Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Monday, December 05, 2011
Hokej Ceske (Czech Hockey)
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| My Vitkovice Steel jersey signed by Czech World Junior A team Langley BC 2011 |
DEC 7 1941 - DEC 7 2011
Dec 7th 2011, marks the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States entering World War II.
For the new generations, WWII seems to have faded into antiquated history with the newer Wars fresh in the minds. From Vietnam to Afghanistan, wars have persisted regardless of human development and tolerance. WWII, was the pivotal war that changed world boundaries, racial attitudes and battle itself.
No one was prepared for the barrage on Pearl Harbor that early December morning. The Japanese attacked the unsuspecting Port and annihilated the US Navy but brought forth a stern determination that still holds fast today. Americans, Canadians and the remainder of the Allied Forces broke the lines of defense of Japan, Italy, Russia and Germany. England and France took heavy damage and felt the brunt of the battles. Canadians displayed their amazing fortitude won crucial battles that ultimately led to the ending of the War.
While the rest of the world was contending with Hitler and his Third Reich, the United States was mortally wounded in Hawaii. Even with their fleet destroyed, the Americans took their vengeance and crushed the Axis of Evil. Hawaii, eventually healed with the aid of it's citizens and the support of their Allies.
Pearl Harbor now stands as a Memorial site with the USS Arizona still at sea with her sailors forever entrenched in the darkness of the Pacific Ocean.
A large portion of the Veterans from WWII have now passed on and only a small contingent remain to tell their stories about bravery, loss and hope. If we stopped and listened to their horrors, I highly doubt we would ever fight again. (nice dream isn't it?)
On this sorrowful anniversary, it is important to remember that freedom does have a price and it has been 'Written in Blood'.
SEMPER FI
*Thank a Soldier, Hug a Vet*
*If you won't stand behind our Troops. Stand in front, you'll be a much better target!*
DAILY TIP DEC 5 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION
DAILY TIP DEC 5 2011
HOLIDAY VERSION
Today's tip is for the four legged members of the family. http://www.petsmart.com/ has everything you need to pamper and indulge your pet.
From beds, to sparkling collars, PetSmart delivers top notch quality and great savings. Of course, if you visit a store location, your pet can even have their photo with Santa. Gift cards, veterinary services, and grooming instore make it a one stop shop for the finicky furry family.
PetSmart even has cute and adorable stuffed animals that when purchase a portion goes to save homeless animals.
A pet is a long term commitment, so if you opt to buy a puppy or kitten at Christmas, remember it will be there longer than the left over turkey.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 6
A PAGAN CHRISTMAS
part 6
NATIVITY SCENE vs YULE ALTAR
For Christians around the world, the most important aspect of their decorations is their Nativity Scene. A visual display of the depiction of the 'Story of the birth of Jesus Christ'. The Nativity scenes can be made from wood, plastic, ceramic or even stuffed felt and generally have the same pieces:
- stable
- star
- angels
- shepherds
- Mary
- Joseph
- baby Jesus
- Magi
- animals
- hay
Elaborate scenes can have motion, lights and music and are displayed prominently in the home or on the front lawn. (larger scale) Of course, the best Nativity Scenes are the ones that are 'live' in nature. Many churches perform live scenes during Advent (the time frame leading to Christmas Eve) to teach the story to new Christians and in hopes of converting the non Christians.
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| Living nativity at St. Wojciech Church, Wyszków, Poland, 2006 |
- Red, green or gold Altar Cloth
- Evergreen boughs
- White candles
- A single pillar candle of either red, gold, orange or yellow
- mini lights (solid color is preferred but multi-colored strands are fine as well)
- Holly leaves and berries
- Laurel leaves
- A cauldron
- Oranges, lemons, grapefruit (any citrus will work for symbol of life)
- Cinnamon sticks or essential oil (I like using both)
- Whole nutmeg
- Myrrh incense (Christian overlap)
- Pine cones, symbolic animals (stuffed animals, plastic, wooden are fine)
The components for the Yule Altar are to depict life being reborn. A request for blessings from the Goddess and the cauldron is to represent the womb of the great Mother. The Altar can even be used as the focal point of the room. Adorned with
other decorations to make it look even more festive. Mead (honey wine), mulled cider or wine is used for toasting and blessing.
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| Sample Yule Altar with Stag |
Christmas snow is beautiful
' I'm dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know'. The only day of the year, I will actually enjoy seeing snow. This shot is nature's beauty at its very best.
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| Christmas in Pitt Meadows 2009 |
SHER'S TARTE AU SUCRE (sugar pie)
SHER'S JOYEUX NOEL
TARTE AU SUCRÉ
also known as Christmas Sugar Pie
A traditional French Canadian dessert for the Christmas season. It's on the sweeter and more decadent side of desserts, so a little goes a long way. Serving it up with Maple flavored ice cream or drizzled pure Maple Syrup makes the pie even more luscious to the taste buds.
This is a winner for dinner after Midnight Mass along with Tourtiere!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 5 tsp all purpose flour (this cuts the sweetness)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk (I use 1%, but any will suffice )
- 1/2 cup melted butter (I use Imperial sticks as they are pre-measured)
- 1 cup - 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts (pecans work very well too)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees (f) or 165 degrees (c)
- Mix first 5 ingredients on medium speed with hand mixer until smooth
- Add melted butter and nuts (the nuts are optional) and blend for 3 minutes
- Pour into unbaked pie shell (I use a top crust as well, but you can certainly make it without a top crust). Cut a slit into the top crust for air
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until it's set
- Top with Whipped Cream or Maple flavored Ice Cream
* nuts are optional
** you can easily turn this pie into miniature tartlets (similar to butter tart)
Joyeux Noel!
DAILY TIP DEC 4 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION
DAILY TIP DEC 4 2011
HOLIDAY VERSION
Today's tip is for those 'shop local' fans. WWW.bigfeast.ca is a fantastic Bistro and Catering Company located right here in Maple Ridge BC.
From dining in, to having them cater in your home; you are sure to be served with the very best cuisine. Big Feast also some great 'Holiday take and bake' products that you warm up. They do all the work and you get the credit!
If you are looking to have a Christmas party or just a private get together, they also have a room you can book.
11920 227th street maple ridge
604.477.4334
@bigfeast
Whatever, your needs for this Holiday Season, Big Feast Bistro is sure to deliver!
DAILY TIP DEC 3 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION
DAILY TIP DEC 3 2011
HOLIDAY VERSION
Today's tip is for those special people on your list that you want to 'pamper'.
www.spafinder.ca Is the perfect site to find the perfect spa package at a reasonable price. Spa Finder, is multi-national so finding a Spa in Canada is just as easy as finding one in the United States, UK, etc.
These gift card, certificates make great stocking stuffers. They make a great 'secret Santa' present too!
You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter for special offers and they even have their own online community to join.
Put a smile on any woman's (or man's) face this Christmas with a gift from Spa Finder
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