Is chivalry dead?????

Ok, so I have a small addiction to Home Depot and Lowes! Home projects for me are the gateway to some big arguments with Big Daddy!! That being said, let's move on. I was making a run yesterday to Home Depot for 2 new front lawnmower tires. Mine have been needing to be replaced all summer. After having a meltdown on Tuesday evening  finding the mower flat as all get out, when I had plans to get the grass cut I decided it was time to replace them. So Wednesday morning after dropping Kansas off at the bus I decided to run and get new tires. It was nasty outside. I mean raining buckets! I roamed around breathing in the smell of lumber and tried not to be distracted by all the goodies. (light bulbs, grill accessories, lawn furniture, cleaning supplies, drain cleaner) I told you I have an addiction! Moving along, I grab my tires, some goo gone, and a grill brush and head to the check out. I ring everything up, and get my military discount and head for the door. It is still pouring down the rain. POURING! I have a bunch of oddly shaped things in my cart and a 1 year old in his pajamas who has been up all night with tummy trouble. I'm not looking for sympathy just making a point. As we wait under the awning outside the man in front of me...(who clearly knows I have a baby in my cart and a bunch of oddly shaped items) opens a gigantic golf umbrella. This thing is huge. I mean you could put 5 adults under it easily. He stands there for a second and then casually walks to his car...that is parked right next to my Tahoe. We are only like the fourth car from the front. I'm kinda appalled at what just happened. I never expect anything. As most of you know, I rarely ask for help. But to stand right in front of me and not even offer to walk me and my child to our car with your gigantic umbrella is just RUDE. Maybe his Mama didn't teach him manners, maybe he is just selfish, I don't know. It may be that he was afraid of imposing the offer and getting turned down, but he never even gave me the chance to say no. Either way I took it as... you and your baby are not good enough to stand under my umbrella, have a good day. It made me realize that I always try to help others if I can, even if it means I have to step out of my way a little bit. So my question to you is are you willing to step out of your way to help others or are you going to be THAT man, that is to busy, or selfish, or WHATEVER it may be, to lend a hand. Come on people, you never know how you can impact someones life when you take the time to help them. JUST SAYIN!!!http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Polite-to-Everyone Here is a guide if you don't know how to be polite! Oh and parents raising your lovely children, this is a must! We are responsible for the way the world operates in the future so take these things and teach them to your children. It will make the world a better place!!

Festival Time!!

The Annual Pungo Strawberry Fetival is this weekend and it is always sure to bring a good time. This will be my 10th  time enjoying the festival! Last year I was in the hospital having my beautiful son otherwise it would be my 11th. I am looking forward to having a Strawberry Taco from Charity United Methodist and getting my t-shirt at Back Bay Botanicals booth!! I also have to let everyone know that Mosaics Hair Salon is giving away a 50$ Gift Card so get your raffle ticket!! You can enter right in front of the salon all weekend!!
 It is gonna be a muddy mess I am sure, but lets just hope that everyone stays safe and has fun while they are getting dirty!! I will leave you with this recipe fom my look a like!!.....Hope you enjoy those strawberries!!

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Prep Time: 1Minute | Cook Time: 45 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 10

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Ingredients

• Cake
• 1-1/2 cup Flour
• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 9 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 1-1/2 cup Sugar
• 3 whole Large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream, Room Temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• _____
• Icing
• 1/2 pound Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
• 2 sticks Unsalted Butter
• 1-1/2 pound Powdered Sugar, Sifted
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 pound Strawberries

Preparation Instructions

IMPORTANT: Be sure to use a cake pan that’s at least 2 inches deep! Before baking, the batter should not fill the pan more than halfway.
Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and corn starch.
Cream 9 tablespoons butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well each time. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until combined. Add sifted dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just barely combined.
Pour into greased and floured 8-inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, or until no longer jiggly like my bottom. Remove from cake pan as soon as you pull it out of the oven, and place on a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
Stem strawberries and slice them in half from bottom to top. Place into a bowl and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons sugar. Stir together and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, mash the strawberries in two batches. Sprinkle each half with 1 tablespoons sugar and allow to sit for another 30 minutes.
Make icing: combine cream cheese, 2 sticks butter, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and dash of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until very light and fluffy.
Slice cake in half through the middle. Spread strawberries evenly over each half (cut side up), pouring on all the juices. Place cake halves into the freezer for five minutes, just to make icing easier.
Remove from freezer. Use a little less than 1/3 of the icing to spread over the top of the strawberries on the bottom layer. Place the second layer on top. Add half of the remaining icing to the top spreading evenly, then spread the remaining 1/3 cup around the sides.
Leave plain OR garnish with strawberry halves.
IMPORTANT: Cake is best when served slightly cool. The butter content in the icing will cause it to soften at room temperature. For best results, store in the fridge!

Posted by Ree on July 17 2009