Hartwell Happiness

There is no place like home

2009-07-28T04:23:00.000-07:00

I was recently away on a business trip - and it was a great experience, as I enjoy learning and improving my skills. But, there is nothing better than coming home and sleeping in your own bed!

Home sweet home!

Recipe - Chicken Pot Pie Soup

2009-06-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Chicken Pot Pie Soup from Back to the Cutting Board
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (I used leftover roasted chicken)
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 cups potatoes, cubed
1 can green peas, drained
1 can corn, drained
6 tbsp. butter
1 cup flour
2 tbsp. chicken/vegetable bouillon, ground up (2 bouillon cubes)
2 cups chicken/vegetable broth
4 cups of milk
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Puff pastry dough or whatever else you like.

1. Put the potatoes in a pot with 1 cup of the broth and enough water to cover them. At the same time, put your peeled and chopped carrots in a small pot with enough water to cover them. Cover and cook both vegetables until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, sauté your onions in a few teaspoons of olive oil until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add in bouillon, pepper, garlic, broth and flour. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until it boils, simmer for a minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add chicken and then each vegetable one at time and stir carefully between each addition.
6. Roll out your pastry dough (if you’re using it) about 1/4 inch thick and cut into 3×3 inch squares. Bake in 375 degree oven for 7-10 minutes, until puffy and slightly browned on top.

Serve on top of soup. Serves 6-8.

Thanks to all the hard working volunteers!

2009-05-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

So many wonderful people worked very hard on "Cars & Guitars" to provide a nice evnt for community. I personally wish to thank everyone who helped with this event!!!!

What a beautiful sunny Saturday!!!

2009-04-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have terrible pine tree pollen allergies, but today was a beautiful PERFECT Spring day worth remembering. Sunny and perfect. The lake levels on Lake Hartwell have increased greatly and that brings big smile to my face! (Contented sigh .....)

Uses for WD-40. WOW!!!

2009-03-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

(This information was not written by me, but emailed to me -- and I thought I'd share)

'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.

When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from t he kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24.. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on 20 saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging...
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for 20 removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

A special treat - and a lovely song

2009-03-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at work, a number of young ladies stopped into the Chamber office. My sweet assistant AJ, was helping them and I stepped out of my office to see if she needed any help. I was so impressed by this group, who called themselves - Wilderness Girls, and they were camping in our area. They were polite and very enthusiastic to see what the Historic Museum offered. As they thanked us, they offered to sing a song and we both gladly said, that would be wonderful!

As these beautiful girls sang - I was so touched as they sang about Christ and how he walked with them each day. It was truly a happy day for me in Hartwell!

Scary words women use...

2009-02-24T15:13:00.000-08:00

Fine -- This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

Five Minutes -- If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

Nothing -- This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

Go Ahead -- This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

Loud Sigh -- This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing.

That's Okay -- This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

Thanks -- A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome. that will bring on a 'whatever').

Whatever -- Is a woman's way of saying Phooey on YOU! (Or something close to that)

Yipppeeee - It's Friday!

2009-02-06T14:16:00.001-08:00

Do you ever have weeks that are just plum exausting? I am wiped out and really need to rest my poor little brain. As a Chamber of Commerce worker, we have had many BIG events back to back in January and now February. I know, I work hard - but I feel overwhelmed at times. So the thing I am most happy about is the weekend is here and having some downtime to rest.

Yipppppp-eeee it's Friday!

2008-12-22T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! May this recession end quick and everyone find good paying jobs!

Like to find treasure??? Use your GPS to find sites in Hartwell.

2008-10-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Geocaching Home > Getting Started with Geocaching
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache.

Easy Steps to Geocaching
Register for a free account.
Click "Hide & Seek a Cache."
Enter your postal code and click "search."
Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS unit.
Use your GPS unit to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
Share your geocaching stories and photos online.
Before You Go -- Find a geocache that will meet your immediate goals. Are you looking for a difficult hike or an easy adventure? Learn How to Find a Geocache
If you're headed out on the trail, pack any needed supplies such as water, food and extra clothing. Bring both a map and a compass. Check geocache terrain and difficulty ratings.
For safety, let someone know where you are going.
Do not forget your GPS unit and extra batteries.
Get Out and Play
Mark your car as a waypoint to ensure your safe return.
Be mindful of the environment, practice Cache In Trash Out.
Bring friends and family with you; sharing the experience can be very rewarding. Pets are usually welcome, too!
Remember that distances can be deceiving. A geocache can take longer to find depending on trails, rivers and other obstacles.
Share Your Experience
If you take something from the geocache, leave something of equal or greater value.
Write about your experience in the geocache logbook.
Place your geocaching stories and photos online. Learn How to Log Your Find
Want to learn more? See Geocaching.com
See some Hart County Geocaches at http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?origin_lat=34.353467&origin_long=-82.931017&submit3=Submit%20target=_blank

Think Pink!!!!

2008-10-24T14:06:00.001-07:00

Ty Cobb Healthcare System Inc. is honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering free and discounted mammography screenings during October. For more information or to make an appointment, call Cobb Memorial Hospitalcentral scheduling at 706-245-1679.

October 18th - The "Flealess Flea" market

2008-10-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Hart County Humane Society will be having a mega "Flealess Flea" Market from 9-4 on Oct. 18th at the Sardis Church Gym on Highway 29 North. Proceeds from this event benefit Hart County animals. If you have items to donate they can be dropped off at the gym between 10-4 on Oct. 17th . To volunteer, contact Gayle at 706-376-0930 or e-mail shaquibud@yahoo.com.

See their web page at http://www.harthumane.org/ Click HERE to search for adoptable pets or click HERE for an Adoption Application Document with Instructions. In 2007, the Hart County Humane Society has placed over 340 animals in loving homes, with the help of our foster homes and other volunteers. To see more adorable animals looking for homes, please go to www.petfinder.com and enter Hartwell, GA or zip code 30643 under Location in the Search Box.

I strongly believe in this wonderful organization that rescues animals and fosters them at private homes until the animals can be adopted. I think God has special angel wings for these good folks. I personally have two very spoiled cats (Molly and Mo) that I adopted from a rescue shelter in Raleigh, NC.

Thankful for family!

2008-10-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

I had a very difficult day and I was so tired when I got home from work. I thought okay - as it is raining, I am going to prepare canned soup for dinner. Well -- my 76 year old Mom stopped my house by with a wonderful surprise dinner of turkey, zuccini and hash brown potatoes!!! YUM YUM YUM! Timing is everything and this dinner treat was perfect! I am thankful to have those who love me near by!

October 16, 2008 - The Pink Partini at Cateechee Golf Club!

2008-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is a 'girls night out' benefit hosted by the Hartwell Service League. Tables are $320 and seat 8 women. There are only 25 tables available, so purchase your table ASAP. The proceeds from the event will help fight breast cancer, which affects one in eight women. The event coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For more information on buying a table, contact Mary Lynn Johnson at Bailes-Cobb (706) 376-7156. Read article from the Hartwell Sun.

The Best Hartwell Bargains!

2008-10-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

1. The Clothes Closet - you never know what kind of deal you will find and just can't live without.
2. The Annual Friends of the Library Sale! You can purchase a whole plastic bag of your favorite type of "whatever" books, Audio Books, CD's, and DVD's you can find for $6.
3. The Annual Top Thread's Sale!!!! I always stock up for Christmas gifts for family up in Michigan. I bought Fleese, Sweatshirts, T-shirts and lot's of other new items for $2 each. Last year, all the money from the sale went to help out the YMCA.
4. The Saturday Farmers Market - lot's of good produce!
5. Garage/Yard Sales -- My favorite way to spend a Saturday morning.

God bless our military! (Prayers being said daily)

2008-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

I pray every day that all our military forces are safe and come home soon. I thought these quotes were powerful and some are also amusing.

'If the enemy is in range, so are you.' - Infantry Journal
'It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.' - U.S. Air Force Manual
'Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.' - General MacArthur
'You, you, and you ... Panic. The rest of you, come with me.' - U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.
'Tracers work both ways.' - U.S. Army Ordnance
'Five second fuses only last three seconds.' - Infantry Journal
'Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once.'
'Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do.' - Unknown Marine Recruit
'If you see a bomb technician running, keep up with him.' - USAF Ammo Troop
'Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death , I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing.'
'You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3.' - Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)
'The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.'
'If the wings are traveling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a helicopter -- and therefore, unsafe.'
'When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash.'
'Even with ammunition, the USAF is just another expensive flying club.'
'What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, .... The pilot dies.'
'Never trade luck for skill.'
The three most common expressions (or famous last words), in aviation are: 'Why is it doing that?' 'Where are we?' And 'Oh Shit!'
'Airspeed, altitude and brains. Two are always needed to successfully complete the flight.'
'Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!'
'Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it.'
'The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you.' - Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)
'There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peace time.' -Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1970
'If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to.'
You know that your landing gear is up and locked when it takes full power to taxi to the terminal.'
As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives; the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks, 'What happened?' The pilot's reply: 'I don't know, I just got here myself!' - Attributed to Ray Crandell (Lockheed test pilot)
'The highways of life are full of flat squirrels who couldn't make up their minds.'

Wonderful environmental saying

2008-08-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

Regarding our precious earth and doing the best for all people - "May we not inherit from our past but borrow from our future" a Dakota Indian saying.

Happiness is where you find it...

2008-08-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am pretty lucky. I can find happiness in little things. Sometimes happiness comes from the affection from my two cats or the enjoyment of a good lunch with friends. I find happiness in giving to others - and I LOVE finding bargains! With the economy being what it is, I thought I'd share some of my ways to find happiness and ways stretch the wallet too.