Tornados...April 27, 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - the South saw the second deadliest single-day tornado outbreak in U.S. history!?!

By early this morning, emergency management officials tallied 254 deaths in Alabama, 34 in Tennessee, 33 in Mississippi, 15 in Georgia, 5 in Virginia and 1 in Arkansas -&- officials are still counting deaths today as many are still unaccounted for!?!

CNN has done a great job of covering the story -&- for from them please go HERE!?!


Here is a video someone was able to take of the tornado hitting Tuscaloosa, AL!?!




Here is a video someone was able to take of the tornado hitting Birmingham, AL!?!



There was tornadoes ALL over the South that day
-but-
another one that hit VA really hit close to my heart for a couple of reasons!?!

Being on the road with my husband - I was totally in shock when I heard a truck stop had been affected by the tornadoes as well
-&-
then learning that over
40 tractor trailers we just picked -&- tossed like toys...that made me cringe!?!

But when I learned that my BFF - Blair who is also truck driver
was in that area...my heart sank not knowing at that moment how she was
-or-
exactly where she was at...just knowing she was close!?!

Later after finally getting in contact with her I learned she
had stopped 9 miles from the truck stop that had been hit...
she said the storm was bad -but- she was okay!?!

On here way through she was able to get a lot of first hand
pictures of the devastation in VA
-&-
posted them on our FB trucking page
Road Talk...
-&-
can be viewed by clicking on this LINK!?!

(Aerial view of the Petro Truck Stop in VA 0n I - 81 @ Exit 29)


Here is a video another driver took:



Today I am thankful that my BFF Blair is safe...I'd really be lost without her!?!

Busy Bee

Got a lot of stuff I am trying to get done today...so you are going to have to entertain yourselves!?!



Today I am thankful for a numerous amount of thing!?!

Jalapeno Margarita...

All though I don't drink much if anything anymore...
I may have to grab a sip of this amazing concoction just to say I did...

Directions

Make a big batch of margaritas with a twist.

Pulse 1 thin slice jalapeno, a handful of celery leaves, 6 ounces fresh lime juice and a spoonful of confectioners' sugar in a blender.

Mix with 16 ounces tequila and 8 ounces orange liqueur in a pitcher; chill.

Serve on the rocks in salt-rimmed glasses.

Today I am thankful for new -&- unique ways to put a twist on things!?!

7 days...

Very true!?!




Today I am thankful for the power that there is in prayer!?!

Spinach Ravioli With Tomato Sauce

Spinach Ravioli With Tomato Sauce

Next time I cook this is going to be tops on my list...

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ounce Italian salami, finely diced, or pulsed in a food processor
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28-ounce can San Marzano plum tomatoes, drained, juices reserved
• 5 or 6 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• Pinch of sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds frozen spinach-and-cheese ravioli
• 1 ounce ricotta salata or parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salami and garlic and cook, about 1 minute. Crush the tomatoes into the pan with your hands and cook until slightly dry, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved tomato juice, basil, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let simmer while you cook the ravioli.

Add salt to the boiling water, then add the ravioli and cook as the label directs; drain. Divide the ravioli among shallow bowls, spoon the sauce on top and sprinkle with the cheese. Garnish with more basil.

Today I am thankful for delicious Italian food - mmmm, makes me so hungry!?!

Howard Johnson's - Columbia, MO

Howard Johnson
3100 Interstate 70 Dr SE
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 474-6161
www.hojo.com

Conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 70 -&- Highway 63,
halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City!?!



We travel all over the country -&- spend a lot of times in hotels...I was very excited to come across this establishment!?!

The cost of the hotel was very competitive (rooms start at under $50 per night)
-&-
the quality was outstanding!?!

It was very clean -&- the staff was very friendly
-&-
willing to accommodate in every way possible!?!


(View of the hotel from I-70)


The rooms include Microwaves -&- Refrigerators which makes it nice for a late night snack!?!


(Here is a photo of the Double Room we stayed in!?!)

They also offer a very good breakfast - to get you started in the morning!?!


(Breakfast Area)


So, if you are traveling through Columbia, MO - I'd definitely
give this place a try!?!

On a scale of 1 -10 ... I'd give them an 8 !?!


Today I am thankful for the wonderful people -&- accommodations at the Howard Johnson's in Columbia, MO!?!

He's Alive...Happy Easter!?!

He's ALIVE!?!





The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hope of sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers' feet

But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told me where she'd been
She said they've moved Him in the night
And none of us know where
The stone's been rolled away
And now His body isn't there

We both ran towards the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they'd taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Oh something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify Him
Then I saw Him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn't be the same

But suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
The love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I ever had
Just melted into peace

He's alive yes He's alive
Yes He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive yes He's alive
Oh He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive He's alive
Hallelujah He's alive
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive He's alive He's alive
I believe it He's alive
Sweet Jesus


Today I am so thankful that HE IS ALIVE!?!

Via Dolorosa...

This song really tells the whole story!?!




Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
A Man condemned to die on Calvary

He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

Por la Via Dolorosa, triste dia en Jerusalem
Los saldados le abrian paso a Jesus
Mas la gente se acercaba
Para ver al que llevaba aquella cruz

Por la Via Dolorosa, que es la via del dolor
Como oveja vino Cristo, Rey, Senor
Y fue El quien quiso ir por su amor por ti y por mi
Por la Via Dolorosa al Calvario y a morir

The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men
Made its way through the heart of Jerusalem.

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

Today I am thankful for the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for you -&- me!?!

Watch The Lamb!?!

Another amazing song to reflect on Good Friday...




Watch The Lamb lyrics:

Walking on the road to Jerusalem,
The time had come to sacrifice again,
My two small sons,
They walk beside me on the road,
The reason that they came
was to watch the lamb.
Daddy, daddy,
What will see there,
There's so much that we don't understand,
So I told them of Moses
and father Abraham,
Then I said dear children watch the lamb,
There will be so many in Jerusalem today,
We must be sure the lamb doesn't run away,
And I told them of Moses
and father Abraham,
Then I said dear children watch the lamb.
When we reached the city,
I knew something must be wrong,
There were no joyful worshipers,
No joyful worship songs,
I stood there with my children
in the midst of angry men,
Then I heard the crowd cry out
Crucify Him.
We tried to leave the city
but we could not get away,
Forced to play in this drama
a part I did not wish to play,
Why upon this day
were men condemned to die,
Why were we standing here,
Where soon they would pass by.
I looked and said, even now they come,
The first one cried for mercy,
The people gave him none,
The second one was violent,
He was arrogant and loud,
I still here his angry voice
screaming at the crowd,
Then someone said there's Jesus,
I scarce believed my eyes,
A man so badly beaten,
He barely looked alive,
Blood poured from His body,
From the thorns upon His brow,
Running down the cross,
Falling to the ground.
I watched Him as He struggled,
I watched Him as He fell,
The cross came down upon His back,
The crowd began to yell,
In that moment I felt such agony,
In that moment I felt such loss,
Till a Roman soldier grabbed my arm
and screamed, you, carry His cross.
At first I tried to resist him,
Then his hand reached for his sword,
So I knelt and took
the cross from the Lord,
I placed it on my shoulder,
And started down the street,
The blood that he'd been shedding
was running down my cheek.
They led us to Golgotha,
They drove nails
deep in His feet and hands,
Yet upon the cross I heard Him pray
Father, forgive them.
Oh, never have I seen such love
in any other eyes,
Into thy hands I commit my spirit
He prayed and then He died,
I stood for what seemed like years,
I'd lost all sense of time
until I felt two tiny hands
holding tight to mine,
The children stood there weeping,
I heard the oldest say,
Father please forgive us,
the lamb ran away.
Daddy, daddy,
What have we seen here,
There's so much
that we don't understand,
So I took them in my arms,
And we turned and faced the cross,
Then I said dear children
watch the lamb.Today -&- everyday I am VERY thankful for the LAMB of God!?!

Good Friday!?!

Do you know what "Good Friday" is all about!?!
I have actually met some people...adults...that have recently told me that they never really had a clue what it was all about!?!
Although I don't have all the answers...I can give you an overview of what I was taught in regards to its meaning over the years!?!

Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ -&- his death at Calvary!?!
If you follow the time line give in the Bible...in Mark 15...Jesus was crucified -&-
buried on this day that we now refer to as Good Friday!?!



This was the day the he DIED for OUR sins...the day he gave his LIFE so that we could ETERNAL LIFE...this was the that the world changed forever...!?!


Here is an amazing song to celebrate this amazing day:





Today I am thankful that Jesus gave His life - so that I can have life eternal!?!

Grilled Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies!?!

Grilled Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies!?!

Grilled Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

After seeing the recipe online...I knew I had to try it!?!

-&-

Then I knew I had to share it with you!?!

Using a pouch of sugar cookie mix as a base, I simply chopped up fresh strawberries -&-added them to the dough.

Now, you *could* fold in your strawberries, toss the cookies in the oven, and call it a day… or…

You could throw that cookie dough onto the grill!

I can’t speak for you, but when birds start chirping and the sun starts shining a bit more, I immediately start craving all-things-grilled. And, since I can't bake cookies while ob the road...I thought grilling cookies might work!?!

I decided to translate his sarcasm into a reality!?!

If there were scratch ‘n sniff on the Internet, I can assure you this is the *one* place you’d want to use it. Smoky grill + cookie dough + sweet strawberries… yep.

You have no choice but to give a try yourself!?!

Texture-wise, these are definitely more crisp than what I usually pull from the oven!?!

As for the taste...it is something like no other!?!

Just make sure you don’t put the cookies on direct heat…

I learned this the hard way!?!

Grilled Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 1 1/2 dozen cookies

• Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
• 6-8 ripe strawberries, chopped

Heat oven to 350°F. Line large plate or cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In large mixing bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, and egg until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips and strawberries.

Form cookie dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch balls; placed on prepared plate/cookie sheet and refrigerate 1 hour.

Heat one side of grill over medium heat, leaving the other side off.
Line grill pan (or cookie sheet) with aluminum foil!?!
Place cookies 2 inches apart on pan!?!
Set pan on indirect heat side of grill and close lid!?!
Bake 10 to 15 minutes, checking on cookies frequently -&-turning pan half way through!?!


Today I am thankful for a husband who allows me to use the grill...occasionally!?!

Happy 420 Day!?!

If you are unaware of what 420 day is all about...you can learn more
about it by visiting this link!?!



Today I am thankful for people who don't judge - I am not sayin' I agree or disagree with 420 day -but- people need to live their own lives!?!

Wrong Email Address...

WRONG EMAIL ADDRESS
This one is priceless...
A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address !?!


A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter...
They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon
20 years earlier!?!

Due to hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules!?!
So, the husband left Minnesota -&- flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day!?!

The husband checked into the hotel!?!
There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife!?!
However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address
-&-
without realizing his error, sent the email!?!

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her
husband's funeral!?!
He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack!?!

The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives -&- friends!?!
After reading the first message, she screamed -&- fainted!?!
The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor
-&-
then saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife

Subject: I've arrived

Date: April 17, 2011

I know you're surprised to hear from me!?!
They have computers here now -&- you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones!?!
I've just arrived and have been checked in!?!
I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow!?!
Looking forward to seeing you then!?!
Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was!?!

P.S. Sure is hot down here!?!



Today I am thankful that this hasn't happened to me - yet - lol!?!

Thank You!?!

Something within us makes us want to be seen and recognized for our good deeds!?! While there’s nothing wrong with encouragement and appreciation, a desire for praise can undermine our service because it shifts the focus from others to ourselves!?!
When there is no public “thank you,” we may feel slighted!?!
But even when we serve God in secret, He sees it all!?!



Today I am thankful for YOU -&- want to thank you for all the good deeds that you were never properly thanked for!?!

Sunday Dinner!?!

Growing up in a nice religious home meant going to Church

just about every Sunday!?!

(Knight Family - Fall 90)

And, after my Dad became a minister
-&-
started a church of his own...we spent even more time there on Sunday!?!
Making sure things were all in order!?!
So, to make things easier when we got home my Mom would prepare Sunday dinner ahead of time...throw it in the oven !?!
That way there would be just a few things left to finish up when we got home!?!
And, one of her most popular Sunday dinners was a Beef Roast of some kind
-&-
all the accompanying vegetables!?!
She'd serve that with some hot rolls -&- a tossed salad -&- we were goooood to go!?!

And, along with sharing this memory I thought I'd also share a recipe similar to what she'd do...


Ingredients

* 4 pounds chuck roast
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 packet dry onion soup mix
* 1 cup water
* 3 carrots, chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 stalk celery, chopped

Directions

1. Take the chuck roast -&- season with salt -&- pepper to taste!?! Brown on all sides in a large skillet over high heat.
2. Place in the roasting pan -&- add the soup mix, water, carrots, onion, potatoes -&- celery!?!
3. Cover -&- cook on low setting for 375 for 4 - 6 hours!?!



Today I am thankful for having one of the most amazing families a girl could ever as for!?!

Homemade Doughnuts

I am not a really big doughnut eater...

but a friend of mine made these

-&-

I'd have to say they are addicted...I asked for the recipe so I could share with y'all

-&-

here it is:

"It was my very first time making homemade doughnuts! I was nervous about how they might turn out but there was no need to worry. The recipe is so simple that it is really hard to mess it up! I wanted to make my doughnuts in different shapes – little balls, mini doughnuts, big doughnuts, etc. You may make them in whatever shapes you want. I rolled my doughnuts in sugar and cinnamon mixture, but the original recipe provides a recipe for chocolate glaze."

Cake Doughnuts
Adapted from Betty Crocker

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil
3 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons shortening
2 eggs

Directions:

In deep fryer, heat 3-4 inches oil to 375 degrees F.

In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of the flour and the remaining ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining flour.

On generously floured surface, roll dough lightly to coat Gently roll to 3/8-inch thickness. Cut dough with floured 2 1/2 inch doughnut cutter. (or be creative and rolls the doughs to shape them into mini balls)

Slide doughnuts into hot oil, using wide spatula. Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface Fry 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown on both sides (do not overcook). Remove from oil with long fork; do not prick doughnuts. Drain on paper towels; cool slightly. In a bowl, mix 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon (or more if desired) ground cinnamon. Roll the doughnuts in the mixture or spread doughnuts with chocolate glaze.

*Chocolate Glaze:

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooked
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup milk

In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, chocolate and vanilla. Gradually stir in milk until smooth and spreadable.

Today I am thankful for great friends with great recipes!?!

Malibu Hemp Moisturizer

Here is a little fact about me:

My skin is naturally very dry!?!
And, my left hand used to be so bad it
cracked continuously until I started using:


Malibu Hemp Moisturizer
It is a premium daily use lotion with lavish amounts
of the THC-free virgin hemp seed oil to cultivate your skin with essential hydration!?!

I have used this product for over one year -&- it is excellent!?!
My skin was very dry and rough before I started using this product and that is
no longer the case!?!
Try it and you will be convinced!?!




Today I am thankful for the good "hemp" that is used in is this moisturizer!?!

Strawberry Cookie Jar

When I was a little kid I loved to go to my Grandparents house

-&-
even though they only lived a few miles away it always seemed like a new adventure to me every time we'd go to visit!?!

And, every time we went there I would always remember seeing a Strawberry Cookie Jar on the counter...as a child it was like a beacon to me saying...come get you something good!?!


And, whether it was homemade no bake, oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies...or...Soft Batch cookies bought from the grocery store...
there was always something good in Grandma's cookie jar!?!


Today I am thankful for the special feeling I get every time I see a Strawberry Shaped Cookie Jar!?!