National Teacher's Day

(Published on iSurf News on April 28, 2011)

I was in elementary school back before students were sitting on the big yellow bus for as long as an hour each way.
 
I attended all 12 years of school in one building at Bremen Consolidated High School. As we alumini prepare to watch this old building be torn down and replaced with a more modern, up-to-date building, I can't help but think about all the wonderful times I had as a student there and a few of the teachers that made an impact on my life.

In high school, my favorite teacher was Shelia Ross, now Shelia Bivins. Ms. Ross (as she will always be to me) was my English teacher and planted the seed of my love of writing and expressing my thoughts. Just in the past few years, I have renewed my friendship with her, still wanting to call her Ms. Ross instead of Ms. Bivins. That is when she told me to just call her “Shelia”, we were now friends. What an amazing lady!

Then, there was my high school band director, W. Dale Warren. He taught me that, alone, I can play music. But if I play music with others, together, we can become a beautiful symphony. Before we would go onto the field for a show, he would lead us in a relaxation exercise that would clear our minds and get us focused on the task at hand. I still practice that exercise today. Mr. Warren is now a Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas.

I am proud to say that I am a student of each of these teachers. I'm not a 'former' student because I'm still learning from these wonderful people. I hope you have the opportunity to thank a teacher that left footprints on your life.

Here are a few of their favorite recipes.

Shelia's Sweet Potato Casserole
 
●3 cups sweet potatoes (drain off 1/2 can of liquid).
●1 cup sugar
●1/2 cup melted butter
●1 tsp. vanilla extract
●1/2 cup milk

Topping-

Hippity, Hoppity, Easter’s on Its Way!

(Published on iSurf News on April 21, 2011)

Many people think that Christmas is the most important day for Christians, however, St Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

The Resurrection of Christ, brought us the promise of new life, both in Heaven and on earth.

Smile And Say "Cheese"

(Published on iSurf News on April 14, 2011)


I've always wondered why I can only buy egg nog and boiled custard during the holidays.

Maybe we are just not allowed to drink it at anytime except between the months of November and January. Another “holiday dish” that doesn't get much attention at any other time of the year is the cheese ball. With the exception of a bridal or wedding shower, it's rare to find a cheese ball on a lovely platter, surrounded by an assortment of crackers at any other time, but each year, April 17 is set aside to bring awareness to this wonderful snack.


SWEET CHEESE BALL RECIPE

●2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
●1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
●2/3 cup flaked coconut
●8 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
●3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
●Assorted fresh fruit

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the coconut and cherries. Shape into a ball; roll in pecans. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with a sweet cracker or fruit slices.

Knick-Knack Paddy Whack, Give Your Dog A Bone

(Published on iSurf News on March 31, 2011)

April is Dog Appreciation Month, so you will want to let your favorite pooch know just how much you love them. Some hotels provide “Puppy Packages” during this month, which can include a pet massage, dog toys, special walks and donations to local animal shelters in your dog's name. Now, maybe you are like me and just cannot afford such a vacation at the moment, but still want to find ways to honor your pup this month. How about buying your little princess a new collar with a little bling-bling, making her feel special. Maybe Rover would like an extra long walk through the neighborhood to provide him a little extra exercise, which would also be good for you.
You could also make your pet a special dinner to let them know you care. Check out these “Dog Gone” Recipes. I threw in a few tasty recipes for you dog lovers as well!
 

“Tricky” Recipes and Other Pranks

(Published on iSurf News on March 31, 2011)

I remember when growing up, my brother and I always tried to “out do” each other when it came to our April Fool's Day jokes. The best one that sticks out in my mind was played on me, so I'll have to give props to my brother for coming up with it.

I was probably about 16 or 17 years old and my brother was seven years younger. One morning, right at 4:00, I was awaken to what I thought was a beeping sound. I was still in that “sleep paralysis” state, you know, when you are not really awake but you are not really asleep either. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or if I was really hearing something. After a while longer, I became more awake and realized that surely, I was hearing a beeping sound. I sat up in bed and listened to see where the sound was coming from. The beeping was under my bed and I knew it was bomb!! I started pulling things out from under my bed (because we all know that every teenager keeps things under their bed). Then, I saw it. A small, square, battery-powered alarm clock. I turned it off and wondered why there was an alarm clock set for 4:00 am hidden up under my bed. Then, the light bulb came on! I rememberd that it was April Fool's Day. And I also knew that I had a little brother that just loved to get one on his big sister. I remember walking down the hall to his bedroom, thinking that I was going to get him. Then I saw him sleeping soundly, so I closed the door, thinking that I'd pay him back later. Come to think of it, I never did.

Enjoy some of these fun & “tricky” recipes.

I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

(Published on iSurf News on March 24, 2011)
 

March 29, is the anniversary of the invention of Coca-Cola. In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton formulated the recipe after Atlanta and Fulton County passed prohibition legislation. It was first sold at a pharmacy in Atlanta as a patent medicine when it was believed that carbonated water was good for your health. Over the years, Coca-Cola has seen many different flavors and even changed the formula of the drink with “New Coke” in 1985. The company soon gave into the many protests and returned to the old formula, calling it “Coca-Cola Classic”.

Hello Spring…I Sure Have Missed You!

(Published on iSurf News on March 17, 2011)

 The arrival of spring is very bittersweet to me. The older I get, the more I appreciate watching the new birth of the trees, the green grass and the beautiful flowers.

At the same time, the first day of spring, March 20, is the anniversary of the death of my maternal grandmother. Anyone that knew my Granny, Goldie, knew that she was more fun than a barrel of monkeys but she was so forgetful, she couldn't remember two times around the broomstick.