Living Rural

This morning I checked my email accounts, as I do every morning, and this video was in one from a dear friend, who BTW has no children. This concept is totally new to me - I truly wish it has been available when my girls were small and constantly in or near our pool. It takes a deep breath and some constraint with a lot of will power to watch it through. I want you to know it is so very worth watching it with your family and passing it on to others.

If you are still raising small children, or have grandchildren in and around your pool… then please take the small amount of time it takes to watch. The video gives links to the home site, etc., if you’re interested in having the program come to your area. The program is infant rescue swimming (IRS.)

Swimming Then go to near the end page and watch the three videos there.

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

I frown and I am in the South! We are having a very cold week and we are not suited for this much ‘coldness’, so we complain - a lot!

Of course, our youth live for “Snow Days” - teachers, too! And once every five years or so, isn’t to bad…

For die-hard Southerners, snow belongs up North with temperatures below 40. We live here for the warmth and the sunshine. Like I said, we complain a lot! I love the    

South.  

See what can happen when you least expect it! Quite a surprise this morning, yet so beautiful… maybe this would be nice everyday for several months… naw, just for special Snow Days! It is light and fluffy, just the kind of snow you want, without any ice problems. So the children and the adults with their ‘child’ self will be out and about - throwing snowballs, making snow cream, and building snowmen/women (equal time)! 

So funny, for us to have actual snow on the ground it is a big thing - phone ringing with calls from friends making sure I know it’s snowing, emails coming in, everyone so excited… we are a funny breed, aren’t we?

In case you want to see other photos of our area when it snows, go to http://www.scnow.com/

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Teams have won/earned the right to play in this years’ Super Bowl. Which team will win? Super Bowl XLIII Arizona? or Pittsburgh?             

Can you see the excitement of what is to come on Sunday, February 1, 2009? A good game no matter who is the winner … well, we hope it will be! GO TEAM!

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

“PASS” the Seven-Layer Salad… 

This festive party dip with seven yummy layers can make any occasion a fiesta!

7 Layer Fiesta Dip

2 (8-ounce) packages low-fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix (your favorite brand)

2 cups prepared guacamole (make your own or use ready-made)

2 cups tomato-based salsa

2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped green onions

2 (2-ounce) cans sliced black olives

1. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and seasoning mix. Spread mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass dish.
2. Top the seasoned cream cheese with the guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, onions and olives in layers.
3. Serve immediately accompanied with tortilla or corn chips.
4. Refrigerate any remaining dip.

Makes 20 servings.

Cook’s Note: If you like, reduce the recipe ingredients by half and use a 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish for a smaller party. Or DOUBLE recipe for larger gathering!

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (approximately 1/4 cup): 152.3 calories; 69% calories from fat; 12.0g total fat; 25.3mg cholesterol; 372.3mg sodium; 206.9mg potassium; 5.5g carbohydrates; 1.1g fiber; 0.7g sugar; 4.5g net carbs; 6.3g protein.

“PASS” the Beer Cheese Spread…

Beer Cheese Spread

4 cups (16-ounces) shredded mild cheddar cheese
4 cups (16-ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 (12-ounce) can beer, at room temperature

1. In a mixing bowl
   

   , combine the cheeses with garlic; set aside to soften to room temperature.

2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, mustard, hot pepper sauce, and enough beer to make a spreadable mixture.
3. Place in a crock or serving dish; cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving. Serve with an assortment of crackers, chips or crudites.

Makes about 8 cups.

Note: You’ll get the best results if you refrigerate the finished spread for several days to give the flavors more time to blend.
Both recipes are S.U.P.E.R.  BOWL fantastic!

Enjoy!

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Inauguration, Part Two

Inauguration, Part One

Snow and I.C.E.

For all frozen readers everywhere…

Frozen Ice Car

It’s FRIDAY!!!!

Apparently, ‘Global Warming’ is on vacation!  One of those
“hmmmm” moments.

Since it is weekend, what special plans do you have besides
staying warm, shoveling snow, or sitting by the fire – be creative and share in
the comments, please.

I plan to see Clint Eastwood in “Grand Torino.” I love his
work and it will be wonderful. The reviews have been excellent, as have his
talk show appearances.

“… of Benjamin Buttons” is still on my list, not sure
there will be time for two movies in this busy weekend. Projects at home
include cleaning and organizing our bedroom to get ready for our new “Memory Foam Mattress” by Bragada. Check
it out, comparable to TempurPeadic, yet less expensive!

As always, Remember …
“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

The new American Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs played against the ‘old school’ 

National Football League’s Green Bay Packers in the championship game, which was the

very FIRST SUPER BOWL! Now fellow Baby boomers can probably remember the hysteria it

caused, or at least heard their parents talking about it because it was played before 61,946

fans in Los Angeles’ 100,000-seat Memorial Coliseum. The television audience for this game

estimated to have been approximately 60 million viewers. Small potatoes compared to the

views it attracts now. Do you remember how it got its name?

Lamar Hunt, founder of the AFL and owner of the Kansas City chiefs, found his daughter’s

Super Ball, which inspired the phrase, “Super Bowl” - and by golly, it stuck! The Super Bowl

was born. Just think what our men would do, if Mr. Hunt had not stumbled upon his

daughter’s super ball, and started the tradition of the BIG GAME.  Vince Lombardi and his

Packers were 13-2, while Hank Stram and his Chief’s were 12-2-1 going into the game. Max

McGee, a wide receiver of the Packers, was the unlikely hero going into the game. He is

quoted as saying, “I waddled in about 7:30 in the morning, and I could barely stand up for

the kickoff. On the bench, Paul (Hornung) kept needling me, ‘What would you do if you had

to play?’ And I said, ‘No way, there’s no way I could make it.’” (Adler, 1967) Just moments

after entering the game though, he caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Bart Starr to cap

off an 80-yard drive that gave the Packers an early lead. On the day, McGee caught seven

passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers went on to win the first Super

Bowl, 35-10. Each player on the Packers received a $15,000 bonus for winning the game,

while members of the Chiefs earned $7,500. A one-minute television commercial sold for

$75,000 to $85,000; pocket change compared to the millions spent on airtime now. (1967) 

   More Super bowl history.

That was number one and now…

Future Super Bowl Sites                                                                      

Who will play?      

          Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia

                   Pittsburgh vs. Arizona

          Baltimore vs. Philadelphia

                   Baltimore vs. Arizona?

Between now and the BIG GAME, we will talk some football, share SUPER BOWL

PARTY foods, and get ready to cheer for our team.

 Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Adler, (1967) Super bowl. Retrieved January 14, 2009

     from, http://www.about.com/sports/ 

Powered by ScribeFire.

… sounds strange, I know.

Now that winter is in full swing in most parts of the country, all types of heat sources are being used to keep our homes warm. Most of these heat sources cause the air in our to be extremely DRY. This causes problems for some of us. The problem can be solved! How you ask… by using a humidifier. You have many to choose from, information on types and reviews of each can be found HERE.

HUMIDIFIER: You may choose warm or cool mist, both work - it is your preference

• it will help soothe scratchy throats

• prevents static electricity

• keeps wood floors and wood furniture from cracking, but furniture polish will still be required

When looking for your humidifier, check for these features:

• refill container - needs to be easy to remove for cleaning, short enough to fit under the faucet with an opening large enough for a hand and scrubber to get inside

• indicator light - a light to signal when it is time to refill the tank and automatice shut off when the tank is empty

• antimicrobial system - filter or a UV light designed to kill mildew and bacteria

• adjustable moisture control - if room is to humid, condensation and peeling paint will occur

Best humidifier overall                                 Best warm mist humidifier                                   Quietest humidifier

There is a cool mist humidifier, but a picture was not available. Also, a whole home system is available.

I hope this helps in your search for the right unit for your needs.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Holiday parties are in full swing and it is always nice to find a useful girt to take the hostess. Here are a few suggestions for a great “grab and go” gift:

• Drawer liners, $28 - matching box tied with satin ribbon, “look as nice as they smell” - www.sopaandpaperfactory.com

• Olive Set, $39 - last minute hors’d'oeuvre, untie the ribbon on Bella Cucina’s Piccolo Olive Bowl - jar of six Italian varieties and elegant serving spoon - www.bellacucina.com

• Breakfast in-a-Bag, $55 - L.L. Bean’s Deluxe Tote filled with pancake mix, syrup, jam, and coffee -
  www.llbean.com

• Herb Kit, $15.50 - potting mix and seeds, ready for planting in the Potting Shed Creations biodegradable Rice Hull Gardens Pot (lavender, lemon pbasil, oregano) - www.wishingfish.com

• Tea-light Holder, $24 - www.conranusa.com

• Preserves Set, $39 - handmade Branches Preserves by Katz & Co., wrapped individually inside a wrapped box, 10 flavors - www.katzandco.com

• Soaps, $19 - scents like Flower of Narcissus, housed in a pretty, reusable container - www.morcosmetics.com

After greeting the hostess, sharing the very special gift, have fun, but remember do not drink and then drive!

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Once again life overwhelmed me … I am better now. I am writing again. I am thankful for 451Press and LivngRural. They have remained a constant in my life when others have not. Today is THANKSGIVING. I am thankful for family, friends, home, health, and the possibility of new beginnings.

The weather is wonderful today - cool, crisp, colors, and sun shining. I hope your day is beautiful, too.

If you are the cook for the day, I hope everything is delicious. If you are enjoying the bounty prepared by someone else… we know it will be wonderful. Friends invited us to join them today and we are anxiously awaiting the treat. Being with people you love and care about is so much a part of Thanksgiving. It is what it is meant to be … sharing, enjoying, caring, and eating! Be careful, do not overdo it. Remember, you want to have fond memories of today.

Go over to

thankful for …

SUCCESS

You will need the help of others… connect.

• Focus on people
• Be likable
• Show others you  care
• Remember every one’s name
• Walk slowly through the crowd
• Be generous

Do more than exist … LIVE.

Do more than touch … FEEL.

Do more than look … OBSERVE.

Do more than read … ABSORB.

Do more than hear … LISTEN.

Do more than listen … UNDERSTAND.

Do more than think … REFLECT.

Do more than just talk … SAY SOMETHING.

Author Unknown

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

The proposed coal-fired power plant(shown here) reared its ugly head again today. The documents (a case by case Maximum Achievable Control Technology, MACT) submitted by Santee Cooper to DHEC for approval has been given a Draft Notice of MACT Approval (NOMA) written by the Bureau of Air Quality outlining the proposed  project and applicable regulations. The draft is not approved and is STILL open for comment from the PUBLIC, Santee Cooper, and the US EPA.

As I have discussed,

Energy Challenge while livingrural …,

before, it is being promoted as a positive addition to the Kingsburg area due to the new jobs it should bring, the additional electricity demands it will meet and an overall boost to a sluggish economy in this area after the closing of Delta Mills and just recently announced closing of Wellman Industries. This is all true;  however, may be exaggerated in the favor of Santee Cooper.

What has not been talked about in groups of people actually living in the area is the reason for the NOMA (Notice of MACT Approval). It is necessary because the US Court of Appeals eliminatd the Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule for power plants! So until the EPA issues a new power plant regulation, EACH NEW POWER PLANT will have to propose emission limits to control hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. Which is a ‘biggy’ for this area, being located on the Great Pee Dee River - fished by many and enjoyed as a recreational get-a-way. Does it not seem strange that the power plant will write its own emission controls? It bothers me, but apparently only a few others as shown by the poor turn out for the public meetings held in the surrounding towns over the last year and a half. Although, publication of dates and times were publicised, it was not enough to get the word out into the community. But as they say - past is past.

These are the hazardous air pollutants that will be emitted from this plant: Mercury, Hydrocholric acid, Hydrogen Floride, non-Mercury HAP metals and organic HAPs. Property is available, would you like to make an appointment to view it?  The real worry is the following wording, “If approved, the conditions of this NOMA will be incorporated into Santee Cooper Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit … this permit is still in draft form and has not been approved. The BAQ WILL make a final NOMA decision and PSD decision at the same time.” (Public Notice #08-085-N-H, September 23, 2008)

DHEC is holding a public hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Hannah-Pamplico High School at 2055 S. Pamplico Highway, Pamplico, SC. DHEC representatives will explain the NOMA at this hearing. Oral and written commnets will be accepted. If you have strong feelings either for or against, this will be your last opportunity to voice them. Written comments will be accepted through the close of business on November 6, 2008. To learn more about the project, the webpage is:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/SanteeCooper.aspx

I will try to post the outcome of the hearing in October. It feels good to get that out to the public!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Concert!

The vibe in the HOB was phenomenal! In fact, when Delbert McClinton (a great group) arrived and began to play - it was a little disappointing after the electrifying music played by SOUL FUNCTION . Everywhere in the HOB - the questions were, “How do I get in touch with the ‘openers’?”, “Who the heck are they and where have they been?”, “Are they a local band?”, “Do they have a CD available?”

OK, Mr Manager Man, a small bit of advice: Do not let the band lose this opportunity for some fantastic PR and wonderful memories! Get cards for each band member, do the leg work - flyers on every post, window, bar, hotel, business, and welcome station across SC, NC… Well, whereever you think. Remember, this is your job - PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!

And SOUL FUNCTION - get your sound on a demo CD, NOW; share it with friends (word of mouth PR is the best kind), have the CD with contact cards available when you play a gig. BE PROUD. you have earned the praise. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Add to your play list, continue to solo band members - introduce your members, and thank your fans, family, and friends for their support.

WEB SITE - is there one? If not, WHY? This is where people will go to try and learn more about SOUL FUNCTION , their history, bio of members, calendar of when and where they will be, and to hear snip-its of their material. Have a comment space … ooo, a MYSPACE page immediately!!! THEY HAVE A MYSPACE PAGE …HERE.

The headliner, Delbert McClinton, a fine performance - especially the solo music by members of the band. To be fair, this was my first exposure to Delbert McClinton and his band. I liked them. I will purchase several singles from their play list. If you want their “stuff, you can find it through, MUCH MORE FOR LESS ONLINE.

The effort for this Country Gal (back and sinus surgery) to get to the concert was TOTALLY worth it. The best outing for me in a long time! WTG. SOUL FUNCTION and daughter of mine for a great experience. OK, folks, keep your eyes and ears open and watch out for Soul Function … looks like they will be out and about in the Myrtle Beach area. If they are in your area, make it a “MUST DO” to see and hear them perform.

See what happens when you let the Country Gal come to the city!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”