The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, February 21st, 2012...

Outside My Window...
It is cool and the sky is just beginning to turn light. I'm not sure what the day will bring. It is still a surprise . . . just like a gift to be opened!

I am thinking...
These last few weeks have been a bit of a mess emotionally although I have kept it together fairly well. Hopefully I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now. There's always a light at the end of every tunnel. We just have to be patient.

I am thankful for...
Tunnels which teach me lessons and lights at the end of them.

From the kitchen...
Not a lot really, but I do have some bananas that I will need to use up pronto! I see a Banana Loaf of some sort in our future!

I am wearing...
Pink and grey jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I ran out of art paper and so I had to go buy some. Haven't had a chance to create anything since then. I did sell those cookie decals though, so that's good, and who knows . . . it may lead to other work in that direction.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then Todd and I are going out to lunch with some friends tomorrow. Tomorrow night I have a meeting with my Additional Meeting committee. I have invited them over for a light supper and then the meeting. I still have to decide what I am going to cook. Something tasty for sure. Friday morning I have my hospital appointment. Nothing to worry about, just a check up after all that went on last autumn. I had the blood tests yesterday. You should see the nice BIG bruise she left on my arm. It's enormous and very nasty looking. I've never had that happen before. When I first got home it was like a lump, but it has now spread out.

I am reading...



Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes! The language that the husband leaves a bit much to be desired at times . . . which is sort of disappointing, but then I guess she is writing it from a man's perspective and also a worldly one. Just coz I don't swear doesn't mean nobody else does! I just skip over those words.

I am hoping...
That everything goes well on Friday.

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: greenwellies.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have a particular fondness for blue and white china . . . especially this pattern that I found on Berry Red. I have been able to collect a few bits and pieces. It's a part of the Green Gate Collection, Faye White. I just love it. I have two egg cups and spoons and a couple of the tea towels as well. I also have some of the red and white in the same collection, two big cups, which are just the perfect size for soup and Todd loves his hot chocolate in them.

I don't know why I love blue and white china so much . . . I just do. When I was married before I collected a whole service for 12 of the Blue Willow dishes. They were selling it at the grocery store back home, a different piece each week, at a discount if you spent over a certain amount on groceries. With such a large family, that was never a problem for me. I had 12 plates, 12 bowls, 12 sandwich plates and was beginning to work on the extra bits . . . then we split up . . . and the rest is history.

If I could change one thing it would be...
I really would have loved to have been able to have a family with Todd. Sometimes I sit at church and I see all the happy families and think that could have been mine if I had made better choices in my younger years. I didn't though, for whatever reasons and my life is what it is, and I am happy with it. It would have been nice to have a family together though . . . that is something we missed out on.

I am looking forward to ...
Spring, spring, spring!!! Who isn't??? Tis that time of year when we all get a bit weary of winter isn't it? We can't really complain though . . . winter hasn't been all that bad this year, at least not where I live at any rate!!

One of my favourite things...
Is writing this day book each week. I just adore doing it. It's so nice to focus my thoughts in this way. I wish I could do it every day, but then again . . . it probably wouldn't be as special then would it? Oh, another thing I love is Historical Dramas. Have any of you started watching the New Upstairs Downstairs, series 2? It started on Sunday evening on the BBC and it's a cracker!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: greenlikebathwater.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attritube of the strong.
~Mahatma Gandhi

Sometimes it's really difficult to forgive people we think have done us wrong. The Saviour told us that we must forgive and not just forgive, but forgive 70 times 70, which means an awful lot! Not always easy to do, but we must . . . one thing that I have learned in my life is that holding onto ill feelings and bearing grudges does not hurt anyone but myself. It steals my own light . . . forgiveness helps us to more forward and brings the light back into our lives. It really is the bestest and strongest way to live.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"By your thoughts you are daily, even hourly, building your life; you are carving your destiny."
~Ruth Barrick Golden

I just love this . . . it is so true.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

One of the things I always loved ordering in a restaurant back home was the club sandwich. We used to go to a diner in Houlton, Maine called the Elm Tree Diner and they had fab food. I loved their club sandwiches and they always came with a lovely side order of delicious coleslaw. I don't think I could eat a whole club sandwich nowadays. It's funny how your appetite changes through the years. This delicious salad is a way of enjoying all the flavours of a club sandwich, except in smaller quantities! I love this.

*Turkey Club Salad*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

Your favourite sandwich flavours in a salad! Beautifully tasty!

For the Salad:
2 cups uncooked radiatore pasta
6 slices streaky bacon
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 1/2 cups of cubed turkey breast meat
1/2 cup of cubed Monterey Jack cheese
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

For the Dressing:
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 TBS milk
2 TBS white wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard

Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and give them a good old shake to combine. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you are making the salad.

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool, then drain again. While the pasta is cooking fry the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble into bits.

Combine the cooked and drained pasta in a large bowl along with the bacon and all of the remaining salad ingredients. Just before serving, pour the dressing over top and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today in honor of Pancake Day, some delicious Honey and Raspberry Pancakes!

PSSTT!! The Sun is up now and SHINING! Looks like a fine day!

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, February 7th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and very, very foggy!! We went to visit an elderly friend of ours last evening and thankfully it was only a few streets over because the fog was so thick one could scarce see in front of the face! That's February for you!

I am thinking...
In our church we set aside one evening a week for Family Home Evening. This is a time for a family to do something together which will draw them closer together as a family and uplift them. Monday evenings are the suggested evening, but you can choose whichever evening works best for you as a family. Monday has always worked for us. For the past two Monday's we have been watching the Work & The Glory films. (There are three of them.) They are based on Gerald Lund's series of books entitled the same (The Work and The Glory, there are 9 volumes.) We've also each read the books about 3 times. We enjoy them both immensely. The movies are entertaining and the books are real page turners. Last night when we were watching the second film (American Zion) my heart was really touched by the trials that the early Saints went through in their search to find a place in America where they could worship and live without persecution and in safety. I found myself feeling so very grateful for all that they endured in those early years of the church and uplifted by their strong examples of courage and faith. We found ourselves wondering if we would have the strength to stand up for our faith in the same way, against such odds. I hope we never have to find out for sure, but I think that I would . . . I know that I would. I have already had to give up a lot to be a member of this church . . . family, friends, etc. and so were I not to keep my testimony strong against ALL odds, the sacrifices would have been for nothing. I cannot let them be for nothing.

I am thankful for...
A lovely warm house which keeps us dry and comfortable, especially in this recent spate of cold weather. We've been very lucky here in that we have not had any snow to speak of, but I know the rest of the country hasn't been so lucky. I worry about the homeless people out there and pray for them each day. It must be very horrible to be homeless when the weather is bad. The ladies' group in our local Ward (church congregation) has been participating in an ongoing charity this year, gathering men's socks, underwear and clothing for a Men's Homeless Shelter in Molde. We cannot keep up with the need. As fast as we bring the stuff in, it is used. I am thankful that all my needs are met and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my abundance with others, if only in a small way.

From the kitchen...
Not a heck of a lot. Sometimes that is a good thing.

I am wearing...
Pink and yellow jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I am busy creating some decorations for our RS Activity on Thursday evening.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then I have the RS Activity on Thursday evening. Other than that my week is pretty much blessedly free to do what I want with. It's nice once in a while to have an empty calendar!

I am reading...



Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes!

I am hoping...
That the ladies enjoy our Activity we have planned for them on Thursday Evening. It's an activity based on LOVE . . . afterall . . . February is the month of love, is it not??

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: willowdecor.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have long admired Scandanavian design and decor. I just adore this hallway. I think it looks so very welcoming and beautiful. I Love the bench, which gives just the perfect place for you to sit and put your boots or shoes on. I love the beadwork panneling on the sides of it and the scrolled back, the mirror, the light sconces . . . the colours! I adore that stained glass above the double doors and the light that glows through it all. It all seems so fresh and warm, and says . . . "Come on in!" I think that's what a hallway should say!

If I could change one thing it would be...
That all my children would be happy and healthy and content with their lives. They have their struggles and, whilst I know that struggle is all a part and parcel of this life we have here on earth, there are times I just wish that they did not have to struggle so very much.

I am looking forward to ...
Seeing what I will get up to today??? I know I am going to bake cookies at some point. Two of our missionaries are leaving for new areas tomorrow and I want to bake some cookies for them as a thankyou and a farewell. I always hate to see them leave . . . I have a special heart for all the missionaries, but then again, I always love meeting and getting to know the ones that replace them, and being able to serve for and with them in any way that I can.

One of my favourite things...
Is daydreaming. I have always been a daydreamer. OH, the wonderful places I go in my head . . . the things that I see . . . the people that I meet . . . it's absolutely amazing!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Enjoy life . . . there are no re-runs.
~Shirl Lowery

We only have one chance to make this life the very best that we can make it. It will not come again. Sing like nobody's listening, dance like nobody's watching, and love like there's no tomorrow. Squeeze the most joy out of every day that is yours. Each sunrise and the day that follows is a gift from above. How you choose to unwrap it . . . is up to you.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Who seeks more than he has hinders himself from enjoying what he has.
~Solomon Ibn Gabirol

I just love this . . . it is so true. True joy comes from being content with what we have.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

If you put anything in a pie shell, I am there. I just adore PIE in any way, shape or form!!! This is one of our favourites. Chicken Salad Pie!



*Chicken Salad Pie*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Everyone's favourite chicken salad, except in a pie!!

pastry for a single crust 9 inch pie
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 TBS dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

To garnish:
8 toasted pecan halves
red grapes

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.

Line a 9 inch glass pie pan with the pastry, Trim and flute edges as desired. Do not prick the crust. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6.

Combine all the remaining pie ingredients in a large bowl, with the exception of the cheese, mixing all together well. Spoon this mixture iinto the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes longer, until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Garnish each wedge with a toasted pecan half and a small cluster of grapes if desired.




Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Cauliflower Cheese Fritters.

Thursday thoughts . . .

Source: idesigniphone.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think that there is a deep and penetrating lesson that we can learn from the ways of birds. Within a few weeks of their birth their wings grow and stretch and span patches of air. First with reservation . . . and then with the utmost confidence, they lift . . . they flap, they glide and they land . . . the act of flight seemingly their raison d'etre, or purpose in being.

Quite unlike birds . . . we seem to confuse our time on Earth, wandering here and wandering there with no real sense of purpose. We frequently stall our human ability to fly . . . and often forstall our need to love . . . to learn . . . to know the truth of our spirit, until we are absolutely positive that all our efforts are not going to be for naught. We set conditions. We hesitate. We make excuses . . . turning our human journey upside down, never letting our hearts truly unfold.

Birds are stirred to sing and lift merely through the presence of light. They cannot comprehend such concepts as holding back, or only investing if the return seems certain. We . . . are the only creatures on earth that want a warranty before we will begin . . . and, in doing so, I fear we smother the spark that is discovery, and bury our hopes and dreams.

Source: cuded.com via Marie on Pinterest

More often than not, we let our fear of the unknown, with all of it's risks . . . cripple us, and prevent us from learning how to really fly and to soar. How very often do our fearful hearts prevent us from stretching our wings and discovering the full passion of our hidden gifts and talents? How often do we search from without for the guidance that we need, guidance which can really only come from within??

When I look back over my years, I can clearly see where my fear of failure and lack of expectation has held me back, and kept me from going places where I really should have gone . . . from embracing the things I needed to embrace . . . from becoming the self that I really needed to become . . .

Wings can only fly if they first flap. They don't grow any differently to fly south, or east, or west, or north . . . Our lives, no matter how we would train ourselves . . . are more fundamental than any direction of worldly ambition. Like the birds, we were meant to fly and to soar and to sing. We cannot soar unless we discard the encumbrances of fear and hesitation that would keep us in the nest . . .

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves."
~Thomas Edison

Source: img.tusea.com via Marie on Pinterest

We should not live our lives chained by "what-if's" or "might-have-been's" . . . . we should live our lives filled with all the promise that is ours to hold if only we will sing the songs we were meant to sing . . . and fly to the places that we were meant to discover . . . without fear or hesitation.

Just my thoughts this morning.

For the past few years that we have been back here in Chester they have been replacing all the old lead gas pipes with new plastic ones. Today it's our turn. They started digging outside our house yesterday and today we will have no gas all day as they replace the pipe from the road into our house and also give us a new meter. Then we will have to endure a few weeks of them replacing all the ones along the street. A bit of a pain . . . but once it's done, it's done . . . I expect it's a good thing. I do hope that they have the gas turned back on in plenty of time for me to be able to cook what I need to cook for our Relief Society Activity tonight! My fingers are crossed!

We eat a lot of chicken in this house. I don't know why that is. I expect that it's because it is one of the cheaper sources of protein and also because it is so adaptable. Chicken breasts are one of those things that you can dress up or down in a myriad of ways. This is one of my favourites here. Bacon always makes everything taste delicious don't you think??? I like to serve this with rice and a green vegetable.



*Bacon and Mushroom Sauced Chicken Breasts*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Deliciously moist chicken with a rich and lucious sauce. If you don't have any Brandy for the sauce you could use a fortified wine such as Marsala, Port or Sherry. Or do like I do and just use chicken broth.

4 slices streaky bacon, cut into pieces
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
2 TBS of brandy or chicken broth
1 (8-oz) container of sour cream
chopped fresh chives

Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. Set aside.

Discard all but 2 TBS of the drippings from the skillet. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and then brown them in the remaining drippings for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning only once. Move the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the mushrooms and onions. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Reduce the heat to low. Add the brandy (chicken broth). Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork. Remove the chicken to a heated platter and cover to keep warm.

Add the sour cream to the same skillet. Cook over low heat until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with the bacon and chives. Serve and pass the remaining sauce at the table.



Over in The English Kitchen today, Stove Top Mac & Cheese.

“Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday morning thoughts . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Just imagine for a moment that you are a Princess living in a Fairy-Tale world. The beauty of birdsong wakes you up every morning. As you sit up and stretch . . . you notice beautiful clothes have already been set out for you to wear and are just waiting to adorn your beautiful Princess-like body. There is a song on your lips and your very own Fairy Godmother awaits your every instruction so that she can make all your dreams come true . . .

Contrast that with the real world . . . where each day is a struggle to keep your dreams alive . . . because the reality is . . . life is hard in this not-so-fairy-tale world, and hope is a comodity which is not easy to cling to.

But . . . think about it. Are either of those worlds really real? Before you settle for either one of the two extremes . . . let faith show you another place . . . a new place, an invisible place which can only be seen with the eyes of the heart.

Source: padgetthoke.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

It's a place where those small glimpses of all the goodness of a fairy-tale-world can fit into the reality of an every-day-world . . . perhaps a view of the world that is a bit different. It's where the realities of the so-called real world become framed in such a way that darkness is lightened and any bitterness or mistrust you may be feeling is removed.

In this new reality you can discover that unseen dreams to come are bigger and much more powerful than any small ones you may have held on to in the past . . . filled with hope that is far stronger than any despair you may be feeling now.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

This is the Father's kingdom . . . and you are His Daughter. Imagine . . . a beautiful daughter of God, created in His image and for His purpose. You have value beyond compare, and worth beyond measure. You have a beautiful and wonderful reason for being here . . . and you are not alone. He has promised to help you to get through this life, and given you all that you need in order to do so . . . protection and guidance on a journey towards a Divine Inheritance which awaits your return. All you need to do is to reach out your hand, and allow the Saviour to take it in His. He will guide you home and protect you along the way, and along the journey??? Well . . . you will experience more beauty, more hope, and more joy than you could ever have imagined possible. I know this to be true.

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
~Jesus, Luke 12:32

Just my thoughts this morning . . .

I finally managed to get another painting done yesterday afternoon. I don't know where my days disappear to, but they seem to pass by in a flash!



I thought it quite sweet and I love the sentiment on it. As always it can be yours if you want, as a print or a card, and it would make a lovely gift for someone you care about who perhaps needs a bit of inspiration.

It's very cold and windy out there this morning. Brrrr . . . if you need to go out, wrap up warm and stay safe. We'll be going to church of course, and I'm going to make sure I put my woolies on before I go out that door!

Here's a delicious way to prepare chicken. Poached in the microwave, it stays beautifully tender and moist. Served with a simple sauce which is also cooked in the microwave means you can have a delicious and simple supper on the table in the time it takes you to cook some rice or pasta to have along with it. Easy peasy, lemon squeasy!



*Dill Sauced Poached Chicken*
Serves 4Printable Recipe

Moist and tender Chicken Breasts topped with a lucious dill sauce! Cooked in the microwave, so very quick!

For the poached Chicken:
4 Chicken Breast halves, skin removed
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
paprika
Pepper

For the Sauce:
2 TBS butter
4 tsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tsp dried dill weed

First prepare the chicken breasts. Place the chicken breast halves into a microwave baking dish (12 by 8 inch). Place the thickest portions towards the outside edge of the dish. LIghtly sprinkle each breast with the seasoned salt, paprika and pepper. Cover with waxed paper or greaseproof paper. Microwave on high for 12 to 14 minutes or until the chicken is fork tender and the juices run clear, turning the chicken halfway through cooking. Keep warm while you make the sauce.

Place the butter in a 4 cup microwaveable safe measuring cup. Microwave on high for 30 to 40 seconds until melted. Whisk in the fl, salt, pepper and mustard until smooth. Whisk in the milk, gradually blending it in. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking it once or twice during the cooking time. The mixture should thicken and boil. Stir in the cheese and dill, stirring until the cheese is melted.

Remove the chicken breasts from the bone. Place on a serving plate and spoon sauce over top. If desired serve with hot rice or cooked pasta.



Over in The English Kitchen today some delicious Fruited Scones!

Bloom where you are planted . . .

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Meredith on Pinterest

“And the day came when the risk (it took) to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
~Anais Nin

For years I resisted change because I was afraid that growth was always a painful process. I guess it had seemed that most of the lessons I had learned in life, and my opportunities to grow had always been accompanied with a lot of pain and misery. It has occurred to me this morning though that, in resisting change and growth, I was also wasting a lot of time, creative energy and emotion. Things that could be far better spent on other things.

Why does change come with such difficulty? Why do we allow ourselves to become stuck in ruts? I think the greatest stumbling block to freeing ourselves from these chains is fear. Fear of change, fear of stepping out into the unknown, fear of judgement, fear of failure . . .

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

In giving in to our fears, I think we fail ourselves. I think we prevent ourselves from becoming and from being the very best that we can be. The whole reason for our presence here on earth is to grow and stretch, and to become the best that we can be. We cannot do that without expanding our boundaries and embracing change. If we think we "never can" . . . we truly "never will."

There is a scripture that says that in our weaknesses we are made strong. Who has not heard the story of the old man and the butterfly. An old man was once watching a butterfly struggle to emerge from it’s cocoon. As he watched it struggle frantically in it’s cocoon to free itself, he began to feel sorry for it. It was working so hard, and seemingly getting nowhere. He thought to help it a bit by taking a pair of scissors and cutting it free. When he was done . . . the butterfly lay there limp and unable to fly. In his eagerness to help, the man had missed the great secret to a butterfly’s strength . . . for it is in the struggle to free itself from the cocoon that the butterfly strengthens it’s wings enough to be able to actually fly.

Source: tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

And so it is with life. It is through the struggles and the agonies we suffer that we too are made strong and beautiful. It is in the growth that we learn and evolve and become what we were truly sent here to become, that we can fulfil the measure of our creation. Change is not always bad. We need to exercise our wings and break free from our cocoons. It truly is a good thing.

I know it is really late in the year, but, if you can, try to find one perfect rosebud in your garden or at a flower shop if need be. Pick it and place it in a small vase on your desk or night table. Watch it bloom. “Each blade of grass has it’s Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.”’ We are likewise blessed. Let us listen to it’s voice and bloom where we are planted.

I am very late this morning. We got home quite late from our church meetings last night and so went to bed late and I didn't wake up until 7:30 this morning, so I must dash. I hope I'll be able to take a look at some blogs later today. We shall see how it all unfolds. Now I must get ready for my reading student and get things started on our supper tonight as the missionaries are coming and you know how very much I love to spoil them! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Here's a lovely dish to make when you have leftover chicken from a roast dinner and you are wanting a tasty way to use some of it up!



*Deep Dish Chicken Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

A family favourite gleaned from a supermarket recipe booklet many moons ago.

1 single crust refrigerated pie crust

For the filling:
2 TBS butter
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 (10 3/4-oz) tin of condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp summer savoury
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 (1 pound) package of frozen mixed vegetables thawed and drained
(I like the one with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Have ready a 2 quart casserole or 10 inch quiche pan.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the celery and onion. Cook, stirring, until softened. Stir in the soup, milk, poultry seasoning, savoury, salt and pepper. Heat through, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Gently stir in the chicken and thawed vegetables. Pour this mixture into your dish.

Place the crust (which should be rolled out large enough to completely cover the dish) over top of the chicken mixture. Roll up edges to fit the top of the casserole and flute. Cut slits in several places to vent.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen this morning delicious Vanilla Spiced Breakfast Oatmeal.

Ha Ha Ha . . .

Source: google.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Anyone who ever meets my eldest daughter Eileen, cannot help but fall in love with her. She is such a special spirit and despite any handicap she has had to learn to cope with, she is one of the most handi-capable and happiest people you could ever want to meet. She has the loveliest laugh. It peals out like aa church bell tinkling in the early morning air, inviting all who are within it's earshot to share in her love and zest for life.

In thinking about her beautiful smile and laugh this morning, I am reminded of that old saying . . . "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you." Indeed it is true, the sound of laughter echoing across a room can be quite infectious.

I have heard laughter described as being "God's Sunshine," and the happy times in life are what most of us like to keep in our mind and reflect back upon. Fun and light-hearted moments should be prescribed as a part of our daily lives, to be taken at least once daily and in company of friends. What a difference that would make in the world.

Source: google.com via Katie on Pinterest

The study of laughter is known as "gelotology," and people who study it are called "Gelogologists." (You learn something new every day!) They have come to surmise that there are many reasons people laugh . . . We laugh when we find something funny, and when we are embarrassed or when we want to avoid a difficult situation. We also use laughter to build friendships with people. For example, we are 30 times more likely to laugh in front of other people than when we’re alone.

It is also interesting to note that children can laugh up to 200 times a day, whilst adults, on average, only laugh up to 20 times a day. That could be why kids have more fun! They also say that laughing is good for your health. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Laughter is the best medicine’? It has been scientifically proven that laughter benefits our health and our immune system, in particular. Laughing is good for you. It relaxes you and makes you feel good by releasing chemicals into your bloodstream.

Source: mybodypeaceofmind.tumblr.com via Danell on Pinterest

All science aside . . . I happen to think that laughter is just plain good all round. It brings joy into our lives and into the lives of those around us. It helps us to feel good and can get us through some very tough times. They say that the happiest people are those who can laugh at themselves. I like to think of laughter as a way for the soul to dance. There are some days I'm sure my soul must look just like Gene Kelley in "Singing in the Rain." And that can't be bad.

“A day without laughter is like living in darkness; you try to find your way around, but you can't see clearly.”
― Emily Mitchell

I have to say that we thoroughly enjoyed the film "War Horse." If you haven't gone to see it you really must. It was beautiful and very moving. I even cried at one point. It was beautifully filmed and the story was quite inspiring. If you only go to see one movie this year, I highly recommend this one. Tuesdays is cheap day at our local cinema. You get in for just about half price. The theatre was filled with grey and wrinklies, of which I guess I am now one when I really think about it! How did that happen???? I guess it kind of sneaks up on you! The only down side to our afternoon was the old man who sat down right in front of Todd and kept his stocking cap on throughout the whole movie. It was standing straight up and added at least 4 inches to his height. I kept hoping he would take it off . . . as any gentleman would . . . but he did not. Oh well . . . what can you do . . .

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone. Be well, be blessed, be loved . . . and . . . don't forget to laugh!!

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Terrie on Pinterest

This is one of my favourite ways to prepare chicken. You can buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself, or you can buy chicken already cut into pieces. The nice thing about the crumbs is that you can make up the whole batch and then only use what you need, storing the remainder in a container in the freezer. That way you have a chicken coating mix ready to use whenever you need it. It uses potato flakes so it is gluten free, which is great for anyone who is on a wheat and gluten free diet! (Note: do remove any crumb mixture which you plan to freeze before coating your chicken.)



*Crisp Oven Fried Chicken*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

The flavour and crunch of fried chicken without any of the hassle or mess!

1 1/2 cups of mashed potato flakes (dried)
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup of butter, melted
1 large free range egg
1 TBS water
3 to 3 1/2 pounds of chicken pieces, skin removed if desired

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with foil wrap and then spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the potato flakes, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and mix all together well. In another bowl combine the egg and water, beating that together well also.

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then roll them in the potato mixture, thoroughly coating them on all sides. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is fork tender and the juices run clear.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Plum Fudge Puddings!

Poetry Saturday . . . The Road Not Taken

Source: ilovehoneylace.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Source: Uploaded by user via Marie on Pinterest

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

Source: img3.etsystatic.com via Marie on Pinterest

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

Source: wishflowers.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I . . .
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost

Source: landscape-design-advisor.com via Marie on Pinterest

Life is like that isn't it. We often come to a point where we can make a decision to go in one direction with our lives . . . or in another. The choices we make can have very long reaching consequences. All the more reason to make righteous choices, and to never make important decisions without first inquiring through prayer the road which we should take. What is that old saying . . . "Decide in haste . . . repent in leisure?"

We had our Ward Christmas Party last night. I went early to help set up the food, but I did not feel well all evening and we ended up coming home early. Again I was unable to sleep most of the night due to coughing. Todd did go to the Chemist yesterday and got me a linctus to take, advised by the Chemist. I am calling the Doctor on Monday. Enough is enough! This has been going on for weeks now and it is wearing me ragged!

On a positive note the four missionaries performed a very entertaining New Zealand Haka for us. (One of the elders is from New Zealand). It was very good. I wish I had brought my camera, so no pictures, but if you wanted to check out what it was similar to, you can see one here:



One might be tempted to ask what does that have to do with Christmas? Well, nothing really, but it was quite entertaining and they did a fabulous job. Even better than these ones in the video. They sure had everyone's attention!

And with that I'll leave you with my recipe for today. If you think Chicken Breasts are boring. Think again. I think chicken breasts when cooked properly (and not overcooked and dry!) they make the perfect canvas upon which to paint a beautiful marriage of colour and flavours! They really take to just about any flavour. I love them. These are fabulous . . . herby and moreishly scrummy with a topping of crisp almonds and cheese, all laid out on top of a bed of lovely vegetables. Simply gorgeous!



*Grilled Chicken with Herbed Butter, Almonds and Gruyere*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

I am always saying to Todd I don't use our Electric grill near often enough. This delicious recipe is a wonderfully tasty excuse to drag it out and fire it up!

80g butter, melted (1/3 cup)
1 TBS finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
the juice of half a lemon
4 single free range organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spicy chicken seasoning, such as Cookies or Jess Hall's
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into batons
250g purple sprouting broccoli, washed and trimmed (1 pound)
1/2 cup roasted marcona almonds, slivered
1/2 cup finely grated gruyere cheese

Whisk the butter, parsley and lemon juice together in a bowl and set aside.

Brush your grill lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray and heat. Sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts with some of the spicy seasoning and put it onto the heated grill to cook.

While the chicken is cooking bring a pot of lightly salted water to the boil and cook your carrots and broccoli until crispy tender. Drain well and keep warm.

Once the chicken is cooked through, and the juices run clear remove it from the grill immediately. In fact having it just a little bit underdone is probably best. Heat the grill of your oven to high.

Place the vegetables into a shallow casserole dish. Lay the chicken pieces on top. Sprinkle the gruyere cheese over top of the chicken and scatter on the toasted almonds. Drizzle with half of the herbed butter and then bang it under a heated oven grill for about five minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting just to brown. Remove from the oven, drizzle with the remaining herbed butter and serve.



Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Surprise Cupcakes!


“The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments.”
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Silver and Gold . . .

Although we treasure newer friends,

We cannot forget the old.

The new ones are like silver,

The old ones purest gold.

~author unknown



When I was in High School I had a best friend named Linda Wilson. She lived directly across the back yard from me and we were inseparable. We were in the same classes at school, and when we were in school, we were hanging out together either at her house, or at mine, or at the mall or Rec Centre, swimming pools, gym, etc. We were together constantly except for when we were sleeping.



We told each other our secret wishes and desires . . . sharing special thoughts and dreams with each other that we never shared with anyone else. We spent many hours up in her bedroom in her parent's house listening to the latest 45 rpm records. She had an extensive collection and a cute little record holder box to put them in. I could only dream about such things. Every Friday night we would sit up there and listen to the music and talk about boys we had crushes on, the things that had happened at school during the previous week, etc. We used to practice slow dancing with her bathrobe which was hung on a hanger on a hook on her closet door . . . and kissing on the backs of our hands . . . just so we could get it right when it ever actually happened!







One time we pooled our monies together to buy a book from the shop entitled . . . "How To Get A Teenage Boy, and What To Do With Him When You Get Him." We were sure that the secret to finding a boyfriend lay within it's pages! We wanted to have all the latest information. Oh tha laughs and special times we shared. I have never been as close to anyone since then . . . as we were with each other during those years. We had other friends of course . . . but we were "Bestie Mates." We laughed together . . . we cried together . . . and everything in between . . . We sat together on the bus. We spent breaktimes at school together. We passed notes back and forth during class, speculated, dreamt, planned, connived . . . we were inseparable during those highschool years.



We somehow lost touch with each other in the late 1970's. I moved out West and got married . . . had a family . . . I'm assuming she got married as well. Life got busy . . . but I never forgot my Bestie Mate. I tried to find her off and on throughout the years, but to no avail. I came close one time, when a girl who had been one of my sister's friends at school and I were in a Diet Club together, and I found out that she actually was still in touch with Linda and had her telephone number etc., but for some reason she wouldn't give it to me. I knew Linda was in Halifax, but Halifax is a very big place and I didn't know her married name. I remember feeling very frustrated with this girl and a little bit angry . . . but life went on just the same, as it does.







As you know I've been participating on a High School Group on Facebook this past week or so, and it's been a lot of fun. I found out yesterday that Linda passed away from cancer sometime during this past year . . . broken hearted doesn't begin to describe how I felt when I found this out. I had been so hoping that finally we would be back in touch with each other. I had so many things I wanted to say to her, and now I'll never be able to. The High School Group has lost some of it's flavour for me now . . . I feel devastated . . . even now I sit here with tears running down my face, thinking about my dear friend, and all the years that have passed. It breaks my heart that she left this earth and I didn't even know. It is a whole jumble of feelings that I can't put a name to, or even begin to describe in words. I don't even have a photograph of us together . . . just a heart filled with love and special memories. I am grateful for those . . .







*Paprika, Honey and Lime Glazed Chicken *

Serves 4

Printable Recipe



You could use lemon with this recipe instead of limes if you wished, but I love that extra tang and bite that comes from the limes. “You’ve come up with another winner.” were Todd’s words as he tucked in, and I do believe I have. I served this with a lime and coriander basmati pilaf, but any steamed rice would go well with it.



8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 TBS plain flour

2 tsp sweet paprika

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 TBS olive oil

2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger

2 fat clove of garlic, peeled and crushed

2 heaping TBS of honey

The grated zest of one lime

The juice of one lime

¼ cup chicken stock



Take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat on top of the stove. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers.



Mix together the flour and paprika. Dust the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and then with the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Place in the heated skillet, bottom side down first, and brown lightly for about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn over so that the right side is down, and then pop another skillet on top. Turn the heat down to medium low and place a few heavy tins on top. This will help to give some lovely crispy bits. Cook, in this manner for about 6 to 8 minutes.



Mix the ginger, garlic, honey, lime juice and chicken stock together in a small bowl.



Remove the weighted skillet and raise the heat a little bit. Pour the ginger mixture over top and let it bubble away, turning the chicken pieces frequently, until the pan juices are greatly reduced and the chicken is coated with a lovely thick glaze. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the grated lime zest. Serve hot with a bit of the pan glaze spooned over each piece.







In The English Kitchen today a delicious Sausage and Squash Mash.