Video

Wash Your Hands

The Coronavirus has changed so many things over the last couple of weeks. We all truly hope that the panic so many are feeling is only temporary.

The one thing that the government, the experts, and every media outlet have repeatedly reminded us, is that the best way (at this point) of fighting off COVID-19 is to wash your hands often. And we should be washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds numerous times a day.

For many people simply counting to 20 is just too tedious. And for those people, we’ve found something that we think can make that 20 seconds a bit more fun. It’s the Hand Washing Song.

The immensely creative folks at ReelWorld and Reel2Media (an audio and video production company) have created not only an audio version of this catchy song but also a video version.

So if you’re ready, c’mon and follow the bouncing ball…

Image

Family Traditions

Every family has its holiday traditions. It’s part of what makes the season so special.  In my wife’s family, one of their traditions is the dressing that goes along with the turkey on Thanksgiving.  Now some people prefer to cook their dressing inside the cavity of the bird, but at that point, I guess it technically becomes stuffing.

The recipe for this special Thanksgiving side dish has been passed down from generation to generation.  As you can see from the well-worn recipe card below, this dish is officially called ‘Mothers Dressing’.  The mother in the title is technically my wife’s maternal grandmother Marilyn.  This was the dressing she served and passed down to my wife’s mother Nancy many years ago.

This year, the making of Mothers Dressing will be handled by my wife, Susan, and my sister-in-law, Alisan. It’s the one job they never wanted at Thanksgiving. And that’s not because they don’t love this dressing. The making of the dressing was always handled by their mother who we lost unexpectedly back in May.

This year, it looks like Mothers Dressing will take on a whole new meaning for the family. It will be tough giving thanks this year, but at least we still have each other and some wonderful memories.

This one’s for you, Nancy…

 

Mother’s Dressing

12 cups cubed bread (dried)
Melt 1 cup butter in a skillet
Brown 3/4 cup chopped onion and 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
2 teaspoons of salt
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
Add poultry seasoning to taste

To moisten the dressing, add broth or water as needed

Use regular white bread, purchase bread a few days in advance, and leave out to dry

(Makes 3 quarts for a 12 lb turkey)

Image

Visit Our Other Locations

In a town, the size of Nashville fast-food restaurants come and go. When one closes it’s really no big deal. You can usually find another location just a few blocks down the road. But in America’s small towns when a fast food joint closes down it’s a BIG deal.

Recently we were visiting my wife’s hometown Rensselaer, IN when we noticed a sad sight. The Arby’s restaurant just down the road from her aunt’s house had closed. And from the looks of things, it wasn’t just closed for remodeling.

It feels like there have been more business closings in Rensselaer the last few years than there have been openings. The McDonald’s just a few doors down is still there, as is the Pizza King a few blocks away, but there’s no doubt that the town is hurting.

We’d actually eaten at this Arby’s a few times through the years and we even knew one of the former managers who went to school with my wife. So we had a connection.

Now I realize it’s just an Arby’s… they’re all over the place. We can still get our roast beef fix just off the interstate. But I still feel sad. Obviously, if business had been better they might still be open. But it’s too late now. And truly, there’s nothing we could have done about it. We don’t live there, and even when we visit we’re usually just visiting with family.

But in America’s small towns the loss of a national franchise is a big deal. I’m all for supporting local business, but when you have chain stores it says your town is still thriving. The loss of the Arby’s may upset people for a few months, but life will go on. But if Walmart ever closes, watch out!

Image

Mickey Mouse

I have a bunch of friends who are huge Disney-files. They love everything Disney! Now I’ve been to both Disneyland and Disney World, but don’t have a desire to go there every year or two. So I guess you couldn’t say I’m a huge fan.

But even a cynic like me couldn’t pass up this sweet Disney item to go along with my new Google Home assistant. Doesn’t everyone need the Mickey Mouse stand for your Google Home Mini?!

It only costs around $20 and truly makes a statement! But good luck finding one right now. They’re a hot item and may be a little tough to locate if you want to give one as a Christmas gift. But don’t worry. Since it’s a Disney item you’ll soon see them everywhere.

Now if only they could make my Google Home Mini’s wake word be “Hey Mickey” and have it answer in Mickey’s voice. That would be PERFECT!

DJ Horn
Video

Get Hyped

Lately, everywhere I turn I keep hearing this air horn sound effect. I know that it has origins in the dance clubs, but now it’s turning up in movies, TV shows, commercials and even as a sound effect that some people create using their mouth.

You may know it as a Hype Horn, DJ Horn, Hip-Hop Horn, Reggae Horn, Disco Horn, or simply just an Air Horn.

So, my question… when did this become a “thing” and who is responsible? Does it have origins from Studio 54 back in the 1970’s or is a recent annoyance? Help!!! This has to stop!