Harper Valley

We the People...

 

"A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have."  ~Thomas Jefferson

Folks - there's some crazy stuff going on in Washington right now.  We're moving closer and closer to rationed healthcare, global carbon tax, and redistributions of wealth.  We the people want America back.  We want our personal liberties, free markets, and limited government.

A few facts about the new and not-so-improved Healthcare reform bill:

• It includes federal regulations on the rental of power-driven wheelchairs; new government rules on how providers are supposed to treat patients with dementia; and new regulations on smoking cessation, and everything in between. 
• There are multiple taxes included in the bill because the government will need to raise more than $1 trillion to pay for these new regulations.  
• The bill creates a new government-run health plan that will undercut the private market pushing as many as 119 million people out of their private health insurance and be forced into a Medicaid-like plan.  Employers will be pressed to drop their insurance benefits and send their employees over to the new government plan.  This provision doesn’t apply to Members of Congress, who will be able to keep their health plan.
• The bill will also create a new federal health board, a group of government bureaucrats that will decide whether your health care is effective or not, which could endanger your ability to receive the health care you need. 
• To pay for the new federal health board, there will be a new “fair share” tax imposed on everyone’s health insurance to raise $375 million needed for the new bureaucracy. The government has not yet decided what your portion will be. 
• There will be a new “tax on individuals without acceptable health care coverage.”  In other words, if your health insurance isn’t government-approved you will be taxed.

A few facts on the Uninsured:

• Out of the 47 million uninsured citizens, 14 million of them are eligible for Medicaid, but haven't signed up.
• An additional 27 million of them are not in dire financial straights and have annual incomes of $50,000. 
• Many of the uninsured are in between jobs and have chosen to temporarily go without it. 
• Two-thirds of the uninsured are between 18 and 34; these folks, on average, have few health problems and are uninsured by choice.

A few facts on the American Clean Energy & Security Act:

• More and more scientists agree that the global warming war is misguided.
• Global hurricane activity is at a 50 year low.
• Climate change is not solely caused by man or by CO2 emissions.  There are other factors involved such as atmospheric and ocean processes that are unknown or not fully understood by scientists.
• This model has already failed in Europe.
• If this Act passes, Utility companies would be required to purchase increasing percentages of their electricity from “renewable sources,” but they could meet these mandates, at least in part, by forcing their customers to reduce their energy usage. Those customers —- that is, every individual, family and business in the country —- also would be forced to change building codes in order to use less energy, change lighting systems employed in homes and outdoor areas, and buy more expensive “energy-efficient” appliances.
• The cost of this Act is in the trillions, and guess who's paying for that?  Bye bye tax refund.
• And don't even get me started on the death of the lightbulb.  There's nothing I despise more than a poorly-lit, yellow-hued, overly-priced flourescent.  And I'm still not sold on their alleged long life.  My incandescents last me for years. Unfortunately, this scam is already a law, so start hoarding those Reveal bulbs.

This post will surely piss some people off, but that's just too bad because it's my blog. 

Mwuahahahahah <<insert evil laugh here>>

Whether you agree with me or not on these issues..educate yourself.  Read.  Google.  Talk.  Debate.  But don't rely on major news networks to give you real facts because that's not why they're in business.  They exist to make money and get ratings, and sadly, the truth often gets in the way. 

What can you do?

• Contact your state Senators and Representatives.  Voice your opinion.  They're the ones voting on this legislation.  Not sure who yours are or how to reach them?  Click here.  Then click on your state.  You'll find a complete listing of your state reps along with phone/fax numbers and direct e-mail links.  It couldn't be easier. 

Resources:

• www.ncpa.org
• www.freeourhealthcarenow.com- sign the petition!
• http://www.energytomorrow.org/Take_Action_on_Climate_Bill.aspx
• www.climatedepot.com
• www.cato.org/special/climatechange/
• www.lp.org/blog

P.S. I'm not suggesting we trash the earth and ignore health care reform.  But more balanced approaches must be explored.  We deserve it.  Our economy deserves it.

Polynesian Luau

 

Aloha!  My sister, Jill is visiting from Atlanta..and my other sister, Janet had a birthday this week.  So we celebrated island-style at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.  Upon arrival at the Polynesian Resort, we made our way through the jungle back to Luau Cove.  We were seated immediately, and the F&B started flowin'.  We feasted on tropical salad, coconut bread, fresh pineapple, chicken, BBQ ribs, rice pilaf, steamed veggies and a chocolate dessert.  Our meal also included bottomless beer/wine, so we took full advantage of that. 

A few times throughout dinner, the actors performed a running skit about life on the island.  That part was a bit cheesy, but the bottomless beer/wine made it all better.  After dinner, they got down to business with the traditional Polynesian dances.  Each time the male dancers graced the stage, Avery looked back as us grown folks with a grin and a giggle.  She had a look on her face as if to say...Am I allowed to watch these half-nekkid men?

 

The fire dance was the most intense for obvious reasons.  This guy was super brave.

 

I think Meagan won the award for "Most Fun Had".  She laughed and clapped her hands all night.  She made up songs, and was just really joyful.  The chefs at Disney did a great job with her allergen-free meal too.  She gnawed on those ribs like a champ.  At the end of the show, she even ran out on the stage with the other kids.  They all bounced around together.  That's her in the blue shirt, ribbons flying.

 

Look at that happy chica!

 

Here's the birthday girl.  Luckily she was in the restroom when they made all the birthday peeps do an embarrassing hula dance.

 

After the show, we wandered around the property and pretended like we were on vacation.  We took lots of pictures too.  Here's the whole gang...

The resort includes a man-made beach, so we dipped our toes in the water for a bit.  The girls were a little hesitant because they were scared of sharks.  I told them there are no sharks at Disney. You can see the Grand Floridian Resort and Wedding Pavilion in the background. 

 

I allowed Avery and Meagan to throw several handfuls of sand in the water.  Their mama didn't like that idea too much.  Whoops!  heehee

 

After the beach, Gus and Jill hit the lounge while the rest of us went for a monorail ride and watched the sunset.

 

We wrapped up the evening with more pictures.  Just girls in this one.

 

Aloha until next time...

German-Style Potato Salad

 

Another summertime fave for everyone --- Potato Salad, German Style.  I made this Weight Watchers recipe for a July 4th BBQ.  It was pretty good.  I highly recommend garnishing with the boiled eggs as they round out the texture and make the salad feel a little creamier.   I added parsley for the photo, but didn't serve it that way.  Just too grassy for me.  Blech.  I feel like cow chewing cud when I eat parsley.  Not sure why I keep forcing myself to eat it. 

German Style Potato Salad
	1-1/2 pounds uncooked red potatoes, unpeeled (about 14 small potatoes)
	3 oz Canadian-style bacon, finely chopped
	1 TBSP olive oil
	1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
	2 tsp arrowroot powder
	1 TBSP Splenda
	1 tsp salt
	1/2 tsp celery seed
	1/2 tsp dry mustard
	1/4 tsp black pepper
	2/3 cup water
	1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
	1 hard-boiled egg, grated (or more if desired)
	2 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped - OPTIONAL

Instructions

• Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place potatoes in a pot; add enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes and allow to cool. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until slightly brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet; set aside.
• Add oil to same skillet; warm over medium heat until sizzling. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in arrowroot, Splenda, salt, celery seed, dry mustard and pepper; cook about 1 minute. Add water and vinegar; stir and cook until thick and bubbly, about 1 minute. Stir in potatoes and bacon; toss to mix. Cook, stirring gently, until mixture is heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with egg and parsley.
• Yields about 8 half-cup servings.  Two points per serving. 

Notes

• Arrowroot powder is a thickening agent, similar to cornstarch.  You can usually find it at health food stores. 
• I substituted sugar for Splenda, and it was fine. 

Mini Key Lime Cups

 

Like most of you, I attended a Fourth of July BBQ yesterday.  I wanted to bring something refreshing and low-cal.  Summer just screams for citrus food, so I decided on the good ole classic Key Lime Pie.  After poking around on the Internet, I found lots of good recipes, and tweaked them to come up with my own version.  If you're on Weight Watchers, these dainty desserts are only one point each. 

Mini Key Lime Cups

• 2 limes, zested
• 75 frozen mini phyllo cups (5 packages, 15-count)
• 8 oz container Lite Cool Whip
• 6 oz can frozen limeade concentrate (not thawed)

• 14 oz can fat free sweetened condensed milk

Pour limeade and condensed milk into large bowl and blend together with mixer on medium speed.  Gently fold in entire container of Cool Whip.  Cover and refrigerate for approximately three hours.  Once filling is set, spoon small amounts into piping bag with large tip.  Pipe filling into phyllo cups.  Garnish with lime zest.

*Chef's Note: If you're transporting these, be sure to keep the boxes, plastic containers, and protective covers that come with the phyllo cups.  The cups are individually separated, so keep them in the container while filling them.  Then fold the protective cover back over the top, and slide the container back into the box. Perfect portability!

Watermelon 5K

 

I did something this morning that I haven't done in 10 years.  I walked a 5K race.  HOLLA!  For the past few months, I've been walking about three miles on a somewhat consistent basis, and felt it was time to challenge myself. So off I went to trackshack.com and signed up for their annual July 4th Watermelon 5K.  I thought it would be just like my normal walks around Lake Underhill, but it was much more difficult.  There were hills, brick roads, sun (I usually walk at night).  Anyhoo..I was huffin and puffin, and my face was beet red.  But I finished.  And with a decent time too - right around 52m/30s. 

It was encouraging to see such a diverse crowd participating.  I saw 5-year old kids, retirees, skinny minis, and people with a decent amount of weight to lose.  It was so inspiring to see 3000+ peeps in one place doing something healthy.  We rocked it! 

Some of my walking buddies - Karen and Doris.

 

Watermelon dude interviewing one of the younger participants.

 

Florida's Watermelon Queen at the Wounded Warrior Regiment booth.

 

Everyone feasts on fresh cold watermelon after the race.

This 5K re-energized me to continue my journey of health and physical well being.  If you live in Central Florida, check out some of Track Shack's races.  They have year-round events.  Maybe I'll see you there next time.  Happy Fourth of July!  

My First Tomato

Voila!  My first home grown tomato.  Technically, this is my third tomato.  The first two were devoured by a ravenous, vile, larvae which I've determined is a cutworm.  I was so proud of my first two babies. They were red and plump.  Lookin fine and perfect for picking.  But my supreme farmer instincts encouraged me to leave them on the vine just a few days more.   I was greedy for those luscious, 100% vine-ripe tomatoes.  No kitchen counter ripening in this household.  No sirree, Bob.  And that's when they were attacked.  I would have taken a picture, but I was so traumatized by the sight of this cutworm creature that I damn near had a breakdown. 

Shortly after my first borns were destroyed, I discovered a tweener tomato evolving from green to red.  Hooray, I thought.  Finally.  After all these weeks of nurturing, I was close to enjoying my very own tomato.  I watched it quite carefully, and picked it just a few days after it made the crimson turn. 

I want to be proud of this pitiful piece of fruit...or vegetable..or whatever.  But it has this jagged streak down the side, where it separated from itself.  I'm not sure it's safe to eat?  Guess this is where Google comes in handy again.  *sigh* 

The good news is that I have lots more mini tomatos sprouting up.  Hopefully I haven't poisoned them with the large amount of pesticide I've sprayed since the cutworm episode.  So much for organic produce.  Feel free to share any tomato advice you have.  I clearly need it.

Red, White & Blue from Bajalia

 

...from Bajalia Trading Company

Dress up this 4th of July with some of their beautiful red, white and blue items. Celebrate by wearing America's colors while supporting those without the same freedoms and luxuries that we are graced with here in the United States.

RED

This Scalloped Red Brooch is handmade by the women in the West Indian delta region, which has been famous for lace-making for more than 100 years. These women use their crochet skills to improve their lives and provide food and care for their families.  Price: $10.00

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WHITE

 

Bajalia tries to preserve the purity and dignity of the ethnic crafts by supporting the handicraft techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. These are key to each artisan's individual heritage.

Warli painting is one such technique. Spark conversation with this ancient Indian form of art. Made by artisans struggling to survive. Each vase is hand crafted and painted and combines simple geometric designs and ethnic art. Use as part of your centerpiece or set in a special place. Every whimsical set of 3 will make you and your guests smile.   Price: $30.00

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BLUE

 
These turquoise hoop earrings add a simple splash of color to any outfit. Made by incredibly brave women fighting for a new life. Each set of these earrings are created by those who were lured into the sex industry by deceit and then held there by shame. Bajalia partners with groups throughout Asia to help provide shelters, medical care and avenues of escape to these women trapped in this spiral of abuse.  Price: $14.00

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Help those around the world who aren't as lucky as you and I this 4th. Wear your red, white and blue and share the stories of those behind them.  If you haven't had a chance already, check out Bajalia's website and the beautiful new products that have been added.  www.bajalia.com

Michael Jackson Tribute

 

I was amazed at how quickly the news spread about Michael Jackson's death on Thursday afternoon.  Between Twitter, Facebook, and the Internet...we were all mourning within moments. 

Michael Jackson meant so much to so many of us, musically.  When I was about nine, my dad came home from a trip with a gift in hand for me.....the Thriller cassette.  My sisters and I were so excited.  We immediately ran to my room and huddled up on the edge of my twin bed.  Then we popped that tape into my rinky dink portable cassette player and listened to it over and over and over.   We were hooked.

Michael Jackson changed music forever, and I feel honored that I experienced the phenomenon as a child and teenager.  The music you grow up with always holds a special place in your heart.  For us Gen-Xers...he was our Elvis.  And he broke the racial boundaries that most musicians couldn't or didn't want to.  I feel like a part of my childhood is gone now that he's passed. 

Some folks say he's a pedophile who should rot in Hell.  Is it true?  Who knows.  If it is, then rest assured that he IS answering for his actions now.  Despite his tortured, troubled, train-wrecked soul..the world still loved him. 

Although Thriller was my first real cassette, Off the Wall is my favorite MJ album.  And my favorite MJ song is ---> PYT.  Without a doubt.  Although, Workin' Day & Night, Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, and Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' are very close runners up. 

It's hard to pick just one, but go ahead and try.  What is your favorite Michael Jackson song? 

Find New Blog Topics

Did you know that approximately 1 million blog posts are written every 24 hours?  Stats like that make blogging seem easy.  But it's not.  Check out these blog topic tips from my BFFs at TypePad. 

For more social media/marketing info and blogging tips, follow this link to TheFutureBuzz.

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10 Ways to Find New Blog Topics

1.  Check your comment section.  Some of the best ideas come from readers. Read through your comments and check for interesting questions, provoking thoughts, or anything that could become a good post topic. Focus particularly on any comment threads that contain a spirited discussion among readers. If it's hot, run with it.

2.  Create a list.  Whatever you blog about, there is likely an exciting list that you can uncover. Write the “5 Secrets to...” or the “Top 10 Ways...” or “8 Reasons Why...” or “3 Ways to Find Out...” They're quick and painless, and even better: they're fun to read.

3.  Review your greatest hits.  Read back through your old posts, particularly the ones that generated a good amount of feedback, and consider writing a fresh angle on the topic. If a subject was compelling once, it might be worthwhile to explore another variation on it.

4.  Spend some time on social networking sites like Digg and StumbleUpon to find out what other people are blogging about.  Sometimes just browsing through headlines of buzz-worthy blog topics will be enough to jumpstart your creativity. Good ideas are contagious, so take time to read popular blogs and blogs that are generating lots of conversations, and you'll soon have a bunch of new ideas.

5.  Explore blogs in an entirely different category than yours.  Stepping outside your own content area is a wonderful way to be inspired. Have a marketing blog? Read a few food blogs. Have a craft blog? Check out a few political blogs. Inspiration is just a few clicks away.

6.  Do something different.  Create a post using only pictures. Hold a contest. Give something away to the “nth” person who comments. Invite your readers to ask you a question. Participate in a blog meme. Write a pros and cons list on a topic that is relevant for your audience. Write a post in your “alter ego” voice, contradicting a stance you would usually take. Create a poll. Write about a blog post that you had a strong reaction to.

7.  Invite a guest author to write a blog post.  If you need a break on the writing front, why not ask another blogger to write a guest post? Another up-and-coming blogger will likely seize the chance to write for a new audience, and your regular readers will get a fresh perspective.

8.  Step away from the computer.  Some of the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard. Spend an hour or two at the museum; catch the afternoon matinee; browse the magazine rack; or crack open a novel. Chances are good that you'll find yourself inspired when you do return to your desk.

9.  Turn on the news.  We know: since you started blogging, you don't watch nearly as much television, but local and national news are a goldmine of topic ideas. Tune in and be inspired.

10.  Keep an idea log.  Buy a cheap notebook and jot down ideas whenever they come to you. Carry it with you when you're riding the bus or sitting at the airport. Next time you can't think of anything to post about, all you'll have to do is turn to your own treasure trove of brilliance.

Happy Father's Day

   

Just found this picture of me and my Dad.  I'm guessing this shot was taken around '75 or '76.  I look annoyed.  Hmmm..no surprise there.  And my dress is kinda short.  But I guess that's cool when you're a toddler.  At least I'm following the fashion rule of not showing too much leg and chest at the same time.  Dontcha love our haircuts?  Me with my Dorothy Hamill wedge and Dad with his Farrah Fawcett feathers.  Oh yeah.  Hialeah's finest.  Happy Father's Day, Dad!  Thanks for making me go to church all those years, even when I hated it.  : )