Memorial Day Thoughts

Today my social networking feeds have been full of posts relating to Memorial Day.  Many have been reverant and thought provoking.  While the posts have been great to see many of them have referenced the wrong holiday.  It seems that many feel that the appropriate sentiment for Memorial Day is to honor and thank ALL veterans, living and deceased.  This is not correct.  I feel it is extremely important to honor and thank all veterans every day...but Memorial day is a day to honor the fallen.  It's a day to remember those who have died in service of the USA.  

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May.  A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm local time.

I always find the history of holiday's interesting.   

Here's the Memorial Day History according to Veterans Affairs:

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Local Observances Claim To Be First Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well.

Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Ga., claim the title, as well as Richmond, Va. The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in a Carbondale, Ill., cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.

Official Birthplace Declared In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Some States Have Confederate Observances Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead. Mississippi celebrates Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of April, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and Georgia on April 26. North and South Carolina observe it on May 10, Louisiana on June 3 and Tennessee calls that date Confederate Decoration Day. Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day January 19 and Virginia calls the last Monday in May Confederate Memorial Day.

Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.” 

***

So how did you spend your Memorial Day?

I will admit that I thoroughly enjoyed having a day off from work today.  I know that many spent the day with family or friends, having cook-outs or beach days, or just catching up on chores that have piled up.  My day was spent with family (the hubby and my pup) while trying to take care of projects that I've been ignoring. While we didn't have a formal celebration of any sort I did spend time thinking about why I was able to be off from work today.  I hope that each of you found time in your day to also remeber those that gave their lives for us; those brave souls that paid the unltimate price so that we could enjoy so many freedoms.

Remember the fallen today...and every day...

29 and Holding... (The Age of Adaline)

It goes without saying that I love movies.  Ron and I recently saw The Age of Adaline while in Mobile, AL.  And should I even mention that it was two romance movies in a row (what is happening to me???)!  Of course this isn't the typical romance and was a very intriguing storyline.

The Age of Adaline

Rated PG-13 / 110 mins / Drama, Romance

Stars: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker, Ellen Burstyn...

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Release date: April 24, 2015

Here's the synopsis according to The Age of Adaline official page:
After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret.  But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance.  When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.

You know I don't like to give away any spoilers so I'm not going to go into any more detail about the movie.  But I will tell you what you will be thinking about during AND after seeing this movie (if you're like me that is).  This movie really makes you think about what it would be like to remain at a certain age forever.  I'm not sure why the age of 29 was chosen for Adaline but I have a few thoughts of my own why it's a magical age....an age most people don't want to leave behind.  I can remember clearly when I was 29 - especially the days leading up to my 30th birthday.  It's the only birthday I actually dreaded.  Leaving my 20's seemed like a HUGE step to me.  While being in my 20's wasn't exactly like being a kid...it didn't completely seem like being an adult either (despite my adult responsibilities).  There I was about to enter my 30's head-on!  Lucky for me I have a great husband and great friends that helped make the transition with an amazing surprise party that included my favorite male stripper.  Yes, I said my favorite male stripper - I'll get into that more in another blog. And I guess I really should call him a male exotic dancer right?

What are your thoughts on the transition from your 20s to 30s?  If you could pick an age to stay at forever what would it be?  I've given this a lot of thought...probably more thought than is normal considering my fascination with all things supernatural...and I still haven't come up with the magic age for me.

Go check this movie out (if you haven't already) and let me know your thoughts.  I thought it was a really good movie that was well acted and thought provoking.

IMDB page: The Age of Adaline - IMDB page

Official page: The Age of Adaline - official page

Ranch "Chicken Fried" Cube Steaks

There's just nothing like good ole comfort food!  You know the kind I'm talking about...floured and fried and loaded with calories.

I have always loved cube steak.  My Mama used to make the floured and fried kind and it was yummy in my tummy.  She called it "chicken fried" which still really doesn't make sense to me since there is no "chicken" in it...LOL.  I don't fry foods often so this is one of the things I miss.  Craving the kind my Mama used to make set me on the mission of finding an alternative recipe that might still taste close to hers but wasn't fried.

I found a couple of recipes but they weren't exactly what I was looking for, so I changed the ones I found up a little and came up with this.  It was yummy if I do say so myself.  Don't be fooled by the picture - you really can't make cube steak pretty! :)

Ranch "Chicken Fried" Cube Steaks

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups Bisquick
• 1/2 cup Panko Italian Style Bread Crumbs (I used Progresso)
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 4 cube steaks
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

• Heat oven to 425°F
• Spray 13x9 inch pan with the cooking spray 
• In a shallow dish mix Bisquick, Panko, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
• Pour ranch dressing in another shallow dish.
• Coat cube steaks with ranch dressing, the coat cube steaks with Bisquick mixture, pressing in so coating sticks to cube steaks.
• Place in 13x9 inch pan.
• Drizzle with butter.
• Bake uncovered for 30 minutes (or until steaks are done to your liking)

Serve with mashed potatoes or rice smothered with white pepper gravy and another side of your choice and you have a great meal!  I chose broccoli - figured I would be healthy with at least one of the foods.  =)

Cheesy Creamy Ranch Potatoes

Potatoes just might be my favorite food.  There are lots of ways to prepare them and thousands of recipes out there.  My favorite way to eat a potato is definitely one of the unhealthiest ways - FRIED!  :)  I have always loved fried potatoes...especially when they are fresh cut (not frozen).  I've loved them since I was a little girl.  Loved them so much that when I was in elementary school one of my Granny's would get up and make them for me for breakfast before she would go to work - and she cut them country style (round).

Baked potatoes are awesome too - that was something I always loved to get at my other Granny's when she first learned how to "bake" them in the microwave.  :)  Nothing like a "baked" potato loaded with butter and salt...doesn't matter if it's baked in the microwave, oven or grill.

Last night I made a new recipe with potatoes.  They were baked...with lots of cheesy creamy goodness...so I'm sure lots of calories.  And should I even mention that they have BACON in them?? I used Yukon Gold Potatoes in this recipe but any type would work.  Here's the recipe so you can try it too.

Cheesy Creamy Ranch Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 6 large potatoes, cut into cubes
• 1 cup ranch salad dressing
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions:

• Place potatoes in a large pan and cover with water.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Boil until tender, about 6 minutes.  Drain well.
• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Combine salad dressing, sour cream, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, bacon, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bow.  
• Add potatoes to mixture and stir until potatoes are coated well.
• Spoon potatoes into an 8x10 baking dish.
• Top with remaining cheese.
• Bake potatoes until bubbly, about 20 minutes. 

The PBR - 8 Seconds and More

This past weekend I re-visited a page from my book of past experiences and did a little rodeo-ing. Ok, so maybe I didn't actually do any rodeo-ing...but I did go watch some great bullriding in my hometown (Bonifay, FL) with the hubby.  And as an added bonus my bff since 3rd grade and her daughter joined us.  Aren't we quite the crew?  :)

I don't care much for many sports anymore, but bull riding has always been one of my favorites.  I'm sure part of the reason is that I grew up in Bonifay where one of the biggest events of the year was the annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo held each year during the first weekend of October.  The Bonifay Kiwanis hosts the event as a fundraiser and since it's part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association (PRCA - Home Page) cowboys come from all over to participate in hopes of earning prize money and points toward a national championship.

For a peek at the history of the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo check out this link:
Bonifay Rodeo History

For a variety of reasons (enough to fill up many blog posts) I haven't been to the Rodeo in YEARS...but my love for the sport of bull riding has remained a part of me.  Bull riding was always my favorite portion of the rodeo.  I'm sure it was a favorite for many since it was strategically placed as the last portion of the Rodeo, meaning that attendees would stay for the entire event so they could watch the bull riding.

Shortly after watching the movie The Longest Ride I saw an ad for the 2015 PBR Spring Bull Jam in Bonifay (nice timing huh?).  The hubby and I decided to go check it out.  Thankfully, we were not disappointed!

The participants of this event are part of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Touring Pro Division which is a minor-league tour of the PBR (and yes, there was even a connection to the movie The Longest Ride...more on that later in this post). The tour offers up-and-coming bull riders (and riders not competing on the elite Built Ford Tough Series) the opportonuty to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning money and points to qualify them for the BFTS and the World Finals. You can find all kinds of information about the PBR, including their schedule, by following this link: http://www.pbr.com/

Watching the cowboy's compete is exciting!  It's amazing how tense 8 seconds can be watching from the stands.  I can only imagine how much adrenaline is flowing through each of the riders as they take a ride of their life.  I've seen many riders get hurt (including at this recent event - he was able to walk out), yet they continue to get right back in the saddle at the first opportunity.  Talk about determination and dedication.  A lot can be said about that kind of resilence!

The way the scores are is interesting to me too...so much goes into it.  It's not just IF they can stay on the bull for 8 seconds, but the quality of the ride and the bull that matters too.  A qualified ride is 8 seconds.  The clock starts when the bull's shoulder or flank breaks the plane of the gate and ends when the rider's hand comes out of the rope, the rider touches the ground, or the rider's free arm touches the bull.  Judges look for a rider to control the bull.  A successful ride earns a score of 0-100 points.  There are occasions that a re-ride takes place.  This happens if the bull's performance is sub-par or if a foul occurs during the ride

The bull is also scored.  His score is based on his degree of difficulty (the better the bull the better the bull score).  When judging the bull the judges look for drop in the front end, kick in the back, spin, and direction changes.  A bull receives a score even if the rider is bucked off.

The score of the rider and the bull is combined together with some magic formula to give the final ride score somewhere between 0-100.  And let's not forget that the rider is under pressure even before the ride itself when they face the chute clock.  They only have 60 seconds from the time they begin to pull their rope until they nod their head to begin the ride.  If the chute clock reaches 60 seconds before the rider nods his head the judge may disqualify either the rider or the bull.  If the bull is disqualified the rider will get a re-ride bull.  If the rider is disqualified he's done for that round and no score is given.

Scoring gets even more difficult when an event is held over more than one day.  Plus the scores are averaged in to all the other events.  Way too complicated for me...LOL.  Just go check out more info on it here: Scoring and Judging

Here's the standings after the Bonifay Bull Jam:

Let me take a minute to clarify something.  Many people think that the reason the bull bucks is because he is being harmed.  One particular story I have been told all my life is that the bull (as well as bucking broncos) buck because they have a strap tied around their genitals.  Now I can't say with 100% certainity that this is not true (it's not something I plan to check personally)...but I can say that from all the research I've done this is not what makes them buck.  According to the PBR: The bull's bucking has absolutely nothing to do with irritation to the genitals.  The success of bucking bull breeding programs has proven that genetics are the main factor in determining a bull's desire and ability to buck.  The bulls will kick their hind legs out at the height of their bucking action in an effort to dislodge the flank rope which encircles their body around bull's flank, in front of their hips.  The flank strap never comes in contact with the bull's genitals. (PBR: Animal Welfare)

The PBR uses over 70 different stock contractors across the US, each of them owning 20-200 bulls.   While the bulls travel to events the PBR frequently uses local bulls from their stock contractors located close to the event.  The bulls have to be in top-notch shape to perform.  A huge shout out to the stock contractors who keep the bulls in prime condition.

And now for what the rider wears.  I will be the first person to tell you that on the right body there aren't many things better than a pair of well fitting Wranglers.  Top the look off with a nice hat (I would suggest Stetson) and a pair of boots and you have a winner for sure.  Lately, a lot of riders have started wearing helmets and other safety equipment.  While I prefer the look of the regular cowboy attire, I can certainly understand the need for the safety equipment.  Bull riding is a dangerous sport!!  I read somewhere that riders get injured or die at a higher rate than athletes in any other sport.  Currently there are no requirements so wearing the safety equipment is optional and the decision is entirely up to the rider.  I am a firm believer in safety so I completely support the riders wearing the safety equipment.  Just one request...as soon as that ride is over, take off that extra stuff so we can see that cowboy form.  :)

I took a whole bunch of pictures but they didn't turn out so great.  It turns out that it's just not that easy to get great shots of bucking bulls from bleachers that are shaking (from people clapping and stomping their feet).  Towards the end of the event I did manage to shoot a few videos also.
Here are a few highlights from the event:

Waiting for it to start... (and check out the hair on that guy behind us!)

They started out with a little pyro.  Since I wasn't overhead I couldn't get a great shot of this but it said PBR in fire.

This guy cracked me up!!  If you've seen the movie The Longest Ride then you've seen him in action too.  He's Professional Rodeo and Bull Rider Entertainer Matt Merritt.  He did a FANTASTIC job keeping the crowd entertained in the down time...as well as a little bull wrangling!!!  

Notice his shirt says Ridin' Dirty....like it? You can get your very own Ridin' Dirty stuff here (also seen in the movie The Longest Ride): Ridin' Dirty Clothing  Check out the movie clip when you're on the Ridin' Dirty page for a glimpse of Matt Merritt in action.

Check out my video of Matt in action here:  

And here are some videos of a few of the rides:

I have often wondered why you don't see many women in the sport of bull riding.  I honestly don't think I have every seen any perform live.  I'm not sure why this is but if you do a little research you will find that that there are some out there.  Check 'em out and show 'em some support!  

From my research it appears that Maggie Parker is the only female bull rider in the US: PRCA - Maggie Parker - if anybody knows of others let me know.  

A few other related things you might find interesting...

The Longest Ride stunt double talks about movie: Sam Matthews video clip

Some info from the PBR from filming of The Longest Ride: PBR News

Bull Riding: Wikipedia

Cinco de Mayo (with recipes)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

Did you celebrate the "fifth of May" today?  I did.  Why you ask?  Well...just because...LOL.
The "fifth of May" is a holiday observed to commemorate the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  The holiday is sometimes confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16.

There's a lot of history behind this holiday and I encourage you to read up on it.  Here are some links to get you started:
Wikipedia - Cinco de Mayo
History.com - Cinco de Mayo

I have to admit that I (like many others) associate this holiday with Mexican food and Tequila.  I mean, really?  How you go wrong with that combination?  To the best of my knowledge I do not have any Mexican (or French) in my heritage...but that doesn't mean I can't celebrate Cinco de Mayo does it?

In an effort to be as authentic as possible tonight we had dinner fitting for the occasion...Mexican food and Tequila.  I made Mexican stuffed shells and a Cheesy Enchilada Rice dish...accompanied by a frosty mango margarita.  It was quite yummy!

In case you're interested...here are the recipes:

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 small can of refried beans
12-15 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup salsa
1 cup enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cheese
2 green onions, chopped
Sour Cream (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a frying pan cook ground beef.  Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add can of refried beans and simmer until beans are blended in with the beef mixture.  Set aside.
While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to the directions; drain.

Pour salsa on bottom of 9x13 baking dish.  Stuff each shell with the meat mixture.  Place shells in 9x13 dish open side up.  Cover shells with enchilada sauce.  Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes remove foil, sprinkle shells with cheese, and return to oven until cheese is melted.
Top with green onions and sour cream.

Cheesy Enchilada Rice

Ingredients:
2 cups Instant Rice
1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinced
3/4 cup enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheese
1 green onion

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Mix rice, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese together in an oven safe dish.
Bake for 15 minutes.  Top with remaining cheese.  Garnish with green onions.

Enjoy!  :)