I Love you Jim Nikolai! :)

Jim and Charlene

I wanted to take the time to write to you and tell you just how much you mean to me and how very much I love you. It is very seldom that I have extra time to think about how wonderful you are, so while I was enjoying the quiet of the morning I thought I should share.

You have amazing qualities that all women look for.

You believe in truth. I feel that you do what is right, not for reward or acknowledgment, but for purpose. You are, as they say, "a stand up kind of guy". I can trust what you say and do because I know that you have strong convictions and your word is binding. Our kids do benefit greatly from you in this regard. You do set a wonderful example for them.

Your humor never ceases to amaze me. I have never met a person so willing to find humor in almost everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!!) I laugh when I'm with you and I smile when I think about you. I miss that when you are not home. You give me a reason to enjoy life everyday and I thank you for that.



Nathan, Hunter, Brittany and Jeromy

 Your endless knowledge. I never thought I would find a man smarter than I that I could stand to be around. LOL!! I learn form you even when you're not trying to teach me. You are always so patient, much, much more patient than I will ever be. This quality makes you invaluable as a father and a friend.
Your unending calm. I find that even when I'm panicking about even the smallest thing, you are there to soothe my fears and worries. You are a great comfort to me. You see the logical side of a problem and know how to explain it to me with out being belittling.

Your faith in my abilities. When I falter in my faith in myself, you're there to help me see the good in me. You're my rock when I really need it. You help me to see how much I can accomplish even when all I can think about is failure. I thank you for that.

Your dignity. You are proud of who you are and what you do. You refuse to lower you own expectations in order to raise the level of what you expect from others. You are proud without being prideful.

Your sensitive nature. You have compassion for all and you are truly affected by injustice and wrong-doing. You will do anything for anyone, listen to me complain, are always the first one to apologize even when it wasn't your fault, and you never let me down.

Your good looks. I find you more attractive now than the first day we met at the lake...oh so many years ago (it's probably that whole beard thing.) I am proud to call you my husband for the reasons stated above and because you're just damn "hot" baby! You have the most beautiful features and that helps to make beautiful babies.

You are a spectacular person, husband and father. I only wish that I could convey how much I love and respect you in a more meaningful way. I don't take for granted that not only am I lucky, but also blessed to have you as my husband and friend. You are my heart, Jim. I want to spend every day of the rest of our lives showing you the love that I have for you. We will look back and be able to see how our relationship has grown and evolved. You make me want to be a better person just being around you.

Love,
Char

Charlene's "Secret" Banana Bread Recipe

1 C Sugar
1 Stick of Butter -room temperature
2 eggs - room temperature
4 REALLY ripe Bananas
2 Medium ripe Bananas
1 2/3- 2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 ENTIRE package of chocolate chips
NO NUTS

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs until blended.  Add your REALLY ripe bananas and mix until it is all liquified.  Add your two ripe bananas in chunks and beat a minute...you WANT small chunks in the batter.   Stir in remaining dry ingredients until moistened.  Add chocolate chips and bake in 2 loaf pans at 350 for about an hour.  Toothpick test works best. 

Italian Sausage Soup

1 lb ground Italian sausage
1½ tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced onion
4-5 strips of cooked bacon chopped in pieces
2 tsp garlic chopped fine
10 cups chicken stock
1-2 carrots, chopped
1-2 stalks celery, chopped
3-5 large potatoes, cubed
¼ of a bunch of kale (we use a full bunch of cilantro in place of Kale, but both are good, just make sure you chop into small pieces ...this can also be ommitted entirely)

Saute onions, celery and carrot, until onion is just turning translucent.  Add sausage, garlic and crushed red pepper and chop up as it is cooking (like you would hamburger for tacos) cook until browned.  Add bacon pieces, chicken stock, Kale (or cilantro) and potatoes.  Simmer until potatoes are tender.   Serves 4-6

Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

1 pkg of burrito sized flour tortillas
2 - 28 oz cans of  Enchilada sauce (I use the Red La Victoria-Mild)
4-5 chicken breasts
Garlic powder
1 pkg (12 oz) Mexican blend shredded cheese
1 lb Mozzerella shredded cheese (reserve 1/2 for top of enchiladas)
Chopped Cilantro

Sprinkle garlic powder over top and bottom of chicken breasts and cook in non-stick skillet until done.  Let cool so you can handle them and cut into long strips like fajitas.

Coat the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish (I prefer glass versus metal) with enchilada sauce about 1/4" deep...so they won't stick.

Enchilada assembly.  Take tortilla and sauce it like a pizza on one size with enchilada sauce.  On one end, add generous amounts of chicken and cheeses and chopped cilantro, roll up and put seam side DOWN in pan.  Repeat making enchiladas until the pan is full. It is best to squish them in the pan.  Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over all of the enchiladas, and sprinkle your reserved mozzerella over the top.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350 for about 45 minutes until heated through and all the cheese is melted. 

Kenosha Merchants U14 at Simmons Field for 2011

Kenosha's Simmons Field (located at 7817 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI) formerly was home to the Midwest League's Kenosha Twins from 1985-1992, but the most famous team to call Kenosha home was the Kenosha Comets of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1943-51. Simmons Field, built in the early 1930s, became home to professional baseball once again with the arrival of the former DuBois County Dragons franchise after the 2002 season.

In 2007, ownership of Simmons Field was transferred from the Kenosha Parks Department to the Kenosha Unified School District. The district has since leased the field to the Kenosha Simmons Baseball Organization (KSBO), a non-profit group working to upgrade and restore the stadium. Initial improvements included a rebuilt infield, which was completed in the fall of 2007, and a new electronic scoreboard behind left field.

Today, Simmons Field continues to be called home by various Kenosha recreational and amateur baseball teams, including the Kenosha Merchants.
Despite its changes through the years, Simmons Field retains its classic feel. The historic grandstand behind home plate looks much like it did during the days of the AAGPBL and still evokes memories of the baseball greats who played in front of it. Indeed, Simmons Field is believed to be the last remaining field in its original configuration from the days of the AAGPBL.

Take a seat in the genuine wood box seats, listen to a train running on the tracks adjacent to right field, and you will feel yourself in an unmistakable old-time baseball atmosphere.

Facts of Life--- A Man's "Role"

Guys, there are so many things that are counter intuitive when it comes to the signals that a woman gives versus what they want, or what you think is the right thing to do versus what the actual right thing to do is. Listed below are a few obvious points, take it or leave it, but you should at least read it once.

When she walks away mad, she isn't looking for space, she wants you to follow. I know, it doesn't make sense, but trust me, that's what she wants.

If she isn't saying anything, ask her what's wrong, and here is the important part, after you ask her, you are now done needing your mouth, just shut up and use your ears the rest of the time.

When she tries to hit you and pushes you acting playfully like she can take you, she wants you to hold her.

Hold doors, pull out chairs, stand up when she arrives and every time she gets up..it's just what you do for a lady, and something you should pass on to your sons too.

You will most likely not remember the most important things she will never forget.

She wants to hear about it, but don't tell her about something you aren't going to do. Nut up or Shut up.

She likes poetry, especially if you write it just for her. Stay away from rhyming words like truck and clock.

She may love you through it all, but she doesn't like excuses, over deliver, she's happy, you're happy.

When she is yelling at you and calling you names, look her in the eyes, tell her you love her, and kiss her like you might never get to again. If she goes back to yelling, you need to brush your teeth more often and work on your kissing.

If she doesn't like something you love, ask questions. But don't use those questions to try and change her mind, use those questions to understand why she feels the way she does. Don't worry, in almost all cases if you just listen and let her know you understand, she will end up liking you enough to like what you like.

When you see her at her worst, let her know she is beautiful. Done sincerely you will win her heart, done sarcastically..well,talk to the hand, no not hers, yours...the one that will act as your girlfriend for at least a week for being an idiot.

When she spends time getting dressed up, be sure you spend time noticing and letting her know how stunning she truly is.

Encourage and support her friendships and her individualism. I know you worry that this beauty you don't think you even deserve will meet someone else during "Girls Night Out". Just know if you sincerely tell her to have a good time without any guilt she is going to miss you when she's out, if you're an ass about it, she will be looking for someone better...and rightfully so.

Sing to her, no matter how bad it sounds, sing her your song.

Don't let a month go by that you don't surprise her with something that is special and meaningful. Not a vacuum or a tool belt, lingerie is great, but not every time, flowers should be a part of the weekly routine anyway, be creative, she will notice and appreciate it in ways you won't understand.

Date night is important, don't be the guy the always gets his hunting, card playing,  drinking with the buddies and fishing in, but never takes the misses out. It just doesn't pay.

If you see she is scared, as silly as it may be to you, don't laugh or make fun of her, just make her feel safe, it is the difference between what a boy would do and what a man does.

Get a calendar, know when that time is coming, know when it is upon you, know how to act accordingly during said times.

If you see her crying, don't speak, just hold her and listen. You might be able to fix a car or program a DVR, but you are not equipped to talk her through something she just needs to cry out. Again, shut up and just listen, it works.

Whatever clothes she takes of yours, let her keep. This means she wants to be close to you when you're not there. Don't wear her clothes though, that's just weird.

When she doubts you, don't argue with her...ever. You will never get out alive.

Chocolate Decadence French Toast

Norma’s is a special occasion restaraunt in New York City-not just because of the prices but also because  I don't think anyone could never eat food this rich every day. Introducing the infamous Chocolate decadence French Toast (they charge $23). They make the French Toast with home made yogurt chocolate cake-it is rich but not overwhelming. It is sliced from a loaf and then made like traditional french toast soaked in an egg wash and fried.  It is served as cake topped with a layer of strawberries, then another slice of cake, then strawberries and then cake. The strawberries are cooked in a little bit of butter and brown sugar and some Grand Marnier. The dish is finished off with some pistachios and a dark chocolate sauce (dark chocolate, doesn’t that make this a healthy choice?). They add some home made whipped cream and an orange chip.
I'm off to figure out a homemade version!!! Hey you only live once!   

Jeromy's Message from Santa

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/Jf5_d_M3CNkliJElCxFwPg

Happy 72nd Birthday Daddy!

On what would be your 72nd Birthday

11/26/1938 - 12/17/2006

Almost four years have passed
but I’ll never forget the day
When the doctor came to tell me
That you’d gone away

The hurt is the same
Like an open wound
There are days
I don’t utter a sound

You were like a rock
Strong, faithful and true
What worth has my life
Now I don’t have you

I was your first born
Daddy’s little girl
I took my own path
But was still part of your world

I was not the best
Guilty of neglect
But you know daddy dearest
I had so much respect

I always loved you
My dad, my star
Now my pain is
To worship you from afar

I love you now
As I did back then
I just hope... one day
I will see you again

I am so proud of you
Brave and strong to the end
Now when asked “how are you?”
There is no need to pretend

Happy 72nd Birthday Dad.

We all love and miss you so much, sleep well
and take care of all who went before you.

Forever in my heart,

 Cissy

Sexy Thanksgiving Story

I saw you across a crowded room. Among all the others that were there, The lights seemed to shine down on you alone. I knew then I had to have you for my own.
Willingly, you came with me to my home. From the car, I carried you & through the door.

Looking at you, I admire your body, your well shaped legs, and breasts. Slowly I remove what wraps around your body so tightly, fitting you like a glove. Exposing your tender white skin.

From your neck I remove your charms, and carry you off in my arms, to the warm water that awaits.

The water cascades down your neck, flowing over your soft breasts then, making your legs glisten with wetness. Droplets of water cover your taut skin.

My hands rub your body, ummmm running them threw the beads of water. Making them trickle down off your body.

I place my fingers inside you. You are warm and moist, so ready. I carry your still dripping body, to a laying place, so that I can put inside you what was well prepared to enter you before we even came through the door.

As soon as I lay you down your legs spread open wide. You are ready now and so am I.

I put a little in slowly at first, getting a feel for how much you can take in.

I put in more, you take it willingly. In anticipation, faster and faster I put it in, pushing it in deeply as far as I can, until I can't put any more in, you are so tight. With your legs wrapped tightly, not wanting to release any of it,

I make you so hot for a very long time, until your sweet juices escape from within. Then I taste you, with my tongue at first, your skin is so soft and tender.

I taste more of you with my mouth, you are so hot and moist, you taste so good.

Your juices coating my mouth, making me drool in anticipation of eating you more, with every taste.

"Oh yes", I say to you,

I must say Grace "Thank God for Butterball turkey.... Amen"

Thanksgiving Cranberry Slaughter - JibJab.com

Gary Allan - Best I Ever Had

Chris Cagle - Anywhere But Here

Could You Live Like a 1950s Housewife?

Do you dream of a time in the 1950's when rock and roll was just coming on the scene and every girls dream was of her wedding? Well here are a few tips if you want to relive that period of time as the fantasy housewife.

Things You'll Need:

• Lot's of energy.
• No opinion.
• Talent in every area.

1) As a housewife of the 1950's you won't be required to hold a job outside the home. In fact you really won't be allowed to because it would be an insult to the male of the family for not being able to provide for his wife and family! So relax and buy a box of bonbon' s.

2) Always wake at least two hours before your husband so you can shower, do your hair, put on make up and a really nice dress and high heels. You must always look your best when he see' s you first thing in the morning and never, ever have morning breath or look sleepy.

3) Next cook a nourishing breakfast for the whole family. Stuff them with eggs, bacon, biscuits made from scratch, gravy, milk, orange juice and don't forget the perfect jams and jellies you canned all by yourself during the dog days of summer. Stuff them until they can't move and are sure to gain enough weight to be a battle ship in dry dock.

4) Be sure when they are getting ready for work and their school day you have clean clothes out for everyone. Do not make them choose their own outfit. Silly woman, that's your job! Always make sure they are wearing the latest up to date styles so everyone will think they are keen.

5) Be sure you pack a good lunch for them. For the kid's pack a good sandwich, chips, carrot sticks, cupcakes, fruit, a thermos of milk and a thermos of hot soup! Don't forget the note with words of love and support.

6) Now it's time for you! First refresh your makeup and hair. Then start with cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom. Don't worry if the floors look clean enough because it's still best to clean them again so your family can make you eat off of them and not worry about your health.

7) Now for all the laundry you must gather from each room in the house and start washing. Never dry them in a dryer. That is a waste of money when you can spend time hanging them on an outside line for the fresh air scent. When they are finished drying you will bring them in, sprinkle them with a little water and roll them in a tight ball so you can iron it all the next day. Make sure to keep it all in the laundry room out of sight of the husband and kid's. They deserve a relaxed life.

8) Next pick up the living room, bedroom, and all other rooms in the house. Dust everything within an inch of it's life and vacuum all floors. Now clean the bathroom and scrub every surface for the fresh clean smell. You would never want your family to see anything disgusting in your bathroom and you really don't want the neighbors to inspect your work when they come to visit.

9) Well, it's time for a break. Make yourself a light lunch of salad, no dressing and an apple. Don't want to lose the figure you had the day you got married. You know, when you were 18 years old, 2 less kids, one less husband and 20 less years! While you are eating you can watch your favorite soap opera while darning the socks of the whole family or creating lovely clothes by hand or polishing all the stainless steel you own. Never let the grass grow under your pretty high heels! Be productive while relaxing.

10) The kids will be home from school soon so you must make sure you have made a batch of home made cookies with plenty of butter and sugar. A big glass of chocolate milk and their favorite TV shows while they do their homework.

You will be making dessert for tonight, putting the dinner to cook of ham, fresh peeled and mashed potatoes, fresh green beans with bacon, more biscuits and lots of butter!

11) Now all you have to do before hubby gets home from work is set the table, clean the rooms again, make the kids clean up and look cute as pie, refresh yourself with a new dress and different shoes. Evening hair do, nice makeup, a happy smile and NO complaints about anything.

12) As he walks in the door you hand him the paper, his favorite drink, ask how his day went and then leave him alone for 30 minutes while you finish dinner, get it on the table and quietly announce it's time to eat.

After he and the kids finish dinner you clear the table, wash all the dishes by hand, dry them and put them away, clean the kitchen again and look perky!

13) The family watches TV together or plays a game, eats more dessert and then wanders off to bed.

Now it's time for you to go to the bedroom, turn down the covers, fluff the pillows, take a quick shower and put on a pretty nightie, put on fresh makeup, do your hair again down this time and call for hubby to come to bed. You read while he relaxes and when he is ready for a little fun you will be just as ready and excited he is giving you his time. Oh,oh...he is tired now and finished. He rolls over, goes to sleep and you slip away to the bathroom to put on fresh makeup in case he wakes in the middle of the night and sees your face. You must always look your very best!

14) Ahhh... peace at last. Now for the well deserved 4 hours of sleep before you do it all over again.
Tomorrow is ironing day, baking bread day, going to the store day for anything the family wants and you will do it all as the lovely, skinny bride you were 20 years ago and with a smile on your pretty little face. After all you don't have to hold a job and support the family.
Where are those bonbon' s?

 

 

And yes friends, this is a joke...please do not be offended if this is the lifestyle that you live. 

"Here Comes Goodbye" - Rascal Flatts Official Music Video

Keith Urban - You'll Think Of Me

Chris Cagle - Miss Me Baby

Chris Cagle - Look at What I've Done to Her

What Denomination Is Your Bra?

What denomination is your bra?
A man walked into the lingerie department of a major department store and shyly approached one of the staff. “Excuse me,” he said, “I’d like to buy a bra for my wife.”

“What type of bra?” asked the saleswoman.

“Type?” asked the man. “You mean there is more than one type of bra?”

“Of course!” exclaimed the saleswoman. “Look around.” And she pointed to a sea of bras in every shape, size, colour and material imaginable.

“But actually,” she continued, “there are really only four types to choose from.”

Relieved, the man enquired about the four types.

The saleswoman explained: “There are Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican types.”
Befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them.

The saleswoman replied: “It is quite simple, really. The Catholic type supports the masses; the Methodist type lifts the fallen; the Presbyterian type keeps them upright and straight; and the Anglican type makes mountains out of molehills.”

Playin' Piano

Playin' Piano

(excerpted from Spooky Campfire Tales)
retold by S.E. Schlosser

Dah-dah-dum-dum-BLAT! 
      Charlie winced when his wife hit the wrong note on the piano for the thirty-second time that day.  He knew it was the thirty-second time because he’d kept count as he went about his daily chores, cleaning the lighthouse, checking the supplies, mending the rowboat.       

Charlie blamed himself for his wife's latest obsession.  He should never have taken Myrtle to attend the concert when that high-flutin’ concert pianist came to town.  But it was a special occasion and everyone they knew was going.  So Charlie and Myrtle went too.  And Myrtle decided right then and there that what she wanted more than life itself was to play the piano.      

 Charlie tried to talk her out of it.  No one in Myrtle’s family was any good at music.  But Myrtle was stubborn.  If she couldn’t find a dad-gum way, she’d make one!  Before Charlie could count to ten she’d bought a cheap, used piano (that was always out of tune) and hauled it over to the island on her brother Jamie’s fishing boat.  From that day on, it was practice, practice, practice.  Morning, noon, and night Myrtle sat at the piano with her piano book open, plunking away at the keys.  At first, there was not much to hear, and Charlie could ignore the sour sounds.  But after a few months, she got better…and a lot worse.  There were parts of her song that sounded pretty good; but she never, ever got that one line right.         

There was nowhere on the small island that Charlie could go to get away from the sound of the piano, even when he sat in his favorite rocker out in the woodshed with cotton in his ears.  Myrtle’s new hobby was the source of much contention between the husband and wife, who had never argued before in their entire lives.  Now they argued every day about Myrtle’s piano playing.       

“At least try to learn another song,” Charlie begged his wife.  But Myrtle was stubborn.  “I ain’t going to learn another song until I’ve mastered this one.  You’ve got to practice to get better Charlie.”  And Myrtle went back to her piano and started playing again.  Dah-dah-dum-dum-BLAT/ Dum-dum-BLAT-BLAT-ding.       

Things came to a head the day a nor’easter roared down on the island.  Charlie and Myrtle were holed up together in the lighthouse hour after hour after hour.  Charlie had nothing to do but sit and carve decoy ducks.  And Myrtle played the piano.  Hour after hour after hour.  Around four p.m. Charlie leapt to his feet and shouted at his wife to stop playing the blasted song.  Myrtle leapt to her feet and shouted that she was going to practice until she got it right.      

Something in Charlie snapped.  Afterward, he felt bad about the way he chopped up the piano with his axe.  After all, it was a valuable instrument.  Try as he might, he couldn’t feel bad about doing the same to Myrtle.      

Charlie put on his oilskins, took up a shovel and dug a grave out back of the woodshed.  He buried all the little pieces of Myrtle with all the little pieces of her piano.  He figured she would have wanted it that way.  That night, with the nor’easter raging and pounding the island and the lighthouse rattling and shaking wildly in the blast, Charlie got the best sleep he’d had in months. 

No more piano playing, ever.       

After the nor’easter blew itself out, Charlie spent the rest of the day cleaning the blood off the floor and walls of the lighthouse.  After that, he did his daily duties and carefully noted in the log-book that Myrtle had been swept out to sea by a huge wave while patrolling the beaches, helping Charlie look for shipwrecks.        

In the middle of the night, Charlie was startled awake by a familiar sound.  Dah-dah-dum-dum-BLAT/ Dum-dum-BLAT-BLAT-ding.  He sat bolt upright with an oath.  It sounded just like Myrtle playing on the piano.  This was impossible, since she was buried behind the woodshed.      

Charlie leapt out of bed and felt around for his axe.  Blast!  He must have left it in the woodshed.  He picked up a large piece of firewood and carefully stepped through the door into the main room.  To his astonishment, he saw a glowing green, translucent piano standing in the place where Myrtle had put it.  The keys of the ghostly piano were playing all by themselves.  Dah-dah-dum-dum-BLAT/ Dum-dum-BLAT-BLAT-ding.     

Then he heard Myrtle’s voice from the stairway leading up to the light.  “Charlie.  I told you and I told you.  I ain’t going to learn another song until I’ve mastered this one.  You should have listened to me!”    

Charlie whirled around and gazed up the stairs.  Standing a third of the way up was the translucent white figure of his dead wife.  And in her hands, she held his axe. 

Heath Bar Pie

1 box vanilla wafers
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup Karo Syrup
7 Heath Bars
dash salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup butter
Line 9 x 13 pan with whole vanilla wafers. Pack half of ½ gallon carton of vanilla ice cream on top of wafers. Crumble four Heath Bars over ice cream. Put remaining ice cream on top. Freeze.
Sauce: Combine, sugar, milk, syrup, salt and butter. Bring to boil for one minute. Crumble three remaining Heath Bars. Add to sauce, let melt. Serve warm over ice cream pie.

Bratty Melts

1 lb ground sirloin or chuck

1 lb of uncooked brats

slab of cheddar cheese slices

one sliced Vidalia onion

Butter

loaf of Texas toast

Separate the casing and meat of the brats, and mix the brat meat with the ground beef. Discard the brat casing. Slap the mixed meat into 1/4 lb patties. Grill the patties to your liking. While grilling, "butter" the spread onto one side the Texas toast slices. Make a sandwich with the sliced Vidalia, cheddar, cooked patties, and toast slice (with the buttered side on the outside of the sandwich). Throw a pan on the grill and grill the sandwiches in the pan, so the butter "fries" the toast. Cook both sides of the sandwich until Old Golden brown. I eat my melts with mayo and ketchup, but I'm a condiment slut.

The BIGGEST football game of the season!!!

Round 3 of the Playoffs

Friday, November 5 , 2010

 7:00pm Ameche Field

Tickets are $4

The Tremper football team defeated Muskego 24-10 in a Level 2 WIAA Division-1 game Saturday, 10/30/10  at Ameche Field.

The Bradford football team defeated Lake Geneva Badger 54-24 in a WIAA Division-1 Level 2 game at Jaskwhich Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

so what does this mean?

The biggest, the baddest football game of the season for Kenosha HS Football Fans!!!!!!

That's Beautiful To Me (Country Version)

Behind The Scenes with Pat Green at the "Let Me" Video Shoot

Halloween Party Recipe Ideas

Brittle Meringue Bones

3 large egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/8 tsp. salt
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 200F. Line cookie sheet with brown paper bag or parchment. In a medium sized bowl at high speed, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt till fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Add vanilla. Place in pastry bag fitted with a medium plain piping tip. Pipe 3" bone shapes onto parchment or brown paper bag. Bake 1 hour until set. Turn off oven, dry in oven 1 hour. Be sure to store in airtight containers or they will become soggy. Makes 4 to 5 dozen small finger-sized bones.

Pumpkin Pasties
Makes about 3 dozen miniature pasties.

2 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sugar
1 1 lb. can pumpkin
(or 2 cups fresh, roasted in the oven then pressed through a strainer)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 2/3 cups evap. milk (1 can)
1/2 tsp. allspice
9 oz pie crust pastry (enough for two single standard pie crusts)

Bake the pie filling only (no crust) in a large greased casserole dish in hot oven (425F) for 15 minutes. Keep oven door closed and reduce temp to moderate (350 degrees F/180 degress Celsuis) and continue baking for 45 minutes or until table knife inserted in center of dish comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

Make or purchase pie crust pastry. Roll thin and cut into circles approx 4" in diameter. Put a spoonful of the cool pumpkin mixture towards one side of the center of the circle. Fold over the crust into a half-circle and firmly crimp the edges closed. Slice three small slits in the top for venting, place on a greased cookie sheet, and bake only until crust is a light golden-brown. The pumpkin filling will begin to make the crust soggy, so best baked the day of serving. Can be made ahead by freezing the assembled pasties unbaked on cookie sheets, then thawed and baked the day of serving. Great served at room-temperature, then you don't have to worry about your guests possibly burning their mouths from the steaming hot pumpkin inside! :)

Witches' Fingers
Gross everyone out with these creepy cookies.Yield: 5 dozen

1 cup Butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp Almond extract
1 tsp Vanilla
2 2/3 cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Almonds, whole blanched
1 Tube red decorator gel *optional to appear bloody if desired

In bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla. Beat in flour,  and salt. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remainder refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoonful of dough into finger shape for each cookie. Press almond firmly into 1 end for nail. Squeeze in centre to create knuckle shape.  Using knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle.

Place on lightly greased baking sheets; bake in 325F (160C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for 3 minutes. Lift up almond, squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place, so gel oozes out from underneath. You can also make slashes in the finger and fill them with "blood."
Remove from baking sheets and let cool on racks.

Witches Brew

Ingredients

• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries, thawed
• 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 

• 2 liters ginger ale
• 2 liters sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic)
• 6 gummi snakes candy

Directions

1. To make the frozen hand: Wash and rinse the outside of a rubber glove. Turn glove inside out and set aside. In a 4 cup measuring cup, combine the thawed raspberries and cranberry juice.
2. Pour 2 cups of the raspberry mixture into a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over and let stand 2 minutes. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, just until gelatin dissolves. Mix back into the reserved raspberry mixture in the measuring cup.
3. Pour raspberry mixture into the inverted glove. Gather up the top of the glove and tie securely with kitchen twine. Freeze until solid, or several days if possible.
4. To serve: Carefully cut glove away from frozen hand. Place frozen hand, palm side up, leaning against side of a large punch bowl. Pour in ginger ale and sparkling cider. Garnish with gummy snakes.

15 Laws For Women To Live By

1. Don’t imagine you can change a man - unless he’s in diapers.

2. What do you do if your husband walks out? You shut the door.

3. If they put a man on the moon - they should be able to put them all up there.

4. Never let your man’s mind wander - it’s too little to be out alone.

5. Go for younger men. You might as well - they never mature anyway.

6. Men are all the same - they just have different faces, so that you can tell them apart.

7. Definition of a bachelor: a man who has missed the opportunity to make some woman miserable.

8. Women don’t make fools of men - most of them are the do-it-yourself types.

9. Best way to get a man to do something - suggest they are too old for it.

10. Love is blind - but marriage is a real eye-opener.

11. If you want a committed man - look in a mental hospital.

12. The children of Israel wandered around the desert for 40 years. Even in biblical times, men wouldn’t ask for directions.

13. If he asks what sort of books you’re interested in, tell him checkbooks.

14. Remember a sense of humor does not mean that you tell him jokes, it means that you laugh at his.

15. Sadly, all men are created equal.

The Rules

The FEMALE makes The Rules.

The Rules are subject to change at any time without prior notification.

No MALE can possibly know all The Rules.

If the FEMALE suspects the MALE knows The Rules, she must immediately change The Rules.

The FEMALE is never wrong.

If the FEMALE is mistaken, it is a direct result of something the MALE did or said wrong.

The MALE must apologize immediately for causing said misunderstanding.

The FEMALE may change her mind at any time.

The MALE must never change his mind without the written consent of the FEMALE

The FEMALE has the right to be upset or angry at any time.

The MALE must remain calm at all times, unless the FEMALE wants him to be angry and/or upset.

If the FEMALE has PMS, all The Rules are null and void.

The MALE is expected to mind read constantly and act accordingly.

Any attempt to document The Rules could result in actual bodily harm.

The MALE who doesn't abide by The Rules can't take the heat, lacks backbone, and is a wimp.

Men NEVER Listen

In a Chicago hospital, a gentleman had made several attempts to get into the men's restroom, but it had always been occupied. A nurse noticed his predicament.

Sir, she said "You may use the ladies room if you promise not to touch any of the buttons on the wall."

He did what he needed to, and as he sat there he noticed the buttons he had promised not to touch.

Each button was identified by letters: WW, WA, PP, and a red one labeled ATR.

Who would know if he touched them?

He couldn't resist.. He pushed WW. warm water was sprayed gently upon his bottom.

What a nice feeling, he thought. Men restrooms don't have nice things like this.

Anticipating greater pleasure, he pushed the WA button. Warm air replaced the warm water, gently drying his underside.

When this stopped, he pushed the PP button. A large powder puff caressed his bottom adding a fragile scent of spring flower to this unbelievable pleasure.. The ladies restroom was more than a restroom, it is tender loving pleasure.

When the powder puff completed its pleasure, he couldn't wait to push the ATR button which he knew would be supreme ecstasy.

Next thing he knew he opened his eyes, he was in a hospital bed, and a nurse was staring down at him.

"What happened?" he exclaimed. The last thing I remember was pushing the ATR button.

"The button ATR is an Automatic Tampon Remover. Your penis is under your pillow."

MEN NEVER LISTEN

Maple-Pumpkin Custard

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups 1% milk
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• whipped cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Put a kettle of water on to heat for the water bath. Line a roasting pan with a folded kitchen towel.

Heat milk over low heat in a small saucepan until barely steaming but not boiling.

Whisk eggs and syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Gently whisk in the warm milk (a little bit at a time so the eggs don't cook). Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; whisk until blended.

Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce (3/4-cup) custard cups. Skim foam from the surface. Place custard cups in the prepared roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Place the pan in the oven and bake, uncovered, until custards are just set but still quiver in the center when shaken, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer custards to a wire rack and let cool for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.

To serve, top each custard with of whipped cream.

My Challenge to ALL OF YOU!!

I challenge you to commit a Random Act of Kindness this week and let me know what you did to make our world a happier and better place!!!  Don't have a clue on how you can make a difference in someone else's life??? Here are a few ideas, but don't limit yourself to just these...I challenge you to come up with your own original Random Act of Kindness as well!!!

1. Open the door for another person.
2. Drive safely and be courteous.
3. When visiting a hospital spend a few moments with someone who doesn’t have any visitors.
4. Make a new friend.
5. Invite a child or teenager over for a cooking class.
6. Collect can goods for a food bank.
7. Hug a friend.
8. Clean up litter on a street in your neighborhood.
9. Drop off a plant or some home-made baked goods to your local police or fire department.
10. Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
11. Provide a neighborhood child with homework help.
12. Leave a kind note for a family member or friend.
13. Tell kids why you love them.
14. Clean graffiti off your neighborhood buildings or walls.
15. Organize a sing –a- long at a senior center.
16. Shovel snow for a neighbor.
17. Cheer  up a friend.
18. Donate blood.
19. Hug a family member.
20. Smile and say "Hello" to people you don't know.
21. Offer to babysit for free.
22. Offer someone behind you in the grocery check out line to go in front of you.
23. Pat someone on the back.
24. Volunteer to read to students at school.
25.Open the car door for your passenger.
26. Pull out someone’s chair  for them at the dinner table.
27. Wash a neighbors vehicle.
28. Take a neighbors newspaper laying out on their driveway to them or leave at their front door.
29. Tell the mail carrier thank you for all their work.
30. Let a neighbor know how much you value their friendship.
31. Let a manager know you compliment a sales clerk for their pleasant service.
32. Give your pocket change to someone who is needing it.
33. Pick up small florist vases at thrift stores or yard sales for about 10 cents and buy wrapped flowers, for a few more dollars, then arrange them in the vases. Get the local phone book, pick a few names and deliver them to their doorstep, early in the morning before everyone is awake.
34.Print up some inspiring signs and post them around town.
35.Leave your change in the soda machine for the next person. It's a nice surprise.
36. Purchase a meal for a homeless person.
37. If your a boss of a company - allow your employees to leave a half hour early as a surprise.
38. If your a boss - send employees an e-card letting them know how much you appreciate them.
39. If you see your neighbor hasn't set his trash can out for that mornings pick-up, wheel it out to the curb yourself.
40. Add some quarters to a parking meter you notice is getting low.
41. Pay for the persons order behind you when in a drive through line.
42. Leave change in the vending machine.
43. Leave change in the public pay phone.
44. Do as many things as you can by being anonymous.
45. Run an errand for someone.
46. Offer to pick up a friends or neighbors children from school.
47. Make an extra serving when preparing dinner and take to a homeless person in your area.
48. Take a parent out to dinner to their favorite restaurant.
49. Call a parent just to say you love them.
50. Take blankets or warm clothing  to a homeless person.
51. Connect someone who is homebound to the internet.
52. Contact your community action program to find out of someone who is in need and provide them with the help they need.
53. Help an elderly person care for their pet(s).
54. Purchase a couple extra bags of dog food and take to the shelter.
55. Volunteer to help at an animal shelter.
56. Help someone you know with finding a solution for a dilemma your aware they have.
57. Watch someone’s children for a couple you feel needs some alone time.
58. Take a meal to a family you know.
59. Check in on someone you know is alone.
60. Offer to pump someone’s gas who looks like they could use the assistance.
61. Get your youth group together to pump everyone’s gas for an hour or two at the nearest gas station.
62. If you notice a neighbors lawn is becoming over grown that otherwise has been nicely groomed in the past, go mow it without them being aware.
63. Send a bouquet of flowers to a hospital and let the hospital know it should go to someone who doesn’t receive any visitors and is alone.
64. Stop into a nursing home just to spend a little time with the residents.
65. Drop off books and magazines to hospitals, nursing homes and doctors offices.
66. Sponsor an eye surgery for someone who is blind in an underdeveloped  country.
67. Donate to local causes you hear about of families in need.
68. Volunteer at a hospice.
69. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
70. Send flowers to a teacher who has dedicated their life to educating children.

FREE workshop and Open Pole Playtime!!!!

	Saturday, October 23 · 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Miss Pole

7475 Mineral Point Rd

Madison, WI

Miss Pole is having a FREE workshop at 12pm and 1pm at their Madison Location!!!! Come them out or if you can't make it, go to: www.misspole.com
November schedules are up ladies!!!!

Updates for Miss Pole will be updated in my blog periodically.  Great way to tone up for next summer ladies!!!

Miss Pole Locations:

8501 75th Street, Kenosha   (262) 697-1800 
17800 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield (262) 784-2222  
7475 Mineral Point Rd, Madison (608) 836-POLE (7653)

High School Football Playoff Pairings announced

10/22 11:47 a.m.

Bradford will play a home game and Tremper will travel to Milwaukee in the first round of the Division 1 football playoffs.
Bradford will host Milwaukee Bay View at Jaskwhich Stadium at Indian Trail Field and Tremper will face Milwaukee Hamilton at Milwaukee South Stadium. All first round games are 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The WIAA announced its playoff pairings on Friday morning.
In Division2, Central is at Milton and Wilmot is at DeForest. Shoreland and St. Joseph's Division-5 pairings will be revealed later today.

100 Reasons Why My Husband Loves me

1. I love the way we finish each other’s sentences.

2. I love the way I know you’ll never give up on me.

3. I love the fact that I wouldn’t ever give up on you.

4. I love the way you look at me.

5. I love how beautiful your eyes are.

6. I love the way I can’t imagine a day without you in my life.

7. I love the way if we were ever separated I wouldn’t know how to go on.

8. I love the way we cuddle and watch sunsets together.

9. I love the way we sometimes stay up all night and just talk, then watch the sunrise together.

10. I love how I know you’ll always be there when I need you to be.

11. I love the fact that I will always be there for you too.

12. I love how when I dream of my life partner, the only person that I can see is you.

13. I love how complete I feel when I am with you.

14. I love how our bodies just fit together.

15. I love the way you make me laugh.

16.I love the way you laugh.

17. I love the way you won’t compromise yourself when we are together.

18. I love the way you won’t let me compromise myself.

19. I love your thoughtfulness.

20. I love your tenderness.

21. I love your ability to speak without saying a single word.

22. I love the way we glance at each other across the room and know what each other is thinking.

23. I love the way, how even though we may be miles apart I still feel like you’re right here with me.

24. I love the way you surprise me with the perfect gifts that show you pay attention to me.

25. I love the way you’ll watch a sporting game with me even though you may not be interested in it.

26. I love the way you treat my friends.

27. I love your love for the things that interest me.

28. I love the way you let me live my life freely without jealousy.

29. I love how you demand respect but are not controlling.

30. I love how I would do anything in this world to make you happy.

31. I love how you would do anything in this world to make me happy.

32. I love the way your voice sounds over the phone...

33. I love the way your voice sounds when you whisper sweet nothings in my ear.

34. I love the completeness and oneness I feel when we make love.

35. I love your sensuality.

36. I love how our romance feels like the perfect romance movie.

37. I love how you are my soul mate.

38. I love the way you handle troubled times.

39. I love the way you respect me.

40. I love the way you protect and defend me.

41. I love how you feel when we cuddle.

42. I love the softness of your lips against mine.

43. I love the softness of your lips against my body.

44. I love the feeling of your hair brushing against me when we make love.

45. I love laying in bed at night talking about nothing.

46. I love waking up to find we’ve been cuddling together all night.

47. I love the surprises you leave for me.

48. I love your intelligence.

49.I love your ingenuity.

50. I love your ability to make friends where ever we go.

51. I love your love for life.

52. I love your passion for your hobbies and interests.

53. I love how every time I look at you, you take my breath away.

54. I love how I thank God everyday for bringing someone as wonderful as you into my life.

55. I love the fact you gave me the gift of our children.

56. I love the special moments that we shared that will remain my fondest memories of you and I.

57. I love spending the holidays with the one person I love the most.

58. I love how my heart skips a beat whenever you walk into the room.

59. I love how you love me.

60. I love how I love you.

61. I love the ways you choose to show your affection for me.

62. I love the way you inspire me to be more than I am.

63. I love the way you spark my creativity and imagination.

64. I love the way you make me feel like anything is possible as long as I’m with you.

65. I love your sense of humor.

66. I love the way you make me feel like royalty.

67. I love the way you dress.

68. I love your understated elegance.

69.I love you just the way you are.

70. I love your spontaneity.

71. I love our life together.

72. I love if I died right now I would be the happiest person alive knowing I found my one true love.

73. I love the fact that we will grow old together.

74. I love your way with words.

75. I love the way you look when you are sleeping.

76. I love the way you think you look awful when you first wake up when it is actually then I find you the most beautiful.

77. I love your willingness to share everything and most especially your heart with me.

78. I love your strength of character.

79. I love taking showers together.

80. I love the way you leave me love notes to find whenever you’re gone.

81. I love the way you treat me.

82. I love the way you take care of us.

83. I love your cooking.

84. I love the way you take the time to thank me for doing things.

85. I love the way you show your affection when we are around friends and/or family.

86. I love the way you are not scared to show your affection when we are in public.

87. I love your confidence.

88. I love your ability to make me feel better when times are tough.

89. I love the way we make up after a fight.

90. I love the way you support me when I’m off track.

91. I love the way you take the time to show me how much you love me.

92. I love your beautiful hair.

93. I love your smell.

94. I love your openness to try new things.

95. I love your ability to talk things through.

96. I love your courage to be you.

97. I love your greatness.

98. I love the fact that you want to be with me and only me.

99. I love how I am and feel when I am with you!

100. I love you for you!

Crock-Pot Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients

3 pounds beef chuck shoulder roast, boneless

2 cups ketchup

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup dark molasses

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Buns

Directions

1. Cut roast in half and place into the Crock-Pot. Combine ketchup, onion, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, mustard, black pepper, garlic powder and red pepper flakes in large bowl. Pour sauce mixture over roast. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours or until done.
2. Remove roast from cooking liquid; cool slightly. Trim and discard excess fat from beef. Shred meat with 2 forks.
3. Let cooking liquid stand 5 minutes to allow fat to rise. Skim off fat.
4. Return meat to stoneware. Stir to evenly coat meat with sauce. Adjust seasonings if desired. Cover and cook on Low 15 to 30 minutes or until hot.
5. Spoon filling into sandwich buns and top with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

Advantages Of Being A Woman

Why it's better to be a Woman!

1. We got off the Titanic first.

2. We get to flirt with systems support men who always return our calls, and are nice to us when we blow up our computers.

3. Our boyfriend's clothes make us look elfin & gorgeous. Guys look like complete idiots in ours.

4. We can be groupies. Male groupies are stalkers.

5. We can cry and get off speeding fines.

6. We've never lusted after a cartoon character or the central female figure in a computer game.

7. Taxis stop for us.

8. Men die earlier, so we get to cash in on the life insurance.

9. We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.

10. Free drinks, Free dinners, Free movies ... (you get the point).

11. We can hug our friends without wondering if she thinks we're gay.

12. We can hug our friends without wondering if WE'RE gay.

13. New lipstick gives us a whole new lease on life.

14. It's possible to live our whole lives without ever taking a group shower.

15. We don't have to fart to amuse ourselves.

16. If we forget to shave, no one has to know.

17. We can congratulate our team-mate without ever touching her butt.

18. If we have a zit, we know how to conceal it.

19. We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.

20. If we're dumb, some people will find it cute.

21. We don't have to memorize Caddyshack or Fletch to fit in.

22. We have the ability to dress ourselves.

23. We can talk to people of the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.

24. If we marry someone 20 years younger, we're aware that we look like an idiot.

25. Our friends won't think we're weird if we ask whether there's spinach in our teeth.

26. There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.

27. We'll never regret piercing our ears.

28. We can fully assess a person just by looking at their shoes.

29. We know which glass was ours by the lipstick mark.

30. We have enough sense to realize that the easiest way to get out of being lost is to ask for directions