For Monday, November 1st, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

NOVEMBER 1st, 2010

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side

It's MONDAY!

I always like to start a fresh new month and take a look at all the special days to be had ahead. Todays celebration is ...

ALL SAINTS DAY

The Christian holiday of All Saint's Day honors and recognizes all of the saints of the christian church, many of which were martyrs. The church sets this day aside to celebrate over 10,000 recognized saints

November is I Am So Thankful Month, National American Indian Heritage Money, National Adoption Month, National AIDS Awareness Month, Aviation History Month, American Diabetes Month, Epilepsy Awareness Month, Family Stories Month, National Adoption Month, National Alzheimer's Disease Month, National COPD and Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Family Caregivers Month, National Hospice Month, Vegan Month, and Peanut Butter Lovers' Month.

The flower for November is Chrysanthemums, a symbol of the sun, have held many noble positions in ancient cultures. Signifying optimism and happiness, it’s said that a single petal of this November birth flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life.

The November birthstone is topaz

THINKING

Saints are sinners who kept on going

Robert Louis Stevenson

The call to holiness, to be saints who joyfully pursue God's will for their lives, can be found the beatitudes which respond to the natural desire for happiness that God has placed in every heart. They teach us the final end to which God calls us, namely the coming of God's kingdom

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven

Matthew 5:1-12

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

It's National Fig Week.

Figs are thought to be one of the oldest cultivated fruit, dating back over 6000 years, so it seems fitting that they should have a week to themselves. Unlike many fruits, figs don't contain much vitamin C but they are a better source of vitamin B6, have higher quantities of minerals including potassium and cantain dietary fiber. Dried figs are also an excellent source of calcium.

One cookie that I grew up with was Fig Newtons. Here is a recipe that shows how to make your own

1 lb. dried figs or 2 lb. fresh figs

1 cup sugar

1 cup water (1 c. for dried figs, 1/2 c. for fresh)

1/2 cup butter, room temp

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon cream or 1 tablespoon milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 3/4 cups flour

Dice figs, soak in water 1 hour.

Add sugar & cook on medium heat until of thin jam consistency.

Beat sugar, butter, egg, milk & vanilla until well blended.

Add dry ingredients.

Mix well and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Place 1/2 on well floured dough cloth; knead about 6 times.

Roll out to 1/4" thick. Line 13 x 9" glass baking dish; cover with figs.

Roll remaining dough, cover figs. Cook at 350° for 30 minutes.

Let cool and cut into squares. Depending on the size you cut you can get a couple dozen cookies.

PRAYERS

Loving God, fill us with a generous spirit that overflows to everyone we meet each day.

Amen

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

AROUND HOME

I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

Author Unknown

Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me-ee. Happy birthday to me. . . . Happy bir . . .

After humming the birthday song a second time, I turned off the faucet’s running water. It is said that singing the song through twice while washing your hands (about 20 seconds) is a good way to remove most bacteria. But it doesn’t last. I need to repeat this process each time they are contaminated.

No, it's NOT my birthday. But it is a good day to remind you all that washing your hands is the best way to ward off the colds and flus so prevalent this time of year!

FAMILY

A family unit is the unit which builds up a person’s personality. How you behave and what you become in life is very much dependent on your family life.

This week I'm going to be enjoying to the fullest the JOY of watching my youngest grandchild. I had a trial run day the week before last and am stocked with the essential diapers and formula.

Hopefully in the days a head I'll be sharing some of that TLC that only a grand'ma' can give. I'm sure that he'll be spoiled but only in the very nicest of ways.

COUNTING THE DAYS

2nd WARNING!

Don't forget to FALL BACK on November 7th

Millions of Americans will roll their clocks back one hour NEXT weekend for the return to Standard Time. But as clocks move back and we wake next Sunday morning, well have gained an extra hour of the day

50 DAYS UNTIL WINTER!

54 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

165 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

ma