MATTEL RECALL

Mattel has issued a huge recall on toys made in China, mostly Dora and some infant stuff. I know some of you have these because I have bought them before for the kids. I do not believe any Action Group toys are in the group but I will doublecheck. Go to mattel.com and click on RECALL to see pictures of all the recalls.

Congrats to Suzy

Congratulations to Suzy who received a promotion to Data Services Director this week. Hopefully, a raise will be forthcoming. She is a dedicated employee who works really hard and really deserves the recognition. Way to go, Suzy!

A grandmother’s house destroyed

During the big storm on Monday night, 2 or three FH houses were struck by lightning. This one in the older part of Heritage Heights was destroyed when the roof caught fire! (Click on the photo for closer details)

Connie & Mitch’s home improvements

I thought y’all would enjoy seeing Mitch and Connie’s improvements they have added. There is a new concrete drive, complete with a turnaround, a new carport a lot like Daddy’s and a new smaller shed to match the big mama shed. Looks good doesn’t it? A new roof is next!

Biggest Loser Website!

I took a minute to set up a website for The Biggest Loser competition. I figured it was easier than posting on other blogs with the weekly updates, to keep it all in one place. Here's the address: http://fowkesbiggestloser.blogspot.com/

I've also included it in the links on this page and on mine so feel free to add it as you wish to your respective blogs!

In case you get your cell phone wet...

I read recently about what to do if you get your cell phone wet. This probably won’t work if you wash it in the washer but maybe for other problems. Immediately turn phone off, remove battery (or you will fry the phone) and place them separately to dry after drying all you can by hand. Possibly placing them on something dry and warm like the cable box, etc. is the best place.

And you thought the Cowboy Church was weird!

When I was at the printer last week, a very tall man was there making a newspaper - handwritten. That’s right, he was writing it out. He introduced himself as Edward, with a nickname of ZebraPeace! He told me he was looking to buy about 20 acres near Joshua so he could build a Circus Church. He wants to save the lost souls from 1 to 31 - the ones who are most susceptible to the ills of today and they can be reached through the circus ministry. We will watch out for this one!

The Biggest Loser 2.0

Yesterday Mom brought up the idea of resurrecting the Biggest Loser competition. I think maybe she was trying to tell me something, but I’ll pretend she wasn’t directing the idea at me. But honestly, I think it’s a great one! I’m not really sure what happed the last time. I’ll take the blame, but as far as I could see, no one was all that interested in weighing in!

So if we are all in agreement (or for those who would like to participate), send me an email letting me know you want to be included and The Biggest Loser 2.0 will officially start on Monday July 23. Mom will again play secret keeper so all weights will be emailed to her. You will have until Thanksgiving where we will actually do an official weigh-in at Mom’s house and anyone not in town can call in theirs that day or the day before. Winner will be chosen by having the most overall percentage of weight lost. I think we decided this would be the most fair.

Let me know who wants to play and I hope everyone has a great week!

Quick Tips

In my recent reading, etc., I have learned the following which may be of help to some of you:
1. I tried this and it works especially well on 100% cotton t-shirts and jeans. Take them from the dryer while warm, hang up and spray with Downy or other wrinkle releaser and smooth them out. They will be wearable without ironing.
2. Think about your 72-hour kits! Do you have shoes for everyone, even the kids? In case of tornado, hurricane or other disaster, think about the debris and other hazards. Substantial shoes, even boots could be needed. Flip-flops probably do not fit this job description and kids will need their feet protected.
3. There is a new identitiy theft going around where your medical info is stolen. Persons who are HIV positive are buying that info so they can receive treatment because they are insurable. Also, SS numbers, etc. of babies are being stolen for some of these same reasons. The thieves change the address on the statements that come from the insurance companies and you do not know that the info has been stolen. An additional problem is that if you ever get info on your records that you are HIV positive or one of the other deadly things, it is almost impossible to get removed. Guard all your numbers and avoid “free” things which will require these numbers. There have been some scams where they set these up especially to capture this personal info. Be careful!

Lost and Found Stone

Most of you remember that about 20 years ago I bought a headstone at a Forest Hill Police Auction for $2.50. We had it in our yard on Anmar Court but I got a lot of flack from the youngsters, so it has been stored out by the garden shed. I have talked about calling the Tarrant County Historical Society, but just never took the time. At a City Party on Tuesday, I ran into a friend I have known for over 40 years and she is now on the TC Historical Commission (one of 38 volunteer members). I told her about the tombstone and she said she could find where it belongs. Well, not to be outdone, since I have a lot of research experience, I went on-line and found it. At first, no luck but then there was a list of cemeteries, so I picked one nearby which would have had really old stones. Sure enough, there was Warren in Hudson Cemetery in south Arlington (Kennedale). Here is the listing:
WARREN, James Monroe
14 NOV 1853
22 FEB 1909
M(ale)
h/o (husband of) Emley Jane [unknown] WARREN; f/o (father of) Louisa Elizabeth [WARREN] NEWSOM THOMAS
He has been dead almost 100 years!
So I drove over there to the cemetery Wednesday afternoon and a funeral party was fixing to arrive, so I could not look around very long. However, I did discover that there has been a lot of damage to the cemetery with badly broken stones, etc. At least the parts are still there. I am sending this over to my friend, Jo Pirtle, and I think she can arrange for the stone to be picked up and to be installed at the cemetery, otherwise if it is just there loose, it will disappear again. If we need help on that issue, I will send up a flare. I will update later.

FREE Slurpies!!!

Yes, it's that time of year again, 7-11 is giving away free slurpies! They are only 7.11 ounces, so they're quite small, but most locations will let you get more than one! For those Simpsons fans, they have a special "Blue Squishie" flavor. Enjoy!

Count Your Blessings!

We don’t often pause to count our blessings! When they did my pre-admission stuff at Huguley, I again noted that we are blessed with good health. Sure, we all have problems, but nothing like they have on their list like liver disease, cancer, stroke, heart problems (some of us maybe but not life threatening), super high blood pressure, diabetes (only Connie), and the list goes on and on and I could say “NO” to almost everyone of these. I could also say “NO” to smoking, alcohol, etc., a blessing of the Wow (Never thought of it as WoW before but it is!). Pause a minute and be thankful because some people have to answer “Yes” to a bunch of those. Also, take good care of yourselves so you will NEVER have to answer “YES” to that long list.

Uncle Gary checks out new heart facility at Harris

Gary has been in the hospital since Saturday night. He overdid it during the day like many of the men in our family, working about 5 hours in the middle of an intense heat day with terrible humidity. He actually passed out in the laundry room trying to get to his bedroom to lie down. His symptoms were low blood pressure and erratic heartbeat (He has A-fib for you techies). Romanda called 911 and ultimately, despite protests, he went to the beautiful high-tech heart center at Harris by ambulance. He got to come home today (Tuesday) and will now avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day. At one point, they suggested a Pacemaker but instead are going to do a 24-hour heart monitor next week to analyze any problems. He says he is feeling well and will return to work on Thursday. He has also promised not to work so hard in the heat of the day!

Mom's surgery

Mom had some minor surgery today to clear up a fungus in her sinus cavities (maxillary sinus, above your top teeth). Dr. Shay came in after surgery to report it was very successful, then proceeded to describe it in very vivid detail. Basically, she had a "ball" of green fungus in each sinus (I saw pretty pictures!) that is now gone. The doctor also said her sinus drainage openings were abnormally small and nonfunctional and are now enlarged to normal size. In theory, with the fungus gone her 20-year cough should clear up pretty quickly. She's grounded from driving for 48 hours--we'll see if she obeys that! Otherwise, all is well and she should expect a quick recovery.