God Bless America

Memorial Day Weekend is not just a three day weekend. I think often times, people look forward to long weekends because it's an extra day off. In turn, they forget why mail isn't delivered or banks are closed and might even think of that as an inconvenience.

In Elementary School, every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance, our teacher would let a fellow student pick a Patriotic song to sing in the morning. I have never forgotten this chorus and I think of it often.

And I'm proud to be an American ...where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died...who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up; next to you...and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land...God bless the USA!Chorus from

God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

Men and Women serve our great Country. They make personal sacrifices to serve and protect America's Freedom. Some even make the ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day weekend take time and reflect. Whether you agree with the current wars being fought overseas, Respect and Remember what these brave Men and Women have done for our Country.

Red, White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup butter room temp
3/4 cup firm packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 packet Maple and Brown sugar Oatmeal
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a mixing bowl combine butter and sugars. Mix well until fluffy. Add the egg and mix. Add extracts and mix again. In a seperate bowl combine dry ingredients (not chips or dried fruit) and stir. Add 1/2 cup of the dry ingredients at a time and mix after each addition. Do this until all dry ingredients are used up. Fold in the chips and dried fruit.

On a cookie sheet using a tablespoon drop rounds of dough approxiamaately 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set. When done, remove from oven and transfer from baking sheet to a cooling rack. Eat one when it is still warm.