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Little League Pitcher Gets Surprise Reunion With Military Dad

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Most kids love a surprise, but a little boy in Arkansas got a surprise reunion that swept him off his feet.

SPECIAL HONOR

Jett Morris plays Little League in Cabot, Arkansas. This year, he was chosen to play in a Little League tournament. The tournament raises money each year to honor fallen firefighters.

Jett stepped out to throw the first pitch of the game. At home plate, a catcher in a helmet and mask crouched down, ready to catch the ball.

SURPRISE GUEST

As soon as the ball cleared the plate, the catcher stood up. He removed his mask, and Jett recognized his father. It was a surprise visit home.

Jett screamed, “Dad!” as he threw his glove to the ground and raced to home plate. His dad swept him up for a hug.

Jett’s sisters Alexa and Saylor were also on hand to share in a family hug.

A SURPRISE LEAVE

Jett’s dad is in the Navy. Lieutenant Commander Joe Morris has been serving overseas for over a year. This week, he received leave to visit his family.

In a video that has gained thousands of views, you can see the whole family share the joy of the surprise meeting. That’s one surprise that will be hard to top.

Have you ever had a surprise meeting with someone you loved?

Little League Pitcher Gets Surprise Reunion With Military Dad

‘Extinct’ Giant Galápagos Tortoise Reemerges After 100 Years

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A rare giant Galápagos tortoise has emerged from the shadows after being declared extinct more than 100 years ago. Scientists in Ecuador have confirmed that a turtle found in 2019 is a giant Fernandina tortoise.

'Extinct' Giant Galápagos Tortoise Reemerges After 100 Years

Photo by Galapagos National Park

What Is a Fernandina Tortoise?

The Fernandina tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus) is a land tortoise native to the Galápagos Islands. They’re a chain of islands that are part of Ecuador.

These islands have many fascinating native species. Charles Darwin developed his theories of evolution while studying turtles and birds on the Galápagos Islands.

Finding Fern

In 1906, conservationists classed Fernandina tortoises as extinct.

In 2019, however, Galápagos National Park rangers were surprised to find a large tortoise whose species they couldn’t identify. They suspected she might be a Fernandina tortoise and named her Fern.

Fern is about 100 years old. Giant tortoises live up to 200 years on average.

Fern’s Confirmed

This month, scientists compared the tortoise’s DNA to the DNA of a Fernandina giant tortoise that was preserved at Yale University.

The results proved the workers were right. At least one Fernandina tortoise had survived after being ruled out a century ago.

Another Galápagos Tortoise Success

Scientists are now hoping to find more members of Fern’s family so they can breed them. Tortoise breeding programs have been highly successful.

In 2020, a giant Galápagos tortoise named Diego fathered hundreds of babies while in captivity. Diego and his little ones have all returned to the wild. Conservationists say Diego “saved his species.”

They are hoping Fern can do the same for hers.

Not Just Tortoises

The tortoise is not the first animal to reemerge after conservationists declared it extinct. In recent years, conservationists have confirmed sightings of Crete wild cats and Sumatran tigers.

The pygmy tarsier, New Guinea singing dog and Kashmir musk deer have all been seen after being declared extinct.

Fern’s Future Looks Bright

The future looks bright for any animal that survives despite habitat loss, climate change and other threats. With luck, Fern can help her species thrive and enjoy a bright future.

'Extinct' Giant Galápagos Tortoise Reemerges After 100 Years

Patriotic Grandmother Cleans Over 600 Unkempt Military Headstones

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Our country has many cemeteries that honor our fallen veterans. Although we all pay respect to them, one Washington grandmother has made that respect a way of life.

Cleaning the Headstones

Since last year, Kelly Mulvaney has been cleaning the headstones and beautifying the graves at Grand Mound Cemetery in Rochester County. As of this month, she has cleaned more than 600 veterans’ headstones.

“The people aren’t forgotten, but sometimes the headstones get old and covered with dirt, and people can’t get here,” she explained.

Daily Ritual

Every day, she pulls up in her car with buckets, a shovel, gloves and other materials. She starts by sweeping pine needles and debris from the headstone. She then cleans stains and mold from the headstone. She finishes by clearing weeds from the edges to make the border stand out.

Each headstone looks like new when she’s finished.

Mulvaney has been dubbed the “Rochester Cemetery Cleaning Angel” by locals. What’s even more amazing is none of her family members are buried in that cemetery.

Inspired To Act

She said she was inspired to act when she and her granddaughter were taking a walk through the cemetery.

“I saw all the military headstones covered in mold and mildew and I thought, those aren’t supposed to look like that,” she told a local paper.

Taking Time

Crystal Hitchcock, whose mother is buried in the cemetery, said she can’t believe someone would “take so much time out of their day and their week and year and do that for somebody they don’t even know.”

Restoring Our Heritage

On her Facebook page, Mulvaney says she wants to “restore our heritage one headstone at a time.”

She has received messages from people who want to join her as volunteers. You can follow her progress on her Facebook page.

Patriotic Grandmother Cleans Over 600 Unkempt Military Headstones

 

102-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Joins First-Grade Virtual Gym Class

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Virtual meetings have become a way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. People have staged virtual holiday celebrations, virtual classroom sessions and virtual weddings.

VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE

Now, these virtual meetings have turned one Arizona great-grandmother into a social media sensation.

Brody Contreras is a six-year-old boy who lives in Ajo, Arizona. Like many kids, Brody has a lot of energy, so a virtual gym class seemed like a great way to keep him mentally and physically active.

STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT

Brody’s mom Angela enrolled him in a virtual school that included a PE (physical education) class. She figured it would help him stay fit and have fun.

Little did she know that someone else would soon steal Brody’s spotlight.

FAMILY TIME

Brody was excited about his new class, and he wanted to share the fun with his great-grandmother Julia Fulkerson. Julia is 102 years old, but she is not letting anything slow her down.

Once Fulkerson received the COVID-19 vaccine, the family could spend time in person with her. The family posted a series of Instagram pictures showing Brody and Julia sharing special times.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angie Contreras (@angiec_143)

SHAKING A TAILFEATHER

What happened next shocked everyone. When Brody showed Julia his virtual exercise class, the centenarian was inspired to join in and start moving.

Within minutes, she was shaking and grooving to the beat. Fortunately, Angela was there to film the whole thing. The incredibly inspiring video swept social media and turned Julia into an overnight star.

SOMETHING POSITIVE TO SHARE

It’s evident she’s still in incredible shape as she keeps up with a group of first graders.

It’s easy to see why the video went viral. Everyone could use something positive and inspiring to share these days. As Angela posted on Instagram, “This was quite honestly one of the most special moments ever.”

102-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Joins First-Grade Virtual Gym Class

Instagram | angiec_143

Creative Woman Designs A Chair for Needy Pets

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Simone Giertz loves to build things, and she loves her dog. She put those things together to create a one-of-a-kind chair for needy pets.

Creative Woman Designs A Chair For Needy Pets

YouTube | Simone Giertz

A Special Chair for a Special Dog

Several years ago, Giertz adopted a three-legged dog named Scraps. As she explained in a YouTube video, Scraps is extremely needy and wants to spend every waking moment clinging to her.

Giertz’s response was to create a combination chair and dog bed. It allows Scraps to cling to Giertz while allowing Giertz to sit at her desk.

Making her Chair for Needy Pets

Giertz walked viewers through the entire process. The final product is a chair with a winding staircase that leads to the top level. At the top, half the bed curves in one direction to fit the snuggling pet. The other half serves as a desk chair for Giertz.

The steps allow Scraps to climb up easily, and railings on the pet side make him feel secure.

Creative Woman Designs A Chair For Needy Pets

YouTube | Simone Giertz

But Wait, There’s More

Giertz, who is known for going over the top when she builds something, didn’t hold back on this project. She added a covered area where Scraps could hide, a framed picture of Scraps on the stairway, and built-in drawers to hold dog treats.

She reminded viewers that Scraps needs extra help climbing up because he’s a “tripod.”

Creative Woman Designs A Chair For Needy Pets

YouTube | Simone Giertz

Scraps Is an Inspiration

Giertz is a well-known Swedish inventor who lives in Los Angeles. She has become famous for her outlandish robots. Giertz has appeared on numerous TV shows and has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers.

This isn’t the first time Giertz has taken inspiration from Scraps. She previously made a selfie photo booth for him out of Legos.

Designing for Dogs

Are you inspired to be equally creative for your pet? You may not be able to buy Giertz’s chair for needy pets, but you may feel the urge build something similar for your dog. Pets truly inspire us to be our best.

How To Keep A Christmas Cactus Looking Beautiful All Season Long

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The Christmas Cactus is a beautiful plant that produces bright, delicate blooms during the holiday season. It’s not just a seasonal plant, however. Many people enjoy keeping this plant alive and healthy all year.

Christmas Cactus

Keep Your Plant Alive All Season

With the right care, your cactus can live, thrive and continue to bloom year after year.

To know the basics of caring for one, it’s important to know that these cactuses come from the mountains of South America. There, they grow in cool forests under the shade of giant trees. They receive scattered sunshine, cool mountain breezes and light rain.

You don’t think of succulents as forest plants, but that just tells you how unusual these plants are.

How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus

To keep your plant healthy, follow these steps.

  1. Bring your plant indoors. Keep it in a cool area away from heat sources.
  2. Don’t rush to repot your cactus. These plants do well in tiny pots. Repotting can shock them, so don’t do it until it’s necessary.
  3. Keep the plant in indirect sunlight.
  4. If your Christmas Cactus is still in its decorative wrapping, cut holes in the bottom to allow drainage. Place the plant on a dish to catch excess water.
  5. Speaking of water, don’t over water your plant. Give it a little water about every three days.
  6. If you need to add soil, use a cactus mix.

Keep Your Cactus Blooming

The above steps will keep your plant healthy. If you want to have blooms every year, follow these steps:

  • Cut back on watering in the spring and summer. This lets the blossoms rest.
  • At the end of summer, feed it with bloom food diluted to one-quarter strength.
  • When buds form, stop fertilizing and go back to normal watering.

Enjoy Christmas All Year

Do you ever wish it could be Christmas all year? You can’t make that happen, but you can keep one part of Christmas alive with a little loving care.

Do you have tips for keeping Christmas plants alive and blooming?

Christmas Cactus

Baked Coconut (Cocada de Forno)

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Make the day special with an irresistible Baked Coconut. It’s a crunchy, gooey confection that will satisfy the most powerful sweet tooth.

Baked Coconut

Enjoy a Taste of the Tropics with Creamy Baked Coconut

Who can resist the taste of coconut? While you may think of it as a summertime flavor, there’s no need to hold back. Coconut is delicious any time of year, and a fragrant Baked Coconut will bring sunshine to the gloomiest day.

This a blend of simple flavors that come together to create a rich dessert. It has a crunchy top that gives way to a soft, creamy center. It smells amazing, and you’ll be ready to devour it the minute it comes out of the oven.

Baked Coconut Is a Fast, Easy Dessert

Add Baked Coconut to your list of easy, no-fail recipes you can use in a pinch. It’s a delicious dessert you can make from a few standard baking ingredients.

The classic way to serve Baked Coconut is with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Some restaurants serve it with a scoop of fruit-flavored sherbet. It’s delicious both ways.

Tips for Making Baked Coconut

  • Be sure to buy coconut milk and not cream of coconut for this recipe. Coconut milk is an important ingredient in many Latin American, Thai and Caribbean recipes. You can find coconut milk in the international section of your grocery store.
  • Some people add a tablespoon of rum to the recipe. This turns your Baked Coconut into something like a baked Pina Colada. It’s wonderful.

What to Serve with Baked Coconut

Baked Coconut is welcome at any meal. It’s wonderful with your morning coffee and a sweet way to end lunch or dinner.

One delectable pairing is an easy, homemade Coconut milk. This recipe requires only four ingredients and no churner.

If you’re going for a full island-oriented menu, make this fast, easy Coconut milk and serve it over rice.

Baked Coconut
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Baked Coconut Recipe

Baked Coconut has a crunchy top that gives way to a soft, creamy center. It smells amazing, and you'll be ready to devour it the minute it comes out of the oven.

Course Dessert
Cuisine Brazilian
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, eggs, coconut milk, milk, and grated coconut.

  3. Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish greased with butter.

  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

  5. Serve warm with your favorite ice cream.

Baked Coconut

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Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Cranberries and Walnuts

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As the summer days wind down, it’s time to look toward the fall. This Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Cranberries and Walnuts is a warm, fragrant way to celebrate this wonderful time of year.

Roasted Acorn Squash

You’ll Love This Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Cranberries and Walnuts

Acorn squash is at its peak in the fall, and this recipe makes the most of its natural sweetness. Walnuts provides crunch, cranberries add tang, and everything comes together on a bed of warm, golden squash.

Many people say they’d love to cook more squashes and gourds in the fall, but they don’t know how. This recipe proves it’s easy to create a scrumptious meal from squash.

It Fits at Any Meal

This colorful dish makes a gorgeous presentation. With its red, golden and brown colors, it even looks like fall.

This recipe is packed with flavor, and it’s also packed with incredible nutrients. Acorn squash is loaded with vitamins, potassium, antioxidants and fiber. Walnuts are high in antioxidants and Omega-3s. Cranberries are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory agents, vitamins and antioxidants.

Tips for Making Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Cranberries and Walnuts

  • According to experts, you should choose acorn squash that feels heavy for its size. That’s a sign it’s still moist and full of flavor.
  • If you don’t have fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries are fine. There is no need to thaw them first.

What to Serve with Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Cranberries and Walnuts

Stick with a theme of warm, slightly sweet dishes with the colors and flavors of fall. Create a full meal that’s plant-based, hearty and totally satisfying.

Try a Corn and Potato Chowder that cooks easily in your slow cooker or Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes with Eggs.

Fall is the perfect time to sample a pumpkin beer, cranberry beer or a vanilla porter like this one from Breckenridge Brewery.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Roasted Acorn Squash
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Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Cranberries and Walnuts

You’ll love this Roasted Acorn Squash. The walnuts provide crunch, the cranberries add tang, and everything comes together on a bed of warm, golden squash.

Course Main Course
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375º F.
  2. Cut the squash in half, then scrape out the seeds.
  3. Add the cranberries, walnuts, and brown sugar, orange juice and honey together in a large bowl, then mix together until evenly coated.
  4. Add the mixture evenly into the hollow centers of each half of the squash.
  5. Top each half with 1 tbsp butter.
  6. Place in a baking dish that is loosely covered with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake until tender enough for fork to pierce easily, approximately 80-90 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
  9. Enjoy!

Roasted Acorn Squash

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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Invite a taste of the tropics to your next summertime gathering with this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. It’s a fantastic way to update an old favorite.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

It’s Always a Picnic With Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Long, hot summer days are perfect for recipes that don’t require any heat except a grill.

This colorful salad is the perfect recipe to have on hand for every summer meal. It goes perfectly with all those burgers, chicken, hot dogs and veggie burgers you’re throwing on the hot coals. It’s also fun to take to all your summer potlucks, barbecues and last-minute gatherings.

Taste the Tropics

This salad combines the sweetness of pineapple with the freshness of Greek yogurt and a touch of sharpness. Cheddar cheese gives it a welcome bite. It takes just minutes to prepare, and you don’t have to spend any time over a stove.

If you like macaroni salad but you’re bored with all the versions of it you’ve already tried, this version will revive your taste buds.

Tips for Making Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

  • You can leave out the ham to create a vegetarian version of this tasty salad.
  • The recipe calls for elbow macaroni, but you can use other shapes. Rotini, farfalle, shells and penne are all pasta shapes that work well with a macaroni salad.
  • Do you know how to cook perfect pasta? You should always add salt to the pot and never add butter. Get these and other tips here.
  • Store the salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Check it right before you serve it. If it looks dry, add more dressing.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Keep partying with tropical tastes all summer long. Bring the beach to your backyard with Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Mango Dressing and a Caribbean Fish Stew.

If you want to pair this delicious salad with the perfect summer cocktail, make this wonderful Tropical Hawaiian Margarita.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This colorful Hawaiian Macaroni Salad goes perfectly with all those burgers, chicken, hot dogs and veggie burgers you're throwing on the hot coals.

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Stir the macaroni and apple cider vinegar together in a large bowl. Allow to cool.
  2. Add in the remaining salad ingredients.
  3. Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl.
  4. Pour over pasta, then stir to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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Chocolate Cherry Muffins

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Cherries and chocolate are a classic, no-fail combination. If you love biting into cherry cordials, you’ll love these healthier Chocolate Cherry Muffins. They’re wonderful with a cup of coffee and perfect for breakfast, snack time or any time.

Chocolate Cherry Muffins

Enjoy Guilt-Free Indulgence With Healthier Chocolate Cherry Muffins

If you’re like most of us, you’re probably trying to lose a few pounds, eat better or just cut down on fat. You probably think that means giving up your favorite baked treats.

I have good news. The recipe for these rich, indulgent muffins uses lower-fat ingredients, less sugar, natural ingredients and fresh cherries. That means you can enjoy them knowing they’re not made with butter, tons of sugar, processed ingredients or anything else you want to avoid.

Everyone Will Enjoy These Chocolate Cherry Muffins

They’re not missing any of the flavor, smoothness or delightful decadence of chocolate and cherry. When you smell these baking, it will be hard to resist pulling the oven open and digging into them.

Nobody has to feel left out when you make a batch of these goodies. If you’ve been holding back on baking, now’s your chance to enjoy what your oven can do again.

Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Muffins

  • These taste best if you use fresh cherries. They’re abundant this time of year, and they give these muffins a wonderful flavor. If you can’t find fresh cherries, try canned or frozen cherries.
  • You can use other fruits like blueberries with these muffins. Add nuts or chocolate chips. Have fun experimenting with different additions and flavors.

What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Muffins

Milk is the perfect match for baked chocolate goodness. If you’re having an adult gathering, pair the muffins with a delicious Bourbon Milk Punch.

If you’d prefer a coffee drink or you want to avoid alcohol, try a creamy, delicious and easy Cappuccino On Ice or Almond Milk Frappuccino.

Chocolate Cherry Muffins
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Chocolate Cherry Muffins

Cherries and chocolate are a classic, no-fail combination. If you love biting into cherry cordials, you'll love these healthier Chocolate Cherry Muffins.

Course Bread
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 ºF. Grease a muffin pan with olive oil. Don't use muffin pan liners for this recipe, the muffins will get stuck to them.
  2. Cut cherries in quarters.
  3. In a large bowl mix applesauce, sugar, honey, eggs and yogurt.
  4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Add salt and whisk together. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don't overmix!
  5. Add cherry and stir. The batter will be chunky.
  6. Divide batter evenly between the pans. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  7. Bake for 5 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350 ºF and bake for 15 more minutes. Transfer to the cooling rack and let cool for 10 minutes, then take out of the pan.

Recipe Notes

Yield: 12 muffins

Chocolate Cherry Muffins