"SUPERSTITIONS..." Judith Whitehead' ( Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the
medical field of ophthalmology for over 30 years.
Today she blogs about counting your lucky stars, or maybe no  so lucky...
Enjoy!
Judith and  husband Steve on a recent trip to the Big Apple.

SUPERSTITIONS

Do I believe in superstitions; most of my life I have had fun with superstitions…finding lucky pennies, pouring salt over my left shoulder if I spill it,  most superstitions come from happenstance from experiences that happened many years ago and just have stuck with us.  

I was always skeptical of Friday the 13th and felt it's probably just another day of the month…until this month when my husband came home from work and shared with me that he  had his department downsized to include him as a casualty  of that.  

I will now look on the 13th of the month if it lands on a Friday with more fear than  prior years and hope I can find enough lucky pennies to reverse the cloud that this year’s luck has fallen on us.  

I know people bring and make their own luck; it’s just a real coincidence this year…..

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Fund raiser to thank president L.Putin..."" GOLF SIGN ..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

Unc talks About Obama, Putin and Syria along with  the subliminal meaning of a sign at the Golf course.

"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living 

on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu & giving the politicians a bad time...

Unc 's view on Syria,"Fund raiser to thank president L.Putin for saving Obama's presidency on Syria‏"

Shalom Rabbi Kimo and all who read this most excellent 10 star blog,

We need a fund raiser to thank president L.Putin of Russia for 
saving OBama's presidency on Syria.

I propose that all patriotic Americans can breath a sign of relief & donate three cents a week to THE 3 CENTS A WEEK GANG to send month old kimchees weekly to thank president L.Putin of Russia for saving the Obama presidency .Da 3 cent donation be divided by 3 entities,1 cent to buy the kimchee for Putin,1 cent each to Obama da Dog & Unc 
C for service charge to send weekly delicacies to pres.Putin for Peace 
mongering on Syria,unusual for war drum beaters,but US tax payers &our tired military appreciate that,Iraq & Afghan wars are still bleeding the US tax payers & our tired military !!!

Unc
P.S.  Kimchee explained;

Kimchee explained :  Kimchees are a North & South Korean delicacy consisted of  a white cabbage soaked in Garlic,salt & water and let it ferment until the smell can over come an one ton nuclear bomb.the longer one ages them the stronger the smell,similar to Limburger cheese but much stronger. It's a national treasure Koreans kept in large urns out doors in every home ,must be out door for obvious reason except in North Korea,their urns are empty.

P.S.S.
GOLF SIGN ..
This is an actual sign posted at a golf club in Scotland
  
1. BACK STRAIGHT, KNEES BENT, FEET SHOULDER WIDTH APART. 
2. FORM A LOOSE GRIP. 
3. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN! 
4, STAY OUT OF THE WATER. 
5. TRY NOT TO HIT ANYONE. 
6. IF YOU ARE TAKING TOO LONG, LET OTHERS GO AHEAD OF YOU. 
7. DON'T STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OTHERS. 
8. QUIET PLEASE...WHILE OTHERS ARE PREPARING. 
9. DON'T TAKE EXTRA STROKES. 
10. WELL DONE.. NOW, FLUSH THE URINAL, GO OUTSIDE,
AND TEE OFF.


 Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Ed and Norma..." 'Marvin Gross' (Source)

Marvin Gross is a Financial consultant currently residing in Western N.Y.
Today Marvin shares a story about an  Ed & Norma , an elderly couple wanting to take a helicopter ride
for one of the things left  on their bucket list...enjoy!

Ed  and Norma

Ed  and his wife Norma go to the state fair every year,  

And every year Ed would say,  

" Norma, I'd like to ride in  that helicopter "

Norma always  replied, "I know Ed, 

but that  helicopter ride is fifty bucks,  

And fifty bucks is fifty  bucks!"

One year Ed and Norma  went to  
 the  fair, and Ed said, 

"Norma,  I'm 75 years old. 

If I don't  ride that helicopter, I might never get  

  another  chance"

To this, Norma replied,  

" Ed, that helicopter ride is  fifty bucks,  
  
  and  fifty bucks is fifty bucks"  

The  pilot overheard the couple and said,  

" Folks I'll make you a deal.  I'll take the both of 

   you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire  ride and 

  don't say a  word I won't charge you a penny!  

But if you say one word its  fifty dollars." 



Ed  and Norma agreed and up they went.  

The  pilot did all kinds of fancy  

maneuvers, but not a word was  heard. 

He did his daredevil  tricks over and over again, 

But  still not a word... 

When they  landed, the pilot turned to Ed and  

said, "By golly, I did  everything I could to get you 

  to yell out, but you  didn't. I'm impressed! "

Ed  replied, 


"  Well, to tell you the truth I almost said something  when Norma fell out, 

But you  know, Fifty bucks is fifty bucks!  "  

  Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"ME AND MY CHEF’S HAT" 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux has lived on the cosmic garden island
of Kaua'i over 30 years. She is an animal lover, people lover and lover of life.

Today Bettejo blogs the joy of  you know what, cooking...Enjoy!

Bettejo Dux,( pronounced Dukes) proudly stands in front of  the   portrait art reflecting herself  at Kuku'i Grove center by  Kaua'i Professional photographer Carol Ann Davis. Carol Ann recently received the "Life Time Achievement in the Arts" award from the community for her work and artistic achievements in fine arts. 

You can order a copy of Bettejo's Novella "The Scam "below.www.bettejodux.com

ME AND MY CHEF’S HAT

I think there must be magic in the white chef’s hat I wear. Eleven inches high and kind of floppy it’s sit atop my platinum mop-darned if I’m going to call it grey and I think my hair’s  cuter when it’s moppish-and sends signals to that part of my aging brain that is vigorously learning to cook.

I’ve also learned it perks my mind when I’m doing my daily Sudoku. Okay, this is a digression, and I know it looks kind of silly, and I’m sure any doctor would consider senility but I’d flog him with my shillelagh and remind him my chef’s hat and I just did a ****.

So there.

But back to the Vitamix. Three switches-whirr, whizz, zing-and a whole bunch of ice cubes. Well I just learned how good water is for you and ice is frozen water is it not? That works. And if I did a little Irish jig as my darling machine does it job, I get exercise, too. Still do yoga but it’s not healthy to stand on your head on a cold tile kitchen floor and impossible to do with a chef’s hat perilously perching.

Bet you've guessed already this is not to be a soup day.

But it’s like soup. It’s just cold and filled to over brimming with fruit and yogurt and orange juice and, of course the magic ingredients, Brewer’s Yeast and Wheat Germ.

Another more lengthy digression you can’t beat with a shillelagh or smarten up with a chef’s hat. Why my obsession with? Well Brewer’s Yeast is a natural food supplement. Rich with minerals-specially chromium-essential trace minerals, selenium, protein and the B-complex vitamins. Don’t confuse it with baker’s yeast. Sometimes it takes awhile to get used to, it’s kind of an acquired taste, but you can speed up the process by adding more honey. You can never over dose. Everything is water-soluble and really works like magic during stressful times and sometimes it seems everything today is stressful, everybody keeps changing the rules.

Wheat Germ? It’s a natural weight-loss food. ‘Nuff said.

So we’re talking smoothies here. On a hot day? Whew and wow and whoopee.

One, two three. Go. Gather some stuff. Bananas, mangoes, papayas, orange juice, honey, a little olive oil, don’t forget the Wheat Germ and Brewer’s yeast and the ice cubes. Get creative. Remember color. You can make green ones and pink ones and orange ones. Toss in the Vita dear-I’ve got give her a name-and whir, whiz, zing-pour . Drink. Or slurp straight from the container. Bad. Bad. Bad. What did Colette say? “Do foolish things with great enthusiasm.”

Know what? Even my grown up puppy loves it. And if you want to get really fancy you can make Margaritas, daiquiris, and whiskey sours. Rum and mango daiquiris have a precious aroma.

Yeah, well sometimes my Irish jig gets too exuberant , my shillelagh holds me up, and my chef’s hat falls off.

I’ve named her Colette. I’ll bet she’d like that.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook

"Friends..." 'Obama da Dog' (Source)

Obama Da Dog share a story of Love... Enjoy!

Friends

A farmer had some Puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his Yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt A tug on his Overalls. He looked down Into the eyes of a little boy. "Mister," he said, "I Want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the Farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal Of money." 

The boy dropped his head for moment.Then Reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of Change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got Thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a Look?" "Sure," said the Farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" He Called. Out from the Doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little Balls of fur. 

The little boy pressed his face against The chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the Dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed Something else stirring inside the Doghouse. Slowly another Little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the Ramp it slid.Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little Pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to Catch up... "I want that one," the little boy said, Pointing to the runt. 

The farmer knelt down at the boy's Side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will Never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs Would." With that, the Little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and Began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so, he Revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking Back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who Understands." With tears in his Eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little Pup. Holding it Carefully, he handed it to the little boy. "How Much?" asked the little boy... "No charge," answered the Farmer, "There's no charge for love." 

The world is Full of people who need someone who understands. It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much You Care.

Friends!

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook...

"Happy 5774,Livestreaming Religious Services...!" 'James "Kimo" Rosen

Watching the annual Jewish Memorial service called Yizkor via live stream on my computer
 with a photo of my parents and sister along with a lit candle.

Happy 5774

Times are changing, what was once the norm is now old fashioned. The Internet has brought huge changes with social media and live streaming.  People around the world can all be part  of a religious  service live and comment at the same time.

This past Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) I had dinner with my sister, brother-in-law, nephew and many of her friends via Skype video conference. This is much cheaper and less stressful than a 5,000 mile airplane ride on 3 different jets with little kids kicking your seat.

This  past Yom Kippur (09-14-13)  I was not feeling up to being around people and going to traditional Jewish services. First of, your not suppose to drive on this holy of holy days yet most Jews do. I stayed home and watched a beautiful Yom kipper service and a touching  memorial  service called "Yizkor" where you remember all your departed loved ones. This is always emotional if done proper and Our Jewish community, Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland Ohio  did an A-Plus job.  www.ourjewsihcommunity.org and on Facebook at; https://www.facebook.com/OurJewishCommunity?fref=ts

Part of the ritual of this wonderful service is flashing photos of the congregation's diseased loved ones on the screen. They ask for you to send in photos a month or so in advance. I forget to send in photos this year so I just aligned  photos of my parents and sister along side my computer screen along with a memorial candle as seen in the photo above. The images of every ones departed loved ones was touching, as a Jew or people that love Jews  we are all united as one.

Our Jewish community is part of Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland Ohio, Just the name of the city alone makes me want to be part of this world congregation. There are two leaders who share the responsibility of  providing weekly services and Jewish holiday services via live stream on the Internet. They are Rabbi Laura A. Baum  and Rabbi Robert B. Barr     Biographies can be viewed at;
 http://ourjewishcommunity.org/about-us/rabbis-bios/#sthash.f63AmEig.dpuf

I realize it's important to get out and socialize however having the internet at your finger tips and being able to watch  and be part of live services in your pajamas and feel welcomed  is a true sign of the times.

5774 is going to be a great year, Happy new year to all!  L'chayim (To Life)

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"LIFE AS AN EMPTY NESTER..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in
the ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years. Today Judy talks
about the pro's and Con's of the empty nest...Enjoy!

LIFE AS AN EMPTY NESTER

Back in the 1980’s my husband and I were blessed with the most joy anyone could experience, the birth
our two sons.  Having children brings on a wonderful new perspective of life; to view the world once
again through a young  persons’ eyes is the most spectacular wonderment anyone can experience.

Any time I reflect on the many years of enjoyment raising our sons it brings a smile to my face. Never did
we miss a baseball game, cub  scout  meeting, school pageant, choir production….and the list goes on
and on.  Lately I find myself reflecting on old photo albums of the many  many  vacations and road trips
we all took together from one end of the country to another always stopping in places for all of us to
enjoy.

When we moved into our home there was never a quiet moment; someone was always bringing a friend
in or practicing musical instruments etc and our home was filled with laughter and sometimes chaos
that was just part of living.

During the past few years both our boys have left home to start their own lives; one brings him very far
away from home and is able to physically visit although we talk often,  only a couple of times a year. 
The other son fortunately is closer to home and we can be part of his life on a regular basis. 

When our children were in the process of being raised, at times, we felt  it would  never end.  The
endless sporting practices that we had to  chauffeur them to, the endless nights we waited  up to listen
for the door to shut,  knowing they were safe and home for the night.  All these years can add up to
many long and sleepless nights – sometimes I miss those noisy, crazy days.  Now  at night can hear such
an eerie  quietness in the house resonating from room to empty room.

All we ever want for our children are for them to independently happy and self sufficient; and when it
finally comes to  pass, we feel the empty nest syndrome at times.  I now can be as selfish as I want on
some days not having to put the  children’s  needs   first.  No more bickering or fighting about who did
what…just total silence.

There is something to be said for the joy the little patter of feet can bring and there is something to be
said for peacefulness and quiet surrounding us.  I guess I will adjust to this empty nest we are left with;
maybe it is time to downsize our nest into a smaller abode.  Better start to downsize my “ valuable
“clutter” first though.  It’s going to take some time for that adjustment in this next chapter of my life.

And maybe someday I will once again hear the little patter of feet in my home, god willing.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook....