Writing Workshop

Of course writing in every day life for us is key to what we do - whether its our 987 daily emails sent out to lenders, PTO volunteers, clients with your business or journaling our memories out of the bed side stand. Every day our written words are expressed sometimes in joyous tounge, oftentimes it is perceived as a short irritated tounge of sorts. Some say it is a lost art...once the daily newspaper on your doorstep changing to a daily email update from New York Daily Times made up of a few short blogged sentences of the daily events. Even more so is the changing use of time honored written letters adapted to short and sweet texts - ex. "r u cmg to gmas house 2nite?" or "miss u". I had the great honor of visiting the Tallgrass Writing Conference in Emporia this weekend, a 24th year celebration of authors coming together to motivate others to capture their words in print. Keynote Speakers included Karen Stolz whom read from the World of Pies, Antonia Felix whom wrote an autobiography on Condoleeza Rice, Jon Chandler a western captured song writer from Denver, Johnny Boggs a well known travel writer from Santa Fe, Jim Hoy an established author of the Flint Hills and many more including Max McCoy - author of four Indian Jones novels whom also happens to be a professor at Emporia State University. I have received encouragement from all to keep journaling those wonderful memories of the boys' antics and keep those letters mom wrote me the night before my wedding day or the Valentines Card I had received in the mail from my father 2 days after he had passed away. The time was spent with my mother-in-law and step-grandmother, 2 women with motivations and creative ambitions, ready to conquer some magnificent projects that I look so forward to watch develop. Captured, the stories we all have to tell - and we all do have stories to tell. Write it, it only takes a minute.

Burnt Popcorn Smell in Microwave?

Did You Know? You can get rid of the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave, according to Heloise. Just fill a large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and sprinkle in your favorite spice like cinnamon or add several drops of vanilla or lemon extract. Bring to a boil. You must let it sit inside for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down. Simply wipe the walls down with paper towels. Leave the door open to further air it out. Provided by Kansas Association of Realtors.

OPEN HOUSES - Sat June 20th

SATURDAY, JUNE 20th in Jackson County - - - - FOX TEAM OPEN HOUSES - - - - 610 Ohio - Holton (120's) Sat. June 20th 10-10:45a - - 507 Butler - Circleville (60's) Sat June 20th 10-10:45a - - 327 Lincoln - Holton (60's) Sat June 20th 11-11:45a - - 620 Pennsylvania - Holton(60's) Sat June 20th 11-11:45a - - 18346 K-16 Hwy - Holton(120's) Sat June 20th 12-12:45p - -

Recipe: Peach Melba

A Tasty Treat from Campbell Vineyard and Winery Peach Melba - - - - - - - Vanilla ice cream, peach halves, raspberry jelly thinned with cherry wine from Campbell Winery, whipped cream, sweet cookies. Place a scoop of ice cream in champagne glasses. Top with peach halves and cover with sauce made from raspberry jelly thinned to pouring consistency with the cherry wine. Garnish with whipped cream around edge of glass. Serve with small sweet cookies.

Recipe: Tortellini al Victorio

A tasty treat from Campbell Vineyard and Winery East of Holton Kansas. Tortellini al Victorio - - - - - - - - - 4T olive oil, 2T butter, 1 C balsamic vinegar, 1 whole red bell pepper, 1 whole yellow bell pepper, 6 medium size mushrooms, 6-8 cloves fresh garlic. Preparation: Cut both types of peppers in half; clean out the seeds; julienne the peppers and the mushrooms. After peeling garlic, slices/crush cloves. In large saute pan, heat the olive oil and add the peppers and mushrooms. When the peppers start to brown, add the garlic. Let these ingredients simmer for about 20 seconds then add the butter and vinegar. After the butter melts, let the sauce reduce slightly. Cook your favorite cheese tortellini; toss with sauce and enjoy! Serves 4-5. Adapted from Busch & Heringlake Country Inn for Campbell Vineyard and Winery

Energy Saver

The U.S. accounts for 5% of the world's population, but uses 25% of world energy resources. Your energy choices affect the environment both locally and globally! So where do your energy dollars go... A) 49% Heating and Cooling B) 33% Lighting, Cooking, and other Appliances C) 13% Water Heating D) 5% Refrigeration Heres a few tips: Clothes Washing - Use cold water when you can and wash only full loads. Cooling - AC is great at 78 degrees! Use portable fans and ceiling fans to keep cool for less. If you do use an air conditioner, set it at 78 degrees or higher when you're home and 85 degrees when you'll be away more than 4 hours. Just don't use your thermometer like a gas pedal. Shopping? Use energy guide labels...all major appliances but ovens and ranges come with Energy Guide Labels. Use the labels to compare the energy usage of different models. The labels also tell you the typical annual operating cost of the appliance, based on national average energy rates. (Partial excerpts from WESTER Energy Promotional Guidelines)

New Fox Team Listing

Visit us at 610 Ohio Ave - Holton. Built in 1885...this home features quite a bit of the past character in the trim and details but the updates have been completed for you! 4 Bedrooms with large closets, nice size rooms - 2 on Main level and 2 up, Kitchen updated with granite counters with eating bar, new flooring and a special featured copper sink. 2 Full baths with updated plumbing fixtures and ceramic tile additions. And of course lets not forget the outside landscaped beautifully with full flower beds and a fish pond/waterscape, lots of green grass, extra parking and a 2 car detached garage with concrete floor and electric garage door opener. With new flooring, lighting fixtures, windows and so much more this home its hard to believe this home is priced in the $120's. Call the Fox Team Today for a showing or more information!