For Tuesday, June 17th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, JUNE 17TH, 2014

4 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise: 5:57 am

Sunset: 9:02 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

In the United States, June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. And, right in the middle of the merry month, June 17th is Eat Your Vegetables Day.

From crunchy cut carrots to crisp celery, and from bunches of broccoli to corn on the cob, Eat Your Vegetables Day offers a wonderful occasion for dipping and noshing on healthy fresh veggies.

In many regions, gardens and patio pots are beginning to sprout vegetable harvests for the home table. How about tossing a giant salad, whipping up a stir-fry or organizing a delicious vegetable omelet on June 17th for Eat Your Vegetables Day?

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat. 

Fran Lebowitz

I tend to eat more veggies when the temps warm up and salads are one of my favorite meals to have in the summertime.  There are many that are filling enough to make a meal out of them.  I fixed a taco salad for a cookout this past weekend and even though it was a side dish for that, it is one salad that could be a meal in itself. Another salad I made was a Chicken Caesar Salad and once again it was a side dish that could make a meal.  

Here are the recipes for both. 

Taco Salad

1 lb.  lean ground beef

1  packet taco seasoning

1 large head of iceberg lettuce, broken into bite sized pieces 

1 large tomato, diced, I used a package of grape tomatoes instead

1 green pepper chopped

1 red onion diced

1 white onion to use in the ground beef mixture

8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded, I used a Mexican style blend

1 can chili beans or kidney beans

2/3 cup water

Nacho cheese Doritos, broken up a bit into bite sized pieces. Use as many or few as you prefer.

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into pieces with a wooden spoon. I added one chopped white onion to the beef and browned it as well.  Add the can of chili beans and the packet of taco seasoning to the browned beef mixture and stir until well coated. Add 2/3 cup water and bring to a boil then set aside.

In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, chopped red onion, green pepper, cheese, chili beans and the ground beef mixture . When ready to serve, add the Doritos and toss to coat.  Some people like to add some Catalina dressing to the mixture, but I prefer it without.

Chicken Caesar Salad

8 cups  torn romaine lettuce
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled, cut into strips
1 cup  seasoned croutons
1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup Caesar Salad Dressing

One box cooked penne pasta, optional

Toss lettuce with chicken, croutons and cheese in large bowl.

ADD dressing just before serving; mix lightly.

When making this for a meal in itself I also like to add some cooked Penne Pasta to the mix.  

The pictures today are of DS#6 and our little Lucky Guy having fun outside this weekend. I think the little playhouse is one of the best investments I’ve ever made.  And to add to the mix I found a little fire engine for the little ones to ride at Goodwill last week for $3.49.   

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

 Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. 

Doug Larson

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.

1769. for veggies, a favorite food this time of year

1770.  for bacon it is good in salads too

1771. for playtime, we all need it

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 !

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. 

Jim Davis

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma