Summer of Fun Still Ahead!

Hey  South Wind! Don’t let the flood waters get you down! There’s still a summer filled with fun events just waiting for you to partake! The best part of all, is that you don’t have to travel far from home; the events are right here in Franklin. Also, you won’t have to shell out much money as these are hard financial times for all. Check out this list of some much needed fun events scheduled for the summer. Let me know if you attend any of them! And who knows, you may see your friendly neighborhood blogger at an event !

I Want a Green Car!

No, not the color, though that would be nice. I’m in the market for a new car. Since this will be my first car, I’m not looking for anything too fancy; I just want to make sure that it realiably gets me from point A to point B, and its gets good gas mileage. Oh yeah, and I don’t want to break my wallet.

One thing that I have been taking into consideration is more green cars. These include fuel efficient cars that are environmentally friendly as well. A new list has been generated that list the most fuel efficient 2010 cars, so I believe that I will make my choice from there, as long as it’s less that $25 K.

The car sitting at the top of the environmentally friendly 2010 vehicles is the 2010 Toyota Prius. True enough, things haven’t been going all that well for Toyota lately, but it doesn’t skim over the fact that they generally make really good cars. The 2010 Prius tops most fuel efficient, widely assessable lists, with 50 mpg. How fantastic is that?

Next on the list is the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. Most hybrids on the market are a good bit more than their stripped down counterparts, but you can save hundreds more on gas with a hybrid car. The small car has an impressive 42 mpg fuel economy.

I’m not entirely sure what kind of car I will buy, but I do want it to get economically efficient. Do you have any suggestions?

Are You a True Tennessean?

Or do you just live in Tennessee? There’s a huge difference here. If you say that you just live in Tennessee, you’re just a resident of the state. But if you claim to be a Tennessean, you’d better say it and mean it!

Every state has their ‘top things you must do if you’re from here’ list. And I’m not talking about the regular tourist traps. I’m talking about the things that your parents, family, and friends have done all their lives and have told you about. Sure some tourist traps are things that you must do, but after that initial time, do you really still hold the same excitement that you once did?

From traveling the Natchez Trail, to catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry, to camping out at Fall Creek Falls Forest, there’s so much to do and only a lifetime to do it! Check out the list of top 40 things that you should do if you are a true Tennessean.

Have you done any of the activities mentioned? What else should you do if you’re a true tennessean?

 

American Bald Eagle Sightings in Franklin

I’ve never seen an American Bald Eagle in person. I wish I had, though. I’ve heard that they’re a bird like no other; majestic and beautiful in their transgressions.

Little Ethan Bezuidenhout of Franklin saw one, but no one believed him at first. (It’s hard being a kid sometimes, isn’t it?) Then his family saw the bird — and another — diving into the neighborhood’s lake trying to catch a duckling and knew the 6-year-old wasn’t just being imaginative.

For weeks since then, homeowners in the Jackson Lake subdivision near the intersection of Mallory Station and Franklin roads have caught other glimpses of American bald eagles flying by.

Amazing, right? The American Bald Eagle has gone from being endangered, to threatened, to just needing to be managed. This gives me hope that I may see one fly by one day.

Have you ever seen one?

What’s Next for South Wind?

Hey South Wind! We’re always striving to make your living experience here at South Wind Apartment Homes as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. To continue to do this, we would like to hear from you, and see what it is that you think can help us to improve our performances and your satisfaction. Remember, there are no dumb ideas! Let your voice be heard!

The truest definition of “recycling” ever!

Hey South Wind! I found the coolest article about garbage trucks fueled on garbage. Apparently when garbage decomposes it produces methane and that can be used as an alternative to gasoline. So does that make it the dirtiest “clean” energy out there??? Sorry I couldn’t help myself.

Recipe of the Week: Chicken Parmesan Heroes

Hey South Wind! Love Chick Parmesan? Love sandwiches? Why not combine the two in this lovely little recipe?

Chicken Parmesan Heroes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup(s) dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan
• 1 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/3 cup(s) canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (from a 28 ounce can)
• Pinch dried red-pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooking oil, for frying
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 pounds in all)
• 2 eggs, beaten to mix
• 4 small (about 6 inches) hero or other sandwich rolls, split

Directions:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper.
• In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, red-pepper flakes, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

See the rest!