For Monday, March 31st, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, MARCH 31ST, 2014

82 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:12 am

Sunset: 7:44 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

March 31st is National Crayola Crayon Day.   It was on this date in 1903 the company began selling their Crayola Crayons to the public. They came up with the brand name Crayola when they put the French Words Craie (chalk) and ola (oily) together. The first Crayola crayons came in a box of 8 and sold for 5 cents. Today, Binney & Smith produce about 7 million crayons every day in 120 colors. The average American child uses 730 crayons by his 10th birthday. It’s no surprise that a study shows the smell of Crayola crayons is one of the twenty top scents recognized by adults in the U.S.  Find a coloring book and a box of Crayola crayons, and get to work today.   It’s a therapeutic and enjoyable way to pass some time, and you can even hang your finished picture on your fridge when you’re done!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The handwriting on the wall means the grandchildren found the crayons. 

Author Unknown

Today’s pictures are of some of my grandchildren enjoying coloring.  I think every child loves crayons.   

Finally the last day of March has arrived.  It was very windy here yesterday so maybe, just maybe, the winds of March have blown old winter away.  

I hope you all have a great start to the new week today.  Happy Monday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up. 

Allen Klein

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1535.  for crayons and coloring books, a favorite for children

1536. for a wonderful weekend, including a movie night and popcorn

1537.  for a new week, another chance to get it right

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 !

Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon.  A happiness weapon.  A beauty bomb.  And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one.  It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air.  Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas.  And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight.  Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in.  With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest.  And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination.  

Robert Fulghum

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Sunday, March 30th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2014

83 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:15 am

Sunset: 7:52 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

March 30th is Take a Walk in the Park Day. It is an opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Are you stressed out? A walk in the park is just what the doctor ordered. Its calming and therapeutic. Taken after a busy work day, it helps clear your mind and reenergize you. Or, take the walk during lunch and you will find the afternoon of work goes by quicker and easier.

A walk in the park will likely be the most enjoyable part of your day. However, make sure to do so with a clear mind and with your eyes open. In addition to avoiding a fall, open eyes will allow you to take in the beauty of nature's wonder

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I am looking forward to some walks in the park.  I need the exercise for sure. Due to the severe winter we had, I didn’t get many walks done at all.  Taking walks, in my opinion is about the best way to exercise there is.  Walking is a great way to keep fit and relax at the same time.

The pictures today are of Mr. Wonderful’s birthday party at one of our local parks last year.  It is just one of the very nice parks we have in our area and they all provide some wonderful places to walk.

 

Sundays are usually the day everyone here rests and relaxes so walking will probably not be in the works.  Hope you all get some R and R time in too.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. 

Henry David Thoreau

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1532. for a good day to rest and relax

1533. for nicer weather bringing opportunities to be outdoors

1534. for our local parks

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 !

After dinner sit awhile, after supper walk a mile.  

English Proverb

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Saturday, March 29th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2014

84 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:14 am

Sunset: 7:43 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

March 29th is the Festival of Smoke and Mirrors Day.  When used in the right way, illusion can be entertaining and fun. The phrase ‘smoke and mirrors’, which generally refers to fooling or deceiving someone into believing what is not, originated from the old magic shows in the 19th century, when magicians used strategically positioned mirrors to produce illusions for the audience. At times it was necessary to move the mirrors, or to secretly change something else on stage, and this was hidden from onlookers using well-timed bursts of smoke. Smoke and mirrors is a metaphor for a deceptive, fraudulent or insubstantial explanation or description

Unfortunately that phrase has evolved to mean something a bit different in today's world. Smoke and mirrors refers most often to politicians who use words and misleading statistics to paint a picture that does not truly exist. Smoke and mirrors day is there to remind us  that things are not always as they seem. Politicians, salespeople, entertainers are all people skilled at fooling their audience through cleverly applied verbal and nonverbal smoke and mirrors

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 Life is full of obstacle illusions. 

Grant Frazier

The days here have been full of illusion. It’s very deceptive with the sun shining and blossoms blooming.  The last few days were downright cold.  Yesterday we started warming up a little so I’m hoping that the illusions will become a reality.

Sometimes it is hard to decide what is real and not.  Too many think life is supposed to be like what they see in the movies.  Today, people struggle to find what's real. Everything has become so synthetic that a lot of people, all they want is to grasp onto hope.

Life goes by so quickly, don't miss out on the extraordinary opportunities you have to live life without regret!  Appreciate the important things in life and don’t let materialistic things get in the way.  The really important things, don’t cost a cent and are worth more than all the gold in the world.

This morning we are off to the Sunshine Boys basket ball game!  Hope you all have a super Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live. 

Mark Twain

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1529. for faith, family and friends, the important things in my life

1530. for children’s sports that keep them fit and active

1531. for some warmer weather, even though it supposed to rain.

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!

Life can be easy, it is only question of choosing between solutions and illusions. 

Didier D'haese

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Friday, March 28th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH, 2014

85 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:18 am

Sunset: 7:50 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

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

Today, March 28th, is Weed Appreciation Day.  

Today is a day to learn more about how weeds are actually beneficial to us and our ecosystem. They have been used by humans for food and as a herb for much of recorded history.  Some weeds are edible and nutritious while other weeds have medicinal value.

Have you hugged a weed today?

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Happiness must be cultivated. It is like character. It is not a thing to be safely let alone for a moment, or it will run to weeds. 

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

  I remember all the fun I used to have as a  small child with dandelions.    They actually do serve many useful purposes.  Dandelions are a food source for insects and certain birds.  Humans eat young dandelion leaves and enjoy dandelion tea and dandelion wine.  The Native Americans used dandelions to treat certain ailments.      Nutritionally, dandelions contain a source of vitamin A and  C, calcium, iron, and fiber.  To my knowledge, I’ve never eaten a dandelion, but some of the leaves in what they call a Spring Garden Mix for salads do resemble a dandelion leaf.

This is the time of year that I need to be spreading weed and feed fertilizer on our yard.  I will have to remember that when I get home.  I prefer weedless grass so it’s something I do every year.  No matter what though there will be some that survive.  

This evening should be lots of fun as it is the night of the big talent show that our Sunshine Boy is participating in.  I think it is great that school does this for the children.   There won’t be any winners or losers, only participants.  It’s a chance to show off their talents.

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all.  

Dorothy Day

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1526. for bright and sunny dandelions

1527. for weeds that are useful, many feed the birds!

1528.  for nature and all it’s beauty 

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 !

He who hunts for flowers will finds flowers; and he who loves weeds will find weeds.

Henry Ward Beecher

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Thursday, March 27th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, MARCH 27TH, 2014

86 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:18 am

Sunset: 7:47 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO DS#4 AND HIS WIFE TODAY!!

May the dear Lord Bless you both today and always !

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

Irish Blessing

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Prayer is the glue that holds a marriage and a family together

I thought that this year since I’m here visiting, I’d give this son and his wife some free babysitting so they could have a night out for their anniversary but he’s out of town today for work, so maybe they’ll be able to take advantage of that some other day while I’m still here.  So far we’ve had so many family activities to do that there has been very little time left for them just to have an evening out.

Family is important and when you’ve got one, you do keep busy but it is a good kind of busy for sure.  My own children all grown now have their own homes and children, making for some happy busy Grand’ma’ times for me.  They give a lot of purpose to my life and keep me motivated and more active than I’d probably be otherwise.

I’m sending only the best of wishes for a wonderful day for you all !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Love one another and you will be happy.  It's as simple and as difficult as that.  

Michael Leunig

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1523. for DS#4 and his wife, they are a wonderful couple

1524. for a visit with DDIL#4’s mom, she’s a good friend and here for the rest of my stay

1525. for breakfast for dinner, always good!

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!

A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity.  The order varies for any given year.  

Paul Sweeney

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Wednesday, March 26, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26TH, 2014

87 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:19 am

Sunset: 7:40 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Wednesday, March 26, marks International Purple Day.  Purple Day is a celebration aimed at raising worldwide awareness of epilepsy, a condition that affects over 65 million people globally.  Lavender is the international color for epilepsy and is also a color that symbolizes solitude. This led to purple being the color of choice for this celebration.

Anybody interested in supporting Purple Day can become an Ambassador of Purple. This role involves wearing purple and spreading awareness of epilepsy in your community and to friends and family. Most importantly, take the time to increase your own awareness about the effects of epilepsy on people’s lives.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

All the other colors are just colors, but purple seems to have a soul.  Purple is not just a noun and an adjective but also a verb - when you look at it, it's looking back at you.  

Uniek Swain

Historically, epilepsy has been neglected, feared, and misunderstood. Epilepsy is NOT contagious. Epilepsy is NOT a disease. Epilepsy is NOT a psychological disorder. Epilepsy is a neurological condition, which affects the nervous system.  I know a lot about epilepsy, probably more than I’d every wanted to know, as one of my sweet granddaughters is afflicted by this condition. So I’ll be wearing some purple today in honor of our Sweetheart.

We had a great chicken  casserole for Sunday dinner this past weekend and I thought I’d share the recipe with you all today.  It’s worth a try for sure.  

Crazy Good Casserole

4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 strips of quality bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook and crumble bacon. While bacon is cooking, cut chicken into bite-sized chunks. Set cooked bacon aside for later use. In the same pan, cook chicken in bacon drippings. Add garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.

While chicken is cooking, prepare pasta according to directions. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400.

Drain pasta, return to pot. Add chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of Monterrey Jack cheese – stir to mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with crumbled bacon, and with remaining cup of Monterrey Jack cheese.

Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes, just until cheese is melted and beginning to brown on top

I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but here we have a brisk northwest wind blowing and it’s quite cold.  Today it’s supposed to get a little warmer and by the weekend we should be in the upper 60’s.  I’ve been putting the layers for warmth.  The buds are starting to pop out on a lot of trees around here.  We’ll be hoping that the cold hasn’t ruined their beautiful blossoms.  The Bradford Pear trees have been in full bloom now for awhile and have been just gorgeous.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday, don’t forget to wear your purple.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1520. for our Sweetheart, who inspires me with her beautiful smile

1521. for the color purple, showing support 

1522.  for a great Sunday dinner

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 !

Remember, no human condition is ever permanent. Then you will not be overjoyed in good fortune nor too scornful in misfortune.

Socrates

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma