For Friday, November 13th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 13TH, 2009


It's FINALLY FRIDAY…

Our leaves are just like in the picture above…all on the ground now. It is sad to see all the colorful leaves gone. Thankfully we’ve had a few beautiful blue sky sunny days this week.

This will be my last weekend to get things done around here before the Family Feast a week from this Saturday. Still lots to do but it is looking better around here than it did.

THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible

A Personal God
I praise you, God, because you are a personal God, who gives me the honor of knowing you personally, just like you did to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. . .

Matthew 8:11



NEW IN THE KITCHEN
It’s National Indian Pudding Day. A day to enjoy puddings created by native American Indians.
It seems appropriate to hold this day in mid November, as we approach Thanksgiving. Native American Indians were very much a part of the first Thanksgiving feast. It is quite likely that these puddings were served, and enjoyed, at that first Thanksgiving.
American Indian puddings are defined as a number recipes of native American Indian origin. Generally, they include molasses and cornmeal. Apples were often an ingredient. They were usually baked.
Hasty Pudding and Indian Pudding are basically the same pudding, as Hasty Pudding was an English tradition for centuries. Printed references to hasty pudding in England date to 1599, while Indian pudding recipes start appearing in American cookbooks in 1796

The original Indian pudding was a combination of Native American corn mush (ground dried corn cooked in water) and colonial English pudding (grain cooked in either water or milk and sweetened). Cranberries, maple syrup, and spices, also around in New England in colonial days, make this dessert perfect for Thanksgiving

4 cups milk
1 cup real maple syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 ground allspice
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter a 2-quart casserole

In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of the milk and the maple syrup over medium heat. Heat until it simmers and then add the butter

In a small bowl, combine the cornmeal, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice

Using a wire whisk, slowly add the cornmeal mixture to the milk. This will keep it from becoming lumpy. Reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Fold in the cranberries

Spoon into the greased casserole and pour the remaining 1 cup of milk over the top of the pudding. DO NOT STIR. Bake for 2 1/2 hours, until the milk has been absorbed and the top is golden brown

Serve plain, with a dollop of honey sweetened whipped cream, or topped with vanilla ice cream



ATTIRE FOR TODAY

We’ll need those jackets again this morning. The nights have been very cold but it’s been warming up during the day…still need a jacket but it’s been beautiful!


PRAYERS

The revelation of your words, O Lord, sheds light, gives understanding to the simple. Let me live to praise you.

Psalm 119:130,175
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

Here’s my sunshine boys when they visited a few years ago. They have grown so much since then.

Driving a car is pretty good stuff for them but I’ll be glad when I can park mine in the garage this evening and not have to take it out again til I go to church on Sunday morning.


FAMILY ALBUM

Here’s DDILs#1 and #5 giving us a
***BIG SMILE*** today!

Thanks girls !

COUNTING THE DAYS

38 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

42 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

154 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma


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

For Thursday, November 12th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 12TH, 2009

It's THURSDAY…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DDIL#1 TODAY!

May the dear Lord bless you today and always!

It’s been a pretty fast week so far and now we’re on the downhill slide into the weekend. Work was very slow and quiet yesterday so by afternoon I started stuffing the company Christmas cards in envelopes.

We had enough left over from last year that we didn’t need to order more and they are pre-signed so all I have to do is stuff them and address and stamp them. I may get them in the mail right after Thanksgiving this year.

I haven’t started the ones from me yet, but they are sitting in a basket by my chair waiting.

THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible

The Holy One

Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. . . .

Revelation 4:8

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Snack Crackers

1 box Ritz Bitz (the mini crackers with the cheese in the middle)

1/2 c vegetable oil

1 tsp. onion powder

1tbs. dill weed

1 pkg. orignal Ranch House dry dressing mix

Mix all but crackers with a rubber spatula. (You can also mix ingredients in a bag and do the shake and bake method. LOL) Then add the crackers and stir (or shake, but not too hard to crush the crackers.)

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 3 minutes. (I baked mine for 5 and they turned out fine.)

ATTIRE FOR TODAY

Evening red and morning gray,
two sure signs of one fine day


We’re supposed to have another mostly sunny day in the mid 50’s. I’m happy when the sun shines for sure!

PRAYERS
Lord, teach me to obey Your word, so that I may be truly wise
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.

AMEN

COUNTING THE DAYS

39 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

43 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

155 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma



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

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 11TH, 2009

It's WEDNESDAY…

OVER THE HUMP DAY!

It’s Veterans Day and even though I have to work it is a holiday for some. I’m still celebrating as it is a day to honor all our veterans.

The banks and the post office will be closed.

THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible

The Only Wise God

I give praise to you, my Father, the only wise God my Savior (Jude 1:25). May all glory and majesty, dominion and power, be yours both now and ever. . .



NEW IN THE KITCHEN

This is DD with her hubby at the fair this past year. We all love their sausage sandwiches.

For fresher air, simmer cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels in an open kettle of water




ATTIRE FOR TODAY

It’ll be in the 50’s again and they say we may see some sunshine too!



PEOPLE

Today we honor some very special people as it is Veterans Day.

Today the 11th month, the 11th day, at 11:11 please take a moment for silence in remembrance of the veterans of all wars past and present.


PRAYERS

Lord, help us to see your presence and to hope in every situation

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

I sure have been missing those nice Sunday breakfasts that DS#1 always had at the camp ground this past summer. Never fear though, I am not losing any weight because of it.

FAMILY ALBUM

This picture was taken the 4th of July weekend this past summer, but it had red white and blue in it so I thought it appropriate for today


COUNTING THE DAYS

40 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

44 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

156 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma


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

For Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 10TH, 2009

It's TUESDAY…

All is quiet here on the home front. Work is on the quiet side too. As I had done my payroll last Friday it made my Monday a whole lot easier.

THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible

A Longsuffering, Persevering God
Father, I praise you because you are patient with all your children, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Thank you for your patience with me. . . .


NEW IN THE KITCHEN

DS #4 and DS#1 were getting ready to carve the turkey in this picture taken a few years ago.

Here’s a recipe I used to make for brunch when the babes were all home on a Sunday

IMPOSSIBLE QUICHE LORRAINE

(also known as Quickie Quiche)

12 slices bacon, crisply, fried and crumbled

2 c. shredded Natural Swiss cheese

1/4 c. finely chopped onion, sautéed in butter

2 c. half and half

1/2 c. Bisquick or Jiffy baking mix

4 eggs

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

Dash nutmeg optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease one 9 or 10 inch pie plate or quiche pan. DO NOT use quiche pan with removable bottom. Sprinkle bacon, cheese and onion evenly in pan. Place remaining ingredients in blender in order listed. Blend on high speed for 1 minute. Pour slowly into pan over bacon mixture. Bake until golden brown crust forms or quiche and knife inserted in center comes out clean (55 to 60 minutes). Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
May substitute: 1 lb. bulk sausage, browned, crumbled and well drained
1 c. grated cheddar for 1 c. Swiss cheese (use 1 cup of both)
Use dried onion flakes, no need to saute

Preheat oven to 350 degrees;

May substitute : 1 lb bulk sausage, browned, crumbled and well drained

1 cup grated cheddar for 1 cup Swiss

ATTIRE FOR TODAY

Our temps are dropping back into the 50’s today and there may be just a little rain too they say.

Jackets are in order for sure.

PRAYERS

Thank you, God, for all your blessings and for reminders of your gracious love
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

Thought you’d enjoy a smile today…Those boys were having a little fun posing for the camera.

COUNTING THE DAYS

41 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

45 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

157 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,

A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma


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

For Monday, November 9th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 9TH, 2009


It's MONDAY…

Another weekend gone but not forgotten. I did good at marking some of things off my ‘to do’ list so that is a very good thing. I also got to see DD and DS#5 at church Sunday morning and then went to dinner with them and DDIL#5 and DSIL too at everyone’s favorite place Sunday evening.




THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible

God my Refuge, my Fortress
I praise you, Lord, for you are my mighty rock, my refuge. . . .

Psalm 62:7



NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Our Princess showing how colorful our plates are supposed to be when we sit down to a meal.

TRAIL MIX

Mix equal parts of the following:

RaisinsDried figsRaw,

whole almonds

Raw walnuts

Darkest chocolate chips
Set out in an attractive bowl and watch it disappear. This snack has synergy! It fights premature aging, excess weight, heart disease, and hunger pangs. (If you are a chronic breakfast-skipper, package this mix, minus the chocolate chips, into individual baggies and keep in the pantry or car. A healthy breakfast—instead of starving— helps return you to your natural weight.)



ATTIRE FOR TODAY

If trees show buds in November,
the winter will last until May

DS#5 and his wife are doing the right thing here. The day will be another warm one in the high 60’s/low 70’s here in northern Ohio. Although I thought we’d already had it, it seems we are having our Indian summer. I’ll start off the day with a jacket but I’m sure I won’t need it at all by noon today.


PRAYERS

Special prayers are being said today as the first Atlantic hurricane of the year to hit the US is headed toward the Gulf Coast.
Source of strength, give us peace when storms come. Make us conscious of your abiding presence each day
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

Always keep several get well cards on the mantel. If unexpected guests arrive, they'll think you've been sick and unable to clean

On my plan for Christmas it says:

Gift Shopping and Wrapping8 weeks before: Shop for and wrap 1/3 of your gifts

7 weeks before: Shop for and wrap 2/3 of your gifts

Sadly I’m about a week behind and maybe more…I haven’t wrapped anything that I’ve got so far.

FAMILY ALBUM

Just wanted DS#4 and his wife to see the beautiful blooms we had this summer. They gave me this plant a few years ago and it has flourished.


COUNTING THE DAYS

42 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

46 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

158 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma



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

For Sunday, November 8th, 2009

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 8TH, 2009

It's SUNDAY…

I need a day of R & R for sure…yesterday’s run up and down the stairs a million times does tend to tire one out. Then again, it is good I get some kind of exercise. The season is fast coming when we all tend to eat a lot of goodies we don’t have any other time of year. From Thanksgiving til after New Year’s there’ll be treats galore.

THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible

A Merciful God

You, O Lord, are a gracious and merciful God, (Nehemiah 9:31),

and I praise you for your great mercy. . . .

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

One of my friends makes the best soup I know of and I asked her one time to share the recipe so here it is:

Soup

Low sodium chicken broth 2 large cans

1 onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 can chopped tomatoes ( I used one with basil )

1 - 2 cups of chopped carrots

cook for 4 hours in crock pot and 1 hr. before it is done add 2 cups bow ties.

add salt and pepper to taste.

Thats it enjoy!

I’m pretty sure that she often uses Mrs. Dash for seasoning and also adds some leftover turkey to that soup too

ATTIRE FOR TODAY

My sunshine boys have got it right today. If it warms up as much as it did yesterday this is all that will be needed. When I sat down for a break about 4:30 in the afternoon it was 68 degrees.

PRAYERS


Thank you, God, for the gift of each new day and for friends who remind us of your grace
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

The sign above hangs in my kitchen just inside the back door. As the seasons change so does the sign.
Of course there is a rooster holding the sign as the kitchen is all done up in rooster décor.

The calendar for the week ahead is looking pretty empty. There is nothing but work on it Monday thru Friday.

FAMILY ALBUM

The reason a dog makes so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue

COUNTING THE DAYS

43 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

47 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

159 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,

A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma


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

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
NOBEMBER 7TH, 2009

It's SATURDAY…
As usual for a Saturday at home it is cleaning up and laundry today. I also have a meeting at church at 1:00 this afternoon, so that means I need to get busy this morning. Once I have an interruption, it’s hard to get back into the swing of things.

I thought maybe you’d enjoy a laugh this morning so I’m sharing the picture above with DS#5 trying to see if his tongue would freeze to the light pole…it didn’t.

THINKING

November is the month when we remember all the things we are thankful for and the One that makes them possible.

The Trustworthy God
Heavenly Father, I give you my praise and adoration, because you are a faithful God, keeping your covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love you and keep your commands. . . .

Deuteronomy 7:9

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Some interesting information for you today. I’m not so sure where I found this article but it is worth taking a look

Natural foods that supply antioxidants are a great way to increase your energy, fight premature aging, protect yourself against cancer, keep your weight normal, and create gorgeous, glowing skin.

Some of the healthiest foods mentioned in the Bible can also help keep your skin beautiful

ALMONDS

The almond reminds us to watch for God’s faithful fulfillment of His promises to us. God also used the almond to perform a miracle among the Israelites: He caused the staff of Aaron, Moses’ brother, to burst into blooms with ripe almonds (Num. 17:8). This staff was kept inside the ark of the covenant for remembrance. Scientists haven’t been able to find the famed ark, but they have found some key facts about almonds. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, a vitamin that is believed to protect against photo damage and wrinkles, and may even improve skin texture.
APRICOTS

Did you know that apricots are believed to be the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden? Apple trees were not indigenous to the biblical lands, and the word apple is used in the Bible as a reference to the apricot. For example, Proverbs 25:11 compares a beautiful word to a beautiful apricot nestled in a silver serving dish: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Today, we know that apricots are rich sources of carotene, a phytonutrient that helps protect skin against harmful UV rays.
PISTACHIOS

Pistachios were both eaten and used to make skin preparations in biblical times. They are believed to have been part of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built by the biblical king Nebuchadnezzar and considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, we know pistachios are rich in carotenoids, the phytonutrient that can help block sunlight induced inflammation of the skin, which leads to wrinkles. As an added bonus, one ounce of pistachios contains more fiber than a half-cup of spinach and the same amount as an orange or apple. More fiber means you’ll stay full longer, which helps with appetite control

POMEGRANATES

Pomegranates were a luscious food in biblical times and are enjoying a resurgence in popularity today. During the Exodus, the Israelites complained loudly to Moses that he had led them into the wilderness and they didn’t have pomegranates to eat. When Moses sent spies into the Promised Land, they brought back pomegranates. Pomegranates must be a favorite fruit of God’s, too, because He commanded that their design be woven into the priest’s robes and the architecture of the temple.
Today, this once-exotic fruit is available at most groceries every fall. Just split, drink the juice, and eat the seeds. When it’s not available, buy 100 percent pure pomegranate juice, kept in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle

Many high-priced skin creams contain pomegranate extract to fight wrinkles, but it’s always more fun to eat delicious fruits than apply a wrinkle cream

WALNUTS

Although almonds and pistachios are the only nuts mentioned by name in the Bible, we know that walnuts were cultivated and enjoyed. In Mark 6, Jesus walks on water across the lake towards Gennesaret, a region that the ancient historian Josephus said was known for growing walnuts. Experts tell us that walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to help prevent dry skin and help the skin retain moisture. Consuming these essential fatty acids is also linked with a reduction in symptoms of psoriasis. Also, omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect. Many studies are being done to examine the role between inflammation and aging and you can expect to hear more about the overall benefits of consuming walnuts

RAISINS

In Jeremiah 2:21, God calls Israel a noble vine. The fruit of the vine—grapes and raisins—was much loved as food and drink. In 1 Samuel 25, a very wise, and very beautiful, woman named Abigail, took one hundred clusters of raisins, along with other foods, as a peace offering to David to persuade him to call off a deadly attack on her household. It worked. The Bible references raisins many times, usually as cakes, which were simply dried raisins pressed together. Modern women know that raisins are antioxidant powerhouses. Only the humble prune has more antioxidants than raisins. And since a new study reports that people who eat antioxidant-rich foods will have fewer wrinkles, it’s smart to add raisins into your daily snack routine




ATTIRE FOR TODAY

It’s supposed to be a warm sunny 60 degrees here today. There is lots to do inside, but I’d like to get outside for awhile while the sun is shining



PRAYERS

My heartfelt prayers are being said for all those affected by the tragedy’s that have been going on around our country this week.

Lord, thank you for always being there for us. Help us to trust you in our suffering, even when we do not understand.
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

Just like our Prince Charming and DS#5 in the picture above, it is a little scary knowing how much I have to do around here. Getting ready for the holidays sometimes overwhelms me a bit.


COUNTING THE DAYS

44 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

48 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

AND

160 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS


Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,

A bit of love from someone near…

Love,
ma




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

And My thanks to DS#5 for all the SMILES today