Majbasil

Dolly Parton deeply transformed Tennessee through massive economic development, generational educational programs, disaster relief, and healthcare philanthropy. Economic Impact and Tourism Dollywood: Opened in Pigeon Forge in 1986, the theme park has created over 23,000 jobs and turned East Tennessee into a premier global tourism destination. [1, 2] Local Attractions: Expanded the local economy with additional family entertainment, including Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and dinner shows. [1] Education and Literacy Imagination Library: Started in Sevier County in 1995 to mail free monthly books to children from birth to age five, which later expanded globally and gifted hundreds of millions of books. [1, 2] The Buddy Program: Launched by the Dollywood Foundation in 1991 to offer financial incentives to high school students with local "buddies," which famously dropped the Sevier County high school dropout rate from 35% down to 6%. [1, 2] Disaster Relief and Healthcare Wildfire Recovery: Spearheaded the 2016 "Smoky Mountains Rise" telethon and My People Fund, providing direct financial assistance of $1,000 a month to hundreds of families displaced by devastating Gatlinburg wildfires. [1, 2] Medical Research: Donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 to help fund early research that contributed to the COVID-19 vaccine. [1, 2] Children's Hospital Partnership: Partnered extensively with regional pediatric care, culminating in the naming of the Dolly Parton's Children Hospital (formerly East Tennessee Children's Hospital) to expand local youth healthcare services. [1, 2]

I was so surprised to realize that you were not yet a member! Congrats! And wth took you so long?

THANKS!!!

I figured it was just me............ OK THEN.... MAYDAY MAYDAY!!!!!! 5 alarm situation here.... Freezetag Server is DOWN. Repeat... FREEZE TAG server is DOWN!!!!

WOOT! Now maybe just maybe I will finally FINALLY get a nuke.

as one who never really liked beer... until I had this..... Blue Moon Belgian White is most popular among Millennials, casual drinkers, and "gateway" craft beer enthusiasts. Often served with an orange wedge to highlight its citrus and coriander profile, it appeals to those seeking an approachable, smooth, and easy-drinking beer away from standard light lagers. [1, 2, 3, 4] A broad look at its consumer base reveals distinct groups that enjoy it: Entry-Level Craft Drinkers: It is widely recognized as a "gateway" beer. People new to the craft beer scene often gravitate toward Blue Moon for its sweet, citrusy flavor profile rather than more aggressive, bitter IPAs. [1, 2, 3] Millennials: Many Millennials credit it as one of the very first craft-style beers they sipped and enjoyed in their early 20s. [1, 2] Casual Social Drinkers: Because it is highly drinkable and widely available on draft, it remains a top choice for people at bars, restaurants, and ballparks who want a refreshing drink without intensely complex flavors. THEN discovered more similar ... Allagash White is a flagship Belgian-style wheat beer (witbier) with a 5.2% ABV. Brewed in Portland, Maine since 1995, it features a hazy golden appearance and is spiced with a signature blend of coriander, Curaçao orange peel, and a secret spice. [1, 2, 3] Key Details Style: Witbier (Belgian-Style Wheat) Flavor Profile: Notes of orange citrus, coriander, bready wheat, and a slightly spicy, dry finish Ingredients: Pilsner malt, raw wheat, malted wheat, oats, Nugget/Crystal/Czech Saaz hops, and their house yeast But wait... there is more... A coriander orange wit beer is a traditional Belgian-style wheat ale (witbier). It is known for its hazy, straw-like color, a creamy white head, and a highly refreshing, citrus-forward flavor profile. The spices give it a crisp, slightly sweet, and zesty finish. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] The classic ingredients that give this beer its signature taste include: Unmalted Wheat and Barley: Gives the brew its pale, cloudy appearance and light, crisp body. Sweet or Bitter Orange Peel: Traditionally added near the end of the boil to provide sunny, vibrant citrus notes. Coriander: Ground coriander seeds are used to bring out a slightly spicy, herbaceous, and floral aroma that perfectly balances the citrus. While it is an ancient style originating from the Belgian village of Hoegaarden, many craft breweries offer their own takes on this style, often featuring local ingredients like orange blossom honey or fresh zest.

ok. now be careful!!!

Hey congrats!

Hey, CONGRATS! My son in law does that too! (So I know how very cool what you accomplished is.) WOOT WOOT!

Happy BIrthday !

WELL HELLO!!! OK I lived for 30 years around DC. Summertime the crowds can be large, so go before school year is out (Pre-June) best time of year tbh to sightsee DC is imho, October or if it is a cool September. SMITHSONIAN!!! https://www.si.edu/visit So much to see! Natural History of course, most folks love Air and Science Museum best, but National Gallery of Art is wonderful too, quick cafeteria style dining is cool literally if it is hot outside food OK. https://www.si.edu/visit/dine-shop IMHO, best dining for real authentic foods made pre-European colonization or an attempt at it is at the National Museum of the American Indian. Lots of folks also like American History Museum Freer Gallery is really nice. https://americanindian.si.edu/visit/dc/dining Monuments are good to see if the weather is nice, if too hot don't bother - stay in air conditioned buildings if July or August tbh. IF have time, seeing the Great Falls in Great Falls Virginia is cool if you want to hike a bit and be outside, then see where the wild Potomac River has great falls, then it becomes gentler thru DC and finally goes into the Chesapeake River. Our first President, George Washington surveyed that land and participated into making canal locks so little canoes and boats could go around the great falls. Key Details for Visiting Great Falls Park (VA Side): History: George Washington envisioned a canal here to bypass the falls, with ruins of the Patowmack Canal still visible. Views: Three main overlooks offer dramatic, close-up views of the 76-foot, cascading falls. Activities: Hiking trails include the River Trail and the easy Matilda Trail, which passes through the historic town of Matildaville. Access & Fees: Located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA, it requires an entrance fee (approx. $10-$15 or a National Park Pass). Hours: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset. Warnings: The Potomac River is extremely dangerous; swimming is prohibited.

I am sick too.... no voice, week 3... Tennessee, at least when i got this they say cold/flu A (whatever that is), is the worst so far for flu/cold outbreak in the country of 50 states! SO... too many parties I suppose, Xmas germs. ANYHOW, I shall return when my voice comes back. Have mic, so get ready... Meanwhile, watching Where Eagles Dare for the 1000th time, Bridge Too Far, Band of Brothers, etc etc etc ... Hope everyone is well and happy this cold January.

OK i WILL HAPPILY SHARE MY ABSOLUTE FAV VEGGIE LASAGNA!!! I serve it with Zinfandel wine at room temp, nice balsamic vinegar dressing salad and garlic french bread. ALWAY A HIT, great for buffet too, be sure to use a strainer to get extra liquids out of veggie mixture. Tastes great and can prep day before and cook right before eating, but add xtra 15 or so minutes cooking time or let go to room temp before putting into the oven. As always, ENJOY! While a specific "Mast Farm Inn" recipe isn't readily available, a popular version features roasted zucchini, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach with a homemade marinara and ricotta filling, layered with no-boil noodles and plenty of mozzarella, often using a béchamel sauce for extra richness, emphasizing fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Key steps include roasting vegetables first, making a simple sauce, preparing the ricotta mix, layering everything with sauce, noodles, veggies, ricotta, mozzarella, and baking until bubbly and golden brown. Ingredients (Generalized) Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms, FRESH spinach, shallots/onion, garlic, fresh basil, parsley. Sauce: Olive oil, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (optional), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Ricotta Filling: Whole milk ricotta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, fresh basil. Cheese: Mozzarella (shredded), Parmesan. Pasta: No-boil lasagna noodles. (Optional Béchamel: Butter, flour, milk, nutmeg, salt, pepper.) I DO NOT DO THIS PART imho ricotta and cheese is enough no need for bechamel Instructions (General Steps) Roast Vegetables: Toss chopped zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil; roast until tender and slightly browned. OR sauté in large pan until tender when almost ready, add spinach, then STRAIN extra liquid. Make Marinara: Sauté onions/garlic, add tomatoes, paste, seasonings, and simmer. Prepare Ricotta: Mix ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper. IF ROASTING VEGGIES, Boil Spinach: then strain out extra liquid Assemble: Spread sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles, then ricotta, veggies (including spinach), sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake: Bake at 350-375°F (covered initially, then uncovered) until bubbly and golden, about 45-65 minutes. Let it rest before serving.