For Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER 2ND, 2013

80 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

84 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Sunrise:7:27 am

Sunset: 7:08 pm

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

On this day in 1850, the first Ohio State Fair, celebrating agriculture and livestock,  was held in the Hamilton County village of Camp Washington, which is now a part of Cincinnati.  At the time Cincinnati was the largest town in Ohio and largest inland city in America.  

Produce great pumpkins, the pies will follow later. 

Author Unknown

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Oh how we love pumpkin season. You did know this gourd-ish squash has its own season, right? Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin.... We anxiously anticipate it every year. 

Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer, October 2010

Our State Fair is now held in Columbus, Ohio which is also the capitol of our state.  I do remember going there when the big attraction was the introduction of the Microwave Oven.  That's been many years ago, but I'll never forget thinking how wonderful it was. Now our state fair is held in August.  

Of course fairs are for showing off what you grew in your garden too and I've seen some gigantic pumpkins and squash displayed.  October is the pumpkin month and we see them everywhere here.  I love pumpkins.  They are good to eat, and they are fun to look at too. Their bright color always make me smile!  Here is a pumpkin recipe I found that I want to try out soon.  Sounds so good I thought I'd better share it.

PUMPKIN DESSERT SQUARES

BASE

1 1/2 cups Bisquick mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans

FILLING

1 cup sugar
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3 eggs

TOPPING

1 cup Bisquick mix
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup chopped pecans

 Heat oven to 350F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups Bisquick and 1/2 cup pecans. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture is crumbly. With floured fingers, press mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat filling ingredients with wire whisk until smooth; set aside. In medium bowl, mix 1 cup Bisquick mix and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in 1/4 cup butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in pecans.

Pour filling over hot partially baked base. Sprinkle topping over filling.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with whipped cream, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

The pictures today are from last year when some of my grandchildren were picking out their pumpkins.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

You don’t even miss a beat when gratitude to God is the beat of your heart.

Anne Voskamp

I have counted at least 3 things I'm thankful for this past year and have now reached my 1000 gifts.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1001. for our country, county and state fairs

1002. for pumpkins

1003. for cooler days to turn the oven on

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 !

 I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. 

Henry David Thoreau 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma