This is for you, you know who you are..... giggle

A little help for your Yule shopping

The holidays are here again – time to think up some fun gift ideas for your friends and family members. Why not consult the stars this year? Considering the astrological birth signs of those on your gift list is a great way to get your gift-giving in gear!

Aries (March 21- April 19)
Active Aries is always looking for ways to stay in shape, particularly during the holiday season... so athletic equipment is usually a good choice. People born under this sign are also fond of the color red, so a cranberry scarf or a scarlet hat could win their favor. If romance is in the air, let Aries know that you put his or her needs first. Buy tickets for two to a sporting event you loathe... or a CD by an artist you can't stand... to win big points with your favorite Ram.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus appreciates any gift that appeals to his or her sensual side. A box of gourmet chocolates, a richly colored tapestry or a soft cashmere blanket are all great options for Bulls. This sign also enjoys having money to play with, so a gift certificate to their favorite store is a welcome option. Always remember that quality is more important than quantity – Taurus would rather have a small bottle of expensive cologne than a carafe of the cheap stuff.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Quick-witted Geminis enjoys gifts that appeal to their sizable intellects. A challenging book is always welcome, as is a magazine subscription. This sign rules the hands, so some scented hand lotion or a sparkling ring might delight. Geminis also love to entertain, so a set of glassware might fit the bill. If you want to splurge on a special Twin, give them the latest cell phone or PDA, so they can keep in touch with their gazillion friends.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Sentimental Cancer loves gifts that have personal meaning. Handmade items always delight, whether it's a finger painting, angora sweater or mincemeat pie. This sign also has a special affinity for silver – a monogrammed hand mirror or picture frame would be very well received. Since Crabs have an affinity for liquids of all kinds, a special bottle of wine, a fancy cappuccino maker or a shiny tea kettle are also good possibilities. And don't forget that these Moon children love the domestic arts – a cookbook specializing in comfort food is another sure winner.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Lions love gifts that make them look and feel terrific. Hair accessories, cosmetics and grooming items are all good choices for this image-conscious sign. Leos love drama, and enjoy presents that involve a bit of flair. Opera tickets, gold jewelry or animal print lingerie are right up this cat's alley. Leos also love to gamble, so a sheaf of lottery tickets or a weekend getaway to the casino could make them purr with delight. When shopping for clothing, remember that Lions have a special affinity for red, gold and purple.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgins love practical gifts...so avoid dust-catching baubles. A bread-making machine or a power drill would be equally welcome. These folks are also known to pride themselves on their impeccable appearance. Scented soaps, lotions and shampoos made by an earth-friendly company might be just the ticket. Virgos are also incredibly organized and might appreciate a good watch or a leather-bound date book. Or try a health-conscious basket of organic foodstuffs.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Librans have a special affinity for music, and always appreciate a good CD to add to their voluminous collection. If you want to do something really special for a Libran friend, splurge on a two concert tickets – this sign hates to do anything alone. Born beneath the sign of the scales, they also need plenty of balance in their lives, so a pair of candlesticks or bookends might appeal. If you're still stumped for ideas, have a lavish bouquet of red roses delivered accompanied by a loving handwritten note.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpions are secretive by nature and enjoy gifts that obscure their appearance in some way. A pair of designer sunglasses, a filmy scarf or a slouchy hat are all great choices for this sign. These mystery-lovers also enjoy moody, atmospheric stories. A collection of film noirs on DVD are sure to go over well with your favorite Scorpion. The rumors concerning this sign's sexual appetite are happily true, so seductive lingerie would get plenty of use. Since Scorpions also like to get beneath the surface; a gift certificate for a deep-cleansing facial will be appreciated.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
As far as Archers are concerned, half the fun of getting gifts is ripping them open! If Sag doesn't like a present, though, he or she will tell you outright. Avoid awkward scenes this holiday season by giving this outdoor enthusiast some camping equipment. Hiking boots or a water-proof parka would also be appropriate. These animal lovers adore any gift associated with their pets. A calendar filled with pictures of dogs or horses is sure to elicit a big smile. Finally, you can always feed this sign's wanderlust with a comprehensive atlas.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Career-oriented Capricorn always enjoys gifts that will boost their job status. A leather laptop carrier or monogrammed briefcase would be welcome. Contrary to popular belief, though, Goats aren't all work and no play. This sign is blessed with a wicked sense of humor, so try the BBC's "The Office" series on DVD. Capricorns also love luxurious presents they'd never buy for themselves, like a silk bathrobe.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
You never know what this unpredictable sign will be doing from moment to moment – one week it's skydiving and the next it's yoga! Still, this quirky sign always appreciates technological gadgets, whether it's an all-region DVD player or an iPod Nano. If you'd like to choose something a little more personal, why not make a photo album detailing all of your exploits with the Water-Bearer? Aquarius may not show it, but they harbor a special fondness for their friends. Still stumped for ideas? A basket filled with brand new socks is both weird and practical enough for this sign, which rules the ankles.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
These mystics love gifts of all kinds, but especially ones that help them escape the harsh realities of life. A bottle of champagne, a kaleidoscope or a book of fairy tales will appeal to your Fishy friends. And because Pisces is a Water sign, it's a good bet they'll appreciate bath salts, foaming cleansers and shower gels. If you'd like to give something really special, a digital camera will make a bit hit with this natural-born photographer. Looking for a romantic gift? Choose a gilt-edged volume of love poetry.

I DID IT!

I couldn't decide on a color, so this "Old Dog" went with what I used before.... same color....

I couldn't get a picture with my camera (my arms aren't long enough!) so this is a picture from last year..... Just picture my hair really short!!!!

Same color, but much, much shorter. If I can find someone to take a picture... I'll show one with the shorter hair.

Getting ready for the cold!

Yesterday was warm but the wind was blowing, and it was the perfect day to winterize my house!

First thing I did was close all the doors and windows. Then I lit a candle (regular candle, not one in a jar) And I walked around the house watching the flame!

when I noticed the flame flickering or blowing, I tracked the source, and fixed it.

Always check the track on your windows before closing them for the winter: dirt and debris build up in the track and prevent the windows from closing properly, allowing air to come in. (I've found durt, bugs, crickets, and seed pods in there!)

I washed out all the window tracks and then closed and locked them again, and checked with the candle. No fluttering flame!

Then I checked around the doors.

Stepping back from the closed door I checked if I saw any light coming around the edges. If you do, buy some vinyl foam weatherseal. Long foam strips, that are self adhesive on one side. Open the door, and stick the weatherseal around the inside frame of the door where you saw the light..... close the door and check again to see if you can see any light, and if you do, repeat in the area.

My front door was horrible!!! the weather seal had fallen off and the breeze thru that door was strong! So I replaced the seal, and not a flicker on the candle!

Now, I CAN'T sleep with my bedroom window closed!!! I'd rather freeze then have no air flow around me. Also I open the kitchen sink window a lot in the winter.... just to air out the house a bit... but I try to do this on warm days, and I make sure the heat is off before I do it. Hay, can't waste energy!

I slowly walked around the house and checked all the other doors and window. that done, I feel that my house is safe from errant breezes during the winter.

Before I close up for the winter I also do a good dusting (with a damp cloth) of all my furniture, the heating vents, window sills, and so on..... getting all the summer pollen and dust up, so the heat doesn't keep recirculating it all winter. The damp cloth traps the dust, and then you just rinse it down the sink.

I also do a very good vacuuming... making sure to get all those little edges (cat fur seems to hide in the edges of your carpet and corners of the room) I do the baseboards with the vacuum too, and if you have hot air heat... open the vents and put the vacuum hose down into them to pick up any dust pooled down there!

And last I take all the bedspreads and comforters outside and shake the devil out of them!!!! dust flys all over, but I know it's gone with the wind! GIGGLE

Now, I'm ready to start the winter in a dust free, cat fur free home. Let that heat recirculate the air.... It's actually clean!

Yule info

Yule - Winter Solstice

Yule: the Winter Solstice, Yuletide (Teutonic), Alban Arthan (Caledonii)

December 20 - 23 Northern Hemisphere / June 20 - 23 Southern Hemisphere


This sabbath represents the rebirth of light. Here, on the longest night of the year, the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God and hope for new light is reborn.


Yule is a time of awakening to new goals and leaving old regrets behind. Yule coincides closely with the Christian Christmas celebration. Christmas was once a movable feast celebrated many different times during the year. The choice of December 25 was made by the Pope Julius I in the fourth century AD because this coincided with the pagan rituals of Winter Solstice, or Return of the Sun. The intent was to replace the pagan celebration with the Christian one.


The Christian tradition of a Christmas tree has its origins in the Pagan Yule celebration. Pagan families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm during the cold winter months. Bells were hung in the limbs so you could tell when a spirit was present.


Food and treats were hung on the branches for the spirits to eat and a five-pointed star, the pentagram, symbol of the five elements, was placed atop the tree.


The colors of the season, red and green, also are of Pagan origin, as is the custom of exchanging gifts.

A solar festival, The reindeer stag is also a reminder of the Horned God. You will find that many traditional Christmas decorations have some type of Pagan ancestry or significance that can be added to your Yule holiday.

Yule is celebrated by fire and the use of a Yule log. Many enjoy the practice of lighting the Yule Log. If you choose to burn one, select a proper log of oak or pine (never Elder). Carve or chalk upon it a figure of the Sun (a rayed disc) or the Horned God (a horned circle). Set it alight in the fireplace at dusk, on Yule. This is a graphic representation of the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within it and think of the coming warmer days. Traditionally, a portion of the Yule Log is saved to be used in lighting next year's log. This piece is kept throughout the year to protect the home.

The Winter Solstice has been celebrated for millennia by cultures and religions all over the world. Many modern pagan religions are descended in spirit from the ancient pre-Christian religions of Europe and the British Isles, and honor the divine as manifest in nature, the turning of the seasons, and the powerfully cyclical nature of life.

The Goddess is most often represented in the earth as a planet, the moon, the oceans, and in the domestic animals and the cultivated areas of the earth.

In many pagan traditions the Winter Solstice symbolizes the rebirth of the sun god from his mother, the earth goddess.

The Winter Solstice is only one of eight seasonal holidays celebrated by modern pagans.

One example of a Winter Solstice reading:

This is the night of the Solstice, the longest night of the year. Now darkness triumphs, yet gives way and changes into light. The breath of Nature is suspended: all waits while within the Cauldron, the Dark King is transformed into the infant light. We watch for the coming of Dawn, when the great Mother again gives birth to the Divine child Sun, who is bringer of hope and the promise of summer. This is the stillness behind motion, when time itself stops; the center, which is also the circumference of all. We are awake in the Night. We turn the Wheel to bring the Light. We call the sun from the womb of night.


Yule Salad


1/2 bag fresh cranberries
3 lg stalks celery
3-4 large carrots
1 large orange
1 can crushed pineapples
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, your preference)
1 large (or 2 small) box raspberry, or raspberry-cranberry Jello
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

Open can of pineapples and drain, saving the juice. Put aside. Mix the saved juice from the pineapples and 1 cup of cold water together.
Prepare Jello according to directions, but where the directions call for 2 cups cold water, use the 1 cup cold water/pineapple juice mixture. Before you add the cold mixture to the hot, add the sugar to the hot Jello mixture, and dissolve, then add cold water/pineapple juice mixture, combine well and refrigerate. Be sure to put into a large salad or mixing bowl.

Shred the carrots finely - put aside.

Finely chop celery with a knife or food processor.
Chop or crush walnuts
Grate orange peel with fine grater (a cheese grater will do).
Peel orange and clean as much of the pith (the white stuff) away as possible, and section by hand.

In a blender put the cranberries, one handful at a time into the water and chop finely. Add the orange sections and chop more coarsely (using the pulse button on your blender). Add to the Jello mixture. Add all other ingredients to the Jello mixture and mix well. Refrigerate over night.

Topping for salad:
You may top with whipped cream or Cool Whip, or try this:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup real mayonnaise
Blend well and place by the tablespoonful on top of the gelled salad. Enjoy!! Happy Yule!




Wassail


1 gallon apple cider
1 fifth Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
2 sticks cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
cinnamon to taste
1 medium peice of ginger root
A piece of cheese cloth or a coffee filter

Tie all dry ingredients up in the cheese cloth or coffee filter. Put the rum and apple cider in a large pot and bring to a slow boil. Add the dry pouch and simmer for an hour. Serve hot.



Baked apples

1 dozen cooking apples
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
butter or margarine
3/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons sugar

Core apples and place in an 8 X 8 inch baking pan. Mix sugar and cinnamon, fill apples with mixture, dot tops with butter. Add boiling water and sugar to pan and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 60 minutes.

I'm feeling a change coming on....

The frogs and I are not amused... we are getting board, and it's time for a change!

That phrase usually send my friends screaming into the night. They have been known to hide, not answer my calls, and suddenly have bad back, or sprained necks... so they wouldn't have to help me move.

But, its OK, I'm not thinking of moving again...I SWEAR! I'm very happy here.... but as the seasons change, I feel the overwhelming need to change too.

Sometimes it's just simple things... coloring my hair, moving furniture around, panting a room, changing just one room with curtins and rugs.

Sometimes it's bigger things... like the time I removed those ridicules kitchen cabinets that were over my breakfast bar.

And yes, I admit, that a FEW of those times I moved, changing house's and states..... leaving the old behind for the new.

But this time, though it's pretty strong, I won't move!


BUT BOY AM I TEMPTED!!!! I've been here 7 years! Longer than any place I've stayed! But, no, I like it here.... it's just my LIFE that needs changing!!!

What should I do??? what do I want??? I haven't a clue, but I'm going to think on it.... and I'll let you know.

Goddess bless Jeff, he makes me giggle

You might be a REDNECK if...
...you've ever raked leaves in your kitchen.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...during your senior year you and your mother had homeroom together.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...there is a gun rack on your bicycle

You might be a REDNECK if...
...you've ever financed a tattoo.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...you prefer to walk the excess length off your jeans rather than hem them

You might be a REDNECK if...
...your coffee table used to be a cable spool.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...you've ever barbecued Spam on the grill.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...your baby's favorite teething ring is the garden hose in the front yard.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...you've painted a car with house paint.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...your brother-in-law is your uncle

You might be a REDNECK if...
...nailing an old tire to the front door is your idea of a Christmas Wreath.

You might be a REDNECK if...
...your Grandma is also your Great Aunt

STRESS RELIEF

Picture yourself near a stream.
Birds are softly chirping in the crisp cool mountain air.

Nothing can bother you here.
No one knows this secret place.

You are in total seclusion from that place called "The World."

The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fill the air with
a cascade of serenity.

The water is clear and you can easily make out the face
of the person whose head your holding under water!

Look!

It's the person who caused you all this stress.
What a pleasant surprise!

You let them up.... just for a quick breath... then ploop!...
back under they go.

You allow yourself as many deep breaths as you want.

There now... feeling better?

Sooooo excited!!!!

I GOT MY PRIZE TODAY!!!!

Wonderful lady at "Frog on the Pumkin" sent me a wonderful skull from leftovers at the Davis graveyard!!! If you want to check out her blog, it's on my side bar of blogs I follow.




He's very handsome, younger them my other skull... I can tell... really.... giggle.... so I'm going to name him Maxwell!

Unlike a lot of people, I keep my witchy stuff out all the time!! So rest assured, Maxwell, will be out on the table.... getting ready to "scare the straights" all year round!!!!

Odd things to microwave

1. Disinfecting and Deodorizing Sponges
Don't throw out the kitchen sponge that smells like last night's salmon. Soak it in water spiked with white vinegar or lemon juice, then heat it on high for 1 minute. (Use an oven mitt to remove it.) This will also disinfect any sponges you used to wipe up the juices from a raw chicken.

2. Cooking an Entire Dinner in Under 10 Minutes
Not just the TV variety. We mean braised salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes. Use the microwave for any recipe that calls for braising, poaching, or steaming. Just subtract about three-quarters of the cooking time. Remember to stir liquids often to redistribute the heat, and always take the food out a minute or two before it's completely done, since it will continue to cook.

3. Disinfecting Plastic Cutting Boards
Wash the board well, rub it with the cut side of a lemon, then heat for 1 minute.

4. Making Potatoes
While the microwave won't give you a baked potato with a crisp skin, it will cook the average russet in about 4 minutes. You can simultaneously cook as many as will fit. (The general rule for heating more food is to check for doneness every 30 seconds beyond the regular cooking time.) Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and cook for 2 minutes. Turn them over and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer. For mashed potatoes, be sure to heat the milk in the microwave before adding it. (Cold milk makes for cold mashed potatoes.)

5. Softening Brown Sugar
Keep the sugar in its plastic packaging, add a few drops of water, and heat on medium for 10 to 20 seconds.


6. Decrystallizing Honey
Honey that has solidified can be brought back to liquid life by uncovering the jar and heating on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

7. Proofing Yeast Doughs
Yeast doughs that normally take an hour or more to rise at room temperature can be proofed in the microwave in about 15 minutes. Place the dough in a very large bowl and cover with plastic. Place an 8-ounce cup of water in the back of the microwave with the bowl of dough in the center, and set the power as low as possible (10 percent power). Heat for 3 minutes, then let the dough rest in the microwave for 3 minutes. Heat for 3 minutes longer, then let rest for 6 minutes. The dough will double in bulk.

8. Heating up Health Aids
You use a microwave to reheat your coffee, so why not use it to heat and reheat gel packs for headaches? (Don't do this with a metal-wrapped pack.)

9. Warming Beauty Products
Warming up a hot-oil conditioning pack for your hair takes about 10 to 20 seconds and feels marvelous, as does briefly heating up a moisturizing facial mask. (Stir the mask and test the temperature with your finger before applying to your face.) And if hot wax hardens when you're only halfway up your calf, reheat it in the microwave. It's much less messy than using a double boiler.

10. Roasting Garlic
It takes 45 minutes to roast garlic in the oven but less than 8 in the microwave. Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook at medium power for 7 to 7½ minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.

11. Partially Cooking Foods for the Grill
To cut the grilling time of vegetables, cook them partway in the microwave before putting them on the barbecue. Heat new potatoes for 2 minutes (prick them first), and bell peppers for 1 minute. And why wait until your next campfire to make s'mores? Put the marshmallows in the microwave for 30 seconds.


12. Getting More Juice From Citrus Fruits
A lemon or lime taken straight from the refrigerator is harder to juice than one left at room temperature or warmed slightly. To get the most juice, microwave citrus fruits for 20 seconds before squeezing.

13. Toasting Nuts, Bread Crumbs, and Coconut
The microwave toasts them in a quarter of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Spread them out on a plate and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Keep in mind that they will continue to toast for about a minute after removal.

14. Cooking Vegetables
Still waiting for that cauldron of water to boil for your corn? All vegetables can be steamed in the microwave without adding water. Place them in one layer (if possible) on a dish, cover tightly with plastic, and cook on high. The timing will vary, but check tender items, such as spinach, mushrooms, and snow peas, after 30 seconds, and crunchy ones, like carrots, after 4 minutes.