Jalapeño Madness

My daughter made some Jalepeño Brownies for work. She brought some over to her loving mother and father. Very good, they had that heat that started to warm your throat after you swallowed them. She even brought some Jalepeño cornbread, yummy, but a little too chewy. I am not a fan of chewy things in my cornbread.

I remember back a bunch of years I made Jalepeño brownies and the only ones who would eat them were me and the dog. They were really good too. At least Kae and I thought so.

If you like Jalepeños, you will like this website. Checkout http://www.jalapenomadness.com/ and let the burn begin.

Maybe I can get my wife to can some....

City of Mesa Job Openings

Week of 8/28/09 - 9/3/09

For a complete listing visit http://www.mesaaz.gov/jobs

New or revised this week:

Assistant Box Office Supervisor

Box Office Representative/Lead Usher - Part-time

Postings this week

I am off to work at on a WoodBadge staff for the remainder of the week, so postings will be sparse, if at all.

And yes, I know it is a cult.

Constitution Week

The week of September 19th is Constitution Week. On Saturday (the 19th) Gilbert has a wonderful celebration at Mesquite High School. It is great for the kids and the adults.

There are fun things to do, a Scout clinic, and much more through out the week. Check out Gilbert's Constitution Week website at http://www.constitutionweekusa.com for more information.

Bake Bread in Crock Pot

An easy way to make bread and not use your kitchen oven. My daughter found this on the web and tells me it makes great bread. You use a crock pot as your source of heat. She has one of those oblong crock pots and has a bread pan that fits down inside, so her loaf looked like regular bread.

Below is the basic recipe, if you need more detail and would like to see some pictures of it, check out the Pantry Eats Blog.

Recipe

2 Cups warm (not hot) milk (whole or 2%)
2 TB canola oil
1/4 Cup honey
3/4 tsp salt
1 package active dry yeast
2 tsp dough enhancer (optional)
3 Cups whole wheat flour, divided
3/4 to 1 Cup all-purpose flour. (I almost always end up using the full cup).

1. Spray with nonstick cooking spray a 1 quart casserole or souffle dish or other high-sided baking dish. In electric mixer combine milk, oil, honey, salt, yeast, dough enhancer, 1 1/2 cups wheat flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Mix at medium low speed for 2 minutes.

2. Gradually add remaining wheat flour and 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup all purpose flour. Mix until completely combined. Unlike other bread recipes dough should remain sticky.

3. Transfer to prepared pan and add pan to slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours.

Remove from slow cooker and let stand for 5 Minutes before cooling on wire rack.

Protect our nestlings, Family should be our focus

President Packer warns of dangers to spiritual things. He states “We need to protect our nestlings. In order to do that, we must first acknowledge that Satan, the devil, lives and what his purposes are and what his intentions will be and what our defenses should be."

He reminds us that the adversary is about, his objective to cause injury to the family. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 warns of us of today’s dangers and the patterns to avoid. While 2 Timothy 3:15 gives us the key to our protection.

President Packer added, "Much has been done to prepare the Church and its members to resist the forces of evil. We live in a day of revealed direction. I have been a witness as a General Authority to changes that were revealed from time to time in order that the Lord might better bless and edify His children."

Our homes are the most vulnerable. We need to find safety and security for ourselves and our children by honoring the covenants we have made and being obedient to Christ.

Read this wonderful talk at this link.

Gardening with the Kids

Having your kids help in the garden and can not only be frustrating, but educational and fun too!

This site offers tips on how to involve them, things to plant, even how to grow the makings for a party. Check it out at the Gardening with Kids website.

Gardening is a great time to be outdoors with your kids sharing in something that really means something. Few things are as satisfying as a garden and can help you reconnect with nature.

Of course, don't forget, your children should not be learning words while gardening that they cannot repeat at Church.

Have fun!

City of Mesa Job Openings

City of Mesa job openings as of 8/21/09.

For a complete listing visit http://www.mesaaz.gov/jobs

For a printer friendly version of the complete list, please select the
following link:

http://www.dev.mesaaz.gov/jobs/PDF/status.pdf

NEW OR REVISED THIS WEEK

Gas System Crew Leader
Gas System Worker
Meter Reader
Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities Department Director

United We Serve: A Weekend of Service and Remembrance

Volunteers needed for September 11 Day of Service in Mesa

The City of Mesa's First Annual September 11 Day of Service is the result of
a partnership involving Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, Rebuilding Together
and HandsOn Greater Phoenix to organize a new weekend of service to
commemorate the eighth anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Volunteers are needed for three major projects in Mesa Friday, September 11
from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:
. Painting curb numbers.
. Painting fire hydrants.
. Building Strong Neighborhoods door-to-door surveys.

For more information about volunteering, log onto
http://www.mesaaz.gov/volunteer

Water Storage

We talk about water storage from time to time. This seems a little expensive but is another idea and it would give me a good portion of my garage back.

See http://www.surewatertanks.com/

Wallacepalooza!

City of Mesa Library, in partnership with the Mesa Historical Museum, will present a tribute to the Wallace and Ladmo Show with “Wallacepalooza!” The event kicks off at all three branches of the City of Mesa Library and the Mesa Historical Museum Saturday, Aug. 29.

The Mesa Historical Museum, 2345 N. Horne, will present new objects in its exhibition “Thanks for Tuning In: The Wallace and Ladmo Show” featuring never-before-seen “Hubcap and the Wheels” memorabilia, Gerald’s Monster and the story of the Ladmo Tie t-shirt. The Library branches will each feature new exhibitions which shed light on some of the Wallace and Ladmo Show’s most enduring characters and questions, including “Why did the Ladmo bags get so small?”

In addition, a contest to meet Bill “Wallace” Thompson will be hosted by all three Library branches. Pick up a free entry card at any branch, beginning Aug. 29, for details. Other events will include a Wallace and Ladmo costume contest and TV show festival with a chance to win fabulous prizes, including a Ladmo bag, at the following:

• Saturday, Oct. 17 Dobson Ranch Branch (2425 S. Dobson Road) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24 Red Mountain Branch (635 N. Power Road) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31 Main Library (64 E. 1st St.) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is free admission to “Wallacepalooza!” at the Library branches.
Admission to the Mesa Historical Museum is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children.

For more information, contact the City of Mesa Library at (480) 644-2207 or www.mesalibrary.org, or Mesa Historical Museum at (480) 835-7358 o

Arizona Workforce Connection

Arizona Workforce Connection

While I have no direct experience with this site, it claims to be specifically designed for job seekers, student, case managers and others seeking benefits and servicees. Providing fast access to a complete set of employment tools in one web site.

Features to help job seekers and students within the system include:

• Use a professional format to create and send resumes and cover letters to employers
• Assess your job skills, set goals, and research training providers
• Review available jobs and apply online
• Set up a Virtual Recruiter search agent to automatically review job postings and notify you of jobs that match your skills
• Track your job search efforts and resumes sent in a personal profile folder online
• Learn about services and benefits for which you may be eligible
• Determine a budget and plan for training
• Research regional labor market information, such as salaries
• Use the email/message center to contact employers and your case manager

Couple Lives without AC

An article in last Sunday's Republic exposed the world to the idea of living in Phoenix in 2009 without air conditioning.

Chris George and his wife Dani Moore decided to go the entire year of 2009 without heating or air conditioning. The temperature has reached a high of 104 degrees in their home. They often get up in the middle of the night and take cold showers, spray themselves with water before going to bed, and freeze their clothes. They have even turned off their water heater.

The only time they have turned on their thermostat was the weekend they were going to be gone and they did not want the cats to get too hot. (Cat people, goes without saying) They set it at 95 and turned it off as soon as they got home. And I complain when mine is above 78.

Of course, their SRP bill for July was $51.16, a smite lower then mine.

I have always admired the determination of the college aged portion of our population. They know they can save the world, and a lot of them are willing to give their all to try. I know when I was this age we were trying to stop a war and save the trees. We knew we could make a difference. Maybe we did, maybe we didn't, but we tried. This group now is the same, they are going to try to make a difference, maybe they will, maybe they will not...

Are these two frugal or just strange? Take a few minutes and read the article, it can be found here.

Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets have been around for a long time. A place where you can find locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as local baked goods, prepared foods, jams, jellies, honey, and much more.

Check out this guide to Arizona Farmers' Markets, listing markets across the state. Click here for your copy.

Also there are a couple of websites listed in the guide http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/, lists markets in the Phoenix area.

Food Storage Calculator

How much should you store of the basics? Do you need to account for the age of the children?

Check out this food storage calculator to figure the minimum food storage amounts for your family for one year. The amounts are based on the recommendations listed in the LDS Church's Essentials of Home Production and Storage booklet.

Provided by the lds.about.com website, the calculator can be found here.

Dog Days of Summer

This month's second Friday on Main Street brings back last year's very successful Dog Day's of Summer.

Bring your pet for dog-friendly shopping, dining and more! Local merchants will offer dog treats, water stops and many activities for dogs!

There will be a custume contest with free dogn biscuits for all attendees. Dog maskc, bean bag throw for the kids, and Doggy photos, and more.

See the Downtown Mesa website for more information.

We went to this last year and it was a lot of fun. We will not be there this year however, we will be going dancing instead. So if you would rather dance, give us a call.

Gardening Calendar

A low desert and harvest calendar is available from the Urban Farm Blog.

The calendar is a pdf document and is easy to print and view on screen.

You can get your copy of the planting calendar here.

Park and Rec Class Registration

Just because school is back in session doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite parks and recreation classes. Mesa Parks & Recreation offers a variety of classes year round, from after school programs to adult sports and teen events. Registration for fall programs begins on Friday, Aug. 14 at 8 a.m.

The fall class schedule can be viewed online at http://www.mesaaz.gov/parksrec. You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Office, 200 South Center Street. For questions call (480) 644-2352.

Note, the publication of TimeOut is no longer printed due to budget reductions.

Free Tacos!

Okay, I am back from the Rim, boy was it beautiful up there, 45 degrees in the morning. But, if you have to be in the valley, it might as well be with free tacos.

Jack-in-the-Box is giving tacos away on Tuesday this week. Just take this coupon, click here, and go to a participating resturant. (The lawyers made me say that)

Enjoy.

City of Mesa Job Opportunities

WEEK OF 8/7/09 - 8/13/09

NEW OR REVISED THIS WEEK

Instrument Technician

Irrigation System Worker

For more information check the City of Mesa job site at www.mesaaz.gov/jobs

Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign needs your help

Nearly 53,000 bottles of water have been collected since June 1 as part of the third annual Mesa Hydration Donation campaign. This is a decline of approximately 4,000 bottles of water compared to the amount donated at this time last summer. With temperatures still sizzling in the triple digits and many people needing help, more donations are needed between now and the end of the campaign, Friday, Aug. 28.

The City of Mesa has been working with nonprofit agencies to provide supplies of water to the homeless and unsheltered to help them cope with the extreme heat. The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign is collecting water at the following locations:

• Mesa Fire Department Volunteer Center

2830 E. Adobe (located behind Fire Station 206 at Lindsay and Adobe)

24-hour drop-off in parking lot

• United Food Bank

358 E. Javelina (near U-S 60 and Mesa Drive)

7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Collection bins will be available on weekends

• Paz de Cristo

424 W. Broadway Road

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday – Sunday

• City of Grace Church

655 E. University

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday

5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday

9 a.m. – Noon Sunday

• A New Leaf – MesaCAN

635 E. Broadway

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday in front lobby

Water collected during the Mesa Hydration Donation campaign is distributed through United Food Bank to numerous agencies in the Valley, including A New Leaf – East Valley Men’s Center, Paz de Cristo, Saint Vincent de Paul, Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) and City of Grace Church. Last year, more than 62,000 bottles of water were donated during the campaign.

For more information, contact City of Mesa Human Services Program Coordinator Lisa Wilson at (480) 644-5831 or lisa.wilson@mesaaz.gov.

Birthday Freebies

It only seemed appropriate to have a birthday treat today. At our house we are celebrating all day!

Listed by state and categories, you can find free and discounted items for your loved one's birthday. There are desserts, meals, car washes, etc. Of course, if they stiffed you, find something for yourself on your birthday.

While they do have listings for kids and pets who cares, they get enough stuff already. This page is for adults, and we deserve something nice on our birthday!

So check it out at www.freebirthdaytreats.com

Food Storage Can Labels

When you look at your #10 cans of food storage, wouldn't it be helpful to know:

• The can's ingredients
• The net weight of the food in the can
• The serving size
• The number of servings per can
• Directions for preparation
• The nutritional facts per serving
• Your daily nutritional requirements
• Calories per gram of fat, carbohydrates and protiens

You can if you use these free labels provided by Walton Feed. You can see the list and download and print your labels at this link.

Landscape Watering for August

For a web version of this and more information visit the Mesa City site at this link.

Unless you've had a good monsoon downpour, there hasn't been significant rain in most areas since early February. Pair that with our high temps and you know when your irrigation isn't working properly. Summer monsoons and lightning mean power outages. Replace the battery in your irrigation timer once a year, if it has that option, to maintain your programs and clock during an outage.

These recommendations are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about 2 years).

Lawn watering:

Summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 3-4 days

Overseeded cool season grass (rye) - grass dies out

If trees and shrubs are on the same valve:

Desert Adapted - once every 15 days

High Water Use - once every 8 days

Tree watering:

Desert Adapted - once every 17 days

High Water Use - once every 9 days

Shrub watering:

Desert Adapted - once every 13 days

High Water Use - once every 6 days

Groundcover and vine watering:

Desert Adapted - once every 12 days

High Water Use - once every 5 days

Cacti and succulent watering - once every 22 days

Annuals watering - once every 2-3 days

Note: These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need to be modified for your specific site conditions.

City of Mesa Job Opportunities

For the week of 07/31/09 - 08/06/0o9

For more information check the City of Mesa job site at www.mesaaz.gov/jobs

WEEK OF 7/31/09 - 8/6/09

NEW OR REVISED THIS WEEK
Program Assistant (Citywide)

ONGOING OR CONTINUOUS OPENINGS
Aquatics Maintenance Worker I
Aquatics Maintenance Worker II
Communications Systems Coordinator
Communications Technician II
Controls Engineering Specialist
Information Technology Engineer II - Police
Lineman
Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee - Part-time

INTERNSHIPS
Volunteer Intern for City Council Office

TEMPORARY OPENINGS
None at this time.

VOLUNTEER OPENINGS
Arizona Museum for Youth Arts Programming Volunteer
Arizona Museum for Youth Maintenance Aide Volunteer
Arizona Museum for Youth Volunteer Education Aide
Arizona Museum for Youth Volunteer Office Aide
Bilingual Assistance Team (BAT) Volunteer
Building Safety Office Intern
Center Against Family Violence Assistant
Communications 9-1-1 Recording Assistant
Communications Spanish Translator Volunteer
Community Response Team (CRT)
Crime Scene Coordinator
Disabled Parking Enforcement
DUI Van Assistant
Exhibits Volunteer
Fire Support Aide
Forensic Services Administrative Support
Homebound Service Aide
Household Hazardous Waste Worker
Library Sales Desk Attendant
Media Relations Administrative Aide
Mesa Arts Center Office Assistant
Mesa Arts Center Out to Lunch Series Patron Aide
Mesa Arts Center Special Event Volunteer
Mesa Arts Center Tour Guide Ambassador
Mesa Contemporary Arts Docent
Mesa Contemporary Arts Intern
Mesa Sign Sweep Volunteer
Museum Admissions Attendant
Museum Store Volunteer
Neighborhood Services Office Support Assistant
Office Assistant (Fire Prevention)
Office Assistant Trainee (Neighborhood Outreach)
Patrol Support Volunteer
Police Bait Vehicle Volunteer
Police VIPS Office Assistant
Special Projects
Store Assistant 9/26/05
Surplus Sales Store Volunteer
Target Second Saturday Concert Series Patron Aide
Transportation Department Accounting Intern
Victim Assistance 10/6/03 Until suff. # of apps. None
Victim Services Assistant (City Attorney)
Victim Services Assistant (Police)
Volunteer Intern for City Council Office

Free job workshop at Mesa Library

If you are unemployed and need a job, help is coming soon to the City of Mesa Library. “Where is Your Next Job?” is a free workshop being presented by the Library in partnership with Goodwill Industries. The workshop will be held Monday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Main Library, 64 E. 1st St. in the Saguaro Room.

Goodwill Industries will have a specialist on hand who will provide assistance with how to search for a job and fill out online applications. The workshop is designed for Mesa residents who don’t have easy access to Goodwill career centers.

This will be the first in a series of workshops. Upcoming workshops will include such topics as resume writing and job interviewing techniques. Future meeting dates have not yet been scheduled.

For more information, contact City of Mesa Reference Librarian Andrea Greenslade at (480) 644-3860.