Dee

The ones we made were made from plaster. We bought some molds for them and DH helped me with them. You can buy candy molds or cookie molds to make all kinds of items. I have made g cleft earrings, rose pins, name pins, ghost pins for halloween and lots of other things out of plaster. I want to find a lighter material to work with that doesn't have to be fired. When I get home from the hospital and get feeling better I will make some pins/earrings and send them to you all so you can see what can be made from plain old plaster and paint. I bought hubby a scanner for Christmas so maybe I can scan some photo's here for you all to see. ------------------

A country doctor went way out to the boondocks to deliver a baby. It was so far out, there was no electricity. When the doctor arrived, no one was home except for the laboring mother and her 5-year-old child. The doctor instructed the child to hold a lantern high so he could see, while he helped the woman deliver the baby. The child did so, the mother pushed and after a little while, the doctor lifted the newborn baby by the feet and spanked him on the bottom to get him to take his first breath. The doctor then asked the 5-year-old what he thought of the baby. "Hit him again," the 5-year-old said. "He shouldn't have crawled up there in the first place!" ------------------

Roll down the window and throw beer cans at passing satellites. Play some rather boring games of Solitaire. Try to bust that myth of Lays Potato Chips: Betcha Can't Eat Just One! Come up with as many wacky Top 10 List Topics as possible so Top 10 Boy will have work to do into the New Year. When the NASA camera is off, dance around to "Blue Jean" by David Bowie while wearing just your space helmet. Do what everyone else does, write out all of your postcards..mail them when you get home. Don't move, don't touch anything and if you break something, know that you will be blamed mercilessly for it and shunned by society to a Gulag in a remote part of Northern Siberia (Russian Space Station only). Access www.spacebabes.com on NASA's computer instead of doing those meaningless space experiments. Call Martian Escort Service..hope like hell they take American Express. Watch All of Pauly Shore's movies...try to find examples of humor, plot and a reason for making it. ------------------

Can't stick their heads out of Windows '95. Fetch command not available on all platforms. Hard to read the monitor with your head cocked to one side. Too difficult to "mark" every website they visit. Can't help attacking the screen when they hear "You've Got Mail." Fire hydrant icon simply frustrating. Involuntary tail wagging is dead giveaway they're browsing www.pethouse.com instead of working. Keep bruising noses trying to catch that MPEG frisbee. Not at all fooled by Chuckwagon Screen Saver. Still trying to come up with an "emoticon" that signifies tail-wagging. Oh, but they WILL... with the introduction of the Microsoft Opposable Thumb. Three words: Carpal Paw Syndrome Cause dogs ain't GEEKS! Now, cats, on the other hand... Barking in next cube keeps activating YOUR voice recognition software. SmellU-SmellMe still in beta test. SIT and STAY were hard enough, GREP and AWK are out of the question! Saliva-coated mouse gets mighty difficult to manuever. Annoyed by lack of newsgroup, alt.pictures.master's.leg. Too Hard To Type With Paws. ------------------

LOLOLOLOLOL! ------------------

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA- GOOD ONE LOWIE ------------------

Jim had an awful day fishing on the lake, sitting in the blazing sun all day without catching a single one. On his way home, he stopped at the supermarket and ordered four catfish. He told the fish salesman, "Pick four large ones out and throw them at me, will you?" "Why do you want me to throw them at you?" "Because I want to tell my wife that I caught them." "Okay, but I suggest that you take the orange roughy." "But why?" "Because your wife came in earlier today and said that if you came by, I should tell you to take orange roughy. She prefers that for supper tonight." ------------------

Gracie Allen was heard to say the little ditty below when she was attempting to bake cookies for her son Ronnies Valentines Day Party. "This recipe is certainly silly. It says to separate two eggs, but it doesn't say how far to separate them." ------------------

A man sobering up from the night before is sitting through the Sunday sermon, finding it long and boring. Still feeling hung over and tired, he finally nods off. The priest has been watching him all along, noticing his apparent hangover and is disgusted. At the end of the sermon, the preacher decides to make an example of him. He says to his congregation, "All those wishing to have a place in heaven, please stand." The whole room stands up except, of course, the sleeping man. Then the preacher says even more loudly, "And he who would like to find a place in hell please STAND UP!" The weary man catching only the last part groggily stands up, only to find that he's the only one standing. Confused and embarrassed he says, "I don't know what we're voting on here, Father, but it sure seems like you and me are the only ones standing for it!" ------------------

This minister just had all of his remaining teeth pulled and new dentures were being made. The first Sunday, he only preached 10 minutes. The second Sunday, he preached only 20 minutes. But, on the third Sunday, he preached 1 hour 25 minutes. When asked about this by some of the congregation, he responded this way. The first Sunday, my gums were so sore it hurt to talk. The second Sunday, my dentures were hurting a lot. The third Sunday, I accidentally grabbed my wife's dentures... and I couldn't stop talking! ------------------

Some bloopers of biblical proportions written by Sunday School students of both the Christian and Jewish persuasion: In the first book of the bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off. Adam & Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark. Noah built the ark, which the animals came on in pears. Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night. The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with unsympathetic Genitals. Sampson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a jezebel like Delilah. Sampson slated the Philistines with the axe of apostles. Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterward, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Amendments. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple. The Fifth Commandment is humor thy mother and father. The Seventh Commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery. Moses died before he ever reached the UK. Then, Joshua led the Hebrews in the Battle of Geritol. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in the biblical times. Solomon, one of David's sons, has 300 wives and 700 porcupines. When Mary heard that she was the Mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta. When the three wise guys from the East Side arrived, they found Jesus and the manager. Jesus was born because Mary had an emaculate contraption. St. John, the Blacksmith, dumped water on his head. Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you. He also explained, "Man doth not live by sweat alone." The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels. The epistles were the wives of the apostles. One of the opossums was St. Matthew, who was by profession a taximan. St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage. A Christian should have only one wife. This is called monotony ------------------

The following are actual church bulletin board bloopers found in churches across the United States. 11. "Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on 'It's a Terrible Experience'." 12. "Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice." 13. "Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM. Please use large double door at the side entrance." 14. "Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community." 15. "The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy." 16. "A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday." 17. "Today's Sermon: 'How Much Can a Man Drink?' with hymns from a full choir." 18. On a church bulletin during the minister's illness: "God is good - Dr. Hargreaves is better." 19. "Potluck supper: prayer and medication to follow." 20. "The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church." 21. "Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones." 22. "The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir." 23. A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honor of his wife. 24. Please join us as we show our suport for Amy and Alan in preparing for the girth of their first child. ------------------

Our sympathys and prayers go out to you. Any loss is difficult.

The Christmas Story And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Agustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in Swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. May Our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you at this joyous time of the year. From our home to yours we wish you all Happy Holidays and many blessings for the coming New Year.

23 hours and counting..... Mike is a wreck and I have had to calm him down. I am just looking forward to getting it over with after waiting for a surgery date all this time. I am taping notes all over the house for him with instructions and today I am making him meals and freezing them for him while I am in the hospital. That man would live on P and J three meals a day if he thought he could get away with it... Keep me all in your prayers. ------------------

In the words of Austin Powers, Oh Behave Babies!!!!!!!!!!!!! ------------------

Keep your chin up Senny! Our prayers are with you and your mom. The Good Lords ears are constantly ringing these days because of all the prayers being sent to him for all of us who need them and for those who don't need them. God is good. ------------------

God works miracles Brigie, never forget that. I have my friends who are Franciscan Monks praying for your brother, you and your family and you and he are always in my simple prayers. ------------------

I just wanted you and Peg to know that I am thinking of you all and that you are in my prayers and alot of love is sent your way. ------------------ [This message has been edited by reci (edited December 09, 2002).]

I would appreciate all your prayers especially on Wednesday morning as I am going into the hospital for major surgery which is dangerous. I should be in surgery for about 4 hours , I am scheduled at 10 am but you know how theres always some kind of wait. With Gods help and your prayers I should be home and recouping by next Sunday or Monday. My DH mailed all the Christmas Ornaments out on Friday Evening so I hope you all get them soon and hope they didn't break. We tried sticking them on pop paper so that they wouldn't move around during mailing. let me know if you received a broken ornament and I will replace it as We made extras. MountainMommy you will be hearing from me soon... Keep me in your prayers and Lowie.... my surgeon is from Scotland and I am making him play taped bagpipe music in the OR before they put me under the knife.... He is pretty funny.. He said he would wear his kilt under his hospital scrubs just for me. What more can I ask for, Pipes and Kilts dreams while I am under the anesthetic. ------------------

Make sure you bring enough of those kilties with you Lowie and how about some bagpipes... I love those bagpipes! ------------------

Ingredients: Cherry Topping: --------------- 1 pound frozen unsweetened cherries, thawed 1/4 cup kirsch 1/4 cup (about) Morello cherry syrup or sour cherry syrup Chocolate Crust: --------------- - 8 1/2 oz chocolate wafer cookies 6 tbls (3/4 stick) well-chilled butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces Chocolate Filling: ------------------ 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 4 eggs, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup whipping cream, well-chilled (I use heavy whipping cream.) 2 tblsp sugar 1 tblsp kirsch Chocolate curls (optional) Instructions: For topping: Soak undrained cherries and kirsch in small bowl 6 hours. Thoroughly drain cherries in strainer set over medium bowl, shaking occasionally, at least two hours. Reserve liquid. Add enough Morello cherry syrup to cherry liquid to measure 1 cup. Pour 6 tablespoons into heavy 8-inch skillet (reserve remaining liquid for filling). Halve cherries and add to skillet. Boil until syrup is thickened and mixture resembles preserves, about 6 minutes. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Chill.) For crust: Generously butter 9-inch springform pan. Finely crush cookies in processor, using on/off turns. Cut in butter until mixture begins to gather together, using on/off turns. Press crumbs into bottom of pan and up sides to 3/4 inch from top; there should be no cracks. Refrigerate crust for at least 30 minutes. For filling: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 cups cream with chocolate in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring constantly. Cool 10 minutes. Beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs 1 at a time until just combined. Beat in chocolate mixture, then remaining 10 tablespoons cherry liquid and vanilla. Pour into crust. Bake until outer 2 inches of cake are firm but center still moves slightly, about 1 1/4 hours (top may crack). Cool completely on rack. Top pan with paper towels and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate 1 to 2 days. Remove foil, paper towels and pan sides from cake. Spread cherry topping over cake. Beat remaining 1 cup cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and kirsch to peaks. Spoon into center of cake. Top with chocolate curls if desired. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead and refrigerated.) Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. ------------------

Ingredients: 3/4 c Macadamia nuts,salted 1/2 c Graham cracker crumbs 2 tb Butter or margarine,melted 1/2 c Sugar 1 pk Cream cheese (3 oz) 2 pk Cream cheese (8 oz) 4 Large egg yolks 3 tb Liqueur* 1 t Vanilla Whipped cream (opt) Strawberries (opt) Mint sprigs (opt) -----LILIKOI SAUCE----- 1 1/4 c Passion fruit puree 1/3 c Sugar 1 tb Cornstarch -----STRAWBERRY SAUCE----- 1/2 c Strawberries Instructions: 1. In a blender, whirl 1/4 cup nuts until ground; scrape into an 8" cake pan with removable rim. Add cracker crumbs, butter, and 1 tablespoon sugar; mix and press over pan bottom. 2. Chop remaining nuts. In a bowl, beat smoothly with a mixer the remaining sugar, cream cheese, yolks, liqueur, and vanilla; scrape bowl as needed. Mix in chopped nuts. 3. Spread batter onto crust in pan. Bake in 325'F. oven until cake jiggles only slightly when gently shaken, about 40 minutes. Let cool on a rack, then cover and chill until cold, at least 2 hours or up 1 day 4. Run a knife between cake and rim; remove rim. Spoon 2 tablespoons lilikoi sauce ont each dessert plate; spoon strawberry sauce in dots onto lilikoi sauce. Pull a knife tip through dots to make designs. Set cake wedges on plates; garnish with cream, berries, and min *** LILIKOI SAUCE *** 1. To make passion fruit puree, cut 24 passion fruit (about 2 pounds total) in half; scoop pulp and seeds into a fine strainer over a bowl. Rub firmly to remove all pulp from seeds; discard seeds. (For frozen puree, call Gourmet France, Inc., at 818-768-4300; cost is about $12 for 2 pounds, plus shipping.) 2. In a 1 to 1 1/2 quart pan, mix sugar and cornstarch; add puree. Stir over medium-high eat until boiling, 4-5 minutes. Let cool; stir occasionally. If made ahead, chill airtight up to 1 day. *** STRAWBERRY SAUCE *** In a blender, smoothly puree strawberries. Rub through a fine strainer into a bowl; discard seeds. If made ahead, chill airtight up to 1 day; stir to use. ------------------

Ingredients 5 1/2 cups vegetable stock 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes 1 onion, chopped 2 cups Arborio rice 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil salt and pepper to taste Directions 1 In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable stock to a simmer. While the stock is heating, drain the sun-dried tomatoes and reserve the oil. Chop the tomatoes coarsely and set them aside. 2 In a large frying pan, warm 2 tablespoons of oil from the tomatoes, add onion and saute until translucent; about 6 minutes. 3 Add rice to the frying pan and stir until white spots appear in the center of the grains; about 1 minute. Spoon a ladleful of vegetable stock into the frying pan and cook the mixture on low until all the stock is absorbed; about 2 minutes. Continue adding the stock, a ladleful at a time until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. 4 Add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil from the tomatoes, chopped basil, and salt and pepper. Mix well and serve. ------------------

Ingredients 5 slices bacon 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 teaspoons garlic, minced 2 cups beef stock 1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 teaspoon bay leaf 1 medium apple, thinly sliced 1/2 cup red wine salt and pepper to taste Directions 1 Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, coarsely chop, and set aside. 2 Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and saute white onion and garlic 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in beef stock, pinto beans, tomatoes, celery, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer. 3 In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir the apple in the red wine until soft. 4 Mix bacon, apple, and remaining red wine into the soup mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally until well blended.