Today In History

I've blogged this type of thing before.. but it's worth sharing again today. My mom sends me an e-card almost daily telling me what important day it is. I've seen everything from Refrigerator Day to Squirrel Appreciation day.

But today is one truly worth recognizing and remembering.





The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Pledge as the official national pledge on December 28, 1945.






Unfortunately I can't remember the last time I had the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I know that in grade school and even junior high we said it every day followed by a moment of silence.

Since some people don't like their rights infringed upon - we no longer have the moment of silence in schools nor do we recite the pledge. There are even those sectors that are trying to get 'one nation under God' removed from the pledge and "In God We Trust" removed from our currency stating that it is an infringement on their first ammendment rights. This isn't the blog or the place for me to get into all of that... it's a soap box I may never come down off but I will say this. I have rights too. I have the rights to repeat the pledge loud and proud and give God the glory for it. My rights to say it are just as important as your rights not to. Sit there...be quiet...cover your ears and let me have my 30 seconds of patriotism.

I am a proud American and I have a huge respect for our motto and our pledge and the flag. And even though it's not recited in schools anymore - it doesn't mean that the younger generation shouldn't know it. Be sure they know all about the things that our country was built on and let them draw their own beliefs from there.




For the History Of The Pledge.. go here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance

Meet The Parents

Yes.... more about parents. But today - not mine. If you've been paying attention I've been talking a little bit about my new sweetie..

Well there's been a couple of big steps in this new relationship and so far things are outstanding!! But tomorrow is a whole new step. I'm meeting his mother who will be in town from Port Arthur. It's going to be a very informal event.. throwing some chicken on the grill and having lunch.

I've known about this since earlier in the week and I've been super nervous since. To make it a little worse he told me last night that he hasn't introduced anyone to his mom in a long time but not to worry - she'd love me.

Myself I haven't had a lot of "meet the parents" experience. Not much dating experience for that matter.

Through a very funny conversation Steve and I discovered that we've both been told by friends that we are far too selective and need to loosen up the criteria some. Oddly enough...the people who told us that were wrong. Being selective has paid off so far. I'm meeting mom. So I must be doing something very right.

I'm all prepared for the "meet the parents ettiquitte" and have purchased a beautiful christmas cactus that should be in full bloom by the end of next week. I hope she likes it. I hope she likes me. I hope I'm not nauseaus. He keeps telling me to be my wonderful amazing self. I think I'm going to remind him of this when he meets my mom and dad. :)

So... any words of advice??? Is the Christmas Cactus a good idea? Guys - come on. Chime in on this.

I'll post tomorrow evening and let you know how it all went... until then have a great day!

********* UPDATE!!!**********************
PHEW! We can all breathe a sigh of relief. Mom loved me! Got the big 'ol seal of approval. She was even calling me Suzy by the middle of the afternoon. She was very very nice and we had a great time together!! And the Christmas cactus was a hit!

The Best Fruitcake Ever

The Best Fruitcake Ever






1 cup water
1 cup of sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups dried fruit
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
lemon juice
nuts
1 gallon Rum

Sample the Rum to check for quality.

Take a large bowl.


Check the Rum again to be sure it is of the highest quality.


Pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer; beat 1 cup butter in a large, fluffy bowl.


Add 1 teaspoon sugar and beat again.


Make sure the Rum is still OK.
Cry another tup. Turn off mixer.

Break 2 legs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.


Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry it loose with a drewscriver.


Sample the Rum to check for tonsisticity.


Next, sift 2 cups of salt. Or something, Who cares.


Check the Rum.


Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.


Add one table. Spoon. Of sugar or something. Whatever you can find.



Grease the oven.


Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees. Don't forget to beat off the turner.


Throw the bowl out of the window.


Check the Rum again. Go to bed. Who the hell likes fruitcake anyway?