Once in a Blue Moon

We all know the expression, and today is the actual event.  The next blue moon won't occur until 2015.

Take this occasion to do something you usually don't do.  You know, once in a blue moon kind of thing.  It doesn't have to be restricted to just today...after all, we do have a three day weekend!

I think that I'm going to take time and clean up my address book.  I have addresses in there from decades ago, including some people who aren't even with us anymore.  It's past due to be done and definitely something I only do "once in a blue moon".

How about you?  Will you achieve something you only do once in a blue moon or will you take this weekend to blow out the unofficial end of summer?

Let me know!

Love,
Jerri

Current Gulf Coast Closures

  Singing River Electric reports approximately 2,800 customers without power


  Mississippi Power reports about 7,300 customers are without power, the majority of those are in Harrison County


  Coast Electric reports approximately 14,000 customers without power


  South Mississippi is under a Hurricane Warning


  The Hancock County EMA is asking residents to not drive anywhere in the County due to deteriorating weather conditions


  For the latest Isaac coordinates, call the WLOX Storm Information Line at 228-897-6897


  Send us your storm photos to pics@wlox.com


  Long Beach Harbor is closed


  Walmart stores across the coast closed through Wednesday


  Coast Transit Authority has discontinued service until the storm passes


  All South MS casinos are closed


  All Community Bank coast branches closed through Wednesday


  Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is closed


  Southern Mississippi Heart Center, PA closed through Wednesday


  Harrison County will not have garbage pickup through Wednesday


  Gautier Senior Center closed all week


  Ocean Springs and Tradition YMCA closed through Wednesday


  Visit WLOX.com/hurricane to get all of the storm information you'll need


  Long Beach Senior Citizens/Recreation Facility closed until September 4th


  Long Beach City Offices closed to non-essential personnel through Wednesday


  Harrison County libraries are closed


  Long Beach libraries are closed through Wednesday


  Stone County/McHenry Library Systems closed through Wednesday


  Jackson-George Regional Library System closed until further notice


  All five Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast locations closed through Wednesday


  St. Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy in Biloxi closed until Thursday


  Gulf South Surgery Center closed through Wednesday


  Listen to WLOX's continuous coverage of Isaac on Bob 105.9, Sports Radio 96.7 The Champ, WOSM 103.1, and WQRZ 103.5


  All Ingalls Shipbuilding Gulf Coast facilities are closed through Wednesday


  The others are at the West Hancock Fire Department, the south barn on Lower Bay Road, Hancock County Horse Arena and the Bayside Fire Department


  Follow Isaac on your cell phones by downloading the WLOX App


  Our Daily Bread Food Pantry in Wiggins closed Thursday


  Gulf Coast Ministries including Food Pantry closed all week


  Loaves and Fishes Biloxi closed through Wednesday


  Catholic Diocese of Biloxi closed through Wednesday


  Edgewater Mall closed through Wednesday


  Stennis Space Center closed through Wednesday


  WIN Job Centers in Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River, and Jackson Counties closed until further notice


  Gulfport Premium Outlets closed through Wednesday


  All branches of Merchants & Marine Bank for Jackson County & George County closed Tuesday


  Coastal Rehab of South MS closed through Wednesday


  All Digestive Health Center, PA offices closed through Wednesday


  Scranton Nature Center closed until further notice


  Veteran's Tower Tribute in Gautier has been postponed


  Pascagoula Senior Center closed until further notice


  All Pascagoula parks and piers are closed


  All Peoples' Bank branches closed through Wednesday


  All First Federal Savings and Loans closed through Wednesday


  Singing River Mental Health Services, Region 14, in Gautier closed through Wednesday


  All Coast Cardiovascular Consultants PLLC closed through Wednesday


  Send pictures of Isaac as it comes ashore to pics@wlox.com


  Jackson's Discount Pharmacy in Gulfport is closed


  Gastroenterology Center PA closed through Wednesday


  Gulf Coast OB-Gyn in Pascagoula closed through Wednesday


Schools

  Bay-Waveland Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Biloxi public schools closed through Wednesday


  Blue Cliff College Gulfport closed through Wednesday


  Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Schools closed through Wednesday


  Cedar Lake Christian Academy closed through Wednesday


  Chris' Beauty College closed through Wednesday


  Christian Collegiate Academy closed through Wednesday


  Coast Episcopal School in Long Beach closed through Wednesday


  Gaston Point Community Center after school tutoring canceled the rest of the week


  Grace Baptist Academy in Ocean Springs closed through Wednesday


  George County Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Gulfport Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Hancock County Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Hancock County Child Development & Early Education Center in Waveland are closed


  Harrison County Head Starts closed through Thursday


  Harrison County Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Holy Trinity Catholic School closed through Wednesday


  Jackson County Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Lamar Christian School in Purvis, MS closed through Wednesday


  Long Beach Schools closed through Wednesday


  Lumberton Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Miller Motte Tech College closed through Wednesday


  Moss Point Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  MGCCC campuses closed through Wednesday


  Ocean Springs Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Our Lady Academy closed through Wednesday


  Our Lady Fatima & Nativity Elementary closed through Wednesday


  Pascagoula Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  Pass Christian Schools closed through Wednesday


  Pearl River County Schools closed through Wednesday


  Pearl River Community College closed through Wednesday


  Resurrection Catholic School in Pascagoula closed through Wednesday.


  Picayune School District Schools closed through Wednesday


  Sacred Heart Elementary School in D'Iberville closed through Wednesday


  St. Alphonsus School in Ocean Springs closed through Wednesday


  St Vincent De Paul Schools in Long Beach closed through Wednesday


  Stone County Public Schools closed through Wednesday


  St. James Elementary School closed through Wednesday


  St. Stanislaus closed through Wednesday


  Tulane University Gulf Coast Campus closed through Wednesday


  University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast closed through Wednesday


  Vardanan Street Christian Academy closed through Wednesday


  Virginia College closed through Wednesday


  Westminster Academy in Gulfport closed through Wednesday


  William Carey College Tradition campus closed through Wednesday


  Jackson County Boys and Girls Club closed through Wednesday.


  Kelli's Steps School of Dance closed through Wednesday


  Miss a closing? Go to WLOX.com


Roads

  Highway 90 is closed in Harrison County


  Many roads in South Mississippi are flooded, officials ask that you stay off the roads


  The following roads in the city of Gautier are closed: Graveline Road at the Lamotte Subdivision, Old Spanish Trail East if Guillotville, Old Spanish Trail Train Bridge, Seacliffe Drive, River Oaks East of Mary Walker, Rue St. Denis, Frazier Park Area, Oak Street


  The following roads in the city of Pascagoula are closed: Magnolia St./Dupont St., Canty St./Dupont St., South Pascagoula Street @ the Harbor, Cedar Street @ the bridge, Martin Street @ the Yacht Club, Pascagoula River Road/Margie Moore, Beach Blvd @ the Point (Boat Launch area), Ford St./Little St., Parsley St./11th Street, River Park


  The following roads are closed in the city of Moss Point: River Road @ the Riverwood Subdivision, Cochran Road (Forts Lake/Kreole), Orange Grove Road (Forts Lake), Magnolia Street near Bryan Street, Rose Drive, Highway 613 near Dantzler Street/at bridge, Dantzler St. at Arthur St., Magnolia St. at Jefferson St., Dantzler St. at Torres St.


  The following roads in Gulf Park Estates are closed: Beachview near the Marina, Octavia Street to 1409, Center Street/Webb Landing, the ramp at Fort Bayou, East North Street, Front Beach, West Belle Fountaine, North 18th Street


  The following roads in Gulf Hills are closed: Shore Drive at Washington, West El Bonito, Hermosa, • Gulf Hills up to 609


  The following roads in Ocean Springs are closed: Front Beach/Washington, East Beach, Holcomb, Halstead, Brittany


  Northbound Hwy 603 in Hancock County is closed due to flooding


  The following roads in Gulfport are closed: Magnolia/Cleveland, Mill Road, Switzer/John Evans , Kremer Landing, Hwy 605/Three Rivers, 41st Ave/U.S. 90, Old Lorraine, Ashton Lane, Courthouse Road, 48th Street, Dolan Avenue, West Pine, Plantation/E. Taylor, River Road Drive, Fisherman's Trail, Old Lorraine Road at the Biloxi River, Colonel Wink, Dedeaux Road/Three Rivers, Fishermans TRL, Hancock Place, Kremer Marine, Old Pass Road, Old Lorraine, Texas Ave,


  All of the beach road in Bay St. Louis is closed from Bayou Caddy to Cedar Point


  The following roads in Henderson Point are closed: Sandy Hook and Natchez


  Popp's Ferry Bridge is closed


  The following roads in Biloxi are closed: Cedar Lake Bridge north of I-10, the causeway on Popp's Ferry road, Bayview Avenue west of Crawford Road, Back Bay Blvd south of Lee Road, Lee Road, and Hudson Krohn Road south of Old Highway 67


  Lorraine Road on the Biloxi River is closed at the bridge


  The following roads in Pass Christian are closed: Highway 90, Clark Avenue, Henderson Avenue, Menge, Cuevas Delisle, Magnolia, Prentiss, Ponce de Leon, Gulfview Drive, Audubon Lane, Canal Road, and Pinecrest Road, Whitman Road, Railroad west of 2nd Street, and Clark Road


  Harrison County Emergency Management want motorists to avoid Highway 90 because of flooding


  The following roads in Gautier are closed: Graveline Road north of railroad tracks, Spanish Trail - East End


  The following roads in D'Iberville are closed: Racetrack Road, Boney Road, located between 5th, Goodman Road, Santa Cruz south of Moran, Bayshore Road, Moye Drive, Bells Ferry Road, River Bluggs Drive, Tupelo @ River Heights


Shelters

  Copiah County shelters open in the following locations: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church: 13146 Highway 51 S, Hazlehurst, Sylvarena Baptist Church: 1119 Old Sylvarena Road, Wesson , Camp Wesley Pines: 1095 Camp Wesley Pines Rd, Gallman, Living Water Baptist Church: 124 S. Ragsdale, Hazlehurst, Highland Baptist Church, 505 North Jackson St. Crystal Springs. Gallman Baptist Church, Gallman, and Springs of Praise, 26114 HWY 47 South, Crystal Springs


  Forrest County "Pet Friendly" Shelter at 946 Sullivan Road in Hattiesburg is open


  George County shelters are: George County Middle School: 330 Church St., Lucedale, Benndale Elementary School, 5204 Highway 26 West, Lucedale, George County Senior Citizens Center: 7102 Highway 198E, Lucedale


  Hancock County Shelters Kiln Shelter 18320 Hwy 43 and Dedeaux Shelter 1095 Road 350, Kiln


  In Hancock County anyone needing "special medical needs" assistance or transportation to a shelter, call the Hancock County Emergency Operations Center at 228-466-8320


  Harrison County shelters open in the following locations: County Farm Road near the Fairgrounds, Lubouy near E. Dubuisson in Pass Christian, Saucier Lizana at 23771 Saucier-Lizana Road, D'Iberville High School, West Harrison High School and Harrison Central High School. Harrison Central High School is the designated pet shelter.


  Hinds County shelters currently open are: New Horizon Gym: 1779 Ellis Ave. Jackson, and The Mississippi Coliseum: 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson.


  Jackson County Shelters at St. Martin High School, Vancleave High School (pet friendly shelter), East Central High School and East Center Community Center/special needs are open


  Lamar County shelter is Lamar Community Center, 99 Central Industrial Row, Purvis


  Marion County shelter is Woodlawn United Pentecostal Church: 1452 Highway 98 East.


  Pearl River County shelters are at Manna Ministries in Picayune and Poplarville First Baptist Church, both are open


  Perry County shelter is Perry Central High School, 9899 Highway 98 East, New Augusta.


  Rankin County shelter is Hudspeth Regional Center: Highway 475, Whitfield


  Rankin County shelter is Hudspeth Regional Center: Highway 475, Whitfield.


  The Stone County shelter at Stone County Elementary is open


Public Information

  Hancock County has extended its curfew until Noon


  Jackson County has extended its curfew until noon, the curfew will resume tonight at 10 pm through 7 am Thursday


  Harrison County has extended its curfew until Noon


  The Tchoutacabouffa will crest at 13 feet at 1:00PM on Thursday


  The Wolf River will crest at 11.5 feet at 7:00PM on Friday


  The Biloxi River at Three Rivers will crest at 16 feet at noon on Friday


  Transportation provided by the Jackson County Emergency Management Agency has been discontinued due to dangerous driving conditions due to high winds. All transportation requests must be made through local law enforcement agencies


  All Burnham Drug locations closed through Wednesday.


  The Harrison County beach is closed, people should stay away from the beach


  Harrison County has a mandatory evacuation for low lying ares for zones 1-3


  Hancock County has mandatory evacuation for all low lying areas


  Diamondhead has mandatory evacuation for all low lying areas


  Waveland has mandatory evacuation for all low lying areas


  All George County Government Offices are closed today


  Bay St. Louis has mandatory evacuation for all low lying areas


  Jackson County has mandatory evacuations for anyone south of Highway 90 and all other low-lying & flood prone areas


  In Moss Point Bayou Heron @ Forts Lake is closed


  MS Department of Marine Resources closed through Wednesday


  Singing River Electric customers call to report an outage, 228.497-1313, 601-947-4211, 228-392-0041, or 601-989-2345


  All Pearl River County Government offices will be closed to the public through Wednesday, essential personnel report only


  All non-essential personnel at the Seabee Base in Gulfport should not report to work until further notice


  Ocean Springs has mandatory evacuation for anyone south of Hwy 90 and low lying areas


  Moss Point city offices closed through Wednesday


  The Seabee Base in Gulfport entrance limited to the Pass Road Gate only


  MEMA/The State Joint Information Center line 1-866-519-6362 or 866-472-8265


  Delta Sanitation garbage pickup canceled through Wednesday


  Advanced Disposal will be closed through Wednesday, missed garbage pick up will not be made up


  GC Solid Waste will not pickup household garbage and trash on Wednesday


  Dan M. Russell Jr. Federal Courthouse and Annex closed through Wednesday


  County Court proceedings canceled in Poplarville Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday


  To report a MS Power outage call 1-800-ITS-DARK (1-800-487-3275) or 1-800-532-1502


  Coast Electric Power Customers can call 877-769-2372 to report power outages


  Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association customers can report power outages by calling 855-277-8372


  Atlantic OB-Gyn closed through Wednesday


  Biloxi VA closed through Wednesday


Churches

  New Birth Holy Ministries Bible Study canceled tonight


  True Deliverance Outreach Ministry Biblestudy is canceled Wednesday night.


  Greater Antioch Church in Pascagoula will be closed for all services for the remainder of week until Sunday.


  East Howard Baptist Church in Biloxi and Edgewater Christian Fellowship in Biloxi will not have services Wednesday


  Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church in Picayune will not have any mid-week services but will resume Sunday


  Morning Star Baptist Church in Gulfport ministries office closed through Wednesday, Mid-week Service canceled for Wednesday


Daycares

  Cedar Lake Christian Academy Pre-School closed through Wednesday


  Christian Collegiate Academy and Daycare closed through Wednesday


  In The Zone all locations closed through Wednesday


  Kids Connection Gulfport closed through Wednesday


  Kinder Learning Center in Biloxi Closed through Wednesday


  Ocean Springs Parks and Leisure after school program closed through Wednesday


  The Little Angels Learning Land Gulfport closed through Wednesday


  Tiny Tots Day Care in Kiln closed until further notice

Another Piece Gone

Another piece of my childhood has gone.  With the passing of Neil Armstrong, a vivid childhood memory came back in to focus.

I clearly remember as a child, my father waking us at 4 or 4:30 in the morning to watch the Apollo missions.  Back in the Sixties, space exploration was a huge deal.  I was fortunate to have a dad who was just as excited about it as we kids were.

Rest in peace, Neil.  And per your family's request...the next time I see the moon, I'll send a wink up to you.

Cool and Creamy

Creamy Lemon Pie

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (20 oz) can lemon pie filling
1 graham cracker pie crust

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy.  Add milk and lemon juice, beating until mixture is very creamy.  Fold in lemon pie filling, stirring until creamy again.  Pour in to pie crust.  Refrigerate 3-4 hours before serving.

Enjoy!!

Winding Down

It's Friday and the week is winding down.  I've had a busy, interesting one myself...how about you?

To tell you the truth, I am flat out exhausted.  Mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.  I feel like I've been beat up this week without any respite.  The blows just seemed to keep coming and coming and coming.

I would like nothing better this weekend than to crawl in bed, pull the covers over my head and just rest.  Throw in a pity party too while we're at it.  But rest and sleep more than anything else.  I would love a good recuperative sleep to recharge my body and my spirit.

Life gets in the way, though...so my wishes won't come true for now.  I'll be busy all weekend so my rest will have to wait.  That is one of those skills women learn young...how to keep going no matter what.

Onward through the fog!

Love,
Jerri

A Tiny Hiccup

Yesterday I wrote about the tiny step I've taken to quitting smoking.  By yesterday, I had figured out that I have a tiny hiccup in my plan!

My e-cigarette is battery operated.  It has to be plugged in every so often to re-charge.  What I didn't plan for is what I would do while it's charging.  It never crossed my mind to get an extra one to use while one is charging.  Yes, I'm a doofus!

My plan remains the same.  I'm still not going to buy any real cigarettes.  But the next time I order my refill pack for the e-cigarette...I'm going to order a spare!

I will not give up!!

Love,
Jerri

A Tiny Step

I've taken a tiny step today.  Today makes 24 hours without a real cigarette.

Now don't get too excited...I've switched to e-cigarettes.  Still nicotine but none of the other nasty stuff that goes with real ones.  There's no smoke, no odor, no trash.  I don't have to go outside to smoke.

Are they as satisfying as a real one?  Not quite, but they do the job.  I haven't killed anyone yet!!  I'm hoping that the fact they aren't quite as good will eventually wean me off all together.

I am definitely saving money!  My average cost for real cigarettes was about $120 per month.  With the e-cigarettes, at most my expense will be $40 per month.  It's my goal to only need one refill pack per month which will reduce it to $20.

Keep your fingers crossed, everybody!  I'm on my way...one tiny step at a time!

Love,
Jerri

Still More

Just when I think I've wrapped everything up from the divorce and move...I come across yet another thing to update!

This past weekend, it was something that had never even crossed my consciousness.  You know those little rewards cards you hang on your key chain?  Yes, those.  I completely forgot about updating my new address on them.

If I hadn't had to add one to the key chain, I would never have even considered it!  The whole reason for having those cards is to get the special offers and perks from that particular retailer.  Those offers are a bit difficult to receive if your address isn't up to date!!

Now I'm sure I'm done.  I think.  Maybe.  We'll see.

Love,
Jerri

A Rainy Day

After living for so many years in drought-stricken Texas, I am thoroughly enjoying my rainy day.

There is something about a rainy day that gives tacit approval for so many things.  Any errand that isn't urgent gets put off for another day.  Snuggling up with a good book is allowed because after all...it's too rainy to do anything else!  Chick flicks on the dvd player...why not?  There's nothing good on TV and you might as well indulge.  A hot mug of peppermint tea to sooth you, a beloved pet to snuggle and pet...all make for a perfect rainy day.

Don't forget the chocolate!  If you're going to indulge in a good movie and a good book...you might as well go all the way and top it off with some chocolate!  I'm not talking grocery store chocolate...I'm talking the good stuff you have hidden away.  A rainy day is the perfect time to unearth it and enjoy it.

Do you have more ideas for a rainy day?  Let me know what they are so I will have them at the ready for my next rainy day.

Love,
Jerri

The Best Ever!

This is my favorite recipe for peanut butter cookies...in my opinion, the best ever!!

Ingredients:


1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
40 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Directions:


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.   Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.
Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan.

Enjoy!!!

Using Coupons

Have you watched "Extreme Couponing" on TLC?  I have and quite honestly, I don't get it.  I mean, I understand saving money on the things your family uses and I even understand stocking up.  But there is a huge difference between stocking up and a stockpile.

Why keep buying something when you already have two years' worth?  Why lose a major chunk of the square footage of your home to store laundry detergent?  While I acknowledge the advantage of having a couple months' supply of something on hand, having more than you can ever use makes no sense to me.

I do use coupons.  On average, I save between 15 and 20 percent on a standard grocery trip.  I could probably do better if I worked harder at it, but I invest a minimum amount of my life and time into the pursuit of savings.  There comes a point when the time becomes more valuable than the dollar savings.  My time is infinitely precious to me.

What are your thoughts on couponing?  Do you tend to the extreme shown on TV?  Where do you draw the line?  Let me know your system!

Love,
Jerri

Back to Kindergarten

I hate election season.  Not because I'm not interested in the issues, or that I don't plan to vote but because of the dirty politics involved.  Unfortunately, I'm not referring to the politicians.

I vote independent.  On some issues, I would be considered quite conservative.  On others, I would be regarded as quite liberal.  I would say that my Facebook friends run the gamut from extreme left all the way to extreme right.

And it's on Facebook that I see the very worst of the vitriol and hate.  The people that I know as loving and generous post rants or photos filled with name-calling, inflammatory speech, and utter disrespect.  Trust me, if you want me to hear your argument...the best way to get me to tune out is to start the name-calling.  We are adults.  That behavior should never get past kindergarten graduation.

There are also those who have intolerance down to an art form.  I have seen numerous instances where someone threatens to "defriend" or actually does so because they don't agree with someone's stance on a particular issue.  Obviously, these people do not actually understand the concept of "friend".  Besides reeking of "mean girl", this behavior is infantile and petty.  Facebook offers the option of hiding individual posts or posts by a specific person.  If you don't agree with a post or find it offensive, hide it.  Get it off of your news feed where you don't have to see it.  Be the grown-up.

We still have a ways to go before the elections are over.  I hope and pray that the discourse in this country does not deteriorate any further and that respect finds it's place in politics, online, and in our daily interactions on social media.

Love,
Jerri

I'm Busted!!

I love disaster movies.  Absolutely adore them!  When the SyFy channel runs an all day marathon on a Saturday, the channel never changes.  Now on to how I got busted.

I have Apple TV at home.  It allows me access NetFlix.  When I get a movie on NetFlix, I use my son's account which he generously shares with me.  What I didn't realize...every time I watch something, it shows up on the queue and he can see it.

The other day, I found a disaster movie to watch.  It starred Lou Diamond Phillips and was called "Metal Tornado".  You can view the trailer here.  Granted, it's not the best movie or Lou Diamond Phillips' best work.  But it's a disaster movie and it filled an evening when there was nothing on TV worth watching.

The next day, I get a message from my son.  "Mom...Metal Tornado...REALLY??"  Yes, really!  I can't help myself...I love them!  And I realize this embarrasses my child to no end.  Oh, well.

I wonder if I can find another one??

And those are my random thoughts this morning...

Native American Wisdom

I thought I'd take a different tack today and post some of my favorite Native American proverbs.  Where known, the tribe of origin is noted.  I hope you enjoy them and perhaps find one that is meaningful for you.

Even a small mouse has anger. - Tribe Unknown

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. -Cherokee

Seek wisdom, not knowledge. Knowledge is of the past, Wisdom is of the future. -Lumbee

It is easy to be brave from a distance. - Omaha

Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand. - Tribe Unknown

Listen, or your tongue will make you deaf. - Tribe Unknown

Cherish youth, but trust old age. - Pueblo

Ask questions from you heart and you will be answered from the heart. - Omaha

The one who tells the stories rules the world. - Hopi


Love,
Jerri

Is It Gender?

Wow!!  Last Thursday's post definitely resonated with my female readers.  If you missed it, you can read it here:  Value.

With an exception or two, the feedback I received was from women.  Why?  Is feeling under-valued strictly a feminine condition?  I don't think that's it entirely.  Or is it that women take more time to examine their feelings in these situations?  That may be part of it.

I believe some of the answer is gender specific.  Women are conditioned from a young age to be caretakers.  It is an integral part of being a mother and a wife/girlfriend.  But that also leads in to it being a generational issue also.  Women of my generation grew up watching our mothers take care of everyone and our fathers were not emotive at all.

Are women more appreciative?  Deep down, I'm sure it's the same for both genders.  I also think that women are better at expressing that appreciation.  It doesn't mean that men in general are less appreciative...I just think they don't say it out loud.  Some women mentioned that their value seemed to decrease after entering their marriage or relationship.  Does that mean that once a man attains his prize, he no longer feels the need to value that prize?

An interesting fact...the feedback I received from women was all done privately.  Why?  I believe it is because women don't want to admit that they are not valued in their relationships.  Am I guilty of the same?  You bet!!  We all want the world to see us as valued, precious friends, mates, and parents.

Although the original post asked questions, it seems to have raised even more.  Do you believe it's a gender issue?  Is it generational?  Do men grow complacent once they've attained their goal?  What do you think?

Love,
Jerri

So Good!!

This was a hit when I made it a few days ago...give it a try!

Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

2/3 cup worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
2 Tbsp white vinegar
3 1/2 lb pork shoulder or roast, trimmed and cut into thirds or quarters

Directions:

In a 6 quart crockpot, mix all ingredients except the pork.  Add the pork, turning to completely cover.  Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.  Remove pork and shred with two forks.  Return pork to the crockpot and stir.  Serve on hamburger buns.

P.S.  When it came time for me to shred the pork, it was already so tender it fell apart.  Shredding may not be needed!!

Enjoy!!!

More Free Books

Lucky me!!  I've found yet another resource for free Kindle e-books!  This is a Facebook page that posts throughout the day.  Not all of them are free, they do post a few greatly reduced titles.  Pay close attention to the Amazon page to make sure you're getting the free ones.

Log on to Facebook and go to Ebook Deal of the Day.  "Like" the page.  After you've completed that, hover over the "Liked" button until the drop down menu appears.  Make sure to check the "Show in News Feed" option.  This way, the posts for free books will appear in your news feed and you won't have to hunt them down.

Load up your Kindle, make a cup of peppermint tea, and begin your voyage to other times and places!

Love,
Jerri

Value

I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a friend and it made me think of the value we place on the people in our lives.  It also reminded me of a statement I heard while watching "Hoarders".  The psychologist on the show said that a collection is something you value and take care to preserve...otherwise, it's just stuff.

Now think about your closest relationships.  Do you value the ones you love?  Do you show appreciation for them?  I'm not talking about the big things...I'm talking about day to day little things that make your life better.  Do you say thank you or just take for granted that certain things will be done for you?  Do you treat your wife like the maid or your husband like the lawn guy?

Take a look at how you treat your other half.  Showing them that you value them also translates in to how other people will regard them.  If the outside world sees that you treasure them, that you are proud of them, and that they are important to you, the outside world will treat them as you do.  If you are dismissive or take them for granted, the outside world will assume they are of no value to them either.

This post had a lot of questions and a lot of food for thought.  Re-read it carefully and think about your own life and relationships.  Let me know what you do to value those you care about.

Love,
Jerri

An Easy Day

Today I've decided to take it easy.  Supper is already in the crockpot so I don't have to worry about dinner.  Laundry and dishes are done.  The house is already straightened up.

I think that today I'll get out a book and read for a while.  If I get bored with that, maybe I'll pull out a craft project.  Maybe if I get really ambitious...I'll clean out my purse!!

Every once in a while, it's important to take a day where everything isn't of the utmost urgency.  Today is that day for me.  Take one for yourself...you've earned it!!

Love,
Jerri

Just a Bit of Business

I need to take time today to just cover a bit of business so please bear with me...

When visiting my blog, please click on the ads!  I'm not asking you to buy anything...just click on the ads.  My blog generates income off the number of ad clicks.  Granted, it's only a couple of cents per click, but it adds up!  If you would be so kind, please click when you're done reading each day's post.

When visiting my Facebook fan page, Jerri's Empty Nest, the success of the page is sent to me in a weekly report from Facebook.  Success is counted by likes, views, and shares.  If you haven't liked the fan page yet...please do so!  If you enjoyed an individual post, please like that post.  If a certain post touched you or taught you, please share it with your friends and family.  Most important of all, make sure you check the page every day.  You never know what I have to say and it definitely changes from day to day!

Thank you all so much for your support of Jerri's Empty Nest!!  It means the world to me!!

Love,
Jerri

Just For Today

Just for today, I will

• Not cry a single tear.
• Take time to do something that makes me happy.
• Eat something I love.
• Make a dent in my to-do list.
• Tell someone I love them.
• Forgive someone who hurt me.
• Spend time outside.
• Contact someone I haven't talked to in a while.
• Cook a nice dinner.
• Count my blessings.

Have a fabulous week, everybody!

Love,

Jerri

Just Fun!

Dirt Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg chocolate sandwich cookies, crumbled
2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
16 oz whipped topping, thawed
4 cups milk
2 pkgs instant chocolate pudding

Directions:

Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping together.  Mix milk and pudding mix.  When pudding thickens, fold into whipped topping mixture.  Layer with cookie crumbs in individual mugs.  Top with a layer of crumbs and garnish with gummy worms.

Enjoy!

Frugal Friday

A few frugal tips for your weekend:

1.  Take advantage of Redbox.  For less than pay per view, you can get a movie to rent.  Pop some popcorn at home and have an inexpensive movie night.

2.  Have family history night.  Drag out your old pictures and share stories of your family with your children and grandchildren.

3.  Do your own fast food night.  Recreate your favorite fast food meal at home.  Think of Sonic's Coney and tater tots...easy to do!

4.  Read!!  Take a little extra time to make your favorite beverage, create a small plate of your favorite snacks, and create a comfy place to read.  Make it an occasion, something more than just grabbing a book and a seat.

5.  Get outside.  Take a walk or a bike ride.  If it's raining, go splash in a puddle!  It's okay to act like a kid every now and then.

Have a fabulous weekend, everybody!!

Love,
Jerri

National Pride

As the Olympics have been going on, I'm reminded of something that was a huge part of my childhood but seems to have disappeared from our nation today.

I'm talking about national pride.  I vividly remember my dad waking us up at 4 a.m. to watch the Apollo lift offs.  The Olympics were mandatory viewing and I don't think we ever missed a 4th of July parade.  I was taught to stand when the flag went by.  We were also taught to stand in respect when the VFW passed.

Most communities no longer have parades due to cost and liability.  The Pledge of Allegiance has become a political hot button versus it's original intent.  Children today don't even know that the flag code exists much less the rules contained therein.  The shuttle program has been discontinued and an entire generation thinks space travel is commonplace versus a wonder.  Video games have taken the place of watching the Olympics as a family.

National pride is something that is taught rather than inherently known.  The best way to teach?  By example.  Do you fly the flag at your home?  Do you stand in respect for the flag and for veterans?  Do you thank an active duty military member when you see them?  Do you turn the television to the Olympics and watch as a family?  It all starts with the example you set.

And those are my random thoughts this morning...

As It Ends

As summer winds down and people get their children ready to go back to school, I have to admit I am looking forward to fall.

I love the fashion available to wear as the temperature begins to drop.  I can't wait to wear my boots again and I adore a cashmere sweater.  Now granted, I don't live in an area where I get to wear them on a daily basis.  But for the small amount of time that I do...I revel in it!

I may be a grandmother but I still rock a pair of skinny jeans and some high heeled boots.  Do I have any business doing so?  I don't care!!  As long as I am physically able to walk in 3 or 4 inch heels, I have every intention of doing so.  If that means until I head to the grave, all the better!

I'm looking forward to the change of seasons...how about you?

Love,
Jerri