So much that we are Thankful for
has to do with Prosperity,
the Opportunities that Come
with being able to afford our lives.
Showing posts with label American Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Holidays. Show all posts
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
A MADE IN THE USA HOLIDAY SEASON - HOMELESS CHILDREN
Reading the news about how many hundreds of thousands of Children in the United States are homeless this Christmas, we wondered how we might be able to help while keeping to our own budget.
The first thing you should know is that the term "Homeless" doesn't just mean the people - often mentally ill and filthy - who are actually on the pavement sleeping in doorways at night.
Homeless means that a person does not have a stable legal residence.
It includes families that live in motel or hotel rooms, who sometimes have to leave for a few days and then come back each month. It includes people who are living with or near family, sleeping on floors, in sheds, in unheated garages, and those who go from sofa to sofa belonging to friends and other people one knows. Often those who are renting are carefully monitored by building owners and management so that they do not move people in without putting them on a lease and so they have to sneak or come and go, careful not to spend more than a week at a time.
Many of the homeless children's paretns work for money, if not a living, but cannot make enough to save for deposits into apartments. Others rely on U.S. government for benefits that buy them food and shelter.
There are homeless kids in families who are camping outdoor all year long, sometimes unable to stay in the same school district.
There are homeless kids with one parent in shelters. Some, but few, of these shelters can guarantee that a stay with them will result in housing.
So let's say you are like us and you really cannot open your wallet too wide when it comes to charitable giving. What can you do?
The first thing you can do is volunteer. It's true that free labor has become part of big business. Our local library refuses volunteer help unless a person commits to at least 6 months. (This is probably why they are always hunting for volunteers. In our opinion that is ridiculous!) Generally we are opposed to the free labor of volunteerism because we think it's bad business. We don't like the way so many school districts and even colleges expect it.
But you would be surprised at how many places welcome volunteers for the half a day and even at short notice. They have broken down the tasks they need done for that time into small, doable activities, like serving food or sorting through donated clothing.
The next thing you can do isn't specific to the holidays. You may be able to give art and craft making supplies - fabric and yarn scraps, plastic microwaveable containers that are good for pouring glue on and holding glitter, for instance. (You'll be recycling.) If you think you can read aloud or teach a specific craft, offer to do so for an hour a week or for an afternoon.
Consider dropping of good used clothing that your own children no longer wear to a family shelter or orphanage.
If you'd like to bake a cake or cookies to give away or make a hundred peanut butter sandwiches, call ahead to be sure they can accept them.
The first thing you should know is that the term "Homeless" doesn't just mean the people - often mentally ill and filthy - who are actually on the pavement sleeping in doorways at night.
Homeless means that a person does not have a stable legal residence.
It includes families that live in motel or hotel rooms, who sometimes have to leave for a few days and then come back each month. It includes people who are living with or near family, sleeping on floors, in sheds, in unheated garages, and those who go from sofa to sofa belonging to friends and other people one knows. Often those who are renting are carefully monitored by building owners and management so that they do not move people in without putting them on a lease and so they have to sneak or come and go, careful not to spend more than a week at a time.
Many of the homeless children's paretns work for money, if not a living, but cannot make enough to save for deposits into apartments. Others rely on U.S. government for benefits that buy them food and shelter.
There are homeless kids in families who are camping outdoor all year long, sometimes unable to stay in the same school district.
There are homeless kids with one parent in shelters. Some, but few, of these shelters can guarantee that a stay with them will result in housing.
So let's say you are like us and you really cannot open your wallet too wide when it comes to charitable giving. What can you do?
The first thing you can do is volunteer. It's true that free labor has become part of big business. Our local library refuses volunteer help unless a person commits to at least 6 months. (This is probably why they are always hunting for volunteers. In our opinion that is ridiculous!) Generally we are opposed to the free labor of volunteerism because we think it's bad business. We don't like the way so many school districts and even colleges expect it.
But you would be surprised at how many places welcome volunteers for the half a day and even at short notice. They have broken down the tasks they need done for that time into small, doable activities, like serving food or sorting through donated clothing.
The next thing you can do isn't specific to the holidays. You may be able to give art and craft making supplies - fabric and yarn scraps, plastic microwaveable containers that are good for pouring glue on and holding glitter, for instance. (You'll be recycling.) If you think you can read aloud or teach a specific craft, offer to do so for an hour a week or for an afternoon.
Consider dropping of good used clothing that your own children no longer wear to a family shelter or orphanage.
If you'd like to bake a cake or cookies to give away or make a hundred peanut butter sandwiches, call ahead to be sure they can accept them.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
HERE'S SOME IDEAS FOR YOU - ECONOMICS OF A HOLIDAY SEASON - KEEPING THE SPIRIT WITHOUT SPENDING
We had a small traditional Thanksgiving feast, laid back, and let "Black Friday" and other sales events go by without a purchase. That's because we're on a budget and committed to keeping the spirit of the Holidays alive while staying on that budget. We're committed to spending our money wisely, recycling, giving away things we don't need (without a tax deduction), being innovative and creative.
We don't think that a Christmas Tree piled high with gifts is important. In fact, this year we will decorate without a Christmas Tree. The drought has raised prices on real ones and we will not buy a fake one; they're bad for our economy and not biodegradeable.
Here are some ideas for you:
Instead of buying Christmas stockings (they get bigger every year) go traditional and put out one knee sock or one shoe.
Use old Christmas cards again by using them hung on string in windows, cut them to make your own present-tags, or use them to make tree ornaments.
Use old Christmas wrap again. Cut out the ripped, taped, or worn out parts and wrap smaller gifts with it.
Use fabric scraps or scarves for gift wrap.
Don't buy a tree. There is no reason that gifts must be under a tree.
Ornaments can be shown off and appreciated by placing them in bowls for the table.
Pull out old, ethnic recipes, and give things like casseroles that can be frozen and thawed out for meals, as gifts. (Call ahead and tell the person that's what you're giving them to be sure they will appreciate it and have room in their freezer. Reuse the small #5 Plastic containers from store bought frozen meals for smaller portions.)
Have a "misfit" toy party. You and your children's friends wrap a toy they used but which is in good condition that they are through with, bake a cake, and have the kids grab bag the toys.
Don't forget about caroling; cheering up others by appearing at their door with song is still a great gift... go by the nearest Assisted Living place in your neighborhood. Last time we did this people cried "You remembered us!"
We don't think that a Christmas Tree piled high with gifts is important. In fact, this year we will decorate without a Christmas Tree. The drought has raised prices on real ones and we will not buy a fake one; they're bad for our economy and not biodegradeable.
Here are some ideas for you:
Instead of buying Christmas stockings (they get bigger every year) go traditional and put out one knee sock or one shoe.
Use old Christmas cards again by using them hung on string in windows, cut them to make your own present-tags, or use them to make tree ornaments.
Use old Christmas wrap again. Cut out the ripped, taped, or worn out parts and wrap smaller gifts with it.
Use fabric scraps or scarves for gift wrap.
Don't buy a tree. There is no reason that gifts must be under a tree.
Ornaments can be shown off and appreciated by placing them in bowls for the table.
Pull out old, ethnic recipes, and give things like casseroles that can be frozen and thawed out for meals, as gifts. (Call ahead and tell the person that's what you're giving them to be sure they will appreciate it and have room in their freezer. Reuse the small #5 Plastic containers from store bought frozen meals for smaller portions.)
Have a "misfit" toy party. You and your children's friends wrap a toy they used but which is in good condition that they are through with, bake a cake, and have the kids grab bag the toys.
Don't forget about caroling; cheering up others by appearing at their door with song is still a great gift... go by the nearest Assisted Living place in your neighborhood. Last time we did this people cried "You remembered us!"
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
VETERANS DAY 2012 : UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
It's officially today, but we celebrate it with closures tomorrow, Monday!WELCOME BACK VETS ORG
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
MEMORIAL DAY TRAVEL : BEAT UP AMERICAN FLAGS STILL FLYING OVER MADE IN THE USA CAR DEALERSHIPS
The Memorial Day weekend was glorious.
We decided to spend most of our time at home, but we were also hoping to visit a veteran we know who had recently been admitted to the closest VA hospital. Sadly, we were informed that he didn't want any visitors. Our friend is a senior citizen now and we had to respect his wishes that he only wanted his closest family near him. We knew he was depressed about his own condition as well as the condition of the United States and the younger veterans he was meeting there. We wished there were something we could say or do that could lift him out of the depression he's feeling.
So we decided to do something really old fashioned, something people used to do when gas prices were so low that fun meant cruising the boulevards, showing off your car, and meeting up with friends. We decided to drive around with nowhere in particular to go. We drove right up the boulevard where there are numerous car dealerships in our town, and what we saw were a lot of shiny, bright, new cars, each with two small new American flags attached to the front doors, and a big flag blowing in the wonderful breeze, faded and torn to shreds, not because it had made it through a historic battle, but because WHEN IT COMES TO USING THE AMERICAN FLAG TO MARKET CARS the flags are new, but when it comes to hoisting a flag that is the symbol of our country, of which we are proud, a flag we salute, there's apparently nothing wrong with shabby.
WE HAD TO WONDER IF THE DEALERSHIP EVEN TAKES IT DOWN EACH NIGHT the way public libraries do, for if anyone did that, surely they would notice it's faded and shredded. At our local public library an employee who is slow is assigned to raise and take down the flag each day, and he does so with reverence and proper folding technique so how difficult can it be?
Later we talked some young veterans who had noticed that same flag. One was of Mexican American background and the other of Armenian American background. They both said how sad that was and put down greed and materialism.
We would rather companies who do not respect our flag NOT FLY IT!
And we sincerely hope the next flag they raise will not be that of China!
We decided to spend most of our time at home, but we were also hoping to visit a veteran we know who had recently been admitted to the closest VA hospital. Sadly, we were informed that he didn't want any visitors. Our friend is a senior citizen now and we had to respect his wishes that he only wanted his closest family near him. We knew he was depressed about his own condition as well as the condition of the United States and the younger veterans he was meeting there. We wished there were something we could say or do that could lift him out of the depression he's feeling.
So we decided to do something really old fashioned, something people used to do when gas prices were so low that fun meant cruising the boulevards, showing off your car, and meeting up with friends. We decided to drive around with nowhere in particular to go. We drove right up the boulevard where there are numerous car dealerships in our town, and what we saw were a lot of shiny, bright, new cars, each with two small new American flags attached to the front doors, and a big flag blowing in the wonderful breeze, faded and torn to shreds, not because it had made it through a historic battle, but because WHEN IT COMES TO USING THE AMERICAN FLAG TO MARKET CARS the flags are new, but when it comes to hoisting a flag that is the symbol of our country, of which we are proud, a flag we salute, there's apparently nothing wrong with shabby.
WE HAD TO WONDER IF THE DEALERSHIP EVEN TAKES IT DOWN EACH NIGHT the way public libraries do, for if anyone did that, surely they would notice it's faded and shredded. At our local public library an employee who is slow is assigned to raise and take down the flag each day, and he does so with reverence and proper folding technique so how difficult can it be?
Later we talked some young veterans who had noticed that same flag. One was of Mexican American background and the other of Armenian American background. They both said how sad that was and put down greed and materialism.
We would rather companies who do not respect our flag NOT FLY IT!
And we sincerely hope the next flag they raise will not be that of China!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
NOWS THE TIME TO PLAN A PATRIOTIC PARTY! 4TH OF JULY? THE ELECTIONS?
It's not too soon to host a PATRIOTIC PARTY. Fouth of July is the obvious choice, but you might also want to think about election parties, President's Day, or, well YOU DON'T NEED AN EXCUSE TO THROW A PATRIOTIC PARTY, especially not for the kids.
HERE IS THE CHALLENGE!
Everything you serve, everything you use to serve, everything you use to decorate, everything from the TP and the GUEST TOWELS IN THE BATHROOM to the GRILL, OVEN, or MICROWAVE must be MADE IN THE USA - even if it's VINTAGE!
More, all guests should be advised that they need to wear clothes and shoes and hats MADE IN THE USA - even it it's VINTAGE!
We went shopping to a variety of dollar themed stores in our area from chains to independents and we know you can find CHEAP PARTY DECORATIONS that aren't made here...
Tempting to buy them, but then what do you do after? Usually throw away all that paper and plastic to fill our landfills where, covered with earth, it will take them years - even hundreds of years - to deteriorate. You're throwing away your time, energy, effort, and making more expense ultimately for yourself by doing so.
Look through what you already have, or go thrift shopping! We found mugs from the last Presidential Election at a thrift store for both Democrats and Republicans!
HERE IS THE CHALLENGE!
Everything you serve, everything you use to serve, everything you use to decorate, everything from the TP and the GUEST TOWELS IN THE BATHROOM to the GRILL, OVEN, or MICROWAVE must be MADE IN THE USA - even if it's VINTAGE!
More, all guests should be advised that they need to wear clothes and shoes and hats MADE IN THE USA - even it it's VINTAGE!
We went shopping to a variety of dollar themed stores in our area from chains to independents and we know you can find CHEAP PARTY DECORATIONS that aren't made here...
Tempting to buy them, but then what do you do after? Usually throw away all that paper and plastic to fill our landfills where, covered with earth, it will take them years - even hundreds of years - to deteriorate. You're throwing away your time, energy, effort, and making more expense ultimately for yourself by doing so.
Look through what you already have, or go thrift shopping! We found mugs from the last Presidential Election at a thrift store for both Democrats and Republicans!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT SANTA
Christmas has become the most materialistic time of the year in the United States of America.
Meanwhile this year more families who have lost homes and apartments - everything - are going to homeless shelters this winter.
Many families who still have are taking in relatives.
Though this blog is about PURCHASING PATRIOTICALLY, to preserve jobs in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, we feel that an old fashioned Christmas can be celebrated with home-made gifts - that the thought counts.
TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE FRIENDS and FAMILY who are hurting, may we suggest that you gift them with GROCERIES?
May we suggest that THIS IS THE TIME TO SIMPLY ASK BEFOREHAND what someone NEEDS?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS - MAKE YOUR OWN RATHER THAN BUY CHEAP IMPORTS!
There's NO REASON to go to Dollar Tree, Walmart, 99 Cents Only, or any other store that sells cheap Halloween decorations, rarely made in the USA, though you can shop labels like I did today for hours...
IT IS EASY TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS!
Let's go over what we do here. First we buy USED - thrift stores and garage sales - rather than NEW products made in China or elsehwere. We know this stuff is cheap because it is made to break - WHILE IT BREAKS OUR ECONOMY!
It's simple to make Halloween and the Harvest Festival Holidays beautifully decorated first buy bringing NATURE INDOORS. That's right Good All American FARM PRODUCE!
Gourds, pumpkins, straw, corn - colors and varieties of all kinds, make a great table decoration.
IT IS EASY TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS!
Let's go over what we do here. First we buy USED - thrift stores and garage sales - rather than NEW products made in China or elsehwere. We know this stuff is cheap because it is made to break - WHILE IT BREAKS OUR ECONOMY!
It's simple to make Halloween and the Harvest Festival Holidays beautifully decorated first buy bringing NATURE INDOORS. That's right Good All American FARM PRODUCE!
Gourds, pumpkins, straw, corn - colors and varieties of all kinds, make a great table decoration.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
CESAR CHAVEZ DAY Link here
"Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist, and a civil rights leader. And his cause lives on. As farm workers and laborers across America continue to struggle for fair treatment and fair wages, we find strength in what Cesar Chavez accomplished so many years ago. And we should honor him for what he's taught us about making America a stronger, more just, and more prosperous nation. That's why I support the call to make Cesar Chavez's birthday a national holiday. It's time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our union."
Senator Barack Obama March 31, 2008.
As you know, this blog is against Illegal Immigration. The Farm workers struggle for fair pay for back breaking work often falls into the category of "JOBS AMERICANS WON'T DO" That is if you are President Bush. We aren't for exploiting people... and we WANT THE COST OF GROCERIES TO REMAIN LOW don't we? SO WHAT GIVES? We have programs that allow some immigrants to become citizens faster because they take work like this, but once they are citizens guess what they are to be paid? MINIMUM WAGE.
Oh this problem is complicated.
Who is really at fault? We want to eat a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables... right? Organic?
I would really like to hear from some readers on this issue.
Senator Barack Obama March 31, 2008.
As you know, this blog is against Illegal Immigration. The Farm workers struggle for fair pay for back breaking work often falls into the category of "JOBS AMERICANS WON'T DO" That is if you are President Bush. We aren't for exploiting people... and we WANT THE COST OF GROCERIES TO REMAIN LOW don't we? SO WHAT GIVES? We have programs that allow some immigrants to become citizens faster because they take work like this, but once they are citizens guess what they are to be paid? MINIMUM WAGE.
Oh this problem is complicated.
Who is really at fault? We want to eat a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables... right? Organic?
I would really like to hear from some readers on this issue.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
THE IRISH - IT'S SAINT PATTY's DAY
Today's the day that so many Americans wear a wee bit of green to show that they have ancestry to Ireland. So many Irish came to this country because they were "Grass Eaters," starving and literally eating grass so they had a green stain around their mouths. Now the thing is imported green dyed beer.
Now I know that most Americans of Irish descent came in legal ways but I'm not going to pick on the Mexicans here and pretend that there are not also a lot of illegal Irish in California.
We're here to tell anyone reading this who is illegal in this country to make it right. Talk to several attorneys! (We have heard of exploitive ones who make promises, take your money, and leave you illegal and that really truly stinks!) Then take the steps to work legally and eventually become an American Citizen!
Some people are kind of irked by ethnic celebrations such as parades that honor one certain ethnicity. Right now I ask you this: MAKE YOUR COSTUMES or BUY AMERICAN hats, shamrocks, and the rest... and I don't know what to tell you about the green dyed beer.
Now I know that most Americans of Irish descent came in legal ways but I'm not going to pick on the Mexicans here and pretend that there are not also a lot of illegal Irish in California.
We're here to tell anyone reading this who is illegal in this country to make it right. Talk to several attorneys! (We have heard of exploitive ones who make promises, take your money, and leave you illegal and that really truly stinks!) Then take the steps to work legally and eventually become an American Citizen!
Some people are kind of irked by ethnic celebrations such as parades that honor one certain ethnicity. Right now I ask you this: MAKE YOUR COSTUMES or BUY AMERICAN hats, shamrocks, and the rest... and I don't know what to tell you about the green dyed beer.
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