50th

I just want to thank Amy for making her dad's 50th birthday special. Amy's efforts were from the heart. First she gave David the book, "Stuart Little" this was the book David used to read to Amy when she was very young. Amy also made a video using family photos and music. This was a tender moment for the David and his children.

Jeremy sent David the movie, "Memento" Jeremy's favorite film. This was another gift from the heart. Amy also gathered the children together for a birthday meal. She makes the best homemade pancakes!

In closing, thank you for a heartfelt 50th birthday celebration for your father.

AIDS!

As of today, 25 million people have died of AIDS. Worldwide, 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS and 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Nearly 7,000 individuals become newly infected each day. These numbers are truly staggering. These statistics are from "The Foundation for AIDS Research."

The above statistics are know cases. There are many cases of AIDS that are not reported or known. Since the entertainment industry is not backing the AIDS effort like it did 10 years ago, the public is returning to dangerous sex practices. There are more and more people practicing unsafe sex. Teenagers are becoming one of the larger groups getting HIV/AIDS in the metropolitan areas. Condoms are not handed out for free as much as they were 10 years ago. Literature is not as available as it was 10 years ago. You don't see commercials encouraging safe sex and the use of condoms like we did 10 years ago. Why?

The entertainment industry seems to pick a cause and go full force with it. In the 80's they battled world hunger. Concerts and videos were dedicated to the effort. In the 90's AIDS awareness was the big cause. Celebrities made commercials explaining abstinence was the best way to prevent getting sexually transmitted diseases. Movies were made concerning AIDS victims. This century, breast cancer and supporting our troops seem to be the big causes. Sure there are some famous individuals still supporting the AIDS effort; however, parents need to talk with their children about safe sex. Friends need to encourage each other to keep themselves protected against sexually transmitted diseases.

In closing, when the entertainment industry moves to a new cause, we need to keep the less advertised causes alive and strong!

Easy Non-Dairy Chocolate Cake!

David celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday. I was really upset I couldn't get out to get him a cake. At this time, I cannot drive due to the medicines I am on. David's children decided to take him to the Twin's game last night. So I decided I would take the pick-up and run to the store. Unfortunately, my son parked to close to the garage for me to get out. I ran to the computer and looked for a homemade cake recipe. Then I realized I had no milk. While surfing the web, I found a non-dairy recipe. I happened to have all the ingredients needed to make the cake. It isn't that bad. Below is the recipe I found.

3 c. flour
2 tsp. vinegar
2 c. sugar
2/3 c. salad oil
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. cocoa
2 c. cold water
2 tsp. baking soda

In large bowl, mix by hand flour, sugar, salt, cocoa and baking soda. Add vinegar, salad oil, vanilla and water. Mix by hand. Bake at 350 degrees in 9x13 inch pan; test at 30-35 minutes. Toothpick should come out clean.

Oh, didn't have anything to make frosting. All David got was a plain chocolate cake! Went to store today and made peanut butter frosting for the cake. Ugh! Such drama I cause myself!