For New Years Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2016

79 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:54 am

 Sunset: 5:08 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Make Up Your Mind Day which is a very decisive day. All during the year, you've put on hold, many issues and decisions. Eventually, they need to be resolved and decided upon. Well, today is the day. It's not a day to procrastinate. It's not a day to put off making a decision. If you are going to make up your mind this year, you'd better do it real soon. And, when you think about it, isn't it a great idea to clean the slate in advance of the new year!?

You may want to begin, by making up your mind whether you will make New Year's resolutions. Then, make up your mind just what those resolutions will be.  

Have a Happy Make up Your Mind Day! Happy New Year’s Eve!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life is a precious one way journey. Move forward.

So far I haven’t made any New Year resolutions, I probably should.  More than not I just try to resolve to do better than I did the year before.  That is one resolve I really try to do daily.  Do better than the day before.  

Every day we get a chance to start over and make a new beginning and that is what 2017 will be for me, a brand new beginning.  With so many changes in my life going on, each day will be a new adventure.  When you think of life as a journey, an adventure to be explored, every day can be new and exciting.  

I’d like to share the following message I received from a friend,  it has some thoughtful images about a life worth sharing.

Life is like a journey on a train…with its stations…with changes of routes…and with accidents!

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant I.e. Our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize that they vacated their seats!

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers…requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way – love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty — we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you a joyful journey for the coming year on the train of life.
Reap success and give lots of love.

More importantly, thank God for the journey!

Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train!

Author Unknown.

Life is like a journey. There is always movement and change. If you cannot accept changes, and if everything bothers you, you won’t enjoy the journey, and it will be tough and unpleasant.

You can sit in a train and complain about the people around you, about the train, the noise, the heat or anything else. You can also try to converse with the people traveling with you, learn about them, and win new friends that might open new opportunities for you. You might also look at the scenery and enjoy it.

It’s all a matter of attitude, which you can learn to change.

 I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday! Happy New Year’s Eve!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

It's no coincidence that today is National Champagne Day. This sparkling wine imported from the Champagne region of France is a luxury item that is the traditional first taste of the New Year for many people. You can call it sparkling wine or you can call it bubbly. But you can't call it Champagne unless it comes from France!

As we have many little ones in our family, here’s a non alcoholic punch recipe the whole family can enjoy!

NON-ALCOHOLIC CHAMPAGNE PUNCH

1, 6 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
2  liter  bottles ginger ale, chilled
1, 32 oz. bottle white grape juice, chilled
2 bottles non-alcoholic sparkling white grape juice

Mix lemonade and grape juices. Add ginger ale. Pour into large punch bowl. Add shaved ice or ice ring.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! 

Hamilton Wright Mabie

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

4528. for the adventures of life, another trip around the sun

4529. for grape juice, tasty and makes a great punch and it’s good for you

4530. for kleenex, they’ve been my constant companion this week

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

Life is short. Time is precious. Inspire love.

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Friday, December 30th, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30TH, 2016

80 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:54 am

 Sunset: 5:08 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

 Today is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day, or Baking Soda Day, which celebrates the many benefits and uses of Bicarbonate of Soda.

Bicarbonate of soda is a chemical compound, sodium carbonate or sodium bi-carbonate. When heated, it creates carbon dioxide, a gas. The gas aids a variety of bakery products to rise as they cook.

Many people just think of Bicarbonate of Soda as something you use for baking. But, it has so many more uses. Here are just a few of them:

It will relieve stomach indigestion and heartburn when mixed in water.  It’s great for r

emoving odors in the refrigerator, vents, storage areas, and closets, and odor in kitty litter

It is used in fire extinguishers for grease and oil fires. It is often used as a cleaning agent. It can be used as a meat tenderizer.

 Put it in water with beans to minimize gas from eating beans. You can also use it to p

olish Silverware and r

emove burned food from a pot or a pan.

With so many uses, it would sure make sense for Baking Soda to have a national day of recognition.  

Happy Baking Soda Day!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

Lily Tomlin 

This time of year we all tend to do some over eating of rich and tasty foods we don’t always have so maybe some of us could use a little relief that comes from bicarbonate of soda,  Not me though, it seems I have a cast iron tummy and can eat most anything without being bothered at all.

My round, plump self testifies the fact I eat well and enjoy what I eat for sure !

Relief is needed in other areas of my life and maybe yours too.  We all have some difficult times to go through, but how we find that relief is up to us.  These days more than not relief comes in the form of counting my blessings.  When you think about what you are thankful for, you cannot worry or feel frightened.  Counting your blessings makes you feel good as all you think about are the good things in life.

Relief is also found in many common daily ways.  If you put your focus on one thing at a time and do it well, you’ll get more done than when you stressfully multi-tasking.   Make sure you take time to do what you love to do.  All work and no play is not a good thing at all.  Focus on what truly matters for you.  

Tell yourself: Just take care of today.  Focus only on that. Forget about all those tomorrows. And about all your yesterdays. Just take care of today. Then you can take care of tomorrow when it comes.

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC  Friday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

Today is Bacon Day !

One of my favorite recipes came from a holiday get together with friends I worked with just before New Years many years ago.  Since it includes bacon I thought I’d share it with you all but then I couldn’t find it.  Not to worry though, I found a similar one on line to share with you all.

Creamy Bacon Carbonara

1/2 lb. spaghetti , uncooked

1 Tbsp. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

 3/4 cup chicken broth

4 oz. Cream Cheese, cubed

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

4 slices cooked  Bacon, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. 

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 3 min. or until tender. Add broth and cream cheese; cook 2 min. or until cream cheese is completely melted and sauce is well blended.  

 Drain pasta. Add to sauce in skillet along with remaining ingredients; toss in cooked and crumbled bacon, mix lightly and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Makes 5 one cup servings.  I can never stop at just one cup. Ha !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! 

Hamilton Wright Mabie

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

4525. for bacon and pasta a great combo

4526. for bacon soda, so many uses

4527. for today and it’s many blessings

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

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.

Sydney J. Harris

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Thursday, December 29th, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29TH, 2016

81 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:54 am

 Sunset: 5:07 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Tick Tock Day which reminds us that the year is almost at an end, and there are things still left to be doing, and in fact only two days left to do them in.  We are urged to make the most of our time to complete those tasks that can be done in that time, and further to remind us just how much can be done in a short amount of time if you truly urge yourself forward. 

Every moment not spent living life to the fullest is another moment that is gone forever and impossible to reclaim.  Don’t let the year end with regret! Get out there and beat the Tick Tock!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop's Fables

It’s looking like 2016 is going to end pretty much the way it started for me.  I had a cold then and have one now.  It would be great to get rid of it before 2017 begins.  I’ve been getting plenty of sleep, taking my vitamins and eating chicken soup.  

Usually I would be fixing New Years Day Dinner for my family with the traditional pork and sauerkraut, but this year, DS#5 and his wife have agreed to host dinner at their house.  Since I’m not feeling the best at all and my house is upside down, their help is really appreciated.

They say we have a chance of snow today, hopefully not much.  I really don’t want to shovel snow, but will if need be.  It’s important to keep the walkways clear so no one slips and falls.

Stay safe and warm every one!

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

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

Today is Pepper Pot Day, which is a thick and spicy soup that is an American staple dish, especially in the southern regions of the United States. The soup’s true origins began on December 29th of 1777 during the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army had been experiencing an exceptionally harsh winter during the battle of Valley Forge.  

The soldiers were low on food because the farmers in the area had gone and sold all their supplies to the British Army for cash rather than the weak currency that the Continental soldiers could offer them for their crops. Christopher Ludwick, a baker general of the Continental Army, gathered whatever food he could scrounge together to feed the cold and frail soldiers.

He was able to find scraps of tripe, meat, and some peppercorn. He then mixed the ingredients together with some other seasonings and created the hot, thick, and spicy soup we now know as pepper pot soup.  It quickly became known as the soup that won the war.The soup gave the soldiers the warmth and strength that they needed to push the enemies back through the harsh winter weather.

In order to make your own, the ingredients are four cups of water, four tablespoons of chicken bouillon powder, two medium grated potatoes, two medium sized carrots which are also grated, two finely chopped celery stalks, one finely chopped onion, one and a half cups of finely chopped green, red, or yellow peppers, one half cup of flour, two teaspoons of salt, one teaspoon of pepper, one more cup of water, and finally, six cups of milk.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! 

Hamilton Wright Mabie

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

4522. for time, it is precious indeed

4523. for hot soup, very good on cold days

4524. for all the help I received cleaning out the basement

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

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. 

Carl Sandburg

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma