A - Z Emotion Challenge : Sneaky ,Surprise

This week's letter for the A - Z Emotion Challenge is the letter "S". There are so many different words I could use to describe the way I feel. Sometimes it is hard to pick a few. That is what I love so much about the English language. Many words to describe ones emotions. 

Last night was the first night in over a week I was able to snuggle with my boyfriend. It always wakes me up with a smile. Some how he manages to make my nightmares disappear. I had a good nights sleep with no nightmares. I slept in this morning.

I went in the kitchen feeling sneaky as I was making my turkey meatballs in the crockpot. As I add broccoli and cheese. Plus, a few other ingredients my family will never have a clue I added. Having a picky family, I must be sneaky to add in veggies to make our meals with a twist. 

I plan on making two different sauces to dip the meatballs in as soon as I am done writing this. Something else my family will never know what is in them. Maybe when I am older and after they have begged for the millionth time on how to make them I will divulged the recipe. What a surprise they will have! I smile knowing I am cooking something good for my family to eat. To them it is comfort food. To me, it is a master piece in the making.

If you are curious about the recipe for the turkey meatballs and sauces to go with it. Make sure you catch my recipe blog by clicking on : HERE

Challenge : Write about your emotions starting with the letter "S".

An InLinkz Link-up

Photos are from Pixabay. Except the one of the dogs snuggling. That photo is mine of my dogs Moose the Chug and Rascal the Chihuahua mix snuggling. It may not be used or reproduced with out written permission.

Fig Bar Review

I was shopping at my local Chief's Supermarket when I came across "Nature's Bakery Fig Bars". I seen the fig bars were on sale 10 / $10. I have never seen these before. I had no idea if what I saw was a good deal or not. I picked up two of each kind and toss them in the cart.

Later, each of my children and myself were able to sample of each fig bar. As I cut each flavor into smaller bite size samples.

My oldest son : I like apple cinnamon best. Only buy that kind.

My teenage son : I prefer raspberry.

My teenage daughter : Mom, can you buy more of these. They only have 10 grams of sugar?

My 1 yr old grandson : Num Num (means he wants more.)

I tried each kind and enjoyed each flavor. Each bar had the right amount flavor. Even the plain fig flavor was not overwhelming like some brands offer.

I would buy these again.

Rate on scale from 1 to 5. 5 being the highest. I rate these fig bars a 5. As none of my kids complained.

Note : The opinions on this blog are purely mine and my families. I was not paid or compensated with free products for my review.

WW : Foreworks Show

I decided to share some shots I was able to get with my smartphone during the Fireworks show that lasted about 19 minutes in my area. It was short, not the best, but not the worst I have ever seen. My teenagers and myself watched the fireworks from the local mall parking lot. We open the hatch of the van I borrowed from a friend. It was a nice to spend the time with my kids. At least I was not truly alone in a group of people.

This post has linked up with "Noner Says" Wordless Wednesday. If you have a wordless Wednesday, please stop on over and link up too.

Wordless Wednesday is creating a post with no or as little of words as possible with many pictures.

Photos ©rusty2rusty. Do not use without written consent.

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL!

Forget your cares and step back in time to this 30-acre re-created 16th Century English village and enjoy over 400 years of fun in a single day! The festival offers something for everyone featuring nearly 100 shows daily on 11 stages, over 135 unique arts and crafts shops, hearty food and drink, games of skill and human-powered rides to amuse all ages.

Over 150 costumed characters welcome you to the village! Rub elbows with Royalty as you cheer your favorite knight to victory in the thrilling Full-armored Tournament Joust. Welcoming you to a festive day in the village are dueling swordsmen, rowdy pirates, nobles, peasants, and daring jugglers. The sprawling landscape is dotted with hundreds of unique shops in the Medieval Marketplace featuring many one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items. See time-honored crafts of glassblowing, stone carving, black smithing, leather tooling, boot making, and more demonstrated. The air is filled with the scents and smells of the foods of the Renaissance period. Feast like Royalty on juicy, giant roasted turkey legs, fresh baked bread bowls overflowing with soups and stews, fish 'n chips, steak-on-a-stake, succulent roasted corn on the cob and a wide variety of the finest ales and wines. There's something for everyone's taste buds! 

Visitors of all ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Try your hand at archery and see if you're a modern-day Robin Hood, or climb the castle tower and rescue the lovely damsel in distress.

Ohio Renaissance Festival Discounts - Get $4 off Adult (ages 13+) and $2 off Child (ages 5-12) tickets by using promo code "family" when purchasing discount tickets on our secure web site at www.renfestival.com. Tickets good any day of the 2015 season (Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Sept 5 - Oct 25). Online discount only. Not valid with any other offers.

http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11996&dealid=1936 @usfg

Photos and text from usfamilyguide.com
This is a promotion where I may or may not get compensation. 

Bald Eagles

Sunday evening on the way home from my dad's. Where my grandsons first birthday was held. I drove past the local "Power dam". I noticed a Bald Eagle flying. I pointed it out to my teenagers. However, the bald Eagle disappeared behind some trees before they could see it. As we were driving through a series of sharp curves.

I am lucky I live in an area where two major rivers meet. Where several Bald Eagles scout for food. It will give my teenagers an opportunity again to see a Bald Eagle in flight. Bald eagles are slowly coming back to our area. Thanks to the rebound in their populations. Where DDT almost wiped the entire population out.

Bald eagles can be found through Canada, the United States, Northern Mexico and a few other places. Their territory is growing.
Bald eagles can be found where lots of water, food and old & live trees to make nests in. The older the tree, the taller it is for a better view of the area. They are the only eagle found along the sea line. They like to nest where there is little human disturbance. However, there has been multiple sightings of eagles along the "Independence Dam" where visitors go to fish, view the local wildlife, picnics, and hiking.

The Bald Eagle is important to the United States of America. As it is the national bird and animal. It appears on the SEAL.

Eagles are able to reproduce around the age of four or five years old. When they mate, they mate for life. However it a mate dies. They will find another mate. Bald Eagles tend to go back to where they were born to reproduce.  Life span on a wild Bald Eagle is 20 years. The longest lives in captivity is 38 years. One has been known to live for 50 years in captivity.

Have you had the opportunity to see a Bald Eagle in the wild?

Photos courtesy of Pixabay.com 

ABC Emotion Challenge : Ruthless, redeeming

It is of no surprise that I am related to some very ruthless people. Still married to the man who disabled me. I have stated many things that has happened in my past that has affected me by these ruthless people. It seems to never end. My own mother, siblings and their friends and significant other, and estranged husband.


However, I am one step ahead in their ruthless pursuit to hurt my family or myself. How is that you ask? I do not fall for their tricks. I am aware they will try anything to get their way no matter who they hurt to get it.

I have Jesus on my side. He has uplifted my spirit enough for me to fight against these ruthless assaults. Helping me along the way. Jesus has found my redeeming qualities to help fight the onslaught of those who negatively affect me.

I pray every night on the issues that are bothering me. The assaults, drama, and lies. Jesus helps me see past all the crap. Jesus helps me to know the words that hurt so much are only lies. Jesus helps me see. So, my family and I do not fall victim once again.

You see, Jesus loves me and my family enough to protect us from those who are weak and seek drama to hurt others. No longer do I fear when I hear the lies spewing from their lips. No longer am I held down within their grasps to be psychically tormented.

The journey I have been through is not easy. Nor is it over. As the ruthless people come up with new ways to create and stir up drama, tell lies, and ways to hurt others. Funny how months later they claim they were drunk and it was all a joke. Since when is hurting someone, slandering their name, or trying to ruin their business or involve someone who has disabled them a joke? To me it isn't funny.

I have forgiven those ruthless people time and time again. As that is what Jesus has wanted. Jesus has taught me I do not need people like that in my life. Even if they are family. As my children and my life are worth more than that. He helped build up my confidence to fight the evil.

My life is better without ruthless people in my every day life. Separating from them was hard. However, it was one of the best things I could ever do for my children and myself.

I will continue to pray for those who prey on others weakness and kindness. I pray one day they to will be redeemed and have their spirit lifted by Jesus.

I found the verses Psalm 54 : 1 - 7 and Samuel 23: 1- 6 to be of comfort in my trouble times.

An InLinkz Link-up

BBQ Chicken in the Crockpot

I love to use my crockpot in the summer time beat the summer heat. As I dislike heating my house up to a sauna. It affects my health and makes me feel horrible when I heat up. 

I have several different recipes where I make chicken in the crockpot. I make simple easy ones when I don't have time. Where I add the chicken and pour a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. Than let the crockpot do its work by placing it on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7 - 8 hours.

Or I will start cooking the chicken late at night in the oven when the sun is not longer up and the house doesn't heat up as bad. I cook the chicken half way. Than I add it to the crockpot. I allow the crockpot to finish the cooking. I think the flavors come out more robust doing it this way.

I also create my own BBQ sauces. Which I will add to the crockpot, after adding the chicken. I tend to like adding my meat frozen. As some sauces are thick and will burn before the meat is done. Adding the frozen meat prevents this.

Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce

**********************************

1/2 ketchup

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 paprika

1/2 vinegar

1/2 onion powder

1/2 brown sugar

Mix all ingredients together. Yields about 2 cups.

To try different flavors while creating your own BBQ sauces. All you need to do is switch a few ingredients. 

Such as :

1. To make it sweeter - Add more sugar or honey

2. To make it spicy - Add tobacco sauce, jalapeno peppers, or your favorite kind of spiciness.  

3. For a smokey flavor - Add a drop of two of bottle smoke

Adding different fruits with change your sauce and give an unique flavor.  

Such as :

1. Pineapples

2. Apple or applesauce

3. Cherries (Black cherries work well too)

4. Oranges

5. Blueberries

6. Mangoes

7. Apricots

8. Plums

9. Strawberry 

You can combine them or add only one. The best part you can add the fruit as juice or blend them to a slight liquid state. Some people will have small bits of crushed fruit in their sauces. It is really all about taste and how you prepare it.

What is your favorite tasting BBQ sauce?

Does Your Dog Have the Small Dog Complex?

I am currently watching a friends dog, as they are out of town. I have watched him in the past. His name is "Willie". He is my Chihuahua mixes older half brother. I have come to realize "Willie" has the small dog complex. Which is also known as the "Napoleon Complex". Have you heard of it? 

The small dog complex is caused from two things. Either lack of training on the owner's part. Or it has been spoiled rotten. Fixing the issue may not be easy. Think of a young child with lack of guidance and allowed to run free. Or one that has been spoiled. After awhile you no longer find them cute but annoying. Same as with a small dog. A small dog complex is annoying. I avoid going to friend's home who has dogs who think they can rule a human.

I was forewarned by Willie's human parents of some of his issues. Such as, he will sniff bigger dogs. When they try to do it to him. He starts growling and gets defensive. He has taken this stance with my Chug "Moose". Now when Moose will walk past Willie's crate or near him. Willie will growl, snarl and try to attack Moose. Willie plays fine with Rascal.

To remedy this. I have a gate where I keep the two separated while in the house. Willie would try to go after Moose through the gate. To remedy this, I rolled up a newspaper. Just rolling it up made Willie settle down. As his owners use the newspaper to smack their hand to give a sound Willie to listen. I also allow both dogs outside at different times.

Willie doesn't listen to stop, sit or other short commands from me. I have started using treats to get him to do the things I want. He is eagerly learning. If he refuses, no treat. I think it helps that he sees both my dogs doing what they are told to get a treat.

Many dogs get the complex because when they are puppies. The owners think bad behavior is cute. They do not correct it like they should. Some owners don't realize the bad behavior is actually bad behavior. Until it is out of control and they do not know what to do.

Such as excessive barking, nipping when the owner leaves, getting possessive over one person, tearing things up, pulling on a leash, bullies other pets, jumping on people, unprovoked signs of aggression, lack of coping or social skills, insist on being carried, doesn't respect boundaries, or wary of children and strangers. All these behaviors can be corrected with the proper training and patience.

Remember you are the boss of your dog. You're the master. It is not the other way around. Dogs are programmed to follow the pack leader. If you do not exhibit being a pack leader. You're dog will become pack leader and try to control you. Once the dog knows you are alpha. You will have a happier dog. If you have trained a dog, you will understand what I mean. A dog is eager to please its master. Once you do this, you will have a friend for life.

There are many resources online to learn how to train or correct bad pet behaviors. You can go to a website, or download an e-book. Another way is to hire a dog trainer to teach your pet commands.

 

These are Amazon affiliate links which I will earn something if you order.

I have linked up with :

An InLinkz Link-up

Are You Following Rusty2rusty's Chatter on Facebook?

I have been trying to revamp my blogs. I think they look plain. As I am a beginner blogger. I know I need to add a photo that goes with my blogs in the header. A beautiful picture or banner always draws in more views. Or at least keeps people coming back for more. I have yet to decide how I am going to do all of them yet. As I do have several blogs.

Recently, I added a button making it easier for those who wish to follow my Facebook page. Where I share all my blog posts from each of my blogs. Plus, blogs of other people I find interesting. As I would like to gain more followers on my page. Plus, get more feedback. As my blogs grow.

I thought of adding a page on each of blogs that says follow me. Where all my widgets or button to follow me will be displayed. I am not sure if people would use it. Or I should keep the follow me buttons and widgets where they are.
Which do you think will work better for my blogs? If you look to the right side of my blog. You will see a list of all the blogs I write on.

Do you think any of my blogs load to slow? What are some ideas on what I can do to make my blog look stunning? Am I missing an important button or widget? What do you like to see on blogs?





Challenge : Write about sharing Facebook, Blogs, or how to help a blog become successful.

WW #8 : Dogs

Even dogs showed up to the "Art in the park".

Waiting patiently, look towards the vendors wondering what those yummy smells are coming from. 

This dog was left out on a chain / lead. The dog stood by and watched all the action going on. Never barked or made a sound.

This blog has joined up with "Noner says" Wordless Wednesday Link up. If you have a Wordless Wednesday blog post. Please stop on by and link up.