Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks and express gratitude for all the blessings in our lives. The 4th Thursday of November is when Thanksgiving is celebrated, but truthfully, we should be thankful everyday.
I have many memories of past Thanksgivings. Both my family and Ric's have had some memorable moments. The first Thanksgiving lasted for three days and provided enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Indians! Sometimes the way my mom and I cook, I think we make enough for that same group! From the turkey, stuffing, mashed or sweet potatoes, corn, gravy, green beans, salads, cranberry sauce, broccoli casserole, pink cloud, pumpkin, coconut cream, caramel apple, cherry and lemon meringue pies, the menu goes on forever. If you leave the dinner table hungry, it's your own fault! ;-)
Usually as mom and I are cooking, the men are in the living room with their noses in the television or since Ric don't like football, he's in the woods looking for signs of deer activity. Usually around 1PM their bellies start hollering for food. One by one, they make their way to the kitchen to sample something that is done. Of course, they try to hide their second, third and fourth trips from mom, but she always catches them and tells them to get out, "it's almost done!"
Having a great family, awesome friends, my health, a job, a warm home, and wisdom are among things to be thankful for...it is always difficult to think about the ones who aren't so lucky. The service men and women who are fighting for our freedom, not able to be with their families during the holidays is always difficult to realize.
WT Purkiser said, "It's not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends, today and everyday!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Disappointments
When facing disappointments, take a step back from the original issue and remind ourselves, "What do I really want?" and "Is there a solution?"
Disappointments aren't meant to hurt us or keep us down. They're meant to help us grow and to remind us of our priorities.
Take the time to realize what the important priorities are in your life. We will all face disappointments in our lives at one time or another. How we deal with the disappointments will define our priorities.
Disappointments aren't meant to hurt us or keep us down. They're meant to help us grow and to remind us of our priorities.
Take the time to realize what the important priorities are in your life. We will all face disappointments in our lives at one time or another. How we deal with the disappointments will define our priorities.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
How Are Your Windows?
The Window Through Which We Look
A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, The young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, The young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look.
I got the above story from a good friend in my email box a few days ago. It had such a good meaning, I wanted to share it on my blog.
I'm sure all of us have been looked at through dirty windows, but how many times have we looked through the dirty window?
A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, The young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, The young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look.
I got the above story from a good friend in my email box a few days ago. It had such a good meaning, I wanted to share it on my blog.
I'm sure all of us have been looked at through dirty windows, but how many times have we looked through the dirty window?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
They Will Melt in Your Mouth
Probably most of us have went to the store and purchased ding dongs in a box. Don't get me wrong, they are good, but homemade is always better. With ding dongs, there is no exception!
Yesterday, I had to bake some for a church function this morning and I've been asked several times for the recipe, so here it is...
The original recipe was for ding dong cake, but it is rather messy once you start cutting the cake, so a good friend suggested cup cakes. That is what I always make now.
Another thing I've put my own touch on, is the cake itself. If I am making a dark cake, I use 12 ounces of diet Pepsi and with a white cake mix, I use 12 ounces of diet sprite. That's it. No eggs, no oil, no water, nothing. Just 12 ounces of a diet pop.
Mix the cake mix with the 12 ounces of pop until smooth then fill the cake pan or the cup cake papers and bake. I bake the cup cakes for 17-18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cup cake to make sure they are done. (with a cake, I do not bake it according to the cake box instructions. I usually bake it 5-8 minutes less, then do the toothpick trick to make sure it's done)
Once the cup cakes are done, let them cool. I use a spoon and remove the centers of the cup cake. This is where the filling will be placed.
Save the scooped out centers in a bowl for later.
To make the filling it takes 3/4 cup powered sugar, 1 stick of butter, 3/4 cup Crisco, 13 ounces of sweetened milk, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla. Mix the sugar, butter, Crisco, and milk. Beat for 3 minutes till smooth. Gradually add the vanilla and beat another minute. When you are finished it should look like this:
I use 1 can of chocolate fudge icing. Place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get the icing pourable. Remove from the microwave every few seconds (after the first 10) and stir. Make sure it isn't too runny.
I place a little chocolate icing into the hollowed out cup cakes.
Next I place a spoonful of the filling into the cup cake. Use enough filling to make sure the hole is full and over flowing a bit.
Next, I use the saved cake I had scooped out earlier. Replace this into the hole with the icing. I use a spoon to push the cake into the filling.
Next, I use the rest of the chocolate icing and pour it on top of the filling in the cupcake.
The finished project...
Place the finished cup cakes in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy in the morning.
Serve these the next time you are asked to make a dessert. I will guarantee you no one will be disappointed.
Yesterday, I had to bake some for a church function this morning and I've been asked several times for the recipe, so here it is...
The original recipe was for ding dong cake, but it is rather messy once you start cutting the cake, so a good friend suggested cup cakes. That is what I always make now.
Another thing I've put my own touch on, is the cake itself. If I am making a dark cake, I use 12 ounces of diet Pepsi and with a white cake mix, I use 12 ounces of diet sprite. That's it. No eggs, no oil, no water, nothing. Just 12 ounces of a diet pop.
Mix the cake mix with the 12 ounces of pop until smooth then fill the cake pan or the cup cake papers and bake. I bake the cup cakes for 17-18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cup cake to make sure they are done. (with a cake, I do not bake it according to the cake box instructions. I usually bake it 5-8 minutes less, then do the toothpick trick to make sure it's done)
Once the cup cakes are done, let them cool. I use a spoon and remove the centers of the cup cake. This is where the filling will be placed.
Save the scooped out centers in a bowl for later.
To make the filling it takes 3/4 cup powered sugar, 1 stick of butter, 3/4 cup Crisco, 13 ounces of sweetened milk, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla. Mix the sugar, butter, Crisco, and milk. Beat for 3 minutes till smooth. Gradually add the vanilla and beat another minute. When you are finished it should look like this:
I use 1 can of chocolate fudge icing. Place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get the icing pourable. Remove from the microwave every few seconds (after the first 10) and stir. Make sure it isn't too runny.
I place a little chocolate icing into the hollowed out cup cakes.
Next I place a spoonful of the filling into the cup cake. Use enough filling to make sure the hole is full and over flowing a bit.
Next, I use the saved cake I had scooped out earlier. Replace this into the hole with the icing. I use a spoon to push the cake into the filling.
Next, I use the rest of the chocolate icing and pour it on top of the filling in the cupcake.
The finished project...
Place the finished cup cakes in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy in the morning.
Serve these the next time you are asked to make a dessert. I will guarantee you no one will be disappointed.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Opening Day
Several of my family and friends look forward to this day all year long...opening day of gun season to hunt deer. Some are lucky enough to get one opening day, others sit in the woods, in their trees stands, all week and aren't so lucky.
This morning Patrick was one of the lucky ones:
Him and his dad are off to check in with the DNR, then back home to hang, skin, and process the deer meat. I'm sure later this afternoon, the fever will take them back out to the woods in hopes of seeing another one, or two.
This morning Patrick was one of the lucky ones:
Him and his dad are off to check in with the DNR, then back home to hang, skin, and process the deer meat. I'm sure later this afternoon, the fever will take them back out to the woods in hopes of seeing another one, or two.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Today We Say 'Thank You'
The annual American holiday honoring military veterans is today, Veterans Day. On the 11th month, the 11th day, at the 11th hour, the local VFW Post #1083 honored our America heros. Veterans Day is a day of celebration to honor American's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Peggy Adams, choir director at the Crothersville Junior Senior High School, along with the high school choir sang the National Anthem to open the ceremonies. Sidney Carder, foster child of Betty Jaminson, read her essay, "Does America Still Have Heros?" The songs the choir chose to sing and Sidney's essay were very touching moments and showed the veterans how much everyone appreciates them.
Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I get a picture of my dad, Barton Riley, a Korean War veteran, and my son Patrick:
My dad served in the Air Force from June 17, 1952 until June 16, 1956. The Korean War started on June 25, 1950 and paused with an armistice signed July 27, 1953. Dad is also a member of the VFW funeral detail and has performed 45 funerals this year for his fellow veteran.
The above picture was taken prior to the ceremony today at the VFW post. Pictured are the funeral detail personnel, Mike Fink, and a spokesperson from Barron Hill's office.
Today, the least we should do is take time to say thank you to a veteran, for their sacrifice they have given, so that we have the right to our freedom in America.
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis
"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marine don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan
Better put would be, some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world...but a Veteran should never have that problem!
Thanks to all the heros!
Peggy Adams, choir director at the Crothersville Junior Senior High School, along with the high school choir sang the National Anthem to open the ceremonies. Sidney Carder, foster child of Betty Jaminson, read her essay, "Does America Still Have Heros?" The songs the choir chose to sing and Sidney's essay were very touching moments and showed the veterans how much everyone appreciates them.
Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I get a picture of my dad, Barton Riley, a Korean War veteran, and my son Patrick:
My dad served in the Air Force from June 17, 1952 until June 16, 1956. The Korean War started on June 25, 1950 and paused with an armistice signed July 27, 1953. Dad is also a member of the VFW funeral detail and has performed 45 funerals this year for his fellow veteran.
The above picture was taken prior to the ceremony today at the VFW post. Pictured are the funeral detail personnel, Mike Fink, and a spokesperson from Barron Hill's office.
Today, the least we should do is take time to say thank you to a veteran, for their sacrifice they have given, so that we have the right to our freedom in America.
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis
"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marine don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan
Better put would be, some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world...but a Veteran should never have that problem!
Thanks to all the heros!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Through the Years
I posted some older pictures a few blogs ago. One of Patrick at three days old and another three years old. I love looking at pictures, old or new ones, it doesn't matter. With each photo there is a story that goes along with it. Where you were when the picture was taken, what was happening at that moment, etc.
When I got the following layout I knew it would take 13 years to complete. The closer I get to completion, the harder it is to look forward too.
Seeing him on a daily basis, it is sometimes hard to see the changes he's made. Check back soon, as I've got a suit case full of pictures I'm still going through!
When I got the following layout I knew it would take 13 years to complete. The closer I get to completion, the harder it is to look forward too.
Seeing him on a daily basis, it is sometimes hard to see the changes he's made. Check back soon, as I've got a suit case full of pictures I'm still going through!
Friends
It's a good feeling to have great friends. Sadly, some people never get to experience a true friend. Some are miles apart, some are as close as next door. I'm thankful my best friend is still close and I can count on her at any hour, day or night.
Other people, even though they grew up in my hometown, I'm glad they are gone. Hopefully never to return!
Other people, even though they grew up in my hometown, I'm glad they are gone. Hopefully never to return!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
What Are Women Thinking?
Today we were able to go to the Season's Lodge in Nashville, Indiana to a users meeting for our software. Keystone always puts on a great schooling with their latest updates and answer questions we might have about year-end procedures. Today was a little different, as it was our first time to Nashville. We are usually at the Holiday Inn in Columbus. There were some problems, so Keystone booked the Season's Lodge.
I wasn't disappointed.
We arrived shortly before 8:00AM and enjoyed a continental breakfast. I had a bowl of fresh fruit and a glass of apple juice. Also available was danish rolls, blue berry muffins, donuts, orange and grape juice.
After Keystone's introductions, we were off to our first class with Cathy Stewart. She is an accountant who knows all the secrets which helps make my job easier with payroll, W2's, insurance and all the questions concerning deductions, comp time, clothing allowances, etc.
From there we are off to a payroll class. Keystone consultants are always helpful and willing to find the answer for your questions if they don't know the answers. Today, all may questions were answered! ;-)
From there, it's off to lunch. The food was awesome! Salad with mushrooms, egg, cheese, tomatoes, dressings, slaw, cottage cheese, fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls and apple cobbler for dessert. I had a little bit everything except the roll and dessert and if they were anything like the rest of the food, I'm sorry I missed it...all of it was delicious!
After lunch we headed to the budget class. Since I don't do too much with the budget software, I decided I'd go to the restroom once the class got started.
Most of the users present were women. A few men were in attendance, but the line to the women's restroom was usually long. Once the class started, I figured most would be done and the wait would be minimal.
I was right!
When I entered the restroom, all three (yes only 3!) stalls were full. One lady was waiting in front of me. Shortly after I entered the restroom, a lady emerged from the stall, walked past me and out the door. That's right. She came out of the stall, where the toilet is, walked passed me AND the sink, out the door! GASP! I only had to wait a few seconds until someone was done and it was my time to enter. As I was sitting there, I noticed how quiet it was. There were two other women in the restroom with me, but all was quiet.
Pretty soon the quiet got even quieter! That's right...I didn't hear any water running, no soap being dispensed, no hand towels being used! As the woman beside me flushed and opened her stall door....more quiet! Still no water running, nothing.
Just quiet!
The stall to the left of me was for the handicapped. This stall had it's own sink. Finally, I heard the sound of running water! Finally! When I came out of the stall, I made my way to the sink, washed and dried my hands. To my amazement, another lady came out of her stall, walked passed me and out the door.
I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed in less than 5 minutes. These women had just used the toilet, flushed, and walked out of the restroom without washing their hands!
I guess it was a good thing we had already ate lunch, but then I got thinking...I wonder how many women went to the restroom before lunch?
Sometimes I wonder what women are thinking!
I wasn't disappointed.
We arrived shortly before 8:00AM and enjoyed a continental breakfast. I had a bowl of fresh fruit and a glass of apple juice. Also available was danish rolls, blue berry muffins, donuts, orange and grape juice.
After Keystone's introductions, we were off to our first class with Cathy Stewart. She is an accountant who knows all the secrets which helps make my job easier with payroll, W2's, insurance and all the questions concerning deductions, comp time, clothing allowances, etc.
From there we are off to a payroll class. Keystone consultants are always helpful and willing to find the answer for your questions if they don't know the answers. Today, all may questions were answered! ;-)
From there, it's off to lunch. The food was awesome! Salad with mushrooms, egg, cheese, tomatoes, dressings, slaw, cottage cheese, fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls and apple cobbler for dessert. I had a little bit everything except the roll and dessert and if they were anything like the rest of the food, I'm sorry I missed it...all of it was delicious!
After lunch we headed to the budget class. Since I don't do too much with the budget software, I decided I'd go to the restroom once the class got started.
Most of the users present were women. A few men were in attendance, but the line to the women's restroom was usually long. Once the class started, I figured most would be done and the wait would be minimal.
I was right!
When I entered the restroom, all three (yes only 3!) stalls were full. One lady was waiting in front of me. Shortly after I entered the restroom, a lady emerged from the stall, walked past me and out the door. That's right. She came out of the stall, where the toilet is, walked passed me AND the sink, out the door! GASP! I only had to wait a few seconds until someone was done and it was my time to enter. As I was sitting there, I noticed how quiet it was. There were two other women in the restroom with me, but all was quiet.
Pretty soon the quiet got even quieter! That's right...I didn't hear any water running, no soap being dispensed, no hand towels being used! As the woman beside me flushed and opened her stall door....more quiet! Still no water running, nothing.
Just quiet!
The stall to the left of me was for the handicapped. This stall had it's own sink. Finally, I heard the sound of running water! Finally! When I came out of the stall, I made my way to the sink, washed and dried my hands. To my amazement, another lady came out of her stall, walked passed me and out the door.
I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed in less than 5 minutes. These women had just used the toilet, flushed, and walked out of the restroom without washing their hands!
I guess it was a good thing we had already ate lunch, but then I got thinking...I wonder how many women went to the restroom before lunch?
Sometimes I wonder what women are thinking!
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