For Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST, 2015

82 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:14 am

Sunset:  7:52 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

On this the very last day of March we celebrate Daffodil Day . Today might just be the day to leave a bouquet of daffodils on a friend’s doorstep, a perfect way to say a spring hello.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The Legend of the Daffodil

Each time a Guardian Angel
sees a good deed being done--
A special springtime kindness,
or a prayer said for someone..
She plucks a star from heaven,
and it floats to earth until
it blooms in all its glory,
as a golden daffodil!

 Author unknown

Daffodil tops are poking through the ground here, but due to the unusually cold temps here none have bloomed yet this year.  The daffodil is a symbol of rebirth,  a sign of the new beginnings that come with spring. Daffodils are often found connected with Easter because of their new birth significance.

It has been said that the daffodil first appeared on the night of The Last Supper in the Garden of Gethsemane to comfort Jesus in his hour of sorrow.

The daffodil has also been a symbol of wealth which originated in the early 1600’s in England. At the time daffodils grew wild but thanks to the Tulips and their rise to fame, daffodils were soon a sought after bulb that gardeners wanted in their own gardens. As its popularity grew, so did its symbolism of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that if you are the first to see a daffodil bloom in Whales, you will have a year filled with wealth.

In England, the daffodil is often referred to as the Lent Lily because they have long been associated with Lent. Throughout the world the daffodil not only symbolizes the end of winter and long cold months but is the forerunner to the rekindling of love and a lucky token for prosperity.

I’ll be taking lots of new pictures of our spring blossoms when ever it warms up and ours finally bloom, meanwhile I have lots of pictures to share of them from previous years.

I hope you all have a terrific  Tuesday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

A house with daffodils in it is a house lit up, 
whether or no the sun be shining outside. 

A.A. Milne

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2628. for sunny daffodils blooming in all their glory

2629. for a quiet Holy Week to remember the importance of Easter in our lives

2630. for lady bug sightings, another sign of Spring

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!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Never give a single daffodil, as bringing a single daffodil into the house will bring misfortune.  
Always give a bunch to ensure happiness. 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Monday, March 30th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2015

83 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:16 am

Sunset:  7:51 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Stretch your legs and breath some fresh, outdoor air because today is Take A Walk In The Park Day! Why not visit a local park, have a picnic and stroll by the river?

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 re-energize 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. 

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see. 

John Burroughs

The pictures today are of the snow we had this past weekend.  It started Friday with just a dusting on the ground in the morning and by evening the ground was completely covered.  Then Saturday our temps never rose above freezing so most of it hung around.  Hopefully this week we won’t be seeing any more of that white stuff, because we are going to be in the 40’s for the most part.  Yea !

The walking around that I’ll be doing will probably be in my own back yard as I’ll be doing a little baby sitting for a couple of days, but back yards are nice when the sun is shinning !

We have several lovely parks nearby to take walks in.  One of my favorites is called Duck Pond mainly because I’ve spend many happy hours there with my family.  I’ve done a lot of hiking there along the trails.  Now days most of the parks here have paved walking trails making them more handicapped accessible.  It wasn’t always like that but thankfully many improvements have been made.  

Walking is wonderful exercise and a great stress reliever and I know from experience that if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.  Other than snow shoveling, I’ve not gotten much exercise the past few months.  Time to get out and walk a little more. 

I hope you all have a wonderful start to this new week!  Happy Monday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

After a day's walk everything has twice its usual value. 

George Macauley Trevelyan

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2625. for walks, good exercise and relieves stress

2626. for sunshine that melts the snow away

2627. for the new week ahead, 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 ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. 

Raymond Inmon

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Sunday, March 29th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2015

84 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:18 am

Sunset:  7:50 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

 March 29th, 2015 is Palm Sunday. This Christian observance falls on the Sunday before Easter and is the sixth and last Sunday of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday. The beginning of Holy Week, Palm Sunday marks the day when Christ rode into Jerusalem a week before his death and resurrection and was greeted by its people, who strewed cloaks and tree branches along his path to honor him as their king. 

 Holy Week encompasses the 7 days prior to Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday and includes Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and ends at midnight on Holy Saturday. At the end of Holy Week is Easter Sunday with the celebration of Jesus rising from the tomb.

It’s a day to consider carefully, how one man has continued to change the lives of all, from a short 33 years of life on this Earth.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Before 
and behind,
 crying, hosanna, 
hosanna in the highest,
 the crowds lay down their cloaks,
and cut leafy branches from the fields,
and made way for you to enter Jerusalem.

Jesus of Nazareth, you are joy for us.
Our God who leads us to grace. 
Our king crowned with thorns, 
our beloved, our hero,
all the way to 
the cross.

And to
our hearts!

Hosanna!

Just sharing a little story with you all today.   A little boy missed out on church one Palm Sunday. His mother stayed home to watch over him. When dad came home, there he was, sick on the couch. When he noticed dad come in with a huge palm branch in his hand, he was curious and asked, Dad, what’s up with that palm branch?

His dad said, It’s Palm Sunday, son! You see, when Jesus came into town, everybody waved these Palm Branches to honor him, so we all got Palm Branches today.

The boy was upset because he missed the celebration and he said, Just my luck, dad! The one Sunday I miss is the Sunday that Jesus shows up!

The good news for us is that Jesus shows up every day. 

We had a great family celebration yesterday and I’d like to thank DS#3 and his wife for hosting a wonderful family get together.   I’m a bit tired out today but will soon be off to church and will get my palm branch to bring home. Christ is our King and the palms remind us to carry our cross patiently so we may share Christ's Easter glory.

I hope you all have a restful and relaxing Sunday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David!. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Matthew 21:9

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2622. for a day to reflect and to rest

2623. for a wonderful family celebration, we celebrated Easter as a family yesterday

2624. for palms that remind us of Christ’s victory

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 !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Palm Sunday is like a glimpse of Easter. It's a little bit joyful after being somber during Lent.

 Laura Gale

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Saturday, March 28th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH, 2015

85 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:19 am

Sunset: 7:49 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

National Weed Appreciation Day is celebrated today and on March 28th of each year and it is a good day to learn more about weeds and their benefits.

Weeds have been used by humans for food and as a herb for much of recorded history.  There are the weeds that are edible and nutritious while other weeds have medicinal value.

Do you remember as a small child the fun you had with dandelions?  They actually 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.

Before using any weed as a food source, make sure it is correctly identified and that it is free of herbicides and pesticides.  Research the safe edible part of each weed and find useful cooking and preparation tips.

Enjoy National Weed Appreciation Day.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A weed is but an unloved flower.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I do love the sunny color of a dandelion, but I’m one that usually puts out weed and feed on the lawn so it looks nice and green.  Weeds are defined as something growing where we don’t want it to be and that makes me think about a whole lot of other things that need weeding out in my life.  There are lots of things here at my house that are where I don’t want them to be.  Just like tending our yards, we need to tend to what’s important in our lives too.

Pulling weeds and planting seeds is like the story of life.  We all have weeds in our personal lives like bad habits, inappropriate or misguided opinions of ourselves or others, procrastination, or even lack of organization.  They tend to choke out our ability to live life as the good Lord intended for us.  Weeding  out your life requires persistence, patience, and most of all, a commitment to change. 

On the bright side today is our family Easter celebration.  All my family except for those living out of state should be there.  DS#5 does have other commitments but we’re hoping he’ll be able to show up even though he’ll be a bit late.  We’ll miss those that can’t be with us today but wish them a very Happy Easter!

We’re supposed to be doing the annual Easter Egg hunt for the kids outside.  It’s  cold and there is now a covering of snow on the ground, thanks to a little clipper that came through here yesterday, so it remains to be seen if that will happen inside or out, but they’ll still have lots of fun.  DS#3 and his wife are hosting this years celebration and they have a good size yard for hiding eggs in. Hopefully I’ll have lots of pictures to share with you all later on. 

 The pictures today are of last year’s gathering at DS#5’s house.  It was a few weeks later than now and we were able to be outside for most of the day.

As always I’ll be praying for safe travels for all traveling today and on the coming holiday weekend.  Many families will be gathering to celebrate together.

I hope you all have a super Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

A man's children and his garden both reflect the amount of weeding done during the growing season.

Author Unknown

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2619. for weed and feed it makes my grass greener

2620. for a family gathering, always lots of fun

2621. for Easter eggs, colorful and tasty!

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

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 Friday, March 27th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH, 2015

86 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:21 am

Sunset: 7:48 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 !

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.  

Author Unknown

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Love is a symbol of eternity.  It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.  

Author Unknown

This is another long distance celebration for me today as these two are very far away.  And as usual a card went out in the mail.

It’s occurred to me that this isn’t my day to celebrate, but theirs.  However, they are a part of my family and whatever my family does always effects me too.  So today I am celebrating this wonderful couple and the happy family they have too.  May they love as long as they live and may their love grow as the years pass.

I really don’t get to see them often at all but on the Bright Side they are planning a vacation trip home this summer.  DS#2 and his family are planning on being home at the same time too.  I haven’t had all of my family together at one time for years.  So this will be truly a big celebration.  A family reunion that will be remembered for years to come.  Believe me when I say, I am very happy and very excited!

Today I’m trying to get some things ready for our family Easter celebration tomorrow.  The weather is not cooperating very well as they say we’ll be lucky to see our temps reach 30 degrees tomorrow, but it’s supposed to be mostly sunny.  

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart. 

Author Unknown

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2616. for DS#4 and his wife, today is their anniversary!

2617. for love, it truly does make the world go round

2618. for a family reunion this summer

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

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

Michael Leunig

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Thursday, March 26th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH, 2015

87 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:23 am

Sunset: 7:47 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Purple Day.  It's a celebration aimed at raising worldwide awareness of epilepsy, a condition that affects over 65 million people globally.

Take some time today 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

If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.  

Elbert Hubbard

I’ll be wearing my purple today and praying for all affected by Epilepsy including one of my own sweet granddaughters.  

Epilepsy is NOT contagious.  Epilepsy is NOT a disease.  Epilepsy is NOT a psychological disorder.  2 in every 100 persons in the U.S. have epilepsy, and for nearly 30%, seizures are not well controlled.  Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. 

The color purple is the international color for epilepsy. The lavender flower is the flower of epilepsy. The lavender flower is associated with solitude, which is representative of the feelings of isolation many people affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders often feel.

We don’t realize what a blessing it is to have good health until we don’t have it or when we have someone close to us that is suffering.  

We had a little warm up here, but it’s not sticking around long at all.  We’re to be in the 30’s and 40’s for the most part, but on the bright side it’s much better than it was, and the promised days of Spring will soon be here even though they might just be a month late.

I hope you all have a great day !  Happy Thursday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The greatest wealth is health.  

Virgil

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2613. for my own good health and that of my family

2614. for organizations that make us more aware

2615. for my own little Sweetheart, a granddaughter that is very dear to me

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 !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

The I in illness is isolation, and the crucial letters in wellness are we.  

Author unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma