Lindsay's Book Chat: The Viking and the Pictish Princess. New Romance N...

Lindsay's Book Chat: The Viking and the Pictish Princess. New Romance N...:   THE VIKING AND THE PICTISH PRINCESS https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LTGYTHV/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i20 https://amzn.to/3jA5bDv...

LIVE VIDEO: Astronauts Return to Earth from Space

NASA Making History Today - Continuity Between Space Shuttle Endeavour and Space Capsule Endeavour

Hi All,

It’s time - August 1st the SpaceX capsule Endeavour a joint project with NASA and SpaceX to again send astronauts to space from US soil and then back for a big splash by Florida journey home begins today at 4:15 p.m. To get exact timing check out YouTube here:  https://youtu.be/13OkD0C_TWU Free to watch and live.  Splash down will be tomorrow within 40 hours of undocking from the space station.

This is history in the making - 45 years since the last US space capsule splashed down.  

I hope you’re able to watch the event live.  This is what committed effort looks like.  There’s lots of excellent videos from the International Space Station so take some time today to see what’s happening in Space and how much it is helping science all around the world and galaxy.  

Here are some pictures of the test splash down of the SpaceX Dragon Capsule from earlier in the year before people were in the space craft.  This pic where taken from a YouTube video - https://youtu.be/QVEBO6Zuppk

August 2 - live streaming now on https://youtu.be/H-l6f4wcv2I

My Ideas to Improve the United States Presidency in 2020

Here are my ideas for how to manage the United States Presidency now that we are in the year 2020:

1. Must have a physical made public before running at Walter Reed Hospital.

2. Must be younger than 65.

3. Must have yearly 3rd party physicals made public including psych evaluation while in office.

4. Income taxes for past 10 years must be made public before nomination and every year while in office.

4. DOJ is elected position term to be 10 years and not to have election on Presidental election year - candidate must have legal background and Law Review contributor in their career/schooling.

5. Limit pardoning power for the executive - must be non-political and have no prior relationship with the President

6. Executive orders shall not be related to anything that is under rules to be completed by congressional action and all executive orders must be passed by majorities in house and senate

7. Treaties shall not be originated with the Executive branch but may be vetoed with the ability of the Senate to overrule with 2/3rds vote

8. Executive shall conduct themselves with decorum at all events no profanity in any public setting

9. President shall not confer any medals without first getting congressional and pentagon approval for appropriateness

These are a few I can think of off the top of my head. I also believe there should be no more State of the Union. The President shall hold press conferences/ press releases which may be televised or published depending on media outlets discretion and not to be used as a ratings or circulation boost.

All press should be conducted as fact reporting and opinion reporting will have to be noted with disclaimer that no facts are disseminated in the show or opinion article.

The President may be sued for false statement that cause harm to people or policies.

The President shall not be able to reallocate funds apportioned by the Congress, this includes holds.  If a hold is needed it must be submitted to Congress and rule on with super majority.

All announcements will be done following rules of public service announcements.

It’s my hope that somehow we can bring back the founding fathers ideals into the United States politics and that the Chief Executive will represent the majority of this counties views and beliefs and that the office be regulated similar to how the workplace operates.  No Fortune 500 would tolerate the kind of talk that is currently on display in the Whitehouse or at President Trump’s Rally’s.  

May we all apply the simple rule, you can’t yell fire in a crowded theater as a means of free speech.  The US is a huge theater and at this point we’ve had way too many “cries of fire” from the Executive branch.  Please stop.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

Minneapolis Minnesota

Do It Yourself Bike Repair - Flat Tire

Hi,
I’ve been using YouTube to repair my back tire flat on my Bianchi bike.  I find I feel like I really own the bike now that I’ve been able to take the back tire off, remove the tire and the tube all in under 2 hours.

Some tips - don’t start the quick release of the tires until you’ve disengaged the brakes.  Always shift to the highest gear first (smallest gear) so you can figure out getting the gears back on the derailed.

Disengaging brakes - biggest thing is that the you can get enough loose cable when you squeeze the the 2 sides together to allow you to get the little clipping device free of the cable - its all about getting the fattest part clear of the clip then the cable comes free easily.  I don’t have all the parts names memorized but you’ll be able to figure it all out from the YouTube videos I’ll Link below that helped me get the job done:

How to Unlock Bike Brakes
How to Remove Back Bike Tire
How to Replace Bike Tire and Tube

I highly recommend Park Tools for carrying with you on the bike and to have available whenever you need to do bike repair.  My many thanks to all that publish videos for bike repair - you make bike ownership fun and rewarding.

My tires are 700 x 38C and seem to run best for me at 70 PSI so far.  It’s all about the load you have on the tire and what the max pressure is on the tire.  It’s best to give yourself at least a 10 PSI room in the tire for load - more if the load increases - be sure not run below 60 PSI or you’ll loose efficiency and risk more punctures.

I’ll get some pictures to add the post next time I’m on the bike to add to the post and when I next replace my regular weather tires with all weather tires.

No matter your age or physical condition you can work on bikes, especially the new models that have quick release wheels and aluminum bodies.  The rest is all about how to use YouTube and Amazon to get great instruction and excellent product lines.

Happy Trails everyone and keep on believing in the possibilities.

Sincerely,
Melissa Blanchard

Family Connections

Hi All,

Today is the date my Mom was born.  She would have been 76 years old if she had lived past March 30, 1996.  But she died at 53 years old (a month and few days short of her birthday).

It’s a day for reflection.  My Dad died January 6, 2018 and will be buried on May 22, 2018 at Noon in Des Moines, IA in the family plot.  22 years after Mom died, its funny how numbers have a way of coming together.

Here’s the website of the cemetery:

Chapel Hill Garden at Merle Hay Road

I hope they have good weather for Dad’s coming home.  He’ll be with his Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George E Holt, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dean Blanchard, and his great-great Uncle Harvey - Mr. Harvey E Holt.  The plots are on a hill under some shade trees if all remains the same since I last visited for Grandpa Dean’s burial, July, 1979.  He had a massive coronary- the doctor said his heart exploded so no chance of reviving him.  He was 69 years old when he died.  He retired when he was 65 and filled in when needed at the Capitol Building Restaurant where he worked for most of his working life.  He was a cook but he had chefs bringing food to his widow after he died.  He was well respected in the industry.

Grandpa Dean taught us all how important it was to have a job and to work hard.  He wanted his grand kids to succeed.  He was very proud of me for graduating High School, he had to drop out to support his Mom when he was in 9th grade.  He wanted me to go to college so I went to UW Stout.  He paid for my class ring, my letter jacket and wanted to go to the graduation but wasn’t able to - he died the summer before I graduated.  Grandma Effie went to my High School graduation and her cousins Arlo and Cecil McGonigle.

I completed the degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Technical Writing in 1984 and Dad and Grandma came to the ceremony with my friend Susan - a year behind me we met through my first friend at college.

It took a few years out of college working at temporary jobs since when I found my first job with a pathway to professional standing in July, 1987.  It was an evening law clerk job - mostly data entry but it was full time with benefits.  Within the first week of my job, July 23, 1987 my friend Susan’s brother died in the 100 years flood in Minneapolis MN.  He drowned in 9 mile creek which usually ran at with a trickle of water turned which turned into a into a torrent that night with all the rain.

I stayed with the legal publishing job moving up through the ranks from evening to days to finally a professional job back then called Database Coordinator.  I learned the skills to manage data and deadlines and saw NAFTA come into being and allowed my job to be outsourced to China.

I found a job working with data again at a health care system.  My knowledge of data warehousing was helpful in developing a instrument reprocessing tracking system.  I started that job in February, 2001 and soon moved up to a professional postition with opportunities to learn how large software works within a module system that allowed for detailed customizations.  I’m still learning this huge data management system that allows smaller applications to integrate seamlessly to the end user.

So now I look back on 34 years in the workplace and I’m glad Grandpa taught me to work hard - he taught Dad that too.  Dad was always working at the transmitter in Ostrander and before that he worked as a police dispatcher in Cedar Falls, IA - where I spent the first 6 years of my life.  The rest has been spent in Minnesota with a 4 year stay in Wisconsin to complete my University degree.

So life goes full circle now with my brothers and I all that is left to carry on the Blanchard name for our generation.  I know we all do our best to be productive and a credit to our family.
This scripture brings me comfort and I pray Dad was delivered to God by an Eagle to heaven.


Isaiah 40
“31But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.+”

Excerpt From
NLT Study Bible
Tyndale House Publishers
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nlt-study-bible/id493917720?mt=11
This material may be protected by copyright.

Interesting Books to Check Out

Hi All,
I enjoy reading so I’m sharing one of my favorite author’s blog. Check out the link below and find some stories worth reading and some beautiful photography as a bonus.
Lindsay’s Book Chat

Olde Homestead Black Friday Sales - Boonsboro MD - Check Out Great Values

Olde Homestead Black Friday SALES (Nov. 24) & Small Business Saturday SALE (Nov. 25)!!!

Black Friday, Nov. 24, Olde Homestead will have various SALES throughout the store. 25% OFF Select Items. Check our Facebook page for more info as the day gets closer.

To show our appreciation to our customers and say Thank You...on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, Olde Homestead will be giving 10% OFF your ENTIRE purchase (excludes previously discounted items).

Don't forget you can even create your own "Wish List" while you are here to make it easier for those shopping for you!

Also, our gift cards make a great gift! They can be redeemed at Olde Homestead and/or Cronise Market Place.

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Roping, and Swags have started to arrive at Cronise Market Place!!

Hope to see you soon!

Olde Homestead
310 South Main Street
240-329-9353

Cronise Market Place
312 South Main Street
301-432-7377

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-6; Sun. 12-6

www.olde-homestead.com
www.cronisemarket.com

Like us on Facebook and check for contests and upcoming sales and events:
https://www.facebook.com/Olde-Homestead-234966193272631/
https://www.facebook.com/Cronise-Market-Place-154840661245350/
Olde Homestead Christmas Open Houses Nov. 10, 11, 12 (Fri., Sat., Sun.) & Nov. 17, 18, 19 (Fri., Sat., Sun.)!

SALES & Door Prizes!

FREE Gift with Every Purchase!

10% OFF Rugs, Linens, Pictures, & Furniture!

Rooms will be filled with Snowmen, Santas, and other Christmas/Winter Decor!!!

It's time to start Christmas shopping. Why not take advantage of our FREE 30-day Layaway Program.

You can even create your own "Wish List" while you are here to make it easier for those shopping for you!

Hope to see you soon!

Olde Homestead
310 South Main Street
240-329-9353

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-6; Sun. 12-6

www.olde-homestead.com

Like us on Facebook and check for contests and upcoming sales and events:
https://www.facebook.com/Olde-Homestead-234966193272631/

Happy Veteran’s Day Weekend, 2017

Hi All,
It’s been a light snow Veteran’s Day Weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The pond outside my apartment has partically frozen over with a light snow cover since early Saturday morning.

There are still a few ducks here, with some squirrels and bunnies too.

I enjoyed a sunset walk to my neighborhood cemetery especially notable on Veteran’s Day an opportunity to reflect on all those that have served and those currently serving.  I’m thankful to all for their service.

Here’s some highlights from my walk:

Happy Sunday

Hi All,

I’m finding ways to connect outside Facebook and utilizing my blogs more at the same time.

Its been a beautiful Fall in 2017.  Here are a few pictures of my September and October in Minneapolis Minnesota:

Grandpa Roger's 75th Birthday Party - Thanks Pat

Hi All,

I'm reflecting on the beautiful gift my step mom Pat, gave my Dad for his 75th Birthday.  I hope as she copes with difficult decision to get Grandpa Roger (my Dad) the help he needs she remembers all the good times they had together and the thoughtful gesture of bringing those that love Roger Blanchard together to celebrate all the years we've had with him.  

Pat always remember you have my support.  We will all have more time to visit Dad, Grandpa, friend Roger because you have taken such good care of him at home and now transitioning to the next phase of care needed for the robbing disease of dementia.  

I'm also thankful to my niece and Pat's niece for helping Pat during the past 2 weeks.  You're both awesome.  

Peace to you and yours.  Remember to stay in the moment and only savor the good memories.  

Sincerely with love, 

Melissa Blanchard.

Elder Care

Hi All,
I hope this note finds everyone reading in good health and happy.

I have recently run up against the issue of taking care of parents as they age.  My Dad is 77 with dementia and a heart valve issue.  His wife is having health issues now too so the families on both sides of the marriage are pulling together to see what options are available.

It isn't easy - if you can't afford around 5,000 a month for rent on memory centers or long-term placements the couple has to spin down - which means the assets become the property of the government.  My Dad's wife could live there as long as she's able but all her assets will have a lien to the government.

I know - the price of private care or round the clock care is enormous but why did we all pay so much into social security and then still have to give up any assets we manage to achieve in the bargain.  I fail to see how this is a society that rewards those that invest in property when after 30 years sometimes, you finally get it paid off then someone can just come in and take it away.

I also hear about how good it is to stay in the home - well its a big strain on the spouse taking care of dementia - I can attest to how much work it is to meal plan, get the food on the plate on the table then my Dad eats which does my heart good but he can't help dish up, he tends to pick the household chores he'll do and there's the questions answered just 30 minutes earlier.  I started writing him note and for now that works but over time the reading function will be robbed too.

Fo all the talk of health care no one is discussing what happens when people that have jobs and are doing well might have to chose between the job and taking care of a loved one.  There won't be support for those that have to do this because there's no Medicaid or Medicare funds to help with home care, assisted living or long-term care.  You think the unemployment was bad in the Great Depression just wait for the time when people have to leave jobs - take lower paying jobs at part time which would be difficult to take care of their parents.  There are more aging then their are young ones so the Japan crisis will soon be here too.

I hope the politicians start to get real about issues in society - its about more than deal making or saving money - politics is about quality of life and the safety of the citizens that are in their care.  Please take a step back from lobbiest and business men and think about the people.

I thank you for your time.  I hope you comment and share to spread the word that Elder care is real, vulnerable adults is real and we as a nation need to do something about taking care of those that have done so much to make our lives possible.

Peace,
Sincerely,
Melissa Blanchard

Lindsay Townsend Books worth Checking Out

Check out @lindsayromantic books English Daughter, Flavia's Secret and Dark Maiden excellent writer more at http://www.lindsaytownsend.co.uk/

Check Out A Great Author - Lindsay Townsend

Hi All,
Check out a great author:
Lindsay's Latest "The Virgin, The Knight and the Dragon". - follow the link to find out how to get a copy and discover adventure into another time.
Link to find out more

When Calls The Heart - On Hallmark Channel 8 - 9 p.m. Central Time

When Calls The Heart Videos
When Calls The Heart Official Fan Page on FaceBook

I hope you'll all be able to join me live Tweeting to support great family TV on
Twitter   I'll be using my @MelissaBlancha6 and my @HeartiesTweeter handles to get the most RT's possible.
If you follow me and tweet with #Hearties I'll follow back.
I'm hoping together we'll be able to show our support for programming that brings families together.
I'll be watching and tweeting live from my home in Minneapolis MN.
Don't forget to thank the many sponsors that bring us quality TV on Hallmark Channel - the #Heart of TV.
You can find me on Facebook too to share in positive posts about quality TV, books and pictures.  I also have 2 Word Press blogs:
Moments to Share Along The Way
Melissa Blanchard Book Corner
I believe the best TV and movies are based on books.  I always find quality writing, acting and production value on Hallmark Channel.
Keep on reading, watching, tweeting and blogging everyone.

Sincerely,
Melissa Blanchard
MissExpress@photos2shareblog.com

CAPTIVE (2015 Paramount Pictures) Releases September 18, 2015

Check out to get an interview with screen writer Brian Bird.  Find out why this film "Captive" is a must see this September, 2015.
 http://camilleeide.blogspot.com/2015/09/CAPTIVE-2nd-chances-with-Brian-Bird.html

Good Web Post To Help You Get in Touch with Your Soul

Check out this link - it will change your life one step at a time.
http://www.marcandangel.com/2015/09/13/40-things-your-soul-wants-you-to-know/

Unplugging - Journal Entry for March 29th, 2015 Sunday

   

Blue sky of Spring after the rain.

     Sometimes its good to turn off all of your devices (like computers and mobile phones and TV).  Just be unreachable for a few hours maybe even a whole day.
     I find taking the time to notice the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds is very relaxing.  These moments of quiet reflection give me the time to find the many blessings I do have in my life right here and now.
     Taking time to ground yourself in the beauty of nature allows for peaceful and grateful ideas to come to the surface of your mind.
     What are you thankful for?  I ask myself this question in the morning and before I go to bed every day - sometimes during the day if it is especially stressful.  Allowing yourself to feel thankful is the first step to true happiness.
     A big part of finding joy from within me is to be the best I can be at work and at home.  Finding out what it is I do well and pursuing that endeavor brings me a sense of accomplishment and success that I feel from within myself.
     At work I understand reprocessing and how computers aid in patient safety.
     At home I've found achievement by attending book signings where people come together to get a glimpse of their favorite authors and a signature on their latest books.
     Beyond that brief meet and greet and signature there's the satisfaction of finding like minded people.  As we meet in line we share favorite books and authors.  In some cases we share lunch or visiting historical sites in the area or go shopping.  Its like finding a safe place to play with friends like a really well adjusted school yard during exercise time.  I've found Facebook friends too.
     When the book signing event is by the author's home town or state you also get the unique experience of seeing some of the area that inspired the author to create the stories you loved to read.  I found the landscape and historic sites I traveled to influenced me to keep on returning along with the beautiful people I met along the way.
     In between my book signing trips I have been exploring the world of social media for supporting authors, books, TV and Movies with book reviews and tweets (140 character blog posts).  I also use my blog here to share my personal journey as I embark on my years after the 50 years old mile marker.
     One of my most rewarding TV show assisting with tweets has been with Hallmark Channel and helping to spread the word that this channel gives options of entertainment the whole family is able to watch together and tweeting is positive with these fans too.
     When I tweet I like to find what is good and true about the story that made it to creating a TV Show or movie.  I enjoy giving the actors and actresses and crew credit when they all work together to bring a screen play to life.
     I've worked behind the scenes on plays and seen all the work that goes into hitting the right mark - not just in relation to the right place to stand in the scene but to get the right emotion and lines the same way for every take.  It takes many rehearsals to get the final scene just that way it needs to be so that every time the audience sees that performance its always true to the script.
     Not all of us are called to be actors, writers or producers.  Some of us are the fans and supporters of what is true and lovely about the stories that move us to tweet or post that which makes us happy or sad and why.
     I believe we all make difference no matter what job we hold.  All of us impact one another with a smile or a gesture.  I choose to make my impact on others positive and full of hope.  If you work hard and believe in yourself moving mountains is not so difficult.
     I find strength in times of calm when I'm able to see the light within me that is my mission in life to expose to others.  If we all uncover our illumination there will be no darkness at all.
     Keep on believing in the possibilities.  As long as I do, I uncover beauty all around me every day.

Peace,

Missy
Melissa Blanchard.

March 22, 2015 - A Journey of Discovery

   

Geranium patiently waiting for the healing sun of Spring and Summer.

     I'm discovering healing is a journey.  Slowly I'm learning to give up habits that are holding me back from reaching my full potential.  In all things I'm learning to seek the truth.  Finding inner calm is the key to unlocking what's real in any situation.
     How do I find calm?  First, I have to own how I feel.  Where is my mind taking me?  For example, do I see people working against me or for me?  Do I see all situations as related to me or do I see that all are working to find answers for the questions within their own life?
     Teamwork is all about having common goals everyone want to see come to fruition.  If all parties have buy in that the outcome is worthwhile then people are able to put self aside and work toward the common good.
     For me, as I begin to see the common goal, I've been able to see the potential in others and within myself.  My actions are going toward positive outcomes aligning to put me in a position where I may both meet my needs and the needs of the organization where I work.  I'm to discovering educational opportunities that tie into my personal and professional aspirations.  I'm beginning to truly listen to myself and others.
     I am finding answers I need all around me, in quick conversations in the hallway or break room, posts on Twitter and Facebook.  All leading to success from within just by being open to the possibilities of good outcomes.
     My hope, in chronicling my journey through life, is that others will find answers they are seeking too.  My greatest gift to me is to follow my dreams.  Know that to seek is to find.  In all things, always keep seeking the answers to why am I here, what's my purpose?  What's uniquely me and pursue that end goal for a lifetime.

Peace,

Melissa Blanchard - Missy.

Always seek the light of understanding.

Focus on the Positive March 8, 2015

The hope of Spring as told by my Geranium.

A few weeks ago I noticed that there were more leaves coming in on my Geranium and they were getting darker green and then just last weekend I saw one bud blooming.  Now, even though we had snow and cold, there are 4 blossoms and 2 new sprouts where buds may form all from the increased sunlight.

I find this process magical and instills in me that with Spring comes new beginnings, not just in the world around me but from within me.  As I continue to keep up with my daily gratitude journal I feel as though I'm able to really understand the world around me much better.

For the first time in many years, maybe all the way back to 4 or 5 years old, I see the world as a safe place to grow.  I'm seeing how I may be of help in situations at home and at work.  Finding the good within myself I'm now much more able to discover the good in others.

I know there are still questions I don't have answers for and maybe never will but I am still able to find the truth in others and situations.

The first break through for me came when I identified what is my purpose for being.  Professionally, I seek to make computers effective tools to improve health care for the patient. Personally, I look for ways to uplift those doing actions that help lighten the burdens of others.

In my personal life I strive to find ways to help.  Sometimes its with a positive tweet or post or blog for topics as varied as politics, books, TV based on books and TV designed to help people find answers to difficult dramas in everyday life.

Somehow each of us must strive to find a way to discover their purpose - what makes you unique?  Maybe you can build cabinets and chairs out of wood.  Or you might be able to see something beautiful in a sunset and take a picture.  Perhaps you are able to advocate for others that have no way to get their message out.

Whatever it is that makes you unique - that's your calling.  That's the thing that you do no matter how discouraged you may be, you keep striving to succeed.  The main thing to remember, the road isn't easy.  The path to understanding brings about hard times.  It takes work and dedication to put together just one scene on a TV show.  Life is something like that, only we don't get a script to follow and we don't know the next scene but we have to do all we can to find the truth in every situation.

Reaching out in an honest way will help you find your way.  Find someone you admire and make them your mentor.  Whatever you commit to you must first believe in your heart that what you're pursuing is what fulfills you.  Ask yourself what do you need to succeed, what do you need to grow and flourish and set out finding ways to achieve this goal.  When you truly find what motivates you, you will find the job, the training, the tools, and the strength to make your mark in life.  While you're striving to meet your goal to finding your purpose stay positive.  Sincerely be thankful everyday, this is like the water, soil and fertilizer for my Geranium (Sunlight is the purpose).  You have to find the goodness in what's around you now in order to fully appreciate who you are deep down inside.

Just like my Geranium, keep seeking the light, sometimes you may not find it right away, but some day it will come - so be prepared to make the most of the sunshine while you're able.

Remember everyone needs the sun and to me a smile brings light to my world.  The best way to get a smile is to give one. Take time to be thankful and live in the moment every minute so you're able to make the most of the sunlight that comes your way.

Sincerely,

Missy