| Welcome to VacaChat |
| Where Vriends Gather |
April 20, 2014
| Some type of banner or graphic - perhaps
featuring the Dude and all the different characters? Something to
separate the header from the rest of the page? |
Graphics and buttons, courtesy of VacaDude, coming soon!
| Today!!! Sunday, April 20, 2014 |
| 3 PM PST/6 PM PST |
No Story Writing.
We’ll write again on May 4. |
| |
| 6 PM PST/9 PM EDT |
No VacaChat Broadcast.
The chat room will be open at 6:00 PDT (9:00 EDT—8:00 CDT). |
| |
| |
| Upcoming!!! Sunday, April 27, 2014 |
| 3 PM PST/6 PM PST |
No Story Writing.
We’ll write again on May 4. |
| |
| 6 PM PST/9 PM EDT |
No VacaChat Broadcast.
The chat room will be open at 6:00 PDT (9:00 EDT—8:00 CDT). |
Top of Section
Top of Page
Top of Section
Top of Page
| VacaVideo DVD |
| If you want one of the Dude's new DVDs (and who
wouldn't?) email him soon so he knows how many to make. If you are
interested, please email him soon at John@vacadude.com. A $7
contribution, which is strictly voluntary, is recommended. This should
cover the cost of shipping and the disc materials. However, you will
receive your disc whether you add a contribution or not. |
| |
| A Challenge |
| A challenge was issued. A few responses were received
and they’ll be appearing in the coming weeks (a few are included today).
We’d still like more chatter news and other items you think will
interest other chatters. |
| |
| |
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
Hello Vriends, |
|
| |
Happy Easter to you all! I hope everybody is having a lovely
day. The weather here is quite nice, or so I have been informed.
Yesterday we drove to the gold country to visit VacaSis and her
family. My niece's three daughters are growing so big, and are
so adorable! However, I think they really wore me out...I've
been trying to work today but all I want to do is sleep. I think
I could nap for a week solid. Just too many hours trying to keep
up with the workload. I probably should not have spared
yesterday for visiting family, but we get to see each other so
rarely as it is.
Oh well, perhaps some Easter roast will give me some energy.
I hope so, because I have a lot of work I need to get done
before tomorrow. One of these days I need to get a vacation!
Anyhoo--a very Happy Easter to all my MOD friends!
|
|
| |
Cheers, VacaDude |
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
Ann Savage |
Ann
shares with
us this wonderful news: “My latest news is that we have a new grandbaby
on the way [due mid August], and the doctor thinks it's a girl! She'll
be our third grandchild, joining cousins Lucas, 13, and Adrian, 3. :)”
Congratulations to Ann and her family. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Elsalynda |
Elsalynda's latest column entitled Nature in the
City: Spring arrives in Waltham?, is available online here:
http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20140408/NEWS/140408516/?tag=1 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Elsa has other good news! We’ll let her tell it.
“Good news!!!!!!!! Two poems I sent to a photo and essay/ poetry book on
our Mount Auburn Cemetary in Watertown and Cambridge MA (a very famous
place) were accepted!!! This is a huge breakthrough for me. I think it
will look like a coffee table book but not sure! yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!" |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Sharoot |
Last week Sharoot shared with us this
tidbit of her
visit to Maine.
Just a couple days ago I spied this little guy near the back steps. I
have made it my mission to free him from winter's grasp before I leave
on Tuesday. Wish me luck!" |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
This week we received this news: |
|
| |
|
 |
|
| |
|
With a little help from my assistant,
and a shovel, we were able to free this very rare "oof oof" duck. Named
by my assistant of course, it was the dog's chew toy...... Hoppy Easter
owlvrybuddies! |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Wolfgirl |
Wolfgirl shares with us news of her new
pets. "The rats are sisters, and will be 5 months old on the 12th. The
mostly-black one with the funny ears is Morrigan. She's braver and
friendlier, and likes to be picked up and tickled. The black-and-white
one with normal ears is Linda, she's much more shy. Once she warms up to
a person, she likes to climb on shoulders, but doesn't like to be pet.
I'm attaching the best photos I have, but neither of them likes to hold
still." |
|
| |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
ChatterChopz |
ChatterChopz had her karate tournament on April 5.
She assisted with the PreCHAMPS (3-5 year olds) and the KinderCHAMPS
(4-6 year olds) and competed in Green Belt Self-Defenses (she's a blue
belt). She took first place in Self Defenses.
CC was also presented with two very special surprise awards. The first
was a plaque given in recognition of her 1,692 hours of volunteer
service. She volunteered as an instructor in the dojo and also
helped set up for special events. She also volunteered at the library,
at church, and at Harvester's, the regional food distribution program.
The second surprise award was the Transition Award. This award is not
often given. It is given to honor the student who has begun to take the
steps to transition from being totally under her parents' care to making
her way in the world. CC was honored for her efforts in seeking,
applying, interviewing, and being accepted for her position working with
the toddlers and preschoolers during storytime at the library. She'll be
working with the older children during the library's summer program, as
well. She helps out with special events and sometimes helps dust
shelves, straighten up the toy area and teaches folks how to use the
self-checkout machines.
We're so very proud of our girl!
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
CC and her Sensei |
The plaque CC received for volunteer hours |
CC and her transition award trophy. |
|
| |
|
You can read more about CC’s
karate program, her amazing Sensei and see more pictures and videos at:
http://champsachievers.org
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
We'd love to include more news of VacaChatters. If you have something
you'd like to share (something about you or your family) or if you know
of exciting news about another chatter that they're just too shy to
share, please send it to us! (We won’t run it without that chatter’s
permission, however.) |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
ChatterChopz |
ChatterChopz was helping the little ones at the
church Easter egg hunt yesterday and stepped in a hole. She now has a
very badly sprained, VERY swollen and VERY VERY painful ankle. As far as
we know so far, there is no fracture. We'll know more when the
radiologist reads the second set of X-rays and the swelling has gone
down some. She is not a happy camper. Forced inactivity is not a good
thing for her. They think she'll be out of karate for at least 6 weeks.
We can only hope that she heals sooner. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Caboval |
Caboval is in need of our prayers for her dog, Joey.
You can read more about Joey and his struggles here:
http://gfwd.at/1n8NU0h. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
UPDATE on Joey! Caboval writes: “Joey is in
remission but the chemo almost killed him. He was in liver failure and
the Dr gave him a 50/50 chance to live. He made it through that and we
have had 3 really good weeks. He was so happy and acting like a puppy,
but now he is starting to not eat again and he vomited today so I don't
know… It's a rollercoaster. I have a feeling he is having liver issues
again. I do really need those prayers!!!” |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Elsalynda |
Elsalynda is also in need of prayers. She is asking
for prayers for good care and caring from my primary care physician.
Elsa reports that at her last visit, her physician "was at least civil
and apologetic." She also reports that her back issues are improving and
thanks everyone for their prayers and support. Continue to keep Elsa and her
doctor in your prayers. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
GentleDoe |
GentleDoe says her father is recovering. He has
moved to a rehab facility. Doe is trying desperately to juggle being
with her mother and yet also caring for her birds and other animals. She
especially needs prayers about the financial situation and some rather
difficult family dynamics. With no transportation and having to rely on
others for rides, this has been very difficult for her. The whole family
is still in need of our prayers. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Jes and Miss Jonesy |
Both Jes, and her furkid,
Miss Jonesy, are battling health issues and undergoing various tests and
procedures. Let's keep both of them in our prayers. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
DotRot |
Dot’s nephew Mark (Dan's son), got his final
pathology report back. His tumor was 98% Grade II and 2% Grade III. This
means a THIRD round of chemo and possibly another round of radiation (if
he’s not reached his limit). He is home and doing well. Please pray for
Mark and his family. (He has two small children.) |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
We got TERRIFIC news from
Sewla!! Despite her doctors’ pessimistic and fatalistic
prognostications, her kidneys are IMPROVING! She saw her nephrologist
and the tests performed then still show an increase of 5% in the vital
numbers! All her doctor had to say was, “You continue to amaze me!”
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Shari
in Memphis |
UPDATE!!! Just received this from Shari:
"So kind of you to keep prayers going for me. I was hospitalized in
November for an event (that just yesterday my doc said was severe enough
that it could have killed me) and have pretty much been sick ever
since. I'm trying to be patient as doc said it would take 6 months to a
year, to fully recover." |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Thank
you for your prayers and good thoughts for owl our wonderful VacaFamily
members! If you have any prayer requests, updates or news of
answered prayers, please let us know. Email us with the
information so it can be included in the next newsletter. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
Check out
VacaDude's blog! Don't
forget to send VacaDude your comments to let him know how much you
appreciate him, his time & his talent!
|
|
| |
http://vacadude.wordpress.com/ |
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
Hello there, Everbuddy! |
|
| |
Hello Everbuddy!
Boy, the house sure smells yummy today! It is making me think
with my stomach even more than I usually do, and that is a lot.
I hope there are some goodies for me to eat once the Dude and Dudess have their dinner. I haven't had hardly anything to eat
today, as Tauntz has been running around hiding all of the food!
He started with all the eggs in the house, but I think he got a
little carried away. There is milk, bread, cheese, Hot
Pockets...scattered all over the place and nobody can find
anything. I guess we'll start finding things in a few days, once
the smell kicks in. Ewww!
Oh well, I would go watch some tellyvision, except the rabbit
even hid all the remotes...
Happy Easter to you all!
|
|
| |
Yours Most Whiskerly,
Zorro |
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
|
|
|
| |
Next
StoryTime |
Sunday, May 4, 2014
3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Title |
Hoo's a Storyteller? |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Invitation |
We need story writers!
Please consider dropping in and checking out the fun we have writing the
stories. Honestly, it's not at all difficult to join in and you'll
surely be glad you did. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
| |
Baked Penne with Italian Sausage
|
|
| |
Ingredients |
|
|
| |
2 pounds dry penne (or rotini) pasta
2 pound mild Italian sausage
1 chopped onion
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
Italian seasoning to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese*
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
4 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cups shredded fresh
mozzarella cheese*
|
 |
|
| |
Directions |
|
|
| |
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat a large, deep skillet. Place sausage, onions and garlic in the
skillet and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain excess
fat. Pour in broth, and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to deglaze the pan.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste and seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes,
stirring occasionally. Toss with pasta.
Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.
Spread ⅓ of the pasta mixture in two 9x13-inch baking dishes. Top with ½
of the Ricotta mixture. Repeat layers. End with pasta mixture. Sprinkle
top with mozzarella.
Cover with foil. Bake one pan in preheated oven until pasta is tender.
Uncover and bake 5-10 minutes more, or until cheese is melted.
Freeze second pan for another day. Do not defrost before baking.
*We
like to use our own homemade Ricotta and Mozzarella cheeses. If you want
the recipes for these, just let me know.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Chocolate Raspberry Shortcakes
|
|
| |
Ingredients |
|
|
| |
BERRIES
3-4 cups raspberries
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons frozen white grape/raspberry juice concentrate
SHORTCAKES
1 cup cake flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar
½ cup plus 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled, cut up
¼ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, beaten
TOPPING
1 (10-oz.) pkg. frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed
2 tablespoons frozen white grape/raspberry juice concentrate
1 jar fudge ice cream topping
CREAM
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
|
 |
|
| |
Directions
|
|
|
| |
Place fresh raspberries in large bowl. Sprinkle with
¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons frozen juice concentrate; stir until all
berries are coated. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours.
Heat oven to 400ºF. Stack 2 baking sheets together
and line top sheet with parchment paper.
In another large bowl, combine cake flour,
all-purpose flour, ½ cup of the sugar, ½ cup of the cocoa, baking
powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar; mix well.
Add butter. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in
butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-size pieces of
butter. Add buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and egg; stir until dough
forms.
Sprinkle work surface lightly with cake flour. (You
can add a little cocoa if you want.) Turn out dough onto flour. (Dough
will be sticky.) With floured hands, gently knead 12 to 14 strokes. Pat
dough into round 1 inch thick.
Cut out shortcakes with floured 2½-inch round cutter,
pressing dough scraps together when necessary. Place on baking sheet.
Combine remaining 2 teaspoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cocoa powder.
Sprinkle over shortcakes.
Bake 14-16 minutes or until shortcakes are firm to
the touch. Cool on wire rack at least 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in food processor, combine frozen
raspberries with their syrup and 2 tablespoons frozen juice concentrate;
puree until smooth. Place strainer over medium bowl; pour raspberry
mixture into strainer. Press mixture with back of spoon through strainer
to remove seeds; discard seeds. Cover; refrigerate until serving time.
In large bowl, whip cream, sour cream, 2 tablespoons
sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla at medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
Cover; refrigerate until serving time.
To serve, split shortcakes in half horizontally.
Place bottom halves on individual dessert plates. Top with cream and
berries. Cover with shortcake tops. Pour some raspberry sauce and fudge
sauce onto plates around shortcakes and over the top of the cakes. Serve
with remaining sauces. Refrigerate leftovers.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
Top of Section
Top of Page
|
Puffins |
|
| |
 |
Shetland Islands Puffins |
http://www.shetland.org/puffincam/ |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Sea Island, Maine
Puffin Burrow
|
http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-burrow-cam |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Sea Island, Maine
Puffin Loafing Ledge
|
http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-loafing-ledge-cam
These pages also contain links to numerous other nature cams. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Eagles |
|
| |
 |
Black Eagle
South Africa
|
http://www.africam.com/wildlife/black_eagle_webcam
Emoyeni (the black eagle) is set to
return and start re-building her nest in anticipation of a new breeding
season. She has been spotted on the nest several times in the last few
days, so be on the lookout! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Decorah Eagles
Decorah, Iowa
|
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Berry College Eagle Cam
Mt. Berry, Georgia
|
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berry-eagle-cam |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/index.htm |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Peregrine Falcons |
|
| |
 |
PA Falcon Cam
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
|
http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Commerce Tower Peregrines
Kansas City, Missouri
|
http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/wildlife-cameras/peregrine-falcon-web-camera
Cam not live now but should be returning soon. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Pitt Peregrine Falcon
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
|
http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam1 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Gulf Tower Peregrine Falcon
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
|
http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam2 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Emily
Falcon Cam
Caloundra, Australia
|
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/emily-falcon-cam |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
RFalconCam
Rochester, New York
|
http://rfalconcam.com/rfc-main/ |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Talking Birds |
|
| |
 |
Watch the Birdie
Bibi, the African Gray
|
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Watch-the-Birdie |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Disco
Talking Parakeet
|
https://www.youtube.com/user/MsJumpinJude/videos |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Other Birds |
|
| |
 |
Hellgate Ospreys
Missoula, Montana
Sponsored by Cornell
|
http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/27/Hellgate_Ospreys/ |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Ostrich Chicks
(Offline now)
|
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Streaming Bird Cams
List of many cams
|
http://www.beakspeak.com/ |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Top of Section
Top of Page
Top of Section
Top of Page
Why are some animals so ugly?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nYpVlTdr3I
Why Are Babies So Cute?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rALJido4iI&feature=youtu.be
(and some bonus cuteness—http://www.ba-bamail.com/Content.aspx?emailid=9624&memberid=824309#.U1Q8YFeM55c
Flashwaltz!
Forty students from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance
took a classical approach to the flashmob.
As they flashwaltzed Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers (also
from the classic 'The Nutcracker'),
doctors, patients and passers-by joined in the fun!
The surprise concert was part of Good Deeds Day, an annual event that began in
2007
and now takes place in over 50 countries worldwide.
On this day volunteers reach out to the less fortunate and
the vulnerable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzwWskM4hN8#t=78
True Facts About The Octopus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st8-EY71K84
Alarm Clocks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SR7LLryFqg
A Journey of Remembrance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQLXrmAjD38
Whatever you do—Don’t Laugh!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTOeuH-iEJ8
Top of Section
Top of Page
Inspiration or
Things to Make
You Think |
Unsung Hero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU
Here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw9g9OVHdJI
What is it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNK6h1dfy2o
Visit Over 500 Major Cities in the World!
http://www.ba-bamail.com/Content.aspx?emailid=9116&memberid=824309#.Uy1rVlea-1Q
Being Rich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DUYlHZsZfc
30 Nice Things
http://www.viralnova.com/30-nice-things/
Top of Section
Top of Page
Owl Paper Cup Project
http://www.favecrafts.com/Rainy-Day-Crafts/Owl-Paper-Cup/ct/1
Mixed Media Owl Project
http://www.thatartistwoman.org/2010/09/owl-projects-take-2.html
Cute Owl Cake
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cute-owl-cake/
Owl Postcard
http://www.favecrafts.com/Green-Crafting/Owl-Sponge-Postcard/ct/1
Owl Earrings
http://www.favecrafts.com/Earrings/Who-You-Gift-Box-and-Keepsake-Earrings/ct/1
Wise Owl Purse
http://www.favecrafts.com/Green-Crafting/Wise-Owl-Purse/ct/1
Top of Section
Top of Page
Fun Animations
and Pictures |
I'll Give Myself A Lift
Extreme Dumpster Diving
Testing the Waters
The Art of Misdirection
Flappy Fish
Flying Camera
Top of Section
Top of Page
From Sharoot
Bluebird Fledge Time
Coming Soon!
Top of Section
Top of Page
VacaShopping for Easter
Time to prepare for summer! T-Shirts, BBQ Aprons and Mugs await you!
VacaDude’s creations are sure to be treasured gifts for those special people in
your lives.
Check them all out at VacaDude's CafePress store! Support our beloved
artist/broadcaster/friend!
http://www.cafepress.com/vacadude
MollyTheOwlBooks
Eric has discontinued the sales of all his books and merchandise.
The Molly Fans Cookbook
was also offered through this website, so
if you didn't get a copy
of that and want one, let DotRot know
and she'll do what she can to make it available to you.
