My Utile Center

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Learn to be Content
By Stanley T. Crawford

In Philippians 4:10-20, Paul points out that it is important for us to learn to be content. We should be content when things go our way, as when we have much; and when things do not go our way, as when we have little (vs. 11&12). Furthermore, our focus should be on Jesus Christ as the source of our strength. This is true whether we are being blessed with riches, or we have to rely on others in our time of need (vs. 13).

Also, Paul describes how God provided for him through the Philippians (verses 14-20). In addition, he expresses his appreciation for their support. The Philippians supported him when others did not. As in Paul’s case, we should thank those who help us in our time of need. This is especially true since we don’t always know through whom God will work in order to meet our needs. Yet, we can be sure that God will meet our needs. The key here is “needs,” and who better knows our needs than God.

Learning to be content does not mean that we can’t seek to improve our current situation. It does mean that we must have balance as we seek to improve. We shouldn’t be so focused on improvement that we fail to thank God for our current blessing(s). Lacking proper balance, our pursuit to improve may lead us to be ungrateful for our current blessing(s) from God. This would be a great mistake on our part as Christians.

Needless to say, learning to be content places a demand on our faith. Faith is the key to a successful journey with Jesus Christ. Faith will allow us to handle any evil (Ephesians 6:16). We have merely to step out on faith and trust God. All of us should pray for God to increase our faith, so that we can be content even as Paul was content.

Finally, re-read Philippians 4:10-20. Next ask yourself, “In my current situation, am I content as Paul was content?” If not, then ask, “Can I learn to be content as Paul was content?”

Copyright 2002, Stanley T. Crawford, is the editor of, “People of the Bible,” and webmaster of http://www.whatismyname.com. All Rights Reserved. mailto:scrawford@whatismyname.com

Stanley T. Crawford, is the editor of, “People of the Bible,” and ebmaster of http://www.whatismyname.com. All Rights Reserved. mailto:scrawford@whatismyname.com

Personally this is my favorite disability. Perhaps many of you will agree with me. Others know the frustration all too well and won’t want to agree but will acknowledge frustration with a quiet nod!

As we have described management disabilities over the past in this mini series, the faults or problems that can easily befall us all are put to the test in the management team. This group has to battle the demons that surround the organization and still come out smelling like roses!

In larger organizations, managers feel a need to look good and protect their own credibility. They hire people similar to themselves or people not as smart so they can ‘coach’ them. They look good and their subordinates keep it that way. Wittingly or otherwise. An appearance is created of a well oiled management team, the frog is being boiled. Decisions are compromises and as democratic as a third world government. Decisions are seldom thought through and dialogued, seldom is one voice heard above the others when something doesn’t seem quite right. Disagreement is about laying blame, learning’s are lost, differences hidden, opinions are diverse. Poor frog.

Management teams remind me of the prisoners’ dilemma - the Economics of game theory. When you hold two accomplices and give them the option - talk and walk, send your partner away or your partner shops you for the whole deal. If you both say nothing you are home free. Tough call. How well do you know your partners?

Management teams that are not learning teams will fall over themselves when issues get tough and they have to apply themselves. Teams split, make irrational decisions or support the wrong team mates. With Sarbanes Oxley in effect, this could mean a jail sentence. Pressure kills faster. mmm, is that poor frog in a pressure cooker?

Management’s approach to surviving the top floor has often been to talk fast and talk often, never listening to others that may throw you off your stride or interject with facts.

We reward those that solve the problems not those that pose the problems…

Posing solutions under the guise of being proactive or to be seen as a ‘hero’ manager makes business management even worse, but managers often use this approach to win favor and gain PR points.

Does this seem like a learning organization in the making?

Get out, learn, dialogue, evaluate, share understand the system

How’s your management team?

Graeme Nichol, Principal Arcturus Advisors (http://www.arcturusadvisors.com), has worked on 4 continents gaining experience through Big Six consulting companies and boutique firms. Working with management to learn and achieve the impossible. In areas including; Business strategy, project management, change management, systems thinking, developing learning organizations, team development, productivity and quality improvement, and large scale ERP implementations.

Copyright 2006 Mark Nenadic

A single industry of any type is far to large for any individual
business to tackle all on its own. Even the largest corporations
cannot cover a whole market by themselves. This is where niche
marketing becomes a businessperson’s best friend for making
potential much more manageable. If you develop your own niche
marketing strategy, then your business will offer specialized
goods and services, and you will be able to target specific
niche groups of prospective clients.

But what does niche marketing actually mean for your own unique
business? By understanding your own business niche, it means
that you gain the capability for mastering your own special
corner of the marketplace. Your niche marketing strategy will
bring about a better ability for catering to specific customer
interest so that you can capitalize upon it. You’ll have your
own unique niche in the business world in which you will stand
out the most.

Think about your business niche carefully before deciding upon
it, as you will dedicate yourself to it rather exclusively from
that point on. You’ll need to make sure that it is a niche
marketing strategy that is indeed achievable.

Once you’ve chosen how you will be niche marketing, you will
need to ask yourself certain questions about how you will
develop this into a niche marketing strategy. These questions
should include:

 How is my business most effective? What are my special
skills and strengths? When answering this question, go over both
your own abilities, and the abilities of your company as a
whole. List your strengths and skills. You may find this process
to be quite enlightening. It includes things that you’ve always
known, but may not have actually recognized for their full
potential.

 What do you and your other team members enjoy doing?
The more you like what you’re doing, the more you’ll naturally
be able to dedicate to its success. If you don’t like your
business niche, there may not even be profit available, because
you’ll be held back on a subconscious level. To begin answering
this question, one of the best places to look is at your hobbies
and the things that you already do for enjoyment. Instead of
only working with your dreams - which may or not be what they
expect them to be in reality - look at what you’ve already tried
and already liked. These are the tried, tested, and true
activities for you, and are those to which you’re most likely to
motivate you the most. This passion can only translate to added
profit. Not only will this make your company a more enjoyable
venture, but it will give you endurance and focus that you may
never have known you had. This level of stamina and motivation
is vital to starting up a fresh company, or changing a business
that already exists.

 What do you need to make this niche work? It’s all well
and good to choose a niche marketing strategy, but it’s another
to recognize what is involved to make the theory a reality.
You’ve identified your strengths and what you enjoy, now it’s
time to assess them with customers in mind. How can you use this
information in a way that will make customers buy something? To
answer this question, look at your potential customers. What do
they already buy, and what are they likely to buy in the future?

Now you’re ready to come up with your niche marketing plan. The
last step is to make certain that it doesn’t interfere or
conflict with any business plan that you already have in place.
The niche marketing strategy is only valuable if it can be made
to function within your own company’s potential.

Niche marketing is among the best things you can do to maximize
your success potential in a staggeringly large marketplace.
Begin today and reap the rewards that are so close to being
yours.

If you are like most of us, the last few hours just before your flight leaves is a mad scramble where it’s easy to forget your own name, much less your plane ticket and all your luggage. When you have to find a place to leave your car in those crucial moments it can be really stressful.Airport parking is usually fairly straightforward, but if you are going during a busy travel season you might arrive to find the lot is full or almost full.

Here are some cities where parking at the airport can be tricky if you don’t know where to go:

New York City JFK Airport - There are several huge lots in the area, but the two best are just north of the airport and they are AirPark and AviStar JFK.

Los Angeles International - In the land of cars there are nearly 20 airport parking lots and most of them will reserve a spot for you before you arrive. The ones on Century Boulevard are the most expensive, but also the closest.

San Francisco - Parking your car in the city can be almost impossible, but there are about 10 good airport lots near SFO. SkyPark has an indoor and an outdoor lot, so you can leave your car outside if the weather is supposed to be nice, or pay a bit more to park indoors if it looks bad during your trip.

Miami - This city can be expensive, but the airport isn’t in a pricey neighborhood so parking here isn’t too bad. CBM operates two lots, but there are 4 other lots where you can reserve a spot as well.

Phoenix - The airport is centrally located, but there are several cheap lots surrounding it anyway. PCA operates two of the better lots and has good service.

Everyone dreams of having skin that is healthy, smooth and radiant. This state of skin perfection would have to derive from proper and attentive care. Your skin could convey its wishes, its needs for nutrition and concern. Listen to its voice, pamper it with timely care, and your skin will maintain its very best condition always.
Balance: The First Criterion for Perfect Skin

At the crux of the latest global beauty concepts, lies the need for skin balance, which is the first criterion for perfect skin. Here, “balance” refers to the natural physiological functions of the skin, such as regulation of moisture, oil secretion, sensitive reactions and organisational structures. Only when these four areas are regulated and balanced, can the skin present its very best. Conversely, if there is an imbalance in the four factors, the skin will develop problems accordingly.

Warning Signal 1:
Dryness, lack of moisture, slight peeling, dry wrinkles

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in regulation of moisture

The Best Solution:
Emergency replenishment of moisture

Suggested Method:
Give skin the ample moisturising nutrition it needs. Choose special moisturising skincare products that contain natural minerals, effective moisture-replenishing factors, natural compound vitamins, collagen, etc.

Warning Signal 2:
Insufficient or excessive oil, whiteheads, blackheads, acne　

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in oil secretion

The Best Solution:
Balance oil secretion

Suggested Method:
Choose skincare products that have oil-absorption, inflammation-reduction and germ-elimination properties. For skin that secretes excessive oil, take care of cleanliness and inflammation reduction.

Warning Signal 3:
Sagging, signs of aging such as wrinkles

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in organisational structure

The Best Solution:
Emergency replenishment of nutrients

Suggested Method:
Focus on the replenishment of effective anti-wrinkle and skin-firming ingredients, such as amino acids, various vitamins, protein essences, etc, so as to enhance skin metabolism and restore its natural vitality within the shortest time.

Warning Signal 4:
Weakness, itch, red spots　

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in sensitive reactions

The Best Strategy:
Emergency desensitisation

Suggested Method:
Conduct a self-diagnosis first. If the condition is mild, nurse it using Bel’Air’s prescription. If the condition is severe, involving burns or abnormal swelling, consult a doctor or specialist.

Listen to Your Skin

These are some of the warning signals that will be sounded when a problem in skin balance occurs. Usually, the prologue will take the form of itch. When your skin gives the signal for help, it is time to give it the nutrition and moisture it needs. In this way, you can effectively maintain your skin at a state of healthy and optimum balance. So, when your skin sounds the warning signal for imbalance, don’t ever neglect it. Putting the balance back into your skin will ensure its radiance and beauty!

Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail to : Healthybelair@yahoo.com

Cost is one of the main factors concerning new versus used RV’s, but there are several other factors to consider too. If you’re only going to use the RV two weeks out of the year, a used RV might be your best decision. On the other hand, if you are planning on going fulltiming or traveling cross country, a new RV with a full warranty would be a better choice.

Speaking of warranty, if you do decide a used RV is your best choice, check to see if there is any type of warranty available. If you buy a used RV from a private owner it is normally AS IS with no warranty. This is true with many RV dealers too. Replacing an RV refrigerator or other major appliance can be very costly. Most RV dealers will offer an extended service plan or contract if the used RV meets the service plan criteria. You can also purchase these plans from RV clubs and reputable websites on the Internet. The age of the unit will factor into the cost of the plan but you should be able to negotiate with the dealer concerning a service plan. Make sure you read all of the fine print and understand exactly what is covered and what is not covered in any type of service plan or contract you purchase. Many times service plans offer different levels of coverage based on the cost of the plan. You also want to be sure that other RV dealers and repair facilities will honor the service plan you purchase. It won’t do you any good if you need repairs while you’re traveling and nobody will honor the plan.

Another factor to consider between buying new or used is how long you plan to keep the RV. What I mean by this is if you buy an RV with the thought in mind that as soon as you get your next pay raise you’re going to upgrade to a larger RV, it would be best to consider buying used. RV’s depreciate, they do not appreciate. If you buy a new RV and trade or sell it within the first couple of years you will lose a substantial amount of money. In many cases a used RV has already suffered the brunt of the depreciation and you don’t stand to lose as much if you get rid of it sooner. This of course will depend on how much you pay for the used RV. Most RV dealers use the NADA guide for Recreation Vehicles to determine used RV pricing, www.nada.com.

Used RV prices are based on the age of the unit, the condition, options and mileage, if it’s a motorized RV’s. The NADA guide has wholesale and retail pricing for used RV’s, and all NADA pricing assumes the RV is in good condition, and proper working order. Ask to see the NADA price for the unit you are considering purchasing or look it up on the Internet. For accurate figures you will need to know the make, model, year, options and for gasoline motorhomes, the chassis manufacturer and mileage. You wouldn’t pay full Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a new RV, so you shouldn’t pay full NADA retail price for a used RV either. Some used RV’s are in more of a demand than others, but if the used RV is in good condition and everything operates properly a fair price would be somewhere between NADA wholesale and retail price.

Another consideration when thinking about purchasing a used RV is the finance terms and interest rates. Because the RV is used, banks offer shorter finance terms and higher interest rates compared to new RV financing. See the finance section of this chapter for more information.

If you decide to purchase a used RV make sure that all of the systems and appliances operate properly, and that there is no type of hidden damage that can’t easily be seen. Damage caused by water leaks can be hard to detect and extremely costly to repair. If you are not knowledgeable about RV’s you should take someone with you who is, to inspect the unit you are considering purchasing. It may be possible to hire somebody to thoroughly inspect the unit before you buy it. Most RV dealers will give you a walk through orientation of the RV and demonstrate that everything is operating properly. I recommend that you purchase an RV training video on the type of RV you are buying and view it prior to the scheduled walk through. You will have a much better understanding of how everything works and you can ask more targeted questions.

Be sure to consider the cost, how you plan to use the RV, warranty, and how long you plan to keep the RV when deciding whether to buy new or used.

Happy Camping,

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. Sign up for your free “RV Education 101″ Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/
Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. Polk owns and operates RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, and also has an extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management. Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology with 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. http://www.rveducation101.com/

Thirteen years ago I became quite intrigued with the
idea of LOSING WEIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Even
knowing the chances of finding success with this idea
was highly slim I was nevertheless still intrigued.

Please note, When I refer to, “LOSING WEIGHT DURING THE
HOLIDAY SEASON” I am NOT referring to:

1) Avoiding family and friend get togethers,

2) Avoiding all other meals to splurge during just the
one dinner,

3) Limiting my meals to five pounds of plain turkey and
maybe a heaping tablespoon of mash potatoes or
stuffing. (Not trying to be sarcastic–just being
truthful),

4) Taking supplements or DIET pills of any kind.

*Here’s How I Found Success…

In the beginning, thirteen years ago, I simply began
deciphering which foods I was going to eat for the
holidays versus the foods I really needed to stay away
from, like those scrumptious tasting butter rolls
served at the beginning of dinner.

RESULTS: Weight loss didn’t take place the first year.
But I didn’t gain weight either. What I really enjoyed
was this preplanning approach especially the greater
sense of feeling and being in control so I continued my
efforts and after many years of enhancing this concept
I created what’s known as the Replace, Eliminate, Limit(REL) Theory.

REL

*The REL Starts With REPLACING Foods. It Works Like This:

After making a mental note of the specific foods that
may be available at the dinner table, start deciphering
what foods to REPLACE and what foods to REPLACE them
with.

Ask Yourself These Questions When Deciphering What
Foods To Replace With What

~What foods can provide me with the same fullness yet
without all the carbs? (TIP: The more creative you can
be the better the results.)

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

~What FOODS would I be willing to settle for?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

EXAMPLE:

~Would I be willing to REPLACE the potato salad (major
carbs) with regular salad (low in carbs) –maybe I
could put more croutons on my salad… more cheese…
maybe even splurge with some good ole Ranch or honey
french dressing on the top.

~Write a list of FOODS you would like to REPLACE:

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

~After deciphering which foods to REPLACE, begin
asking:

~Which foods should I ELIMINATE? Certainly there must
be ONE food TO ELIMINATE, Just for control purposes, if
anything else.

~What Foods Would You Like to Potentially ELIMINATE?
Write them Down:

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

~If you are new to the REL concept perhaps ELIMINATE
just ONE of the heavy carb ladened foods: rolls,
potatoes, rice, noodles, breaded foods, etc.

~What ONE Food would you like to ELIMINATE? Write it
down:

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

~If you are a die hard REL user and/or want an awesome
challenge then ELIMINATE ALL desserts and replace with
fruits. OR perhaps ELIMINATE just one or two types of
desserts; pumpkin pie, fruit pies, chocolate cakes, nut
pies (Pecan), etc. It’s your choice.

NOTE: You can make your own rules too. For instance you
may want to ELIMINATE all fruit pies and instead limit
your desserts to sugar free fruit pies. Its’ your
choice.

~If you’re feeling challenged and want to consider
ELIMINATING more than one food item what would those
food items be? Write them down:

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

~And lastly, foods to LIMIT.

~When it comes to LIMITING foods simply acknowledge
those foods that quickly fill you up more than others.

For Instance:

I am going to LIMIT the stuffing so I can enjoy more of
Mom’s favorite Gooey Butter Cake?

Or, I could probably (just maybe) LIMIT the cream peas
and fill up on some of the scrumptious salad.

Or I could choose to LIMIT both stuffing and sweet
potatoes so I could have both versus splurging on just
the one.

~Know what foods you want to LIMIT? Write them down.

~List of FOODS TO LIMIT:

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

***Who know’s. I was once told I think too much. Maybe
thats the reason why REL works so well;

Doing more thinking then eating—LOL

~CONCLUSION:

I find that when we walk into the holidays blindly or
should I say without a plan we tend to find ourselves
gaining weight. Even worse caught up on the sugar high.
This can be avoided and in many cases weight loss can
be a reality DURING THE HOLIDAYS. So the first goal is
to have an REL PLAN.

Use the REL theory if you like–it’s pretty fun
actually. You may even find yourself looking at the
dinner table thinking maybe I’ll REPLACE the green bean
casserolle with the stuffing. No maybe I’ll ELIMINATE
the potatoes all together and instead treat myself to a
small LIMITED piece of the scrumptious hot pecan pie.

THE REL Theory has been taken from the highly popular
book—The Medium Carb Diet.

QUESTION:

Have you ever thought as to wonder why the REL works so
well?

ANSWER:

All to often, we only need a one second distraction to
prevent us from acting on those last minute, “sound
good” ideas.

Sure EVERYTHING looks good on the dinner table but if
we have a focus… a plan… we tend not to reach for
just anything and/or everything NOR splurge on those
foods that are surely to put the weight on.

I know there is a lot of information this time around–
but I really want you to feel comfortable and complete
this holiday season while managing your low carb
regimen.

This REL thought process is generally all thats needed
to prevent one from reaching out for all the fattening
stuff.

RESULTS: REL has helped thousands of people succeed not
just through the holiday seasons but every day of the
year. Try just one of the ideas and I assure you’ll
feel more in control and happier with self as you look
at the up and coming New Year.

If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to
a friend.

With www.cookingwithflavors.com, you’ll discover how easy
it is to:

*Learn how to create flavorful low carb meals,

*Learn how to create low caloric, low fat, low carb meals,

*Learn how to use everyday ingredients versus wayward, hard
to find ingredients,

*Learn how to read the new food labels,

*Learn secrets to losing weight on low carb diets,

*Learn about the new MEDIUM CARB DIET,

*Learn how to entertain low carb guests,

*Hone your low carb cooking skills,

*Set realistic eating and healthy weight loss goals.

About the Author:

Robyne Arrow, a successful 23 year veteran of the Low Carb
lifestyle is the author of eight books including “Cooking
Low Carb with Flavor” and the popular “Medium Carb Diet.”
She has helped thousands of individuals overcome the many
hurdles to low carb lifestyles.

Visit her site to find out how you can get a free
subscription to her e-zine, “Move Over Mr. Cheat, Ms. Flavors Moving In…” at http://www.cookingwithflavors.com
or mailto:ezine@cookingwithflavors.com

Britain’s moving and regularly filthy past is definitely best reverberated in its historic buildings & nowhere is this more noticeable than in those buildings possessed by the Royal Family and their revelry.

For a prolonged occasion now the English Monarchy has been distinguished as being very important to the success of the United Kingdom. They have charmed guests for years and maintain to stimulate the love of foreign holiday-makers of all age groups. Buckingham Place has been regarded as the Capital’s home of the English monarchy from the time when Queen Victoria became instated as queen in eighteen thirty-seven. its one of a miniature amount of functioning royal palaces enduring in in Britain today.

Buckingham Palace is used primarily as a place of work, but can also be altered into an entertainment venue for the fifty-thousand invitees invited to the Palace every single year. There are well over 600 residences, including 19 state lodgings, 52 royal and visitor bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, ninety-two offices, but more extraordinarily an in-house theatre and swimming pool.

During the spring and summer, foreign guest can trek around the gorgeous state kitchens, that shape the heart of the Palace. These fabulous digs are enriched with a selection of the best treasures from the Royal collected works, including sculptures by Canova and also paintings by the many well-known artists including Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. Discover Buckingham Palace England. One of the many wonders to visit in London.

Blue Ribbon - Prescott Park/Roxy Ann Peak

Much of this land in Medford remains undeveloped; the main loop around Roxy Ann Peak is a 2.4-mile loop. You can shoot off on any number of radiating smaller trails on these beautiful - but steep - slopes.

#2 - Marble Mountain Wilderness

Canine hikers will find the splendors of the Marble Mountain Wilderness exquisitely preserved. Dozens of species of trees and lots of animals call these lands around the Salmon River home. There are 89 pristine lakes for your dog to swim here.

#3 - Mount Ashland Meadows

Wildflowers are a special treasure of hiking in the Shasta/Rogue River region. The 3.4-mile out-and-back trail at Mount Ashland leads through not one, not two, but five showy meadows. This subalpine meadowscape changes regularly with the seasons so make sure to hike this trail often during the year.

#4 - McCloud Falls/Fowler Campground

The trail along the McCloud River leads to three distinctly different waterfalls. The hike gets crowded but you can seek solitude by fanning out on the other available trails on the south slopes of Mt. Shasta.

#5 - Westside Trail and Mary Lake Trail

Redding is becoming nationally known for the quality and variety of its trails. The trail around Mary Lake is an easy 3/4-mile stroll with your dog while the Westside Trails offer four miles of hillside walks serving up sweeping views of town.

#6 - Bear Creek Greenway

The Bear Creek Greenway will one day be a continuous 21-mile recreational route running from Ashland to Central Point. The trailheads in Ashalnd and southern Medford each sit next to a fenced dog park.

#7 - Sacaramento River Trail

This award-winning urban trail travels on an 8-foot wide paved path with an eleavtion gain of no more than 200 feet in its entire six-mile loop. The route visits both sides of the Sacramento River in Redding.

#8 - OC & E Woods Line State Trail

This successful rail-to-trail conversion use the right-of-way of the Oregon-California and Eastern Railroad. Once cattle and timber moved along this route. Today it is Oregon’s longest linear park - any length of canine hike can be crafted from the trail. The first seven miles from Klamath Falls are paved.

#9 - Jacksonville Woods

Residents of Jacksonville, honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, recognize that their town’s woodlands are as valuable as the historic buildings. They have pre- served hundreds of acres and 8 miles of peaceful trails throughout town.

I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog, including the
widely praised The Canine Hiker’s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we
produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at
http://www.hikewithyourdog.com During the warm months I lead canine hikes as
tour leader for hikewithyourdog.com tours, leading packs of dogs and humans on
day and overnight trips. My lead dog is Katie, a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix,
who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great
waters of North America - http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies%20Blog/Katies%20Quest.html I am currently building a hikewithyourdog.com tours trailer to use on our expeditions and its progress can be viewed at http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop%20Trailer/Building%20A%20Tour%20Trailer.html

BLISSFUL SHOPPING

or

HOW TO SAVE TIME, BUT PROBABLY NOT MONEY

by

Karen A. Lech

His name is Claude, my Schwan’s man. He visits me every two
weeks on Monday. The pale, yellow truck with the Swan painted on
the side pulls into the driveway and I know it is time to make
decisions.

“Can I interest you in anything today”, he politely asks. And,
being the smart aleck I am, I think of a lot of responses, but
tongue in cheek I simply say, “May I see the catalog?”

Schwan’s, a door to door grocery store of sorts, is a company
based in Marshall, Minnesota and has been in business since
1952. Their trucks are stocked with numerous items, nearly from
soup to nuts, breakfast to ice cream desserts. All items are
frozen (thank God I have a huge freezer!). They carry a
smorgasbord of products to help a busy mom, delight a single
person’s sweet tooth, tempt bachelors into two weeks of gourmet
food (then they really don’t have to cook for themselves, and
hey, it has to be healthier than pizza every night). Of course,
Schwan’s boasts convenience, and sometimes, by golly, it is TOO
convenient. You can order on line and your Schwan’s man will
have it on the truck on visiting day!

The prices are comparable to the school’s version of Market Day.
Some are a little bit less expensive and some are a tad more.
The variety is better, as you can stock up your ice cream supply
without the worry of it melting on the way home from the Market
Day pick up. Plus, what if your Market Day order comes in on the
Saturday that you have to attend that nephew’s wedding?

Peapod is another version of door to door sales that comes to
mind, but you have to make a list and they shop for you. I wish
they had had Peapod when my twins were infants! I felt like
shopping day was a caravan across the vast desert of what was
then Omni. Three shopping carts, twins in stroller, the
two-year-old’s hand placed firmly on the stroller handle and a
six-year-old and nine-year-old helping me to push the other
shopping carts. And you KNOW they filled the carts with things
they wanted. Check out time was an eye opener to cost,
especially as the two older boys loved to pack the bags, thereby
bypassing mother’s watchful, frugal eye. By the time the cashier
had rung everything up, my bleared eyesight and mind took it all
in stride as I somehow, dazed, paid my bill. Of course when we
got home, there was the revelation. I soon learned the
advantages of shopping at 1-2 a.m. - alone.

Home delivery/door to door sales brings to mind the Fuller brush
man, the Avon lady (who would actually come to your door!) and
Watkins products. Looking back through history, this all is a
throw back to times of yesteryear with the “medicine man”
selling his wares out west, vegetable peddlers in the city, the
tinker who would sharpen knifes, scissors, etc. I am sure we
have all read stories of medieval England, when a man and his
cart - and at times his family-would travel from town to town,
kind of like a door to door or town to town market place.

What if all companies were to change to a home delivery/shopping
service today? Microsoft comes to your door with disks,
software, or hardware or printer ink companies with an
assortment of HP, Epson, Lexmark, etc.? This could be a boon to
America’s economy! Wouldn’t you love it if a gas truck pulled in
to fill your car? “Knock, Knock…” “Hello?” “Good morning,
Ma’am or sir, how is you fuel tank today?” This is would make me
ecstatic! No more filling my gas tank at the gas station in bad
weather!! Pharmacy lines… think of it! A traveling
pharmacist… complete with your prescriptions right on board!
This could be endlessly enchanting and time saving. I would NOT
let my children answer the door for the Toy Salesman, though.
And what could we do with all the time we save? The
possibilities are endless…

Again, this bird brain has opened a can of worms.

thanks for reading! Karen A. Lech, copyright 2005