Pinch of Salt!?!

Have you ever heard that adding a pinch of salt to your
Chocolate Milk gives it a certain kick!?!

Well, I hadn't really heard that until the other day
-but-
once I did...I tried it
-&-
let me tell you what the rumor is true!?!


Salt gives chocolate a certain pop!?!
-&-
I think you'll find it very refreshing in chocolate milk!?!
Just don't add too much!?!
A pinch will do!?!

Apparently other people knew about this long before me as it was even a "subject" on the Emmy Awarding winning show...

Modern Family

Here is what happened there:

The Modern Family Chocolate Milk with Salt Showdown:

Gloria: So how is it going?
Manny: Great, Kelly's moving her stuff into my notebook.
Gloria: This is sudden.
Kelly: It just felt right. Oh, you know what you should do, put a pinch of salt in the chocolate milk, it really brings out the flavor.
Gloria: Salt is for the popcorn.
Manny: Sounds good.
Gloria: You wouldn't like it.
Kelly: Maybe we should let Manny decide.
Gloria: Okay, here's the salt. We'll see what he likes.
Manny tries both:
Manny: Wow! It's great! Try it, Mom.
Gloria: I don't care for it.

Her best line of the episode, defeated and with her accent, she tells the camera, "It was delicious."



So, let me know if you have ever tried it
-&-
if so what did you think about it!?!
Did you notice a difference, did you like how it tasted, would you do it again?!?

White Line?!?

In case you were wondering there is a good reason for the white lines along the sides of road or interstates - they are placed there to give you an idea of where to begin to park if you break down along your travels -but- you still need to be careful not to park to close to that white line as something bad can still occur like it did to my BFF Blair on Monday!?!

While she was driving down an Interstate in TX!?!

Here is what she said happened:

"The lady was in the process of opening the door..." the wind grabbed it" and it flung open... The state trooper said it's really her fault... When open the door was over the white line ect..."

Here is the aftermath of that mistake:
From what I have read -&- heard it is always in your best interest to park at least 10 feet of the side of the road to ensure that this will not happen to you!?!

And like Blair also said:
"DO NOT PARK ON A BUSY INTERSTATE OF 70 MPH SPEED LIMITS AND OPEN YOUR DOOR THAT GOES ACROSS THE WHITE LINE IN THE PATH OF AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER!!!!!"


You could lose more than your door - you could lose your life!?!

And, in case you were wondering Blair was NOT at fault according to the Police!?!
The woman was not far enough off the road
-&-
opened her door into Blair's lane of traffic - just wanted to make that clear!?!

Empty!?!

For some reason or another I seem to be running on
"EMPTY"
in the desire to blog department today - usually we do something, go somewhere or I see something that just strikes me as a
"Blog of the Day"
kind of thing -but- that isn't the case today!?!
It may be in part that we are on an easy load -&- are in an non-eventful part of the country in my opinion!?!

Who knows?!?

But...I have somethings planned to blog about - so I promise it will be
more interesting in days to follow...
Just hang in there!?!

Bruschetta

BruschettaI just had a great meal with my wonderful husband

-&-
during this meal I enjoyed some mouth watering, tongue teasing, palate pleasing, tummy treats called Brushetta!?!

After such a delectable description of this culinary delight - I could not leave you without posting a quick -&- easy
recipe so you can try these treats in the comfort of your own home!?!

Here goes:

Ingredients:
1 French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick circles
8 Plum tomatoes, diced
1 Cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 Red onion, minced
3 Cloves of garlic
Fresh ground pepper
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)!?!
2. Combine tomato, basil, & red onion in a small mixing bowl; stir well!?!
Season with freshly ground black pepper!?!
Set aside!?!
3. Arrange bread on a baking sheet!?!
Place in oven, and bake until well toasted, approximately 5 minutes!?!
4. Remove bread from oven & transfer to a large serving platter!?!
Let bread cool 3 to 5 minutes!?!
Rub garlic into the top of each slice of toast; the toast should glisten with the garlic!?!
Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice & serve!?!
If you wanted to add some protein to it you could always melt a little
shredded cheese on the top of them!?!

You can serve it as an appetizer or serve it with a meal...
either way - it is going to be
a hit!?!

~New Comforter Set~

Even though my husband -&- may call a Freightliner home - we still like to have nice things...so yesterday we decided to spruce the place up a little by changing out the bedding set!?!

Here is what we came up with:

Cannon Midnight Blossom Complete BedHere is what all we got (of course we aren't using it all):
King: Set Includes:
*102x90 Comforter
*108x102 Flat sheet
*76x80 Fitted sheet
*(2) 20x40 Pillowcase
*(2) 20x36 Sham
*78x80 bedskirt
* 60/40 Cotton/Poly
*300 Thread Count
* Decorative trim accents, overfilled, coordinating bed skirt.

And, the best part of it was it was...
ON SALE
we paid $29.99 plus tax for it...
-&-
it was originally $79.99!?!

If you are interested in this or any other Cannon items you can find some of
them at the following link:

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_070B443500160001P?vName=Bed+%26+Bath&cName=Decorative+Bedding&sName=View+All&sbf=Sale

Sugar Free Strawberry Cream Pie

I just had a really delicious sugar free Strawberry Cream Pie!?!

It was so good in fact I asked if it would be possible to get a copy of the recipe
as I have a lot of friends who may enjoy another sugar free recipe!?!

Here it is:2-1/2 cups strawberries
1/4 cup sugar1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate or frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
3 slightly beaten egg whites
1 tablespoon tequila or orange juice
1 3-ounce package ladyfingers, split
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 of an 8-ounce container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
Sliced strawberries (optional)
Fresh mint (optional)

1. Place the 2-1/2 cups strawberries in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until nearly smooth.
Measure strawberries (you should have about 1-1/2 cups.)

2. In a medium saucepan stir together the sugar and gelatin.
Stir in the blended strawberries and limeade and lemonade concentrate.
Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture bubbles and the gelatin is dissolved.
Gradually stir about half of the gelatin mixture into the egg whites.
Return mixture to the saucepan.
Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat about 3 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened.
Do not boil. Pour into a medium bowl; stir in tequila or orange juice.
Chill until mixture mounds when spooned, stirring occasionally (about 2 hours).

3. Meanwhile, cut half of the split ladyfingers in half crosswise; stand on end around the outside edge of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom or a 9-inch springform pan.
Arrange remaining split ladyfingers in the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons orange juice over the ladyfingers.
4. Fold whipped topping into strawberry mixture. Spoon into prepared pan. Cover and chill about 2 hours or until set. If desired, garnish with the sliced strawberries and mint.
Makes 8 servings.

Five Guys Burger & Fries

Being on the road we are always looking for different places to try out

when we get ready to eat!?!
Earlier in the week my husband had noticed several signs for a restaurant called
"Five Guys Burgers and Fries"
-&-
last night we were able to give one of their many locations a try -&- it was amazing!?!

History:
Five Guys was founded in 1986 by Janie and Jerry Murrell and their four sons (with Jerry and the sons being the original "Five Guys"). Jerry and Janie had a fifth son two years after opening their first restaurant; all five sons, the current "Five Guys", are now involved in the business. The first location, which no longer exists, was in the Westmont Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Glebe Road. Buns were baked by Brenner's Bakery of Arlington Inc., which was owned and operated by Gino E. Pellegrino and located in the same shopping center. Brenner's made all the rolls by hand until 2001.

In 2002, there were six locations in Northern Virginia run by the family. The restaurants had gained popularity among locals, and the Murrells decided to franchise the stores. The Murrells began franchising their concept with the help of Fransmart, a franchise sales organization started by Dan Rowe, located in Alexandria, Virginia. Former Washington Redskins kicker Mark Moseley, who had gone to work for Fransmart after his football career, played a key role in the sales of franchises, and went on to become Five Guys' director of franchise development after the Murrells ended their business relationship with Fransmart.


Here is a time line:
* 1986: The first Five Guys location opens in Arlington, VA.
* 1986 - 2001: Five Guys opens five locations around the DC metro-area and perfected their business of making burgers… and starts to build a cult-like following.
* 2002: Five Guys decides DC metro-area residents shouldn't be the only ones to experience their burgers and start to franchise in Virginia and Maryland.
* 2003: Five Guys sells out of franchise territory within 18 months and starts to open the rest of the country for franchise rights.
* 2003 - Present: Five Guys expands to over 625 locations in over 40 states and 4 Canadian provinces.



Facts:
* There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys.
* We use only fresh ground beef.
* There are no freezers in Five Guys locations, just coolers.
*Nothing is ever frozen.
* We use only Peanut oil.
* Our menu is trans-fat free.


For more information or a location near you:
http://www.fiveguys.com

Happy Fall!?!

I love Fall!?!

The colors, the temperatures, the smells, the traditions!?!
Fall is my FAVORITE time of the year!?!

Fall is one of the four temperate seasons. Fall marks the transition from summer into winter, usually in March (Southern Hemisphere) or September (Northern Hemisphere) when the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier.

People also associate Fall with the start of Football or the new Fall Seasons of shows on TV!?!

Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash

I love Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash

...but...
you can't seem to find it every where
-but-
when I do I stock up!?!
Yes, it is an addiction I must admit
-but-
as far as addictions go I can think of worse ones!?!

Here is the story behind "MY" Splash...
"In late 2006, PepsiCo introduced Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. It was only available during the Winter holiday season. Cranberry Splash returned in the fall of 2007, 2008, 2009 and now 2010 also available with Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash."

Apparently it is only produced as a holiday -&- fall flavor!?!
Well that explains the recent reappearance of it everywhere
-&-
it also gives me one more reason to love Fall even more!?!

Wheel Of Fortune!?!

As we were going through the Chicago area today it reminded me of something that happened to me back in 1998!?!

Earlier in the year -&- totally on a whim I filled out an application to be a contestant on
Wheel of Fortune!?!
Well, I got a letter in the mail sometime that fall stating that I had been chosen to try out...so we decided that my Dad drive me when the time came!?!
Well, the day came -&- Mom send us off to Chicago with a cooler of snacks for the ride
-&-
off to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago we went!?!
When I arrived there were literaly tons of people there waiting there turn to try out as well!?! After being assigned a group -&- waiting for a while we went in - I was able to win my round -&- go on!?!
After 2 more rounds they took all the round winners into a room where they chose who would be making the cut for the show, apparently it isn't just brains that gets you there
...-&-...
unfortunately for me they said I wasn't loud -&- jovial enough to make the cut!?!
Meh...can you believe that?!?
Anyhow, here are some very interesting facts about the show that didn't want me...


Wheel of Fortune is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin. Contestants compete to solve word puzzles, similar to those used in Hangman, to win cash and prizes. The current broadcast syndicated version of the program premiered on September 19, 1983 and is hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White. In a 2008 article, TV Guide named Wheel of Fortune as the "top-rated syndicated series.


The original network television version aired from 1975–1991 on NBC and CBS, and was hosted at different times by Chuck Woolery, Rolf Benirschke, Bob Goen, and Susan Stafford, in addition to Sajak and White. While retaining most of the elements from the daytime version, the syndicated version added many new gameplay elements and is the longest-running syndicated game show in United States television history, with over 5,000 episodes aired.


The current record for winnings on a Wheel of Fortune episode is Michelle Loewenstein. On October 14, 2008, Loewenstein became the first contestant to win $1,000,000after the top prize was increased on September 8 of that year. Her total was $1,026,080.
For more information visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_Fortune_%28U.S._game_show%29

Nail Polish

As I was sitting in a hotel room last night - enjoying some beautification time whilst painting my nails - I started to wonder where exactly did nail polish -&- the painting of nails originate - so I decided to research it -&- of course share my findings with you!?!

As it appears the history of nail polish is as follows:
The Egyptians used reddish-brown stains derived from henna to color their nails and fingertips. They also took the color from their own blood. Egyptians used nail color to signify social order, with shades of red at the top. Queen Nefertiti, the wife of the king Akhenaton, colored her finger and toe nails ruby red; Cleopatra favored crimson. Women of lower rank who colored their nails were permitted only pale hues.

The Chinese used a colored lacquer, made from gum arabic, egg whites, gelatin and beeswax. They used mashed rose, orchid and impatiens petals combined with alum. This mixture applied to nails for a few hours, leaves a color ranging from pink to red. In the Chou Dynasty of 600 B.C., Chinese royalty used gold and silver to enhance their nails. A fifteenth-century Ming manuscript cites red and black as the colors chosen by royalty for centuries previous.

The Incas decorated their fingernails with pictures of eagles. It is unclear how the practice of coloring nails progressed following these beginnings. Portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries include shiny nails.

By the turn of the 19th century, nails were tinted with scented red oils, and polished or buffed with a chamois cloth, rather than simply painted. English and US 19th century cookbooks had directions for making nail paints. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women pursued a polished, rather than painted, look by massaging tinted powders and creams into their nails, then buffing them shiny. One such polishing product sold around this time was Graf’s Hyglo nail polish paste. Some women during this period painted their nails with clear, glossy varnish applied with a camel-hair brush. When automobile paint was created around 1920, it inspired the introduction of colored nail enamels.

Nail polish has been traditionally worn by women, but sometimes popular with men. Traditional colors for nail polish were red, pink and brown, and it can now be found in virtually any color. French manicures traditionally mimic the color of natural nails, using a clear, beige or soft pink polish on most of the nail with a white finish at the tips!?!

Black has been a popular color of nail polish with goths and punks of both genders since the 1970s, and has recently gained acceptance as a color for both men and women.

Some types of polish are advertised to cause nail growth, make nails stronger, prevent nails from breaking, cracking and splitting and stop nail biting. Nail polish may be applied as one of several components in a manicure. However, some nail treatments contain ingredients such as ammonium hexafluorophosphate.

And, in case you were wondering what my favorite color is...
it is Plum Pudding by CoverGirl!?!

Pig Out Palace

Whenever we are on I-40 West in Oklahoma...
I can always tell what is on my husbands mind!?!
Located at Exit 237 in Henryetta, OK
is a pretty amazing place named:
Pig Out Palace


Pig Out, offers 3 buffets daily as well as a large grill menu!?!
Since they are open 24 hours, they serve breakfast 24 hours!?!
Despite the fact they have a large variety, we're shy about using prefab food!?!
After all, you can get that anywhere!?!
If you're in a hurry (or even if you're not) try the delicious buffet!?!
You can start eatin' right away -&- you'll find the quality of this buffet far superior than what you're used to!?!
Just don't forget to save room for dessert!?!

However, if you don't like a buffet, you can always order from the grill!?! They cook everything to order -&- it is obvious they take pride in it all!?!

And remember, Huck the Pig says, "If you leave here hungry, it ain't my fault!"

And, before you leave don't forget to check out the awesome gift shop!?!
The laughing Pig is hilarious - lol :)

Happy Anniversary!?!

♥Happy 6th Anniversary♥

To my wonderful husband
David!?!

Although the road may have been rough - we have made it this far!?!
In the past 6 years we have learned that together we can handle whatever
the world tries to throw at us as long as we work together to get through it!?!



When We Found Each Other

When we found each other...
we gained the finest prize:
A companion to share life’s joys...
A friend who lightens burdens
-&-
whose company is always a comfort!?!

When we found each other,
we embraced the love we had dreamed of,
the source of endless pleasure
-&- memories to treasure!?!

May your anniversary remind us
of how precious that day was,
when we found each other!?!

Confessions of a Blogaholic...

I have a confession to make...
so lets do this as painlessly as possible...
I am a closet Blogaholic...
I love to read Blogs, Blogs -&- more Blogs...!?!
Short blogs, long blogs, funny blogs, serious blogs...ridiculous blogs
-&-
even outrageous blogs!?!
I LOVE BLOGS!?!
It is becoming an obsession...not a bad one...I hope...but apparently an obsession none the less!?!

How did this start you might ask
...or...
whose to blame?!?
See this is where it get tricky, because apparently there is no method to my madness...I started reading a blog when a friend added the link to her Facebook page...actually at the time she had 2 of them...a blog nibblet of sorts...then another friend suggested to me that her sister also had a blog...now we are up to a snackette of sorts...then during the election John McCain's middle daughter (eldest daughter of his & Cindy's) Meghan blogged about the campaign while on the trail with her dad...now I have a small course of sorts...then it happened...I found myself reading the comments on the aforementioned blogs
-&-
then going to read the blogs of those posting comments....
-&-
...I am sure you can see how the cycle continues from there!?!
Then when that was not enough (Yes, I am very needy apparently) I found out you can hit the forward button & wha-la like magic...another blog appears for my viewing pleasure!?!
The other day I literally spent over 10 hours on Blog Spot.com reading blogs...Umm, yeah that is TEN hours!?!
And, I can tell you I enjoyed every last minute of it!
Although, I only follow a few blogs religiously...I find almost all the blogs I read interesting, genuine -&- amazing in their own ways!?!
Here is a link to Meghan McCain's blog...
http://www.mccainblogette.com/
The name says it all...this is the blog that chronicled the 2008 presidential campaign of
John McCain
-&-
his amazing family...it gives you a rare look at the campaign trail with the right amount of love!?!
It brings the man alive not as a presidential candidate but as a husband, father & friend!?! I was happy to see the election come to a close but sorry that Meghan has since went on hiatus for undetermined amount of time!?! I have since changed my opinion of the candidate -but- I still felt Meghan did a good job with this blog - although I don't agree with some
of her other recent actions!?!
I also follow a few friends on Facebook who have blogs - which are awesome as well!?!
Hey, if you know of any great blogs I am missing - let me know - I am sure
I can fit in a few more!?!

Questo è deliziosa!?!

Caprese

I have found my new love -&- it is Caprese...in any way shape or form!?!
This is a delicious Italian recipe that is fast becoming my new best friend...it is easy to prepare -&-
not very expensive!?!
And, apparently it is quite versatile because within the span of the last 3 days I have had it 4 different ways...
* Made into a sauce & served warm over your choice of pasta!?!
* The original & always delicious salad (recipe included below)!?!
* A pizza variation that was to die for!?!
* Warm with grilled chicken thrown in the mix!?!
And, yes my friends they were all delicious!?!
So, if you like fresh, ripe tomatoes, mouth watering mozzarella cheese, fresh basil -&- EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) -&- balsamic vinegar then I have found a gem for you...


Here is my favorite version of the recipe (with a few extras added for my flavor):


Caprese Salad-Insalata Caprese

Ingredients:


3 large fresh tomatoes
16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
1/2 small red onion, sliced thin or the ends of a bunch of green onions chopped up
1/2 cup sliced black olives, experiment with different kinds of olives and slice them up
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/8 cup fresh oregano
1/2 clove of minced garlic (optional - but tasty)
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper


Directions:
1 Slice Mozzarella Cheese into small slices.
2 Slice tomatoes thick.
Be sure to remove all of the core and the bottom little black dot.
3 Combine tomatoes and Cheese with the remaining ingredients.
4 Toss Well and make sure everything is coated.
5 Chill for 1 hour ( minimum), although you don't want to leave in the refrigerator too long
--you don't want it to become to mushy.
6 When ready to serve, arrange tomatoes on a large platter, put some of the cheese slices/
chunks on each of the tomatoes.
7 Work in olives and onions to make it pretty.
8 Drizzle remaining dressing over this.
9 Garnish with Fresh Basil Leaves -&- Oregano.

President Bush Speaks @ Ground Zero!?!

9 years ago today -
President George W. Bush visited:
"Ground Zero"
-&-
this is what he said:





You can hear the emotion in his voice, you can see the turmoil in his eyes...this was -&- is a man who truly loves this country!?!
I still thank God everyday that George W. Bush was President the day that this tragedy happened - cause he the best that he could!?!
I have heard many people say that he didn't do enough or made a lot mistakes - well, my response upon hearing that is...could YOU have done any better - I didn't think so!?!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!?!

I ♥ Lucy!?!

I am sure that I am not the only one out there...but...I ♥ Lucy!?!

And, I always knew it was coming on as soon as I heard the theme music!?!

But, did you know that theme music also had lyrics?!?

Well, just in case you didn't here we go:






There's a certain couple that I know.
They're strictly lovebirds,
A pair of turtle dove birds.
He's a guy who wants the world to know.
So ev'ry day
You'll hear him say

I Love Lucy and she loves me,
We're as happy as two can be,
sometimes we quarrel but then again
How we love making up again.

Lucy kisses like no one can,
She's my missus and I'm her man;
And life is heaven you see
Cause I Love Lucy
Yes I Love Lucy
and Lucy loves me.

Sugar Free Lemon Graham Cracker Pie

We stopped for dinner today like we usually do - this time to enjoy a buffet style dinner!?!
At the end of dinner I am always in search of a good, tasty yet sugar free desert...which is sometimes hard to find!?! Today I lucked out when I came across the following!?!

Sugar Free Lemon Graham Cracker Pie

Ingredients:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
3 raw egg yolks , lightly beaten
14 oz unsweetened fat free condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites , at room temperature
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
4 tbsp sugar

Directions
1 Heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the butter in a 9-inch pie plate and place in the oven as the oven heats up.
Remove the pan from the oven when the butter is melted.
2 Combine the crumbs and the 1/4 cup sugar; sprinkle over the melted butter.
Mix with a fork until uniform in texture and press firmly on the bottom and sides of the dish to form the crust.
Bake the crust in the oven for 5 minutes.
Let cool.
3 Combine the yolks and milk; stir in the lemon juice.
Pour into the cooled pie crust.
Return to oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and lower temperature to 275 degrees F.
4 Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric beater until foamy.
Add 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form.
Spread evenly over pie to the edge of the crust.
Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned.

I Am A Promise

"I am A Promise"

For some reason I have been singing this song all day - I have known it since I was child - I first heard it song by Amy Gaither, daughter of Bill -&- Gloria Gaither -&- boy does this song bring back memories of being a kid a church...good times!?!

So, when I decided to look up the song on You Tube...I had no idea what I'd find for videos -but- after I saw the following 3 year old little girl sing it - I knew I'd found the version that I wanted to include in the blog...I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!?!



I am a promise
I am a possibility
I am a promise with a capital "P"
I am a great big bundle of potentiality
And I am learnin' to hear God's voice
And I am tryin' to make the right choice
I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be.

I can go anywhere that He wants me to go
I can be anything He wants me to be
I can climb the high mountains
I can cross the wide sea
I'm a great big promise you see!

I am a promise
I am a possibility
I am a promise with a capital "P"
I am a great big bundle of potentiality
And I am learnin' to hear God's voice
And I am tryin' to make the right choice
I'm a promise to be anything God wants me to be

Anything God wants me to be!

September 11, 2001


“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor.
We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls,
the funerals of the "children.”

~George W. Bush~





We all know what happened that day!?!
Even though it was 9 years ago I remember it as if it was yesterday!?!
LETS NEVER FORGET

Ms. Pac Man

Sitting at the laundry mat today waiting for the clothes to dry - I was taken back to my childhood when I entered the game room

-&-
saw Ms. Pac Man:

"Ms. Pac-Man is an arcade video game produced by Midway as an unauthorized sequel to Pac-Man. It was released in North America in 1981 and became one of the most popular video games of all time, leading to its adoption by Pac-Man licensor Namco as an official title. This game introduces a female protagonist, new maze designs and several minor gameplay changes over the original game."

"The game play of Ms. Pac-Man is largely identical to that of the original Pac-Man. The player gathers points by eating dots and avoiding ghosts (contact with one loses a life). Power-pellets or energizers change the ghosts, which reverse their course and can be eaten for bonus points. Fruit bonuses can be consumed for increasing point values, twice per level. As the levels increase, the speed and difficulty increase as well."

Since I was only 7 when the game was released I can't say for sure if
I was one of the first on the scene playing it or not
-but-
I do remember going to the roller skating rink in Three Rivers, MI
-&-
playing it there in the game room!?!
I also remember as I got older playing it in different places
-&-
all the great memories I have doing so!?!

And, I also remember A LOT of movies or tv shows that Ms.Pac Man played a role in - here are just a few that really stand out!?!

* In both Ferris Bueller's Day Off -&- Footloose, a Pac-man dies at crucial moments in the films: in Ferris Bueller's Day Off a Pac-man can be heard dying when Principal Rooney thinks he's caught Ferris in the pizza parlor!?! In Footloose, the same sound is heard when Reverend Moore finds Ariel -&- the other town's kids dancing at the drive-in restaurant!?!

* In the Friends episode "The One Where Joey Dates Rachel", Chandler -&- Monica receive a Ms. Pac-Man machine as a wedding present from Phoebe, however they all become addicted to playing it!?!

So, I guess I am not the only one who enjoyed the game -&- still has fond memories while I play it!?!

And, even to this day some 29 years later Ms. Pac Man is still going strong...

"In 2009, Game Informer put Ms. Pac-Man 10th on their list of "The Top 200 Games of All Time"

So, have you ever attempted to beat Ms. Pac Man - if so tell me your story!?!

And, if you hadn't had the pleasure of ever playing - check out:

www.webpacman.com

And, give it a shot!?!

Chance Tobin Rodgers

*This post was from the first blog I ever started -but- didn't follow through with!?! There were a few good post there -but- this story was one I knew I had to share all you here!?!*

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Chance Tobin Rodgers

Meet...Chance Rodgers!


As you all know I am new to blogging myself but that doesn't mean I haven't been keeping up on other peoples blogs / journals & the most important one of those has been the journal of Mr. Chance Tobin Rodgers...
Here is his story:

"My name is Chance. I am 12 years old and going to be in the 7th grade. I was diagnosed with bone cancer in October, 2007. I want to be a truck driver like my Papa Rodgers when I grow up. I like to go to the ocean on vacations and go camping. I like to ride my dirt bike, too. My favori te place to be is on the truck with my Papa. I draw pictures all the time - trucks, submarines, ships - with lots of detail. I play the saxophone and also want to learn piano and the guitar. Thanks for visiting my site!" ---Chance

I have been blessed enough to be following his story for quite a bit now & let me be honest with you...I have laughed....I have cried but most all... I have been completely & utterly amazed that when handed the circumstances this family has they remain optimist & strong amidst the struggles...how can they do that you wonder...because they have put the problems in the right place..."the ha nds of God" ...they have an unbelievable faith base there that cannot be compared to many I have seen in recent days! So, if you want to receive a blessing & be one of your own...please visit Chance's blog (his mom Jennifer does most of the entries) & let him that you are thinking about h im! Ask yourself this...if you were 12 years old (very soon to be 13) would you handle yourself even half as well? Here is his journal site...please visit it & above all be a blessing: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chancerodgers Have a great day!
And after you visit...let me know what a blessing it was to you!
God's Speed!?!

Today I am thankful for God putting Chance in my life - because reading what him -&- his family have to go through makes me appreciate what I have more!?!

The Actual Little House!?!

The Actual Little House!?!

Back to my undying love for Little House on the Prairie!?!

I had a wonderful experience when I was a child; my family -&- I actually visited the Kansas site of the original Little House on the Prairie, from the beloved series of books about pioneer life by Laura Ingalls Wilder!?!

This little piece of magic called Little House, is located thirteen miles southwest of Independence, Kansas!?!

As a child, I devoured the Wilder books and still have my well-thumbed paperback set, so this was a must-stop on our family vacation - I can still remember the excitement I felt that day like it was yesterday!?!

The tiny, rough one-room cabin is a labor of love reproduction of the house using the materials and methods of the day.

According to the Web site,

“Research of the 1870 census of Montgomery County, Kansas, located the ‘Ingles’ family in the eighty-ninth residence in Rutland Township. C.P. Ingles was cited as a 34-year-old carpenter along with his wife, Caroline, and three daughters, Mary, Laura [who became the "Little House" author Laura Ingalls Wilder] and Carrie. This 1870 census and the Ingalls’ family Bible record that Carrie was born on this site on August 3, 1870. The family lived here only a short while as they mistakenly settled on the Osage Indian Diminished Reserve. After hearing that they were to be moved, the family decided to return to Wisconsin. The Ingalls didn’t know it, but six months later, the Osages were moved to Oklahoma and they would have been able homestead the land.

Here is a front view of the reconstructed Little House on the Prairie


In 1977 local volunteers reproduced the Little House with special efforts to build the cabin according to descriptions in Laura’s book.

Many of the landmarks Laura mentions in her book can still be seen on and near the site. Walnut Creek, the bluffs to the north of the home site -&- the mention of the Ingalls going to Independence for supplies authenticate the site. Dr. George Tann, “Dr. Tan” in the book, who cared for the Ingalls family when they had “fever -&- ague” [malaria] is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in nearby Independence.”

I confess to becoming rather emotional when I read some of the documents posted inside the little log cabin; these books mean a lot to me -&- it’s always overwhelming when I reflect that they are true stories told by a woman who lived from the days of Conestoga wagons to jet airplane travel!?!

One person, one writer, really can make a difference!?!

To learn more about this little piece of Little House heaven please visit the following website...

http://www.littlehouseontheprairie.com/