by Sarah | Nov 1, 2013 | All About Erik, All About Home, All About Me, All of Us, NaBloPoMo
I have two tales of raccoons…one with a happy ending, the other…well…I figured for the first day of NaBloPoMo I’d be nice and not ruin the month too early.
This first story happened not too long ago, right here at this house with that big fat sucker in the picture over there. <<—
That is my driveway that Mama Coon was perched on, right over the gulley and the pipe that runs under my driveway where she lived with her babies.
Where she would come out regularly and pull any tiny scrap of food out of one of our trash cans that we lost the lid to. Even if it meant strewing crap across three yards to do it.
To make matters better, her and her little brats started to chew and rip at our shingles as the weather turned colder. They wanted IN.
They would destroy our roof to do it.
So we, naïvely perhaps, called animal control.
After all, they were being destructive to property now, not just purely a nuisance.
The best advice he could give us was this…(it’s been a while, the words might not be exact):
“You have a big trash can? Good. Set a trap and catch the raccoon. Fill a good tall trash can with water and drop the trap in. They drown real fast, don’t worry. Once she’s dead, wrap her up in a big trash bag and throw her away. Get all three of them, or they’ll never leave.”
Erik and I stared at each other slack-jawed for a while. We thought about Denver, quite young at the time, and what he would think if he caught wind of what happened. Plus, really? That’s flat out cold murder. It’s not hunting (which I’m fine with) or euthanization of a sick pet (which hurts but is sometimes necessary). It’s flat out murder.
Not cool, dude.
In the end we opted for trap & release. We’re fortunate enough to live on the border between suburbia and rural. We borrowed three traps, got all three of those buggers caught and took them miles away and released them.
In some cases, the less humane option is vitally necessary (as the other coon story will show)…but not every single time.
~shudder~ Could you kill a coon for no reason when the trap and release option was just as easy?
by Sarah | Oct 31, 2013 | All About Me, Blogging Life, NaBloPoMo
Considering my brain-dead-ness since Denver went into the hospital, I got a part time job, and life in general just blew up with activity…
I knew it was time for drastic measures.
Since BlogHer took over NaBlo it’s a monthly challenge, but I like the old challenge days when it was just November.
Still, I’m doing it. I always find it sparks me back to life and at the very least I have prompts when my own ideas are just not coming thanks to work, or kids, or husband, or home, or writing, or any other source of disruption in my life.
So tomorrow it begins.
I’m diving in again.
It’s been a long year, but NaBloPoMo, here I come again.
by Sarah | Oct 10, 2013 | All About Indiana, All About Me, All of Us, Blogging Life, Giveaway, Indy Geek Girls, The Reluctant Hoosier
I am, without a doubt, a big ol’ fraidy cat.
Growing up (and, admittedly, even today) I can’t watch a scary movie for nothing. I have never, and I mean never-ever-ever, been to a Haunted House before this week.
Then I got an invite to The Children’s Museum’s 50th Anniversary “Time Warp” Haunted House – celebrating 50 years of Haunting the museum.
And I went.
The “50 years of fear” includes the addition of 3-D glasses (which you don’t NEED to enjoy it if 3D’s bother your eyes)…and takes you on a journey through time. You enter through the elevator and the disorientation begins in the tunnel, taking you all the way back to the 1960’s…and the Upside Down Room featured in TCM’s first Haunted Houses. Then it’s onto the 70’s with a creepy basement and then my favorite room of the whole haunted house (see if you can guess what that is from my pictures below). You’ll fly into the 80’s with neon clothes, a horrifying Chucky doll (scared me the mostest) and a pinball room that I’m assured in the scare hours is extra freaky. If you’re a child of the 90’s you’ll be treated to horrific flashbacks of internet dial up tones and “You’ve got mail” while surrounded by cables, wires and reminders of the terrifying reality of Y2k…and the witches take us on a further treat by sending us into the terrifying future 50 years ahead, before finally sending us back to the present.
The Children’s Museum Haunted House is a great treat for any age, especially with the new “Choose Your Scare Options.” Here’s how you can get tickets, choose your scare, then it’s onto the giveaway and pictures!!
General Admission:
$6 @ Marsh Supermarkets
$7 @ the Box Office or Online
XTreme Scream:
$12 @ the Box Office or Online
Light’s On Hours (i.e. Kid and ‘Fraidy-Cat safe):
Wed’s-Sat’s: 10A-3P
Wed’s Oct 16 & 23: 3:30-8:30P
Sun’s: 11A-5P
Halloween: 10A-3P
Frightening Hours:
Thu’s & Fri’s: 3:30-8:30P
Wed, Oct 30: 3:30-8:30P
Sat’s: 3:30-9:30P
Halloween – None
Xtreme Scream (For those looking for an INTENSE psychological scare):
Fridays: 9-11P
Now for the Children’s Museum Giveaway!! I have four, count them, FOUR tickets to giveaway for The Children’s Museum 50th Anniversary Time Warp Haunted House!!
All you have to do to enter is:
1. Leave a comment telling me if you’re a ‘Fraidy-Cat or if you’re braving the Scary Hours (or the XTreme Scream)!!! ~1 entry point
2. Tweet This:
Enter to win 4 tickets to Time Warp: #50YearsofFear Haunted House @TCMIndy from @SadieCass http://bit.ly/1czw45T #Giveaway #Indy
~1 entry Point for the exact copied tweet
3. PIN this post (Pin button above) and leave a comment w/ the link. ~ 1 entry point
The giveaway ends on Monday 10/14 at 9AM. The winner will have 36 hours to get back to me or I’ll choose another winner.
If you want more chances to win (and you know you do) visit the wonderous blogs below:
Hoosier Party Girl
Just Like the Number
Indy With Kids
Now do you want to see some pictures? Because I want to show them! These are not nearly all of the pictures I took, but I wanted to leave you some surprises.
by Sarah | Sep 25, 2013 | All About Kennedy, All About Learning, All About Me, All About Molly, All of Us, Blogging Life, Clever Girls, Sponsored
*~*
I’m the proud parent of science geeks. I was one myself.
First was Denver, who wanted to be a scientist for NASA. For years that was his dream, but he’s since moved on…
To wanting to be a doctor. I gotta say, I’m okay with that.
Now Molly is loving science since she started in science last year, and Kennedy is right behind her this year. It’s a common theme in this house – science is a favorite. From photosynthesis, to outer-space, to biology, genetics and beyond…my kids eat it all up.
*~*
Part of the reason I myself enjoy science so much is because I really hate unknowns.
I like facts.
If my kids are sick – I want to know the hows and why’s. I want specifics and details. I want to know the life expectancies, the proper medicines, the risks and complications.
It was the same way when my grandfather got sick.
As painful as facts can be, they help me cope.
*~*
So when my kids come home with light in their eyes talking about what they learned in science today, I’m all over it.
From gross bugs, to meteors, I am happy to encourage their love of science.
Because as much as I love writing and fiction and living in a world of make-believe…
I like science just as much, and sometimes even more. It’s not going to lie to me, it might make me wait for answers, but it gives me answers.
You know, science doesn’t lie – it’s made of facts.
And it makes it that much easier to fight.
*~*
Watch and learn about Nature’s Tiny Miracle: http://clvr.li/18QgDzl
Like Planters on FB
Visit Planters Power of the Peanut
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
by Sarah | Aug 30, 2013 | All About Kennedy, All About Learning, All About Me, All About Molly, All of Us, Blogging Life, Special Needs, Sponsored, Story of Me
When I was really young, I loved school for all of its aspects. I loved to learn, I enjoyed going every day, I even looked forward to the end of summer. My brother thought I was insane, but I didn’t care. I loved the new year, the new books, the new teachers and new students. The only subject I dreaded was PE, because I hated sports, etc.
As I got older and my social life took a huge nose dive, I still loved learning, but the individual teachers began to make a much larger impact on me. I began to appreciate them for what they did, and how they treated me, they were the beacon in the chaos of teenage drama. Teachers became the biggest imact on my school life.
One teacher that inspired my writing life (and subsequent career as an author), was an English teacher I had in high school.
Mrs. K.
I’m pretty sure the day I approached her with a question on our writing assignment she wasn’t sure what to make of it. The assignment was to write on our name, the origin of it, the meaning, etc. You know the assignment, I think we all get it. I asked if it had to be in third person and follow the usual strict guideline for a non-fiction assignment because I had “an idea.”
When she gave me that ok to take the chance, I’m sure she didn’t know how much it would impact my entire future writing life. I ended up turning the assignment, which had become a creative assignment written as a newspaper article by my great-granddaughter (who shared my name).
I got an A.
And never looked at “standards” the same way again. I approach everything from a sideways slant now. I ignore genres and write crazy stories and plots and don’t ever look back. All thanks to Mrs. K’s simple “yes” and encouragement.
*~*
These days I look at teachers differently. With my kids and their own unique personalities, I’m always looking for the one that’s going to have the most impact. How they’re going to turn around a difficulty or face a challenge. I’m mostly looking for one that, despite their insane schedule, take the time to know what my children are about. We’ve had some amazing years, and some rough ones, and I’m so happy for each step forward my kids take thank to a teachers impact.
*
Kennedy wants to be a teacher.
I couldn’t be prouder of this dream and I encourage it EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Teachers impact the lives of so many children, they make the difference between a love of learning and the desire to avoid school.
I know that the pool of teachers for schools to use is dwindling as people choose different careers and even fewer go to college. I see first hand that within the next 10 years 65% of America’s current teachers will retire – because every year in my kids school several teachers leave or retire.
I think Kennedy’s dream of being a teacher is the best dream there is. I want her to achieve it and hope she does.
*~*
On September 6th 8PM EST, TEACH will air on CBS. Brought to us by Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim, it explores education in America today and asks what it takes to be a good teacher today. I know I’ll be watching, and have my future teacher at my side.
What about you? Did you have a teacher that impacted your life? Share your story. Visit the TEACH website to learn about the four awesome teachers highlighted in the documentary and
*~*
*DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored by Participant Media. However, the stories told are uniquely my own, and all opinions are most certainly 100% my own.
by Sarah | Aug 9, 2013 | All About Indiana, Blogging Life, DigIN, Indiana Family of Farmers, The Reluctant Hoosier
Everyone in Indiana knows that DigIN is a great place to eat some marvelous food prepared by fabulous chefs, and get some locally brewed beer that’ll knock your socks off.
Did you know that it’s also a great place to meet the people behind those fabulous dishes? The men and women that grow the food, or raise the livestock to get that locally sourced food on your plate?
DigIN is about so much more than the people that cook the food. It’s about the people that provide the food.
I’m happy to once again be a part of getting the word out and telling you about this fabulous festival and encourage you all to go.
First I’ll give you the details, but then keep going for a GIVEAWAY 😀
What: DigIN – A Taste of Indiana
When: Sunday, August 25, 2013. 12-5PM
Where: White River State Park
Tickets: $40 General Admission ($60 gets you in an hour early); Children $10 (under 4 are free)
Indiana Family of Farmers is an amazing sponsor of the event and wants to give you TWO tickets to come see (and taste) the Heartland on August 25, 2013 at White River State Park.
I’m going to make it even easier than usual to win, just two ways to enter.
- Visit the DigIN site and leave a comment here telling me what part of the Event you’d like to “dig in” to.
- Tweet about my giveaway w/ a tag to me (@sadiecass) and leave a comment here saying you did so.
That’s it!
Giveaway ends on Tuesday, August 13 at 10:59PM. Winner will be contacted first thing August 14th & will have 24 hours to reply or I will pick another winner.
*~*
Dig IN, A Taste of Indiana 2013 RESTAURANTS, CHEFS and DISHES noted, as available (subject to change)
- 18 on the Square, Joseph Martin: Duck Gyro, Grilled Flat Bread, Relished Summer Vegetables, Daredevil Sauce (Protein provided by Maple Leaf Farms)
- Black Market, Micah Frank: Indiana Berry Shrub
- Brad Gates Catering, Brad Gates: Grilled Duck Breast & Poached Peach Salad
- Cerulean, Chase Hinton and Caleb France: Duck, Fennel, Sorrel, Cherries, Chilies
- Chef JJ’s Back Yard, Chef JJ Boston: Curried Pork and Lamb (Protein from Paul Russell’s Farm and Gunthrop Farms)
- Circle City Soups, Roger Hawkins, Indiana Gazpacho
- Circle City Sweets, Cindy Hawkins: Honey-Shagbark Granola with Yogurt
- Courses Restaurant, Joseph Davey: Albondigas (Protein from Keegan Poe’s Farm)
- Craig Baker, Craig Baker: Pork Country Style Torchon, House Pickled Seasonal Veg Salad, “Bloody Mary,” and Micro Herbs (Protein from Birkeys)
- Delicia, Ricardo Martinez: Spicy Beet Salad
- Fermenti Artisan, Mark Cox: Smoked Bison Shoulder and Curtido (Protein from Bison World)
- Goose the Market, Chris Eley: Meat on a Stick (Protein from Donnie Brewer’s Farm)
- Indiana Downs, Greg Schiesser (Protein from Dallas & Meggie Foster’s Farm)
- Joseph Decuis, Aaron Butts: Mini Wagyu Burgers with Spicy Tomato Jam and Bleu Cheese Mousse (Protein provided by Joseph Decuis Farm)
- Just Rennie’s Cookie Company, Chef Doug & Marla Rennie: Just Rennie’s Gourmet Cookies
- JW Marriott Indianapolis, Brendon Cheney: Indiana Pig: The Adventure Begins (Protein from Chris & Jent Campbell’s Farm)
- Kelly Ford, Jeff Ford: Duck Confit Egg Roll/Spring Roll with Pork Belly & Jalapeno “Duck” Sauce (Protein from Maple Leaf Farms)
- Lemleys’ Catering, Alexa Lemley: Chicken on a Grit Cake (Protein from Tyson)
- Meridian Restaurant and Bar, Layton Roberts: Faux Noodle (Protein from Matt Gibson’s Farm)
- Mesh on Mass, Mark Henrichs: Compressed Watermelon Salad
- Napolese, Tyler Herald: Focaccia Caprese Sandwich
- Northside Social, Nicole Oprisu: Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Protein from Tyner Pond)
- One World Catering, Corbin Morwick: Moroccan Lamb Meatballs (Protein from Keegan Poe’s Farm)
- R bistro, Regina Mehallick: Beans & Beef (Protein from Fischer Farms)
- Scratchtruck, Matt Kornmeyer: Bourbon Braised Brisket with Peach Bourbon Glaze (Protein from Fischer Farms)
- Severin Bar, Vincent Russo: Pulled Pork Sliders with Bourbon/Watermelon Slaw
- Spice Box, Nitin Naidu: Goat Channa (Protein from Gunthrop Farms)
- The Chef’s Academy, Anthony G Hanslits: Lamb Reuben + Napa Cabbage Slaw + Minted Mustard (Protein from Keegan Poe’s Farm)
- The Indigo Duck, Karen Hewett: Rabbit Sloppy Joe’s (Protein from Meat the Rabbit)
- The Loft Restaurant, Brandon Canfield: Grass-fed Beef
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Courtney Loyd (Protein from RDM Shrimp)
- Valley Kitchen & Bar, Cory Muro: Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps(Protein from Gunthrop Farms)
- Zest! Exciting Food Creations + Twist Lounge, Valerie Vanderpool: Elloté Salad with Cornmeal-Crusted Perch (Protein from Bell Aquaaculture)
INDIANA ARTISANS
- Best Boy & Co., Ft. Wayne/Roanoke: Caramel bourbon sauce and fudge sauces
- Burton’s Maplewood Farm, Medora: Maple syrup and infused syrups
- Capshew Cellars, Lanesville: Black cherry, pear and red wine vinegars
- Captain Jim’s Sauces, Indianapolis: Hot sauces made from naturally grown, sustainable peppers from a local farmer
- Chocolate for the Spirit, Shelbyville: Truffles and bon-bons
- Cornerstone Bread Co., Indianapolis: Vienna, Marble Rye and Cherry Chocolate breads, Scotch Ale rolls made with Sun King Brewing’s Wee Mac Brown Ale
- Frittle Candy, Indianapolis: Frittle, a cross between fudge and brittle
- Front Porch Pretzels, Kokomo: Small-batch, hand-poured jams featuring organic fruit
- Sweet Poppin’s, Kokomo: Gourmet flavored popcorn
FOOD TRUCKS/REFRESHMENTS
- Bee Coffee: Plum Buzz Iced Coffee
- Duos: Golden Chanterelle Vegetable Bisque
- Natural Born Juicers: Strawberry Smoothie
- Nicey Treat: Paletas, ice pops made with fresh fruit
- Scratchtruck
- Spice Box
*~*
*Disclaimer: As an Indiana Family of Farmers Ambassador I received two free tickets to DigIN. As always, all opinions and reluctance to be called a Hoosier are all mine.
I have two tales of raccoons…one with a happy ending, the other…well…I figured for the first day of NaBloPoMo I’d be nice and not ruin the month too early.
