Fun National Days in December

It's almost December!  Below are some interesting National Holidays that I thought we could celebrate this month.  Let me know what you think.

December 1  

National Pie Day

Who doesn't like pie?  Apple pie, pumpkin pie, blueberry pie.  Strawberry rhubarb is my favorite!

It's also

National Eat a Red Apple Day

This day encourages everyone to eat a red apple.  You remember that old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."  Today is a great day to put that to the test.   How to observe the day?  Well, You can start by grabbing a red apple!  

December 2

National Mutt Day

A day to celebrate My Weird Dog  Pippen  mixed breed dogs.  Today is a great day to visit a shelter or rescue and adopt a dog.  If you already have a mutt, give him some extra love today.  Oh and don't forget to celebrate by posting on social media #nationalmuttday.  

December 5

National Bathtub Party Day

This day encourages us to skip the shower and relax and enjoy a good soak in the tub.  Add some suds and pamper yourself!  Bathtub party sounds like more people are involved.  Well, that's what I thought when I heard about the holiday.  I remember plopping two boys in the tub for a bath.  That was always a party for them.    How to celebrate today?  Grab yourself a glass of  wine, a good book and a nice bath bomb and relax in the tub.  Extra people in the tub is optional.

December 8

National Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day

This one sounded interesting.  Here is the original blog post that started it all.  Which will you be?  From the future or a traveler from the past?  

December 12

National Ding a Ling Day

This holiday encourages us to get in touch with people we once talked to often.  This was actually started by Franky Hyle from Melrose Park, IL in 1972.  Hyle was discussing with his friends on how they should be friendlier and get in touch with friends and relatives they haven't heard from in awhile. The term, "ding a ling"  came up in their conversation.  They looked it up and found the meaning was, "One who hears bells in their head."  From this a tradition was born.  To celebrate, pick up the phone and call someone you haven't seen or spoken to in awhile.  I bet they would love to hear from you!

December 13

National Guard Birthday

The National Guard, a component of the United States Army, is composed of soldiers who work and/or attend school.  At the same time, they are called to provide support and protection for that states civilians or to be called for military operations for the country.  On this date in 1636 the first militia regiments were organized in Massachusetts.  They are referred to being one of the oldest units in the US Military.

December 15

National Wear Your Pearls Day

This day is a reminder of when life throws dirt your way, we all have value in the end.   The result of one irritating grain of sand causes a pearl to form.  Just like pearls, people and the kinds of trials thrown into our lives come in many shapes and sizes.  Remember when life throws a little dirt your way that you have value.  How to celebrate?  Bring out those pearls (real or fake) and put them on.  I know Bella will be celebrating today.

December 17

National Re-Gifting Day

Yes.  There is a day to get rid of those unwanted gifts you have received over the years.  Today is the day.  Held the Thursday before Christmas, because that is when most office parties are held and 40% of those gifts are re-gifted.  I'm not sure how this will all play out this year with people at home.  Maybe you can drop off your gifts on people's door steps?

December 18

National Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day

"Buddy the Elf, What's your favorite color?"  I know I will be participating today.  How about you?

It's also

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Perfect day to put on that sweater that Aunt Martha gave you for Christmas last year.  Don't have one?  If you need some ideas on how to make one, click here and here.

December 20

National Sangria Day

I don't think we need an explanation or a reason.  I mean, you are getting your share of fresh fruit in every glass.  

December 21

National Crossword Day

I love doing crosswords (and sudoku).  It's a sore subject with RT, but, today I have a reason to do crossword puzzles.  

It's also

National Humbug Day

Today we recognize the Ebenezer's, scrooges and grinches who suck the joy out of the holiday season.  This day is also set aside for those that are tired of the hustle and bustle of the season and just need a moment (or day) to let out a few "Bah Humbugs."  

and

National Flashlight Day

Or as Nick would say, Flash a light.  Today is a celebration of the Winter Solstice and reminds us to turn on some lights during the shortest day of the year.

December 23

National Pfeffernusse Day

A Pfeffernusse is a German spice cookie made of ground nuts and spices and covered in powdered sugar.  I have never tried a Pfeffernusse cookie, but, I am thinking I will have to find a recipe and share it with everyone.  Stay tuned.  

oh, and for those Seinfeld fans, it's

Festivus

Invented by Frank Costanza, in response to the commercialism of Christmas.  It has the catchy slogan, "A Festivus for the rest of us."  This holiday contains the aluminum pole, a nice dinner, a time for everyone to Air their Grievances, Feats of Strength (where the head of household must be pinned or it will result in perpetual Festivus) and the Festivus Miracle.  

December 26

National Whiner's Day

A day to let us complain about roughly anything.  You can whine about being too tired, overeating, cleaning up or going back to work.  Hey, you can complain about COVID, Quarantine or even the election!  There are some rules, though.  You can't complain about what you did not get for Christmas or what you do not have and, most importantly, that you should remember what you do have.

December 27

National Fruitcake Day

Who has that fruitcake anyway? 

December 29

National Hero Day

A day to honor the person and or people that we look up to and that inspire us to be the best person that we can be.  Heroes come in many forms.  They rescue us, inspire us and most importantly, they believe in us.

It's also

National Tick Tock Day

No.  This doesn't refer to making videos on the app Tik Tok.   This day reminds us to address any unfinished business before the end of the year.  

December 30

National Bacon Day

Because Bacon.

December 31

National Make Up Your Mind Day

Quit wavering, take a side, make a decision and stick to it.  

Black Friday

 It's Black Friday!  Time to exercise your credit cards -  Push them to the limit folks!  And, get in a big workout trying to snag that big screen TV before someone else grabs it.

Oh, yea, and it's also time for my famous  usual Black Friday post.  

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday and it is the biggest shopping day of the year.  For retailers, it marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. 

For those of us that are out there working on Black Friday, it's a crazy, long and tiring day.  Make sure you take those vitamins, drink lots of water, plaster a smile on your face and, well, just try to have some fun.

If you are out there shopping, it can get crazy, so, try to be safe.  Also, be nice to the store employees.  They don't make the rules or have any control over the amount of inventory the store has of that item you want to purchase.  So, go easy on them!

I'm not exactly sure how the day will go with the whole pandemic, face masks, germs and social distancing.  This should be interesting.

And now, what everyone has been waiting for, here is my famous Black Friday song playlist for your  listening pleasure:

Man in Black - Johnny Cash
Paint it Black - The Rolling Stones
Back in Black - AC/DC
Black Cat - Janet Jackson
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Black or White - Michael Jackson
Black Widow - Iggy Azalea
Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden
Black - Pearl Jam
Blackbird - The Beatles
Black Betty - Ram Jam
Black Gold - Soul Asylum
Men in Black 3 Back in Time - Pitbull
Black Night - Deep Purple
Black Rain - Soundgarden
The Long Black Veil - Johnny Cash
Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
Black Velvet - Alannah Miles
Black Water - The Doobie Brothers
Men in Black - Will Smith

Blue on Black - Five Finger Death Punch

Happy Thanksgiving!

 In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast.  They invited the great Indian chief, Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food.  Governor Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests.  Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this;

"We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land.  We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice."

Linus Van Pelt
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

The Ice Cubes

I have several posts about ice cubes and ice cube trays.  You can read about how to make ice, how the kids forgot how to make ice and RT's impatience and possible YouTube tutorial on the subject.  I guess I'm here to say that none of the ice tutorials have worked in our family.

The other day RT went to get some ice and it started all over again.  

"Am I the only one who makes ice around here?"

"It isn't that difficult to make ice!"  

"If you see that the ice is getting low, empty the trays, refill them with water and place them back in the freezer!  It's that easy!"  

I happened to be sitting in the dining room enjoying a glass of water (without ice).  I had to chime in and mention that I have not been using ice.  Luckily my Yeti keeps my water nice and cold (thanks, Nick!).  There is only one other person in this house and she uses quite a bit of ice.  

When I come home from work, RT is in the kitchen filling up the ice cube trays.  I have to admit, I think he does it more than anyone else in this house.  Since I don't use that much ice I don't fill the trays as often.  And, if you ask Bella  the other person living in our house, she will tell you that she always fills the ice cube trays.

"I'm going to get a video camera to see who is using all of the ice."  

"You are going to have to sign out every cube of ice that you take from the freezer."

I use one cube a day to water a plant in our kitchen.  That was in the care instructions for the plant.  I was told that I will now have to sign for each ice cube that I take out for my plant. 

I'm all for being accountable for our ice usage, pitching in and filling trays.  I think all residents of this household every family member should jump in and help out with the strenuous activity of ice cube making.   Unfortunately the burden work to keep the ice box full has fallen upon one person.

I think I might have to push RT to make that YouTube instructional video.

Greetings from My job as a WalMart Greeter Wannabe

Things that I notice while being "the World's Best WalMart Greeter."

Apparently our numbers were low in this area and in order to step it up they now place a person by the front doors whose sole purpose is to greet customers.  Some people respond in kind, while others ignore the greeter.  There are happy shoppers and crabby shoppers.  I'm not sure why the latter even enter the store.  If you are crabby, just stay home.  

When I am greeting, I find that I am invisible to some until I am needed.  Shoppers that ignore me when entering the store, will suddenly find my existence me and ask me for assistance.   

Customers use hand sanitizer like it's lotion.  We have a big bottle by the front of the store that customers can use upon entering or leaving the store.  Some will sanitize their hands and then do it again.  I have had people sanitize their hands three or four times.

This pandemic took away brain cells.  I have customers using the exit as an entrance.  It's pretty safe to say the entrance is to the right for most stores.  When my children were little and could not read, I taught them that green means go and red means stop.  There are stickers on the doors at retail establishments that are red (do not enter) or green (enter).  

Along with brain cells, the pandemic stole people's ability to talk or communicate.  I will say "Good Morning," or "Hello"  to a customer entering the store and will hear a grunt in response.  It's almost like I am talking to teenagers.  This skill on how to talk with humans might have to be relearned for some people.

I think it's pretty safe to say that this whole virus situation has taken a toll on everyone.  I seem to have listed quite a few negative situations.  I am happy to report that there are positives to being the greeter.

I do get some fun customers.   Why not have some fun while I'm up there?

As a customer leaves, I will thank them for visiting our store.  Sometimes a customer will tell me, "Oh, I'll be right back."  When they return, I'll say, "You came back!  We missed you!"

One guy came in and I said hello.  He replied, "I'm sorry.  No kissing.  There's a pandemic going on."  

Sometimes older men ask me for help locating their wife.  I always tell them to seize this opportunity and run.  Unfortunately, the wife has the car keys so, we start our search through the store.

My Dad taught me to make the best of situations and, as you can see, it has definitely come in handy when I'm at work.  I'm grateful for inheriting my Dad's great sense of humor.  It certainly has helped me survive working retail.

Vegan Diaries - Baked Falafel

I love a good falafel.  

When I wanted falafel, I'm ashamed to say this, but, I used a box mix.   I know, I know.  I figured it was quick and a lot easier than trying to make it from scratch.  Just add some water, mix, form and bake, right?

Boy was I wrong!

 

I searched high and low and I found this recipe here.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous.  The recipe is pretty basic, and I like that they are baked.  I understand most falafel is fried.  I have tried frying my falafel and feel like a) it's messy and b) it's a lot heavier in your stomach.  I started baking my falafel and noticed a difference.  Not as oily and a lot lighter in my stomach.  I also like that this recipe uses canned chick peas, making the recipe easy to whip up anytime.

OK, enough talk.  Let's get to baking some falafel!  

Here's the recipe:

Baked Falafel
 

ingredients:

2 cans chick peas, drain and rinse

1/2 cup grated cauliflower

1 TBSP ground chia seeds

1 tsp turmeric 

2 tsp curry powder

1/4 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

pepper to taste

1 small onion, finely chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

3 TBSP water

some fresh parsley leaves

directions:

In food processor, put chick peas, chia seeds, cauliflower, spices, salt, pepper, onion and garlic and process until you have fine crumbs.  Scrape sides so there are no large chunks.

Add water and parsley and process again until batter like.  Let sit for 5 minutes so the chia seeds can absorb water.

Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats.  Shape batter into falafel balls using your hands.  Place on baking sheet and bake at 375F for 25 minutes.  
Let cook a little so flavors set.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

If you try the Baked Falafel, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!

Chalk Wars

 I spend my morning enjoying a nice long walk.  It's a great way to enjoy nature and work out everything in my head (which is a lot).  Some side benefits:  It can be relaxing and peaceful and sometimes quite entertaining.

I was walking on my usual route when I noticed some writing on the path.  I do enjoy chalk art and always show respect and step around it.  This was a little different.  Someone was disappointed with the elections turnout and took up their chalk to tell everyone in the neighborhood.  All of their messages referred to the status of the election.  This person was pro Trump.  I was entertained in reading their messages.  They were spread out on the paths so I was able to read a little here and there as I got my morning exercise.  

I went home and told RT about the chalk messages.  I guess the election results have been on everyone's mind.  I didn't expect it to be something I would read about while taking a walk around the neighborhood.

The next day, I took the same route and noticed that someone else took up their chalk and replied to the previous days messages.  This person was on the opposite side (pro Biden).  It was almost like going back and checking a social media post to see all of the replies.  I found it interesting that they were arguing through chalk writings.  I didn't realize that chalk could be a bullying tool.  And, it was obviously adults that were participating.

The next day was uneventful because it rained and erased the posts  messages.

I still am on the lookout for more chalk posts.  Unfortunately, the weather has cooled off quite a bit.  Possibly too cold for our chalk bullies  people.

World Kindness Day

 World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was started back in 1998.  It is a day dedicated to large and small acts of kindness to bring us all together.  The World Kindness Movement states that the purpose of this day is to "highlight good deeds in the community" and to focus "on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us."

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you know that I'm BIG on Kindness and  have many posts dedicated to Random Acts of Kindness.  It's great that we have a day dedicated to Kindness and being kind to one another.  I just don't understand why we can't do this everyday?  This should be a normal, daily thing for all of us.  There really is no reason not to be kind.

Did you know that people who are constantly kind produce less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the rest of the population?  Another reason to be kind to others!

How can you celebrate World Kindness Day?

Do three Random Acts of Kindness today.  Smile at someone, give compliments, hold the door open for someone.

Hug your loved ones and friends.

Write a love poem to yourself and read it aloud.  (You should be kind to yourself today, too)

If you need some other ideas, you can find more on this post or you can search "kindness" on the blog.

Here are some Ways to make Kindness a norm in your everyday life, taken from Randomactsofkindness.org :

1.  Send an uplifting text to a friend
2.  Let that car merge in front of you with a smile and a wave.
3.  Go out of your way once a day to make someone smile
4.  Compliment a friend or coworker
5.  Reach out to a family member you haven't spoken to in awhile
6.  Treat someone to a cup of coffee or tea (friend, coworker, stranger or even yourself)
7.  Add intentional moments of kindness, laughter and delight to your everyday routine

Don't forget to post your support of kindness on social media today by using #worldkindnessday

Have fun today!

Masks

Just a few musings on wearing face masks.

Who would have thought that our ears would be rock stars?  Normally we use them to hear.  Maybe hold our glasses or sunglasses.  They have also been used to hold in ear buds so we can listen to music or phone calls without bothering our neighbor.  Who would have thought the ears would be relied on to hold up a a piece of cloth on our face during a pandemic?

We learned that face masks are great for masking bad breath (go ahead and eat a whole head of garlic!).  They provide a decent barrier against bad odors, which makes them great to use while in public restrooms and port-o-potties.  They also make a great covering if you happen to yawn while someone is talking to you.  You can even stick out your tongue at people under your mask.

When a face covering was first mandated, we had the boring clinical masks, along with the disposable masks.  Along came the home made masks.  Once it was decided these face coverings weren't going away for awhile, they became available for purchase from, well, everyone and everywhere.  Trendy masks were made, so you can match your outfit or make a fashion statement.  Making masks turned into a money maker for some people.  Who would have thought you could turn mask making into a career?

Face masks became a way of communication to other people.  Words started to appear on them.  Things like, "Black Lives Matter," and "VOTE" appeared on masks.

I have a feeling we are going to be wearing face coverings for a while longer.  It doesn't matter if they match your outfit or you are using them as a way to communicate with others.  I say you go with comfort when making your choice. 

Election Signs

 When you run for any office, it is imperative that you purchase and display hundreds  thousands, millions  annoying  election signs.  This gets your name out there and helps people decide to vote for you.  I mean, think about it, how many times have you been at a traffic light and you look over and see an election sign and you say to yourself, "I think I am going to vote for that person."

There are always millions of election signs at the polling place.  I guess that display is for those people that arrive at the polls, see the sign and then decide to vote for that candidate.

The signs all have the same design.  Maybe a line of color and the candidates name in black.  I'm not sure how they decide on the color.  Maybe there is a campaign designer that sits down with the candidate and they select one together.  Personally, I think they should add something more than the color rectangle on the sign to get the voters attention.  An arrow?  A star? A flag? Maybe a bulls eye?  How about the Jolly Roger?

Campaign signs litter the side of the roads for a few months out of the year.  And, if you are lucky, the candidate or their team will forget to pick one (or several) up and you will get to see their sign all year long!

I'm not sure who is with me on this one, but, I can't stand seeing the signs littering the roads.  I look forward to the post election time when all of the signs are picked up.  I think we should be able to vote after the signs are picked up.  If you are willing to clean up after yourself  all of your campaign mess, then I'm willing to vote for you. 

National Harvey Wallbanger Day

 Happy Harvey Wallbanger Day!

I wanted to make sure that everyone out there is celebrating today with me.  Of course, I'm starting early this morning, so I might be a few drinks ahead of you.

A Harvey Wallbanger is a fruity cocktail made with vodka, Galliano and orange juice.    It's basically a screw driver, but, a little fruitier.  Galliano is an Italian liqueur that contains Juniper, Anise, Mint and Vanilla.  If you are unable to locate Galliano, you can always substitute Kahlua, Triple Sec or peppermint Schnapps. 

Harvey Wallbangers originated in the sixties.  The story behind the drink goes something like this:  A bartender named Donato Antone created the drink and served it at a party.  The one person remaining after the party, Harvey, was banging his head against the wall.  There are a couple other stories floating around, but, I like that one the best.  The drink made it's debut to the rest of the world in 1968.  Galliano used Harvey in their marketing campaign in 1969 with, "Harvey Wallbanger is the name and I can be made."  The drink's name also became a metaphor to describe someone who goofs off or makes mistakes.  Harvey Wallbanger was also a frequent write in vote during elections.  We could have used that information before this last election!

How can you observe Harvey Wallbanger Day?  Meet your friends at your local hang out and order a Harvey Wallbanger and toast good ol' Harvey (just don't be the one banging your head on the wall at the end of the night).  You can use #HarveyWallbangerDay when posting on social media.

How to make the perfect Harvey Wallbanger? 
1.5 oz Vodka
4 oz Orange juice
.5oz Galliano
cherry or orange slice for garnish

Mix vodka and orange juice.  Pour Galliano on top and don't mix it in the drink (you can pour over a spoon).  Garnish with cherry or orange and serve.

Cheers!

Purse

 I just wanted to thank you for your prayers and understanding during my search for a new purse.   I am happy to announce that I have found (and purchased) a purse.   

Halloween Candy Dessert

 Wondering what to do with all of that leftover candy from Halloween?  You can make these Halloween Candy Cupcakes,  eat the extra candy (that is what RT is planning on doing),  or you could make this Halloween Candy Dessert.

I put RT in charge of Halloween candy this year.  He purchased (several) extra bags of his favorite candy this year.  We didn't have a huge Trick or Treater turn out this year, so, instead of returning the unused bags of candy or donating the unopened bags of candy, RT has squirrelled them away.  Every once in awhile I catch him snacking on candy bars.  

I found this recipe here and stole a few of RT's candy bars (don't tell him!) and decided to make this dessert in our cast iron skillet.   The cookie was very tasty.  I did make the mistake of leaving the cookie in the oven for 35 minutes which resulted in a dry cookie.  I would suggest checking your cookie at 25 minutes. 

Here's the recipe:

Halloween Candy Dessert

ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temperature

coconut oil, to grease the cast iron skillet

3 cups flour

1 TBSP baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 eggs at room temperature

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups chopped candy (chocolate bars, M&M's, etc.)

1 tsp sea salt

directions:

Oven 350F.  Grease cast iron skillet with coconut oil

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in bowl.  Set aside.

In separate bowl, cream butter and sugars.  Add eggs one at a time.  Then beat in vanilla.

Add flour mixture to liquid mixture and mix until the dough comes together.  Mix in chopped candy.

Scrape the dough into the skillet and sprinkle with sea salt.  Now is the time to add extra chopped pieces of candy to the top of the cookie.

Bake for 30 minutes.  Cookie should be slightly underdone in the center.  

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I lowered the amounts of sugar.  If you feel you need more sugar, you can look at the original recipe.

Feel free to grease your skillet with butter (or oil of choice).

This would make a great birthday cookie/cake.  You can serve it with ice cream.

Enjoy!

Band Aid

A band aid is an adhesive covering with gauze in center to cover wounds.

Our family has an interesting history with band aids.  When Nick was little, he refused to wear band aids.  I remember purchasing Blues Clues band aids (Blues Clues was his favorite television show) thinking that would help.  He was excited about the band aids, but still refused to wear one.  I'm not sure if he was afraid of them, but, when I pulled them out, he would scream louder.

I don't recall Alex using many band aids.  I do recall the many bruises that he inflicted on others (mainly me).

Bella used band aids as a fashion accessory.  We purchased and used many colorful band aids during her childhood.  I believe there were very few that were necessary.

I always forgot to pack band aids when we went on vacation.  There were several vacations where we needed some and ended up buying a large box, even though I begged to purchase the small trial or sample size box.  RT would tell me that we will eventually use them.

Recently, I had a mole removed and had to keep it covered for over a week.  I went to get a band aid and was overwhelmed with boxes and boxes of band aids. Many were purchased and quite a few were inherited.  When I say many boxes, we had 8 or 9 boxes on hand.  I don't think one person can use that many band aids in their lifetime.

I was able to condense the band aids to 4 boxes.  I have put together a small selection for travel.  I am still looking at several lifetimes of band aids.

If you need a band aid, let me know.  I'm sure I can provide one (or three).

Voting

Election Day is almost here.   Unless you have been living under a rock, I'm sure you were aware of this information.

Advertisements and articles about voting have been placed everywhere on social media, television and in news articles.

I noticed that there is a, "plan your vote."  I did not realize that I needed to make a plan.   I can see doing a little research of the candidates that are running for office and a review of any bills or amendments that are being proposed.  Otherwise, I thought going to the poll and voting was my plan.  

I also noticed that they are showing a, "How to vote."

Hmm..  get in the car.  Drive to my polling place.  Hop into line.  Get my ballot.  Use the marker to fill out the circle (or oval) completely.  Vote for the candidates I feel can do the job.  Hand the ballot in so they can run it through the machine (and make sure that it gets counted).  Get a sticker that says, "I voted."  Put the sticker on and take a selfie and post it to Instagram or social media.  

Celebrities are now getting much more political.  They are using their stardom / fame to promote a candidate of their choice.  I guess I don't understand how someone whose career is acting or singing feels that they have more knowledge of the candidates and their agenda than the average person.  Some of these celebrities have even said that it is their first time voting!  So, this one time voting makes you an expert?  And, who are these people that listen and do what a celebrity tells them to do?

If you are not voting in this election, please don't complain about the winners of this election.

If you are voting in this election, I would urge you to do your homework prior to your vote.  

Also, make sure that you take your selfie with your, "I voted" sticker and post it to social media.  

Belly Ache Day

 Another Halloween has come and gone.  

My Dad always called the day after Halloween, "Belly Ache Day."  The belly ache came from eating too much candy the day before (Halloween).  I never suffered on Belly Ache Day.  I was allowed a few pieces of candy on Halloween, and then the rest of my candy was squirreled away by my Mom.  Never to be seen again.  

If you are looking for some way to use up that Halloween candy (besides hiding it or throwing it away), check out my recipe for Halloween cupcakes.  You can make a few batches and give them out to the neighbors.