A Sign of the Times

I found this deer in our back yard this morning. Now for many you'd think "Big Deal" but this is suburbia and where they used to be seen just mainly in the neighboring farm fields they are turning up more and more in backyards. Also that was just at night, but now here is one and it wasn't even early morning.
You see the big farms around here have dwindled down to very few. The land has been sold off to developers building "Mc Mansions" with 3 car garages that start at $799,000. Decades ago in the previous housing boom the larger houses were starting for $250,000 which we thought back then, who can afford them and who will buy them? Talk about your suburban sprawl. When and where will it end?

Get 60 - Play Everyday

www.GetKidsinAction.org is a join effort of The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and The Gatorade Company.
In the "for kids" area they can make their own trading cards, find fun healthy recipes, and get facts about their favorite athletes, and more. The parents area has information on childhood obesity, physical activities, healthy eating, myths & facts, and how to get your kids active.
At the "Get 60" kids can register (with a parent if under 13) and track their time to strive for 60 minutes a day of physical activity:
http://www.getkidsinaction.org/kids/index.php#get60

Laura's Travel Quilt

This is a quilt I made for my friend Carol’s daughter, Laura. Currently she is a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua, after completing college with a major in International Studies and a minor in World Health. When I saw the "travel" prints in a bundle of fat quarters I just knew it was for her. This was my thank you to her as her bedroom is my guest room whenever I visit. I wish I could share her emails of her experiences in her adventure of serving (but Peace Corps has some rules about that). She's a cool kid who speaks several languages, has traveled as part of her studies, and I think this is just the beginning of what's to come from her! You go girl!
(Click on picture to make it bigger.)

Copyright © 2007 Deborah Sharp Loeb

Mosquito Control and Safety

Did you know that mosquitos can lay eggs in as little as a thumbleful of water?
*Check your property to see if there is any standing water where they can breed.
*Yellow “Bug Lights” are not repellant but they do not attract mosquitoes like other incandescent lights.
*Mosquitoes are most active – usually dawn and dusk, so when possible plan outdoor activities at other times.
*Since they are weak flyers a fan on your deck or patio can provide an effective low-tech solution to keeping them away.
*Keep the grass cut, shrubbery and weeds trimmed to cut down on shaded areas where mosquitos rest.
*DEET, Picaridin and Oil of Lemon-Eucalyptus are proven to be the most effective. Use them properly and only as directed on the label.

For more information and tips check in here:
http://www.mosquito.org/resources/summer-safety.aspx

In many areas of the world, biting insects are not only a nuisance, but also pose a serious health threat. Sleeping under a bednet is highly recommended by the World Health Organization. "A child in Africa dies of malaria every 30 seconds. With a gift of $15 to Episcopal Relief and Development you can help prevent the spread of the disease by delivering a long-lasting insecticide-treated net, which will protect children and families while they sleep. Your support offers community-based training on how to use the nets properly, as well as supplies drug therapy and other health services to people suffering from malaria."

Click on this link to make a donation:
http://erd.servicenetwork.com/Store/ProductList.asp?Category=Basics%20of%20Life

Time Passages

Brian turns 20 today. No more teenagers in this house. In the fall he's off to Rutger’s University entering his junior year having completed two years in the local community college.
Tomorrow is our 30th wedding anniversary. Where did the time go? It seems to be gone in the blink of an eye. When you have kids the passages of time are marked by their milestones. Is it the same when you don’t have children? Does time pass as quickly?
Copyright © 2007 Deborah Sharp Loeb

"It was late in December, the sky turned to snow
All round the day was going down slow
Night like a river, beginning to flow
I felt the beat of my mind go drifting into Time Passages,
years go falling in the fading light
Time passages
Buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight.
Hear the echoes and feel yourself starting to turn
Don't know why you should feel that there's something to learn
It's just a game that you play. "

Time Passages – Al Stewart

How Many of These Movies Have You Seen?

Here's the latest of AFI 100 Years – 100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition
I went down the list and think there are only about a dozen I haven't seen. How about you?

1 CITIZEN KANE
2 THE GODFATHER
3 CASABLANCA
4 RAGING BULL
5 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
6 GONE WITH THE WIND
7 LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
8 SCHINDLER'S LIST
9 VERTIGO
10 THE WIZARD OF OZ
11 CITY LIGHTS
12 THE SEARCHERS
13 STAR WARS
14 PSYCHO
15 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
16 SUNSET BLVD.
17 THE GRADUATE
18 THE GENERAL
19 ON THE WATERFRONT
20 IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
21 CHINATOWN
22 SOME LIKE IT HOT
23 THE GRAPES OF WRATH
24 E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
25 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
26 MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
27 HIGH NOON
28 ALL ABOUT EVE
29 DOUBLE INDEMNITY
30 APOCALYPSE NOW
31 THE MALTESE FALCON
32 THE GODFATHER PART II
33 ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
34 SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
35 ANNIE HALL
36 THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI
37 THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
38 THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE
39 DR. STRANGELOVE
40 THE SOUND OF MUSIC
41 KING KONG
42 BONNIE AND CLYDE
43 MIDNIGHT COWBOY
44 THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
45 SHANE
46 IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT
47 STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
48 REAR WINDOW
49 INTOLERANCE
50 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
51 WEST SIDE STORY
52 TAXI DRIVER
53 THE DEER HUNTER
54 M*A*S*H
55 NORTH BY NORTHWEST
56 JAWS
57 ROCKY
58 THE GOLD RUSH
59 NASHVILLE
60 DUCK SOUP
61 SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS
62 AMERICAN GRAFFITI
63 CABARET
64 NETWORK
65 THE AFRICAN QUEEN
66 RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
67 WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
68 UNFORGIVEN
69 TOOTSIE
70 CLOCKWORK ORANGE
71 SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
72 THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
73 BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID
74 THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
75 IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
76 FORREST GUMP
77 ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN
78 MODERN TIMES
79 THE WILD BUNCH
80 THE APARTMENT
81 SPARTACUS
82 SUNRISE
83 TITANIC
84 EASY RIDER
85 NIGHT AT THE OPERA
86 PLATOON
87 12 ANGRY MEN
88 BRINGING UP BABY
89 THE SIXTH SENSE
90 SWING TIME
91 SOPHIE'S CHOICE
92 GOODFELLAS
93 THE FRENCH CONNECTION
94 PULP FICTION
95 THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
96 DO THE RIGHT THING
97 BLADE RUNNER
98 YANKEE DOODLE DANDY
99 TOY STORY
100 BEN-HUR
AFI is a trademark of the American Film Institute. Copyright 2007 American Film Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Backyard Wildlife Habitat

A backyard wildlife habitat can provide a relaxing place for the whole family to view nature's wonders of birds, butterflies, and wildlife. The beautiful wildflowers and other native plants you plant will not only make your property more attractive but it will also provide a place to nuture and support wildlife all year long.
Gardening for wildlife improves the environment by reducing chemicals and conserving water.
The National Wildlife Federation will recognize your dedication to creating such a place for wildlife with several nice rewards.
To learn how to go about this go to:
http://www.nwf.org/backyard/
The yard sign shown is from Barbara and Q's garden.

End of an Era?

It's a late posting today. I dropped David off to his program this morning and found a message on my voice mail from my friend Helen. "Hey, Rob told me all the Rag Shops are closing. How come you didn't call and tell me? You want to go there today?" I called her back, "Yeah, I know. I'm so depressed." So off we went to see what we could find to add to our quilting stash and other crafts. Someone said they thought that maybe the JoAnne Fabrics shops weren't doing so well either. If that chain of stores goes under there will be few places to go to get anything around here. I see where even Walmart is cutting back on this department in some of their stores. What a shame that so little of the "needlearts" aren't being passed down to the next generation. Home Ec as we knew it in school I guess is just a thing of the past, that is if they even have it anymore. Is it just like that around here or is it like that everywhere? Is it the end of an era?

Copyright © 2007 Deborah Sharp Loeb

A David Moment . . .

I took David out to dinner last night and as we were leaving a young man was vacuuming the rug by the doorway. David pointed at him and said, "He's vacuuming . . . . . . . . just like Daddy."

Copyright © 2007 Deborah Sharp Loeb

How to Protect Your Teen or Young Adult From Meningitis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that the risk of getting meningitis is increased in teens and young adults.
Meningitis is a common name for infections that take place in the membranes (called meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. An infection with meningococcal bacteria causes a serious, potentially fatal infection called meningococcal disease. It can also cause a very serious condition called sepsis (also known as blood poisoning). As deadly as meningococcal disease can be, most cases in the United States (up to 83 percent of cases in adolescents and young adults) could potentially be prevented by a single vaccination.
Another form of meningitis is caused by a virus. Viral meningitis is serious, but usually not life-threatening. Most patients with viral meningitis get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.

A person can catch meningitis by having close personal contact with a person who is sick with the disease. There are also people who can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat but never become sick. Contact with these carriers can also cause someone to become infected with meningitis.

Behaviors can put people at greater risk for getting meningitis include:

*Living in close quarters, such as college dormitories

*Being in crowded situations for prolonged periods of time

*Sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, or eating utensils

*Kissing

*Smoking or being exposed to smoke

*Activities that make people run-down and may weaken the immune system, such as
staying out late and having irregular sleeping patterns

You can help reduce the risk of getting meningitis by avoiding the behaviors that spread it and by getting a vaccination.

One of the things that makes meningococcal disease so potentially dangerous is that it comes on very quickly — often in a matter of hours. Many times, it seems like the flu or another common illness. Because of this, many people do not get the treatment they need until the disease has gotten much worse.

A person with meningococcal disease might not have all of these symptoms or have them all at the same time.

* Severe Headache
* High Fever
* Stiff Neck
* Nausea & vomiting
* Numbness/loss of feeling
* Light sensitivity
* Confusion
* Rash
* Seizures

Treatment is with high doses of intravenous antibiotic drugs. These are not always successful in preventing the worst that meningitis can cause – death, brain damage, loss of limbs, and more.

To learn more go to:
http://www.fightmeningitis.com/fight-meningitis-sitemap.html

WTC Health Registry 2006-07 Follow-up Survey

Here's some information Deacon Joanna suggested I pass along from a friend of hers.
If you are enrolled in the Registry and have not received information about the follow-up survey, contact Registry staff so that they can send you the survey. You may reach Registry staff at (212) 442-1585, (866) NYC-WTCR (866-692-9827) or by email at wtchr@health.nyc.gov.
For more info go to:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wtc/survey.html

You need to send away for the disability form (as a volunteer worker) by calling Albany to file w/the state: 877 632-4996 and specify to receive the form for being a volunteer. You send that along with a notarized statement form in by Aug 17 2007.

Also, click the link below to download the PDF article from the New England Journal of Medicine:
The Legacy of World Trade Center Dust

Recycle for Life

"You can help save homeless pets by recycling your used inkjet cartridges and cellular phones with the PetSmart Charities Recycle for Life program.
Just visit your nearest PetSmart store and look for the PetSmart Charities recycling display to pick up a free postage paid pre-addressed envelope. Drop it in the mail and PetSmart Charities will receive a $2 -$15 donation for every cartridge or phone recycled through this program. Plus, you will help save the environment too!"


Check it out here:
http://www.petsmartcharities.org/donate/toner-cartridge-recycling.php

Mr. Wizard - Mr. Don Herbert

How many of you remember Mr. Wizard?
Don Herbert died yesterday June 12th, at the age of 89, not much before his 90th birthday.
Like to take a stroll down memory lane? There's also science activities, info for teachers, and more.
Go to: http://www.mrwizardstudios.com/

Gardening Zone Finder

Not sure what Gardening Zone you live in?
Just go here click on the map or put in your zipcode:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_30226,00.html

You'll get all sorts of information on the area including what trees, shrubs, and plants will do best there.

The 10 in 10 Project

The 10 in 10 Project is to benefit the millions of military and civilian Americans who are living with brain injuries and are unable to afford or access the necessary assistance. The Project aims to achieve its goals by raising money through a unique fund raising effort called Tickets of Hope™. Through Tickets of Hope™ they are able to provide support and assistance to people living with brain injuries and their families.

Tickets of Hope™
Donations totaling $600 purchase one Ticket of Hope™ for which 10 in 10 Project is able to provide:

One Brain Injury Recovery Kit™ shipped to the individual's home,
A support program for use of the Kit through our hosting Brain Injury Association - The Brain Injury Association of New Mexico, (BIANM)
Membership to the Chartered Affiliate Brain Injury Association in the individual's state to be guided to additional resources.
Your donation can be designated to go to a specific individual or a person in the state you choose.


To learn more go to:
http://www.10in10project.org/about_10in10.html

Just a reminder. . .

. . . about my Member's Project at American Express. com
See Monday's posting for details.
It will increase the chances of my project making it to the Top 50 if it has received a lot of high ratings, so please rate my idea before June 17th. And for every Cardmember who registers, American Express will contribute another $1 – up to $5 million.
If you don't have an American Express card, please pass it on to someone who does.

Thanks,
Debbie

P.S. - We use our Hilton Honors American Express to stay for free at not only Hiltons, but Hampton Inns, Embassey Suites, Double Trees, and more. No annual fee by the way, and with the high cost of gas and Costco taking only American Express we rack up the old points pretty fast. Hey, free lodging for a vacation, not bad!

You can check it out at:
http://hhonors.hilton.com/en/hhonors/index.jhtml

American Film Institute Names the Top 100 Films

"Ten years ago, AFI invited leaders from across the film community - artists, scholars, critics and historians to select the 100 greatest American movies of all time. It was an event designed to celebrate cinema's centennial and to catalyze a national conversation about the movies. Now this year, to honor the 10th Anniversary of AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies, AFI is adding another chapter to the debate."

Be sure watch or set your recording devices to see this special that will air on Wednesday, June 20th. Check your local lisings for time and station.

Go to the link below where you can:
1.Download an electronic copy of the actual ballot AFI delivered to the experts on the official jury, featuring key information on each film (date, synopsis, principal cast, director, producer).
2.Share your views and read what other movie-lovers have to say.
3.Hear what professionals who make the movies -- actors, writers, directors -- say when we ask them to name their #1 favorite movie.

http://connect.afi.com/site/PageServer?pagename=100register_landing

Maggie the Defender

Billboard's #1 Song

Here's something fun to do. Go to the following link and look up and listen to Billboard's #1 song on a specific date in history.

What was the #1 song on ...
- the day you were born?
- the day you graduated from high school?
- the day you were married?
- the day your child was born?

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Thanks Joan for passing this one along!

Tips on Using Your Sofa Bed

Now that vacation time is drawing near you'll probably be using your sofa bed more often for guests. One thing you might want to do is cover that nasty metal support on the outside edge that everyone is always wacking their legs into. I picked up a foam pool noodle at the dollar store and made one split lengthwise through to the center hole. If you find one like this one that's five rods put together you can simply split it apart with your hands. It easily slips over the metal edge. Also if you stack two of the seat pillows on top of one another underneath in the center, you'll have additional center support. The back pillows can be used to fill in the gap at the top of the bed. The noodle/s can be stored behind sofa when not in use.

"The Members Project" by American Express

OK Hodgepodge readers I'm asking for your help to spread the word.

I've posted a Community Development project on 6/3/07 on this website http://www.membersproject.com/home.action
called Assisted Living Special Needs/Day Program Center .
Please register and American Express will contributed $1 to "The Members Project" and then please rate my project, hopefully with 5 stars!
On July 3rd, the Members Project Advisory Panel will name the top 50 projects and then cardmembers will will vote over a few short weeks to narrow it down.
On August 7th they'll have the winning idea.
American Express will bring the idea to life with up to 5 million dollars!
Thanks!
Debbie
P.S. - Positive comments would be nice too. Please rate it before June 17th.

PBS Website for Preschoolers

Sproutonline at: http://www.sproutonline.com/index.jsp is a website for the 24 hour Public TV station that's just for preschoolers.

Here you can find a TV schedule of programs, games, crafts, recipes, send an email birthday card and more.

The Good Night Show has, sign language, tells a story, yoga pose, crafts, songs, games, and activities.

This is great for grandparents to share with their grandchildren or for anyone that may be babysitting a preschooler and is stuck for an activity!