A Mom who cares (Baltimore Riot)

Like the rest of the country I was glued to the coverage of the riots in Baltimore. Nope I’m not taking a position on the overall mess except to say we don’t know all the facts yet. One other thing, why destroy your own neighborhood?

Anyway I was watching the coverage online when I saw this. A mother who went to the riots and found her son to take him home. The video is well worth the watch.

A mom who cared enough to go get her son off the streets. She cared enough to make sure he was home safe so he would not be arrested or worse. She cared enough to stop what she was doing and go find him. A mom who didn’t care what anyone else thought, she wanted her kid home. A mom who just wanted to do what was best for her son.

Why weren’t there a hundred moms like this out there?

Why weren’t there some Dads out there doing this too?

I understand there is pain and anger in the community I just don’t see how stealing things and trashing your neighborhood is going to make people listen to your point. There was a church group shown on the news that was out there singing songs trying to change to atmosphere, so not all of the coverage was negative.

To the brave mom I’d love to talk to you, contact me via my blog.

The Box (Flash Fiction)

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How I pack care packages…

I never really thought about how I do it until at an FRG meeting several spouses had questions. So I decided it was time to do a step by step blog post about care packages.

Step 1 shopping:

Keep weather in mind (does that soldier really want hot chocolate in 110 degree heat)
Chocolate is out in lots of locations, exceptions: Nutella, M&M’s, chocolate chip cookies (I’ll explain how to pack this stuff later)
If it won’t fit in a gallon ziplock bag it’s too big. (You husbands forgotten running shoes are an exception)
I often take a large flat rate with me to the store if I’m doing a theme box.

Step 2 Packing Supplies

The wonderful USPS will give you flat rate boxes for free, they’ll even bring them to your door.
I also keep the clear customs form holders on hand for free from the USPS
Tape lots of packing tape (You’ll be amazed how much you will use.)

Step 3 Packing the box

DO NOT mix toiletries and food in one box!!!
- The strong scents of soap, deodorant etc can and often does bleed over into the food items.
- You can throw in a chapstick or toothbrush but if it doesn’t go in or on your mouth don’t put it with food
Ziplock bags are everyones friend, anything liquid or gooey goes in one. You bag that lotion, that mouthwash and that shelf stable milk. When in short bag it, it saves trouble later.
Those Gorillas at the zoo, yeah you’ve seen them. Plan on them handling your package at some point.
- Glass is always a tough thing to send, I avoid it at almost all costs.
Don’t put an heirloom in the box, trust me that’s the box that will get lost.
If it won’t fit in a large flat rate does the soldier really need it?
- This isn’t to say only use those boxes just if an individual item won’t fit in a large flat rate box think twice.
  - I do know of an exception where a small pool was sent to soldiers as part of a pool party, but exceptions are rare.
I have everything in my box and it’s not full
- Switch to a smaller box, a medium packed full is better than a large one that is not full with items getting damaged.

A box of snacks and things to eat.

What 3 things do you really want to get in the box?
- Those go in first. (That bag of chips for chips and salsa may not arrive in the same condition if you put the salsa in the box with it. Remember the Gorilla?)
- Let’s start our box with beef Jerky, nope it doesn’t need a ziplock
- Then we add in some small packages of sunflower seeds
- ohh he wanted a book of crosswords
- some granola bars
- Okay now I add in some pouches of tuna
  - That tuna needs some mayonnaise, don’t just grab a jar, get packets.
  - Yes, packets of condiments are great to add to care packages.
    - Of course they go in a ziplock bag! (Mr or Mrs Gorilla doesn’t need it)
- Okay once you have everything in the box close it up, don’t tape it closed just close it and shake it.
  - Yes, shake that box, if you hear stuff moving I now add in candy or other small items to stop the rattling.
  - Once you have enough stuff in there so it no longer rattles you can tape it closed.
COVER EVERY SEAM!!!
- No not the ones that are already sealed but the ones that are there for you to tape closed, cover them in at least one if not more of strong packing tape.
  - Soldiers have sharp objects they’ll get into it don’t worry about that.

A box of toiletries and other items

Get out the gallon ziplock before you start.
- Remember if it won’t fit in the gallon ziplock I think it’s too big to ship.
Almost everything in this box will be in a ziplock
The shampoo
Body wash (Bar soap gets sand embedded in it. Who wants to wash with sandy soap?)
- Most soldiers prefer the body wash
Aerosols can be tricky I skip them unless I must send deodorant (It gets bagged and taped closed)
They do sell shave gel in tubes, they’re smaller and travel better.
For female soldiers feminine supplies are amazing things, there’s often a small selection if any available.
Chapstick, even if they don’t use it at home send it. The wind will dry out their lips trust me they’ll be looking for it at some point.
Lotion, again even if they don’t use it at home if they are in an arid location they will appreciate it.
Baby wipes, yes I said baby wipes. Even soldiers who are not in a field location like them. They still get sweaty and grimy, if they are on a 24 hour shift a few wipes can help them freshen up part way through their day. I send smaller packages but more of them (about 70 wipes per pack so they don’t dry out in the arid weather).
Razors, my husband likes the gillette proglide, you can send any decent twin or more blade razor.
Women’s razors, a rare find on a deployment especially the good ones.
Q-tips tons of uses for these
Socks, feet get sweaty in those boots, the sand found at some locations wears things out faster so don’t count on the ones he took with him when he deployed to last the year

Okay enough of that again don’t forget the gorilla and the shake test, if everything liquid is bagged and there’s no glass you should be fine.

Other things to make them smile…

Air fresheners – I use ones made for cars (not vent clips the kind that sit there in a can)
Candles I don’t send these, fire hazard
Dryer sheets, they can add them to their drawer, duffle ruck or closet. I always suggest they tuck one in their pillow case.
Books, paperbacks preferred here (they fit better in cargo pockets and are lighter in general)
Magazines (NO PORN) grab the latest issue of a car magazine, or something. I tend to send pencil puzzles and crossword books.
Water guns and water balloons, they are a huge hit in arid hot climates
Games and small toys, think travel sized that will fit in a cargo pocket or card games like uno.

I hate the line at the post office (USPS can be good)

I have a USPS.COM account, it’s free to setup
I pay online, you also get a discount for doing that.
It walks me through the customs form
I print it all out
I schedule a pickup, yes USPS will pickup the packages at your house for free.
Don’t forget to order your care package supplies while you are there.
- I keep the following on hand
  - Small Flat rate boxes (Currently $5.25 to send if paid online)
  - Medium Flat rate boxes (Currently $11.30 paid online)
  - Large Flat rate boxes (Currently $13.80 paid online)
  - Customs forms holders, yep free from USPS
  - Priority mail address labels

This is not an all inclusive guide but should give you a good start. As long as you keep sending stuff and keep the strong scents away from the food it should all work out.

I’ll cover shipping baked goods and other items in a another post. This means if you follow my blog you won’t miss out on it.

Be Respectful

Every night the citizens of this great country sleep undisturbed because others are standing guard. Less than 10% of this nation has served in the military. Also these days it seems as if being a police officer is a bad thing. Both the military and police officers have tough jobs, show them the support and respect they deserve.

I’d like to thank all those who protect and serve us be they police, fire, emergency medical, or military.

An open letter to congress!!

Okay I understand that there were some breaks in protocol concerning the invitation of Prime Minister Netanyahu. This is not the first thing I would call a break in protocol. No other president has stuck his tongue out in a selfie. I consider this a breech of protocol as it demeans the office. All presidents must understand that the office is bigger than any one president. This is something I think this president in particular has overlooked.

I think what PM Netanyahu has to say on the issue of our negotiations with Iran is important. His country is a lot closer to the problem than we are. His country has been threatened by Iran. They have publicly stated they want to wipe Israel off the map or into the sea. Does this not sound like a threat? I sure think it does.

I do not think we can trust Iran. I have read the biography of Reza Kahlili titled A time to betray. I encourage everyone who thinks we can trust Iran to read it. I think this book should be mandatory reading for every member of congress. It tells the story of how one man wanted to save the people of his country by betraying his government. The book also tells how they evade sanctions.

Yes they know how to bypass and evade sanctions. They have been evading them for decades. How else do you think they got the equipment to produce nuclear material in the first place? Yes the sanctions are hurting the economy however the sanctions have not changed the goals of the regime. They might claim they have changed but if in my opinion if you buy that ….

Now congress get over the breech in protocol and buck up and listen to what Netanyahu has to say. I never think it hurts anyone to listen and gain information. So tell the President to stop with the selfies and you stop with the tantrums.

I am so sick of tantrums on both sides. I’m thinking of entering my cat in the election we all know where she stands and we all know she can be bought. Diana kitty also doesn’t have a cell phone or know how to take a selfie. What scares me is that people have said they would seriously vote for a cat over what we have now. No, I’m not talking about one or two friends I’m talking about over 100 people. This must say something about what people think of the state of politics.

It’s not about just 1 day

My husband is deployed. I have noticed some of the little things he always did that I took for granted.

Coffee does not make itself in the mornings.
Laundry does not fold itself
Laundry does not put itself away
Trash does not take itself out
The large trash can is no fun to take out
I don’t automatically wake up at the right time every day.

I miss you David. I know doing all of these little chores is your way of showing me how much you love me every day.

Happy Valentines Day!!!! I love you tons & tons.

I think It’s the 1930’s again. Can we learn from history?

Comparing ISIL to 1939 Germany:

First off I feel that I must explain a few things you might not know about me:

I am a news junkie.
I have a love for history.
I am Jewish, yes a practicing Jew.
I watched every minute of the twenty-two minute video showing the Jordanian pilot being burned to death.

First I must explain what prompted me to watch such a horrific video. I wanted to see the horror with my own eyes. I felt it was also a way to look into the past, I thought about the concentration camps. Many people were murdered brutally in the

concentration camps constructed by Nazi Germany. NO, I don’t want you to go [1]

watch this horrific video I would NOT recommend watching this video I do recommend you watch Shepard Smith of Fox News describe it.

Why I felt compelled to write this blog? As an avid news junkie I follow many news agencies, not just the common ones popular here in the United States. I feel there is something to be learned from history so we can hopefully not allow it to be repeated.

I took quite some time in putting this blog post together and researched each fact, to prove this I have done something I have not done since college endnotes. Yes I cite each fact. I strived to make this blog as factual as possible.

ISIL:

Wants to create a master faith. ¹

Has slaughtered many in brutal & barbaric ways. ²

Many governments seem to be taking this situation lightly or trying to appease them. ³

Nazis:

Wanted to create a master race. ⁴

The Nazis wanted to eliminate all who were not just like them. ⁵

Many governments tried to appease Hitler. ⁶

Okay that’s the basic facts. Both groups want the whole world to be just like them. Both groups have and ISIL will continue to commit barbaric acts. Both groups committed horrible atrocities right under our noses.

I could write pages on this as there have been books written on both topics. I feel that we are on the brink of what could become world war three if something is not done. Yes back in the thirties the fight was “over there.” America was reluctant to get into the fight until we were attacked at Pearl Harbor. Military historians often say that Hitler could have been defeated easily during the 1930’s, if stronger action had been taken. ⁷I don’t want to see war in my lifetime, but I fear that it will happen unless governments stop looking the other way. I do think if nothing more is done we are at risk for another attack on American soil, I don’t want to see another Pearl Harbor or another 9/11.

Many of you know I’m married to a soldier; yes I would still like to see stronger action. Yes, we might lose troops but I feel that a strong offensive action now can and will save lives.

As a reminder this blog is mine and the opinions stated in this blog piece are mine.

1 http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/02/06/255824/how-does-islamic-state-justify.html, http://www.vox.com/cards/isis-myths-iraq/isis-islam

2 http://rt.com/news/168916-isis-iraq-war-crimes/

3 http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/21/politics/isis-global-response-list/ : http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/14/america-s-allies-are-funding-isis.html

4 http://historacle.org/hitlers_supermen.html

⁵http://www.kawvalley.k12.ks.us/schools/rjh/marneyg/04_holocaust-projects/04_amack_victims.htm

⁶http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/history/roadwar/appease/revision/1/

⁷http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-road-to-world-war-ii-why-wasn-t-hitler-stopped-a-645707.html

My bucket list

it seems that this time of year brings up two common topics of conversation. Resolutions and bucket lists. Personally I gave up on the resolution angle years ago. I was chatting with my in-laws and the topic of bucket lists came up. I decided to sit down and give it some serious thought.

I want to meet several @Foxnews personalities, some of them are contributors others are hosts.
- @SeanHannity
- @Greta
- Dr Charles Krauthammer
- The Crew from @TheFive
- Sheppard Smith

These are the names that come to mind at the moment. I’m a news junkie so I think I’d have a blast meeting them and seeing what goes on behind the scenes.

I want to see the Philadelphia Mummers Parade
- I’ve wanted to see this parade in person for as long as I can remember.

I grew up in the area and love the parade even though I can only watch it online now.

Lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington
See the changing of the guard 150 times.
- I’ve already seen it 114 times.

This is one of my favorite places on earth. I can stay at the tomb for hours the site is just awe inspiring as are the members of the old guard who watch over the tomb 365 days a year 24 hours a day.

Become a published author
- In my dreams a published author with an agent

I love writing, I want to put in the effort to make this a reality. No one can hand this to me, but they can support and encourage me. I do enjoy my blog and twitter followers.

Organizational tricks for Turkey Day, Thanksgiving.

I cook almost every year. We all know the basics of the menu, well if you are sticking with tradition. It starts with turkey. Well our menu for 2014 is: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Whole Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, White Pepper Gravy, Stuffing (dressing), Green bean casserole, Yams with marshmallows, Peas, Corn, Rolls, and of course pie for dessert.

Now none of this tends to stress me out, why?

I have a plan. On Wednesday morning, yes I said Wednesday after I get my coffee I throw some turkey parts, a couple of peeled and chunked up onions, a couple of carrots, some celery, and whatever seasoning I am using on the bird in my slow cooker. I dump in some water, turn the whole thing on low and ignore. I will get back to this in about 24 hours, yes it will be fine on low. I also make sure that the cranberry sauces are in the fridge.

Next I review that I have all of my ingredients, I always seem to forget something. Usually butter or milk, or heavy duty aluminum foil.

Now I use my nice clean and clear table. I lay out all of the pots and pans involved, yes I have had years where I had pictured one pot or pan for 2 things. Then I grab the ingredients and stage them with their pots & pans (no not the perishables, just the dry goods). I also use a fair number of disposable pans and of course the Reynolds Turkey bag. So now plan for the next day and get some rest.

Thursday morning my house already smells wonderful, remember that broth I started the day before… yep it smells wonderful. I get dressed to lace up shoes, and get my coffee. When I’m getting my coffee I turn the slow cooker off. I sit and eat and enjoy my coffee.

Now that I’m ready I prep the Reynolds bag according to instructions and get that bird in the oven with it’s onions carrots, celery and seasoning. Once that bird is in the oven I move on to the rolls.

I cheat, but it works great. I grab those muffin tins we all have, yeah you know the one, that rarely gets used. I pull them out and grab my frozen Rhodes dough balls. I drop 2 dough balls in each muffin cup. They like 3 hours of being ignored, so this works out well.

Now that I have those items done I take a water break. Yes, I make time to drink some water. It can get hot in the kitchen. Okay, water break over.

I strain that broth that is sitting in my slow cooker and stick it in the fridge so the fat can rise to the top.

Next up I prep my green bean casserole, no it won’t go straight in the oven, but with that bird cooking I have room in the fridge for it. You all know of the casserole I speak of. So once I get that prepped in a nice disposable pan and covered in the fridge it goes.

Now for the yams with marshmallows, I prep them in a disposable pan, cover them and pop them into the fridge. Don’t forget to pick up and put away cooking, trust it makes a difference. Do it now and load the dishwasher with anything you are done with.

Yep time to check on friends and family and poke my head out with more water in hand. Everyone will offer to help but unless they want to peel potatoes I really don’t need any help. I also make sure I have not left a disaster behind me, time to pick up and put away, or in the dishwasher again.

Okay next step is to peel those taters, and get them into a pot covered with water to keep them from browning. I’ll set them to boiling when the turkey has about 1 hour left in the oven. Yes, I drain the pot and refill it with fresh water to cook them.

Now I check on the broth in the fridge. Time to make the stuffing or dressing if you prefer. Some years I have the onions etc already sautéed if not I have do it now. Take your time and keep an eye on them, there is no rushing sautéing vegetable, really trust me I’ve tried. Once I get the stuffing or dressing if you prefer into, guess what? Another disposable pan, covered and in the fridge. Yes, I made use of some of that broth from my slow cooker, no need to wait on pan drippings and hope I have enough.

Time for more water, and another peak at the parade.

Time to check on that bird, and start the potatoes boiling. I peek at my rolls, they are rising nicely. Now it’s time to clear off a counter and prep it for the turkey when it comes out of the oven. I place a towel and some cardboard on the counter covered by another towel. I will need my stovetop so… the counter must be ready.

Now I mix up my gravy, yes from scratch. I make both white and brown since I often invite soldiers who have no where to go.

Okay time to get the warming tray plugged in. I love it for gravy and a few other things. If you don’t have one don’t worry about it. Time to get the corn and peas in their pans and on the stove.

Time for one last break. Another chance to stem the tide of disaster in the kitchen and keep the chaos to a minimum.

Oh it’s time for the bird to pop out of the oven. I get it out, now help is great, extra muscles. I take it out and let it rest in the nice prepared spot on the counter. Yep out and resting. Now those casseroles in the fridge, jump into the oven. You did cover them with foil right, so just pop em in.

The rolls are looking very pretty as well, so I brush them with an egg wash and pop them into the oven.

So taters are boiling, casseroles are baking, rolls are baking, bird is resting, peas and corn are on the stove, gravy is on the warming tray. I now move the bird to the cutting board, yep extra help is good here too. Like I said muscles are always good. I carve in the kitchen, your traditions may vary. I do have a second pan for the carved turkey standing by, yep another disposable. I don’t have a platter so I make do.

The rolls and casseroles are done, now to carve the star and get it one the table. Now as far as plates and silverware, I use high quality paper with real silverware, I do use real glassware.

Oh you ask about the pies, frozen or fresh picked up at the store, pop on the table after the bird is done, and add some ice cream and fresh plates, maybe a pot of coffee.

Why I drive in….

Well since I seem to be on a service kick…

Yes I’m talking about Sonic Drive In. I have a favorite location it’s in Fayetteville NC on Skibo rd, yep the one across from that big box store that’s always crowded. Okay I’ve been going there so long, half of the staff knows my vehicle and sometimes they have my drink ready before I can hit the red button. Yep I get the same thing, every time I’m there.

First I can be just plain lazy, no need to get out of the car. Second the staff there is AWESOME. I’ve had a few food & drink hiccups, but they were always fixed quickly and with a smile. I’m there an average of 5-6 days a week. Third I can control the heat & ac and make it just perfect.

Why, sometimes I’m reading, writing, plotting for Nanowrimo, or just plain hiding out.

Now that we moved across town I must admit that I’ll drive the extra few miles to go to my favorite sonic. I love seeing my smiling friends every time I pull in. Keep up the awesome service and keep an eye out out for your Large Diet Dr. Pepper with pineapple fan.