Tag Archives: COVID-19

Reality Overload! Brain Dump!

Life Notes, My Life, Rants, Relationships, Struggles, Thought, , , , , , ,

Seven and a half years ago, my wife died. She was one of several people in my life who died within an 11-month period. Life shattering. This totally scrambled my brain. Tore up both mine and our son’s life. I had “friends” and relatives turn on me. We delt with so much crap, including TWO dealings with Children’s Services as results of lies from some controlling/manipulative people.

Over the course of the past 2 years, several people in my life have been affected by COVID-19. I, myself had a (not so) mild case of it. I was actually criticized for saying that I had it. The list of people I know who have died from COVID-19 is ridiculously and painfully long. One of my friends died from COVID … in a hospital room … isolated and alone. And still, countless numbers of idiots continue to harp about the HUMAN DECENCEY of wearing a mask to help REDUCE the spread of the virus.

I have had people who claimed to be friends turn on me. They have made it their mission to spread lies and rumors … all because I caught them in lies. I have cut ties with relatives who do all they can to feed their narcissistic needs. They have sought to spread rumors and sow seeds of deceit and distrust because I would not cater to their whims.

I have fought hard for the well-being of my son. Along the way, people whom I trusted for support proceeded to introduce my son to harmful, health undermining things. Some of these people were “fellow church members” as well. I have sacrificed much to do my best to keep my son safe and help to ensure that he has a good future.

The board of my college alma mater has made a foolish decision to eliminate the Theater Program. This program has been a part of the institution for a century. I spent countless hours of my life involved with this program, even when I was NOT a student. Many people I now call “Friend” I met because of my involvement with the Theater Program. The board made no attempts to seek input from the staff or alumni before they made their decision. I am not surprised they did this. I expected it long ago, actually. Since I started my life at Union University in Fall of 1990, I have seen several “promises” to improve the Theater Program quietly swept away. Promises would be made, then funds would be diverted to other projects. Most often, the Sports Department got the funds. The Sports Department has long been favored. Being a High-Profile source of income for the institution, the Sports Department gets what it wants.

Right now, there is a war in Ukraine. The Russian dictator claims he is “de-Nazifying” the Ukraine. Homes, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, churches, and cultural centers are his targets. All the while, he insists his troops are only targeting military installations. All the while, countless families are displaced … countless lives are shattered.

I have a friend who just got married in the Ukraine … just a few weeks ago … just prior to the Russian attacks. The very church he was married in is now a shelter for refugees. In Romania, I have friends who are coordinating efforts to build a small “village” of sorts for Ukrainian refugees. I just watched a live video of the progress of their efforts. They hope to provide housing for 25 families. That is a tremendous effort. I have other friends who are involved in the larger effort of overseeing refugee coordination of ALL the surrounding countries. I have acquaintances who either are from or family of people from Ukraine. These families are scrambling to contact their families in the Ukraine.

Yesterday, a friend of mine who lives in Texas messaged me. She and her husband had taken her father to the doctor for a checkup. While they were away from home, they got word that wildfires were ragging toward their home. Their children were at home with their pets. The children were told to evacuate by local authorities. Thankfully, one of them had a learners permit (aka .. just learning to drive). They were able to evacuate safely. Within a few hours, the fire had totally leveled their whole community. Today, they have a pile of ashes where their home stood yesterday.

This is only a few things on my mind right now.

..end transmission..

About Testing GOD

Bible Study, Rants, Thought, , , , ,

I have read many comments and accounts of … heard numerous people insist that … we should NOT LIVE IN FEAR AND TRUST GOD with regards to COVID. This is followed by them insisting that wearing a mask is “restricting their rights” and that getting the vaccine is “succumbing to the beast” …

I could go into depth regarding the NEED and BENEFIFTS of wearing masks, social distancing, washing of hands (seriously, this is still an issue after centuries), and being vaccinated … however, I won’t.

I am going to address the “Testing of GOD” part.

The people following Moses in along gives us several scriptures regarding the people ‘testing GOD’ in one way or another. (Exodus 15:25; 17:1-7; Numbers 14:22; Deuteronomy 6:16; 9:22) The Book of Psalms references numerous occasions as well (78:18,41,56; 95:8-9; 106:14).

God repeatedly reminded the people to NOT TEST HIM. Yet, they continued to do so. They wailed and whined and complained about what they were having to endure. They wanted GOD to “take care of it” … remove the problem or provide a relief … The New Testament … the time OF and AFTER Jesus walked this earth, there are still more accounts of the people TESTING GOD.

There was that one time when GOD said he would flood the earth. GOD provided a way to survive. Noah told people what was going to happen. The people mocked Noah for his ridiculous notions and foolishness for building a boat in the desert. They refused to believe that getting on that boat would save their lives.

I wonder how many people who refuse to wear a mask, refuse to take proper precautions, refuse to get the vaccine, refuse to think of others … I wonder how many of these people have taken a pain reliever, an allergy med, used cough syrup, been to a medical professional for any reason …

.. end transmission ..

Talk about Random … Bread Basics 101-A

Bread Making, FOOD,

SOOO. In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic thing … Bread making has suddenly become “popular” again.

Here are some basics to start with …

Flour:

All-Purpose Flour is what most people have in their pantries. This will work. HOWEVER, it lacks the “umpf” needed to be a good bread. It lacks the proper balance of Vital Gluten. (SUDDEN DETOUR! If you have a Gluten allergy .. STOP reading this post now. I will have to save THAT for a different post. Sorry.) There is “Bread Flour” you can purchase. This has added Gluten needed for good bread making.

Bread Flour is typically milled from hard wheat and contains a higher level of protein (gluten content) than all purpose-flour.

Whole Wheat/Graham Flour is milled from the entire wheat kernel. It is light brown in color and contains all-natural nutrients. It is, however, much lower in gluten and is often used with Bread Flour. Vital Gluten is sometimes added.

Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour or Potato Starch are primarily used in making gluten-free breads. Other proteins are added to make up for the lack of gluten (more on this later).

Leavening Agents:

Yeast is a key/vital part of bread making. Some important things to be aware of about yeast … Yeast loves Sugar, Starch, and Gluten! (not imitation sugar substitutes either. If that is a problem for you, STOP reading this post now.)

Baking Powder and Baking Soda are often used in some bread recipes instead of yeast. IMPORTANT NOTE: You cannot substitute one leavening agent for another (you can not use baking powder/soda in place of yeast. (If this is a problem for you, STOP reading this post now.)

Liquids:

Water (the most common liquid used) produces a heavier, crispier crust and a more open texture.

Milk enhances flavor and increases nutritional value of the bread. Other liquids can be substituted for milk. ALWAYS make sure Milk is at ROOM TEMPERATURE.

Buttermilk results in a light, high rising and tender bread. Buttermilk also helps bread stay fresh longer. To offset the acidity, add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda per cup of buttermilk.

SALT! YES Salt! is essential to control the action of the yeast. It also enhances flavor and aids in producing a firm dough.

SWEETNESS (Yeah Baby!)

Sugar boosts yeast action, adds sweetness and aroma, and makes the crust brown and the bread soft.

Brown Sugar, Honey, Molasses or Syrups produced from maple, corn or cane are also suitable sweeteners that add vitamin B and minerals.

FATS

ANY form of solid shortening or oil can be substituted for one another in the same amounts. Fat enriches bread’s flavor, and keeps it tender and moist. Do not use diet spreads or tub-type margarines as they will affect quality.

Butter adds flavor. Salted or unsalted may be used. (I only buy unsalted butter.)

Vegetable Shortening is a solid, white shortening that gives a slightly crispier crust than butter or oil.

Oil in a recipe can be vegetable, canola, corn, peanut, olive, safflower, soy or sunflower oil. Olive oil produces a softer crust than butter. Peanut oil keeps bread fresh longer. Unsaturated safflower oils is a good substitute in health breads.

EGGS are often used in bread, adding additional protein and producing a richer but tighter dough. Large-size eggs are used. One quarter cup of egg substitute equals one large egg.

Enhancers

Vital Gluten is the dried protein take from the flour by getting rid of the starch. As a guide, use 1 teaspoon of Vital Gluten per cup of All-Purpose Flour .. use 1-1/2 teaspoons per cup of whole grain flours.

Vinegar and Lemon Juice are also good dough enhancers. They are frequently added to rye bread, and others, to improve structure.

OK, those tidbits out of the way .. You want to start your list of WHAT I NEED FOR MAKING BREAD

All-Purpose Flour, Vital Gluten, Potato Starch*, Sugar, Butter, Active Dry Yeast, Instant Potato Flakes*, Salt, Water, Lemon Juice, Vinegar.

Keep something important in mind .. making bread is NOT a “quick” process.

This concludes this lesson.

..end transmission..

COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine ….

My Life, Rants,

January, I was posting about Sarcasm & Attitude being much cheaper than Therapy and Bail Money. I posted about how proud I was of my son (scoring in basketball). Of course, there were posts about cats and food and my usual “real life” antics.
February had me posting more food and cats and antics. I am still proud of my son. This is also the month that clear lines were drawn between me and people who claimed to be friends. Politics was the heated topic. COVID-19 made itself very well known in the world. People started to show their true colors.
Now, it is mid-March. People are insane, greedy, self-centered, and down right nuts. My food posts shifted more to wine posts. I am still proud of my son. Cats and chocolate are still high on my list. Quilting has made it’s way up the list. Why are people hording toilet paper?

Here are some of my posts from the past month on Facebook…

Feb 18th
For those who truly know me, when I feel strongly, I am going to say something. I have never been one to blindly accept the words of others. I was raised to evaluate all aspects. I have always been one to over think every situation .. yes, sometimes to a fault. I was also taught to check the words and actions against the Word of God. Just because someone claims to be something does not mean their actions reveal it.
I have lived in different states, cities/towns and circumstances in my 49 years. I have made friends who are as varied and unique as the colors in the rainbow that God created. Each person, created by the same God. Do we always agree. NO.
Today, I was called a hypocrite. I will not sit quietly while a handful of people claim to speak for me.
I have always acted passionately about my convictions. That has never changed. Have there been times I have held my tongue/fingers .. more times than I can even begin to count. Words are powerful. Actions are louder.
As for my faith. God and I know where I stand. He is who follow. I do not live “different lives” for different people as some do. My love does not change with the sun’s position in the sky.

Feb 19th
If you ever wonder what your house would look like filled with smoke …
Toss some sugar on a very HOT burner …
Instant smoke FILLED house!
TA DA
(bows) Thank you very much!
I’m here all night … cleaning the stove!!!!

Feb 21st
Why are there soo many headlines constantly filling our feeds about the death of children from either negligence of adults, or out right murder by adults?

Feb 24th
Before you tell someone they are too sinful to attend church, read the 7th Chapter of Matthew then, maybe, the 3rd Chapter of Romans or the 8th Chapter of Romans or the 5th Chapter of Romans .. to start with ..

Pinky and The Brain are running for the Presidency!

MANY posts about COVIDE-19

Vanilla Wafers with peanut butter are yummy.

Nurses are HEROS!

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly around the world!

Cats are adorable!

March 12th
To all nurses who spend long shifts in the same area, exposed to a plethora of pathogens on a daily basis with already weakened immune systems from lack of sleep and rest … to the nurses who are all to often the recipients of anger, confusing, frustration, and discontent from patients and their families … to the nurses who are most often THE ONLY ones present when pain and agony are so overwhelming for patients who cry out with blood curdling screams in the darkness … thank you for your willingness to do all that you do. Thank you for putting yourself in harm’s way to care for those who need you.

March 12th
Granted, I do think that many people are acting like fools .. raiding the stores of toilet paper and cleaning products. That being stated … seriously … regardless of the numbers, there are sick people and there are people who have died. Think hard before you type or share something you think is “funny” …

Coffee is good Chocolate is great and wine .. and chocolate ..

Sad, people have to be taught how to wash their hands!

SUSHI!

CATS!

Hoarders are selfish jerks!

I love annoying my son.

March 15th
While all of y’all are freaking out about COVID-19 and your diarrhea issues … keep in mind that tick season is going to be worse than you can imagine this year.
As a reminder, it was a tick bite that triggered Lucenda’s rapid health decline the last few days of her life. Because of her genetically inherited auto-immune disease, her body was not able to fight the rapid flood of infection. Also, within the year after her death, (just to my knowledge alone) there were 6 more people who had the same symptoms. Because they did not have the auto-immune disease, they did gradually recover .. it was a slow process.
BE SMART! BE AWARE! BE READY! Be Calm.

March 15th
Stop .. STOP posting memes with bogus dates of “outbreaks” correlating with election years! Just STOP for crying out loud. First of all, let us focus on the facts .. there are diseases in the world … PERIOD. Second of all, stop blaming political parties for your lack of proper hygiene practices! Thirdly, stop proving how moronic you can be by “sharing” random memes on social media just because you have nothing better to do! If you are bored, try some actual REAL research for a change!
Here are some things I found by actually RESEARCHING more than just some random blog …
SARS – Only seen in 2003 (A coronavirus – Severe acute respiratory syndrome)
Avian Flu – First detected 1997. Threat still exists.
Swine Flu – First detected 1998. Mutation of Avian Flu Threat still exists.
MERS – Was initially seen in 2012 (A coronavirus – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Currently active in the Middle East.
Ebola – Been around for at least 40 years. This currently is and has been a huge problem in The Congo for years.
Zika – First detected in 1947. First human case in 1952. No cases reported in the US since 2017.
Cornona Virus – There are actually 7 in total. COVID-19 is the latest strain to be detected.
Let us not overlook other illnesses that are CURRENTLY a problem in our world… Measles, Dengue fever, Yellow fever …

Tonight:
Here’s a “novel” idea … perhaps God has allowed something to happen to “wake us up”. Spend more time with family. Slow down. Interact with the people around you. BE COMPASSIONATE HUMANS!

A national milk shortage … if only our nation had not been so stuck on “cheap stuff fast” .. the countless dairy farms that went bankrupt might still be in business to help provide for their local communities.

How many “kids” stay inside when they are not in school. How many PEOPLE stay glued to electronic devices? How many people actually GO OUTSIDE voluntarily? How many “families” do “family” activities?
Why are soooo many people having such an issue with “STAYING HOME”?!?!?!
Seriously people …