Good morning all! A "normal" Foto Friday post will be up this afternoon, but I wanted to take a few minutes to address some changes that you may have noticed.
In attempts to make the blog more accessible to you, the reader, I have been conceptualizing the latest design iteration for this site with the best graphic designer I know (more on her later). In the past day or so, our work has been put online. Some of the changes are:
-New header and background design for a cleaner look
-Blog history and labels moved to the bottom of the blog for less side-bar clutter
-Addition of pages provide better organization and easier access to old posts
Please feel free to comment on the new look and/or to suggest further improvements!
As a Christian, wife, mother of a little girl and two fur-babies, Mississippi State Bulldog, and PhD, I lead a very busy life. If you add on top of that my obsession for organization and loves for couponing, sewing, knitting, cooking, reading, gardening, and a host of other random hobbies, you've got the recipe for...well...variety. And variety is the spice of life!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
MrsDrPoe: "If It Makes You Happy, It Can't Be That Bad"...or Can It?
Good morning all! I hope you'll all open up your Bibles with me as we look at some passages on this Theology Thursday.
Today's topic stems from the lyrics to a Sheryl Crow song that I heard in the car a few days ago. This song was popular when I was in grade school, so at some point I knew most of the lyrics; however, as I listened to the song this last time, I actually focused on the words*. The first half of the chorus is "if it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." And I thought, "Wait...what? Says who?" Then I answered my own question: "Says the world." If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "As long as you're happy..." or "If it makes you happy..." or "I just want you to be happy...", then Mr. Poe and I could buy a mansion today. The world is focused on happiness.
Happiness in itself isn't a bad thing- variations of the word are used approximately 25 times in the scriptures (NKJV); the word "joy" is used 158 times (NKJV). But the question we need to ask ourselves is: why are people in the Bible happy?
How does the happiness/joy in these verses compare to what makes our friends happy, what makes our neighbors happy, and even what makes us happy? Our joy should be in the Lord, and if it's not, we probably have some soul searching to do.
Obviously some degree of carnal "happiness" can be found in whatever sin(s) we struggle with (drinking, promiscuity, lying, gossiping, etc) or we would not be tempted to commit them. But Ms. Crow's lyrics are totally erroneous- the fact that something yields pleasure does NOT mean that that something is inherently good. Pro 14:12 and 16:25 state, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This verse reiterates that just because we think something is good doesn't mean GOD thinks it's good!
Gal 5:16-26 discusses the lusts/works of the flesh vs the fruit of the Spirit. Verses 24 and 25 say, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Again, if we belong to the body of Christ, we are to find happiness in Him and those things which the Bible says should bring us happiness (God, Christ, our brethren, serving, etc.).
I have been blessed far beyond anything I deserve, and reminders like this help me to reexamine where I my trust and happiness lies. I hope these thoughts have been encouraging to you, as they have been to me. Until next week, happy studying!
*Mr. Poe and I have been paying a lot more attention to the junk we put into our heads through songs, movies, etc. lately. For the record, I don't think this song will be one that I'll listen to again...but that's a topic for another day.
Today's topic stems from the lyrics to a Sheryl Crow song that I heard in the car a few days ago. This song was popular when I was in grade school, so at some point I knew most of the lyrics; however, as I listened to the song this last time, I actually focused on the words*. The first half of the chorus is "if it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." And I thought, "Wait...what? Says who?" Then I answered my own question: "Says the world." If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "As long as you're happy..." or "If it makes you happy..." or "I just want you to be happy...", then Mr. Poe and I could buy a mansion today. The world is focused on happiness.
Happiness in itself isn't a bad thing- variations of the word are used approximately 25 times in the scriptures (NKJV); the word "joy" is used 158 times (NKJV). But the question we need to ask ourselves is: why are people in the Bible happy?
"...Happy are the people whose God is Jehovah!" (Ps 144:15)
"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God..." (Ps 146:5)
"Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity." (Pro 28:14)
"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (1 Thess 2:19)
"My bretherren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowning that the testing of your faith produced patience." (Jas 1:2-3)
"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God..." (Ps 146:5)
"Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity." (Pro 28:14)
"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (1 Thess 2:19)
"My bretherren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowning that the testing of your faith produced patience." (Jas 1:2-3)
How does the happiness/joy in these verses compare to what makes our friends happy, what makes our neighbors happy, and even what makes us happy? Our joy should be in the Lord, and if it's not, we probably have some soul searching to do.
Obviously some degree of carnal "happiness" can be found in whatever sin(s) we struggle with (drinking, promiscuity, lying, gossiping, etc) or we would not be tempted to commit them. But Ms. Crow's lyrics are totally erroneous- the fact that something yields pleasure does NOT mean that that something is inherently good. Pro 14:12 and 16:25 state, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This verse reiterates that just because we think something is good doesn't mean GOD thinks it's good!
Gal 5:16-26 discusses the lusts/works of the flesh vs the fruit of the Spirit. Verses 24 and 25 say, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Again, if we belong to the body of Christ, we are to find happiness in Him and those things which the Bible says should bring us happiness (God, Christ, our brethren, serving, etc.).
I have been blessed far beyond anything I deserve, and reminders like this help me to reexamine where I my trust and happiness lies. I hope these thoughts have been encouraging to you, as they have been to me. Until next week, happy studying!
*Mr. Poe and I have been paying a lot more attention to the junk we put into our heads through songs, movies, etc. lately. For the record, I don't think this song will be one that I'll listen to again...but that's a topic for another day.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Caesar Salad
How about a salad for dinner tonight? I highly recommend this recipe- it was developed years ago by my grandfather, Grandpapa Wolgemuth.
Ingredients: 1 clove garlic (crushed), 4-6 anchovy fillets, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 egg yolk, 1/8-1/4 cup olive oil, 5 drops of Tabasco, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, juice of 1/2 small lemon, 1/2 head of Romain lettuce torn, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup garlic or Caesar croutons.
In a large salad bowl, mush the anchovy fillets with two forks:
Mix in the ground pepper, garlic cloves, mustard, and egg yolk together to form a paste:
Add the olive oil gradually, beating in quickly with two forks. Pour in the remaining liquid ingredients, and stir well:
Put the lettuce, cheese, and croutons in the dressing, and toss to coat. Rub individual bowls with the squeezed lemon, add salad, and serve (4 side salads, 2 dinner salads):
Note: For Mr. Poe and my first (dating) anniversary, I made this salad topped with steak. A few bites in, Mr. Poe looked at me and said, "I can't eat the rest of this." Of course I wound up in tears, but the lesson was learned- this dressing has a very strong garlic and anchovy taste. It's excellent, but not for everyone.
Ingredients: 1 clove garlic (crushed), 4-6 anchovy fillets, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 egg yolk, 1/8-1/4 cup olive oil, 5 drops of Tabasco, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, juice of 1/2 small lemon, 1/2 head of Romain lettuce torn, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup garlic or Caesar croutons.
In a large salad bowl, mush the anchovy fillets with two forks:
Mix in the ground pepper, garlic cloves, mustard, and egg yolk together to form a paste:
Add the olive oil gradually, beating in quickly with two forks. Pour in the remaining liquid ingredients, and stir well:
Put the lettuce, cheese, and croutons in the dressing, and toss to coat. Rub individual bowls with the squeezed lemon, add salad, and serve (4 side salads, 2 dinner salads):
Note: For Mr. Poe and my first (dating) anniversary, I made this salad topped with steak. A few bites in, Mr. Poe looked at me and said, "I can't eat the rest of this." Of course I wound up in tears, but the lesson was learned- this dressing has a very strong garlic and anchovy taste. It's excellent, but not for everyone.
MrsDrPoe: The Wolgemuths
For this week's edition of Poes' Pals, I'm cheating again. Meet my grandparents...the Wolgemuths.
The Wolgemuths are amazing people. Grandpapa (or Dr.) Wolgemuth is a fantastic engineer and professor; he has a list of accolades as long as I am tall. I have a great deal of respect for my grandfather; he is my inspiration for my chosen degree and profession, and he has always been there to help me better understand any articles or subject matter if I have issues. Grandmama Wolgemuth is a wonderful wife and mother. She made clothes for her kids when they were young; she volunteers, knits, cooks, cleans, gardens, cans...and the list goes on and on. I have a so much respect for her as well; she is a great role model.
Just about every time I visit Grandpapa and Grandmama Wolgemuth I learn something new. Their current projects include the summer gardening and "grooming" their forest; when they have time, my grandfather turns wood while my grandmother creates beautiful watercolor masterpieces:
I am so happy that I have been able to be around and learn from the Wolgemuths, and I hope that I can be for my grandkids what they were to me and my siblings!
The Wolgemuths are amazing people. Grandpapa (or Dr.) Wolgemuth is a fantastic engineer and professor; he has a list of accolades as long as I am tall. I have a great deal of respect for my grandfather; he is my inspiration for my chosen degree and profession, and he has always been there to help me better understand any articles or subject matter if I have issues. Grandmama Wolgemuth is a wonderful wife and mother. She made clothes for her kids when they were young; she volunteers, knits, cooks, cleans, gardens, cans...and the list goes on and on. I have a so much respect for her as well; she is a great role model.
Just about every time I visit Grandpapa and Grandmama Wolgemuth I learn something new. Their current projects include the summer gardening and "grooming" their forest; when they have time, my grandfather turns wood while my grandmother creates beautiful watercolor masterpieces:
I am so happy that I have been able to be around and learn from the Wolgemuths, and I hope that I can be for my grandkids what they were to me and my siblings!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Conservation of Mass, Part I
Welcome to Thesis Tuesday on the blog! Today we'll be introducing one of the physical conservation laws- conservation of mass.
For those of you unfamiliar with this law, when you hear the word "conservation," what does it make you think of? An activist yelling "save the trees" or a family trying to use as little electricity as possible to save money? These ideas are similar but not exactly what is conveyed in the law of conservation of mass. This law states that mass can not be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed (unless you're the One True and Living God who can do whatever He wants). If we think about our life experiences, this concept makes sense...
Let's look at an example: suppose I wanted to make some brownies. The box says I'll need to combine water, oil, eggs, and the brownie mix in a bowl. When I put each of these ingredients in and stir, each ingredient is still present; the mass has "become" something else, but every bit that I put in the bowl remains. Although many of us would like it, there isn't some black hole in the bowl that takes the fat/oil out while I stir.
If we examine this concept mathematically, the law of conservation of mass tells us that the total mass in a control system is always the same, or there is no change in the mass in a control system. But as fluid folks we don't want to know what happens in a control system...we'd much rather know about the control volume (CV). To see what this law means for CVs, we employ the handy-dandy Reynolds Transport Theorem (RTT) to get:
Here m is the mass; rho is the density; V is the velocity vector; and n is the unit outward normal vector. The left side of our equation is the change of mass in a control system. The first term on the right side of the equation represents how the mass in the control volume changes with respect to time; the second term on the right side represents the net rate of mass flowing across the control surface (into/out of the control volume). Since we just said that the change of mass in a control system is zero because of the conservation of mass, the equation becomes:
This is known as the integral from of the conservation of mass or the continuity equation (int(...)dV means we are integrating over a volume; int(...)dA means we are integrating over a surface or area). In differential form, the equation is:
Again rho is the density of the fluid, and u, v, and w are the scalar x-,y- and z-velocities.
To recap:
Mass is conserved ALWAYS- it cannot be created nor destroyed.
We can use this fact and the RTT to come up with the continuity equation.
There are two main forms of the continuity equation.
Let these concepts brew for a week, and we'll come back to them next Thesis Tuesday. Have a great day!
For those of you unfamiliar with this law, when you hear the word "conservation," what does it make you think of? An activist yelling "save the trees" or a family trying to use as little electricity as possible to save money? These ideas are similar but not exactly what is conveyed in the law of conservation of mass. This law states that mass can not be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed (unless you're the One True and Living God who can do whatever He wants). If we think about our life experiences, this concept makes sense...
Let's look at an example: suppose I wanted to make some brownies. The box says I'll need to combine water, oil, eggs, and the brownie mix in a bowl. When I put each of these ingredients in and stir, each ingredient is still present; the mass has "become" something else, but every bit that I put in the bowl remains. Although many of us would like it, there isn't some black hole in the bowl that takes the fat/oil out while I stir.
If we examine this concept mathematically, the law of conservation of mass tells us that the total mass in a control system is always the same, or there is no change in the mass in a control system. But as fluid folks we don't want to know what happens in a control system...we'd much rather know about the control volume (CV). To see what this law means for CVs, we employ the handy-dandy Reynolds Transport Theorem (RTT) to get:
Dm/Dt = d/dt(int(rho)dV) + int(rho*(V.n))dA
Here m is the mass; rho is the density; V is the velocity vector; and n is the unit outward normal vector. The left side of our equation is the change of mass in a control system. The first term on the right side of the equation represents how the mass in the control volume changes with respect to time; the second term on the right side represents the net rate of mass flowing across the control surface (into/out of the control volume). Since we just said that the change of mass in a control system is zero because of the conservation of mass, the equation becomes:
0 = d/dt(int(rho)dV) + int(rho*(V.n))dA
This is known as the integral from of the conservation of mass or the continuity equation (int(...)dV means we are integrating over a volume; int(...)dA means we are integrating over a surface or area). In differential form, the equation is:
0 = d(rho)/dt + d(rho*u)/dx + d(rho*v)/dy + d(rho*w)/dz
Again rho is the density of the fluid, and u, v, and w are the scalar x-,y- and z-velocities.
To recap:
Mass is conserved ALWAYS- it cannot be created nor destroyed.
We can use this fact and the RTT to come up with the continuity equation.
There are two main forms of the continuity equation.
Let these concepts brew for a week, and we'll come back to them next Thesis Tuesday. Have a great day!
Monday, July 18, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Kroger and Target Deals, 7/18
I'd like to conclude Money Monday with some deals I came across today while picking up dog food and groceries.
Kroger:
The mega event from last week is still going on at your neighborhood Kroger. You can see all the deals here; I was particularly excited about 28 oz cans of Kroger tomatoes for $0.59 cents. They make great salsa!
Target:
I went here to pick up some food for Monster because it was on sale. While walking down an aisle, I saw a lady with a cart FULL of water guns; I thought to myself, "There's a clearance aisle with some good deals on it!" So I found the aisle where summer items were 80% off- water guns ($0.79), sidewalk chalk ($0.59), red plastic bowls ($0.79), aluminum water bottles ($0.99), and plastic drink dispensers ($1.19). Aside from the clearance aisle, I also found a good deal on Ziploc containers with a printable coupon on Target's website...and there's even more deals here.
Kroger:
The mega event from last week is still going on at your neighborhood Kroger. You can see all the deals here; I was particularly excited about 28 oz cans of Kroger tomatoes for $0.59 cents. They make great salsa!
Target:
I went here to pick up some food for Monster because it was on sale. While walking down an aisle, I saw a lady with a cart FULL of water guns; I thought to myself, "There's a clearance aisle with some good deals on it!" So I found the aisle where summer items were 80% off- water guns ($0.79), sidewalk chalk ($0.59), red plastic bowls ($0.79), aluminum water bottles ($0.99), and plastic drink dispensers ($1.19). Aside from the clearance aisle, I also found a good deal on Ziploc containers with a printable coupon on Target's website...and there's even more deals here.
MrsDrPoe: Drug Store Deals, 7/17
I hope you all enjoyed Mr. Poe's savings post earlier. I'm so thankful to have a husband who strives to spend money wisely! Now, we'll continue this Money Monday with some decent drug store deals:
CVS:
This week we finally got the chance to take advantage of the free gas deal CVS has been offering all summer! If you purchase $30 in qualifying sale items, you receive a $10 gas card...there were some decent sales on FiberOne bars and cereal and spices. We picked up some Velveeta shells and cheese and canned corn as well:
Total Regular Price: $54.11
Total Coupons/Sale Discounts*: $30.77
ECBs Used: $12.68
Total OOP: $10.66
Got Back: $1.00 ECB (from Green Bag Tag), $10 gas card
*Be sure to scan your card at the kiosk! I got a $4 off $20 grocery purchase coupon yesterday, which was quite helpful.
Wags:
There are some pretty good deals on school supplies and Dove "man soap" this week, but I was mostly interested in spending some RRs that would soon expire. The Hamburger Helper and Bowl Appetit are $0.99 each:
Total Regular Price: $14.49
Total Coupons/Sale Discounts: $8.85
RRs Used: $5
Total OOP: $0.64
CVS:
This week we finally got the chance to take advantage of the free gas deal CVS has been offering all summer! If you purchase $30 in qualifying sale items, you receive a $10 gas card...there were some decent sales on FiberOne bars and cereal and spices. We picked up some Velveeta shells and cheese and canned corn as well:
Total Regular Price: $54.11
Total Coupons/Sale Discounts*: $30.77
ECBs Used: $12.68
Total OOP: $10.66
Got Back: $1.00 ECB (from Green Bag Tag), $10 gas card
*Be sure to scan your card at the kiosk! I got a $4 off $20 grocery purchase coupon yesterday, which was quite helpful.
Wags:
There are some pretty good deals on school supplies and Dove "man soap" this week, but I was mostly interested in spending some RRs that would soon expire. The Hamburger Helper and Bowl Appetit are $0.99 each:
Total Regular Price: $14.49
Total Coupons/Sale Discounts: $8.85
RRs Used: $5
Total OOP: $0.64
Mr2Poe: Manly Money Monday
Today's Money Monday is of manly sorts. This past weekend, I needed to do some work on my car... a red 1993 Toyota Mr2 Turbo...and before I took it down off of the jack stands, I decided to do a quick oil change. I know that most people think that I am crazy for doing this myself since you can get it done at any old quick lube place for as little as $30. Well maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment, but it only takes me about 15 minutes to do, and it does save me a decent amount of money, particularly this week.
I went to Autozone to get my usual supplies because I knew that they had a deal on Valvoline oil where if you buy a 5 liter jug of oil and a Fram extra guard filter, it only costs you $18.99. That is all you need to change your own oil if you already own a set of tools and an oil pan+funnel. Since we left Mississippi though, I have not owned an oil pan or funnel for my own use. I'm sure Mrs. Poe wouldn't be too happy with me if I took her cooking funnel to use with a little 10w-30 motor oil. While I was in Autozone, I was going to get a pan and a funnel (cheapest ones they had) which was another $3 and $1.29, respectively. When I got to the counter, the very helpful cashier directed me towards a deal where I could get an oil pan, funnel, hand cleaner, and shop towels for a total of $5.00. So for a $0.70 more, I got the hand cleaner and shop towels (towels which make Mr. Brawny look like Mr. Wimpy):
Success!! What should have cost me $35.54 ended up costing $25.67, for a savings of around 28%. Now I am set up to save about $8 - $11 every time I change my own oil. Not much, but at least I know that I am getting quality work done, and with three cars, it starts to add up ;).
What is probably the worst thing about changing your own oil, is the used oil itself. You have to dispose of it in a proper way, but I have a system that I believe is the least bothersome option. I always put the used oil in the 5 liter jug that I just used to put new oil in the car with. After that, you can just take it to your local auto parts store the next time you need to buy supplies, and they will dispose of it for you. Maybe one Foto Friday I will do a video of a quick oil change at home so you can see how easy it really is. Until next time, happy motoring!
I went to Autozone to get my usual supplies because I knew that they had a deal on Valvoline oil where if you buy a 5 liter jug of oil and a Fram extra guard filter, it only costs you $18.99. That is all you need to change your own oil if you already own a set of tools and an oil pan+funnel. Since we left Mississippi though, I have not owned an oil pan or funnel for my own use. I'm sure Mrs. Poe wouldn't be too happy with me if I took her cooking funnel to use with a little 10w-30 motor oil. While I was in Autozone, I was going to get a pan and a funnel (cheapest ones they had) which was another $3 and $1.29, respectively. When I got to the counter, the very helpful cashier directed me towards a deal where I could get an oil pan, funnel, hand cleaner, and shop towels for a total of $5.00. So for a $0.70 more, I got the hand cleaner and shop towels (towels which make Mr. Brawny look like Mr. Wimpy):
Success!! What should have cost me $35.54 ended up costing $25.67, for a savings of around 28%. Now I am set up to save about $8 - $11 every time I change my own oil. Not much, but at least I know that I am getting quality work done, and with three cars, it starts to add up ;).
What is probably the worst thing about changing your own oil, is the used oil itself. You have to dispose of it in a proper way, but I have a system that I believe is the least bothersome option. I always put the used oil in the 5 liter jug that I just used to put new oil in the car with. After that, you can just take it to your local auto parts store the next time you need to buy supplies, and they will dispose of it for you. Maybe one Foto Friday I will do a video of a quick oil change at home so you can see how easy it really is. Until next time, happy motoring!
Friday, July 15, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Visit to Pennsylvania
Last week after my visit to Raleigh, I continued northward to the great state of Pennsylvania to see more family. It was the first time that Mama and Papa Wolgemuth, Mr. Wolgemuth, Mrs. Luke and I made the trip together in five years:
Our first stop in the state was a grocery store- Stauffers of Kissel Hill. As soon as we walked in the store, we saw Pellman's cheesecakes, which is a company started by some of our extended family. We picked up an Apple Bavarian Cheesecake (it was fabulous!) and a bag of Gibbles chips (Papa Wolgemuth's favorite brand):
During our trek, we got a flat. After Papa Wolgemuth and Mr. Wolgemuth put on the doughnut, we traveled to Mr. Tire to get new rear tires. The service and price were excellent, and we would highly recommend them:
After that hiccup, we visited the (approximate) former homes of two sets of my great grandparents:
We ended up at my aunt and uncle's house (Mr. T. Wolgemuth and Mrs. R. Wolgemuth). They fed us some fantastic subs, and we had some great conversation, which ended with plans to go to a small diner early the next morning based on a two-year-old tip that a cousin of theirs frequented the restaurant for breakfast. We didn't find the cousin, but we ate some tasty food:
Following breakfast, we bid the Wolgemuths farewell and headed to Grandmama and Grandpapa Wolgemuth's house. We have several traditional activities we partake in every time we visit. The first is a grand hike in the woods. This year we saw several trees that had been attacked by woodpeckers. We also passed by the shale pit, beautiful views, a field full of black eyed susans, and some apples growing in the orchard that Grandmama Wolgemuth makes apple sauce with:
Sometimes we get a little crazy when we get out in the fresh mountain air:
We also enjoy swinging in their South American hammock and playing ping pong:
We read Calvin and Hobbs and The Monster Stick, look at some Magic Eye puzzles, and listen to some CW McCall too:
We Wolgemuths like our food; therefore, it only makes sense that we have PA culinary traditions as well. While we were shopping with one of my aunts, Ms. Lowry, we stopped at Gardners' candy store in the Nittany Mall to pick up some of their famous peanut butter meltaways. We always stop by the Penn State creamery on campus for a cone, and we try to pick up a grilled sticky too:
This year we were only able to visit two of our cousins and their families, but it was a very enjoyable visit over dinner and basketball. One of my second cousins, Ms. Veit, is a pretty fantastic player:
At the end of our trip, Mrs. Luke and I flew home to our hubbys:
It was a great mini vacation, and I'm so glad that we were able to go!
Our first stop in the state was a grocery store- Stauffers of Kissel Hill. As soon as we walked in the store, we saw Pellman's cheesecakes, which is a company started by some of our extended family. We picked up an Apple Bavarian Cheesecake (it was fabulous!) and a bag of Gibbles chips (Papa Wolgemuth's favorite brand):
During our trek, we got a flat. After Papa Wolgemuth and Mr. Wolgemuth put on the doughnut, we traveled to Mr. Tire to get new rear tires. The service and price were excellent, and we would highly recommend them:
After that hiccup, we visited the (approximate) former homes of two sets of my great grandparents:
We ended up at my aunt and uncle's house (Mr. T. Wolgemuth and Mrs. R. Wolgemuth). They fed us some fantastic subs, and we had some great conversation, which ended with plans to go to a small diner early the next morning based on a two-year-old tip that a cousin of theirs frequented the restaurant for breakfast. We didn't find the cousin, but we ate some tasty food:
Following breakfast, we bid the Wolgemuths farewell and headed to Grandmama and Grandpapa Wolgemuth's house. We have several traditional activities we partake in every time we visit. The first is a grand hike in the woods. This year we saw several trees that had been attacked by woodpeckers. We also passed by the shale pit, beautiful views, a field full of black eyed susans, and some apples growing in the orchard that Grandmama Wolgemuth makes apple sauce with:
Sometimes we get a little crazy when we get out in the fresh mountain air:
We also enjoy swinging in their South American hammock and playing ping pong:
We read Calvin and Hobbs and The Monster Stick, look at some Magic Eye puzzles, and listen to some CW McCall too:
We Wolgemuths like our food; therefore, it only makes sense that we have PA culinary traditions as well. While we were shopping with one of my aunts, Ms. Lowry, we stopped at Gardners' candy store in the Nittany Mall to pick up some of their famous peanut butter meltaways. We always stop by the Penn State creamery on campus for a cone, and we try to pick up a grilled sticky too:
This year we were only able to visit two of our cousins and their families, but it was a very enjoyable visit over dinner and basketball. One of my second cousins, Ms. Veit, is a pretty fantastic player:
At the end of our trip, Mrs. Luke and I flew home to our hubbys:
It was a great mini vacation, and I'm so glad that we were able to go!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Seeing Isn't Always Believing
Good morning everyone! It's Theology Thursday on the blog, so I'd like to once again invite you to open up your Bibles as we examine some passages in Mark.
Today we'll be looking at comments that some folks make like, "If I had lived in Jesus' day and had seen all those miracles for myself, I'd have no trouble believing in Him and obeying the gospel." Based on Biblical accounts, I think those of us who would make this statement may be fooling ourselves...
In Mark 6:1-6, we see Jesus return to His hometown of Nazareth. On the Sabbath, He went to teach in the synagogue as was His custom, and "many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him that such mighty works are performed by His hands?" So the people clearly acknowledged Jesus' wisdom and His works (v. 5 tells us that He did heal sick there). They SAW, but v. 3 and 6 tell us they were offended by Him and did not believe.
Furthermore, on a multitude of different occasions in the gospels, we see the Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians, and scribes listening to His teachings and observing His miracles, yet they do not turn to follow, surrendering their lives to Him, the Christ, the Holy One of God. Another example that is greatly emphasized in Mark is that of the 'great unnamed character' in the book: the crowd. We see that Jesus is constantly around a huge number of people; however, the majority of this group is referred to as "the crowd" or "the multitude," which is not synonymous with "the disciples." The people who are part of the crowd HEAR His teaching and SEE His miracles, but they still walk away. They don't SEEK after the meaning of the parables like the disciples do; they are content to participate in social religion but not to FOLLOW the Savior.
One opposite example can be found in Mark 10:46-52. In this passage, Jesus comes to the town of Jericho, and, as He is leaving, blind Bartimaeus (meaning "the son of Timaeus") cries out to Jesus for mercy. He calls Jesus "Son of David," acknowledging his belief that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus calls Bartimaeus to Him, and Bartimaeus tosses aside his garment, comes to Jesus, and asks Him to give him his sight. This miracle of healing the blind is a messianic prophecy- no one else in the Bible performed this task- and asking it of Jesus again points to the man's faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus heals him and tells him to go his way; Bartimaeus then "followed Jesus on the road." We can see that others' testimony of the works of Christ was enough for this blind man to know who He was and to instill in him the faith to follow.
Seeing isn't always believing. We are given the written Word- eyewitness accounts of Christ, His teaching, and His miracles- and various other evidences of God and His plan of salvation. Just like Bartimaeus, we don't have to see the miracles with our own physical eyes to have the faith that Christ is "the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." (Heb 5:9)
Today we'll be looking at comments that some folks make like, "If I had lived in Jesus' day and had seen all those miracles for myself, I'd have no trouble believing in Him and obeying the gospel." Based on Biblical accounts, I think those of us who would make this statement may be fooling ourselves...
In Mark 6:1-6, we see Jesus return to His hometown of Nazareth. On the Sabbath, He went to teach in the synagogue as was His custom, and "many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him that such mighty works are performed by His hands?" So the people clearly acknowledged Jesus' wisdom and His works (v. 5 tells us that He did heal sick there). They SAW, but v. 3 and 6 tell us they were offended by Him and did not believe.
Furthermore, on a multitude of different occasions in the gospels, we see the Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians, and scribes listening to His teachings and observing His miracles, yet they do not turn to follow, surrendering their lives to Him, the Christ, the Holy One of God. Another example that is greatly emphasized in Mark is that of the 'great unnamed character' in the book: the crowd. We see that Jesus is constantly around a huge number of people; however, the majority of this group is referred to as "the crowd" or "the multitude," which is not synonymous with "the disciples." The people who are part of the crowd HEAR His teaching and SEE His miracles, but they still walk away. They don't SEEK after the meaning of the parables like the disciples do; they are content to participate in social religion but not to FOLLOW the Savior.
One opposite example can be found in Mark 10:46-52. In this passage, Jesus comes to the town of Jericho, and, as He is leaving, blind Bartimaeus (meaning "the son of Timaeus") cries out to Jesus for mercy. He calls Jesus "Son of David," acknowledging his belief that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus calls Bartimaeus to Him, and Bartimaeus tosses aside his garment, comes to Jesus, and asks Him to give him his sight. This miracle of healing the blind is a messianic prophecy- no one else in the Bible performed this task- and asking it of Jesus again points to the man's faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus heals him and tells him to go his way; Bartimaeus then "followed Jesus on the road." We can see that others' testimony of the works of Christ was enough for this blind man to know who He was and to instill in him the faith to follow.
Seeing isn't always believing. We are given the written Word- eyewitness accounts of Christ, His teaching, and His miracles- and various other evidences of God and His plan of salvation. Just like Bartimaeus, we don't have to see the miracles with our own physical eyes to have the faith that Christ is "the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." (Heb 5:9)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Red Beans and Rice
What could be for your dinner tonight is a fantastic dish from the kitchen of Mr. Luke: Red Beans and Rice.
Ingredients: 1 medium green pepper (diced), 1 medium onion (diced), 3 large stalks of celery (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cans red kidney beans (undrained), 1 package Polish sausage (diced), 1-2 tablespoons Tony Chachere's seasoning, cooked rice, and Tabasco sauce.
Saute veggies with the olive oil in a skillet at med-high heat until the onions are transparent; saute the sausage in another large skillet at med-high until browned:
Add the veggies to the sausage along with the beans and the Tony's. Pour additional water into the skillet until liquid almost covers the meat and veggies:
Simmer at low-med heat until the liquid has almost cooked out and the mixture still looks wet. Serve with rice and Tabasco:
Ingredients: 1 medium green pepper (diced), 1 medium onion (diced), 3 large stalks of celery (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cans red kidney beans (undrained), 1 package Polish sausage (diced), 1-2 tablespoons Tony Chachere's seasoning, cooked rice, and Tabasco sauce.
Saute veggies with the olive oil in a skillet at med-high heat until the onions are transparent; saute the sausage in another large skillet at med-high until browned:
Add the veggies to the sausage along with the beans and the Tony's. Pour additional water into the skillet until liquid almost covers the meat and veggies:
Simmer at low-med heat until the liquid has almost cooked out and the mixture still looks wet. Serve with rice and Tabasco:
MrsDrPoe: Total Money Makeover
The next reading review is on...Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness"
This was given to us by a very good friend as a wedding present; since we're considering making some major financial decisions in the near future, I figured that now would be a great time to read it.
This book was a fairly easy read; as I read I felt like Mr. Ramsey was sitting there talking to me. I learned a great deal about leasing, mortgages, life insurance, and investing (among other things) on a basic level that even someone without any type of business background (like me) could understand. Whereas I would say we are not/will not be following the Total Money Makeover plan with "gazelle intensity," this book has definitely provided us with some valuable knowledge and suggestions. I would recommend this book to anyone who uses money, especially those with any amount of debt in their name.
There were a few things I did not like about this book, however. For instance, I (personally) do not respond well to Mr. Ramsey's type of military-type motivation, i.e. calling people stupid (when I have a poor workout or spend more money that I should, etc. I am very hard on myself, and positive encouragement from others helps a great deal in doing better next time). Also, the book had a very prideful, materialistic air to it (in my opinion).
This was given to us by a very good friend as a wedding present; since we're considering making some major financial decisions in the near future, I figured that now would be a great time to read it.
This book was a fairly easy read; as I read I felt like Mr. Ramsey was sitting there talking to me. I learned a great deal about leasing, mortgages, life insurance, and investing (among other things) on a basic level that even someone without any type of business background (like me) could understand. Whereas I would say we are not/will not be following the Total Money Makeover plan with "gazelle intensity," this book has definitely provided us with some valuable knowledge and suggestions. I would recommend this book to anyone who uses money, especially those with any amount of debt in their name.
There were a few things I did not like about this book, however. For instance, I (personally) do not respond well to Mr. Ramsey's type of military-type motivation, i.e. calling people stupid (when I have a poor workout or spend more money that I should, etc. I am very hard on myself, and positive encouragement from others helps a great deal in doing better next time). Also, the book had a very prideful, materialistic air to it (in my opinion).
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Fluid Kinematics
It's another Thesis Tuesday on the blog, which means a fun filled day of fluid mechanics! (Well, I'm having fun anyway...) Today we'll be investigating Fluid Kinematics, or the ways a fluid particle can move or deform in flow field. Check out the images here as you read.
Linear Motion/Deformation
The easiest type of motion or deformation to visualize is pure linear motion (called translation) or pure linear deformation. If a particle is translated, it is simply moved from point A to point B without rotating or changing shape. If a particle undergoes linear deformation, it is squished or stretched, changing the volume of the fluid particle. The rate at which a particle is linearly deformed is called the volumetric dilatation rate. Note that for incompressible fluids, the volume of a particle cannot be changed; therefore, linear deformation is impossible (since the density is constant), and the volumetric dilatation rate is equal to zero. Note that at any given time, a particle can be just translated or translated while being linearly deformed.
Angular Motion/Deformation
The second category of motion or deformation undergone by a fluid particle is angular motion (called rotation) or angular deformation. Rotation is simply the revolving of a fluid particle around an axis while the particle maintains its shape; a flow field that does not cause a particle to rotate is called an irrotational field. Note that vorticity is defined mathematically as twice the rotation rate. If a particle is angularly deformed, the angles of a the particle are changed. If we picture a fluid particle as a square, it would become more diamond shaped through angular deformation. Again, at any time a particle can be undergoing one or both of these (angular motion or deformation).
The Underlying Math
If we are given a 3D velocity field, that means we know the x-velocity (denoted u), y-velocity (denoted v), and z-velocity (denoted w) components. Each component can be a constant or a function of position (x, y, and/or z), and derivatives with respect to each direction (x, y, and z) my be taken for each component. This gives us a strain rate matrix of nine total derivatives:
These velocity field derivatives (or strain rates) provide us with information about the forces placed on a particle due to normal stress and strain in the flow field. Linear deformation can be determined from examining du/dx, dv/dy, and dw/dx; angular deformation can be determined from examining the cross derivatives, i.e. the remaining six. Translation in any direction is occurring if any of the velocity components are non-zero; rotation occurs if the curl of the velocity field is non-zero.
Example
Given a velocity field, V = (5 , 2x+y, 0):
u = 5, v = 2x+y, and w = 0 ...thus a fluid particle in this field is undergoing translation; it has both x- and y-velocity components
du/dx = 0, dv/dy = 1, and dw/dz = 0 ...the volumetric dilatation rate = du/dx + dv/dy + dw/dz = 1; therefore, the particle is being linearly deformed. Since dy/dv is the only non-zero component, it is easy to see that the particle is actually being stretched in the y-direction as it moves. (Note: if dv/dy = -1, the particle would be compressed in the y-direction.)
dv/dx = 2, du/dy = dw/dy = dv/dz = du/dz = dw/dx = 0 ...the rotation rate about the x-axis = 0.5(dw/dy - dv/dz) = 0, about the y-axis = 0.5(du/dz - dw/dz) = 0, and about the z-axis = 0.5(dv/dx - du/dy) = 1; thus, the particle is rotating. The vorticity is twice the rotation rate, or 2*1 = 2. Furthermore, the shear strain rate = dv/dx + du/dy = 2 for this case, so the particle is also undergoing angular deformation.
Linear Motion/Deformation
The easiest type of motion or deformation to visualize is pure linear motion (called translation) or pure linear deformation. If a particle is translated, it is simply moved from point A to point B without rotating or changing shape. If a particle undergoes linear deformation, it is squished or stretched, changing the volume of the fluid particle. The rate at which a particle is linearly deformed is called the volumetric dilatation rate. Note that for incompressible fluids, the volume of a particle cannot be changed; therefore, linear deformation is impossible (since the density is constant), and the volumetric dilatation rate is equal to zero. Note that at any given time, a particle can be just translated or translated while being linearly deformed.
Angular Motion/Deformation
The second category of motion or deformation undergone by a fluid particle is angular motion (called rotation) or angular deformation. Rotation is simply the revolving of a fluid particle around an axis while the particle maintains its shape; a flow field that does not cause a particle to rotate is called an irrotational field. Note that vorticity is defined mathematically as twice the rotation rate. If a particle is angularly deformed, the angles of a the particle are changed. If we picture a fluid particle as a square, it would become more diamond shaped through angular deformation. Again, at any time a particle can be undergoing one or both of these (angular motion or deformation).
The Underlying Math
If we are given a 3D velocity field, that means we know the x-velocity (denoted u), y-velocity (denoted v), and z-velocity (denoted w) components. Each component can be a constant or a function of position (x, y, and/or z), and derivatives with respect to each direction (x, y, and z) my be taken for each component. This gives us a strain rate matrix of nine total derivatives:
du/dx, du/dy, du/dz
dv/dx, dv/dy, dv/dz
dw/dx, dw/dy, dw/dz
dv/dx, dv/dy, dv/dz
dw/dx, dw/dy, dw/dz
These velocity field derivatives (or strain rates) provide us with information about the forces placed on a particle due to normal stress and strain in the flow field. Linear deformation can be determined from examining du/dx, dv/dy, and dw/dx; angular deformation can be determined from examining the cross derivatives, i.e. the remaining six. Translation in any direction is occurring if any of the velocity components are non-zero; rotation occurs if the curl of the velocity field is non-zero.
Example
Given a velocity field, V = (5 , 2x+y, 0):
u = 5, v = 2x+y, and w = 0 ...thus a fluid particle in this field is undergoing translation; it has both x- and y-velocity components
du/dx = 0, dv/dy = 1, and dw/dz = 0 ...the volumetric dilatation rate = du/dx + dv/dy + dw/dz = 1; therefore, the particle is being linearly deformed. Since dy/dv is the only non-zero component, it is easy to see that the particle is actually being stretched in the y-direction as it moves. (Note: if dv/dy = -1, the particle would be compressed in the y-direction.)
dv/dx = 2, du/dy = dw/dy = dv/dz = du/dz = dw/dx = 0 ...the rotation rate about the x-axis = 0.5(dw/dy - dv/dz) = 0, about the y-axis = 0.5(du/dz - dw/dz) = 0, and about the z-axis = 0.5(dv/dx - du/dy) = 1; thus, the particle is rotating. The vorticity is twice the rotation rate, or 2*1 = 2. Furthermore, the shear strain rate = dv/dx + du/dy = 2 for this case, so the particle is also undergoing angular deformation.
Monday, July 11, 2011
MrsDrPoe: Drug Store Deals 7/11
Next, I'd like to share with your some drug store deals available this week:
CVS:
Total Regular Price: $22.53
Sale/Coupon Savings: $9.30
ECBs used: $12.49
Total OOP: $0.79
Wags:
Transaction 1- Teething gel, Transaction 2- Toothbrushes, Airwick
Total Regular Price: $6.84, $19.68
Sale/Coupon Savings: $2.49, $12.99
RRs used: $0.00, $5.00
Total OOP: $4.35, $1.69
Check here and here for the exact coupon matchups. The Balance bar and toothbrushes are free this week; the teething gel is a money maker!
What great deals are you looking forward to this week?
CVS:
Total Regular Price: $22.53
Sale/Coupon Savings: $9.30
ECBs used: $12.49
Total OOP: $0.79
Wags:
Transaction 1- Teething gel, Transaction 2- Toothbrushes, Airwick
Total Regular Price: $6.84, $19.68
Sale/Coupon Savings: $2.49, $12.99
RRs used: $0.00, $5.00
Total OOP: $4.35, $1.69
Check here and here for the exact coupon matchups. The Balance bar and toothbrushes are free this week; the teething gel is a money maker!
What great deals are you looking forward to this week?
MrsDrPoe: Kroger Deal 7/11
Good morning all, and happy Money Monday! I'd like to share with you some fantastic deals I got at Kroger today:
Total Regular Price: $87.96
Sale/Couponing Savings: $45.50
Total OOP: $42.46
Check here for the specific coupon matchups for PopSecret, Pringles, Kraft dressing, Speed Stick...each of these items were less than $1 each!
Total Regular Price: $87.96
Sale/Couponing Savings: $45.50
Total OOP: $42.46
Check here for the specific coupon matchups for PopSecret, Pringles, Kraft dressing, Speed Stick...each of these items were less than $1 each!
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