For Friday, December 9th, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER  9TH, 2016

11 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

15 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Sunrise: 7:42 am

Sunset: 4:58 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Christmas Card Day which honors Sir Henry Cole of England. Cole created the first commercial Christmas Card in 1843.

Just a few decades ago, sending Christmas cards through the mail was a holiday must. Sending cards through the mail continues to be very popular, but the cost and time for writing and sending cards has caused many people to stop sending them.

Today is  a good day to send out your Christmas cards and holiday greetings.  If you have yet to do so, use today to get a start.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Christmas is cold, and warmth,
Forgiveness, and tender smiles;
A handclasp firm, a letter flying
Across the snowy miles.

Lynda Schlomann

Thankfully, my cards are just about ready to send.  I only have to seal up the envelopes and put the stamps on.  I love getting cards and sending them out too.  This is the time of year to keep in touch with family and friends that we don’t always see throughout the year.  I also have a few gifts to put in the mail, but I’m a little slow on the wrapping up here, so I’m not sure when those will get out. 

There are chances of snow here today and through the weekend, but it may be that much of it will go east of us in what we call the snow belt.  I guess we’ll just have to see which way the wind blows.  Tomorrow I’m supposed to meet with friends for lunch so I’m hoping the roads stay clear.  Today’s pictures are a mixture of some my family from Christmas 2015.  I think each one would make a great picture on a Christmas card.

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 National Pastry Day which is a fun day, created to encourage you to make, and of course eat, your favorite pastries.

My mom used to make turnovers filled with pineapple or cherries for Christmas.  I’ve even made them a time or two, but today I’m sharing a quick and easy recipe for turnovers.

QUICK APPLE TURNOVER

3 apples, peeled and diced
3 cans Crescent rolls
3/4 c. brown sugar
3 tbsp. flour
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of ginger
dash of nutmeg

GLAZE TOPPING:

2 tsp. warm milk
a drop of vanilla
1/2 c. powdered sugar

Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, then mix with diced apples. Separate Crescent rolls; place a large tablespoon of apple mixture in each roll and fold over each side like a diaper fold.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet.Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven.

Drizzle topping over each roll while still hot. Adjust icing to pouring consistency by adding more sugar if it's too thin or more milk if it's too thick.

Makes 24

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.

4462. for quick and easy recipes

4463. for Christmas cards, mine are almost ready to mail

4464. for my oven, warming up the kitchen

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

Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.

Dale Evans

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma