Friday, November 30, 2012

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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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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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Saturday, November 24, 2012

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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Friday, November 23, 2012

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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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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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Monday, November 19, 2012

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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Happy Birthday to Leslie Niswonger!!!

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

Love you!!!

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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!!!

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Saturday, November 17, 2012

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,

Friday, November 16, 2012

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.

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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

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.

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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!!!

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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!!!

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

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

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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

Monday, November 12, 2012

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

Friday, November 9, 2012

Local People in Immediate Need

We have a lady in her 50s and her 14-year-old daughter who have just moved into our community.  Right now, they are living with friends because they have not been able to find a place here to live.   If you have a rental available, please call me at 620.375.8033.  I will get the information to the lady.

The mother is in major need of a job.  If you have a job to offer, please call me at the same number.

Her 14-year-old daughter is in MAJOR need of clothes.  Her mother's friends whom they will be living with until a permanent home can be found, do not yet know what sizes of everything she needs.  The girl needs everything except for a winter coat.  She will be starting school in Leoti next week.

Once I post the sizes here, please bring the items to our house at 204 East "I" Street.  The family will pick them up here.  If you have items but need the family to pick them up, please call me and I will contact the host family.  New or used clothing would be gratefully accepted.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Veterans Day Parade in Leoti

So many of our local people have been involved in keeping our beloved country free for MANY years.  Some never made it home.  Some of our local veterans were held in prison camps. All who came home, came home with their lives forever changed.

Monday, November 12th, is the officials Veterans Day across the nation.  Here in Leoti, a parade is planned that will begin at the corner north of Dollar General and come to a close in front of the courthouse.  It will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Wichita County students will be performing and thanking our local heroes in front of the cannon located on the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn.  Everyone is encouraged to come out and thank the men and women who have kept our country free.

On a personal note, my paternal grandparents, Roy and Helen Elder, had six sons.  All six of them volunteered to be in the armed forces.  They include Buck, Red, Frank, Dick, Lewis and my father, Pat.  Most of their six daughters stayed at home and did their service also for the country that they loved so very much.

VLE-B

New Products and Gift Ideas at Western Hardware

Like it or not, its time to begin our Christmas gift-giving lists.  Western True Value Hardware in Leoti has many new items that they have just brought in to help you get those decisions made right here in town without having to spend your hard earned money on a tank or two or three... of gas to go elsewhere and purchase your gifts.

Here are just a few of the many options that just came in that you can choose from for the loved ones in your life!

Candle Warmers

Keurigs and a great assortment of their coffees, teas, hot chocolates, etc.

Wilton Cake Decorating Kits

Candy Melts

Hunting Vests

New Toys by Tomy

Educational Toys

Need to decorate your home for Christmas?   You can buy holiday towel sets, artificial trees, decorations, salt and pepper sets, etc right here at our local hardware store.

Western Hardware will be open during regular and special hours for the Leoti Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 29th.

Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 5:30.  Saturday's hours are 7:30 to 4:00, CT.  The store is normally closed on Sundays except for special events.  Need something from the lumber yard?  Give the hardware store a call or drop in and someone will open up for you.

Christmas Lay-Away is now available.  Have any questions on what is available, etc.? Call them at 620.375.2227.

 VLE-B

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Holiday Shopping Preview

Don't forget that this will be tomorrow from 3-8:00 in Leoti.  Lots of bargains can be found at participating businesses.

VLE-B

Food for Thought

I'm about to give you a history lesson.

In 1892, the editor of "THE YOUTH'S COMPANION", Mr. James Bailey Upham, suggested to President Benjamin Harrison that he believed that our country was being taken for granted by the nation's youth.  Approximately 400 years earlier, America had been discovered by Christopher Columbus.  Mr. Upham wanted a national revival.  Pres. Harrison took the suggestion to congress. 

Mr. Upham had this to say for the nation to hear.

"The flame of patriotism is dying out in this country and I believe the place to revive that intense spirit is among America's schoolchildren."

The Congress of 1892 declared that from that point on, October 12th would be a national holiday in honor of Christopher Columbus.

Soon after that, Mr. Upham and other organizers began their campaign to raise an American flag at every school in the United States of America.  Soon, people came up with the idea that our American schoolchildren should take a vow to their flag.  It went like this.


"I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."


Right away, an estimated two million schoolchildren stood up and took their vows.

By the time that I entered school in 1966, the pledge had changed somewhat.  It went like this:


"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, with liberty and justice for all."

Every morning at the beginning of school, all students capable of standing were asked to say the Pledge of Allegiance outloud.  All throughout my school tenure, most people gave their vow every day except for the few back then who had religious beliefs other than those of Christians. Those people remained sitting in their desks.  But as time went on, a movement began by one atheist.. The movement went from the northern border to the southern border and from the western border to the eastern border of the nation.  Though MOST Americans wanted the Pledge to continue to be spoken every morning at school, the FEW Americans against it succeeded in getting it illegalized in public school systems in all American states.

Anyway, God spoke to my heart today and asked me to post this here for you to read.  Do with it whatever you want.

VLE-B

Seussical In Leoti

Chances are that you have heard of popular writer, Dr. Seuss.  Until just recently, I had never heard of the musical that features his many works, SEUSSICAL.  Had you?  Well, whether you have or you hadn't until just now, this musical will be performed at the Wichita County Junior/Senior High School Auditorium under the direction of Mr. Allen Brockmeier, our junior and high school vocal and band director.  (He is also the director for the elementary school band.)  The musical will be performed on Friday and Saturday, November 9th and 10th.

Elementary students will attend the mattinee tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.  If you are a parent of one of these students, don't forget to send your child with a dollar for his/her admission.  The mattinee provides experience for the musical performers to perform in front of a large audience so that they are more prepared for Friday and Saturday evenings.

For everyone else, the musical will begin at 7:30 CST on both evenings. 

Admission charge for people of all ages is $5.00 each irregardless if you purchase tickets from a performer or at the door.  On Friday evening, a dessert bar will be set up.  If you want to partake in that, instead of paying $5.00 for each ticket, you will need to pay $10.00 per person.  To clarify what I've just written, the $10.00 charge includes the musical admission and the opportunity to eat at the dessert bar.

Come on out and have some fun this weekend!

VLE-B

Prepare Yourselves in Western Kansas

The temperatures have been spring-like around here for the past several days.  No moisture though.  And, given the fact that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Winter and  LOTS OF SNOW, I can't say that I am that pleased with our warmer than normal weather around here.

I watched the weather forecast for the next several days in our area.  The meteorologist forecast that our temps would be nice through most of Friday.  After that, a cold snap that could very possibly bring snow would be here.  YAY!!!  But when I looked at the Weatherbug, they are not mentioning anything about Sunday's weather.  Saturday night skips to Monday, at which point, very low temps are expected.   Brrr...  I just say, BRING ON THE SNOW!!!

VLE-B

Official Vote Tally for Wichita County

Wichita County Attorney
     Laura L. Lewis:  849

Wichita County Clerk
     Carol Cary:  888

Wichita County Register of Deeds
     Connie Wilson:  866

Wichita County Sheriff
     Randy Keeton:  712
     Max Davis:  186
     Richard Harp:  75

Wichita County Treasurer
     Carol Laws:  634
     Jenet Gardner:  268  (Write-In)

County Comissioners  Both men ran unopposed
     Rex Whalen:  375
     Steve Baker:  225 

Vote to determine if Janna Delissa should remain as our magistrate judge:
     Yes:  674
     No:  245

From what I've been told, many Wichita County registered voters came out to vote yesterday.  Thank you for exercising your American right to do so!

VLE-B

Election Opinion

Well, the big American vote day is over.  Supporters of Mitt Romney's hopes were dashed last night when word came out to the public that President Obama had won.  I'm not going to sit here and lie to you.  If you don't like what I've already said, you're not forced to sit here and endure anything else that I am about to say.  I, along with most Wichita County and Kansas voters, united when we marked the little oval just to the left of Romney's name for president.

Throughout the evening, our family watched as new history unfolded in front of us.  It was so exciting as more and more red (Romney) states across the nation appeared on the national map.  Along the way, blue (Obama) states appeared.  As time wore on, our hopes were multiplied that our man was going to make it across the "finish line" first. Most of the map was plastered with red color.  But at the same time, we realized that the normal votes were not the only ones being counted.  By the time that we turned off our prime channel and moved to HGTV, President Obama was being regarded as the 2012 winner NOT by popular vote but from the electoral votes that very few states in the union even possess.  At 10:00, over 1 million more voters had voted for Mr. Romney.  Of course, those votes were being counted but that really didn't matter.

I am very proud of the U.S. founding fathers and most of their ideals for us.  I am proud of the laws that they set down in front of us for the most part but WHERE IN THE WORLD did they come up with the electoral votes???  Shoot!  After last night, it seems to me that the only people across this fine nation of ours who need to bother getting out and voting for president are the ones whose states have electoral votes.  The rest of us can go about our busy days and hope and pray that the other few states with electoral votes will vote for the same candidate whom we want in office.

Of course, I am not really stating that the citizens of the rest of the states need not bother to vote.  That is our right and it is one that each of us should take very seriously.  I am just pointing out that I am angry that the popular vote was ignored last night in favor of the very few electoral votes.

And, as I pointed out yesterday morning on my blog, if you did not bother to vote, keep your mouth shut for the next four years.  Many of us don't want to know your opinion.  When you had the opportunity to make it official, you didn't take it.  It would've made a difference.   That goes for which ever candidates you wanted in any office-- national, state or county.

Many Americans believe that we can look forward to higher and higher prices at the fuel pump which translates to higher and higher prices at the check-out counters in our stores.  Our unemployment number will more-than-likely continue to soar.  Thanks to America's First Lady, our children whom eat their lunch that the public schools prepare for them, will continue to come home hungry.  What else will SHE dictate across our country?  I'm not even going to bother to tell you how many Christian morals will continue to be trampled on.

But, of course, this is just my opinion.  All Americans are entitled to his or her own opinion.  I did take time out yesterday though to make my opinion official.  Did you?

VLE-B

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Take Just a Few Minutes Today...

Today possibly more important than at any other time in American history, all registered voters need to drop whatever they are doing for just a few short minutes and make their way to their neighborhood voting station.  For well over a year, we have heard from the politicians and have heard their promises to us.  We have had time to digest what they have said.  Today it is our turn to vote for the ones whom we believe in.  If you are one of the many who won't be bothered with that today, you have absolutely NO right to sit back later and complain because the ones who you would have voted for and whom may have made the positive decisions for our nation, state or county, did not get elected.

This country was founded many years ago by people who wanted the freedom for what they believed in and wanted out of life.  One of the major rights that they fought for was to elect their own goverment.  Today, many people from around the world are still fighting to have the rights that we have and that we take for granted each and every day.  Many of our American soldiers have died trying to help those people attain these rights.

Just do the right thing today.  Vote.  Thank you!

VLE-B

Monday, November 5, 2012

Classic Press Conference--Breeders' Cup 2012

If you are from the Western Kansas area, chances are that you want to watch the video that shows the powers that be of the Breeders Cup Classic winner, Fort Larned, as they accept their coveted trophy.  Some of the Janis Whitham family is on the video and interviewed.  To watch it, please go to

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1548060681001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAG7uZ28~,JnBHzG7VwfoJOrgqdd:XEN76901Jswvu&bctid=1944839406001

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Fort Larned Day in Leoti, Ks.

City Mayor of Leoti, Lori Elder-Christensen, has just proclaimed Thursday, November 8th, 2012, as Fort Larned Day in honor of Mrs. Janis Whitham's horse, Fort Larned, who just won the Classic Breeder's Cup over the weekend.

As of right now, I don't know if there will be any local festivities in regards to this.  If I learn of anything, you can count on me to keep you updated.

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Wichita County Rumor Mills Got it Right!!! (CORRECTION)

Please note that my previous website was incomplete.  The new website I have posted should get you to the video, etc.  Sorry for any inconvenience that I may have caused anyone.

Every little town may not have it's own grocery story but more-than-likely, it has at least one gossip rumor mill.  Many of us have fallen prey to it at least once in our lives.  I know that I have.  LOL!!!  And in many cases, the rumors are at least partially, if not completely, W-R-O-N-G.  But if you heard the word that our local Jan Whitham and her family just won the Classic Breeder's Cup on Saturday, the rumor is factual.  As I watched the race, I found tears streaming down my face.  And..guess what...I wasn't the only one around here who felt the same pride.

The winner's name is Fort Larned.  He ran the 1 1/4 mile race in just 2.00.11 in this first showcase race that was televised on Prime Time TV.  He beat out Mucho Macho Man by a narrow 1/2 length.  What a race!!!

If you missed seeing it on TV or you just want to experience the thrill again,  please go to the following website to watch it now:

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/8590584/2012-breeders-cup-best-worst-santa-anita


Congratulations to Mrs. Whitham and her family!!!  What an accomplishment!

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Special Event/Party?

Our oldest daughter will be celebrating her birthday on November 13th.  It is in the middle of the week so we have decided to have her party for her friends and family on Saturday, November 17th.  Every year, we try to do something a bit different and memorable for our daughters' special days.  In many towns and cities, there is an availability of bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc.  That is not the case in Leoti.  So I tried to figure out an alternative that everyone would enjoy.  Wella!  How about inviting everyone to a PRIVATE movie at a theatre???  And since my all-time fave has always been Tribune's Star Theatre, it only made since to contact the girls there!

I did just that.  As it turns out, this was the first time in maybe forever that anyone has made this request at the Star.  The manager of the theatre brought our question up at the theatre's board meeting.  It was decided that this is a great idea and so now, parties there will be allowed.  The board has instituted a few rules that must be followed in order to do this.  They are simple and quite understandable rules.  Stan and I are both very happy with them and so now we have scheduled the party!  In our case, Leighlyn is inviting all of her class.  It is a small class and the kids are all close to one another.  Leighlyn's uncles, aunts cousins and her classmate's families are also invited to attend.

Since this is for her birthday, we will be supplying cake and punch before the movie begins.  The people who choose to rent the theatre for the day, are allowed to choose whether or not to have the snack bar open.  If it is open, everything will be sold at regular price.

The renters are allowed to choose the movie to be shown.  If the movie is not already in stock, the renter will have to pay for its rental.

There is a $25.00 clean-up fee that is required before the movie.  If the renters clean the theatre well, the money will be returned to the renter.

The theatre will agree to have the movie any day or evening EXCEPT for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings which is their normal evenings for public movies.

Leighlyn has already mentioned this to many of her friends.  They are excited about this!

After the movie, all of the girls are invited to come back to our house for homemade chicken and noodles (their request) and a slumber party.

Of course, renting the theatre is not just for birthdays.  Do it for anniversaries, holidays, family/school reunions, business events, school events, church get-togethers, clubs and organizations.  Just use your imagination!

Don't forget to call Catherine for more information or to get something scheduled!  Her phone number is 620.927.0417.

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Wichita County 2012 Election

Tomorrow, November 6th, is the big vote day across the United States.  Many people's names will appear on the ballots.  I am not going to begin to list everyone whom Kansans will have to choose from.  I will, however, list the people right here.

First of all, Wichita Countians can vote at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., CST at the Wichita County Community Building.

Don't forget to bring your picture identification with you such as your drivers license.

We have the choice of voting for at least one write-in candidate this year.  You do NOT have to spell that person's name correctly.  Just as long as the vote readers are able to know who you are intending to vote for, your vote will be counted.  If you are voting for a write-in candidate, you MUST make a check mark or "x" in the box at the left of the person's name whom you have written in on the appropriate line.  Some states allow write-in candidates to hand out stickers to their prospective voters to be affixed on the ballots appropriate line.  I do not believe Kansas has this at this point.

Candidates whom I am aware of at this time are as follows:


County Clerk                                                            Carol Cary

Register of Deeds                                                     Connie Wilson

Treasurer   (On ballot)                                               Carol Laws
   (Write-In for this Office)                                        Jenet Gardner

Sheriff                                                                        Randy Keeton
"                                                                                 Rick Harp
"                                                                                 Max Davis

County Attorney                                                        Laura L. Lewis

We will also have the opportunity to vote for Janna Delissa to remain in office for District 25-Position 5 Magistrate Judge.

If you know of any other write-in candidates for Wichita County offices that I have not mentioned, please let me know.  I'll add them to this post.


YOUR vote counts so please get out and get it counted!!!


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Sunday, November 4, 2012

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

HERE COMES THE BOOM, a Comedy/Martial Arts movie, will be playing at the Star Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 9th, 10th and 11th, at 8:00 CST.  It is rated PG.  Stars include Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler, etc.  It was released in theatres on October 12th, 2012.

Scott Voss (James) is an apathetic biology teacher at a school that has seen its better days.  Once it is announced that because the school is failing, the funds are no longer available to keep the school's music program and its director (Winkler) going.  It is at that point that Voss makes the decision to do his part by moonlighting as a martial arts fighter so that he can raise the necessary money to keep everything intact at school.  Will his efforts be enough to get the job done???

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

Refreshments are fairly priced also.

Next up will be PITCH PERFECT on November 16th, 17th and 18th.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

This is a great recipe for holiday parties or anytime of the year.  Each recipe makes either 12-15 main dish servings or 20-25 appetizer servings.

Meatballs:

3 pounds ground beef or pork or turkey

1  5 ounce can evaporated milk

1 cup uncooked regular or instant oatmeal

1 cup cracker crumbs

2 whipped up eggs

1/2 cup freshly chopped onions or 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons chili powder


BBQ Sauce Ingredients

2 cups ketchup

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup freshly chopped onions or  1 tablespoon dried chopped onions

1.  Combine all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl.  Shape into walnut-sized balls.  Put these on a sheet of waxed paper.  Freeze until hard.  When completely frozen, put them in a plastic freezer bag and leave in freezer until ready to use.

2.  When you are ready to cook these, place all of them into your crockpot.  Cover.  Cook on HIGH while you are putting the sauce ingredients together in a small mixing bowl.

3.  Pour all sauce over the meatballs.  Stir gently.

4.  Cover.  Cook on HIGH for 1 hour.  Stir.  Continue to cook on LOW for 6 to 9 hours.

If you prefer not to use the BBQ sauce, substitute a large can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup or a jar of spaghetti sauce. 

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Crockpot Soup

Makes enough soup for 6-8 servings

1 pound Velveeta Cheese (cut into cubes)

1 pound ground beef, pork or turkey; browned and drained

1  15 1/4 ounce can of whole corn; undrained

1  15 ounce can kidney beans; undrained

1  14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-Tel)

1  14 1/2 ounce can stewed tomatoes

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

corn chips or soft tortillas

1.  Place all ingredients EXCEPT for chips or tortillas into your slow cooker.

2.  Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours.

3.  Serve with your chips or tortillas in individual bowls.

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Blog I Just Found

Being on total bed rest for the past 3 days has given me plenty of time to be on the computer.  This afternoon, I came across a blog that I thought many of you would enjoy.  Here is the address:

www.thefrugalgirl.com

Enjoy!

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For Sale

Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.  If you are in need of an electric warmer to place your pans or baking dishes of cooked food in order to keep it warm, give me a call at 375.8033.  We have a rectangular tray that is approximately 12"  x  24".  We'd like to sell it for $5.00.

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YAY!!!

The local temperatures around here might still be in the 70s and 80s, but thanks to the HALLMARK Channel, its beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas in our home.  As of last week, the start of the Christmas movies began to be available on this very popular channel.  So, if you're in the mood for a bit of Christmas now, turn to this channel.

Happy Early Christmas!!!

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Looking for a Good Used School Car

Our daughter, Leighlyn, now has her driving permit!  Her birthday is on November 13th.  We are trying to find her a used car that she can use around town.  If you have one for sale, please call us at one of the following numbers:

Lynn:  620.375.8033

Stan:  620.375.8034

Or email me at

slblaus@gmail.com

The car does not need to be fancy. Stan is able to do mechanical work.  Practically anything would make her happy.

Thank you!!!

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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Recipes

Thank you to those of you who have been sending me your recipes!  If you want to do this too, please send them to the following places:

slblaus@gmail.com

or

Lynn Elder-Blau
P.O. Box 194
Leoti, Ks  USA
67861

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Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

This is a recipe we enjoy a lot at holidays and for the rest of the year.

3   10 ounce packages of frozen broccoli; cooked and drained

5 chicken breasts; cooked and chopped

1 can non-diluted cream of mushroom soup

1 can non-diluted cream of chicken soup

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups fine bread crumbs

1/3 cup melted butter or margarine


Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Spray 9" by 13" baking dish with PAM.

Spread all of the broccoli on bottom of pan.

Place the chicken on top of it.

Blend both soups with the mayo and lemon juice.  Pour over the broccoli and chicken.

Top off with the bread crumbs and then the cheese.

Drizzle with the butter or margarine.

Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.


Yields 6 servings.

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Leftovers?

This is another goodie from a lady who wanted it mentioned with the recipes.


If there's not enough left to save

And a little too much to dump

Then theres nothing to do but eat it--

Thats what makes the housewife plump!


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Romantic Dinner

Just two of us for dinner

Romantic to a fault--

You watch my fiber intake

And I will watch your salt!!!

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Recipe Exchange

I didn't have potatoes so I substituted rice.

I didn't have paprika so I used another spice.

I didn't have tomato sauce so I used tomato paste.

(A whole can of food instead of half of a can)--I don't believe in waste.


Submitted by someone who wanted it to be blogged with the recipes.

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Fruit Cobbler

2 cups Bisquick or Jiffy Baking Mix

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup water

3 cups sliced apples or peaches or whole cherries or berries.  If you prefer, you can use as many or all of these as long as everything put together comes to just 3 cups.

2 teaspoons stick butter or margarine


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray 12 inch square baking dish with PAM.

Combine the sugar, mix, cinnamon and water together until well mixed.  Pour into prepared baking dish.

Spread fruit over the mixture in dish.

Slice the stick butter or margarine into small pieces.  Drop these on top of the fruit.

Bake for 20 minutes.

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Sugar Cookies

1 cup sour cream

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

a pinch of salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

just enough flour to make the dough sticky

Mix everything together.

Sprinkle flour on a cutting board or counter.  Roll dough on it until fairly thin.  Use Thanksgiving or Christmas cookie cutters to form your cookies.  Place on cookie sheet sprayed with PAM.

Sprinkle cookies with colored sugar or other edible decoration.  If you prefer frosting, skip this step.  Wait until cookies have cooled off completely.  You can then frost them any way you want to.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

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Friday, November 2, 2012

Local Need

Someone from Wichita County just called me and asked me to let you know that a teenaged girl here is in major need of some good used or new clothing.  Here are the sizes that I am aware of right now:

Jeans:  Size 14

Shirts: Large or Extra Large

Night clothes: Large or Extra Large

Coat: Extra Large

At this time, I do not have the size that she needs for shoes.  If I get that information, I will post it here.

f you have any of these that you are willing to give to this girl, please call 620.375.8027 or email me at

slblaus@gmail.com

I'll forward your email to the people concerned.

Thank you!

VLE-B 

Down and Out

Well it finally happened.  If you have spoken with or seen me lately, you probably know I haven't been my same old self.  I've been in a lot of pain at times.  I've taken much medicine to stop the pain in the left side of my back.  It usually helped just so much but not enough to stop the pain in its entirety.  As each day passed, the pain worsened.

It finally peaked last night.  I was hurting so bad that I couldn't sleep.  At 5:00 this morning, Stan loaded me up and took me to the emergency room.  Seems the tree cutting from a couple of weeks ago, my lifting and moving of furniture finally caught up to me.

The doctor gave me a shot and gave me a prescription for a combination muscle spasm and pain pill.  After that, I was ordered to total bedrest for the next 3 days.  For someone like me, not being able to be up and around is going to be VERY tough.  Next week, I'll see the doctor again and then be scheduled for physical therapy.

I am looking forward to life with no pain again.

VLE-B 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

GAP Mission Trip Fundraiser

will be held on Monday, November 5th, from 4-6:00 pm., CST, in front of Western Hardware.

150 dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts will be available for $7.00 per dozen.  You can also make pre-orders if you want to.

This money will be used to send GAP members on their mission trip to Balize this summer.

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Leoti's Christmas Open House

is scheduled for Thursday, November 29th.  There will be a lighted parade, carriage rides, etc.  Oh...and don't forget that SANTA CLAUS will be here too!

I am also VERY proud to announce that my sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Leif Christensen, have been chosen as the Christmas Open House Grand Marshalls for 2012!

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Christmas Shopping Preview in Leoti

Come on out and show your appreciation for our local merchants next Thursday, November 8th, from 3:00 to 8:00 CST.  Many of our businesses will be having some great sales!

See you there!

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Holiday Recipes

If you have a recipe you would like to share with everyone who reads my blog, please email it to me at

slblaus@gmail.com

or mail it to me at

Lynn Elder-Blau
P.O. Box 194
Leoti, Kansas  USA
67861

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

VLE-B

Thanksgiving Thoughts to Consider

November has now arrived and comes it, great memories of yesteryears' Thansgivings and ideas for future memories to be made.

A couple of years ago, we started a new tradition in our home.  The girls and I purchased a simple, solid colored fabric tablecloth and permanent magic markers.  As our guests gathered around our dining room table, each was asked to write down something that he/she was thankful for that particular holiday.  Next to their thought, they were to write their name and the date.  Everyone did it willingly.  Every year since then, it has been pulled out of our buffet and placed on the table again.  We all enjoy reading what we all wrote that day.  Then everyone writes a new reason for thanks, their name and date of the gathering.  Maybe you would like to begin this tradition in your own family?

Just a few minutes ago, I read of another tradition that we will be honoring this year.  Here's how it goes:

1.  Each evening in November, every family member will be asked to jot down something that he/she is thankful for for that particular day.  For example, how much their family means to them or how appreciative he/she is for the smile that the carry-out at the local grocery store gave today, etc., etc., etc.

2.  Each piece of paper will then be placed into a bowl, cookie jar or whatever.

On Thanksgiving Day, each of these slips of blessings will be read out loud to everyone in attendance.

We will begin this tradition tonight.

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Upcoming Movies at Tribune's Star Theatre

November 2nd, 3rd and 4th
TAKEN 2
PG-13

November 9th, 10th and 11th
HERE COMES THE BOOM
PG

November 16th, 17th and 18th
PITCH PERFECT
PG-13

November 23rd, 24th and 25th
                AND
November 30th, December 1st and 2nd
WRECK IT RALPH  3D Movie
PG

Of course, I'll give you more details on each of these movies the week that they will be shown.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B