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Cruising on Virgin Voyages and Princess - Our Experiences on Both
Choosing the right cruise line can be the difference between a good trip and a great one. Here's a comparison of two different cruise ships we sailed on.
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How to Make Fresh-Baked Salmon in Less Than 20 Minutes
Fresh salmon is easy to make when you follow these simple directions. And cleanup is a snap when you line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil. This oven meal is quick, nutritious and economical.
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Baked Portobello Mushrooms in the Toaster Oven
Hungry but want to watch those calories and carbs? This recipe will satisfy meat cravings and delight the tastebuds.
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Hot Fresh Pizza Using Your Bread Machine
When you're craving pizza nothing can take its place. Want to save some cash? Instead of paying for delivery, this recipe makes homemade pizza easy to do.
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How to Make Plant Containers Using Household Items
Planting seeds using recycled containers is an easy way to start your own plants? Here are some tips on what works best.
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Pumpkin Pie From Real Pumpkins
Pumpkin pie from a can tastes great, but if you're feeling creative and want to use up those porch decorations, try out this recipe for fresh-cooked pumpkin and learn how to turn it into a pie.
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"A Land Remembered" by Patrick D. Smith
Award-winning author Smith, published in 33 countries, describes what Florida was like in pioneer days. He weaves a captivating story of dirt-poor farmers who started out with nothing yet carved an existence from the land through determination, hard work, and sacrifice fraught with peril and danger.
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Cruise Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Ready for your cruise vacation? There are a few things you should know before you board. Get tips on how to make your trip easier.
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How to Make Change Without Using a Calculator
Cashiers everywhere groan when a customer wants to use cash rather than swipe a credit card. Making change really doesn't have to be all that difficult if you know these tips.
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Flight Attendant Interview With Lynnie G
Stories from 35,000 feet from frequent flyers who work in the sky. This interview takes the reader through an eighteen year career cut short by a debilitating injury.
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Flight Attendants in the 1970s
Remembering when travel was all about service with hot meals, complementary Cappuccino, second coffees and smiles. It was the glory days of flying.
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"Splash of Colors, the Self-Destruction of Braniff International" Book Review
This non-fiction story of the self-destruction of Braniff International Airlines looks into corporate managerial and policy decisions that doomed the vibrant, pace-setting major air carrier after 50 years of flying.
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Cicada Facts, Folklore, and Photos
There are over 3,000 species of cicadas, from annuals to periodicals, which emerge every 13 or 17 years. These flying cicada insects are harmless but arrive in droves with a loud, resonating song.
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The Mountain Pass, Flash Fiction
One quick turn of the wheel and the car would careen off the side of the mountain. But if she stayed the course, she would have regrets the rest of her life.
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"The Chicago Manual of Style," for Writers, Editors, and Publishers
Where do writers turn for information on publishing and written format advice? Successful writers like Stephen King suggest reading these books.
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Looking for Home Chapter 10, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Connie and the dogs stop to rest at a low-rent motel on a busy highway. After a strange bit of news and an unexpected visit they continue on their journey.
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Looking for Home Chapter 9, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Plans are in place to create havoc for someone as this couple resorts to crime. Jeb comes back into the picture as he confirms his devious plan is working.
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Looking for Home Chapter 8, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Rover and Buddy follow the hot dog man to the lake and share another meal before the next train rolls through.
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Looking for Home Chapter 7, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Buddy and his new friend discover a secret about the train whistle they hear.. They meet a drifter with a special gift who shares his meal with them.
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Looking for Home Chapter 6, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Their litter mates gone, Cookie and Nicole realize they're in danger in the forest as they work feverishly to get free from their cardboard box.
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Looking for Home Chapter 5, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Buddy's new friend Rover tempts him to disobey his master. Queenie and the pups settle in after a long road trip. Connie gets some startling news.
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Looking for Home Chapter 4, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Jeb shows his true colors when he takes Queenie on a secret mission. Connie questions her choice of a life partner and plans her escape.
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Looking for Home Chapter 3, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Follow the trail of 4 strays on a journey where they meet a man that will change their lives. A drifter's travels lead him to a long-lost love who is fleeing from her criminal husband. Brace yourself for the storm that wreaks havoc on a town, but whose winds push these drifters together.
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Looking for Home Chapter 2, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Follow the trail of 4 strays on a journey where they meet a man that will change their lives. A drifter's travels lead him to a long-lost love who is fleeing from her criminal husband. Brace yourself for the storm that wreaks havoc on a town, but whose winds push these drifters together.
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Looking for Home Chapter 1, Fiction Novel by Peggy Cole
Follow the trail of 4 strays on a journey where they meet a man that will change their lives forever. A hobo's travels lead him to a long-lost love who is fleeing from her criminal husband. Brace yourself for the storm that wreaks havoc on a town, but whose winds push these drifters together.
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20+ Gift Ideas for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents
Finding that perfect gift for a senior or a friend confined to a nursing home can be challenging. Here are some ideas of things they will use and appreciate.
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5 Blunders That Kill Retail Sales
People continue to shop in retail stores despite the ease of internet purchasing. Here are a few things salespeople do that help run customers out of your store.
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"Broken Ground of the Soul" by Linda Compton Book Review
Author Linda Compton, following a tragic life experience, explains how she made the journey from bitterness to joy. See my review of "Broken Ground of the Soul."
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Jack Reacher, Lee Child's Unforgettable Character
What's good about Reacher? He's big and brawny, a man's man. He served his country, and now he travels to experience what he fought to preserve. When he finds injustice it's never good for the bad guys. But more than that, he does the right thing.
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Chance Encounter with an Old Flame
Ever wonder what might have been if a romance hadn't fizzled out? When an old flame returns from the past, this girl sees her former boyfriend in a new light.
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How To Sew a Tote Bag Organizer for a Walker
With basic sewing skills, you can make this useful organizer that's ideal for carrying items when using a walker.
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Training, Skills, and Duties of a Cashier
The basic duties of a cashier are to greet customers, ring up merchandise, bag the items, take the customer's payment, and thank them for their business. What training or skills are needed?
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How to Count Back Change
How did cashiers know how much change to give back before computers? They counted it back by hand. This tutorial makes it easy to give back the right amount of change.
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Battling Cushing's Disease in Dogs
Cookie suffers the symptoms of this debilitating disease that affects canines, felines, horses and humans. Described are symptoms and treatment options for dogs.
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Broccoli Ham Quiche
Stretch the food budget with this simple egg based recipe using leftovers and standard pantry items. Great meal any time of the day.
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Hearty Baked Lasagna Casserole
Casseroles are an ideal way to stretch food budget dollars. A package of lasagna noodles, along with ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce turns into a filling dish for a hearty family meal. Here's how.
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50+ Gift Ideas for Nursing Home Residents
Choosing a gift for a nursing home resident can seem difficult, but these ideas are certain to enchant your loved one.
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The Pros and Cons of Emu Farming
Going into the business of raising emu wasn't quite what we'd hoped for in our quest for financial independence. We learned some important lessons about emu farming, though, which we share here.
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Italian Cream Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Enjoy the rich flavor of pecans and coconut in this moist cake topped with real homemade cream cheese icing. This step-by-step recipe with photos shows you how to make this yourself.
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How to Make Breadsticks From Canned Biscuits
Winter days call for hot steamy bowls of homemade soup or chili. Top those hearty, warming dishes with breadsticks made from refrigerator biscuits—from the oven to the table in minutes. Here's how.
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Mrs. Smith's Pie Crust Recipe
I still take time to make homemade desserts at holidays and special occasions. Here's one of my favorite recipes for pie crust I learned to make in Home Economics class.
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Banana Pudding and Banana Cream Pie from Scratch
Homemade banana pudding and banana cream pies are desserts my family loves to eat. The easy recipe for the pudding tastes way better than any box mix. For the pie, you can use a refrigerated pie crust or make your own.
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Moist Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake is extra rich with crushed pineapple, shredded carrots, shredded coconut and fresh pecans. It's one of our family's favorite desserts.
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Secrets for Making Boiled Eggs Perfect Every Time
The versatile egg can be boiled, poached, fried, scrambled, made into a quiche or a cake, and more. Here you'll find some time-tested secrets for making eggs come out great.
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The Pub Chapter 7 Murder Mystery - Book 1
Some petty theft in the walk-in cooler is discovered by the boss. Punishment is swift and nasty. A couple of new musicians start working in the lounge.
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The Pub Chapter 3 Murder Mystery - Book 1
Joe makes a new friend at The Pub. She and the musician, Tom, head out for a late breakfast. Joe goes on a dangerously fast and unexpected drive down the coast.
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The Pub Chapter 2 Murder Mystery - Book 1
Joe begins to question leaving her steady but predictable job at the bank. Jason, the new pub manager, pulls some sneaky moves with staff assignments.
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The Pub Chapter 1 Murder Mystery - Book 1
The manager of a restaurant and live music venue disappears without a trace. When paychecks start bouncing and cash goes missing from the bank account the new bookkeeper is under suspicion.
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How to Make Fresh Steamed Broccoli: Quick and Healthy Recipe
Cooking fresh broccoli takes only minutes using a metal steamer, and the taste, texture, and nutritional value is well worth the time invested.
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The Popcorn Tree
What if that tree you bought at the flea market turned out to be an invasive species? Here's how to find out. A true story with an original poem.
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Treasures I Found at the Thrift Store
Finding reusable items in second-hand stores is like going on a treasure hunt. Plus, recycling items is good for the planet. Here are some things I've found over the years.
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5 Things You Can Do to Get Ahead at Work
What does it take to be successful in today's competitive work environment? These few ideas helped triple my income.
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How to Bake Butternut Squash
When harvest brings in the butternut squash, it's time to fire up the oven and bake this delicious vegetable in pies or serve it as a simple, nutritious side dish.
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Butternut Squash Pie Recipe With Photos
Getting kids to eat vegetables is easy when it's made into dessert. My young son always asked for seconds of this delicious pie.
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Coming of Age in the Sixties
The sixties offered a far different experience than kids know these days. Share a bit of nostalgia with me as we travel back in time.
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Canning Food in Mason Jars - Tips and Warnings
The key to success in canning food at home is knowing which foods are safe to preserve and which are not. Choosing the wrong method and using improper techniques can be deadly.
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How to Find Military Service Records for Veterans
Did you know that you can use online tools to gather information for official military records? All you need is some information about your veteran to discover fascinating details from their service records.
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"Feet of Clay on Solid Ground" by James Armstrong, Book Review
Former Bishop James Armstrong shares his memoirs about family, his tenure in the ministry, and the circumstances that led him to resign as President of the National Council of Churches.
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Favorite Banana Bread Recipe
This delicious bread is a great way to use up overly ripe bananas. It's a family favorite that makes a great gift anytime.
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Flight Attendant Trainees and Unexpected Mishaps
Before graduation, Flight Attendant students were required to work an actual flight with real passengers. Sometimes we hit a bump in the air.
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Flight Attendant Memories
A former flight attendant shares the inside scoop about practical jokes and on-the-job training for the airlines.
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You Have Been Summoned for Jury Duty
When a summons to serve on a jury arrives in the mail, it generates different reactions.
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Chicken and Rice - Easy, Economical, Delicious
Pan-seared chicken, served with a side vegetable and rice, is one of our family favorites. This economical meal of comfort food is hearty, quick and delicious. Make this recipe in 30 minutes or less.
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Old Time Remedy for Upset Stomach
Whenever a member of our family had a stomach ache, we used this common product found in our medicine cabinet. When supplies ran low, we'd go to the corner store to fetch a refill.
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Elvis Presley, the Man Behind the Image
He was a collector of things: cars, jets, musical instruments, fame. His home at Graceland reveals his personal taste in furnishings and his love for the unusual and unique. But what about the man?
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A Generous Slice of Navy Life
Enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II was a patriotic, yet dangerous option for teenagers in the 1940s who felt the need to serve our country.
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My Former Life as a Flight Attendant
Often, one small event is enough to change the direction of our lives. One phone call, made while on vacation in Texas, was instrumental in changing my career path and fulfilling a lifetime dream.
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Dog Rescue Stories with an Ode to Dolly Joe
Dogs play an important and impactful role in our lives. They carry us through tough times and remain by our sides when others won't. They don't judge or nitpick or try to make us change. These are stories of dogs I've known and loved.
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Your Perception Is Your Reality
Changing the way that we think can change our lives for the better. How to begin? Start during the daily commute to work.
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Drag Racing for the Novice Fan
For motor sports enthusiasts who love the thrill of speed, competition and precision, drag racing has it all. Share the experience here and learn the basics of how it works.