How to Put Downloadable Files on Your Weblog

Sharing files demystified...

I ran into this problem when I started out with this blog. Occasionally I'd want to share a handy file with my readers, but Blogger really didn't have a way to store and disseminate files on your blog.  Here's a handy workaround that allows you to post a link on your blog or even in an email to a friend that allows them to go grab a file you want them to see.  There are a wide variety of online file storage sites. Many are free and most are relatively easy to use.  I stumbled on Google Docs and use it because it's really easy to use.  Here's how to fix it so you can send people a link to upload your files.

1.  Set up an account with Google Docs.  Just click on the link I just gave you and go there to set up an account.  Once you've done it, whenever you want to make a file available, just go to your Google Docs home page.  I've got mine on a tab on my Mozilla Firefox Browser.  One click and I'm there.

2.  When you get to your Google Docs home page. In the top left side of the screen you'll see a red button that says "Create".  Next to it is an up arrow.  Click on the arrow, choose "files" and the page will give you a series of prompts to help you upload your file.  For fun, I uploaded Uncle Tom's Retirement Leisure Interest Inventory, a tool I use to help older folks find ways to have fun they may have forgotten about or didn't know existed.  It's fun to do whatever age you are. 

3. Once your file is uploaded, Google Docs will display a box with the name of the file in it.  To the left of the filename will be the word "Share" in blue letters.  Click on "share".

4. The share menu will open.  Highlighted at the box is the link to the file.  Below that there's a line that tells who has access to the file.  There are three ways you can offer access.

1. To anyone who has the link
2. Public - To anyone on the web
3. Private - only those you give permission to may access the file.

5.  Click on the word "change" and choose one of these three options.  In this case, I've chosen "Public".  Not only people with the link and people I've invited may upload my file, but also anyone who stumbles on my file in a Google Search.

6.  Close the change menu and then copy the link and close the share menu by clicking done.  Now all you have to do is create a hyperlink in your document like this one and then anyone who wants to may click on that link and download the file.

Quick, clean, no additives, no preservatives.

Just make sure not to post things you don't own the copyright to.  That can save you all sorts of trouble.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 10-1 World Vegetarian Day

Click here to download card.

Tomorrow, October 1^st is World Vegetarian Day.  The point of this celebration is designed to encourage us all to eat our vegetables and fruits. Too many studies to count have proven that fruits and vegetables are good for you. For that matter, too many mothers to count have said the same thing to their stubborn vegetable-hating children.  Vegetarian Day was concocted by hippie vegetarians during the 70s and later proclaimed "World" Vegetarian Day by militant vegetarian progressive socialists in order to promote the New World Order.  So today, celebrate fresh fruits and vegetables, hold a vegetarian pot luck and send your sweetie a nice healthful greeting card while you're at it.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the vegetables. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.  Then go eat some vegetables because everbody knows that eating fruits and veggies makes you sexy!

© by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-30 Mud Pack Day

Click here to get your Mud Pack Day Card

Tomorrow, September 30^th is Mud Pack Day.  It doesn't matter if you're a beautician, masseuse, homeopath, five year-old or just some dude with a lot of mud,  Smear it on your face or over your entire body.  It works as an aesthetic, cosmetic or therapeutic treatment. Some people just like to feel it all squishy between their toes. So get your self muddy today and tell your sweetie happy Mud Pack Day with this great Mud Pack Day Card.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the sleeping schmuck with the seriously solidified mud pack. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.  Then go get a nice full-body mud pack.  Just don't fall asleep!

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-29 Mocha & Coffee Day

Click here to download card.

It's Two, Two, Two holidays in one.  September 29^th  is Coffee Day and Mocha Day.  However you take your coffee, straight, cappuccino, decaf, espresso, mocha, latte, or iced in a frosty glass, today's the day celebrate the world's favorite stimulant.  With mocha day you get a double hit with chocolate and coffee in one steaming cuppa. You should let your favorite hot steamy sweetie know how much you appreciate her with this Coffee/Mocha Day Card.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the girl with the hot cup of coffee. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.  Leaves you time for a quick cuppa Joe.

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-28 Ask a Stupid Question Day

Click here to download card!

Tomorrow, September 28^th is Ask a Stupid Question Day.  Asking who started Ask a Stupid Question Day is not stupid, but no one's sure who the culprits were. The best guess is that it was created by an anonymous group of teachers. While most teachers and middle managers claim there is no such thing as a stupid question, those of us who have asked one know what happens when you do, so we try not to if at all possible. 

Stupid questions can be useful, especially if the answer to the stupid question makes the questionee uncomfortable.  I once asked a guy a stupid question at a political rally.  He claimed to represent some organization like People for Better Government. In the middle of his speech about the dangers of Senate bill to reduce the size of Texas government, I raised my hand and asked, "Who do you work for?" He said "People for Better Government," and gave me that "How stupid can you be?" look.  "No, I objected.  I mean who signs your paycheck?"  He shifted uncomfortably, but eventually answered truthfully (there were people there who knew the answer to that question).

"I work for the Federal and State Employees Union," he mumbled. There was a big old choral "Oh...." that followed that admission and he was pretty much discredited after that.  Sometimes stupid questions can be quite useful.

Like this one on an "Ask a Stupid Question" card for your favorite loved one.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the reader above right. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.And get a family tree started for the two of you. It'll be fun discovering whole new branches of your family tree!

Next year I plan to do versions of these cards for women to give to their guys.  If you can't wait, I'll personally make you one for a paltry $2 and email it to you as a PDF file.  Just contact me ahead of time and I'll set it up.  I'll add a tip jar button on the site or something for that sort of thing. If you really want these, perhaps I can start doing one of each, although right now I don't have the time for it unless I have an audience for it.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-27 Ancestor Appreciation Day

Click here to download the card.

Tomorrow, September 27^th is Ancestor Appreciation Day.  If you haven't had a chance to check out your ancestors it's really interesting, especially if you find a former US president or a horse-thief up the old family tree. I found both. One of them was hanged. There are a lot of websites available online to help you in your search.  Do-it-all pages like Tribal Pages, Ancestry and others offer access to census records, war records and all sorts of other records that have been put online.  The Mormons have special libraries for the purpose too. You can find their website at http://familysearch.org. I found my great-great-great-great grandpa in their English baptismal records.

Have fun with it, but don't forget to send your favorite descendent this sweet card telling her you appreciate her ancestors for sending her to you.  Just click on the caption below the picture of the family tree to the right. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.And get a family tree started for the two of you. It'll be fun discovering whole new branches of your family tree!

Next year I plan to do versions of these cards for women to give to their guys.  If you can't wait, I'll personally make you one for a paltry $2 and email it to you as a PDF file.  Just contact me ahead of time and I'll set it up.  I'll add a tip jar button on the site or something for that sort of thing. If you really want these, perhaps I can start doing one of each, although right now I don't have the time for it unless I have an audience for it.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-26 Love Note Day

Download Your Love Note Day Card

Tomorrow, September 26^th  is Love Note Day. Not sure who came up with this one, but it was probably the greeting card companies.  Don't forget to send your special someone a heartfelt note expressing your undying love for her - a note like the one found here, complete with love poem.

For the gal for who Valentine's Day is just doesn't seem quite enough in the way of holidays on which to express your affection, send her a love note today.  Just click on the caption below the picture of the couple in love. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way. If you're really thoughtful, there will be some chocolate with the card.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-25 One-Hit Wonder Day

Click here to download card.

September 25 is One-Hit Wonder Day!  Andy Warhol famously predicted that in the future everyone would be famous for 15 minutes. While most of the musicians we celebrate today had a bit longer than 15 minutes, they only broke the top 40 once with songs that still rattle around in our heads long after we've forgotten who sang them. How many of these do you remember?

• The Teddy Bears' "To Know Him is to Love Him" (1958)
• The Hollywood Argyle's "Alley Oop" (1960)
• Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs, "Stay" (1960)
• "Dominique" by the Singing Nun (1963)
• The New Vaudeville Band's "Winchester Cathedral" (1966)
• John Fred and his Playboy Band's "Judy in Disguise" (1968)
• Jeanie C. Riley's "Harper Valley PTA" (1968)
• Iron Butterfly's "In-a-Gadda-da-Vida" (1968)
• Zager & Evans' "In the Year 2525" (1969)
• Shocking Blue's "Venus" (1970)
• Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" (1970)
• Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" (1970)
• Terry Jacks' "Seasons in the Sun" (1974)
• Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting" (1974)
• Van McCoy's "The Hustle" (1975)
• Starland Vocal Band's "Afternoon Delight" (1976)
• Debbie Boone's "You Light Up My Life" (1978)
• Devo's "Whip It" (1980)
• Vangelis' "Chariots of Fire" (1982)
• Bertie Higgins' "Key Largo" (1982)
• Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" (1988)
• Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out" (2000)
• Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" (1992)

There are others, but most of these guys either hit number 1 or got as close as they could just behind some less ephemeral musical powerhouse.

Anyway, today's a good day to dig out your old tape or record collection and play some of your favorite one-hit wonders. While you're at it, send your favorite dance partner this One-Hit Wonder Day card to tell her that sometimes one hit is all you need.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the rock band. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way. Now, crank up the volume, push back the furniture and spin her around the living room a couple of times to the tune of your favorite one-hit wonders.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-24 National Punctuation Day

Click here under sarcmark to download the card.

September 24^th is National Punctuation Day.  It's not official, but it's certainly grammatical, as far as  holidays go.  National Punctuation Day, the creation of Jeff Rubin, a California-based newsletter editor, celebrates colons (the punctuational variety), commas, exclamation points, periods, quotation marks (open and closed), parentheses, dashes, ellipses, semi-colons and even interrobangs, irony marks, love points,the doubt mark, the sarc mark (indicating sarcasm), the snark mark (for snarky comments), the acclamation point and the authority point (which basically means "don't argue about this 'cause I am an expert).  You can look these up here and here to see what some of the more obscure ones look like.              

If you want to know more about punctuation visit the National Punctuation Day website and find out all you need to know about the subject.  In the meantime, send your lady fair a Punctuation Day greeting card. You love her, right?  So tell her with punctuation!

The acclamation point

Just click on the caption below the picture of the sarcmark. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a top fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "portrait" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This also flips the inside upside down from the outside when you print in portrait mode, so that, when you fold it over, the inside comes out right-side up.  If you're confused, I encourage you to give it a try with a practice sheet of paper. Just use lots of cool punctuation‼

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-23 Autumn Stroll Day

Click here to download card.

It's fitting that today, September 23rd is Autumn Stroll Day.  This day is the day we celebrate the waning of the summer heat and head out into nature to enjoy watching the seasons change.  It's a lovely season for long strolls with your sweetheart. Don't miss a moment.  Leave this card on her pillow and invite her out for a walk in the crisp fall air.

Just click on the caption below the picture. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way. Now get on outside and enjoy the fall weather. If it's raining, go anyway and take your umbrella.  Don't forget it like I did. Very soggy business, that.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-22 First Day of Autumn

Click here to download card.

September 22 is the Autumnal Equinox - the opposite of the Vernal or Spring Equinox.  Both days mark the halfway point between the shortest day of the year and the longest.  It's also the beginning of Fall.  In some places, the change is remarkable and clear. The leaves change colors, there's a chill in the air and the harvest is gathered in.  In some places, it's barely noticeable.  Celebrate the autumn season anyway, with a card that tells her that each season with her is more precious than the last.

Just click on the caption below the autumn foliage. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.  Enjoy the season.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-21 Miniature Golf Day

Click here to download your Mini-Golf Day card

It's Miniature Golf Day!  What better way to celebrate the last day of summer than with a quick round of golf? Mini-golf that is!  No driving today - just putting.  On September 21 we take a day to celebrate the weird and wonderful world of miniature golf.  Giant clowns, pyramids and waterfalls festoon the courses. The arms of the evil windmill stand ready to swat your golf ball into the grass.What a lovely date idea for this evening and here's a greeting card for your girl that says you really aced it when you landed her!

Just click on the caption below the minigolfers. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way. And may you hit nothing but hole-in-ones!  You certainly aced it with the girl you landed!

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-20 Chicken Dance Day

Click to download card.

September 20^th is Chicken Dance Day! The history of this holiday is particularly weird.  On September 20, 1994, the Crown Prince of Bavaria visited Cincinnati and participated in the annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati celebration.  Part of the festivities that year included an attempt on a record for the world's largest chicken dance. More than 40,000 people joined in and got the event recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.  If you've never been to an Oktoberfest and have never done the Chicken Dance, here's a video of how to do it.

So, brush up on your Chicken Dance moves and send your Sweetheart an invitation to dance.

Just click on the caption below the dancing chickens. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way.

And do us all a favor and do NOT post a video on Youtube of your attempt to chicken dance. No one needs to see that!

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-19 Talk Like a Pirate Day

Click here to download card

Avast, me hearties, it be "Talk Like a Pirate Day".  Two guys, John Baur and Mark Summers were playing raquetball one day and the next thing you know they were shouting the usual insults at one another. As the game ratcheted up, one of them got whacked by the ball and shouted something to the effect of "Argh, blast yer eyes!" or something to that effect in pirate slang. Things snowballed from there and the guys had so much fun with it that they decided we all needed a new national holiday and "Talk Like a Pirate Day was invented.  Some radio guys and other national media attention and next thing you know September 19^th became a national thing complete with their own website. You can even set your Facebook profile page for pirate talk? Here's how to do it.

1. Click the "Account" button at the top of the Facebook screen. 
2. Click on "Account Settings" from the drop-down list. 
3. Click on "Language" from the available tabs. 
4. Scroll all the way down, and select "English (Pirate)" from the languages.

Send your favorite "First Mate" a Talk Like a Pirate Day card.

Just click on the caption below the dumpling. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way. And save some dumplings for me!

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-18 Kiss the Sky Day

 

Click on this link to download this card.

Today is Kiss the Sky Day, a celebration of a line of music practically everyone gets wrong. Famed rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix in 1966 had a hit single with "Purple Haze".  Most people hear the tag line as 'Scuse me while I kiss this guy!"

The words actually go,

Purple haze all in my brain.
Lately things just don't seem the same -
Actin' funny, but I don't know why;
'Scuse me while I kiss the sky.

Hendrix died at 27 years of age in London of an apparent drug abuse on September 18, 1970, thus the date of the holiday celebration.  So it's Kiss the Sky day.  Celebrate by sending your sweetie a Kiss the Sky Day card.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the avocado. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a top fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "portrait" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This also flips the inside upside down from the outside when you print in portrait mode, so that, when you fold it over, the inside comes out rightside up.  If you're confused, I encourage you to give it a try with a practice sheet of paper.

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-17 Apple Dumpling Day

Click here to down load an Apple Dumpling Day Card

September 17^th is Apple Dumpling Day. Dig out a copy of the movie "Apple Dumpling Gang" bake up a batch of these tasty treats and have yourself a celebration with your apple-cheeked dumpling. And while you're at it, give her this attractive Apple Dumpling Day Card. 
Just click on the caption below the dumpling. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way. And save some dumplings for me!

© 2013 by Tom King

 

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-16 Guacamole Day

Click here to download your Guacamole Day Card

Holy Guacamole, Batman!  It's Guacamole Day.  September 16^th is definitely one of my favorite food-based holidays.  Everyone should have their own favorite guacamole recipe. The secret to any great guacamole, however, is a just-ripe avocado. While you're working on your guacamole recipe, why not send your favorite Chiquita a nice Guacamole Day Greeting Card.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the avocado. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a top fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "portrait" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This also flips the inside upside down from the outside when you print in portrait mode, so that, when you fold it over, the inside comes out rightside up.  If you're confused, I encourage you to give it a try with a practice sheet of paper.

And and if you do make up a giant bowl of guacamole, don't Bogart it all yourself.  Call me.  I'll bring the chips and salsa!!

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-15 Thank You Day

Click here to download Thank You Day Card.

September 15^th is Thank You Day, a day to work on your "attitude of gratitude".  Most of us get busy with our daily hustle and bustle and forget to stop and appreciate the gifts we receive every day. Take a little time right now and express your appreciation to someone you love with this Thank You Day card. Scientists say being grateful and expressing your gratitude is good for your heart. It certainly helps take a little air out of our over-inflated egos to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe others. So go ahead and say thanks.  It's good for you.

And while you're at it, call your Mother!


Just click on the caption below the flower picture. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way and just let me say too that I am grateful to all my readers for your support.  So....

Danke schoen.
     Muchas gracias
          Merci.
              Spasibo.
and....
            Thanks, ya'll.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-14 Cream Filled Donut Day

Click here to download the greeting card.

Don't you just love food holidays.  Well today is Cream-Filled Donut Day!  Yay!

Cream-filled donuts are a particular weakness of mine.  They come in all kinds of flavors, cherry, strawberry, chocolate, banana, coffee, maple and vanilla cream are just a few of the tasty variations. If you can give your Sweetie one of these special sweet treats along with this Happy Cream-Filled Donut Day Card, you're going to earn yourself some brownie points today brother.  Or should that be donut points?

Just click on the caption below the picture of the cream-filled donut. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a top fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "portrait" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This also flips the inside upside down from the outside when you print in portrait mode, so that, when you fold it over, the inside comes out rightside up.  If you're confused, I encourage you to give it a try with a practice sheet of paper.

And while you're at it, sneak one of those donuts for yourself.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-13 Positive Thinking Day

Click on this link to download your Positive Thinking Day Card

Today, September 13^th is Positive Thinking Day. It is said that "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Today, in spite of the nay-sayers, we celebrate the cock-eyed optimists among us and the can-do spirit that makes them great.  So, for today at least, the cup is half full, the sun'll come out tomorrow and if you hang on baby, Friday's a comin'. You may be surprised at what happens. Former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell once observed, "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."  And there seems to be some truth in that when you look at how much further optimists seem to go as a group.

And, while you're celebrating all this positive thinking, tell your Sweetie you think pretty positively about her with this Positive Thinking Day card. Just click on the caption below the picture of the optimist and the pessimist. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. Much quicker that way and I'm confident your gal will love the card.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-12 National Day of Encouragement

Click here to download card.

On September 12, 2008 the 110^th U.S. Congress past a resolution proclaiming this day the National Day of Encouragement in the United States. In this troubling and confusing world, we all could use a little encouragement.  Why not take advantage of the spirit of the day and pass a little encouragement along to your best girl with this National Day of Encouragement card.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the couple hugging. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a top fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "portrait" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This also flips the inside upside down from the outside when you print in portrait mode, so that, when you fold it over, the inside comes out rightside up.  If you're confused, I encourage you to give it a try with a practice sheet.

Now get out and give someone some encouragement.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-11 Patriot Day

Click here to download your Patriot Day Card

Variously known as Remember Freedom Day, 9/11 day or by it's more familiar name, Patriot Day, this solemn holiday honors the those who perished on September 11, 2001, when two commercial passenger jets were flown by hijackers into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the into the U.S. Pentagon building.  A fourth plane bound either for the White House or Capitol building crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers attempted to retake the plane. In 2008, President George W. Bush signed an official Presidential Proclamation, setting September 11^th aside as "a holiday of heroism and remembrance".  Today's a good day to come together as Americans and lift each other up.  This Patriot Day card offers a respectful tribute to those who perished, those first responders who ran into the burning buildings to rescue people and the soldiers who sacrificed so much to carry the war back to the terrorists.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the Twin Towers. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign - 9-10 Cheap Advice Day

Click here to download card

September 10^th is Cheap Advice Day, a day to pay tribute to cut-rate counselors every where.  Today marks the day in 1992 that Lucy Van Pelt, Charles M. Schultz's amateur psychiatrist member of the Peanuts gang raised her rates for psychiatric help from 5¢ to 47¢. Her lemonade-stand psychiatry reminds us of all the freebie head-shrinkers out there that feel qualified to tell you just how to run your life and are willing to do so at no charge. So, since they all think you're crazy anyway, use the opportunity to tell your favorite girl how crazy you are about her with this card.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the pop psychiatry stand. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This will save you a lot of time for therapy.

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-9 Teddy Bear Day

Click here to download Teddy Bear Day card.

Today, September 9th we celebrate 26^th U.S. President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt's namesake. Yes, friends it's Teddy Bear Day!  We cuddle them, give them goofy names, invite them to little girls' tea parties and sleepovers.  Elvis sang about being one. Tell her you want to be her lovin' Teddy Bear with this cute card for Teddy Bear Day.


Just click on the caption below the picture of the Teddy Bear. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This will save you a lot of time for cuddling.

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-8 Pledge of Allegiance Day

Click here to download card

It's Pledge of Allegiance Day here in the United States.  The Pledge of Allegiance was first published by New York author Francis Bellamy in the magazine Youth's Companion. In time, the "Pledge of Allegiance" has been adopted as the official pledge to the flag for school children, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Knights of Columbus, Royal Rangers, Pathfinders, Toastmasters and other groups throughout the country. It was gathered participants.

Officially adopted by the US Congress in 1942, the pledge has been modified four times. The US Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that no one can be compelled to recite the Pledge, or punished for not doing so.  The official version according to the United States Flag Code reads:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The code further states:  The Pledge of Allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

While you are celebrating the Pledge of Allegiance, why not send your sweetie this Pledge of Allegiance Card pledging your loyalty to her. Just click on the caption below the picture of the man and boy saluting. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This will save you a lot of time for raising and lowering your flag.

© 2013 by Tom King

Greeting Card Campaign: 9-7 Acorn Squash Day

Click here to download your Acorn Squash Day Card

September 7th is Acorn Squash Day. By now you're probably getting sacks of squash from your over-enthusiastic gardening friends who discovered that you don't need as many squash plants as you thought you did.  Celebrate this delicious garden treasure with this Acorn Squash Day card for your sweetie.

Just click on the caption below the picture of the acorn squash. The link will take you to a pdf file in Google Docs. Remember, instead of printing from Google Docs, click on "File" in the upper left corner, then select "Download" and copy the file to your own computer.  Open it with Adobe PDF Reader or whatever PDF reader you use and print the card from there. For some reason Google Docs doesn't handle fonts well, even though they are supposed to be embedded in the PDF document itself.

This is a side fold card, so when it prints, be sure to tell your printer it's in "landscape" format so you get the whole file. Flip it on the short side to print double-sided. This will save you a lot of time for trying to figure out what you're going to do with all that acorn squash.

© 2013 by Tom King

The World's Best Fruitcake in my Not So Humble Opinion

Honeymama's Christmas White Fruitcake

My Aunt Sandra and I used to compete every Christmas to see who could suck up the most to Honeymama (my Grandmother King) wheedling to get a piece of here annual Christmas Fruitcake. Sandra actually had the first piece on permanent reserve, but that didn't stop me from doing the sad puppy dog eyes bit to try to wear Honeymom down.  I only won once when Aunt Sandra got busy in November and didn't visit for about 2 weeks straight. Honeymama got mad and gave me the first piece that year. These are the steps to making it as she told them to my wife Sheila who wrote it all down.

Preheat oven to 300°

Ingredients:

·       4 eggs

·       2 cups sugar

·       ½ cupt butter

·       1 tsp baking powder

·       2 ½ cups flour

·       1 cup milk

·       1 cup chopped dates

·       1 cup candied cherries

·       1 cup candied pineapple

·       2 cups grated coconut

·       1 cup chopped nuts

·       1 tsp vanilla flavoring

·       1 tsp almond flavoring

·       ½ cup flour to coat the fruit

Directions:

1.     Cream together butter, sugar, eggs and flavorings.

2.     Mix baking powder and flour in separate bowl and set aside.

3.     Chop fruit and nuts and coat with ½ cup flour.

4.     Mix all dry ingredients together and then add butter/sugar/egg/mixture. 

5.     Add milk while stirring until used up.

6.     Pour into well-greased bund pan and bake at 300° until done. Takes about 1 hour

7.     Cool pan for 2 hours before attempting to turn out of the bundt pan.

8.     Store in a cool place for 2 weeks and don't tell Sandra and Tom you've already made it or there won't be any left by Christmas

*No there are no ingredients missing. Honeymama didn't use citron. She didn't like the taste, so she bought the candied fruits everything so she didn't have to pick out the citron. I heartily agree with her on that. Apparently, so did my Aunt Sandra.  I'll post a picture of the finished fruitcake as soon as I bake one. I only just now found the recipe handwritten in one of Sheila's favorite cookbooks.

©  1947 by Mabel "Honeymama" King