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.

VLE-B

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.

VLE-B

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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