For Wednesday, September 30th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2015

 82 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Sunrise: 7:25 am

Sunset:  7:14 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

International Coffee Day takes place on September 30, 2015. International Coffee Day is an annual event observed in a handful of countries for the celebration and enjoyment of the popular beverage, coffee.  It seems that there are various days to celebrate this holiday.  I saw it on the 29th and also on October 1st, so I went with the one in the middle.

Whether your cup of coffee is a refreshing iced coffee or a piping hot Americano, Espresso, Café au Lait , or plain black with no sugar, International Coffee Day is a day to take some time off from your busy day to enjoy your favorite version of the beverage

Today, over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year. It is a world commodity that is second only to oil. Don't forget to take a coffee break to celebrate .

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup. 

Henry Rollins

I enjoy my good cup of coffee every morning.  Most of the time I have at least 3. More often than not, I make my coffee from K cups in my one cup coffee maker so I get to try out lots of different flavors.  Right now I have fall flavors like French Toast, Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread.  However my favorite is probably French Vanilla, seconded by Caramel Drizzle.  Then there is always good old fashioned Maxwell House coffee, good to the last drop.

 K cups are individually sealed pods of ground coffee, tea, hot chocolate or apple cider. These products do not actually go bad for a very long time, but the flavor and quality do decrease over time.  Each K cup is sealed and impermeable to moisture, oxygen and light after being nitrogen flushed to ensure its freshness. Because of this, they actually stay fresher longer than regular size packages which are constantly exposed to air and other contaminants once the package is opened. They are so well packaged that it makes you wonder if K cups ever go bad. The best used by date means that you’ll get the most flavor, but usually they will be good a couple of months after that.   

We are saying farewell to September today.  It seems that it was a very fast month.  It’s a sign of things to come.  October, November and December seem to be the busiest months of the year here at my house. Time flies when you are having fun.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Coffee has two virtues: it is wet and warm.

Danish proverb

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

3175.  for a good cup of coffee, sometimes three

3176. for K cups, the coffee stays fresher longer

3177. for my coffee maker, a gift from my children that keeps on giving

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

85 Days Until Christmas

Overnight visitors can be a lot of fun. but hosting houseguests can also be stressful. Having  sheets, blankets, towels or bedspace to welcome visitors ready and waiting will save you time later on.   Check with family, friends and calendars now to prepare for holiday overnighters. With plenty of time to prepare, we all can be warm and gracious hosts.

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

Coffee is a hug in a mug. 

Author Unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Tuesday, September 29th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2015

 83 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Sunrise: 7:24 am

Sunset:  7:16 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is World Heart Day.  It is part of an international campaign to spread awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention. Heart Day was set up to drive home the message that heart problems can be prevented.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent - that is to triumph over old age.

Thomas Bailey Aldrich 

They say you should take 10,000 steps a day to keep your heart healthy.  Sad to say that even on my best days it’s hard to count 5,000 here.  I have one of those little devices that counts steps and counted them out for awhile.  I can only say I’m very thankful I still have stairs to climb everyday.  At least they give me more exercise that I’d get without them.

When it comes to matters of the heart, stress makes a big difference too and I can say in that respect I don’t have to worry.  Living life in the slow lane leaves little room for stress.  I’m too blessed to be stressed.

We’re to be in the lower 70’s here today and then we’re to be in the lower to mid 60’s for as far as I can see in the forecast for the days ahead.  Knowing that the nights will be much cooler, I may just have to turn the heat on.  One day air conditioning, the next day the furnace.  I’m so not ready for that yet.

I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!

The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.

 Blaise Pascal 

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The heart that loves is always young. 

Greek Proverb

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

3172.  for a heart full of love, the best way to lead an excellent lifestyle

3173. for lights, they do brighten a dark gloomy old day

3174. for pancakes and eggs, on the menu for breakfast

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

86 Days Until Christmas

It’s time to visit your local farm stand or grocery store for the perfect pumpkin to decorate your porch. While you are at it, pick out a nice sugar pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin puree is heavenly and can be used to make such delightful edibles such as soup, bread, muffins, cheesecake, pie, cake, fudge, and so much more!  I’ve already got one sitting here on my kitchen counter just waiting to be cooked up.  They say the best way is cut them in half, clean out the innards and bake them in the oven.  I’ll be trying it out soon and will save the seeds to roast too.

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

Keep your head and your heart going in the right direction and you will not have to worry about your feet. 

Source Unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

For Monday, September 28th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2015

 84 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Sunrise: 7:22 am

Sunset:  7:17 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Ask a Stupid Question Day. It's your opportunity to speak up, and to ask all those questions you were afraid to ask. All those questions that you thought were too stupid or dumb to ask, have been piling up all year long. Today is the day to unload them.

 It's far better to ask a stupid question than to never ask a question! 

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?

Jim Rohn

When my children were growing up, they were always asking, why? and it got to the point where I got a sign and hung it on the wall that said, Because I’m the Mom, that’s why.

That may not have been the best thing to do but very often it was true.  However, if we don’t ask questions, we’ll never know the answers.  Being curious about things is how we learn.  Asking questions keep us informed and up to date.  

I guess we all wish we knew all the answers but that will never happen.  Matter of fact most days I’m glad I don’t.

It was a very pleasant weekend here and today we’re to remain in the upper 70’s they say.  But look out and get the jackets ready, come midweek, it looks like we’ll need them.  The pictures today were taken this past Saturday as I sat out on the porch awhile.

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

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Good questions outrank easy answers. 

Paul A. Samuelson

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

3169.  for questions, there are no stupid ones

3170. for summertime temps, for at least one more day

3171. for some Ghirardelli Milk and Carmel squares, delicious!

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

87 Days Until Christmas

As you read holiday magazines or browse gift catalogs, tear our articles with recipes, decor ideas, gift suggestions or holiday traditions. Staple article pages together and place in labeled file folder to keep with your Christmas planner.

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

Take the attitude of a student, Never be to big to ask questions, Never know too much to learn something new. 

Og Mandino

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Sunday, September 27th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2015

 85 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Sunrise: 7:21 am

Sunset:  7:19 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

September 27th is Ancestor Appreciation Day.  Many of us are completely unaware of our ancestors and the lives they lived, yet they almost certainly went a long way towards shaping our habits, traditions and values today. Fortunately, the annually celebrated Ancestor Appreciation Day gives people a reminder to learn more about those who came before us.

Building a more complete picture of your relatives and their history can help to promote a greater appreciation for life and form a better understanding of the individual journey your family has been on.  If nothing else, why not spend the day with your living relatives? Ask a few questions, let them tell stories and find out about previous generations that way.

Today is a day to give thanks. None of us would be here today without the sacrifice of our ancestors.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Family is not an important thing. It's everything.

Michael J. Fox

I will be spending some time with some of my family today so it might be a good time to talk about some traditions that were formed by our ancestors.  It’s our monthly family dinner day which is usually on the 3rd Sunday but due to the Apple Festival last weekend, we are doing it today.  It’s become a new tradition for me, one that I started here at my house anyway.

Not all of the traditions that we have were from our ancestors, some of them we started ourselves.  I figure it’s never to late to start a new tradition.  I have mine here, and many of my children have started their own too.

Back in the day, we only decorated for Christmas, now I decorate for all the seasons of the year.  Fall decorations are now up and I’ll be adding a few for Halloween and Thanksgiving too.  Then will come Christmas!  Over the years I accumulated way too many decorations and have passed many of them on to my family.  Hopefully they’ll continue the decorating tradition.

Recipes are also part of our traditions and I try to pass those on regularly.  Today I’m making some Chicken and Noodles because my Grand’babe’s love noodles and thought I’d share this recipe too.

ONE POT CREAMY CHICKEN AND NOODLES

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups of roughly chopped raw vegetables, onions, carrots, celery

1 Tbsp minced garlic

Salt and Pepper

1 small can cream of chicken soup plus 1 can milk

2 cups chicken broth

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried thyme

 1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 pound dry fettuccine pasta

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus 1/2 cup cheese for topping

Heat olive oil in a 4 to 5 quart pot.  Add chopped vegetables and minced garlic. Sauté over medium high heat for about five minutes, or until vegetables are just becoming tender.

 Add chicken and season with a couple pinches of salt and a pinch of pepper. Continue to saute over medium heat until chicken is no longer pink. It does not have to be cooked through since it will continue to cook in the sauce.

 Add cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, pasta and dry seasonings. Stir.

Bring to a boil and turn heat down to low. Simmer for 25 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring every five minutes to keep pasta from sticking together.  Once pasta is cooked to your liking, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover pot and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.  Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Tonight we’ll be seeing the full Harvest Moon of September.  On Sunday night and early Monday morning much of the earth will witness a glorious heavenly event.  A Rare super moon eclipse should bring wonder to our eyes. It’s supposed to start at 9:07 pm and by 10:12 will be fully eclipsed. The event will end at 12:26 am Monday.

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.

Alex Haley

I hope you all have a RELAXING and restful Sunday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.

David Ogden Stiers

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

3166.  for families, past, present and future

3167. for Sunday dinners, they bring us together

3168. for fresh green beans and corn on the cob from the farmers market

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

88 Days Until Christmas

Handmade Christmas gifts add meaning and connection to holiday giving, while reducing commercialism, encouraging green giving and reducing packaging and clutter.

Going handmade does take some doing, however. You'll want to start early to complete handmade gifts in good time

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

The kind of ancestors we have had is not as important as the kind of descendants our ancestors have. 

Source Unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Saturday, September 26th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2015

 86 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Sunrise: 7:20 am

Sunset:  7:21 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

September 26th is Johnny Appleseed Day. Today we honor one of America's great legends. Johnny Appleseed, born this day in 1774, was a real person. John Chapman was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent. As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he planted apple trees along the way, and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew. Johnny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received.

Celebrate today with an apple rich menu. Include fresh apples for snacks, and some applesauce or apple pie for dessert.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.

Jane Austen

Fall is here, so it's a great time to take advantage of the fruit of the season, apples!  It’s also the perfect opportunity to create some healthy apple snacks.

There are so many ways to fix apples, but one of my favorite snacks is Microwave Cinnamon and Sugar Cooked Apples.  Cinnamon and sugar apples are cooked in the microwave for 2 minutes. Simply slice your apple, place in a bowl and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Cover the bowl with a paper plate or napkin and cook the apples two minutes in the microwave until they are tender. This tastes almost like a dessert!

Another great snack idea is this healthier take on the popular caramel apple.  You need two apples, a jar of caramel sauce, and a bag of peanuts.  Peel and slice the apples into small cubes. Lay cubes down on a baking sheet.Chop whole peanuts in a food processor or blender. Warm caramel sauce in microwave for 10 seconds. Drizzle caramel sauce on the apple cubes. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top. Allow apples to sit for 15 minutes, and then you can enjoy!

I also found a quick sandwich idea that makes a terrific breakfast, lunch or anytime pick me up.  It features cinnamon raisin bread, honey, peanut butter, cream cheese and crunchy apples....yum!

PEANUT BUTTER & APPLE SNACK SQUARES

1/4 cup peanut butter, creamy
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp. honey
8 slices Raisin Cinnamon Bread
2 cups thinly sliced Red or Golden Delicious apples

Stir the peanut butter, cream cheese and honey in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.Spread 2 tablespoons peanut butter mixture on each of 4 bread slices.  Top each with 1/4 of the apple slices and 1 remaining bread slice.  Cut each sandwich into 4 squares. This recipe serves 4.

There are many different kinds of apples and what I have right now are called Ginger Gold.  They are delicious!

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits

 Henry David Thoreau

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

3163.  for apples snacks, a healthier way to eat

3164. for carmel and nuts, my favorite topping

3165. for another beautiful fall day, it’s to be in the mid 70’s here

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

89 Days Until Christmas

Autumn officially arrived a few days ago.  If you haven’t already done it, bring out your fall decor, bake something pumpkin, sip apple cider.

Let cinnamon and spice fill the air!

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

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Proverb 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma