighborhood in Leoti that is for sale that is very fairly priced.  If you are interested in it, please give me a call at 620.375.8033 or send an email to

slblaus@gmail.com

VLE-B

Rentals Available

I have found out about 2 nice rentals in Leoti that are unrented as of right now.  If you are someone who is looking for a place to live, please call me at 620.375.8033 or send an email to

slblaus@gmail.com

and I'll give you the rest of the information that I have.  Both are in the city limits of Leoti.

VLE-B

Timothy D. Dirks--Scott City

Mr. Dirks, 16, was killed in an auto accident this week.  His funeral will be tomorrow, Friday, December 14th, at 10:30 at the Scott Mennonite Church in Scott County, Kansas.

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Fun Fact

Yesterday which was 12.12.12, at 12:12 a.m., a baby girl named Zoy was born in a Nebraska medical center.  Fortunately for her mother, she did not weigh in at 12 pounds 12 ounces.

The next year when the numbers will line up will not be until 3000.  I doubt if many of us will still be around to even notice.  LOL!

VLE-B

Update on Missing Mother and Baby

Both have been found and both are fine.  They were located in Oklahoma.  Thank you for all of your prayers!!!  Wanna know how they were tracked?  By a cellphone's GPS.  Isn't modern technology grand?

LOL!!!

VLE-B

Prayer Request

A young woman and her baby left Scott City, Ks shortly after she got off work on Sunday afternoon.  A man whom she had met asked her and her 8-month-old baby girl to go to a movie with him in Garden City.  She has not been heard from since Sunday afternoon.  I ask for your prayers for this family.

Thank you!

VLE-B

Wichita County Elementary School Christmas Program

The elementary school students will be entertaining their guests with great music tomorrow, Tuesday, at 7:00 p.m., CST.  The program will be held in the Wichita County Junior/Senior High School Auditorium.

Vocal Music Instructor:  Mrs. Jayme Brown-Bishop
Instrumental Director:  Mr. Allen Brockmeier

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Keeping Christmas

The Wichita County Arts Alliance in Leoti is sponsoring a theatre/musical program for Christmas.  Instead of paying for admission, a free-will offering will be asked for at the door.  All proceeds will be given to the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center for neglected and abused children.

We are asked to bring a small plate of cookies or other Christmas finger food.  It will be shared by everyone who comes to the program.  The Alliance will provide the cider and coffee to go with the goodies.

Saturday, December 15th, at 4:30 CST
Sunday, December 16th, at 2:00 CST

This program will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Leoti.

VLE-B

Request for Leaves

I just came from visiting my 90-year-old aunt at the nursing home in Leoti.  Soon after I went to her room, she pointed out some real leaves on her wall.  Come to find out, they were sent from a dear friend of hers who was once a P.A. in Leoti.  She now lives in Washington D.C.  My aunt just loves these!

I have a request for you.  If you are interested, please send me some of your leaves.  The ones that she has were pressed between two pieces of plastic.  If you cannot do this, would you be able to send her a postcard from where you live?  She would love this!  We could tape these to her walls also.

If you are interested in sending any of these, please send them to me at the following address:

P.O. Box 194
Leoti, Ks.
67861

You will thrill my aunt very much with these gestures!

VLE-B

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

The hit movie, SKYFALL, the latest James Bond movie, will be playing at Tribune's Star Theatre this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 14th, 15th and 16th, at 8:00 CST.  This Action/Adventure/Crime is rated PG-13 and runs for 143 minutes.  Stars include Daniel Craig, Javier Barden, Naomie Harris, etc.

Adults, 13 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $4.00
Babies through 3-years-of age:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

I urge you to check out your local admission costs.  I've been told that some adults are paying $8.50 each.  If that is correct, you could save $3.50 per ticket by going to the movies in Tribune.

VLE-B

Clean Dishes

The EPA, Environment Protection Agency, recently declared that phospates could no longer be added to automatic dishwasher cleanser.  Since then, many people have been quite disappointed in the condition our dishes come out of the dishwasher.  It is not unusual now to pull out dishes that have just come out of the machine and have to re-wash them by hand.  We are some of the people with the problem.  We have changed detergents but still have the problem on a regular basis.  So we decided to try something different yesterday.  We started out by cleaning the machine with a splash of white vinegar added to an empty machine.  (Don't add the vinegar until after the first wash water has been dumped.  That way, the vinegar will have a much longer cycle to circulate through the plumbing, etc.)  After the entire cycle was finished, we loaded the machine with dirty dishes and got it started.  We didn't do anything unusual with the first short wash cycle.  But after the dirty water had drained and the new wash water had poured in, we added another splash of the vinegar along with the soap tablet.  Once the complete cycle was finished, I unloaded the machine.  It had been plumb full of glasses, coffee cups, plates and silverware.  Everything came out perfectly clean with a very shiny finish.

Anyway, this has worked for us.  If you are having he same problem, you might want to give this a try in your own dishwasher.  White Vinegar is cheap.

I am thinking seriously of doing this with our washing machine also.  The same hard water goes through it.  The vinegar should break the hard water deposits in there also which I would think would enable the machine to do a good job even longer.  Vinegar has been known as a great freshener too.  It should keep it fresher and then that would mean that our laundry would be fresher too.  Right?  Our washing machine is one of the new front loading machines.  With them, an occassional cleansing has to be done to keep them fresh.  I think I will try out using the vinegar instead of the cleanser to see how well that works.

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The Cold is Here!

We have been shocked by the lack of cold weather this Fall.  It finally arrived yesterday.  I don't think the high even made it into the lower 30s.  But now at 6:45 a.m., the temperture here is 5 degrees.  Though we got the temperature, we have had no moisture.  Doesn't look like we have much chance of it anytime too soon either.  By Wednesday, the forecast is calling for highs back in the 50s but no moisture.

Folks, we need your prayers desperately.  Greeley County which is the county just to the west of us, has said that the year, 2012, is the driest year on record for them.  It even beat out the Dirty 30s.  People around here are very concerned.

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Update:  At 7:45, the high has dropped to 3 degrees.  Brrr....

Wanda England--Tribune

Funeral services for Mrs. England will be held at 11:00 MST at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Tribune on Wednesday, December 12th.

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Update on Wichita County Housing

So far, I have heard nothing from people who have houses available for sale or rent.  I have been told that there might be an apartment or two available in an apartment complex on the north side of town.  I don't know if there is or not.

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Houses Available in Wichita County

More and more people are moving to Wichita County.  YAY!!!  But with the increase of residents here, fewer houses are available for them to live in once they get here.  If you have a house for rent or sale anywhere in the county, please let me know.  If you want your name mentioned, I will be happy to do that.  I will need a phone number or email address so that people can contact you about your property.  I will also mention anything about your property that you want me to write about for others to read.

I also know of several jobs available here right now.  If you are in need of one, please let me know.  My phone number is 620.375.8033.

If you have just moved into Wichita County, allow me to say "Welcome to our fine community!"

Thank you!

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New Movie Schedule

I now have the update of the next movies coming to Tribune.  You may want to mark them on your calendar but I will definitely keep my blog updated on them.

December 7th, 8th and 9th at 8:00 CST
BREAKING DAWN: PART 2  (Last movie of the TWILIGHT series.)

December 14th, 15th and 16th at 8:00 CST
SKYFALL  (This is the newest James Bond movie.)

December 21st, 22nd and 23rd at 8:00 CST
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS  (This is a new Dreamworks animated and adapted fantasy for the whole family.)

Adults, 13 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $4.00
Babies through 3-years-of-age:  F--R--E--E

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Burrito Casserole

I just had to post this for you to enjoy also!

Easy Burrito Casserole


2 cups Bisquick Mix

1/2 cup cold water

1--16 ounce can of refried beans

2 cups COOKED rice

1/2 cup of your choice of salsa

2 cups shredded cheddar, Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese

2 cups shredded lettuce (optional)

1 cup chopped tomato (optional)

1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Additional salsa (optional)

Sour cream (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 9" x 13" casserole dish with PAM.

2.  Stir the Bisquick and water together until it forms a soft dough.  Press this into the bottom of the casserole dish.

3.  Cover this unbaked dough with the beans.

4.  In a small bowl, mix the rice and 1/2 cup of salsa together.  Spread on top of the beans.

5.  Cover everything with the cheese.

6.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

After the casserole is cooked, you can choose to garnish it with all of the garnishments such as tomatoes, etc or you can let your guests garnish their piece with which garnishments they want.

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Upcoming Movie

Several of you have asked me when the latest James Bond movie would be in Tribune.  I have that information for you now.  You might want to mark it on the calendar.

SKYFALL, an Action/Adventure/Crime movie, will be held at 8:00 CST on December 14th, 15th and 16th.  It is rated PG-13 and runs for 143 minutes.  After this weekend, I will write more about this movie on my blog. 

Don't forget that the final chapter of the TWILIGHT series, BREAKING DAWN:PART 2, will be shown this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

See you at the movies!

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LadyBug Flower Shop

For all of your floral needs, please call the girls at the LadyBug in Leoti.  They accept VISA and MASTERCARD.  The phone number is 620.375.2172.  Your flowers, etc can be delivered for you.

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Bernard I. Rose--Scott City

Mr. Rose passed away on Monday, December 3rd, in Scott City.  His funeral will be at 2:00 on Friday, December 7th, at First Baptist Church in Scott City.

Survivors from Leoti include his stepchildren, Pam and Tracy Rickford and Greg and Melissa Fletcher, and 6 stepgrandchildren.

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Christmas Letters

'Tis the Season!

If you want your child or grandchild to receive a letter directly from the North Pole, now is the time to get it done.  Several companies and organizations are available to do this.  Just type "letters from Santa Claus" in your ASK on Google.  A large amount of companies will be found there.  Many of these letters will be sent with a postmark from the North Pole.  You choose who you want to send the letter for you.  Some charge a small amount of money for this service.  As soon as you are ready to place your letter's order, make sure you have the child's correct mailing address so that the letter gets to him/her before Christmas.

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Wichita County High School Wrestling

Friday, the 7th, wrestling at Ulysses

Saturday, the 8th, wrestling at Ulysses.

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Wichita County Junior High Basketball

This Thursday, the 6th, our teams will travel to Hoxie.  Games begin at 4:00.

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Cimarron Basketball Tournament

is going on through Saturday, December 8th, in Cimarron.

The Lady Wichita County Indians will be playing against Sublette at 3:00 this afternoon.

The boys will play against Satanta at 4:45 today.

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Live Christmas or Birthday Gifts, Etc?

This just makes common sense.  If you are considering giving a live pet to relatives or friends, please check with the person first.  There are several reasons why these gifts may not work out for the giftee.

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New Educational Trend in the United States

Currently there are several states that have decided to add an extra 300 hours to the school year.  Kansas is not one that is planning on doing this at this time.  Colorado is one state that will begin this in their schools soon.  The increased hours would amount to approximately thirty three hours a month or eight hours and fifteen minutes per week.

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Yummy Mexican Taco Casserole

The following recipe is the perfect size for a couple or small family.  You may want to double it for you though.  Enjoy!

1 pound ground beef, pork or turkey

1  15-ounce can of chili beans in sauce   Mild, medium or hot works well for this casserole.  (Do NOT drain this.)

1 cup salsa (mild, medium or hot)

2 cups broken tortilla chips or Doritos, Tostitos, etc

3/4 cup sour cream

4 medium green onions chopped into small slices

1 medium tomato; chopped (optional)

1-2 cups shredded cheddar, Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese

additional broken tortilla chips, Doritos, Tostitos, etc (if desired)

shredded lettuce (optional)

salsa or taco sauce (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  You will need a casserole pan.  Do NOT grease it for this casserole.

1.  In skillet, brown the meat until thoroughly cooked.  Drain.

2.  Stir in the beans with their sauce and 1 cup of the salsa.

3.  Heat to boiling; stirring often.

4.  Place some broken tortilla chips onto the bottom of the casserole pan.

5.  Cover the chips with the meat mixture.

6.  Now spread sour cream over this.

7.  It is time to sprinkle in the green onions (if desired) and cheese. 

8.  Tomatoes are added now if you want them.

Bake UNCOVERED for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.

Once the casserole is out of the oven, you can line the outer edges of the casserole with more broken tortilla chips if you want to..

Serve with chopped lettuce, salsa or taco sauce, if desired.

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Upcoming Movies at Tribune's Star Theatre

This weekend will be BREAKING DAWN PART 2.  Movies which will be shown soon are SKYFALL, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, RED DAWN and LINCOLN.

Showtime is 8:00 CST all year now.  There are morning mattinees occasionally.

Regular movies admission:
Adults, 13 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $4.00
Babies through 3-year-olds:  F--R--E--E

3D movie admission:
Adults, 13 and older:  $7.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $6.00
Babies through 3-year-olds:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

If you haven't checked out this theatre in the past couple of years, you need to do it sometime.  The building has gone through an amazing renovation.  Recently, the old movie projector was replaced with a digital projector which enables the Star to show 3D movies.

See you at the movies!

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

The hit Romance/Drama/Adaptation/Sequel/Thriller, BREAKING DAWN PART 2, will be playing this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 7th, 8th and 9th.  It is rated PG-13 because of sequences of violence, disturbing images, some sensuality and partial nudity.  Stars include Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, etc.  This film which runs for 1 hour and 56 minutes was released on November 16th, 2012.

This is the final chapter of the TWILIGHT series.

Adults, 13 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $4.00
Babies through 3-years-of-age:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

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For Sale

We have a VERY nice solid wood coffee table and its matching end tables for sale.  The end tables have one drawer in them.  The coffee table has two drawers.  Folks, we really need to get these sold.  These tables are only 4-years-old.  We are asking $75.00 for the set but would definitely accept an offer on them.

Please call me at 375.8033.

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For Sale (SOLD)

We have a 19" color TV complete with a built-in DVD player and VCR for sale.  It is in excellent condition.  It has a remote control too.  We are asking $50.00 or best offer on it.

Please call me at 375.8033 for more information.

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Thanks to all of you who called about this TV!

Unusual Christmas Gifts

As the years pass, it seems that we forget the real meaning of Christmas--the birth of our Jesus Christ.  Maybe as some of us loosen our ties with God, others faith in Him strengthen.  Many of those people do much more to pass His Word on to the others who otherwise might not have the opportunity to know Him.

Some of these people live in countries where teaching the Word of God is not only illegal but punishable by DEATH.  Even knowing the consequences if they are caught, these people continue along their trek to educate others about the love of our Jesus Christ that He has for each and every one of us. 

Many of these missionaries are forced to walk through all kinds of conditions to reach the people who want to know more about God.  Some of these walks last for many days.  The longer the journey, the higher the chances are that they will be found and punished.  That's where we can come in and give a helping hand.

Right now, The Voice of the Martyrs of Bartlesville, Oklahoma are asking for your Christmas gifts of any amount you can give.  The following items are examples of what they need to purchase to help in the Christian missions overseas:

Bibles:  approximately $6.00 each

Radios:  Approximately $22.00 each

Bicycles:  Approximately $128.00 each

High Altitude Horses:  Approximately $690.00 each

Camels:  Approximately $1.450.00 each

Motorcycles:  Approximately $1,678.00 each

Any and all donations you can make to make these purchases possible, will be greatfully accepted.  No donation is too small or too large.  When you send your donation, you will receive a FREE subscription to VOM's (Voice  of Martyrs') monthly newsletter.

Here is information that you will need in order to do this:

The Voice of the Martyrs
P.O. Box 443
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
74005-0443

Phone Number:  918.337.8015

To call in your orders or contributions, please call
800.747.0085

Ministry information:  877.337.0302

To send an email, please send it to

thevoice@vom-usa.org

For more information, you might want to go to their websites:

Adults:  www.persecution.com

Children:  www.kidsofcourage.com

VOM also has an online bookstore:  www.vombooks.com

Our donations are not only needed at Christmas.  They are needed yearround.

Thank you for your kind help!

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Movie Update

I will be receiving the schedule of upcoming movies at Tribune's Star Theatre soon.  As soon as I have it, I will post it here.

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

WRECK IT RALPH, a family movie, will be playing at the Star tonight, tomorrow and Sunday evenings at 8:00 CST.

This is a 3D movie so the tickets will cost a bit more.

Adults, 13 and older:  $7.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $6.00
Babies through 3-years-of-age:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

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Wanda Haflich--Garden City

A sister of Mrs. Haflich lives in Leoti with her family.

Her funeral service will be held at 4:00 on Saturday, December 1st, at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City.

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My Goal

I know.  I know.  I write some comical notes here.  You might enjoy the recipes I post here.  Many people appreciate the local funeral arrangement information that I include in my blog.  But the main reason I write my blog postings is to keep you updated.  The health of the people we love is about as important as it gets.  When I have the opportunity to tell you about immunizations, treatments, etc out there that can enrich our children's health, I'm going to mention it here.

In the past, I have posted about an immunization that was recently released for girls from 9-years-old to 26-years-old.  It is called a HPV shot.  It is to safeguard our women against HPV which is a sexually transmitted disease that can go on to cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

Until just a few minutes ago, I was not aware of the fact that our boys from 9-years-old to 26-years-old can also benefit from this injection.  In males, HPV can go on to cause genital warts, tongue and anal cancer   

For much more information on HPV and what you can do to prevent it from attacking someone whom you love, go to

www.hpvinfo.com

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Wichita County School Website

Wanna keep updated on what is going on in our local schools?  Then go to

www.leoti.org

Once there, you'll have access to, amongst other things, lists of students, educators, school calendar, breakfast and lunch calendar, etc.

If you decide to go to the lunch calendar, let me explain something.  On certain menus, you will find the name of a food with a 6-12 or 9-12 behind it.  This means that only students of those grades will receive that particular food if they want it.

Anyway, this is a great website for anyone interested.

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Wichita County Powerschool

If you have children going to school in our local school system, you are welcome to sign up for Powerschool.  By doing so, you will have access to your student(s) grades, lunch balance, etc at anytime, 24 hours a day.  To sign up for this free service, just go to the school website at

www.leoti.org

At the top of the website, you will quickly find "Powerschool" . Click on it.  Once this is opened, you will have simple instructions to sign up.  You can also choose to have automatic updates sent to you on the timely basis you choose is best for you.

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Wichita County School Updates

Are you interested in receiving updates about our public schools?  If so, please go to

www.leoti.org

On the right side of the website, you can scroll down to "Sign Up for Indian Alerts"  Once you have clicked there, you will be asked a very few questions.  You can have your messages sent directly to your cellphone number and/or email address.  You'll choose the type(s) of messages that you are interested in such as early school dismissal, emergency information, special events, etc.

Once you have typed in your required information in the appropriate boxes, a 5 digit number will be texted to your cellphone right away.  Type that number into the information you have just typed.  Once you have submitted this information, you'll be all set up for your text and/or email messages.

If you have signed up for this previously with a different cellphone number, you'll have to update the website of your new phone number

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LadyBug Flower Shop

For all of your floral needs, please call the girls at Leoti's LadyBug.  The phone number is

620.375.2172.

Your flowers, plants, etc can be delivered for you.

VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted for your purchases.

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Lee Roy Fairchild--Leoti

Mr. Fairchild passed away today, November 28th, in Leoti.  His funeral has been scheduled for 2:00 Saturday, December 1st, at the United Methodist Church in Leoti.

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Wilbur LeRoy Plowman--Leoti

Memorial services for Mr. Plowman will be held at noon CST on Tuesday, December 4th, at the Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, Ks.

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Margaret Green--Leoti

Mrs. Green's memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 3rd.  Services will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Leoti.

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Current Weather Conditions

Just checked the Western Kansas weather forecast for the next seven days.  Though we are just THREE days from December, the next week's highs will range everywhere from the lower 50s and the mid 60s.  Crazy, isn't it???  Sadly, no moisture is in the near future.  We need to be praying for moisture and lots of it.  According to what I heard on tv yesterday, for the first time in several years, the Kansas probability of regular moisture for winter is supposed to be the normal amount this year.  The past few years probability was below normal.

Keep sending those prayers, please.

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Lice Alert

Just found out today that lice have made their way into our schools, etc again.  If you have children in our local school, the nurse is checking them to see if they have any lice and/or eggs in their hair.  If your child does, the school nurse will call you immediately to let you know.  As I understand it, anyone with live lice will be sent home.  Lice are not particular about where they live.  Clean hair, dirty hair, it doesn't matter.  They jump from person to person with no problem.  That's why schools and other institutions have such problems with this.  Even standing in check-out lines in a grocery store is all it takes to pass the bugs around.

If someone has lice, special lice shampoos can be purchased over the counter. 

I also learned of a preventative that can be used if you or someone you know has been around someone who has lice.  I was told that white vinegar can be rubbed into the person's hair.  Once the hair is soaked with it, cover the hair with a plastic bag followed by a towel.  The towel will keep the heat from the head in place so that the heat can help the vinegar to work better.  Leave this on your hair for one full hour.  Rinse.  Shampoo and condition as normal.  I do NOT know that this procedure works.  A couple of people told me that this is what they do in circumstances like this.  It seems to work for them.

All of your bedding needs to be laundered thoroughly also.

If you have any other questions, I'd recommend that you contact your health department or clinic.

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Stella Anderson--Scott City

Mrs. Anderson's funeral will be held at 10:30 on Monday, November 26th, at the United Methodist Church in Scott City.

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Howard Cheney--Scott City

Mr. Cheney's graveside services at the Scott County Cemetery will be held at 2:00 on Monday, November 26th.

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Houses For Sale

Recently, four really nice houses in Leoti have been placed on the market in Leoti.  One of those houses recently sold.  Three remain on the market to my knowledge.  So if you are one of the many people out there looking to buy a nice house here, let me know.  I can get some phone numbers to you.  Better hurry.  I don't think that these houses will be available for much longer.

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Evelyn Hutchins--Scott City

Funeral services for Mrs. Hutchins will be at 2:00 on Tuesday, November 27th, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City.

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Best Friends

Before I recite this heartfelt poem to you, allow me to explain it.  Yesterday, November 22nd, 2012, would have been my parents, Pat and Donna Lou  (Pepper) Elder's, 53rd wedding anniversary.  Unfortunately, Daddy passed away on April 29th, 1995, after only 35 years of marriage.  When we were preparing for his memorial, my youngest sister, Lona Sue, wrote this poem to be read at the service.  It was also printed on his funeral card.  Now, it has come to rest in a beautiful frame so that Mama can read it whenever she wants to.

Best Friends

"On November twenty second, nineteen fifty nine,
I became yours and you became mine,
I learned about love when I looked into your eyes.
I tried on your heart--it was just the right size.
Together we raised three wonderful girls-
We found them to be more precious than pearls.
We followed our dreams-some yours, some mine.
Through failures and successes, it all worked out fine.
You worked so hard for all of us,
and never put up any fuss.
Forever yours, forever true.
You and me, and me and you.
I know our love will never end.
Forever, you'll be my "best friend".  "

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Elder-Blau Thanksgiving

'Twas a grand day at our home yesterday.  Grandma Neva, Mama, Adam and Mel, both of my sisters and their families joined us for Thanksgiving here.  MUCH food, but most importantly, much laughter, was shared by all.  Before we ate, Lona Sue gave the following prayer for grace.  I do not know where she found it.  Right now, many people's lives are turned upside down for a multitude of reasons.  Maybe this is a prayer we can use everyday instead of only on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Prayer

"Oh, God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry out there,

When I have work, allow me to remember those who are jobless;

When I have a home, remind me of the ones who have no home at all;

When I am in good health, may I remember the people who suffer;

As I live a pain-free life, might I be reminded of those whose bodies ache.

And in remembering, help me to destroy complacency and be concerned enough to help,
By word and deed,
Those who cry out for what we take for granted.."

Amen.

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Things Americans Should Always be Thankful For

This was just posted by one of my friends on FACEBOOK.

1.  Our right to believe in Our God whom every we choose

2.  Our families, far and near

3.  Our American flag

4.  Our friends, far and near

5.  Our right to own firearms

We, Americans, take far too much for granted in our lives. 

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Our family wishes you and yours a very safe and happy Thanksgiving!  Many people will be driving (or flying) from here to there and back again.  Don't take any chances.  Wear your seatbelts and drive the speed limit.  The life you save just may be your own or someone you love...

As for us, we are looking forward to entertaining our grandmother, mother, sisters and their families.  Stan even gets to be off tomorrow!  We are also very blessed that all four of our children will be celebrating with us!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Stan, Lynn, Leighlyn and Abigayle

Going Away for the Holidays?

If so, don't tell anyone that you do not know and trust very well.

Choose a good friend or trustworthy neighbor to check your house out every day that you are gone.  DON'T forget to leave a housekey or the security combination to your home's front door.  They need to look for any emergency electrical, plumbing, natural gas, etc problems that might happen.   Make sure that you leave a list of electricians, plumbers, etc phone numbers.  And, of course, make sure that the caretaker has your current cellphone number and know where you will be in case they need to contact you quickly.

If your mail is delivered to your house, you can ask that person to bring it in every day or evening.  If you prefer, just call your local post office and ask them to hold all of your mail at the post office until you return.  In Wichita County, the phone number for the post office is 620.375.2813.

Contact the newspaper publisher if your newspaper is delivered to your front door.  Ask them to either hold the papers until you come home or tell them you won't need those copies.  Let the newspaper people know when they can start delivery to your house again.  A build-up of unread newspapers in your yard are a tell-tale sign that you have gone away.

Make sure someone is taking care of all of your indoor and outdoor pets while you are away.  They need fresh water and food daily.  Make sure that the caregivers have phone numbers for your veterinarian in case someone gets sick or hurt.

Leave a list of emergency contacts with at least two of your friends before you leave.  That way, if something happens and you cannot be reached, the friends will have someone else to contact.  This is especially necessary if you are not home by the date you plan on being home.

Lock all exterior doors and windows if possible.

Leave porch lights and yard lights turned on while you are away.  It is also a good idea to purchase a device that will automatically turn on various lights at certain times every day or evening.

Unplug any electronic items before you leave such as TVs, stereos, computers, etc.  That way, any electric surges that may occur while you are gone, will not damage them.

You may want to let your local police or sheriff's office know that you will be out-of-town for awhile.  They can patrol your property on a regular basis if necessary.  The Wichita County Sheriff's Office phone number is 620.375.2723.

Enjoy your holiday!!!

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To Shop or Not to Shop This Friday

Just saw on TV that employees of Wal-Mart are threatening that they will not work on Black Friday, one of the, if not, THE most popular day to shop in the U.S.  Right now, various Wal-Mart employees are trying to secure higher wages.  Before you head off in the early dark hours of Friday to shop at this highly popular discount store, you might keep an eye or ear on the news to make sure that the store will be open when you get there.

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Caution

At least one well-known social network is urging its members NOT to post any holiday plans that might include not being at home.  The people whom you may alert, might take advantage of your absence and do damage to your home, possessions and/or vehicles, etc.

Just use some good old fashioned common sense, Folks.

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Wichita County Schools' Christmas Vacation

The last day of school in Leoti for 2012 will be Friday, December 21st.  School will resume on Tuesday, January 5th, 2013.

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Wichita County Elementary School's Christmas Program

Don't forget to mark this on your calendar! 

The vocal and instrumental concert will be held at 7:00 CST on Tuesday, December 11th, in the WCJ/SHS Auditorium.

Jayme Brown-Bishop is the vocal music instructor.  Alan Brockmeier is the band director.

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Wichita County Junior/Senior High School Christmas Program

will be held at 7:00 CST on Monday, December 17th, in the school's auditorium.  The Band and Choir will be performing that evening.

Alan Brockmeier directs both the vocal and instrumental musical departments.

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Move Deer Crossings Closer to School Crossings???

This is the website that I just posted about a few minutes ago.

www.mashable.com/2012/10/18/donna-the-deer-lady/

A woman called a radio talk show in Fargo, North Dakota to voice her complaints about the positioning of deer crossings...  In her opinion, it just makes sense to move them to safer areas such as school crossing zones so that there are fewer automobile/deer accidents and fewer deer are hurt or killed...

Enjoy!!!

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Be Warned!!!

Deer are "falling in love" with one another at this time of the year around here.  Their natural breeding instincts have kicked in and they are not using as much caution as they would probably use when deciding whether or not to cross roads and highways.  Already, auto accidents involving deer in Wichita County are being reported.  These accidents can be fatal.  In some cases, drivers are finding entire herds of deer standing across highways and roads.  It is IMPERATIVE that we are very alert.

Right now, there is a humorous You Tube video involving deer crossings.  I am going to try to locate the website so that I can post it here and you can go to it.  It is hilarious but the caller who complains of our state highway departments posting deer crossings in very "dangerous areas" was actually serious.  Most of us realize that the deer crossing signs that we see posted on area highways are there to warn us of the POSSIBILITY of deer crossing the highways.  But for this caller and others out there, they believe that these signs are there to notify deer that this is a "safe place" for them to cross.

Anyway, be prepared for any emergency stops all throughout the year but especially when deer (or other animals) step out in front of vehicles.

VLE-B

Local Fundraiser

One of Leighlyn's classmates, a freshman in high school, is undergoing cancer treatment at this time.  To help her family with their expenses, a fundraiser has been set up.  There will be a 5K/1 Mile Walk on Sunday, December 16th.  If you have any questions about signing up, etc., forms are now available in local stores and at the WCJ/SHS Office.  There are also jars set up in various businesses where people can leave donations.

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Common-sensical Advice

I met with my cardiologist today.  It was my first appointment with him for 6 months.  I got a great report.  My heart sounds very good.  He will need to call me about Friday's echocardiogram but he expects that it will be good also.

While we visited, he gave me some really great information that I want to pass on to you.  It deals with weight gain.  He explained to me that if a person eats an extra 100 calories every day for a month, he will gain 1 pound.  If this continues for 1 full year, the weight gain will amount to 12 pounds.  But...if this continues for 5 years, that same person will gain a total of 60 pounds in that half decade.  WHOA!  Kinda eye-opening, huh?

I asked him what he recommends.  He told me that he recommends no one to go on a diet.  He doesn't believe that counting your daily calories is the right thing to do.  If you want to go on a diet to lose your weight, you better prepare to live on the same diet for the rest of your life.  Once you've reached the weight goal, if you have not drastically changed your eating habits, your weight will catch up with you all over again.

He urges his patients to eat many fruits and vegetables.  Fried foods should always be a no no.  When it comes to meat, eat one piece no larger than the palm of your hand per day. For the other meals, eat something other than meat.  The depth of the meat should be more shallow than the depth of your hand at its thinnest point.  He also recommends that we eat lots of salmon.  It is really great for our hearts.  Of course, consulting with your doctor if you have any health issues is always a great idea.

Exercise is another biggie in our health maintentance.  We need to get out there and walk, run, etc/  But before you do this, consult with your doctor to make sure that your body can handle it.  Not all exercise types are good for every person.  He advices that instead of searching for the closest parking place at businesses, etc., we should park further away.  The extra walk will do our bodies good.  Of course, if you have major health issues, do what your doctor suggests for YOU!

So, anyway, I just thought that this might be something that you would appreciate knowing.

VLE-B

LadyBug Flower Shop

For all of your floral needs in Leoti, please call the girls at the LadyBug.  Their phone number is 620.375.2172.

They accept VISA and MASTERCARD.

VLE-B

Kenneth W. Eikenberry--Leoti

Mr. Eikenberry was born on May 1st, 1918 and passed away in Leoti on Saturday, November 16th, 2012.

His funeral services will be held at 2:00 CST on Monday, November 19th, at the Leoti Cemetery.

VLE-B

It ONLY Took 4 Months

for Leighlyn to finish painting the last wall in her bedroom.  LOL!!!  There was an area about 6 inches from her ceiling that had not yet been painted.  I couldn't get to it because of the restriction of step ladders.  This is due to my blood thinners.  Anyway, as you know, I had started painting the girls' bathroom last week.  I was not able to paint the top 6 inches of the walls in there either.  Leighlyn and her dear friend, Hannah M., finished them on Friday night.  I mention Hannah's initial because Leighlyn now has another best friend named Hannah F.

Thank you, Leighlyn and Hannah, for getting these chores xd off of my to do list.  Love you, both, lots and lots...

VLE-B

Support

In support of victims of prostate and testicular cancer, American men, etc are invited to show their support by growing mustaches and/or beards this year.  This is a form of support that men can show without having to spend any money.

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

The hit, WRECK IT RALPH, a 3D computer animation, comedy and family movie was just released on November 2nd, 2012.  Walt Disney has put this out there for us.  It is rated PG and lasts for 101 minutes.  A possible sequel might be in the works.  Stars include John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, etc.

Once a certain video game store closes for the day, the games' characters are free to leave their own game worlds and enter into the games of their buddies and, in some cases, their villians.

This movie will be shown at 8:00 CST for two weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 23rd, 24th and 25th and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Because this is a 3D movie, the admission tickets will cost more at the theatre because the theatres must pay more rent for them.

Babies through 3-years-old:  F--R--E--E
3-years-old through 12-years-old:  $6.00
13-years-old on up:  $7.00

Refreshments are always fairly priced at the Star.

The theatre provides the 3D glasses to the movie's viewers.

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My Appointment

I meet with one of my cardiologists in Scott City this morning.  It is just a regular appointment.  I had an echocardiogram (heart sonogram) done last Friday afternoon.  I think it went well.  I'll let you know what I find out today.

VLE-B

Happy Birthday to Leslie Niswonger!!!

What a lady and great friend, etc.  I hope your weekend was one of the best!!!

Love you!!!

VLE-B

Leighlyn's Birthday Party

What a weekend.  It went by just like a blur.

I made batch after batch of homemade noodles and several birthday cakes.  We were all prepared for the bunches who would be joining us to celebrate Leighlyn's 15th.  Unfortunately the weekend we chose was no good.  Even though we had gone through the school's calendar and it looked like there were no plans, the local FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter had scheduled their Calf Fry for the same night.  Almost half of her friends are members so they had to be there.  Then, one girl was gounded and others had left town for the weekend.

Everyone was disappointed.  We all enjoyed the movie at the Star then came home for the noodle dinner and cake!  We LOVED getting to spend time with Leighlyn's friends who were able to come and some of our very best friends who joined us for the evening!!!

VLE-B

Update On F-R-E-E Movie at Star Theatre

Just wanted to let you know that anyone who attends POLAR EXPRESS at the Tribune Christmas Open House will receive a F-R-E-E package of popcorn and a F-R-E-E drink per person.  Showtime has been changed from 6:00 to 6:30 MST on Monday evening, November 26th.

See you at the movie!!!

VLE-B,

New Home Needed Right Away (New Home Found)

A family in Leoti is looking for a home for their 3-year-old neutered cat.  His front paws are declawed so he cannot damage furniture, etc.  His family cannot keep him because a member of their family hates cats.  He will come complete with food, litterbox, toys, food and water bowls, etc.

For more questions or to volunteer to take him home with you or someone else, please call

620.214.1767.

VLE-B

Urgent Prayer Request

One of the most important ladies in my life just found out that her doctor in Hays is setting up an appointment for her with an oncologist (cancer doctor) in either Wichita or Kansas City.  Hopefully she will know today when her appointment will be.  She has been having extremely heavy menstrual bleeding for years even though she has continuously been treated for this.  I am asking for your continued prayers.  As soon as we know something else, I will let you know.  Please understand that I am keeping her name anonymous at this time.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VLE-B

Harry, the Gum and Candy Man

Here's another trip down Leoti's memory lane.

This evening, Stan and I were sitting around remembering a well-loved character who had lived in Wichita County for many years.  All throughout my childhood and afterwards, Harry Coats was famous for handing candy or gum out to all of the children he met on the street or in the stores of Leoti.  Everyone loved him but not just for his generosity with candy giving.  He was just one of those great guys whom everybody loved.  He continued to give candy throughout the rest of his life.

Back then, there was an old wooden backless bench that was positioned outside of the original First State Bank that is now known as the Care Center.  It is located at the Main and Broadway intersection.  Harry was just one of the several older gentlemen who met there every week day to visit as they watched cars come and go at the stoplight.  Kids recogized Harry right away.  More than a few parents were asked to park their vehicles so that their child could go and say "Hi" to Harry.  Today, the bench is gone.  More-than-likely, all of the men who used to spend hours sitting on it, are all gone also.  Good memories...

Isn't it sad how our world has changed in the past 2 or 3 decades?  Today, if someone went out on the streets offering free candy to children, the public would immediately be suspicious of the man or woman who was giving away the candy.  So sad...

Harry, we still miss you...  There will never be another man like you.

VLE-B

Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner

For the past few years, members of Christ Covenant Church in Leoti have invited everyone to join them at the church to give thanks.  Each family who wants to join everyone there, needs to bring a covered dish to share.  The turkey will be furnished by the church.  The dinner will begin at noon on Thanksgiving.

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Just a Reminder

Leighlyn handed out her private movie/birthday party invitations on Tuesday.  Since then, most of the people she has invited have told her that they will be attending the party.  Most of them have not yet told her if they will be riding in one of the four vehicles that a couple of our friends and Stan and I will be taking to Tribune.  We really need to know how many of her friends plan on riding over with us so that we know exactly how many vans we will need to take.  If you are one of her guests or their parents, please call me at 375.8033 or email me at   slblaus@gmail.com .  The invitation that we sent has all of the details on it but if your child did not give it to you, here is information you may want to know:

Anyone wanting to ride in our caravan, needs to meet at our new house 1 block east of Dollar General NO LATER than 3:15 CST this Saturday afternoon.  We will go directly to the Star Theatre in Tribune.  Stan and I will be paying for each of her friends whom she has invited.  The friend's immediate family is also invited.  Each of their relatives will need to pay $4.00 per person for anyone 4-years-old or older.  Babies through 3-years-old will be admitted free-of-charge.

As soon as we get to the theatre, we will serve birthday cake and punch in the lobby before the movie begins at 4:00 CST.  The theatre's snack bar will be OPEN but anything that is ordered there will need to be paid for by the person who orders it.  We enclosed the price list in the invitation.

Immediately after the movie, PITCH PERFECT, is over, everyone who rode over in our caravan will be asked to help with the clean-up.  After that is completed, the caravan will return directly to our home. 

All of the girls who are invited, are also invited to spend the night with Leighlyn.  Someone will need to pick the boys up when we arrive at home.

Some of Leighlyn's girlfriends have already asked that we serve what we served for Leighlyn's birthday party last year which was chicken and homemade noodles, etc.  We are looking forward to cooking these again on Saturday evening!

Our family has plans for Sunday afternoon so we ask that the girls who spend Saturday night with us, be picked up by noon Sunday morning.

NO GIFTS ARE NECESSARY.

If you have any questions, please call me at the above phone number or email me.

We are looking forward to this weekend!!!

VLE-B

Scary Situation for Me

I set down to watch my favorite soap opera at about 11:30 yesterday morning.  I ate my lunch while I watched it.  Before the show was over, about 30 minutes later, I had fallen asleep.  During my nap, I remembered trying to wake up three times but could not open my eyes.  By the time that I did open my eyes, it was already 3:15!

I've had this happen to me before. The last time was probably about 13 years ago.  I remember that I was in the living room when it happened.  Leighlyn was still very young and Abigayle had not yet been born.  I remember trying to force myself to wake up but I couldn't do it.  Before then, it had happened to me in 1985.  We had been living in Garden City.  I had had one of my worst seizures at work that day.  An ambulance was called to take me to the hospital.  Once in the emergency room, I went into a short lived coma.  Once I came out of it, I returned to as normal as I get.  LOL!!!

So I don't know what is the cause for this development.  Shortly after I woke up yesterday, my cardiologist's office called me and told me that they need me to take an echo tomorrow afternoon in Scott City. This test is a sonogram of the heart.  It provides much information to the doctors. I will see my cardiologist on Monday morning.  If something else is going on with my heart, I should know something then.

This could have been caused by the disease that has affected my brain and heart for the past 30 years or so.  At this time, I don't know. 

I would definitely appreciate your prayers!

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Update on Our Son and Daughter-in-Law

Thanks to all of you for your prayers in regards to A and M!  Mel's family has their funeral services within 24 hours of the relative's death.  He died at around 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening.  They headed to Texas just as soon as they had packed clothes and got caretakers set up for their dogs.  Once on the road, they stopped only to purchase gas for their car.  Even though it takes 20 hours to get from their house to her father's house, they still managed to get there just before his service.

We are thankful that A and M had purchased a new car a couple of months ago.  It does very well on fuel.  Their vehicles that they had before this were major gas guzzlers.  I wouldn't have trusted them on this long trek either.  The new car is very trustworthy.

They plan on starting back home tomorrow morning.  Please pray for their safe return.  And please continue to pray for their whole family.  Mel's father was just 68.  He would have turned 69 just 9 days later.  Since he appeared to be doing fine, this has hit their family very badly.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Tribune's Christmas Open House

Many businesses in Tribune will be participating in their Christmas Evening Open House on Monday, November 26th.

The Star Theatre will be having their annual FREE movie for anyone interested.  This year's movie will be THE POLAR EXPRESS at 7:00 CST (6:00 MST).  I'll update that movie's information later.

VLE-B

The Upcoming Movie Schedule at the Star Theatre

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 16th, 17th and 18th
8:00 CST
PITCH PERFECT

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 23rd, 24th and 25th
8:00 CST
WRECK IT RALPH

Monday, November 26th (Tribune Christmas Open House)
F-R-E-E Movie
7:00 CST (6:00 MST)
THE POLAR EXPRESS

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, First Weekend in December
8:00 CST
WRECK IT RALPH

VLE-B

Prayer Request

We received news during the night that our daughter-in-law, Mel's, father passed away unexpectedly.  Adam and Mel are now on their way to Texas to join their family as they rebuild their lives and their family without their beloved father and grandfather in them.

Please pray for their family and for safety as they make their way to the tip of Texas and back home again.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Leoti's New Eatery

I am happy to say that Leotians have even more choices for breakfast and lunch!  Margaret Bocanegra's fabulous Mexican food has arived along with her pastries, cinnamon rolls, expresso, lattes, etc.  She is set up on the northwest corner behind Multi-Power in Leoti.  YAY, Margaret!!!  Glad you've decided to do this!!!

VLE-B

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

The Comedy/Musical/Romance, PITCH PERFECT,will be playing at the Star on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 16th, 17th and 18th.  Showtime is 8:00 CST.  It was released on October 5th, 2012.  Stars include Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Williams, etc.  The PG-13 movie runs for 112 minutes.

An all girl singing group does what it takes to go up against their male competition.

Adults, 13 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through 12:  $4.00
Babies through 3-years-of-age: F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

VLE-B

Drought Information

Every county in the state of Kansas is under a very dangerous drought.  If you live anywhere in our state or other areas around the world that are dealing with drought conditions, please go to

www.drought.ks.gov

for new information on our current situation or for ways that you and I can help do our part in saving as much water as possible and how we can prevent fires outdoors.

For example, we have purchased a front-loading washing machine and dishwasher that save water usage.  When we purchased our new home a few months ago, we bought two new water-saving toilets.  Each has a button to dump fresh water into the stool.  To flush liquids, we push one button.  To flush solids, we push the other button.  Our stools use half of the water for flushing liquids than they do for solids.  Simple things such as this can make a big difference.

VLE-B

Egg-Free Brownies

Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.  Soon, many of us will be baking goodies for our family and friends to enjoy.  Some of those people may have allergies to eggs.  Here are some brownies that you can whip up that they can enjoy also.

1/3 cup flour

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2/3 cup cocoa

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish.

In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of the flour and all of the water.  Cook over MEDIUM heat until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.  Pour into a mixing bowl.  Allow to cool.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter.  After it is melted, slowly stir in the cocoa.  Mix until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Beat the sugar and vanilla into the cooked flour mixture.  Now add the cocoa mixture until well-blended.  Stir the rest of the flour, baking powder and salt.  Pour into the batter and stir just until blended.  Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool before cutting into slices.

VLE-B  

Egg-Free Sugar Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup solid Crisco

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sweet or sour milk

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla



Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and shortening until well mixed.

In a small bowl, stir the salt and baking SODA into the milk.  Stir until dissolved.

In a medium-sized bowl, sift 2 CUPS of the flour with the baking POWDER together.  Pour into larger bowl and mix well with the creamed sugar and Crisco.  Add vanilla.  Slowly stir in the other 2 cups of flour until the dough is stiff.

Turn the dough out on a well-floured surface.  Knead the dough until it is no longer sticky.

Shape the dough into 1 cup balls of dough.  

Roll each ball of dough out until it is approximately 3/8" thick.  Use a glass or cookie cutters to make the desired shapes of cookies.  Repeat the same process with all of the balls of dough.

Spray a cookie sheet with PAM.  Place each cookie onto it.  Bake for 6 to 8 minutes.  They will be done as soon as the edges begin to turn brown.

Immediately remove cookies from the cookie sheet and cool.

VLE-B

Gunky Dishes?

In July, we purchased all new kitchen appliances.  None of them were cheap but we still ended up with many problems with our dishwasher.  You probably recall that.  Anyway, the machine was eventually fixed.  As time has gone by though, our dishes were not always coming out clean.  Many of them were covered with a milky haze.  Of course, none of this was okay with any of us.  I scrubbed and scrubbed each dish until the shine reappeared. 

I purchased a product made for automatic dishwashers to clean out calcium and lime deposits.  After running it through the machine, it was better but still not as good as I wanted.  Then I remembered what someone from an appliance dealership had once told me.  She told me to put 4 tablespoons of Tang orange breakfast drink POWDER or an equivalent of it into the dispenser for dishwasher detergent in an EMPTY dishwasher.  Close the lid.  As what should be done before starting a dishwasher, run water in the kitchen sink until it is very hot.  Turn the machine to the NORMAL dishwashing cycle.  Turn it on.

I don't know how this works to remove the unwanted nasties from dishwashers.  I do know that this worked in our machine.  You might want to give this a try.  I imagine that this would possibly work in washing machines just to remove the same minerals to keep them from building up.

VLE-B  

Hint for Cellphone Users

This might be something you may want to remember for future use.  Earlier I told you about my ruined cellphone.  Since then, I have been told that if a cellphone gets wet, you need to remove the battery right away.  Use a towel to dry it and the phone.  Once you have done this, pour some uncooked rice into a bowl.  Place your battery and phone into it.  Allow the battery and phone to remain there for a day or so.  Put the dried battery back into the phone.  The rice should absorb the moisture.  Once you have finished the drying process, please discard the rice.

Give this a try.  It might or it might not work but, at least in my opinion, it is well worth a try.

VLE-B

Today's Quote

Our 10-year-old gave her sister and I a chuckle this morning on our way to school.  She told us that since the beginning of the school year, three nice new kids have joined their class.  That is great news in Wichita County since we have had a problem with a dwindling population over the past several years.  Fortunately, new business has begun moving into our county.  With it, comes more jobs and more people.

The first two students came here without being able to speak English. Our schools provide teachers and paras who will help these students learn how to speak English.  Abi told us that she is really proud of one of those students because he/she can now "speak English.  He/She just doesn't understand it as of yet."  Not really sure how you can do one without the other...

When I hear children say things such as this, it takes me back to when Art Linkletter's show, "Kids Say the Darnest Things", or as Stan thinks it should have been, Kids Say the Most Embarrassing Things About Their Parents, was available.  Many people laughed at the innocence of our youth.

VLE-B

November 13th,1997

Fifteen years ago today, God presented us with our first daughter, Leighlyn Nevae Blau.  What a joy she has been even before she was born. Every day since, the blessings have just grown.

Stan and I were married on May 2nd, 1981. Almost immediately, we wanted a baby.   In 1983, we discovered that we were pregnant. Oh, we were sooo happy!  We just couldn't wait for our bundle of joy to arrive.  But soon after we found out we were pregnant, I miscarried.  For the next 14 years, I was angry.  Whenever I saw a pregnant woman whom I didn't think deserved a child, my blood pressure elevated. I just didn't understand why God had not allowed OUR baby to be born.

In 1989, a representative of Kansas' child protection services, SRS, came to our house and asked Stan and I if we would be interested in becoming foster parents.  At the same time that Stan was saying "yes", I was saying "no".  Stan and the social worker were both surprised at my reply.  I explained to them that I was not the kind of person who could handle watching a child who had been through one kind of hell or another, being taken out of our loving home and sent back to a family who may abuse him/her all over again.  It was at that time, that the social worker told us that she had a 10-year-old boy whom she needed a home for.  And...that same boy would be going up for ADOPTION.  Now that word got my attention!  It wasn't long after that, we accepted.  Within a couple of weeks, that little boy moved in to his forever home with us.  He entered our home with the first two names of Adam John.  But by the time we were ready to finalize his adoption, he told us that he wanted to be named after my father, Pat Duane Elder.  Adam Pat did not sound good so we changed his name to Adam Duane Blau.  Ever since we first met Adam, he has been an amazing addition to our family.  Today, he is 33-years-old and very happily married.

But even though we had such an outstanding son, we still wanted more children.  We assumed that we would have to adopt again.  But before we had even begun a search for a child, I began having a few health problems.  I went to the doctor to get some medication to solve it.  A series of blood tests were done.  To my complete surprise (and my doctor's), two of the tests revealed that I was 4 1/2 weeks pregnant!!!  W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!!

I was all by myself when the news was given to me.  I was about to explode.  I could hardly wait to share the news with my family!  I went straight to Stan's mom and told her.  Like me, she could hardly believe it.  Since we already knew that I  had epilepsy and that some of my seizures are caused by good and bad excitement, we decided that she would drive me to the country where Stan and Adam were both working.  Neither of them believed that I was really pregnant. They refused to get excited until after the upcoming sonogram backed up the blood tests.

My mom, two sisters and two nephews had gone to Scott City before my doctor's appointment.  Back then, none of us had cellphones.  Given the fact that I have no patience, I headed over to Scott City to find them.  I found them shopping at a store.  All of us were simply overjoyed.  We celebrated by eating lunch at Pizza Hut.

The following week, the sonogram revealed that I was barely pregnant.  I had a wonderful pregnancy.  For the first trimester, I had some morning sickness but I didn't mind it a bit.  I was just thrilled to finally be having my very own baby!  Because I am bi-polar, my doctor recommended that I have a c-section.  He had seen too many bi-polar women have major problems during childbirth.  Eventually, November 13th was penciled into our calendar as the day that our daughter would be born.

What a day it was!  My mom, sisters and their families, Stan's parents, uncles, aunts and many friends came to the hospital to welcome our Leighlyn into our own little world.

We are asked all of the time where we got her name.  Maybe you want to know the answer to that question also?  Daddy was orphaned by the age of 5.  From then on, his older sisters took turns raising him.  He spent most of his youth living with my Uncle Lee and Aunt Neva Kiefer.  They were always much more like grandparents to us.  Uncle Lee passed away.  Eventually, Aunt Neva married Leland Duncan who became another grandfather to us.  Sadly, he passed away just 3 days before we learned that we were pregnant.  My sister, Lona Sue, suggested that we name her Leighlyn after him.  We loved the idea!  Her middle name, Nevae, is in honor of my Aunt Neva.  Awesome name for such an awesome girl.

Leighlyn has brought us such joy, love and pride throughout her life.  She just becomes more and more wonderful with each passing day.  I always knew that it was up to parents to teach their children about life.  What I never expected was that my daughter would teach me how to be a better person.  (I still have a long way to go!)

Leighlyn Nevae is a VERY special young lady.  If you know her, you know that she is special to everyone who has the opportunity to know her.

On April 17th, 2002, God blessed us yet again with our beautiful Daughter, Abigayle Joy Patrice Blau. More on her in April.

Remember how I mentioned that I didn't know why God did not allow us to become parents in 1983?  I know the answer now.  We were not yet ready to be the proper parents that I believe our children deserve.  We were still very immature back then.  Never would we have realized just how blessed we would have been to have had children.  Adam, Leighlyn and Abigayle are the true blessings that we have today.

Happy Birthday, Leighlyn!!!  I love you!!!

Mommy

We Can Now Bathe and Shower!!!

Since we moved into our new home in July, all four of us have had to bathe in our master bathroom because their tub and shower had major problems.  The only problem with that was that, on many occasions, they left their dirty clothes and/or wet towels in there too.  In July, we went to Home Depot to buy a new tub and shower for their bathroom.  Installing it would possibly take more than 2 days so we elected not to work on this until last week's 4-day weekend.  As it turns out, Stan only needed a day and a half to finish the project.  YAY!!!  So now the girls are able to bathe and shower in their own bathroom.    This is MUCH more convenient for them.

Now Stan just has one more thing to do on his honey-do list--lay the new flooring on our utility room floor.

VLE-B

Not-So-Great Monday Morning Start

This morning at 6:30, I was still sleeping.  Then...all of a sudden... an alarm went off.  It was not Stan's clock.  I was spooked.  I couldn't figure out what it was.  Was it a smoke alarm?  No, thank God.  Was it the alarm that alerts us that the washing machine or dryer was now finished?  No.  At that time of the night, I was definitely not doing any laundry.  I followed the sound and discovered that the alarm appeared to come out of my phone.  I quickly answered it to see if that was the problem.  It was.  Stan had just called to wake the girls and I up.  Now you are probably wondering what was different this time from all of the others, aren't you?  Well, here is the explanation.

A bit over a year ago, we decided to change our cell phone company.  When we did, all four of us chose four new phones as part of the deal.  Given the fact that I am no brainy wiz, I just chose a nice dumb phone as opposed to a smart phone.  I didn't figure I'd ever be able to figure out the more intelligent device.  Ha! Ha!

My phone and I got along great for almost a year.  That was until I accidentally drowned it in our toilet.  Explanation.  As I've told you before, when I am not using my phone, I "store it" in my bra.  I had just squirted toilet cleaner in my toilet.  When I began scrubbing it, the phone fell in.  I dug it out quickly and did just what I had been taught--I took off the phone's back and pulled the phone's battery out of it.  At that time, I grabbed a towel and dried the battery and the phone really well.  My life-saving efforts were worthless.  My phone could not be resuscitated.  It was a goner.

To save money, when we signed our new contract, we had opted not to purchase insurance for our phones.  So, in order to get a brand new phone, I had to pay off our remainder of the months for our 2-year plan PLUS pay for the new phone.  When this happened, we had other bills to pay that were more important than a new phone for me so I decided to spend $25.00 on a so-called "good used" phone.  It was a tiny little phone that was supposed to do me right until our contract was ready for renewal.  Soon, I would figure out why the original owner traded this phone in...

Practically from day one, I had nothing but trouble from this phone.  I couldn't receive or send texts from time to time.  At other times, I couldn't call anyone.  Finally, two weeks ago, my phone would seemingly decide whether or not to notify me if someone was trying to call me.  It just wouldn't ring.  This was NOT because its ringer was set on silent.  It was supposed to ring.  I couldn't handle this.  I don't know how many calls I missed.  I do know that multiple calls that were made to me from Stan, our son and daughters never got to me.  Something had to change.

So when Stan and I went to my neurologist appointment last Thursday, I bought a new phone.  My daughters had encouraged me to buy a new smart phone.  They promised to teach me how to operate it.  So far, so good.  They are great teachers!  When I was assigning ringtones to the people who call me often, I listed this obnoxious blaring tone to Stan.  He and I both found it to be humorous.  But, at that time, it was broad daylight and I was wide awake.  Until this morning, Stan was on vacation and had not called me.  So this morning when he called me and pulled me out of a heavy sleep, the noise was anything but funny. 

Note to self.  Change ringtone for Stan's phone calls.

VLE-B