Deb

I need to get to Cracker Barrel someday!

Becki

Pat the kitchen is one to behold. It is beautiful. Wish I had it.

There is also a PO like that tiny one in Fl. right here in NC too. I would got try to find the link but it is nerve racking. I know about it because it was on a show called Carolina Traveler. I think it is still in operation too. I can't remember, BUT the one Annie found is just too cute.

OK, I think that is it for now. I am bored..."they" are watching wrestling and I can't stand it...EWWW, awful stuff.

:) Fran

Deb that receipe does look yummmy. I'll be adding it to my list.

Ok, Jerry will be sitting at the firehouse most of the night until this thing passes so.....anyone that wants to chat....

Fran!!!!! (If you can't say something nice...come sit by me:)))) (Ok, jk, a quote from 'Steal Magnolias') I still love that movie!! And I can promise you I probably have that quote wrong, lol. But you get the drift! lol Sassy is awake!

I don't seem to have a summer photo, but here is a snapshot of the back yard from Jan '05:

I'm not ready for this weather just yet, but it's been in the high 90's (even hit 101 one day) this week. It's just miserable! I don't know how many days it's been since we've had any real rain but I'm sure it's been at least a few weeks. Seeing that picture cools me right off! :)

Sassy, as always good picture of Kenzie. The little post office was real cute inside too,and yes, this one had a bathroom. I'm watching the hurricane on the whether channel. It is showing a dock of somesort. I think that is what you would call it, or maybe pilings?

I have ate at a cracker Barrel, Yum

I have to leave for work in about an hour 45 minutes, and will try and check in tomorrow. I have copied, pasted, and send the recipes to my e-mail.

When Shelby goes to the bathroom he has to use a little strainer,and he says there are alot of fragments. For some odd reason I thought they were going to remove them.But noooooo he has to pee the fragments out OUCH! I know you guys wanted that information now didn't you?

I will check in tomorrow.
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Annie Aka Butchy Sampson((((giggles))))

Beth, I will get it out Mon. I have a flat tire on the van right now : ( Jamie was nice enough to bring home a can of Fix-a-flat! I told him I don't trust that stuff and I'm sure with having 2 drywallers in the house it will be a drywall screw! It won't be the first time I've gotten one in a tire! He is working tomorrow, but I might just spray the stuff in it and go to the nearest tire shop and get it fixed myself. It depends on how far away one is.

Pat, I am in LOVE with your back yard! It looks so peaceful!

Vic, yes you may ask. I'm in health care work at a house for the development disabled. I have 8 people that live there and their ages are 21, 22, 23,28 29 33 38 and 48. 2 women and 6 guys. All get along pretty well, just like kids they will have their spats. I'm sure at least 2 of them will be up by the time I get there. They know when I'm coming in and a couple of them have my cell phone number. I don't mind them calling but sometimes I don't know if was such a good idea to give it to them:I love caller ID LOL

Shelby has been plagued with kidney stones for about 6 years. He usually can pass them but this time he couldn't. He said now I know what labor feels like. LOL

Its about that time,
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Pat, that is beautiful, but I can't stand the cold stuff my body just can't take it. I ache all over when I get cold.

I can just bet yah that passing stones sure is nothing like pushin' out a 7 to 10 pound baby. NOW MAYBE IF the stone was a lb in size or more, then a man can take to me about pain....they are all just big ole babies!
That is why WE have to have the pain cuz they can't take it! Labor that is, OH GOOD GRIEF just had a terrible thought, COULD you just IMAGINE a man being pregnant for nine months? AND they call US B*^&%Y!!! They're the ones who can't take it,,,,think how miserable WE would be with them....LOL

OK, SASSY I'm coming to sit down with you now(hanging head in shame)

:)Fran

So Annie, do you stay in a hotel while you are there? Not to ask so many ?'s, just that I know you are always "leaving for work" : ) Sounds like a fun, but at times very challenging job.

I hope the weather isn't getting too bad there for you girls in the path, I think I will go check it out on the weather chanel.

Vic

Annie, tell Shelby MORE cranberry juice and keep that strainer handy, I feel for him!

Pat, that is awesome, I love the kitchen and the winter scene from the window!

I am trying to catch up but sheesh I am soo slow.

Wavin at Becky, hoping all is well with you and yours.

Sassy, that lil Kenzie is growing up so fast!

Waving at everyone

Pixie

I thought somebody wanted to talk?

:)Fran

Our storm was nothing more than rain and a little wind, thankfully.

Oh, and Fran I love that list of movies you listed but we have to add one more
....Divine Secrets of the YA YA Sisterhood!!

Sassy

Tracy,
I got my baby today! She is beautiful!! I already have her potted up! Thank You!

Do any of you guys have a blog? I am going to start one and am trying to think of a name that has to do with being in MT, gardening, and having a child. Like - gardeningmominmontana, but that is WAY too long lol maybe just gardeningmom? Since those are prob. going to be the 2 main topics.

later,
Vic

Our storm was nothing more than rain and a little wind, thankfully.

Oh, and Fran I love that list of movies you listed but we have to add one more
....Divine Secrets of the YA YA Sisterhood!!

Sassy

Vic how about gardenmomnMT? OR MTgardenmom....

Tracy, thank you so much. I received the beauty today.

I haven't been able to do anything today I spent the day with my mom. I was planning on going there a raiding her yard anyway, BUT I found out we lost my uncle, her brother Thursday.
Gosh, what a day, I got to see my Cousin I haven't seen since my grans passing many years ago. I found out my niece is pregnant again with the second child and my OTHER niece got married....

Anywho, I wasn't close to my uncle, but my mom is taking it sort of rough because it was her baby bro and circumstances the way there where I hope everyone will keep my mom in their prayers. Her health isn't really good either and she needs to find piece with not being able to tell him goodbye and she loved him.

Thank you all,
Fran

Vic, I am glad it arrived! I hope it looks healthy. I divided that one last year. It should fill out a lot next summer for you.

Fran, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom's brother. I will keep her in my prayers. My mom and her baby brother are very close. I can't imagine what would happen if we lost him. I hope the caramel travelled ok. It has a portion of the main root so should rebound well from the division after a little bit of shock. They do take a while to recover so don't be surprised if it looks a little limp for the rest of the season. Next year it will be much prettier. They get pretty big. My caramel is only 1 year old and it is about 2 feet in diameter. I really think it looks it's best in June. The colors go from amber, brown and a light burgundy color.

Pat, I love what you did with your kitchen. The cupboards are beautiful! What a view you have from there. I'd wash dishes happily if I had that view from my kitchen sink! Gorgeous!

Annie (Butchy), I am glad Shelby's procedure went well. Shuddering at the idea of passing those stones though. I've had kidney infections before and that was painful enough. I would hate to pass stones. NO Thank you! :o)

Beth, welcome home! I am glad your trip was a safe one. I hate driving in poor visibility. White knuckling it is no fun.

Sassy, love those sweet pictures of my little friend! Give her big smoochers for me! Muuuuah!

Cookie/Tracy

Tried to stay off the computer most of yesterday. Tropical storm Hannah passed this way. Luckily we didn't get the wind but she dropped a bucket load of rain. There was a little thunder and lightning other than that we were lucky.

I need to stay on top of things a little better here.
Have a good evening,
Mariann

Beth, I'm going to go print your label now and will post the dc# in a few.

Vic

It is raining out again, and I have this evening off because I have to run Doctor appointments tomorrow.

Vic, on occasion I stay in a hotel, but most of the time I can stay with my cousin. Today since I don't have to work tonight I'm at sis Brenda's house. When I'm on the road, If I don't use a company van I do get paid for mileage. I love planting in the fall. I know the plants look tired when transplanting at times but they get the moisture they need.

Beth, I know where John Deere in Moline is. My BIL retired from working for them for 40 years but he worked in Ankeny Iowa.

Fran, so sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts are with your mom and of course all of you.

Mariann, it was my son Shelby that had kidney stones. He is doing better, and I do believe he was going to work today. I called him, but just got his voice mail. I'm sure he will return my call and/or text me.

Sassy, I'm glad the hurricane just gave you some rain. I did speak to my niece, and she did remark Raleigh had some flooding, but she was fine. I'm sending you an e-mail.

I'll be back later,
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie aka Butchy

Fran, I can't believe you were worried that I wouldn't like this box, it's fabulous! Even Bump, the "official" inspector is impressed. He keeps trying to run off with different parts of it to show my other cat, Jason. At least, I think that's what he wants to do! Who knows?
THANK YOU FOR SUCH A SWEET BOX!!!

Dan

Any more receipes?????? We need them posted

I found an awesome daycare today! I was told about it by the woman at our storage unit, they had a thing on the news about it also. I just hope I can get a job fast before they get full!
And, it is even LESS than what I was paying in Michigan (only by about $5.00 wk. but still that's pretty darned good for this place)
I put a link to the news cast, if you have slow internet it might not work, but this place is huge!

Vic

Sassy

I just have to post this here, I put it on the MNF thread, but for those of you that don't go there....
I thought this was sooo funny!

Pocket Taser Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife. A guy who purchased
his lovely wife a pocket Taser for their anniversary submitted this:

Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked
my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for
a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a
100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were
supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your
assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety and every
woman needs something to protect herself with, right??

WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it
home.
I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button.
Nothing!

I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button AND
pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I'd get the blue
arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. AWESOME!!!
Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on
the face of her microwave.

Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it
couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, right?
There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting
little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I
really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I
must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second)
and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going
to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did
want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong?

So, the re I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading
glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one
hand, and taser in another. The directions said that a one-second burst
would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was
supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a
three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the
ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds
would be wasting the batteries.

All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5' long,
less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and (loaded with
two itsy, bitsy triple-A batteries) thinking to myself, 'no possible
way!'

What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best...?

I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one
side as if to say, 'don't do it dummy,' reasoning that a one second
burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad. I
decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it. I touched
the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and . .

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD . . .
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION . . . WHAT THE HECK!!!

I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me
up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and
over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal
position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire,
testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in
the oddest position, and tingling in my legs?

The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to
a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to
avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.

Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a taser, one
note of caution: there is no such thing as a one second burst when you
zap yourself! You will not let g o of that thing until it is dislodged
from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor.. A three
second burst would be considered conservative?

IT HURT LIKE HELL!!!

A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at
that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and
surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of
the fireplace.
The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it
originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still
twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my
bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling.
Apparently I pooped on myself, but was too numb to know for sure and my
sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head which I
believe came from my hair. I'm still looking for my testicles and I'm
offering a significant reward for their safe return!!

P. S. My wife loved the gift, and now regularly threatens me with it!

'If you think education is difficult, try being stupid.'

Dan I am so happy you liked your box, I always get so nervous when I send one out. What if they don't like it? What if they thing THIS plant is too small? That kind of stuff. I tried to customize yours to you.

BTW the reason there were NO RECIPE BOOKS IN DAN'S BOX is because HE told me before hand he just takes what is on hand and throws something together although I did email him a couple of really good easy peasy recipes that I really hope YOU TRY THOSE DAN. Impress Paula with them!!!
I really like the honey mustard dip I make it for other things besides the chicken finger things.

:) Fran

Vic, I laughed my butt off at that post. Got the email and forwarded it to my favorite cranky Uncle. Should send it to my Aunt too when I think about it! lol!

Sassy, I have all of your goodies ready to go. I just have some wrapping up to do and it will be on it's way. Tomorrow is going to be a busy one here so I think it will go out on Wednesday if that is ok with you?

I made an apple cake yesterday for the family. It is one of our favorite fall dishes here. So simple!

Apple Cake Recipe:

3 Granny Smith Apples Peeled and sliced thin
3 Eggs
1 3/4 C Sugar
1 C Oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Combine Eggs, Sugar, Oil and Vanilla. Sift together Flour, Salt, Baking Soda and Cinnamon in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and stir well. Fold in sliced Apples. Bake in lightly greased 9x13 baking pan at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Tracy, that sounds good I'm gonna have to get some apples.

Hi girls, I'm so sorry, August just didn't end. But I'm here for a few if anyone wants to chat.

Vic, I don't know what tickled Mariann so good but I'll have to go back and read for sure!

Tracy, I wanted you to know I made your casserole dish tonight, and took a pic when it came out of the oven, its not as pretty as yours but remember this is my first time *he he* (I'm a virginn) lol

I should go back and take a pic of whats left.....jeeeezzzzz lets just say, I can't get out of cooking tommorrow night:(((( (Thank you, I really appreciate it so much!))) But it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. I sware I'm going to go in there and take a pic of whats left. Believe me, its not much.

Thanks dear for an awesome receipe!

Okay gonna go check emails. I'm so behind:( I apologize to everyone thats written me, I promise, I'll get back to you:)

Tracy........

LOL!

Later,

Tracy, seriously, the cpp was really good, thanks so much.

Sassy

Sorry I ended up taking off and missing you girls. We had a phone call this evening about one of our very close family friends. She is in the hospital and had bipass surgery and is not doing very well. Her lungs are not working proplerly after coming off the bipass machine. I spoked with her son for a long time this evening. Their whole family revolves around her. It is such a scary time for them. Once I finished talking to him I had to call my Mom and give her the details of her buddy who is so sick. She may have to go on a ventillator tomorrow if this forced oxygen mask that they are trying on her tonight doesn't help get her lung capacity and blood oxygen levels up where they are supposed to be. I am so afraid that if they put her on the ventillator that she won't be able to come back off of it. I am praying so hard for her.

Hugs
Tracy

Sorry Sassy, I missed you too. I arrived aound 11:30. I thought well, I just missed her!

We all need to get it together so we are on here when someone else is...lol.

I have so much that needs to be done outside today I just can't seem to get it together today, it is going to be one of those days I can tell it already!

:) Fran

Fran, yes that would be a good idea and maybe even go to a chat room, I know I've heard some of you girls talk about it but I have no clue....

Ya know what would be REALLY FUN? If we could set up a trip to get together sometime! Maybe next summer, somewhere inbetween for all of us, like a campground (cheaper than a hotel) I think we would have a blast!

I could look into setting up a chat room on chatzy.com for us if you like.

Sassy and I have been talking about a little something and we would like everyone's input. With all the awesome recipes that everyone has been posting, we were thinking about creating a Petal Pushers Cook Book. There is a site that I found that allows us to input all the recipes and design the cover etc. and will bind and print it for us. There would be some cost to it but it depends on how many we would want to order. The more we order the less each copy would be. If there is enough interest here then I will go ahead and post a separate thread for anyone who would be interested in ordering a copy of the book so we can get a census before we start of how many books we decide to order.

So please share your thoughts before we go any further with this. I would love your input and comments, but most especially your recipes. There would be no profit for anyone involved in making it just the sharing of recipes at the cost of producing the book.

If anyone wants to contact me privately with comments then please feel free to email me through the GW email system if you don't already have it.

Thanks
Tracy

Tracy, I must not have had enough coffee when I read your post, I didn't see ANY spelling errors! lol

Sorry I pooped out on your girls, I was kinda full and had to go run 10 miles on the treadmill to work it off:(

LOL, yeah right! Believe that one if you want to, lol.
Tracy, seriously I would love for you to come but this is what I had left over last night, and only Jerry and I and Julie & Jon ate!
Jon ate 3 huge bowls full and then took some home and he's skinny as a rail!

Jerry and I couldn't believe it! Jeeez! It was really good but come on, lol.

Tracy girl, I'm am praying for your family friend with all my heart, and wishing the the best for her. You know all too well, I'm feeling everyones pain. Its just so hard, please keep us updated. Hugs sweetie:)

Vic, that would be soooo cool to have a get together. You trying to say you wanta come see me? I would love that!

Tracy, again, You know I'm on board with the cookbook idea and if no one minds, I would love to be copied on emails. I do want to help you with this, I just can't take it on by myself right now. I really appreciate your stepping up. Speaking of stepping up, we need to go ahead and discuss between us all what we want to do for October and if anyone would be interested in hosting to give Tracy and myself a break. It would be appreciated if someone else could take the reins for a month. I hate to ask, but unfortunately August followed me into September and I get on when I can, and Tracy is so gracious to take up this cookbook thing. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited at the idea of a PP's cookbook! We just need a little help right now, if we need to take a break for a month, no ones going anywhere. I just wanted your opinions. Thanks.

Tracy again, a great point, we're not doing this to make anything off of it, please don't ever think that! I would just love to have our own cookbook, so come on and lets get together with a few more receipes. I definitly have more I want included. I will be posting those soon so we can get on this. Oh, and Tracy, who cares, we all have typo's. I never pay them any attention.

Jeezzz, I didn't mean to write a book.

Going to go eat, not to worry, I won't be able to over-eat

I'll be back shortly to see if anyones on.

Sassy

I think we all need to get together and talk about somethings outside of GW...yeppers I do. Don't want to be stepping on any ones toes though with my thoughts since I am the newest member of the group though, so excuse me if I rambled to much, I do that from time to time!!!

:) Fran

And Sassers, of course I would like to come see you!! : )
(UNLESS I am expected to go on your 10 mile runs with you!) LOL

Now, as far as October, I could host a swap if there's enough that want to do it. I've never hosted one before so you will have to be patient with me : ) And, depending on what is going on, I may not be swapping in it, but I would be happy to give you girls a break.

Those things are just creepy!!!
Yuck!!!

:)Fran

I'm so glad you guys like Sassy's cookbook idea. I will look up the site info again tomorrow and then try to get a little chat room set up. I will send out emails with invitations to all you guys as soon as it is set up to invite you to the chat room. I do have to confess that chat rooms are not easy for me to participate in during the day with the little kids around. Any time I start tapping away at the keyboard some little fingers like to help too. Evenings after 10 eastern are better for me when the little terrors, I mean darlings, are safely tucked away in their beds :o)

Ok, off to bed now!

Thanks so much for all the great responses!

Hugs
Tracy

Don't worry Tracy, I couldn't get that close to one of those things to put it in a box!!

Fran, You think it's giving YOU nightmares! Marie/Wynative just posted on there that they had an INVASION of them one time at her work! Now I really have the creeps! I think I will be bug bombing this weekend!! 'shiver'

Vic

Sassy, sounds like Jon hit that dish hard! lol! It's the skinny ones that can put it away the best I think. You should see my oldest demolish it.

Ok, I am off to go and mow the lawn and then do more research on the cookbook site. Have a great afternoon!

Tracy

I will do a photo and description when I can get into photobucket! It has been one of those days!!!

:) Fran

Vic, you're right, there are some issues we should get together and discuss about the cookbook, I'll be in the chatroom at 7 ET I'm not sure Tracy will be able to that early but if not I'll copy her on everything. Anyone that didn't get an invite to the chatroom and you want one, email me or Tracy and we'll get you one. Believe me Vic, I couldn't run a mile much less 10 so you're safe:)) lol
And about that bug......What the hell is that? lol I've never seen such in my life and hope I don't! *Yikes*

Oh and Vic as far as hosting for Oct. Thanks so much dear and don't worry we'll help you get through it and I'll email you the PP logo just incase you don't have it, so just be thinking about what kind of swap you want, it can be as simple as seeds....anything goes and you don't necessarily have to participate in the swap. Sometimes I host them but just can't play that particular month.

I'll talk with you girls in a bit in the chatroom.
Sassy

Oh, BTW, don't any of you think I've forgotten your prizes, I'm just running late.

I don't think I will be able to make if for a chat, have to get the kids ready for bed and school tomorrow. Have fun all!

Sassy your box is flying tomorrow. DC is 0103 8555 7493 8873 5935. I really hope you like what I picked for you and the little smoocher! :o)

Books:
MR FOOD Meat Around the Table
Emeril’s TV Dinners LOVE EMERIL!!!

Kitchenware:
2 Oven Mitts French Floral I needed this I am always burning mine
A Blue Scraper? I don’t know what it is…sorry.
Grip and Flip Spatula
Spaghetti Measuring thingy
Lidded Measure and pour cup with measuring things cups/spoons
A white hooky thing…I REALLY have no clue what this is

Other:
Garden Plague/ it is cute
Plant Tags need these
Seed Plastic Baggies: also need these

Plants:
Spearmint
Dill
Silver Maples
Staghorn Sumac
Boxwood (?) Basil this is cute with little tiny leaves Dan do you know which one it is?

Seeds:
Shasta Daisy
Millet grass
Blue Flax
Spider flower Pink & White Do you mean Cleome?
Dianthus
Mixed Datura I hope I can get these to live, I don’t know what it is they will NOT germinate for me.

Thanks Dan, it was a nice box…I have already scoped out some of the recipes in the books Emeril has many I want to try!!!

:) Fran

Wow, that's a pretty nice box you got Fran! I couldn't tell ya what that hook looking thing is, but it looks dangerous! lol

Trina, I'm thinking of you and will try calling you on and off over the week-end. I have tonight to work then I'm off for a few days again.

I think the cook book is a great idea. Will someone tell me how to get to the chat room?

I'm going to check my e-mail; maybe it is in the spam folder.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

P.S. I too will be working on prize boxes this week-end.

RECIPE: CHICKEN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

INGREDIENTS:
6 chicken breasts
2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 1/4 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup tomato-chopped-unpeeled
1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions
Cook chicken and dice, set aside. Saute mushrooms, onion, bell
pepper, & minced jalapeno pepper until tender. Remove skillet
from heat; stir in chicken and green chiles. Set aside. Combine
milk and flour in a small saucepan. Gradually stir in water;
place on medium heat-cook & stir until thick & bubbly. Stir in
chili powder, salt, cumin, & pepper. Add to chicken mixture and
set aside. Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels & then in foil &
bake at 350 degrees for 10 min. Arrange half of the tortillas
in a 12x8x2 dish. Top with half of chicken mixture. Repeat with
est of tortillas and chicken mixture. Cover and bake at 350
degrees for 25 min. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese; let stand
10 min. Top serving with tomato and sour cream. Garnish with
additional jalapeno pepper slices.

Yield: 6 Servings

Deb

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of a PP Cookbook! Altho I wouldn't title it 'PP' for obvious reasons...lol I'm such a sucker for cookbooks and I'm SURE there will be a wonderful response to the availability of one made up of Gardenwebbers such as ourselves! If you could only see the MASS folder on my computer that is FULL of recipes..lol I make myself try at least one a week! So later I'll be posting lots and lots of recipes to help out :)

Re: the Cookbook.. The format is easy enough if you just browse a few recipe books of your own. Section it by breads/muffins, veggie, pies/cakes, main dish selections, etc etc you know the drill... maybe make up some cute/funny names for recipes like Slap Yo'Mama Fudgy Brownies, Carbo Heaven Cheesy Macaroni, or Fire-Breathing Chili & Jalapeno Cornbread... I dunno just tossing thoughts out there... :) Would also be kinda cool since it will be put out by GW'ers to maybe include a *FREE* bonus gift of maybe some nice garden seeds or maybe a tip sheet on freezing and preserving fresh garden produce or somethin' to that effect.. I used to do proof-reading as a side job so I'm open to help out if any help is needed in that area.

I've been super busy with an extensive TO-DO list... it's totally overwhelming! It's absolutely amazing to me how much CRAP a family can accumulate in a house.. LOL It's like that show 'Clean House' around here... I'm sorting and tossing and giving away to thrift stores, freecyclers so much .. STUFF! And after I'm done here I have to go do my mom's entire household as well... altho alot of that will be sorting and delegating who wants what kinda stuff.. whew... whatta job. She had a huge workshop in the backyard and it is still filled with not only her 'where do I put this? oh I'll put it in the workshop' kinda boxes as well as a bunch of my dad's old things from before HE passed away... Then there's painting of the walls here in the 'old' house and also over in the 'new' house... and all this has to be done around a tenant that is still there until end of Oct as well as one of my bros. ...... ok have I whined enough? LOL

Tracy/Sassy ~ I would LOVE to get an invite to the 'chatroom'... I have missed my chatting days, I used to be a Yahoo chat queen LOL Will be fun to talk to some of you 'live' :)

Tracy (yes, again! lol) Was it you that had that San.. somethin' fancy schmancy knife from the older thread? If so, I FOUND one on clearance at Belk and picked it up... man, if a person can be in love with a kitchen utensil that one is tha' bomb-diggity-hoo-hah!!!!!!!! I love it!:)and that apple cake recipe looks yummy! We're supposed to go apple picking either this wkend or next for the first time.. I've been hoarding apple recipes just for that reason! :)

Margaret ~ that's a fun idea of sharing pics of ourselves. Can we wait a year til I've lost 20-30lbs first tho? :D I have LOTS of garden photos to upload once I remember how to post pics again.. :P

Vic ~ that is one seriously gross bug. Creepy gross. But we've got one that in my opinion is much more scary.. the dreaded Palmetto Bug aka Water Bug aka some type of enormous on steroid type HUGE-A&& scientific experiment gone wrong cockroach type of deal... they are over 2" long, they look like a regular cockroach which adds to their ickiness.. but the scariest thing is they are fast and they FLY! Nuthin' like an enormous flying cockroach monster chasing you out of your room.. they love wet leaves or pipes/a/c drip pipes.. and there's one right beside my front porch.. so when you open the door you gotta be careful cuz they will scatter and scurry in if you're not careful. Borax etc doesn't kill them either.. nuthin short of a good squashing seems to do the trick and you can imagine the mess left behind from a 2"+ bug.. ughh.

On that note.. here's a recipe.. ROFL, it's one of our favorite Sunday breakfasts. The syrup recipe sounds funky w/ the baking soda added, but man is it seriously YUMMY!!

"Lick Your Plate Pancake Syrup"
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring butter, sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and cinnamon to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once simmering, whisk in baking soda, and cook for 10 seconds before removing from heat. Serve warm
**I've omitted the corn syrup and it's perfectly fine without too!

"Better Loosen Your Belt Buttermilk Pancakes"
INGREDIENTS
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted
5 cups buttermilk
5 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking powder
5 teaspoons baking soda
1 pinch salt (optional)
5 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter, vanilla extract and buttermilk. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and sugar; stir into the wet ingredients just until blended. Adjust the thickness of the batter to your liking by adding more flour or buttermilk if necessary.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side. Continue with remaining batter.

**Also super delicious if you add thinly sliced apples, or peaches, mashed banana or a cup of mini chocolate chips to each pancake once ladled onto the skillet. mmmmmmmm...

***Very good recipe to make a large batch and freeze for later use.

I'll read back further when I come back. Got laundry to do! :)

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

Wendy, pancakes sound good! I'll have to try that this weekend.
OMG if that thing I found jumped or flew at me I don't know what I would have done! lol
I have GOT to find a good knife too, at least now I know what kind to look for.

Vic

Send me an email and I will zip you an invite to the chatroom. I didn't keep all the emails that I've gotten from everyone over the past few months so will be sending the invites as I hear from you guys.

Margaret, I sent the invitation to you this morning. I hope you have fun chatting! I'm getting ready for fall here too. I have been clearing beds, pulling weeds, getting ready for more mulch so the maples don't take root like they did this past spring. I've been rearranging beds and trying to get plants moved and reacclimated before the cold weather starts to hit us again. I don't know how summer went by so fast but fall is in the air here.

When I talk to Trina I will pass along all your well wishes. I've been watching the weather and it looks like Ike will be a bad one. I am praying hard for their safety.

Ok Petal Pushers, what would be a good name for the cook book? "The Petal Pushers ____"? Let's come up with some ideas!

Deb, I will be shopping tonight for that chicken enchilada recipe. That looks so good. Are you doing refried beans or whole black beans with yours? I emailed you an invite to the chatroom a little bit ago since your email is there with your post.

I do a really simple chicken burrito recipe for quick dinners here.

Chicken Burritos

1 lb chicken cooked and cut up
1 jar of Pace Picante Sauce (hot or mild)
6 medium burrito shells
1 package of Sargento Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Sour Cream

Cook chicken with picante sauce until chicken is soft and shredded. Spoon chicken picante mixture onto the center of medium burrito shell and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Pin the sides together with a toothpick through the center and then bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with sour cream on the side.

The Pedal Pusher's Friends and Flowers Cookbook? Umm, we could include a few planting tips/ seed starting tips or something to do with plant/seeds.

The Pedal Pusher's Homecooking Cookbook?

Ok, I'm stuck for the moment...LOL.

Do you know HOW many characters’s can be in the title yet?

Ok, gonna go play in my new mulch for now and think...Hey I am putting in a new bed it has hosta and heuchera in it!!! WEll it WILL HAVE! To bad I lost my Stoplight thingy....

I might do pics when I am finished, depends on how good or bad it looks....

hey tracy guess what I had for lunch? HEHE...oh yes I sure did...

Sassy how is your weather looking today?

I sure do hope Pixie girl is doing ok and everybody else that way.

OK, off to go outside it is NICE AND COOL here now so I should have been busy already. Well we did haul in 2 PU truckloads of leaf compost so that is busy right?...

:) Fran

*goin' back to my dang cleaning...........

~Wendy

Fran, I like the names. I would love to have something to do with across the country in there. Keep posting ideas!

Maybe we'll have a vote or something with a prize for the author of the winning title.

Way cool on the box u go from Vic! Nice stuff in there!

I have some of those cutting thin things too, BUT I have then put up at the moment. I have never used them yet...

Anyway, that name is all I have this time....lol.

Tell Pixie IF you get to talk to her again I am thinking about her! Please will you? Thanks dear!

:) Fran

Fran, I like your names, I'm torn btwn the Cooking Across America and Friends and Flowers

Wendy, you have some great ideas for it too, I emailed ya a invite for the chat site.

Vic

NICE job on the box Vic!! :) I have some of those lil cutting 'board' thingies.. I LOVE em!

Hugs all,
Wendy

The Petal Pushers: Friends, Flowers, and Food.

The Petal Pushers: Friends, Flowers, and Food Across Amercia. (The three F's in smaller Fonts then the PP and America)

The Petal Pushers: Pushing (or Petaling) Friends, Flowers, Food, and Fun across America (everything after the : smaller font size and America larger)

And of course cookbook would follow the phrase.

Ok, I am done...lol.

I have maxed out my my ideas at least for today.

:) Fran

Ok, well thanks to Wendy, I've gotten nothing done today! LOL (yep! it's her fault, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

Vic

Also, I know lots of you have kids that wouldn't like this but I would like it included in the cookbook, please. And also, to all of you that say, I don't like fruitcake, well I don't either, these do NOT taste like fruitcake, they taste like cookies.

Fruitcake Cookies

1 lb. Candied Cherries (Red)

1 lb. Candied Cherries (Green)

1 lb. Candied Pineapple

4 cups pecans

3 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour

1 tsp. Soda

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 lb. Butter or Marg. (2 sticks)

½ Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

Cut fruit & nuts, mix together in a large bowl. Combine flour, soda, salt,

cinnamon and sugar together and sift over fruit & nuts. Stir by hand to coat really well. Cream butter until light and fluffy, add eggs, beat very

well. Add to fruit mixture, making sure to coat very good. Bake at 325*

for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Tips: This is a HANDS ON recipe! I’ve tried all the "easy way outs" they don’t work! You need to chop your candied cherries & pineapple by hand, in very small chunks, and pecans also, by hand & small chunks. When adding dry ingredients and also when adding the butter & eggs mixture, I can’t stress enough, it needs to be coated very well! The most important thing about this recipe is DO NOT OVERCOOK! I actually cook mine for 13 minutes, you should judge by your oven, if you let these cook until they look done, they are overcooked. Makes approx. 8 dozen. I use a teaspoon to scoop a small amount onto a non stick baking sheet. I find they look & taste better if not smushed.

Hope you try it, I have to make them every Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are gone so quick~~~

Hey, whats up with gas in your state? We're at 4.49 and at the beach I've heard it 5.63 in places. Wow it gonna get worse before better:(

~Wendy

If anyone if available, I'm in the chatroom. If not, talk later:)

Sassy

This sandwich is AMAZING!! It's one of those taste combinations that just drives you crazy!!

For Each Sandwich:
1 slice of sweet, dark, whole grain bread (thick slice if homemade, Honey-Walnut Whole Wheat is great)
1/2 cup Marshall Field's Chicken Salad (see below)
3 slices perfectly cooked crisp bacon, thin slices
1 slice of (thick 1 to 1/2 oz.) Provelone or white processed cheese, as preferred.

Directions:
Cover bread with the chicken salad. Place under broiler a little over one minute. Until it is heated, but not
bubbly. Remove and place bacon, then cheese on top. Return to broiler and melt cheese. Serve immediately. FANTASTIC!!!!

Marshall Fields Chicken Salad:
This is THE BEST chicken salad I have ever had. It's multi-step, but well worth the time. Spread it out over several days. Use to make Marshall Field's Chicken Salad Sandwiches.

From *****, Ex Chef of Marshall Fields, in Houston

Step 1:
Homemade Mayonaise:
In Food Processor mix together ...
1 egg, whole
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt

- Process the above together 1 minute.

Add:
1 1/2 cups Canola oil

- to running processor in slow, steady stream. Continue to run until
emulsified, then 1 minute.

Add:
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pinch of white pepper
dash of cayenne pepper

- Whirr to mix. Refrigerate.

Step 2:
Chicken Salad Dressing
1/2 cup homemade mayonaise (from above)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 heaping teaspoon white pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

- Mix well.

Marshall Fields Chicken Salad:
1 1/2 cups shredded boiled chicken
1/2 cups celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup pecans, toasted, chopped
1 recipe of Chicken Salad Dressing (from above)

Directions:
Mix well, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Variation: If eating as a salad, try adding 1/4 cup halved Thompson
seedless grapes.

Deb

Ok, now I know I'm overtired. ;)

Hugs everyone!
*FINALLY goin' to bed!
~Wendy

I want to trade...lol.
I still have ur seeds u wanted I saved them for you...anyway, I am headed to bed now too.

Night all,
:) Fran

Has anyone heard from Trina? Does she live near where Ike's path is?

Tracy sent me an invite to the Chat Room. Some of you folks are night owls. I'm one of those early to bed early to rise people. When I worked in health care my schedule was really crazy. Can't remember when I slept late.

We've had some rainy days here. Rained all day yesterday. Don't think things will ever dry out.
Have a great day,
Mariann

I love the idea of the cookbook, and will post more later.
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I would love to see your chocolate mousse recipe. I was wondering if their might be some lighter, healthy dishes to add to the book too. I know that all of us want to eat a little bit of healthy stuff to off set all the rich foods.

Beth, that is an awesome box! The Genesys book sounds delightful. I love a little family story to go with good food.

Vic! Way to go on that box. You're amazing!

Tracy

Now IF I could just TALK to her, I'b be happy...lol.

:) Fran

~Wendy

Would anyone like some seeds from my yellow prairie coneflower?

Sassy thanks for e-mailing me Trina's #.I have no clue why it was not on my phone. I probably deleted it instead of editing it.(Lord help me please)

Margaret, I just want you to know I'm not putting you off. Lets get together sometime next month.(I promise) I have 3 boxes of stuff to get planted before the end of the month and I'm on call again for a couple of weeks. I have a love/hate relationship with my job and the hate part has nothing to do with those I serve. I will check my e-mails and get back to you. I have another box ready for you to go out and will mail it, oh lets say Tues. or Weds. This rain has to stop sometime.

My Pest, aka "you better run" is driving me nuts for some affection. Dh says she is real quiet when I'm gone and doesn't do much but eat and sleep. She isn't a fat cat, wish I could do as much eating and sleeping as she does and not gain. Although you lift her and she isn't a lightweight either. I will have to get a picture of my babies and post them. I'm not really a cat person, really I am not. Someday I will get another dog.(when I can be home more)

Ok, I've rambled on wayyyyy too much, and I smell coffee. I do have Dh trained. LOL, not really he just knows I like my coffee.

Tracy, and Vic I will get your boxes out to you this coming week also. Again, I want to express how much I enjoy being part of Petal Pushers. I hope to get to know more of you.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Tracy-Great news about Trina thanks for posting and staying in touch with her.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE'
3 eggs - separated
2 c. whole milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar (separate into 3/4 c. and 1/4 c.)
4 squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. heavy or whipping cream
1/4 c. chopped nuts (I use walnuts)
~In a 2 qt. saucepan with a wire whisk beat egg yolks, milk, salt and 3/4 c. sugar until evenly blended. Stir in chopped chocolate. Evenly sprinkle gelatin over mixture, let stand 1 minute, to soften gelatin slightly.
~Cover and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Gelatin needs to be completely dissolved, chocolate melts and mixture thickens slightly and coats a spoon. (This step is very important. If the pudding mixture is to thin your mousse will be runny. If to thick you won't be able to mix it with egg whites and whipped cream later.) Remove from heat stir in Vanilla and refrigerate 45-50 minutes. Stirring occasionally until mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon.
~When the pudding mixture is chilled-in a medium sized bowl beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually sprinkle in 1/4 c. of sugar. Beat until dissolved and whites stand in stiff peaks.
~In a large bowl beat 1 3/4 c. heavy cream until soft peaks form. With rubber spatula or wire whisk fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Then fold this mixture into the whipped cream. Pour mixture into a 1 1/2 qt. bowl and cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Whip the remainder of the 1/4 c. of cream for topping. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
I have a crystal bowl I only use for the Mousse' it really is delicious!

Mariann

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I have not got to my e-mails yet.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Annie

Mariann, thank You for the Chocolate Mousse recipe. I can't wait to try it. My mouth is watering. I have some pretty martini glasses that I think I will use when I make it. Goodness knows we never have martinis! Now I will have a very good use for them. I love chocolate!

I have been on a bit of a chocolate kick lately. I made my dad's fudge recipe a few weeks ago, chocolate milkshakes for the kids (just a taste for me though), brownies, and the list of things I would like to make is getting bigger. I am holding off so I don't get bigger too. lol!

We are flooded now but not from IKE, we are flooded from the frontal storms that came from the north after Ike headed NE. We have power and water so we are ok unlike many around the area, the only complaint I have honestly is being used to 200+ channels on TV and having the internet lol I know SHAMEFUL!!!

I hope to be able to connect again soon but until then ...

smiles,
Pixie

Margaret, sorry to hear about your basement! I hope it's dried up now, fortunately it was the unfinished side!

Mariann, that sounds soooo good, I love choc mousse!! I have never made it, I'm gonna have to try this one!

Annie, I would love some coneflower seeds also if you have more. And I have to tell you, this is my first swap with PP's and I was so glad to see you here! I have always thought you're a sweetie!!

Margaret I HATE your basement flooded but like you said it WAS the unfinished part...

OH MARIANNE! that sounds SOO yummy..I can't make it though...

Ok, I had a recipe I was going to post BUT I forgot to proof read it today so I will have to post it later.

:) Fran

Margaret, Did you get my e-mail? I hope you were not offended when I said we would get together next month, cause I'm on-call the next couple of weeks for work. I do have another box for you, yes more iris and a few other goodies. Please wait and I will get mine when we get together. I hope there were no costly damage to your house, and again I hope I didn't offend you, because I would not want you to think I'm putting you off. BIL is going through treatment and handling it very well;he is very positive and upbeat.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE,FRAN IS THE WINNER OF THE BOX THAT I PROMISED!

Sassy and Fran, sorry I left suddenly last night but my computer shut down. I called cable service but they have not called me back.

Pixie, so glad you made it through the terrible ordeal.

If I've missed anyone send me to the corner, and thanks girls for making me feel so special here!

BACK TO DIGGING
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Ike rolled through here yesterday. This was the first time we actually had severe weather from the hurricanes that swing up from the gulf. We had 40-60 mph wind gusts and lots of broken branches and leaves scattered around the yard. Can't imagine what it felt like down by Trina when it was full force.

Margaret, I am so sorry about your flooding. I too hope that there wasn't too much in the way of damage. Hoping all your appliances on that side stayed high and dry out of the way of the water. We have an unfinished side of our basement and that is where the washer, dryer, hot water tank and furnace are. Luckily we have a sump pump but have to watch if we lose power in a storm. No power = no sump pump with heavy rains! Yuck!

And speaking of wonderful people in the group............
I received the most awesome box from my dear friend Tracy today!!!! Yippie for me and my little Kenzzzie! lol

Tracy sent me the most awesome hardback cookbook, "A Return to Family Picnics". I've already seen some neat receipes in it, but it has the most beautiful cover to it, Tracy I'll not only be using it but I'll be displaying it in my kitchen, the colors on the cover will go beautifully with my decor.

Tracy also sent me a really cool Kitchen Aid spatula with the silicone and I love the grip on that thing. Also, a beautiful set of kitchen towels, I love them Tracy.

Ok..... thats not all. *hehehe* A bottle of Tracy's very own homemade Vanilla Extract, can't wait to try this. A Digital Cooking Thermomemeter and timer with alarm, you know I didn't have one, I'm glad to get this. And if thats not enough, a 3 piece angled measuring cup set, I told her shes gotta stop looking in my cabinets!!! Ya'll don't know how bad I needed this! lol I had a couple of cups from a set here and a set there, but not a full set. (I still want to know when shes been in my kitchen *hummm* lol.

And last but not least, if I haven't forgotten anything, she sent my little Kenzie some sprizes. You're so sweet.
Kenzie loved her dinner plate, when I helped her tear her tinkerbell paper off her eyes got big and she kissed it, lol ummmmmaaaaa! Thats her kiss, wide open mouth and ummmmmaaaa! It was so funny! and girl she loved that cup but she couldn't figure out why she couldn't drink what was in it, lol. They both are just too cute and she can't help but love frogs, I love them and her other grandmother does too, Iknow a weird obsession, lol.
She also loved her Elmo book, you know shes loves Elmo! Then after a few minutes, it was all about the wrapping paper, lol. I really thought the plate and the cup were awesome, if I had seen them anywhere she would have already had them. *I want that cup!* hehehe!

Sweetie I hope and pray I didn't forget anything, but I want you to know I loved it all so much, and I love it when it just happens that I actually get stuff I needed.
Now I've got to get my you know what in gear and get yours to you, lol. That will be happening shortly.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Me Ma and Kenzie are happy tonight thanks you to and our precious little Emma!

Smooches to you both!
Tell her shes still my big girl:)

Sassy

Hugs!
Tracy and the Emma Monster

NP Annie on the leaving Sassy said you prolly had something like that happen!

OK, I smushed my thumb today so it is like really hard to keep it up out of the way of flying fingers typing so I am having to type REAL SLOW so I am not gonna say anything else :)....

:)Fran

Ok, off my soapbox

Vic, that site is even better. They made it very easy to just go ahead and send the message. Great job sister!

:)Fran

"Thank you for contacting me regarding S.1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act.

I have worked hard to crack down on child pornography and crimes against children. Nothing is more tragic than the victimization of a child, and society has a solemn responsibility to protect our children from harm.

This bill would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The legislation would also improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute predators.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown"

Thank you so much for helping and please alert everyone you can, Sept. 26 Congress is out of session! Think of how many children will be abused during 'their break' if this is not decided on first!

And I'm still begging you all, please contact your senators, I have a house in SC and NC and I've contacted all of them. This is not something I will drop and hope for the best, not after the horrific things I was informed about yesterday. Don't get me wrong, we all know bad things go on, but we're talking about infant babies here, being video taped. I feel like my gut is getting ripped apart everytime I think about it. And I can't stop thinking about it.

I know there are ALOT of you that check this board even though you're not a member, PLEASE vote on this bill!

I've had a crappy day.. literally! lol Our septic tank officially backed up today... fun fun fun fun fun....... couldn't wait til after we moved now could it?? arghh

Hugs all!
~Wendy

I'll try to catch up with all of you later, we're taking my SIL & brother out for dinner tonight for her birthday.

Thought I better also mention, so you all won't have the wrong idea, the statement above....

This has NOTHING to do with political arguments. I wish some would get that through their heads.

has nothing to do with anyone in this group, please don't think that. I meant people in politics that use or abuse voting for it for their own personal gain.

I hope you understand what I mean.

Talk later
Sassy

Wendy-Our septic tank backs up on a regular basis. Apparently the drainage here isn't good. I know what a mess it can be.

Sassy-I've contacted both of my Senators. I'm going to look at Vic's link and send it to a few of my friends.
Mariann

Just a quick request, please keep my son Josh and his drs in your prayers. We'll be going up to a new 'pain management clinic' today at Scottish Rite Children's hospital for evaluation. His neurologist and Orthopaedic drs are sending us there to try to pinpoint the problem of what's causing him to be in constant pain. Whether it's ortho related or his spine is tethered in scar tissue again. They'll be setting us up for all the big tests again - MRI, CT Scan, x-rays etc etc.. hopefully THESE people will finally be able to figure out what's going on and find a way to stop his pain! *fingers crossed!

Hugs everyone!
~Wendy

Wendy, I am so sorry that your son is going through this. I had no idea. He is in my prayers and I will pray for his doctors helping to diagnose and treat him properly.

Hugs!

Tracy

Wendy, I didn't know anything about the issues with Josh, he is in my prayers along with his Drs. and your family. Please keep us posted!

I talked to Trina yesterday, I am going to help her on the MNF Oct swap, and she is going to help me on the PP Oct swap! It should be fun!

Take care girls
Vic

Margaret, Dee, Vic, Fran Sassy your boxes will be flying tomorrow too! I've been packing plants all afternoon. I will post all the delivery confirmation #'s in a few.

Sassy, I've contacted my senators, and I'm with you on this!

I will check back later!
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I NEED A KEEPER, ANY TAKERS?
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Annie, you are so so SWEET!!! I hate knowing you have worked so hard to get all these boxes together, bless you...NOW REST...

Mariann I am just as confused as you are with keeping track of which thread is which..so I like Tracy have been posting to all...lol. Well except for the check in one cuz I already said I would like to get a Cookbook, cookbooks are COOL!!! Plus there have been some AWESOME recipes listed!!!

Vic I am glad you talked to Trina, I wish I could.

:) Fran

Life IS GOOD,
Annie

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Vic, that's awesome that you and Trina are doing the October Swap together. I know you two will have a lot of fun with it!

:o)

Annie ~ that is the one thing I'm really going to miss when we move from here.. I found a corkscrew willow 4 yrs ago at Lowe's in February that was marked down to $10!! I planted it near the house and it has just grown BEAUTIFULLY!! I am in love w/ the way it dangles down so dramatically and when the wind flows thru it! I have taken a few cuttings already and am trying to root them. Hopefully we'll have a couple of new ones to enjoy! :) **I can't wait for the Iris!!! :) I have already been walking around my mom's house (it'll always be my mom's house to me I think..) and deciding where I'm going to put some garden beds. ALOT of work ahead of me :) But I'm looking forward to my gardening 'therapy', and I know mom is smiling down at me and will love whatever I do! There's a spot that would be PERFECT for a nice small'ish pond. There's also alot of shady/woodland area in the back and I have no experience w/ the shade loving plants. I know hostas and astilbes are a few, I'm going to try some Pulmonaria from seed that will hopefully come true. Any other ideas? I should go take some pics and post them of the yard 'as is', then you all can give me lots of ideas! lol **making mental note to buy batteries for camera... :)

Tracy ~ I am having the HARDEST time deciding which title, there's several I really love! Guess that means we're gonna have to do a new one each year! LOL :P

Fran ~ ty to you too! I was confused where to post as well, but I think we're gonna stick w/ this one for the gabbing and recipes and vote on the other. right? lol

Sassy ~ I shared that link with lots of family members and have had several that have written they took part in it too ! Our senators don't give out email addresses tho.. you have to fax it. But the deed is done! :)

Vic ~ TY for the prayers! I know ya'll didn't know about Josh. I tend to withdraw when dealing w/ the hard stuff so I'm trying to keep myself here and involved! I just hate to post more 'woes' what with after my mom's passing, the van, then the septic tank...lol seems like my life lately is just one chaotic ride! ah well *tightening seat belt! :P

I picked up a ton of cardboard boxes today from a cute lil used bookstore near my mom's house. That's my dream to have a cute whimsical lil shop someday that serves coffee and baked goods, sells books, and all kinds of whimsy for the home and garden. I can just picture it as some cute lil victorian type house painted all bright and cheery and lots and lots of flowers! :) Anyhow, the boxes will be very useful for the move! and FREE.. I just love free stuff! :D

Now, on to the recipes!! I'll throw some out here that I cook over the holidays either Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix with pudding
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 or two round cake pans. Whisk together the pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and oil. Beat in the eggs, then fold in the pumpkin mixture. Stir in the vanilla.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To make cream cheese frosting: Cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla. Spread frosting over cooled cake.

Best EVER! Sweet Potato Pie

INGREDIENTS:
1 (1 pound) sweet potato
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
DIRECTIONS
Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.
Break apart sweet potato in a bowl. Add butter, and mix well with mixer. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up like a souffle', and then will sink down as it cools.

This pie is just melt in your mouth yummy!!

Carrot Souffle'

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds carrots, chopped
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash. To the carrots add melted butter, white sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract and eggs. Mix well and transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes

This puffs up so pretty and is incredibly light and fluffy. You'd never know it was a vegetable it tastes like a dessert! I have to cook 2 every year at Thanksgiving!

Old Fashioned Cornbread Chicken & Dressing
(2) 9 inch cakes of cornbread (not sweet)
6 to 8 left over biscuits (can use regular white bread instead)
1 small chicken or hen
2 medium onions, diced
1-2 stalks celery, diced (optional)
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
7 beaten eggs
chicken broth (from chicken you will boil)
salt & pepper to taste
Boil chicken slowly until tender, add water to keep chicken covered. Cook until done, then skin and debone. In large bowl, crumble cornbread and biscuits. Add poultry seasoning, salt & pepper, onions, celery and beaten eggs. Add chicken broth slowly and stir until well mixed. You want the mixture to be just barely 'soupy'. Add the de-boned chicken to this mixture. Bake at 400F until brown, about 35-40 minutes. Serve with gravy.

**I wish this one had exact amounts of the chicken broth, but basically you just go by 'look'. This is a family handed down southern recipe and it is just delish!

Georgian Chocolate-Pecan Pie

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
8 tablespoons margarine or butter (1 stick)
2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate
1 3/4 cups pecan halves
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Directions:
In medium bowl, mix flour and salt. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut in shortening and 4 tablespoons margarine or butter (1/2 stick) until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, into flour mixture, mixing lightly with fork after each addition until dough is just moist enough to hold together. Shape dough into a disk.

On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll dough into a round 1 1/2 inches larger all around than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Gently ease dough into pie plate; trim edge, leaving 1-inch overhang. Fold overhang under; pinch to form decorative edge. With fork, prick bottom and side of piecrust in many places to prevent puffing during baking. Cover and refrigerate pie crust at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees F In heavy 1-quart saucepan, melt unsweetened chocolate with remaining 4 tablespoons margarine or butter over low heat, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool slightly.

Line pie shell with foil and fill with pie weights, dry beans, or uncooked rice. Bake piecrust 10 minutes; remove foil with weights and bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. If pastry puffs up during baking, gently press it to pie plate with back of spoon. Cool piecrust on wire rack at least 10 minutes. Turn oven control to 350 degrees F.

Coarsely chop 1 cup pecans; reserve remaining pecan halves.

In large bowl, with wire whisk, mix cooled chocolate mixture, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and eggs until blended. Stir in chopped pecans and pecan halves.
Pour pecan mixture into cooled crust. Bake pie 45 to 50 minutes until edges of filling are set (center will jiggle slightly). Cool pie on wire rack

*** You can also omit the pie ingredients and directions and use a frozen deep dish pie shell to save time!

Blonde Bombshells

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine (1 1/2 sticks)
1 package (1 pound) dark or light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 cups mixed add-ins such as coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts, dried cherries or dried cranberries, chocolate chips, toffee chips, whatever you like!

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 9x13 pan. In small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
In 3- to 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs very slowly as you stir to avoid overcooking; stir until well mixed. Stir in flour mixture and add-ins just until blended. Spread batter into prepared pan.
Bake blondies 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from edges comes out almost clean. Do not overbake; blondie will firm as it cools. Cool in pan on wire rack.
When cool, cut blondie lengthwise into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 6 pieces. Makes 2 dozen

Cream Cheese Mints

INGREDIENTS
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
any color food coloring paste (optional)

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Mix in peppermint oil. Color as desired with food coloring paste, or leave white.

Roll mixture into small balls, and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar. Let dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, then freeze or refrigerate.

**These absolutely melt in your mouth! mmmmm! These can also be made into pretty shapes by rolling in granulated sugar, pressing into candy molds, and dropping them out. Serve cold.

Creamy Chocolate Crescents

INGREDIENTS
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
GLAZE:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
confectioners' sugar to dust with

DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and sugar. Add cornstarch, melted chocolate and vanilla; beat until smooth. Unroll crescent roll dough; separate into triangles.

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, butter and extract. Brush some over dough. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture at the wide end of each triangle; roll up from the wide end. Place point side down on greased baking sheets; curve ends slightly. Brush with remaining glaze.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Hockey Pucks

INGREDIENTS
1 (16 ounce) jar peanut butter
1 (16 ounce) package buttery round crackers
1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Spread 1 teaspoon peanut butter on a cracker and top with another cracker.

Place chocolate in top of double boiler; stir frequently over medium heat until melted.

Place cracker sandwiches onto a fork and dip into the chocolate. Drain excess chocolate and cool on waxed paper. Store in refrigerator or cover and freeze until ready to serve.

**These are addictive!!

Quick Sourdough Bread

3 cups sifted bread flour
2 3/4 teaspoon of yeast, or one package
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 tsp lemon juice
2/3 cup water***
If using a bread machine, mix and bake according to white bread directions. If using oven then mix all ingredients in a mixer and let rise at least twice. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
***the original recipe was too dry and didn't even form a ball, so I added water to it 1 Tablespoon at a time and ended up with this amount for the perfect loaf. Remember that humidity or heat can make the dough too sticky or dry so check the dough and add flour or water, 1 tab at a time until the dough doesn't stick to the container and forms a uniform ball.

Gramma's Beer Bread

Ingredients:
3 cups of self rising flour
1/2 cup of white sugar
1 12oz can of beer
1/4 cup of melted butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Very lightly grease loaf pan or spray w/ cooking spray. Mix the first three ingredients in a bowl. Pour into loaf pan and bake at 350F for 50 minutes. After 50 min, take bread out and using a pastry brush spread the mnelted butter over the top. Then put in oven and bake for 5 more min.

Homemade Butter

Ingredients:
1 c Heavy whipping cream
1/2 c Water
2 Ice cubes

Process cream in food processor until whipped, about 30 seconds. Add water and ice cubes. Process 2-3 minutes until butter has formed and separated. Keep refrigerated.

Chocolate Martini

~Chocolate liqueur and vodka are shaken with ice and garnished with chocolate shavings

Ingredients:
4 fluid ounces chocolate liqueur
3 fluid ounces vodka
1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate, grated

In a cocktail mixer full of ice, combine chocolate liqueur and vodka. Shake vigorously and strain into 2 chilled martini glasses. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

**I use a regular glass and just stir by spoon then drain out the ice cubes. Works just as well!

Ok I'll stop now! hehe

Hugs all!
~Wendy

Dee- 0306 2400 0000 6039 6182
Fran- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0810
Margaret- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0803
Sassy- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0827
Tracy- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0780
Vic- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0797
Wendy- 0306 2400 0000 6039 6199

I can't wait to participate in next month's swap, and I've offered to host the November swap

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Taco Noodle Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp. garlic
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 package taco seasoning
8 oz. cooked pasta (egg noodles or whatever you have)
1 cup cheddar cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In skillet, brown ground beef and add onions and garlic. Drain meat mixture. Mix meat with tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and noodles. Put into a casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1/2 hour or until heated through. Top with cheese and heat for another 5 mins. until the cheese is melted.
__________
We always have some nacho (or other type) chips with this and some lettuce, tomatoes, and a spoonful of sour cream to balance out the spicy taste. It freezes and reheats well.

Jeanne

Autumn Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
•
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla; pour filling into the baked crust.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples to coat. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill cake before serving.

***Filling CAN be doubled for a taller cheesecake, cook an additional 60-70minuts if you do this.

Hugs!
~Wendy

I wanted to update you and also ask that you contact the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, Nevada. Legislation is considered at the discretion of Senator Reid. Please contact him. I'm posting an email back from one of my Senators and my email to Senator Reid. Actually, its more important that we contact him. Also anyone reading these boards, you don't have to post on it, just please act on it. I just know theres alot of you out there that read these boards but never post, please step up and act on it.
Just contact both Senators in your state and the SML.
And thanks.

Dear Mrs. ,

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for child protection legislation. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
As you may know, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware introduced S.1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act on June 28, 2007. This bill would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators.
Like you, I am outraged when sexual predators prey on innocent children. There is a growing need for legislation that modernizes the reporting requirements for child pornography violations and enacts stricter penalties for the use of the Internet in violation of child pornography or sexual exploitation laws.

Unfortunately, the Senate Democratic Leadership has twice objected to the passage of S.1738, insisting it will only pass if it is included in a package of nearly 35 other bills, many of which are unrelated and address less vital concerns. The Democratic Leadership has continually refused to bring S.1738 up separately for consideration.

Blocked by these repeated objections, Senator Tom Coburn has introduced S.3344, the Protecting Children from Pornography and Internet Exploitation Act. This comprehensive child protection bill combines S.1738 with the Securing Adolescents from Exploitation-Online (SAFE) Act, which passed the House by a 409-2 vote. However, the Senate Democratic Leadership has objected to this legislation as well.
Currently, S.1738 and S.3344 have been placed on the Senate legislative calendar and may be called to the Senate Floor for consideration at the discretion of Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader. Rest assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind if and when either of these bills comes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about any issue important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.


Sincerely,
Jim DeMint
United States Senator

Dear Senator Reid,
I hope and pray you will make sure S.1738 and S.3344 are voted upon before the session ends this month. I beg your cooperation in this matter for our children's sake. Its long past due and I'm sick and tired of 'our leaders' coming up with any reason they can find to trash legislation that will help save OUR children.
Thank you in advance,
my signature

I apologize to you girls posting the receipes, they look great! And we appreciate them alot.

Tracy, I'm still working on our list.

Annie, thanks so much for offering to host in Nov. and I did get your email and that sounds great to me. I probably won't be on much tonight, my sweet little Kenzie is on her way! Whooweeeeee! (as she says, lol) Lord I needed something to help.

Oh, Wendy I sure hope that they find the problem with your son dear, love & hugs, and best wishes. I'll be thinking of you both.

I'm sorry if I missed anyone, but please contact the Senate Majority Leader also.

Thanks girls and have a good night, I'll get back on if I can.

Sassy

Annie and Sassy, I am so sorry I disappeared on you girls last night. My phone rang and then hubby came home and I was off and running. Didn't get back on until much later.

Sassy, I am so glad you found out who we need to talk to next to get these road blocks knocked down on this bill. You are a super mama! Big Smoochers!

Tracy

Annie--There is no way I could be your keeper although I would love to. You wear me out just reading your posts. How do you find time to do all you do? I am getting your box ready and will post # soon. Have one more thing I want to pick up for you.

Wendy-Please know I will pray for Josh. I can so relate to the many tests,etc. I have a daughter who is disabled and have been there so many times. It is impossible to fill new Doctor's in as her file is inches thick. I am so thankful for the services we have in this country though and I know it is very wearing working through all of this. I will also pray for you for strength and wisdom. Give him hugs from me and please know that I care. Would you mind saying how old Josh is as I am new to this RR & know little about your situation.
I really do thank you ladies for the recipes. They all sound so delicious. What great cooks we have in this group.
All, have a great weekend and blessings, Margaret

Josh just turned 18, but he's very small, about the size of a 10-12 yr old since they had to fuse his spine at a young age, and he stopped growing because of it. He's a trooper tho!

Thanks again for the kind words & prayers, it'll be awhile before we have some solid answers, but I'll post in when things come up.

I agree w/ Tracy, Sassy you are a super-woman to get all this info to us, thankyou thankyou thankyou!

Hugs to you all!
~Wendy

I will pray really hard that you can ignore all of our tempting recipes here.

WE HAVE GOT TO START POSTING SOME DIET RECIPES! LOW CAL, SALADS, LIGHT MEALS! or else we will all be blimps by Christmas! LOL!

Wendy, I couldn't agree more about Margarets Post! I'm still laughing about it! I told my hubby about your hockey pucks and he thinks that is the coolest idea! he is a huge Reese's Peanut Butter Cup fan so that is right up his alley.

Annie, I sent you an email (well 2 really) with the pictures of my lungwort. I hope they came through ok.

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday morning for some shots for my youngest son. I hi-jacked his pediatrician into giving me a strep test because I have had a fever and sore throat all week long. Turns out it is positive so I brought my other son in this morning for a test and he has it too. I am not ready for another onslaught of germ warfare. It was so nice when school was out for summer. NOBODY was sick. NOT one of us! Since school started we have gotten 3 letters home telling us that the kids were exposed to strep. School has only been back in session for a little over 3 weeks. I think I need to bomb that school with lysol or something. This is ridiculous.

Wendy, those hockey pucks do sound good! (along with everything else lol)

Tracy, I'm sorry you and your kiddos are all getting the crud!

I came up with an idea for oct. but I want to run it by my partner first.....hehehe

Vic

Vic ~ Quit teasin'! tell! tell!

Hugs!
~Wendy

Vic, come on over here and whisper it in my ear. I promise I won't tell a soul! Pleeeeeease?

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm starting to feel better already and my lil guy will be starting to feel better by tomorrow I hope. I just hate how these bugs get started and keep cycling through the family. Well, I am off to bed, big day of more disinfecting to do tomorrow! LOL!

4 half chicken breasts 1/2" thick (pound with mallet in plastic bag)
1/4 cup mayonaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp fresh black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

Pound chicken breast to about 1/2" thick and place in a zip lock plastic bag. Add all ingredients to bag and swish around until the mixture is combined and evenly coating chicken pieces. Set in fridge to marinate for 2 hours or until you are ready to use them. Preheat grill till medium low temp. Place chicken pieces on grill but not directly over the flame. Slide chicken pieces back and forth along grill lines to achieve those pretty grill marks. Cook 12 minutes for each side or until chicken is firm to the touch.

This chicken is great sliced up in salads, in wrap sandwiches or as a hot main dish with rice and vegies on the side. I use this recipe when I make chicken wrap appetizers for some of my catering parties and they are always a big hit.

Chicken Wrap Appetizers:

Small burrito shell
Red Onion Sliced thin
Baby Leaf Spinach
Provolone Cheese
Ranch Dressing
Thinly Sliced Grilled Chicken Breast

Lay burrito flat, spread a small amount of ranch dressing on the burrito. Place a thin slice of provolone cheese down atop dresssing. Next place a portion of spinach leaves in center, then a few rings of red onion, next place thin slices of chicken breast on top of lettuce. Wrap the sides of burrito over top and pin with toothpicks in two places. Slice wrap sandwich in half and you will have two nicely pinned chicken wrap appetizers.

*If making a quick light lunch for yourself then just fold up the bottom of the shell and roll up to form a typical chicken wrap sandwich. This is a great quick lunch fix when you are on the go.*

Just wanted to let you all know I got a response from one of my senators today:

Dear Vicky:

Thank you for contacting me about the Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2008 (S. 1738).

As you may know, this bill would take significant steps to prevent child exploitation. It sets out a detailed plan to enhance coordination between international, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pursing and prosecuting predators. The legislation also requires a comprehensive evaluation of current programs to prevent these horrible offenses.

I strongly believe in doing everything we can to protect children from sexual predators. In this day and age, technology offers many opportunities to communicate and share information. The downside of new technology is the danger children may face while online. The bill takes important steps to address these 21st Century concerns and help prevent child exploitation on the internet.

For these reasons, I have signed on to cosponsor this critical legislation. Be assured that I will continue to work to ensure that solutions to these issues are approached from every possible angle. Please do not hesitate to contact me again in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Jon Tester
United States Senator

I'm getting ready to post the Oct. swap, be watching.......

Hey all you Petal Pushers! Don't forget to vote for your favorite title for the cookbook. Even if you aren't ordering a book please vote and post some recipes for us!

Thanks a bunch!
Tracy

I don't know if I meantioned it on this thread, but please also contact Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, its his discretion what is to be heard.

Annie, my box is at the PO and I'll run get it shortly. My babygirl is still here Whoopie!!!!

Margaret, that was too funny! lol I know what you mean:)

Dear Mrs.

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for child protection legislation. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you may know, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware introduced S.1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act on June 28, 2007. This bill would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators.

Like you, I am outraged when sexual predators prey on innocent children. There is a growing need for legislation that modernizes the reporting requirements for child pornography violations and enacts stricter penalties for the use of the Internet in violation of child pornography or sexual exploitation laws.

Unfortunately, the Senate Democratic Leadership has twice objected to the passage of S.1738, insisting it will only pass if it is included in a package of nearly 35 other bills, many of which are unrelated and address less vital concerns. The Democratic Leadership has continually refused to bring S.1738 up separately for consideration.

Blocked by these repeated objections, Senator Tom Coburn has introduced S.3344, the Protecting Children from Pornography and Internet Exploitation Act. This comprehensive child protection bill combines S.1738 with the Securing Adolescents from Exploitation-Online (SAFE) Act, which passed the House by a 409-2 vote. However, the Senate Democratic Leadership has objected to this legislation as well.

Currently, S.1738 and S.3344 have been placed on the Senate legislative calendar and may be called to the Senate Floor for consideration at the discretion of Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader. Rest assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind if and when either of these bills comes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about any issue important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.

Sincerely,

Jim DeMint
United States Senator

Recipes look great it's a good thing I just ate.

Wendy-Warm thoughts and prayers to your son and your family.

Sassy-I wrote to Senator Reid. Also emailed some family and friends.
Mariann

Annie! I got your box today! Thank you so much! Everything is wonderful! I got most of it planted and watered in already. I nearly kissed the mailman when he brought it to the door today. You are such a sweetheart! Thank you again.