Restoration Series with Prison Fellowship

Hey neighbors!!

So glad you stopped by today.  The Restoration Series, is a video series about Prison Fellowship's Academy.  This is a revolutionary in prison program they are using to help combat incarceration and recidivism.  Take a moment to read about Jonathan's Walk and watch the short video clip below.

About:  The Restoration Series Jonathan's Walk

For years, Jonathan has been in prison. As a result, he has missed milestone moments with his family. He wasn’t there for his daughter’s first day of school or a thousand little experiences with his wife and as a father, he is devastated to be separated from those he loves most.

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Jonathan has been looking forward to his release from prison for over a decade. So many life events have been missed and he is now ready to be with his wife and kids again. Of course, this transition isn't going to be easy. The odds are against him: with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years, Jonathan is aware of the challenge set before him.

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Still, he is determined to take the skills he has learned into the world outside of incarceration and stay there, helping build the community that he is part of for years to come.

Prison Fellowship presents The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film series following one man as he re-enters his community after 15 years in prison. It demonstrates in imagery, powerful storytelling and social interaction what it means to be human and the shared need of all people to see communities restored.

Though America is home to only 4% of the world's population, we house more than 20% of its prisoners. Recidivism–the tendency of a criminal to reoffend—is out of control. The Restoration Series tells the story of men and women who have experienced The Academy, a revolutionary in-prison program that is combatting incarceration and recidivism head on.

If you are interested in viewing the rest of the series, use the following link:  https://www.prisonfellowship.org/restorationseries?utm_source=flyby&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=MW_TRS

Thank you for visiting with us today.  Be sure to stop back again soon.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Bringing Home a Dog

Hey neighbors!!

So, you've decided to add a puppy or dog to your home.  Now, purebred, mix breed, male, female, puppy or adult dog is all a matter of opinion.  Do your research and choose what will work best for you.  Make sure you get a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle.

What I want to talk about is what you need for your new friend.  Before you bring him or her home pick up some necessary supplies.  First do some inquiries to locate a good vet.  You do not want to be frantically calling to find a vet should an emergency arise.  Your vet will be able to give your dog the shots that are needed and can also recommend products for worming and for controlling fleas and ticks.

You will need a collar and leash.  If you chose a puppy over an adult dog, you may want to choose an inexpensive collar first.  Your pup will quickly outgrow the first collar you purchase.  Make sure to check the collar regularly to make sure it has not become too tight.  We use a two finger rule.  You should be able to slide two finger under the collar without making it too tight on the pup.  The leash needs to be of good quality so your dog can not get away from you.  Add a dog tag to this list so should your pet ever run off, hopefully someone will be able to contact you.

Purchase dishes for food and water.  I personally recommend the metal ones, as they are easier to keep clean and sanitize.  You can find them with non-skid bottoms or with a stand to hold the bowls.  Plastic often gets chewed and ragged looking quickly.  This also makes it harder to wash.  Another option is ceramic, but my dogs have actually broken a couple playing with them.

A crate is a good idea.  Not only can you keep your pup contained when he can not be watched, but it also assists in housebreaking.  Crates are convenient to place your pup in when company shows up and you do not want them underfoot and possibly getting hurt.  Most dogs will consider their crate a safe place.  Crates are a benefit when traveling too.

A dog bed is an option, not a necessity.  You can purchase a dog bed at your local pet store, Walmart or even online.  Blankets are also nice for a pet bed.  If your dog is housebroken you can place the bed in the crate.  Mine is right next to my bed and Paisley knows when I say bed to get in her bed.

Pick up a few toys and chews for your pup.  Find out what works best for your pup.  I can not give mine any stuffed toys as they quickly rip them open and tear out the stuffing and squeakers.  Check your dog's toys on a regular basis to make sure they can not get hurt with them.

Find out the type of grooming tools you will need.  Brushes, combs, flea combs, and nail clippers are all valuable tools to have on hand.  While in the grooming aisle be sure to pick up a shampoo and conditioner for your dog.  With 5 dogs we have a variety of products.

Be sure to ask what your dog is presently eating.  It is best if you are going to change foods to do so slowly.  Begin to add the new food a little at a time so you do not upset your dog's digestion.  Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and/or food allergies so look for a food that meets your pet's needs.

There are some other dog supplies that I would consider optional.  Dog gates come in handy for containing or restricting your pet from certain rooms.  I personally have a grooming table for my own dogs as well as a neighbors two dogs.  It makes grooming much easier for me.  If you do not have a fenced in yard consider purchasing an exercise pen or an outside kennel.  This will allow your furry friend to be outside without worrying about him running off.  You can invest in sweaters and coats, t-shirts and bows as well as booties to protect your dog's feet.

The most important thing is to love your pet.  If you have any other suggestions for supplies please feel free to add a comment and share them here with our neighbors.

Just a Few Scholarships

Hey neighbors!!

I know many of us are looking forward to spring for many reasons.  Some of our children or perhaps even you are considering college soon.  If you are, now is the time to start checking in to what scholarships are available and if you qualify to apply.  So, I am putting together a list of some of the scholarships available.  Be sure to check out each scholarships and read what is required to apply.  Make sure your application and whatever other paperwork is required is turned in on time.  Several of these sites have information on past scholarship winners as well as other pertinent information that will assist you when applying.

Are you interested in economics?  Consider applying for the Rusty Robert Tweed Scholarship.  This is for an outstanding student in economics or finance.  One winner will be awarded a $1000 scholarship.  Deadline to apply is April 1.

The Minc Law Scholarship was formed on the premise that everyone who wishes to continue learning in college should be given the opportunity.  Mine Law awards one applicant with a $1500 scholarship.

Does any one remember the actress Donna Reed?  There is a Donna Reed Performing Arts and Scholarships and Internships.  Each year, the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts grants scholarships and merit awards to individuals who qualify for post secondary education and desire to pursue an education or a career in the performing arts.

Do you consider charitable giving to be a main focus?  The Jonah Engler Scholarship does too.  High school seniors and college students who have not reached their senior year are eligible for this scholarship that awards one person $1000 towards their college tuition.

TOPTAL Scholarship is specifically for women.  This program is for ambitious women 16 and older. Not only do they offer a scholarship, but they also have a 1 year mentorship too.  Designed for women who are, or want to be leaders this is a scholarship you should look in to.

Adrian Rubin Trust Scholarship is the creation of Adrian Rubin.  Mr. Rubin had a tough time affording his college education, and now he has this trust fund to assist others who need a helping hand.  This scholarship awards one applicant $1200 for their educational expenses.

Are you an achiever, who creates opportunities for yourself or others?  Perhaps the Opp Loans Scholarship would be the perfect fit for you to apply for.  This scholarship is awarded 4 times a year for $2500 per scholarship.  The student must have a 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA.

Here is one for the person who is passionate about research into natural foods and supplements that help us lead healthier lives.  The Verma Farms Scholarship is open to students regardless of their major.  They award one individual with a scholarship for $1000.

For students interested in broadcast and film, there is the Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation.  They have established several different scholarships of different monetary amounts.  If this is a field you are interested in visit the site to learn more and see which scholarships you qualify for.

Be sure to check out some of these scholarships, and if you do not see one that fits your needs keep looking.  I was amazed at the variety and amount of scholarships available.  There is a scholarship to meet just about any need you may have.  Also many local colleges can assist you in locating scholarships.

Thanks for stopping by!  See you again soon.

Choosing Clothing Items for Your Child’s Casual Wardrobe

Most parents take pride in the way their children dress. It is common to pay special attention to your children's clothing. When shopping, you want to buy clothing items that can be used in variety of ways. Children are sometimes invited to special occasions or events that require dress shoes and dress clothes. More often than not, they will be wearing casual clothing. Read on to find out how to choose affordable and quality pieces for your child’s casual wardrobe.

Shoes
A nice pair of shoes can make a basic outfit look extraordinary. You want your child to outgrow shoes instead of wearing them out. Leather shoes are a good option to add to your child’s wardrobe. This material is durable and high quality. Leather shoes also go well with a dressy outfit.
Leather shoes can be found in a variety of styles, such as childrens leather boots. Leather ankle boots are popular among women and they also make this style for girls. An ankle boot can dress up your outfit. It can be worn with both casual and dressy outfits for a range of style.  Be sure to also include a good quality sneaker.  

Jacket
Every child should have a nice winter jacket to wear in cold temperatures. The jacket should fall along the thigh, which covers up most of the outfit. It should also be in a neutral color like a navy blue or black.  Having a lighter jacket on hand for cooler weather, like a windbreaker or zip up sweatshirt, is also a good idea.  Denim jackets are good casual wear.  Jackets can also be worn as a fashion statement.

Socks
Socks are another important component of a casual outfit. If your child is wearing an outfit that exposes the legs, then your child should be wearing a nice pair of socks. For example, a pair of ruffle socks would go good with dresses. On the other hand, a pair of white socks would pair well with oxford shoes and dress shorts for boys. You should also stock up on athletic socks for playground and sports.

Shirts and Blouses
For boys you more than likely are going to have t-shirts, but also a few polos and button up shirts.  Girls of course will also like t-shirts and polos, but they often like to include a few frilly and feminine blouses as well.

Pants, Skirts, Dresses
When purchasing these items, denim and corduroy both look nice and hold up to play.  Khaki is another good choice.  Obviously denim skirts are great and last well, but sometimes little girls want something a little more girly.  Make sure to add a few different types and styles.

Style allows your child to show their personal style when it comes to clothing. It depends on the type of look you are trying to achieve for your child. Be sure to allow your child's personality show through.  They don't need to have all their wants and wishes granted, but allow them to make some of the choices regarding color or style.  Some children may prefer patterns and designs, while others may prefer more subdued colors.  As long as they are dressed appropriately let them participate in the purchases. 

Thanks for stopping by!! See you soon!

Post 3 - Looking For Spring!!

Hey neighbors!!

Sorry about missing yesterday's post.  Between church and preparing for today, I was pretty busy.  So once again we have cold weather and a wintry mix coming in!!  Yay!! (Sarcasm there!!) I hope you are having better weather than we are.  My whole family is tired of winter.

Then to top it off, we think we have a raccoon family living in the ceiling above our bedroom.  My husband did some research and they say that it is often a mother and her babies when you hear what sounds like more than one.  We actually heard a fight last night.  Not to mention a bunch of bumping and scratching going on.  They have been raiding our trash on a regular basis.  With all the cold, wet, icy, raining, snowy weather we are having it is impossible to get up on the roof to find out where they are getting in.  One person recommended cutting a hole in your ceiling and catching them, but that does not sound too safe to me.  So, we are considering calling someone who catches animals and see what they can do.

Then took my daughters Golden Doodle to the vet today for her shot and her rabies shot and they fed her a generic cheese, the kind you squirt out of a can on a chew, to distract her.  Well, she vomited it all up on the way home.  She gets slightly carsick, usually only drooling, but today she decided to vomit all over her crate.

I think I might just go back to bed today.  What do you think?  OK, enough of what is happening here.  Let's get on with our post for the day.  Share this giveaway somewhere.  It can be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email a friend, I don't care how it is shared, just so long as you actually share it.  And to make it more fun, I just added a $5 Taco Bell gift card to go with the $10 Hobby Lobby card.  That way when you go shopping at Hobby Lobby you can pick up a quick snack.  So share our giveaway and then be sure to comment here letting me know you shared it.

I am adding a few of our recent pics, just to make the post interesting.  Thanks for stopping in!! And let's all share, like neighbors!!

Vacations that are a True Escape

Have you ever wished for a vacation that was truly restful? An honest to goodness escape from day to day stresses may be easier to accomplish than you might imagine. The trick is to pick a location that provides the relaxation you need while suiting your personality. Use the following suggestions to get your vacation planning under way.

Escape to the Seaside

It doesn't get any more relaxing than sitting by the edge of the water enjoying a good book. Consider one of the quiet beaches in north carolina as your vacation destination. You can awake to a beautiful sunrise, spend your afternoon soaking up the sun or wandering through local shops, and have a relaxing dinner of local seafood. At the end of the day, drift off to sleep with the sound of waves crashing in the background.

Hide in the Woods

Getting in touch with nature gives you a peaceful feeling that eludes your daily life. Renting a cabin in the woods is the perfect way to escape. Many cabins in the national parks have a rustic appeal while still offering modern amenities. Eat a breakfast cooked over the campfire, take a hike through the forest, and end your day by falling asleep to the sounds of the little creatures playing all around you.

Lost in a Crowd

If you have a restless spirit and cannot imagine sitting and doing nothing every day of your vacation, consider losing yourself in a crowd. Take a trip to one of our county’s amazing cities. You will discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at every turn. Enjoy yourself as you explore local cultures by day and go dining each night.

Whether your idea of fun is soaking up the sun, hiding away in nature, or blending in with the crowd, these vacations will give you just the break you need. With a little careful planning, you will finally come home from a trip without being more tired than when you started.

Looking For Spring Giveaway Pt. 2!

Hey neighbors!!

We are still very cold here. 10 degrees today with a feels like in the negatives! So, today I am thinking would be a good day for baking. My daughter bakes some low carb peanut butter cookies. They are pretty good. We have even made them thumbprint cookies with low sugar jelly. 

So, today’s entry is comment below with your favorite cookie. It can be homemade, bakery or store bought. And I will share the recipe for the low carb peanut butter cookies in another post shortly.

Don't forget, the last post will be on the 20th.  Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping in!

-Lori

A Gift That's Always Welcome

How many times have your wracked your brain trying to come up with the perfect gift for that special person in your life, only to come up short? The reality is that no matter how close you may be to someone, some people are just incredibly hard to buy for. Everyone has their individual likes and dislikes, which is why it can be so hard to find the perfect gift for a loved one. There's really a huge disappointment factor in finding out that the gift you thought was utterly perfect for your special someone was met with a so-so level of enthusiasm. 

So, what's the solution? Cookies! Send them love in cookie form. If there is one gift that will always be met with enthusiasm, it's a package of freshly baked, beautifully decorated and utterly delicious cookies. Cookies are simply an endearing gift in many ways, which is why they are always a smart choice. Cookies can be decorated in any number of ways to suit a range of occasions, and they can also be packaged beautifully, to make an impressive gift presentation. Whether the type of cookie is chocolate chip, shortbread, brownie, cheesecake or Oreo, you can bet they will be eagerly received by whoever is the recipient. 

Cookies can also be delivered by cookie delivery Atlanta or by services in other cities, so this gift choice comes with a high level of convenience, too! Whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Valentines' Day, Easter, Mother's Day or the Fourth of July, a wonderful package of beautifully wrapped up cookies is a gift that will always fit the bill. So, next time you find yourself wracking your brain in an effort to find the perfect gift idea, just choose a selection of your favorite cookies, and send them on the way. Your loved one will be sure to enjoy this gift enormously, without a doubt!

Capresso 12 Cup Coffee Maker

Hi neighbors!!

Check out this 12 cup Coffee Maker ($39.99) from Capresso.  Are you looking for a new coffee maker?  This just might be the one for you.

Obviously the first thing is, it can brew 12 cups of coffee.  It has multiple nozzles that spray the hot water evenly over the ground coffee.  It has a programmable 24 hour clock/timer.  My family thinks the ability to set the strength of the coffee is a huge bonus.  There is a drip stop so you can pour a cup of coffee before it has finished brewing.  And my husband's idea of a bonus, it can keep the coffee warm for 2 hours.

Something I think is a benefit is the reusable gold-tone filter.  I get so frustrated when we run out of filters and no one added them to the shopping list.  It is black with stainless steel accents.  Of course the carafe is glass. The filter, carafe and lid are dishwasher safe.  Although if you are like my family, you don't really wash a coffee pot often.

Now, here is what I am doing with mine.  Although it is a great coffee maker, mine s only going to be used to make my tea,  I LOVE IT!! I hate to have my tea taste like coffee.  So many restaurants use the same machine, and you can taste the coffee.  There are two McDonalds near us that do that.  I don't like coffee to begin with, so when I order tea, I want it to taste like tea.  This has been so simple to do.  I simply drop two family size tea bags in the reusable filter, fill the reservoir, close the top and hit the button.  I come back to a carafe of tea, that I transfer to my pitcher.  It is nice because I can have tea ready to fill my pitcher as soon as we empty it.

Visit the Capresso website and be sure to follow them on their social media.
Facebook - HERE
Twitter - HERE
Instagram - HERE

So glad we were able to share this review of the Capresso Coffee Maker!! See you soon!!

Broadway Basketeers - Says I Love You!!

Hey neighbors!!

Found this GREAT site Broadway Basketeers to share with you!  They sell all different kinds of gift baskets.  Valentines Day is fast approaching and the gift baskets from Broadway Basketeers is a perfect way to say I love you.

When you visit their website, the hardest thing will be choosing which basket to send!  Some of course are towers of boxes of cookies or candy, and they also have flowers and one of my husband's favorites, cheesecake.  We received the Gourmet Cookies and Chocolate Valentines Day Gift.  It includes:
4 - Oatmeal Cookies
4 - Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 - White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
4 - Double Chocolate Cookies
4 - Milk Chocolate Bavarian Pretzels
4 - Chocolate Covered Grahams

Don't these look tempting?

All of these are in a flat basket and there is a colorful bow on top.  They look wonderful!!  It is so easy to order and them shipped directly to your loved one.  *Please note the stuffed sloth, candle and candy hearts are just added props for the photos.

Your recipient may try one and share the rest, or they may want them all for themselves!!

The cookies, pretzels and grahams all taste great!!  My husband said he practiced self control and only ate one cookie and one pretzel.  The day is not over yet though!!

What a great Valentines Day gift this basket makes!  Of course they have baskets for just about any gift giving occasion, so be sure to visit the Broadway Basketeers website and give them a follow on social media.
Facebook - HERE
Twitter - HERE
Instagram - HERE

So glad I was able to share Broadway Basketeers here, At the Fence with my neighbors!!

Looking For Spring Giveaway!!

Hey neighbors!!

I am definitely tired of snow.  Now as I sit here writing this post, we are having an ice storm warning and we are expecting more snow in the upcoming days.  All our previous snow finally melted, but more is on its way.  Everyone in the family is anxiously awaiting spring.

So we decided we would have a fun giveaway.  Instead of one post with all the entries, I am going to add a new post every other day.  We will then create a spreadsheet for each entry and then pick a random winner.  The prize will be a $10 Hobby Lobby Gift Card.  And we may randomly add a few other items. Last post will be the 20th and winner will be chosen on the 21st.

Sound good?  Great!  Let's get started.

Caption this photo.  Leave a comment on this post with your caption.  I will tell you that all the dogs loved playing in the snow.  I had to almost force them to come back inside.  And they loved the snow.  One liked to try and catch snowballs!!  I managed to catch all of them enjoying the fresh snow.

At the Fence,
Where neighbors share!!

Country Inns and Suites Clarksville, TN Hotel Review #TravelTuesday

Our family does a lot of traveling. We usually spend about 30+ nights a year in hotel rooms, sometimes much more depending on various schedules and vacation plans. Whenever I'm booking a hotel in a location I've never visited before, or maybe even an area I'm familiar with, I like to do a lot of research to make sure it's in a nice safe location with plenty of dining options nearby, and that it has a lot of amenities for us to enjoy while there. One hotel chain has always stood out to me as being top of the line without paying outrageously high prices, and that's Country Inn and Suites. I've never seen a rundown or shabby Country Inn and Suites, not one in a bad location, or one that just made me shy away from staying there. Every single time our family reserves a room at Country Inn and Suites, I know we're going to get great value for our stay, have no worries about the surrounding area, and be able to enjoy plenty of extras for however long we stay.

We recently spent a night at the Country Inn and Suites in Clarksville, TN. This location is about 35 minutes west of Nashville, and close to the Fort Campbell base in Oak Grove, KY. We often pass through the Clarksville area on various trips, but while we had seen the hotel before, we had never had need to stay there. This time, however, it was the perfect stopping point on our way home from a fabulous vacation. We arrived about 4:00 in the afternoon, and I headed in for the check-in process. The lady at the front desk was so friendly, and offered helpful tidbits of information about the hotel, the amenities they offered, breakfast the following morning, etc. She also gave me her name, Alexis, and mentioned to call down if we had any questions or issues during our visit. This was a great start to a wonderful stay!

The check-in process only took a couple minutes, and we drove around the side to park and unload as Alexis had suggested. When we reached our room, I was surprised by just how spacious and homey it was! Immediately upon entry, you step into a small kitchen that has space off to one side for luggage. A full-size refrigerator, a small stove, sink, microwave, coffeemaker, and dishwasher all fit into this entry area, without making it feel crammed. I absolutely love the full size refrigerator, especially for times when we're spending a week or so in a hotel. Perfect to be able to fit all the drinks, snacks, and leftovers that pile up during a visit anywhere! Directly past the kitchen is the living room, with a desk, a full size couch, a cozy chair, and a TV. This is where we spent some time in the evening relaxing, eating pizza, and watching a movie. There were plenty of channels to choose from on TV, but we actually hooked up our DVD player to enjoy some Abbott and Costello that evening.

Opening out from the living room is the bedroom, which in this room had a king-sized bed, dresser, nightstands, TV, and a chair with a foot rest. The bathroom is off the end of the bedroom, with a full size sink and mirror outside, and a tub/shower and toilet separately. I much prefer this type of setup, so if someone's in the shower, someone else can be using the mirror for makeup, drying hair, etc. It's always made more sense to me to have the shower and sink/mirror area separate!

After we had our dinner, I wandered the hotel a bit to check out all their offerings. I stumbled upon the library area which I have always loved at Country Inn and Suites. This is just the perfect area to come and read a book, play a game with some friends, or just relax and listen to some music. There was also a heated indoor pool, which unfortunately we weren't able to enjoy as I had forgot to bring swim clothes. :( The business center was right next to the library, with a computer, printer, and all the necessities.

I have to say, a few things really stood out to me on our visit to the Country Inn and Suites in Clarksville, TN. These are small things, but for someone who travels the way I do, they are much appreciated. First, the full size refrigerator rather than a minuscule fridge you have to fight to fit a half gallon of milk into. I love the fact that they had USB ports to charge your phones and other devices on the nightstand by the bed. Oh, and the iron in the room? We've started bringing our own iron on trips because it's very rare to find a hotel iron that actually works, doesn't leave black gunk on your clothing, etc. No need to bring ours up on this night, however; the hotel iron was a high quality, clean, well-functioning iron! Yes, a small detail but very much appreciated by anyone who has ever fought to iron a piece of clothing in a hotel room. Another thing I noticed (and appreciated) was the fact that this hotel had multiple guest laundry rooms. There were at least two (first and second floor), which makes so much sense! At a hotel earlier in our trip, we had to stay up until midnight to be able to get a load of laundry done because they only had one washer/dryer, and four different people were trying to get theirs in first. LOVE the idea of multiple laundry rooms!

I've always been a fan of the Country Inn and Suites chain, but after this stay it made me realize again how much they're really several steps above your average hotel in the same budget level. All the amenities of home, friendly staff, and every little detail considered and put just right for the perfect hotel stay.

I highly recommend Country Inn and Suites, and especially the location in Clarksville, TN for anyone needing a quality, clean, friendly, comfortable stay while traveling!