I finally did it! I cooked dinner tonight -- got a little gourmet with the chicken, but reverted to old fashion when I prepared Stewed Potatoes, english peas, cornbread, and had fresh from the market cantalope and fresh from my little garden - tomatoes! Travis said he enjoyed it and it was good! Great - that is truly what I was after! I had 1/2 chicken breast, a slice of cantalope and some tomato. I've got to figure out how I can get more low, low calorie and carb veggies in my diet!
I decided I'd better cook - not many opportunities left until I leave on vacation next Tuesday.
I made a wonderful Spinach Dip for the vegetables that we had at the wedding. Try it!
SPINACH ONION DIP
1 -1/2 pouch Campbell's Dry Onion Soup and Recipe Mix
1 - 16 oz. container sour cream
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds, (Optional)
Mix soup, sour cream, spinach and almonds. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve with chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
TIP: To thaw spinach, microwave on HIGH 3 minutes, breaking apart with fork halfway through heating,
It takes lots of draining!!!
It really was good even with me making 12 times this much!!!
Also here is the punch recipe I used:
SPARKLING PUNCH
1 - 12 OZ. can frozen pink lemonade
4 cups White Grape cranberry- strawberry juice
1 quart ginger ale.
Stir together the lemonade concentrate and juice. Chill 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Stir in Ginger Ale just before serving!
This recipe makes 9 cups - and I was making like 600 cups -- but I had way too much!!
It is refreshingly good!!
Some great thoughts - wish they were all mine!!
To realize the value of a sister/brother; Ask someone who doesn't have one.
To realize the value of ten years; Ask a newly divorced couple.
To realize the value of four years; Ask a graduate.
To realize the value of one year; Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
To realize the value of nine months; Ask a mother that has given birth to a stillborn.
To realize the value of one month; Ask as mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week; Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one minute; Ask a person who has missed a train,bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second; Ask a person who has survived an accident.
Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have.
You can treasure it more when you share it with someone special.
To realize the value of a friend or family member: LOSE ONE.
Remember...Hold on tight to the ones you love!
I also want to add: Remember God and what he has done for us! Have a blessed day tomorrow - and please remember to tell the ones you love that you do love them and do a good deed. That is very important!!!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
SALADS GALORE AND AN OLD DOG
Good evening!! Busy day -- it seemed it all happened after lunch - but it happened!!! Besides three loan, something much mnore tragic happened. One of our " favorite people" at our branch called home to talk to her Mom. When her Dad answered, he said "Call an Ambulance" and it seems by the time the ambulance got there (Which wasn't long )- she had gone to meet her Maker. She was still a young woman with lots of -plans and things to see! It is so sad and also it hurts so much to know someone and think so much of and have grown to love is going through this loss at such a young age!
Here is neat l little story with a great message that in the light of what has happened we need to medicate on!!
The Old Junk Yard Dog
Jeremiah 40:4
“I free you this day from the chains that were on your hands.”
Two good old boys went to the local junk yard to rummage for car parts. The owner told them to go out back and find what they needed, and then he would work out a price with them.
“You boys watch for my dog,” he told them.”He out there to keep thieves from breaking in at night, so he shouldn’t brother you. But just in case, keep your eyes opened.”
The two went cautiously into the yard, more than a little concerned about running into the old man’s dog. Slowly working their way around, they came upon an old abandoned well. “How deep do you think it is?”One said to the other. “I don’t know,” he replied, “Lets through a brick down it and see how long it takes to hit bottom.” They never heard it hit bottom.”
Seeing an old car battery nearby they threw it down the well, thinking a heavier object would be easier to hear. Still no sound. “Hey, let’s throw this old engine block down the well,” one said, “it’s so heavy we’re bound to hear it hit bottom.”
AS soon as they dropped the engine, the junk yard dog came racing from am old wreck. His teeth were glistening in the sun, his growl sounded like a crazed lion, his eyes were blood red with rage, and foam was streaming from both sides of his mouth. He jumped right at the two men. Fortunately for them the dog missed and fell down into the well.
The old man hearing all the racket, came out of the shop and asked “Are you boys alright?”
“Yes sir,” they answered.
“My dog didn’t bite you, did he?” I heard him barking. Is everything OK?
“Well, sir,” they replied, “we don’t know how to tell you this…but your dog just jumped down the well.”
The old man stared in disbelief, and said, “NO, that not possible. I had him chained up to an old engine block.”
''
What are you chained to today? If it goes down, are you going down with it? The Lord “sets you free this day from the chains that were upon your hands!” Walk in freedom, and leave the junk for others.
I Promised salads and although I typed them last night I will do it again!!!
FRESH STRAWBERRY SALAD
1 Pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 Cup Angel flake coconut
1/2 Cup chopped pecans
1 Can pineapple tidbits, drained
4 Cups minature marshmallows
1-1/2 Pint Sour Cream (Please use light!!!)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Refrigerate 24 hours before serving. Serves 8.
Very Good - light and pretty -- what more can you ask for??
DOUBLE DUTY PISTACHIO SALAD
This was given to me by Marjoree Glover after I ate it and fell in love with it!!!
(Can be used as a salad with meats,etc., or dessert with cookies
1 Small pkg Pistachio Pudding Mix
1 -16 oz. can chunky pineapple
1- 16 oz. can crushed pineapple
1 Cup chopped pecans
12 or 16 oz. Cool Whip
1 Cup miniature marshmallows
Mix both cans pineapple with the juice of both and sprinkle the pudding on top of the pineapple. Let mixture stand for about 3 minutes and then mix in nuts and coconut, stirring gently. Fold in marshmallows and Cool Whip. Refrigerate for a least 2 hours before serving. It makes two bowls and can be frozen!!
I told you I love this and it made me hungry just writing about it -- well - maybe it is the diet! ha.
I hope everyone of you will try these recipes -- they are "fool proof," delicous and I love them!!Have a blessed week -- and you will - if you will serve others! If it is God's Will - I will be back tomorrow!!
Here is neat l little story with a great message that in the light of what has happened we need to medicate on!!
The Old Junk Yard Dog
Jeremiah 40:4
“I free you this day from the chains that were on your hands.”
Two good old boys went to the local junk yard to rummage for car parts. The owner told them to go out back and find what they needed, and then he would work out a price with them.
“You boys watch for my dog,” he told them.”He out there to keep thieves from breaking in at night, so he shouldn’t brother you. But just in case, keep your eyes opened.”
The two went cautiously into the yard, more than a little concerned about running into the old man’s dog. Slowly working their way around, they came upon an old abandoned well. “How deep do you think it is?”One said to the other. “I don’t know,” he replied, “Lets through a brick down it and see how long it takes to hit bottom.” They never heard it hit bottom.”
Seeing an old car battery nearby they threw it down the well, thinking a heavier object would be easier to hear. Still no sound. “Hey, let’s throw this old engine block down the well,” one said, “it’s so heavy we’re bound to hear it hit bottom.”
AS soon as they dropped the engine, the junk yard dog came racing from am old wreck. His teeth were glistening in the sun, his growl sounded like a crazed lion, his eyes were blood red with rage, and foam was streaming from both sides of his mouth. He jumped right at the two men. Fortunately for them the dog missed and fell down into the well.
The old man hearing all the racket, came out of the shop and asked “Are you boys alright?”
“Yes sir,” they answered.
“My dog didn’t bite you, did he?” I heard him barking. Is everything OK?
“Well, sir,” they replied, “we don’t know how to tell you this…but your dog just jumped down the well.”
The old man stared in disbelief, and said, “NO, that not possible. I had him chained up to an old engine block.”
''
What are you chained to today? If it goes down, are you going down with it? The Lord “sets you free this day from the chains that were upon your hands!” Walk in freedom, and leave the junk for others.
I Promised salads and although I typed them last night I will do it again!!!
FRESH STRAWBERRY SALAD
1 Pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 Cup Angel flake coconut
1/2 Cup chopped pecans
1 Can pineapple tidbits, drained
4 Cups minature marshmallows
1-1/2 Pint Sour Cream (Please use light!!!)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Refrigerate 24 hours before serving. Serves 8.
Very Good - light and pretty -- what more can you ask for??
DOUBLE DUTY PISTACHIO SALAD
This was given to me by Marjoree Glover after I ate it and fell in love with it!!!
(Can be used as a salad with meats,etc., or dessert with cookies
1 Small pkg Pistachio Pudding Mix
1 -16 oz. can chunky pineapple
1- 16 oz. can crushed pineapple
1 Cup chopped pecans
12 or 16 oz. Cool Whip
1 Cup miniature marshmallows
Mix both cans pineapple with the juice of both and sprinkle the pudding on top of the pineapple. Let mixture stand for about 3 minutes and then mix in nuts and coconut, stirring gently. Fold in marshmallows and Cool Whip. Refrigerate for a least 2 hours before serving. It makes two bowls and can be frozen!!
I told you I love this and it made me hungry just writing about it -- well - maybe it is the diet! ha.
I hope everyone of you will try these recipes -- they are "fool proof," delicous and I love them!!Have a blessed week -- and you will - if you will serve others! If it is God's Will - I will be back tomorrow!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
TIRED BUT HAPPY
I am back -- the wedding is over and I actually rested this afternoon!! Everything went as planned and Megan was a beautiful bride and Brandon was a handsome groom! Her mom looked gorgous too! Now if I get all this crystal put away!!!!
I've not really thought about cooking in a while -- I was too busy but guess I had better or Travis will disown me!! I have never seen so many recipes for one thing (unless it is chicken) than I see lately for Salsa. I have made watermelon and it is great - but I was looking through one of the books where I have collected recipes and I see Mango Salsa (similar but not exactly the same as mine), Grilled Corn Salsa, Avacado and Corn Salsa, Raspberry Tomatillo Salsa (and where I added many ingredients to help it(, Fire Roasted Salsam, Salsa Verde (I added ingredients to it too), Pineapple Salsa, --juat to name a few! Here is a recipe for Roasted Corn Guacamole that I want to make next.
ROASTED CORN GUACAMOLE
6 Tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups frozen corn kernals,thawed
6 Acadados, chopped
4 Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tsp. minced jalapeno pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Spread 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in baking sheet.. Add corn and roast at 450 degrees for 8 minutes. T Add remaining 4 tablespoons oil, avacados,tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, garlic, vinegar, cumin and kosher salt to corn in order listed. Mix well. Chill until serving time. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 10-12.
Of course I would add more garlic and jalapeno for a more spicy and flavorable taste!!
Here is a neat story that I think we all could learn from!
Good story!
No matter where you go.................there you are!
Don't know if this is a true story but it certainly sounds like it could be. At any rate, it is a good story.
A MAN AND A BUCKET OF SHRIMP
This is a true story. I had never heard it before.
It happened every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the blue ocean.
Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier.. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. Ed walks out to the end of the pier, where it seems he almost has the world to himself. The glow of the sun is a golden bronze now.
Everybody's gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts...and his bucket of shrimp.
Before long, however, he is no longer alone. Up in the sky a thousand white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way toward that lanky frame standing there on the end of the pier.
Before long, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds. As he does, if you listen closely, you can hear him say with a smile, 'Thank you. Thank you.'
In a few short minutes the bucket is empty. But Ed doesn't leave.
He stands there lost in thought, as though transported to another time and place.
When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they, too, fly away. And old Ed quietly makes his way down to the end of the beach and on home.
If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like 'a funny old duck,' as my dad used to say. Or, 'a guy who's a sandwich shy of a picnic,' as my kids might say. To onlookers, he's just another old codger, lost in his own weird world, feeding the seagulls with a bucket full of shrimp.
To the onlooker, rituals can look either very strange or very empty. They can seem altogether unimportant ....maybe even a lot of nonsense.
Old folks often do strange things, at least in the eyes of Boomers and Busters.
Most of them would probably write Old Ed off, down there in Florida . That's too bad. They'd do well to know him better.
His full name: Eddie Rickenbacker. He was a famous hero back in World War II. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived, crawled out of their plane, and climbed into a life raft.
Captain Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks. Most of all, they fought hunger. By the eighth day their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were.
They needed a miracle. That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle. They tried to nap Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged. All he could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft.
Suddenly, Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull!
Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab it and wring its neck.. He tore the feathers off, and he and his starving crew made a meal - a very slight meal for eight men - of it. Then they used the intestines for bait.. With it, they caught fish, which gave them food and more bait......and the cycle continued. With that simple survival technique, they were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued (after 24 days at sea...).
Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first lifesaving seagull.. And he never stopped saying, 'Thank you.' That's why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket full of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude.
Reference: (Max Lucado, In The Eye of the Storm, pp..221, 225-226)
How many times do we fail to say thank you to someone that has either helped us or done something for us? How many times do we forget to say "THANK YOU" to God for blessing us so richly, helping us through problems and sickness - and most important for giving His Son to die for our sins? We need to remember to be more grateful to friends andespecially God for saving our souls!!
I had finished this -- and had given you two wonderful salad recipes but when I pulled the published blog up -- the auto save had not saved and it stopped in the middle of the first recipe. So I finished it -- gave you back this story -- and if you will join me tomorrow night - I will repeat the salad recipes. Right now it is just too late.
I do want to say THANK YOU to all of you who take the time to read my blog and then take the time to either comment or tell me you made one of the recipes!! May you have a blessed evening and join me again soon!!!!
I've not really thought about cooking in a while -- I was too busy but guess I had better or Travis will disown me!! I have never seen so many recipes for one thing (unless it is chicken) than I see lately for Salsa. I have made watermelon and it is great - but I was looking through one of the books where I have collected recipes and I see Mango Salsa (similar but not exactly the same as mine), Grilled Corn Salsa, Avacado and Corn Salsa, Raspberry Tomatillo Salsa (and where I added many ingredients to help it(, Fire Roasted Salsam, Salsa Verde (I added ingredients to it too), Pineapple Salsa, --juat to name a few! Here is a recipe for Roasted Corn Guacamole that I want to make next.
ROASTED CORN GUACAMOLE
6 Tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups frozen corn kernals,thawed
6 Acadados, chopped
4 Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tsp. minced jalapeno pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Spread 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in baking sheet.. Add corn and roast at 450 degrees for 8 minutes. T Add remaining 4 tablespoons oil, avacados,tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, garlic, vinegar, cumin and kosher salt to corn in order listed. Mix well. Chill until serving time. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 10-12.
Of course I would add more garlic and jalapeno for a more spicy and flavorable taste!!
Here is a neat story that I think we all could learn from!
Good story!
No matter where you go.................there you are!
Don't know if this is a true story but it certainly sounds like it could be. At any rate, it is a good story.
A MAN AND A BUCKET OF SHRIMP
This is a true story. I had never heard it before.
It happened every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the blue ocean.
Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier.. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. Ed walks out to the end of the pier, where it seems he almost has the world to himself. The glow of the sun is a golden bronze now.
Everybody's gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts...and his bucket of shrimp.
Before long, however, he is no longer alone. Up in the sky a thousand white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way toward that lanky frame standing there on the end of the pier.
Before long, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds. As he does, if you listen closely, you can hear him say with a smile, 'Thank you. Thank you.'
In a few short minutes the bucket is empty. But Ed doesn't leave.
He stands there lost in thought, as though transported to another time and place.
When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they, too, fly away. And old Ed quietly makes his way down to the end of the beach and on home.
If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like 'a funny old duck,' as my dad used to say. Or, 'a guy who's a sandwich shy of a picnic,' as my kids might say. To onlookers, he's just another old codger, lost in his own weird world, feeding the seagulls with a bucket full of shrimp.
To the onlooker, rituals can look either very strange or very empty. They can seem altogether unimportant ....maybe even a lot of nonsense.
Old folks often do strange things, at least in the eyes of Boomers and Busters.
Most of them would probably write Old Ed off, down there in Florida . That's too bad. They'd do well to know him better.
His full name: Eddie Rickenbacker. He was a famous hero back in World War II. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived, crawled out of their plane, and climbed into a life raft.
Captain Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks. Most of all, they fought hunger. By the eighth day their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were.
They needed a miracle. That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle. They tried to nap Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged. All he could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft.
Suddenly, Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull!
Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab it and wring its neck.. He tore the feathers off, and he and his starving crew made a meal - a very slight meal for eight men - of it. Then they used the intestines for bait.. With it, they caught fish, which gave them food and more bait......and the cycle continued. With that simple survival technique, they were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued (after 24 days at sea...).
Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first lifesaving seagull.. And he never stopped saying, 'Thank you.' That's why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket full of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude.
Reference: (Max Lucado, In The Eye of the Storm, pp..221, 225-226)
How many times do we fail to say thank you to someone that has either helped us or done something for us? How many times do we forget to say "THANK YOU" to God for blessing us so richly, helping us through problems and sickness - and most important for giving His Son to die for our sins? We need to remember to be more grateful to friends andespecially God for saving our souls!!
I had finished this -- and had given you two wonderful salad recipes but when I pulled the published blog up -- the auto save had not saved and it stopped in the middle of the first recipe. So I finished it -- gave you back this story -- and if you will join me tomorrow night - I will repeat the salad recipes. Right now it is just too late.
I do want to say THANK YOU to all of you who take the time to read my blog and then take the time to either comment or tell me you made one of the recipes!! May you have a blessed evening and join me again soon!!!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE
Good evening. This afternoon the Mother of the Bride of the wedding this weekend met me at Sams and we picked up two trunk loads (and mine is a large SUV) of food! We took it to the church and was able to get all of the fruit and veggies in the refrigerator! WHAT a job - but I was so thankful for the food. They had worked all day decorating! It is looking so great!!
Here is something so cute that a very sweet friend sent me. I appologize if it offends anyone - I hope you will just enjoy the humor even if you aren't blond!
A Blonde's Cookbook...(notes from her diary):
MONDAY
It's fun to cook for Dan. Today I made angel food cake. The recipe said beat 12 eggs separately. The neighbors were nice enough to loan me the extra bowls.
TUESDAY
He wanted fruit salad for supper. The recipe said serve without dressing. So I didn't dress. What a surprise when he brought a friend home for supper.
WEDNESDAY
A good day for rice. The recipe said wash thoroughly before steaming the rice. It seemed kind of silly but I took a bath anyway. I can't say it improved the rice any.
THURSDAY
Today he asked for salad again I tried a new recipe. It said prepare ingredients; lay on a bed of lettuce one hour before serving. Asked me why I was rolling around in the garden..
FRIDAY
I found an easy recipe for cookies. It said put the ingredients in a bowl and beat it.. There must have been something wrong with this recipe. When I got back, everything was the same as when I left.
SATURDAY
He did the shopping today and brought home a chicken. He asked me to dress it for Sunday. I don't have any clothes that fit it, and for some reason he keeps counting to ten.
SUNDAY
. I wanted to serve roast but all I had was hamburger. Suddenly I had a flash of genius.. I put the hamburger in the oven and set the controls for roast. It still came out hamburger, much to my disappointment.
GOOD NIGHT DEAR DIARY. This has been a very exciting week! I am eager for tomorrow to come so I can try out a new recipe . If I can talk him into buying a bigger oven, I would like to surprise him with a chocolate moose.
CUTE!!! Now those that remember I was not born a blonde - But if the years of each count -- I'm definitely a blond!!
It was a lot more cute on the email -- Monday through Sunday was in color and dancing around! Sorrty - I AM NOT THAT CLEVER -- guess I'm just blond!!!
I am really tired and I don't have a special recipe picked out for you -- so I will close with this:
The Old Junk Yard Dog
Jeremiah 40:4
“I free you this day from the chains that were on your hands.”
Two good old boys went to the local junk yard to rummage for car parts. The owner told them to go out back and find what they needed, and then he would work out a price with them.
“You boys watch for my dog,” he told them.”He out there to keep thieves from breaking in at night, so he shouldn’t brother you. But just in case, keep your eyes opened.”
The two went cautiously into the yard, more than a little concerned about running into the old man’s dog. Slowly working their way around, they came upon an old abandoned well. “How deep do you think it is?”One said to the other. “I don’t know,” he replied, “Lets through a brick down it and see how long it takes to hit bottom.” They never heard it hit bottom.”
Seeing an old car battery nearby they threw it down the well, thinking a heavier object would be easier to hear. Still no sound. “Hey, let’s throw this old engine block down the well,” one said, “it’s so heavy we’re bound to hear it hit bottom.”
AS soon as they dropped the engine, the junk yard dog came racing from am old wreck. His teeth were glistening in the sun, his growl sounded like a crazed lion, his eyes were blood red with rage, and foam was streaming from both sides of his mouth. He jumped right at the two men. Fortunately for them the dog missed and fell down into the well.
The old man hearing all the racket, came out of the shop and asked “Are you boys alright?”
“Yes sir,” they answered.
“My dog didn’t bite you, did he?” I heard him barking. Is everything OK?
“Well, sir,” they replied, “we don’t know how to tell you this…but your dog just jumped down the well.”
The old man stared in disbelief, and said, “NO, that not possible. I had him chained up to an old engine block.”
What are you chained to today? If it goes down, are you going down with it? The Lord “sets you free this day from the chains that were upon your hands!” Walk in freedom, and leave the junk for others.
Look for the good in everyone and do something good for one another! God Bless each of you! I may be off for a couple of days - you know THE WEDDING!! I will be back though - God's Will!!!
Here is something so cute that a very sweet friend sent me. I appologize if it offends anyone - I hope you will just enjoy the humor even if you aren't blond!
A Blonde's Cookbook...(notes from her diary):
MONDAY
It's fun to cook for Dan. Today I made angel food cake. The recipe said beat 12 eggs separately. The neighbors were nice enough to loan me the extra bowls.
TUESDAY
He wanted fruit salad for supper. The recipe said serve without dressing. So I didn't dress. What a surprise when he brought a friend home for supper.
WEDNESDAY
A good day for rice. The recipe said wash thoroughly before steaming the rice. It seemed kind of silly but I took a bath anyway. I can't say it improved the rice any.
THURSDAY
Today he asked for salad again I tried a new recipe. It said prepare ingredients; lay on a bed of lettuce one hour before serving. Asked me why I was rolling around in the garden..
FRIDAY
I found an easy recipe for cookies. It said put the ingredients in a bowl and beat it.. There must have been something wrong with this recipe. When I got back, everything was the same as when I left.
SATURDAY
He did the shopping today and brought home a chicken. He asked me to dress it for Sunday. I don't have any clothes that fit it, and for some reason he keeps counting to ten.
SUNDAY
. I wanted to serve roast but all I had was hamburger. Suddenly I had a flash of genius.. I put the hamburger in the oven and set the controls for roast. It still came out hamburger, much to my disappointment.
GOOD NIGHT DEAR DIARY. This has been a very exciting week! I am eager for tomorrow to come so I can try out a new recipe . If I can talk him into buying a bigger oven, I would like to surprise him with a chocolate moose.
CUTE!!! Now those that remember I was not born a blonde - But if the years of each count -- I'm definitely a blond!!
It was a lot more cute on the email -- Monday through Sunday was in color and dancing around! Sorrty - I AM NOT THAT CLEVER -- guess I'm just blond!!!
I am really tired and I don't have a special recipe picked out for you -- so I will close with this:
The Old Junk Yard Dog
Jeremiah 40:4
“I free you this day from the chains that were on your hands.”
Two good old boys went to the local junk yard to rummage for car parts. The owner told them to go out back and find what they needed, and then he would work out a price with them.
“You boys watch for my dog,” he told them.”He out there to keep thieves from breaking in at night, so he shouldn’t brother you. But just in case, keep your eyes opened.”
The two went cautiously into the yard, more than a little concerned about running into the old man’s dog. Slowly working their way around, they came upon an old abandoned well. “How deep do you think it is?”One said to the other. “I don’t know,” he replied, “Lets through a brick down it and see how long it takes to hit bottom.” They never heard it hit bottom.”
Seeing an old car battery nearby they threw it down the well, thinking a heavier object would be easier to hear. Still no sound. “Hey, let’s throw this old engine block down the well,” one said, “it’s so heavy we’re bound to hear it hit bottom.”
AS soon as they dropped the engine, the junk yard dog came racing from am old wreck. His teeth were glistening in the sun, his growl sounded like a crazed lion, his eyes were blood red with rage, and foam was streaming from both sides of his mouth. He jumped right at the two men. Fortunately for them the dog missed and fell down into the well.
The old man hearing all the racket, came out of the shop and asked “Are you boys alright?”
“Yes sir,” they answered.
“My dog didn’t bite you, did he?” I heard him barking. Is everything OK?
“Well, sir,” they replied, “we don’t know how to tell you this…but your dog just jumped down the well.”
The old man stared in disbelief, and said, “NO, that not possible. I had him chained up to an old engine block.”
What are you chained to today? If it goes down, are you going down with it? The Lord “sets you free this day from the chains that were upon your hands!” Walk in freedom, and leave the junk for others.
Look for the good in everyone and do something good for one another! God Bless each of you! I may be off for a couple of days - you know THE WEDDING!! I will be back though - God's Will!!!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
SHORT AND SWEET
Wednesday night - and it is almost over too! My how time flies when you have lots to do! Two days to count down until wedding day for Megan and I'm hoping I have everything figured out and lined up for the reception! I am counting on my friend, Sue, to help me with set-up details!
Last night we had our Annual Red Cross meeting and it turned out great -- thanks to a lot of help! Jeanie and Glenda were my right hand ladies, Art did (as he always does) a great job on the brisket, etc., Boyd ran our errands and his wife worked right along beside us! The dessert I made was very easy - by cheating a little and getting bought pound cake at Sam's. It was also very good. Here is the recipe:
CREAMY FRUIT OVER CAKE
1 carton strawberries, cleaned and sliced
1 pkg. fresh blueberries, washed and drained
1 pkg. green grapes, removed from stems
1 pkg. red grapes, removed from stems
1 Qt. size jar Mandarin oranges with juice
1 Qt. size jar Peaches with juice (may want to cut the slices up some)
1 Pkg. Vanilla Instant pudding mix
1 Pound cake or Angel food cake
Combine all of the fruit and juices. Stir in the Instant pudding mix powder and stir well! Chill. Slice cake and top slices with fruit!
It is hard to describe except to use the word "Delicious!"
Next time you need a fast and delicious dessert - try this one!!! Of course I made a huge bowl of it that took 4 pkg. of pudding mix!
If you read any of my first blogs - you know garlic is one of my favorite things to use! It is reported to be very good for the heart and I just love the flavor it imparts. Have you ever had a recipe that calls for roasted garlic? If so and wondered "how on earth do you do that" - then here is a recipe just for that!
ROASTED GARLIC
2 Plump heads garlic
extra virgin olive oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper (or better yet - Penzey's fresh ground)
Italian Seasoning (again Penzey's is best)
dots of butter
chicken broth
Preheat over to 350 degrees. Slice off 3/4 inch from the pointy end of the garlic to expose a bit of each clove. (See a head of garlic is the whole little round ball that is comprised by separate "cloves" of garlic!) Place garlic in the center of a garlic roaster or small baking pan and drizzle garlic with some olive oil, and dot with butter. Salt and pepper and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Pour chicken broth in bottom of roaster and cover with foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Then remove foil and continue to bake and baste until garlic cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Squeeze out garlic cloves and mash with olive oil and Paresan cheese!
This is great spread on toast points!
Well that is it for tonight. No preaching, no complaining, no frills - just wishing you a very good rest of the week -- and it will be if you do something good for someone else! May God bless you in that effort!
Last night we had our Annual Red Cross meeting and it turned out great -- thanks to a lot of help! Jeanie and Glenda were my right hand ladies, Art did (as he always does) a great job on the brisket, etc., Boyd ran our errands and his wife worked right along beside us! The dessert I made was very easy - by cheating a little and getting bought pound cake at Sam's. It was also very good. Here is the recipe:
CREAMY FRUIT OVER CAKE
1 carton strawberries, cleaned and sliced
1 pkg. fresh blueberries, washed and drained
1 pkg. green grapes, removed from stems
1 pkg. red grapes, removed from stems
1 Qt. size jar Mandarin oranges with juice
1 Qt. size jar Peaches with juice (may want to cut the slices up some)
1 Pkg. Vanilla Instant pudding mix
1 Pound cake or Angel food cake
Combine all of the fruit and juices. Stir in the Instant pudding mix powder and stir well! Chill. Slice cake and top slices with fruit!
It is hard to describe except to use the word "Delicious!"
Next time you need a fast and delicious dessert - try this one!!! Of course I made a huge bowl of it that took 4 pkg. of pudding mix!
If you read any of my first blogs - you know garlic is one of my favorite things to use! It is reported to be very good for the heart and I just love the flavor it imparts. Have you ever had a recipe that calls for roasted garlic? If so and wondered "how on earth do you do that" - then here is a recipe just for that!
ROASTED GARLIC
2 Plump heads garlic
extra virgin olive oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper (or better yet - Penzey's fresh ground)
Italian Seasoning (again Penzey's is best)
dots of butter
chicken broth
Preheat over to 350 degrees. Slice off 3/4 inch from the pointy end of the garlic to expose a bit of each clove. (See a head of garlic is the whole little round ball that is comprised by separate "cloves" of garlic!) Place garlic in the center of a garlic roaster or small baking pan and drizzle garlic with some olive oil, and dot with butter. Salt and pepper and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Pour chicken broth in bottom of roaster and cover with foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Then remove foil and continue to bake and baste until garlic cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Squeeze out garlic cloves and mash with olive oil and Paresan cheese!
This is great spread on toast points!
Well that is it for tonight. No preaching, no complaining, no frills - just wishing you a very good rest of the week -- and it will be if you do something good for someone else! May God bless you in that effort!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
YOU CAN TURN YOUR HANDICAPS INTO REWARDS
Good evening!! I am back and I hope you haven't given up on me and will join me on this journey! It's Sunday evening again -- and it is count down for one special young lady and her man. The wedding is this coming Saturday and as I pray for them this week - I will also pray for me -- that I can make their reception (the food part) exactly what they wanted! Several of the ladies at church have offered to help and with them I feel everything will go great! Two of them have agreed to make one gallon Salsa each -- so tonight I took each of them all of the ingredients and the recipe for the Strawberry-Mango Salsa! I appreciate all of them so much!
It seems that every where you look, every magazine, many books, even the Tyler Paper is talking about getting fit and how important certain things are to our bodies as we grow older. I bought one of the magazines the other day because its headlines were "LOSE INCHES ALL OVER," "RADIANT ENERGY," AND "TONED ARMS IN 60 SECONDS." The magazine is the July issue of Prevention. The article starts on Page 96 - and it says "Defy your Age -- Live Agelessly!" I've not read all of it but I intend to. You also can go online at www.prevention.com/beyoungernow and find 40 menu options to start eating healthier, and you can actually track your progress. So I am going to look into it!!
Here is a neat story that my cousin sent me - I'm not sure if it is a Paul Harvey story or not - but it does sound like it! Worth repeating - for sure:
A DREAMER AND HIS DREAM
Let me tell you, Jesse hated this job. And you would too, I imagine, if
you had to do it. Jesse was a chicken plucker. That's right.
He stood on a line in a chicken factory and spent his days pulling the feathers
off dead chickens so the rest of us wouldn't have to. It wasn't much of a job.
But at the time, Jesse didn't think he was much of a person.
His father was a brute of a man.
His dad was actually thought to be mentally ill
and treated Jesse rough all of his life.
Jesse's older brother wasn't much better.
He was always picking on Jesse and beating him up.
Yes, Jesse grew up in a very rough home in West Virginia .
Life was anything but easy. And he thought life didn't hold much hope for him.
That's why he was standing in this chicken line, doing a job that darn few
people wanted. In addition to all the rough treatment at home, it seems that
Jesse was always sick. Sometimes it was real physical illness, but way too
often it was all in his head. He was a small child, skinny and meek.
That sure didn't help the situation any.
When he started to school, he was the object of every bully on the
playground. He was a hypochondriac of the first order.
For Jesse, tomorrow was not always something to be looked forward to.
But, he had dreams.
He wanted to be a ventriloquist.
He found books on ventriloquism.
He practiced with sock puppets and saved his hard earned dollars until he
could get a real ventriloquist dummy.
When he got old enough, he joined the military.
And even though many of his hypochondriac symptoms persisted, the
military did recognize his talents and put him in the entertainment corp.
That was when his world changed.
He gained confidence.
He found that he had a talent for making people laugh, and laugh so hard
they often had tears in their eyes.
Yes, little Jesse had found himself.
You know, folks, the history books are full of people who overcame a
handicap to go on and make a success of themselves, but Jesse is one of
the few I know of who didn't overcome it.
Instead he used his paranoia to make a million dollars, and become one of
the best-loved characters of all time in doing it!
Yes, that little paranoid hypochondriac, who transferred his nervousness
into a successful career, still holds the record for the most Emmys given
in a single category.
The wonderful, gifted, talented, and nervous comedian who brought us
Barney Fife
was
Jesse Don Knotts.
NOW YOU KNOW, "THE REST OF THE STORY"
Here is a quick and easy Fresh Peach Pie. It is really pretty light and could be made with Splenda to make it even lighter!
FRESH PEACH PIE
1 Pillsbury Pie Crust - microwave 6 minutes - or use graham cracker crust
Combine the following ingredients and cook until thick and it turns clear:
4 Tablespoons corn starch
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup water
Remove mixture from heat and add the following ingredients:
2 Tablespoons orange or peach Jello
2 Tablespoons lemon Jello
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Peel 5 to 6 peaches and slice.
Brush pie shell with the above mixture and layer with peaches and sauce. Chill at least 2 hours.
My sister bought me a cookbook a couple of weeks ago entitled "Cooking with My Honey." I think she bought it for me because Maura calls me "Aunt Honey." It is a collection of recipes by the East Texas Bee Keepers Association. One of the first quotes is "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." ~ Proverbs 16:24. How true that is - how many times are we careless with our words - words we speak about someone, to someone, or just in idle talk? How many friendships have been destroyed by careless words? The tongue can be a wicked companion and it is so harmful that God through James warned us about it. In fact the first 12 verses of chapter 3 warns us about it. James said that "it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." So we all need to be conscious of what we say and how we say it. I hope each of you will go back and read James 3 again -- just to have a reminder of how deadly the tongue can be!
Our preacher used his words beautifully tonight in his sermon. Honestly when he started I thought "Oh no - not another lesson from Leviticus" - and even though I appreciated the lessons he has taught - I was just not ready for another. But this one was somehow different -- I think he brought it back to our lives more vividly and it was a great lesson!!!
Well - have a great week! Think of something nice to say about even someone you really don't like. Is there someone in your life that is a bully, very seldom has anything nice to say, and is quick to criticize whatever you do? Then start praying for that person -- because for some reason he or she is a very unhappy person and wants everyone else to be too! Remember we are told to pray for our enemies and love them!! Hard to do - but it can be done! I am going to try and write more this week -- sometimes it just doesn't work out but I do have lots more recipes to share!!
It seems that every where you look, every magazine, many books, even the Tyler Paper is talking about getting fit and how important certain things are to our bodies as we grow older. I bought one of the magazines the other day because its headlines were "LOSE INCHES ALL OVER," "RADIANT ENERGY," AND "TONED ARMS IN 60 SECONDS." The magazine is the July issue of Prevention. The article starts on Page 96 - and it says "Defy your Age -- Live Agelessly!" I've not read all of it but I intend to. You also can go online at www.prevention.com/beyoungernow and find 40 menu options to start eating healthier, and you can actually track your progress. So I am going to look into it!!
Here is a neat story that my cousin sent me - I'm not sure if it is a Paul Harvey story or not - but it does sound like it! Worth repeating - for sure:
A DREAMER AND HIS DREAM
Let me tell you, Jesse hated this job. And you would too, I imagine, if
you had to do it. Jesse was a chicken plucker. That's right.
He stood on a line in a chicken factory and spent his days pulling the feathers
off dead chickens so the rest of us wouldn't have to. It wasn't much of a job.
But at the time, Jesse didn't think he was much of a person.
His father was a brute of a man.
His dad was actually thought to be mentally ill
and treated Jesse rough all of his life.
Jesse's older brother wasn't much better.
He was always picking on Jesse and beating him up.
Yes, Jesse grew up in a very rough home in West Virginia .
Life was anything but easy. And he thought life didn't hold much hope for him.
That's why he was standing in this chicken line, doing a job that darn few
people wanted. In addition to all the rough treatment at home, it seems that
Jesse was always sick. Sometimes it was real physical illness, but way too
often it was all in his head. He was a small child, skinny and meek.
That sure didn't help the situation any.
When he started to school, he was the object of every bully on the
playground. He was a hypochondriac of the first order.
For Jesse, tomorrow was not always something to be looked forward to.
But, he had dreams.
He wanted to be a ventriloquist.
He found books on ventriloquism.
He practiced with sock puppets and saved his hard earned dollars until he
could get a real ventriloquist dummy.
When he got old enough, he joined the military.
And even though many of his hypochondriac symptoms persisted, the
military did recognize his talents and put him in the entertainment corp.
That was when his world changed.
He gained confidence.
He found that he had a talent for making people laugh, and laugh so hard
they often had tears in their eyes.
Yes, little Jesse had found himself.
You know, folks, the history books are full of people who overcame a
handicap to go on and make a success of themselves, but Jesse is one of
the few I know of who didn't overcome it.
Instead he used his paranoia to make a million dollars, and become one of
the best-loved characters of all time in doing it!
Yes, that little paranoid hypochondriac, who transferred his nervousness
into a successful career, still holds the record for the most Emmys given
in a single category.
The wonderful, gifted, talented, and nervous comedian who brought us
Barney Fife
was
Jesse Don Knotts.
NOW YOU KNOW, "THE REST OF THE STORY"
Here is a quick and easy Fresh Peach Pie. It is really pretty light and could be made with Splenda to make it even lighter!
FRESH PEACH PIE
1 Pillsbury Pie Crust - microwave 6 minutes - or use graham cracker crust
Combine the following ingredients and cook until thick and it turns clear:
4 Tablespoons corn starch
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup water
Remove mixture from heat and add the following ingredients:
2 Tablespoons orange or peach Jello
2 Tablespoons lemon Jello
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Peel 5 to 6 peaches and slice.
Brush pie shell with the above mixture and layer with peaches and sauce. Chill at least 2 hours.
My sister bought me a cookbook a couple of weeks ago entitled "Cooking with My Honey." I think she bought it for me because Maura calls me "Aunt Honey." It is a collection of recipes by the East Texas Bee Keepers Association. One of the first quotes is "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." ~ Proverbs 16:24. How true that is - how many times are we careless with our words - words we speak about someone, to someone, or just in idle talk? How many friendships have been destroyed by careless words? The tongue can be a wicked companion and it is so harmful that God through James warned us about it. In fact the first 12 verses of chapter 3 warns us about it. James said that "it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." So we all need to be conscious of what we say and how we say it. I hope each of you will go back and read James 3 again -- just to have a reminder of how deadly the tongue can be!
Our preacher used his words beautifully tonight in his sermon. Honestly when he started I thought "Oh no - not another lesson from Leviticus" - and even though I appreciated the lessons he has taught - I was just not ready for another. But this one was somehow different -- I think he brought it back to our lives more vividly and it was a great lesson!!!
Well - have a great week! Think of something nice to say about even someone you really don't like. Is there someone in your life that is a bully, very seldom has anything nice to say, and is quick to criticize whatever you do? Then start praying for that person -- because for some reason he or she is a very unhappy person and wants everyone else to be too! Remember we are told to pray for our enemies and love them!! Hard to do - but it can be done! I am going to try and write more this week -- sometimes it just doesn't work out but I do have lots more recipes to share!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
STAND TALL LIKE A TREE - GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOU
Late again -- just heard the news come on! Oh well - I just got in from some more sluth work -- pricing groceries we will need for the reception next weekend. But a wonderful thing happened. I was going to need 24 Mangos and lately I have seen them priced from 1.89 to 1.09 a piece and I've been hoping to get them for no more than $1.00 each. Super One had beautiful ones - two for $1.00 - so I bought the 24 needed. THey will be perfect for the Strawberry Mango Salsa!! I was so excited!!! This week and next week is crammed with things I am obligated to do - but after that I hope to cruise through the week to the 4th and then on July 5, God Willing and mother well - we (my sister, Michelle, Maura and me) are headed to Galveston Island! I can hardly wait for some warm sun, ocean, seafood, and some peaceful time! Hotel St. Luis here we come!!!! Also I got an amazing email today. Someone in Galveston has taken all of the tree trunks of the destroyed trees by IKE and carved the most gorgeous carvings out of them -- birds, animals, statues, etc. I can't wait to drive through and take pictures!! That will be worth a trip.
Speaking of trees - here is a really neat story - sounds like a children's story I once read but children or not - I feel it is worth repeating. I hope you think so too!
Three Trees
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.
The first little tree looked at the stars and said: “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I’ll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world.
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. “I want to be traveling mighty waters and carry a powerful king. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!”
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where the busy men and women worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they’ll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.”
Years passed, the rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain.
The first woodcutter looked and said, “This tree is beautiful. It’s perfect for me.” With the swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell.
“Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest. I shall hold wonderful treasure!” The tree said.
The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is strong it is perfect for me. “With a swoop of his shinning axe, the second tree fell.
“Now I shall sail mighty waters!” Thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship for mighty Kings.”
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood strait and tall and pointed bravely to heaven.
But the wood woodcutter never even looked up, any kind of tree will do for me,” he muttered. With a swoop of his shinning axe, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter’s shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her into a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead, the once tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail on the ocean, or even a river; instead, she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into beams and left her in the lumber yard.
“What happened?” The once tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God.”
Many, many Days and nights passed. Three trees nearly for their dreams.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox. “I wish I could make a cradle for him,” her husband whispered.
The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shown on the smooth and sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful,” she said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the great treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveled fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake.
Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many Passengers safely through with wind and rain.
The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said “Peace” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun.
And suddenly the second knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when the soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her.
She felt ugly and harsh and cruel.
But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth tremble with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God’s love had changed everything.
It had made the third tree strong.
And every time people thought of the third tree. They would think of God.
That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn’t get what you want, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
I am going to give you a quick snack or for me -- it was lunch!
I think I mentioned the Bagle Crisps that I bought out at Sams. I have found more uses for them but one is to top them with a small piece of ham, top that with a little slice of cheese - (Make several - and even put a little slice of jalapeno on top if desired) and pop into microwave for about 12 to 15 seconds. Very good with a little Greek Yogurt with little tomatoes cut up in it. Low fat, filling and healthy.
Have a great tomorrow - remember we are here to serve - not be served - so look for opportunities -- I promise they are there!!! God Bless each of you!!!
Speaking of trees - here is a really neat story - sounds like a children's story I once read but children or not - I feel it is worth repeating. I hope you think so too!
Three Trees
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.
The first little tree looked at the stars and said: “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I’ll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world.
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. “I want to be traveling mighty waters and carry a powerful king. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!”
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where the busy men and women worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they’ll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.”
Years passed, the rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain.
The first woodcutter looked and said, “This tree is beautiful. It’s perfect for me.” With the swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell.
“Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest. I shall hold wonderful treasure!” The tree said.
The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is strong it is perfect for me. “With a swoop of his shinning axe, the second tree fell.
“Now I shall sail mighty waters!” Thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship for mighty Kings.”
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood strait and tall and pointed bravely to heaven.
But the wood woodcutter never even looked up, any kind of tree will do for me,” he muttered. With a swoop of his shinning axe, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter’s shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her into a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead, the once tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail on the ocean, or even a river; instead, she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into beams and left her in the lumber yard.
“What happened?” The once tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God.”
Many, many Days and nights passed. Three trees nearly for their dreams.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox. “I wish I could make a cradle for him,” her husband whispered.
The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shown on the smooth and sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful,” she said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the great treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveled fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake.
Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many Passengers safely through with wind and rain.
The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said “Peace” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun.
And suddenly the second knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when the soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her.
She felt ugly and harsh and cruel.
But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth tremble with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God’s love had changed everything.
It had made the third tree strong.
And every time people thought of the third tree. They would think of God.
That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn’t get what you want, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
I am going to give you a quick snack or for me -- it was lunch!
I think I mentioned the Bagle Crisps that I bought out at Sams. I have found more uses for them but one is to top them with a small piece of ham, top that with a little slice of cheese - (Make several - and even put a little slice of jalapeno on top if desired) and pop into microwave for about 12 to 15 seconds. Very good with a little Greek Yogurt with little tomatoes cut up in it. Low fat, filling and healthy.
Have a great tomorrow - remember we are here to serve - not be served - so look for opportunities -- I promise they are there!!! God Bless each of you!!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
BUSY TIMES FOR WOMEN WHO CAN'T SO NO!
An early start is always good! It is good to be back -- last night I went to the beginning of a ladies Bible Study and it is going to be a good thing! When I got home I had to print the newsletter for Pilot Club's meeting tonight! I was late tonight because I got this Tuesday night time and next Tuesday night time confused - but all is well that ends well. Tonight was our installation of new officers for the 2010 -2011 Pilot year. I just have to say that from experience our new president will do a great job but she will have to get up early to stay up with our out-going president. Marjoree Glover was an awesome leader -- so giving, encouraging, and hard working! She will still be involved and we will continue to gain from her example!
This trying to diet is tough -- tonight at Potpourri House I had to decide between Fried Catfish, Grilled chicken, or the salad bar. I love the salad bar there - so many delicious things plus baked potatoes and soup - but you could easily eat 1000 or 2000 calories off it, so hands down I wanted the catfish -- but fried food is not on the agenda for weight loss -- so it was grilled chicken and steamed veggies and NO Chocolate Silk Pie or Turtle Cheesecake!! The "no dessert" didn't bother me as much as watching several at my table eating the catfish -- but I feel good now knowing I resisted Fried catfish, baked potato, wonderful pimento cheese, all kinds of other great salads, etc!
Something I found due to a sweet lady at Macy's is Uncle Ben's Ready Rice Pouch. It is whole grain brown rice that cooks in the microwave in 90 seconds. It is all natural and a healthy heart! A whole cup is only 240 calories but who would eat a whole cup -- maybe a fourth of a cup! I cooked it last night and also did the recipe that I gave you the other night for the Chipotle Crusted Pork Loin - which was excellent - and fresh corn -- the wonderful corn that is yellow and white mixed - I can never remember the proper name!!
Have you ever done this: RECIPE SUBSTITUTION
"I didn't have potatoes, so I substituted rice.
I didn't have paprika, so I used another spice.
I didn't have tomato sauce, so I used tomato paste.
A whole can - not a half can; I don't believe in waste.
My friend gave me the recipe, she said you can't beat it.
There must be something wrong with her --- I couldn't even
eat it!!!"
Sometimes substitutions work out like that -- and then again some work really well. You just have to understand recipes and what flavors go with what! Until you really get familiar with the different flavors and uses of spices, I suggest you go by the recipe!!
Here is the content of an email I received today and I think it is definitely worth the space to pass it on:
The Holy Bible Vs The Cell Phone
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
Convicts us all - right???
Here is a recipe from the original Southside cookbook,called "RECIPES YOU CAN BANK ON!" It was submitted by an ex-employee, Barbara Reddick and I have made it several times and it is really delicious!
EGGPLANT MEATLOAF
Ingredients: You will need 1 large eggplant, cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center; leave boats of each half to be refilled. Chop into small cubes the eggplant that has been scooped out.
1/2 lb., ground meat extra lean (turkey does work great)
1 small onion, chopped (Noonday would be great right now)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste (Alice - that is about 1 tsp. salt and
1 tsp. pepper
2 cloves garlic pressed - or 1 tsp. garlic salt or pwd
1 egg
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Mix all together. Fill the two eggplant boats, piling high. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. At 35 minutes sprinkle with grated cheese on top - Pamesan is good!
Really delicious, low fat, and heart healthy!
Some people - such as my husband - crave sweets. That is hard when you are trying to keep their heart healthy! Baked apples with a tad of sugar or Splenda and cinnamon are a good substitute or angel food cake with fresh fruit!
Good luck on starting and staying on a healthy diet. Try to make it fun and it will reward you!!!!
Have a blessed tomorrow - Live to serve others - and you will like yourself!!
This trying to diet is tough -- tonight at Potpourri House I had to decide between Fried Catfish, Grilled chicken, or the salad bar. I love the salad bar there - so many delicious things plus baked potatoes and soup - but you could easily eat 1000 or 2000 calories off it, so hands down I wanted the catfish -- but fried food is not on the agenda for weight loss -- so it was grilled chicken and steamed veggies and NO Chocolate Silk Pie or Turtle Cheesecake!! The "no dessert" didn't bother me as much as watching several at my table eating the catfish -- but I feel good now knowing I resisted Fried catfish, baked potato, wonderful pimento cheese, all kinds of other great salads, etc!
Something I found due to a sweet lady at Macy's is Uncle Ben's Ready Rice Pouch. It is whole grain brown rice that cooks in the microwave in 90 seconds. It is all natural and a healthy heart! A whole cup is only 240 calories but who would eat a whole cup -- maybe a fourth of a cup! I cooked it last night and also did the recipe that I gave you the other night for the Chipotle Crusted Pork Loin - which was excellent - and fresh corn -- the wonderful corn that is yellow and white mixed - I can never remember the proper name!!
Have you ever done this: RECIPE SUBSTITUTION
"I didn't have potatoes, so I substituted rice.
I didn't have paprika, so I used another spice.
I didn't have tomato sauce, so I used tomato paste.
A whole can - not a half can; I don't believe in waste.
My friend gave me the recipe, she said you can't beat it.
There must be something wrong with her --- I couldn't even
eat it!!!"
Sometimes substitutions work out like that -- and then again some work really well. You just have to understand recipes and what flavors go with what! Until you really get familiar with the different flavors and uses of spices, I suggest you go by the recipe!!
Here is the content of an email I received today and I think it is definitely worth the space to pass it on:
The Holy Bible Vs The Cell Phone
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
Convicts us all - right???
Here is a recipe from the original Southside cookbook,called "RECIPES YOU CAN BANK ON!" It was submitted by an ex-employee, Barbara Reddick and I have made it several times and it is really delicious!
EGGPLANT MEATLOAF
Ingredients: You will need 1 large eggplant, cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center; leave boats of each half to be refilled. Chop into small cubes the eggplant that has been scooped out.
1/2 lb., ground meat extra lean (turkey does work great)
1 small onion, chopped (Noonday would be great right now)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste (Alice - that is about 1 tsp. salt and
1 tsp. pepper
2 cloves garlic pressed - or 1 tsp. garlic salt or pwd
1 egg
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Mix all together. Fill the two eggplant boats, piling high. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. At 35 minutes sprinkle with grated cheese on top - Pamesan is good!
Really delicious, low fat, and heart healthy!
Some people - such as my husband - crave sweets. That is hard when you are trying to keep their heart healthy! Baked apples with a tad of sugar or Splenda and cinnamon are a good substitute or angel food cake with fresh fruit!
Good luck on starting and staying on a healthy diet. Try to make it fun and it will reward you!!!!
Have a blessed tomorrow - Live to serve others - and you will like yourself!!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
LET'S JOIN TYLER IN BEING FIT AND HEALTHY!
I've said this before - Sunday night - what a downer! Good church services - beautiful singing, good sermon, quality fellowship - and then it's look forward to a very busy and intense week! Oh well - I am thankful the Lord is so good to us! We did enjoy a good day with Maura after her week at camp! She is so very precious! She and I were throwing a little ball she had and she threw it out of my reach and it landed on a shelf that goes around the top of the room. Travis got it down and then was straightning some things on the shelf - and she asked him: "Doing a little home improvement while you're up there?" We got really tickled at her!
One more time I am going to start a serious diet and not let anything deter me! I am determined!! So that means healthier foods -- cut way back on chips and hot sauce, and only fat free cheese!! We went to Dallas yesterday to have my car serviced so yesterday was not the day to start! We ate breakfast at the Original Pancake House and the blueberry pancakes there are to die for! Then Michelle and I shared an order of Desparado's Crispy tacos! Sure can't do that again for a while!
Of course we had to go to Central Market and check out the latest eats. One of the things we tried was Chipotle Crusted Seared Port Tenderloin.
Here is the recipe:
CHIPOTLE CRUSTED SEARED PORK TENDERLOIN
1 Pork Tenderloin
2 Tablespoons Grapeseed oil
Uncle Joe's BBQ spice
Adams House All purpose rub
Preheat over to 425 degrees. Season the tenderloin on all sides with the Adams's and the bbq spice. Then in a skillet over medium heat, sear all sides 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from heat then finish in the oven for another 8 - 15 minutes depending on size of tenderloin. 145 internal temp. Remove from the heat and let rest for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Enjoy!
Makes 3 - 4 servings.
NOTE: I bought the Uncle Joes BBQ sauce. It is a dry spice and you just add catsup and water (the chef said he added apple juice). I did not get the All-purpose rub but any rub should work fine. The taste we had was really delicious!! Pork loin is very low fat and less filling than many other cuts of meat!
There was also a recipe for Mango Cucumber Salsa that sounds good -- but I don't understand why they call anything SALSA that doesn't have Jalapeno or some other hot pepper in it!!!!
One healthy breakfast thing I have found and really enjoy is the Western Breakfast muffin at Subway. They have a whole wheat English muffin and on it they put cooked egg whites, one tiny slice of cheese, a thin, thin slice of black forest ham, and bell pepper. They heat this and then I have them add a slice of tomato and a couple of jalapeno slices. It doesn't sound all that good but it is really delicious. I also like the fact that it only has 160 calories and 4 grams of fat!!!!
I talk about dreading work but actually there are some really rewarding moments! Last week I helped a couple purchase their daughter her first ever car. She is in college and although she knew she would eventually get one - they were able to get it, get it home, and then lure her outside! She was very surprised and very happy. A great feeling for all - even me!!!
Here are some healthy tips about fruits and vegetables:
1. Look for bold or brightly hued produce -- they have more vitamins and healthy phytochemicals.
2. Pair your produce because when eaten together, such as tomato and avocado, it can often affect how we absorb their nutrients. The tomato and avocado significantly upps the body's asorption of the tomato's cancer-fighting lycopene. (Go to prevention.com/healthpowerpairs for more examples.)
3. Bigger isn't always better, so skip the huge tomatoes and giant peppers. Plants have an finite amount of nutrients they can pass on, so if the produce is smaller, the level of nutriens will be more concentrated.
4. Certain vegetables release more nutrients when cooked. Broccoli and carrots are more nutritious when steamed than when raw or boiled. Tomatoes release more lycopene when lightly saute'ed or roasted.
5. Eat within a week because the nutrients start to diminish as soon as they are picked!
6. Precut produce and bagged salads often have their nutrients drained. If possible, prep produce just before eating.
7. Look for varieties of fruits and vegetables - try different colors - such as tomatoes or watermelon!
8. Look for heirloom varieties -- plants that were bred prior to WWII are naturally hardier because they were established and thrived before the development of modern fertilizers and pesticides.
9. Try to buy as much as possible from your local Farmer's Market. Besides tasting better, they have more nutrients than those shipped hundreds of miles to your local grocery store.
I noticed in today's Tyler paper that Tyler is starting a campaign to reduce obesity and have a healthier city. Let's all join the plan!!!
Have a great Monday - be thankful - and give back! God's Will I shall return with more!!!
One more time I am going to start a serious diet and not let anything deter me! I am determined!! So that means healthier foods -- cut way back on chips and hot sauce, and only fat free cheese!! We went to Dallas yesterday to have my car serviced so yesterday was not the day to start! We ate breakfast at the Original Pancake House and the blueberry pancakes there are to die for! Then Michelle and I shared an order of Desparado's Crispy tacos! Sure can't do that again for a while!
Of course we had to go to Central Market and check out the latest eats. One of the things we tried was Chipotle Crusted Seared Port Tenderloin.
Here is the recipe:
CHIPOTLE CRUSTED SEARED PORK TENDERLOIN
1 Pork Tenderloin
2 Tablespoons Grapeseed oil
Uncle Joe's BBQ spice
Adams House All purpose rub
Preheat over to 425 degrees. Season the tenderloin on all sides with the Adams's and the bbq spice. Then in a skillet over medium heat, sear all sides 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from heat then finish in the oven for another 8 - 15 minutes depending on size of tenderloin. 145 internal temp. Remove from the heat and let rest for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Enjoy!
Makes 3 - 4 servings.
NOTE: I bought the Uncle Joes BBQ sauce. It is a dry spice and you just add catsup and water (the chef said he added apple juice). I did not get the All-purpose rub but any rub should work fine. The taste we had was really delicious!! Pork loin is very low fat and less filling than many other cuts of meat!
There was also a recipe for Mango Cucumber Salsa that sounds good -- but I don't understand why they call anything SALSA that doesn't have Jalapeno or some other hot pepper in it!!!!
One healthy breakfast thing I have found and really enjoy is the Western Breakfast muffin at Subway. They have a whole wheat English muffin and on it they put cooked egg whites, one tiny slice of cheese, a thin, thin slice of black forest ham, and bell pepper. They heat this and then I have them add a slice of tomato and a couple of jalapeno slices. It doesn't sound all that good but it is really delicious. I also like the fact that it only has 160 calories and 4 grams of fat!!!!
I talk about dreading work but actually there are some really rewarding moments! Last week I helped a couple purchase their daughter her first ever car. She is in college and although she knew she would eventually get one - they were able to get it, get it home, and then lure her outside! She was very surprised and very happy. A great feeling for all - even me!!!
Here are some healthy tips about fruits and vegetables:
1. Look for bold or brightly hued produce -- they have more vitamins and healthy phytochemicals.
2. Pair your produce because when eaten together, such as tomato and avocado, it can often affect how we absorb their nutrients. The tomato and avocado significantly upps the body's asorption of the tomato's cancer-fighting lycopene. (Go to prevention.com/healthpowerpairs for more examples.)
3. Bigger isn't always better, so skip the huge tomatoes and giant peppers. Plants have an finite amount of nutrients they can pass on, so if the produce is smaller, the level of nutriens will be more concentrated.
4. Certain vegetables release more nutrients when cooked. Broccoli and carrots are more nutritious when steamed than when raw or boiled. Tomatoes release more lycopene when lightly saute'ed or roasted.
5. Eat within a week because the nutrients start to diminish as soon as they are picked!
6. Precut produce and bagged salads often have their nutrients drained. If possible, prep produce just before eating.
7. Look for varieties of fruits and vegetables - try different colors - such as tomatoes or watermelon!
8. Look for heirloom varieties -- plants that were bred prior to WWII are naturally hardier because they were established and thrived before the development of modern fertilizers and pesticides.
9. Try to buy as much as possible from your local Farmer's Market. Besides tasting better, they have more nutrients than those shipped hundreds of miles to your local grocery store.
I noticed in today's Tyler paper that Tyler is starting a campaign to reduce obesity and have a healthier city. Let's all join the plan!!!
Have a great Monday - be thankful - and give back! God's Will I shall return with more!!!
Friday, June 11, 2010
THANK THE GOOD LORD FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS!!!
Good evening -- it is still light outside! How did you like the rain? I straighened my hair, went out to pick flowers for church, came back in and I was wavey!! Tomorrow was worse! Today - just another bad hair day!!!
I sent Maura (my precious niece - one of the loves of my life) the cutest cookies. There is a girl at the bank that bakes the most adorable cookies - her busines name is "Better than Chocolate" and I think you can find her at betterthanchocolate.com! The cookies were about 4 inch flip flops in green (pretty green, yellow, and pink!) Just adorable!
I survived Wednesday night - all of the cobbler was eaten - who wouldn't eat Strawberry Cobbler and fresh Blackberry cobbler? We gave away the left-over potatoes and salad. A good feeling to have that done!!!
I am working on programs for installation of new Pilot Club officers and also the Pilot Light for next Tuesday night. Then the Red Cross Annual Meeting (that I thought was in July) is June 22 - so I need to do Agenda and Program for it! Then the biggest and best of all - the Wedding on the 26th!!
Hopefully a busy woman can't get in too much trouble -- she just can't blog a lot right now!
Here is the recipe that I used for the Strawberry Cobbler:
MRS. GREENE'S STRAWBERRY COBBLER
(from Donna Mullins)
1 qt. fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
2/4 tsp. salt
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
Grease baking dish (I use 9 X 13). Wash and hull berries. Place in dish. Combine sugar, salt and flour. Sprinkle over berries. Dot with butter. Top with the crust. Brush with some milkj and bake at 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
Crust:
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup flour
4 tablespoons milk
Mix flour and sugar. Use pastry blender to work in butter, then add milk. (Original recipe says "knead lightly on floured board 4-5 times!) I just stired it up well and dotted onto cobbler and spread it over it.
Serve with Ice Cream if desired! DELICIOUS! Ask someone who was at our Wed. meal. Now this will serve a family of about six to eight. I made about 5 times this!!!
Here is a great lesson:
VOTE HUMILITY INTO OFFICE
Proverbs 28:2
“When a land transgresses, it has many rulers. But when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue.”
These are the words of one of the wisest men who ever lived; a king who ruled a great diverse people, and who is renowned to this day for his power, his fame, his wealth, and his wisdom. His name is Solomon.
In his words we find a truth that has been proven again and again in the history of great nations: When a country is rebellious and in chaos, it will have many rulers; one right after another, each with an opinion of what went wrong, and a plan on how to fix it.
One by one in endless procession, each will step to the podium (some with a teleprompter) with their boasts of setting things right. But none can deliver on their promises, for those who oppose them continually undermine them—and vice versa. Despite their good looks, savvy speeches, sparkling eyes—none can give any real assurance that things will turn for the better. Just a promise of, we need a change! If this situation draws out too long it will result in moral decay at the highest level of leadership, and a deepening apathy will increase in ever- widening circle of disinterested citizens growing more and more frustrated with the whole mess. We could end up like Chicago,
Run by thugs. God forbid!
It is precisely at this point that one of two things happens historically. Either a spiritual revival happens, turning the nation back toward God; or the government topples and despotism (tyrants-harsh ruler having absolute power) set in. History has seen this happen over and over. None are exempt. HAVE A GOOD DAY!
It takes a real leader to straighten things out—a man or a woman of discernment, understanding, knowledge and wisdom. Let such a person rise to lead in such a time as this, and that which is good and right will be prolonged. And the nation will long endure in stability and prosperity, peace and good success.
But, is there such a leader in this ever darkening hour? And, if so, how may we tell who it is? There is an essential and distinguishing mark that separates the right leader from whose ambition for power compels them to seek the throne. It is HUMILITY!
In times of chaos and confusion, when the air is filled with boastful claims and slanderous insults—look for the man or woman who walks in humility. Why? Because God gives grace to the humble. And if we truly want God to shed His Grace on America, we must have a man or woman of humility standing on our behalf in this remarkable Representative government of ours—at ever level.
Humble Mayors in our cities. Humble Governors in our States. Humble Judges on our benches. Humble Congressmen and women in our Legislators. Humble Senators in the venerable Hall of Power.
And a humble President in the Oval Office!!
“May the Lamb that was slain receive the rewards of His suffering.”
Something worth thinking about!! Thanks Bob!!!
Have a blessed evening -- try the Cobbler - you and your family will love it -- unless, of course, you are allergic to strawberries - then try the Blackberry Cobbler - it is my very favorite. Well - actually my very favorite is the one my Mom makes!!!
God Bless all of you!
I sent Maura (my precious niece - one of the loves of my life) the cutest cookies. There is a girl at the bank that bakes the most adorable cookies - her busines name is "Better than Chocolate" and I think you can find her at betterthanchocolate.com! The cookies were about 4 inch flip flops in green (pretty green, yellow, and pink!) Just adorable!
I survived Wednesday night - all of the cobbler was eaten - who wouldn't eat Strawberry Cobbler and fresh Blackberry cobbler? We gave away the left-over potatoes and salad. A good feeling to have that done!!!
I am working on programs for installation of new Pilot Club officers and also the Pilot Light for next Tuesday night. Then the Red Cross Annual Meeting (that I thought was in July) is June 22 - so I need to do Agenda and Program for it! Then the biggest and best of all - the Wedding on the 26th!!
Hopefully a busy woman can't get in too much trouble -- she just can't blog a lot right now!
Here is the recipe that I used for the Strawberry Cobbler:
MRS. GREENE'S STRAWBERRY COBBLER
(from Donna Mullins)
1 qt. fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
2/4 tsp. salt
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
Grease baking dish (I use 9 X 13). Wash and hull berries. Place in dish. Combine sugar, salt and flour. Sprinkle over berries. Dot with butter. Top with the crust. Brush with some milkj and bake at 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
Crust:
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup flour
4 tablespoons milk
Mix flour and sugar. Use pastry blender to work in butter, then add milk. (Original recipe says "knead lightly on floured board 4-5 times!) I just stired it up well and dotted onto cobbler and spread it over it.
Serve with Ice Cream if desired! DELICIOUS! Ask someone who was at our Wed. meal. Now this will serve a family of about six to eight. I made about 5 times this!!!
Here is a great lesson:
VOTE HUMILITY INTO OFFICE
Proverbs 28:2
“When a land transgresses, it has many rulers. But when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue.”
These are the words of one of the wisest men who ever lived; a king who ruled a great diverse people, and who is renowned to this day for his power, his fame, his wealth, and his wisdom. His name is Solomon.
In his words we find a truth that has been proven again and again in the history of great nations: When a country is rebellious and in chaos, it will have many rulers; one right after another, each with an opinion of what went wrong, and a plan on how to fix it.
One by one in endless procession, each will step to the podium (some with a teleprompter) with their boasts of setting things right. But none can deliver on their promises, for those who oppose them continually undermine them—and vice versa. Despite their good looks, savvy speeches, sparkling eyes—none can give any real assurance that things will turn for the better. Just a promise of, we need a change! If this situation draws out too long it will result in moral decay at the highest level of leadership, and a deepening apathy will increase in ever- widening circle of disinterested citizens growing more and more frustrated with the whole mess. We could end up like Chicago,
Run by thugs. God forbid!
It is precisely at this point that one of two things happens historically. Either a spiritual revival happens, turning the nation back toward God; or the government topples and despotism (tyrants-harsh ruler having absolute power) set in. History has seen this happen over and over. None are exempt. HAVE A GOOD DAY!
It takes a real leader to straighten things out—a man or a woman of discernment, understanding, knowledge and wisdom. Let such a person rise to lead in such a time as this, and that which is good and right will be prolonged. And the nation will long endure in stability and prosperity, peace and good success.
But, is there such a leader in this ever darkening hour? And, if so, how may we tell who it is? There is an essential and distinguishing mark that separates the right leader from whose ambition for power compels them to seek the throne. It is HUMILITY!
In times of chaos and confusion, when the air is filled with boastful claims and slanderous insults—look for the man or woman who walks in humility. Why? Because God gives grace to the humble. And if we truly want God to shed His Grace on America, we must have a man or woman of humility standing on our behalf in this remarkable Representative government of ours—at ever level.
Humble Mayors in our cities. Humble Governors in our States. Humble Judges on our benches. Humble Congressmen and women in our Legislators. Humble Senators in the venerable Hall of Power.
And a humble President in the Oval Office!!
“May the Lamb that was slain receive the rewards of His suffering.”
Something worth thinking about!! Thanks Bob!!!
Have a blessed evening -- try the Cobbler - you and your family will love it -- unless, of course, you are allergic to strawberries - then try the Blackberry Cobbler - it is my very favorite. Well - actually my very favorite is the one my Mom makes!!!
God Bless all of you!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
VALUES GUIDE US THROUGH OUR JOURNEY HERE ON EARTH!
My goodness - I have so many thoughts floating around in my head tonight - I only hope I can condense them down to something sensible! I would say our Pilot Club's Leadership Seminar was a great success - even though we didn't have as many guest as we would have liked. Shellie Arnold with The Woman's Building did an outstanding job with the food. She had great appetizers for a beginning and then she served my recipe of Flying Farmer Chicken Salad and the most amazing Cranberry muffins I've ever eaten - and topped it off with pie! She is amazing!! Our speaker at the seminar was Nancy Lamar with Hospice of East Texas. Nancy's bio is like a "Who's Who" in the world of Non Profits that help people. She talked about Values Based Leadership and in a few spaces down I am going to share one of the stories she told. She stressed the idea that we need to get in touch with our values and let them lead us to lead others. The entire speech was great - thought provoking, insightful, and challenging. All of the things that make a good talk GREAT!
The Pilot Club is a great little club that does a lot for this community. We desparately needs new members - younger and entergetic members that can motivate, create, and make good things happen for our community. Nancy said she was a member of Pilot Club years ago (I guess about 21 years ago because her daughter is turning 21) and she remembers telling the club she was pregnant and Jane Oswald saying she didn't know anyone in the club was young enough to have a baby! That is what we need!! Interested? Call me!!!!
Here is a story called "HAROLD'S STORY"
Harold was born in 1953 and grew up in the federally subsidized Canarsie housing project in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His mother worked as a receptionist, and his father held a variety of jobs, none of which offered decent pay or benefits such as medical coverage for himself or his family. When “Howie” was seven, his father lost his job as a driver for a diaper service when he broke his ankle. Sick pay or even legallymandated disability assistance were luxuries to many in low-paying jobs at the time, and in the ensuing months, the family was literally too poor to put food on the table. It was a memory that Schultz would carry with him into adulthood.
During his youth Schultz was ashamed of his family’s “working poor” status. He escaped the hot Brooklyn summer one year to attend camp, but would not return when he discovered that it was funded with government money for low-income families. When he began dating, he feared that his girlfriends’ fathers would ask where he lived. He turned to sports as an escape: competitive by nature, he marshaled that drive into succeeding on his high school’s football, baseball, and basketball teams. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Northern Michigan University, and earned a degree in business administration in 1975 which made him the first person in his family to graduate from college.
Career Details
When he graduated, Schultz was offered a job with the Xerox Corporation, and was trained as a sales and marketing associate. It was a job at which Schultz naturally excelled, and he spent three years there. Sensing more opportunity in working for a smaller company, he then left the Fortune 500 name to head the U.S. operations of Hammerplast, a Swedish housewares company. After a few years, Schultz noticed that a small Seattle company named “Starbucks” was buying an unusually high number of Hammerplast’s manual cone coffee filters and espresso machines. Intrigued, he flew across the country to investigate, where he found four Starbucks outlets, named after the first mate in the Hermann Melville novel Moby Dick, selling roasted coffee beans and specialty coffee products. Starbucks, however, set itself apart from its few competitors and had quickly gained a cult following by using stronger, more flavorful beans. An arabica bean, Schultz learned that day, yielded the strongest coffee he had ever tasted.
He determined that he would own this company and make it a company that was fair to its employees and would provide even the lowliest of employees health insurance and benefits. He did just that - and to this day - even the part time worker has health insurance. His value was treating people right and doing what he said he would do!
How good are we at that value??
Well - I started this blog to give you cooking tips and recipes and I will definitely keep my word! For a tip and recipe I will tell you what I did tonight. I had this Pilot Club seminar I was co-chairing and then not having a calendar nearby - I said I would cook at church tomorrow night! So Travis was going to get the potatoes because I could not lift a 50 lbs. box of potatoes - so he picked up the potatoes and with the help of Michelle, John and Becky and Harry and Pam - they saved my life! They got all of the potatoes washed, seasoned, and wrapped - ready to bake, the salad ready for last minute stuff, and the strawberries ready to be made into cobbler! Wonderful husband, daughter and friends! True Servants! THANK YOU ALL!!!
GREAT BAKED POTATOES
Baking potatoes (how ever many you need - not a hundred I hope!)
Foil
Spray canola oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt
Wash potatoes well - rinse - but keep wet. Spray sheets of foil with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Take the potatoes and cut an X at each end of each potato and lay the wet potato on the foil and roll up. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until soft to the touch. If not serving immediately - put in a cooler and they will continue to cook for a while and will be great even if served 2 to 3 hours later. Good eating!!!
I took my Strawberry Mango Salsa to the meeting tonight and lots of people really bragged on it! My boss brought salsa he had made this morning and it was hot, hot, hot -- but very good! He had grilled the jalapenos and Noonday onions which gave it a great taste! He is a good cook!!! Well he talks like he is -- the salsa is the only thing I've really ever tasted!!!
I will have more to tell you about Nancy's talk about our values - so tune in. In the meantime - take a blank piece of paper and write down what you think your values are! Then think about how you use those in certain situations -- happy times, stressful times, hurtful times, and sorrowful times! GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR VALUES!!! It is amazing how they guide us through this journey we are on! In the meantime - develop one more - helping others. God Bless each of you!!!
The Pilot Club is a great little club that does a lot for this community. We desparately needs new members - younger and entergetic members that can motivate, create, and make good things happen for our community. Nancy said she was a member of Pilot Club years ago (I guess about 21 years ago because her daughter is turning 21) and she remembers telling the club she was pregnant and Jane Oswald saying she didn't know anyone in the club was young enough to have a baby! That is what we need!! Interested? Call me!!!!
Here is a story called "HAROLD'S STORY"
Harold was born in 1953 and grew up in the federally subsidized Canarsie housing project in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His mother worked as a receptionist, and his father held a variety of jobs, none of which offered decent pay or benefits such as medical coverage for himself or his family. When “Howie” was seven, his father lost his job as a driver for a diaper service when he broke his ankle. Sick pay or even legallymandated disability assistance were luxuries to many in low-paying jobs at the time, and in the ensuing months, the family was literally too poor to put food on the table. It was a memory that Schultz would carry with him into adulthood.
During his youth Schultz was ashamed of his family’s “working poor” status. He escaped the hot Brooklyn summer one year to attend camp, but would not return when he discovered that it was funded with government money for low-income families. When he began dating, he feared that his girlfriends’ fathers would ask where he lived. He turned to sports as an escape: competitive by nature, he marshaled that drive into succeeding on his high school’s football, baseball, and basketball teams. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Northern Michigan University, and earned a degree in business administration in 1975 which made him the first person in his family to graduate from college.
Career Details
When he graduated, Schultz was offered a job with the Xerox Corporation, and was trained as a sales and marketing associate. It was a job at which Schultz naturally excelled, and he spent three years there. Sensing more opportunity in working for a smaller company, he then left the Fortune 500 name to head the U.S. operations of Hammerplast, a Swedish housewares company. After a few years, Schultz noticed that a small Seattle company named “Starbucks” was buying an unusually high number of Hammerplast’s manual cone coffee filters and espresso machines. Intrigued, he flew across the country to investigate, where he found four Starbucks outlets, named after the first mate in the Hermann Melville novel Moby Dick, selling roasted coffee beans and specialty coffee products. Starbucks, however, set itself apart from its few competitors and had quickly gained a cult following by using stronger, more flavorful beans. An arabica bean, Schultz learned that day, yielded the strongest coffee he had ever tasted.
He determined that he would own this company and make it a company that was fair to its employees and would provide even the lowliest of employees health insurance and benefits. He did just that - and to this day - even the part time worker has health insurance. His value was treating people right and doing what he said he would do!
How good are we at that value??
Well - I started this blog to give you cooking tips and recipes and I will definitely keep my word! For a tip and recipe I will tell you what I did tonight. I had this Pilot Club seminar I was co-chairing and then not having a calendar nearby - I said I would cook at church tomorrow night! So Travis was going to get the potatoes because I could not lift a 50 lbs. box of potatoes - so he picked up the potatoes and with the help of Michelle, John and Becky and Harry and Pam - they saved my life! They got all of the potatoes washed, seasoned, and wrapped - ready to bake, the salad ready for last minute stuff, and the strawberries ready to be made into cobbler! Wonderful husband, daughter and friends! True Servants! THANK YOU ALL!!!
GREAT BAKED POTATOES
Baking potatoes (how ever many you need - not a hundred I hope!)
Foil
Spray canola oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt
Wash potatoes well - rinse - but keep wet. Spray sheets of foil with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Take the potatoes and cut an X at each end of each potato and lay the wet potato on the foil and roll up. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until soft to the touch. If not serving immediately - put in a cooler and they will continue to cook for a while and will be great even if served 2 to 3 hours later. Good eating!!!
I took my Strawberry Mango Salsa to the meeting tonight and lots of people really bragged on it! My boss brought salsa he had made this morning and it was hot, hot, hot -- but very good! He had grilled the jalapenos and Noonday onions which gave it a great taste! He is a good cook!!! Well he talks like he is -- the salsa is the only thing I've really ever tasted!!!
I will have more to tell you about Nancy's talk about our values - so tune in. In the meantime - take a blank piece of paper and write down what you think your values are! Then think about how you use those in certain situations -- happy times, stressful times, hurtful times, and sorrowful times! GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR VALUES!!! It is amazing how they guide us through this journey we are on! In the meantime - develop one more - helping others. God Bless each of you!!!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
MY HOW TIME DOES FLY - GOOD THINGS STILL HAPPEN THOUGH!
My goodness - the weekend is over and it seems I stay so busy but never get everything done I need to! Saturday morning we went to breakfast in Edom and then went to Blueberry Farm nearby to buy blueberries - never dreaming we would have to pick them to get them! So we picked and we picked and we picked! See - there were tons of berries -- just so many of them were not blue yet! By this coming Saturday and all the heat - they should be perfect! Then Saturday afternoon my Mom mentioned that she had started to just get in her car and go to "The Fishing Hole" and buy blackberries. Well she knows how to work me -- I called her about an hour later and asked if she was ready to go. I called and asked if they had blackberries! The man said yes. So I picked Mom up and we head to Texas College Road - runs between Loop 323 and ML King. We pull up and this guy that looked like he had really been working hard and was ready to rest asked if he could help us. Mother told him we both wanted a gallon of berries. He said he didn't have any picked but he took one look at Mom and said: "Follow me - and I will pick them for you!" So even though I was a little on edge following the great Women's Safety Seminar on Friday night, I followed in the car. Down into the pasture and across the dam of the fish pond through a pecan orchard and there were the berry vines - fenced in! I could not just sit in the car like some hoity toity rich white woman and not help - so I got out and said I would pick mine if he would pick Mother's. He was very nice and we talked as we picked. Not long after we started he said his bucket was about full and I told him he was faster than me. He said well I just keep thinking "Cold Air." "Cold Air" and I pick a little faster. When we got through and went to pay - it actually was suppose to be $15.00 for him picking and $9.00 for me picking - but I had $11.00 in my head (from where? I have no idea!) - so when he told Mother he didn't have any change - I said "That's ok - nine and eleven makes twenty. He said are you sure and I said yes. So we left after giving him the $20.00. Then just a mile or two from home we both thought about the fact that we had cheated him $4.00. I felt terrible so when I got home I called and told his Dad what had happened and that I would be back either Sunday or Monday and finish paying him. Today we took Maura to Pine Cove and that took quite a long time -- but when we got back, my sister went with me and I took him more money - and added a nice tip! I sure felt better too! I got home just in time to put 20 cups of blackberries in the freezer -- see I had bought 5 cartons at the blueberry farm - but I do plan to use those 5 and make homemade cobblers for Wednesday night. I feel so bad that I am only having baked potatoes and Chef Salad -- but on Tuesday I have a Pilot Club function that I am chairing! Maybe the cobblers will make up!! I also plan to make a strawberry cobbler too!
I mentioned the Safety Seminar on Friday night and it was very good, very enlightning, and very thought provoking!! The police officer's main focus was "be aware of your surroundings and don't put yourself in harm's way." He said that most attacks occur between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. How many times have you seen women out running at daybreak? Of course that is the only time some women have to run! He said never run alone at that time - if there is no one to go with you - go to a gym or fitness center! He also gave many tips about what to look for in parking lots (grocery store parking lots are one of the main places evil people look for victims!) He said when you get in your car look around it before you go to it and then get in and LEAVE. Don't put on more make-up, don't get on the cell phone, don't dig in your purse for sunglasses or whatever - leave. He said don't even fasten your seatbelt until after you pull away! He said if you have small children and you see anyone or anything that might pose a danger - put them in the car - drive to a safer place and then fasten their seat belts. He said we women don't need to be so nice! He quoted the scripture that the Lord was a warrior and he said where I safety is concerned we need to take on that warrior heart! Like I said - it was a great seminar.
I mentioned making cobblers and here is one of the recipes I plan to use -- only on a much bigger scale! Come Wednesday night and try it - or just make it and try it!!
BLACKBERRY COBBLER
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1-1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 - 14 oz. bags frozen blackberries, unthawed
1/2 (15 oz. (15 oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts
1 tablespoon sugar
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional)
STIR together the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Gently stir in blackberries until sugar mixture is crumbly. Spoon fruit mixture into a lightly greased 11 X 17 inch baking dish.
CUT 1 piecrust into 1/2 inch wide strips, and arrange strips diagonally over blackberry mixture. Sprinkle top with 1 tablespoon sugar.
BAKE at 425 degrees for 45 minutes or until crush is golden brown and center is bubbly. Serve with ice cream.
ENJOY!!!!
In getting the program ready for the Pilot Club's "Leadership Seminar" I wanted so quotes about leadership and here are some that I think would help anyone with whatever they are doing! I think they are thought provoking!!
"A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune!" (Anon)
"Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve." Tom Landry.
I love this next one!!!
"I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep!" Talleyrand.
"Leaders don't force people to follow - they invite them on a journey." Charles S. Lauer
And best of all:
"People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care!" -John C. Maxwell
Ok - that is about it for tonight. I know I have a very busy next 3 days - but I will try to stay in touch! I pray today was a great day for you - remember every day is one the Lord has made (I really struggle with that thought on Mondays!) Have a blessed day - whatever day it is and join me again!
I mentioned the Safety Seminar on Friday night and it was very good, very enlightning, and very thought provoking!! The police officer's main focus was "be aware of your surroundings and don't put yourself in harm's way." He said that most attacks occur between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. How many times have you seen women out running at daybreak? Of course that is the only time some women have to run! He said never run alone at that time - if there is no one to go with you - go to a gym or fitness center! He also gave many tips about what to look for in parking lots (grocery store parking lots are one of the main places evil people look for victims!) He said when you get in your car look around it before you go to it and then get in and LEAVE. Don't put on more make-up, don't get on the cell phone, don't dig in your purse for sunglasses or whatever - leave. He said don't even fasten your seatbelt until after you pull away! He said if you have small children and you see anyone or anything that might pose a danger - put them in the car - drive to a safer place and then fasten their seat belts. He said we women don't need to be so nice! He quoted the scripture that the Lord was a warrior and he said where I safety is concerned we need to take on that warrior heart! Like I said - it was a great seminar.
I mentioned making cobblers and here is one of the recipes I plan to use -- only on a much bigger scale! Come Wednesday night and try it - or just make it and try it!!
BLACKBERRY COBBLER
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1-1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 - 14 oz. bags frozen blackberries, unthawed
1/2 (15 oz. (15 oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts
1 tablespoon sugar
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional)
STIR together the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Gently stir in blackberries until sugar mixture is crumbly. Spoon fruit mixture into a lightly greased 11 X 17 inch baking dish.
CUT 1 piecrust into 1/2 inch wide strips, and arrange strips diagonally over blackberry mixture. Sprinkle top with 1 tablespoon sugar.
BAKE at 425 degrees for 45 minutes or until crush is golden brown and center is bubbly. Serve with ice cream.
ENJOY!!!!
In getting the program ready for the Pilot Club's "Leadership Seminar" I wanted so quotes about leadership and here are some that I think would help anyone with whatever they are doing! I think they are thought provoking!!
"A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune!" (Anon)
"Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve." Tom Landry.
I love this next one!!!
"I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep!" Talleyrand.
"Leaders don't force people to follow - they invite them on a journey." Charles S. Lauer
And best of all:
"People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care!" -John C. Maxwell
Ok - that is about it for tonight. I know I have a very busy next 3 days - but I will try to stay in touch! I pray today was a great day for you - remember every day is one the Lord has made (I really struggle with that thought on Mondays!) Have a blessed day - whatever day it is and join me again!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
THURSDAY - OVER THE HILL - WORKING TOWARD THE WEEKEND
What a day, what a day! Busy, busy, busy! In the banking business that is good! I am so thankful that loans are again in demand!
One of my favorite things about late spring and early summer besides my beautiful flowers are the fresh tomatoes that become available. We planted several tomato plants, plus I always buy two or three that already have tomatoes on them. The ones we planted are as tall as me and two or three of them have lots of tomatoes on them. PROBLEM: everytime one starts to get ripe, even the slightest pink, something comes along and eats about 1/4th of it. I think it is birds because it looks like something has pecked it. I need to find a way to stop that because I have this wonderful recipe I want to make! It is:
FRESH TOMATO PIE
1 already rolled pie crust - either Food Club or Pillsbury - and I honestly can't tell the difference!) - Prebaked
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
4 Medium tomatoes, sliced
5 green onion, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or 1 tsp. dried basil (Go for the fresh!)
1 Cup Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise
2 cups Grated Mozzarella and Monterey Jack Cheese combined
Garnish: Fresh basil sprig
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Layer tomato slices, basil, and onion in pie shell. Add salt and pepper (Penzey's) to taste. Mix together cheese and mayonnaise and spread on top of tomatoes. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
This is really delicious. I had made the recipe several times and then my boss told me about the recipe. Then he accused me (good naturedly) about stealing "his recipe" and actually we had both gotten it from one of Paul Deen's first cookbooks "THE LADY & SONS." This was before she was so famous -- her smiling face was not even on the cover!!!
Now I created a recipe - after eating something similar at a couple of restaurants. It is:
JC'S CHICKEN MARSALA
1 Pkg. chicken strips
1 small onion
1 Pkg. fresh mushrooms
6 garlic cloves
Angel Hair Pasta
1 cup white wine
Pepper
Garlic salt
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle chicken strips with black pepper and garlic salt. Brown in about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. (Add about 2 tablespoons water - cover and cook until water evaporates ( this gets chicken good and done!)
Remove chicken from pan and add another tablespoons olive oil. Add whole garlic cloves and cook until begin to be tender and barely golden - add onion and saute' until onion is tender. At this time I cut through garlic into pieces. Add 1 tablespoon flour and stir. Then add 1 cup white wine. Add mushrooms. Add aboutr 3/4 cup water. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and add. (I also add about 1 tsp. sugar and another dash or two of garlic salt. THen add abvout 1/4 cup ground parmesan cheese. Let simmer on lowest heat possible.
Cook pasta with salt and 1 tsp. olive oil. Drain and toss with chicken mixture. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on each serving. Serve with salad and Garlic bread and then have a breath mint or go brush your teeth. But even though I created it -- it is really delicious!!!
Enjoy!
Here is a really neat thing I found. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.
"Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young man in the Marine Corps uniform standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand.. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.
The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit alongside the bed.
Nights are long in hospitals-but all through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.
Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest a while. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital-- the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.
Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son's hand all through the night.
Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.
Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. "That's not necessary... Who was that man?" he asked.
The nurse was startled, "He was your father" she answered.
"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."
"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"
"I knew right away that there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, and I knew how much he needed me. So I stayed."
The next time God gives you an opportunity ... be there. Stay.
You'll be glad you did.
I hope your tomorrow is blessed with opportunities to serve and you recognize them and do something good. God will bless you in your efforts!
One of my favorite things about late spring and early summer besides my beautiful flowers are the fresh tomatoes that become available. We planted several tomato plants, plus I always buy two or three that already have tomatoes on them. The ones we planted are as tall as me and two or three of them have lots of tomatoes on them. PROBLEM: everytime one starts to get ripe, even the slightest pink, something comes along and eats about 1/4th of it. I think it is birds because it looks like something has pecked it. I need to find a way to stop that because I have this wonderful recipe I want to make! It is:
FRESH TOMATO PIE
1 already rolled pie crust - either Food Club or Pillsbury - and I honestly can't tell the difference!) - Prebaked
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
4 Medium tomatoes, sliced
5 green onion, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or 1 tsp. dried basil (Go for the fresh!)
1 Cup Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise
2 cups Grated Mozzarella and Monterey Jack Cheese combined
Garnish: Fresh basil sprig
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Layer tomato slices, basil, and onion in pie shell. Add salt and pepper (Penzey's) to taste. Mix together cheese and mayonnaise and spread on top of tomatoes. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
This is really delicious. I had made the recipe several times and then my boss told me about the recipe. Then he accused me (good naturedly) about stealing "his recipe" and actually we had both gotten it from one of Paul Deen's first cookbooks "THE LADY & SONS." This was before she was so famous -- her smiling face was not even on the cover!!!
Now I created a recipe - after eating something similar at a couple of restaurants. It is:
JC'S CHICKEN MARSALA
1 Pkg. chicken strips
1 small onion
1 Pkg. fresh mushrooms
6 garlic cloves
Angel Hair Pasta
1 cup white wine
Pepper
Garlic salt
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle chicken strips with black pepper and garlic salt. Brown in about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. (Add about 2 tablespoons water - cover and cook until water evaporates ( this gets chicken good and done!)
Remove chicken from pan and add another tablespoons olive oil. Add whole garlic cloves and cook until begin to be tender and barely golden - add onion and saute' until onion is tender. At this time I cut through garlic into pieces. Add 1 tablespoon flour and stir. Then add 1 cup white wine. Add mushrooms. Add aboutr 3/4 cup water. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and add. (I also add about 1 tsp. sugar and another dash or two of garlic salt. THen add abvout 1/4 cup ground parmesan cheese. Let simmer on lowest heat possible.
Cook pasta with salt and 1 tsp. olive oil. Drain and toss with chicken mixture. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on each serving. Serve with salad and Garlic bread and then have a breath mint or go brush your teeth. But even though I created it -- it is really delicious!!!
Enjoy!
Here is a really neat thing I found. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.
"Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young man in the Marine Corps uniform standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand.. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.
The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit alongside the bed.
Nights are long in hospitals-but all through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.
Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest a while. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital-- the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.
Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son's hand all through the night.
Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.
Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. "That's not necessary... Who was that man?" he asked.
The nurse was startled, "He was your father" she answered.
"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."
"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"
"I knew right away that there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, and I knew how much he needed me. So I stayed."
The next time God gives you an opportunity ... be there. Stay.
You'll be glad you did.
I hope your tomorrow is blessed with opportunities to serve and you recognize them and do something good. God will bless you in your efforts!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
LOVE HEALS - AND GOD ALWAYS KNOWS BEST
Just dropping in to say I have not forgotten to write -- I have been working on calculating the cost of food for the Wedding Reception and that has taken some major calculations and math is not and never has been my thing! Funny I work at a bank and hate math but my job is not all about math. It is primarily about good credit and good decisions!
This will be the shortest of my blogs but do want to say that we had the most wonderful thing happen. On Sunday one of the Elders at Shiloh asked Travis and I if we would be at church on Wednesday night and we said yes. He then asked us to join him and the other Elders in the office after class. Well - if you know anything about what happened to us two years ago on June 15 - you know we suffered a hurt beyond what we thought could ever be repaired - our hearts were literally broken - so of course I was scared tonight. Although I knew we had worked hard to prove to the people at Shiloh how much we loved God and nothing would ever change our hearts and what we knew was truth - I worried all week about what they wanted. Well - tonight was the total cleansing - the total happiness restored. They said they just wanted to tell us how much they loved us, how they appreciated all we do - and how thankful they are that we are there! It was so humbling and so healing and we will forever love these men in their timing choice, their wisdom, and their leadership. Thank you Leonard, Mike, David L, JB, John T., John E., David S.,Travis and Don. And thank you Mike especially for the prayer! We love all of you so much and look forward to working at Shiloh until God takes us home!
I still have lots of recipes to share - another night - but I pray each of you have a wonderful tomorrow - and please look for a way to make someone else feel better! God's will - more tomorrow night!!!
This will be the shortest of my blogs but do want to say that we had the most wonderful thing happen. On Sunday one of the Elders at Shiloh asked Travis and I if we would be at church on Wednesday night and we said yes. He then asked us to join him and the other Elders in the office after class. Well - if you know anything about what happened to us two years ago on June 15 - you know we suffered a hurt beyond what we thought could ever be repaired - our hearts were literally broken - so of course I was scared tonight. Although I knew we had worked hard to prove to the people at Shiloh how much we loved God and nothing would ever change our hearts and what we knew was truth - I worried all week about what they wanted. Well - tonight was the total cleansing - the total happiness restored. They said they just wanted to tell us how much they loved us, how they appreciated all we do - and how thankful they are that we are there! It was so humbling and so healing and we will forever love these men in their timing choice, their wisdom, and their leadership. Thank you Leonard, Mike, David L, JB, John T., John E., David S.,Travis and Don. And thank you Mike especially for the prayer! We love all of you so much and look forward to working at Shiloh until God takes us home!
I still have lots of recipes to share - another night - but I pray each of you have a wonderful tomorrow - and please look for a way to make someone else feel better! God's will - more tomorrow night!!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
ADVISE ON LIVING FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS!
My! I am back at my old habits - it is late again - and 5:15 comes very early! What is it about human nature that makes us curious and interested in what other people are thinking and writing? I am not sure if it is always concern - but perhaps - just curious to see what we are missing out on!! That is what I've been doing. Reading Facebook again!!
Today was a harrowing day! Tuesday after a holiday usually is and today was no disappointment -- oh how wonderful a disappointment would be!! I almost lost a loan scheduled to close in the morning - but thank the good Lord and some heavy negotiating on my customer's part - as of 5 p.m., the closing is still on!! One thing after another!! Life as a loan officer!!
I tried twice to give a friend some suggestions on Face Book about what to have for a staff party - but just as I would get through typing it would reply with some dumb reply "souce not available" and would just eat up everything I had written. Somewhere in space - something or someone is getting some great ideas -- but they will have to tune into my blog to get the recipes!! ha!
I have talked about my Mango Strawbery Salsa on a couple of occasions (I am going to make tons of it for "THE WEDDING" I am doing the reception food for) - and when I looked back the only recipe I have given is for "MANGO SALSA" which is Mango and Tomato. So here is the best:
MANGO STRAWBERRY SALSA
1/2 large onion, cut in large chunks
1/2 red bell pepper, cut in large pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 to 2 jalapenos, chopped in large pieces
2 Mangos, peeled and sliced off seed
1/2 pint fresh strawberries ( halved)
1/2 cup Cilantro
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Penzey's fresh ground black pepper (or whatever you have but it won't be as good!)
Juice of 1/2 lime
In processor - add onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos. Chop into small pieces - but don't make mush! Add mangos, strawberries, cilantro, lime juice and seasonings. Process a few seconds - leaving a chunky consistency! Taste and make sure there is enough salt! You may want to add 1 tsp. sugar.
Delicious to dip - serve on chicken or whatever you are serving!!! Just delicious! Enjoy!!!!
There - now you have my new "Signature Salsa!"
There is some wisdom a 90 year old shared and I want to share it with you!
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Don't audit life.. Show up and make the most of it now.
Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
Oh what if we could practice that at 20, 30 and even 60 and 70! How much happier we would all be!
Have a great night, safe tomorrow - and keep an eye out for the good you can do!! God Bless!
Today was a harrowing day! Tuesday after a holiday usually is and today was no disappointment -- oh how wonderful a disappointment would be!! I almost lost a loan scheduled to close in the morning - but thank the good Lord and some heavy negotiating on my customer's part - as of 5 p.m., the closing is still on!! One thing after another!! Life as a loan officer!!
I tried twice to give a friend some suggestions on Face Book about what to have for a staff party - but just as I would get through typing it would reply with some dumb reply "souce not available" and would just eat up everything I had written. Somewhere in space - something or someone is getting some great ideas -- but they will have to tune into my blog to get the recipes!! ha!
I have talked about my Mango Strawbery Salsa on a couple of occasions (I am going to make tons of it for "THE WEDDING" I am doing the reception food for) - and when I looked back the only recipe I have given is for "MANGO SALSA" which is Mango and Tomato. So here is the best:
MANGO STRAWBERRY SALSA
1/2 large onion, cut in large chunks
1/2 red bell pepper, cut in large pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 to 2 jalapenos, chopped in large pieces
2 Mangos, peeled and sliced off seed
1/2 pint fresh strawberries ( halved)
1/2 cup Cilantro
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Penzey's fresh ground black pepper (or whatever you have but it won't be as good!)
Juice of 1/2 lime
In processor - add onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos. Chop into small pieces - but don't make mush! Add mangos, strawberries, cilantro, lime juice and seasonings. Process a few seconds - leaving a chunky consistency! Taste and make sure there is enough salt! You may want to add 1 tsp. sugar.
Delicious to dip - serve on chicken or whatever you are serving!!! Just delicious! Enjoy!!!!
There - now you have my new "Signature Salsa!"
There is some wisdom a 90 year old shared and I want to share it with you!
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Don't audit life.. Show up and make the most of it now.
Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
Oh what if we could practice that at 20, 30 and even 60 and 70! How much happier we would all be!
Have a great night, safe tomorrow - and keep an eye out for the good you can do!! God Bless!
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