For Wednesday, October 28th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 2015

 54 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Sunrise: 7:56 am

Sunset:  6:30 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Hermit Day is today. It's a day to spend quietly in seclusion, all by yourself.  For some people, being a recluse is a way of life. They spend everyday by themselves, in peaceful seclusion. For whatever reason, Hermits prefer living away from the crowds and the sea of humanity. For many of us who lead an increasingly busy lifestyle, the idea of being a 'Hermit for a Day' is very tempting. The thought of getting away from it all, even if for just one day, is very appealing.

If you are a Hermit, celebrate your lifestyle today. If you're one of the many, who yearn for a break from your hectic lifestyle, be a Hermit on this day. Chill out by yourself where no one can find you.

Have a happy, secluded, quiet, and peaceful Hermit Day

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. 

Henry David Thoreau

I never really thought of myself as a hermit, but the description does seem to fit me pretty well.  Now that I’ve retired, I spend most of my days by myself in a peaceful environment. It took awhile for me to adjust to living by myself.  It was difficult after having years and years filled with lots of people in my life, but I have, and even enjoy it now.

They say there is a season and time for everything in life, and this is my quiet time. Of course there are days that I get together with family and friends and they are often the happiest of times, but have found that home is best and where I find rest.

Now that shorter days have come and longer nights too, I will be in my hibernation mode.  I’ll become more of a hermit than ever.  I’ll have many cozy days here inside where it’s warm and I’ve got the cupboards stocked so that no matter the weather, I’m prepared.

Thanks to our little Lucky Guy, we have pictures of the cutest little pumpkin man ever.  He was with his family at Boo At the Zoo in 2013.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I’m not anti-social. I’m pro-solitude.

Author Unknown

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

3259.  for a peaceful time of life

3260. for a home that gives me shelter

3261. for a well stocked cupboard

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

57 Days Until Christmas

It’s pumpkin time and today I’ve found a recipe to share for a wonderful pumpkin cake.  A treat that will go very well with a cup of witches brew!  The cake tastes even better a few days after it's baked, so it's perfect to have on hand at this time of year, when guests tend to drop in unexpectedly.

PUMPKIN SPICE BUNDT CAKE WITH BUTTERMILK ICING

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter, softened, plus additional for greasing bundt pan

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting pan

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

 1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

 1 1/4 cups canned solid pack pumpkin from a 15-ounce can; not pie filling

3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk

 1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

For icing

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons well shaken buttermilk

1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter bundt pan generously, then dust with flour, knocking out excess.

 Whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a bowl. 

Whisk together pumpkin, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and vanilla in another bowl.

Beat 1 1/2 sticks butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes, then add eggs and beat 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and add flour and pumpkin mixtures alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until batter is just smooth.

Spoon batter into pan, smoothing top, then bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool cake in pan on a rack 15 minutes, then invert rack over cake and reinvert cake onto rack. Cool 10 minutes more.

 Make icing: While cake is cooling, whisk together buttermilk and confectioners sugar until smooth. Drizzle icing over warm cake, then cool cake completely. Icing will harden slightly.  And just for fun I think I’ll be sprinkling a few chopped pecans on top along with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Cake can be made 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

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 mind can weave itself warmly in the cocoon of its own thoughts, and dwell a hermit anywhere. 

James Russell Lowell

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

 You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought

Matthew 5:5 (MSG)