Corn Syrup vs. Sugar

You've probably seen the advertisements promoting the idea that corn syrup is the same as sugar. But there is a difference - high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has a slightly higher quantity of fructose than do traditional cane or beet sugars. But the big downside of HFCS isn't that it is much less healthy than regular refined sugar (sucrose) the real downside is that since HFCS is so cheap, it is widely used, you find it in nearly everything.  

It's a primary ingredient in soft drinks and often hidden in processed foods including salad dressings, ketchup, jams, jellies, ice cream, bread or crackers. Actually, it is one of the biggest sources of calories in the American diet, and serves as a "marker" for identifying cheap, processed, unhealthy foods of all kinds.

Regular consumption of HFCS or the regular consumption of any sugar, may contribute to obesity.  Obesity  is a risk factor for several types of cancer and diabetes. HCFS should be avoided...try to avoid foods which contain it - read food labels carefully. Also be aware that the Corn Refiners Association wants to rename HFCS as "corn sugar" - if this is approved, you will need to look out for that term on food labels as well.  I have already seen TV advertisements talking about corn sugar stating that "sugar is sugar".  And we wonder why so many American children and citizens are F-A-T. 

We have sugar coated this, sugar coated that...even my favorite salad dressing changed it's recipe and is now sweet ....no more Wishbone Italian Dressing for our family.

Babysitting Oakley

No, Oakley is not a new grandchild.  She is our granddaughter's Westmoreland Terrier, a little bundle of energy.  If you've ever seen the Cesar Dog Food commercials, you've seen a Westmoreland Terrier.  Beautiful white silky hair and a sweet face.  But poor little Oakley doesn't look like that this week....she had a run-in with a whole bunch of cockleburrs while at our river cabin (which has not been flooded thank goodness).  Anyway, Oakley was so full of burrs and stickers that she had to be shaved...the groomer said that she had been rolling in sand too, and she practically ruined her electric trimmer on her.  She looks awful.....

 Lisa took Jenny and a friend to World of Fun in Kansas City, so Ken and I were in charge of their dogs.  Nikki is a Gordon Setter and Cody is a larger than normal Brittney Spaniel.  All we had to do for them was let them out in the morning and put them in at night  The yard is fully fenced and they were accustomed to being outdoors.  Oakley, on the other hand, is like Houdini...she can squeeze through or under anything, including the fence. She doesn't run away, but will sit on the front stoop waiting for someone to come home.  Couldn't have that.  So, I tucked her under my arm and brought her over to our house.

I am not used to having a little dog underfoot and Oakley was not used to our house. So it was clickity click, clickity click as she padded across my new wooden kitchen floor following me from the table to the sink.  From the sink to the bedroom, from the bedroom back to the kitchen.  Stop and turn, there's Oakley underfoot.  Take two steps backward and practically step on Oakley.  Sit down and Oakley was in your lap.  I always thought that having a 2 year old in the kitchen was distracting.....Oakley was worse!  Luckily Lisa and the kids were only at Worlds of Fun for two days...otherwise my hair would be grayer than it is now, and Oakley may not have survived dodging my feet too much longer.

So You're finally a Senior Citizen - Part 2

Getting back to this senior citizen thing....what are the benefits?

1. most restaurants will give you a discount. ASK !!

2. you can park in "senior citizen" parking spaces (if you can beat those 59 year olds to it.)

3. Goodwill and many thrift stores will give you a 10% discount--you have to tell them that you are a senior...their rules, they are not supposed to ask you.

4. If you don’t mind telling people that you qualify for senior discounts (Ha, just because I don't look it, I AM A SENIOR), seniordiscounts.com can be a good resource for saving on thousands of products and services including airlines, car rentals, travel, sports, recreation, shopping, restaurants, national parks, medical services, pharmacies, museums, and much more.

The Web site also offers a free weekly newsletter that focuses exclusively on senior discounts. When you log onto the Web site, search by your city, state, and the category you’re interested in.

5. you get a free checking account at your bank....usually no charge for cashier's checks either. ASK......the cashier won't ask if you're a senior.....some people are very defensive about their age.

6. you qualify for an America the Beautiful Senior Pass - LIFETIME PASS for U.S. citizens age 62 or over. The pass provides access to and use of Federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity. Provides a 50% discount on camping, swimming and boat launch fees. Cost $10.00

Click on seniordiscounts.com. You might be able to take advantage of some of them.....and save yourself some $$$$$$$

Well, since you've discovered some the benefits of being a "senior citizen" suppose you get back to exercise so that you can live long enough to enjoy them.

Particularly the camping, horseback riding and hiking, some things we did in June at Estes Park. We hiked, hiked and hiked. Have to be in good shape for that. We lived in a tent for a week...no one told us that although the camp grounds had running cold water and flush toilets, there were no shower facilities....oh well. We were able to find 'pay' showers in Estes Park (connected to a laundry of all places) plus after horseback riding at the YMCA camp, we had showers there.....after being out on a horse for 3 hours, we needed them.

Two of our party of 9 (3 tents), were McDonald's addicts and the highlight of their day was when we drove into Estes Park and stopped at Micky D's. (they give senior discounts on coffee, dont'cha know) Our 13 year old granddaughter remarked that "if I NEVER see another McDonald's again it'll be too soon!)




If you enjoy golf, tennis, jogging or any other sport ....GET OUT THERE AND DO IT!

At this moment, you are the youngest you will be for the rest of your life. Don't waste it!

Coors Silver Bullet model train

The newest addition to Ken's model train collection is a Coors Light Silver Bullet O scale train. He can’t wait to take it to the train shows and store openings where his club displays their various layouts. The Silver Bullet has a flashy chrome engine pulling 4 shiny chrome-plated reefer cars and a reefer tail car.

As the train pulls into the station, the Proto-Sound 2.0 system plays arrival and departure sounds, conversations between the engineer and the stationmaster, and instructions to the men who are to unload the beer from the train itself. It also plays music but we can’t determine if it is well-known song or maybe a commercial for Coors Beer.


When the train stops, reefer car doors open, and frosty looking smoke billows out revealing the cans of chilled Coors beer.

The "smoke" is actually a liquid that is put into the individual reefer cars. It has a nice smell and I always know when Ken is messin' around with the trains because our family room/train room frosts up!

Why Didn't Someone Tell Me a Long Time Ago?

If you wash your laundry using a gallon container of liquid soap i.e. Kirkland (from Costco), Wisk, All, etc. you have a little plastic cup that you measure with. And, that little cup gets goopier and stickier every time you use it. Its a mess to try to clean out. Plus, when you put the cup back on, the soap drains out of the cup down the side of the container, making an even bigger mess.

One day I was complaining about it to my husband, and, as he occasionally does, he looked at me like I had no brains at all. "why don't you toss it into washing machine along with your laundry?"

Well duh!

Yes folks, tossing the little plastic cup in with each batch of clothes was a brilliant idea, and it works! No more goopy, sticky plastic cup.......Hurrah!

I'm not sure if it would survive a trip through the hot dryer, so be sure to remove it from the washing machine before tossing the clothes in!

Women Are More Prone to Mouth Wrinkles

It's one of life's small injustices - women are more prone than men to form wrinkles around the mouth. There are a few reasons why:

1. According to a recent analysis by dermatologists in the Netherlands, women have fewer oil-producing sebaceous glands around the upper lip - meaning less oil to keep the skin soft and supple.
2. Women (particularly postmenopausal women) have fewer blood vessels in the upper lip area resulting in less blood flow to the region.
3. The muscles around the mouth are closer to the skin in women than they are in men; this can mean the skin is pulled closer, leading to wrinkles.

Short of cosmetic surgery, there's not much you can do to eliminate wrinkles, but you may be able to minimize them by not smoking, avoiding sun damage and keeping the skin around the mouth well moisturized.

Published 3/11/11 Ask Dr. Weil

Jack LaLanne - the Godfather of Fitness

This blog was written several years ago but I wanted to remind you of Jack LaLanne...the American fitness guru who died Sunday, January 23, 2011 at his home in Morrow Bay, California of respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He was 96 years old.

Remember the handsome guy in tight tights doing handstands on a chair on early TV? He promoted fitness as a young man and brought physical fitness and healthful living to TV.

Jack LaLanne, born Francois Henri LaLanne on September 26, 1914 in San Francisco, California, the son of French immigrants is an American fitness, exercise and nutritional expert, celebrity, lecturer and motivational speaker. He admits that as a child he was addicted to sugar and junk foods. He was very troubled as a teenager and prone to rages.

However, at age 15 he heard a talk on health and nutrition which was simple but had a powerful influence on the troubled boy. He decided to focus on his diet and exercise habits, concentrating on bodybuilding and weightlifting, which in the 1930s, was uncommon.

Jack gained worldwide renown for his success as a bodybuilder as well as his prodigious feats of strength. He had planned to become a chiropractor, but in 1936 decided to open his own health spa (gym) and encouraged clients to better themselves through weight-training.

He designed the first leg extension machines, pulley machines using cables and weight selectors which are now standard in the fitness industry. He also encouraged women to lift weights (in spite of the fact that at that time, it was thought that this would make women look masculine and unattractive.)

Between 1951 and 1984, LaLanne presented fitness and exercise advice on television. “The Jack Lalanne Show” was the first ever television program devoted to exercise Critics said the show would be off the air in six weeks, but it lasted 34 years.

After his TV show ended, LaLanne remained in the public eye with a series of fitness stunts, usually performed on his birthday. In 1955, he swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco, while wearing handcuffs.

In 1991, for his 70th birthday, he swam a mile while shackled to 70 boats carrying 70 people. Now in his 90s, LaLanne is still in excellent health. He says he has not missed a day of workouts -- or had a sugary dessert -- since 1930. He still appears on television, selling his Jack LaLanne Power Juicers.

At age 93, he continued to work out every morning for two hours. He spent one and a half hours in the weight room and a half an hour in the pool. Jack and his wife, Elaine, age 80, live in Morro Bay, California. "I don't care how old I live", he says, "I just want to be living while I am living!"

In a 2004 interview, at the age of 90, he said he has "an active sex life"

Worlds Greatest Hobby - Model Railroading

Ken and I went to a model train show this week end….Ken’s hobby is 0 scale model trains and this was one of the biggest shows we’ve ever attended. Along with the detailed train layouts one of the things that really impressed me were the logo mats and especially the logo canopy over one of the exhibits.

The logo canopy pictured a beautifully detailed Lionel model train. It was so pretty that it caught everyone’s attention….”oh yeah, here’s where the Lionel trains are!” And drew people like a magnet.

I don’t usually pay attention to trade show carpet or trade show flooring, but I couldn’t help thinking that it really made the whole place look classy. Many dealers or sellers do not realize what a variety of colors, shapes and styles logo mats come in, and how a printed logo canopy can draw attention to their booth.

The “World Greatest Hobby – Model Railroading” show was full of colors….both on the floor and the booths. Of course, we bought, bought and bought. You know what they say “the difference between men and boys is usually the cost of their toys”…..men’s toys tend to cost A LOT!

Andrew, The Future Amtrac Engineer

Have a pint-sized train enthusiast in the family? Our 3 year old grandson Andrew loves his train cap, bandana and of course the wooden train whistle. He does his best to sound like a train whistle but he needs a little more ummpth when he blows! He chugs around the house pretending to be his favorite TV character Thomas the Train. Or sometimes Percy.....his 2nd most favorite.

I have two engineer train hat, bandana and whistle sets for sale....one with a red bandana and one with blue. They are new, never worn or blown.. The bandanas are triangular and are 29" x 19" x 19". They are one thickness since the square bandanas doubled over made it too bulky for a child.

The Engineer's hat is adjustable in the back to allow room for growth! The wooden whistle is 6" long.


The set costs $12.00 including postage. Contact me at jeanjb@cox.net if you would like one.

Who Doesn't Love a Train?

Who Doesn't Love a Train?

Guest post written by Mikel Trevino

Like most stay at home moms, time can sometimes feel like the enemy as I try to get everything done. My three year old son is very curious and is more than willing to follow me around the house interviewing me on life, hobbies, nature, basically anything that crosses his mind. That is, unless his friend Thomas is on the TV with programming from TVByDirect.com.

We watch many children's programs, but the animated show, “Thomas and Friends” is my grandson's favorite. It miraculously holds his attention for the entire half hour. With satellite television, we get to watch the show twice a day.

Thomas is a little blue train, who lives on an island with his friends. What I enjoy about the show is the subtle way it teaches moral lessons. Each episode tells two stories about Thomas' adventures. The stories tend to share a theme, usually helping others. Thomas, or one of his friends, will be faced with an objective as simple as moving cargo, or as complicated as being envious of another. The friends come together in the end, offering support and advice to resolve the issue.

I think helps my son to be more social. If Thomas can make friends, he can too. It also makes my job a little easier. Even if I can't recall which Thomas episode is relevant, when he's angry or acting selfish, I can remind him of what Thomas would do.

Old Age is a gift!

OLD AGE IS A GIFT
Submitted by Charlene L.
Omaha, NE

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!) but I don’t agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life and my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.

As I’ve aged, I’ve become more kind and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own friend. I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie or for not making my bed or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn’t need, but looks so “avant garde” on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon - before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60’s & 70’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love…. I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to—despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car?

But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don’t question myself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it)

May our friendship never come apart especially when it’s straight from the Heart! May you always have a rainbow of smiles on your face and in your heart forever and ever!

Friends forever!

What is Beauty?

What is Beauty? Its not about the lines on the face or the gray in the hair - it's about the wisdom behind them. Rather than lamenting the passing of the years, celebrate what you have achieved, learned and earned, for your benefit and the benefit of others.

Andrew and the trains

Three year old Andrew enjoys playing with Ken's train layout. Its the first thing he wants to do when he comes over our house. "Grandpa!! Lets play with trains!!"

Grandpa has a big model train set in the basement and Andrew is getting to be a Master Engineer when it comes to adjusting speed, blowing the whistle and pulling into the depot.

The Train Engineer Wannabe

Andrew's Grandpa Ken is a member of the Nebraska-Iowa RR model train club here in Nebraska and Andrew learned to love trains at an early age (yep, even earlier than his 2 1/2 years).

The club has a free train facility at Nebraska Crossing located on the Interstate between Omaha and Lincoln where the guys keep their trains and run them for the general public. Its a big place and has plenty of room for the trains and for the children and their parents to wander around looking at each of the modules. Members are always willing to discuss their trains, show them off, and invite the visitors to join the train club.  The facility is open on Saturdays from noon to 4:00.

The facility has 7 different train layouts each suited to whichever size model trains the members own. Some are 0 scale others are HO, N and O27. Each layout has buildings and scenery, some have mountains and tunnels and enough track to run 2 or 3 trains at a time.

Andrew and I went to see the trains on Saturday. He was awed by the many different trains, but his very favorite was the Thomas the Train layout. Thomas, Percy, James, and Gordon were all there.

Chick, one of the train club members, was in charge of the Thomas the Train table. He showed Andrew how to press the red button that made the train whistle blow and from then on he was Andrew's best friend! Andrew would stand next to Chick and would gently tap his arm and say "I blow whistle now?", Chick would nod "yes" and Andrew would have Thomas toot tooting all around the track.

It was a fun way to spend a hot Nebraska afternoon....in an air-conditioned building surrounded by model trains, train books and guys who were more than willing to pick up little boys and girls to give them a better look at the trains going around the tracks.

And, if you're lucky, you'll see a real train engineer dressed in his striped overalls and cap....he'll make his train toot-toot for you too!

And Another One Bites The Dust! Oh Yeh !

“They walked as a group through the stone arches of the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in St. Louis, MO. The Magnificent Seven, dressed in black, carrying tennis rackets, wearing cowboy hats and a look of determination on their faces.

They walked through this arch as players and would leave as Champions.

The other Super Senior players who were gathered near the tournament desk stopped their aimless talking and watched as the Seven approached the desk......”who are they…where are they from?”

“We are the Nebraska O’Courts”

Rose, Kathy, Mari, Joleen, Yasuko, Marty and Captain JeaneBee smiled to themselves, “yes, we're here and we’re gonna do some major damage to your egos and your team's win/loss stats”

The day was made for tennis….mid 70’s, slight wind, beautiful blue sky…the Magnificant Seven were READY!”

Friday 9/11/2009 10:30 AM
The first and only match of the day was against Oklahoma

Court#1 – Joleen and Kathy Winner: Oklahoma 7-6, 6-7, 1-0 Tiebreak
Court#2 – Rose and Yasuko Winner: O’Courts 6-4, 6-7, 1-0 Tiebreak
Court#3 – Mari and Marty Winner: O’Courts 6-3, 6-1

Saturday 9/12/09 10:30 AM
The First match was against HOA (Heart of America)

Court#1 – Mari and Kathy Winner: O’Courts 6-7, 6-2, 1-0 Tiebreak
Court#2 – Rose and Yasuko Winner: O’Courts 6-2, 6-2
Court#3 – Joleen and Marty Winner: HOA 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 Tiebreak

Saturday 9/12/09 4:30 PM
Second match was against St. Louis

Court#1 – Mari and Kathy Winner: St. Louis 6-1, 6-7, 1-0 Tiebreak
Court#2 – Rose and Yasuko Winner: O’Courts 7-5, 6-2
Court#3 – Joleen and Marty Winner: O’Courts 7-5, 6-1

Sunday 9/12/09 9:00 AM
Final Match – opponents were IOWA

Court#1 – Mari and Kathy Winner: O’Courts 6-2, 6-1
Court#2 – Rose and Yasuko Winner: O’Courts 6-2, 6-2
Court#3 – Joleen and Marty Winner: O’Courts 6-1, 3-6, 1-0 Tiebreak

The Nebraska O'Courts won the right to represent Missouri Valley in the USTA National Super Senior Tournament held in Surprise, AZ in April of 2010. It was a hard fight, the other teams were strong and as determined as we were. This time, it was our destiny to win.

Success isn't something that just happens - success is earned

To my team…..You were wonderful, magnificent, steadfast, gutsy, not to mention darn good-looking. I am proud of you all and as your captain I take full credit for your success. (who said that threats wouldn’t work… dry bread, water and no wine until we win is a great motivator)

Our next challenge will be in Surprise, Arizona….The UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION National Tennis Championships !!! We will be facing teams from 50 states plus Puerto Rico.....how great is that!

Capt’n JeaneBee PROUD OF HER TEAM!

Post Script: This week we were notified by the USTA League Tennis Program that we were awarded the X-Treme Team Sportsmanship Award in the 7.0 Super Senior Division.

This award emphasizes fair play and a positive attitude. The winners were nominated by their peers during the tournament.

Salmon and Musky fishing

Ah, to be young and have a father who both loves fishing and has a nice, big boat to fish from. Our grandson Austin and his Dad, John Paul love to fish.

These photos were taken while on a vacation several years ago with friends who live in Port Washington, Wisconsin, about 25 miles north of Milwaukee and fish Lake Michigan nearly every week.....I should mention that when fishing on Lake Michigan, it really gives you peace of mind to be in a BIG boat.

Port Washington pierhead light as seen from Lake Michigan


It may not be possible to get seasick in a land-locked lake, but from experience, it can! ....bouncing around plus swinging sideways as the big waves hit will scramble all but the hardiest of stomachs! Of course, John, Austin's father smugly says "I've never been seasick in my life".......we cross our fingers that his time doesn't come when he's captaining a boatload of fishermen. (on the other hand, we secretly hope that he will get really seasick and find himself barfing over the side for 10 minutes or so....would serve him right for bragging!)
Austin is 12 years old (2007) and has been a fisherman since he was old enough to hold a rod. I can remember fishing in Minnesota years ago with 3 year old Austin bundled up in a life jacket bigger than he was. He wasn't able to handle a rod and reel too well, but he was a pro when he fished with a bamboo pole. He put quite a dent in the perch and rock bass population of Ten Mile Lake!
This 12 pound salmon was caught by Austin on Lake Michigan. He hooked it himself and fought it to the boat, but needed help with landing it. John and Austin usually fish for fun, they believe in "catch and release" and photos are all that they keep. However, this salmon made it to the dinner table....yummmmm, grilled salmon!!


On another fishing trip earlier this year, this small musky (muskellunge) weighing about 15 lbs was also caught by Austin....no help from Dad this time. After a long and really fun battle, they boated it, took photos and then released it back into the lake. Musky's have a mouth full of lethal teeth and getting the lure out before releasing it can be a real challenge. Sometimes, the fisherman/fisherwoman has a shredded finger to remember the experience. John has the scars to prove it.

Cocker Spaniel Fred

We have a Cocker Spaniel named Fred. Fred is 10 years old and was a surprise "please take the puppy" from our daughter. Her neighbor was moving and their little cocker puppy was going to be sent to the Humane Society.....I know, I know, he would have been adopted in a New York minute. But I get so teary eyed when I see the dogs in the society's TV ads that I couldn't let him be sent there.
*
Nancy brought him over, and that was all it took....big brown eyes, a reddish blonde coat and a little topnotch of white hair....
*
We've had Fred for 10 years.....when we first got him, the question was "what should we call him?" His "real" name was Copper Valley Flintstone....a little too long for every day usage. We mulled a few "call" names, "Honey"...nah "Goldie"....too feminine "Red"....he's not an Irish Setter..etc, etc, etc. Finally Nancy said..."well, he just looks like a Fred" and from then on, he was "Fred, the dog"....
*
Ole Fredthedog got himself into a pickle last night....he has long ears with long, curly hair on them. Last night we heard the most awful cries of pain and barking from the back of our yard. We ran outside and there was Fredthedog, tangled up in one of the climbing rose bushes on the back fence.
*
The thorny branches were caught in the long hair on his ears and he had been spinning around trying to get loose but only succeeded in entangling himself even more. Poor Fredthedog was panting, whining and howling.
*
It was cold, 9:00 at night, dark and the yard lights didn't give us much light, but Ken and I managed to get him free...the plant clippers were in the garage (I think) so we got him loose by using a butcher knife to cut the branches and scissors to cut the hair that was wound around the rose thorns.....now Fredthedog has a lot less hair on one ear.
*
He was so scared, shaking and panting. And, since we've had a deluge of rain in Nebraska, the ground was soggy and muddy....so was Fredthedog. We carried him to the house, wrapped him in a towel and hugged and talked to him until he calmed down.....he wasn't hurt but did have some thorn scratches in his ears.
*
Both the rose bush and Fred have lived peacefully together for nearly 10 years......hopefully they will live in peace for the next ten!

Fred will soon be getting a "friend" from our local Humane Society. Ever since seeing a heart wrenching story about the many kittens that are overcrowding the facilities and the dilemma the society faces, I decided we MUST adopt one. However I know very little about cats, much less about kittens, I have always had dogs, never a cat. So, I will be visiting Kitten Blogs & Articles for some much needed advice on how to raise a kitty.

Identity theft

Know a victim of identity theft? You're talkin' to one!

How would you feel if someone stole from you and infringed on your personal life....violated, angry, out for revenge? I am all three. Yes, I was a victim of identify theft!

Saturday morning I wrote check #2096 to the Madonna School here in Omaha for $20.00, a remembrance for a friend who had died earlier this week. I put it in my mailbox, put the little red flag up at about 1:00 for pickup. I had also put in a birthday card and money for my niece and a gift for a friend's new baby in Kentucky.

We needed some things at the store, so hopped into the car, 20 minutes roundtrip....shopping for fruit, milk and bread doesn't take very long.

As we drove up to our home, I noticed that the mailbox was open and empty but the flag was still up. Strange, my mailman never comes this early and is very good about closing the box door and putting the flag down. I thought "I wonder if somebody took our mail....naw, couldn't happen"....I was wrong.

Sunday morning I decided to check my bank account online....whoa! what was this, a check for $625.00 had been cashed, and the check number was the same as the $20.00 check to Madonna School. All that the online description said was "ONUS CHECK WITHDRAWAL 2096". I called the 24 hour banker but all she could tell me was that a check had been cashed....and that I would be able to get more information on Monday.

Monday 8 am I was at the bank door and was taken to a personal banker. I told her that I did not write a check to anyone for $625.00 and needed to know who the check was made out to. But I was told I would have to wait until Tuesday when the checks arrive from the satellite bank. In the meantime, I had called the post office in regard to the baby gift which had a tracking number. They had not received it....so, it was not picked up by the mail carrier....I made a report to the Postal Inspector General...don't know what that office can do, but it least I felt I was doing something.

Tuesday morning I went online and looked at my checking account....the $625.00 cash withdrawal was gone! First I thought "could I have made some dumb mistake and caused a big fuss over nothing"...

I went back to the bank and talked to the personal banker....she had tried to call me earlier. She said that the check had been altered by some sort of material that dissolves the ball point pen ink. The check was made out to (xxxx since she has now been released from prison, I will not give her name) and also a driver's license number. On the check she wrote what she had been "paid" for...two weeks of baby sitting service....my husband and I are both in our 70's, no babysitting needed in this household. 

This does not necessarily mean that the name and license belongs to the thief since I doubt if they were dumb enough to use their own. (wrong again! This was her real name...the police officer told me that they don't think they will be caught!) But... the bank had a THUMBPRINT and also a surveillance video of the woman. The check was date and time stamped by the bank at 15:55 - it took them less than 3 hours to wash the check, forge it,and drive to a bank on the other side of town to be cashed. They probably hit a few more mailboxes on the way.

As for my baby gift, a really cute pair of Winnie the Pooh pajamas, birthday card and several other pieces of mail...they are gone, never to be seen again.

Remember what I said about violation, anger and revenge...when this group/person is caught I will be first in line to prosecute. My life has been violated and I don't like it!!! I was very lucky that my bank cancelled the $625.00 charge on my account. It wouldn't have thrown me into bankruptcy or caused bad credit but it did cause some sleepless nights.

I don't feel safe writing checks anymore....and have learned NEVER to put the flag up on my mailbox when I put something in it. Its like a "come and get it" to anyone who makes a habit of helping themselves to another person's mail.

I often wonder about the other people who had their out-going mail stolen.  It would be quite a nasty surprise to receive a letter from your bank,  credit card or other lending agency saying that your monthly house payment, credit card bill, car insurance, etc. payment had not been received....and inaddition to that, you will be charged a late fee for non payment.

(note) Ms Thief and her partner were caught several days later with a backseat full of opened mail)  They were tried and sentenced to 4 years in prison... not nearly enough to make up for the stress and sleepless nights she caused us. Unfortunately the maximum penalty is up to three years in prison for mail theft and up to two years in prison for theft. And, I think she returned my Winnie the Pooh pajamas to the store for a full refund! grrrrrrrrrrrrrr )

The Road to Omaha . Rosenblatt Stadium CWS

This article was written in 2009...unfortunately, Rosenblatt Stadium was demolished shortly after the 2009 baseball season.  We now have a brand new, shiny stadium, but it will never have the flavor and friendship that those who attended the CWS at Rosenblatt remember.

HEY BASEBALL FANS!!!

Soon it will be June and the best collegiate baseball teams in the nation will be on the road to Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium to slug it out for the National Championship. This series is truly an event, with thousands of baseball lovers making the pilgrimage each year.

The eight 2009 CWS teams have arrived in Omaha and excitement is in the air (and in Rosenblatt Stadium).

• Cal State Fullerton
• Arkansas
• LSU
• Virginia (VA has never been in the CWS)
• North Carolina
• Arizona State
• Texas
• Southern Mississippi

W E L C O M E...... TO...... O M A H A !!!!!!

Usually Omaha's weather in June is hot......with maybe a thunder storm or two (we have REALLY loud thunder storms), and occasionally a tornado warning, but all in all you couldn't ask for better.

The College World Series is something every college baseball fan young or old should experience at least once in his/her lifetime. It's truly the greatest organized baseball atmosphere you'll ever encounter. Ballpark advertising is absent during the 10-day tournament, so the outfield wall and scoreboard contain only NCAA logos. The focus here is on baseball, and that's it.

Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is located about one minute off of I-80, along 13th Street, in a residential neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska, about three miles south of downtown. The Missouri River and Iowa state line are a mile from the ballpark which is easy to see from the Interstate thanks to its elevated hilltop location.

Large crowds attend the CWS games and the majority of them are Omaha and surrounding area fans. I was born in Omaha and grew up with the College World Series. I know how the locals feel about the players….we love having them here! We enjoy the boys of summer who come to play, we enjoy seeing the wonder in their eyes when they see the big blue stadium….they're the lucky ones..…they’re really here.

Imagine the thrill of driving across the Missouri River on Interstate 80, looking to your left and seeing Rosenblatt Stadium on the hill.

Ask any of the players who’ve played at Rosenblatt. In fact, ask any of the fans who have driven here to attend. Goosebumps and teary eyes are not uncommon.


HOME OF THE NCAA MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES – A big sign…yes, this is it!

You've really made it! You are the best of the best....now it's time to show the rest of the nation that you deserve to be here!

Although all of the games always sell out, there are plenty of seats to be found, even if you only have the $6 general admission tickets for the outfield bleachers. There's a festive atmosphere outside the ballpark, with numerous vendors set up across the street selling food and souvenirs. The official Fan Fest occupies a large amount of space near the stadium's main concourse, where former Major League players often sign autographs after games. Occasionally a movie star or two can be spotted sitting in the stands.
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A trip to Rosenblatt in June is one of those journeys that should be experienced by all.
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Omaha Municipal Stadium was built in 1948 with a seating capacity of 10,000. Two years after opening, Omaha attracted the College World Series to their new stadium and Omaha has been a part of the CWS ever since. It's one of a handful of stadiums that still uses live organ music.

Unfortunately Rosenblatt Stadium will be replaced in 2010....the new stadium will be shiny and up-to-date....but will no longer have the festive atmosphere. The name will be changed.....depending on which major company wins the naming rights. Parking will be $10.00 and only NCAA items will be sold......no more little vendors nor mom and pop beer gardens.

If you want to experience Rosenblatt at it's best and take back memories of how it used to be.....plan to come in 2009 and possibly 2010....by 2011 it will be too late.

As Omahans, we look forward to seeing your team play in the CWS in June. You'll enjoy shopping and the friendly midwesterners in Omaha and you’ll take back great memories. You'll realize what a vibrant city Omaha is. We promise that visits to the Henry Doorly Zoo, Boystown, the Old Market, the SAC museum, the Durham Museum and many of our other landmarks will make your stay in Omaha something to remember.

You’ll eat the best steaks in the world in Omaha's restaurants. Maybe you'll meet Warren Buffett at Gorats, his favorite steak house ( its not a "fancy" one...no need to dress up)

And don’t forget to stop for an ice cream cone or the nationally famous “hot fudge malt” at Zesto’s. (in 2010/11 Zestos at Rosenblatt will be a memory....there's no room at the new stadium for an ice cream stand)

Largest Train Layout in the World

Trains are my husband's hobby and trying to make his layouts look real ... however he will never achieve the unbelievable detail of the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany....its the largest model railway in the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN_oDdGmKyA