Andree Shearer Art/Freeze Frame Photography

10/16/2024

Our neighbor stopped by yesterday to give us a treat that was new to us. We love that we have such wonderful neighbors and friends willing to share new things with us. Have you ever had a persimmon or have any recipes you would like to recommend or share?

---

🎃🍂 **Persimmons sweet, oh what a treat!** 🍂🎃
Fall in Alabama, can't be beat!
Orange and shiny on the tree, 🍊🌳
Japanese persimmons are calling me!

With every bite, so juicy and bright, ✨😋
Taste of autumn, pure delight!
Come on down, take a stroll, 🚶‍♂️🍁
In South Alabama, they fill your bowl!

Pick 'em fresh when they’re soft and sweet, 🍬🥄
The perfect fall snack that can’t be beat!

10/03/2024

**PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO SHARE**

Yes, there are several **myths** surrounding blood donation that can discourage people from giving. Let’s clear up some of these common misconceptions so you can feel confident about donating blood:

# # # 1. **Myth: "Donating blood is painful."**
**Truth**: The process involves a quick needle prick, but most donors describe it as a mild pinch. The rest of the donation is painless, and the feeling of saving lives makes it more than worth it! 😊

# # # 2. **Myth: "I can’t donate because of my health condition."**
**Truth**: Many people with controlled health conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes) can still donate, as long as they meet basic health and eligibility guidelines. Always check with the blood center if you’re unsure!

# # # 3. **Myth: "I’ll feel weak or dizzy after donating."**
**Truth**: While some people might feel lightheaded, most donors feel fine afterward. By staying hydrated and eating a healthy meal before donating, you can avoid this. The staff is also there to monitor your well-being.

# # # 4. **Myth: "I don’t have the right blood type."**
**Truth**: **ALL blood types** are needed! Whether you’re O-negative (the universal donor), A, B, or AB, your donation can save lives.

# # # 5. **Myth: "I can’t donate blood because I’m too old."**
**Truth**: There’s no upper age limit for donating blood. As long as you’re healthy, you can donate well into your golden years! 🌟

# # # 6. **Myth: "Blood donation takes too long."**
**Truth**: The whole process, including paperwork, takes less than an hour, and the actual donation is only about 10 minutes. It’s a small time commitment with a huge impact! ⏱️

# # # 7. **Myth: "If I donate once, I have to donate regularly."**
**Truth**: There’s no obligation to donate again, but every donation is deeply appreciated. You can choose to give whenever you’re comfortable.

# # # 8. **Myth: "I might catch a disease by donating."**
**Truth**: This is absolutely false. Blood donation is extremely safe. **New, sterile equipment** is used for every donor, ensuring that there’s zero risk of infection.

# # # 9. **Myth: "I don’t weigh enough to donate."**
**Truth**: As long as you weigh at least **110 pounds** and meet other eligibility requirements, you’re good to go!

By debunking these myths, we hope more people feel empowered to give the life-saving gift of blood! **You CAN make a difference**—don’t let these misconceptions hold you back. 💪

07/15/2024

Don't let summer get away without booking your vacation at beautiful Lake Eufaula on the Alabama side of the Chattahoochee River. You can bring your boat, wave runners, kayaks, paddleboards or you can rent them from the local marina. Past families have said they enjoyed a day at Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, GA, 37 miles away. Abbeville has a quaint downtown. Walk the shaded sidewalks and make sure to check out Huggin' Molly's. Fort Gaines, GA has Frontier Village Historic Site and also the Walter F. George Lock, a great place to fish. The town of Eufaula also has a beautiful downtown with many shops and restaurants. Take a tour of The Shorter Mansion if you're in town. Or just relax in our home or down on the dock. We would love to host you, or Y'ALL!!!

Ole Blue's Lake House

05/22/2024

Making salt water taffy at home is a fun and engaging party activity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients:
1. **Sugar** - 2 cups
2. **Corn syrup** - 2/3 cup
3. **Water** - 3/4 cup
4. **Salt** - 1 teaspoon
5. **Butter** - 2 tablespoons (optional, for flavor and texture)
6. **Cornstarch** - 1 tablespoon (to prevent sticking)
7. **Flavoring** - 1 teaspoon (vanilla, mint, fruit extracts, etc.)
8. **Food coloring** - A few drops, optional, for fun colors

Equipment:
1. **Heavy-bottomed saucepan** - To cook the taffy mixture evenly.
2. **Candy thermometer** - To ensure the taffy reaches the right temperature.
3. **Wooden spoon** - For stirring the mixture.
4. **Pastry brush** - To wash down the sides of the pan.
5. **Baking sheet** - For cooling the taffy.
6. **Butter or cooking spray** - To grease the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
7. **Kitchen shears or scissors** - For cutting the taffy into pieces.
8. **Wax paper or plastic wrap** - For wrapping the taffy pieces.

Instructions:
1. **Prepare your workspace**: Grease a baking sheet with butter or spray it with cooking spray.
2. **Cook the taffy**:
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and clip the candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 250-260°F (hard-ball stage).
3. **Add butter and flavoring**:
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Stir in butter, flavoring, and food coloring (if using).
4. **Cool the mixture**:
- Pour the hot mixture onto the greased baking sheet.
- Let it cool slightly until it is cool enough to handle but still pliable.
5. **Pull the taffy**:
- Grease your hands with butter or oil.
- Pull the taffy by stretching it out and folding it back together.
- Continue pulling until the taffy becomes light in color and firm (this can take about 10-15 minutes).
6. **Shape and cut the taffy**:
- Roll the taffy into a long rope about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Use greased kitchen shears to cut the rope into bite-sized pieces.
7. **Wrap the taffy**:
- Wrap each piece in a square of wax paper or plastic wrap to keep them from sticking together.

Tips:
- Make sure to have adult supervision when cooking the taffy, as the mixture gets extremely hot.
- You can experiment with different flavor combinations and colors to make the taffy more fun and personalized for your party.
- Pulling taffy can be a bit tiring, so you might want to take turns if doing it with friends or family.

Enjoy making and eating your homemade salt water taffy! Watch the YouTube video below to see how!

Homemade Jolly Ranchers: https://youtu.be/kiyU7x_H1YYToday Jenn Johns shows you how to make 3 kinds of homemade salt water taffy! Using cotton candy, bubble ...

01/29/2024

🌿 Mistletoe Magic in Wiregrass! 🎄✨

Parasitic Pizzazz: Mistletoe, also known as "Viscum album," is a parasitic plant that hangs out on trees, giving them a festive makeover. 🌳🎄

Wiregrass Sweetheart: Our local mistletoe is a Wiregrass celebrity! It thrives in the warm, Southern climate, making it a symbol of love and holiday cheer. 💚❤️

Botanical Mistle-"Info": Mistletoe isn't just for stealing kisses; it's a fascinating plant. Did you know it grows by tapping into its host tree's nutrients? Talk about a strategic smooch seeker! 😘🌱

Magical Medicine: Traditionally, mistletoe has been used for medicinal purposes by various cultures. Some believed it had mystical healing powers. So, it's not just a matchmaker, but also a potential health elixir! 💊🌿

Ancient Traditions: The Druids considered mistletoe sacred and believed it had the power to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. So, hanging it in your home isn't just for romance; it's like having a guardian plant! 🧙‍♂️🍀

Kissing Tradition: The tradition of kissing under mistletoe dates back to ancient times, symbolizing love, friendship, and goodwill. So, if you find yourself under the mistletoe in Wiregrass, pucker up! 💋🌳

Berries of Mischief: Mistletoe berries may look tempting, but watch out! They're toxic to humans. Stick to stealing kisses, not snacks! 🚫🍇

Wildlife Wonderland: Mistletoe provides a cozy home for birds like the mistle thrush, who love munching on its berries during the winter months. It's like a tiny, tree-top bed-and-breakfast! 🐦🏡

So, next time you spot mistletoe in the Wiregrass area, remember it's not just a festive decoration; it's a symbol of nature's quirky charm and a sweet reminder to share the love! 💖🌿

10/10/2023

Name a food you never had growing up. I'll go first:
1. Boiled peanuts 🥜

09/12/2023

Never stop investing in yourself!!

09/08/2023

Situated within the heart of the southern United States, Alabama reveals a tapestry of towns that each tell a unique story.

07/22/2023

🌈🐛🍎🍓🍊🖍🎨