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Terry Lauerman, Cat Grandpa
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE GOOD
RETIRED SCHOOLTEACHER HAS A GIG THAT'S THE CAT'S MEOW
The Cat Napper, Cat Grandpa, Senior Snuggler, Kitty Cuddler are all nicknames that Terry Lauerman has been dubbed a result of his work at the Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Although, I really don't think what Terry does could be classified as 'work.' The former Spanish teacher spends his golden years in his heaven on earth, napping with cats. He has volunteered at Safe Haven for over five years as a professional cat napper. Six days a week, Terry brushes, cuddles, pets and naps with the kitties for 3-4 hours a day.
The cats and employees at the pet sanctuary love to have him visit daily. Owner Elizabeth Feldhausen said that Terry has become a part of their crazy kitty family. The Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary is a shelter for special needs cats.
Terry brushing one of the cats.
“Terry is one of the best volunteers," Safe Have Pet Sanctuary owner Feldhausen said. "We all love him very much, and he is here so often that if he doesn’t come, we get a little worried, and we will call to make sure he is OK.”
Feldhausen knows they are so lucky to have Terry. She explains how he just came along one day and introduced himself. He said he'd like to brush the cats. Eventually it became every day. He brushes all of the cats and can tell you about all of their likes and dislikes. He also accidentally falls asleep most days. That works out great since the cat's love to cuddle.
Lauerman lounging with some of his charges.
Terry’s love for cats' dates back to his youth but he was never able to work with them the way he wanted until he retired. Now, he can spend his days visiting with the cats as well as helping to bring awareness of the work that the Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary does for cats with disabilities. The rescue gets cats from all different shelters and with different disabilities who have escaped euthanasia thanks to the rescue's intervention.
Photos of Terry's catnaps went viral, and he helped the sanctuary raise thousands of dollars for the animals. And thanks to Terry’s internet fame, many of the cats have been adopted into their forever homes. Terry has been called a True Angel for Cats at Safe Haven and I couldn't agree more.
I think I just found my next job. Where do I sign up? 🐾💕💞
BEST. JOB. EVER. 🐾♥
TAMMY HAWKINS 10/2
DAN LUCKETT 10/2
LISA AMMON 10/3
SONYA HARWARD 10/7
BRENT ACKERSON 10/9
TONY PIAGENTINI 10/9
PAULA MCCRANEY 10/10
REBECCA KATZ 10/16
ANDREW MEINERS 10/16
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Scary movie fans, this one's for us. How many horror movie trivia questions you can answer correctly about ghosts, monsters, slashers, and other things that go bump in the night? BOO! 👻🎃🦇
1. What is the name of the possessed young girl in The Exorcist?
Answer: Regan
2. Which author of scary books holds the record for the most book-to-movie adaptions in the horror genre?
Answer: Stephen King
3. What is the name of Neve Campbell’s character in Scream?
Answer: Sidney Prescott
4. In Jeepers Creepers, the Creeper rises every how many years to feed?
Answer: 23 years
5. What is the name of the summer camp where Friday the 13th takes place?
Answer: Camp Crystal Lake
6. There are two serial killers at the center of Silence of the Lambs. What are their names?
Answer: Buffalo Bill and Hannibal Lecter
7. What year was the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre released?
Answer: 1974
8. Which two slashers faced off against one another in a movie released in 2003?
Answer: Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees
9. What is the name of the child at the center of The Omen?
Answer: Damien
10. Which horror film takes place on a spaceship called the Nostromo?
Answer: Alien.
Bonus Question: Name the horror movie in which this mask was worn.
Answer: Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal Lecter wore this mask.
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🎃
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
CHICKEN POT PIE WITH LEEKS AND THYME
In celebration of the beginning of the Fall season, we will feature meals that warm you up from the inside out on a chilly evening. These recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for cozy weather comfort food and keep your whole family happy and well-fed this Autumn.
CHICKEN POT PIE WITH LEEKS & THYME
This streamlined chicken pot pie recipe is easy to make, thanks to three key elements. First, it uses precooked rotisserie chicken is great here, and feel free to use what you have on hand — you'll need 4 cups, shredded. Second, the recipe forgoes the double crust (which would demand more assembly time), instead utilizing flaky store-bought puff pastry to line only the pie's top. Last, the entire dish comes together in one pan. After the filling cooks on the stove, it's left in the heavy skillet, covered with squares of puff pastry, and transferred to the oven. Enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon water
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1/2 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
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1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter
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2 cups thinly sliced leek (from 1 large leek)
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1 cup chopped carrots (from 3 medium carrots)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 1/8 ounces), plus more for work surface
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2 1/2 cups chicken stock
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4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
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1 cup frozen petite sweet peas, thawed
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
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2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus thyme leaves for garnish
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1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Pot Pie preparations.
DIRECTIONS
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Gather the ingredients.
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Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl.
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Roll pastry sheet into a 12-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 16 (3-inch) squares. Set egg wash and pastry squares aside.
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Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in lower third of oven. Melt butter in a deep 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add leek and carrots; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
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Stir in stock; bring mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens, 1 to 2 minutes.
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Stir in chicken, peas, cream, Dijon, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
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Brush pastry squares with egg wash; arrange squares on top of hot chicken mixture in skillet, slightly overlapping so entire surface of chicken mixture is covered. Place skillet on a rimmed baking sheet.
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Transfer baking sheet with skillet to preheated oven. Bake until top is browned, and filling is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and serve. Enjoy with some fresh-baked sourdough bread.
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1. The amount of money spent on Halloween last year is estimated to be more than 9 billion dollars.
2. An estimated 2.2 billion dollars is spent on Halloween candy alone.
3. During the 18th century, some Halloween rituals used to be geared toward finding a husband. Single ladies used to stand in a dark room, holding a candle in front of a mirror to look for their future husband’s face to appear in the glass. Note: I hope Bloody Mary didn't show up by mistake. 👻
Depiction of Bloody Mary of folklore.
4. Sugar rationing during World War II paused trick-or-treating.
5. Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in the U.S. Only the Christmas holiday sees consumers spending more money, according to the National Retail Federation.
6. Princesses and superheroes rank as the most popular kids' costumes for Halloween.
7. During the peak growing cycle, giant pumpkins can increase by 60 pounds a day. Side Note: Illinois produces up to five times more pumpkins than any other state.
Three giant pumpkins in the running for this biggest pumpkin contest.
8. A survey found that 81 percent of parents admit to stealing some of their kids' Halloween candy. And 26 percent sneak the candy after their children are asleep or when they're at school.
9. Skittles are the top Halloween candy. The bite-sized fruit candies outranked M&M's, Snickers and Reese's Cups, according to 11 years of sales data from CandyStore.com.
10. Some shelters used to suspend black cat adoptions for Halloween. They feared that the animals were in danger from Satanic cults that wanted them for nefarious purposes. Now though, some shelters even promote black cat adoptions in October, using the pre-adoption screening and interview process to weed out anyone with less-than-honorable intentions.
My feline niece, Dawn. Isn't she a pretty kitty? 💜
"This Dog Got A Haircut, And Now It Looks Like He Gave Up Drinking." LOL
In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER
Ginger is an herb that is a treasure trove of remedies. It has many health benefits because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes for centuries. Regular ginger consumption can aid in weight management and arthritis and can help with nausea and stomach problems. When taken as a health supplement, ginger can also aid in managing the effects of type-2 diabetes and it's healing. It has many healing properties and can help sooth sore throats.
A new study from researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Colorado School of Medicine have found that ginger could play a critical role in controlling inflammation in people living with autoimmune diseases. The study focused on the impact of ginger supplements on a type of white blood cell called the neutrophil. Their findings indicated that ginger supplements could even help treat those with COVID.
Here are some of the health benefits of ginger that you can get by adding it to your daily diet:
Improves Digestion
Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes, reducing indigestion and bloating. It enhances nutrient absorption and supports overall gut health and can help you to maintain healthy bowel movements through your digestive tract, which lessens chances of constipation.
Boosts Immunity
People widely use ginger to recover from colds, flu and other infections. Fresh ginger can help in protecting the respiratory system and help in boosting the immune system. Ginger also features a lot of antioxidants, resulting in enhanced immunity against several diseases.
Eases Nausea and Dizziness
Ginger positively affects your stomach lining by reducing irritation that can trigger nausea. It can help relax the stomach muscles, preventing spasms contributing to sickness and nausea. Ginger also affects serotonin receptors in the gut and brain, which can alleviate nausea and vomiting. Consuming ginger can also help eliminate the gas in intestines.
May Aid in Weight Loss
Consuming ginger can keep you satiated for a long time. As a result, you can control hunger pangs, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake. Improved digestion through ginger consumption can aid in maximum nutrient absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. Efficient digestion supports your body’s ability to utilize nutrients, reducing cravings for high-calorie foods.
Helps with Osteoarthritis
Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and its derivatives, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce the inflammation contributing to joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis.
Soothes Sore Muscles
Ginger won’t get rid of muscle pains entirely. But one of the health benefits of ginger is that it will reduce soreness over time. Ginger helps open up the blood vessels to reach sore places, resulting in faster recovery.
Improves Oral Health
Keeping your mouth healthy can also help in maintaining oral hygiene. Gingerols can stop oral bacteria from growing in the mouth. These bacteria are also responsible for causing periodontal disease.
Lowers Blood Sugar
Ginger’s antioxidant compounds can help reduce oxidative stress, supporting healthier insulin secretion, resulting in a stable blood sugar level. Ginger boosts insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to respond better to insulin’s actions and improving blood sugar control.
Treats Asthma
Asthma is typically caused due to chronic inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce airway inflammation, alleviating some asthma symptoms.
This wonderful spice is readily available all year long. Its strong flavor has been used in foods, juices, teas, curries, and even desserts. Ginger is considered one of the most vital herbs. See recipe below for Ginger Shots to start getting your daily dose of ginger with all of its health benefits.
GINGER SHOTS
INGREDIENTS
1 cup fresh ginger root chopped.
1 cup pineapple, cubed
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup lime juice or lemon juice
½ cup coconut water (see notes)
1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Wash and scrub the ginger root under running water before you chop it into smaller chunks.
2. Squeeze 2 oranges to get ½ cup of orange juice. Also, squeeze about 3 limes (or 2 lemons) for ¼ cup of juice.
3. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until the mixture is fairly smooth.
4. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup.
5. Transfer the juice to several smaller (preferably sealable) glasses and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
AFTER being adopted into her forever home.
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
BEFORE being rescued, this puppy was found in a plastic bag.
This adorable puppy was put in a plastic bag and dumped like trash by some monster. Now this beautiful girl is healthy, strong and loved by her family.
Isn't she just gorgeous? You can see what a smart girl she is by those lively eyes that look as though they don't miss much. The love between a rescue dog and its person is beyond compare. I pray this fur baby and her family have many happy years together.
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
WORLD ANIMAL DAY 10/4
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 10/5
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY 10/9
COLUMBUS DAY 10/9
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 10/10
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY 10/11
NATIONAL FARMER’S DAY 10/12
NATIONAL PUG DAY 10/15
BOSS’S DAY 10/17
NATIONAL PASTA DAY 10/17
NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY 10/20
BLACK CAT DAY 10/27
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY 10/28
NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY 10/28
NATIONAL STROKE AWARENESS DAY 10/29
HALLOWEEN 10/31
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
CRIME PREVENTION MONTH
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH
EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH
LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MONTH
NATIONAL BOOK MONTH
NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH
1. Would you rather be bony like a skeleton or hairy like a werewolf?
2. Would you rather dress up like an angel or a devil?
3. Would you rather help to design and make a haunted house or go to one that someone else has created?
4. Would you rather meet a vampire or a werewolf?
5. Would you rather be the Bride of Dracula or the Bride of Frankenstein?
Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester as Frankenstein and his Bride, 1935
6. Would you rather have a magic wand or a flying broomstick?
7. Would you rather have a pet dragon or bat?
8. Would you rather be bitten by a bat with rabies or a poisonous spider?
9. Would you rather listen to Edgar Allen Poe or Stephen King tell a scary story?
10. Would you rather be bitten by a vampire or a wolf?
BRIAN POWELL 10/1
LATONYA BELL 10/2
AARON HORNER 10/5
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WORK ANNIVERSARY!
I said NOW! LOL
These photos of animals doing their thing in the wild are bound to put a smile on your face or make you laugh out loud. Enjoy.
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BOO!
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I love taking selfies.
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Just chilling.
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Wow. Did you just kiss me?
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That's hilarious.
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I have so much to tell you.
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I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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