5/21 Trashing our country!! :(

Imagine this...
You give me a gift. It's the most beautiful, unique, wondrous gift I've ever received. It's full of life, mystery and is inspiring at every glance. Imagine I take that gift and pretend to love it. I take all of it's resources and use them as I wish (never giving back as much as I take, of course) and then I proceed to simply take a giant crap on it!! Too graphic? Nope, just a perfect depiction of what we're doing to our planet. ...the pictures below are graphic, but necessary.
Seriously guys. I know I don't need to say much when it comes to this issue. We all know what's going on, we know what we can do to help reverse the problem, we know what we are doing that is contributing to the problem...yet our planet looks like this. Plastic is poison when consumed. The fish, birds and other creatures that eat it are then, accordingly, poison. So, knowing that fish is one of our healthiest food resources, why do we want to poison them. Or any other creature, edible or not!?!

Unbelievable. I cannot believe that the largest of the 5 HUGE trash swirls in our ocean is TWICE the size of Texas and deeper than you want to know!!!!! What's in them? Mostly plastic bottles and plastic bags. Pathetic.

Why?! Why are we dumping barges full of trash in the ocean?? That's right folks, the swirls are not there because of littering alone. We take barges full of trash and dump them in the ocean as if we have a giant flush handle that can be pulled.

Fact is, we don't. It can't be flushed away, it's only going to grow larger and more repulsive by the day. Killing animals and killing us in turn. Do you know how many cancers can be linked to the consumption of plastic? Educate yourself!
Use re-usable bags when you shop, so you don't have to use plastic ones. Plastic bags are actually illegal in a lot of countries and in others they charge you to use them. Why aren't we following the example? Are we 'eco-friendly' only when it's hip?...like 'green' baby clothes and fashionable 'green' home products?? I think we can do better.

RECYCLE!!! Do not throw anything away that can 1)be recycled through your city's recycling program or 2)that somebody else could get use out of. The picture above is a set of bins that a neighbor of mine had out with the trash cans (along with an un-damaged drum set and several other perfectly usable items) to be picked up, toted away to the dump and either buried or dumped in the ocean. Should I be ashamed that I saw it's potential and nabbed it, cleaned it up and used it myself? NO WAY!!! I would be far more ashamed to just carelessly throw it out, not considering for a minute where it will go or what/who it will affect once it left my curb.
Why are we so irresponsible? I mean, why are there thousands of gallons of oil spilling into the ocean?

Why are there practically new continents made from trash?! I don't know, but it makes me sad for my child and the generations to come. We've selfishly screwed the people we're supposed to be looking out for out of a healthy, happy planet to live on.

5/6 I'm boycotting the Arizona boycott!!!

No, I do not think that American citizens should have to pay for those living in the country illegally. However, I DO think we're making it next to impossible for those who do want to become citizens to do so!! They have to go through a ridiculous process that entails going back to Mexico and waiting for some papers, yada yada yada....how many of you have the money to just pick up and go to Mexico for an indefinite vacation?? If you've been to Mexico and stepped off of your plush resort, you know EXACTLY why these people want to be here! Isn't America supposed to be the land of opportunity?

Yes, I realize that there are violence issues and crime rates that have been affected by illegal immigration. What I also realize is that when compared to the amount of violence our very own citizens cause and are responsible for in this country, there is no comparison! Of course, the media throws out all the stories and statistics and gets America all riled up with violence and biased opinions. Shame we aren't always so concerned about citizenship...

Are they taking American jobs? Folks you're not going to like me after this one...NO!!! They are not 'taking jobs from Americans' Check out your local unemployment lines and tell me who you see there. You'll see Americans who could be in line for a job interview, who could be asking anyone and everyone for a job or a chance to earn money in exchange for hard work...but aren't. The jobs that are being 'taken' by illegal immigrants are the jobs that AMERICANS WON'T DO!! They're the jobs that wouldn't get done unless they did them. If all illegal immigrants quit working for one day only, this country would be in a hurting place and we'd all notice the difference in some way.

We need a compromise. We need to find a fair and far more attainable way for citizens of others countries to become citizens of ours if that is their wish. We need to do so in a respectable manor that involves treating these citizens with common decency. If that happened and the peaceful law-abiding new citizens got their papers, then we would have no problem disciplining those who simply chose not to. If they do not want to be a citizen, they do not need to live here. Simple. In other countries is it just that simple. But if they do, we need to work with them, not against. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." is engraved at our Statue of Liberty. Are we liars or just selfish. We CAN find a compromise!!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get on the road with my hubby for a road trip. We're going to Arizona! We're boycotting the boycott. Arizona is simply trying to find something that works for them. We love it there, it's a beautiful state and a great place to vacation with plenty to do and see.... oh, and did I mention we're picking up Leo who has been there for a few days with his grandparents?!! LOVE a good road trip;)

5/5 Infant medication RECALLS?!?!!

CHECK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET NOW!!! Can you believe this horrible absence of quality standards?? The 'trusted' brands, Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl have let us down once again. That's right, this has been an ongoing problem and I've never been happier that I am cheap!! Well, I'm a label reader anyway and let go of 'name brands' years ago when I turned the bottles around and found that the ingredients are exactly the same. The problem in this case is the quality standards. Large, well known companies expect the FDA to be lax with them since they are supposed to be the best. The reality here is that since the FDA stays on top of smaller store brands, their quality standards are constantly kept up to par! The concentrations in the name brands have been found to be up to three times what it is supposed to be and they've found 'chunks' and particles in the syrup. Are you kidding me??!! Unacceptable....and these are the people you trust to approve the food you eat too!

catch the whole story in this article: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,591882,00.html?test=latestnews

4/22 What we've been up to...

I'm busy busy busy and I've got the pictures to prove it! I've got several personal goals I'm working very hard towards. Leo keeps me on my toes no matter what, but now he's got a motorcycle that he practically wants to sleep on. My in-laws are still in town, but are planning on bailing out in about a week. Leo and I took a trip down to Dallas to do my niece's hair and make-up for prom and had a blast! Leo had so much fun playing with my sister, Trish, and Aussie, the dog, was instant buddies with him as well:) I had the opportunity to talk shop with my niece's dad who's a professional photographer and it looks like that opened some fantastic opportunities too!! (you can check out some of his fabulous portfolio at http://rrpictures.com/) We didn't get back until Monday evening and Tuesday and Wednesday were spent unwinding, getting things done around the house and editing photos (my latest addiction). I always say I'll be back on track with this blog when I slow down, but honestly I can't complain about being busy. My busy life is full of blessings! Enjoy the pix and talk to ya sooner than later;)

P.S.-scroll down for an updated Mangiare Monday!

4/22 Mangiare Monday 'make-up'...what to bring to brunch?

Recently, it was my groups turn to provide brunch for all the ladies at MOPS meeting. My contribution was simple and last minute (as usual) I think we make it harder on ourselves than we need to when it comes to deciding what to bring to something like this or even what to serve in our own homes. Avoiding the ruts or your 'same ol' recipes is the first rule to making these decisions easier. If you run down a list of things you always make, they'll never sound exciting. However, deciding to replace one ingredient with something new or even more simply, just displaying the food in a different way can make it seem like something different and wonderful!

I didn't have a lot of time, so I picked an easy combination of foods and an old standard recipe.

If your going to take cut apples, make sure to cut them last minute or toss them in a bit of lemon juice so they won't turn brown. Strawberries should be cut if they are too large to eat in one bite.

I cheated a bit and went to Starbucks and bought a box of their classic coffee cake and sliced it into small slices. Delicious, trust me!

I mixed a regular jar of marshmallow cream with a regular size cream cheese and a bit of almond extract and voila!! So simple and EVERYONE loves it.

Take the time to place things nicely and use fun dishes instead of tupperware. Take things that will taste good even if they've cooled or sat for a little while. Don't take things that will wilt like waffles or french toast, etc. People are attracted to foods with color. Fresh foods and healthful foods are best, but people like to indulge so something slightly 'naughty' (like the coffee cake) keeps a smile on their faces too.

Hmmm...now I'm thinking about Starbucks...gotta go!! ;)

a peek at our trip to the circus...

The Shriner's Hospitals are wonderful, beautiful places where many children and their families are able to receive the care they need and deserve. Check out the link
http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main/

to learn more about what they do and how you can help or donate.
...then take a peek at the slideshow below!

Create a free photo slideshow

4/14 Video Vednesday...annoying commercials, 81 year old men & uni-sex bathrooms?!?!

I've been gone for a while and have a lot to say!! So sit back, relax & watch out;)

Where in the world is Tamara Dawn?

Well, since I never could figure out how to fit more hours into a day, I had to steal some 'Video Vednesday time' from yesterday and devote it to a self-taught lesson in web design! My photography website is now looking decent after much time spent banging my head against the computer...I'm still seeing little white boxes when I blink!! ;) I also have a family function this weekend, a three day community garage sale to prepare for, a little boy to get ready and packed for a trip with his grandparents...oh! and marathon to walk in on Saturday for a fundraiser:) Busy times, but I'll have interesting pictures to post and topics to talk about soon enough. For now, enjoy these 'Photo-Ops' I've been snapping

and of course check out my website @ http://www.newdawnphotobytamara.com/

Two posts today!!

scroll down after the Norm's Perfect Apple Pie for a slideshow of our Easter 2010...

4/5 Mangiare Monday...Norm's Perfect Apple Pie!

Paul's mom makes the BEST apple pie ever! So, this Saturday before Easter, I asked her to teach me how. She guided me through the steps and it was actually easier than I thought and a lot of fun:) Thanks, Norm!

First, peel 3 lbs of tart apples (like Granny Smith)

then slice them no thicker than 1/4 inch.

In a large bowl mix:

apples

2-3 T cinnamon

1 1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

Set that aside and start on your crust.

Mix:

2 cups flour

1 t salt

1 cup lard

(shortening works, but lard makes a flakier crust)

Blend with a fork until it starts to lump and then add 1/2 cup milk

and blend with your hands JUST until ingredients have

meshed together. (this is the key to a flaky crust...not 'over-working' it)

This (above) is basically what it should look like before you divide
it in half to make a top and a bottom crust.





Roll out each half to be larger than the pie pan.
See how the bottom crust is hanging over...





Pour in your apple mixture...








Fold your top crust in half and use a knife to make little
cuts along the crease to vent while cooking...





Place the folded crust over half of the pie and unfold.
Pinch the two crusts together all the way around
and cut excess dough off with a butter knife.





Cover the crusts with tin foil and bake @ 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove crust foils and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes
or until apples are soft when you poke with a knife.




Let cool and serve it up!




Delicious!! Everyone loved it and since I made two,
I have some left over to enjoy today;)
It's not a sweet crust, so it works equally as well
for quiche or pot pie, trust me!!

Happy Easter!!

4/2 FOX Friday...Anti-gay protesting at military funerals???????

Infuriated is all I can seem to be at a story like this. Listen folks, I'm not talking about whether being gay is right or wrong. This story is about our troops and their families. What I want to make clear that I DO think is wrong is the disgusting, distasteful and disrespectful protests led by Fred Phelps at military funerals. I'm absolutely ashamed to say he is a Baptist preacher, of all things! Somebody who's supposed to represent Christians, but leads rallies full of hate?

First of all, he and the crowd who follow him don't even protest at these funerals because of specific issues with the soldiers themselves. What I mean is, it would be a slightly different story if the soldiers were gay. Not acceptable, just slightly more comprehensible. THEY AREN'T!! These soldiers and their families and friends are paying, on 'America's behalf', for being a country that accepts homosexuality. We're apparently 'damned' because of it and in turn are directly responsible for the soldiers deaths....according to Phelps. These soldiers who have given their lives to our country so that people like Fred Phelps can completely disgrace and ruin their funerals and horrify and humiliate their families on their day of grieving and get away with it, because those soldiers protected their first amendment right to do so. Because of our military we have the right to speak and be heard. Unfortunately because of ignorance, what some of us have to say is not worth hearing.

I believe in God, I call myself a Christian and it saddens me that there are people basing their opinions of my religion on these displays and protests. Disrespecting somebody's funeral in such a disgusting manor is in no way acceptable, according to MY Bible and it certainly wouldn't seem appealing to any non-believers! Take your issues somewhere beneficial, take them to your government in a civilized way. Be proactive and present yourself with a kind, compassionate attitude. I've always found that by treating everybody the same, regardless of 'who' or 'what' they are, you can better achieve the kind of results you want.

What Fred Phelps does is repulsive and inexcusable. Enough said.

Article link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g0wPcfMT0uc47Q1LBYEvvvj5_s4w

4/1 a poem...

Ode To Brown Chicken

Down to New Mexico we went

with absolutely no intent

of bringing home two baby chicks,

but when Leo asked I couldn't resist!

Everyone insisted they wouldn't last a week
so every morning with a lump in my throat, I'd go out and take a peek...
but there they were with the rabbits, growing bigger day by day
and never getting bored with Leo there to play.



Lovingly we named them White Chicken and Brown Chicken
and here we were with two more animals and mouths to feed again.
Friends, family and professionals said they'd never earn their keep,
but it wasn't long at all til we had at least 14 eggs a week!!



On a sunny spring day she ate and played
and one beautiful shade of brown egg she laid
Then she gave me a cluck, seeming fine before we left
and while we ran our errands, she laid down and took her last breath.



Apparently this is more than normal in the world of roosters and hens,
but now we had to tell Leo that he'd lost his friend.
The saddest part is with her sister never coming home
now miss White Chicken stands all alone.



She was a good chicken and laid beautiful, tasty eggs. She had plenty of sun/shade and food/water and seemed completely normal right up until she was already gone! Shocked, we found ourselves online researching what the heck happened and came to discover that this is NORMAL?! Crazy. Chickens are all but famous for dropping dead with no warning or reason and there's nothing that can prevent it. Autopsy's have been done with inconclusive results. If you've had this happen to your chickens, check out this site with tons of other people with the same crazy stories.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=56681

We loved your eggs and will miss you, Brown Chicken!

Don't Miss Out!

I know I've been closed for business lately, but I'm back now! So, be sure to scroll down to catch all three new posts!
Video Vednesday, I'm BAAACK! and Mangiare Monday for Dog Lovers

3/31 Video Vednesday...

3/30 I'm BAAAAAAACK !!!

The pic above was taken by my husband, don't I look like a BA?? :) I took a 'spring hiatus' of sorts, primarily due to my computer being out for repairs (sorry for the shotty video last week), but also because I've had a lot going on. This is a blog after all, not a job and the best part is I answer only to me!

Leo's party took a lot of preparation, my in-laws are in town for a while to visit, Paul's grandparents were here for a few days, my sister Trish was here for a couple of days after that, we have a community garage sale coming up that we're preparing for, I got my nephew to jump in the pool in his skivvies in the FREEZING cold for $10 and tipped him $10 more when he actually did it, his face really says it all below, doesn't it? ;)

our trio of 'girl bunnies' practiced immaculate conception and surprised us with 6 baby bunnies, we also got a call to come rescue 4 wild cottontail bunnies and boarded and cared for them over the weekend until we could take them to the wild rescue on Monday....

that was all mixed in with MOPS, play dates, photo shoots, household duties and life in general....and guys, that was all just within the last week!!

The PC is back in action, I'm slowly coming out of computer withdrawal and the topics have been piling up in my mind. Lucky you:) Til next time...

*SCROLL DOWN FOR YESTERDAYS LATE MANGIARE MONDAY*