BLESSINGS ABOUND - SHARE!!!

Two days in a row - wow - caught him off the computer again. Today I got word that Dell had sent a confirmation that the order for my computer was being expedited - but if you track it - it is "still in production!" Yipes - I am beginning to wish I had just bought one some place else! Oh well - I need to remember to be patient!!

I wanted to tell you about the event Travis and I were fortunate enough to attend Saturday night. One of my customers owns K E Cellar's Bushman's Auditorium (guess you would call it auditorium or playhouse or something wonderful anyway. It is a huge room with a stage, kitchen area, etc. We were to arrive before 6:45 (the gates were to be locked at that time) and they had to know ahead of time exactly who was attending. We were there on time even though we had to go back to the house from down the street aways because I had changed purses and left the tickets in the old one! Someone sitting near me mentioned the tattered flags that were displayed, minutes before the host asked the audience (we were seated and standing outside for a short program)if we saw the plane flying high in the sky. He said two paratroopers were going to jump out and bring new flags. Wow - they not only jumped but shortly after a Texas flag appeared and then the US flag appeared. The plane made several flies over the skies above us displaying those flags as the paratroopers decended to the ground. New flags were delivered and then the Marines presented a flag raising ceremony. I knew by watching my customer that something was up (we had thought George Bush might appear but we heard shortly before that he was at Ranger statium). Very soon, we heard a roar coming from the back of the building and then over the building came two P-38 planes with the smoke rolling out from the back of them. They made several fly-overs the crowd and disappeared. Then a mighty roar came - and a shonook helicopter appeared over the building. (The great big one that has two propellers and is big enough to transport a tank) This was the one used in Vietnam - but one thing is for sure - it could not slip up on anyone. It made several swipes over the audience (and I got some awesome pictures) and then landed out in the pasture nearby! The event was a fundraiser for the wounded and forgotten soldiers of all of the wars since WWII. Needless to say - IT WAS AN AWESOME SHOW. We then were invited in for a dinner and show. The dinner was also interesting. The first two courses were rations like the soldiers often receive! All in all - it was a night to remember - thanks to a very generous man that paid for all of the entertainment, food, drink, etc., and allowed all of the funds raised to go to the veterans. And to think - he is not even a natural born citizen of the USA - but a new citizen who recognizes what a great country this is, and wants to honor those who have fought through the years, to keep it great and free! Thanks Pierre!!!!

In the mornings when I take Michelle to work, I often change my radio to 92.1 and listen to Dr. Laura. Although some of the women and men are so silly - I love to hear her commentary. Today - hers made me as mad as she was. The neat thing about her when someone has been cruel and downright wicked - she calls their name - not "changing it to protect the innocent!" Today she was furious at a family that was mistreating a seven year old that is sick with an illness that has killed her mother, and grandfather. The little girl also has the disease. This neighbor whose daughter was not invited to the little girl's party (she had one of the jumping houses set up outside) has been putting ugly signs in her yard, had her husband put out a grim reaper with the little girl's picture on it, a trailer holding a casket with a picture of the mom on it -- and many other horrific acts of terror against - yes - a seven year old! The woman obviously must be either a real live witch or definitely crazy. I agree with Dr. Laura - why can't someone stop her,. The neighbors just stand by and don't say anything. How can anyone be so cruel??? The only answer I have - she is definitely a daughter of the devil!!!

How about one short - but good recipe?

FRUIT SALAD WITH CREAMY DRESSING

DRESSING:

1 Pkg.(small) instant vanilla pudding
1 Small can pineapple juice (or drained juice from pineapple in salad (below)
1 Tbsp. Poppy seed
1 Tsp. Coconut flavoring
Combine and let chill.

SALAD
1/2 Cantalope - peeled and cut into bite size pieces
3 Bananas - sliced
2 Kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 Pkg. frozen peached - drained if there is any juice
1 Can Mandarin oranges, drained
12 grapes (color - your choice) cut in half
1 Large can Pineapple Chunks (drained - use juice in dressing)
2 - 8 oz. Pkg. Fresh Strawberries cut in half.

Cut up and combine fruit. Add dressing just before serving.

Really a little different - but very good!!!

Hope your Thursday is a great day for you and you are moved to choose to help someone less blessed than you - a fire victim, someone hungry, someone who needs clothes (clean out a closet and find someone who can use the items (an individual or church or Salvation Army) and donate them! Bless them and you will be blessed!!!

Come back soon! Fall recipes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, parties, and Christmas coming!!!