For Saturday, September 22nd, 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, 2018

Welcome Fall !

94 Days until Christmas

Sunrise: 7:15 am

 Sunset: 7:27 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

  

Today is Autumn Equinox Day which singles the beginning of Fall.   It is the point of 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness at the equator.  If you live any where else, however you will see a little bit more or a little bit less than the 12 hours of daylight.  The daylight hours are dwindling and will continue to do so until we reach the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the start of winter.

It is also a time to celebrate with a variety of Fall and Harvest Festivals. People enjoy fall festivals as the sense the closure of a great summer season and the coming of a long winter.  

Speaking of festivals, Octoberfest begins today through October 7th in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.  While it is a giant world festival, Octoberfest celebrations are held in many other places.  So, if you can’t get to the fair in Germany, you can participate in a local event.

It’s time to eat, drink and be Merry!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.

William Cullen Bryant

I am still enjoying the remains of my purchases from the farm market.  I made up a pan of cabbage and noodles yesterday and had that along with my homemade applesauce.  This morning I enjoyed my eggs served with a side of cantaloupe.  Today I’m going to slice up a cucumber and tomato salad to enjoy for lunch and for dinner I’ll add to the mix with some fried summer squash.  I still have a butternut squash, an acorn squash and a delicata squash to enjoy.  These are all in the winter squash family and last longer than the summer yellow squash and zucchini.  

The delicata squash is something new to me. It’s shown above in the bowl and is the cream colored one with green stripes.  I had to look it up to see just how to fix it.  While it isn’t found in grocery stores, it is a common variety for farm markets.  Truly this is the first time I’ve ever seen it.  At first I thought it was a goard, but was assured it was a squash. Delicata squash tastes much like a sweet potato.   You can cook it or bake much like any other winter squash.  They say that squash is a fruit according to its botanical classification but it is general considered a vegetable in food preparation.

I’m also sharing my fall bucket list with you as promised.  I want to make this fall a time to enjoy the comfort of home.

Ma’s Fall Bucket List

Make an apple pie from scratch

Sit and watch the leaves fall

Eat some roasted pumpkin seeds

Taste the cinnamon in a pumpkin pie

Wrap up in a blanket and read a good book

Make a thankful tree

Sip on apple cider

Warm up with a hot bowl of soup

Dip apples in caramel

Enjoy everything pumpkin spice

This is just a few of the things I want to do this fall.  There may be more added.  But at least I have made a start.

Today’s holiday Tip:

Make a master gift list, a single central list of gifts and giving. It can record gift recipients and gift ideas while also tracking your costs.  

I like to buy gifts throughout the year and sometimes I’ve forgotten what I’ve already purchased, so this list will definitely keep me on track.  

As it is cooler here today I’m going to turn the oven on and bake up some banana nut bread.  Tomorrow I’m just going to relax and eat leftovers !

Maple Pecan Banana Bread

1 egg

1/2 c Miracle Whip Salad Dressing

1 1/3 c. smashed bananas, about 3

1 1/2 c. flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 c. Pecans chopped, divided

4 tsp. maple syrup

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  

Beat egg, salad dressing, and bananas in a large bowl until blended.  Combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt,  Add to banana mixture.  Stirring just until moistened. Stir in 1/2 c. nuts.

Pour into a greased and floured loaf pan.  Combine nuts and syrup and spoon over batter.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean.  Cool bread in pans about 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Enjoy !

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Thy bounty shines in autumn unconfined 

And spreds a common feast for all that live.

James Thompson

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

6362. for autumn and cooler days

6363. for summertime abundance

6364. for ripe bananas, they make good bread

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

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

Elizabeth Lawrence

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma