Good Morning/Afternoon

Margaret, Did you get my e-mail? I hope you were not offended when I said we would get together next month, cause I'm on-call the next couple of weeks for work. I do have another box for you, yes more iris and a few other goodies. Please wait and I will get mine when we get together. I hope there were no costly damage to your house, and again I hope I didn't offend you, because I would not want you to think I'm putting you off. BIL is going through treatment and handling it very well;he is very positive and upbeat.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE,FRAN IS THE WINNER OF THE BOX THAT I PROMISED!

Sassy and Fran, sorry I left suddenly last night but my computer shut down. I called cable service but they have not called me back.

Pixie, so glad you made it through the terrible ordeal.

If I've missed anyone send me to the corner, and thanks girls for making me feel so special here!

BACK TO DIGGING
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

You girls are so sweet. Love you all! What a great group we have going on here. Couldn't ask for a nicer bunch if you ask me!

Ike rolled through here yesterday. This was the first time we actually had severe weather from the hurricanes that swing up from the gulf. We had 40-60 mph wind gusts and lots of broken branches and leaves scattered around the yard. Can't imagine what it felt like down by Trina when it was full force.

Margaret, I am so sorry about your flooding. I too hope that there wasn't too much in the way of damage. Hoping all your appliances on that side stayed high and dry out of the way of the water. We have an unfinished side of our basement and that is where the washer, dryer, hot water tank and furnace are. Luckily we have a sump pump but have to watch if we lose power in a storm. No power = no sump pump with heavy rains! Yuck!

Yes we sure do have a wonderful group of girls Tracy, I'm so proud of our PP group:)

And speaking of wonderful people in the group............
I received the most awesome box from my dear friend Tracy today!!!! Yippie for me and my little Kenzzzie! lol

Tracy sent me the most awesome hardback cookbook, "A Return to Family Picnics". I've already seen some neat receipes in it, but it has the most beautiful cover to it, Tracy I'll not only be using it but I'll be displaying it in my kitchen, the colors on the cover will go beautifully with my decor.

Tracy also sent me a really cool Kitchen Aid spatula with the silicone and I love the grip on that thing. Also, a beautiful set of kitchen towels, I love them Tracy.

Ok..... thats not all. *hehehe* A bottle of Tracy's very own homemade Vanilla Extract, can't wait to try this. A Digital Cooking Thermomemeter and timer with alarm, you know I didn't have one, I'm glad to get this. And if thats not enough, a 3 piece angled measuring cup set, I told her shes gotta stop looking in my cabinets!!! Ya'll don't know how bad I needed this! lol I had a couple of cups from a set here and a set there, but not a full set. (I still want to know when shes been in my kitchen *hummm* lol.

And last but not least, if I haven't forgotten anything, she sent my little Kenzie some sprizes. You're so sweet.
Kenzie loved her dinner plate, when I helped her tear her tinkerbell paper off her eyes got big and she kissed it, lol ummmmmaaaaa! Thats her kiss, wide open mouth and ummmmmaaaa! It was so funny! and girl she loved that cup but she couldn't figure out why she couldn't drink what was in it, lol. They both are just too cute and she can't help but love frogs, I love them and her other grandmother does too, Iknow a weird obsession, lol.
She also loved her Elmo book, you know shes loves Elmo! Then after a few minutes, it was all about the wrapping paper, lol. I really thought the plate and the cup were awesome, if I had seen them anywhere she would have already had them. *I want that cup!* hehehe!

Sweetie I hope and pray I didn't forget anything, but I want you to know I loved it all so much, and I love it when it just happens that I actually get stuff I needed.
Now I've got to get my you know what in gear and get yours to you, lol. That will be happening shortly.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Me Ma and Kenzie are happy tonight thanks you to and our precious little Emma!

Smooches to you both!
Tell her shes still my big girl:)

Sassy

Sassy, I am so glad you and Kenzie liked your gifts! I had the bestest time shopping for my girls! I love the pictures in that book and the recipes are so nice and homey. Looked like stuff that I would want to make, same things with the gadgets, just stuff that I think are too cool. I didn't know if you have a KitchenAid mixer or not but that spatula is perfect for getting in there with the blades on the stand mixer. I am just smiling from ear to ear that Miss Kenzie likes her froggy dish set! LOL! Miss Emma sends her big hugs and mooches.

Hugs!
Tracy and the Emma Monster

OH I won, I won, I won!!! HURRAAAYYY!
THANK YOU!!!!!

NP Annie on the leaving Sassy said you prolly had something like that happen!

OK, I smushed my thumb today so it is like really hard to keep it up out of the way of flying fingers typing so I am having to type REAL SLOW so I am not gonna say anything else :)....

:)Fran

Look, I don't know how many of you saw Oprah today, but I'm begging you from the bottom of my heart to write your Senators and DEMAND that bill 1738 be passed!!!! Please don't send me to Disney over this, you should be helping! and if you, my friends don't see me anymore, I'm begging you with all my heart, PLEASE do this! PLEASE DO THIS FOR OUR CHILDREN! I'm begging you!!!!! This is so important!
Hell, I love Disney!!! So who's with me?????

I went to Oprah's website and copied the letter requesting our Senators to vote for the bill. If anyone would like a copy of it then please send me an email and I will forward it to you. I just sent 2 emails off to my Ohio Senators. Here is a link to the site detailing the bill from Oprah show along with a copy/form letter that you can use. There is a link on the site to help you reach your state Senator.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to Senate Bill 1738 letter on Oprah.com

Thank you Tracy, I've done the same. Sorry to seem like a maniac over it, but I'm very passionate about this issue. We all have to stand up and do something about this!

Ok, off my soapbox

Sassy, DONE!! I don't watch Oprah so thanks for the info.
Here is also a link to protect.org, there is a form there also, all you have to do is type in your info and send it, and it gives links to find your senators

Here is a link that might be useful: protect.org link

Sassy, this is one issue that I am very happy to support!

Vic, that site is even better. They made it very easy to just go ahead and send the message. Great job sister!

Sassy, you stay right up there on that soapbox! That is what this needs, we have to speak up for children, they can't do it themselves!

Oh Sassy, don't worry about posting what you posted in this thread. Our children are important and SHOULD be protected against everything!
Personally, I wish it could be fixed that none of that crap was allowed in pop-up windows either! EVEN FOR ADULTS! Ya'll know what I am talking about!
BUT when it is about the children, well now...don't get ME started on that we all know I can get to complaining now don't we!
It is just sad that it is allowed and it shouldn't be, there SHOULD be a way to completely stop things against children! And I me STOP all together. There should be a way to TRACK those for prey on children!
Ok, that is all I am going to say about that...
Thanks for speaking up and we ALL should be speaking OUT for this!

:)Fran

Hey, I already got a response from one of my senators and he is a co-sponsor of the legislation. Here is what he wrote back to me:

"Thank you for contacting me regarding S.1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act.

I have worked hard to crack down on child pornography and crimes against children. Nothing is more tragic than the victimization of a child, and society has a solemn responsibility to protect our children from harm.

This bill would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The legislation would also improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute predators.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown"

Thats the problem Fran, THERE IS! Its not that they can't track them, they don't have enough personnel to devote just to this issue! Thats what this bill is about.... to make funds available to law enforcement agencies to have personnel available for just this cause, theres so MANY out there, even though they know where they are, the local agencies don't have enough personnel to deal with.

Thank you so much for helping and please alert everyone you can, Sept. 26 Congress is out of session! Think of how many children will be abused during 'their break' if this is not decided on first!

And I'm still begging you all, please contact your senators, I have a house in SC and NC and I've contacted all of them. This is not something I will drop and hope for the best, not after the horrific things I was informed about yesterday. Don't get me wrong, we all know bad things go on, but we're talking about infant babies here, being video taped. I feel like my gut is getting ripped apart everytime I think about it. And I can't stop thinking about it.

I know there are ALOT of you that check this board even though you're not a member, PLEASE vote on this bill!

Sassy, I didn't just mean TRACK them down I mean there should be a way to lock someones computer if they either seek it out, post it, or anything else. There should be a sure fire way to lock-out those computers completely.
And everyone should be aware IF you do it you're gonna get caught OR pay in someway!
Sizzle, POP,,,BANG! No more puter!
I hate this stuff, I know there are task forces out there, I also know there is not enough man power. My way there would only need to be a few programs running and programmers to stay ahead of the hackers.
I meant something more then what I was saying because I don't/didn't want to say TOO much.

Sassy ~ I did it too, and thankyou for informing me (us)about it! I'd not even heard about this bill nor did I see Oprah so without you stating it here.. I wouldn't of even known about it! Thankyou :)

I've had a crappy day.. literally! lol Our septic tank officially backed up today... fun fun fun fun fun....... couldn't wait til after we moved now could it?? arghh

Hugs all!
~Wendy

Tracy, that is wonderful!!!! I'm hoping we'll finaly have some help. Ok, not we'll, but the children...infant children, can I get your attention now? This has NOTHING to do with political arguments. I wish some would get that through their heads.

Hey everybody

I'll try to catch up with all of you later, we're taking my SIL & brother out for dinner tonight for her birthday.

Thought I better also mention, so you all won't have the wrong idea, the statement above....

This has NOTHING to do with political arguments. I wish some would get that through their heads.

has nothing to do with anyone in this group, please don't think that. I meant people in politics that use or abuse voting for it for their own personal gain.

I hope you understand what I mean.

Talk later
Sassy

Sassy, I think all of us here know what you were talking about. It's all good :-)

I noticed that we have a couple of threads going on here. Not sure which ones to post to.LOL

Wendy-Our septic tank backs up on a regular basis. Apparently the drainage here isn't good. I know what a mess it can be.

Sassy-I've contacted both of my Senators. I'm going to look at Vic's link and send it to a few of my friends.
Mariann

G'morning everyone!

Just a quick request, please keep my son Josh and his drs in your prayers. We'll be going up to a new 'pain management clinic' today at Scottish Rite Children's hospital for evaluation. His neurologist and Orthopaedic drs are sending us there to try to pinpoint the problem of what's causing him to be in constant pain. Whether it's ortho related or his spine is tethered in scar tissue again. They'll be setting us up for all the big tests again - MRI, CT Scan, x-rays etc etc.. hopefully THESE people will finally be able to figure out what's going on and find a way to stop his pain! *fingers crossed!

Hugs everyone!
~Wendy

Mariann, I've been posting here for recipes and chatter, but also on the other ones too. We have a lot going on! LOL!

Wendy, I am so sorry that your son is going through this. I had no idea. He is in my prayers and I will pray for his doctors helping to diagnose and treat him properly.

Hugs!

Tracy

Mariann, Sassy started the other thread b/c she thought the talk about the child protection act might offend someone, I DO NOT think it has offended anyone in this group, I'm glad she posted it!

Wendy, I didn't know anything about the issues with Josh, he is in my prayers along with his Drs. and your family. Please keep us posted!

I talked to Trina yesterday, I am going to help her on the MNF Oct swap, and she is going to help me on the PP Oct swap! It should be fun!

Take care girls
Vic

Wendy, I'm sorry to hear about your septic tank, I can remember when they had to cut down a huge Weeping Willow that my MIL started in a pop bottle,and planted right on top of the septic tank. Oh man was she upset when she came home from work to find her tree cut down. She didn't speak to my FIL for a good couple of weeks. Keep us posted about Josh, my prayers are with the both of you. By the way, your iris "Beverly Sills" will be mailed tomorrow.

Margaret, Dee, Vic, Fran Sassy your boxes will be flying tomorrow too! I've been packing plants all afternoon. I will post all the delivery confirmation #'s in a few.

Sassy, I've contacted my senators, and I'm with you on this!

I will check back later!
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I didn't forget you either, Your package is going to be mailed tomorrow too!

I NEED A KEEPER, ANY TAKERS?
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Wendy, I 'm sorry to hear about Josh, and of course I didn't know about it either. I hate to hear about the plights of children, it is so heartbreaking to know a child is suffering and you can't figure out why. I do hope and pray that these Doctor's will be able to find out what the problem is and fix it once and for all! And he will not suffer any more pain from this.

Annie, you are so so SWEET!!! I hate knowing you have worked so hard to get all these boxes together, bless you...NOW REST...

Mariann I am just as confused as you are with keeping track of which thread is which..so I like Tracy have been posting to all...lol. Well except for the check in one cuz I already said I would like to get a Cookbook, cookbooks are COOL!!! Plus there have been some AWESOME recipes listed!!!

Vic I am glad you talked to Trina, I wish I could.

:) Fran

Trina, thanks for doing the October Swap! If I can help in any just give me a yell. :O) :O)

Life IS GOOD,
Annie

I was telling Sassy today as I was walking around the yard. I had offered some Yellow Prairie coneflower seeds and......... With all the rain and wind we have had, when I went out to check on those seeds there were no seeds to be had. There are a few out there, but not ripe enough to pull so if I can catch them I will let you know; I'm really sorry about this.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Annie, Thank you! Now, come sit by me over here and I will be your keeper. LOL! I'm sure I will have to share you with the other girls though. I am feeling your MIL pain about the willow tree. I would have cried. I had a beautiful magnolia tree that my hubby cut down to make room for a stupid new garage. That tree was what made me fall in love with that house in the first place. Men!

Vic, that's awesome that you and Trina are doing the October Swap together. I know you two will have a lot of fun with it!

I almost forgot... Please make sure to visit the Petal Pushers Check in Here thread to vote for your favorite title for the cookbook. Voting is going to close on the 22nd if I remember right.

:o)

NO TRACY!!! You can't have her!
You just come on over here Annie! I'll take you anyday honey!
Vicky

Thankyou all for the kind thoughts & prayers! Unfortunately they didn't even let us see the Neuro today, he felt it would be better if Josh went back to his regular one that has done all his surgeries .. argghh! We did get new pain meds to 'try out' for a month, then we go back to see a diff pain doc as the one today is leaving the practice (and we loved him!)ah well.. Sooo back to the phone tomorrow to set up all the dr appts w/ his specialists at THEIR offices and etc etc etc.! I know Josh is so tired of all this.. he's spent so much time in hospitals since birth, he just wants them to get this right finally and prays that will be the end of it.. I'll keep you all posted!

Annie ~ that is the one thing I'm really going to miss when we move from here.. I found a corkscrew willow 4 yrs ago at Lowe's in February that was marked down to $10!! I planted it near the house and it has just grown BEAUTIFULLY!! I am in love w/ the way it dangles down so dramatically and when the wind flows thru it! I have taken a few cuttings already and am trying to root them. Hopefully we'll have a couple of new ones to enjoy! :) **I can't wait for the Iris!!! :) I have already been walking around my mom's house (it'll always be my mom's house to me I think..) and deciding where I'm going to put some garden beds. ALOT of work ahead of me :) But I'm looking forward to my gardening 'therapy', and I know mom is smiling down at me and will love whatever I do! There's a spot that would be PERFECT for a nice small'ish pond. There's also alot of shady/woodland area in the back and I have no experience w/ the shade loving plants. I know hostas and astilbes are a few, I'm going to try some Pulmonaria from seed that will hopefully come true. Any other ideas? I should go take some pics and post them of the yard 'as is', then you all can give me lots of ideas! lol **making mental note to buy batteries for camera... :)

Tracy ~ I am having the HARDEST time deciding which title, there's several I really love! Guess that means we're gonna have to do a new one each year! LOL :P

Fran ~ ty to you too! I was confused where to post as well, but I think we're gonna stick w/ this one for the gabbing and recipes and vote on the other. right? lol

Sassy ~ I shared that link with lots of family members and have had several that have written they took part in it too ! Our senators don't give out email addresses tho.. you have to fax it. But the deed is done! :)

Vic ~ TY for the prayers! I know ya'll didn't know about Josh. I tend to withdraw when dealing w/ the hard stuff so I'm trying to keep myself here and involved! I just hate to post more 'woes' what with after my mom's passing, the van, then the septic tank...lol seems like my life lately is just one chaotic ride! ah well *tightening seat belt! :P

I picked up a ton of cardboard boxes today from a cute lil used bookstore near my mom's house. That's my dream to have a cute whimsical lil shop someday that serves coffee and baked goods, sells books, and all kinds of whimsy for the home and garden. I can just picture it as some cute lil victorian type house painted all bright and cheery and lots and lots of flowers! :) Anyhow, the boxes will be very useful for the move! and FREE.. I just love free stuff! :D

Now, on to the recipes!! I'll throw some out here that I cook over the holidays either Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix with pudding
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 or two round cake pans. Whisk together the pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and oil. Beat in the eggs, then fold in the pumpkin mixture. Stir in the vanilla.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To make cream cheese frosting: Cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla. Spread frosting over cooled cake.

Best EVER! Sweet Potato Pie

INGREDIENTS:
1 (1 pound) sweet potato
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
DIRECTIONS
Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.
Break apart sweet potato in a bowl. Add butter, and mix well with mixer. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up like a souffle', and then will sink down as it cools.

This pie is just melt in your mouth yummy!!

Carrot Souffle'

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds carrots, chopped
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash. To the carrots add melted butter, white sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract and eggs. Mix well and transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes

This puffs up so pretty and is incredibly light and fluffy. You'd never know it was a vegetable it tastes like a dessert! I have to cook 2 every year at Thanksgiving!

Old Fashioned Cornbread Chicken & Dressing
(2) 9 inch cakes of cornbread (not sweet)
6 to 8 left over biscuits (can use regular white bread instead)
1 small chicken or hen
2 medium onions, diced
1-2 stalks celery, diced (optional)
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
7 beaten eggs
chicken broth (from chicken you will boil)
salt & pepper to taste
Boil chicken slowly until tender, add water to keep chicken covered. Cook until done, then skin and debone. In large bowl, crumble cornbread and biscuits. Add poultry seasoning, salt & pepper, onions, celery and beaten eggs. Add chicken broth slowly and stir until well mixed. You want the mixture to be just barely 'soupy'. Add the de-boned chicken to this mixture. Bake at 400F until brown, about 35-40 minutes. Serve with gravy.

**I wish this one had exact amounts of the chicken broth, but basically you just go by 'look'. This is a family handed down southern recipe and it is just delish!

Georgian Chocolate-Pecan Pie

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
8 tablespoons margarine or butter (1 stick)
2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate
1 3/4 cups pecan halves
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Directions:
In medium bowl, mix flour and salt. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut in shortening and 4 tablespoons margarine or butter (1/2 stick) until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, into flour mixture, mixing lightly with fork after each addition until dough is just moist enough to hold together. Shape dough into a disk.

On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll dough into a round 1 1/2 inches larger all around than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Gently ease dough into pie plate; trim edge, leaving 1-inch overhang. Fold overhang under; pinch to form decorative edge. With fork, prick bottom and side of piecrust in many places to prevent puffing during baking. Cover and refrigerate pie crust at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees F In heavy 1-quart saucepan, melt unsweetened chocolate with remaining 4 tablespoons margarine or butter over low heat, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool slightly.

Line pie shell with foil and fill with pie weights, dry beans, or uncooked rice. Bake piecrust 10 minutes; remove foil with weights and bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. If pastry puffs up during baking, gently press it to pie plate with back of spoon. Cool piecrust on wire rack at least 10 minutes. Turn oven control to 350 degrees F.

Coarsely chop 1 cup pecans; reserve remaining pecan halves.

In large bowl, with wire whisk, mix cooled chocolate mixture, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and eggs until blended. Stir in chopped pecans and pecan halves.
Pour pecan mixture into cooled crust. Bake pie 45 to 50 minutes until edges of filling are set (center will jiggle slightly). Cool pie on wire rack

*** You can also omit the pie ingredients and directions and use a frozen deep dish pie shell to save time!

Blonde Bombshells

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine (1 1/2 sticks)
1 package (1 pound) dark or light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 cups mixed add-ins such as coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts, dried cherries or dried cranberries, chocolate chips, toffee chips, whatever you like!

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 9x13 pan. In small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
In 3- to 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs very slowly as you stir to avoid overcooking; stir until well mixed. Stir in flour mixture and add-ins just until blended. Spread batter into prepared pan.
Bake blondies 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from edges comes out almost clean. Do not overbake; blondie will firm as it cools. Cool in pan on wire rack.
When cool, cut blondie lengthwise into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 6 pieces. Makes 2 dozen

Cream Cheese Mints

INGREDIENTS
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
any color food coloring paste (optional)

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Mix in peppermint oil. Color as desired with food coloring paste, or leave white.

Roll mixture into small balls, and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar. Let dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, then freeze or refrigerate.

**These absolutely melt in your mouth! mmmmm! These can also be made into pretty shapes by rolling in granulated sugar, pressing into candy molds, and dropping them out. Serve cold.

Creamy Chocolate Crescents

INGREDIENTS
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
GLAZE:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
confectioners' sugar to dust with

DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and sugar. Add cornstarch, melted chocolate and vanilla; beat until smooth. Unroll crescent roll dough; separate into triangles.

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, butter and extract. Brush some over dough. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture at the wide end of each triangle; roll up from the wide end. Place point side down on greased baking sheets; curve ends slightly. Brush with remaining glaze.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Hockey Pucks

INGREDIENTS
1 (16 ounce) jar peanut butter
1 (16 ounce) package buttery round crackers
1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Spread 1 teaspoon peanut butter on a cracker and top with another cracker.

Place chocolate in top of double boiler; stir frequently over medium heat until melted.

Place cracker sandwiches onto a fork and dip into the chocolate. Drain excess chocolate and cool on waxed paper. Store in refrigerator or cover and freeze until ready to serve.

**These are addictive!!

Quick Sourdough Bread

3 cups sifted bread flour
2 3/4 teaspoon of yeast, or one package
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 tsp lemon juice
2/3 cup water***
If using a bread machine, mix and bake according to white bread directions. If using oven then mix all ingredients in a mixer and let rise at least twice. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
***the original recipe was too dry and didn't even form a ball, so I added water to it 1 Tablespoon at a time and ended up with this amount for the perfect loaf. Remember that humidity or heat can make the dough too sticky or dry so check the dough and add flour or water, 1 tab at a time until the dough doesn't stick to the container and forms a uniform ball.

Gramma's Beer Bread

Ingredients:
3 cups of self rising flour
1/2 cup of white sugar
1 12oz can of beer
1/4 cup of melted butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Very lightly grease loaf pan or spray w/ cooking spray. Mix the first three ingredients in a bowl. Pour into loaf pan and bake at 350F for 50 minutes. After 50 min, take bread out and using a pastry brush spread the mnelted butter over the top. Then put in oven and bake for 5 more min.

Homemade Butter

Ingredients:
1 c Heavy whipping cream
1/2 c Water
2 Ice cubes

Process cream in food processor until whipped, about 30 seconds. Add water and ice cubes. Process 2-3 minutes until butter has formed and separated. Keep refrigerated.

Chocolate Martini

~Chocolate liqueur and vodka are shaken with ice and garnished with chocolate shavings

Ingredients:
4 fluid ounces chocolate liqueur
3 fluid ounces vodka
1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate, grated

In a cocktail mixer full of ice, combine chocolate liqueur and vodka. Shake vigorously and strain into 2 chilled martini glasses. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

**I use a regular glass and just stir by spoon then drain out the ice cubes. Works just as well!

Ok I'll stop now! hehe

Hugs all!
~Wendy

Here are the confirmation #'s

Dee- 0306 2400 0000 6039 6182
Fran- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0810
Margaret- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0803
Sassy- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0827
Tracy- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0780
Vic- 0307 0020 0000 3240 0797
Wendy- 0306 2400 0000 6039 6199

I can't wait to participate in next month's swap, and I've offered to host the November swap

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Here I am to share another recipe. I hope I can get the right quantities typed in on the ingredients this time. LOL So glad someone spotted the excess sugar in the last recipe!

Taco Noodle Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp. garlic
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 package taco seasoning
8 oz. cooked pasta (egg noodles or whatever you have)
1 cup cheddar cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In skillet, brown ground beef and add onions and garlic. Drain meat mixture. Mix meat with tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and noodles. Put into a casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1/2 hour or until heated through. Top with cheese and heat for another 5 mins. until the cheese is melted.
__________
We always have some nacho (or other type) chips with this and some lettuce, tomatoes, and a spoonful of sour cream to balance out the spicy taste. It freezes and reheats well.

Jeanne

I made this today and couldn't wait to dig into it! ssshhh.... It is SOOOO goood!!!

Autumn Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla; pour filling into the baked crust.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples to coat. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill cake before serving.

***Filling CAN be doubled for a taller cheesecake, cook an additional 60-70minuts if you do this.

Hugs!
~Wendy

Hi girls & Dan,

I wanted to update you and also ask that you contact the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, Nevada. Legislation is considered at the discretion of Senator Reid. Please contact him. I'm posting an email back from one of my Senators and my email to Senator Reid. Actually, its more important that we contact him. Also anyone reading these boards, you don't have to post on it, just please act on it. I just know theres alot of you out there that read these boards but never post, please step up and act on it.
Just contact both Senators in your state and the SML.
And thanks.

Dear Mrs. ,

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for child protection legislation. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
As you may know, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware introduced S.1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act on June 28, 2007. This bill would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators.
Like you, I am outraged when sexual predators prey on innocent children. There is a growing need for legislation that modernizes the reporting requirements for child pornography violations and enacts stricter penalties for the use of the Internet in violation of child pornography or sexual exploitation laws.

Unfortunately, the Senate Democratic Leadership has twice objected to the passage of S.1738, insisting it will only pass if it is included in a package of nearly 35 other bills, many of which are unrelated and address less vital concerns. The Democratic Leadership has continually refused to bring S.1738 up separately for consideration.

Blocked by these repeated objections, Senator Tom Coburn has introduced S.3344, the Protecting Children from Pornography and Internet Exploitation Act. This comprehensive child protection bill combines S.1738 with the Securing Adolescents from Exploitation-Online (SAFE) Act, which passed the House by a 409-2 vote. However, the Senate Democratic Leadership has objected to this legislation as well.
Currently, S.1738 and S.3344 have been placed on the Senate legislative calendar and may be called to the Senate Floor for consideration at the discretion of Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader. Rest assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind if and when either of these bills comes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about any issue important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.


Sincerely,
Jim DeMint
United States Senator

Dear Senator Reid,
I hope and pray you will make sure S.1738 and S.3344 are voted upon before the session ends this month. I beg your cooperation in this matter for our children's sake. Its long past due and I'm sick and tired of 'our leaders' coming up with any reason they can find to trash legislation that will help save OUR children.
Thank you in advance,
my signature

I apologize to you girls posting the receipes, they look great! And we appreciate them alot.

Tracy, I'm still working on our list.

Annie, thanks so much for offering to host in Nov. and I did get your email and that sounds great to me. I probably won't be on much tonight, my sweet little Kenzie is on her way! Whooweeeeee! (as she says, lol) Lord I needed something to help.

Oh, Wendy I sure hope that they find the problem with your son dear, love & hugs, and best wishes. I'll be thinking of you both.

I'm sorry if I missed anyone, but please contact the Senate Majority Leader also.

Thanks girls and have a good night, I'll get back on if I can.

Sassy

OMG Wendy! Those recipes have me feeling like a two ton tessie after only reading them! My kids would LOVE the Hockey Pucks! That is adorable.

Annie and Sassy, I am so sorry I disappeared on you girls last night. My phone rang and then hubby came home and I was off and running. Didn't get back on until much later.

Sassy, I am so glad you found out who we need to talk to next to get these road blocks knocked down on this bill. You are a super mama! Big Smoochers!

Tracy

Hi, Ladies and Dan, We have been having wonderful Fall weather here so thought it was time to look for some new fall clothing and all. Shall I say what a shock I got when I tried on!! I can't believe the weight I have gained this summer (it couldn't be the Chocolate Marshmallow ice cream I have eaten practically every night or the corn on the cob dripping in real butter or all the other goodies I have gobbled down) so I made up my mind I will lose at least 10 pounds as a start if I have to have my mouth sown shut and both arms broken. Then I get to the wonderful recipes you ladies have posted and I can tell you, my mouth honestly started watering right here while looking them over. They look so great for the cook book. I must quit drooling all over myself and use what little strength I have to meet my goal. Any recipes low cal and fat you ladies or Dan could offer me?

Annie--There is no way I could be your keeper although I would love to. You wear me out just reading your posts. How do you find time to do all you do? I am getting your box ready and will post # soon. Have one more thing I want to pick up for you.

Wendy-Please know I will pray for Josh. I can so relate to the many tests,etc. I have a daughter who is disabled and have been there so many times. It is impossible to fill new Doctor's in as her file is inches thick. I am so thankful for the services we have in this country though and I know it is very wearing working through all of this. I will also pray for you for strength and wisdom. Give him hugs from me and please know that I care. Would you mind saying how old Josh is as I am new to this RR & know little about your situation.
I really do thank you ladies for the recipes. They all sound so delicious. What great cooks we have in this group.
All, have a great weekend and blessings, Margaret

hehehe Margaret that cracked me up - your comment about sewing your mouth shut and breaking both arms to quit eating! ROFL that was really cute! That's about the extent it will take me too so I'm with ya there! lol

Josh just turned 18, but he's very small, about the size of a 10-12 yr old since they had to fuse his spine at a young age, and he stopped growing because of it. He's a trooper tho!

Thanks again for the kind words & prayers, it'll be awhile before we have some solid answers, but I'll post in when things come up.

I agree w/ Tracy, Sassy you are a super-woman to get all this info to us, thankyou thankyou thankyou!

Hugs to you all!
~Wendy

Margaret, you have me busting up. I have an achilles heal too with ice cream. My favorite is Pierre's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter marbling. Oh baby, if that is in the house I will gobble it up! Hubby is lucky if I share with him. The kids can forget about it! Mine All MINE!

I will pray really hard that you can ignore all of our tempting recipes here.

WE HAVE GOT TO START POSTING SOME DIET RECIPES! LOW CAL, SALADS, LIGHT MEALS! or else we will all be blimps by Christmas! LOL!

Wendy, I couldn't agree more about Margarets Post! I'm still laughing about it! I told my hubby about your hockey pucks and he thinks that is the coolest idea! he is a huge Reese's Peanut Butter Cup fan so that is right up his alley.

Annie, I sent you an email (well 2 really) with the pictures of my lungwort. I hope they came through ok.

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday morning for some shots for my youngest son. I hi-jacked his pediatrician into giving me a strep test because I have had a fever and sore throat all week long. Turns out it is positive so I brought my other son in this morning for a test and he has it too. I am not ready for another onslaught of germ warfare. It was so nice when school was out for summer. NOBODY was sick. NOT one of us! Since school started we have gotten 3 letters home telling us that the kids were exposed to strep. School has only been back in session for a little over 3 weeks. I think I need to bomb that school with lysol or something. This is ridiculous.

Margret, that is tooooo funny! But, I'm right there with ya on the diet thing! lol

Wendy, those hockey pucks do sound good! (along with everything else lol)

Tracy, I'm sorry you and your kiddos are all getting the crud!

I came up with an idea for oct. but I want to run it by my partner first.....hehehe

Vic

Tracy ~ I have a homemade recipe for Reese's pnut butter cups too **whistling all innocent-like... :P Hope you all feel better hon.. When school starts, at least the first 3 months are spent fighting germwarfare it seems like!

Vic ~ Quit teasin'! tell! tell!

Hugs!
~Wendy

Wendy, I have to go to the grocery store tomorrow and am seriously trying to not look over that awesome list of recipes before I do. I will spend a fortune on all the ingredients and then weigh 350 lbs. because I know I will not be able to keep my face out of those goodies! And here you are now telling me that you have a recipe for peanut buter cups. You are a cruel, cruel girl!

Vic, come on over here and whisper it in my ear. I promise I won't tell a soul! Pleeeeeease?

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm starting to feel better already and my lil guy will be starting to feel better by tomorrow I hope. I just hate how these bugs get started and keep cycling through the family. Well, I am off to bed, big day of more disinfecting to do tomorrow! LOL!

Zesty Grilled Chicken Breasts

4 half chicken breasts 1/2" thick (pound with mallet in plastic bag)
1/4 cup mayonaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp fresh black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

Pound chicken breast to about 1/2" thick and place in a zip lock plastic bag. Add all ingredients to bag and swish around until the mixture is combined and evenly coating chicken pieces. Set in fridge to marinate for 2 hours or until you are ready to use them. Preheat grill till medium low temp. Place chicken pieces on grill but not directly over the flame. Slide chicken pieces back and forth along grill lines to achieve those pretty grill marks. Cook 12 minutes for each side or until chicken is firm to the touch.

This chicken is great sliced up in salads, in wrap sandwiches or as a hot main dish with rice and vegies on the side. I use this recipe when I make chicken wrap appetizers for some of my catering parties and they are always a big hit.

Chicken Wrap Appetizers:

Small burrito shell
Red Onion Sliced thin
Baby Leaf Spinach
Provolone Cheese
Ranch Dressing
Thinly Sliced Grilled Chicken Breast

Lay burrito flat, spread a small amount of ranch dressing on the burrito. Place a thin slice of provolone cheese down atop dresssing. Next place a portion of spinach leaves in center, then a few rings of red onion, next place thin slices of chicken breast on top of lettuce. Wrap the sides of burrito over top and pin with toothpicks in two places. Slice wrap sandwich in half and you will have two nicely pinned chicken wrap appetizers.

*If making a quick light lunch for yourself then just fold up the bottom of the shell and roll up to form a typical chicken wrap sandwich. This is a great quick lunch fix when you are on the go.*

Tracy, those sound really good!!

Just wanted to let you all know I got a response from one of my senators today:

Dear Vicky:

Thank you for contacting me about the Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2008 (S. 1738).

As you may know, this bill would take significant steps to prevent child exploitation. It sets out a detailed plan to enhance coordination between international, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pursing and prosecuting predators. The legislation also requires a comprehensive evaluation of current programs to prevent these horrible offenses.

I strongly believe in doing everything we can to protect children from sexual predators. In this day and age, technology offers many opportunities to communicate and share information. The downside of new technology is the danger children may face while online. The bill takes important steps to address these 21st Century concerns and help prevent child exploitation on the internet.

For these reasons, I have signed on to cosponsor this critical legislation. Be assured that I will continue to work to ensure that solutions to these issues are approached from every possible angle. Please do not hesitate to contact me again in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Jon Tester
United States Senator

I'm getting ready to post the Oct. swap, be watching.......

Vic, that is great! I'll be heading over to the October Swap to see what kind of goodies you have in store for us! Wheeee!

Hey all you Petal Pushers! Don't forget to vote for your favorite title for the cookbook. Even if you aren't ordering a book please vote and post some recipes for us!

Thanks a bunch!
Tracy

ANNIE I GOT MY BOX TODAY!!!

WOW! You really out did yourself! Thank You so much!! I LOVE them all!!

Vic

Vic, thanks for posting that. I hope you ALL are contacting everyone you know. Believe me when I say, I'm very well aware that this is not 'the cure to all bad', but we have to get something in place. This is what I received from one of mine. The other one....I got a....I received your email and will respond when I have a chance. Thats what it all boils down to.

I don't know if I meantioned it on this thread, but please also contact Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, its his discretion what is to be heard.

Annie, my box is at the PO and I'll run get it shortly. My babygirl is still here Whoopie!!!!

Margaret, that was too funny! lol I know what you mean:)

Dear Mrs.

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for child protection legislation. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you may know, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware introduced S.1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act on June 28, 2007. This bill would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators.

Like you, I am outraged when sexual predators prey on innocent children. There is a growing need for legislation that modernizes the reporting requirements for child pornography violations and enacts stricter penalties for the use of the Internet in violation of child pornography or sexual exploitation laws.

Unfortunately, the Senate Democratic Leadership has twice objected to the passage of S.1738, insisting it will only pass if it is included in a package of nearly 35 other bills, many of which are unrelated and address less vital concerns. The Democratic Leadership has continually refused to bring S.1738 up separately for consideration.

Blocked by these repeated objections, Senator Tom Coburn has introduced S.3344, the Protecting Children from Pornography and Internet Exploitation Act. This comprehensive child protection bill combines S.1738 with the Securing Adolescents from Exploitation-Online (SAFE) Act, which passed the House by a 409-2 vote. However, the Senate Democratic Leadership has objected to this legislation as well.

Currently, S.1738 and S.3344 have been placed on the Senate legislative calendar and may be called to the Senate Floor for consideration at the discretion of Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader. Rest assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind if and when either of these bills comes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about any issue important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.

Sincerely,

Jim DeMint
United States Senator

Are we going to use the other thread now??LOL I have recipes on it!

Recipes look great it's a good thing I just ate.

Wendy-Warm thoughts and prayers to your son and your family.

Sassy-I wrote to Senator Reid. Also emailed some family and friends.
Mariann

Annie! I got your box today! Thank you so much! Everything is wonderful! I got most of it planted and watered in already. I nearly kissed the mailman when he brought it to the door today. You are such a sweetheart! Thank you again.