True on both counts . . .

"The smaller the mind the greater the conceit."
-- Aesop

"People who have what they want are fond of telling people who haven't what they want that they really don't want it."
-- Ogden Nash

Are YOU a terrorist, too?

Interesting article (from Conservative Contacts) that outlined what the United States Government has determined to identify terrorists. Interesting that all aspects of this list seems to point to citizens who support the Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and freedom. Doesn't hide the fact that the politicians we elected are not viewing the interests of the majority of the American people.

The following characteristics  are actually used in the study advising YOUR GOVERNMENT on how to identify terrorists:
· Americans who believe their "way of life" is under attack;

· Americans who are "fiercely nationalistic (as opposed to universal and international in orientation)";

· People who consider themselves "anti-global" (presumably those who are way of the loss of American sovereignty);

· Americans who are "suspicious of centralized federal authority";

· Americans who are "reverent of individual liberty";

· People who "believe in conspiracy theories that involve grave threat to national sovereignty and/or personal liberty."

· Americans who are pro-life or otherwise opposed to abortion;

· Americans who are part of "groups that seek to smite the purported enemies of God and other evildoers."

Something to think about . . . Good thought to begin the week!

Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness.

- Publius Syrus

Making use of the convenience food section at the store . . .

As you have figured out by now, I prefer to cook from the very beginning but am not adverse about saving time when I need to and enjoying the convenience of some of the frozen foods offered at the grocery store. I've seen many versions of this recipe but thought I'd share my take on it.

Potato Bump Casserole
1 pound of  ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Enough potato tots to cover top of casserole

Brown the ground beef with the onions, garlic, and seasonings. Layer in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan or whatever works for you.  Combine the soup with the cheese and spread over the ground beef layers. Arrange the potato tots over the entire top of the casserole, close together. Spray the potatoes lightly with vegetable oil spray to help with the browning and crisping.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximatle 45 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly. Serve!

Ideas . . .
You can add a layer of canned (drained) diced tomatoes over the ground beef layer before you had the cheese/soup one. Make sure you sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the tomatoes.

Use half cheddar and half Monteray Jack cheese.

How I spent my week . . .

 Had a productive week even if I had to work in bits and pieces of time! Long gone are the days when I could get up and sew all day long so I really appreciate the minutes I do squeeze in between necessary chores! This is a quilt order I've been working on lately. I have the front and the quilting done and am just hand sewing all the appliques on the back right now.

Brave, New World it won't be . . .

Many people think nationalized healthcare would be the threshold to a 'brave, new world' for the United States. While I do think we need some changes in our current application of medical care, The new dictates being put into place by obamacare, however, would be not be conducive to adequate health coverage for anyone. And, in spite of their claims, would still leave some people without coverage. It hasn't worked in other countries so it is almost arrogance to feel that the United States has solved the problem. Here are some of the side effects of this new 'tax' on our lives and income.

Increase demand for medical care.

Fewer Doctors because of lower pay.
Regulations will burden the doctors that do work.
Care will be restricted.
Fewer hospitals.
Waiting times at ERs will grow.
Increasingly harder to get appointments.
Nurse practitioners and para-medical providers will be taking over a lot of your health.
Best and brightest will avoid medical profession.
Older doctors more likely to retire than deal with regulations.
41% of doctors will stop taking medicare patients altogether.

Points to Ponder . . .

The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy."
-- Alfred North Whitehead

"Machines take me by surprise with great frequency."
-- Alan Turing

"In archaeology you uncover the unknown. In diplomacy you cover the known."
-- Thomas Pickering

"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."
-- Will Rogers