Hi everyone,
I hope you enjoyed our program this Monday morning. We talked about Guide Dog training and how you can be a volunteer host for a puppy, but also how businesses need to be aware of the animals in training. The handlers need the cooperation of the business owners by letting them bring the dogs into their place of business just as they would if the handler was blind and the dog was already trained. These dogs in training need to learn the social skills and be acclimated to all types of situations in order to perform their duties as Guide Dogs when they are placed in service with a person that is blind. If you have any questions or would like to be a volunteer, please call Rick or Joan Ackerman. They are located in Boaz and their number is (256)593-2239 or you can go the Southeastern Guide Dogs website...www.guidedogs.org.
These folks do a wonderful job and they need our help.
Thanks for watching Newschannel 19 This Morning and for reading our blog. Please feel free to send me any comments at robert.reeves@whnt.com.
Robert
Monday, August 27, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Back Surgery Update
Hi everyone, long time no see. As you know we were out for back surgery and I want to give you an update. Everything so far has been great. Dr. Gil Aust with TOC/The Spine Center did my surgery on August 1st. The procedure was the fusion of a vertebrae because it had slipped forward and was pressing on the nerve running down my left leg. Dr. Aust had to use two titanium screws to pull the vertebrae back into position and then add some packing to re-establish the proper distance between the vertebrae. He also added bone grafts on each side to solidify the fusion. I spent three days in Huntsville Hospital and had excellent care to help put me on the road to recovery. I left the hospital with strict orders from Dr. Aust to not do anything stupid, like twisting quickly or picking up something that weighed more than a plate of food, but also to get out and start walking everyday. My goal was to get up to two miles a day which I have been at for almost two weeks now. Honestly, I can't believe how good I feel and how free of pain I am since the surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me or better than that, contact Dr. Aust at The Spine Center .
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Pre-surgery update
Hi everyone...I hope you all are doing great. How did you like last week's shows. Pretty interesting weren't they. Gloria Arthur at Bank Street Antique Mall knows so much about antiques and really enjoys having folks come by and chat with her about all the neat things in her store. We could have spent all day in there and not covered everything there is to see. Whether you are into antiques or not, a visit to her place on Bank Street in Decatur is a lot of fun.
Jimmy Sparks hydroponics farm is truly something to see. Can you imagine 17,000 strawberry plants, hundreds of tomato plants, green beans, lettuce, watermelons, cukes, etc. on about an acre and a half! If you haven't gone out his place on Esslinger Dr. you really need to drop by and pick up some great tasting vegetables. Believe me, his tomatoes are out of this world and the strawberries are so sweet, you don't need to add sugar. What amazes me is fresh vegetables and fruit all the way up to the first frost! If you are a tomato lover like me, that means pure eating heaven all the way into October...Outstanding! J. Sparks Farms is located on Esslinger, about a quarter mile off Cherry Tree...it is easy to find and he is open every day except Sunday and Monday.
Friday we were in Decatur at the historic Princess Theatre and featured Country Music star Chris Young. Chris has had three hits and is working on another cd at this time. He's truly a nice guy and very talented. I hope you got the chance to see his show, if you missed it, try to see him somewhere else..he's that good.
Monday we were at Constitution Village in Huntsville. It is the location where alabama's first constitution was written. It is a great place to take the kids to learn about the history of Alabama and Huntsville as well as see how life was in the early 1800's. Be sure and take the Trolley tours on Saturday as they go through the Historic part of Huntsville and your guide, Jacque Procter Reeves, is an award winning author and highly regarded historian and story teller.
Monday was my last show for a few weeks...I am having surgery on my back Wednesday the 1st. I am having one of my vertebrae fused because it is damaging the nerve that runs down my left leg. My goal is to be back at work by the MDA Telethon...actually, if possible, I will be back sooner. The doctor, Gil Aust, says it is up to me and how much pain I can handle while standing...I will keep you posted as to how my recovery is coming along and believe me, I will be missing all of you. I guess I will see you here until I can see you on tv...please take care and keep watching the morning show...
I Love You All,
Robert
Jimmy Sparks hydroponics farm is truly something to see. Can you imagine 17,000 strawberry plants, hundreds of tomato plants, green beans, lettuce, watermelons, cukes, etc. on about an acre and a half! If you haven't gone out his place on Esslinger Dr. you really need to drop by and pick up some great tasting vegetables. Believe me, his tomatoes are out of this world and the strawberries are so sweet, you don't need to add sugar. What amazes me is fresh vegetables and fruit all the way up to the first frost! If you are a tomato lover like me, that means pure eating heaven all the way into October...Outstanding! J. Sparks Farms is located on Esslinger, about a quarter mile off Cherry Tree...it is easy to find and he is open every day except Sunday and Monday.
Friday we were in Decatur at the historic Princess Theatre and featured Country Music star Chris Young. Chris has had three hits and is working on another cd at this time. He's truly a nice guy and very talented. I hope you got the chance to see his show, if you missed it, try to see him somewhere else..he's that good.
Monday we were at Constitution Village in Huntsville. It is the location where alabama's first constitution was written. It is a great place to take the kids to learn about the history of Alabama and Huntsville as well as see how life was in the early 1800's. Be sure and take the Trolley tours on Saturday as they go through the Historic part of Huntsville and your guide, Jacque Procter Reeves, is an award winning author and highly regarded historian and story teller.
Monday was my last show for a few weeks...I am having surgery on my back Wednesday the 1st. I am having one of my vertebrae fused because it is damaging the nerve that runs down my left leg. My goal is to be back at work by the MDA Telethon...actually, if possible, I will be back sooner. The doctor, Gil Aust, says it is up to me and how much pain I can handle while standing...I will keep you posted as to how my recovery is coming along and believe me, I will be missing all of you. I guess I will see you here until I can see you on tv...please take care and keep watching the morning show...
I Love You All,
Robert
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Riley Behavioral and Education Center
Hi, I hope you saw our program today (Thursday the 19th). We talked about the Riley Behavioral and Education Center...they especially work with autistic children. These folks are doing a wonderful job in working with the parents and children. They even have a diagnostic service. It is a non-profit organization that needs our help to be able to help these children. If you have any questions about autism, or what you can do to help...contact them by calling: (256) 539-5651 or you can use this link to their website.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Hi folks, I know it has been awhile since you last heard from me, but I have had some minor health problems and I even took a week's vacation.
I had another procedure on the arthritis in my lower back, unfortunately, it still hasn't worked completely. I guess the next step is surgery, but I plan to put it off as long as I can....enough about that stuff...I hope you have been enjoying the places we have been lately. Wasn't the show with the penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium cool, no pun intended. Those little guys are fun and I know your families would have a ball watching them play in the water, they are just like kittens the way the are so curious.
I hope you liked the Therapy Partners show as well. The volunteers and their partners do such a wonderful job for so many people. I am not sure which enjoys themselves more, the animals or the volunteers.
We just finished another show at Huntsville Animal Services and I have to tell you, every time we are there, I want to take home several of the dogs and cats. These animals are so eager for affection and they make great pets...for anybody! I hope you will consider adopting one of them if you are thinking about a pet, you won't be sorry and you will save a life at the same time.
As most of you that have watched the morning program over the years know, I consider Friday the 13th a lucky day. I am going to prove it...we are going out to Limestone Bay Trading Company in Mooresville and do some cooking with Dee Green. We have done several shows from there and every time we do, Dee shares some of her wonderful recipes with us...in fact, I am giving you a head start...here are two of the recipes we are featuring on the program in the morning.
PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
You will need:
2 (20oz.) cans pineapple chunks, drained, or equal amount of fresh pineapple. Reserve 1/4-1/2 cup pineapple juice to be used in topping.
1/2 cup sugar- Add 1/4 sugar if fresh pineapple is used.
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Stir together sugar, flour and cheese in mixing bowl. Add the drained pineapple chunks and stir until ingredients are well combined. Pour mixture into lightly greased (Pam or other spray works best) 9x13 casserole dish.
Place crushed cracker crumbs on top of casserole. Drizzle with melted butter and reserved pineapple juice. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy...Reheats well.
OVEN ROASTED PORK LOIN
This recipe is meant to feed a good many folks, or some really big eaters.
Place pork (approx. 8-9 lbs.) in roasting pan, I would suggest one of the throw away aluminum pans that come with a top that will seal tightly. Make sure pan is deep enough to hold liquid (3-4in. deep)
Season pork with salt and pepper
Brown under broiler on all sides.
After pork is browned, pour 12 oz. Coca Cola over meat, then pour 1 cup red wine over meat and let sit.
Finely chop 1/4 to 1/2 cup onions...personally I would do 3/4 to 1 cup...can't have too many cooked onions
Add these to pork, making sure generous amount is on meat and balance is scattered around in liquid
Add 1/4 cup minced garlic the same way...you can use cloves or the kind that is already minced..
Tightly seal pork and other ingredients in roasting pan and place in 425 degree oven for 2 1/2 hours. Do not open foil until meat is fully cooked.
Carefully remove lid. Allow meat to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
GRAVY:
Mix 1/2 cup flour to 1 1/2 or 2 cups water. Whisk until no lumps.
Place pan drippings in pan and bring to a boil. Slowly pour flour/water mixture into the boiling drippings until reaches the thickness preferred. Turn heat down and taste for need of additional salt and pepper. Most likely will only need black pepper. Note: gravy will only thicken when boiling and can be thinned by adding water or thickened by adding more flour/water mixture.
As I said, we will be cooking these Friday the 13th so you can check the recipes as we put prepare them...see you in the morning.
Robert
I had another procedure on the arthritis in my lower back, unfortunately, it still hasn't worked completely. I guess the next step is surgery, but I plan to put it off as long as I can....enough about that stuff...I hope you have been enjoying the places we have been lately. Wasn't the show with the penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium cool, no pun intended. Those little guys are fun and I know your families would have a ball watching them play in the water, they are just like kittens the way the are so curious.
I hope you liked the Therapy Partners show as well. The volunteers and their partners do such a wonderful job for so many people. I am not sure which enjoys themselves more, the animals or the volunteers.
We just finished another show at Huntsville Animal Services and I have to tell you, every time we are there, I want to take home several of the dogs and cats. These animals are so eager for affection and they make great pets...for anybody! I hope you will consider adopting one of them if you are thinking about a pet, you won't be sorry and you will save a life at the same time.
As most of you that have watched the morning program over the years know, I consider Friday the 13th a lucky day. I am going to prove it...we are going out to Limestone Bay Trading Company in Mooresville and do some cooking with Dee Green. We have done several shows from there and every time we do, Dee shares some of her wonderful recipes with us...in fact, I am giving you a head start...here are two of the recipes we are featuring on the program in the morning.
PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
You will need:
2 (20oz.) cans pineapple chunks, drained, or equal amount of fresh pineapple. Reserve 1/4-1/2 cup pineapple juice to be used in topping.
1/2 cup sugar- Add 1/4 sugar if fresh pineapple is used.
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Stir together sugar, flour and cheese in mixing bowl. Add the drained pineapple chunks and stir until ingredients are well combined. Pour mixture into lightly greased (Pam or other spray works best) 9x13 casserole dish.
Place crushed cracker crumbs on top of casserole. Drizzle with melted butter and reserved pineapple juice. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy...Reheats well.
OVEN ROASTED PORK LOIN
This recipe is meant to feed a good many folks, or some really big eaters.
Place pork (approx. 8-9 lbs.) in roasting pan, I would suggest one of the throw away aluminum pans that come with a top that will seal tightly. Make sure pan is deep enough to hold liquid (3-4in. deep)
Season pork with salt and pepper
Brown under broiler on all sides.
After pork is browned, pour 12 oz. Coca Cola over meat, then pour 1 cup red wine over meat and let sit.
Finely chop 1/4 to 1/2 cup onions...personally I would do 3/4 to 1 cup...can't have too many cooked onions
Add these to pork, making sure generous amount is on meat and balance is scattered around in liquid
Add 1/4 cup minced garlic the same way...you can use cloves or the kind that is already minced..
Tightly seal pork and other ingredients in roasting pan and place in 425 degree oven for 2 1/2 hours. Do not open foil until meat is fully cooked.
Carefully remove lid. Allow meat to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
GRAVY:
Mix 1/2 cup flour to 1 1/2 or 2 cups water. Whisk until no lumps.
Place pan drippings in pan and bring to a boil. Slowly pour flour/water mixture into the boiling drippings until reaches the thickness preferred. Turn heat down and taste for need of additional salt and pepper. Most likely will only need black pepper. Note: gravy will only thicken when boiling and can be thinned by adding water or thickened by adding more flour/water mixture.
As I said, we will be cooking these Friday the 13th so you can check the recipes as we put prepare them...see you in the morning.
Robert
Friday, June 15, 2007
D-DAY VETERAN
Wow, it has been rather hectic the last few days...Wednesday the 6th was the anniversary of D-Day and I had the opportunity and honor to talk to a World War II vet. Ken Barker was a member of Rudder's Rangers, the 2nd Battalion that climbed up Pont Du Hoc. There were 275 men who landed on the very small beach, but only 80 made it to the top of the cliffs. Mr. Barker climbed the 100 meter cliff carrying a 35lb gun plus ammunition and all of his normal gear. The gun was a 55 caliber sniper's rifle that was accurate up to nearly a half-mile. Unfortunately for Mr. Barker, he was captured by the Germans several days later. He spent time about six months in a prison camp and lost nearly 80 lbs before he and a friend,Andy, managed to escape by hiding in "honey pots" that were being removed from the prison camp. "Honey Pots" are receptacles used to get rid of human waste. He and Andy were shot in their escape attempt, Andy suffered severe wounds and Ken had to carry Andy in order to get away. Andy was so badly injured that whenever Ken could find anything that resembled food, he had to chew it and then put it into Andy's mouth. Ken managed to carry his friend Andy back to friendly lines, but Andy's injuries were so bad he died despite Ken's efforts. Ken Barker was named Alabama P.O.W. of the year for 2000-2001 and although he has lost most of his vision because of the beatings he suffered during his captivity, he is still active in most all of the memorials for our veterans. If you ever run across Ken Barker and his wife while they are eating breakfast at the Dairy Queen or anywhere else, please shake his hand and thank him for his service to our country.
Don't know if you saw our show with the "Cadillac", but if you missed it, you missed a lot of fun. Cadillac is the man who shines shoes at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville. His motto is " If you want a smile on your face, put a shine on your shoes." Cadillac has been in the business for over 39 years and says he is the King.
He says you have to pay the price and he did...he started in Council Court as a youngster and moved his way the ladder...and now is "the man" who shines shoes in a multi-million dollar hotel. Cadillac not only takes care of your soles and believe me he does, but he also can take care of your soul. He dispenses free advice in a non-stop sermon of quotes from the Bible and street sense garnered over the years. Cadillac is the ambassador for the Embassy Suites and has the name tag to prove it...he is so popular, folks from all over the world stop by his stand to have their shoes shined and their problems solved. In fact, folks from all over the U.S. actually send their shoes to him by the bagful and he shines them and then ships them back. He says it is because he has all the latest hi-tech methods to make your shoes keep a shine for more than just a couple of days and I have to say that the shine he put on my shoes still looks like new and it has been almost two weeks...cool, huh.
If you happen to be by the Embassy Suites Hotel, stop in and see Cadillac...trust me, your feet will love you for it. By the way, tell him I said take good care of you.
Monday the 11th I had a procedure done on my back to help me walk...For the last several months, I have been suffering with major pain build-up in my left leg..apparently some arthritis has developed in my left hip and also in one of my vertebra. Anyway, Monday, Dr. NaDella gave me an epidural in the vertebra to help the swelling and alleviate the pain. So far, so good, I am able to walk much better...still have a little pain, but I guess that is to be expected. To tell you the truth, if this is all the pain I have for next few months...I will be dancing down the sidewalks. Anyway, I will talk with you soon...
Robert
Don't know if you saw our show with the "Cadillac", but if you missed it, you missed a lot of fun. Cadillac is the man who shines shoes at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville. His motto is " If you want a smile on your face, put a shine on your shoes." Cadillac has been in the business for over 39 years and says he is the King.
He says you have to pay the price and he did...he started in Council Court as a youngster and moved his way the ladder...and now is "the man" who shines shoes in a multi-million dollar hotel. Cadillac not only takes care of your soles and believe me he does, but he also can take care of your soul. He dispenses free advice in a non-stop sermon of quotes from the Bible and street sense garnered over the years. Cadillac is the ambassador for the Embassy Suites and has the name tag to prove it...he is so popular, folks from all over the world stop by his stand to have their shoes shined and their problems solved. In fact, folks from all over the U.S. actually send their shoes to him by the bagful and he shines them and then ships them back. He says it is because he has all the latest hi-tech methods to make your shoes keep a shine for more than just a couple of days and I have to say that the shine he put on my shoes still looks like new and it has been almost two weeks...cool, huh.
If you happen to be by the Embassy Suites Hotel, stop in and see Cadillac...trust me, your feet will love you for it. By the way, tell him I said take good care of you.
Monday the 11th I had a procedure done on my back to help me walk...For the last several months, I have been suffering with major pain build-up in my left leg..apparently some arthritis has developed in my left hip and also in one of my vertebra. Anyway, Monday, Dr. NaDella gave me an epidural in the vertebra to help the swelling and alleviate the pain. So far, so good, I am able to walk much better...still have a little pain, but I guess that is to be expected. To tell you the truth, if this is all the pain I have for next few months...I will be dancing down the sidewalks. Anyway, I will talk with you soon...
Robert
Monday, June 4, 2007
Fresh Tortillas Made in Athens?
Hey Friends, I hope you enjoyed our program this morning from Athens. We were at Tortillas Blanco, an actual tortillas factory. Mark White and his wife April own and operate the factory and a small restaurant featuring their products. Nothing better than fresh, right off the griddle, tortillas or chips. Believe me, a burrito or taco or their special "Nacho Blanco" salad will make you forget about running for any "border". April has a special seasoning she uses when she slow cooks the chicken or steak and it along with the fresh tortillas makes all the difference in the world. Oh, don't forget the outstanding chips that are cooked in 0 trans-fat. Personally, my favorite chips are the cheese wheat...OUTSTANDING!!!
Tortillas Blanco is open from 10:30a.m. to 6p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday and Saturday they are open 10:30am-3pm.
Located on West Market Street in Athens...(256) 777-0874 or (256) 230-2330
You can also check out website for a complete menu...
Tortillas Blanco is open from 10:30a.m. to 6p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday and Saturday they are open 10:30am-3pm.
Located on West Market Street in Athens...(256) 777-0874 or (256) 230-2330
You can also check out website for a complete menu...
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