10 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Traveling

Great article provided by Houzz if you’re traveling this Holiday Season…or anytime you’re going to be away from home for that matter.

 

 

Leaving for the holidays? Even if your trip prep list is a mile long, taking the time to go through a few extra steps to ensure that your house is well cared for can bring a lot of peace of mind. Installing a home security system may be the first thing you think of, but there are plenty of smaller steps you can take that are just as (or even more) effective in deterring theft.
Here are 10 things you can do to make sure that your home is safe and sound, and you can enjoy your trip without worry.

 

10 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You're Traveling

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

 

 

 

1. Tell neighbors you'll be away. Even if you rarely speak with your neighbors, it is important to give them a heads-up when you are leaving town for a week or more. If you have a good relationship with a neighbor, consider leaving a copy of your key in case of emergency — or at least your contact info while you're away and the phone number of someone locally who has a key.
Think twice, however, before sharing specific details about your trip on social media or through a blog. I know plenty of people do, and nothing comes of it, but file this under "Better safe than sorry."

2. Use light timers and motion sensors. Giving the impression that your home is occupied is one of the surest ways to deter theft. Pick up a basic light timer at the hardware store and program your interior lights to flick on for several hours each evening — you can even set the TV to turn on as well.
If you don't already have motion-sensitive lights outdoors (front, back and side), consider installing them before you leave. If you already have them, make sure the bulbs work before you go.

3. Hire a pet sitter or house sitter. Even better than creating the appearance of someone staying in the house is someone actually staying in the house. Hiring a pet sitter to stop by once or twice each day is a smart choice. Not only will your pet be happier at home than in a kennel, but your house will be looked after as well — most pet sitters will gladly bring in the mail and water a few plants.
No pets? Consider doing a swap with a friend or family member in the area — he or she watches your house this time, and you return the favor later on. Or hire a professional house sitter.

4. Lock up. It sounds almost too simple to mention. But really, it's all too easy to forget to latch all of those less frequently used windows and doors in the rush to catch a plane. Write a big note and stick it near your car keys as a reminder to do a thorough lockup before leaving.

5. Secure sliding glass. Sliding glass windows and doors require special care to be really secure. Luckily the fix is a simple one; just cut a wooden pole or thick dowel to fit in the groove of the tracks when the door is shut, and lay it in before you leave. This won't stop someone from shattering the glass, but it will make your home a less desirable target.

6. Keep up the appearance of routines. If you will be away for more than a week, see if one of your neighbors can bring your garbage and recycling bins out for you and back in the next day.
Also, don't let mail pile up on the porch; have the postal service hold your mail for up to 30 days instead. You can fill out the form online here, so you don't even need to step foot in the post office during this busy time. Likewise for newspapers — contact your newspaper carrier to suspend service while you are away.

7. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed for visibility. Make it more difficult for someone to break in unnoticed by keeping trees and hedges trimmed back. Ideally, all windows and doors should be visible, with little room for a person to duck down and hide.

8. Keep that snow or lawn service coming. Not only will it be a relief to come home to a neatly shoveled path and tidy yard, but maintaining a normal level of care will help give your house a lived-in look while you are gone.

9. Move valuables away from windows. You may want to leave a few shades open, since it can look rather odd to see a house all closed up if that is not your norm. However, do be aware of what is visible from those open shades when someone is peering in from the outside. Laptops, flat-screen TVs and other pricey gear within reach of a window make an easy mark for a smash-and-grab-type burglar.

10. Ask someone to check in every now and then. If you don't have a house sitter (or especially conscientious neighbors), ask someone you know to at least drive by every now and again to make sure everything is OK. Give this friend a key so he or she can toss any packages or flyers from your porch inside the door. Remember, even if you have the postal service hold your mail, you may still receive packages from other carriers.
And if you live in a cold area, it is wise to have a friend come by to flush toilets and run the faucets every now and again to check for and prevent freezing pipes.

Pinterest Christmas Queen

Tis the season and Yes, I admit it I am addicted to Pinterest. Some of you may not have heard of this social media site, but it is well worth looking into. It’s filled with millions of pictures and information. I find it very peaceful and relaxing to just scroll through all the different pictures and subjects that I enjoy. It is certainly different than Facebook where you never know what you say may be attacked or you may be targeted by certain people. I think you will find it a pleasant difference.

You are invited to follow any of my boards anytime. Let me know if you see something worthwhile. I love sharing websites this way. So if you have not discovered Pinterest, Now is a good time.

Follow me on Pinterest!

 

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.

 
Cherry Mistmas !

Browse Inside The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by Mary Engelbreit

Browse Inside The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by Mary Engelbreit

Every child deserves to have this classic on their bookshelf. Click on the link above to take a peek inside and see the beautiful illustrations that only Mary Engelbreit can do.

The Perfect Gift

Christmas Decorations

Never to early to start thinking of Christmas 2012

More PowerPoint presentations from Nubia

Peppermint Bark Recipe’s like William Sonoma

As another blogger posted, things can get pretty ‘K-razy’ at a Willams-Sonoma store during the holidays.  ‘Mostly because that’s the time of the year this gourmet foodie shop rolls out their delicious peppermint bark. It can be total mayhem if you attempt to shop around while the staff hands out generous samples of the signature holiday treat as customers clammer and fall over each other just to snag a free bite. No, we’re not kidding.’

Before you head down to grab a batch of your own for the 2011 bargain price of only $26.95 or 2 for $46, be aware that it isn’t unusual for the peppermint bark to be completely sold out, seeing as it is always one of Willams-Sonoma's “Top 20 Favorite Gifts”.

In order to avoid the fuss I found 5 recipes that claim to be just like Williams Sonoma’s famous Peppermint Bark. Some folks even claim their recipe is better. Personally I haven’t tried them but I’m willing to see which one comes closest. 

FYI – almost all the recipes suggest using the finest ingredients to make this fab recipe turn out just right! Please click on each recipes link if you want to visit the individual websites. My daughter sent me the 1st recipe so unfortunately I don’t have the url. I always try my best to give credit where credit is due.

1st Recipe * What You Need:

(this recipe makes 1.5 pounds of the holiday treat)

• 12 oz. white chocolate
• 30 red-and-white candy canes (crushed)
• 12 oz. dark chocolate 1 cup whipping cream 1 tsp. peppermint extract

How the Magic Happens:

Step 1: Combine dark chocolate, whipping cream, and peppermint extract together in a bowl. Set over sauce pan of barely boiling water until chocolate is smooth and melted.

Step 2: Pour chocolate onto foil and spread evenly over the surface. Sprinkle crushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Place in the refrigerator to chill.

Step 3: Repeat step 1 with the white chocolate.

Step 4: Pour white chocolate over the dark chocolate peppermint layer and top with more peppermints. Refrigerate for at least 25 minutes.

2nd Recipe * Peppermint Bark Recipe like William Sonoma

 

Peppermint Bark Recipe

Rita’s clone of white chocolate Peppermint Bark recipe is like Williams Sonoma's. William Sonoma is a gourmet food and cookware store found in many malls. Their peppermint bark is admittedly delicious - but this one may be even better.

Use the best chocolate you can buy, and you’ll give Williams Sonoma some stiff competition! 

Be sure and use the best quality white and semi-sweet, Belgian or bittersweet chocolate for this recipe.

New! Tips for the perfect peppermint bark below!

Peppermint Bark

12 oz. chocolate chips
1 pound white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup peppermint candy, crushed

Preheat oven to 250. Line a 9x13 pan with foil, letting it hang over the sides. Spray foil. Pour the chocolate chips in an even layer on the foil. Place in oven for 5 minutes or until almost melted. Remove from oven, smooth with an offset spatula or knife. Place in refrigerator until cold and firm, about 20 minutes.

Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water (don’t let bottom of bowl touch water), until chocolate is almost melted. You can use your microwave for this if you’re brave! Remove bowl from water and stir until completely melted, stirring in extract. Let cool a little bit so it doesn’t melt the chocolate layer when you pour it on top. Pour this over chocolate layer, and, working quickly, spread to cover. Sprinkle with crushed candy.

Chill until both layers are firm. Lift foil out of pan and shake off excess candy. Trim edges. Cut into 2” wide strips. Peel bark from foil and cut each strip as desired. Chill in covered container. Makes about 2 pounds.

Tips from Rita's Kitchen for Perfect Bark:

1. Don't make the layers too thin as this can cause the layers to separate.
2. Take the bottom layer out of the frig a few minutes prior to spreading the top layer. Sometimes if the bottom is too cold, the top will set but may not bond completely with the bottom. 
3. If there's condensation on the bottom when you remove it from the frig, sometimes this prevents the top from sticking to it, as well.
4. I use white chocolate chips that contain cocoa butter, which are good quality chips. Read the label as the kind of white chocolate you use may affect the bonding.  I also use a good quality (Kroger brand) semisweet chocolate chips - again, read labels - the label should say they are real chocolate, not "chocolate flavored".  I have used the white and chocolate  flavored "barks"  that are sold in blocks with success when I make a one layer bark.  For multiple layer barks, I like to use real chocolate.
5. Let the bark sit out a few minutes before you try to cut or break it apart.

Click here to learn more about Rita Heienfield - ©2006-2010 Rita Heikenfeld and AboutEating.com

3rd Recipe * Help me make the yummiest peppermint bark!

The claim that it's very close to the Williams-Sonoma bark is pretty accurate. I buy Ghirardelli white and bittersweet chocolate in chunks at Trader Joe's, although the Ghirardelli chips are fine, easier to find, and slightly easier to melt (no chopping required). And I found peppermint oil at a baking supply store; I think it was $3 at most. It's a lot more flavorful than extract, which is why you use less. I also use more candy cane than is called for, and sprinkle some on top of the poured bark.

Peppermint Bark

• 1 lb. (500 g) chopped bittersweet chocolate
• 8 drops peppermint oil - Try aromatherapy peppermint oil available at health food stores. It tastes much better than peppermint extract.
• 1 lb. (500 g) chopped white chocolate
• ¾ cup (175 ml) chopped candy canes (smash 'em in a Ziploc works) (note: 1 box of 12 canes is enough)

Line an 11x17 baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. Adjust amounts for different sized cookie sheets. Set aside.

Melt bittersweet chocolate in a heavy pot on low heat, stirring constantly.

Stir in four drops peppermint oil or more to taste.

Spread chocolate evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet. Chill until set, about 1 hour.

Melt white chocolate in a heavy pot on low heat, stirring constantly. Stir in remaining four drops of peppermint oil, then add candy canes.

Quickly spread white chocolate mixture over chilled dark chocolate, spreading to the edge of the pan. (note: It's best if bottom layer is very cold; it melts very quickly.)

Chill until set, about four hours or overnight. Break into pieces. Will keep in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.

4th Recipe * Peppermint Bark - Like Williams Sonoma

Peppermint Bark

12 oz. chocolate chips
1 pound white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup peppermint candy, crushed

Preheat oven to 250. Line a 9x13 pan with foil, letting it hang over the sides. Spray foil. Pour the chocolate chips in an even layer on the foil. Place in oven for 5 minutes or until almost melted. Remove from oven, smooth with an offset spatula or knife. Place in refrigerator until cold and firm, about 20 minutes.

Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water (don’t let bottom of bowl touch water), until chocolate is almost melted. You can use your microwave for this if you’re brave! Remove bowl from water and stir until completely melted, stirring in extract. Let cool a little bit so it doesn’t melt the chocolate layer when you pour it on top. Pour this over chocolate layer, and, working quickly, spread to cover. Sprinkle with crushed candy.

Chill until both layers are firm. Lift foil out of pan and shake off excess candy. Trim edges. Cut into 2” wide strips. Peel bark from foil and cut each strip as desired. Chill in covered container. Makes about 2 pounds.

Note, I typically double the recipe and use a cookie sheet instead.

5th Recipe * Peppermint Bark Recipe from userealbutter.com

(I can’t wait to try this one…perhaps because I’m a sucker for pictures! – visit userealbutter.com to view other crafts and recipes)

Peppermint Bark

1 lb. dark chocolate, chopped
1 lb. white chocolate, chopped
12 peppermint candy canes, crushed (about 1 cup)

Melt the dark chocolate and pour onto a jelly roll pan lined with aluminum foil or a silpat. Spread evenly to desired thickness. Place in refrigerator to harden. Sift peppermint candy to separate the large chunks from the peppermint sand. Melt the white chocolate. When cooled, fold the peppermint sand into the white chocolate taking care not to over mix (and getting pink chocolate instead). Remove dark chocolate from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate on top. Sprinkle the peppermint chunks evenly over the white chocolate and gently press the pieces into the layer. Refrigerate until hardened. Break the bark into pieces.

Candy Canes for Smashing

Sifting Smashed Bits

Peppermint bark is actually very easy to make. The reason I hate making it is because I always try to temper the chocolate only to realize after the fact that it isn’t tempered and it doesn’t matter. Instead of smashing the peppermint candy canes or peppermint starlight candies, I suggest using a food processor. I’ve tried smashing them in Ziploc bags with hammers or rolling pins, only to put dents in tables, counter tops, rolling pins, and silpats. Once the peppermint is crushed, I sift the powdery bits out from the larger pieces.

Spread Melted Dark Chocolate

Chopped White Chocolate

I used Guittard semi-sweet chocolate chips. They are my favorite chocolate chips. For peppermint bark, I don’t tend to use the best chocolate I have in my cupboard. Valrhona and Callebaut are saved for things like truffles, flourless chocolate cake, or chocolate soufflé. For the white chocolate, I had some compound Ghirardelli on hand. I am not fond of white chocolate, but of the few I’ve worked with and tasted, I like Callebaut the best.

Stirring in the Pulverized Candy Cane Dust

Layer the White Chocolate Mixture

After spreading a nice and even layer of melted dark chocolate on a silpat, I placed it in the refrigerator because I’m impatient. I then stirred the candy cane dust/sand into the melted (and cooled) white chocolate. If you stir too much, the whole thing turns pink, so a few folds should be good. Mine still turned pinkish. I suppose you could stir it into the dark chocolate, but because I hate white chocolate, the sandy bits make it more tolerable to me. I then poured and spread the mixture over the cooled dark chocolate and sprinkled the peppermint chunks over the white chocolate layer.

Almost Done

It helps to press the candy chunks into the white chocolate so that the peppermint bark doesn’t shed candy as much. Let the bark cool completely before breaking or else it won’t break cleanly. Also, I recommend wearing a glove with plastic over it when breaking up the pieces so that 1) your body heat doesn’t melt the chocolate and 2) you don’t leave your finger prints on the chocolate.

Distribute

Click the link below to see a video on how to ‘temper’ chocolate.

http://video.about.com/candy/How-to-Temper-Chocolate.htm

Happy Baking!

 

The Tennessee Ernie Ford Christmas Show

Many in "the younger generations" have no clue who Tennessee Ernie Ford was.  But we do, right? 
Watch as Ernie’s son Brian steels the show (aired Christmas 1957). Also watch Ernie as he tries his best not to laugh during the song!  Be sure to watch to the very end! It's sure to bring a smile to your face.
Most of us have forgotten what a wonderful voice he had, and, most of us have forgotten  when most television was live, in black and white, and wholesome, and if something happened, you saw it, live!   

1957 Christmas Show

Here’s another one you may enjoy. This one probably aired the year before.

Brian Ford singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer on his Dad’s show

Enjoy!

Christmas Trees "Round the World"

Before the ball drops in Times Square, the Big Apple turns on its holiday charm with the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, DC is decorated with ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. school children. Encircling evergreens in the Pathway of Peace represent the U.S. states. 

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy’s Umbria region.  Composed of about lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire the tree"is a modern marvel for an ancient city.

A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo’s night time neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the Manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic.

Venice's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree in the world.Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese,the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan, 7. For weeks beforehand,

the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden.

He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir. 

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than feet tall can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.  Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

"Oh Christmas tree,oh Christmas tree; Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany’s

Karwendel mountains,a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental,baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

In addition to the Vatican’s heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid’s two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec a lucky citizen will win El Gordo the fat one the world's biggest lottery.

A token of gratitude for Britain’s aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London’s Trafalgar Square

has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947. 

Drink a glass of wine from the holiday market at the Romer?

It’s Frankfurt's city hall since and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

Against a backdrop of tall shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

Old George…A Christmas Story

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through. Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up.

"Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, "Stew, made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away. "But Mister, please help."

The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new tires." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on. "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me." George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease. "Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio. He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area." George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you."

George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time you’re gonna be right as rain." George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt." The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pee shooter away." George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week ..." George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer. "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man. Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran." George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work here?" the cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?" Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems." George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy someday." The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you." "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good." "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?" "Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George." "You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor. The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself." "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again." The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "You see, George .... It’s My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord."

~ author unknown ~

No matter what you believe in…this story is about hope and love. Please let the beauty of the message live on, not just during the holiday season, but 24/7, all year, every year!

Angel Decoy

Shown below are photos of an Air Force C-130 releasing flares to repel heat seeking Missiles. The pattern formed by these "decoys" are how they got their name . . Angel Decoy . . It's awesome!  PRETTY NEAT, HUH?!

A Wooden Bowl When I Grow Old?

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult.

Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess "We must do something about Grandfather,"

said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I'm making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future.

Let's be wise builders and role models. Lord, we ask not that you move

the mountains, but that You give us the strength to climb. "Life is

about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference"

Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, and everyday!

People will forget what you said ... people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

A Child's Angel

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born.

So one day, he asked God,

 

"They tell me you are sending me to earth

tomorrow but how am I going
to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Among the many Angels, I have chosen

one especially for you. She will be waiting for
you and will take good care of you."

"But tell me, here in Heaven all it takes

for me to be happy is to sing and smile.

Who will teach me to sing?"

"Your Angel will sing for you and will smile

for you every day and you will feel

your Angel's love and be happy."

"And how am I going to be able to understand

when people talk to me if I
don't know the language men talk?"

"Your Angel will tell you the most beautiful

and sweet words you will ever hear,

and with much patience and care,

your Angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do

when I want to talk to you?"

"Your Angel will place your hands together

and teach you how to pray."

"I have heard that on earth,

sometimes bad things happen,

Who will protect me?"

"Your Angel will talk to you about me

and will teach you the way for you

to come back to me,

but always remember, my child,

even though you cannot see me

I am always with you,"

At that moment there was much peace

in Heaven, but anxious voices from

earth could already be heard,

and the child, in a hurry, asked softly,

 

"Oh God, if I am about to leave now,

please tell me my Angel's name."

"Your Angel's name is of no importance.

You will call your Angel,
'Mommy'."