Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year 2012 Eve

Only those who dare to go too far can possibly find out how far one can go. ~ T.S. Eliot

This an example of an arch.

 
This last day of 2011 we are under a winter weather advisory for fog until 10 AM and some possible freezing rain. Stay safe everybody! We are upon the the doorsteps to a New Year 2012! I need to think of 12 new things I want to do in 2012 it is harder than you may think. My first is going to be making an arch which is approximately 4" by 6" It is an art project. I have a beautiful stained glass window sticker for the middle of it and then it has to be decorated all over. I will be making it for someone yet known to me and in return I will receive one from someone else in my online Christian Friends group on Swapbot.com.

We all get depressed at times here are some helpful tips

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Centers/Depression/Tips/10_Ways_to_Stay_Depression_Free.aspx?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Depression


God loves you! Prayer Works!

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:28-30


Friday, December 30, 2011

Judging

It is not for you to judge the journey of another's soul. It is for you to decide who you are, not who another has been, or has failed to be. ~ Neale Donald Walsch

As the New Year 2012 approaches I am feeling no great excitement. It just seems like that day comes and goes for me sometimes. I do plan on having a Chinese dinner tomorrow night. Egg drop soup crab ragoon and chicken with cashews~all my favorites. It is going to be an interesting year with changes taking place already so I guess I should be very grateful and embrace the new year. I will be asleep and then the fireworks in the neighborhood will wake me up. I prefer to stay home now that I am getting older.

2011 was a fun year of watching my two grandsons grow up, spending time with my son who lives with me, and a not so fun time of being really sick and hospitilized for 4th of July. I enjoyed my CF group online this year and look forward to spending 2012 with them. I found out about Listia.com this year and I love it so much. I am looking forward to more fun with that in 2012 too. I hope we have another family reunion in 2012. What are you looking forward to in the new year?

It has been consistently cold for awhile now twenties. It is 25 this morning. I don't watch the weather report much I can tell when it is going to snow by how the clouds look. This morning there are very few clouds it is just a light grey everywhere. This is depressing at times. No sun and then it is dark at 4 PM in the afternoon. I am going to start taking additional Vitamin D. I start my days at 4 AM that way I at least get 12 hours of awake if I can stay awake for all of it. HA HA I love my naps in the afternoon. By then my body hurts so much from sitting and standing that I need to lie down and sleep. I suffer a lot of physical pain with fibromyalgia, RSD and residual pain from cancer surgery. I think I am a pretty tough cookie though. I am learning to live with the way things are. God has a plan! You better believe it even for me!

My grandsons Christmas morning 2011 God has a plan for me!


 


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A New Year 2012

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
✿♥✿♥✿♥✿♥¸.☆¸.✿¸.•°*”˜ƸӜƷ˜”*°•. •.¸ღ¸
✿ ܓBenjamin Franklin
 

After Christmas

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27
We had a dusting of snow overnight after Christmas. It swirled around and blew away in the winds yesterday. This morning it is 22 degrees Artic like outside but I feel so warm in my heart after reading the above scripture. Everything is possible with Him!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~ Burton Hillis

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

We had snow flurries here this morning in southern NH. Merry Christmas to all! This afternoon I am roasting a turkey and just made my fat free sugar free chocolate Jello pudding pie. Stuck that in the refrigerator to set. I love the heat in the kitchen especially when it is 28 degrees outside. I have stuffing, mashed potatos, green beans, asparagus and gravy to make. The whole cranberry sauce is chilling in the refrigerator. Oh I know I will forget the rolls. I have crescent rolls that need to be baked once the turkey comes out. A feast for us for sure. I had a nice turkey dinner with all the fixings at my friends house last night. The cooked pearl onions were the best ever we had butternut squash, real mashed potatos, gravy, turkey, pickles and olives, stuffing from the turkey yummy. Dessert was two kinds of cookies. I must remember get a family size roll of refrigerated peanut cookie mix, cook them per package directions and add a Hershey kiss (unwrapped of course) to the top of each one after they cool a bit but are still soft.

I am enjoying sipping a caramel hot chocolate as I sit here and write this blog. A gift from a friend that is the hot chocolate mix. I just put on the softest sweat shirt a gift from my sister to help warm me up.

From one of my favorite poets~my gift to you on this Merry Christmas Day!

The heart can think of no devotion greater than being shore to ocean~holding the curve of one position, counting an endless repetition~Robert Frost

http://robertfrostfarm.org/ I live about 20 minutes from here North of Boston, MA

Beautiful textile print in Christmas colors!

Dover Publications free textile background

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas Eve

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

It is a chilly 23 this morning in southern NH. Snow from yesterday is gone. Sun is out and we have dropped in temperature as I write this to a chilly 21 and that doesn't include the windchill factor if there is any. I am inside nice and warm enjoying plain eggnog with a dash of cinnamon this morning. I had a salad for breakfast and a pickle. It is so good for you. I am eyeing the crate of Clementine tangerines in the kitchen. I had one last night oh it was truly a treat! I am giving one to each of my grandsons for Christmas. They will be in a stocking along with a beaded Christmas ornament. They also are getting handmade adorable felt gingerbread men ornaments which are wrapped up.They already saw them and went crazy for them. I can't wait to see them hang them on their tree and put there own decorations up.  Great pictures hopefully!

Our turkey is still defrosting nicely. Tomorrow afternoon I will be roasting a 14 lb turkey, making stuffing, mashed potatos, gravy, green beans, yummmmmmy asparagus, whole cranberry sauce, crescent rolls all buttered up plus a dessert chocolate pudding pie in a chocolate pie crust with no whipped cream I opted for healthy. We also have chocolate mint icecream. I like the peppermint icecream that is available around the holidays but I couldn't find any while grocery shopping yesterday. We do have those delicious tangerines too. What special Christmas meal will you be making? Perhaps you have a tradition or recipe you would like to share. What do you do on Christmas Eve?






 

Friday, December 23, 2011

It Snowed Two Days Before Christmas

Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised. Hebrews 10:23

The temps dropped to 32 degrees and we got snow here in southern NH, just a dusting. I think the roads may be slick and slushy though! My prayers this morning go out to all those traveling on the roads! Including my sons, grandsons and DIL plus friends! Two days to Christmas and we are expecting a chance for snow for Christmas! Wow yesterday it was in the 50's here.

Here is an excellent article to read if you are like me and planning a spring or summer garden and yesterday was officially the first day of Winter http://www.doityourself.com/stry/8-plants-that-thrive-in-full-sun-exposure  and we can't forget our indoor gardens this is a good read too http://www.typesofplants.net/household_plants/household_plants.html



Copy from Dover Publications

Brrrrrr it is cold outside with snow on the ground now these pictures of pretty flowers look ever so nice!!!!!!!

My all time favorite holiday cookie!  Yes I just found this recipe and I thought I would share it with you!

 
Pfeffernusse

NOTE: I have not tried these yet

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
3 1/4 cups flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. black pepper, table grind
1 t. ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Add butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl, and using a mixer with paddle attachment, beat until creamy. Add molasses and egg and mix well. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon, then add this mixture a little at a time to butter and brown sugar, mixing constantly until well blended. Shape dough into walnut size balls and put 1 1/2 inches apart on nonstick cookie sheet. Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until set. Cool for about 3 minutes. Cover a sheet pan with wax paper. Put powdered sugar in small bowl. While cookies are still warm, roll each in sugar and place on sheet pan to cool. Put cookies into an airtight container to mellow for 2 days. Will keep for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 4 dozen cookies

Yummmmmmmmmm!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Be Glad

"Be Glad in the Lord and Rejoice..."  PSALM 32:11

Tis Three Days Before Christmas

It is better to have little and be right than to have much and be wrong. Psalms 37:16
At Christmas Time By Camilla R. Bittle

At Christmas, when I was small, We placed the figures in the stall (Mary, Blessed Babe, and all) Hung mistletoe high in the hall, Made calendars for kitchen walls, And decked our tree with shiny balls.
On Christmas Eve beside the fire, We gathered round the wicker chair To hear our mother's mother read Of sugarplums that danced in air, Of moonlight on new fallen snow, And this we knew-as children know-Was evidence of love below The great high are of heaven's dome, O Christmases secured by home.
The cold-a stabbing, piercing knife, The stars-small, dazzling flicks of light, Our breath rose up in columns white, And, oh, the still of Christmas night!!!
Each year we did the very same, Wrote cards, made lists, our cousins came, On Christmas Eve out caroling, Our cheeks bared to the icy sting Of snowy winds, grew tingling, We sang as loud as we could sing.
I ask myself-what did it mean, The stockings, tinsel, branches green, The smell of oranges and pie, The wreaths, the bells, the winter sky Where once a star shone for The Child, Whose birth we hailed with praises mild, While overhead the Milky Way Was passage for Old Santa's sleigh.
We still hung up the mistletoe, My childrens faces rosy grow, Their boots squeak on the hard packed snow Their eyes with eagerness will glow, And I am the only one who'll know That it was different long ago.
The tree still flaunts its branches, The sky is jet, The stars wink light, There is a hush to Christmas night, The songs are still sung out with might And Santa's toys, a dazzling sight.
The only thing that's changed is me, It's not a fir with lights I see, For only God can make a tree-This is what I see, And children's eyes can only be Small windows on eternity.
And so with gifts, and cousins small, And so with garlands in the hall, And firelight's shadows on the wall-God's handiwork, that's all.
Yet in this season of our joy There are still those who feel a toy Is all that matters-not The Boy, Whose prasies we should all employ, Lest man all brotherhood destroy.
Come, take your stand-decry the whim That turkeys, gifts and greetings slim Define the core-they are the rim And but the glossy surface skim For in our heats we kneel to Him
Today it is already 48 degrees outside at 7:05 AM here in southern New Hampshire. Wow I thought we are supposed get snow the 24th and Christmas Day. Things happen like that. I would actually like it to be warm so we all get healthier hopefully. Tomorrow is my last big shopping day. Just grocery shopping for the regular weekly food needed. My cards are all done. Wrapping gifts is nearly done. This was the first year ever that I shopped for Christmas way ahead of time. I also joined Listia and found many nice gifts for Free! Check out Listia on my blog in the right column there is a place to click on Listia. It is free to join too!

I love to ride trains. Check out this site for some scenic train rides that are available

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40869541


Free download from Mary Engelbreit

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Praise Him Today

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
I Praise Him this morning for the strength I received to help my son and for the healing so far He has helped my son with. Two days ago my son and I spent 5 hours in the hospital ER. My son age 30 is still fighting a stomach virus today this is day 7 and fevers 102.8 last night. He was so dehydrated he needed 3 potassium pills and was given a potassium infusion through his IV line while at the hospital. He was given an IV of fluids plus his salt was low, my poor baby. I have been by his side all the way. I Praise Him for prayers answered. His temperatures are going down. He is resting and he will be going back to work today like he did yesterday. If you read this I ask for prayers for my son. I want him to be well enough for Christmas morning with our family.

It is so nice and warm indoors and 32 degrees outside. We just may get a white Christmas after all! The weather report I read this morning said may be a Nor Easter up this way that is quite some storm and we get them often enough. What I love to do in the snow is take a walk while it is snowing when it first starts and make my own footprints in the snow, make snow angels, make snowballs, watch the snow fall from my studio window and photograph snowy scenes. We have not had snow since Halloween up here in southern New Hampshire. Oh it has been cold 16 some days and then warm 52's for a while then another hard frost then some snow then it warmed up again and then it just started to stay really cold for a couple of weeks now. It is cloudy and grey today. What a wonderful Christmas that would be if it snows. Let it snow!

I got a surprise visit from my son and younger grandson last night. What a delight to see the baby well almost 18 months old on Dec 30 so he is more a toddler. He kept pointing to the ceiling fan way up high in our cathedral ceiling and saying "that" and pointing to a picture of a radio system on the box and saying "that" he sure is a curious little guy now. How precious! My Nana good feelings will last me until Christmas morning for sure now. Then I will see him again and his older brother almost 4 years old. He shares a birthday with my Mother Which is on Feb 16 My Mom never met him If she had it would have been really nice.

I just have some small gifts left to wrap, do my grocery shopping, and mail out late cards (bad me) I have been naughty! I can't hardly wait to prepare a nice Christmas dinner! We are having turkey mashed potatos gravy stuffing whole cranberry sauce asparagus green beans crescent rolls and chocolate pudding pie with whipped cream for dessert. Wishing all my family and friends an early Merry Christmas and I am wishing for each and everyone to enjoy a Happy New Year 2012


Angel clip art from Dover Publications



Sunday, December 18, 2011

SOOOOO Cold Sunday

In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Sweet I found another scripture this morning

Isaiah 43:10-11; GOD makes a declaration of Himself and of who He eternally is by saying,
10. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.

It is hovering between 16 and 17 this early Sunday AM here in Southern NH. Our high today maybe 31. It is a sunny day Yay for the extra warmth. It even feels cold inside. I am all wrapped up in my jammies, fuzzy robe and fuzzie socks. My coffee is already cold. Today I need to get some gifts wrapped and then I will be "Done"! Other than shopping for food.  Praise Him!

I am missing my grandsons a whole bunch and can't wait to see them Christmas morning. They have a BIG surprise coming. That is all I can say in case DIL reads this. She will be so surprised too. I love to watch the imaginative play and talking that my grandson does with his toys. He is almost 4. The younger one will be 2 at the end of June. He is a big baby so it is hard to remember that he is still so young. It seems like just yesterday that he was crawling and then learned to walk. Even starting to talk. He loves to say "I did it" I am so blessed to have these two grandsons ~ gifts from Him! Do you have grandchildren?

I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house check out these great gingerbread creations

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/national-gingerbread-house-competition-showcases-amazing--edible-works-of-art.html

This was made for me to use please ask my permission for your use!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Sunny Sweet Saturday

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
I am in many swaps coming up on Swap-bot.com I signed up for a Snowy January card I found one in my stash (2) 3 kings card and I think I may have forgotten one more. This is what I love to do. The swap idea is suggeted and from there I can create something for someone else and send it to them. In return I will get something created by someone else. So far I have 3 of the swaps started now I am just waiting to see who my partner will be so I can make something really nice. Sometimes I have to gather supplies for awhile and it makes it fun to go through my supplies and see what I have. I don't go out and buy anything. I have it all here in my studio. It is a chilly day 36 degrees at 11:03 AM what better do I have to do than this. Write holiday cards and give feedback oh and bid on Listia. Check it out it is free to sign up

http://www.listia.com/signup/256628

Now my son that lives with me was sick with fever and coughing all night last night. Says he feels better this morning and so off to work he went. I prayed and asked for prayers in the middle of the night for him. Praise Him!

Photographer Sarah klockars-Clauser
*IMPORTANT: I placed this image under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/

All images CC by/sa.* (attribution: Sarah Klockars-Clauser)
& see more cc images here: http://www.sarabbit.openphoto.net

WHICH MEANS: if you want to print it or make something with it, that's totally OK! And if you want to alter it or make copies for your friends or post it somewhere else, that's cool too, but you MUST put my name on it as the photographer of the original work: ("Sarah Klockars-Clauser") and offer it up under the same CC license... THANK YOU!

Under the CC by/sa licence (described above), you can use these images for almost whatever you like. These are all high quality digital images. They make me happy. They work beautifully as desktop wallpaper, but feel free to do with them as you please.


Friday, December 16, 2011

Finally It Is Friday


In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12
This week has been very rough for me. Especially as I worked very deep inwardly on some of my own issues. Really I know this and the cool grey weather didn't help either. This morning at 9:15 AM it is now 44 degrees that is nice especially since it climbed to 51 yesterday. Maybe today will be even warmer. I really hope so because I would love to get out. I have a great excuse now I have one more card to mail. I have been feeling very blue lately so the sun was a nice morning greeting to wake up to. Most of all though I am so grateful for this one gift from Him. Other than my life, food and water  He has given me family and friends that love me. I must always be grateful for them too. Who and/or what are you grateful for? Enjoy this beautiful photograph my gift to you but please read the important details underneath it before you copy it.

Photographer Sarah klockars-Clauser

*IMPORTANT: I placed this image under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/

All images CC by/sa.* (attribution: Sarah Klockars-Clauser)
& see more cc images here: http://www.sarabbit.openphoto.net

WHICH MEANS: if you want to print it or make something with it, that's totally OK! And if you want to alter it or make copies for your friends or post it somewhere else, that's cool too, but you MUST put my name on it as the photographer of the original work: ("Sarah Klockars-Clauser") and offer it up under the same CC license... THANK YOU!

Under the CC by/sa licence (described above), you can use these images for almost whatever you like. These are all high quality digital images. They make me happy. They work beautifully as desktop wallpaper, but feel free to do with them as you please.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Thoughtful Thursday

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31
There is no doubt in my mind that He is always there for me! He holds my hand is beside me watches over me cares for me loves me forgives me. For all that He deserves my praise. Thanks be to Him.

Another grey cool 40 degree day this morning at a quarter to ten. I am feeling blue meloncholy mostly situational and some has to do with the weather/winter season. I don't want to be where I am in a relationship that I am in and living where I am except for the fact that I live with my son. I took a nice break from this to enjoy hot homemade pancakes with syrup. Praying hard for a change whatever it is it will be God's will for me in my life.

I know that I need to get outside but I just don't have the energy. I may go for a walk sometimes it really helps me that is if it doesn't hurt too much. I have a reason to go for a walk if I send out more Christmas cards. I am sure that I can do a few more and hopefully make someone happy. Then I can take a short jaunt to the streetbox between the raindrops. What do you do to make yourself feel better when you are feeling blue?

From Dover Publications



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Washed Out Wednesday

If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. Doing this will be like pouring burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22
Today this early AM it is 35 degrees out. Nice and warm in my studio. I thought I would start out with this recipe to share with you which I found at www.whatshername.etsy.com

Teatime Tassies

1 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup all purpose flour
Have cream cheese and butter at room temp.
Blend together and stir in flour.
Chill one hour.
Shape into two dozen one inch balls.
Place in miniature muffin pans.
Press against sides and bottom to form a cup.
Fill with pecan or lemon fillings (you could try other fillings as well).

Pecan Filling
2 eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
2 Tbls. butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
1 cup chopped pecans
Beat together first five ingredients.
Stir in nuts.
Put tablespoon of filling into each miniature pie crust.
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.

Lemon Filling
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
juice of 2 lemons
1/3 cup melted butter or marg.
Beat all ingredients together.
Pour into unbaked shells.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

Do you know about Three Kings Day if not this website explains it very nicely

http://three-kings-day.123holiday.net/

Today is wrapping day for me. Just two gifts one for each of my grandsons. Maybe I will take a walk if it warms up enough and possibly create something nice either make a craft or make a small drawing an ACEO today. I am trying to think of things to do to stay busy. I am "on call" for Nana duty until Christmas Eve. My son is going to be working hard and not taking any days off and my DIL can't take time off at all. I love being a Nana and my two grandsons are the light of my life. Praise Him for the best gifts ever!!!!!!!


Monday, December 12, 2011

Totally Tuesday

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its' own way; it is not irratable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends... 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Every day brings new blessings. "For your, Lord, has not forsaken those who seek you."  Psalm 9:10 
If you remain in me and follow my teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you. John 15:7
Wow three scriptures I have found this morning all of which speak strongly to me!

From Dover Publications free clip art

I have errands to run downtown after a doctor appointment this morning. It is 23 degrees this morning. I am not looking forward to going outdoors and walking around. Hopefully it will warm up some when the sun comes out.

Only 12 more days until Christmas!

I have all I need for my Christmas dinner except for the stuffing. One last day to grocery shop will be on the 23rd! That is because I need a ride to the store and next weekend my friends that give me a ride will be out of town.
Check this website out for ways to make healthier holiday cookies


I never knew there were so many things to make using Jello check out this website


Will we have a white Christmas here in Southern NH or not? It would be nice to have a small amount of snow. Last year we had tons of snow by now. This year we have only had snow for Halloween so far.

What are you doing to prepare for Christmas? Do you think you will have a white Christmas?



Sunday, December 11, 2011

A Very Cold Sunday

If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. Jeremiah 7:5-7
So it is a very cold Sunday 35 degrees this afternoon in Southern NH. The sun was out this afternoon and warmed up my studio quite nicely even though it was only 22 degrees this morning. We had the electricity go out for about ten minutes or so a couple of hours ago. Not sure what that was all about.

I am still recovering from bronchitis # 2 this winter. I was so wiped out yesterday after shopping. The first thing I did when I got home was put on my pjs and warm fuzzy winter socks. Now I have wrapping to do and finish my Christmas cards. I saved my money and confirmed it with my son that the gifts one to each of my grandsons that I bought yesterday are not anything that anyone has bought them yet. YAY that made my morning! Yesterday my friends that take me shopping went to Kmart and so while I was  there I noticed they were having a really great toy sale prices slashed also buy two get one free some toys were 50% off. I still remember that I am here because of Him not the toys. It just delights me though to see that in the 3 3/4 years of my first grandson's life my son and daughter in law have taken really good care of the toys they get and now my younger grandson is enjoying them. He is almost 18 months old. On 12/30/11 he will be.

I saw Santa yesterday. It actually surprised me. I was in at the drugstore picking up my medications. So while walking back to front of the store all of a sudden there he was. It was1/2 hour before the kids could have pictures taken with him. I would want my picture with Him! I don't need a picture though because of how close I feel in my heart to Him. It is fun for the children. Those that aren't screaming that is. 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

So Cold Saturday


I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1
Praise Him for my continued healing from bronchitis and for my baby grandsons (almost 1 1/2 years old now) healing from pneumonia. This has been a particularly rough fall/winter so far for illnesses for both of us.
After about a month now I am finally getting out to go grocery shopping. It is a good thing that I stock up on food to get by in situations like these when I am too ill to leave the house.
It is 30 degrees this morning. Wednesday night we had a small amount of snow. Nothing that stuck much and when the sun came out it was gone. I turned the heat on briefly this morning to take the chill out of the air.
I am done decorating for Christmas. It looks festive with the cute gingerbread people that my sister gave to me. One of her patients made them and she bought them for me. I have some leftover which I may string across my living room window. I still need to finish shopping and sending cards. Also I have to send my gifts to my sister in SC.
I have been having fun playing Scrabble with my friend Joan and my sister on Facebook. My friend is so good and she is already beating me the secondtime around. My sister and I are neck and neck. Both games have pretty much just started. Do you like to play Scrabble? If so you should check it out on Facebook. You can play it all at once or take your time and play your turn when you are able to.
I am making turkey dinner for my son and I this year. With all of the fixings too. I have my turkey and I need to get the rest of the items today. I am going to make a pudding pie. So easy to do just make pudding for a pie on the box and pour into a premade pie shell and refrigerate. Serve it later. I am all about making nice things but easy things now that I am older. I will be seeing my grandsons and others for Christmas morning. I love it! Very exciting especially with the older grandson who will be four in February. This year is it for him and Santa. He wants a bat cave with batman figures. Since we will be having breakfast. I am thinking a variety of bagels, cream cheese, fruit salad, juice, coffee and hot chocolate. Once again easy to fix no stress no fuss! This has become our family tradition now. What are some of your family traditions for Christmas?

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Reason for the Season


We must remember the “Reason for the season.” Just who is this babe in the manger? In the New Testament, Colossians, Chapter 1 and other scriptures, we read: He is the redeemer of God’s people (v.14): “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” “He is the image of the invisible God” (v.15a; cp. Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6). “He is ... the firstborn over all creation” (v.15b; cp. Psalm 89:27; also Romans 8:29). He is the creator of all things (v.16): “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth ....” He is eternal in existence (v.17a): “He is before all things.” He is the preserver of all things (v.17b): “in Him all things consist” (i.e., stand together). “He is the head of the body, the church” (v.18a). “He is the beginning [Greek arche-], the firstborn from the dead” (v.18b) – the One who laid the foundation for the resurrected life, and the chief of all who enjoy that resurrected life. He is the first in rank over the universe and in His church (v.18c): “in all things He may have the preeminence.” He is co-equal with His Father in divinity (v.19): “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.” He is the reconciler of God’s people (vv.19-22): “... you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” To believers He is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (v.27).
This is the real reason for Christmas the day Christ our Lord Jesus was born! Glory be to God! Thank you so very much for a beautiful gift!
**:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:**

Happy Birthday

If another follower sins, warn him, and if he is sorry and stops sinning, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in one day and says that he is sorry each time, forgive him. Luke 17:3-4
Forgiving someone is hard to do. I have found though that when I finally do forgive someone for hurting me or for whatever I can move on. Forgiving is realizing that we all are forgiven for our sins so we should forgive those who trespass against us.

Today may be a nice day after all it is already 47 this morning. I have no idea what plans are in store for me today. It is my 53rd birthday! Yay Happy Birthday to me! I hope I get to see my grandsons today!

I love to travel by train. This website has information on five scenic train trips you can take

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40869541

The planet we call home from 240 miles above Earth

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/planet-call-home-seen-240-miles-145006199.html

This website has a lot of interesting facts of travel such ten lost cities

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas;_ylt=AgkBuRSfFX4Glsj.WlU_ELrzFNx_

Since I love to travel, these days I don't have the means to do so but it is my birthday so I thought I would share these websites with you.

Wherever you are I hope you have a wonder filled day!

Me on the left middle my is sister Lenore and right side is my sister Gail taken Jan 2011





Sunday, November 27, 2011

Spicy Sunday

I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the Lord. The poor will hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together. Psalms 34:1-3
It is a cool 39 degrees this morning here in Southern NH. I am missing my grandsons already but now I have a birthday tomorrow so I am sure I will see them again soon hopefully tomorrow for my birthday. Birthdays were always fun with my Mother. She made the best cakes and we had a spinning cake holder. Mom had one of those counter top electrical mixers. Black with a white bowl as I remember. Another special thing Mom did for us on our birthdays was she made our favorite dinner that night. I always chose tuna noodle casserole. Mom made that the best too. I don't even come close to hers when I make it for myself these days. I don't usually make myself a cake anymore now since I became a diabetic. I did pick up a yummy chocolate chip pound cake yesterday for myself and others that may want to try it.

I think I will start on my Christmas cards today. Since I am feeling pretty yucky with a horrible cough. I think I have bronchitis again. I am going to do the easy ones first. I bought some Mary Engelbreit Christmas cards with cute snowmen on them. I also have her clear stamp with the same snowman on it and my address labels have snowmen on them. I have some older vintage Christmas cards and lastly when I am feeling really good after I see my doctor. I did one ME card to my sister and nephew. It was a process and hopefully it will go smoother next time. I am going to look for my vintage Christmas cards I have to send and start filling them out that should be easier.

I need to start wrapping and sorting out some small gifts but that will be for next week's To Do List!
I usually don't decorate until another couple of weeks from now. So there is no tree yet!

What do you do to prepare for Christmas? When my sons were younger we went so far as to put up lights on the house. We also had a family tradition of going to a tree farm and chopping down our own trees. We were living in Maryland at the time. I was raising my family then with a husband and our two sons. We did a lot of activities with his brothers and sisters and their families his Mother (Nana I loved her so much may she be resting ever so peacefully) and my husbands Father and wife Bunny too. We would cook for 30 or more. They loved my mashed potatos.

Oh my I just had some cajun chicken for lunch. I wanted to share this site with you

http://shine.yahoo.com/vitality/8-world-8217-healthiest-spices-38-herbs-eating-150600515.html
I love what I have now two sons DIL and two grandsons. my two sisters one is married both have children and a brother who is married with family all nearby some close enough to drive or fly. My Father is in CA and as usual I (I should say we brother and sisters too) have little to no contact from him. It has been like that all of my life. I don't know a Father who truly loves his daughter and wants to be a part of her life and get to know his grandsons much less his only great grandsons he has for now. He won't be alive if and when the other great grands come along more than likely. Mom would have been involved if she were still alive and well today! She is watching them from heaven. My precious first grandson was born on my Mother's birthday. She was in Heaven before he was born. He is truly my angel not in the sense that he can do nothing wrong. He is an angel God sent me to console me over the deep profound grief I have over my Mother's untimely death. I spent years grieving that we knew she was dying but she did not know it more than likely. Now that she is gone I don't want to ever forget what a wonderful Mother she was and how her life before that as a child is quite remarkable. Her Mother was a part of my life also she saw both of my sons when they were little. We had a family reunion from Mother's side of the family in Port Carling Canada. It is way up on the Eastern side of Canada. What a fantastic driving trip we took from Maryland to go there stopping at Niagra Falls. It was beautiful we brought our bikes with us on our trip and rode around the park there all day long. The wine country and grape vineyards were lovely to drive through.

Here is some information I looked up on Port Carling I thought I would make this a sharing Sunday again

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g499287-Port_Carling_Muskoka_Ontario-Vacations.html

Love to get things for free well then check this out

http://www.listia.com/?r=256628


Ways to save money

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/12-low-cost-ways-to-save-energy%E2%80%94and-money%E2%80%94now-.html

Dover Publication letter T
THE END





Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sweet Salty (Sultry) Saturday

I will not leave you all alone like orphans; I will come back to you. John 14:1
He has never foresaken me yet! I have had to call for Him often especially in the last 5 years.

Praise Him for being there!

I went to the Christian gathering and food giveaway today. It is a balmy 58 now. This week it was 320 some odd people last week it was over 500 and that is really a lot of people. Father Steve had an interesting message this week. He said to read Proverbs 30:1-33 I believe. So I will look for the message in the proverbs. That message was basically that when you seek Him he will be there for you! So comforting to me! I know he was there when I called out to him before I faced one medical procedure and surgery after another for the last five years.

I miss my Mother she went to Heaven on November 1, 2006. I have been recovering from cancer and been cancer free for 5 years now too this month. It is my fifth anniversary! My birthday is November 28, 1958. I have a sister and niece with November birthdays. I met Donna on swapbot we were born the same exact day and year. My Mother's Mother was born in November. My Mother liked this prayer ~ I do too!

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

She loved butterflies too! This is from Dover Publications.
What do you do with all of your leftovers? I don't have any this year and I am really missing not have turkey sandwiches. Why not some extreme leftovers?

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/extreme-leftovers-10-crazy-ways-eat-well-day-151300535.html






Thursday, November 24, 2011

Friday's Faeries Poets and Art


I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Psalms 32:8
I am always asking Him for guidance and to lead me! I feel that this lessens the stress in my life considerably.

I love it when I come in contact with dragonflies so when I read this blurb recently about them it all made sense to me. It said  "It has been known for centuries that when dragonflies are present in your yard, it means there is a fairy hill nearby! A fairy hill is the secret place fairies gather and it can be the place where they will allow you to travel into the REALM where they live! DRAGONFLIES CAN BRING THE FAIRY TO YOU!" Such a neat fantasy story!

Study on dragonflies http://www4.cc.utexas.edu/features/2006/dragonflies/index.html

Many pages of pictures of dragonflies http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/dragonfly.html

Well it is cold this morning 28 again! We had a beautiful sunny crisp clear cool day yesterday. On the road trip to my sister's house for our Family Reunion/Thanksgiving we passed by Walden Pond. It is such a beautiful area. I hope to get to go back and see it when things warm up. Speaking of family reunions we had a wonderful one so much fun was had by all. We skyped with my brother and his family who live in Maryland. My sisters enjoyed my grandsons so much. They both have children still growing up. Ages 13 15 21 and 24 just some of my many nieces and nephews. It was so good to see my family. Both my sisters spoiled me with nice soap, lots of warm clothes and warm socks for my birthday which is on Monday the 28th of November. My sister from SC brought me two baby spider plants to root and add to my garden. I lost all of the jade plants I was trying to start. I have blogged about it in previous posts. I think I watered them too much. I was trying to root them from leaves and it is very hard to do.

To read about Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond check this out

http://wiki.ask.com/Walden_Pond

Nearby where I live is the home of Robert Frost check this out

http://robertfrostfarm.org/

and also I live within walking distance to the Currier Museum of Art

http://www.currier.org/


Beautiful luna moth in FL

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

If you listen carefully to all he says and do everything that I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies. I will fight all who fight against you. Exodus 23:22

Happy Thanksgiving everybody. I am having a partial family reunion today with my sister's and their families, my second son, myself and my older son and his family. My brother and his family and our dad will not be there. I didn't find out until last night my brother wasn't coming and dad is in CA so I wasn't expecting him. That makes me sad. I was really excited and hoping for a full family reunion with all of my siblings. I am grateful for what will be!

After resting all day yesterday because I had a cold I am in severe back pain now. If it isn't one thing it is another. I have meds for that and if I can't get things stretched out soon this morning I will have to take a pain pill. I can't walk around all bent over today like the older person I am. My cold instantly felt better when I used my inhaler this morning I can breathe. Then I treated my nose to an inhaler and things were even better. I think that I still have bronchitis and I am going to see my doctor after the holidays.

I am so thankful for so many things and all the people in my life but most of all I am thankful for the life He gave me! What are you thankful for today?

Here are some tips I found for making great mashed potatos. Everybody always loves my mashed potatos and the secret is 2 potatos per person being served that way you have enough that is if you know how to make them well!

http://shine.yahoo.com/tistheseason/bas-step-step-instructions-perfect-mashed-potatoes-150200059.html

I hope you enjoy this wonder filled day where ever you are!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wet Cold Wednesday

I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust his word. Psalms 130:5

This is hard to remember to do! It is so relieveing to know that He loves me and won't forsake me.


Today it is 37 freezing cold and raining. Could almost be snow. What a miserable day to be out and about. I cared for my baby grandson yesterday as well as Monday. I started to get sick  but not what he has. I wanted to be feeling really good for Thanksgiving but it looks like I am even sicker today. I have a cold and stomach thing. Oh boy we have one of those annoying fruit flies LOL pesky guy flying around in front of my face while I am trying to type this. Go away! 

I have 7 swaps ready to go some were multiple postcards. I have been busy this morning. I am getting all my mail ready to go out Friday hopefully. I have many things to finish before Christmas. I brought my Christmas cards with me to do yesterday while the baby slept and I ended up falling asleep. I am sure I needed it. What are you working on for the holidays? I started out several months ago buying a small thing but nice gift every so often. I am more than prepared with everything I have been winning on Listia too. If I didn't have a headache right now I would probably go do some bidding. I think I am going to go back to bed. Get warm and watch some TV. Relax today so I hopefully feel a little better!


From free clip art. This angel is beautiful!



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Totally Tuesday

I am a companion of all who fear you. Psalm 119:63

I have had this little but very powerful scripture from the bible that I cut from a newspaper several years ago. It is getting yellowed now and it sits on top of the frame of a needlepoint picture of the letter G that my Mother made for me. That is on the first wall right inside my bedroom door. Sort of a reminder! I see it every day when I leave my bedroom to greet each new day!

I cared for my baby grandson (16 months old) yesterday. He did well all day long until about an hour or so before Mom and big brother were due home  He cried and cried and then some. I call it the wishing hour (wishing you weren't there) it was before supper he had a long day with Nana and he was looking for his Mother. I slept so well last night I didn't wake up once. I was not feeling well yesterday and it was because I drank too much coffee. It did the trick I stayed up all day long. My grandson slept for around three hours. He was fun to play with and he wanted to sit with me and watch a Casper the Friendly Ghost movie. Over all he is doing better but I am caring for him again today. I will take my Nana time especially when I get one grandson at a time. Big brother was happy to see me for the little bit of time he did, before he went to school with Dad and on the car ride home. He did well in school yesterday and kept his hands to himself. He is always wanting to touch the other kids and they are telling him No to stop it. He won't listen. He is such a loving touchy kind of kid. He isn't trying to hurt the other kids. Could it have something to do with the negative attention he gets at home for bothering baby brother? I don't know just thinking. These two grandsons of mine are just like being around my boys when they were little. I love being a Nana! I loved being a young Mother when I was ages 18 and 21 and my sons were born.

I called my doctor yesterday to get my lab results and all were normal. So I am assuming that my thyroid is ok for now. I am not sure why I have been so tired and sleeping a bunch. I think I am still fighting the bronchitis. I am still wheezing and cough a bit once in awhile. I want to get through Thanksgiving and then I will call my doctor to make an appoitnment to find out why I am not better.

Wow each day we are inching closer to Thanksgiving Day. I am so excited. My DIL's stepmother made a bread cornucopia and glazed it. In other words it is not edible. My DIL is going to add something to the end of the cornucopia and put a platter together for our family reunion
Thanksgiving this year. I hope your preparations for the holiday are coming together well.

From Dover Publications




Monday, November 21, 2011

Mellow Monday

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
My baby grandson (16 months old) is sick again with a double ear infection this time. He needs his Nana so I will be caring for him today. There is always something magical about how time spent with me really helps to heal my grandsons quickly. I of course am up early this morning to prepare for the baby. I have to do those Nana things to get ready! No really I went to bed early last night so I am up early morning. This is usual for me! I am just excited to see my grandson but not that he is sick.

I figured out the trick for grocery shopping go early Sunday morning. Now if I can just get my friend to go every Sunday morning. That would be great! Maybe every other week!

It is 48 this morning someone has the front door open and I just realized my feet are freezing I will be right back after I put on some warm winter socks.

I have been finding a lot of good information on the internet here are a couple of sites for you to check out:

Yes there are some great new Jello recipes here

http://www.kraftbrands.com/Jello/recipes.aspx

Want to make a perfect turkey this Thanksgiving here are some tips

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/perfect-roast-turkey-190900018.html

This is one of three intricate cutouts I have. They need to be matted and framed.
I have many projects to do. Sometimes it seems like there isn't enough time. I haven't been feeling well lately and so that actually makes it stressful on me knowing that I want to complete something. I have just been super tired and usually that is a sign that my thyroid medication needs to be adjusted. I am calling my doctor today to see if that is the problem. So you see I won't mind spending a mellow Monday with my baby grandson.

Here is another angel from free clip art she is watcher angel sent by God to protect these children from harm.









Saturday, November 19, 2011

On a Third Sunday


I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

I love Him too with all my heart!

I try my best to reuse all my boxes, bags, and fillers. Please try to do the same. Fact: Each ton (2000 lbs) of recycled paper we produce can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water. This represents a 64% energy savings, a 58% water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution! These facts came from someone on Listia. I recycle my shipping products. Do you?

Yesterday over 500 people were at the Christian event here in town. The church was giving away food just like they have always done every Saturday 52 weeks a year for over 20 some years now. I was given a turkey and I am so grateful for it. So since I don't need it right now it is staying frozen for Christmas. It really helped me out on my food budget for next month. There are so many awesome meals to make with the left overs. It will feed me forever it seems! I love turkey lettuce mayo sandwiches. I also like to make a turkey veggie soup. What do you do with your turkey leftovers?


How interesting an angel disguised as a mother. Have you met angels before?

Angels Everyday Even on Saturday

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
I definately take comfort from this scripture. It also empowers me to know that I can be strong and fight illness and disease. I am this way because I can handle it! Wow sleep was good last night. Here I am starting my day it is 36 degrees outside. I have to go out into the cold this morning. Time to bring out my beautiful newly knit purple winter hat. I love it. I won it on Listia. It is handmade and will last me forever. Purple is my favorite color so that is why I chose it. We still have not had to turn on our gas heat. The sun when we get it and the neighbors heat below that rises up keeps us comfortable. When it gets colder we will have to turn our heat on. We have many days of negative and below and worse with the wind chill.  Each winter I have lived here in Southern NH for the past five it has been extremely harsh in the winter. Coming from FL it is a shock. I am getting used to it weraing long underwear I have some sweaters a great pair of boots nice winter coat and red and white striped gloves. I need to switch to purple gloves to match my purple hat. The people I think about are those that don't have these items for warmth. I have a few extra hats I will be passing out them out today at a Christian food giveaway event! I wish I had more but this is a way for me to help. I need to check with my friend and her daughter first to see if they have what they need. I hope she comes through this morning and we get to go to the event this morning.


I found a group of angels in free clip art so I will be able to add them to my blog! I have a facsination with angels and believe I have been visited by them. They are to believed to sometimes look like humans! I am so thankful for this connection I have with angels. Some instances where they have been with me are during times of utter despair and through medical procedures.

What does the bible say about angels?

http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/angelsbible.htm



I am missing my grandsons so much. I have just a few more days to go. I will be seeing them for the Thanksgiving Day Family Reunion. My first grandson is an angel to me because he was born on my Mother's birthday! Where ever you are I hope your days ahead and day of Thanksgiving are wonder filled!



Friday, November 18, 2011

Fresh Friday

I go to bed and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only you keep me safe. Psalms 4:8
This was the second Friday I have fasted for hours on end UGH. I had to leave my place early just so I wouldn't eat and it was freezing outside. Windy as can be and only 42 now at 11:33 AM EST Today I had my blood drawn to check my thyroid, sugars, cholesterol and triglycerides. I am so grateful that this can be done and there is medecine that helps me. Plus I help myself. I know I could do an even better job and I always strive to take better care of myself. I have grandchildren that I want to watch grow up.  My taxi driver was telling me about all of the medical problems he has had in the last 5 years and I thought to myself wow my medical problems in the last five years though it seemed to be so much to me it really pales in comparison to what this man has been through with two heart attacks and cancer two different kinds. I felt as if God put me there to hear his story. Praise Him! Walk humbly with God.

I have been busy this past week creating all sorts of things here in my studio. Here are some pictures of my work. 

ACEO Ink Handrawn "Watcher" Angel  by G Normyle (me)

ACEO Ink Handrawn Trio of turkey fun! By G Normyle (me)

Handmade by G Normyle (me) Christmas Post Card

Angel card handrawn by G Normyle (me) in ink with scripture and sayings about angels on the inside of the card


Fancy Christmas Card Handmade by G Normyle (me)

Well I was supposed to go run errands I just called my ride and she didn't answer her phone. She is good for this. The rides I do get from her I am very grateful for. She is hard to count on sometimes though. It is now almost 1 PM at it is 43 out and windy still. I will stay inside and maybe create some more cards and rest up for next week.

With other friends this weekend for sure I am going to a turkey shoot and grocery shopping. I have to get ready for the festivities next week. I can't hardly wait to see my family! It has been awhile since I have seen a few people in my family. At least five years for some of us. I hope where ever you are you have a wonder filled weekend before Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wise Up Wednesday




I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:13

These are pictures of my grandsons at our airport

It is hard to explain to someone who has no clue. It's a daily struggle being in pain or feeling sick on the inside while you look fine on the outside. Do you know someone who has an invisible illness: Liver Disease, PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Alpha-1, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, LUPUS, Fibromyalgia, MS, ME, Arthritis, Cancer, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Autism, M.D. and/or RSD plus many more I have not listed? "Never judge what you don't understand"

Do you like to cook and eat pasta? Well here are some tips for you

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/12-pasta-myths-debunked-164300949.html

This is a bromelaid that is finally blooming in my indoor garden
Well it is back in the 40's this morning. I don't know what the weather forecast is for today. I know that I want to have enough energy to get out and take some pictures. Even though it is looking bare with lots of leaves on the ground outside I am sure there will be many pretty things to photograph.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS COMES THROUGH DOORS YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW YOU LEFT OPEN!