For Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31ST, 2023

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.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

21 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

In Ohio

 Sunrise:   5:58 am

   Sunset:  8:55  

pm

Life is a special   

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is National Macaroon Day which celebrates small unleavened cakes with a crisp outer layer and a moist chewy center.  Although they are the same size as cookies, macaroons do not contain any flour  and therefore do not fall into that classifications.  The most popular varieties are coconut, almond and chocolate.  

Culinary historians believe that macaroons originated in Italy, In fact, the word macaroon comes from the Italian word for pasta: maccarone.  A primary ingredient in early macaroon recipes was almond paste.

In 1593 Italian monks and nuns introduced macaroons to France.  Two Benedictine nuns, Sister Marquerite and Sister Marie Elizabeth began baking and selling these small treats to help pay for their housing.  The Macaroon Sisters and their baking became famous throughout Europe. 

To celebrate today, buy some delicious macaroons or bake a homemade batch to share with friends and neighbors for dessert.

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

Life is too short.  Start with Dessert!

Barbara Streisand

Macaroons are a favorite of mine.  I love the coconut ones.  They are a special treat for me and I usually only get them during the holidays.  

Today is my day to once again make up a new menu for the coming week to do my shopping from. My menu for next week is :

Monday - Sheet Pan Eggs with Spinach and Ham 

Wednesday - Ceasar Salad with Grilled Steak

Friday - Lemony Linquine with Spring Vegetables

Weekend- Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

On my menu for today is:

Chicken and Cucumber Pita Sandwiches

2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast

1 cucumber, quartered, seeded and sliced

1 can sliced ripe olives, drained 

1 tomato, seeded and chopped

1 sweet red pepper, chopped

1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped red onion 

dressing

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

1/4 cup mayonaise

1 Tbsp Italian salad dressing 

1/4 tsp pepper

12 pita pocket halves 

In a large bowl, combine first 7 ingredients.  In a small bowl combine the ranch dressing mayonaise, Italian dressing, garlic powder and pepper; pour over chicken mixture and toss to coat.  Fill each pita half with a scant 1/2 cup chicken mixture.

I will only make 1/2 this recipe as it makes so much.  Half of this will be plenty for me, filling 6 pita halves.

You can warm the pitas in the microwave for just a few seconds to make them  more pliable and easier to fill without ripping.

These are really good for when the temperatures turn hot.  It’s been in the 80’s here now for a few days and I’m sorry to say, I’m going to have turn the air conditioning on to cool the house down.

I don’t have any pictures of macaroons to share but I do have plenty of pictures of desserts to show you.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

God has given us this life to enjoy and indulge in good taste just like macaroons... 

Author Unknown 

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

11,350.  for macoroons a delicious dessert 

11,351. for a sandwich to enjoy on a hot day 

11,352. for an air conditioner to cool off awhile

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 EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.

Laura Ingalls Wilder 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

TUESDAY, MAY 30TH, 2023

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.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

22 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

In Ohio

 Sunrise:   5:58 am

   Sunset:  8:54 

pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is Mint Julep Day which celebrates a delicious and refreshing summer cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, mint, water and sugar.  A secret trick that bartenders use is to lightly bruise the mint before adding the other ingredients.  This releases the herb’s distinctive aroma and flavor.  A traditional mint julep is served in a silver or pewter cup with shaved ice.

According to many sources, Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced the mint julep in the 1800’s.  As early as 1816 country fair champions in the south received silver julep cups as awards.  Today, the mint julep continues to be associated with the southern region of the United States, most notably as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.  Over the two day event, bartenders at Churchill Downs serve almost 120,000 mint juleps.

The Kentucky Derby may have already passed, but that’s no reason to stop enjoying this unique drink.

To celebrate today make a mint julep recipe and enjoy this refreshing drink!

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

…that the mounds of ices, and bowls of mint julep and sherry cobbler they make in these latitudes, are refreshments never to be thought of afterwards, in summer, but this that would preserve contented minds.

Charles Dickens

I love using mint in my summer drinks like iced tea and lemonade.  The most refreshing drink I ever had was at lunch one time with DS#1 and his family.  It was a mixture of lemonade and iced tea with a spring of mint in it. I had mint growing at home so decided to make my own version of the drink when I got home.  It’s the perfect drink to cool you down on a hot summer day.  Mint is very refreshing and has a lot of benefits too.

Mint treats all your stomach woes.  Mint leaves are anti inflammatory in water and help reduce an inflammation in your stomach. They relieve indigestion. Mint is rich in phosphorus, calcium and vitamins like C,D, E and A which improve the body’s immune system. It also protects from damage, thereby reducing the risk of chronic illness.

It can sooth and calm your skin, combating acne and blemishes.

I didn’t plant mint this year, but I wish I had some.  I’ll have to look see if they have it at the store.

I didn’t have any pictures of mint today but I did find some of lemonade, tea, and ice cold drinks

I hope you all have a TERIFFIC Tuesday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

The mint makes it first, it’s up to you to make it last. 

Evan Esar

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

11,347.  for refreshing and beneficial mint leaves 

11,348. for ways to keep cool on hot summer days 

11,349. for warm and delightful sunshine 

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 EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

If someone offers you a breath mint, accept it. 

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

 

 You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought

Matthew 5:5 (MSG)

 

For Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, 2023

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

MONDAY, MAY 29TH, 2023

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.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

23 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

In Ohio

 Sunrise:   5:59 am

   Sunset:  8:53  

pm

Life is a special   

occasion!

Hallmark!

 Today is Memorial Day which is a holiday that commemorates and honors all the men and women who died while serving our country. This day was originally founded to honor the soldiers who gave lives in the Civil War, but it has since been extended to include all wars involving the United States military, it has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1971.

Traditional observations include visiting cemeteries and memorials as well as attending parades and dedications.  A moment of Remembrance also occurs at 3 p.m. local time across the nation.  

Memorial day is the unofficial kickoff to summer.

To celebrate today break our the grill for a Memorial Day cookout.  Have a Happy and safe weekend !

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier that died protecting it.

Author Unknown

It’s a beautiful day here in Ohio.  Our weather is warm, approaching 80 degrees today and the skies are sunny!  I don’t have any plans for today as we all got together yesterday, but I’ll be enjoying going outside and this beautiful weather.

I’ll be having  lunch out on the sunporch.  The pictures today are of DS#6 and family when the marched in a parade with the Cub Scout Pack a couple of years ago. 

Our town does have a parade that I’ve attended many times, but not today. I’ve even marched in it when my own boys were in Scouts. 

I remember when this day was called Decoration Day, and we’d go to the cemetery to decorated the grave sites. 

Please join me in remembering and honoring all our dead soldiers today at 3:00 p.m.

I hope you all have a GREAT start to this new week!  Happy Monday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.

Claudia Pemberton 

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

11,344.  for a day to remember and honor all our dead soldiers who fought so bravely to protect us.

11,345. for a quiet day to enjoy the beautiful weather 

11,346. for all those gathering together today to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer.  

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 EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

Elmer Davis 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma