For Sunday April 30th, 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.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2017

52 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 6:26 am

 Sunset: 8:25 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Happy Birthday to our Sunshine Boy today !

Happy Birthday ♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday  ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you♥ ♥ ♥ 

May the dear Lord bless and keep you today and always !

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The shortest distance between two people is a smile. 

Author unknown

This grandson has the greatest smile and that is why I nicknamed him my Sunshine Boy.  He is growing into a wonderful young man and has quite a sunny attitude that he shares with others too.  In most of the pictures he is the one with a turquoise or blue colored shirt.  I would think that must be his favorite color.

Today is also National Honesty Day which encourages us to be honest today, and everyday. Honesty is a great virtue. If we want people to believe us when its important, then we need to be open and honest all of the time  

After a very wet and chilly day yesterday, they are saying our temps could soar up to 85 degrees today.  This up and down weather is a roller coaster ride for sure !

I hope you all have a RELAXING Sunday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

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

It’s National Raisin Day! People have been dehydrating grapes to make raisins for thousands of years. The practice dates back to 2000 B.C. and originated in Persia and Egypt.

Raisins are low in fat and contain important nutrients like iron, copper, calcium, and antioxidants. 

Sunshine turns raisins into grapes!

This is a recipe for a chewy bar cookie/blondie. A perfect holiday recipe! Don't overcook, as you want these to be moist.

Oatmeal Raisin Bar Cookies

1 cup  all-purpose flour

1/2cup  sugar

1/2cup  brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon  baking soda

1/2 teaspoon  salt

1/2 teaspoon  ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon  vanilla extract

1 large  egg

1/2cup butter, melted and cooled

2 cups  quick cooking oats, not instant

1 1/2 cups  raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.  This is optional, but aids in getting cookies out of pan.

Whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt

and spices in a large bowl.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and stir in vanilla, egg and melted butter until smooth. Stir in oats and raisins until they are evenly distributed.

Pour dough into prepared pan and spread into a even layer with a spatula or your fingers. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until bars are set and the center no longer looks wet. Edges will be golden brown. Cool pan on a wire rack before slicing. Cut into rectangular bars to serve.  Makes 20 bars.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. 

Mother Teresa

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

4846. for our Sunshine Boy, it’s his birthday today!

4847. for smiles, they are a gift of love

4848. for raisins, grapes dried by the sun

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

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. 

Phyllis Diller

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Saturday, April 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH, 2017

53 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 6:27 am

 Sunset: 8:23 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is National Peace Rose Day, which is a day is set aside to honor the Peace rose, a wellknown and fruitful garden rose.

The light yellow to large cream colored flowers of the Peace rose have slightly flushed crimson pink petal edges.  It is a hybrid tea rose that is hardy, vigorous and highly resistant to disease.

French horticulturist Francis Meilland, developed the Peace rose between 1935 and 1939.  When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France, to protect the new rose, he sent cutting to his friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany and the United States. It is believed these cuttings were sent to the United States on the last plane available before the German invasion.

The Peace Rose, as the name implies, represents world peace at the end of World War II.  

Its name was officially announced on April 29, 1945 by the Conrad Pyle Co. It was the day that Berlin fell to the Allied Forces and the official end to the war. Peace roses were presented later that year to the first delegation of the United Nations in San Francisco with a note that read:

We hope the 'Peace' rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Peace begins with a smile.

Mother Teresa 

Peace in the world, peace in our land and peace in our own hearts is something we all want and strive for.  To be at peace is wonderful thing.  

May we never loose our hope for a more peaceful world and may our children know how to create peace in their world. 

I don’t have any pictures of roses to share today but I do have some of the many trees around here I find it peaceful to sit and watch the wind blow gently through the tree tops.  

We had a mostly cloudy and breezy day here onThursday, when I took the pictures, which brought some cooler air our way. Friday temps were close to 70 and today we probably won't see 60 degrees with possible showers.

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

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

It’s National Shrimp Scampi Day which is an opportunity to eat and enjoy a great meal.

Shrimp scampi is simple and easy to make. And, its oh so tasty! Just cook the shrimp along with butter and chopped garlic in a skillet.

Simple Garlic and Butter Shrimp with Spaghetti

1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, shelled, deveined, cleaned with the tail left on.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp butter
3 to 5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
salt and pepper
water from the cooked pasta
1 lb spaghetti 

Cook the spaghetti as directed on the box. While it is simmering, make the shrimp and sauce.

Rinse, then dry the shrimp in paper towel.

 Place the olive oil and 1 tbsp of the butter in a pan over medium high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, then add the parsley. Turn the heat up, then add the shrimp.

The shrimp will only need to cook for about 4 or 5 minutes, so as soon as they turn pink, turn them over and make sure they are evenly cooked. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Add a little water from the pasta that’s cooking to the pan with the shrimp, and the other 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir well and remove from heat. Cover to keep warm until the pasta is ready.

 Drain the pasta and place in a bowl with the shrimp and sauce added on top. Stir to coat the pasta. Serve immediately.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Peace is always beautiful. 

Walt Whitman

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

4843. for peace, it begins with a smile

4844. for the lovely trees I get to see each day

4845. for seafood, good and good for you

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

The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world. Love they neighbor as thyself.

Eleanor Roosevelt

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Friday, April 28th, 2019

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, APRIL 28TH, 2017

54 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 6:29 am

 Sunset: 8:22 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is National Arbor Day which is the Tree Planter's holiday, and has been celebrated since 1872. It began in Nebraska, a largely treeless plain 

back in the 1800's. It is a day to plant and dedicate a tree to help nature and the environment. Millions of trees are planted on this day.

The National Arbor Day Foundation provides millions of trees for planting. It is estimated that 18 million tress are planted each year on Arbor Day.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

He who plants a tree, plants a hope. 

Lucy Larcom

I love trees and the beauty and good they bring to our lives.  My new home is surrounded by trees and this summer there will be lots and lots of shade here to enjoy.  

Although with so many dark and dreary days behind us, I do try to enjoy the sunshine while we have it too.  I’ve found a sunny spot in the car port to place my favorite rocker and there I can get the morning sun.  That’s what is shown in the picture above.

Of course there are plenty of those sunny flowers called dandelions blooming everywhere.  They may not be the preferred flower of choice but they are what I have so I’ll try and enjoy them too.

So many new things in my world with every day bringing more new surprises it makes me want to take time out and pause for awhile where every thing is green, peaceful and beautiful.  It surly does the soul some good.

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!

It’s Blueberry Pie Day !

Blueberries, or star berries as the Native Americans called them, are one of nature’s super foods. The humble blueberry is one of few blue foods, found in nature, and it is native to the Americas. The chemicals found in blueberries may contribute to fighting diseases and preventing against certain cancers. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it’s only fitting that we should have a special day, in the form of Blueberry Pie Day, to celebrate them.

Impossible Blueberry Custard Pie

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup melted butter. Use half in batter and half in blueberries

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

 1/2 cup Bisquick baking mix

1 cup frozen blueberries

 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 350 degrees

 In a microwave safe bowl place blueberries, cinnamon, and half the butter and cook on high until blueberries are bubbly and cooked. Set aside.

In a blender add the milk, other half of melted butter, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar and Bisquick and blend for about 30 seconds or until thoroughly mixed.

Pour into a greased 10 inch deep dish pie plate.

 Spoon the blueberry mixture over the top in circles to give it a marbled effect.

Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top.

Bake in oven for 1 hour until middle is set. This is good warm or cold.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I think of the trees and how simply they let go, let fall the riches of a season, how without grief (it seems) they can let go and go deep into their roots for renewal and sleep.... Imitate the trees. Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long, not even pain, psychic pain. Sit it out. Let it all pass. Let it go.

 May Sarton

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

4840. for trees, beautiful and good

4841. for sunshine, it always makes me smile

4842. for a quiet pause in the day, it helps!

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

If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees. 

Hal Borland

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma