Flowers for Algernon

I finished another really good book today "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes. It's a quick, easy, fictional novel about a retarded man who is given an operation that will make him a genius. The book is written as if they are excerpts from his diary.

Check out Kiva.org

It only takes $25 to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. Check out www.kiva.org

How Kiva Works
Choose an Entrepreneur, Lend, Get RepaidThe below diagram shows briefly how money gets from you to a developing-world entrepreneur, and back.
1) Lenders like you browse profiles of entrepreneurs in need, and choose someone to lend to. When they lend, using PayPal or their credit cards, Kiva collects the funds and then passes them along to one of our microfinance partners worldwide.
2) Kiva's microfinance partners distribute the loan funds to the selected entrepreneur. Often, our partners also provide training and other assistance to maximize the entrepreneur's chances of success.
3) Over time, the entrepreneur repays their loan. Repayment and other updates are posted on Kiva and emailed to lenders who wish to receive them.
4) When lenders get their money back, they can re-lend to someone else in need, donate their funds to Kiva (to cover operational expenses), or withdraw their funds.

Las Vegas

Check out details of our trip to Las Vegas on our family webpage http://tishendorfs.blogspot.com

Coldwater Creek

I spent Sunday morning at the Spa, and just have to say, if you are ever in the Portland area, be sure to make an appointment at Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa! Their facials and ultimate pedicures are the best and the talk of the town! http://coldwatercreekthespa.com/locations.aspx?StoreID=5102

50 best websites

For a list of Time magazines 50 best websites in 2007 go to http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1633488_1639316,00.html

A few more papercrafts!

I went to a paper crop Friday night and made a few items!

This one was my favorite. It is a purse!
Open it up and pictures will be attached to the patterned papers!
In the pockets on either sides are the circles above the purse where more photos can be pasted!

A new twist on the Sloppy Joe

Tonight I made Rachel Ray's recipe for "Sloppy Joe Di Maggios" which I found on the foodtv.com site! It was a hit! Thought I'd share it. Not the healthiest recipe, but tonight is game night and I had this made and on the table in less than 30 minutes!


Sloppy Joe Di Maggios - Serves a whole team of 9 little leaguers!
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray, 2007

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds lean ground sirloin or ground turkey
1 packages beef or pork hot dogs, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon steak seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce
9 soft burger rolls - like at the ballpark

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan, in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add meat and crumble as it browns. Add chopped hot dogs after 3 to 4 minutes then cook 3 to 4 minutes more. Add the onions to the pan and cook to soften, 5 to 6 minutes more. In a bowl mix the spices, sugar, Worcestershire and tomato sauce. Pour sauce over the meat and simmer a few minutes to combine flavors. Slop onto buns and serve.

Well, looks like sheep may be a good option!

I drove past the gas station today (in my 12 passenger van!) and it was $4.15 a gallon. Last time I put $50 in, the dial was just over 1/4 a tank. My Aunt sent these cartoons and they seem fitting!

Cards, Cards and more Cards

I've been busy making "thank you" cards for all my friends who are so good to me!