Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving To All !

While many of my readers are preparing a holiday dinner or traveling to relatives' homes, I'm  at work - caring for my oncology patients and their families.

I am happy to spend my holiday with these very special folks.  No turkey dinner can make me feel as fulfilled as caring for my patients.

It is a privilege to be able to be a blessing to those who bless me far more than I can ever bless them.

  I am thankful for the opportunity to have a job on the oncology unit every day ... and especially on this day when we all pause to reflect upon the many blessings we've received.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends and family!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Presidential Pardons for Turkeys

At approximately 11:00 this morning, two 19 week old, 45 pound turkeys received an official Presidential pardon!  Liberty and Peace were pardoned by President Obama in what some believe to be a long-standing tradition.....


But....
Have you ever wondered who started the practice of pardoning turkeys?   And when?  And most of all, WHY?

Every year I watch the news clips that bring a bright spot to the usually gloomy reports.  And, every year I tell myself that I'm going to look into the history of such a thing. But, I never do -- well, I never did until today!


I did some snooping around on the internet and came up with a few fun facts - trivia mostly - but not a sound accounting of the history of the Presidential Pardon of the Thanksgiving Turkey. 


If you have one of those inquiring minds that wants to know, here's what I did find:


1.  Turkeys presented for pardoning come from the National Turkey Federation which has provided turkeys to the White House since the 1940's but the Presidential pardon did not start back in the '40's.


2.  Harry Truman is credited with being the first President to officially pardon a turkey but the Truman Library has no official documentation of such an event.  It has been said that the turkey Truman pardoned was for Christmas, not Thanksgiving -- AND that the Trumans ate him!


3.  Others tell a story from Abraham Lincoln's days where he interrupted a cabinet meeting to call a halt to a possible "turkey execution" in the kitchen.   The turkey had been befriended by Lincoln's son.  Again, there is no official documentation to substantiate the tale.


4.  In 1963, just a week before his assassination, John F. Kennedy announced that he wouldn't eat the turkey and suggested that they "just keep him". 


5.  Ronald Regan joked with reporters about pardoning a turkey named Charlie while fielding questions of a more serious nature about the Iran Contra affair.


6.  President George H W Bush was the first to officially pardon a turkey in 1989






With the questions who and when essentially answered, some might have moved on... but there was still no answer to the "why" of it.... nor could I find any no matter how hard I looked!  And then, I wondered  what happens to those pardoned turkeys... I was able to uncover some details to anwer that question:




Many of the earlier ones were sent to a petting zoo in Virginia until 2004.  From 2005 to 2009, the turkeys went to Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California where they were the grand marshalls of the Thanksgiving Day parades.  After the parade, they took up residence at Disneyland's Big Thunder Ranch.  The 2010 and 2011 Obama turkeys have been sent to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. 





 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Queen of Probing Prompts

Readers who know me fairly well already know that I love quotes!  They also know that for several years now, I've been crafting the weekly writing prompts for Story Circle Network's Internet Chapter.  That means that for years, I've been on the search for inspiring quotes by women, for women... and then incorporating some writing prompts to coincide with the quotes. 

For the past ten weeks, I've been facilitating a co-ed writing group at church. With all of my years' experience with Story Circle Network, I am quite comfortable with the idea of helping others find ways to tell their own stories.  The real challenge came when I had to switch my focus from "for women" to "for co-ed groups."  I hoped that I'd be able to come up with prompts that were meaningful... prompts that would help writers begin to craft their own personal stories.  I knew what sorts of prompts work well for women.  But could I come up with prompts that would work just as well for men and women? 

The writing group at church has gone on hiatus for the holidays.  Its members have expressed the desire to keep writing and to come together again after the first of the year.  This pleases me to no end!

On our final session before the hiatus, one of the members gave me a new nickname - one that has me smiling every time I think of it... one that is definitely fitting... one that proves that I did my job and did it well since it was given to me by the man in the group!

 And so, dear readers, this and every subsequent blog post is being written by "The Queen of Probing Prompts."   Stay tuned for more blog posts - and perhaps more probing prompts in the days and weeks ahead!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Four Score and Seven Years Ago....

Today is the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg
Address, which is one of the most famous and shortest political
speeches of all time.


Did you have to memorize it in school?  Can you still recite it?
Go ahead!  Try it!  See how much of it you remember.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Tomorrow is THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT


The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 46 million Americans still smoke.

 However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Sadie Hawkin's Day



Sadie Hawkins Day, an American folk event, made its debut in Al Capp's Li'l Abner strip November 15, 1937. Sadie Hawkins was "the homeliest gal in the hills" who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin'. Her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, a prominent resident of Dogpatch, was even more worried about Sadie living at home for the rest of his life, so he decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony the consequence. By the late 1930's the event had swept the nation and had a life of its own. Life magazine reported over 200 colleges holding Sadie Hawkins Day events in 1939, only two years after its inception. It became a woman empowering rite at high schools and college campuses, long before the modern feminist movement gained prominence. The basis of Sadie Hawkins Day is that women and girls take the initiative in inviting the man or boy of their choice out on a date, typically to a dance attended by other bachelors and their aggressive dates. When Al Capp created the event, it was not his intention to have the event occur annually on a specific date because it inhibited his freewheeling plotting. However, due to its enormous popularity and the numerous fan letters Capp received, the event became an annual event in the strip during the month of November, lasting four decades.


Monday, November 14, 2011

SPF-ing Each and Every Day

SPF !


When I was first diagnosed with malignant melanoma thirteen years ago, my sister Lisa began using SPF as her signature on her notes, cards and e-mails.  She was not referring to Sun Protection Factor for sunscreen as you might think....  She was telling me to Stay Properly Focused.  She was reminding me that everything in this life is the Lord's and focusing on Him no matter what is the way to face challenges big and small.

Through the years, that little reminder has been shared between us more times than I can count.  Sometimes I even remind myself to SPFStaying Properly Focused isn't always easy.  But, just like everything else, daily practice brings positive results.  It becomes easier to do so on a more regular basis.  Then, there are days that defy that logic and I find myself needing that small inner voice to whisper SPF over, and over, and over again.

Today was just that kind of day.  I don't know how many times I told myself to SPF but I know it was more than just a few!  There were challenges at work... There were family concerns far away... There were joys and there were heartaches.  But through it all, thanks to my sister, I was able to SPF!
Even on days when she and I don't have the opportunity to speak to one another her gift keeps on giving me just the right amount of encouragement to move forward no matter what life throws my way.

I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't practice the act of SPF! 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

When there's only one day off...

So... what's a gal to do when there's only one day off and so many things she wants to do ???
Well, I suppose that depends on what day of the week that day off is.  Today, Sunday, was my day off sandwiched in between several work days before and after. 

My intentions were to get up early, go to Sunday School and church and then see how my day unfolded.  But, I slept right through the alarm.  So much for going to Sunday School!  But I did make it to church.  Afterwards, as has become my habit, I took myself and my Kindle to lunch.  The Kindle makes a great lunch or dinner date !

I managed to squeeze a few errands and chores into the mix and then head back to church for the 6 p.m. service.  I love the smaller gathering in the chapel, the "old" hymns I grew up singing and the intimate nature of the evening service. 

And now, it's time to get uniforms ready for the next few work days.  I keep telling myself that I'm going to take one of my days off to just lounge and read or write.  But, there always seem to be so many things that I want to do -- things that make being a lounge lizard impossible.  I guess that's why my muse and I make the most of every day -- all those things I want to do and only so many hours in between work shifts!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Out of this world Delicious! Cranberry Swirl Pumpkin Bars

If you're looking for a really really yummy treat that is chock full of the flavors of fall, this recipe is for you!  I tried it the other day and I am hooked!   These are incredible.  If you want an even more tart, cranberry influence, you can toss in some dried cranberries as well.  The bars are reportedly equally yummy without the cream cheese frosting but.... I am not convinced!  The cream cheese frosting is truly the "icing on the cake" -- adding just the right amount of sweetness to the bars.



Cranberry Swirl Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1/3 cups brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
2/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Cream Cheese Frosting
3-oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk
1-2 cups confectioners’ sugar


Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and melted butter until well combined. Beat in egg, all of the spices and the vanilla extract. Stir in pumpkin puree, then stir in the flour mixture. When all of the flour has been incorporated, fold in the chopped pecans.
Spread batter into prepared pan. Dollop cranberry sauce on top and swirl through gently with a butter knife.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
Cool bars completely before frosting.

To make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese at medium speed. Beat in vanilla and milk, then gradually add in in the confectioners’ sugar until frosting reaches a thick, but spreadable consistency.
Spread in a thin layer over cooled bars (there may be frosting leftover; if so, store in the fridge in a ziploc bag for another batch).
Makes 24 bars

ENJOY!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Second History Lesson in Two Days - Veteran's Day



 "...it is well for us to pause, to acknowledge our debt to those who paid so large a share of freedom's price. As we stand here in grateful remembrance of the veterans' contributions we renew our conviction of individual responsibility to live in ways that support the eternal truths upon which our Nation is founded, and from which flows all its strength and all its greatness."                             ~  Dwight D. Eisenhower

Click here to view Veteran's Day 2011 Tribute



Veteran's Day 101

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I ended. This day became known as "Armistice Day." In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similarly, unknown soldiers had been buried in England at Westminster Abbey and at France at the Arc de Triomphe. All of these memorials took place on November 11th to commemorate the end of the "war to end all wars."

In 1926, Congress resolved to officially call November 11th Armistice Day. Then in 1938, the day was named a national holiday. Soon afterwords war broke out in Europe and World War II began.





Soon after the end of World War II, a veteran of that war named Raymond Weeks organized "National Veterans Day" with a parade and festivities to honor all veterans. He chose to hold this on Armistice Day. Thus began annual observances of a day to honor all veterans not just the end of World War I. In 1954, Congress officially passed and President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veteran's Day.



 Due to his part in the creation of this national holiday, Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Ronald Regan in November 1982.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

History Lesson: Iwo Jima

Today is Iwo Jima Memorial Dedication Day.  In 1954, the Iwo Jima Memorial, which commemorates one of the most stirring events of World War II (the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima), was dedicated at Arlington Cemetery.  The iconic image is well-known to most of us.  But, how much of the actual history of this moment do you remember?   



Invasion Beach
The invasion of Iwo Jima began on February 19, 1945, and continued to March 26, 1945. The battle was a major initiative of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. The Marine invasion, known as Operation Detachment,  was charged with the mission of capturing on the island.  Once the bases were secured, they could then be used in the impending invasion of the Japanese mainland.


The battle was marked by some of the fiercest fighting of the War. The Imperial Japanese Army positions on the island were heavily fortified with bunkers and hidden artillery and 18 Km (11 mi) of tunnels. The battle was the first U.S. attack on the Japanese Home Islands and the Imperial soldiers defended their positions tenaciously. Of the 21,000 Japanese soldiers present at the beginning of the battle, over 20,000 were killed and only 1,083 taken prisoner.


According to the United States Navy "the 36-day (Iwo Jima) assault resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead."


Mount Suribachi
One of the first objectives after landing on the beachhead was the taking of Mount Suribachi.


 At the second raising of a flag on the peak, Joe Rosenthal photographed six Marines:  Ira Hayes, Mike Strank, Rene Gagnon, Harlon Block, Franking Sousley and U.S. Navy corpsman John Bradley raising the U.S. flag on the fourth day of the battle (February 23). The photograph won the Pulitzer Prize in Photography that same year, and ultimately came to be regarded as one of the most significant and recognizable images of the war, and possibly the most reproduced photograph of all time.


Within the next month of fighting, three of the Marines raising the flag were killed: Strank, Block and Sousley. Contrary to popular belief, the famous picture of the six men raising the flag, was not the first time they raised it. The raised it about twenty minutes before hand, and then the photographer got there. The photographer had them take it down so he could get a famous picture of them putting it up "for the first time."





Wednesday, November 9, 2011

National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month       




With nearly 26 million children and adults in American living with diabetes, and another 79 million at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Yet, most Americans don’t consider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else’s responsibility; someone else’s problem.
Recent numbers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a desperate situation of where we are at, and where we are headed:
  • Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes.
  • Diabetes kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
  • Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes.
Now is the time to act.
Become Involved in American Diabetes Month® 2011
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to rally individuals, communities and families to Join the MillionsSM in the movement to Stop Diabetes®. This year, the American Diabetes Association is asking individuals to take a pledge and raise their hand to Stop Diabetes.

)from the American Diabetes Association website)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Rare and Precious....


"Growing into your future with health and grace and beauty doesn't have to take all your time. It rather requires a dedication to caring for yourself as if you were rare and precious, which you are, and regarding all life around you as equally so, which it is." —Victoria Moran








Sunday, November 6, 2011

November 6th is "I LOVE NACHOS DAY" !!

Nachos are a popular snack food, originating in Mexico. In their simplest form, nachos are usually tortilla chips covered in melted cheese. First created circa 1943 by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, the original nachos consisted of fried tortilla chips covered with melted cheese and jalapeƱo peppers. The International Day of the Nacho is celebrated on 11th September with the International Nacho Festival held at Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico.

Origin of Nachos

Nachos originated in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, just over the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, around 1943 at a restaurant called the Victory Club. The account goes that the wives of several U.S. soldiers from nearby Eagle Pass, who were in Piedras Negras on a shopping trip, arrived at the restaurant after it had closed for the day, so chef Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya invented a new dish for them with what little he had available in the kitchen: tortillas and cheese. Anaya cut the tortillas into triangles and fried them, then added yellow Wisconsin cheese, calling the dish nachos especiales, or "Nacho's Specialty". The Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras uses the original recipe.

The popularity of the "nacho" spread throughout Texas, but did not become well known outside of Texas until the 1970s, when Howard Cosell was given a plate of nachos during a taping of Monday Night Football at Arlington Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Cosell enjoyed the dish, and was amused by the unusual name. He talked about them throughout the game, and for several weeks following it.



Saturday, November 5, 2011

Long Time No Posts....

Dear Faithful Blog Followers

I know, I know... Long time no posts here at Lee and Her Muse Make the Most of Each Day. 

I've wanted to be here - really I have!  But, life has somehow gotten in the way of that for far too long.
My muse threatened to find a new mentee if I didn't get back on track... but I promised her she didn't need to move on - I'd buckle down and start posting in November.  So, even though we're five days into the month, here I am - posting and begging for your understanding and forgiveness for my long absence.

Sometimes making the most of each day is more of a challenge than one would think.  Even when I really really tried to get here sooner, my muse and I got railroaded by the situations at hand.  Some of those situations may or may not make their way into my blogging in the days and weeks to come.  But in the meantime, I am here now and am planning on trying to revive the daily posting energies that once flowed freely here on this site!

Thanks for still checking the site and remaining a friend even during my silent periods.

Time to Turn Back Time

It's that time again!  A return to Eastern Standard Time...
That's right.  Tonight, we turn our clocks back. 

When I was growing up, Daddy used to always say that we neither gained nor lost an hour when the clocks changed.  He argued that there were still 24 hours in every day and it was silly to say that we'd lost or gained one.

Scientifically I suppose he was right, but no matter how I look at it, the changing of the clocks before I go to bed tonight means that I will GAIN an hour of allowable sleep time! 

For me, it's always sad when the clocks are turned back and the days grow shorter.  It signals a time for going to and from work in the dark, fewer hours to spend outside on days off, and the fast-approaching end of my favorite season of the year:  Autumn.