What Do You Like On Your Subs?

Yesterday, I over did it by clearing out the shed in the backyard. My oldest son came out and started helping. He grabbed the boxes and containers out of the shed for me to go through. What I did not want to keep, I placed in a pile for my teen son and daughter to put out by the trash cans. 

As once a month in my area, is big pick up. Or some call bulk pick up. Where you can place the bigger items you can't put out for regular trash once a month. Regular trash calls for 4 trash bags, recycling and boxes that have been broke down. Anything other than that, you must wait to big / bulk pickup day. Unless you haul it to the dump yourself.

I like to go to storage auctions. What I don't keep or sell. I tend to take to a thrift shop, give away, or it gets placed in big / bulk pick up. In my neighborhood we have Junkers. Junkers are the people willing to go from trash pile to trash pile picking up useable items to sell. Or metals to cash in for money. 

I over did it with all the moving, hauling, sweeping and sorting I was doing yesterday. By time I sat down. My boyfriend and oldest son started to burn the tree limbs of the tree that was growing through the fence. All of a sudden I was left out back by myself while they bolted.

My boyfriend got called out to help a friend. My son decided he wanted to watch the basketball on cable. Since, he currently doesn't have cable. I stayed out there as long as I could till the fire was getting low. My daughter went out back to the embers were red but fire was no longer burning.

All this work caused me to over do it. My arthritis and GERD is kicking in big time. I wasn't able to lay down til it started getting light. I decided today I was not going to cook at ll. For dinner, I ordered subs from Marco's. My boyfriend and daughter ordered the steak and cheese sub. 

Mine was a little different. I ordered a pizza sub on wheat bread. With pepperoni, pineapple, spinach, green olives and feta cheese. What made it different. I ordered it without sauce. As I am allergic to tomatoes. I decided not to add mushrooms. As this place uses mushrooms from a can. Not fresh ones. To me they taste awful and rubbery on a sub or pizza.

What do you like on your subs?

Kit Kat The Feline

Kit Kat on my daughter's lap.

My family has a new addition. It is Kit Kat the feline. If you are connected to my personal account on facebook, you may have heard about her already.

I don't where she came from. I do know my boyfriend mentioned a kitten showing up at his work for about  a month straight. A couple of times when he went to get in his car, the kitten was sitting inside. I told my boyfriend if it is that little, to catch it. Bring the kitten home. We will see if it gets along with the dogs. If so, we will keep it. If not, we will find a home for it.

We have had Kit Kat for a couple of weeks now. She is my teen daughter's responsibility. My boyfriend and I do remind her to feed her and change the litter box.

Things I have come to realize about Kit Kat. She is a girl. She gets along with people. She tolerates the dogs. She will ignore them. She liked to be in laps and be held. She is partial to women. She pays no mind to my soon to be 2 year old grandson hugging on her. She likes to play. A couple of friends and I think she is between 4 and 6 months old.

My daughter could not think of a name for Kit Kat. I called out a few names til she responded. She responded to Kit Kat. So, the name stuck.

Moose the Chug pays her no mind. Rascal the Chihuahua wirehaired terrier mix, tries to be dominate. However, he also tries to play with Kit Kat.

She can be walking by the couch as Rascal sits on my lap. Rascal swats at her tail. You should've seen the surprise on his face when he realize there was a cat on the end of that tail. He quickly backed off.

Now, I have not had a cat in a very long time. What are some popular toys? Ot treats that would go over well with Kit Kat? I spoil my dogs with toys and treats. I wish to do the same with Kit Kat.

5 Ways To Promote Other Bloggers Without Losing Focus

Photo from Pixabay, a free use photo website.

When it comes to being successful in blogging. You need to be able to read other member's blogs, leave comments and help promote others by sharing on social media. You can't expect to write, share on social media and that is it. That is not how it works. You need to decide if you want to write for yourself or an audience.  You need to draw an audience from other sources. 

One of the questions people ask is,"How do I keep my social networks from losing their focus, at the same time help to promote others?"

There are several ways to do this :

1. Create a Facebook page - You can create a Facebook page for your brand. Where you can share all your writings. Plus, share those who share the same niche.

2. Create a Facebook page for the purpose of sharing and promoting others - I remember when I first started blogging. I created a Facebook page and shared my writings and those of others. I was asked point blank by a successful blogger why I was sharing other people's stuff on my page. She pointed out my page lost focus. That if I wanted to share other people's stuff. I needed to create a page to reflect that.  Which is something I have done in the past couple of month's. It is called "Helping To promote Bloggers / Writers".

3. Join Pinterest  - You can create different niche boards. I suggest creating one to promote the blogs and writings of others. That way you don't need to create 20 million boards that may never be used again. I created a board called "Promote Your Blogs Some More". Where I can share the work of all the blogs I read or want to promote. I also allow other collaborates to add their posts as well.

4. Join Twitter -  This social media site is awesome for sharing your links and those of others. I tend to follow all those who follow me. It is easy to find others with your niche to connect to as well.

5. Join Facebook groups - Join Facebook groups that are related to your niche that you can promote your blogs or writings in. I have one small Facebook group called "Blogging Friends". The group is for bloggers and writers to come together to share their works and others. My main rule is you can share as many writing or blogging links as you want. However, you must share one of someone else's (your choice of which one) on social media. Many members are great at reading, commenting and sharing more than one.

3 Quick Meals When Your In A Hurry

 

Today was my teens last day of school before be let out for the summer. In the summer with the heat rising and air conditioner running. I tend to find meals I can find that are quick to make when I am in a hurry.

My boyfriend also works as a tow truck driver. He is on call. He can be called out at any amount of time. So, quick meals are a must. I have seen him get home from a run to sit down, in five minutes he has to get up and go. As he was called out for another run.

Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe
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2 cup of broccoli (chopped)
1 cup of red bell pepper (cut in julienne)
2 cup of chicken (cubed)
4 cups of your favorite pasta
3 1/2 cups of Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon Olive Oil

Cook pasta per directions. Drain. Set aside. In a pan, add all vegetables and chicken. Add 1 tsp olive oil. Cook til tender. When done. Add in pasta and alfredo sauce. Mix together. Serves 4 to 5. 

Alfredo Spaghetti With Carrots & Peas Recipe
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2 cups of Peas
2 cups of Carrots
1 box of spaghetti
 3 Cups of Alfredo sauce

Cook spaghetti per directions on package. Drain. Set aside. Heat vegetables in a microwave safe bowl covered in water for 5 minutes.
Check to see if tender. If not, add for 3 more minutes.
When done drain vegetables and pour in with cooked spaghetti. Add in  Alfredo sauce. Mix well. Serve 4 to 5.

You can cook this in the crock pot, if you wish to make a head of time.

Vegetable Soup Made With Beef Soup Recipe

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2 cups of Carrots (slices)
2 cups of Green beans (I used french style)
2 cups of cream corn
2 cups of peas

3 cups of beef broth

1/2 teaspoon of ginger

1/2 salt
1/4 black pepper
1/2 cup of celery flakes or 2 cups of celery (diced)
1 cup of onion (diced)

Combine everything in one pot on medium heat. Bring to boil. Done. Serves 6 to 8. 

Tip : If not enough beef broth. Add enough beef broth to cover vegetables before boiling.

**New** Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall

There is a new dog food alert. Please share this message with all your friends and family that may be using the following product : 

Blue Buffalo - Life Protection Formula Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food

The product is being recalled for having to much moisture and the presence of mold.

Customers need to return the product to place of purchase or throw it away. As mold can be toxic and fatal to your dogs.

Any questions or concerns you may have, you may call directly to Blue Buffalo Customer Service at the following number (855) 201-4331. You may call between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM eastern time. Monday through Friday. Excluding major holidays.

Please if you can, pass this information on to other dog owners. Being owned by two dogs myself. I would hate to loose either one because I did not learn about a recall soon enough.

The Death Of Harambe

Recently, a small child fell in to the enclosure of a silverback gorilla at a zoo. The gorilla was shot and killed. As the zookeepers called the gorilla out of the enclosures. The females did leave. However, Harambe, the male did not. 

People are upset about Harambe death. They have every right to be. As we take animals out of the wild or are rescues to be placed in zoos. We are the animals keepers. If we place them in zoos. We must make sure there is no way for a young child to crawl in an enclosure to get near the animals. In this case it didn't happen. We are to protect the animals and give them as close as we can of quality of life or better. As they would be living in the wild. Zoos have really improved over the years. However, this one seem to be missing something.

The male silverback gorilla in the wild doesn't help in the care of the young ones. He does help them with socialization and plays in their games. If their mother leaves the group or dies, the male silverback will look after them. He will allow them to sleep in his nest.

After watching the video it seems to me the gorilla is being gently to the boy. He is taking an interest. However, things could of been much different if the boy would have reacted in a different way. As silverback gorillas will kill young males in their group in the wild if they are disobedient. If this boy would not have listen to the gorilla. He could of easily been hurt or worse killed.

I think the zoo took the right precaution by killing the gorilla with a boy's life at stake. I do find it a real sad moment in our history of zoos.

I also think the parents should've been paying more attention to their child. I do realize the parents had four children. One as recently as January. Which can make things hectic.

I know things happen fast. As I have three children of my own. Plus, a grandson who is quick on his feet. However, in this case it was no accident. The child was not being watched properly by the parents. The child got in an area where nobody should of got to.

In my opinion, the parents should receive the bill for the death and cost of the gorilla. Maybe next time they will pay more attention to their kids. So, it doesn't happen again.

The death of this gorilla was senseless. It would of never of happened if someone would of been watching their kids more closely. 

If you agree, please sign the petition to get Justice for Harambe below : 

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Photos from Pixabay, a free use photo website.

What Is Your Favorite Flavor Of Ice Cream?

Yesterday my family attended a family member's graduation party. It was good to see people I have not seen in a very long time. Such as my father and stepmom. My father never said a word to me til I went up to him when I was leaving to give him a hug, kiss and tell him I loved him. I love him with all my heart but really don't know what to say to him anymore. He isn't into the things I talk about on my blogs. I am going to try again next month. As it will be his 66th birthday. Maybe I can spark up a conversation.

After the graduation my oldest son, his girlfriend and my grandson came to visit. It made me so happy. My grandson headed start for the back door. He loves playing outside at grandmas. He only likes to come in to grab something to eat.

After a while, we all headed to the only ice cream shop still open. I decided to treat everyone to ice cream cones. We each choose a cone that was dipped in chocolate and some kind of candy. Except for my son girlfriend. She chooses an ice cream bowl dipped in chocolate and Oreos. As hot as it was, I think she made a better choice.

The ice cream was melting quicker than I could get photos. This is the ice cream cone I choose. I also ordered soft ice cream. Which I have to say was a mistake. Good thing the ice cream did not go over the top of the cone. It would have been all over.

My daughter picked 'Superman' ice cream. I explained to her that flavor has been around a very long time. As I remember getting when I was a child. She asked what it tastes like. I couldn't remember. I told her to get it and try it out. Thankfully she loved it. It is her new favorite. 

Both of the boys decided to order chocolate of anything he could think of. Can't tell he loves chocolate at all, can you? Lol.

I ended up giving half of the ice cream cone and placing it in a cup. Which I gave to my grandson. He was ecstatic and clapped his hands. He threw his container away when he was done eating without being asked. He is such a smart boy for who will be turning two next month.

Do you like ice cream? What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

6 Fun Facts About Sleeping Dogs

1. Can dogs dream? Just like humans with the slow wave sleep (sws) and rapid eye movement (rem), dreams happen. Paw movement, twitching and such are signs your dog is dreaming, isn't that cool? Makes me wonder what they dream about.

2. Do you know dogs have a special membrane that allows them to see at night or in the dark? It is called the tapetum lucidum. 

3. Why do dogs curl up in a ball? It is an instinct from when dogs were wild. They curl up to stay warm. Plus to protect their vital organs and stomach in case they are attacked in their sleep.

4. Why do dogs circle before they lay? It is instinct from when they are wild. They go in circles to ensure there are no snakes or bugs in the spot they wish to lay down at.

5. Why do dogs sleep in doorways? The dogs are claiming the doorway as theirs. It is a sign of dominance. As dogs see the first person or animal going their a dog way as being dominant.

6. How many hours does your dog normally sleep? Dogs need 10 1/2 hours of sleep. In order to re-energize. Plus growth hormones are released which boost the immune system. sleep aids in the healing and growth of the body.

Wildlife In Your Backyard

Yesterday I wrote about "12 Things To Spruce Up Your Backyard". While sprucing up the backyard. I have came across different wildlife in the yard. I love seeing nature in my own yard.

This big guy is a 'Bullfrog". My boyfriend found him sitting in a parking spot of all places. He ended picking him and putting him in a friends pond. That way the Bullfrog is safe and won't be ran over.

This "Jefferson Salamander" was found under the pallets out back. I had my teen son move them to mow under them. As he was suppose to place  cardboard under them but never did. This area will be a garden next year.

The Jefferson salamander was moved and placed under the shed where it will not be bothered again. They are normally found underground and in damp area.

This little "Grey Tree frog" was found as the centerpieces that use to go to a covered wagon were separated. The Grey Tree frog was in another area peacefully.

This is a "Garden Centipede. It has claws that can be behind its head filled with venom. It uses them in attacks. Thankfully, it scurried away. As quick as it seen us. I would hate to get bit by it.

This is a "Eastern Cottontail Rabbit". It is common in the state where I live. There are several who play in my front yard every morning. One pair of these rabbits can produce  350,000 offspring in five years. If none of the offspring dies off. That's a bunch of rabbits. 

What wildlife have you seen in your backyard?

12 Things To Spruce Up The Yard

Over the weekend, my family was sprucing up the yard. We have a long way to go to get to where I want it. As I want it to be a place where the teenage enjoy, my grandson can play, my dogs can run around, the wildlife can enjoy and be seen at the same time have family and friends over for BBQ's.

The landlord asked if I wanted to buy the house I am living in. It would be rent to own. The rent will be paid teh same way. Only things that change is paper work. This is something I am considering but really not decided yet.

Recently I found out that the rental property extends for another one to two feet. Eventually will extend the chain link fence to reflect that. That will give me plenty of sunny area to add a regular garden. Not under a tree where most things won't grow to lack of sunlight.

In the mean time, I have started sprucing up the yard. Plus, plans for the future :

1. Planted one flower bed out front with flowers and veggies from seeds.

2. Cleared a bunch of brush from a corner area.

3. Cut a tree down that was growing through the chain link fence.

4. Tilled the area up under the tree out back.

5. Gathered pallets to set up a prepare a garden for next year.

6. Have seeds ready to plant.

7. Placed three bushes in the ground. To use as a privacy fence.

8. Buy several elephant ear seeds to plant and use as a privacy coverage.

9. I bought a material that has several pockets to grow herbs or flowers in. Needs to be hung up on the chain link fence.

10. Fixed one bird feeder. Bought another one and hung it up.

11. Bought 8 more bags of mulch to get started on the other two flower beds out front.

12. My boyfriend needs to decide if he can make a front porch out of pallets. If so, the one flower bed will be covered up and not need to be tended. The porch will cover the flower bed and the walk way that gets flooded out. I am pushing for a front porch made out of the pallets.

What are you doing to spruce up your yard or garden?