Thursday, May 27, 2010

Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day is a good time to reflect on the sacrifices and services of the American soldiers and veterans and the U.S. military men and women. The American military is, has always been and will always recruit the best and finest of the crop of young men and women of the country and we will continue to shower them with appreciation, support and prayers, as we have always done. Memorial Day is just an opportunity for us to express the special places they have in the hearts of American citizens and more by honoring the people who work in the various branches of the military.

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Freedom Is Not Free

- Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

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Ways To Observe Memorial Day*

Memorial Day reminds us of our duties towards the wounded soldiers and the bereaved families, orphans and widows of the dead soldiers. We should honor the dead by adorning their sacred remains with flowers and garlands and show our gratitude towards them in the following ways:

  • Adorning the graves of the soldiers with flags or flowers.
  • Visiting cemeteries and memorials.
  • Furling the American Flag at half-mast until noon.
  • Furling the 'POW/MIA Flag'.
  • Keep silence for a minute at 3 p.m., 'National Moment of Remembrance' and listen to Taps being played.
  • Make a pledge to aid the disabled veterans, widows, widowers and orphans of the dead and keep it.
  • You may support the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th.
  • Offering thanks to the veterans and appreciating the ultimate sacrifices of the soldiers to the bereaved families personally may help too.

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It is the VETERAN,  not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,  who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,

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It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON  THEM.

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God Bless Our Troops…those who have served before and those who are serving now……

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ADDED NOTE: I have been asked if it would be okay to borrow some of my ideas…. the answer is YES!!! (This is one of those times I don’t mind…..  our troops past and  present deserve our support!!!!)

 

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

5/26 Outdoor Wednesday # 72

 

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It’s time for “Outdoor Wednesday”. Learn more about “Outdoor Wednesday” HERE

1. POST your outdoor photos and the Outdoor Wednesday logo/button on your blog and link back to  http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ so that others will be able to find all the links to other Outdoor Wednesday posts.

Reminder: Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

2. Add your Name and the Permalink to your post (NOT your general blog address) in “Mr. Linky”. For help with permalink see HERE

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Since Memorial Day is approaching, I thought I would honor some of our local troops this week. God Bless them all and their families……. and thank you…..

Last month, hundreds of Georgia soldiers arrived back home in Georgia. Governor Sonny Perdue welcomed home nearly 300 soldiers from Georgia’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.  The soldiers spent 10 months in Afghanistan, where they were mentors and trainers to the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army. Eight soldiers were killed in action and 49 wounded.

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The units returning were part of the Headquarters of the 48th (Macon), including the 48th commander and staff; the remainder of the 48th BSTB, Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Statesboro and Macon); and the 148th Brigade Support Battalion (Forsyth, Jackson, Dublin), which provides logistical support for the 48th Brigade (transportation, supply, medical and maintenance). 

Don’t forget to visit other Outdoor Wednesday participants by clicking on their links. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Outdoor Wednesday participants.

HERE ARE THIS WEEK’S PARTICIPANTS:

 

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

5/19 Outdoor Wednesday # 71

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It’s time for “Outdoor Wednesday”. Learn more about “Outdoor Wednesday” HERE

1. POST your outdoor photos and the Outdoor Wednesday logo/button on your blog and link back to  http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ so that others will be able to find all the links to other Outdoor Wednesday posts.

Reminder: Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

2. Add your Name and the Permalink to your post (NOT your general blog address) in “Mr. Linky”. For help with permalink see HERE

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We have had quite a bit of rain lately… and everything seems to be blooming! A walk into the backyard and the smells of confederate jasmine and gardenias….are everywhere! My hydrangeas are blooming as well…a beautiful blue!

Gardenias

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Confederate jasmine

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Hydrangeas

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Don’t forget to visit other Outdoor Wednesday participants by clicking on their links. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Outdoor Wednesday participants.

HERE ARE THIS WEEK’S PARTICIPANTS:

 

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Monday, May 17, 2010

A Southern Daydreamer Reads Summer Reading Challenge

I have a Summer Reading Challenge for this summer on my reading blog….If you like to read..come join the fun!

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Rules:

  1. Make a list of books you want to read this summer.
  2. Write a post with your list on your blog. (You can add to or change this list at any time during the challenge)
  3. Please post the direct link to your Summer Reading Challenge 2010 post. (so that other participants can visit and see what you are reading)
  4. You can write another post in September to let everyone know how you did.

Here’s my list for the Summer Challenge… (subject to change)

[need to add a classic or two]

Click HERE to go to A Southern Daydreamer Reads or HERE to go straight to challenge!

I will have another challenge for Fall 2010. The purpose of the challenge is for everyone to read and have fun!

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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Updated Georgia Bloggers List

Shortly after I started my blog….. I created the Georgia Friends Award for my fellow Georgia bloggers…. Look at all the bloggers who have stopped by and said “Hi”!

Georgia Friends Award

If you are a blogger from Georgia……

  1. Leave a Comment below so I can add you to the list!
  2. Put the award on your blog or post.
  3. Pass it along to to other Georgia bloggers
  4. Ask them to stop by my blog and say hello http://asoutherndaydream.blogspot.com (so I can add them to the list too!)

Georgia Blogger Friends

Note: I keep an updated list of Georgia Bloggers who visit my blog HERE

 

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

5/12 Outdoor Wednesday # 70

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It’s time for “Outdoor Wednesday”. Learn more about “Outdoor Wednesday” HERE

1. POST your outdoor photos and the Outdoor Wednesday logo/button on your blog and link back to  http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ so that others will be able to find all the links to other Outdoor Wednesday posts.

Reminder: Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

2. Add your Name and the Permalink to your post (NOT your general blog address) in “Mr. Linky”. For help with permalink see HERE

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Held in Macon since 1851, this fair has a long tradition of family entertainment and is operated by the Exchange Club of Macon with volunteers giving more than 7000 hours each year to operate this annual event. Proceeds from the state fair are returned to the community in the form of support to local charities and community service programs.

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Don’t forget to visit other Outdoor Wednesday participants by clicking on their links. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Outdoor Wednesday participants.

HERE ARE THIS WEEK’S PARTICIPANTS:

 

 

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Friday, May 7, 2010

Happy Mothers Day

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One Flaw in Women

(author unknown)

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, If There Is One Flaw In Women, It Is That They Forget Their Worth.

To all the Moms…

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

5/7 Foodie Friday

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Gollum at Designs by Gollum is the hostess for “Foodie Friday” (clicking on the logo on the right will take you to her site). It’s been awhile since I have participated in “Foodie Friday” (sigh) because life and the real world got in the way.

 

As the temperature outside rises I begin looking for ways to create less heat in the kitchen when planning what to eat. I thought I would share some quick and easy ones with you!

Steak  Skewers

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Ready In: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Steak Sauce (like A1), divided
  • 1/4 cup Barbecue Sauce
  • 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard (I use Grey Poupon)

Preparations

  • Heat grill to medium-high heat.
  • Toss meat with 2 Tbsp steak sauce and let stand 10 minutes you can also let this marinade overnight)
  • Combine remaining steak sauce, barbecue sauce and mustard.
  • Thread meat onto 8 skewers.
  • Grill 6 minutes or until meat is done, turning after 3 min. and brushing occasionally with barbecue sauce mixture.

Bacon-Ranch Potato Salad

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  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Makes 12 servings (2/3 cup each)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup miracle whip dressing
  • 1/4 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 lb small red potatoes (about 9), cooked, quartered
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled (we like bacon so I add a few slices)
  • 1 stalk celery, sliced
  • 1/2 cup thin red pepper strips
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Preparations

  • Mix dressings and seasonings in large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix lightly.

Berry-Wafer cheesecake Parfait

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese (softened)
  • 1-1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 3.4 oz package vanilla instant pudding
  • 1-1/2 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping, divided
  • 24 vanilla Wafers, cut up (I cut mine in quarters)
  • 1-1/2 cups berries (blueberries and sliced strawberries)

Preparations

  • Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy
  • Gradually beat in milk.
  • Add dry pudding mix and mix well.
  • Whisk in 1 cup Cool whip
  • Layer half each of wafers, berries and pudding mixture in 8 glasses.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Top with remaining cool whip

Sigh…. Now,  I am hungry!

Have a great weekend!

 

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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

5/5 Outdoor Wednesday # 69

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It’s time for “Outdoor Wednesday”. Learn more about “Outdoor Wednesday” HERE

1. POST your outdoor photos and the Outdoor Wednesday logo/button on your blog and link back to  http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ so that others will be able to find all the links to other Outdoor Wednesday posts.

Reminder: Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

2. Add your Name and the Permalink to your post (NOT your general blog address) in “Mr. Linky”. For help with permalink see HERE

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Rain, Rain, Go Away…Come Again Some Other Day! We have had alot of rain the last few days….so I haven’t been able to get any good pictures for Outdoor Wednesday.

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The Flood Warning continues for the Ocmulgee River near Macon until Friday. We had two to four inches of rain on Monday. Flood stage is 18.0 feet….and the river will continue rising to near 20.5 feet early Tuesday morning.(Don’t worry…we don’t live close to the river!!)

You could see the rain coming….

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Rain even washed away a road!

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And a few trees down on the golf course…

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But the rain also brought a beautiful rainbow!

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Don’t forget to visit other Outdoor Wednesday participants by clicking on their links. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Outdoor Wednesday participants.

HERE ARE THIS WEEK’S PARTICIPANTS:

 

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