Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Día de los Muertos

The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos, Día de los Difuntos or Día de Muertos in Spanish) is an ancient Aztec celebration of the memory of deceased ancestors that is celebrated on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day).

May I refer you to a beautiful altar created by my niece

http://malteseparakeet.blogspot.com/

The holiday is especially popular in Mexico where it is a national holiday, and is celebrated in the Philippines, in Mexican-American communities in the United States, and to a lesser extent, in other Latin American countries. It is a public holiday in Brazil, where many Brazilians celebrate it by visiting cemeteries and churches, bringing flowers, lighting candles and praying.Though the subject matter may be considered morbid from the Anglo Saxon perspective, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead joyfully, and though it occurs at the same time as Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, the traditional mood is much brighter with emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased, and celebrating the continuation of life; the belief is not that death is the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life.

In homes observant families create an altar and decorate it with items that they believe are beautiful and attractive to the souls of their departed ones. Such items include offerings of flowers and food, but also things that will remind the living of the departed (such as their photographs, a diploma, or an article of clothing), and the things that the dead prized and enjoyed while they lived. This is done to entice the dead and assure that their souls actually return to take part in the remembrance. In very traditional settings, typically found only in native communities, the path from the street to the altar is actually strewn with petals to guide the returning soul to its altar and the bosom of the family.The traditional observance calls for departed children to be remembered during the first day of the festivity (the Day of the Little Angels, "Día de los Angelitos"), and for adults to be remembered on the second day. Traditionally, this is accompanied by a feast during the early morning hours of November the 2nd, the Day of the Dead proper, though modern urban Mexican families usually observe the Day of the Dead with only a special family supper featuring the bread of the dead. In southern Mexico, for example in the city of Puebla, it is good luck to be the one who bites into the plastic toy skeleton hidden by the baker in each rounded loaf. Friends and family members give one another gifts consisting of sugar skeletons or other items with a death motif, and the gift is more prized if the skull or skeleton is embossed with one's own name. Another variation found in the state of Oaxaca is for bread to be molded into the shape of a body or burial wrap, and for a face to be embedded on one end of the loaf. During the days leading up to and following the festivity, some bakeries in heavily aboriginal communities cease producing the wide range of breads that they typically sell so that they can focus on satisfying the demand for bread of the dead
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Monday, October 30, 2006

greetings...

Sunday, October 29, 2006

On November 7th,

we have a chance to do something great in this country.

All across America, people are ready for change. People are looking for leaders who will stop representing Washington to their constituents, and start to represent their constituents in Washington.

Just vote OK!!! You will be doing us all a favor.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

this could happen...

This is a scenario that would just move my heart around.

The only justice in this world would be for Kinky Friedman to be elected Governor of the State of Texas and then when Dubya is out of office, returns to the ranch in Crawford Governor Kinky will be there to greet him. If you know anyone that lives in Texas and is a registered voter ask them to look in to maybe voting for the "Kinkster"... stay tuna'd!!!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Send in the clowns

to Sarasota of course. Home of the world famous Ringling Museum of Art.

Chicago has it's cows, Key West has Manatees, I think Dallas has some bulls. Well Sarasota now the home of a few clowns. And what with all the upheaval of doing this project for a very worthy cause, some of those clowns should have been tarred and feathered. Get a grip folks. Get this, some people refer to it as tasteless example of art. It's art for god sakes get over it. I love them and if in fact I could or had room I would be there at the auction when they do auction them off to benefit the TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care Center. But I won't be there. So I took some pictures. I want to share with y'all, they are so cute.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

How did it happen

that manicures became so popular. And why is there a nail shop or two on every block in every city. I think this is amazing that so many people are getting their nails done.

Now I understand acrylic nails, they do require maintenance. Years ago I had them and went every two weeks for my fill. But people are now going every week, some every two weeks to get a manicure. And when I say people I mean men too.

Times sure have changed when you would just carry a nail file or emery board in your purse and whip it out from time to time and file your nails. I still have a nail file that was my moms
What prompted us to think we needed to be professionaly manicured? But there is no better feeling than to have your poor little arthritec hands massaged by a professional.

Oh well maybe there is when you talk pedicures...stay tuna'd

Monday, October 16, 2006

A helpful hint

Once upon a time husband and I owned a pack and ship store. We mailed a variety of items, some of which I cannot go into. But cookies were a big mailing item. I remember our mom would always mail Valentine cookies to “little bird”. Mom would call husband to consult on packaging. So we came up with the idea that we would put an article in the paper to help people pack the holiday baking items that they may be shipping off. And praying they get their safely


Mailing Cookies
Everyone loves to receive packages in the mail, especially the edible variety.

Make sure you get cheers, not jeers, when you mail your elegant eatables.

A big NO NO! S
ome cookies tend to ship better than others do. We recommend that you do not mail cookies with custard or custard-like fillings or toppings. The custard could spoil, making a very unwelcome gift. For that matter, any cookie that requires refrigeration is not a good candidate for the shipping. Another type of cookie that doesn't hold up well for mailing is one with a delicate, cake-like texture type cookies.

Yes, yes, yes!
Cookies that have a crunchy or hard texture such as Biscotti, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Crisps, and Shortbreads make excellent choices for shipping. They tend to be fairly sturdy, so you don't have to worry too much about breakage. And since they already have a fairly dry texture, drying out isn't much of an issue.

Cookies that have a slightly chewy texture, like Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal-Raisin, Snickerdoodles, and White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies also ship well. These cookies will tend to dry out if they are in the mail for more than a week, so if their destination is a long way off, you might want to ship them by express to ensure that they arrive just as tasty as when they left.

Macaroons ship beautifully. Their chewy, moist textures only seem to improve after they've aged a few days. Who wouldn't want to receive a single, perfect chocolate-dipped coconut macaroon as a special treat?

Dense bar cookies such as Fudge Brownies, Lemon Bars, or Peanut Butter Bars are delightful to receive in the mail. Just be sure to individually wrap each one with plastic wrap to keep that moist, gooey, dense texture from drying out.

Good things come in secure packages

Once you've baked and cooled your cookies, you're ready for the next step: packing them. There are a few guidelines you should follow when it comes to preparing cookies to be mailed. Follow these and your special packages should arrive fresh, in one piece, and great tasting.

Don't pack crisp and soft cookies together. The moisture from the soft cookies will seep into the crisp cookies, making them lose their delightful crunch.

Don't overstuff your container. Your cookies may be damaged. Likewise, don't under-pack your container. The cookies should fit snugly. If you have too much space, crumple up a bit of newspaper or towels to fill the holes.
Pack cookies in a sturdy tin or airtight container. On the bottom of the container place a piece of bubble wrap, then line the container with parchment paper or cellophane, leaving enough to tuck over the top once the container is fully packed. Place one layer of cookies in the container. Cover with parchment paper. Arrange another layer of cookies, followed with more parchment paper, and continue this layering until the container is full. Tuck the cellophane or parchment paper over the top, then place another piece of bubble wrap on top, and seal your container.

You now need to pack your tin or container in a heavy-duty cardboard box that's large enough to allow a two- to three-inch cushion between the tin and the wall of the outside box. Place a layer of shipping peanuts, crumpled paper on the bottom of your shipping box. Set your cookie tin on this bottom layer. Then fill in the sides and top with more shipping materials. Seal the shipping box with two-inch-wide shipping tape. Place a mailing label on the box, and you're ready to send those treats on their way. Rest assured that you will surely be receiving a call of gratitude.

Someday I’ll tell y’all bout the Key Lime pie that we shipped.

Major October 2006 Holidays and Events

This is a public service announcement for all who just cannot keep up with these special days. We are all way too busy running here and there. I forgot to wish the elderly Happy Day on the 1st, think I'll bake a cake and take it to the Senior Center.

Sweetest Day, allows me to be sweet or eat sweets, think I'll do both. United Nations Day, oh lord what can we expect from those goons? Maybe they will just take the day off. Now Make a Difference Day, glad I have time to research that because I certainly would like to make a difference. Enjoy the remainder of the month, BUT stay tuna'd for updates.

Friday, October 13, 2006

cat house revisited


Remember my post on the "cat house", as some people have referred to it, well there is an update.

Buddy finally went in the house and posed for this snap. Actually he goes in most evenings.

Just thought y'all would want to know cause Norm was a happy person.

What is a poor cow to do ?!?!

Washington brainiacs say they may or may not have a smoking cow!!! Oh lord give me strength to keep
me from wanting to strangle these bureacratic bastards.

I saw this article on CNN so I thought it would be worthwhile to pass it on. http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/10/12/tainted.spinach.ap/

The reason I went on the internet, to look at this news piece, was that it was in our local paper but while reading it I noticed a few typos and the article seemed disjointed. Sure enough the piece on CNN was longer and no typos, shrugging ones shoulders.

As I have mentioned many times in the past...stay tuna'd,
cause I bet there will be some fallout from this as well.

This is where we should discuss community based farming!



Wednesday, October 11, 2006

google bought youtube

maybe this is the reason why?!?!
I doubt it, I know it's sappy but very touching and quite telling.


I want to share the following video with you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Video Description
Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man whos sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives. In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.As this symbol of human hope spread accross the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. What we then witness is the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring.In the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, PASS THIS TO A FRIEND and HUG A STRANGER!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Customer for life

I have posted several times regarding the good, the bad and the ugly of customer service in this country. On a whole I think it stinks. Sorry but people are rude and defensive if you should return a product or have a problem. I always thought that killing them with kindness is the best way to go. Nah not anymore. Customer service folks take on the attitude that the customer is never right and screw you.

I had an experience this past week that exceeds expert, highest quality customer service.

I pay all of my bills with online banking and have for many years. My bank of choice is Bank of America.

This past August I paid my flood insurance premium. We, here in Florida think that's a good thing to have you know just in case. OK I get a notice from the flood insurance company that my premium was due. I think I will be calling these fine folk cause we be approaching mid hurricane season. First I go online and check to make sure that said bank did what I asked them to do. And yes they had and I got confirmation number etc. OK so I call the nice folks at the insurance copamy and tell the customer service person my story. Well they are going to look into this and get back with me. A week later I get another notice that my policy will lapse on October the 8th.

Now I'm upset with these people what did you do with my money I'm thinking. So I go to my bank and ask them to FAX a copy of check front and back to the insurance company. No problem these people at the bank are as nice as can be. I call the insurance company the next day, they say" yes we got the FAX but that doesn't look like our stamp on the back". "You must pay your premium, time is running out Mrs Doodles".

Oh lord it took a lot for me not to tear into this DOPE! But what good would that have done, I'll just let the bank do it. Emailed my now best friend at B of A and she emails me back saying that they, B of A, put an URGENT on this matter and it would be handled by October 6th.

I get a call of Friday, October 6th from B of A saying that they were depositing the dollar amount of my premium into my checking account. Would I call my insurance company and pay the premium on Saturday. "Excuse me I said", you are putting the money in my account? Why?!!! "Well we know how important you insurance is in Florida or anywhere for that matter and we don't want you to be without". I said this was not your mistake, I did my job by paying, and you did your job by sending off the payment". "The insurance company dropped the ball and didn't do their job". B of A lady said "yes we know and don't expect an apology from them."
"Don't you worry we'll get our money, now they owe B of A".

Now have you ever had such great customer service? That is why I will be a B of A customer for life.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Ethics...........Morals.............

ethics  – plural noun
1.(used with a singular or plural verb) a system of moral principles: the ethics of a culture.
2.the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: medical ethics; Christian ethics.
3.moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence.
4.(usually used with a singular verb) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.


morals n : motivation based on ideas of right and wrong

You get the picture.............but here is a quote from a prominent high ranking senator, John McCain, republican from Arizona.

"There's a belief among my colleagues that our constituents are not concerned about corruption on Capital Hill."

In other words, lawmakers figured they could get away with talking about reform - while doing nothing.

When you go to vote this November and every election thereafter, please, do not forget.

stay tuna'd

Monday, October 02, 2006

a boy and his cat..................

So I come home the other day and husband asks me to come out to the studio/workshop to show me what he has started. Holy crap it’s a house for Buddy the cat!!!

Now I am not one to discourage my builder husband from building anything, but good god almighty a house for the cat!

I try to explain to husband that #1 the cat is claustrophobic and does not like closed in spaces. #2 Buddy never ever went into/on the bed you made him three years ago. You ended up giving it to the next door neighbor for their dog. And I tried to remind husband how sad he was that Buddy did not appreciate husband’s skills at the time. What the hell makes you think he is gonna like this house.

Stubborn male that he is and not to be deterred husband continues his project. I go for my camera.

I must explain that this cat house is a replica of the house we want to build when we sell this house and move to Arizona. Well not an exact replica but a close version. Please notice the carpet inside, maybe he would prefer tile!

In the beginning.........................










The enticement of a treat..............................










The rejection.....................










the caption should read "give it to that dog next door"!......................stay tuna'd

Sunday, October 01, 2006

THINK BLUE

Thank you Greg Maddox..............and team!!!

The Dodgers are in the playoffs!!! Sorry they didn't clinch at home so that their fans could celebrate with them.

I think now the dismal 2005 season is a distant memory.

Let's just pray Nomar and Penny are OK.............................stay tuna'd