ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
FRIDAY, JULY 29TH, 2016
55 DAYS UNTIL FALL
Sunrise: 6:20 am
Sunset: 8:48 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Rain Day. Throughout human history, people and cultures 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
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain - Why, rain's my choice.
James Whitcomb Riley
We do need rain here. They say we are about 5 inches below normal for this time of year and that is a lot of rain. The farmers are saying their crops are going to be affected if we don’t get more rain soon. So many times this summer we’ve been promised rain and it’s gone to the south of us.
Although we do need rain desperately, I’m hoping that tomorrow will be one day that we won’t get it as I’m going to a party for our Precious One’s 2nd birthday party. It could rain early or late, but not in the middle of the day when the party is supposed to happen. We’ll see….
There is truly not much we can do about the weather but accept it as it comes. Thankfully we have a plentiful supply of water in our area so I can water the flowers if it doesn’t rain, but they would be very thankful for a good soaking rain.
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!
National Lasagna Day is today.
Sure, it's July. Its hot and humid. Cooking up a pan of Lasagna will make the kitchen a lot hotter. But as it cooks, the smell will waft throughout the house. Your mouth will begin to water. When dinner time arrives, you will have a huge appetite for a huge piece of lasagna. Of this, you can be certain.
Lasagna is a favorite Italian dish. In between multiple layers of lasagna pasta are generous amounts of tomato sauce, cheeses, and sometimes hamburger and/or Italian sausage. Its the favorite Italian dish of millions of Americans. We all would eat it more often, but this culinary work of art, made with loving hands, takes time to make and bake.
It is best to celebrate National Lasagna Day by baking the lasagna that you will eat today. If you don't have the time, or the weather is just too hot, then head out to your favorite Italian restaurant.
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Lasagna is a homemade comfort food tradition that the whole family loves, and this slow cooker version is a must try. The slow cooker recipe, complete with Parmesan, mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, makes food prep easy and no boiling of noodles, necessary.
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cans , 15 ounces each, Italian style tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 container, 15 ounces, ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 uncooked lasagna noodles
* note: I use small curd cottage cheese instead of ricotta
Cook sausage and onion in 10-inch skillet over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, basil and salt.
Mix 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. Refrigerate remaining mozzarella cheese while lasagna cooks.
Spoon 1/4 of the sausage mixture into 6 quart slow cooker; top with 5 noodles, broken into pieces to fit. Spread with half of the cheese mixture and 1/4 of the sausage mixture. Top with 5 noodles, remaining cheese mixture and 1/4 of the sausage mixture. Top with remaining 5 noodles and remaining sausage mixture.
Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours or until noodles are tender.
Sprinkle top of lasagna with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover and let stand about 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Cut into pieces to serve Makes 8 servings
COUNTING MY GIFTS
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
4084. for rain, we need it
4085. for lasagna, a family favorite
4086. for cloudy days, not as hot as when the sun shines
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
Remember even though the outside world might be raining, if you keep on smiling the sun will soon show its face and smile back at you.
Anna Lee
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
