My husband was in michigan this week and that was one of the flights he thought about taking on thursday night. He flies a lot and it just hit close to home. Clarence is not far from where we live. We are a little more out in the country. Big sigh of relief. When the news came on at 10pm they announced at the end of the broadcast that a plane had crashed by the airport, but they didn't know anything yet. By the time the 11pm news came on, it was not until after the weather that their news crews made it to the neighborhood and they announced it was a commercial plane. WIVB broadcast without commercial break until I went to bed at 2am. When my husband called to say he was alright i was so grateful. (wipes tears and sniffles) Fran, Could i have the blanket flower, please? BTW, DS#3 watered my keyboard once, its still a little iffy. We set it in from of the blower on the woodstove for a week. Just FYI those of you sowing in the keys LOL! Thank all of you for the prayers. Families here are esp. close knit and things like this are difficult for anyone. Praying for your FIL, too Nichol. Fleethart

Here's a couple we sell at craft shows ( in gift mugs ) : Diane's Home Cookin Chapter: In a Jar Dustcatchers Crafts , gifts in a Mug Potato Soup Mix In A Mug ======================== 1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes 1-1/2 cups dry milk 2 tablespoons instant chicken bullion 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/8 teaspoon turmeric 1-1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt . Combine all & then divide by measuring 1/2 c. into each small ziploc bag. Place 1 mix in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & attach tag & small wire whisk with ribbon. Attach Tag: Empty mix into mug and fill with boiling water, whisk, allow to set 3 minutes, enjoy. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pasta Alfredo Mix In A Mug ========================== 1/3 cup angel hair pasta (broken into pieces) 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/4 teaspoon Garlic & Herb Seasoning Shake of pepper . Measure into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & attach tag & small wire whisk with ribbon. Attach Tag: Empty Mix into mug, add 1 tsp margarine & 1 cup of boiling water, cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir well. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tortilla Soup Mix In A Mug ========================== 3 tablespoons crushed tortilla chips 2 tablespoons instant rice 1 tablespoon Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon cumin . Measure all ingredients into a small zip-top plastic bag. Shake to combine. Tuck plastic bag into a microwavable mug. Attach a gift tag with the following instructions: Tortilla Soup: Empty contents of bag into mug. Add 1 cup water. Stir, and microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Stir again. Cover and let sit for 3 minutes. All ready to eat! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Baked Beans in a Mug ==================== 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon Bacos (salad topping) 2 teaspoons Country Time lemonade powder (NOT sugar free) 1 teaspoon dried minced onion 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard Measure all into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. Place the following into a Mug lined with tissue paper & top with bag of seasonings above. 1 can baked beans or Pork N Beans . Attach Tag: Empty beans in to mug, stir in seasonings. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stopping once or twice to stir. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Lunch In A Mug: Soup ==================== 3/4 cup Non-fat dry milk powder 1/4 cup Non-dairy creamer 2 tablespoons Instant chicken bouillon -granules 1 tablespoon Dried vegetable flakes 1/2 teaspoon Dried parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon Dried summer savory 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon Pepper To serve: 2 Tbsp uncooked instant rice, optional, 3/4 cup water . In small bowl, combine milk powder, creamer, bouillon granules, vegetable flakes, parsley flakes, savory, salt, onion powder and pepper. Store in airtight container for no longer than 6 months. To make one serving of soup, place instant rice (Minute Rice) and 3 Tbsp dry soup mix in microwave safe mug. Place 3/4 cup water in 1 cup measure and microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 3 minutes or until it boils. Pour boiling water into mug with rice and soup mix; stir. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++= Peach Cobbler Mix In A Mug ========================== 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder Measure all into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. 1 (4 ounce) container snack size peaches . Place the peaches cup in a mug lined with tissue paper, add the cobbler mix on to . Attach Tag: Melt 1 T. margarine in mug & melt, when done, add mix & 2 T. Milk, whisk well. add peaches on batter and cook 2 more minutes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ambrosia Pudding Mix In A Mug ============================= 2 tablespoons banana cream instant pudding 4 vanilla wafers, broken into small pieces 2 tablespoons flaked coconut 2 teaspoons very finely chopped pecans 1/4 teaspoon cherry gelatin . Measure all into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. 1/4 cup mini marshmallows, measured into a small ziploc bag & sealed. 1 (4 oz) snack size pineapple tidbits Place the pineapple cup in a mug lined with tissue paper, add the ambrosia mix & marshmallow bag to the top. Attach Tag: Empty pineapples into your mug, add ambrosia mix, stirring well. Place in fridge for 10 minutes to set, top with marshmallows, stir & serve immediately. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Chocolate Fudge Mix In A Mug ============================ 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon finely chopped pecans or walnuts Measure into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine 1/2 cup mini marshmallows : measured into a separate small baggie . Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper, attach pretty tag & tiny wooden spoon. Attach Tag: Combine Fudge Mix, 2 1/2 T. Margarine & cook in microwave 3 minutes. Remove & quickly stir in marshmallows, until well melted. Cool 5-7 minutes and then place in fridge for 8-10 minutes to set.

Here you go -- these are big sellers at our Holiday craft shows -- lots of Christmas mugs around then for 2/$1.00 at the Dollar stores: Diane's Home Cookin Chapter: In a Jar Dustcatchers Crafts , gifts in a Mug Upside Down Cake Mix ==================== For these recipes you will need a mug that is oven proof to be able to cook the item in the mug. Your mug should fit around 1 1/2 cups of liquid into it. Fill the mug with the mug ingredients that have been placed into an airtight or ziplock bag and attach the recipe card instructions. Tie the whole mug up with some cellophane or add some curling ribbons and a bow to finish off this gift Mug Ingredients: 1/3 cup of flour 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder 3 tablespoons of sugar 1 tablespoon of dessicated coconut 4 ounces /120g can of diced pineapple pieces . Mix the dry ingredients together and place into a airtight bag and place into the mug, top the mug off with the small can of pineapples. (yes still in the can do not open it) Tag Instructions: 2 1/2 tbs of shortening 1 egg 3 tbs of milk 1/2 tsp of vanilla 1/2 tbs of melted butter 1 tbs of brown sugar 4 maraschino cherries Preheat oven to 350'F or 165'C in a small bowl add the ingredients from the mug and using your fingers mix in the shortening. Add the egg, milk and vanilla and mix until well combined. Place the melted butter and the mug and sprinkle the mug with brown sugar. Place the cherries and the drained pineapple into the bottom of the mug. Pour the cake batter over the pineapple bake in an oven for 15-20 minutes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Brownie in a Mug ================= 4 T. Instant Brownie Mix Measure all small Ziploc baggie, seal. Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper, attach pretty tag. Attach Tag: Pour mix into mug add. 2 Tbsp water & mix well. Microwave for 1 minute. . Add ins: (Choose 1 of the following) 1 T. mini m&m's 1 T. Chopped Walnuts 1 T. Chopped Pecans 1 T. Dried Chopped Cherries ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hot Cookie Pudding & Kiss Mix In A Mug ====================================== 6 vanilla sandwich cookies, broken into pieces 1 tablespoon powdered milk 1/3 cup mini marshmallows Measure into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. . Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & place 3 wrapped hershey's kisses on top, attach pretty tag & small whisk. Attach Tag: Empty mix into mug, add 2/3 c. hot water, whisk well. Microwave 1 minute until marshmallows melt, stir & add in hershey's kisses (unwrapped of course) and serve +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Microwave Chocolate Peppermint Fudge ==================================== Your mug should fit around 1 1/2 cups of liquid into it. Fill the mug with the mug ingredients that have been placed into an airtight or ziplock bag and attach the recipe card instructions. Tie the whole mug up with some cellophane or add some curling ribbons and a bow to finish off this gift Mug Ingredients: 1/4 cup of chocolate chip 1/4 cup of sugar 1 tablespoon of chopped unslated peanuts in a seperate bag add 5 crushed peppermint sweets and 1/2 cup if mini marshmallow . Mix well and place into airitight bag and place into mug. Tag Instructions: Combine the mug mix with 2 1/2 tbs of oil and cook on high for 3 minutes stir in marshmallow and mints whilst still hot. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and then eat. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pasta Alfredo Mix In A Mug ========================== 1/3 cup angel hair pasta (broken into pieces) 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/4 teaspoon Garlic & Herb Seasoning Shake of pepper . Measure into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & attach tag & small wire whisk with ribbon. Attach Tag: Empty Mix into mug, add 1 tsp margarine & 1 cup of boiling water, cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir well. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Peach Cobbler Mix In A Mug ========================== 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder Measure all into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine. 1 (4 ounce) container snack size peaches . Place the peaches cup in a mug lined with tissue paper, add the cobbler mix on to . Attach Tag: Melt 1 T. margarine in mug & melt, when done, add mix & 2 T. Milk, whisk well. add peaches on batter and cook 2 more minutes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Potato Soup Mix In A Mug ======================== 1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes 1-1/2 cups dry milk 2 tablespoons instant chicken bullion 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/8 teaspoon turmeric 1-1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt . Combine all & then divide by measuring 1/2 c. into each small ziploc bag. Place 1 mix in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & attach tag & small wire whisk with ribbon. Attach Tag: Empty mix into mug and fill with boiling water, whisk, allow to set 3 minutes, enjoy. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In-The-Mug Hot Mince Pie ======================== 8 ounces condensed mince pie mix 8 shortbread cookies . Instead of reserving mincemeat pie for just the Christmas season, reader Ron Bonig spreads the traditional food around the calendar. "I serve hot mince pie in a mug to trailmates on the first night out, particularly in winter. It tastes exactly like mince pie, except it takes only a one-burner stove to make." In Camp: Follow the package instructions for preparing the mince pie. Break up two cookies in each mug. Ladle the hot mince into the mugs and stir. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Lunch In A Mug: Soup ==================== 3/4 cup Non-fat dry milk powder 1/4 cup Non-dairy creamer 2 tablespoons Instant chicken bouillon -granules 1 tablespoon Dried vegetable flakes 1/2 teaspoon Dried parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon Dried summer savory 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon Pepper To serve: 2 Tbsp uncooked instant rice, optional, 3/4 cup water . In small bowl, combine milk powder, creamer, bouillon granules, vegetable flakes, parsley flakes, savory, salt, onion powder and pepper. Store in airtight container for no longer than 6 months. To make one serving of soup, place instant rice (Minute Rice) and 3 Tbsp dry soup mix in microwave safe mug. Place 3/4 cup water in 1 cup measure and microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 3 minutes or until it boils. Pour boiling water into mug with rice and soup mix; stir. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. _______________________________________ Fudgy "Cup" Cakes ================= Cake Mix: 1 package (18.25 ounce) chocolate cake mix 1 package (4 servings) instant chocolate pudding mix Glaze Mix: 2-2/3 cups confectioners` sugar 1/4 cup powdered cocoa mix . 1. In a large bowl, combine the dry cake and pudding mixes; blend well with a whisk. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners` sugar and cocoa mix. 3. Divide the cake mix evenly into 8 small plastic bags, about 1/2 cup each; seal and label as cake mix. Do the same with the glaze mix, packing about 1/3 cup mix in each bag; seal and label as glaze mix. 4. Make individual microwave Fudgy "Cup" Cakes, or pack the mixes to give as gift . -------------------------------------------------- Giving Fudgy "Cup" Cake Mix as a Gift: Place 1 sealed cake mix bag and 1 sealed glaze mix bag into a microwave-safe mug, and attach the recipe for Fudgy "Cup" Cake (below). -------------------------------------------------- Making a Fudgy "Cup" Cake: Spray the inside of a microwave-safe mug generously with nonstick cooking spray. Pour prepared bag of cake mix into the mug. Add 1 egg, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon water. Mix until all the ingredients are combined. Microwave at 100% power for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, place prepared bag of glaze mix in a small bowl and add 1-1/2 teaspoons milk; mix well then pour glaze over the mug cake immediately after removing it from the microwave. Serve cake warm in the mug. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jello Cake Mix In A Mug ======================= 1/3 cup any flavor cake mix 1 tablespoon any flavor Jello . Combine the following into a small baggie & label as Glaze Mix: 2 T. Powdered sugar 1/2 tsp Jello Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & attach tag & small wire whisk with ribbon. Attach Tag: Empty mix into mug, add 2 tsp oil, 1 T. Water & 1 egg white, Whisk WELL. Microwave on high 2 minutes. In the meantime, mix glaze while cake is cooking by adding a couple drops of water to the glaze mix (mix it right in the bag!) snip off a corner and squeeze gently onto your cake

As far as what can be confiscated: On a return trip from Shanghai to LAX, the Chinese authorities (?) set up shop in the jetway and confiscated all water bottles that had been bought and/or filled after security but before boarding. What? The American flight crew was dumfounded when boarding passengers told them what was going on. Upon arrival in LAX, U.S. customs confiscated bags full of food products brought in by a multi-member Chinese family. It was hard to tell, but it looked like it was at least partly meat products. There was enough of it that perhaps it was a "commercial quantities" problem. If you happen to be passing through Aukland, NZ, you can expect their cute little beagles to be checking out all your carry-ons as well as checked luggage. They're very serious about agricultural contamination. Good for them.