For Friday, March 31st, 2017

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST, 2017

83 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:12 am

 Sunset: 7:53 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Crayola Crayon Day.  Crayola is one of the most popular brands of Crayons in the United States, and they are celebrated in an unofficial holiday that closes out the month of March.  In 1903, Binney & Smith created the Crayola Division and produced colored wax crayons for children for the first time. 

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.

Allen Klein

I think that just about everyone has enjoyed coloring at one time or another.  Most children love to color and a new box of crayons is really a treat.  I remember buying school supplies and everyone wanting a big box of crayon with all the colors.  I think there were 64 in that box but most of the time they got the box of 24 for school.  The big box was saved for home.

Now we have adult coloring books which are thought to be very therapeutic.  Sitting down with a book and coloring is a peaceful way to unwind.  

It’s the end of a very busy week once more and the weekend is looking like it’ll hopefully be a quiet one here at my house.  The trip to the hospital yesterday went well and I was very encouraged to see DS#1 doing so well. Thankfully he was awake off and on and talking some, but mostly just wanted to sleep. When you have brain surgery like his it’s very traumatic to the brain and he’ll be in ICU for at least a few more days. It’s important to have rest for healing to begin.  He’s got a long road to recovery ahead of him, but hopefully his treatments will be successful and he’ll be well before we know it.  

Just a few hours to the south of us, Spring had arrived and there were pear trees blooming and green leaves on the bushes along the roadside.  It was 80 degrees when we left there in the early evening.  At home it was in the 50’s.  What a difference.  The pictures today are of our trip into the hospital. The big building below is where he is at.  It started out very rainy but cleared up by the time we were almost there and stayed dry the rest of the day.

I’ll keep you all updated as process is made.  He and his family appreciate all the support and prayers they have received.  

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 Clam on the Half Shell Day.The objective of the day is to enjoy clams on the half shell. If you don't like clams, don't be sad or disappointed. Today, is also Bunsen Burner Day. And, tomorrow is a brand new day!

Don't hide in your shell today. Don't clam up. Get out and celebrate this special day!

I enjoy eating clam dip and fried clams but have not had clams on a half shell.  I found another clam recipe to try and am sharing it today.  I don’t think I’m ready for clams on the shell.

WHITE CLAM SAUCE LINGUINE  

1/2 stick butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 c. chopped scallions, including green tops
1/2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1 clove garlic
1 peeled and chopped tomato
Salt & pepper to taste
3, 7 1/2 oz,  cans minced clams
1 lb. pkg. linguine
Grated Parmesan cheese
Cornstarch

Heat butter and olive oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture. Add chopped scallions and saute briefly. Add parsley, oregano, basil, crushed garlic, chopped and peeled fresh tomato, salt and pepper, and clam juice drained from clams. Simmer briefly. Add canned clams and then keep hot. Boil linguine and drain. Return to pan that the linguine was cooked in. Add in reserved olive oil and butter mixture to linguine. Toss. Add 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan. Toss. Add 1/2 of the sauce to linguine. Toss again. Serve linguine on plate. Spoon remaining sauce on top of each serving. Sauce should be consistency of tomato sauce. Add small amount of cornstarch and water to thicken. Serve.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Life lesson from the nursery: Broken crayons can still color. 

Author unknown

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

4777. for colorful crayons, fun for children and adults

4778. for clams, seafood is a favorite of mine

4779. for a great medical center, one of the best in the midwest

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

We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box. 

Robert Fulghum

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

Chapter 3, Page 30, Book 17

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2017

84 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:14 am

 Sunset: 7:51 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Take a Walk in the Park Day. It is an opportunity for exercise and relaxation. A walk in the park is just what the doctor ordered. Its calming and therapeutic. Taken after a busy work day, it helps clear your mind and reenergize you. Or, take the walk during lunch and you will find the afternoon of work goes by quicker and easier.

A walk in the park will likely be the most enjoyable part of your day. However, make sure to do so with a clear mind and with your eyes open. In addition to avoiding a fall, open eyes will allow you to take in the beauty of nature's wonders: flowers, and trees, birds, and wildlife.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see.

John Burroughs

I have to say that living here where I do is like living in a park.  There are trees all around my new home and I have a very industrious squirrel that lives in the tree outside the porch.  He goes up and down that tree at least a hundred times a day.  Well there are a lot of acorns on the ground and a squirrel has to eat.

Walking is something I’ve always loved to do and will hopefully be doing more of that as the weather warms up.  I’m not a such a fan of walking that I want to be out in the rain.  

I’ve shown you plenty of pictures of the outside of this place so you know what I’m talking about as far as the trees go.  I can sit in the living room and get a grand view of the trees and even a sunset now and then.  We’ve had so many cloudy days.

DS#1 had the surgery yesterday and the diagnosis is a malignant brain tumor.  It’s not the best of diagnosis, but we are encouraged as at least we now know exactly what needs to be treated. Please pray he recovers from surgery with no damage and whatever treatment he needs is successful. 

Yesterday was a sunny but chilly day in to 40’s for the most part.  Today is warmer with rain again.  DD and I will be traveling for a short visit at the hospital.  

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!

It’s Turkey Neck Soup Day!

Turkey Neck Soup is pretty much what it says.  It's a soup whose stock is made from turkey necks.  It is of course, a soup American in origin  The neck of the turkey is actually quite meaty.  It’s just tough meat.  Tough meat actually has a lot more flavour than tender meat; you just need to cook it longer to get it tender, which brings out even more of the flavor. Which makes it perfect for soup.

Turkey Neck Soup

6 turkey necks 
Enough water to cover turkey necks, add as needed.  
3 medium carrots
1 medium turnip
1 large parsnip
1 small yellow onion
1 celery stalk including greens
1/2 cup flour
Two chicken bullion cubes
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
1 1/2 cups rice
In a large stock pot boil turkey necks for 2 hours.  Remove from boiling water and let cool. Do not discard stock pot water. When turkey necks are cool enough to work with, remove meat from the bones and set meat aside.  

 Wash and chop vegetables and add to turkey neck broth.  Cook for about 35 to 45 minutes until turnip is tender.  Add flour and stir gently until blended well.  Add chicken bullion and stir until dissolved.  Add salt and pepper.

 Remove turkey neck meat from the bones and return meat to the stock pot.  
 Add rice and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so rice does not scorch on the bottom of the stock pot.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serves 8

COUNTING MY GIFTS

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. 

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.

4774. for soup, always comfort food of the best sort

4775. for trees, even without leaves they are beautiful

4776. for a quiet place to walk

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

He who limps is still walking. 

Stanislaw J. Lec

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Wednesday, March 29th, 2017

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2017

85 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 7:16 am

 Sunset: 7:50 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day which celebrates small business owners. These individuals spend countless hours nurturing and growing their enterprises. The workload demands, and lack of a hired staff, often translates into long and late hours, and many missed family and personal events. But, all in all, they love what they do. After all, they are their own boss.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.

Micheal LeBoeuf

Around my part of the world, we don’t see many small businesses that are family owned anymore.    There used to be a lot of them. You just don’t get the personalized service in a big franchise that you do when going to one of these.  They make customers feel important and want to serve you.

My most recent experience with a family owned business was when I needed to find renters insurance for my new home.  The company I had dealt with for years, didn’t carry it so I looked to find a new agent.  I found several options but choose a local family business where I knew I get the service I needed.  For me it was much better being able to talk to a real person than an automated service on line.  

Here we are mid week already and the days are speeding by.  Little by little I’m find a place for everything and it’s looking more and more like home here.  There are still a few storage bins stacked here and there that have yet to find their spot, but it will come all in good time.  

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

PRAYER REQUEST

Once again I’m asking you to join me in prayer for DS#1.  Even though he’s been in the hospital and under treatment, he recently experienced signs that the medication we thought would be a cure is not working. His condition has worsened once again and although surgery was thought a last resort that may soon become a reality. This is not without risks and that is why they have waited to do so.  May the dear Lord guide the doctors in their decisions as they move forward,  and may a cure be found for my son.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated. 

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

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

Today is Lemon Chiffon Cake Day!

Something that is always worth celebrating is cake. Lemon Chiffon Cake Day celebrates the love of the deliciously light lemon cake that was invented by Harry Baker in 1927. After keeping the recipe a closely guarded secret for over twenty years, he eventually sold the recipe to Betty Crocker in 1947, after which the packet mix became the best selling favorite that is known and loved across the world today.

Maybe because of the yellow color, lemon always reminds me of Spring.  So this delicious recipe is a good one to have on hand when company comes for Easter.

LEMON CHIFFON CAKE

2 c. flour

1 1/2 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. salad oil
7 egg yolks
3/4 c. cold water
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 tsp. vanilla
7 egg whites 
1/2 tsp. cream of tartarLemon Glaze

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well and add in order: oil, egg yolks, water, lemon peel and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large mixer bowl until whites form very stiff peaks. Gradually pour egg yolk mixture over beaten whites, gently folding just until blended.  Pour into ungreased tube pan.

Bake until top springs back when touched lightly, about 75 minutes. Invert pan on funnel; let hang until cake is completely cool. Spread with glaze.

LEMON GLAZE:

1/3 c. butter, softened
2 c. confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 to 4 tbsp. lemon juice

Blend butter, sugar and lemon peel. Stir in lemon juice, 1 tablespoon at a time; until glaze is desired consistency.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Start Fresh 

See the bright opportunity

in each new day !

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

4771. for small businesses

4772. for lemons, good and good for you

4773. for each  new day

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

If you don’t build your dreams some one will hire you to build theirs.

Author Unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma