Purely by happenstance (I love that word), I started making amateur videos when a friend wanted a video made to commemorate her sister's 60th birthday and asked if I could help. Up until that point, I had never made a video. My friend comes from a large family and large families take lots of pictures and, boy, did she ever have a lot of pictures! I really learned a lot with that first video.
Making videos suit me I think and I enjoy making them. Unless there is a stressful deadline, it is very therapeutic. I learn something new every time I make a new one, and I have enjoyed watching my progress over the last few years.
I have made two community service videos for my friends at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department using photos from their Facebook page (w/ permission) and below is the most recent. I follow CMPD's Facebook page and when they share a picture I think I can use, I save it. When I eventually have enough pictures, another video is born.
I love these friends of mine.
This is Officer Spencer....he is in this video, but I wanted to give him a shout-out because he was so sweet to me during my foot surgery last year. It was a very physically and challenging time for me, but calls and visits (like his) kept my spirits up. He has such a kind heart. He brought me a few Starbucks Mocha Frappucinos when he was in my area, and out of the blue one night, texted me to see if I needed anything. It meant the world to me. Your kindness won't be forgotten, Sir.
What a treasured piece of Charlotte police history that almost went undiscovered.
When I was working on the first memorial video to honor the 30 Charlotte officers who have died in the line of duty, I contacted a friend of mine, an amazing genealogist, whenever I needed clarification on a date or name spelling -- I was trying to be as thorough as possible. This was long before my video would come to rest on the desk of two CMPD directors and would eventually be viewed by the CMPD Command Staff.
I asked my genealogist friend, Kat, for help on the Chief of Detectives Joseph E. Orr's name, and she sent me a newspaper article from the Charlotte Observer dated March 20, 1932.
And here's the big surprise....this article wasn't about the fallen officer in my video, Joseph E. Orr, but rather, his FATHER, Joseph L. Orr. Turns out CMPD fallen officer Joseph E. Orr's father was also a police officer for the Charlotte Police Department, and he served and protected the citizens of Charlotte with only ONE ARM!
Below are a few highlights from the original newspaper article written by Mrs. Sam Presson which left me in awe of this AMAZING Charlotte police officer, Joseph L. Orr:
A little background
Joseph L. Orr was born on March 13, 1835 in Sugaw Creek township of Mecklenburg County.
He was one of nine children.
Mr. Orr served in the Civil War with his five brothers and lost his arm in the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Due to his injuries, Mr. Orr could no longer serve and was sent home with an honorable discharge.
In 1866, this one-armed veteran, Joseph L. Orr, joined the Charlotte Police Department.
He served on the Charlotte Police Department for 40 years.
Despite having only one arm, Mr. Orr was an excellent officer, arresting all offenders without regard to class or condition. He was always fair and fearless.
He was an expert with a revolver and in times of riot, which were not infrequent in reconstruction days, he never hesitated to use his gun when it was necessary.
One of Joseph L. Orr's sons, Joseph E. Orr, followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Charlotte Police Department. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Joseph E, Orr served on the Charlotte Police Department for 15 years. Chief of Detectives Joseph E. Orr, was involved in an automobile accident with his partner, Detective John Byers, on September 28, 1926. The Chief of Detectives Orr succumbed to his injuries the following day, September 29, and his partner, Detective John Byers, died September 30.
When Mr. Orr (senior) died on April 16, 1906, as a mark of esteem and respect, a policeman was placed at the door of Mr. Orr's home and remained on duty at his house until the funeral.
I wish I could sit and have a conversation with Mr. Orr. I would like to shake his hand and say thank you.
Rest in piece sir and thank you for your service. You are being remembered 110 years after your death for your service to the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
A friend of mine has been wanting me to show her how I frost the cream puffs that I make for my police officers. She enjoys making mini-cupcakes for her grandchildren's classroom and thought this frosting effect would be a nice touch to her own treats.
So I told her I would make a video the next time I made cream puffs for my friends in blue if I could manage holding the camera phone in one hand and the frosting bag in the other, and I have to say, despite my head-cold, I think this turned out kind of cute.
Wilton Tip: 1M
I haven't made deviled eggs in eons, but I think using this technique for filling deviled eggs would make them really cute. I would think it would make the filling process go by much faster too!
Since 1892, 30 Charlotte officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Seven of the 30 officers have lost their life since my move to Charlotte in 1991. A terribly sad statistic.
I honored these officers on July 14, 2012 in a blog story called "End of watch ... we'll take it from here", and for the past two months, I have been working on a special video to honor them again.
It has been a privilege to learn more about these officers the past two months. While my video was still in the developing stage, there were many nights I would drive home after work thinking about the video that I would start working on again when I got home. The song that I chose to accompany the video would run through my head and every face would cross my thoughts. What an honor that I could now call these 30 officers by name...."that's Officer Nichols, that's Officer Coleman, Officer Moran, Detective Correll."
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has so beautifully honored these officers on their memorial page. To learn more about these courageous officers, please visit www.cmpd.org.
Forever honored....never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Sir.
This poem written by John Donne seemed so appropriate, so I used it in my video. Many people think this poem was written by Ernest Longfellow, but in fact, Mr. Donne published this hundreds of years earlier. Ernest Longfellow's book "For Whom the Bell Tolls", published in 1940, made this famous quote even more popular.
"Any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind,
and therefore never send to know for
whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
~ John Donne
I remain prayerful every day that we see no other officers fall in the line of duty. May God bless and protect you all.
The first time I made Chicken Pot Pie for my friends was on May 6, 2012 and there was NOTHING easy about it. I followed a recipe from another blog and I made the gravy from scratch, and it was so hard to get the thickness just right without losing flavor. It was just way too time-consuming if you asked me (and expensive). And I will go back to what I have said before -- scratch is not always better.
Also, the last pot pies I made I put in individual ramekins. It was a cute presentation, but these hearty appetites could eat 2-3 of them and I think it made them feel guilty (like there wouldn't be enough for everyone), so nothing says "dig in boys" like three 13" x 9" Chicken Pot Pies!
On Sunday, June 15, 2014, I made three 13" x 9" pot pies. As you can see, I had a little fun personalizing these pies using the extra dough from the dough-overlap and the alpha-cookie cutters that I purchased from my favorite kitchen store, Sur La Tab. They loved them!
Officer G. said if I were to ever open a restaurant, Pot Pie has to be on the top of the menu...the "Blue Plate Special." It is such a satisfying meal and the ultimate comfort food.
So here it is, August 3, 2015 -- eight months from when I started this blog post. I made one more pot pie so I could finish this recipe and share it.
This is not rocket science and I have probably 'over-explained'. Please keep in mind it is just boxed pie crust, canned soup, and canned vegetables. Use your own judgement on how much chicken and vegetables to add to the soup. I like more gravy in my pot pie, so I usually keep a watch on that when adding the ingredients to the soup.
Here's what you need for a 13" x 9" pan (plus milk). You can cut this recipe in half for a smaller pie (see below).
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Filling
1 rotisserie chicken (deboned and shredded -- set aside two cups of shredded chicken)
1/2 Vidalia sweet onion - diced and sauteed
1 14.5 oz. can Cut Green Beans (drained)
1 14.5 oz. can sliced Carrots (drained)
1 11 oz. can Green Giant Shoe Peg White Corn (drained)
1/2 can 8.5 oz Peas (drained) *optional...not everybody likes them
Note: Some people prefer the frozen vegetables in their pot pie. I have used frozen veggies before, but after making it both way, my personal preference was the canned vegetables, but frozen is very good too. The brand PicSweet has a frozen vegetable medley that doesn't have lima beans, so I used that brand. :)
Sauce
2 cans Campbell's Cream of Chicken (regular kind - it has the best flavor )
2 soup cans of Whole Milk
Smidgen of Garlic Powder (I forgot to measure....try 1/8 of a teaspoon for this size. Less than that for the smaller pie). I will measure next time and revise this.
Salt and Pepper
Crust
2 boxes refrigerated Pillsbury Pie Crust (DO NOT SUBSTITUTE)
1 egg/2 tablespoons water (for the egg wash)
To make the sauce
In a large bowl, empty the two cans of soup and add 2 soup cans of whole milk. Slowly whisk until the soup and the milk are mixed together. I removed the cubes of chicken from the soup as I was whisking it, but that's up to you. Add a little salt and pepper and whisk again.
To make the filling
Empty the canned vegetables in a colander and drain well before adding to the sauce/soup mix.
Debone and shred the rotisserie chicken. My preference is white meat, but use what you like. Set aside 2 cups of shredded chicken for the pie. Dice and saute the onion in a little olive oil until translucent. Add the onions to the drained vegetables and gently stir or toss in the colander, before adding to the soup mix. Add vegetables to the soup and gently stir. Fold in about 2 cups of shredded chicken. I make chicken salad with any leftover chicken - delicious!
For the bottom crust
Line the bottom of a 13"x9" ungreased lasagna pan w/ two crust rounds. Greasing the pan will make the crust slide when you pre-bake it (trust me.) Overlap the two dough rounds and trim about one-fourth from each round. Work the dough with your fingers to make it seamless. Cut awayaway the excess dough on top and underneath.
Overlap the two dough rounds and trim about one-fourth from each round. Work the dough with
your fingers to make seamless. If you cut too short, just add extra dough from what
you discarded and work it in.
Work the dough so it fits the entire pan. The bottom obviously won't need as much attention as the top. Hopefully, my pictures below will explain. If you cut off too much dough, then just take the scraps of dough and fix it.
Puncture the dough with a fork and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly brown. I forgot to set the clock, but I think it was about 15 minutes. Start checking it at 15 minutes.
Add your vegetable mixture on top of the partially cooked bottom crust.
For the top crust, prepare the same way as the bottom (making the crust seamless and cut away the excess dough on top and underneath.)
Use a fork to make the ridges around the rim of the pot pie.With the excess dough, use your favorite cookie cutter and make a cute decoration for the top.
Make your crust shiny
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
Beat water and egg well with a fork. After the egg is mixed well, if you still see the thick egg white, you can remove it easily with a fork. For more information on egg washes, click here.
With a basting brush, baste the entire top of pie crust (edges too) before putting it in the oven. Don't forget to puncture holes on top to let the steam escape.
Place on a baking sheet (you can see a partial picture below) and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 55-60 minutes until golden brown. I started checking my pie at about 45 minutes.
If the top piece doesn't quite fit the corners, use some of the
extra dough and work it in.
I made one for AHOP too! :)
For a smaller pie, say for 4 people, use only:
ONE can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
ONE soup can of whole milk
ONE box Pillsbury Pie Crust
Use 1/4 sauted onion, the smaller 8 oz. cans of vegetables (cut green beans, whole kernel corn, sliced carrots and a few peas if you like them.)
Drain all vegetables in a colander before adding to the soup mix.
1 rotisserie chicken -- use one cup of shredded chicken for the pot pie. I use the leftover shredded chicken and make chicken salad for a delicious sandwich or a cold plate.
Follow the same instructions for the crust (above).
When I first moved to Charlotte 24-years-ago, I would take Saturday and Sunday drives trying to get the 'lay of the land'. I can't remember how I came to find this quaint little town called Waxhaw, but once I did, I visited fairly often (and still do). It was just a nice drive - straight up Providence Road - lots of vacant land and countryside.
Well, it's not quite so vacant anymore....the secret is out! Beautiful residential neighborhoods have sprouted just about everywhere you look, but the little downtown area of Waxhaw is still as charming as it was so many years ago - like a little 'Mayberry' - untouched by big developers who tend to tear down architectural structure and history.
Photo Credit: Waxhaw Police Department
With my desire to move someday to a neighboring town like Waxhaw, Mint Hill (or just somewhere else), I thought it was time to show a little AHOP hospitality to the officers and staff at the Waxhaw Police Department. I have been wanting to do something for these officers for a long time, so my visit was long overdue.
Something else long overdue was a new facility for these officers. Their new home, pictured on the right, was finished in June 2014, replacing their old 125-year-old station. I have secretly been wanting to take a peek inside.
So while I was out on sabbatical with my foot in a cast, I designed a candy bar wrapper for the Waxhaw Police Department and made the delivery during my lunch hour. I called their office one day while I was out on leave and talked to a nice lady who gave me the information I needed for the back of the wrapper. I promised them a box of cream puffs as soon as AHOP gets her groove back 100%.
I hope my visit will remind them that they are appreciated and thought of often -- far beyond their own city limits.
"What goes around, comes around"....we have all heard that before, right? It's the first thing I think of when I have been wronged or my feelings have been hurt.
But it goes the other way too. If you treat people the way you would want to be treated and give of yourself in friendship, you hope that someday, when you need help the most, your kindness will come back around.
This is the 3rd month my kitchen has been closed. On April 24, I had foot surgery. I had hoped my support system would be better than it was when I had surgery 7 years ago, and wow, was it ever! And it wasn't that the friends I had weren't great the last time, it's like there just wasn't enough of them. They all had jobs, a family, and their own life. There is only so much you can ask of your friends, after all, a 2-3 month recuperation period is a long time. I don't know what I did to deserve all of this, but I thank God that my good friends have almost tripled. I am still in this ski boot for another month, but I am hopeful that with the next blog post, I will be up-and-running and doing what I love to do.
In case anyone has been wondering, here is a little look-back at my recovery the last 2+ months and a way for me to acknowledge and thank my fantastic friends. I think they know me well enough that when they are faced with big life stuff....I will be there.
♥
Lots of pictures to pass the time -- starting with the
first night home.
The first four weeks I was in this non-weight bearing/no walking fiberglass cast. Very physically exhausting.
A minor set-back On May 22, I had a doctor's appointment for an x-ray and to have
the hard cast cut-off. The x-rays showed that the screw holding the two bones together
had slipped, so now there was a slight gap between the two bones. The
doctor didn’t seem to be too concerned and said it would still be OK….it would
just take longer to heal. It was just a little set-back -- a pebble in the road -- and we would get through it. He removed the cast and put me in a black ski boot for another two months (no weight-bearing). On June 5, I had another x-ray. The doctor could
see some improvement, but ordered another three weeks of no
weight-bearing (in the ski boot). On June 26, another x-ray, and the doctor released me to return to work (in the ski boot) with light walking, using crutches or the knee scooter. Getting around the office w/ crutches is really just too hard, so I use my scooter at the office and save my light walking for around the house.
This knee scooter was a lifesaver and made it easy to get around the house. Getting off the sofa without putting weight on the foot was the big challenge.
My amazing support system made up of work colleagues, neighbors, friends, and a few officers. It takes a village and they all played a part in keeping my spirits up. Even Mary w/ the Firestone Complete Auto Care in Ballantyne called to check on me. Wow! I have delivered cream puffs to them a few times. No doubt, more cream puffs are guaranteed after I'm moving about 100%.
I obviously didn't take pictures of every act of kindness (I wish I had), but below are just a few highlights of the last two months. If I were to list everything, this blog post would be as long as the United States Constitution. My cup runneth over.
~ ~ ~
This is Ofc. Herrera. We were already good friends before my surgery, but Ofc. Herrera is one officer more than happy to show his appreciation for all the cooking and volunteering I do for the CMPD. We have been friends since the very first night he ate a meal at my table. Throughout my recovery, he was so thoughtful to call me on his way to work to see how my day was and he would ask if I needed anything. He stopped by with dinner a few times, large sweet teas from McD's, and he even remembered trash day and would wheel my container out to the curb if it was full. One afternoon on his day off, he and his beautiful wife stopped to visit and they brought me lunch. I am so grateful. I have no doubt my friendship with this officer and his family will continue long after he retires. He has a such good heart. ♥
The first three weeks were the hardest because I was weak from the surgery and it was very hard getting around without putting weight on my hurt foot. How I was going to get my morning coffee was a little worrisome, but a few friends came to my rescue (thanks to Teresa, Charlotte, and Sheilah.) There were a bunch of days I went without coffee and I probably should've taken advantage of the opportunity to stop drinking it altogether, but I enjoy it too much.
This is Ofc. Spencer who stopped by on his day off and a few other times. Another officer who was so kind to check on me throughout my recovery. It's really hard to go through big life stuff when you don't have family here. He brought me my favorite Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino each time he could stop by. I loved to get that text message that said...."I'm near a Starbucks...do you want something?" When your normal routine comes to a halt and you can't get out and about, it means a lot to have a treat like this and to know that you are thought of. Ofc. Spencer has a kind soul and his thoughtfulness is genuine. ♥
Here's one of Ofc. Spencer's text messages....just a few words meant so much.
There is not enough I can say about my friend, Teresa. We are sisters from another mister, that's for sure. Teresa also knows first-hand how humbling it is to have to call on others when you're faced with a life challenge. She has been my driver to all of my post-surgery doctor appointments; she picked up my groceries, treats, dinner, and sweet tea from McD's. She would not only pick up what I asked for, but she would call me en route asking about other things she might be able to do for me while she was out and about. Wow, is all I can say. She knows all of my food cravings now. We both got into the Downton Abbey PBS series while I was out and she would come over and watch 2-3 episodes with me at a time. Good company and a great friend! Everything she did for me was with a cheerful heart. ♥
Thank you, Kim! Kim and I have known each other since the mid-80s. She made homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo, caesar salad, sweet tea, and some amazing chocolate cake. She made us after dinner coffee and pretty much waited on me hand and foot with a cheerful heart. She also brought me roses from her garden in what she called a 'redneck vase' (a Mason Jar). Kim lives at least 45-50 minutes away, so this visit was a labor of love. I enjoyed every minute our visit. ♥
Crystal and I have been friends on Facebook for about five years and this was the first time we had met. She brought me much more than my personal request of some corn-on-the-cob from Aldi's. She brought me a rotisserie chicken and all the stuff to go with it. It was all delicious! I loved her cast art! It took just a few minutes for me to know we are kindred spirits. ♥
Thank you, Mark and Sherri....you were so sweet to get me out of the house and take me to one of my favorite restaurants. You both were so cute to make sure I didn't fall or wobble getting down the stairs. I had so much fun that night and the cool air on my face felt wonderful! You both are adorable and I love you very much! ♥
Another friend was very sweet to pick me up one morning to take me to a nearby Waffle House for breakfast. I needed my Waffle House fix. Tee, a waitress there, came over and asked if she could sign my cast. She said she had always wanted to sign a cast, so I told her I would be happy for her to sign mine. Tee has waited on me many, many times over the years. She has a hard job and I have never seen her without a smile on her face.
One of my favorite songs and such great words to live by...."What You Give Away" w/ Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow.
Gifts
I have friends with giving hearts....I received a bunch of cards too! :)
I have always been in awe with police K9 dogs. There's just something incredibly special about these service dogs. Maybe it's because no one really can get that close to them unless you're in trouble, and that's never a good thing.
Like other service dogs, they seem to love what they do. They are beautiful, loyal, and brave.
I have had the pleasure of meeting two CMPD K9 officers when they were working on a night I was in the gift shop. Like other officers, I think they enjoy getting the broadcast that the 'Cream Puff Lady is in the gift shop', but it's not so much that the gift shop is open, than the fact that there are cream puffs on the table, and that is all right by me. They enjoy a cream puff while running out the door to another call, but they never fail to stop by to say 'thanks' before they leave, and that always makes me feel good. I have yet to meet their four-legged partner, but I hope I can some day.
This post is dedicated to all police K9s who always have their 2-legged partner's back. I have chosen a few stories that I have followed over the past few years that just seemed to elevate my respect for these beautiful animals.
HEROES in every sense of the word.
~ ~ ~
I started following K9 Ofc. Hondolong before he passed away, because his handler, Constable Sandra Glendinning with the Vancouver Police Department, had a blog that I enjoyed reading. For a while, a picture of Constable Glendinning and Hondo hung in my cubicle at work. It just made me happy to look at it. I was moved to tears one morning when I read that Hondo had passed away. Constable Glendinning's tribute to Hondo on her blog was so beautifully written and I am happy to be able to share it with you here.
Note: No matter how often I read this, I cry my eyes out each time. Have a Kleenex ready.
Guardian of the Night
Written by Constable Sandra Glendinning with the Vancouver Police Department
Yesterday, December 31, 2012, Hondo and I went for a walk. It started as a run, but Hondo was too busy sniffing-this-and-peeing-on-that to keep up with me, so I slowed my pace and kept time with his exploring on both sides of the wooded trail.
Normally, Hondo runs alongside or slightly in front of me, but yesterday, he was like a pup with
"Which way do we go?" Photo Credit: Ofc. Sandra Glendinning Twitter page
renewed interest in the flora and fauna of our regular route. It was a fine day, and I did not push him to keep up, nor did I scold him for lollygagging. Eventually, I simply walked while Hondo took time to stop and smell the world. At about the halfway point, we came to a fork in the trail and I snapped a photo on my iPhone and Tweeted it with the caption "Which way do we go?" It was a special photo, as Hondo actually sat and seemed to contemplate in which direction we should turn.
Now, 24 hours later after I snapped that photo of my four-legged partner, I am left to make the journey on my own.
Hondo passed away this afternoon.
After struggling to get out of his dog house this morning, Hondo collapsed against my legs when he finally freed himself. His breathing was laboured, his gums were white, and he was suffering.
My dear, sweet dog, my faithful partner since 2005, was leaving me.
The vet who treated Hondo for the cancerous tumor on his spleen said that when the cancer came back, it would be very sudden. I would know when it was time.
Hondo was propped on his forelegs, labouring for breath. It was clear he had suffered a catastrophic setback -- he made a soft cry with every breath.
It was time.
My husband gathered the kids. I made a couple of phone calls.
Then I lay beside Hondo on his bed in front of our fireplace. He lay his head in my hands and let out a whimper. My tears fell on his fur.
My husband drove us to the vet, and other dog handlers met us en route.
Red and blue lights flashed as a convoy of K9 SUV's enveloped us in their midst to escort us for Hondo's final call.
I was with Hondo until the very end.
Eight years of companionship, service and loyalty.
Curled around his back, I cradled his head and buried my face in the thick fur around his neck. Hondo managed one last nuzzle against the palm of my hand,
Then he was gone.
Police Service Dog #0478 Hondo
March 7, 2004 – January 1, 2013
~ ~
POLICE DOGS IN ACTION AND IN TRAINING
1) K9 Ofc. 'Zeno' - All in a day's work. One more drug bust before he retires. Good boy!
2) Warning - this video is graphic and down-right scary if you asked me, but it has a happy ending. The officer and his K9 partner go home at the end of the day.
WARNING (Graphic and down-right scary, if you asked me)
3) K9 Ofc. 'Bruno' - Shot in the line of duty - Anaheim Police Department
4) K9 Ofc. 'Zeus' - A hero's farewell - April 15, 2015
5) Adorable - a 14 week old police pup in training. I think he's gonna do just fine!
“He is your friend, your partner, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
– author unknown
♥
St. Louis Canine Officers and Dogs on Duty City of St. Louis Police Department (Missouri) Photo credit: Clickhere
Newport, Oregon PD - K9 Ofc. 'Eyan' (retired)
Tarpon Springs PD - K9 Ofc. 'Dobies'
Orlando PD - K9 Ofc. 'Seabee'
Read his heroic story here
I have a feeling a K9 officer is in the family, so we may very well see this little guy again one day.
