For Wednesday, March 11th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2015

9 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:48 am

Sunset: 7:31 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

March 11h is Johnny Appleseed Day.  Celebrating John Chapman, legendary American pioneer and folk hero who planted apple trees across the American Frontier. Chapman was born in Massachusetts, September 26, 1774, but it is believed that he died on March 11, 1845, from what was referred to as the winter plague. The actual date of his death has been disputed.

Chapman earned his nickname because he planted small orchards and individual apple trees during his travels as he walked across 100,000 square miles of Midwestern wilderness and prairie. Johnny Appleseed owned several parcels of land throughout the Ohio Valley and started many orchards in Ohio.  He was a genuine and dedicated professional nurseryman, known for his generous nature, his love of the wilderness, his devotion to the Bible, his knowledge of medicinal herbs, his harmony with the Indians, and his eccentric nature, too. Next time you bite into an apple, think of Johnny Appleseed.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. 

I do love apples and all the things you can make with them and they are very good for you. But today I’m sharing a recipe for stew.  While it’s still cold enough to enjoy some comfort food, I made a pot of stew this week and so today I’m sharing the recipe I used.  It made a huge pot full and I’m going to be enjoying the last of my leftovers today.  It’s called Lazy Day Beef Stew

2 pounds stew beef
1 small bag baby carrots
3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 to 10 red potatoes, quartered
1 onion, quartered
1 pack au jus gravy mix (I substituted a packet of Italian Dressing Mix)
2 pouches brown gravy mix
1 pouch ranch dressing powder
3 cups water

Toss everything in your crockpot in the morning. Stir until well mixed. Set slowcooker to low and walk away.

Serve 8-9 hours later with hot biscuits, rolls, and giant spoons. Very tasty indeed.

March 11th is also a special day on my calendar as it’s the date my DDH was born many years ago.  He was a great man in my books and so today I’ll spend some time remembering all the wonderful times we had together.  Gone but never forgotten.

It’s been a little strange getting up while it’s still dark outside right now.  Until the time changed, we getting light out a lot earlier.  It’ll take a few weeks before that changes back, but I’ve sure been enjoying that extra hour of daylight in the evening.  Those minutes will keep adding up till we see the first day of summer in June and then very slowly we’ll see them decrease once more. 

Meanwhile I’m very thankful for this warm spell we’re experiencing.   The mountains of snow are melting.  I’ll be sure to take pictures when we can finally see grass once again in the yard.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible.

Welsh Proverb 

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

2568. for leftovers, always good !

2569. for apples and all the delicious things you can make with them

2570. for thoughts of spring and planting things

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

Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples don't count on harvesting golden Delicious . 

Author Unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma