Slapped in the face by Facebook

Where to start?? Well over 30 yrs ago my sister Joan decided to alienate herself from Dad and I. I had divorced my 1st husband and with young Danny, moved back home. She was off to college and doing her own thing. Well she decided to get married, Jon, I think was his name, anyway the wedding would be back home in East Meadow, Things went quickly with the arrangements, I got a nice dress and Danny a little suit. He was about 5 or 6. It was an expense because I wasn't working. Well the big day came and after getting us all dressed and ready, she comes in and tells me Jon's ex won't let his kid come to the wedding so there won't be any children allowed. Wow, last minute and no sitter to be found as everyone was going,,,so I stayed home with my son, who couldn't understand why he was dressed up and not going. (goodness the details are all coming back)
Dad waited  few days before telling her it wasn't nice of her to exclude me & Danny. This pissed her off. Her husband was all apologies but she said nothing.,,,Well the marriage lasted less then 2 yrs and she only saw us on holidays when she HAD to. Over the years she dated a few guys, never introducing us to many. She did have a boyfriend at one point who was a black guy. Oh my goodness did she rub that in Daddy's face,back then it wasn't that often you see mixed couples and to tell the truth Dad was kind of a bigot then too. Anyway he said some unkind things and she said unkind things back and from that point on she didn't speak to either of us.
Over time Daddy softened his views on blacks & chicanos.  But she stayed away and wasn't aware of that. Well life went on and we all went our own ways. I married again and dad started dating. It had been many years since mommy died. anyway, dad found a wonderful woman and was planning to marry her, he'd sold our house and moved in with AnnMarie. The wedding was planned and tickets were bought as we lived in Vegas by then. I talked to him one evenng just before the wedding and told hm he should at least send Joan an invite, He said she wont go and we went back & forth on it for about half an hour. Finally he said ok he'd send her out one in the morning. I honestly don't know if he did or not because a few days later he died . 5 days before he was to get married he died....
I called her up at the number I had for her in Texas and told her. She said she would be there for the funeral. Horrible time, horrible time. The airlines let us change flights to go earlier so I could identify his remains and get the funeral arranged.  Horrible time. well she does come to the funeral and I really don't remember all the details except she asked to have his diamond earring which was in his ear. AnnMarie said no, but she could have his watch, she didn't want that. The earring was AnnMarie's engagement gift to him, so she kept that. I remember very little after her argument with Joan. I was numb and didnt do anything to reach out to her, I had lost MY dad and wasn't up to arguing with anyone about anything, especially her.
Over the years I kept writting her and never getting any response ever, But I kept writing, at least once every few months, always for her birthday, always when something big happened in our family. Never heard from her. Every once in awhile I would send it Return Receipt Requested, just to see if she was still alive, we are all getting older so ya never know!
I kept looking on facebook & all those websites that track people, even google mapped her address, which is as I see it the place she works. Then one day I am looking on Facebook again and lo & behold there is a Joanie King, I look at her site and there is her smiling face looking back at me!! A real Oh My Goodness moment, I friend request her and her fb page allows me to "follow" her. I sent a message and rejoice that I have finally found her!! I even copy a pic and post it on my page.  i send a few more messages to her over the next couple months and still no reaction. Looking at her FB I find she has lost her husband, never had kids that I can see but has friends just like everyone else. I guess you could say i stalked her page but I was just looking to see her life. well on the morning of Feb 27 2015 I see the notification that she has accepted my friend request, I am elated!!!  Yaa Im excited but had to go to work. Saturday mid morning I decide to send her a message thanking her for letting me in and there it is, the messages say I cannot reply to this FB user! I put her name in the search bar and nothing.... Found out this is the case when someone blocks ya. What the heck??!! Not even giving me a chance to talk to her, she didn't give me even the benefit of the doubt. What the heck!! Broke my heart,,,I burst into tears,,,why? I am not an evil person but I had some hateful thoughts just then, went on Mark's FB and looked her up, she was not on line, good thing too. I decided to NOT write her thru Mark's page, The good angel on the shoulder won out over the mean devil on my other shoulder.
Did not sleep well last night, tossed & turned till I pulled off the sheets, dreaming all kinds of bad dreams, cried & cried. She is all the family I have left in the world and she still holds on to her anger and malice. Right now I feel sorry for her to be angry for so many years is a heavy burden. I am still mad & sad & hurt.
Wish I could do something about it but I cannot control anyone but myself so I will control myself and go on with my life . I'll think about her once in awhile and maybe write again but not now, I would say things I cannot unsay. For now I am sad & hurt. Sad & hurt. I say "her loss" but it is also my loss, not being able to,,,what be there for her, I don't know.... Hopefully when she passes someone will tell me....

Art Box

Thirty+ families benefit from sales at 1 single store in the Container Park in DTLV! ART BOX on the second floor offers so many hand crafted items from local artists. You will find glass items, jewelry of all kinds, knit & crochet items, tye-dye & up-cycled clothing. There are kitchen needs, things for the car, lotions, up-cycled jewelry. Art for the home & office, quilts & pillows, even mermaid tails & Fairy houses.

ART BOX,second floor in the CONTAINER PARK DTLV

Been Awhile

This past year was Terrible. I lost dear family & Friends every single month. I have wandered from going to Church every Sunday, Lost my way... But I am going to get better!!
So far as of today No one has died(GOOD), I have an author friend, Mercedes M Yardley who has finally published her first full length novel!! (GREAT) Nameless, first in a trilogy. Visited with the AZ Grand kids (FANTASTIC). The kids are all settled in next door, seeing some grand children almost every day is beyond words wonderful!
Got my Food Handlers Card and my Jam & Jelly labels all approved! $140 later I am ready for my first Craft Fair Feb 8th.
Hoping for the BEST this year. 

Herb jellies

This weekend I will be trying out some herb jellies. Basil was suggested, definitely making Lavender Jelly, hibiscus, rosemary and bergamot if I can find the Bergamot leaves,,,I will try to remember to take pics along the way, but will def take finished product pics, I think it will sell well at Mt Charleston if I taste them out!!

160 Uses for Coconut Oil

Personal Hygiene/Body

1.   Age Spots (also known as liver spots) – applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade.

2.   After Shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn!

3.   Baldness – apply three times a day to affected area of hair loss. Coconut oil supports cell regeneration.

4.   Birth Marks – can be used after a laser removal treatment to aid in healing. Can also be applied after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help support and aid the fading process.

5.   Body Scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.

6.   Bruises – applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process by reducing swelling and redness.

7.   Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.

8.   Burns – apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will reduce the chances of permanent scarring and promotes healing.

9.   Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!

10. Cradle Cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.

11. Dandruff – coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another leading cause of dandruff.

12. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!

13. Diaper Salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.

14. Exfoliator – coconut oil mixed with sugar or sea salt is a very nourishing and effective exfoliator and safe to use all over the body.

15. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

16. Face Wash/ Soap – mix equal parts coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be adequate.

17. Hair conditioner/ Deep Treatment - use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.

18. Hair Gel/ Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).

19. Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.

20. Lubricant – it is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!

21. Makeup Remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!

22. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!

23. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.

24. Mole Remover – when applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for several weeks, moles have been known to “slide off” or just disappear.

25. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.

26. Oily Skin Fix – prone to oily skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath makeup or alone to reduce the appearance of oil.

27. Pre Shampoo Treatment for Hair – rub a little into scalp and hair before shampooing. This is especially useful for those with course or frizzy hair.

28. Pre-Shave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.

29. Skin Problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

30. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.

31. Sun Burn Relief – rub liberal amounts of coconut oil into the affected area.

33. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

34. Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer – continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing process and decrease the chance of infection.

35. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.

36. Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer – rubbing coconut oil on winkles and sagging skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look!

General Health and Wellness

37. Breastfeeding – for breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich the milk supply. 

38. Bones and Teeth – coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better development of bones and teeth.

39. Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

40. Energy Boost – coconut oil boosts energy and endurance making it a great supplement for athletes as well as those needed a quick pick me up.

41. Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat while increasing muscle.

42. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both diabetics and non-diabetic.

43. Lung Function – increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.

44. Nausea – rub some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist and forearm to calm an upset stomach.

45. Nose bleeds - coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.

46. Oil pulling with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit!

47. Stress Relief - relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

48. Vitamin and nutrient absorption

49. Weight loss - the saturated fats contribute to weight loss and controlling cravings. Also increases metabolic rate.

Health Problems (when taken internally it is known for aiding, preventing, relieving or even curing these health issues)

50. Acid reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal

51. Adrenal fatigue

52. Allergies 

53. Alzheimer’s/Dementia

54. Asthma, even in children

56. Bowel function

57. Bronchial Infections

58. Cancer (has been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in some laboratory 
     tests)

59. Candida Albicans

60. Cholesterol - improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol) 
     ratio in people with high cholesterol

61. Chronic Fatigue

62. Crohns Disease and resulting inflammation

63. Circulation/feeling cold all the time

64. Colds and Flus

65. Constipation

66. Cystic Fibrosis

67. Depression

68. Diabetes - helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with 
     cravings

69. Dysentery

70. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying 
     it externally, but some don't

71. Edema

72. Energy boost

73. Epilepsy (known to reduce epileptic seizures)

74. Fever Support

75. Flaky, Dry Skin

76. Gallbladder disease and pain

77. Gas

78. H. pylori

79. Head Lice

80. Heart Disease (protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis)

81. Hemorrhoids (can applied externally or internally twice a day)

82. HIV

83. Hot Flashes

84. Hyperthyroidism

85. Immune System Builder

86. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

87. Jaundice

88. Kidney Disease

89. Kidney Stones (aids in dissolving them)

90. Liver Disease

91. Lung Disease

92. Malnutrition

93. Mental Clarity

94. Menstruation Relief regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow

95. Migraines (with regular use)

96. Mononucleosis

97. Osteoporosis

98. Pancreatitis

99. Parasites

100. Periodontal Disease and tooth decay

101. Prostate Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

102. Rickets

103. Skin problems

104. Scurvy

105. Stomach Ulcers

106. Toenail fungus

107. Thrush

108. Thyroid Function (regulates an overactive or underactive thyroid)

109. Ulcerative Colitis

110. Underactive thyroid gland - results have shown subsequent thyroid 
       blood tests becoming normal after ingesting coconut oil daily

111. Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)

Health Problems (when applied topically it is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing these health issues)

112. Acne

113. Allergies/Hay Fever – rub a little inside the nostrils for quick relief. The 
      pollen will cling to the oil.

114. Athletes foot

115. Back pain/sore muscles

116. Boils and cysts

117. Canker sores

118. Cellulite

119. Circumcision healing 

120. Decongestant – rub coconut oil on the chest and under the nose when 
       congested from a cold or allergies

121. Ear infection – place a few drops inside the ear twice daily for relief from 
       pain. Also fights the infection itself.

122. Genital Warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil 
       enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)

123. Gum Disease and Gingivitis (use as a toothpaste or rub directly on 
       gums or use in 'pulling' )

124.Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)

125.Hives (reduces the itch and swelling

126. Pink eye (applied around and in the eye)

127. Ringworm

128. Toothache

129. Warts

 Cooking

130. Butter Substitute - use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing butter in 
      recipes with coconut oil.

131. Nutritional Supplement – melt and add to smoothies.

132. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in its solid form for greasing 
      pans, pie crusts, etc.

133. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing,
      etc.

Pets/Animals

Check with your veterinarian but the recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.

134. Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome 
      and colitis

135. Aids in arthritis or ligament problems

136. Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing

137. Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry  
      skin and hair, bites and stings

138. Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact 
      dermatitis, and itchy skin

139. Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing

140. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to 
       their water bowl daily.

141. Helps prevent or control diabetes

142. Helps sedentary dogs feel energetic

143. Helps reduce weight, increases energy

144. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

145. Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor

146. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain 
        energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildupthat 
       results in brain lesions in older dogs.

147. Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida

148. Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health

149. Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs

150. Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function

Other Uses for Coconut Oil

151. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the 
       stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum 
       between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!

152. Goo Gone - just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a 
       paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub 
       off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.

153. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it 
       all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with DEET! 
       Tons safer too.

154. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

155. Oiling wood cutting boards and wood bowls

156. Polishing Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton 
       towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the 
       color of your bronze.

157. Polish Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish 
      wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, 
      unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

158. Seasoning animal hide drums

159. Seasoning cookware

160. Soap making – coconut oil can be used as one of the fats in soap.
161. make lotion bars with equal parts Coconut oil,beeswax & shea butter, melt & pour into cupcake liners to cool. Rub all over for soft skin




I took these ideas from all over the net and Pinterest

Pinterest.....

OK So at first I saw Pinterest as a complete waste of time but ,,,,,NOW,,,,I have made so many things from Ideas on this 'waste of time'  Starting with cinnamon rolls in the waffle maker,OH MY GOODNESS!!YUMMY, Then I made my own deodorant with Coconut oil & baking soda, like only 20 cents per container!!Also detergent was made, Excellent & cheep! Bibs & Burp rags, Tye  Dye shirts,My Side/Your Side Pillow cases, Hash browns in the waffle iron, A hot pad into a curling iron travel holder,Salad in a jar,T shirt necklaces, Eggs both boiled and baked in the oven,Meat loaf cake for april fools day, canned Butter(YES I said Butter!! )Oh My! Over night no cook oatmeal/fruit breakfast in a jar, Watermelon Jam!! Fire starters from dryer lint in tp tubes,Lemonade concentrate...the boys will accept nothing else now!!Fixed my jeans zipper with a key chain circle,no slip hangers, bibs made from grandpa's shirt,skirts made of men's neckties,bread in the crockpot(fail) Koolaid dying yarn(fail) Fairies in a jar(Fail), homemade antibacterial ointment,pizza grilled cheese,3 kinds of yummy pasta salad,lots of chicken recipes and i have dozens of ideas pinned for future trying!! So it isn't really a waste of time, I have broadened my horizons, fed the family and even got some food stored!! Long live Pinterest

Summer of Canning

This past few months I have canned more things than i think I have canned in my whole life! I got into the groove of canning & it no longer was a chore, I canned something every weekend since May!! There was of course fruit jams, dilly beans & pickles. The pickles were a bit of a let down but I have learned that you MUST slice off the tips of the cukes before pickling them. For some reason they get soggy if you don't. Lesson learned but my wonderful hubby Mark eats them anyway. I also did Bread & butter pickles for the first time ever(still cannot eat them tho) Mark asked & I did them for him. I have gotten quite good at Salsa and even sell it at my craft fairs!! We have to say we eat at least 5 jars a week!! Nothing better than fresh tomato salsa!. BountifulBaskets.org has helped me make all kinds of goodies. It is a fresh fruit & veggie co~op I participate in every week!! $16.50 & I get 2 big baskets of fruit & veggies a week!! We never know what is in the baskets that I get up VERY (4am) on Saturdays to help unload the truck, sort & load up baskets for everyone to pick up!! I love watching the faces of all those early risers when they see what is in the baskets!! There's always something different, I learned about Jerusalem artichokes, anise, Jicama and a few other things. we all talk about the odd things and learn from others who know what it is!! Fun times!!
This coming year I plan on a garden so I might not get weekly baskets if I can grow my own food!! I also want to try chickens if I can talk Mark into them. Some neighbors have them and I would love to be able to have my own fresh eggs too!! We'll see!!
Right now my food storage is brimming with salsa, jams, tomato sauce,dilly beans, pickles and a couple dozen jars of dilly asparagus.  My friend has told me she will show me how to use my pressure canner so I see meats & veggies in jars in my near future.
It's been a good summer & will be a tasty winter!!