Walter’s Purple Heart - Book Review

Serious, sad, lighthearted and told with humor.

Each chapter is titled by a name, flipping between Michael, Walter, Mary Ann and Andrew

Synopsis of Walter’s Purple Heart

Walter's Purple Heart

Michael Steeb is an aimless 21-year-old pot farmer in Central California in the 1980s. He has no real plans or interests...until the day he connects with memories of a life that seems to belong to someone else. That "spirit" is Walter, a young American soldier killed in World War II.

Forty years ago….

Seeking answers on the Ouija board, he later comes to understand that Walter is an earlier incarnation of himself.

Michael eventually realizes that he has been given a mystery to solve. He is being asked to lead Walter's family to closure and peace and deliver the real truth behind Walter's Purple Heart. Somehow, he needs to achieve the forgiveness absent for so many years so Walter can move on, and leave his anger behind.

To accomplish this task given to him, Michael sets out to find Walter's best friend, Andrew, and Mary Ann, the fiancée Walter left behind. Mary Ann recognizes Walter in Michael immediately. But Andrew thinks Michael is nothing but a con man and doesn't believe a word he says. Michael, encouraged by the spirit of Walter, continues to try and accomplish the goal Walter has set for him. 

Summary 

A large part of the story is narrated by Walter ~ from beyond the grave.  Walter's Purple Heart is a fast-paced war drama and a deeply felt romance, with a unique twist on the prospect of multiple lives. 

A romantic story about a dead World War II soldier who transcends the barriers of time to touch the lives of the people he loved in his life.  Catherine Ryan Hyde at her best in this fascinating metaphysical fiction story.  

Related Links:

• Reviews of books by Catherine Ryan Hyde
• Book Reviews by ReviewThisReview's contributing writers can be found at ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Walter’s Purple Heart is written by Wednesday Elf

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Delectable Blueberry Muffin Recipe

In my opinion, there is not anything better than a homemade blueberry muffin with a cup of fresh black coffee for breakfast in the morning. 

This blueberry muffin recipe is very easy, plus the ingredients are common staples in a kitchen, except the blueberries.  Anything homemade takes time, but these muffins can be made in less than an hour.

Whether you are entertaining guests, or simply your own family, these muffins are always a welcome treat.  

While they are fabulous right out of the oven (once cooled for a few minutes, of course), they can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for a few days.  If you plan to serve them within a day or so, they can be left out at room temperature.  However, beyond that, they should be refrigerated.  

We have never had to refrigerate our muffins.  They tend to "disappear" the first day.

 

 

Blueberry Muffin Recipe
Sylvestermouse on ReviewThisReviews.com 

 

Prep Time	Cook Time	Ready In	Yields
20 min.	20-25 min.	45 min.	18 servings

Ingredients 

• 2 cups fresh blueberries  
• 1¼ cups of sugar (plus extra for sprinkling tops)
  
• 1/2 cup butter, softened  (extra for brushing tops)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2 cup milk

 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° 
2. Grease non-stick muffin tins with Crisco shortening
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together. 
4. Beat in one egg at a time (adding a total of 2 eggs)
   
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt
6. Gradually mix flour mixture into butter mixture alternating with milk & beating well after each addition.  
7. Fold in Blueberries with a spatula (do not use the mixer & beaters here)
8. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, approximately 2/3 full 
9. Sprinkle tops with sugar
10. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
11. As soon as the muffins are out of the oven, use a small silicone pastry brush to brush muffins with melted butter, then put them back in the oven for 2 minutes 
12. Let Cool for 5 minutes, remove from muffin tins & serve
    

 

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Delectable Blueberry Muffin Recipe Reviewed Written by:

© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Magnetic Clasps and Closures

 Do you have trouble fastening your necklaces and bracelets?  I know I often struggle trying to put on my jewelry and this has become increasingly difficult as the years go by.  I recently received a new bracelet, and it came with a magnetic clasp.  It is so easy to attach that I find myself reaching for this bracelet all the time.  

My New Bracelet

My new bracelet is seen in the photo at the top of this article.  My sister took my Mom's silverware and had them made into various jewelry pieces for Mom's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  I chose the bracelet, and it is now one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. Each time I wear the bracelet, I remember when I was young and before ever holiday meal, Mom would get out her good silver and it would be my job to polish it. It is attractive and so easy to put on and off with the magnetic clasp.

Adding Magnetic Clasps to Existing Jewelry

Magnetic clasps are a wonderful feature for anyone who has trouble using their hands, whether it be from arthritis, limited use of hands and/or fingers, a manicure, or like me just the effects of growing older.   These clasps are so easy to use.  You just need to lay out your necklace or bracelet to the right and left with the magnetic clasp in the middle.  You can then put the item around your neck or wrist and bring the two ends of the new clasps together and the magnets will attract to each and just like that in seconds you have on your jewelry.  I love having the frustration of trying to hook my jewelry together removed.  Now I'm able to wear items that have been left in my jewelry box because they were too hard to connect!

Amazon Magnetic Clasps

Here is a link to the clasps I purchased on Amazon.  Necklace Magnetic Clasps   As you look on Amazon you will find they have a wide variety of different packages of magnetic clasps and closures for you to choose from.  They come in different sizes and shapes to fit your needs.  Here are some of the features of the style I chose.

• Lightweight-.03oz
• Length .7 inch...this adds a bit of length to my jewelry item, but not too much.
• Made of strong silver, sturdy and solid
• Retains colors after long time use
• Allergy free-won't turn your skin green

I hope this solution to fastening your jewelry works for you or someone you know who has trouble with putting on their jewelry.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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2025 Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas begins Friday, October 17th with a new Hallmark episode of the Mistletoe Murders. A Royal Montana Christmas new holiday movie premieres October 18th. This year Hallmark again brings over 30 new Christmas and holiday movies on the Hallmark channels including the Hallmark Mystery channel.

 

A few of the eagerly awaited anticipated 2025 Hallmark Christmas movies are:

Three Wisest Men

Yes a third installment of the very popular movies with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell. The best Hallmark Christmas movies continue! The first movie was Three Wise Men And A Baby, then Three Wiser Men And A Boy and the third premiering in November is Three Wisest men.  Reunited this trio takes on parenting with family challenges, family home selling  and all the chemistry we love with this cast. Margaret Colin also returns to the lovable chaos!

Holiday Touchdown A Bill's Love Story

Last year was Holiday Touchdown A Chief's Story which was Hallmark's number one movie. 

This year NFL returns with Holiday Touchdown: A Bill's Love Story premiering in November.                Last year had a very attractive cast with  Tyler Hynes, Hunter King and Ed Begley Jr.,Donna Kelce, Jenna Bush Hagar for the Chief's. 

This year's love story is using the home and stadium of the Bill's as a backdrop with participation b some of the Bill's organization. Buffalo Bills fans will be appreciative of any cameo's which may pop up!

Baked With Love

A holiday cooking contest show. Tamera Mowry will host this reality family oriented competition which premieres at the end of October.

Finding Mr. Christmas - Season 2

Season 2 begins the end of October. Jonathan Bennett hosts. Hallmark has entered the holiday reality area with competing actors for a starring Hallmark lead...  

A Christmas Quest

It is not Hallmark Christmas without Lacey Chabert. This year Lacey stars with Kristoffer Polaha in this holiday story featuring mystery, adventure, Iceland and treasure of the Yule Lads, premieres December 1. Filmed in Iceland.. enjoy!

A few favorites from seasons gone by to look for in the 2024 Season.

A Christmas Quest

Lacey Chabert stars with Kristoffer Polaha in this Iceland based holiday story featuring mystery, adventure. Always love a Lacey Chabert movie!

A Merry Scottish Christmas 2023

The number one movie of 2023 at Hallmark1 Party of Five fans showed up for this movie and the movie/reunion did not disappoint. Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf play siblings on a family trip to Scotland during the holidays. Family reunions and family mysteries are in the air. Filmed in Ireland and Scotland and the Duns Castle Estate is featured in a movie full of gorgeous landscapes and castles.

Never Been Chris'd 2023

The A team Hallmark actor Tyler Hynes leads reunion as hometown friends reunite for Christmas Hallmark love triangle, the Hallmark way. As always  Hynes brings humor, wit and a few winks to this holiday movie.

Three Wise Men And A Baby And Three Wiser Men And A Boy

These two Hallmark movies (soon to be joined by a third) is the trifecta of quality holiday movies at Hallmark. All movies have the Hallmark A Team of  Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell, Margaret Colin. The chemistry is above reproach which helps bring these two movies into the must look for to rewatch category every Christmas. 

Christmas Under Wraps and Sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn

Jodie Sweetin (Full House) and David O'Donnell star in the sequel of old loves reuniting. Candace Cameron Bure starred in the first. Garland Alaska takes the center stage with new and old loves. Both movies are charming and also on the rewatch list when Hallmark Christmas movies begin. 

Haul Out The Holly And Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up  Sequel 2022

Both movies feature are delightfully comic, slapstick, lovable characters and a sense of humor is required as a viewer. This is vintage Hallmark and we love it with Lacey Chabert  and Wes Brown. The characters with the battle their inner Grinches with the annual HOA competition for decorating to win the prize! The chemistry of the cast guides this romcom for a feel good double header of Hallmark Christmas.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviews

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2024 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Moves 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

Where To Find Hallmark Christmas Movies?

 Sling offers Hallmark as an add on in their Lifestyle category. 

Hallmark + is the rebranded  Hallmark Movies Now with a monthly fee. A seven day free trial is available.  Find information on pricing and the free trial here.

The cable streaming services frequently change their offerings, tiers, plans!

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Try These Delicious Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets That Dissolve in Water! So Good!

 

What Are Redoxon Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets and Why I Take Them

Each Redoxon tablet has 1,000 mg of vitamin C, which is the equivalent of eating 10 oranges. I’m definitely not eating 10 oranges a day, so this is a simple way to give my immune system a boost. Especially with fall and winter colds going around, I feel better knowing I’m adding that extra protection. Sometimes I take it every day, sometimes every other day, but either way I feel like I’m covered.

Why I Like Effervescent Tablets

I don’t mind swallowing vitamins, but I know many people dislike taking them. That’s why this form works so well. 

Simply drop the tablet in a glass of water, let it dissolve, and then drink. For me, it’s easy and actually enjoyable—it feels more like a drink than a vitamin.

The Taste is Amazing!

What hooked me most was the taste. It’s very orangey, refreshing, and bright. I usually dissolve mine in a regular cup of water (about 250 ml). I like the stronger, punchier flavor that way. 

Some people in my family prefer to add it to a water bottle, which dilutes it more. Both ways work, but I love the bold orange flavor in just a cup.

The Fizz Factor

I also love the effervescence. I’m a big fan of carbonated water, and while I don’t know if this technically counts as carbonation, it definitely has a fizz to it. That fizz gives it an extra kick, making it even more enjoyable to drink.

Making It More Interesting

Every once in a while, I’ll play around with it. I’ll throw in some ice cubes or even add a squirt of lemon juice. It turns into a little drink I look forward to, instead of just “taking my vitamins.”

Other Effervescent Vitamin Choices Available

Redoxon also makes other effervescent vitamins, like multivitamins, so you can browse through different choices. For now, I’m sticking with just the vitamin C, since I already take other supplements. But if you’re curious, there are lots of options. Out of the brands I’ve tried, Redoxon—R-E-D-O-X-O-N—is definitely my favorite.

How I First Tried Redoxon Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets

I actually discovered Redoxon when we were overseas visiting family. They had some on hand, and I thought I might be catching a cold. I tried one tablet, and I was instantly impressed with both the taste and the fizz. 

When we arrived back in Canada, I ordered two bottles from Amazon right away. Each one has 15 tablets, so with two, I have 30, which is plenty.

Final Thoughts

For me, Redoxon isn’t just about vitamin C. It’s about enjoying something tasty and fizzy while also doing something good for my health. 

If you like orange flavor and want an easy way to get a considerable boost of vitamin C, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

Disclaimer

I’m not a doctor, and this post is just me sharing my own experience with Redoxon. Everyone’s health needs are different, so be sure to talk with your doctor before adding or changing vitamins in your routine.

___________________

Find Redoxon Effervescent Tablets on Amazon, Where Available

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Review of National Fried Rice Day

A delicious food holiday celebrated on September 20th each year.

National Fried Rice Day Origins

In 2018, the renowned Japanese restaurant chain Benihana partnered with the National Day Calendar to create the National Fried Rice Day holiday. This flavorful holiday was founded to spotlight the culinary importance of high-quality rice and encourage people to enjoy their favorite versions of fried rice. 

I have seen many versions of recipes for fried rice. It is a popular and tasty way to use up leftovers, especially turkey, chicken and pork. Most of these recipes appear to include peas & carrots, but my preferred version instead includes onions and/or scallions and mushrooms. The scrambled eggs are one of my favorite ingredients. Therefore, I usually add an extra egg for LOTS of egg in every bite. I’ve often made fried rice with leftover roast turkey or rotisserie chicken, but my most favorite is Shrimp Fried Rice. 

Personal Fried Rice Story

As a newlywed, I was not a very good cook, as you can see by some of my earliest cooking disasters in my story ‘Potholder Soup’. Actually, if truth be told, I couldn’t cook at all. 

It took a long time, but I finally learned to cook. Luckily, my hubby was a good cook, so he didn't starve while I learned. (LOL) 

During those first couple of years, my parents used to come visit about twice a year (especially after their very first grandchild was born). Each visit, my dad (the cook in our family during my growing up years) would give me a cooking lesson of one of my favorite childhood dishes. One trip, the lesson was how to prepare ‘fried rice’ since we had leftover turkey from a roast turkey meal. 

First, you have to understand that my dad had a fantastic sense of humor, so you never knew what he was going to come up with. On this particular evening, as we began to gather the ingredients for our fried rice dish, dad announced that the time it takes for food preparation of any recipe can be measured by beer! It is either a 1-beer, 2-beer, or 3-beer job. I  like beer, just like my dad, but my limit is usually one; maybe sometimes two. We enjoyed cooking the meal together, completed the recipe, and the family enjoyed a delicious fried rice meal. 

Now it’s about five years later. My parents were coming for a visit, and I wanted to make something comforting yet practical—chicken fried rice. It’s one of those dishes that can be made ahead of time and still taste great no matter when they arrive. 

At dinnertime, I served the chicken fried rice. As we were eating, my mom asked “how much soy sauce did you use in this dish of fried rice?”

Me: “Soy Sauce?” “Soy Sauce?”

Do you believe that my original cooking lesson of fried rice became a 3-beer job? And that the soy sauce was the last ingredient to be added? Well ~ I admit I have absolutely no memory of the soy sauce ingredient! For five years I made meals of fried rice - with NO soy sauce. Hubby used to add it to his portion, but never once asked me why I didn’t use it in the recipe. I think he thought I didn’t like soy sauce, so never mentioned it. 

Needless to say, I now know ALL the ingredients for my fried rice recipes. :)

So, for National Fried Rice Day, or any day you are in the mood for fried rice, pick your favorite recipe (or look online for a new one), and enjoy this tasty Asian dish. Don’t forget the soy sauce! 

Related Links:

*Fried Rice Recipes Online

*ReviewThis Reviews: Recipes

*National Fried Rice Day review written by Wednesday Elf

Helpful Kitchen Aids for Cooking Fried Rice

 

Teewe Carbon Steel Wok -13 Inch Woks & Stir-fry Pans Nonstick, Wok Pan with Lid Spatula and Dish Brush: Pre-Seasoned Flat Bottom Chinese Woks for Induction, Electric, Gas, All Stoves

OVENTE Electric Wok with Nonstick Coating, 13 Inch Family-Sized Skillet, 1400W Power, Adjustable Temperature, Tempered Glass Lid, Cool Touch Handles and Easy to Clean Frying Surface, Copper SK3113CO

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Faraday Bags for Personal Protection Against Theft & Tracking Reviewed

Faraday Bags Allow You to Block Tracking, Prevent Credit Card Data Theft & Key Fob Signal Theft

Electronics are great!  Many of us enjoy the convenience of email, online banking & shopping, reading books on electronic devices and even starting our cars with remote control.  However, with these fabulous conveniences come opportunities for theft.  

Thieves can use other electronic devices (rfid readers) to steal our credit card information without ever touching our wallets, or even the physical credit card.  There are other devices to transfer your car key fob's signal so they can unlock and start your car in order to steal it.  And, of course, we can all be tracked by our phones.  

Let's face it.  If we can electronically do anything, there is also a way for a thief to hack our devices and get entry to our information and property.  In order to protect our assets, we need Faraday bags to block their intrusion. 

I purchased a set of Faraday bags because I wasn't quite sure what size would be best for my needs or how I would want to use them daily.  It turns out, they are all needed.  I put the largest bag inside my backpack and use it as if it were a liner to the backpack.  I drop my keys & wallet in it and retrieve them (just as I would from the backpack) when I need them.  That keeps them from being exposed to thieves when I am simply carrying them while shopping, eating in a restaurant, or walking simply for exercise.  I gave the single key fob Faraday bag in the set to my son for his car key.  I can tell you from experience that it works!  We have since purchased several single key fob Faraday bags.

Keeping our electronic devises in a Faraday bag at home is also wise.  I recently read that thieves can stand outside your home windows and use devices to steal your data or signals while your wallets and key fobs are idly laying around your home.  I hate to say it, but that could also mean when you have workmen around your home.  

When my brother was flying and wanted to protect his laptop, we gave him a Faraday bag that was large enough to enclose his laptop.

Additional benefits of Faraday bags are that they are water and fire resistant.  Of course, that is limited protection against water or fire, but electronics could be saved by a Faraday bag if retrieved soon enough.

 

Set of Faraday Bags

IFENROL Faraday Bags EMP Proof - 4 Pack Faraday Pouch Anti-Tracking Key Fob Protector, Faraday Cage for Phones & Laptops & Tablets & Car Keys for Fireproof & WaterproofCheck Price There are 4 Faraday bags in varying sizes in the set that I initially purchased.  I have added to our collection of Faraday bags as needed for specific sized items.  I like having one in each of our vehicles to use when needed too.

Rest stops, restaurants, or a friend's driveway are examples of the kinds of places I might stop for a short period of time and not want to carry in my iPad or cellphone.  

Hotel rooms are also extremely venerable places.  If you usually set your cell phone, keys and/or wallet on the night stand in a hotel room while you sleep, a Faraday bag would be essential.

What's in the Set

• Large Faraday Bags (12.2 X 9.2 inch) - for Laptops & tablets
• Medium Faraday Pouch (10.63 X 6.8 inch) - for tablets
• Small Faraday Phone Pouch (7.87 X 4.72 inch) - for cell phones or passports
• Extra Small RFID pouch (5.9 X 3.15 inch) - for a key fob

Each bag has a top velco strip closure. Simply fold the top over to press the velco strips together for closure

 

These are the Faraday Bags I Purchased Separately for a Laptop and Additional Key Fobs

Faraday Bags 17'' x 15'', Large EMP Proof faradaybag Anti-theft Anti-Tracking for Laptops & Tablets & Phones & Car Keys, Fireproof & Waterproof RFID Signal Blocker Faraday Pouch

Faraday Pouch for Car Keys, Faraday Bag, Car RFID Signal Blocking Holder, Key Fob Protector, Key fob cage Block Signal Anti-Theft Fob Case (2 Pack)

 

 

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Faraday Bags for Personal Protection Against Theft & Tracking Reviewed  written by:

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Greenstalk Vertical Planter Review

I currently have two Greenstalk vertical planters. One is a taller unit with shorter planter tiers in it. My other one is a shorter unit, with deeper planter tiers in it.

I had the taller unit for approximately a year before purchasing the additional shorter unit with the deeper planting wells. The shorter wells are meant for plants that do not require the extra room for deeper roots.

What I have learned, is that based on my attention to watering, is that the deeper planting wells work best for me. They hold more water for longer, making the plants happier overall.

Although the units are made to drain excess water out the bottom, and through a hose attachment, they can be over watered. I did that early on. Then I went the other way and watered too little. When I purchased the shorter unit, I had much better success.

Both the shorter wells and the deeper wells have the same premise for working. They have a predrilled hole in each planting area that lines up with the tier below it, and the water drains down to the next tier and so on.

Each unit also comes with a water collection reservoir at the top, which is detachable, that can more quickly drain excess water down to the bottom and out, like when there is a heavy rain.

The planting tiers come as a set depending on which size planting wells you want and how many tiers you want to have.

I have found that I also prefer the shorter tiers, as the top is easier to reach for planting and watering.

There are accessories that can be ordered to help with the vertical gardening. The main one is the wheel base attachment with a spinner. The wheels can be locked in place to prevent the vertical planter from rolling on its own. The spinner allows you to easily turn the planter unit around without moving the wheels, to allow different plants to get more sun or shade as needed. You may need to go to Greenstalk.com to locate this specific accessory.

There are also other attachments to help with plant support. There are also accessories for frost protection and insect protection. I did purchase the accessory for frost protection, and felt more secure with my plants being protected on the predicted frosty mornings.

Pros:

More plants can be planted in a small square foot area, making it a great option for balcony and patio gardening.

The watering area is in a smaller square foot area.

Has optional accessories to make gardening easier.

Has a basic texture design or a weave pattern texture to choose from, and also various colors.

Cons:

Requires more regular watering, more so than raised beds and in ground gardening.

Would I order it again? Yes. Actually I already placed my order for an additional short tiered unit with the deeper planting wells. Whether my plants need the extra room for deeper roots or not, I will give them the extra space, and the shorter unit is easier for me to reach overall. I am 5'4".

Greenstalk Vertical Planter, 3 tiered unit. Check price.

Click here to view more options.

Cheryl Paton

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This Week Life is Amazing ~ From the Heart

Life is sometimes a big struggle and we can find ourselves more than a little lost with all that is happening around us.  Every once in a while something happens that seems to take us out of the darkness and chaos, to remind us that life is still very, very good.  And this week has been amazing!

Let me tell you a little story.  

When I was 18 years old, I became a BLOOD DONOR!  Oh I didn't do it for the right reasons, I was busy trying to get out of one of my high school classes.  At that time, the Canadian Red Cross ( now known as Canadian Blood Services) would come to high schools, set up a clinic, and hopefully recruit new donors for this important life saving venue. That was my door to getting out of that dreaded class!

Anyways, that was many years ago and much has changed in the process of giving blood.  Some of the changes are great and some of them are not. but all were necessary to keep the supply of blood safe for those who needed it most.

You see the story changed for me when my father became ill.  At that time I was already a regular donor but hadn't really thought about how much my donation would impact others.  Oh I knew people needed blood for all kinds of things, but it was never personal to me.  Well that changed quickly.

My father had cancer and while he was undergoing treatments, he would receive blood transfusions as part of his care.  When he would come home from those transfusions, he looked so much better and had more energy.  It seemed transformative to us and to him.  I would talk to him and he'd say to me, please keep on being a blood donor, it makes such a difference to me!

Well how can you say no to that?  Especially when you find out you and he are the same blood type!

At that point in my life, I no longer looked at giving blood as a chore, rather it became part of my mission to help my father and anyone else who needed that help.

Fast forward to this week.  While I was at my regular BLOOD DONOR CLINIC, the people who had just finished their donations, were sitting at the coffee table and tossing their donor cards on the table for the volunteer to record their donation on the back.  Jokingly I said. Okay, "Who's got the most donations and do they get a prize?" Everyone at the table had a good laugh until I pulled out my card and they got a look at it.  Theirs were emblazoned with 10, 20, 30 donations and then mine hit the pile and it said 100!

I didn't think it was a big deal, but everyone at the table were totally impressed.  A discussion ensue and I encouraged all of them, that their day will come when 100 will be on their cards too.

It wasn't until this week when a package arrived that made me stop and think.  My other half said, "did you order another book?"  I was truly surprised to be getting a package because I did NOT order anything.  Opening it I was even more surprised!  I guess getting to that 100 was a bigger deal than I had thought. It was a certificate from Canadian Blood Services!

Now I was truly impressed and my other half made me realize that I had dedicated the last 25 years of my life to giving blood 4 times a year.  Well when you put it that way, I guess it is impressive.

Now this story is not about bragging rights, because that just isn't me, rather it's a story about encouraging YOU or anyone in your family to become BLOOD DONORS!  The need is always there and as the Slogan says, "It's in you to give!"  It doesn't cost you anything other than about an hour of your time and it helps people that you may never ever meet!  But be certain of one thing,  the people that need the blood will be thanking you in their hearts for helping them!

Do you need something to help you through your darker times?  Take an hour and become a BLOOD DONOR, you will feel so much better about life when you know you make a difference.

In Canada if you want to know more you can follow this link: https://www.blood.ca/en/ways-donate

In the USA you can follow this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

I do hope that this, my story, will encourage you to become part of a lifeline for so many people that are in need!

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Air Fryer French Bread Pizza Review

 Sometimes you just need a late-night snack, or you're looking for a quick meal. Whatever the case, try some French bread pizza in your air fryer.

We always keep Red Baron French Bread Pizza in our freezer. From frozen to your plate in 10 minutes or less.

The instructions on the box will say to preheat your oven to 375 degrees and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. 

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees and set the timer for 6 minutes.

What I love most is the crunch. The air fryer gives the bread a golden, toasty base without turning it rock hard. Not only does this turn out to be a delicious snack or meal, but you're also using less energy by using your air fryer.

You can also make these from scratch using fresh French Bread, pizza sauce, and your choice of various toppings. 

We use a Ninja Air Fryer, and the 6-minute timer is perfect. You may need to experiment with different times for various air fryers.

Cleaning up is another benefit of using your air fryer. Just wipe out your air fryer basket, and you're ready to make some more.

Overall, Air Fryer French Bread Pizza is one of those effortless comfort foods that delivers big flavor with very little effort.

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