For Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2018

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, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2018

46 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:38 am

 Sunset: 5:46 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Groundhog Day.  On this day in midwinter, the groundhog awakens from a long winter's nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow. This tradition is big, on an otherwise cold and dreary mid winter's day.

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If however, he does not see his shadow, he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner.

The Groundhog's Day tradition comes from German roots.  In the early 1800's, German immigrants to America, brought the tradition of predicting winter weather on February 2. In their native Germany, they used Hedgehogs to predict weather. As they settled in the hills of Pennsylvania, they began the tradition, using the Groundhog to predict the the arrival of Spring. The tradition is based upon Candlemas, the day that is the midpoint between Winter and Spring. A famous Candlemas poems goes:

If Candlemas be fair and bright, 

Winter has another flight. 

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, 

Winter will not come again.

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the site of the annual Groundhog event. Our little rodent friend is called Punxsutawney Phil. He has been making this annual winter prediction since 1887. There are a few other predictors around the country, but they all pale in comparison to Phil's ability to predict the remainder of winter.

For the Record Phil sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Away in a meadow all covered with snow
The little old groundhog looks for his shadow
The clouds in the sky determine our fate
If winter will leave us all early or late.

 Don Halley

Here in Ohio we have Buckeye Chuck, our own groundhog predictor.  He doesn’t always agree with what Punxsutawney Phil has to say, but Phil said this morning that there would be 6 more weeks of winter.   It would be nice to have an early Spring, but that rarely happens.  

Here at my house it is to be a mostly cloudy, partly sunny day so we’ll just have to wait and see what Ohio groundhog has to say.  It could go either way.  We’ll see…

It’s also going to be a very cold day with high temps around 20 degrees, I for one will be staying in and keeping warm. The pictures today reflect our gloomy winter days.

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 Heavenly Hash Day which celebrates a flavorful sweet treat made with mini marshmallows, nuts and chunks of chocolate.  It is said that it was originally created by a New Orleans department store to give out to customers. The confection still remains a Louisiana Easter tradition.

Heavenly Hash is also a popular Ice Cream flavor and a creamy fruit salad,  but it started out as candy.

Heavenly Hash Bars

1 c. sugar

1 c. evaporated milk

3 tbsp. light corn syrup

1t oz. bittersweet chocolate chopped

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups roasted, salted almonds

2 c. miniature marshmallows.

Line an 8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper with enough excess hanging over sides of pan to use as handles.  Spray with cooking spray.

Combine the sugar, evaporated medium sized saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil of medium high heat, wishing often and continue boiling mixture until it erases 220 degrees on an instant read thermometer 5 to 8 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.  Fold in chocolate and vanilla and stir until melted.  Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes and then fold in nuts and marshmallows.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.  Refrigerate candy until firm, about 2 hours.  Using parchment paper handles remove from the panned cut into squares.  It helps to use a knife dipped in hot water.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Groundhog Day
Winter's grip's broken, the sun swings north!

David J. Beard

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

5677. for only 6 more weeks until Spring

5678. for chocolate, always good and good for you

5679. for hearts and flowers to brighten gloomy winter days

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 groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears. 

Bill Vaughn

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma