by Kay Mindar
As Thanksgiving draws near, I am reflective as to all that I am thankful for; of course there is the more obvious thankfulness I feel being blessed with a loving husband, my children and their families, extended family and friends, our home and our employment.
Then I will add that I am also grateful for this country and my patriotism that swells in my heart. While there have been ups and downs, it is still clear that patriotism exists in this country as a whole. The American Dream is something that exists differently for each person.
Did you know that for 68 percent of Americans living in freedom is one of the top three parts of the American dream, for 56 percent it is being able to own a home and for 47 percent it is being financially secure?
When Americans were recently polled as to what the top three symbols of the United States are, 85 percent said it is the American flag; 53 percent said one symbol is the Statue of Liberty; while 42 percent said it is the Star Spangled Banner. Also about 22 percent said the bald eagle is a great symbol; while 20 percent said the White House and 16 percent said God Bless America and the President are recognizable symbols of the United States.
When Americans hear the national anthem being played, 87 percent said they usually feel proud to be an American. I am thankful to be counted among that 87 percent with my hand placed over my heart and a prayer on my lips for all who serve and for their families.
History in the making
Did you know that the United States Capitol Christmas Tree is being cut in our own backyard? The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Alpine, Arizona Ranger District was chosen this year to supply the Nation’s Capitol their Christmas tree. To follow this historic event you can go to http://capitolchristmastree2009.org/
Well wishes
Ann Snyder is at home and under her daughter in law’s loving care as she recovers from her recent fall. We send well wishes and love as she continues her healing process. Carol Laney extends her love to Luna and is grateful for the many phone calls and visits that she continues to receive in Eagar, Ariz. Prayers are certainly felt in her favor.
Community Center
The recent Christmas Market Place held at the Luna Community Center was a great success and a wonderful closeout for the season. The Market Place sales will begin again Memorial Day Weekend 2010. The committee would like to express their thanks to all who supported them and helped make this a great event each month through the summer and fall.
Fire Department Open House
From 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, the Luna Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Association will hold an open house with eight stations of interest and safety education.
They will be giving away one smoke detector per Luna household and there will be three separate drawings for kitchen-type fire extinguishers. For the children there will be a future fire fighters photo booth to take pictures of the children in a set of turnouts on the trucks. There also will be a free hot dog and hamburger cookout. The Ambulance Association will be set up for vitals check, blood pressure and glucose sticks for adults. We also wish Raean Harris great success with her EMT class which is being held in Reserve and appreciate her sacrifice, time and talents in adding to our community services.
Preparedness Corner
In preparation for our 2010 weekly articles and canning schedules you can be checking a great web blog at http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/. There also are Smart Food Storage Tips from Real Simple® that you will very likely want to put practice right away.
These smart food storage tips are simple and will keep your food fresher for a longer time:
1. Refresh your containers; if your plastic storage containers develop a funk, fill them with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda and let them sit overnight.
2. Don't prewash produce most vegetables should be stored unwashed and untrimmed in plastic or vented bags. Fruits, aside from berries, can be ripened at room temperature and then put in the refrigerator.
3. Seal out the air A vacuum sealer can extend the life of your produce and meats by removing oxygen and moisture—the two main causes of food spoilage and freezer burn.
4. Fill your freezer Keep your freezer 75 percent full. That way, the cold air can circulate but won't escape too quickly when you open the door.
Quote of the Week
“Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-times take 12 minutes. This is not coincidence.”
Erma Bombeck
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