For Friday, July 31st, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY,  JULY 31ST, 2015

54 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:22 am

Sunset:  8:49 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

It’s Mutt’s Day! Today, we celebrate these furry friends.  While purebreds come from a lineage of dogs of the same breed, mutts are a mix between two or more breeds. This means that no two mutts are alike, each is unique in its own way! These dogs certainly deserve a day of celebration for their diverse heritage.

To celebrate Mutt’s Day, take your mutt for an extra long walk today. Show your mutt much you appreciate him or her with a few extra treats and toys. Happy Mutt’s Day!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Things A Dog Can Teach Us

Author Unknown

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When you leave your yard, make it an adventure.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Be loyal.

Run, romp and play daily.

Bond with your pack.

When you’re excited, speak up.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends.

When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

 Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

On cold nights, curl up in front of a crackling fire.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

I no longer have any pets at all here at my house but I have owned a few mutts in my day.  The most unusual mix  I had was a Snoodle.  A mix of Schnauzer and Poodle.  This weekend I’m dog sitting for one of my grand dogs and he’s a mixture of Boxer and Bulldog.  He is getting older just like me so I’m sure we’ll both enjoy each others company.  We both move pretty slowly. Ha !

Dogs have so many good qualities that I could probably go on for days, but due to the high cost of having one and giving one the attention they deserve, I feel I can no longer give one what is needed. I am thankful for the opportunity to enjoy a grand dog now and then.  All of my children have at least one dog and many of them have more than one.

Tonight we’ll see the Blue Moon of July.  This is the 2nd full moon this month and because it’s rare to have two full moons in one month, it’s call the Blue Moon.  As always I’ll be thinking of all of you, knowing we call all see it, seems to bring us closer.

The rest of pictures today are just some sights around here these dog days of summer.

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. 

Roger Caras

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

2994.  for dogs, especially my grand dogs

2995. for the opportunity to have faithful companion for just a few days

2996. for fresh corn and cucumbers, I’m enjoying more goodies from the farmer’s roadside stand

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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job. 

Franklin P. Jones

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Thursday, July 30th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY,  JULY 30TH, 2015

55 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:23 am

Sunset:  8:48 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

July 30th is International Day of Friendship, although some celebrate it the first Sunday in August.  The world is filled with too much hatred, too much fighting and too much mistrust of others. The International Day of Friendship is certainly an opportunity to stop, and to reverse, these worldwide problems. 

According to the United Nations, the official sponsor of this special day, the International Day of Friendship is day set aside to promote friendship among peoples, cultures and countries. Today is a time to encourage efforts towards peace, and to build bridges among different people. It is a day of respect for others, and a day to celebrate diversity.

On an individual level, use this day to promote friendship in big and small ways. You can begin by extending an olive branch to a sibling or a family member, a neighbor, or an old friend who we've had a falling out with. If we all try just a little the world will be a better, more peaceful place.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Life is so much better when you have a friend to share it with.  Thankfully, I have some really good friends.  Some of my friends are like family and my family are my friends.  

Whether you’re happy and glad or mad and sad, a friend is always there to share it with.  It would be a sad world without someone there to share and care with.

It takes a special person to be a real friend.   It takes trust and loyalty and gratefulness to be a best friend.  A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.  

The best way to have a good friend is to be one.

I want to say a big THANK YOU to all my friends, I really do appreciate you all so much !

I hope you all have a GREAT day. Happy Thursday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

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

2991.  For my friends that are like family and my family that are my friends

2992. fresh peaches and melon, very tasty and available right now

2993. for limes and lemons, refreshing on a hot day

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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.

Elbert Hubbard

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Wednesday, July 29th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY,  JULY 29TH, 2015

56 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:19 am

Sunset:  8:52 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Rain Day.  Throughout human history, people all over the world have celebrated rain and it’s life giving power. All life is dependent on rain, and rain is what keeps our world green and fresh and beautiful. Rain is no less important today than it has been in the past, and now people around the world have Rain Day, a day to celebrate all things wet and wonderful.

You don’t have to be a farmer with your eye on the latest batch of crops to be concerned with rain, and there are many things the ordinary person can do to celebrate. If you’re lucky enough to be somewhere where it rains on Rain Day, you can head outside to dance, sing, or just walk in the rain. If it doesn’t happen to be raining, you can serve up a delicious meal of fresh greens and other things that depend on the rain to grow, and reflect on how lucky we are to live in a rainy world

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

Irish Blessing

There is no doubt about it, we all need water to live and the water comes from the rain.  We’ve had a wet and rainy July and have been thankful for a few bright sunny days now, but everything is green and growing thanks to the rain we’ve had.  

This could possibly be the hottest day we’ve experienced yet this year.  It’ll be in the lower 90’s and here in northern Ohio that is hot hot ! I know there are others that have it even hotter, but we don’t often get heat above 90 and I’m thankful for that.  

Right now the Ohio State Fair is going on and even though I’m not going there, there are others in my family that are.  I’ll be keeping them in my prayers and hoping they stay cool today.  There are air conditioned buildings to be in and I know what a blessing that is in this heat.

When the sun shines on my patio, the thermometer often zooms up to 100 degrees, It’ll be interesting to see what it does today.  

There hasn’t been much at all going on around here so far this week and it looks like it’ll continue to be a quiet one.  Of course, that could always change at any given moment.  It’s been too hot outside to do much at all.  Keep cool everyone !

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

 When God sorts out the weather and sends rain - Why, rain's my choice. 

James Whitcomb Riley

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

2988.  for the gift of life giving water

2989. for my porch, always shady and dry

2990. for plenty to keep me busy inside where it’s cool

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.

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. 

Jerry Chin

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Tuesday, July 28th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY,  JULY 28TH, 2015

57 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:20 am

Sunset:  8:51 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

July 28th is National Milk Chocolate Day. It's a special day for a special treat. If you are a Chocolaholic, you look forward to each and every chocolate related holiday.  Milk chocolate is enjoyed in candies and in baking. Milk chocolate is the favorite of millions of people. So, its only fitting that it gets its very own special national day.

Lest there be any doubt about celebrating this day, today should be spent consuming and savoring generous amounts of your favorite milk chocolate treats.

Happy National Milk Chocolate Day!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces.

Judith Viorst

Did you know that milk chocolate differs from other chocolates because it's a mix of cocoa solid and either dry or condensed milk. While dark chocolate is traditionally used as a baking ingredient, this sweet treat is used to make chocolate candy bars, hot chocolate, and many delicious desserts.

And did you know that chocolate actually has mood enhancing benefits? That’s right, chocolate can make you happy! This is due to the fact that it contains a stimulant called theobromine and a compound called anandamide. I’ll never remember those names but I will remember that I’m always happier when I have some chocolate.

Although dark chocolate has long been known to have health benefits, a new study has found that milk chocolate may also provide valuable nutrients which lower the chance of heart problems.  However, it is also clear that chocolate has the potential to increase weight, which is unequivocally bad for cardiovascular health, so we are advised not to over indulge.  I’ve always believed in moderation in all things.  We all can reduce our risk of stroke by exercising regularly, consuming a healthy, balanced diet and getting our blood pressure checked

I’m sure I have some milk chocolate here at my house today and I will be indulging!

I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Chocolate doesn't make the world go around ... but it certainly makes the ride worthwhile!

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

2985.  for chocolate, especially milk chocolate 

2986. for Hersheys, Godiva, Lindors, Stovers, Cadbury, Ghirardelli, Malleys and more, all good 

2987. for happy 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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

Charles M. Schulz

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Monday, July 27th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY,  JULY 27TH, 2015

58 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:19 am

Sunset:  8:52 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

July 27th is Take Your Pants for a Walk Day.  It’s a great day to get some exercise and an easy day to celebrate.  Taking your pants for a walk is just a silly way of saying, go for a walk. Unless you are wearing a dress or a skirt, you probably are wearing pants. So, by definition, as you walk, they come along.

Give your pants some exercise.  The walk will do them good.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

One step at a time is good walking.

Chinese Proverb

Well yes, I have to admit that  I’m not walking enough.  When it heats up outside in the summertime, I stay indoors way too much.  Even though it’s almost the end of July, we still have another month or hot weather to go too.  

Studies have shown that walking at a medium to fast pace regularly can have tremendous mental and physical health benefits. Walking not only helps burn calories, but can also boost a person's mood and can help treat depression. It also reduces the risk of a variety of health problems including obesity, diabetes and heart diseases.

We’re experiencing some true summer weather here this week.  Mostly sunny with temps in the mid to upper 80’s, we could even see 90 degrees.  Take care in the heat and don’t forget to drink plenty of liquids.  It’s easy to dehydrate when it heats up outside.

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

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all the exercises walking is the best.

Thomas Jefferson

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

2982.  for walking, always good for you

2983. for sunny summer days, we needed a break from the rain

2984. for a cool and refreshing glass of iced 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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking. 

Friedrich Nietzsche

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma