Kick Off To Summer

(Published on iSurf News on May 26, 2011)

Like so many people, I am so tired of the rain and the dreary weather but I know, like the famous quote says, “This too shall pass.” Soon, I will be complaining about the heat and humidity and will be praying for a nice cool fall breeze. I know myself all too well.

May 21 is Armed Forces Day

(Published on iSurf News on May 20, 2011)

A few weeks ago, I was in the grocery store stocking up on some store deals, when I saw the most handsome man I had seen in awhile. A sense of pride came over me as I watched this young man.
 
He was concentrating on his mission in the dairy department and I didn't want to disturb this stranger but I just couldn't help myself. I walked right up to him and said, "Thank you. Thank you for what you do." He responded, "You are very welcome, Ma'am. It is my pleasure. And my duty."

Just a few days earlier, we had been told that the world's most wanted terrorist had been killed when US Navy Seals raided his compound. I wondered what this young man thought about these events. I wanted to ask him but I didn't want my feelings of American pride to be overshadowed by my American anger.

President Harry Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day (AFD) on May 20, 1950 and it is celebrated each year on the third Saturday of May. According to the US Department of Defense, this day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

There are many events to attend to celebrate this day but a simple "Thank You" to a person in uniform may be all that person needs to hear.

Here are some good, all-American recipes to try as we honor the men and women in uniform.

Apple-Cucumber Salsa

●1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
●¼ cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
●½ small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
● small red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
●1 ½ tbsp white wine vinegar
●1 ½ tsp sugar
●Salt
 
In a bowl, toss the apple with the cucumber, onion and pepper. Stir in the vinegar and sugar, season with salt and serve.

Taste Just Like Chicken

(Published on iSurf News on May 11, 2011)

My family always took a summer vacation when I was growing up but I always remember it being such a rush to do everything that we had to come home to get some rest.
 

Cinco De Mayo

(Published on iSurf News on May 5, 2011)

Cinco De Mayo, not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 6, is observed on May 5.
 
This day is celebrated in order to commemorate the unexpected victory of the Mexican army over the French forces on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. The state of Puebla celebrates this holiday but the celebrations are also popular along the US-Mexico border as well as in areas that have a high Mexican population. The activities planned center around the celebration of Mexican customs and culture.

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.