Home And Family

There are many family-oriented activities available on or around Halloween. Haunted houses, trick-or-treating, parties, etc. are all par for the course. Perhaps the greatest seasonal activity for a family with young children, however, is to attend a corn maze.

Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to haunt the maze as families attempt to find their way through it. Be sure children wear sufficiently warm clothing under their costumes, as it is often cold during this season.

A good corn maze will be somewhat challenging to navigate. It is traditional for there to be several ancillary program features.

Snacks such as kettle corn, cider, hot cocoa, caramel apples, roasted nuts, etc. are common delicacies. Some corn maze operators include an expanded menu to also embrace Oktoberfest. Bratwurst, beer and pretzels are therefore often included as menu choices.

Usually, carnival games are also offered attractions. These come in the form of ring toss games, bouncing tents, miniature bowling, etc. It is common to also see seasonal games such as bobbing for apples, costume contests, pumpkin carving and the like.

Remember to bring a camera to capture treasured images of your children playing, as well as walking through the maze. Many operators offer aerial-view maps of a given corn maze, in order to assist you on your journey. Even so, a good maze can prove difficult to complete. Therefore, there are usually several “emergency” exits along the way. Restroom facilities are normally provided in the form of portable toilets.

Clearly, there is a lot more to a corn maze than one might think. The veritable plethora of activities and treats available are sure to please all members of the family.

When I was a child in the New Orleans area, my big brown eyes would be popping at Halloween time with vivid images, shapes, characters and colors designed to capture the imagination and transport one into another sense of reality. I recall scary voodoo zombies regaling the windows of storefronts, Halloween jesters staring out from behind curtains, expressive uses of masks with a French or Creole twist, and these visuals combined with music and food would be a fun, frightening feast for the senses.

Now that we’ve moved into the Northeast and times have changed, Halloween has become more demure and conservative, and in many ways around our neighborhood, barely noticeable. Parents have become spooked themselves about having their children running around trick-or-treating, and small parties – tightly-controlled – have replaced the traditional community experience of Halloween. I can understand why that’s happened, but it doesn’t prevent me from trying to bring some of that old New Orleans spirit to my adopted hometown; in fact, it inspires me to share some ideas. I’d like to share these 5 with you.

1. Curtains – the Blacker, the Better!

It’s really inexpensive to purchase some black fabrics online and spread them all throughout the house; curtains over windows, draped over furniture, hanging in corners or in unexpected places. This alone can give a dramatic “cape of fear” over one’s home. Use liberally.

2. Make Strange Costumes!

This is a bit more involved, but rather than buying costumes off the shelf, a little imagination can turn some cheap fabric and some well-glued craft goodies into one-of-a-kind, bizarre costumes with weird shapes and faces. I recommend a combination of black and other ghoulish colors.

3. “Webbing.”

Fabric alone can be taken and “shredded” to make a host of scary cobwebs all around the house and especially on the front porch. “Webs” draped everywhere create a sense of foreboding as the children approach the door – creating a spooky effect that “primes” them for the fear to come once they ring the doorbell.

4. Eerie Lighting!

Setting up light bulbs (I strongly recommend red) at specific points of interest can cast ghastly hues and shadows in the windows and on the porch, as well as when you open the door. I like to have a light directly behind me when I answer the door, because it gives the effect of a gigantic silhouette. If this light is red or orange, it completely magnifies the effect!

5. Scary Faces Everywhere!

I purchase a bunch of cheap masks that, when in used in combination with the webbing, lighting, and black curtains, create the illusion of living faces peering out from every nook of the house. If done correctly, this creates the sense of a “ghoul jungle” that is fun, surprising, and never fails to delight the kids – even if there is a scream or two!

I do try to keep away from the bloody, murder-themed stuff – but I like making my Halloween experience as fun and spooky as possible without crossing the line. I may never recapture what I enjoyed in New Orleans as a kid, but every year I try to come as close as possible!

The predicament of shopping for last minute gifts is not new. For many it is part of who they are. Whether it be Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries or even Valentines Day, there will always be last minute shoppers scurrying around malls and shops trying to find that special something that says, I remembered. If you are one of these shoppers do not be alarmed. There are last minute gifts for Valentines Day that will leave a lasting impression. The best part is, it does not have to empty your wallet. Last minute gifts can derive from the heart as well.

For example, you can rent that romantic movie she has been dying to see and you have been trying to avoid. Pick up some candy and flowers and head for home. You can also pick up some massage oils in a jiffy. Nothing says I love you more than a soothing warm oil massage from the one you love. Of course the options are many. The only thing you will need is a little imagination.

If you think quickly on your feet, you can deliver the impression that you spent countless hours planning the gift, although you actually almost forgot. Remember, it truly is the thought that counts. Obviously it would be better to actually spend a lot of time pouring your heart and soul into your plan. However, it cannot always be the case. Therefore, always have a good back up plan. You know what your partner likes and dislikes. You know if they are open to poetry or a candlelight dinner out. When you find yourself shopping at the last moment, take a deep breath and resort to your back up plan. Magic moments can still be created.

You’ve always had one of those great looking trees standing beautifully in the center of your living room. How about doing something special this year? Spread the holiday cheer your own little way by setting up mini lighted outdoor Christmas trees where people can appreciate them most.

Several decorated trees delicately topped with snow lined up in your walkway look beautiful in the day. As dusk sets in and you light up these little firs, I guarantee you wide-eyed children and admiring adults stopping by to check out your decked out lawn.

You can either purchase small live trees or the artificial ones, depending on your preference. It might be a little harder to purchase live trees of the same size but you can browse through the selections of several Christmas tree shops to see. Drape them in mini worm lights and twist bright tinsel garlands that reflect the light around the tree’s limbs. If you are one to take risks, spray paint them with glow in the dark paint and be the house that people landmark for directions.

Artificial trees might prove to be more economical for you in the long run as you can get to use it for several more holidays. Decide on what motif and purchase the twinkle lights that complement it. You can buy almost every shade, shape and flashing pattern with songs. I recommend you get the shorter strands of lights and twist them prettily around the boughs, making the spacing as evenly as possible. Put on miniature accessories like bells and balls and secure it discretely with tape or glue.

Remember to take the necessary precautions for lighted outdoor decorations. For the trees, tie them with ropes (cover the rope with strategically styled ornaments like taped on boxes wrapped as gifts) and stake them through the ground firmly. You don’t want a gust of wind bring your lovely yuletide tokens all over the street. Also, as much as you are able, do not use breakable accessories in adorning your outdoor displays.

Before you even go out and buy the trees in Christmas tree shops, survey your yard on where you will place them. Is there a power outlet near enough to plug in the lights? And when you do have them plugged in, ensure that they do not get stepped on especially at night when it can get really dark. Keep them well protected or have a sign to warn people to watch their step lest they trip over or accidentally crush them.

There are also pre-lighted trees that you should consider getting. The advantage is won’t be any cords dangerously lying around your yard. A lot of these trees are attractive– and because they are battery and timer controlled, you don’t have to get out of your cozy homes to turn off the lights at night. You can view these mini lighted outdoor Christmas trees in several specialty websites and order them online.

Once you had a living room full of appreciative family members-now the Christmas spirit you’ve always shared will be experienced by a much wider group of people. Be prepared-you never know whose life you may have just brightened because he crossed your twinkly and joyful path. Happy holidays!

It抯 hard enough trying to read all the directions for the various gifts one receives for Christmas, but did you read the instructions BEFORE the holidays?

I bought new lights for my tree this year. It is always a good idea to keep your lights in good working order. The last thing I would want would be a fire in my home. I抦 a conscientious homeowner and also try not to have too many extension cords, or unattended candles.

This year, I was surprised to find interesting instructions on the brand new package of lights I bought this year. The warning said the wiring on my lights contained lead and to wash my hands after handling.

Lead, when ingested, can cause various ailments. In adults, when larger amounts are ingested, it can increase blood pressure and cause fertility problems, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, irritability, and memory or concentration problems. In young children, very low levels of exposure can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, and kidney damage.

Lead is especially dangerous to pregnant women. Lead can easily be transferred to the fetus, as lead crosses the placenta. In fact, pregnancy itself can cause lead to be released from the bone, where lead is stored梠ften for decades梐fter it first enters the blood stream. (The same process can occur with the onset of menopause.) Once the lead is released from the mother’s bones, it re-enters the blood stream and can end up in the fetus. In other words, if a woman had been exposed to enough lead as a child for some of the lead to be stored in her bones, the mere fact of pregnancy can trigger the release of that lead and can cause the fetus to be exposed. In such cases, the baby is born with an elevated blood lead level.

Granted, the amount of lead that could possibly be absorbed from your Christmas lights is minimal. But read the warning label on your boxes and wash your hands after decorating the tree. Keep your hands from your mouth and perhaps refrain from allowing children to touch the wires. Consider keeping the tree in a room where children don’t normally play, or stringing the lights higher than they can reach.

And be careful getting on the bike that had all the 揺xtra?nuts and bolts after assembly.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that brings loved ones together and it’s a time to be grateful for all that you have but what if you’re not feeling so grateful this Thanksgiving?

I’ve listened to many people confide they feel guilty for not being grateful. Cut yourself some slack. One lady I know, let’s call her Doreen is on disability. Due to her husband being unable to get a job in the economic downturn, her disability check has had to be used as rent money. When you are in a situation like this, it’s understandable to feel low.

Did you know that as the Holidays approach suicide increases? I say this not to focus on doom and gloom but because I encourage you to become aware of co-workers, family and friends who may be suffering beneath the surface.

People are scared to be vulnerable because they think it makes them look weak. That just isn’t true. Vulnerability takes courage. When you reveal your true feelings, you not only empower yourself; you help people around you heal also. You will emanate an aura of peace that will soothe people’s souls.

For years, I was in a relationship with a man who believed that looking at pain and negative inner feelings attracted more of them. I took on that belief and when I was suffering I pretended everything was okay until I was broken. I didn’t reach out for help and because of that, I lost everything. I encourage you to look beneath the surface of positive thinking. It’s not as clear cut as you think. Don’t walk the dangerous ground I walked upon.

It is healthy to get quiet and go inwards and allow yourself to feel because this releases your past pains and insecurities. Keep doing your affirmations like, “I am grateful” but also allow yourself to be REAL. That is the greatest gift you have to give yourself.

Thanksgivings were always held at my grandma’s house, which was kind of funny because Nannie, as we called her, couldn’t cook. She didn’t know that, with the exception of her desserts, everyone avoided her cooking. Lucky for us, she had somehow managed to inherit the baking gene from her own mother, but the bus stopped at cooking any kind of real food.

Every year that she insisted we all have Thanksgiving at her house, Mom desperately tried to convince her otherwise. But when Nannie was adamant, she was adamant. So Mom got the idea to have a potluck Thanksgiving. She phoned all the relatives and assigned them each a dish. Since Nannie was given dessert duty, we all felt Thanksgiving would be safe again. It wasn’t.

When we arrived on the big Turkey Day, we were greeted by Nannie’s twenty-one year old cat, Billie. He had four teeth left and eyes like wrinkled old apples. His meow sounded more like a hoarse cough. Or horse cough. The big gray and white tabby, who looked more like a dried prune, would retreat to the back yard, dig a hole, and stick his head into it. I was convinced the old mange ball was trying to put himself out of his misery, but Nannie would just go out and pick ol’ Billie up and give him a big kiss, right on the lips. It would have been cute to see this if it wasn’t for the drool strings dropping from Billie’s tired mouth. “Billie, you silly willy! Sticking your head in the sand!” Nannie would mockingly scold. She’d set him down on the couch and Billie would flop down in defeat.

Every relative from one end of the state to the other was there. There was my Uncle George who was a minister of a huge congregation. I was ecstatic when Uncle George came. As the minister of the group, he was always asked to pray over the food and he had the fastest prayer in the west. That meant we could eat quicker. His prayer went like this: Thank you, food, Amen. I figured he must have some kind of deal with God because mom would never let me get away with a prayer made up of four words.

Then there was Grandpa Howard. I wasn’t sure if I should run when he came around or not. He was always tickling us ’till we cried. When we’d start to cry he would call us, “Big bawl babies!” and tickle us even more. When Grandma Howard came over and shooed him away he would always come back to trick us. He would offer us either a dime or a nickel and ask us to pick which one. We would always pick the nickel over the dime because it was bigger. Then he’d laugh and call us, “Brainless babies!” and Grandma would come over and whack him with a wet dish towel. “Leave those precious babies alone!” Grandpa would look at Grandma, take out his dentures, and ask her for a big kiss. He looked like Billie. She would just whack him again with the dish towel but it never stopped him.

Then there was my Uncle Rich and his son, Greggy. They were known for eating whole flats of cherries and then passing lots and lots of gas. They admitted they ate the cherries for the side effect. My mom was always disgusted when those two started lighting up.

As we got closer to dinner time, everyone was getting hungry. All the kids were milling around the kitchen and being shooed out like flies. Mom was so glad to have it all under control, or so she thought. Everyone had brought their signature dishes, Aunt Tylene brought her tamale casserole, Aunt Marge brought her world famous sausage dressing, Mom supplied the gourmet whipped mashed potatoes with turkey gravy. And Nannie told us she made a beautiful chocolate torte. But Mom noticed two relatives missing, Aunt Chris and Uncle Bob. Mom started to panic, “Myrtle,” she said to Nannie, “where are Aunt Chris and Uncle Bob?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? They couldn’t make it. Uncle Bob has a bad knee you know.” And as Nannie began telling the knee and doctor visit reports, Mom broke out in a sweat. “But Chris was bringing the turkey.”

“I took care of it Lois. I bought a turkey last night and I cooked it.” Mom was, horrified as were everyone else in the house who caught wind (and I don’t mean Uncle Richard’s and Greggy’s wind, either). This was serious! The room froze. Mom swallowed hard. Aunt Tylene ran to the oven.

There was a big, twenty pound turkey that was beautifully browned. She gave Mom the thumbs up. Everyone that had been holding their breath, released. And Greggy released, too. (And it wasn’t his breath…) We all thought we were safe. Maybe Nannie could cook; at least a turkey.

The table was beautifully set with a huge cornucopia as a centerpiece. All the steaming dishes were on the table, and the smells were heavenly. (Greggy! Stop!) All twenty three family members found a spot to sit. The kid’s table included a couple of twenty year old cousins who hadn’t graduated to the big table yet, Greggy was one of them. I was lucky to avoid sitting by Greggy because I don’t think I could have eaten with the smell of rotten cherries wafting next to me.

It was Dad’s year to carve the turkey. We bowed our heads in prayer as Uncle George did his three second graces. “Thank you, food, Amen.” Dad picked up the carving knife and cut into the turkey. He faintly smelled chocolate but thought it was his imagination. It wasn’t.

The turkey had browned all right but the inside was slightly raw. Okay, that was an understatement; it was so raw that it was inedible. But why the smell of chocolate?

Nannie had cooked the bird for an hour, not the recommended four hours. She thought her way was better, turn the oven up and cook it less. But not only that, she didn’t have enough room in the oven for the turkey and the torte, so she stuck the chocolate torte in the cavity of the turkey to cook at the same time. Turkey and torte ruined.

As we all left for home after dinner, turkeyless and dessertless, Grandpa Howard leaned over to give Billie a pat. “No wonder you keep tryin’ to kill yourself. She’s probably been trying to kill you for years with that cooking of hers.” Grandpa gave him a gentle nudge with the toe of his boot. “Cat?” Another nudge, this time a little more forceful. “Billie? Speak to me!” And Grandpa knew that Billie’s ninth life was passed. Grandpa gazed at the old cat lying in peaceful repose. “Well, Billie, one thing about it… You look better than Myrtle’s turkey, and you’re in a better place.” Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

“Fa-la-la-la-la—la-la-la-la!” Everyone’s decking the halls and ‘tissing the season… except that niggling memory that with the joy of the holidays comes the increase of crime, hence the bursting of that safe, secure bubble we enjoy the remaining eleven months of the year.

It is true that crime rates increase during the holidays, but we have family to see, parties to attend, and shopping to do! Which is exactly what would-be criminals thrive on. No, not the families, parties and shopping… they thrive on the distraction of them.

So, what’s a holiday-loving gal or guy to do? Well, first of all, be mindful of your surroundings. Observe. Know where people are, how they are dressed and what they are doing. Always know what and where you and your belongings are (including those little munchkins that want to see Santa!).

Oh, and don’t forget these Holiday Shopping Tips:

Shop with the sun, friends and family. Try not to shop after dark when visibility is low, and when that’s not possible – at least don’t shop alone. There is strength in numbers, and most criminals prefer a lonely, defenseless subject over a group.

Be prepared. Have a self-defense plan or reaction plan. This could be a charged cell phone (or even a flash light!) [http://www.SWATsupplies.com/safetylights.htm], Kubaton or a Pepper Spray [http://www.SWATsupplies.com/pepperspray.htm] Key Chain – keep them handy and be ready to use them. Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and rather than using a pocketbook or wallet, store cash and credit cards securely in a pants pocket.

Don’t attract attention. Leave your jewelry safely at home (it’s a good time to clean your jewelry for that holiday party, so leave it in the ultra sonic cleaner while you shop). Never display all your credit cards or cash, but keep them safely hidden as best you can, even during a transaction when you’re tempted to pull out your cards or cash and search through them.

Be cautious, not tempting. Look around, but be confident and know where you’re going. Hold your pocketbook close, keep your cash, credit cards or wallet in a front or buttoned pocket, and place valuable packages closest to your body.

Don’t display your private information. Don’t create a key ring out of your ID! Keep your license number, license plate number, address and other personal information hidden and protected. Try maintaining this information as a nondescript text message or a contact, such as ‘Kitty’s Bakery”, on your cell phone. If you don’t have a cell phone, or you prefer, write on the back of a picture in your wallet.

This is by far not an all-inclusive list, but should serve as a reminder that we have the ability to reduce our chances, or possibly even prevent becoming a victim of holiday crime.

Your best defense may be as simple as being aware. Be aware of your surroundings, your belongings and bystanders. Think about vulnerable areas, take action to keep safe, and focus on getting the most out of your holiday family-time, party-time and shopping-time this season!

FBI Crime Rate statistics indicate that 1 out of every 25 people were a victim of crime in 2004. I’m not sure what the statistics will be for 2006, but let’s not be that 4% of the population this year.

A free Easter ecard is available online for Internet surfers who want to send a special Christian holiday greeting to their friends or family celebrating the resurrection of Christ and His intersession for us, through Himsself, to God. Free Easter ecards come in a variety of formats from a variety of Internet ecard distributors. A simple keyword search on any Internet search engine will result in dozens of companies that offer free Easter ecards to Internet users. These free Easter ecards can be personalized and sent to as many recipients as desired. The recipients themselves can also forward the free Easter ecard to anyone they know who might like to receive a Gospel message ecard at Easter time.

Ecards in general are becoming more popular due to the simplicity of selection, the free cost, and the instantaneous reception. Those that have sent cards the traditional way in the past, through postal mail, are finding that the benefits of sending free Easter ecards far outweigh the traditional Easter card. Some people are actually sending more ecards for every holiday or special event now because of the easy process. Free Easter ecards are great for men who usually leave the job of sending cards to others to the women. Sending a free Easter ecard can be done from work, home or cafe. No stamp is required, and no time is lost waiting for it to arrive.

A free Easter ecard that includes music and animation can also be sent. A musical or animated free Easter ecard is a sight. It is amazing to see the advances that have been made in technology in the past decade. A free Easter ecard can be personalized, and sung to the recipient, which facilitates a caring relationship between the sender and receiver. People love getting ecards that show someone is thinking of them. With more and more people on the Internet, it is easier and quicker to transfer information via email.

Another benefit of a free Easter ecard comes when the sender has forgotten and needs a last minute solution. A free Easter ecard can be sent in a minute, thus ending the stress associated with last minute cards. If the sender would like to add a more creative detailed message to the free Easter ecard, they may have to pay a small fee. Other companies offer an inventory of free Easter ecards for a small inventory selection fee. Generally free Easter ecards that charge inventory selection fees are spectacular in nature. If a person can receive a great looking, musically animated free Easter ecard, imagine what they can receive when they pay for extras.

Hello Everyone!

What a great time we had last night ~ roasting marshmellows in the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and singing some songs. Even practiced singing several Christmas carols. Then Mrs. Claus started playing the piano and we started dancing to some of the lively tunes. None of us knew how to dance, but we had a great time trying. Santa took some video pictures of us. Then Santa was showing us some simple dances and Mrs. Claus took some pictures of him! They are funny ~ Santa dancing!!

One of the reindeer was sick this morning and Santa had the doctor come to the house. I guess it wasn’t too serious, as he was back to normal this evening. The doctor gave him some pills to take, but he refused to take them. So the elves and Santa had to hold Blitzen’s (the reindeer) mouth open, so Mrs. Claus could give him the medicine. I’m glad he only has to take the pills for three days!

Got a lot more toys done today. We ran out of paint, need some more nails and screws and sandpaper. Hopefully the supplies will arrive before the end of the week. Now we’ve started working on snowboards, skateboards, skis and ski poles and snow shoes. Mrs. Claus didn’t work in the toy shop today ~ she said she wanted to clean her house and get ready for our Halloween party this weekend.

Well, boys and girls ~BE GOOD ~ Santa is watching you