STRESS REDUCER: Study the picture, recite the prose and VISUALIZE!

photo by Cheryl Lamotte 2011

The gentle whoosh of the waves as they wash upon the sand

soothes my soul and washes over my stress like gentle rain.

The blue of the sky; the scent of salt in the air, lightens my soul

so it floats upward to form puffy whisps of white.

The gulls scamper and laugh; they feel no worry or strife

for this is their home, the sea- the sky.

This piece of heaven is their home.

THE FASTEST GROWING RECREATIONAL SPORT

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The fastest growing recreational sport today is recreational kayaking.  It consists of casual paddling, in calm water such as ponds, flat water rivers, lakes, protected ocean bays and salt marshes. Many paddlers use recreational kayaks for fishing or photography.

Recreational kayaks can accommodate from one to three paddlers. They have larger cockpit openings to make entry and exiting easier, which is especially important for beginners. They are wider and more stable and are made of plastics that keep them relatively inexpensive (starting at around $300). Recreational kayaks are the most popular not only because of the cheaper cost, but because they’re just so much fun to use!

The scariest moment in beginning kayaking is the getting in and out of the kayak. It looks difficult, but is actually quite easy. The important thing to remember is to keep your weight low and centered.

Getting in a kayak at a dock or in shallow water: 

Untie the kayak and keep the line in your hand (ropes on boats are always called “lines”, I have no idea why!)  If you’re getting in in shallow water, dig your paddle into the dirt or sand at the bottom, right up against the kayak. Use the paddle to steady you.

In deeper water, use the edge of the dock for support. Just make sure the paddle is within reach when you get in.I like to sit on the edge of the dock with my legs over the opening of the kayak .I place one foot in the kayak and then the other, steadying myself with the dock. I quickly crouch down and sit. Then I take the tie line in the boat and rest my paddle across the kayak until I’m ready to go.

Getting out of the Kayak is the same procedure in reverse.

Now Let’s Paddle!

Lean back in your seat and be comfortable. Keep your legs out in front of you and move from the torso.

Take the paddle in both hands, thumbs under and knuckles lined up with the upward blade edge.

Pull with your downward stroke and at the same time push the paddle shaft away from you with the opposite hand. Don’t hold too tight and keep your arms comfortably in front of you. Relax and you will find a rhythm. Remember to concentrate in using torso muscles, which are stronger than arm muscles. This not only gives more power to the stroke but will save you from sore arms and a backache. Continue with a smooth stroke, sweeping all the way to the end of the kayak.

Turning

Turning is easy. Simply paddle on one side (the opposite of the way you want to turn) You can also place the paddle in the water vertically on the side that you wish to turn to.

Cautions

·         Be aware of weather conditions. If the weather begins to change suddenly, get to a safe place immediately.

·         Be aware of areas with strong currents undertow as both will affect your ability to paddle. So will a strong wind or breeze.

·         NEVER kayak during a lightning storm.

·         Always wear a PDF (personal floatation device), even if you’re an expert swimmer.

·         Take a basic kayaking class if one is available. These usually include not only safety training but first aid and CPR basics.

·         Always let someone know where you will be kayaking and kayak with a buddy.

·         Carry an airtight/waterproof kit with emergency supplies (sunscreen, band aids, disposable lighter, aspirin and medications you might need.

·        Carry a supply of cold water to avoid dehydration while kayaking.

All this sounds like a lot to remember, but once you’re out on the water, serenely paddling past wildlife and gazing up at the beautiful blue skies, you’ll experience a peace and contentment that few get to enjoy. I hope you will enjoy the awesome sport of recreational kayaking as much as I do!



ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY JULY 30

1502 - Christopher Columbus landed at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras during his fourth voyage.
1619 - The first representative assembly in America convened in Jamestown, VA. (House of Burgesses)
1729 - The city of Baltimore was founded in Maryland.
1733 - The first Freemasons lodge opened in what would later become the United States.
1889 - Vladimir Zworykin, called the "Father of Television" was born in Russia. He invented the iconoscope.
1898 - "Scientific America" carried the first magazine automobile ad. The ad was for the Winton Motor Car Company of Cleveland, OH.
1932 - Walt Disney's "Flowers and Trees" premiered. It was the first Academy Award winning cartoon and first cartoon short to use Technicolor.
Disney movies, music and books
1937 - The American Federation of Radio Artists (AFRA) was organized as a part of the American Federation of Labor.
1942 - The WAVES were created by legislation signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The members of the Women's Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service were a part of the U.S. Navy.
1945 - The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. The ship had just delivered key components of the Hiroshima atomic bomb to the Pacific island of Tinian. Only 316 out of 1,196 men aboard survived the attack.
1956 - The phrase "In God We Trust" was adopted as the U.S. national motto.
1965 - U.S. President Johnson signed into law Social Security Act that established Medicare and Medicaid. It went into effect the following year.
1968 - Ron Hansen of the Washington Senators made the first unassisted triple play in the major leagues in 41 years.
1974 - The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to impeach President Nixon for blocking the Watergate investigation and for abuse of power.
1975 - Jimmy Hoffa, former Teamsters union president, disappeared in Michigan. His remains were never found.
1987 - Indian troops arrived in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, to disarm the Tamil Tigers and enforce a peace pact.
1990 - The first Saturn automobile rolled off the assembly line.
1996 - A federal law enforcement source said that security guard Richard Jewell had become the focus of the investigation into the bombing at Centennial Olympic Park. Jewell was later cleared as a suspect.
1997 - 14 Israelis were killed in a double suicide bombing in a Jerusalem marketplace. The Islamist group Hamas claimed responsibility for the bombings.
1998 - A group of Ohio machine-shop workers (who call themselves the Lucky 13) won the $295.7 million Powerball jackpot. It was the largest-ever American lottery.
2000 - Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt were married.
2001 - Lance Armstrong became the first American to win three consecutive Tours de France.
2003 - In Mexico, the last 'old style' Volkswagon Beetle rolled off an assembly line.

ON THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY JULY 30

1942 - Frank Sinatra recorded the last of 90 recordings with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
1954 - Elvis Presley made his professional debut in Memphis. It was his first concert to be advertised.
1956 - Brenda Lee recorded her first hit, "Jambalaya" and "Bigelow 6-500."
1968 - The Beatles' Apple Boutique in London closed after heavy losses.
1970 - The Rolling Stones fired Allen Klein as their manager.
1987 - David Bowie played the first show of his "Glass Spider" tour in Philadelphia, PA.

HART'S DESIRE - BABY, IT'S HOT IN HERE!

Jillian B. Hart
The night was so HOT that the city couldn't sleep. But then NYC is the city that never sleeps.  The air felt thick enough to slice as amber light came through the window. Always during a heat wave - brown outs robbing you of cool air.

The latches click and the door to the tiny balcony slides open. The open air rushing in with the city sounds and causing little relief.  Summer nights... Hotter and longer, when your lover is delayed with work long after darkness falls.

Scantily clad in a light nightie she steps onto the metal floor still hot from the day's beating sun on her bare feet. Shaking her head thinking, he'd hate me standing out here barely dressed. Peek-a-boo chiffon with a plunging sweetheart neck line trimmed in hot pink lace pushing up in all the right places.

"Exhibitionist"... She could hear him say. 

"A bathing suit bares more", she'd recant.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she slid the cool damp cloth across her chest, collar bones and then to the back of her neck.  The moisture in the air mixing with sticky sweet sweat making her clothes cling to the curves of her body.  Earlier the cloth had been filled with ice.  Fast melting cool drips trickling over her body.  Wildly reminiscent of his tongue on her skin during intensive foreplay.  She ran her hand through her hair and caught sight of the clock on the inside wall. 2:00am. All restless, hot and bothered.  Tired only of the swirling repetitive thoughts of willing him home.

She half heartily went back inside the downtown loft. And sat at her makeshift desk with her laptop. MAC would pass the time with her and she'd write.

The room glowed only with the light on the screen. She slid the ear buds in and plugged into her favorite play list. Chasing away the sounds of the outside world to loose herself in hers words and the music.

Her fingers danced and stalled over the keyboard as the thoughts started and stopped. He watched her from the doorway. So lost in her writing that the sound of his keys in the door did not alert her of his presence.

He longed to be the keys victim to her emotional touch. Light. Heavy. Fast. Slow. Seemingly engrossed in an erotic affair.

Dropping clothing piece by piece as he undressed to escape the scorching heat that hung in the air. Amused watching her professedly murmur the flashing thoughts that emerged through her long delicate fingers and mix them with the song lyrics playing in her head. Something sexy about listening to her off key songs sounding a Capella from his stand point. Lyrics going interrupted or missing when her finger sped up on the keys. 

Still she paid no notice to him as he inched closer, breathing in her intoxicating scent. The ceiling fan clicked faintly bringing the lingering aroma of her perfume to arouse his senses.  Pornographic lust rushing though his mind.  His eyes tracing her body.  Slowly rounding each curve that melted into the next. He was close enough to touch her.  Warmth flooded his body, his temperature climbing from simmer to boil as his pulse quickened with the rush. The thickening rise indicating his needs and desires. His breath ragged and labored with anticipation. Reaching out he stroked her bare arm. She gave a start swinging a one eighty in the office seat and pulling the wires from her ears.

A calming relief following the adrenaline rush once she focused on him.  She tilted her chin and flashed him a smile, "Do you have to scare me like that"?!

Laughingly, "Only when you are completely removed from the world around you." 

"Yeah, there's that..."

She took in his lack of attire, commenting, "Apparently you have been home a while".

His fitted briefs molded to his legs leaving nothing short of obvious as to his mind and motive.  Her pulse kicked up a few notches.  Just the sexy sight of him with that look in his eyes, unleashed her inner vixen and made her feel empowered to be bold. Eyes locked on her smoldering with desire and want.  Suddenly aware of her parched lips her tongue ran around them leaving a glossy shine that reflected in the dim light. Still seated she leaned in and hugged him.  Gracefully wrapping herself around him as he lifted her higher and out of the chair. Helplessly sustained in the air as his mouth met hers.  Arms tightening around his broad shoulders as her legs wrapped his torso.  His steps were small and gentle as he pressed her back to the wall and leaned his body in to act as a force against the natural pull of gravity.   All while dancing tongues never missed a beat.

To Be Continued......   

If you like this you'll love:

Hart's Desire - Business Trip - Part VII
Hart's Desire - Baby' It's Cold Outside

Hart's Desire On Fire
Hart's Desire - After the Kiss (Cab Ride)

Seven Day Sex Challenge, Bring It or Bust It?!

The Hot List

Hart's Desire - Business Trip - Part VI

Hart's Desire Teaser

Rebooting in the Bedroom

A Walk on the Cougar Side - April 8, 2011

Come Now - April 5, 2011

What's So Complicated - March 10, 2011

If I Could Wake Up Dreaming - February 25, 2011

NO PAIN NO GAIN

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B

How come being a nutritionist is all about NOT eating stuff?

For every pastry you eat, there is a bunch of broccoli that will live.

If we're not supposed to gain weight, how come skin is elastic?

WHAT THE..........?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I know there’s a lot of craziness 
in this world, but, WHAT THE…..?

10 YEAR OLDS BUSTED FOR SELLING LEMONADE!

Three young Georgia girls wanted to earn some money so they could go to a waterpark. They opened a lemonade stand in one of the girls’ driveway. Shortly after opening their stand, Midway, Georgia Police Chief Kelly Morningstar and a deputy drove by.

“They told us to shut it down” said 10 year old Skylar Roberts. “It’s kind of crazy that we couldn’t sell lemonade” added Casey Dixon, another of the 3 girls,  “It was fun but we had to listen to the cops and shut it down.”

The Police Chief was supported by the town’s mayor when he stated “The law is the law and we have to be consistent with how we enforce laws.” The town requires a business and food permit which costs $50 a day. That’s a lot of lemonade to sell to make a profit! When word got out about the situation, there was an outpouring of local support for the girls. They were given free passes to the local water park.

WIFE CUTS OFF HUSBAND’S PENIS AND THROWS IT DOWN GARBAGE DISPOSAL

A Los Angeles woman was arrested Tuesday for allegedly drugging her husband, cutting off his penis with a 10 inch knife, and putting it in the garbage disposal and  turning on the switch! Catherine Becker was charged with several counts and sent to the Orange County Jail. Becker, herself was the one who had called 911 to report a medical emergency. When officers arrived, they found her husband tied to the bed with rope, bleeding from the groin, and claiming that his wife had drugged him at dinner. When he woke up, he was tied to the bed and then his wife grabbed his penis and cut it off. He was taken to the hospital and listed in serious condition. The husband had filed for divorce on May 16^th.

EXOTIC ANIMAL OWNER CHOKES TO DEATH ON SEX TOY

Sam Mazzola, an exotic animal owner was found dead on Sunday. He was face down in his waterbed wearing handcuffs and chains with padlocks. His face was covered with a leather mask with the eyes and mouth zipped shut. In his throat was a sex toy that apparently caused him to choke to death. The death was ruled an accident during sexual role play. Mazzola had made headlines last summer when one of his bears mauled a woman to death. Mazzola was 49 years old.

MAN ARRESTED FOR GIVING SEMEN TAINTED 

 YOGURT SAMPLES

Anthony Garcia, 32,  was arrested in New Mexico after DNA testing linked him to semen tainted yogurt samples that he was handing out at a local grocery store.  The judge ordered Garcia to remain in custody pending a detention hearing. Garcia is accused of handing out tainted yogurt samples at a Sunflower Market in Albuquerque.

Officers responded to the store after a woman called to report an employee had given her what she was told was a yogurt sample but she believed it was actually a bodily fluid.

Albuquerque officials vow to vigorously pursue anyone who deliberately taints food for the purpose of harming innocent customers, for malicious pranks or for deviant sexual gratification.

Information from:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4429957

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Tony Walker

The other night Boyle & I had a fight & went to bed without speaking to each other. I wrote her a note that said, "Wake me up at 6AM."
At 10AM the next morning I woke up. Pissed that I slept so late I found a note from Boyle that said, "It's 6! Wake up you lazy bum!"

CABIN FEVER.....

Dawn Boyle

I am at the turning point of the summer. This is where I start wishing I had put the kids in camp. When I realize that I have not had a break from them - NOT ONE DAY- since June 26. We all feel it. Everyone is fighting, bickering, anytime they both are in the basement it seems like they are WWF wrestlers.

I have been stuck in the house all week with my tooth issue. Which also means the girls have as well. I am crawling the walls. I need to bust out. Thinking ladies night or maybe ladies weekend (ahhh...could you imagine). There is something to be said for "me" time.

I will never forget a friend who had a baby shortly after my first. She was going out three times a week at night with friends or her husband. Had a babysitter come in three times a week during the day as well for her "Mommy Time", she would say to me "a happy Mommy is a much better Mommy". I thought she was nuts. How could she leave her kid that often. Well, let me tell you how smart she was. That kid, now 11, is so well adjusted. Doesn't have any sleepover issues (both of mine do), the kid doesn't freak out when Mommy goes away for a night or two with the Daddy, so that relationship is also very good.

My house is run by the terrorists that live here. The ones I never wanted to be away from. The ones that got (still do) all of my attention every minute of the day. The ones who have the need to just walk in on me when I am in the bathroom without knocking and not even thinking twice about it.

It's not like I really want them back in school, yet. But would LOVE a little break. I wish that they woke up and said they wanted to have a sleepover at Grandmas. Absence makes the heart grow founder...in fact maybe Greg should go for that sleepover too! Can you imagine....the entire house to yourself overnight?

With my luck and they way I have been programmed, I would probably end up missing them too much and begging them to come home early. I am as dependent on them as they are on me in this crazy little nut house I call my own.

So with only a handful of weeks left til school starts, I will bite my tongue about needing a break (try to) and realize how wonderful this time really is. I look forward to the days when we can look back and laugh about how the two of them USED to beat the crap out of each other and when the end of the world was all because "she won't get out of my room". Until then...I ring the bell and tell them to get in their corners til the next round.

EATERY IS OPEN - NIKI DA STOOPS BROCCOLI RABE ~ ala DAWN

1 bunch broccoli rabe, tough, non-leafy stems removed
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, smashed
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Parmesan cheese
Low sodium chicken broth


In a saute pan combine chicken broth, smashed garlic, red pepper and broccoli rabe. On bring to a boil then reduce to medium heat. Once broth has almost evaporated add a little bit of olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve!

PARANORMAL PUB;THE OLD WOMAN'S HOUSE (another true story)

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It‘s been 25 years since my best friends promised to follow me down to Florida to live. Finally, they decided to buy a house so they could be snowbirds!  I went with the real estate agent and looked at house after house for them, but none seemed right. My friends looked at the listings on line and set up more appointments and still, we couldn’t find a thing. I suggested the real estate agent widen his search to a certain area I happened to like, as my sister bought a house there and loved it. A particular house came up that was in their price range and met their qualifications, so I was going to see it. In the meantime, my friend’s father died and so she and her husband made plans to fly down. While they were here, we all decided to go and look at the house. As we pulled up, I had such a feeling of “this is it”! I didn’t say anything, but I had a strong feeling that they would be buying this house.

We went inside and my friend stopped abruptly as she walked in the door. She looked to her right with a surprised look on her face. “What is it?” I asked. “I’ll tell you later”, she said and moved cautiously into the living room. The house was absolutely perfect. It had everything they wanted and more. After checking out all the rooms and the property, my friend took me back to the front door. This is what she told me.

“When I walked in, I saw an old woman standing there.(pointing to her right by the closet door). This was her house. She’s dead now. She said I was welcome here and she wanted us to be here.”

“Where was she?” I asked. “Right here,” my friend told me as she opened the closet.  Inside was an oxygen machine and medical tubing. The realtor walked over and said, “Oh, I’m sorry. We’ll get that out of here. This is an estate sale, you know, and the lady that owned the house died recently. That was her oxygen machine.” 

My friends are the now the new owners of this house and feel both welcome and blessed in their new home.

ROAMING THE STREETS

Tony Walker

Last Saturday, July 23rd, I went to a friend's house for a get together with some good friends. Had a great time and left the party at 130AM. At this time I noticed something that really disturbed me.
The party was in East Meadow, Long Island, NY. As I was driving through the town I saw many kids walking the streets. Not a single kid was old enough to drive.

I drove 2 friends who live in NYC to the train station in Wantagh so they can catch a train home. Again I saw more young kids on the streets.

Then I drove one more friend home to Massapequa. Again I saw more kids roaming.
As I was driving to my home which is on the Seaford/Wantagh border, I saw 2 kids sitting on a sidewalk making out. There is no way these 2 were old enough to drive.

If a kid is not old enough to drive that means they have to be under the age of 17 right?
That means I saw a ton of kids under 17 roaming the streets in between 1:30- 2 in the morning!!!
I don't know about you guys but if I was out roaming at that time of night at that age my mother never would've let me reach driving age!

And there is no way my kids will allowed to stay out that late at that age!!!
Am I crazy or do you guys agree with me? Am I starting to sound like an old fuddy duddy or no? I was just shocked to see so many kids out there!! Is it safe for them to out there at that time?
Please tell us what you think.

IT'S NOT A MATTER OF IF...BUT WHEN

 

 

Hurricane Safety

To prepare for the possibility of a major hurricane you should consider the following advice:

• Disaster Supply Kit
• Preparing a Family Evacuation Plan
• Take These Items With You When Evacuating
• What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
• Tips For Those With Medical Needs

Disaster Supply Kit

To prepare for the possibility of a major hurricane you should assemble a hurricane disaster supply kit.

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and manual can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, TV, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Keep a non-electronic phone in your home – the phone lines often times remain operational even during power outages
• Develop a family plan for survival and property protection.
  If your home is in a potential flood or storm surge zone, be prepared to evacuate when officials recommend it.
  Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
• Have materials available to protect your doors and windows
• Alert proper authorities if someone is using life support equipment.

Preparing a Family Evacuation Plan

Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged. Listen to local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Take These Items With You When Evacuating

• Prescription medications and medical supplies;
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
• Car keys and maps
• Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
• Tips for those with medical needs

What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

IMPORTANT FOOD RECALL

Listeria Forces Recalls of Ready-to-Eat Chicken, Meat

Chicken Nuggets and Other Recalled Products Were Sold by Dollar General, Starbucks, Race Trac, and Other Stores

(continued)

Flying Foods Recall of Chicken, Turkey, Beef, and Pork Products continued...

On July 26, Flying Foods expanded the recall to include 6,901 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken, turkey, beef, and pork products. The packages bear the establishment number "P-34373" or EST. 34373 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
These products were distributed in Alabama and Georgia:

• 8.4-ounce packages of "STARBUCKS CHIPOTLE CHICKEN WRAPS Bistro Box" that have "Enjoy by" dates of 7/16-7/26 stamped on the package.
• 6.3-ounce packages of "STARBUCKS CHICKEN & HUMMUS Bistro Box" that have "Enjoy by" dates of 7/16-7/26 stamped on the package.
• 4.6-ounce packages of "STARBUCKS SALUMI & CHEESE Bistro Box" that have "Enjoy by" dates of 7/15-7/26 stamped on the package.
• 7.3-ounce packages of "STARBUCKS CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS Bistro Box" that have "Enjoy by" dates of 7/15-7/26 stamped on the package.

These products were distributed in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia:

• 9.75-ounce packages of "RaceTrac TURKEY WRAP" that have "Sell thru" dates of 7/17-7/28 stamped on the package.
• 10.3-ounce packages of "RaceTrac CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD" that have "Sell thru" dates of 7/17-7/28 stamped on the package.
• 7.88-ounce packages of "RaceTrac CHICKEN CAESAR WRAP" that have "Sell thru" dates of 7/17-7/28 stamped on the package.
• 9.8-ounce packages of "RaceTrac COBB SALAD" that have "Sell thru" dates of 7/17-7/28 stamped on the package.
• 6.4-ounce trays of "F&L CAFE Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad" that have "Best Before" dates of 7/23-8/3 stamped on the package.
• 6.9-ounce trays of "F&L CAFE Salad, Chef Salad" dates of 7/23-8/3 stamped on the package.

Listeria Food Poisoning

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil and water. It tends to contaminate foods from animals, such as meats and unpasteurized dairy products.
The bacteria can live on surfaces for years. They're killed by thorough cooking. However, contamination of food processing plants can spread the bacteria to cooked foods. Moreover, listeria can grow and multiply in the refrigerator.
Most people with intact immune systems do not suffer severe listeria infection. However, disease caused by listeria -- listeriosis -- can be very severe. Each year, the CDC estimates there are 1,600 cases in the U.S., with 260 deaths.
Listeriosis usually begins with diarrhea or other gut symptoms and progresses to fever and muscle aches. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or dangerous infection of the newborn.

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20110727/listeria-forces-2-recalls-of-ready-to-eat-chicken-meat?page=2

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

A husband and his wife were sound asleep when suddenly the phone rang.

The husband picked up the phone and said, "Hello? How the heck do I know? What do I look like, a weatherman?" He then slammed the phone down and settled into bed.

"Who was that?" asked his wife.

"I don't know. It was some guy who wanted to know if the coast was clear."

NOTHING LIKE A LITTLE PRESSURE!

150 days til Christmas.....

PREPARING FOR A RECESSION OR DEPRESSION

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It’s just my nature to be a wide eyed optimist. I tend to see the good in people, always hope for the best, and still believe in happy endings. That’s why it’s out of character for me to be so concerned about what’s coming in our Country’s near future. I’ve read all the literature and talked to some experts and, in spite of my positive attitude, there’s no avoiding the fact that we’re headed for a Great Recession, if not a Depression.

So what do we do? The experts have lists of precautions we should take, but I’ve chosen the ones I think will be most helpful if a recession, or God forbid, a depression were to come about.

First: Prepare as for any emergency. Stock up on survival supplies: water, fuel, non-perishable foods, medications, personal hygiene items, batteries, flashlight and water purifying tablets.

Next: Save as much as you can. If you have the money to buy gold or silver, do it. If you can pre-pay your mortgage and pay off your credit cards, do it. It’s best to be as debt free as possible. At the very least you should have an emergency fund that equals 3 months of living expenses.

Finally: Learn to prepare inexpensive meals from scratch. Get a cookbook like Depression Era Recipes by Patricia R. Wagner or Stories and Recipes of the Great Depression of the 1930's, Volume III by Rita Van Amber Paske.

Remember to keep a positive attitude. Remind yourself:   "This too will pass."                                                                                                          The best way to prepare for a coming Recession or Depression is simply that: TO PREPARE!

MEMORIES....

Dawn Boyle

As many of you have read we went out on a limb late last year and purchased a bigger boat. It has all the luxuries of home..air conditioning, central vac, an in house dish washer (me), and at this point I think we have 4 grills. We have done some short trips. Gone to numerous restaurants. Slept over with our awesome Tobay friends almost every weekend, and Gregory launched the girls dingy this past weekend.

We have crab traps, clam rakes, boogie boards, and Mommy's very own floating lounge (still in box). We watch movies on the beach on giant "screens" aka sheets and hand out glow sticks like they are going out of style. We dine at our two very own restaurants and play at the water park and newly installed mini-golf. We celebrate birthdays and all watch out for each others kids. I have made a number of new friends, but have also rekindled friendships from long ago and solidified casual acquaintances,  now to be some of my go-to people. We really are a family - of course there is some MAJOR dysfunction, but what good family is void of that?

Along with all the fun does come some sad...we had the unfortunate experience this week of having someone lose a child. He was 22 years old and happened to be hit by a car while walking on the shoulder of a road in Suffolk County. I never met him, but know his parents. My heart breaks for Snug As A Bug and their family. One thing is for certain, their Tobay family will be there for them, cause that is just how it goes down at the beach.

REST IN PEACE E.F.

MAY GOD HELP YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME

 OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Tony walker

How does a man find a woman who is beautiful, smart, funny, & rich?

He gets married 4 times.

A male-to-female transexual was recently interviewed on a radio talk show.

The DJ asked the transexual about what, if any, pain the person experienced

during the operation. The transexual replied, "Well, when they cut my penis off,

that really didn't hurt too much. Even when they implanted the breasts in my

chest, well, that really didn't hurt too much either...."

"Then you didn't experience any real physical pain at all then?"

"Hell no! It hurt like hell when they stuck that big fucking needle in my

head and sucked out all my brains and then cut my salary in half!"

HOW TO TRANSLATE "WOMANSPEAK"

When She Says: No...................

She Really Means:  Yes.

When She Says: Of course I'm not upset................. 

She Really Means: Of course I'm upset, you moron!

When She Says: I might as well tell you Bob and I are seeing each other......... 

She Really Means: Bob and I are having sex.

When She Says:  I feel I've known you my whole life..... 

She Really Means: I'm drunk.

When She Says: Will you respect me in the morning?..... 

She Really Means: You won't tell your friends, will you?

When She Says: I never do this on my first date........ 

She Really Means: I always do this on my first date.

When She Says: Don't touch me there.................... 

She Really Means: Touch me there, but I'm going to stop you the first few times.

When She Says: You're...so manly....................... 

She Really Means: You need to shave and you sweat a lot.

When She Says: Hello? Oh yes. Didn't we meet at the bar Friday night?.... 

She Really Means: I've been waiting by the phone for three days

When She Says: Let's not talk "commitment". Let's  just see what happens......

She Really Means:  I'm not taking any birth control pills.

When She Says: You're certainly lovely tonight......... 

She Really Means: Is sex all you ever think about?

When She Says: I can't believe you're here.It must be fate...... 

She Really Means: I've been following you all day.

When She Says: I'm particular who I have sex with...... 

She Really Means: I draw the line at barnyard animals.

When She Says: I'm not emotional and  I'm not over-reacting...... 

She Really Means: I'm having my period.

When She Says: I hope you're not disappointed.......... 

She Really Means: I'm flat chested.

When She Says: Want to come upstairs for a nightcap?... 

She Really Means: Want to come upstairs and have sex?

When She Says: Just come upstairs for a drink.......... 

She Really Means: Maybe if I get you drunk you'll have sex with me.

When She Says: I love a man who takes charge........... 

She Really Means: You're picking up the bill, aren't you?

When She Says: Be romantic...turn out the lights....... 

She Really Means: I have flabby thighs.