CAMPING

We spent one night down at Long Point Camp Ground, if you want to call it camping. We had a great time. Cooked burgers on the grill for dinner and roasted marshmallows for smores. The weather was cool and perfect and the expected rain in the middle of the night was soothing to sleep to - a real relaxing treat.

Here are some pictures for your blogging pleasure. Notice the greatly appreciated sweatshirt - a gift from Bobby!







In the morning we had eggs and sausage on the griddle then packed up up and came home. We have more dates reserved and fishing and Kayaking are on the agenda when the weather is right. Peace to all!

Top Ten Guilt-Free Fast Food Finds!

Just when you thought you had to ditch the drive-thru, Hungry Girl is here with some truly amazing finds! Here's our TOP 10 GUILT-FREE FAST FOOD FINDS (in no particular order)...

10. Burger King TENDERGRILL Chicken Garden Salad
(Salad without dressing: 230 calories/ 8g fat/ 11g carbs/ 3g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 720mg sodium/ 32g protein)

This tasty salad combines juicy chicken, tomatoes, crispy carrots, fresh lettuce, and THREE types of cheeses. All that for under 8 grams of fat. Top with half a packet (they're huge) of the Light Italian dressing (1/2 packet = 60 calories/ 5.5g fat) or Fat Free Ranch dressing (1/2 packet = 30 calories/ 0g fat), and give yourself a little pat on the back for making this smart choice (if you can put the fork down for long enough!).

9. Taco Bell Fresco Style Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco
(170 calories/ 4g fat/ 20g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 2g sugars/ 560g sodium/12g protein)

Just say the magic words, "Fresco Style!", and your Taco Bell order is instantly transformed into a better-for-you food choice! They swap out their usual cheese and sauce combo for a kicky blend of chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro (aka Fresco Salsa). That'll save you 10 grams of fat and 100 calories on this terrific taco!

8. McDonald's Apple Dippers with Low Fat Caramel
(100 calories/ 0.5g fat/ 24g carbs/ 0g fiber/15g sugars/40mg sodium/ 0g protein)

Mickey D's gets an "A" for creativity by managing to put a really fun spin on what could be a reeaaallly boring dessert option (c'mon...apple slices?!). Let's face it; their yummy low-fat caramel would taste good with anything dipped in it (fingers included), but this modern day version of a caramel apple gets TWO YUMS UP from HG!

7. Subway Soups - Chicken & Dumpling, Cream of Broccoli, Minestrone, Roasted Chicken Noodle, Spanish Style Chicken with Rice, Tomato Garden Vegetable with Rotini, and Vegetable Beef
(90-140 calories/ 0.5-5g fat/ 12-20g carbs/ 1-4g fiber/ 1-8g sugars/ 910-1,230mg sodium/ 3-7g protein)

While not all of Subway's soups are great choices (avoid the chili, cream of potato, chicken with brown and wild rice, broccoli cheese, and New England clam chowder), we were thrilled to put rich "Cream of Broccoli" and hearty "Vegetable Beef" on the list. And although stores usually only feature two soups per day, with seven great options under 140 calories, you've got a good shot of finding one at your local Subway on any given day. Soup-er!

6. McDonald's Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken
(Salad without dressing: 290 calories/ 10g fat/23g carbs/6g fiber/12g sugars/ 890mg sodium/ 31g protein)

This is definitely our favorite fast food salad of all time. It's got orange-glazed chicken, mandarin oranges, crisp veggies, toasted almonds, and even edamame!?! AWESOME! Top it off with half a packet of one of their low-fat dressings (1/2 packet = 20-45 calories/ 1-1.5g fat). There are many dressings to choose from, so read labels carefully!

5. McDonald's Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream Cone
(150 calories/ 3.5g fat/ 24g carbs/ 0g fiber/ 18g sugars/ 60mg sodium/ 4g protein)

That Ronald really knows his way around a soft-serve machine. He's managed to conjure up insanely creamy ice cream that's actually delicious AND low in fat. Pssst...we think this frozen treat is one of the country's best-kept guilt-free secrets. Pass it on.

4. Taco Bell Fresco Style Grilled Steak Soft Taco
(170 calories/ 5g fat/ 21g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 560mg sodium/ 11g protein)

Yet another "Fresco" option from our amigos at the Taco Bell. This one's soft and tasty with real hunks of juicy steak. It's a must-chew for beef-lovers.

3. Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad
(Salad without dressing, almonds and noodles: 170 calories/ 2g fat/ 18g carbs/ 3g fiber/ 13g sugars/ 480mg sodium/ 23g protein)

By skipping the crispy noodles and almonds, this fast food salad achieves record-breaking low calorie and fat counts! And if you've really gotta have that added crunch, those noodles'll only cost you 60 calories and 2 grams of fat. We also recommend swapping the fatty, calorie-packed Oriental Sesame dressing for their Fat Free French (1 packet = 80 calories). HG Tip: Read dressing packets carefully (have we warned you enough about this yet?).


2. Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
(160 calories/ 5g fat/ 27g carbs/ 1g fiber/ 10g sugars/ 780mg sodium/ 1g protein)

Dessert at the drive-thru doesn't have to mean sundaes and hand-held pies exploding with fat and calories. Our friends at Taco Bell are offering up a sweet option with these twisty, cinnamonlicious little critters. Flaky and crunchy, these seriously hit the spot. Yet another fast food secret courtesy of your pal HG.

1. Subway 6 Grams of Fat or Less Subs, 6" Turkey Breast w/ Honey Mustard and Cucumbers
(310 calories/ 4.5g fat/ 54g carbs/ 5g fiber/ 13g sugars/ 1,130mg sodium/ 19g protein)

We love Subway's 6 Grams of Fat or Less Subs. Their Turkey Breast with Honey Mustard and Cucumbers Sub is particularly yummy and sweet. Feel like being extra careful? Skip the honey mustard and you'll save about 30 calories!

Top 10 Detox Foods

As 2007 swings into gear, there's no better time to give your body a healthy, fresh start than now! Plus if you're thinking about lowering your weight - and your RealAge "eating clean" is a great first step. Add these 10 foods to your grocery cart and you'll get three terrific benefits:

1. Lots of super-healthy liquids to flush out the body while pouring in nutrients.
2. Fiber to keep your GI tract fit.
3. Foods that energize cleansing enzymes in the liver, your body's built-in detox center.

The top 10:
Green leafy vegetables. Eat them raw, throw them into a broth, add them to juices. Their chlorophyll helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and is an all-round liver protector.

Lemons. You need to keep the fluids flowing to wash out the body and fresh lemonade is ideal. Its vitamin C - considered the detox vitamin - helps convert toxins into a water - soluble form that?s easily flushed away.

Watercress. Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps move things through your system. And cress is rich in minerals too.

Garlic. Add it to everything - salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk.

Green tea. This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more fluids into your system. Bonus: It contains catechins, which speed up liver activity.

Broccoli sprouts. Get 'em at your health-food store. They pack 20 to 50 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable.

Sesame seeds. They're credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that?s a staple of Asian cooking.

Cabbage. There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver; this potent veggie helps activate both of them. Coleslaw, anyone?

Psyllium. A plant that?s rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran, but more versatile. It mops up toxins (cholesterol too) and helps clear them out. Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast.

Fruits, fruits, fruits. They're full of almost all the good things above - vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and all kinds of antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, fresh berries, or a perfect pear.


Ultimate Detox Recipe
Easy Wilted Garlic-Sesame Salad
Toss dark, leafy greens in hot, garlicky oil for a cleansing?and delicious - dish
4 servings, about 65 calories each
1 Tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. spinach, stemmed,
or 1 lb. Swiss chard, stems sliced, leaves torn
or 1 lb. mixture of spinach and watercress
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 Tsp. sesame seeds for garnish
Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add greens (do in two batches, if necessary) and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

ONEIL SURF CONTEST

Date: 1/11/07 (final day)
Winner: CJ Hobgood (pictured)

GATORS IN THE DESERT

An unknown Gator fan

Awww. the boys....

Xmas 2006

Well we made it. Just thought I'd update the ol' blog. We went to Orlando for Xmas on Xmas eve. Mom, Jerome, Charles and I went out to eat lunch at Chilis then back to the house to rest before picking up Bobby at the airport. Annette, Charles and I left around 5:30 to pick him up in the loop. His plane was to land at 5:45 so that was good timing because we still looped around 3 times. Every time we looped around, I would act like the count on Sesame Street and go, "Ah Ah Ah, 3. . . 3 loops around the airport, Ah Ah Ah". Guess that comes from having a kid. Anyway, Annette won by guessing 3 times. I guessed 5 and Charles lost, fortunately, by guessing 15.

After picking Bobby up, we stopped at TGI Fridays for a bowl of their yummo French Onion soup and some fried Mac and Cheese-only in the south!! We chatted and enjoyed a nice Xmas eve dinner. We went home and I made cookie bars, stuffed the mushrooms with sausage and jack cheese, and wrapped most of Bobby's presents, including mine.

Christmas day was calm and fairly uneventful with the exception of the usual family dramas. Over all everyone was happy and pleased with their gifts. We enjoyed another yummo dinner consisting of Steak, chicken, baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, rolls, salad & pies. I usually like steak medium well and with the help of the sauteed mushrooms, onions, yellow peppers and red peppers I was ok with the way they were (over) cooked.

Here is what I was lucky to receive for Xmas.
2 pairs of silver earrings
a gold & garnet circle charm necklace (from Charles but really from Annette)
Justin Timerlake - Futuresex/Lovesounds cd
Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics cd
Beyonce' - Bday cd
a fluffy white robe
2 non-stick silicone muffin pans
large jar of olive oil and oil bottle
elegant bread dipping set
a flavored vinegar set
A cow Parade figurine- Traveling Cow
$65 in Gift Certificates for Red Lobster
Glittery silver belt
d&b purse
a BEAUTIFUL couture dress
mandolin for chopping veggies
sharp chefs knife
I Love NY Shorts
Napoleon Dynomite DVD
calendar (bobby pin up)
Ornament from Paris
Moulin Rouge print

(Jerome would have to type his list but here are a few of the items)
BEAUTIFUL gator stained glass lamp
gator flip flops
gator shorts
surfer shorts
aftershave
razors
Scarface xbox game
gator alarm clock
gator flag for garden
gator keychain
AND MUCH MORE!

Charles got (and this is from memory)
boom box
wrestling rings
wrestling figurines
cars dvd
dinosaur items
Dr Dreadful science kit
wrestling belt
bug vacuum
books
gameboy games
etc....

I totally feel like I am forgetting several things on my list. Feel free to comment if I am. I totally LOVE everything and they did such a nice job picking out the things on my "wish" list. I got so much and it's STILL not over. We are planning on going over to my Mom's house on Saturday the 30th to exchange gifts and will get together with my Dad sometime soon.

Anyway, it was nice to see Annette, Bobby, Mack, Granny and the rest of the gang. Our prayers are mainly with the McDougall household as they are going through some difficult changes. We will do what we can to help whether it is donating time or spiritual encouragement. We are praying for their peace.

COUPLE NEW PICS

DECEMBER COVER DESIGN

AQUARIUS

From my favorite local astrologer;

Your main job is to live on a focused edge and take care of details. You have great creative ideas and individual tastes. But you are also a wonderful team player and see beyond egos and personal quirks. Your leadership ability is a great asset when it comes to starting new projects and creating positive action and results. The new year ahead will give many new opportunities to turn challenges into victories at home and in the workplace. There couldn't be anyone better for the job.

Cool.

KAYAKING

Today Mom christened her boat! Charles, Jerome and I went along. There is a place down near the inlet called Honest Johns Fish Camp. It is set back in the glades. As you are driving up, you cant help but remember the guy sitting on the porch with a banjo in the backwoods movie Deliverance. This picture looks like where we were paddling but it was just the 3 of us alone in nature!

Honest Johns rents kayaks and also allows you to put your boats in there. It is only $6 an hour to rent a kayak. Jerome and Charles got a 2 person "sit in" one, I had my own "sit in", and Mom brought her "sit upon". They charged her $5 to put hers in.

The weather couldn't have been prettier. The wind was calm, it was warm but not hot and the sun was dodging behind the clouds now and then. We set out alone and explored. We mainly saw various birds at first but eventually the dolphins came out and were the highlight of our day.

It was really easy to paddle and the boat didn't feel wobbly or anything. It was such a treat to be in the middle of a lagoon with NO NOISE POLLUTION. Just the sound of the wildlife and an occasional "blow" from a nearby dolphin. SOO Peaceful. Jerome and Charles enjoyed themselves but I think Mom and I got the most out of it. I am absolutely HOOKED and will be doing it much more often hopefully with company. It would be so very easy to take a bigger cooler with lunch. Even if you drift with the boats together and eat on the water. So far, we felt it in our wrists (Mom & I) and your butt gets tired after about 2 hours so a break would be nice. We weren't quite sure what to expect today but we packed light and went with open minds. Weather could certainly be a factor if you didnt pay attention.

Jerome and I WILL eventually buy a kayak but we really need to test the different types. I have yet to try a "sit upon". Heck, with the rentals only being $6/hr. it saves a lot of hassle loading and unloading the kayak. . . Just ask Mom.

PEACE AND LOVE TO EVERYONE!

A NEW WAY TO SAVE MANATEES

Click on it to Enlarge it.

HALLOWEEN 2006

Neighbors Debbie and Tim (pictured) hosted yet another successfull Halloween party. About 30 people attended and each family brought a dish. I have apparently been nominated "develed egg" queen, not by my choice of course. I also took over 12 cupcakes that were given to me by my Mother. She bought them for HER Halloween party but forgot to take them. They were decorated in light pink and light tan frosting and topped with one red marashino cherry. Apparently to resemble "breasts" to match her costume. I added a bunch of sprinkles to hopefully disquise and took them over with about 24 develedd eggs, some with olive eyes.

The foods you will always find at our "neighborhood" parties are eggs of course, sweet & sour meatballs and 7 layer dip & chips. We usually have a party on Halloween and New Years. Our gracious hosts happily offer to have it at their house or in their front yard. We don't always know everyone but what a great way to get to know them. Our thanks to Tim & Debbie!


I dug out some of my stuff and made myself up as a "pirate, spanish lady, gypsy, fortune teller wench" and I did my best to make Charles look like the Undertaker. But together, I think we looked like a pirate and pirate wench. Oh well, they were good "thrown together" costumes. The hair I was wearing was the dreadlocks Jerome wore to a Dolphin game to resemble Ricky Williams.

Around 6pm Charles, Jerome and I went over. Mr. Bailey (Charles' teacher last year) and his wife were there so Jerome was excited to talk "Gator" talk with him. We hung out, mingled and ate.


We started out Trick or treating around 7pm. Jerome stayed home to give out candy and we went out, with wagons and all in search of the best goodies in the area! You gotta love the parents. They had their wagons containing coolers with beer for them and drinks for the kids. Good idea.

I guess it's good that some traditions still live on. I Trick or treated as a kid and had great, harmless fun and now my son can enjoy the same thing but better because of the "neighborhood brotherhood" we are so lucky to have here.



However, Charles has said that Halloween isn't his favorite holiday and now that I am older I think that without family or friends to hang out with, it could be a pretty morbid holiday. It's funny that we teach our kids NOT to take candy from strangers and on one night of the year we encourage them to knock on the door of a stranger and ASK for candy... hmmm.

Some parents had beers (including Mr. Bailey-lol) and others didnt. We just kind of walked, chated & joked. Some of them are really cool. On our way we had to yell at a few cars that wanted to speed by but with about 15 protective adults they got slowed down and hollered at. Next year we will bring eggs for the people who insist on speeding when they know damn well there are kids out and about.

The "Ex" mayors house is usually the highlight of the trip. He has a big backyard and decorates it with flashing lights, skeletons, cobwebs and tons of other ookie stuff and for the past two years I havent been able to get Charles in. Not one coax or promise would work. He was NOT going in. He is a typical taurus you know. Oh well, No biggie.

We got home about 8:30, hot and with tired feet. It is sure hard work Trick or Treating and it would be nice if next year we could just get a bus or flatbed truck. All the kids would stay together, it would be quicker and the parents could chill. It's darn tiring on my feet.

p.s. Much love to everyone in the family! I am praying for all of our safety, health and mental well-being. Stay strong, stay in touch but most of all Stay out of trouble!!

HAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN!!

Here is Simon's costume that lasted all of about 2 minutes. I will take pictures tonight of Charles' costume. Here is the character that he is dressing up as. (WWE wrestler, "The Undertaker"

STRENGTH

Let me be your comfort
Let me be your friend
Let your worries flow through me
Let your troubles end;

Let me give you sympathy
Let me take your hand
Let me give you all I have
Let me help you stand;

Let my spirit touch you
Let my strength be yours
Let me guide you through the maze
Let me fight your wars;

Let me give you time to dream
Let me give you peace
Let me kiss away your tears
Let your worries cease;

If you let me love you
If you let me care
If you let me be your strength
You know that I'll be there.


Linda Ori

Recent Random Pics

A GREAT REPORT CARD

First 3rd Grade Report Card is as follows.

Reading A
Communication B
Social Studies A
Science A
Math A

Of course we are still getting the usual O,S and N. Only 1 N this time in "Communicates effectively through writing". No suprise. The teacher comment read:

"I am so enjoying having Charles in third grade this year! Charles is such a polite child and a model citizen. Charles is performing well in all academic areas. He does ned support in the area of written communication, which he is receiving both in the classroom and during Occupational Therapy. Keep up the good work Charles."


(We are very proud of him! Arent you?)

CAN ANYONE TELL ME?

Why she has not been voted off the show! Ok, so she has a big fan base and she's a great singer, but even THEY can see that she can't dance. My three favorite female professional dancers are Edyta Sliwinska, Cheryl Burke and Louis Van Amstel.

I am truly rooting for Emmit. He is so damn loveable.

Do you think Mario and Karina are doin it?? Or just maybe he's doin it with. . . (she IS single now and supports a "vote for Mario" shirt)


(scroll down for another new blog)

BLEACH BOTTLE ANIMALS

This project was a great idea and a good lesson in recycling. They had to be a character in a book. Charles' is the clown fish.

BASKETBALL by Charles

Author's words:
Swish! This week we read a story about a girl named Allie. Basketball was Allie's favorite sport. Although she was a beginner, she had hopes of one day becoming a famous basketball player. It was her dream.

Charles words:
Basketball is my favorite sport. I engoy basketball at resess and after school. ONce a I did a backward razzmatazz shot. It is very hard. And my dad made a halfway the court. Hardly nobody can do that. Just like Allie she is not very good at basketball but she does her best. I hope to keep playing basketball. Basketball makes me unlimited. The end.

(we have already proofread, thank you teachers, but the original is so much cuter!)

The picture depicts Charles as the person on top with the ball and a favorite girl named Rachael and others cheering him on on the right. The snake is a viper mascot on the 'pexiglass' floor. . .

DESTROY ALL MONSTERS

Crayon on newsprint by Charles