Joe Croft's Blog

A very touching story…

joecroft — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:23:08 +0000

“Choosing Thomas” is a mini-documentary of a couple who chose to have their child, even they though they knew he would live a few days at most. You see, Thomas was born with Trisomy 13, a devestating genetic disorder.

The story has special significance to me because in 1989 my first daughter was born. Lindsey had the very same disease.

Click here to see the video.

Joe

Help is on the way…

joecroft — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:56:06 +0000

If you’re at a place in your life where you want to make some improvements, in your marriage or in your finances, the Visalia First Assembly is providing a couple of conferences to help.

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is a 13 week class that will give you the tools to get out of debt and get on solid financial footing. Click here to find out more and sign up for a preview class.

Gary Smalley is one of the best known christian authors on the subject of relationships. He’ll be speaking at the Central Valley Marriage Conference on October 24th. Click here to find out more and to register for the conference.

Marble Falls…

joecroft — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:59:32 +0000

For Father’s Day, Dondi and I decided to head to Sequoia Park for a day-hike. The Marble Falls Trail heads out of Potwisha campgrounds and weaves nearly four miles into the hills. The falls were worth the hike…

The hike ended at a large area of white rock next to the river.

If you choose to “take on” the Marble Falls trail, make sure you bring plenty of water and a snack. A good portion of the trail is unshaded and you’ll climb 1700 feet over the 3.9 mile hike to get there.

I am 1/4 of the way there!

joecroft — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:04:48 +0000

My first semester of the RN program is done… and I survived. It has been no small task. Alot of reading, critical thinking, and hands on care. Next week I begin Summer School, a one month class in the operating room. Here’s to hoping I won’t faint!

Joe

You can’t judge a book by its cover…

joecroft — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:17:50 +0000

We’ve all heard it a million times and yet we still tend to make assumptions based on appearance.

Click here to see this lesson played out in front of a British audience.

Hope this put a smile on your face,
Joe

A recipe you should try…

joecroft — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:11:44 +0000

My wife, Dondi, and I recently signed up to receive local produce, delivered to our home each week. Last week our produce basket contained fresh kale so I spent a few minutes on-line trying to figure out what to do with it! I came across a recipe for Zuppa Toscana, just like the soup they serve at Olive Garden and thought you might like to try it yourself:

Ingredients 1 lb. hot Italian sausage
4 potatoes, cut into ¼ inch slices
1 cup chopped onion
8 slices bacon, crispy
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2½ (packed) cups kale, washed, dried, and shredded
3 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth
½ cup heavy whipping cream
fresh ground black pepper to taste

1. Brown sausage in dutch oven, drain 2. In a griddle cook bacon until crispy, reserving grease, crumble, and set aside. In just enough bacon grease (about one tablespoon), sauté onions until almost clear. 3. Add garlic to the onions and sauté an additional 1 minute. Add chicken broth, potatoes, and sausage. Simmer until potatoes are cooked, about 45 minutes. 4. Add crumbled bacon, kale, cream, and fresh ground black pepper. Simmer 5 minutes and serve.

Hope you like it as much as I do,
Joe

Cute Sprite Lite Commercial

joecroft — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:14:31 +0000

My wife. Dondi, sent me this. Thought you might like it.

We’re only 30miles away….

joecroft — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:33:26 +0000

… From the Southern Sierra Nevadas. The recent rain has given us day after day of beautiful views of the mountains. I can’t wait til spring arrives and the weather allows for hiking. Not only is is it a great way to get in shape, it can also be great “family” time and is relatively inexpensive. Try the Ladybug Trail or a trip to Minieral King. I found a great web-site that gives you an idea of how difficult the trail is to hike plus directions!

Click here to find out more.

Happy Hiking!

Joe

Three weeks in and still surviving…

joecroft — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:28:33 +0000

I’ve seen more than a few questioning looks, when telling folks that I’m going back to school. The question that everyone thinks but is unwilling to ask is “Why?” Why pursue another career when the first one is so good? Why put yourself and your family through the stress of working part-time, while going to school full-time?

It just made sense… my desire, the timing, my financial situation, the flexibility of my current position, my kids becoming more independant… it all allowed for me to pursue becoming a nurse.

And now I’m three weeks in. I’ve read more in the last three weeks than the previous two years. Tons of homework and not nearly enough time, but I’m not complaining! Everything is new and exciting and overwhelming. Three weeks down and 93 to go….

Joe

Joe’s Great Adventure!

joecroft — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:07:27 +0000

If you’ve ever had a time in your life when absolutely everything is changing… then you know what I’m going through. In the last two weeks I’ve gone from full-time to part-time, here at the station. I’m in the COS Registered Nursing program which is very demanding of my time and energy! So far, just about every extra minute has been spent “in the books” or practicing sterile technique.

I can’t tell you how much everyone’s support has already meant. I’ve received a ton of e-mails from listeners sharing in my excitement and encouraging me. Thanks.

Joe