Saturday, April 23, 2011

MOMMY, ARE YOU THE EASTER BUNNY?

Barbara Ward-Finneran

How many of us are being asked this very question this evening as we quiet our kids down for the night.  Or heard it all day long and or in the recent days gone past?

Easter Bunny questions certainly haven't rivaled the ones about Santa last Christmas.  But the fact that they are being asked at all, solidifies the knowing that there is doubt creeping into those maturing minds. Where have my "little boys gone?  Animated, electrical stuffed bunnies (Some were even scary! And, not just to the kids!) singing "Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail" are a thing of the past. Tonight I listened to the logical debate of my sons as to just what a little bunny could carry into each house.  I smiled as they reminisced about the year they got Batman & Robin costumes in their baskets, another when it was video games, still another with endless eggs filled with matchbox cars, and how almost every year new bathing suits. (Oh, oh!)  Amazing what they remember.  My heart goes out to that busy little bunny with so many memories to compete with from previous years!  Their giggle filled talk of memories faded and once again, "Mommy are you the Easter Bunny?"...

Listening to your children talk to you, and ask questions, from somewhere caught between the "innocence" and "growing up" can tighten your throat and well tears in your eyes.  With baited breath, most "answer" without giving more then is needed to be known.  Perhaps wondering if the answers you choose are "right".

I'm good with my answer.  It's almost verbatim what I told my boys at Christmas time...
It is the honest to goodness truth that I can look them in the eyes and say with absolutely no hesitation.

"I believe in the magic and miracles of Easter!"

There's just no questioning that, for me it is certainly a fact!

Good night my sweet boys, close your eyes and rest.... :)

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran


"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around."   
-- Henry David Thoreau

The power of your thoughts can overshadow everything.  Harness the magic of their energy to promote all that you want and desire to be.  Focus on the positive.  Believe that you are worthy and deserve it.  You just need to begin. You just need to believe!

Just start.... The rest will follow...


Keep the promises that you make to yourself!


Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Designs, LLC
All Rights Reserved

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?! - Dieters Edition

The First Three Letters of DIET Really Says it All!


Funnies for your "Fat Soul"

Chocolate Covered Raisin Theory:
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans.
Beans are a legume, which is a vegetable.
Raisins are made from grapes.
Grapes are a fruit.
When trying to lose weight fruits and vegetables are good for you, so you should eat lots of them!

Lose 25 pounds in 20 minutes: Throw out all your diet books!

Forget "barbie doll"... I'm more of a "carbie" doll.

If exercise is supposed to be so much fun, why is it called "working" out?!

If you eat pizza in the forest and no one sees you, do the calories still count?

Drinking lots of water is supposed to help you lose weight.  You'll burn fat just running to the bathroom all day long.

EATERY IS OPEN - IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME



Dawn Boyle

DOLMATHES - STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES

1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb lean pork
1/2 cup rice
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup onion - chopped
4 teaspoons butter
50 grape leaves (stems cut)
3 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

Blanch grape leaves in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes.
Drain and rinse in cold water.
If jarred leaves are used, rinse in lukewarm water, drain.
Melt butter, saute onions.
Add meat, rice and seasoning, mix.
Place a few coarse leaves in bottom of pot.
On a large plate, spread 1 leaf at a time with shiny side underneath.
Take 1 teaspoonful of filling and place in center of 1 leaf.
Fold stem end over filling.
Fold each side of leaf. 1 at a time, overlapping lightly over mixture.
Pull up leaf from stem end toward the tip until you have samml compact roll.

*Do not roll too tightly, as rice will expand. Arrange stuffed leaves side by side with seam side down. Add water. Place a heavy plate on top of stuffed leaves to weigh down during cooking.

FIRE FIASCO

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I didn’t think much about fires except for the usual smoke detectors on the walls and fire extinguisher under the sink kind of thing. I heard about fires in other people’s homes, but since my family and I are so careful and well informed I knew I would never have to worry about that. I was wrong!

It was just before Christmas and I was baking Whiskey cakes for my husband’s antique car buddies as I always do. Each year I make 4 (two at a time). This year he asked me to make a 5th for another friend. These cakes are expensive and quite a lot of work, so I decided to do 2 and then 3 at a time. The first 2 went well. When I was making the sauce for the remaining 3, I failed to make allowance for the extra hot liquid, which foams up when you add the whiskey to it. It foamed up alright, but it flowed right over the pot all over the stove top and burst into flames. I quickly removed the pot and turned to my husband who was watching TV and failed to notice the inferno in the kitchen. “Honey, I think I have a little problem here!”  I pulled out the fire extinguisher when he suddenly jumped up and grabbed it from my hands. “NO”, he shouted,”You’ll ruin the whiskey cakes!”(which were sitting right next to the stove). He grabbed dish towels, wet them and covered the fire. The alarm was blaring and the house was totally filled with smoke in an instant. It looked like the great Chicago Fire as he opened our windows and smoke poured out. Our alarm is attached to a security company and they called to tell us the fire department was on their way. “Oh no!” I cried “Can’t you stop them? Everything’s OK.” It was too late. I could already hear the sirens wailing closer and closer. 

My husband and I ran outside as the fire truck screeched to a halt in front of our house. Big, tall men in full fire fighting gear jumped out and ran up to the house. I was mortified. “I’m so sorry!” I told them! My husband told them the story, adding that I thought I was the Galloping Gourmet, but with whiskey instead of wine. (Very funny dear!) The fire fighters were so kind and understanding. They said it happens all the time and they were glad we were OK. I ran in and wrapped up one of the whiskey cakes I had already finished. When I offered it to them to thank them, the crew chief said “We’re really not supposed to accept things like this....”he sniffed it..  “But we will!”  We all laughed and shook hands and they were off and on their way. I was still embarrassed, but felt better having shared the cake with them.
“Don’t worry Marion”, my husband said, “Next time the alarm goes off we know they’ll be here twice as fast. They’ll think they’re getting more whiskey cake!” Then, he ran right to his computer and told the world what happened on Facebook!

After I got over my embarrassment, I started to think about what would have happened if the fire had spread. It made me realize that no one is fireproof, no matter how informed or careful you are. Accidents happen and the only thing to do is be as educated and prepared as possible. To that end, I’m including a few tips that might help you be prepared or even avoid a fire in your home. Believe me, I’m not preaching. I’m sharing my experiences so you won’t have a fire fiasco like I did!

Marion’s Tips For Fire Safety at Home
1. Never throw used match in the garbage without dipping them in water first, or wait until they are totally cold. The same with cigarette butts.
2. Don’t smoke in bed or lying down and don’t allow guests to either. Your BEST bet – no smoking in the house at all.
3. Keep matches, candles, lighters, etc. away from kids and pets.
4. Never leave fireplace, candles, space heaters or even incense unattended. Make sure NOTHING is near that could catch fire from flame or heat.
5. Keep fire extinguisher and a large box of baking soda under the sink near the stove, near the fireplace and in the garage. Learn what to use and what not to use on certain types of fires (Never throw water on grease fire.)
6. Don’t plug too many things in any outlet and be sure your cords are not frayed or cut anywhere.
7. Buy irons, heaters, curling irons, etc that turn themselves off if they tip over or if you forget to turn them off.
8. Install smoke detectors and check them every month. Change the battery on your birthday!
9. Make an emergency plan with your family which includes escape routes (and keeping close to the ground), how to get out if doors are blocked, where to meet outside and what to do if you catch on fire (stop, drop, roll)  
10. If you don’t have 911 in your area, post fire department number by phones but instruct children to get out first and go to a neighbor to call.
And don’t forget to appreciate, value, and respect the men and women who put their lives on the line for our safety when an emergency occurs – Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and Paramedics! 





Friday, April 22, 2011

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?! - Dieters Edition

DIET TIP 

I finally realized why I am so "full-figured"...

As I was conditioning my hair in the shower this morning, I took time to read my shampoo bottle.  I am in shock!  The shampoo I use in the shower that runs down my entire body says "for extra volume and body"!

Seriously, why have I not noticed this before? 
 
Tomorrow I am going to start using "Dawn" dish soap!
It says right on the bottle, "dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove".

It pays to read the warning labels, my friends!

PARANOMARL PUB - FARMER'S REVENGE - A GEORGIA TALE OF TERROR



 Marion Pellicano Ambrose

A good friend of mine moved to Georgia when her husband was offered a huge promotion. She and her girls didn’t want to go, especially when they were going to have to live in a fairly isolated area in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County. The day they moved in to their rambling ranch style home, an old man came up as they were unloading the car. They were pretty well off the road and wondered how the man had come since they saw no car or truck. “Just passin’ through.” He told them looping his thumbs through his overalls. “Thought you should know about this place.”  Their curiosity piqued, they invited him to sit on the garden bench and tell them his story.

"MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"







"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, 
FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO"



From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 



GOOD FRIDAY


What is Good Friday?
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. The dates of Good Friday, which vary each year, occur between March 20th and April 23rd. It falls on the last Friday before Easter. It is the pinnacle of the Holy Week. All Christians observe this day with great humility and reverence. 

History of Good Friday
As early as the first century, the Church set aside every Friday as a special day of prayer and fasting. It was not until the fourth century, however, that the Church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ. First called Holy or Great Friday by the Greek Church, the name "Good Friday" was adopted by the Roman Church around the sixth or seventh century. 

Good Friday Origins
There are two possible origins for the name "Good Friday". The first may have come from the Gallican Church in Gaul (modern-day France and Germany). The name "Gute Freitag" is Germanic in origin and literally means "good" or "holy" Friday. The second possibility is a variation on the name "God's Friday," where the word "good" was used to replace the word "God," which was often viewed as too holy to be spoken aloud.

Good Friday Traditions
Good Friday rituals and traditions are distinct from every other Church observances. They add to Good Friday's significance. The ceremony is somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black or purple vestments. The pulpit and the altar are bare; no candles are lit. The purpose behind the solemn presentation is to create an awareness of grief over the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son. Today, many churches hold special services on Good Friday evening to commemorate this important day.

(Information Cited From: http://www.churchyear.net/goodfriday.html )

LUNCH TIME POLL - Earth Day


Over 40 Years of Protecting Health and the Environment
"In 1970, President Richard Nixon and Congress established the U.S. EPA in response to the growing public demand for cleaner water, air and land. EPA was tasked with the challenging goal of repairing the damage already done to the environment and to establish guidelines to help Americans in making a cleaner—and safer—environment a reality.

EPA’s Mission 
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people."    

Do you think the EPA does enough to carry our it's 'Mission"?  

What are your thoughts on the responsibilities of the government vs. that of the people?  

Do you take measures to reduce your carbon footprint?  Do you recycle, reduce and reuse? 

(Information Cited is from: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm)

EARTH DAY 2011









History of Earth Day






"It may be hard to imagine that before 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxic into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, and that was perfectly legal. They could not be taken to court to stop it.

How was that possible? Because there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act. There were no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment.

In Spring 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to “force this issue onto the national agenda.” 20 million Americans demonstrated in different U.S. cities, and it worked!

In December 1970, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."  





(Information Cited is from: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm)







RECYCLE, REDUCE & REUSE...

"Earth is a very important part of our lives. Most of us wouldn't think of polluting our bodies, yet we are polluting our planet by misuse and overuse of our natural resources. As responsible individuals we should at least do what we can to help reduce, reuse, and recycle what we can as a first step.



JUST SAY NO!!!

In Fishnets Today DRL Proudly Presents... 

My first foray into the Lounge is in response to another posting (He Said, She Said). Tony asked "Why must we men take the initiative? What's wrong with asking for yourself? Is it such a big deal to ask sometimes?" I know the answer in my case. Yes, it's a VERY big deal. There have been many, many times I have not asked for things I want. I tell people not to bother when in reality I do want them to bother. I think by not asking for what I really want, I'm doing the right thing. I'm not making trouble for anyone. I don't make waves. I'm a good girl.

It's a common aliment, putting others first and yourself last. I also suffer from the inability to say "no." Even though that's what I really want to say, somewhere between my brain and my mouth the word transforms into "yes." At times I'm even surprised how easily that happens. I feel as if I have to be accommodating, almost feel driven to be. I don't want to reject the other person by saying "no." If I was a good person, I wouldn't turn anyone down. Does that come from my own fear of rejection? Probably. That someone won't find my needs important enough is a scary thought. The solution? I can't be rejected if I don't ask.

What am I hoping to gain by being a good girl? Eventually, I expect my sacrifices to be rewarded. For people to treat me well and do the things I haven't told them I want. Yes, I see there is an oblivious flaw to my thinking. It doesn't work, yet I find myself doing it often. Please no one remind me what the definition of insanity is.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

Tony Walker

Boyle & Finneran were in an elevator when a really hot guy walks in.

They look at the back of his head & sees that he has dandruff.

He gets off the elevator & Finneran turns to Boyle & says, "Boy, that guy needs Head & Shoulders."

Boyle replies, "How do you give shoulders?"

SPORTS PUB

Tony Walker

The lovelies at the Lounge are looking for someone to write about sports. I am not a sports buff. The only sport I go absolutely gaga for (other than naked activities) is baseball.

However, I am not going gaga right now because I am a Met fan. The Metropolitans organization (from this point on I am calling that organization the Madoffs) should be ashamed of the way they've handled this team. I hate to say this... as someone who has met Fred Wilpon (The Madoffs owner) he truly seems like a nice guy who loves baseball & his team. But the time has come to sell because he has lost control.

The signings of unknown or past their prime players, the big contracts of players who probably can't even play little league ball, & the one that kills me the most - the handling of hurt players. Remember in 2009 when it seemed like every player on the team was hurt? Why is the same medical/training staff still there??? These guys were obviously not conditioning these players right! Of course this season is only a few weeks in and The Madoffs have 3 players on the "Disabled List"! And why is Carlos Beltran, still on the team? When he came back last season from his ailments they should have traded him as soon as he started hitting. He was still a name then & The Madoffs could have gotten some real talent in return. Now everyone knows Beltran is damaged.

I predict here that Carlos Beltran will not make it through the season.

Then you have the whole Madoff scandal. Don't get me started on that.....
Sell now before you become worse than the team of the late 70's!!!

      

LUNCH TIME POLL



Dawn Boyle

We have discussed Ghosts in Paranormal Pub and you have taken the poll which leads us to believe that you DO think there are Ghosts and other paranormal phenomena. Today's Lunch Time Poll, we ask you if you believe in U.F.O's and aliens.

It would be naive of us to think we are ALONE and that there isn't anybody out there! There are a number of sites on the web that are dedicated to sightings. They talk about an influx of sightings since the Tsunami last month.

Below are two YouTube video's. Take a look and let us know what you think...

Do you believe in U.F.O's and Aliens?

Have you ever seen one?

http://youtu.be/hKdvBidbwnQ

http://youtu.be/up5jmbSjWkw

REBOOTING IN THE BEDROOM

Jillian B. Hart

System overload it happens to us all.  It shakes up your whole world. Everything else matters more.  Your own needs can fall by the way side and you then have nothing to give or share.  When you partner wants to stir up some intimacy with you they may just encounter a user error.

Miss the thrills of I just can't keep my hands off my mate?  That erotic charge that hung in the air between you when everything was new?  How do you turn up the heat again without risking a meltdown from your lover who is caught up in the wicked details of life that are constantly exhausting?

Repeated rejection or boredom in the bedroom hits your relationship like the blue screen of death.  So how can you reboot in the bedroom with out encountering an epic fail?

Long term relationships offer an array of positives.  Love, shared history, endless connections, loyalty, honesty, friendship, routine, partners, soul mates - all feel secure - but, may not be sparking the essence of sexy and exciting that is desired.  All that security can be mundane.  These very things that love thrives on can stifle passion and lust and that's a wicked and even at times a scary place to dwell.  For desire to thrive and be ever present in your relationship it is good to maintain some levels of elusiveness, independence and  randomness.  Those elements that you had when you were first falling for the one you love.  The thrill of the chase.  The feel of the forbidden fruit. The excitement of knowing your partner hungers for you.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

EATERY IS OPEN - IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME



Dawn Boyle

I am an Irish/German girl that married a Greek guy. When I was dating him, his Aunt Cally gave me a cookbook it is called The Odyssey of Greek Cooking. It was made by The Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society of SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. I love this cookbook and have made almost everything in it. When I first started cooking Greek food, I stuck to the recipe, now I have added my own flare. I hope you enjoy!

MOUSSAKA
2 large eggplants
6 medium ptoatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
1 cup olive oil
2 medium onions
1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup of bread crumbs
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 cloves of garlic chopped
salt and pepper

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!


Tony Walker

Mama Bear was trying to tell her cubs, 2 girls & a boy, about how babies are made.
The first girl cub asks, "Mama, will I have cubs when I grow up?"
"Yes you will sweetie," replies Mama.
The second girl cub asks, "Mama, will I have cubs when I grow up too?"

STICKY SWEET

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B





Lots of people carry their own water bottle. only the wise, however fill it with chocolate milk.

Next time you go on a nature hike, 
take chocolate along. It's natural.

LUNCH TIME POLL


Dawn Boyle

With a little more then a week 'til the Royal Wedding of Kate and William it brings me back to July 1981. I was summering in the Hampton's with my family and remember getting up super early that morning with my Mother and her sisters to watch the fairytale of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Over 750 million people tuned in for the last Royal Wedding.

With the estimate of over TWO BILLION people expected to watch, will you tune in on April 29 to watch the Royal Nuptials? What are your thoughts on the whole "extravaganza"?!

"LEAVE THE FAT GIRL HOME!"



Barbara Ward-Finneran

"Leave the fat girl home!"  Those can be wicked words.  Words that sting to the core of a girl's being.  Whether just a few pounds over ideal weight or obese - no female I know, "out there", fancies being referred to as "fat"!

Having "found myself", after being morbidly obese for longer then I can to admit to, I recently learned that "Leave the fat girl home!" is something I now must mentally say to myself.  In this process of recovery, I have embraced that you choose everyday which direction to walk on your personal journey.  Mistakes happen.  Sometimes you take steps backward. There are days you leap ahead.  However, for me, I know I have company on the adventure - for I have a "fat soul" and it will never leave me.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

She Said... Barbara Ward-Finneran


Barbara Ward-Finneran

Tony gave his He Said, Dawn gave her She Said... here's my two cents.

I'm lucky to have someone who pitches in and shares the chores.  That said, I do think it's human nature to like things done a certain way, especially with jobs and responsibilities that are more like habits that run a muck.  It can absolutely create a power struggle within a household.

Before kids it was so much easier.  Simply, there was not as much to do and less to recover.  Things stayed done longer.  Initially after we had kids Steve and  I did "co-parenting", working opposite shifts and hours, so one of us was almost always with our boys.  Terrific for the kids.  Challenging for us.  Divide and conquer, took on a whole new meaning based on who was home when, and what needed immediate attention.  When they are little, (especially two "babies" in two years) it's life on overdrive!  Necessities first and amazingly what is acceptably "clean & tidy" changes.  Immaculate becomes a thing of the past.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

A man is sitting in his living room when the
phone in the kitchen rings.
“Hello,” says the man answering it.
“Hi,” says a high woman’s voice. “This is Tiffany the
housekeeper.”
“Oh,” says the man. “Hi Tiffany.”
“Hi, Mr. Birschman. Sorry to call so late. I figured you’d
be back later, so I planned to leave a message. You see, I
had a problem when I was cleaning the bedroom.”
“What sort of a problem?”

CALLING ALL WRITERS

POSTS WANTED:

Sports Pub - New Department -  Anything with a basis in sports desired!!!

He Said, She Said - Topic to be "Talked Back" to by other DRL writers

Paranormal Pub - Paranormal activities or "ghost" and/or "spirit" stories

The Real Housewives of DRL - We will let you ladies just go with this one!

Man Cave - To quote Jillian, "Talk to me, gentlemen!"

Any free-style writings that fit the Lounge

For more details visit the new page:  Contributors Wanted