fear, greed, prejudice...is it just me that's confused?

people continue to confuse me daily. i know i'm not always the sharpest crayon in the box, but if you believe in god (as you say you do) and you believe in love (as you say you do), and you believe that god is love (i assume you do), then why deny refuge to those escaping the killing and suffering in syria? people think that by taking in refugees it somehow takes away from you or "us". here's the thing, it's doesn't! the only thing that takes away from us is the political system that gives billions and billions of dollars in tax breaks and refunds to corporations time and time again. and it's the corporations who hide their profits in tax havens offshore that take away from us. and it's the revolving door policy of our government consistently hiring former corporate employees and putting them in washington. truly, if you believe in god and love then you will open your arms and hearts to those who suffer, be they americans or syrians, christians or muslims. and if you really have any kind of faith in god or reality you'll believe there is enough in this world for everyone. and there actually is. we just need to work seriously to get some balance in the world and as americans, particularly in this country. and to begin this process we must be united, not separated by race or religion. we must exercise the power of the people to change things.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

years ago i visited a country restaurant in smithville, ohio called "The Barn".  they served the best broccoli cheese soup EVER. later, in our local newspaper recipe section someone shared a recipe for broccoli cheese soup that sounded as if it might be similar to what i had loved at The Barn.  i tried it, it was and after that became a family favorite in my house.

here's that recipe for those who, unlike me, :( can still handle a good share of cheesiness.  it is delicious!

Broccoli Cheese Soup
(makes 4 qts which is a lot unless you have a family to feed.  you might want to cut the recipe down.)


2 T. butter
1/3 c. onion chopped fine
sauté' these together for 3 minutes.

add 3 c. chicken stock or 3 c. water with 3 chicken bouillon cubes
cook until dissolved.
bring to boil and add:

4 oz. fine egg noodles
1 - 10 oz package frozen chopped broccoli (or equivalent of fresh)
1/4 t. garlic powder
cook all this until noodles and broccoli are tender (about 5 minutes)

stir in 3/4 lb. velveeta cheese, cubed and 3 c. milk.
cook and stir until smooth.  do not boil.

you will love it, i promise!

Ohio Homestead Exemption for Property Owners Saves Money on Taxes

you qualify for a property tax reduction if:

1. you live in ohio
2. you own a home
3. you're 65 or older OR disabled

from http://www.tax.ohio.gov/faq.aspx:

The homestead exemption allows low-income senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans, to reduce their property tax bills, by shielding some of the market value of their homes from taxation. The exemption, which takes the form of a credit on property tax bills, allows qualifying homeowners to exempt up to $25,000 of the market value of their homes from all local property taxes. For example, through the homestead exemption, a home with a market value of $100,000 is billed as if it is worth $75,000.

The exact amount of savings varies from location to location. But overall, across Ohio, qualified homeowners saved an average of about $435 per taxpayer during the 2011 tax year. The tax exemption is limited to the homestead, which Ohio law defines as an owner’s dwelling and up to one acre of land. The value of the exemption may not exceed the value of the homestead.

To apply, complete the application form (DTE 105A, Homestead Exemption Application Form for Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons, and Surviving Spouses), then file it with your local county auditor. The form is available on the Department of Taxation’s website and is also available from county auditors.