Chapter 9, Page 30, Book 09

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy

Thich Nhat Hanh

These simple techniques can put a smile on your face.

Laugh. laughter can reverse serious diseases. Get yourself to smile and chuckle and you can basically reduce the burnout of everyday life

Get out in the sun.Getting a few minutes of exposure to natural light is crucial because Vitamin D from the sun helps to improve your mood

Open a photo album and flip through some cherished moments. You can release both the memory and the emotion of happiness and recapture sentimentality and feeling by going through old memories

Clean-up, sitting amongst clutter all day can weigh you down, put some of it away and you may feel the sensation of a fresh start

And finally, take time to enjoy calming scents. Studies show lavender and eucalyptus can open the sinuses and calm the senses

Good Morning!

First I want to thank those that left comments for me yesterday. Some of them were so sweet and a few of you even took the time to share something that would make me SMILE. Today I have some more good news about SMILING for you.

In this season of colds and flu I think I have discovered a new remedy to share with you all.

Two of the greatest healing forces in the world are available to you at this very moment. They are the healing power of laughter and the restorative strength of joy

A merry heart really does work like medicine. An enormous amount of research supports this fact. If a person is happy and at peace with himself and his surroundings, he will have significantly fewer serious illnesses than the unhappy person. I know that the times I’ve been really tired out from doing too much or stressed out by something that has happened is when I’ve been terribly ill.

Did you know that some headaches are even a result from frowning. When one frowns, the muscles in the head are contracted and this means that there is no free blood flow thus leading to a headache. Therefore, you are better off smiling more often, and who knows, you could perhaps forget how to frown. After all, smiling does have great rewards

Just have a look at the clerks at the counter, the models gracing the magazine covers or the hosts of the morning shows on the television... they are all smiling because they know that a big smile can actually work wonders

Smiles are essential to feel good about ourselves, to make others feel good, sometimes to get work done when nothing helps and is definitely helpful to our metabolism and health

So for today remember when you smile, others will smile back. The more people smile back at you, the more you will want to smile

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

Marcel Proust

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 29, Book 09

A SMILE TO START THE DAY

ONE LINERS

Incontinence Hotline. . . Can you hold, please?

Lysdexia: a peech imspediment we live to learn with. . .

Circular Definition: see Definition, Circular.

A.A.A.A.A. - An organization for drunks who drive.

Which is the non-smoking lifeboat?

//////__ __ __ __ __ The domino effect at work.

Don't assume malice for what stupidity can explain.

Oh, no! Not ANOTHER learning experience!

The only cure for insomnia is to get more sleep.

Don't Insult the Alligator till after you cross the river.

We do precision guesswork.

My life has a superb cast, but I can't figure out the plot.

GOOD MORNING !

Due to the SAD disease I’m working really hard on SMILING here and it isn’t even winter yet. Sooooo…I thought I share a few SMILES with you all today. I am looking for things to smile about and trying to improve my attitude too.

In my trivia for today it said:

Today is Make a List of the Top Ten Happiest Days in Your Life Day. Jot down details (while you can still remember). Do it, it'll be fun

Here is my TOP TEN HAPPIEST DAYS

1. I remember with great happiness the day I met my DDH. We went on a blind date to the circus

2. Even greater was my happiness on my wedding day. That is something I’ll never forget. The man I married was everything I’d ever hoped for and more. We had a lovely life together.

3. The day I discovered I was pregnant with my first child. We were married a long time before that and I was beginning to think I would never be able to have one.

4. Happiness #4, 5, 6,7,8, 9 and 10 came with the birth of each of my children.
I was so thrilled to be a Mom. I loved every moment of it all. Course I’m still a mom and a grand’ma of 11 and there are 2 more on the way. One coming in November this year and another in March of next year.

My happiest days all center around my family. I never really had any desire to be anything else but a wife and a mom and my wishes were fulfilled.

Even though I now live alone , I still find many reasons to smile, but the ones of above are my TOP TEN.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Today I ...

Poet: Unknown

Today I smiled, and all at once things didn't look so bad.

Today I shared with someone else, a bit of hope I had.

Today I sang a little song, and felt my heart grow light,

And walked a happy little mile, with not a cloud in sight.

Today I worked with what I had and longed for nothing more,

And what had seemed like only weeds, were flowers at my door.

Today I loved a little more and complained a little less,

And in the giving of myself, I forgot my weariness

Smile!


‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 28, Book 09

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or

I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or

I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely

and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or

I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or

I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or

I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or

I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or

I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because

I have to do housework or

I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.

And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me.

I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a GREAT DAY . . . unless you have other plans.
Author Unknown


This is the day the Lord hath made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!

GOOD MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE!

I know I‘ve used the poem above before and you’ve probably seen it before too. It’s a good one to remind us of the choices we have to make so I’ve stuck it in again today just to remind myself that even though it really is Monday and it is raining, it is still a great day. A great day to do my best and enjoy to the fullest too.


The weekend was a ‘wash out’. Not the entire weekend, but all day Saturday and most of Sunday morning. By afternoon when I got home the sky was clearing a bit and the sun was peaking through.



Thankfully Friday was a nice day and I did get to enjoy my vacation day. We had a great campfire and a beautiful sunset to enjoy too. But Saturday’s campfire I completely ignored because wet and cold do not make a good combination for this gal.

I started Saturday morning off with making an entry here in my blog. I could see haze in the valley across from my campsite. Well that haze moved over and settled right on top of us. It was rain and it rained steadily the rest of the day and into Sunday. I couldn’t use the computer as you have to be out in the open to pick up the wireless internet connection. Unable to do much of anything else, I took a morning nap and an afternoon nap and then went to bed early. I am well rested if nothing else.

Today will be a busy day at work as Mondays are always the day I do payroll. It’ll be raining again too so it’ll be double work to find my SMILE. It’s there hiding someplace and I’ll keep trying to dig it out.

I hope your day is filled with a few smiles and lots of sunshine to warm your heart !

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Always do your best.
What you plant now, you will harvest later

Og Mandino

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 26, Book 09

GOOD MORNING !

I'm having that 2nd cup of good coffee and have come out on the deck of my camper where I'm getting a connection this morning. I was up at 5 my usual time to get up when I go to work and waited til now - almost 8 am to come outside. It was still very dark out til about 1/2 hour ago. We have very over cast skies but no rain for the moment so I wanted to get on line while I could. If it rains I cannot sit out with the computer as I'm afraid it would get a bit too damp.


Sugar at the Sugar Shack blog made the cute little tag above. She's always sharing something nice and as I have very few graphics on this lap top I put this one on yesterday to share with you all.

Yesterday DD and her hubby went hiking in the Mohican State Forest which is near by but I didn't go as I thought the hills would be too steep for me to climb. They did find a lovely path that ran along the river there that was straight and flat so next time they go I will go along. As long as I stay away from the hills I seem to do ok. She took pictures and it was a beautiful spot. When the trees have more color on them I hope to be able to go and take lots of pictures.

After this weekend we'll have just 3 more camping opportunities here...I just can't believe how fast the time has gone. Our campground closes then and doesn't reopen til April when the chances of freezing weather is over. Some places do allow winter camping but not here. Everything gets winterized and antifreeze is pumped through all the water lines so nothing freezes up and breaks.

This evening is a dinner at the club house that is provided by the owner of the campground to thank us all for camping here. He does this every year and provides all the food and drinks free to us. It is one of the nicest places I've ever camped. All very neat and tidy and well taken care of. All the activities are very family oriented and make it alot of fun .

It isn't getting any brighter here at all. The cloud cover must be thick as usually I'll be seeing an indication that the sun is ready to come over the hill top here. Over in the valley I see alot of haze. It's hard to tell sometimes if that is rain or fog. I'm hoping for the later. My little nuthatches are chattering away giving me their order here for breakfast. So I must fill up the bird feeder for them. Right now there is even a red headed wood pecker there looking for some food. I hadn't seen him for awhile but he is back. I love watching them.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a cool but sunny day here. It's always nice to have the sunshine so I'll not complain about how cool it gets. Hopefully I'll be back in the morning with another entry. I just love being connected now on the weekends.

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 9, Page 25, Book 09

WATCHING THE LEAVES FALL!

Good Morning everyone.

I've been slowly catching up on blogs here and have finished my 2nd cup of coffee and am about to head in for another. It is overcast and we are hoping for a little sun today. This whole week has been cloudy and very humid. We got very little rain but enough to make you wish the sun would shine.

The internet connection comes and goes but I'm lucky to get it at all as I'm way up the hill from where the connection is at the camp store.

Sometimes I think I'm online and then suddenly I'm off line again.

The trees are slowly changing and there is not dramatic change from last week, but there are alot more leaves on the ground. The nuts are falling from the trees too as we have acorns and some kind of chestnut or beachnut falling too. I don't think they are the kind we'd enjoy but the squirrels seem to love them. You can hear them hit the campers and we sit under our deck awnings or under the the picnic table umbrella so that we don't get hit with them.

As I look out I can see golden leaves floating down every time there is a little breeze. They look like little beams of sunshine floating in the air. Tomorrow may be another rainy day so today is the one we'll spend mostly out of doors. I don't know exactly what we'll do if it rains all day on Saturday but I'm sure we'll think of something.

My daughter and her hubby came in last evening so they are here with me at the campsite. My oldest son and his family decided not to come at all this weekend as they are having their basement remodeled for a family room and have some painting to do before new carpet is layed on this coming Tuesday.

I've been lazy and have been in my nice fleecy pj's and a poncho (for warmth) this morning. DD and her hubby are sleeping in and I haven't seen them yet. Once they are up we will have a late breakfast and maybe then I'll shower and get dressed. It just feels lovely not to have to rush out the door and go to work. I do love vacation days.

I may check in agan later.

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 9, Page 24, Book 09

Living In The Moment

by Author Unknown

Pale clouds sail their tiny ships through the calm water of a morning sky while pansies lift painted petals to the sun as it a flock of butterflies had paused for a moment to slip fingers and toes deep in sweet earth in silent greeting.

Today, I realize to live in the moment is to learn how to listen, to dream the life I desire and then release it like a brilliant butterfly to follow the voice of the Divine.

When I slow my frantic pace and trust the guidance deep within the stillness of the moment, life becomes a sweet adventure as I rise to greet each morning like a pansy lift my petals to the sun, and smile: my life is blessed

GOOD MORNING!

We often think of pansies as a spring flower, but just recently I happened to be at a garden center and they had baskets and baskets of the sweet colorful pansies sitting on the shelves.

Well I found out that pansies are cool weather flowers. Breeding has produced pansies that are better able to stand up to the cold, but there hasn’t been much luck producing more heat tolerant varieties. Many pansies are bicolored, making them striking plants for their small size. Although delicate, they are surprisingly hardy. Look for some of the newer varieties that can handle a slight freeze. And like their cousins the violas and violets, the flowers are edible.

When the sky is gray and the landscape bleak, a pot full of pretty pansies on the porch offers a cheerful sight. Think about growing pansies in pots or baskets and put them in places where you can enjoy their charming faces up close. A group of three tightly planted pots placed close to the entry of your home or apartment – if the spot is sunny – is the perfect environment for pansies. Be sure to let these perennials dry a bit between waterings.


Mix in groupings of small to large pumpkins, Indian corn and gourds with your containers to emphasize the harvest theme. Get creative – mix and match the colors and combinations you like best. At my local nursery I saw some six-packs of what were called 'Halloween Pansies' – three were bright pumpkin orange and three were such a deep purple that they looked black in all but the brightest sunlight. You could have such fun with those! Mix them in a container with other Halloween decorations or some orange snapdragons or chrysanthemum, or even a plastic or ceramic pumpkin and some silk autumn leaves

Don’t I always say I learn something new every day!


There you have it – my Autumn offering for today. Maybe it’ll inspire you – it certainly did me. I’m off to the campsite after work today. With any luck I may be able to get on line…if not I’ll see you all on Monday.

You all will be in my thoughts and prayers as always

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 23, Book 09

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay

GOOD MORNING!

Fall is something worth setting time aside for. I try to take a long walk at least once a week to see the slow-motion fireworks unfold. That is usually at the campground this time of year, but there are only a few more short weekends left then you’ll view Autumn from my house.

Many times in our lives we completely miss the view because we were preoccupied with fear from the past or of the future? In nature, the seasons change effortlessly, ushering the next season with grace. The crisp fall air and vibrant leaves give way to dormant winter. From the sprawling oak to the soaring eagle, nature provides shelter, solace, and inspiration.


All around nature teaches us to be who we truly are, to express fully our Divinity. Today I give thanks for all that nature shows me by being and I give thanks for Being.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Autumn carries more gold in its hand than all the other seasons

Jim Bishop


'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 9, Page 22, Book 09

The falling leaves drift by the window

The autumn leaves of red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses

The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long

And soon I'll hear old winter's song

But I miss you most of all my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall.

Autumn Leaves, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Jacques Prévert

HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!

The season of Autumn has officially arrived and no matter whether we like it or not it is here! I’m thinking that there is no turning back the clock ( well except for the hour when we turn them back for Daylight Savings Time ) for any of us so we best make the most of the day as we have it.

There is no since thinking about what might have been or what was. Now, today, is the time we are living in and nothing is going to change that.

To live in the present moment is the best thing we can do for ourselves. To let the past go and do the best with what we’ve got is ideal

There is lots to look forward to and if we let old memories hold us back we’ll only take away from the JOY we could be experiencing today.

I’ll still have those BEACH DAYS. The days that everything is going wrong and my mind takes it’s TRIP TO THE BEACH. We all have to have something good to think about when times are tough. But for the most part I’ll just be taking it one day at a time.

SUMMER TIME IS GONE MY FRIENDS

Summer time is gone my friends

It slowly comes but quickly ends.

It's been replaced by time called Autumn.

Nature changes hues from top to bottom

Green gives way to red and gold.

A lovely vision to behold.

Whirling leaves go blowing by

Carrying smells of pumpkin pie.

The air turns crisp the sky fades grey.

Indian corn and bales of hay.

Overcoats and apple cider.

No more evenings on the glider

The harvest moon so orange and round

Holidays will soon abound.

Chrysanthemum petals start to unfold

A lovely vision to behold.
Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summers wave good bye

Chapter 9, Page 21, Book 09

The Little gal above with the red stack of checkers on her head is Our Princess - She and her camper friend were playing checkers. She said Look Grandma - It is all about balance!

The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools
Henry Beston, Northern Farm

GOOD MORNING !
Every Sunday when I’m home from my weekend of camping I try to plan ahead and get my clothing all set to wear to work for the coming week. I don’t like waiting until the day of or even the evening before to do so. I’ve also little by little been taking some warmer clothing out and putting away the lightweight summer things.
The closet is a mishmash of summer linens and cottons jammed up against winter wools. The wools have been moving in steadily from their storage bags on chilly mornings One needs all fabrics now, and just about all footgear except snow boots.

Sandals can still go to the office as long as it's not a wool day
I’m ready to switch over but in most cases it’s still too warm here to wear heavy clothing. I do have a few in between items but not many. Our in between days are few and usually we go from warm to cold and then colder. The answer of course is layering which is on ongoing thing for me most of fall and winter.

I saw these tips on line about Autumn dressing so I thought I’d share them
Autumn colors are warm and earthy, either with a touch of gold, or otherwise bright and rich. Warm brown tones are ideal, from clear champagne and gold beige, through warm, full rust to the darkest warm chocolate brown. All gold or warm, reddish brown tones will make you come alive .

Colorful clothing helps to perk up some of the rainy fall days that will be coming our way. Of course with the leaves changing now that makes a great colorful view every day too. But all too soon they’ll fall and we’ll be left with a bare landscape so using color in my wardrobe will be very beneficial to me.

I have what is called SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder so I do tend to use bright and cheery colors a lot in my wardrobe. I really do think it helps.

The closet may be a mess, the bedding may be in flux -- but this melding of seasons is still a sweet spot, and we savor its honey

Hopefully today will be a bright one – one way or the other.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

So always look for the silver lining

And try to find the sunny side of life

P. G. Wodehouse

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 20, Book 09

It's a little warmer here today as I only have 2 layers instead of 3 this morning. I've found another spot to sit with the laptop which seems to be better for connecting to the internet. It's quite close to my little bird feeder and I have a cardinal scolding right now as he won't come down to the feeder since I'm sitting here.

The skies are mostly blue right now but a front is moving up bringing us rain and warmer weather for the next few days. I'll just enjoy the pleasant weather while I can and soak up some sun today. Back to work tomorow. This will be a short work week though as I have Friday off for a vacation day. I hope the rain ends by then.

I hope you all get plenty of that good R&R day today. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as always.

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 9, Page 19, Book 09 (at camp)

It was a chilly start this morning at 49 degrees. I have a very small bit of connectivity to the internet here at the campsite so this is the 2nd try at making an entry this morning. I have layers on but the sun is up and should get warmer as the sun is now over the hill and shinning down on us

I hope you all are having a great Saturday and are blessed with a few smile and lots of sunshine to warm your heart

'On Ya' - ma

Chapter 9, Page 18, Book 09

Once more the liberal year laughs out

O'er richer stores than gems or gold:

Once more with harvest song and shout

Is nature's boldest triumph told

John Greenleaf Whittier

The landscape seduces with rattling bronze oak leaves, the dark chocolate of the crisping prairie dock, and waving golden grasses. But everywhere, there are dashes of unexpected brightness: a sumac, a maple grove, the multi-colored leaves of goldenrods

The Oaks are Family Trees

For centuries they have been symbols of grandeur, antiquity, and rugged endurance. They have been the subjects of countless proverbs, myths, and poetic allusions. In our region, they are the lords of the land, raising their broad and stout-limbed forms over a varied landscape of moraines, dune ridges, and bottomland. The fossil record suggests the oaks so back at least to the Eocene epoch, 56 to 35 million years ago

GOOD MORNING!

I love hearing about my family ancestry. Knowing where they came from and how they lived is important for us to know. Many of the ways we do things had their start with our ancestors. The way we think about things and the way we feel are often affected by them too.

Each of us contributes to our own family and to the world in a unique way. Whether we are rich or poor, famous or unnoticed in history, every family member makes a difference in the life of others. We are all unique people with stories to be recorded—stories that will teach and help future generations.

Just knowing a little bit about family health issues can help future generations too. I know that any doctor I’ve ever been to has asked about that. If they know there might be an inherited problem, then they can keep an eye out for it.

I am not like the oak tree in that I cannot go back in history 35 million years ago but my family tree is important. Our roots mean a lot.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots.

The other is wings.

Hodding Carter, Jr

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 17, Book 09

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing

Ralph Waldo Emerson

GOOD MORNING !

Usually there is little to tell about my daily life. I get up go to work and come home again to do a little more work of a different kind. I try to look for the blessings in each day so today I thought I’d tell you about the one that happened this week.

I saw the neighbor next door to where I work running across the parking lot when she was out waiting for the school bus to pick up her daughter. Of course I wanted to know why she was running so I looked out the front office window.

There was a fat old rabbit just as cute as he could be nibbling away. The neighbor called her daughter over and the little girl stood there in awe til her school bus came. Since then I’ve seen him several times. He is always munching away. He’s a good size rabbit and reminds me of a domesticated one rather than a wild one. I wonder if someone in our part of town lost a pet.

Another reason that I think he might be a pet is that he does not run away but just sits contentedly munching away. We don’t have anything really attractive to eat around the office, no lettuce tops or anything just a little grass and a few weeds.

One way or the other this little fellow has provided some wonderful moments for me and for the neighbors. What a blessing he is.

I hope you can find a blessing or two in your day like I did !

They are there for sure!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Another quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 16, Book 09

As the days grow short, some faces grow long. But not mine. Every autumn, when the wind turns cold and darkness comes early, I am suddenly happy. It's time to start making soup again

Leslie Newman

GOOD MORNING !

The cooler weather brings with it a different way of cooking than what we're used to in the summertime. I use my crock pot and oven far more from now until April. Hot stews, soups and beverages all taste better on a cool day. After my camping season is over I do really get into my kitchen on the weekends. I usually make 1 or two things and then have leftovers most of the week. I go by the standard that after 5 days it does get pitched but if I've really cooked too much I usually put some in the freezer rather than to pitch it.

Here's a few things I enjoy when the weather turns cooler

Oatmeal

Rolled or old-fashioned, slow-cooking oats, rather than the more highly processed instant varieties are the best. These types of oatmeal have been minimally processed and will help keep blood sugar levels steady, minimizing cravings. Plus, studies have linked eating whole grains to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.To perk up the flavor of oatmeal, try mixing it with fresh, chopped high-fiber fruit (like apples or pears) and sprinkling in some cinnamon

Spaghetti

1/4 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (1/2 of 14-1/2-oz. can) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 Tbsp. Italian Dressing
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, brown meat with onions and garlic in large nonstick skillet. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste and dressing. Bring to boil; cook on medium-low heat 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
DRAIN pasta; place in large bowl. Add meat sauce; mix lightly. Sprinkle with cheese.
Cheesy Chile

2 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
3 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin (optional)
1 jar (15 oz.) CHEEZ WHIZ Cheese Dip
4 cups hot cooked wagon wheel pasta (we call them choo choo wheels)

BROWN meat with onion in Dutch oven or large saucepot on medium-high heat; drain. Reduce heat to medium-low.
ADD tomatoes with their liquid, the beans, tomato paste, water, chili powder and cumin; mix well. Cover; simmer 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
ADD CHEEZ WHIZ; stir until melted. Stir in pasta.
EASY BEEF STEW

2 lb. beef for stew, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups beef broth
2 cups diagonally sliced carrots
2 cups diagonally sliced celery
2 cups quartered onions
2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
2 Tbsp. MINUTE Tapioca
1/4 tsp. ground marjoram
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. ground thyme
1 bay leaf
PREHEAT oven to 300°F. Mix all ingredients in large casserole dish; cover.
BAKE 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender, stirring after each hour.
REMOVE and discard bay leaf.

The house smells so good when you've been baking apple pies or cobblers too.

Simple Apple Cobbler

6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
2/3 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. MINUTE Tapioca
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup water
1/3 cup raisins
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided
3/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/8 tsp. salt

MIX apples, 2/3 cup sugar, tapioca, cinnamon, nutmeg and water in large saucepan. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to full boil. Pour into 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with raisins. Dot with 2 Tbsp. of the butter.
CUT remaining butter into flour, 2 Tbsp. sugar, baking powder and salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until soft dough forms. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto hot apple mixture.
BAKE at 375°F for 30 minutes or until topping is golden. Serve warm
During the fall camping season we do things in the slow cooker too. I make my chili in it (not the recipe above) and DS#1 and his wife often do beef roasts for barbeque sandwiches. They also make some very good ribs and a delicious soup in the crock pot too.
Starting something early and enjoying it later is always nice!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Happiness is life served up with a scoop of acceptance, a topping of tolerance and sprinkles of hope, although chocolate sprinkles also work
Robert Brault

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 15, Book 09

Autumn asks that we prepare for the future—that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go—to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness

Bonaro W. Overstreet

GOOD MORNING!

Where I live, Fall is truly an amazing time of year. The temperature is a bit cooler at night but the days have been very mild. The leaves of the trees are beginning to turn wondrous shades of red, yellow, and orange and by mid October they will be in their prime. They outwardly express the inward change.

Squirrels scurry around gathering and storing nuts as the birds begin to migrate to the south. During this season all of life is getting ready for the long, dark, cold nights of winter.

The autumn of our lives is a phrase used to describe the direct connection with our own changes. Just like the process of transformation in nature, such as the leaves changing from green to golden hues, then falling to earth.

Seasonal changes are not negotiable. They are part of a chain that is necessary for survival. Our ability to endure is based on our ability to flow from one moment to the next; from one season to the next. If we aren’t flexible it takes a toll on us mentally and physically.


During fall, the flow of nature has begun its journey inward. It is also the season of harvesting, a reaping of the fruits gathered during the year; a time to prepare for the protective and recuperative power of winter.

Autumn is a good season for beginning to live gently, to move a little slower and to rejoice in the beauty of nature where every end is a beginning



THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Every sunrise is a present, a gift from God above, Gift-wrapped with scarlet ribbons and tied with bows of love. Each is a new beginning, a time to start anew, While all the stars are sleeping, and the rose is fresh with dew. Each day's a new creation, too lovely to ignore, And we may not find a blessing, just outside our door. We cannot keep the past, like fireflies in a jar, Nor journey to the future by wishing on a star. Every sunrise is a blessing, a gift for just today,

Rejoice, my friend, embrace it before it fades away!

‘On Ya’ - ma

Chapter 9, Page 14, Book 09

GOLDENROD

All those golden autumn days the sky was full of wings. Wings beating low over the blue water of Silver Lake, wings beating high in the blue air far above it . . . bearing them all away to the green fields in the South

Laura Ingalls Wilder

THE COLOR GOLD

A cousin to yellow (and orange and brown) is gold. While green may be the color of money (U.S. money, that is) gold is the color of riches and extravagance.

The color gold shares many of the attributes of yellow. It is a warm color that can be both bright and cheerful as well as somber and traditional

While all that glitters is not gold the color gold still suggests grandeur, and perhaps on the downside, the excesses of the rich.

Gold is the traditional gift for a Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary while gold-like bronze is for the eighth and copper with its reddish-gold tones is for the seventh.

Bright gold catches the eye while darker subdued shades of gold lend richness and warmth

These words are synonymous with gold or represent various shades of the color gold.

Goldenrod, yellow gold, honey, bronze, copper

The brilliance of colors you see every fall is directly related to the weather conditions that occur before and during the time the chlorophyll in the leaves is decreasing. When the days of fall are bright and cool, and the nights are chilly but not freezing, the brightest colorations usually develop

This is the picnic table at the campsite where I set up my little lap top computer

GOOD MORNING !

As you know I had a rather mixed up 3 day weekend but I did finally get to the camper and enjoyed the day and a half I did have there. The weather was beautiful. None of my children were there but the friends that camp up the hill from me invited me over to their campfire Saturday evening. As they are higher up their view over the hill is even prettier than the one I have. We watched a beautiful sunset. Note the camper that is in the picture with the car is not mine. It sits behind me. The one I visited is further up the hill.

Everything is still pretty green just a bit of color on the leaves here and there

My niece and her hubby and his folks were also camping and I got to visit with them some too…so it wasn’t like I was there alone. I was thrilled that I got an internet connection. The camp Wi-Fi just isn’t very strong at all up on our hill. The single would come and go at will. But better than nothing.

Well it is back to work and a long 5 day week at that. The next vacation day is the 25th and I’m hoping I get to enjoy that one by having a full 3 days at the camper.

Have a great Monday!

Here is the view in back of where I camp - I used my zoom and you can see the farm down the hill side.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Happy we who can bask in this warm September sun, which illumines all creatures, as well when they rest as when they toil, not without a feeling of gratitude; whose life is as blameless, how blameworthy so ever it may be, on the Lord’s Mona-day as on his Suna-day
Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862

'On Ya' -ma

I'm at the Camper!

The graphic above done by DS#6

The good news is that my car was finished by 9 this morning and even though I'm a few bucks poorer the 'silver streak' rides again!



I'm at the picnic table here at the camper and my internet is even working today!



Have a great weekend !

Chapter 9, Page 12, Book 09

There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world; it’s the beginning of a new life.
unattributed


As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden

Autumn reminds us of the impermanence of everything. We have experienced the budding of life in spring and the flowerings and profusions of summer. Now the leaves fall and bare branches remind us of the fleeting nature of all things

GOOD MORNING !

My Friday vacation day off fluttered by and is gone. I took my car in for servicing early yesterday morning with the hopes that by noon I’d be on my way to the camper. That never happened…it took them all day yesterday and will take them yet a few hours this morning to fix everything that was wrong with it. The dear old ‘silver streak’ is getting old like me. At least her parts and pieces are easier to replace than mine.

If by chance she’s ready to roll before noon I’ll still go to the campsite, but if it is after that I’ll stay home the rest of the weekend.

I’ve let go of a lot in my day and this is a minor thing compared to the others so A vacation day though very valuable is not all that important, so I’ll be smiling a lot and counting my blessings.

I hope your Saturday is a great one . If I don’t have an entry tomorrow you know where I’ll be…

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There's an important difference between giving up and letting go.
Jessica Hatchigan


‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 10, Book 09

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today, 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.
From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A., There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say:
I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God Bless the U.S.A.

GOOD MORNING!

Tomorrow September 11th, we will honor the memory of the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pa. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad

On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country

There were no strangers on that day, just a city of heroes. Leaders rose to the challenge, everyday Americans gave their money, their time, and anything that was asked. People brought food, water, supplies, and encouragement to the rescue workers. Every American participated in the greatest show of solidarity that this land has ever seen. We unified to turn chaos into resolve, but tragedy remained. Let us never forget

Please join me in praying for Peace. Today, tomorrow and the next til Peace is achieved I’ll be praying

Peace begins with me and with you.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY


Four Freedoms
First, is freedom of speech and expression everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way, everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want, everywhere in the world.

The forth, is freedom from fear, anywhere in the world.

I’ll be gone now through the weekend but if I have a chance and my laptop works at the camper I may pop in with a comment or two. See you all on Monday with an entry.

You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers as always!

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 9, Book 09

SAVOURING SEPTEMBER

If summer is a symphony,

September is a minuet.

Though September

plays host to summer's end.

There is a delicacy as the

first leaf falls gracefully

From a tree.

There is a quietude in our spirits

As twilight descends

ever so much earlier.

We remember

we picked up our books

And returned to school.

We recall how lovely it was

To walk in the late afternoon

Surrounded by such beauty,

Of autumn's splendor.

And the first time we needed that

Gorgeous sweater.

And we gather in

During this golden time

To our private places,

And to our ultimate thoughts.

We seek our joys by the fireplace,

Rekindled after its summer rest.

And gather in the beauty

And treasure every moment

Of this golden time of year!
Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

I am thinking today is going to be a great day. The weather predicts a little rain here, but not much and the temps are warm, but not to hot either. From now on in til next Spring any mild day temp wise will be a blessing for sure.
Some of my roses are blooming yet and tiny tomatoes are still growing on the vines. It seems that even a city dweller like me can have tomatoes in the back yard. I have a plant in a flower pot on my patio. It had sprung up all by itself in the flower bed from seeds dropped last year so I transplanted it over to a pot on the patio.
Right now there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables on the roadside stands and I should be ashamed as I’ve really not taken advantage of them they way I should.
I do hope this 9/9/09 is a special day for each and every one of you!
This too is a day the Lord has made!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There is something very special about the arrival of fall. The days are getting shorter, and a faint chill is in the air. We pull out our favorite sweaters and find our favorite blankets. We are drawn to the comfort of the hearth, and have a desire to reconnect to our friends and family

When we spend time alone in nature we discover the voice of God whispering in the depths of our being. Even if it’s just a walk around the block, time outside, with the sun on our head and a breeze at our side, kindles creativity and inspiration, which do wonders for nurturing us heart and soul

Enjoy the season and the miracles that are already here for us.

Bits and Pieces from articles I’ve read

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 8, Book 09

I sit beside the fire and think

of all that I have seen,

of meadow-flowers and butterflies

in summers that have been;

Of yellow leaves and gossamer

in autumns that there were,

with morning mist and silver sun

and wind upon my hair

J. R. R. Tolkien

With the shorter days and longer nights, our bodies want more rest. It’s important to honor this, and not keep that hectic schedule we kept throughout the Summer. The event filled Summer is behind us, and we are in a peaceful lull before the holiday rush starts up

This season is filled with magic and mystery, and when we spend time reflecting on the beauty around us, we are opened to a whole new world of inspiration and love.

It has been said that nature gives us the gift of “being.” The weather is still amazing,
When we spend time alone in nature we discover the voice of God whispering in the depths of our being, which do wonders for nurturing us heart and soul

Bits and Pieces


GOOD MORNING !

Our Labor Day holiday is over and as we know all good things must come to an end. There won’t be another holiday from work til Thanksgiving comes around. But I do still have my weekends and a dwindling few vacation days left.

The fall colors are really starting to show on the trees in the woods. It’s amazing how much things have changed there since last weekend. Fall in moving in fast.

There was talk already of Thanksgiving and Christmas around the Campfire this past weekend. The ‘babes’ want to start making plans and DS#1 has volunteered his house for our family get together at Thanksgiving this year. The days are moving fast enough and thoughts of the holidays ahead were the last thing I was thinking of, but these children of mine keep things moving right along.

The thrill of summer is gone so they want to keep the spirit of celebration alive and so their thoughts have turned to the Holidays coming up.

I just want to savor the nice days we have left and enjoy autumn. My thoughts don’t really get into Thanksgiving and Christmas til Halloween and then I have my Plans in a Pumpking Shell which I’ve shared before and will do so again this year when we get closer to that date.

I hope your Monday is a great one filled with SMILES and a little SUNSHINE to warm your Heart !


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you
how to laugh more or not to cry too hard

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 9, Page 4, Book 09

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

Elizabeth Lawrence


GOOD MORNING !

I’ve been grumbling about the end of summer so I thought I’d give you a list of the things I love about Fall.

20 Little Things I Like About Autumn
Flannel sheets at the end of a long day
Candles Flickering
Smelling cinnamon, oranges & cloves
Pumpkins
Roasts, Potatoes & Carrots
Reading a good book snuggled in soft blankets
Cozy socks
Pie in the oven
Chili and corn bread
Looking from the inside out at the wind blowing through leaves
Glow of lamps through windows
Laughter filling a room
Cider and popcorn
Caramel apples
Family
The trees changing colors.
The blue of the sky in Autumn, and giant white puffy clouds in it..
The scent of mulled cider.
Pumpkin roll and pumpkin bread.
Colorful mums in the garden.

I do hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend. I’ll be off after work today to my ‘little place in the woods’ until Monday evening. As always you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

‘On Ya’-ma