Corporate and Charity. Sometimes it really works.

These days a number of corporations have tie-ins to different charities and programs. Some are definitely worthwhile, while others seem to be mostly window dressing. This year, Frigidaire has partnered with the Save the Children CHANGE program. This program provides nutritious snacks and promotes healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty in the United States.

They have committed $250,000 to this cause, and there are a couple of different ways they are doing it. First, through the end of the year, they are offering a rebate on the purchase of the FTEP3085KF Electric Double Oven, where the consumer receives a $100 rebate AND they also donate $100 to the Save the Children foundation. And if you pledge to spend an hour with your child, they will donate $1. It doesn't cost you anything, and it actually makes it charitable to spend time with your child. How cool is that.

So take a minute and check out the Frigidaire/Save the Children program, this tie-in really works.

Christmas Cookie Traditions

Recently I read about a nice tradition one family has for the holidays. Every Christmas Eve, when most people are home with their families, a mother and daughter walk to their neighborhood firehouse and deliver Christmas cookies. Especially nice if it's a volunteer fire department, whose members are generously giving of their time, with little compensation.

In my family we baked. A lot. So as we visited all the aunts and uncles, we delivered cookies along the way. We also ate them. A lot. Now most of the aunts and uncles are gone, the cousins scattered but I still bake cookies and also eat them. A lot.

What are your family cookie traditions?

The Gift of Thankfulness

October 31st, marked the one year anniversary of my mother's cancer surgery. The six months before and after the surgery were stressful and exhausting, for everyone. As anyone with a family member who has cancer will tell you, the Team feels it all. Everyone tries to put on a brave face, take it one day at a time... but it takes a toll.

As Thanksgiving comes around this year, I know where my gratitude lies. No matter what the future, I have beeen granted another 12 pages on the calender with both my mom and dad. Nothing comes close to being more important.

It's time to look into your heart, take stock of what really matters... and be Thankful.

Tears for Ft. Hood

There are many things in life which defy reasoning. Yesterday, we were once again reminded of that fact. A week before Veteran's Day, a day in which we honor those who have defended our way of life, a day as dark as one can imagine, took place at Ft. Hood.

There is nothing to be said, other than a prayer.

The World is Back on its Axis

Yes, life is back to what it should be. The New York Yankees have won the World Series. Back in 2004 there was a crack in the universe, when the Red Sox won, and things were definitely askew for a few years. Last night the world's orbit got back on track. YAY.

Let the countdown begin for pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training.

Bitchin' about the weather, again

I like cold weather, really I do. Unless it's really cold, or icy, or wet, or...well there are sometimes that I enjoy the coolness in the air. But it's getting too cold, too fast. Yeah I know, it's November, but we were gypped out of October and I want a do-over. I still want to enjoy a glass of wine or three on my deck, but the nights are getting too short and the temperature is dropping too quickly.

I've been thinking about getting a patio heater just to take the edge off the cold. They have ones now that can sit right on your table and throw down some heat your way. Ah yes, I can feel it now, nice and toasty. Ya gotta love technology these days. Anything you have indoors, they are sure to have an outdoor model, and most outdoor things have a similar product for inside. It's our need for instant gratification...and heat.

Knitter's Alert: Project Linus Needs You

Before the arthritis in her hands caused her fingers to spasm to the point where she could no longer hold onto a knitting or crocheting needle, my mom worked with yarn. Over the years, I had more hand knit sweaters than I could possibly wear. I still have many of them, a reminder of a younger woman who could create a sweater without a pattern.

Over the years when the sweaters became harder to make, she turned to afghans, baby hats and baby blankets. Which gets me to the point I'm trying to make. Most of us know of knitters who have run out of people to whom to give these treasures.

Enter Project Linus. These volunteer "blanketeers" knit, sew and crochet blankets for local children in need. A blanket is created and local organizers will direct you about the collection and distributiono of the finished goods.

Coming into this holiday season, think about making a blanket for a child in the hospital, or a shelter. Check out their website and start creating.

The End of the World.

So, according to the Mayans and a bunch of other soothsayers, the end of the world is going to occur on December 21, 2012. Let the countdown begin.

I, for one, do not have a problem with it. If, we could actually count on this as fact, just think of all the things we would not have to think about.

1. Will Social Security be there when I retire.
2. Is recycling really going to make a difference or can I throw my water bottle into the trash
3. Cholesterol. Bring on the bacon and cookies.
4. Who will feed my dog after I'm gone
   

Now, granted I'm a glass half full kind of girl, but the idea of everything ending all at once is a bit appealing. No worry about who you are leaving behind, and no pain of having loved ones leave you all too soon. For sure 2012 is just around the corner, but if that is indeed the date of destruction...well, what are you gonna do.

There are a large number of people out there who are preparing for it, which really confuses me. What exactly do you need to do to get ready for the end of the world?

So while most of us will look forward to December 22, 2012...there's going to be a lot of disappointed people out there.

I don't try to fool Mother Nature, so why is she messing with me?

We all know that mankind is taking a big step into insanity, and now it seems that Mother Nature has joined the party. What is up with this weather??? Here in the northeast, the change of seasons went from summer to winter...with two days of fall thrown in for good measure. Were I a believer in conspiracy theories….well you know.

The boys of summer are working through the second round of playoffs, but to look at them, it could not possibly be a baseball game. Watching the first Yankees-Angels game looked more like Lambeau field in January rather than the Bronx in MID-OCTOBER

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Even the ghost and goblins standing alert and ready for Halloween look a little uncomfortable in the cold, icy rain and snow. Indoors, there is nothing better than to cozy up to a nice fireplace and enjoy both the warmth and ambiance of the dancing flames. These days, even if you don't have a fireplace you can get the effect with a gas stove. You get the whole look of a wood-burning fireplace without the work of hauling logs and cleaning up the ashes. We have one that looks something like this gas fireplace and it adds warmth and atmosphere instantly.

Of course there's something to be said for a glass of wine, another blanket and body heat.

the-o-ry [thee-uh-ree, theer-ee]

1. a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory.

4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.

5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles.

6.contemplation or speculation.

7. guess or conjecture.

The world is full of theories. Conspiracy theory, music theory, theory of evolution, the theory of relativity. I have a few of my own.

There are also a few things I know to be true.

1. Dogs are the best people.
2. One day I will find a treasure at a yard sale.
3. Chocolate is God’s most perfect food. And,
4. Yes. Home really is where the heart lies.

October has arrived. The time of crisp air, pumpkins and falling leaves. Nature’s color palette bursts with pride. Sadly, it is just a tease…a warm memory to hold onto, through the too long nights of winter.

This Sunday, October 4, there will be a food drive in New Jersey. http://www.actionagainsthunger.com/
Check your local newspapers or on-line to find a place to donate. I’m sure all over the country there will be similar drives in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. It’s been a very rough year for a lot of people. The food banks are in need. Let’s all step up.