For Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

NOVEMBER 7TH,  2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's  WEDNESDAY

STRESS AWARENESS DAY

Stress affects us all, and no more so than in the workplace. The chemicals, adrenaline and hormones which build up in our systems in response to the pressures of everyday life have no way to dissipate in our modern lives, and the effects of this can be serious enough to cause significant physical and psychological damage.

Stress Awareness Day aims to promote awareness of these particularly modern challenges, and to aid individuals and organisations in changing behaviours and lifestyles which may lead to excessive stress.

When stress becomes a way of life it can play havoc with your health and wellbeing. But in small doses, it can can be harnessed in positive ways, such as helping to boost your motivation levels and to perform under pressure.

Today is a day to calm down.  Don't worry and just be happy!

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.  

Lily Tomlin

NEWS FROM HOME

I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.  

Jennifer Yane

This is the time of year that many begin to feel stressed out.  The holiday season brings many joys but along with that comes a lot of extra work too.  Many of us have a lot to do without the extra shopping cooking and hosting the holiday feasts.

Around here there is little stress.  I'm THANKFUL that I now live in the slow lane and although I do keep busy, I'm pretty much my own master as far as how I want to use that time.  I will be doing a lot of cooking for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, but those are things I love to do.  

I have purchased my Turkey and my Christmas cards.  Two biggies off my list.  One way to save time in the kitchen is using the Crock Pot and many families will prepare a big pot of soup the night before Thanksgiving or Christmas when they tend to have a lot of company. It’s easy to feed a lot of people with soup. Just add some type of bread and maybe even a salad for a delicious meal!

Many years ago when I moved into the house where I am currently living, a dear friend sent over a huge pot of soup for all of us to enjoy and here is the recipe:

DOWN HOME BEAN SOUP

1 pound kielbasa, cut into 1/4 inch slices

1 1/2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped carrots

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 49 oz. can chicken broth

2 15 oz. cans great northern beans

1 can kidney beans

1 16 oz can whole tomatoes, chopped

1 bay leaf

Black pepper to taste

In a large skillet slightly brown kielbasa.  Then add onions, carrots and celery.  Cook until tender stirring occasionally..

Stir in broth, beans and chopped tomatoes.  Add whole bay leaf.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer 25 to 30 minuets.  Or let simmer longer and mash some of the beans with a large spoon to help thicken soup.  Add pepper to taste.  Discard bay leaf.  Serve with chunks of crusty bread.  Makes 6 servings.

No need to spend long hours making soup when you have the convenience of canned broth.  Few things taste as good as a hot bowl of soup on a cold blistery day.

Todays pictures are of the snow in West Virginia last week.  One of my cousins had them posted on face book. And I am thankful for them. The barn is on the very same farm one I visited as a child. I have many warm memories of the time I spent with my grandparents there. Yesterday we were blessed with sunshine and blue skies!  This was the first time in well over 2 weeks!!!

Update on DDIL # 5:  The doctors want to wait until next week to deliver the baby and my DIL  was released from the hospital and came home last night.  I'll continue praying all goes well for them both.  

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

The man who doesn't relax and hoot a few HOOTS voluntarily, now and then, is in great danger of hooting hoots and standing on his head for the edification of the pathologist and trained nurse, a little later on.  

Elbert Hubbard

Stress Management

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in many of the latest psychological journals. The funny thing is that it really does work .

Picture yourself lying on your tummy on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.

Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.

Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.

 No one knows your secret place.

You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.

The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding under the water.

There -- See? -- It really does work.   You're smiling already!

Author Unknown

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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 !

COUNTING THE DAYS

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.  

Etty Hillesum 

44 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

16 DAYS UNTIL THANKSGIVING

48 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS !

Celebrate the happiness
that friends are always giving,
make every day a holiday,
and celebrate just living!

Amanda Bradley

 

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

Love,

ma