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The dog days of summer must be here. It’s so hot here we try to stay indoors as much as possible. We live in northwest Florida and it’s been hitting temps here of 110 degrees. So here are some cool, refreshing meal ideas.

• Refreshing Summer Drinks
• Turkey Bacon wraps
• Homemade Hoagie Sandwhiches
• Chipotle Turkey Panini
• Moms Pizza
• Deviled Eggs

With the 4th of July over I just have to mention something. It was missed at the event in DC. The Blue Angel’s are from right here in Pensacola, Florida. We take great pride in our World famous Blue Angels. Their home base is NAS Pensacola.

While it may be warm here we have some of the highest rated beaches. When planning your next vacation or getaway, this is a fantastic place to have some fun. Steeped in history, with our eye on the future, our beaches compete with shopping, shows, art, food, music and fun.

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Every year in America on July 4th, we celebrate our freedoms. Most of are looking forward to great food friends and family, and a great show of fireworks to finish it off.

In cities and towns large and small people gather for bbqs, potato salad, swimming and maybe some yard games. Those more inclined to rest spend time in the shade, surrounded by good conversations and a chance to catch up. Sip refreshing libations for children and adults. Watch the children expend their energies. Or simply enjoy you peace and quiet in red, white, and blue. On this day Americans happily fly the flag of our nation with pride. You see, this flag represents the sacrifices that have been made both here at home and abroad to give us what we enjoy today. It is unique to this country even though lots of others have done the same. Each independent nation on this world we call earth has a symbol like this. Whether born here, or not we stay here for the unique chance to make our own American dream.

Our traditionally consists of grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, ribs, and or chicken. On occasion, we have even done t-bone steaks. Of course deviled eggs, potato salad, fresh veggie tray, baked beans, chips, flag cake, fruit salad, and watermelon, make for a filling meal.

Our family follows the tradition of fireworks, for the evenings entertainment. We leave it to the professionals to display an awe filled pyrotechnic show. Ours are usually choreographed to music played on a local station.

As I’ve grown older and faced health challenges, I’ve grown to appreciate my father’s stance of watching our local display on tv….in air conditioning, with volume control. My dad’s favorite movie the last 10 years he was with us was Independece Day. He would pull it out every July 4th to watch again. I wish he had been here to see the sequel he wanted.

Will Smith (Actor), & 2 more

As I look at the goings on in our world today, I’m reminded of the speech given in the movie. Is something like that going to be what it takes for humanity to put aside the characteristics I see dominating the news? I truly hope not.

As we prepare for our nation’s birthday this, July 4th, the love, patriotism, and family traditions continue to shape our future generations. From our family to your have a happy and safe 4th of July.

One of my favorite movies.

If you’ve seen anything in this blog before you know I’m a book lover. Well I’m playing catch up. I passed over the Outlander series several years back upon encountering the books. I’m so sorry I did. The only reasons I can site are no one told me about them, and the cover art and titles didn’t catch my intrest. My sincerest apologies to the goddess author Diana Gabaldon. I saw some of the Outlander fever online, and went to look. I saw Season 1, episode 1 of the series from Starz and I’m hooked.

Time travel, Scottish Highlands,romance….what’s not to love. I saw the term knee porn used the other day and while I would normally never take this seriously, I have to agree that the character of Jamie Frasier in a kilt is a true sight to behold. I started falling in love with the depth of the characters, story line, and while Jamie is my favorite, Claire is very compelling as well.Where else can you find a WWII nurse transported back in time to 1743 in the Highlands of Scotland. There she meets a handsome, noble Scottish warrior. With no idea how or opportunity to return to her own time she weds him for protection in a world where women have little choice. Adventures ensue bringing encounters with the British soldiers of the time of great unrest in the country. I fell in love with the young highland warrior for his principles, strength of character, and okay I’ll admit it he does look good in a kilt. His character is tempered with vulnerabilities that he only shows to Claire and the reader/viewer.

I must admit I enjoyed a good binge watch to catch up to season 4. Now I have to read the books as well. The longest part of my week is waiting for the next episode. Sunday evenings will never be the same in my house. I am currently buying all of the books in print and awaiting the release of the next one too. I’ve read snipets shared online pertaining to various scenes and know from just the pieces I’ve read these will quickly make my favorite author list. Have you read these yet? Are you a fan of the show? I’ve seen the comments about the differences between the books and the show, it makes me want both experiences all the more. I’m now Outlander obsessed. I caught the fever and couldn’t be happier about it. I can happily recommend both the show and from what I’ve read so far the books as well.

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See this link for more great Outlander items.

Don’t forget to see our other book recommendations here, and here

In America we fly our stars and stripes with pride. Indeed over many years, and many styles have come to be the “Stars and Bars” we see today. This symbol of our country is a lot more than a mere piece of cloth. This flag has consistently stood for freedom both here at home and around the world.

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This flag has seen us from the times of the American Revelution, and Civil War, through the times of today in places like Syria, Libya, Afganastan, Iraq, Suadia Arabia, Korea, France, Germany, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, and many others. It has been welcomed around the globe by people liberated from oppression, persecution, tyranny and any other entity that holds peoples inaliable rights hostage. I am saddened by the events I see in the news today. As June 6th was the 75th Anniversary of D-Day its difficult to understand how we have come to this state of affairs. From D-Day our troops joined forces with many nations and were welcomed with great celebration in cities and villages across France, Poland, Russia, Italy, Great Britain, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Luxembourg and so many others. After liberating North Africa from the invasion force of the Axis powers.

Throughout our long history the men and women of our armed forces have sacrificed and died for the ideals in America and the freedoms we enjoy. Indeed those freedoms are so precious that we have people coming to our shores for the last 527 years. If you were lucky enough to be born here we should remember how hard won some of our freedoms are. Even in todays modern world people are still yearning for some of the basics we take for granted.

Since some of the etiquette has been forgotten over time here is the etiquette for the American Flag.

The standards below are from USflag.org I am simply publishing to my readership to remind them why our flag is both important and the proper way to care for and handle one. Anyone who has been given a folded flag fully understands the price of it and knows the value of which they hold.

Flag Etiquette

STANDARDS of RESPECTThe Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyardThe flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.

Displaying the Flag OutdoorsWhen the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag – of a state, community, society or Scout unit – the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s union should be farthest from the building.When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor – to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

Raising and Lowering the FlagThe flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

Displaying the Flag IndoorsWhen on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag’s union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag’s own right, and to the observer’s left.

Parading and Saluting the FlagWhen carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The SaluteTo salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National AnthemThe pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

Watch “Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance” on YouTube

The Flag in MourningTo place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave. 

This page is maintained by Duane Streufert, Contact Us.
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This Site Established on 20 November 1994.
Last Updated 10 February 2005.
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Don’t forget Father’s Day is this Sunday. Find great gifts here.

So This Friday, June 7th is National Doughnut Day.

You can join in the commemoration of this unique day with some awesome treats today.  Places like Dunkin, Krispy Kreme, Hurts Doughnut, and many others will be offering free and special pricing in honor of National Doughnut Day.

Where did this holiday come from and why didn’t I learn about this as a child?  Turns out it started in Salvation Army canteens in WWI.  The doughnuts and volunteers who handed them out to soldiers became so popular they were termed, Doughnut girls.  The tradition continued in WWII with over 4,000 volunteers manning canteens all over Europe for the soldiers.  

The popularity continues as we honor those volunteers with National Doughnut day. Now I know these are probably not a recommended food on your diet, however maybe just 1 for yourself or a treat for the kids on summer vacation makes todays list of things to do. 

You can also make your own at home with some of the great recipes out there. everything from traditional cake, yeast, Keto, filled and beyond.

I finally got the finale to load so I could see it. OMG!!! Like so many other accounts/reviews I’ve read I laughed, I cried, sitting on the edge of my seat for what would happen next the entire time.

Bree’s (and Roger’s) baby is beautiful. I ken Roger does not yet know for sure if it’s his, but he loves Bree enough to raise the child as his own. Even knowing about Bonnet, Roger is the better man and will defiantly be the boys father. Bree, from her own experience be able to comfort him on that point. While I wish they had time to show the father, daughter reunion and forgiveness, with everything else going on in this episode I understand not everything could be shown. I think they have forgiven each other. Even with the scene and dialog not shown, I think they convey it when they look at each other. I also bet Jamie got some one on one private time with the baby just like he did with in season 2 with Jenny ‘ s.

Ian’s choice was not an easy one for anyone. I know Jamie and Claire are quite upset by it. Yet you can see both their reluctance and acceptance in thier expressions. This is some really fine acting. Truly you can practically read their thoughts. If anyone holds any doubt about Ian’s choice all one has to do is look back to his fascination with the Indians. It runs so deep he has learned thier language enough to not only understand it but to interpret it as well. If there is any doubt left just look at his face after the gauntlet. Though parting is hard he has become a real man and his worth like Jamie’s is evident in his ability to give his word and mean it.

Roger I’m glad to say by his reunion scene is no longer tetering on the edge of a breakdown. I’m so glad he and Jamie cleared the air. Roger needed to know the whole story, and even though they were trying to protect Bree, Jamie had it coming. He knew it. Men have thier own code and manner of dealing with such emotionally charged issues. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “It’s a guy thing.” Some are very critical of him not being there when the Fraser’s reunite, but honestly with everything that’s happened I truly can’t blame him for wanting a moment without basic survival hanging like a noose over his head to sort it out. Between his physical trama,and the emotional upheavals he’s had in the space of a few weeks and hours the guy needs to catch his breath so to speak. Can you imagine the self castigation, coupled with anger if you had a fight that ended in angry words, then learned after you both storm off in different directions that your partner was attacked, raped, and due to circumstance now blames themselves for the angry words you exchanged in the heat if an arguement? Protecting those we love is an ingrained human response. To learn what happened when they were left alone, for even a short period of time has to weigh heavily on them. Roger is no different than Jenny, Jamie, Claire, or a parent anywhere in the world.

The scenes in the future are both intriguing and satisfying. As I connected it later it bodes well for Ian’s future. Murtagh and Jocasta was also a pleasant suprise. The building tensions and banter between them has hinted that they both have enough fire and spirit see this next twist into the future. The letter will also provide a good dose of fancy footwork in the future. Season 5 cannot get here soon enough and from the questions left and the march of time it’s going to be a wild ride.

I wonder at what point Bree and Roger return to the future? How much more of Otter tooth will we see and learn? Ooh and is Otter tooth related to them? Maybe a decendent in Ians line? With Ian’s acceptance does that make Otter Tooth, part of the Fraser clan many decades later? Is this how he learns of the ability to time travel? It is hinted that the opal stone that causes such strife in the Indian village has some interesting powers.

I’m filling my Droughtlander time with the books and probably an entire re-watch of the show to make it through. Now I just have to convince myself to start at the beginning of the books instead of jumping straight into The Firey Cross. How will you spend yours? Leave a comment below if you are liking these posts and any suggestions or ideas on how to cope until season 5.

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Outlander Season 4

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We have probably heard the song “Goin to the Chapel” and “Ding, Dong , The Wedding Bells Are Gonna Chime”. It’s wedding season in Florida. The mild spring temperatures, especially in Florida, gives us the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor venues before the heat and tourists descend on our beautiful beaches. I hear they are very popular spots for weddings.

As a native I considered several parks and indoor/outdoor locations. A beautiful oak shaded round gazebo surrounded by historic buildings. Across the street a 650 year old church neatly kept behind a white picket fence. Whatever your dream location, I know how quickly the sunshine turns liquid here, so mine had both indoor and out.

As we celebrate 14years this Tuesday, so even though it’s not always rosy, we’ve made it this far. We must be doing something right if we’re still happily together and happy 14years later. I would say our stubbornness, patience, and positive vision has served us both well over the years.

As I look back almost all our squabbles, they have stemmed from miscommunication. He speaks apples, I speak oranges our stubbornness keeps us going until we figure out where the issue is. Our patience with each other runs from infinite, to really short, yet here we are. 20 years ago I would have said some very different qualities make for a good, lasting, happy marriage.

The last five years humor, patience, fortitude, and hopefully Grace have seen us through.

Do you cook up something special, or let him treat you to a favorite? I save new recipes for occasions other than this. I’ve done this before so no anxiety during cooking. I try to surprise him. I’ve tried several themes over the years for these special evenings. Do your hair, makeup, fragrance, and decorate and or dress according to your theme. We’ve traveled for candlelit dinners in France, picnics on the beach, or English countryside. My goal is to make it memrable. A rustic country picnic with the family, might be right, or a sultry night with Spanish flair. Lower the lights, move furniture, get creative, choose a soft music to reflect your locale and theme. Without leaving our home.

Did our marriage happen like a romance novel not exactly. 14years strong, is a testament to our faith, love, and humor. Even more important the ability to adapt, meet life as it comes and never let those forces tear us apart. To the man I love twice as much today as when we first fell in love, Happy Anniversary. I love you, today, tomorrow and always.