Kids woke up to snow in N.C.

It doesn't snow much here, so for us to get five inches was a sweet surprise for the kids. They not only got to stay home from school, but this snow is perfect for making snowballs and snowmen. It's also great for sledding.

Win a copy of Susie's Hope DVD 12/22

Susie's Hope DVD Giveaway

Hosted by: Life in a House of Testosterone

Co-Hosted by: Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains | Libby’s Library | Deliciously Savvy | Simply Sherryl | Mrs. Kathy King

Animal Bliss | The World of Contest Patti | A Little Bit of Everything | Dreaming of Leaving

Every time I see or hear about an animal being abused I want the abuser to face the same abuse. I will never understand what possesses them to be so cruel.

Everyone should see Susie's Hope. Maybe we can all do more to help animals before it's too late.

Emergency funding needed ASAP to send packages to our troops #OperationNorthState

 Fifth Anniversary of Operation North State

Many North Carolina deployed troops serving our country will get a welcomed taste of home for Christmas. But, your help is immediately needed.

Since Oct. 2010, Operation North State (ONS) founder and chairman, Terry Snyder, has worked to get N.C. products to members of our Armed Forces who are deployed worldwide. Last year ONS mailed 500 boxes to our servicemen and women. 

Panthers won, BOGO for $2.99 at Krispy Kreme

The Panthers and Krispy Kreme Team Up

Football fans, every time the Panthers win, you do, too. Today you can buy a dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and get a second dozen of Original Glazed for $2.99. 

During the 2013 season this offer will be available at N.C. and S.C. locations only, while supplies last. 

This offer is not available with any other offer and you must pay the sales tax. 

Ends Dec. 29. 

Help Krispy Kreme send kids to camp

Krispy Kreme is teaming up with Victory Junction for the 5th Annual Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign. For 45 days, Krispy Kreme fans can help provide a chronically ill child a life-changing camp experience by making a donation at checkout, or at KrispyKreme.com/Drivefor45.

Zootastic Park is having an Easter Egg Hunt 3/30

Zootastic Park of Lake Norman, NC, is hosting its 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm. The egg hunts are from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, with a special prize egg for each of the three age groups.

DWTS cast includes country music stars, a General Hospital star; Pro not returning

Country Music superstar Kellie Pickler will be heating up the dance floor with Derek Hough on DWTS.

Dancing with the Stars - Season 16 cast announcement

A new cast of stars and dancers were announced this morning on Good Morning America and it was confirmed Maksim Chmerkovskiy is not returning to the show. 

It was great to hear one of our North Carolinian, American Idol, Country Music superstars, made the cut. I know as long as Kellie Pickler is on the dance floor, she has my votes. 

Fan version of 'Hunger Games'

When three aspiring North Carolina filmmakers, Nick Rhyne, Eddie Mansius and Maddie Moore, got creative because of their love for the book, "Hunger Games," by Suzanne Colins, they decided to make it into a movie. They didn't know it would open a can of worms.

A Father's Day gift, just for you

Welcome to our newest guest blogger, Phoenix, who is 15, from North Carolina.

A Father's Day gift, just for you

Only a few days from your special day
So I started now to get this done by Sunday

AAA Carolinas for Traffic Safety airs PSA: You Drive - You Text - You Die

Warning:

The video you are about to watch is graphic in nature, viewer discretion is advised.

Distracted driving has become one of the most practiced deadly driving behaviors by today’s motorists. Texting while driving has become an epidemic in the Carolinas and AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety is trying to educate the public about the dangers associated with this reckless behavior.

"Texting while driving, is the new drunk driving," said Tom Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Studies have shown that you are just as likely to be in an accident texting while driving as someone who is legally intoxicated."

I can't understand why someone would try to text and drive, putting so many lives in danger. This behavior is incredibly prevalent and its frequency is growing.

As of December 1 it is against the law to text or email while operating a motor vehicle in North Carolina. Violators will receive a $100 fine and are responsible for court costs.

AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety is now broadcasting a graphic 30-second traffic safety video on cable television to educate motorists of the horrific consequences possible when texting while driving.

The video is being launched prior to the July 4th holiday because it is one of the deadliest holiday weekends for traffic crashes. Please share this video with everyone who shares our roadways.

“This video may shock some viewers and that is the intent: to create a lasting impression that texting while driving is deadly,” said Thomas Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety. “It takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off driving. Those three distractions affect a driver mentally, physically and emotionally – all three essential activities needed to focus on safe driving.”

The video will air only during evening hours on Time Warner Cable stations in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington areas.
“It’s one thing to tell people not to text and drive,” said Dave Parsons, a board member on the Foundation and president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “By eliciting an emotional response, we hope this video will change deadly distracted driving behavior.”

North Carolina has witnessed numerous traffic fatalities this year that can be attributed to this dangerous behavior.

The timing of the video is geared to alert motorists to be especially careful during the busy 4th of July holiday weekend. Avoid using a cell phone while driving to help ensure a safe and successful Independence Day holiday, said Crosby.

Some television stations will air the video as a Public Service Announcement, while others will air it as a paid educational message to viewers. A few stations in North Carolina declined to air the PSA due to its’ graphic nature.

“Ironically, some television stations that air a fantasy horror movie about Halloween are reluctant to show a simulated, graphic video that depicts real life results from poor driving behavior,” said Crosby.

The Foundation has been active in educating the public about distracted driving, using billboards and gas station placards in North and South Carolina to warn drivers of the dangers of distracted driving, particularly talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone while driving.

“Using a cell phone (talking hands-free or hand-held) while driving is very dangerous, as many motorists know from personal experience or from watching drivers using cell phones in nearby cars,” said Parsons.

The 30-second video, which AAA Carolinas will disseminate free to any community organization, high school or non-profit group that wishes to use it to promote traffic safety, is also available for broadcast media to use as a Public Service Announcement. For a copy, call: (704) 569-7883.

Distracted Driving Facts

Texting while driving makes you eight times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Nearly one in four drivers in NC admit to texting while driving and an online survey found South Carolina the worst state in the nation for texting while driving.

Texting while driving causes drivers to leave their lane 10 percent more often than normal.

Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for individuals under 30.

Behind every good woman is a good man pushing her

My nominee is my best friend, my husband, Henry. He has inspired and empowered me.

After 37 years, he knows me well. At times, he knows me better than I know myself. He has stood behind me, pushing me when I need it, because he believes in me.

While Henry was an Army First Sergeant in Germany, I was worried about my Mrs. First Sergeant duties. With his encouragement it didn't take long for me to step into volunteer shoes. I taught Army Family Team Building in our community; took care of the less fortunate; became the post newspaper editor; and won some volunteer awards. I couldn't have done it without him.

When we returned to "the real world" I was afraid to go to a real newspaper for a job. He pushed me into it and I was hired. I had the best job in the world taking pictures and going to news stories. I loved it. Then it was time to retire and return to civilian life. Upon returning "home" to North Carolina, I was again unsure of myself. I wouldn't apply for jobs because I didn't think they would hire me.

Henry went to the local newspaper and talked to them about me and set up an appointment. I filled out the application and again, I got the job. This time I was behind a desk as a copy editor.

Working at a newspaper was the only job I wanted while I was a freelance photojournalist moving around the globe with Henry. And he helped me fulfill my dream.

Please go vote for my story here:
http://www.chainofconfidence.com/index.php?page=essay-display&essayid=44

Grandkids cool off in the pool on a hot Carolina day

Tyler, Dylan and Kristen love to play in the pool at our house. They can stay in there for hours at a time.

Rainy day sand play indoors

We had several rainy days in North Carolina, and my grandchildren, Dylan and Kristen, who love to play outside, had to be entertained indoors.

I remembered my grandsons had brought me some sand from their first trip to Myrtle Beach a couple years ago and decided to make an indoor sand box.

I pulled out a shallow container to put the sand in and provided some kitchen items to play in the sand and they played for hours.

Since the project was a hit with the sand I had on hand, I sent grandpa to the store for a bag of sand to make the sand box more fun next time.

When the kids were done playing, I put a lid on it and carried it to the garage and Dylan vacuumed the floor.

It was a nice memory and a fun day.