For Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2014

52 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:27 am

Sunset: 8:24 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Happy Birthday to Mr. Blue Eyes, aka our Sunshine Boy, today!

May the dear Lord bless you today and always.!

Happy Birthday !

I love you and miss you a lot !

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A song is no song 'til you sing it, And love in your heart. Wasn't put there to stay - Love isn't love 'Til you give it away. 

Oscar Hammerstein

Almost a month ago now, I got to visit with this grandson.  The whole purpose of my visit was to see him perform in a Talent Show.  He has a wonderful voice and singing is his talent for sure.  I had to change his nick name after seeing the tilt of the hat he wore and hearing his wonderful voice

Last year at this time I was there at his house too and was able to celebrate his birthday in person.  Today’s pictures are a mixture of both times.   This is the last of our April birthdays and very soon we will  have May birthdays to be celebrating!

One thing about having a large family is that there’s hardly a time goes by but there isn’t something special going on.  Thanks to a very generous DS#4, I sometimes get to be there for important times with his family.  So often that is not the case and I miss a lot of others special days.  I’m there in heart for all of them though, just not in person.

This has been a rainy week so far with rain most every day.  After today we’ll hopefully be seeing only partly cloudy skies for a few days and then a slight chance for showers return for the weekend.  Everything is greening up and growing for sure.  We mowed the grass here for the first time this past Saturday and you know when you start, there is no stopping until the frosts hit in late October.

Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!  Celebrate !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Whatever be the depth of woe
Along the path that I must go,
I'll sing my song—
My song of joy for all the love
That's lavished on us from above,
And count no loss of treasure trove
When things go wrong.
I'll sing the sunlight, and the bright
Soft smiling stars that gem the night;
For gifts of good
That God hath spread along my way,
The lilt of birds in tuneful play,
The harvests full and flowers gay,
The whole day long
I'll sing my song
Of gratitude!

John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922), My Song, The Cheery Way: A Bit of Verse For Every Day, 1920

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1625. for Mr. Blue Eyes, his birthday is today

1626. for Spring rains that make things grow and grow

1627. for all the special occasions life gives us to celebrate

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 !

Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway. 

Emory Austin 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, APRIL 29TH, 2014

53 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:26 am

Sunset: 8:22 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Celebrated each year on April 29, it is National Peace Rose Day.   Today is set aside to honor the Peace rose, a well known and successful garden rose.

The light yellow to cream colored large flowers of the Peace rose have slightly flushed crimson pink petal edges.  It is a hybrid tea rose that is hardy, vigorous and highly resistant to disease.

 In 1945, Peace roses were given to each delegate at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations, in San Francisco, with a note that read:

We hope the Peace rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 Peace - that was the other name for home.

Kathleen Norris

The roses pictured today are not the Peace Rose.  They are from the rose bush that sits just outside my back door.  Hopefully it’ll be blooming some time later in May.  These pictures are from past years.  Right now it is looking quite forlorn from the harsh winter that we had.  There are just a very few new leaves appearing and I’m afraid a lot of it will have to be cut back.  We’ll see….

It’s so very hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of April already. The month of May should bring us some warmer days and along with several more birthdays, an anniversary and a confirmation…it will be a very busy month for our family.

The mid to end of the month, depending on the weather,  we’ll also be planting a few flowers around here.  Lots and lots to do and see in the days ahead.

Peace be with you — have a terrific Tuesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Peace begins with a smile.

Mother Teresa

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1622. for roses, a flower representing peace

1623. for peace filled days at home

1624.  for smiles, they bring peace

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 !

You'll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart. 

George Michael

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Monday, Aril 28th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, APRIL 28TH, 2014

54 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:28 am

Sunset: 8:21 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Biological Clock Day.  It’s a day to celebrate whatever age you are, or whatever life stage you are in.  Today is a good day to consider whether or not our clock is still ticking or has the alarm gone off.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There is a wisdom in the body that is older and more reliable than clocks and calendars. 

John Harold Johnson

All living organisms have an internal biological clock, called the Circadian Rhythm, which helps their bodies adapt to the daily cycle of day and night as the Earth rotates.

Sleep is essential to our mental and physical health.  Our inner clocks normally keep us awake during the day and asleep at night.  But sunlight, air travel and even the seasons can disrupt our Circadian Rhythms and the quality and quantity of sleep that we get. It’s because so many people spend their days indoors and their nights bathed in the glow of electric lights, the body's clock can get out of sync.

My body does have it’s own clock that seems to be relative to the amount of daylight hours we have.  I hibernate all winter long and sleep a lot.  When Spring comes along with longer days, I am much more awake.  Thanks to the fact that I’m now retired I can allow myself go to bed when night falls and wake up in the morning when the daylight hits my face.

It’s no wonder we are disgruntled by waking up by an alarm clock when it seems like the middle of the night, but we need to get up to go off to work.   Sometimes we can reset the clock a little by going to bed earlier, a lesson I learned early on when I had to start work very early in the morning.

The trick is to finding the right balance.

The pictures today were taken one year ago when I was visiting at DS#4’s house.

It’s Monday morning again and for many it means letting that alarm wake you up so you can go off to work.  Whether or not that is the case, I hope you all have a great day !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again. 

Bonnie Prudden 

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1619. for my inner clock, which is still ticking

1620. for time to do what I want and when I want to

1621. for a good sleep every night, it does make a difference.

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 !

 Be pleasant until ten o'clock in the morning and the rest of the day will take care of itself. 

Elbert Hubbard

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Sunday, April 27th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2014

55 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:29 am

Sunset: 8:20 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Tell a Story Day celebrates story telling of all kinds. It doesn't matter if its fiction or nonfiction, a tall tale, or folk lore. Today is a day to tell 'em all. Stories can be from a book, other written material, or from memory.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There are always three sides to every story: your side, the other side, and the truth. 

Author Unknown 

The art of storytelling is the oldest method of passing on family history and traditions.  For years now I’ve been blogging and it’s my way of telling my story.  Right now I’m celebrating 50 days of Easter.  The story of Easter is the greatest story every told and it's a time to be full of hope and to enjoy the blessings we’ve be given. 

The last few days I’ve encountered some stories on TV that I must say were not worth watching.  I can truthfully say that I won’t be watching them again.  On the news they mentioned a new series out, so I thought I’d check it out.  NOT ever again.  Just thought I’d mention that not all stories that are told are good ones.  The great thing is we get to make a choice about which ones we’ll listen to or watch. I like stories that are funny and that have happy endings.  Even when I’m reading, those are the ones I’ll choose first.  

Todays pictures are more of the flowers blooming around here…the pictures tell the story.

It’s Sunday again and it was a terribly fast week here.  Today I’ll be off to church as usual.  Lots of good news to be heard there.  I hope you all enjoy a restful and relaxing day and maybe enjoy a good story or two yourselves.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The story of Easter is the story of God's wonderful window of divine surprise. 

Carl Knudsen

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1616. for good stories that pass on good ideals 

1617. for the greatest story ever told

1618. for choices, we get to choose what we do

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 !

Listening to both sides of a story will convince you that there is more to a story than both sides. 

Frank Tyger 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Saturday, April 26th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2014

56 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:30 am

Sunset: 8:19 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is the most scent-sational day of the year - Sense of Smell Day!  A freshly peeled orange, sun warmed pines, a crisp new fallen snow: for what fragrances are you most grateful? April 26th, is the annual opportunity to appreciate smell.  The sense of smell can make you feel good, relaxed, sense danger, improve your mood, help you be more alert, and help you sleep.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. 

Margaret Atwood

You might be surprised at how important of a role your sense of smell plays in your day to day decisions, emotions, and memories.  I know that when I’m baking cakes or cookies my sense of smell will tell me when something is done and ready to take out of the oven.  And did you know that scent is the sense closest linked to memory. I’ll never forget the smell of the rose scented lotion my mom used to wear.

They say that our sense of smell is strongest in the summer and spring.  Spring does bring lots of wonderful fragrances to appreciate.  When I was working in the front flower beds the other day the scent of the hyacinths was almost overpowering.  Soon the lilacs will be blooming and their scent is heavenly.

The smell of popcorn popping always makes me hungry.  No matter that I’d just eaten, if I smell popcorn my stomach starts growling.  One of the most evocative smells from childhood is crayons.  I love the smell of a newborn baby and will never forget the smell of old spice shaving lotion.

Smells are wonderful!  They are all around us and I’m thankful I do have a wonderful sense of smell.  

Hope you all have a great day!  Take time to smell the roses and have a super Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round. 

Ben Hogan

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1613.  for lovely fragrant flowers 

1614. for delicious aroma of my morning coffee

1615. for sweet smell of chocolate !  

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!

My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one else cares. Why should you? 

Erma Bombeck

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Friday, April 25th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2014

57 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:32 am

Sunset: 8:18 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Arbor Day, which is usually celebrated the last Friday of April,  is the annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.  Raise the flag, strike up the band, make Arbor Day fun. Make it memorable.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life is like a growing tree. The deeper its root, the stronger it will remain. 

For many years when the babes were young our school passed out tiny pine trees to plant on Arbor Day.  We had a forest of tiny pines in the front lawn.  Sadly many of them were mowed over due to the fact that they were so tiny.  I don’t know if schools still do that but it’s a great idea to encourage and promote planting a tree.  

A tree needs to be planted firmly in the earth. The soil is not only the source through which nourishment is absorbed, but also provides room for the roots to grow.  This is true of a person as well.  People require a strong home base, where values and morals are absorbed, and which provides a supportive growth environment. In a world rife with negativity; we need a filter, a safe haven to return to and refresh.

I’ve always felt that home is important and when you have a safe comfortable place to live and people around you to love and encourage you, then you are truly blessed.  

The pictures today are of trees, some just now coming to life, others are of years past.

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday, plant your roots deep!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Life without faith is like a tree without roots

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1600 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1610. For trees, big or small and their wonderful blossoms this time of year

1611. for my home, it’s a comfortable place to be

1612.  for a life, deeply rooted in faith

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 without love is like a tree without leaves

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma