Double the Fun!

Just Saw A Double Rainbow.
As many of my followers know - we spend the summers in Colorado to avoid the Texas heat. I couldn't wait to show you the beauty outside my kitchen window.  Amazing! 

God's reminder and promise to us.

Got to see my first bear - from 100 yards away!
(thank goodness - he decides to go the other way)

I'll never get tired of seeing the beauty of God's creation on our morning hikes!

Rocky Mountain High ...
xoJoy

Happy Flag Day!

Flag Etiquette
How do you know what you don't know? It is summertime and we will have the opportunity to fly Old Glory to show our patriotism. Here's how to do it correctly:

Fun Facts:

The flag should never be flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most A merican Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.


Displaying the Flag Outdoors
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

Raising and Lowering the Flag The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

Displaying the Flag Indoors
When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

Parading and Saluting the Flag
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

The Flag in Mourning
To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

Maverick Fan For Life

National Champions!
Many Dallasites loose interest and turn our backs when our teams are not winning. But the owner of the Maverick's Basketball Team, Mark Cuban started a saying, "Maverick's Fan For Life" meaning we - (The Mav's Nation) root for the Mav's through the good times and bad - forever. He sets the example by always being there cheering them on to the very end, every year, every game of the season.
Last night was our night! The Dallas Maverick's won the NBA Championship and did it with class - so proud and excited to be a MFFL.

Mark Cuban allowed Mr. & Mrs. Carter (founding owners) to accept the Championship trophy.

MFFL
xoJoy

It's National Iced-Tea Day

Tea-Time Manners

 

It's National Ice-Tea Day!

While iced tea is common place for Texans and Southerner's, (especially sweet tea!) it is important to know how to navigate Tea-Time.

Remember - to call it by it's proper name - Iced Tea (not Ice Tea) Yes, their is a d on the end ...

Oh, and if you order at Starbuck :
Short is the smallest(8 oz) but you'll probably only get this size if you ask for it by name; anyone asking for a "small" will get a Tall, which is the smallest size for which the prices are actually on the menu. Only hot drinks can be served in the Short size. Tall is 12 oz. This is what you'll get if you ask for a "small" drink. Grande is 16 oz. This is the "medium"size.  Venti    20 oz. hot, 24 oz. cold. For some reason the iced Venti cups hold four more ounces; for this reason, Venti espresso drinks have an extra shot of espresso in them, and cost a few cents more than their hot equivalents. 
What about tea-party's? (no not THE Tea Party - no political statement are on the agenda today)
First we must know tea terminology – there are various types of teas parties:

  Afternoon Tea is served in the U.S. typically between the afternoon hours of three o’clock and five o’clock. A variety of teas are served along with three distinct courses – first, finger sandwiches are eaten, scones are next, and finally the sweet treat of pastries. In addition, afternoon tea is sometimes called “low tea” because it is served at low tables placed beside armchairs.

 Afternoon tea has been around for many centuries, but became popular in the 1840’s by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who suffered hunger pains during the long afternoons between lunch and the late evening meal. It became the “it “ thing to do and eventually turned into a social affair among the English aristocracy.

  High Tea - remember the biggest faux pas is to refer to afternoon tea as “high tea.” (You will be looked down upon as a novice tea drinker) Often times the term “high tea” is misused by people who want tea-time to sound more refined. Note to self: “high tea” is a hearty, simple, sit-down meal that the Industrial Revolution workers of the 19th century originated. The workers came home in the late afternoon from the fields, factories, and mines starved after a long and hard day of work. Traditionally the high tea meal was served in the late afternoon. It was set-up family style with tea to drink and meat to eat, now known as a supper buffet.

  Royal Tea is a choice of tea and a four-course menu of finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, desserts and a glass of champagne or sherry. The addition of the glass of champagne or sherry is the distinction of “royal tea.”

  Light Tea is a lighter version of afternoon tea. The menu excludes the fingers sandwiches but includes scones, sweets, and of course a variety of teas.

 There are various ways to serve the food at a tea. A savvy host knows an easy and elegant way to present each course is on a tiered stand. The first course eaten is from the bottom tier and we work our way up.
 

·       The first tier (bottom) is reserved for the finger sandwiches.

·       The second tier (middle) holds the scones.

·       The third tier (top) is for the small pasties, tarts and other bite-size sweet desserts.

 There are several “nevers” to remember:
 

·       Never fill your cup to the rim – it will only spill onto the saucer creating a dilemma.

·       Never stir so others can hear it.  Do not allow the teaspoon to touch the sides of the cup. Quietly stir in a little figure-eight motion and place the spoon on the front-side of your cup.

·       Never cradle the cup with your fingers.

·       Never swirl the tea around in the cup as if it were a wine glass.

·       Never-ever bounce the tea bag up and down in your cup to help the steeping process.

·       Never drain a tea bag by winding the string around a spoon.

·       Never place your empty cup, saucer and plate back on the tea table when you leave. The tea table is the display for the tea and food and should remain beautiful through the tea time.

 There are also several “always” we should adhere to at tea-time:
 

·       Always keep your tea cup and saucer close together, do not separate more than 12 inches apart. For example: if you are sitting on a sofa and lean back – pick up your saucer too, or if your stand up, do not leave the saucer sitting on the table.

·       Always hold your saucer (with the teacup) in the palm of your hand at waist level and sip. (a silent sip!)

·       Always request the tea bag be placed in the teapot first and the hot water added.

·       Always pour tea in your cup first in order to judge the strength before adding lemon, sugar or milk.

·       Always use lemon slices in your cup, instead of wedges.

·       The handle of the spoon and the handle of the cup point to 4 o’clock.

·       Always take your spoon out of your cup after stirring, then place your spoon in front of your cup

·       Always request a saucer to hold the used tea bag, sugar wrappers or any disposables used.

·       Always write your host a thank-you note after the tea party.

  Hosting a tea in your home is a special way to entertain friends or even hold a business meeting. There is much to know about “tea-time” and this information will prepare you in advance and provide you the confidence needed to navigate the tea table.

  Oh yes, and remember one more thing ... Do not raise your pinky finger up when holding a tea cup. It will guarantee you a place in the tea drinkers “hall of shame!”
 
Happy Weekend my friends - take time to smell the roses, hug your family, and drink iced tea.
xoJoy

Memorial Day Manners

 Memorial Day Manners
a.k.a ... BBQ Etiquette

For Host:

• Be prepared – weather can change in a flash. Be prepared to head indoors.
• Have supplies you need ready – don’t be running out for charcoal when guests arrive.
• If cookout starts at 6pm – have some BBQ ready for tasting. Your guest will arrive hungry.
• A successful BBQ must have real side dishes – potato chips do not count!
• Use real plates or sturdy paper plates. Have plenty of napkins available.
• The cook is king: Do try to tell the cook how to BBQ – you will not be invited back!

For Guest:

• A hostess gift is still expected.
• Wear jeans, shorts or something comfortable.
• Put away your phone/text toy – free yourself for a few hours!
• Include children only if they are invited. If so, prepare them before hand on rules of outdoor (swimming pool & playing) behavior.
• If you are asked to bring a side-dish, make sure it is homemade or at least semi-homemade.
• Be on time and go home at designated time.
• Ask to assist with duties – don’t insist.
• Leave the food your brought (or at least offer)
• Don’t ask to pack up leftovers for your entire family.
• Write a thank-you note to your host/hostess.

Bonus tip:
Refrain from using toothpicks - they are still not acceptable, even at a BBQ.


Memorial Day weekend is coming up - so, what are your plans?
xoJoy

Do What Your Mama Says!

Our mother's gave us the best advice - 

what advice did your mother give you?

xoJoy

Wedding Etiquette

Every month is wedding month, but we are in full swing of the heights of wedding season. We must be at our best during this very special event in the lives of our friends and family.

Faux Pas for Bride and Groom:

Proposal should not be made by text!

 Facebook:

• Announcement of engagement should not be posted on Facebook before both family and close friends know about it.
• Photo of engagement ring can be posted but not details of carat, cut, & clarity.
• Do not ask friends to be in wedding on Facebook.
• Do not announce wedding party on Facebook.
• Photos of wedding are fine.
• Link to your wedding website is not okay.
• Posting the date of your wedding is fine.
• Do not post the details unless you intend on inviting all your friends on Facebook.
• Do not make your wedding a "Facebook" event for people to RSVP
• Do not use Facebook to vent about those involved with the wedding
• Do not update your status in the middle of your ceremony 
• Do not put registry info up on your profile (or on your  shower or wedding invitation.

Other faux pas:

• Not greeting guest. If you do not have a receiving line, try to speak to each guest. Do not plunge into a lengthy conversation – this is not the time.
• Not sending thank-you notes for gifts. Believe it or not there are people who do not take the time to send a thank-you note to those who send gifts to honor their marriage. It is unacceptable to overlook sending a thank-you note as soon as you receive the gift.
• Not sending the gift back to the giver if the wedding is canceled. Send a simple note stating that the wedding has been canceled, and along with the note, return any gifts you may have received. No explanation is necessary.

Faux Pas for guests:

• Not sending in the RSVP card ASAP. It is crucial to send the response card immediately in order for the bride to plan the details of her wedding.
• Being Late! "Better late then never" does not apply at weddings. Walking in while the wedding ceremony is being held is an absolute embarrassment to everyone.
• Bringing babies or small children to a wedding. Crying babies and rambunctious children do not want to be at the event, nor do the bride and groom want them to destroy the romance of their wedding.
• Dressing in solid white. Any way you look at it—it is still a faux pas to dress in solid white, even if the bride is not in white. It still sends a signal that you are competing with the bride. It is her day in the spotlight and white is reserved for the bride, whether she chooses to wear it or not.
• Allowing your cell phone to ring. Turn your cell phone and pager off!
• Leaving too early – Always stay to eat cake. This is considered a well wish and a blessing to the couple.
• Not respecting cultural differences. If you attend a wedding not of your own culture, you must respect their customs.
• Making wrong acknowledgements. Telling the bride “congratulations” is like saying to her, “You finally found a husband!” It is appropriate to greet the bride with “best wishes” and the groom with “congratulations.”

A Wedding to Remember:

Give your guest something to remember. At a minimum, your minister can add much inspiration to the ceremony.
Here are other ideas:
1. Take private dance lessons and dazzle your guest with a stunning first dance or even the entire wedding party can participate.
2. Don’t make your guest wait extensively while taking photos. Make sure to have great food and entertainment.
3. Provide a take small take-home treat.