For Friday, November 6th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 6TH, 2009

It's FINALLY FRIDAY…

I am imagining that this is what our campground looks like about now. When we left there in October there were still a lot of leaves on the trees. Here the trees are pretty bare.

It was a windy day yesterday and it was a bit warmer than I thought it would be. It warmed up to 50 by afternoon.

THINKING

A God of Justice
Lord, I praise and magnify you, who is just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. . . .

Romans 3:26

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

SWEET POTATO FRIES

Sweet potatoes make these golden oven fries much healthier than the fried white potatoes we all grew up eating. If you want to add a spicy touch, use Hungarian hot paprika.
Or if you are like me, I’d prefer a little cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on mine
Prep time: 5 minutesCook time: 30 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and dried1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions Heat oven to 425° F.
Slice each sweet potato lengthwise into 8 pieces. Toss with oil, salt, and paprika. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until lightly browned on the bottom, about 15 minutes.
Turn slices and bake until bottom is browned and potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes more. Serve hot.

ATTIRE FOR TODAY

The boys have the right idea…jackets are in order, but not the shorts I think. After a very chilly start they are saying it may warm up to 50 today.

PRAYERS

Give me a sense of humor, Lord,

Give me the grace to see a joke,

To get some humor out of life,

And pass it on to other folk
Amen

Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

AROUND HOME

This little fellow is now 5 years old and it’s very hard to believe how time flies. It is a beach sort of day for me… I have to do the payroll today which is one day early as we have Veteran’s Day next week and in order for everyone to get paid on time I do it early.

This will be an easy one as all our guys were laid off this week. With the beginning of our cold weather, our work is slowing down.

COUNTING THE DAYS

45 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

49 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

161 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

Love,
ma



Pictures mostly taken by ‘ma’ and courtesy of the camera provided by my ‘babes’

For Thursday, November 5th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 5TH, 2009

It's THURSDAY…

Slow but sure the work week is passing…

Some might say a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work and I tend to agree with that one.





THINKING

A Loving God
I praise you because you are a loving God, whose very nature is love. . . .

1 John 4:16

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

I saw this list of foods to eat to prevent colds and flus and keep your immune system up so I thought as the cold weather is coming you all might be interested in this. I'm going to try it and see if it helps any.

For those of you with high cholesterol this has some tips on that too!


It takes more than an apple a day to keep viruses at bay. You can ensure your body and immunity run smoothly by getting your seven servings of fruits and veggies and 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, at the very least. The following ingredients can add extra flu-fighting punch to your winter meal plan.

Fish Selenium, plentiful in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, helps white blood cells produce cytokines--proteins that help clear flu viruses out of the body. Salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

Your optimal dose: Two servings a week (unless you're pregnant or planning to be).

Oats and Barley These grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities more potent than echinacea, reports one study. In humans, it boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibiotics work better. Your optimal dose: At least one in your three daily servings of whole grains.

Yogurt Probiotics, or the "live active cultures" found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Although they're available in supplement form, a recent study found that a daily 7-ounce dose of yogurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills.. Any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain. Your optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings a day.

Chicken Soup When researchers tested 13 brands, they found that all but one (chicken-flavored ramen noodles) blocked the migration of inflammatory white cells--an important finding, because cold symptoms are a response to the cells' accumulation in the bronchial tubes. The amino acid cysteine, released from chicken during cooking, chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine, which may explain the results. The soup's salty broth keeps mucus thin the same way cough medicines do. Added spices, such as garlic and onions, can increase soup's immune-boosting power.

Have a bowl when feeling crummy

ATTIRE FOR TODAY

They do say that we may have just a little snow mixed with rain. The temps are going down to freezing tonight and it is cold here this morning.

It is wool socks, layers and winter coat day for sure. The weekend promises to be a bit warmer and in the 50’s. I’m glad this cold stuff isn’t here to stay yet.

PRAYERS

In busy days of noise and action and especially when my journey seems long and my energy is spent, lead me to be still, Lord, and discover anew that you are with me.
Amen

Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESS YOU!

AROUND HOME

Everything is quiet here and I often wish my grand’babes’ lived a little closer, This picture is probably 2 years old now and I know at this age they grow and change a lot. These 4 live out of state and I do miss them

COUNTING THE DAYS

46 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

50 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

162 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

Love,
ma

For Wednesday, November 4th , 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 4TH, 2009

It's WEDNESDAY…

OVER THE HUMP DAY!

Today is Use Your Common Sense Day, always on Will Rogers' birthday. Rogers said, Common sense ain't all that common.

I love how some people can say things like that and it makes sense. I think a lot of things would be a lot better for all of us if we used some of that Common sense. People seem to be too busy anymore for things like that. In the information age we are living in, many think it’s easier just to go online to solve their problems. I do it myself. There is a lot of info out there about everything, but sometimes it is better just to use our heads a bit.


THINKING

The Everlasting Father, the Ancient of Days
I praise you, Lord, as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), who lives forever and ever. . . .


NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Here, some top antioxidant-packed foods to incorporate into your Meal Plans

Tomatoes: Studies show that eating tomato products may reduce prostate cancer risk. The key ingredient: a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, also found in pink and red grapefruit and guava

2. Kale: Research shows that eating dark leafy greens, like kale, may help maintain good health by reducing one’s risk of heart disease and stroke, some cancers, and several other illnesses. They’re rich in beta-carotene, foliate, and vitamins C, E, and K, which help protect against free radicals (damaged cells that injure good cells and harm DNA). Regularly eating dark leafy greens may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol and promote normal eyesight. Spinach and Swiss chard also contain these disease-fighting nutrients

3. Walnuts: Like all nuts, walnuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Unlike other nuts, walnuts are high in heart-healthy omega-3 oils. Other sources of omega-3s include flaxseed and, of course, fish and fish oil supplements

4. Blueberries: A study found that a number of compounds in blueberries, including pigment-producing anthocyanins, are powerful in preventing cancer. Other berries have similar antioxidants in smaller quantities

5. Pomegranates: These fruits are high in flavonoids, antioxidants also found in red wine and cocoa Recent studies show that pomegranate juice may also help prevent heart disease

6. Sweet potatoes: They're rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, both powerful antioxidants that work to prevent and possibly reverse the cell damage caused by free radicals. Other good sources of beta-carotene are carrots and apricots

Isn’t good to know that a part of our thanksgiving feast will include something very good for you too!


ATTIRE FOR TODAY

It’s going to be another chilly one and the forecast for tomorrow has those white flaky things in it.


PRAYERS
Lord, life can present many challenges and obstacles. Many of these may seem impossible to get through. But doing it at our own pace and with your help, we can get through these obstacles, one at a time.
Amen

Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!


AROUND HOME
Tueday evening I felt exhausted as the past 2 days of work have been very busy. So I just took it very easy last night. Hopefully, this evening I’ll get something done here at home.
The moon was beautiful going to work yesterday morning and I thought of all of you when I saw it, because you all could see it too and in a way we were doing something together.
Nice thought!



COUNTING THE DAYS

47 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

51 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

163 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

Love,
ma


Pictures mostly taken by ‘ma’ and courtesy of the camera provided by my ‘babes’

For Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 3RD, 2009


It's TUESDAY…

Well now…I did survive another grueling Monday so that is a miracle in itself. Just when I am beginning to think I might be 2 steps ahead I find I am 3 steps backwards…

The good Lord likes to keep me humble for sure!

THINKING

The Almighty God
O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and I praise you . . . .

Psalm 89:8


NEW IN THE KITCHEN

RITZ CRACKER TURKEYS

For each turkey you make you will need
1 caramel square 1 Ritz cracker 1 Hershey’s Kiss A small mixture of Royal Icing Candy corn
Unwrap the Hershey’s Kiss and lightly dab the flat part in Royal Icing. Place the Kiss toward the bottom of the Ritz cracker. Dab the backside of the candy corn in icing and place above the Kiss on the cracker for the feathers

You can put a dab of icing on the caramel square and use it for a base for the turkey to stand on if you wish but they do well just lying flat on a plate too!



ATTIRE FOR TODAY

It certainly won’t be shorts like DS#6 and his wife have on there…No, it is cold and down in the 30’s this morning. We’ll only have a high in the 40’s so it is a winter coat day for sure.


PLACES TO GO

I finally read the Sunday church bulletin and found out that our Bible Study was cancelled this week so for now all my evenings after work will be spent at home. That’s fine with me as I have lots to do.



PRAYERS

For strength to live life with the knowledge you provide, I give you thanks O God. Help me to remember that you are walking along beside me

Amen


Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESS YOU!




TO DO

I managed to get 3 bags of rubbish put out Monday night. Things that should have been pitched awhile ago. So I’m doing good at cleaning up around here. Now I’ll see if I can get rid of 3 more bags for next week. I’m a saver and often wonder why I keep some things, but I’m learning.



COUNTING THE DAYS

48 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

52 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

164 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

Love,
ma

For Monday, November 2nd, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOVEMBER 2ND, 2009


It's MONDAY…

BACK TO WORK

The weekend was a busy one but I feel good that I got so much done. I even added the leaf to my dining room table to make more room for those that will be here on Thanksgiving.

I had a surprise visit from my youngest sister and her husband Sunday afternoon and it was great to see them both.

I’m wondering whether or not it will really be anymore daylight on my way to work this morning… The time change is good for me because now I’m waking up on my own at the correct time and not an hour early. The body alarm goes off and I’m up. That is nice.

The evenings will be longer but the weather makes it so there is more inside time anyway, so I’ll just light some candles and snuggle in.




THINKING

This month of November is a month of THANKSGIVING. Each day now I’ll be inserting a little verse here in PRAISE of the ONE that gives us all things.

God the Creator
Creator God, I praise you because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you

Nehemiah 9:6

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

kids will go nutty for these clever fall treats, which look like acorns but taste a whole lot sweeter

Chocolate Frosting or Peanut Butter
Donut holes
Crumbled Toffee
Pretzel

Frost a third or so of a plain or glazed doughnut hole with chocolate frosting or peanut butter

Roll the frosted top in crumbled toffee (look for it in the baking section of grocery stores), then add a small piece of a pretzel for the stem



ATTIRE FOR TODAY

Last night it went down in the 30’s and we’ll have a high of 55 they say. I think I’ll put my winter coat on. It’s still very chilly out there this morning.


PEOPLE

Updates were provided by phone calls from DD and DS#1 yesterday. They are both well and not too much new at their houses. DS#4 is still traveling so I’m still praying for safe travels for him.


PLACES

On the calendar this week there is my Thursday evening Bible Study at church. Other than that it is very quiet at my house.

I’m missing being so close to my favorite Cheese store and my Camping ‘babes’ too


PRAYERS

God, you are deserving of my praise, even when I don’t give it. Help me to break the bonds of my selfishness as I put you first this week. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Amen


If the people we love are taken from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.
Buildings burn, people die but real love is forever

Author Unknown
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
May perpetual light shine on them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen

Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESS YOU!


AROUND HOME

Tonight we will see the Beaver Moon, so-called by the New England and Great Lakes Native Americans because it's time for beavers (and us too) to get serious about preparing for the coming winter.



TO DO

I’m still working on my craft room. Didn’t get much done there as I started sorting through old papers to get rid of. Unlike our Star shown in the picture above, I get my exercise running up and down the stairs.


FAMILY ALBUM

This is every ones’ favorite place to go for lunch or supper when they come home. I’m thinking I may order up some burgers for lunch soon. They sure do sound good. I know that some of my babes will be here most of the day of our Thanksgiving feast (Saturday the 21st.) so maybe then would be a good time to have them…Turkey won’t be ready til much later in the day.



COUNTING THE DAYS

48 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

52 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

164 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

Love,
ma

For Sunday, November 1st, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOVEMBER 1ST, 2009

It's SUNDAY…

I hope you all remembered to turn your clocks back one hour last night before you went to bed. I did and got that extra hour of sleep I’ve been missing.

Today as always is my day of R&R. I will be off to church later this morning, but meanwhile it’s a great morning to enjoy my good cup of coffee and take things slow and easy.


THINKING

I’ve got lots to do to get ready for our Thanksgiving Feast this year.


DS#1’s apple butter that he makes every year

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

The expression ‘going bananas’ is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!! This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke

Brain Power: 200 students at a school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try e ating a banana for soothing relief

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies have found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady. Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Strokes: According to research, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%! Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it is time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, A banana a day keeps the doctor away

Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!

I will add one here; my leg cramps stop if I eat a banana every day

Amazing fruit


ATTIRE FOR TODAY

It’s supposed to be a sunny 50 degrees today so a jacket will be in order for sure



PEOPLE

My family at Thanksgiving a couple of years ago. I love having them all together. DS#2 and his family were missing that year. Everyone else is present.

PLACES

A view of the Black River as it runs through the park in our town


PRAYERS

Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

G0D BLESS YOU ALL!


AROUND HOME

DD has her Christmas sweater on here, but it really was at Thanksgiving time that she was wearing it…a reminder that I’ve plenty to do for Christmas time too



TO DO

I’ve got to find out where everyone wants to go the day after Thanksgiving this year. We usually go to a craft festival and shop at some quaint small town shops. We try to stay away from the mobs trying to get the sales at the mall.


FAMILY ALBUM

These are the 3 of my children that usually go along with me each year when we do our Day After Thanksgiving shopping.



COUNTING THE DAYS

50 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

54 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

166 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

Love,
ma