For Monday, February 16th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH, 2015

32 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:22 am

Sunset: 6:03 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is President's Day!  A day set aside to honor all of the U.S. presidents. We often think of two great presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when we celebrate this holiday, as it falls by design between their birthdays. More and more of us, look at this day as a tribute to each and every person who has ever served in the office of the President of the United States of America. It is a national holiday. While Federal employees, the post office, and banks have the day off, most businesses and industry do not recognize it as a paid holiday. Here the schools are also closed and I’m sure everyone appreciates the fact that they can stay in and keep warm.  

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Why, what's the matter, 
That you have such a February face, 
So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?

William Shakespeare,  Much Ado About Nothing

February 16th is also Do a Grouch a Favor day. Do it and make the world a better place.  Everyone has been a grouch at one time or another. Some people are seemingly grouches all of the time. It's in their nature. Others are occasional grouches, influenced by events in their lives, lack of sleep, and yes, even the weather.

At this point of winter, I truly feel like I should be a star on the Survivor show.  I’m surviving, but not thriving.  I’m trying really hard not to be a grouch.  Some days are better than others, but today is not one of those days. 

My Presidents Day shopping with DD yesterday did not go as planned.  The Outlet Mall was completely closed up when we got there. We can only assume it was due to the Wind Chill Advisory that was posted. The roads were clear, the sun was out, and their parking lot was shoveled, but stores were closed.  The good news is that I got to spend some time with my daughter.  

I tried this new to me recipe over the weekend and it turned our pretty good.  I love it when you can cook every thing in one pot.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

1 lb ground beef

cooking spray

2 1/2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups hot water

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add the ground beef. Brown until cooked through and no longer pink. Discard any fat. Add the pasta, milk, water and spices and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Add more milk if it becomes too dry.  Add the cheese and stir to combine. Serve immediately.  Note:  I didn’t not add the pepper flakes or the cayenne pepper.

Looking at the 10 day forecast, we won’t be going above freezing here and there will still be times we’ll be close to zero.  There is definitely more snow coming our way too.  But on the bright side, I’m a survivor, I may not be the happiest person in the world, but I can still muster up a smile or two.

Keep Warm and Keep Safe Everyone !  Happy Monday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

There seems to be so much more winter than we need this year.

 Kathleen Norris

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it seems as if I’m repeating a lot of things that I’m thankful for, but no moment is really ever the same and every day is a new beginning.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2498. for smiles that warm the heart

2499. for the sunshine when it makes an appearance

2500. for all of the US Presidents 

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 !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Keep your faith in beautiful things; 
in the sun when it is hidden, 
in the Spring when it is gone.

 Roy R. Gibson

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma