For Wednesday, July 31st, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31ST, 2013

55 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:22 am

Sunset: 8:46 pm

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

July 31st is Always Live Better Than Yesterday Day. This forward looking holiday encourages celebrants to leave the past behind and move eagerly into a bright future.  Don't look back! What wonders will the future bring, making today better than yesterday and tomorrow even better than today?

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

 Albert Einstein

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Grow old with me!  The best is yet to be.  

Robert Browning

If yesterday wasn't a good day then today we have a chance to live better.  I always wake up anticipating the gifts of each new day.  The possibilities are endless.

I am not as young as I once was, but I'm younger than I will be.  Some say that when you get old things don't get better, but you get wiser.  I don't know that I'm any wiser but I do hope to think I'm better than I was.

Age is all relevant as far as I'm concerned.  You are the age you think you are.  I guess you can think yourself into old age anytime you want to.  For me, I'm thinking the best is yet to be.

Sure I may do things slower than I used to, but to me that is better.  I love to live in the slow lane.  There is much to see that might be missed if I was going faster.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.  Live better.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  And today?  Today is a gift.  That's why we call it the present.  

Babatunde Olatunji, also attributed to Alice Morse Earle

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

812. for today and all its possibilities

813. for life in the slow lane

814. for the opportunity to make things better

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

Yesterday, All my troubles seemed so far away, 

Now it looks as though they're here to stay, 

Oh, I believe in yesterday.

The Beatles

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, JULY 30TH, 2013

56 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:22 am

Sunset: 8:47 pm

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

July 30th is Make Someone Laugh Day, a hysterical holiday for encouraging others to bust a gut, cackle, chortle, chuckle, crack up, crow, double up, giggle, guffaw, hoot, howl, shriek, snicker, snort, titter, whoop and more.

The Bible actually says laughter is healthy. 

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones

Proverbs 17:22

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A good time to laugh is any time you can.  

Linda Ellerbee

I can never say enough about the benefits of laughing.  When you live as long as I have it seems I can remember the good times so much better than the bad ones.  Even during the roughest of times, laughter has always found its way into my life and I am thankful for it.  I remember that bright laughter and how it cut through the pain and the stress and made us all feel as if everything would be alright.

I'm not sure a day passes that I don't have someone in my life that makes me laugh.  It definitely beats being angry or upset. So lucky to have people who make me laugh so much!     I believe there is nothing more satisfying, fulfilling and releasing than having a good ol knee slapping, stomach clenching, eyes watering, mouth gasping laugh and the sheer beauty of it is, laughter truly is the best medicine

So, why don’t we do it more?  Maybe it’s because we can get too caught up in the stresses of life, or we are going through a tough time and feel guilty for laughing. Whatever it may be, laugh, you will feel worlds better for it.

Mark Twain told about the old man who laughed loud and joyously, shaking up the details of his anatomy from head to foot. Twain ends by saying that such a laugh is money in a man's pocket, because it cut down the doctor's bills like everything. Maybe Twain knew what he was talking about.

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!  Give thanks!  Love well!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Mirth is God's medicine.  Everybody ought to bathe in it.  

Henry Ward Beecher

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

809. for healing that laughter brings

810. for the hearty laughter shared over the dinner table with my family.

811. for good things to laugh about

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. 

Irish Proverb

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

For Monday, July 29th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, JULY 29TH, 2013

57 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:21 am

Sunset: 8:48 pm

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

July 29th is To the Moon Day. This lofty occasion recalls the 1958 founding of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States, which has orchestrated the American space program.  The National Aeronautics and Space Act was passed on July 29, 1958.

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. 

Les Brown 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

We are, many of us, a planet orbiting somebody's sun, unconscious of a lonely moon, orbiting our planet. 

Robert Brault

Truthfully, by the time the stars come out at night I'm usually tucked away safely inside these days.  I used to love sitting out by the campfire and looking up at the sky.  Being in the country seems to make the stars and the moon much brighter.  I'm thankful for the memories  of those times.  It's no wonder at all to me that men want to explore space and discover it's wonders.

Still what little bit of the sky that I can see from my view is amazing.  A few years back I discovered an app for my phone called Skyview that shows you exactly what you are seeing in the sky and names the stars that you see.  It's a lot of fun and it's free too.  

I hope you all enjoy some lovely summer nights with the moon and the stars in all their glory!

Have an amazing Monday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness.  God is the friend of silence.  See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.... We need silence to be able to touch souls.  

Mother Teresa

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

806. for a bright moon on a dark night

807. for space exploration

808. for stars twinkling in the sky

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

May you have warm words on a cool evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door. 

Irish Toast

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Sunday, July 28th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, JULY 28TH, 2013

58 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:20 am

Sunset: 8:49 pm

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

July 28th is Hamburger Day.  Grill it, broil it or fry it. Then dig into a delicious juicy burger to celebrate Hamburger Day on July 28th.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing.  

Walt Kelly

Most of the time when I have a hamburger it is made out of beef, so I wondered why then is it called a ham burger?  What I found was that a meat patty sandwich probably had its origins in Hamburg, Germany and that is why they are known as hamburgers.

I found this recipe for the best burger ever and am passing it along today.  I haven't tried it yet, but intend to do so soon.

2 lbs ground beef
sesame seed buns
1/2 cup of grated Monterrey jack cheese
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
season salt to taste
cracked black pepper
onion powder

Combine the ground beef, grated cheese, bbq sauce, and seasonings. Shape patties that are about 1 inch thick. Then it is very important to push a ½ inch indent into the center of the patty, this is what prevents the patty from becoming a dome.These burgers stay extra moist because the bbq sauce and cheese are mixed in with the meat. 

Wait for the skillet to get super hot and then apply a very thin layer of butter to the pan. Place the patties on the pan, indent side up. Reduce heat to medium and allow each side of the patty to cook for about 4-6 minutes, but make sure it doesn’t burn.  Wait to flip the burger until one side is very thoroughly cooked, so that it holds together better before flipping.  While the burger is cooking,  whip up this great sauce

3/4 cup of mayo
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup relish
2 tablespoons worcestershire
seasoned salt

Combine all ingredients and whisk until well mixed. Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking.

Hope they taste as good as they sound.

For many years, burgers were always on the menu for the weekends.  Grilled outdoors or in, it didn't matter.  I'll be keeping up with that tradition today.  I couldn't find a single picture of a burger in my photos so the Maxine cartoons will have to suffice today.

Hope you all have a restful and relaxing Sunday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Wimpy says, I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today!

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

803.for a great burger

804.for barbecue sause

805.for sesame buns, my favorite

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Saturday, July 27th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, JULY 27TH, 2013

59 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:19 am

Sunset: 8:50 pm

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

Are those trousers a little snug in the seat? July 27th offers a celebratory solution.  It's Take Your Pants for a Walk Day. What a suitable occasion for stepping out and taking a zippy walk in your favorite pair of pants? After all, even the most crotchety person can feel better after a few paces.

Got ants in your pants? Take 'em for a walk on July 27th.

After a day's walk everything has twice its usual value.  

George Macauley Trevelyan

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.  

Henry David Thoreau

I really think there is no better exercise than walking.  It not only keeps you fit but it's a great stress reliever too.  If you take the time to walk every day you'll find yourself a lot better off both physically and mentally.  I used to work in an office and found that just standing up and walking around for a few minutes helps you to think better.

Here at home, I'm always thankful for that fact that  I do have to go up and down stairs.  That adds a few more steps to each day.  

Today's pictures are of a hike I was on with DS#6 and his family last summer.  

Hope you all have  a super Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.  Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.  

Raymond Inmon

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

799. for walks 

801. for the ability to walk

802. for stairs that give me extra exercise

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.  

Steven Wright

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

For Friday, July 26th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, JULY 26TH, 2013

60 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:18 am

Sunset: 8:51 pm

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

 It's All or Nothing Day.

Have your proverbial cake, and eat it too. Go for broke. Issue that ultimatum, if you must. It's July 26th - All or Nothing Day.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. 

Helen Keller

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want. 

Bill Watterson

Whether we have it all, or we have nothing, the ideal way to live is to be content with what we do have.  I sometimes feel like I've got it all.  I'm living a life I love.  Truth is that I don't have much, but what I do have is worth more than all the riches in the world.

My faith, family, friends and home are such blessings.  I really don't need a whole lot more in life.

This was a fast week here, we have had some beautiful days and I'm thankful for them.

Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile.

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

796. for ordinary days

797. for screens in my windows that keep the bugs out

798. for fresh air

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done. 

Author Unknown 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Thursday, July 25th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, JULY 25TH, 2013

61 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:17 am

Sunset: 8:52 pm

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

It's that time of year again.  Happy Christmas in July!

Christmas in July might not be quite as popular as Christmas in December but for some people it offers the chance to celebrate the season, out of season.  The celebration includes Christmas traditions like Santa Claus, ice cream and other cold foods, and gifts. Many believe that celebrating in the warm season will ensure a strong, happy winter Christmas season.

Christmas in July remains primarily an occasion to remember the long snow blanketed Christmas nights. It is a fun way to satisfy the craving for cooler weather and holiday cheer that many people experience during the hottest month of the year.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There is not much celebrating going on here at my house this week, but today is a good reminder for me that I still haven't started making any of my Christmas gifts and that I'd better get busy. 5 months from today we'll be celebrating Christmas!

It's always nice to cool off with some ice cream and that may be my only way to celebrate today.  We'll see…

After a much cooler day here yesterday with temps in the 70's, we'll start warming back up again in the 80's.  It was nice to turn off the a/c and enjoy some fresh air in the house for a day anyway.

The pictures today are of some snowy days here in the winter last year!

Hope you all have a great day!  Happy Christmas in July!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts. I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day.   

793. for cool thoughts

794. for ice cream a good way to cool off

795. for Christmas

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma