Wednesday, September 30, 2015

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO SHUT DOWN YOUR BLOG?

Have you ever visited one of your favorite blogs, and found it to be missing in action?  Some of the posts may be outdated by months, or even years with no mention of what may have happened.  Sadly, another really good blog that was active on a daily basis and super funny, has decided to close down his blog.   His decision was a personal choice, however, it didn't help when someone from another blog blasted him AND stole some of his content simultaneously.  YIKES!  He promises to be back after some "me" time, and I am looking forward to the next stage in his life.  So this is a Huge Hug to my buddy Rob!

I've been dreadfully behind with postings and commenting, but I've never really had the urge to stop doing this blogging thing.  It's fun to come up with new topics, and getting other viewpoints makes it even more interesting.

But I bet some of us have run into a few occasions where we come up empty or feel a little bit of burnout.  I'm sure we may have come in contact with some negativity that we could definitely live without.  But are these things enough to make you pull your hair out and simply throw in the towel?

On to our recipe:

CHOCO-SCOTCH CLUSTER
The name of this treat may fool you into thinking there's a little but of liquor as part of the ingredients, but really, it's short for butterscotch.  This was made way back in the 1940's in the Kellogg kitchen and is super easy.

INGREDIENTS
1 6 -ounce pkg semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 6 ounce package butterscotch morsels
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 cup Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal


DIRECTIONS
Melt chocolate morsels, butterscotch morsels, and peanut butter together into a heavy saucepan on very low heat, stirring constantly until well blended.  Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies, stirring until well combined.

Drop by using a measuring tablespoon onto waxed paper or a pan that's been sprayed with oil or buttered. Let stand in a cool place until firm. Another alternative is to pour mixture into buttered or oiled square pan , cutting into squares when firm.


WHERE DO ALL THE PUMPKINS GO AFTER HALLOWEEN AND THANKSGIVING?
This is the time of year that most of us see pumpkins all over the place, sometimes in the hundreds.  I told myself that there is absolutely no way anyone can eat all of those dang pumpkins in pies, cakes or decorations.  I even saw a recipe for pumpkin oatmeal pancakes the other day. So what in the world happens to them once the holidays are over?  Well, it looks like some of them are used as feed for pigs, a few may be used as fertilizer, and some people actually throw them into the woods for other animals to chomp on as treats.  Weren't you just dying to know the answer to that question? (lol)




If you don't know someone who had breast cancer, it may be a little difficult to relate to the struggle, but according to the American Cancer Society, there is an expectation of 292,130 new cases in 2015 that has been reported.  Deaths from the disease has dropped 34% since 1990, and 3.1 million survivors are thankfully still alive today. 

The average of age when a woman is diagnosed with this disease is 61, but that does not mean younger women, or even men are immune.  Don't ignore getting a mammogram, and if possible, try to get one in 3-D.  There are many programs that offer assistance on a fee sliding scale for those with no funds or insurance.
October is when many focus on this disease, but it's around the other 11 months of the year as well.  Offer your support to someone in need, if you can.  Our smiles, our cooked meals, our blankets, our funds or our hugs can make all the difference to someone who has cancer.




27 comments:

  1. I always look forward to reading your blog Ro. I don't think I am dedicated enough to devote time to one so I really appreciate how much time my favorite bloggers (you, Anna, Angela, and Kitt) put into theirs. Thank you.

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    1. You've made my day Kelly and I thank you for the encouraging words. We totally love our kindness and warm spirit too. Blogging has allowed us to meet some really cool friends. Hey there Anna, Angela and Kitt! *waving*

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  2. I've taken time off a few times over the years but I always come back. I know over the years several blogs have shut down. I went to one blog and it was just gone. She didn't even leave up the blog with a note saying bye or anything, she just deleted the entire thing.

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    1. That's good that you always come back, mary. I enjoy your posts! Hugs...Ro

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  3. I've seen some bloggers decide to quit in the last few months and it always makes me a bit sad. I've been lucky and haven't had any real issues but I can see how getting blasted would make you want to be done. I was in a play group when my youngest was little and I finally realized I was a tensed up mess on the day the group met because several of the mothers were so negative. I walked away from it and it was definitely the thing to do. It really taught me a lesson about thinking if I really have to put up with negative people or things. Most of the time the answer is no!

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    1. Yeah, when you get attached to a blog and then it disappears, very frustrating, because I really like them. Totally agree on the negativity. Definitely not worth it for sure. Hugs...

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  4. It makes me SO sad when bloggers I follow just up and disappear! At least your friend told you he was going to take a more or less extended break...
    I think we do need a little break every now and then - writing on the blog, keeping up with other bloggers, as well as all other things going on in our lives can become overwhelming :)
    I hope you're having a fabulous week, Ro! *hugs*

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. I was glad that he was open about what was going on, and he gave us a way to contact in case we needed a quick laugh. (lol) Sometimes life can get in the way of blogging, so breaks definitely help. I always enjoy your blog! Hugs...

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  5. I usually cook my pumpkins into soup. This year I am feeling like going pumpkin free. And, I have thought a lot about pulling back from blogging since it seems that about 3 people - other bloggers - read me.

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    1. Wow! Soup sounds interesting, but I have to admit that pumpkins are not my fave. (lol) I hope you stick with your blogging. I enjoy it, but have been so behind in blog visiting. Hugs...Ro

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  6. Ahhh it is always sad to see that happen. Even worse when they just disappear with no notice or anything. I've worried over a couple when they did that and really hope they're okay. I've never really had that urge. I get frustrated some days but I still enjoy the outlet and can't imagine just closing. I hope most of the ones I follow feel that way. I'd miss yall if you just up and closed.

    LOL I usually leave my pumpkins whole and they last for ages. I'm bad and leave them until they pretty much turn to mush which is usually after the first hard freeze when they thaw out. This year I'm going to toss them in the side yard and see if they grow pumpkins next year like Sharon from I Smell Sheep's did. :D

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    1. Wow! That's a really good idea and may explain what happens to all those pumpkins that totally disappear. I get behind some days, but still , like you, enjoy the outlet and feedback. Hugs...

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    1. Yes! Doesn't it just make us feel better?! (lol) Hugs...

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  8. It is always sad to see a blog go inactive or a blogger leave. I have lost quite a few favorite bloggers/blogs over the last 4 years.
    Thanks for the bar recipe. As for pumpkins..pie, bread and soup. Coffee too

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    1. It's the pits for sure. When possible I like to know the reason so others can encourage them to stay with it. Pumpkins that I see will all be airmailed to your home. (lol) Hugs...

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  9. I stopped for a while a few years ago. Then when I was trying to figure out how to promote my book, a self-published author advised me to start blogging. A lot of published authors don't find it useful--but most of them don't have a community. I joined the Insecure Writers Support Group and in that group, I've found so many great friends out here. When you build your community, you can help support each other's books...that's what it's all about!

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    1. Thank goodness for your friend, or I would have never met you Steph! Thanks for the new community info, too. Friends who support your vision make all the difference! Hugs...

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  10. Three or four years ago, when I first got into book reviewing and blogging I ran a blog for about 6 months before completely deleting it off the hosting site. I did this for multiple reasons.
    1) I was way to young to deal with the responsibility a full time blog took away from school and family.
    2) I was dealing with my new diagnosis and was constantly getting sick and trying new drugs and dealing with those drugs side effects.

    I decided to completely delete it so people wouldn't steal all my hard work but I new one day in the future I would be back because I really enjoyed it Later I opened another blog (about a year later) but still couldn't deal with the stress and responsibility and that one closed down again. 4 years later I am finally running a blog that I can guarantee I will NEVER completely wipe off the interweb. I love to blog and am able to deal with the responsibility and hours. Not to say I wouldn't take a few months off if need be but I don't want to ever delete my blog again :)

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    1. I hate to that you had to go through any suffering, but thrilled that you have so many neat topics and designs for us to check out! Glad that you're here to stay, no matter what! Hugs...Ro

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  11. Yes, shutting down has occured to me, but it's momentary. I still got some juice left so let's see how far this journey will take me :)

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    1. Can't imagine you shutting down because your blog is fun and totally love your posts! Hugs...

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  12. Oh yes. I got those moments of insanity too. But a few days off is all the perspective I need, sometimes. I sure hope you're not thinking of quitting. I will not be amused. Hmmmp.

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  13. I find bloggers taking a pause or a break in blogging a normal way of life but I do miss those bloggers. it's really sad to see them not blogging but what we can do but encourage them to do what they want & hope they come back.

    I too sometimes think about quitting blogging but then I realize I never could. I still like blogging and blogs and bloggers, that will never change. & besides, everytime I blog again after some uncertainty, I find I want to do it even more. & I think restarting with a brand new blog is one way to go.

    I hope you're enjoying october. have a lovely day.

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    1. Normal life sure does get in the way, doesn't it Lissa? Glad to see that you're sticking around to share your lovely work and ideas! Hugs...

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  14. Hi, RO!
    As everyone knows, or most everyone, I have been having a very rough time trying to keep a blog going. Yet, again I have deleted my blog and just revived it with a new title and URL. Burnout may have been a part of it...plus my own slightly depressed emotions that I am dealing with at this time. I will keep trying until I get it right :)

    Great pumpkins!!! Now those wonderful orange orbs fill my heart with delight!!!

    Unfortunately I know all to well about breast cancer in my own family. My mom had a mastectomy because of cancer. My younger sister had a double mastectomy four years ago. She will not be considered a survivor for another year. About two years ago I had surgery to remove a lump. Thankfully it wasn't cancerous. This lump was so small that my mammogram was what caught it and the great eyes of the doctor who read my exrays. I am sixty-nine. My sister was fifty-nine when they found her cancer an d our mother was in her late fifties when they found her cancer.

    Thank you for bringing the subject of breast cancer to the attention of those who visit your blog.

    Big Hugs
    Jan

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    1. Hey Jan: Been trying to find you whenever I get on-line and hope all is well. Love seeing your blogs and pics! I'm so sad to hear about the breast cancer that has been in the family. I know that had to have been rough. Thank goodness your lump was benign. You're 69 years young and fab!!!

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