Veterans Day

I just want to thank all of those that are serving, or have served in the past in our armed forces on this Veterans Day . Thank you for all that you have done and are doing.

Veterans Day History:
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday; “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner named Al King had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. King had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into “All” Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90% of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11, 1953, to honor veterans. With the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.

Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with Veterans, and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

Although originally scheduled for celebration on November 11 of every year, starting in 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. In 1978 it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11 (with the exceptions described above).

Free Meals for Veterans

Restaurant chains are offering free meals to U.S. military personnel in conjunction with Veterans Day.

Origins: In recent years, some national restaurant chains have begun the practice of demonstrating appreciation for U.S. military personnel (both veterans and those on active duty) by offering them free meals in observance of Veterans Day (November 11). Here are a few of the chains that will be participating in such programs in 2009:

Applebee's is offering a free entree on Wednesday [November 11 to veterans and all active-duty military from 11 a.m. to midnight at all 1,900 locations. Although Applebee's requests some kind of military ID, "We're not going to argue with folks who might forget to bring it," says Sam Rothschild, senior vice president of operations. http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/

For the 11th year in a row, 87 McCormick & Schmick's locations in 25 states are offering free entrees to veterans on Sunday November 8. The chain also requests military ID and highly recommends reservations. The promotion is on Sunday instead of Veterans Day, "because it allows vets to bring their families who might not be available during the week," CEO Bill Freeman says.
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

The 485-unit Golden Corral chain is offering free buffet meals including beverage and dessert to current military and vets on Monday, November 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. No military ID is required for its ninth annual Military Appreciation Monday, says Dolly Mercer, national events manager. The event is held on this date, she says, "so we don't interfere with Veterans Day activities." http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

The Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain will also be offering a free Bloomin' Onion appetizer and beverage to all veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day, and outlets of the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation will be giving away free doughnuts to all veterans and active military personnel that day as well.

Arby's invites active duty & veterans to receive a FREE reg roast beef sandwich this Veterans Day. As a Thank-You to all our veterans and active servicemen and women, Arby's invites you to a Free Regular Roast Beef Sandwich during regular business hours this Wed, Nov. 11, 2009 on your day, Veterans Day. Proof of US Military service is required. Limit one per ID.

My daughter Cindy also tells me that "Dad, Also Famous Daves BBQ is offering free meals to military on 11Nov and they also offer a 10% military discount daily".

See more Veterans Day Discounts here

and below

35 Veteran's Day Freebies

Good morning and Update

Good morning everyone, It's Saturday the 7th of November and I have not written to a month and a half. I have been using facebook and kinda got away from the blog for a while. I plan to start back with the blog now. First off I will talk about my kids.

My youngest son Mike is still at Fort Leonard Wood, MO going through MP training, he should be in Blue Phase now ( they went through Red and White already ). He is loving the Army, he says that his Drill Sergent's are great. Mike said "I never thought I would say this but basic training is fun". I'm glad he is doing well. :)

( Mike at Army Basic Training )

My oldest child FC3 Cindy is doing well in the Navy and is still in Washington State. The IA assignment didn't work out for her so she will be staying with her ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln. They are currently in the yard so Cindys work is kinda mundane right now with the exception of testing the CIWS on occasion and scaring the crap out of yard workers. Have fun with that Cindy. :)

( Cindy on her Ship )

My son OS3 John is in Mayport Florida and has the most news. John got back from a 6 month deployment with his ship ( the USS Doyle ) in October. He went to visit my parents in Daytona and bought his first car. John bought a 2009 Kia Rio and loves it. John also sent me a picture of a letter of commendation that he got a few days ago. John is doing well and has a birthday coming up next week, Nov 15th. John will be 22 years old. :)

( John new Navy Working Uniform )

( Johns letter of Commendation )

( Johns new Kia Rio )



Free Meals for Veterans

Restaurant chains are offering free meals to U.S. military personnel in conjunction with Veterans Day.

Origins: In recent years, some national restaurant chains have begun the practice of demonstrating appreciation for U.S. military personnel (both veterans and those on active duty) by offering them free meals in observance of Veterans Day (November 11). Here are a few of the chains that will be participating in such programs in 2009:

Applebee's is offering a free entree on Wednesday [November 11 to veterans and all active-duty military from 11 a.m. to midnight at all 1,900 locations. Although Applebee's requests some kind of military ID, "We're not going to argue with folks who might forget to bring it," says Sam Rothschild, senior vice president of operations. http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/

For the 11th year in a row, 87 McCormick & Schmick's locations in 25 states are offering free entrees to veterans on Sunday November 8. The chain also requests military ID and highly recommends reservations. The promotion is on Sunday instead of Veterans Day, "because it allows vets to bring their families who might not be available during the week," CEO Bill Freeman says.
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

The 485-unit Golden Corral chain is offering free buffet meals including beverage and dessert to current military and vets on Monday, November 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. No military ID is required for its ninth annual Military Appreciation Monday, says Dolly Mercer, national events manager. The event is held on this date, she says, "so we don't interfere with Veterans Day activities." http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

The Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain will also be offering a free Bloomin' Onion appetizer and beverage to all veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day, and outlets of the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation will be giving away free doughnuts to all veterans and active military personnel that day as well.

Arby's invites active duty & veterans to receive a FREE reg roast beef sandwich this Veterans Day. As a Thank-You to all our veterans and active servicemen and women, Arby's invites you to a Free Regular Roast Beef Sandwich during regular business hours this Wed, Nov. 11, 2009 on your day, Veterans Day. Proof of US Military service is required. Limit one per ID.

My daughter Cindy also tells me that "Dad, Also Famous Daves BBQ is offering free meals to military on 11Nov and they also offer a 10% military discount daily".

Pork Chops on the Grill

Our dog Tanner waiting to get a taste of the Pork Chops

Pork Chops on the Grill

The finished product

Good morning, it's a rainy Saturday here but we had a nice day yesterday. The last two days I cooked dinner on the grill. I think food always taste better grilled. :) Last night I grilled Pork Chops, I seasoned them with Pepper, Salt, and Cavender's Salt-Free Greek Seasoning. They were delicious and only took 20 minutes to cook. We have leftovers for today...

Chicken Fried Steak

Last night I made Chicken Fried Steak for dinner. It was really good and easy to make.

My recipe for Chicken Fried Steak. Down home cooking comfort food....

Start with good tenderized cube steaks. Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and season salt. Dip steak in egg and then in crushed saltines and then back in egg and then again in the saltines. Season the outside again with the same salt, pepper, and season salt and then fry in hot oil until done. Make sure you don't crowd the pan. I cook a little at a time and when they are done I drain them on paper towels and then put them in a warm oven until all the steaks are done. To make gravy, drain most of the oil from the pan and then add flour to the remaining oil in the pan to make a rue, add milk, pepper, and some beef bullion granules to taste and stir until gravy starts to thicken. Put the gravy over the cooked steaks right before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes. :) Definitely not healthy, but sure is good, Yum....

I Love this Grill

Our Weather Forecast ( Click images for full size )

My Grilled Chicken

Our Dog Tanner waiting to see if he gets any Chicken.

Good morning everyone. I just woke up and am drinking my second cup of coffee. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day today with temps in the mid 80s and no rain.

Last night I grilled chicken on my new gas grill and it turned out perfectly tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside and completely cooked but not burned. I made enough to last me all weekend. I just love having a gas grill, it is so much easier than dealing with charcoal .

Yesterday I went to Walmart and bought a whole chicken that was already cut up for less than $4.00 and added two chicken leg-thigh combos that I had in the freezer. It was a very inexpensive dinner that will last us three days. Today I am going to paint some for a friend. I love painting, I find it very cathartic and relaxing. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

Flag Day today

It's Flag Day, time to salute Old Glory.

On June 14, 1777, the first American flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes or Old Glory, was approved by the Continental Congress. In 1818, after five more states joined the union, Congress fixed the number of stripes at 13 and required the number of stars to equal the number of states.

Popular accounts trace Flag Day's roots to 1885 when a Wisconsin teacher began celebrating the flag's birthday in her schoolroom.

The Order of Elks played a significant role in the day's history when it became the first national fraternal organization to adopt Flag Day in 1907. Observances became an Elks obligation nationwide in 1911.

Though former President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 establishing Flag Day, it wasn't until 1949 that a member of the Elks, President Harry S. Truman, signed the congressional act designating June 14 as National Flag Day.

Thank you Cindy

Our daughter Cindy bought us dinner today. She ordered us Pizza and Pepsi from pizzahut.com She is so thoughtful, it's delicious Cindy, thank you. As you all know Cindy is in the Navy and currently in San Diego in CIWS C-School and we are in Kansas.

Search For Recipes

I found a new place to search for recipes yesterday, it's called Food Blog Search. You can search through 1800 Food Blogs for just the right recipe that suits you. Go take a look and try it out.

http://foodblogsearch.com/

Got a Nice Surprise tonight

Our Dog Tanner thinks the Pizza is for him.

My son John in the Navy with the USS Doyle and stationed at Mayport Naval Base in Florida called Pizza Hut and ordered me a Pizza and Pepsi and had it delivered to my house here in Kansas.

John called me and said that dinner was on the way, at first I thought he was talking about himself and he said " Dad your dinner is on the way". I couldn't believe it, but he told me that it would be here any minute and it was. John got me a large pepperoni pizza and a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi from Pizza Hut. That was so nice and thoughtful of him that I had to share what he did here. It taste great, I have not had pizza in months. Thank you so much John. That really was a nice surprise.

Need some cooking tips? ( Video )

With Thanksgiving just past and Christmas just around the corner there are many first time cooks out there that are wondering how to cook their holiday meals. Thankfully there is a site called Foodtube.net to the rescue. FoodTube aggregates cooking videos from sites like YouTube and Google Video by recipe to give you visual step-by-step instructions for preparing a dish.

Roast and Stuffed Turkey

The Microwave Diet: 8 Great Frozen Entrees

Yahoo Food suggests eight frozen dinners you can buy at your local store to scratch your take-out itch. The Yahoo Food Blog states" It's a given: Life is going to hand you a certain number of days so crazed that high-speed take-out seems like the only dinner option." From pizza and enchiladas to ravioli and coconut chicken, the article promises these eight foods will motivate you to drive right past the fast food joint into the comfort of quick, tasty and healthy microwave cuisine.

Read the Yahoo Food Blog Post here.

My Hardy Chunky Chili Recipe

The first post I ever did on this Blog was my recipe for Chili. With the temps dropping here in South East Kansas and Winter around the corner I thought it would be appropriate to post it again. This is absolutely the best Chili that I have ever made. We make it several times a year and it freezes well. You can also cut the recipe in half to adjust it for yourself.

My Hardy Chunky Chili

2 lbs lean ground beef or ground venison
1-2 packages of dry chili seasoning ( your choice )
1 large white onion chopped
4 large cans diced tomatoes, 28oz each with juice
2 large cans spicy chili beans with juice. I prefer Bush's chili beans but any will do.
1-2 cans Rotel tomatoes with chill peppers ( your choice )

Using Large pot
1) Cook ground venison/beef with chopped onion until no longer pink / Drain / Return to pot
2) Add the chili seasoning and stir into the meat/onion
3) Add diced tomatoes and stir
4) Add Rotel tomatoes and stir
5) Add chili beans with the juice from the cans and stir

Cook for several hours on low heat letting it simmer.

Serve alone or with shredded sharp cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Can also be served over cooked white rice.

Leftovers freeze well.

Note: The more chili seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you add the spicier it is.

Secrets to saucing pasta the Italian way ( Video )

Americans overdress their pasta 99.9 percent of the time. It should never be a bowl of soup. It should be noodles, with a little stuff. My wife would disagree but this is the way it should be done.

Criminal Probe Opened in Pet Food Scare

FDA Says Charges Possible; Tainted Pork Confirmed in Calif

The Food and Drug Administration has opened a criminal investigation in the widening pet food contamination scandal, officials said yesterday, as it was confirmed that tainted pork might have made its way onto human dinner plates in California.

More than 100 hogs that ate contaminated food at a custom slaughterhouse in California's Central Valley were sold to private individuals and to an unnamed licensed facility in Northern California during the past 2 1/2 weeks. The hogs consumed feed that contained rice protein tainted with melamine, the industrial chemical that has sickened and killed dogs and cats around the world.

Read the rest here at the Washington Post.

USDA says 12 mln Americans faced hunger in 2005

More than 12 million U.S. households had trouble feeding themselves last year, but the rate of food insecurity did decline, the government said on Wednesday.

"It is simply unacceptable that after years of economic growth, 35.1 million people in this country face a constant struggle against hunger," said FRAC president Jim Weill. The group urged an expansion of the food stamp and school meal programs as well as a higher minimum wage.


Read the rest of the Article here

Food that we gave out yesterday

I took some pictures of the food that we gave out yesterday through TEFAP "The Emergency Food Assistance Program". Here is what we had when we started. We got there at 6am to get ready and started handing it out at 8am and ended at 5pm. We were able to help 70 families with about 128 people. It felt so good to be able to do that. I had three people cry when I gave them the food, they were literally starving. It is so sad that in this country we have people that go hungry each day.

Eating pizza 'cuts cancer risk'

Who knew all the pizza was good for me :)

Italian researchers say eating pizza could protect against cancer.

Researchers claim eating pizza regularly reduced the risk of developing oesophageal cancer by 59%.

The risk of developing colon cancer also fell by 26% and mouth cancer by 34%, they claimed.

read more | digg story

Breakfast Casserole

I made this last night for dinner, it turned out great. I still have lots of leftovers for today. You can add other things to the recipe like green peppers :)

Breakfast Casserole

1 lb Sausage

1 lb Bacon or one jar Real Bacon bits

1 Large onion

9 Eggs

1 cup Milk

5 Cups Frozen Hash Browns ( Thawed )

3 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook Sausage and onion together and drain all grease. Cook Bacon and drain all grease.

Mix remaining ingredients in large bowl reserving 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, add the cooked Sausage and Bacon then poor into a greased 13x9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Add remaining 1/2 cup cheese to top and just cook until melted, about 5 min. Remove from oven and let it sit for 10 min before serving.

My sons friends show up at dinner time

Yesterday was interesting, I had to try to explain to my 18 year old son that I know more about computers than him. I have been using computers for about 20 years or so. My son just started about 4 years ago. I am not just a casual user, I am a power user. I try to learn everything I can when it comes to this. It is interesting that kids think they know everything. LOL. He has a lot to learn.

I noticed lately that it seems my sons friends show up at dinner time. Last night it was Alex, the night before it was Adam. Of course they ate with us. Maybe they like our cooking. I wonder who it will be next? Last night we had Four Cheese Tortellini with Alfredo Sauce and home made Garlic Bread. Saturday night it was Chicken Kiev with Rice and Corn on the side. I think that tonight will be make your own dinner night. :) Now, if I could just get my son to think that he knows more about cooking than me I would be all set. I would never have to cook again. I think he can make a toasted cheese sandwich, and I know for a fact he can make hotdogs in the microwave. Hotdogs are about the only thing we see him cook. I wonder what he will eat when he is out on his own? :)

Vickis Quiche

My Wifes Quiche

2 Deep dish Pie Crusts
9 eggs
just tiches of Milk
Full jar of Hormel Bacon Bits
One Box Frozen Spinach
One half onion chopped fairly fine
16oz of Shredded Mozerrella Cheese
Few shakes of salt, pepper & garlic salt

Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom & sides of pie crust after defrosting them. (quite a few pokes)
Brown Pie Crusts in oven at 400 degrees until light golden brown.
Turn on broiler and brown interior of pie crust lightly as to not burn the top of pie crust.

Start with eggs & milk... whip them well till it gets big air bubbles.
Add rest of ingrediants. Have pie crusts ready to go before pouring mixture into them.

Put pies in oven at 400 degrees for 5 minute or so.
Turn oven down to 325 degrees & bake about 50 minutes or until spongy firm and kinda bounces back atcha
when pressed on with hand.

Then turn on broiler and brown the top... turning pretty constantly until nicely browned (golden brown)
Remove from oven & chow down.

My Chili

This is my first post to this blog and I thought I would post a recipe for my daughter Cindy. Let me know how it turns out for you.

Dads Hardy Chunky Chili

2 lbs ground venison or lean ground beef
1-2 packages of dry chili seasoning ( your choice )
1 large white onion chopped
4 large cans diced tomatoes, 28oz each with juice
2 large cans spicy chili beans with juice. I prefer Bush's chili beans but any will do.
1-2 cans Rotel tomatoes with chill peppers ( your choice )

Using Large pot
1) Cook ground venison/beef with chopped onion until no longer pink / Drain / Return to pot
2) Add the chili seasoning and stir into the meat/onion
3) Add diced tomatoes and stir
4) Add Rotel tomatoes and stir
5) Add chili beans with the juice from the cans and stir

Cook for several hours on low heat letting it simmer.

Serve alone or with shredded sharp cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Can also be served over cooked white rice.

Leftovers freeze well.

Note: The more chili seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you add the spicier it is.