For Saturday, May 31st, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, MAY 31ST, 2014

21 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:00 am

Sunset: 8:53 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is What You Think Upon Grows Day.   If you think it, it will grow. Whether you buy into that philosophy or not, know that the holiday has a real world connection. A proponent of the positive thinking philosophy, Norman Vincent Peale, was born on May 31, 1898. Peale wrote The Power of Positive Thinking.   In 1945 Peale and his wife published the religious magazine, Guideposts, which is still in circulation.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.

Willie Nelson

There is much power in positive thinking and I’m one that always tries to look on the Bright Side of life so I guess you could call me a positive thinker.  Every day might not be a good one, but there is something good in every day.  We just need to look for those bright shiny moments and make the most of them.

We got a little cool down here starting Thursday morning, in the low 70’s, but will be much warmer in the days ahead and should go into the mid 80’s by Sunday.  Unofficially it seems Summertime is here .  

I’m ready for summertime and all it’s glory and will be enjoying the warmth for sure.  I don’t like being cold, but there will be days ahead now that the A/C will have to come on.  I keep it set about 78 degrees here in my house.  To me that is about the perfect temp.  More or less if the A/C comes on it will be to take out some humidity in the air.   I don’t want to be cold…no, I had enough of that this past winter.

The good news here this week is my one cup coffee system finally started working again.  I just kept trying to brew a cup, using plain water,  until it started working again.  I think it must have gotten clogged up for some reason as there were tiny bits of coffee that come out along with the water.  

That reminds me of the way life goes, it’s not always going to work the way we want, but if we persevere eventually we make it through.  So keep those good thoughts growing today and have a super Saturday!

Today’s pictures are from this time last year when my roses were blooming.  I don’t have any here yet, but the bush is alive and growing so maybe soon...

The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. 

Dennis S. Brown

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. 

Buddha

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1700 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1718. for the power in a positive thought

1719.  for my morning coffee, one cup at a time.

1720. for perseverance,  a gift of the Spirit

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 !

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. 

Francesca Reigler

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Friday, May 30th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, MAY 30TH, 2014

23 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:01 am

Sunset: 8:52 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Water a Flower Day, which is celebrated on May 30th,  is that yearly reminder to show our flowers how much we appreciate them for their sumptuous colors, their fragrant blossoms and their sometimes medicinal  properties.

The best way to celebrate Water a Flower Day is by giving all of your household and garden plants an aquatic treat. Also, studies show that gently caressing them would in their natural habitat promotes growth, so don’t be shy, give their leaves a tender squeeze. Stroke and sing to them like you would to a child. You’ll be a better person for it and you’d make the world a brighter, sweeter and more colorful place.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. 

Author Unknown

Spending time outside planting or just watching the plants grow always makes me smile.  This year I did plant a few herbs in some pots outside and I’m looking forward to using them soon.

In the warmer weather we all seem to drink more and I found some ideas for summertime beverages that we can make from scratch and that sound much more refreshing than anything you can buy bottled or canned.  A little mint added to your beverages is very refreshing.

lemon/cucumber:
Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 1 cucumber and a lemon, thinly sliced + 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf + 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Strawberry/Lime or Raspberry/Lime
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 6 strawberries / 0r Raspberries and one thinly sliced lime + 12 finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

 Blackberry/Sage
Note that a part from the berries, sage leafs is the herb that has the highest antioxidant content.
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of blackberries that have been very slightly crushed + 3-4 sage leaves. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

 watermelon/Rosemary
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of watermelon cut into cubes + 2 rosemary stems. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

Pineapple/Mint
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes + 12 fresh mint leaves finely chopped. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

 Apple/cinnamon
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of apple cut into cubes + 2 cinnamon sticks + 2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

 Ginger/tea
In advance: heat 1 teaspoon of ginger in two cups of tea, let it cool down.

Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water with two cups of the ginger tea + 4-5 pieces of fresh ginger cut into cubes. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving. 

I haven’t tried any of these out yet, but the pineapple mint one sounds pretty good to me.  And maybe I’ll try the Apple Cinnamon and the Strawberry Lime drink too.  

Remember that when it gets hot out we do need to drink more.  Being dehydrated can lead to lots of problems.

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Who will tell whether one happy moment of love or the joy of breathing or walking on a bright morning and smelling the fresh air, is not worth all the suffering and effort which life implies. 

Erich Fromm

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1700 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1715. for flowers that don’t need watering when it rains

1716.  for herbs that add flavor and zest to our food

1717. for a refreshing cup of Lemon Zinger tea

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 !

All things bright and beautiful 

All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all. 

Cecil Frances Alexander, Hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

For Thursday, May 29th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, MAY 29TH, 2014

24 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:01 am

Sunset: 8:51 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

 May 29th is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Day.  The day has two purposes: to honor the memory of the UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace; and to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage.  United Nations Peacekeeping is a valuable investment that above all, saves lives.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 

After a weekend in the sun it seems that our spring has burst forth, all at once, and summer will soon be here.  For those like me that live in the slow lane,  it is still unfolding in its beauty, a little each day.  Today’s pictures are of what is blooming outside right now.

I love perennial gardening. It takes patience. It’s not an instant garden. But one of the great joys of living here is that most everything comes up again year after year.  Gardening is a  meditative and peaceful process and takes me to another place where I lose all sense of time.  

We all need some peaceful moments now and then.

I hope that your day is a peace filled one, Happy Thursday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Peace is the first thing the angels sang. 

Leo the Great

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1700 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1712. for my perennials that continue to bloom year after year

1713.  for peaceful moments

1714. for life in the slow lane

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 !

It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it

Eleanor Roosevelt

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Wednesday, May 28th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH, 2014

25 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:02 am

Sunset: 8:50 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Hamburger Day.  The humble hamburger is a staple of western culture. Burger joints, takeaway food outlets and all night eateries serve them up in their millions  with cheese, salad, gherkins and pickles, bacon and sauces. Why not celebrate Hamburger Day by making your own hamburgers?

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

For me there is nothing like a burger done on the grill outside.  I no longer have a grill so when I do get one it is a treat.  If you didn't have a hamburger over the holiday weekend like I did, maybe you should consider enjoying one today. 

Good burgers, to me, have important qualities:

1. They’re made with 80/20 ground beef.
2. The beef is seasoned before formed into patties.
3. They’re topped with several different ingredients, a slice of American cheese, for me, just won’t do.
4. They’re sandwiched between a crusty, chewy bun.  I like mine toasted.

I like burgers with lettuce, onion and mayo, Hellman’s mayo is the best,  but I also enjoy them topped with grilled onions and mushrooms.  I know I have some in the freezer so today, even though it won’t be grilled outdoors I’ll be having a burger.

Today’s pictures are a few more of the grandchildren over the past holiday weekend.  They played till they literally dropped.  They ran their little legs off.  They enjoyed the cake and ice cream too!  And thankfully, there were also a few quiet moments.

Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1700 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1709.  for a good juicy burger with a toasted bun

1710.  for the joy found in watching children play

1711.  for extended families that make for even more good times to enjoy!

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 Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, MAY 27TH, 2014

26 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:02 am

Sunset: 8:49 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Sun Screen Day educates and brings awareness to the importance of using sunscreen to protect yourself and your children from harmful UV rays from the sun.  This day is held on May 27th, just in advance of the summer and vacation season. Use Sun Screen Day as a reminder to make sure you are properly protecting yourself from the sun, such as by keeping out of the rays at the hottest time of the day, 11 am – 2pm, drinking plenty of liquids and, of course, wearing sun screen!

Celebrate Sun Screen Day in the sun...with your sun screen protection!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Some people are making such thorough plans for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today's sunshine.

William Feather 

After a beautiful triple star studded weekend with days of sunshine and warmth, we’ll probably be seeing some rain here at my house.  Today and maybe again tomorrow the forecast shows a chance of rain but remember even when it’s cloudy out you still need that protection from the sun.   UV rays can penetrate through the clouds.

One thing about having a rainy day that will keep me indoors is that it gives me a chance to catch up on the housework.  After so many days of being outside nothing much has been done here so today I’ll be doing some laundry and cleaning up around here. 

Today’s pictures were taken at yesterday’s baby shower in honor of DS#6 and his wife’s Precious baby due in early August this year.  It was the last of our star studded weekend activities and we certainly went out with a bang.  Everyone had such a great time.  Showers are always happy celebrations.

Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

A ray of sunshine, a balmy breeze Are a gift from God above, And He also gives us faithful friends. To warm our hearts with love. 

Author Unknown 

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1700 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1706. for a new granddaughter coming our way in August, my 21st grandchild!

1707.  for rain, that refreshes

1708.  for a chance to do some work inside

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 cloudy day or a little sunshine have as great an influence on many constitutions as the most recent blessings or misfortunes. 

Joseph Addison

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, MAY 26TH, 2014

27 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 6:03 am

Sunset: 8:49 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May and is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day observance, goes back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Babies are always more trouble than you thought — and more wonderful. 

Charles Osgood

Today is the final star in our triple star weekend.  Such happy family times are definitely hard to beat.  I’ll be going to a shower for DS#6 and his wife today as they are expecting their 2nd child in August and this time it’s a girl.  So even though they have one little Lucky Guy at their house they’ll now be welcoming a precious little girl into their home.  Precious is my nickname for this 21st grand child of mine.  All babies are so very precious, it’s a wonder I haven’t thought of this nickname before.  

Today’s pictures of our little Cutie’s Patootie’s special day yesterday.  We all gathered to celebrate her baptism and what a wonderful day it was.  Lots of good food and good times together.

Today is Memorial Day and a special time to honor our fallen heroes and she-roes too!  Please join me in taking a little time out today to pause and maybe say a prayer for all those that have died in service to our great country and for their families.

After 3 days of parties going on I know that tomorrow will be a day of rest for this grand’ma’.  I’m just going to take it slow and easy and count my many blessings.

Have a Happy Memorial and celebrate !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. 

Elizabeth Stone

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1700 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1703. for our Cutie Patootie, she’s a cute one for sure!

1704. for all the great memories made this weekend

1705.  for time to be with loved ones, to share their special days

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 !

Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.  

E.B. White, Charlottes Web

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma