Marie's Sunday Six

Welcome to my weekly smile makers post! Boy, have I had a lot to smile about this week! Some weeks are just like that. It seems that these past seven days have been filled to overbursting with goodness! My cup really truly does runneth over!



Of course one of the biggest smile makers I had this week was my Birthday and turning 55! I am grateful to have reached this milestone. There are a lot of people that never do! My grandfather on my father's side of the family passed away when he was 54. Turning 55 was a very good thing to me. I was always afraid of the age 54 . . . almost like it was jinxed . . . but here I am now, aged 55 and I have a pretty wonderful life, chock full of blessings from sun up to sun down and everywhere in between. That can't be bad!!



Being able to pray and knowing that they are always answered makes me smile. We may not always get the answer we wanted to get, but we always get an answer. I am so grateful for this knowledge. Knowing that I am important to my Heavenly Father and that He loves and listens to me is one of the biggest smile makers of all!




All the lovely Birthday Cards, messages and greetings that I got his week surely made me smile, and in a very big way! I am ever so grateful for each and every one of them. I am so thankful for the love that my friends and family show me every day of my life, and not just on days like Birthdays . . . but every day. I am especially grateful for all the extra special blessings that each of them gave me on my special day. I am thankful for each of them. Lura even created a special Birthday post just for me. If you would like to see it you can find it here. Lura, you are such a dear friend to me. You always make me smile, as do all of my friends both in real time and invisible. You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!



Days out with my Todd make me smile. We had a lovely day out to Erddig in Wales earlier this week. What a lovely time we had. I took some lovely pictures, some 140 of them and guess what? I lost them all . . . I can't believe it! I had some lovely ones of Todd, and even of myself, amidst the splendor of the gardens and I completely lost them! I only have one that survived my stupidity, and that is of some grapes on a wall . . . nevermind, we will just have to go again, and that makes me smile even more. It was such a lovely place I don't mind going again!



Here are the two biggest smile makers in my week gone by. My sweet husband Todd and this lovely little life force called Mitzie. It is so good to be loved and to love. He may not be perfect and we may get on each other's pips from time to time but we are perfect for each other. It was worth waiting a lifetime to find him and of course . . . this little dear . . .



has been delighting me and making me smile ever since she arrived. I am completely besotted and mesmerized by her every move. I can't take my eyes off of her. She is totally and utterly wonderful. My whole life I have wanted to have a puppy to love and adore, and she is a dream come true. There is no way any animal, puppy or otherwise could ever take Jess's place of course . . . but I have a heart that is huge enough to create a space inside for a thousand Jess's and right now Mitzie holds a large corner of it! She has settled in very well and seems right at home with us. We just adore her!



Doctors are not always right. In fact sometimes they are completely wrong in their diagnosis. I was so blessed this week and happy to find out that I do not have Paget's Disease after all!! I have nothing more than a bad back which is causing me all of my troubles and pains. I never thought having a bad back would make me smile, but this week it did! There was no sign of Paget's in my scan at all. This was a miracle to me, a real answer to prayer and it made me smile in a very big way!

Of course I have had many, many, many smiles this week . . . both large and small and everything in between. I am so grateful to have a heart that is able to count my blessings each and every day and I am grateful to be able to share them with you!

My Todd is a meat and potatoes man full stop. He especially loves pork chops. Pork chops can be difficult to cook really. It is hard to get them right. They, more often than not, can end up very dry and tasteless. They always turn out fabulously tasty with this next recipe. I have had it, and been using it for nigh on to 30 years or so now. (My but that sounds like a long time! It is hard to believe that I am old enough to have been using a recipe for that long, but I clearly am!) They are always tender, moist and very flavourful! Another winner from my big blue binder . . .



*Barbequed Pork Chops*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

This recipe is is another one from my big blue binder, has long been a favourite way of serving pork chops in my home. Dating back to the 1970’s, it makes useof a dry Italian salad dressing that you can get in Canada. I can’t get it over here, and so I make do with a homemade version of it that I make myself. It gives the sauce a deliciously spicy tang. We like to have it with baked potatoes or rice. I think you’ll find this a real winner. I know we do!

1 tin of Campbell's Condensed Tomato soup, undiluted (over here in the UK, Batchelors)
2 TBS soft light brown sugar, packed
2 TBS white vinegar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp instance minced onion, or onion powder
1 tsp dried Italian Salad Dressing mix (see below)
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
2 TBS vegetable shortening
6 pork chops, 1 inch thick

Melt theshortening over medium high heat in a large skillet and brown the pork chops well on both sides. (Nowadays I am inclined to skip using the shortening and just spray the pan, non stick of course, with cooking spray instead) Drain well. Combine the remaining ingredients in a measuring jug and pour evenly over the chops in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium low and cover. Simmer for an hour until fork tender. You may also bake them in an oven in a covered casserole dish for the same amount of time at a medium temperature, 180&C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Remove to a hot platter and spoon the sauce over top to serve.

*Italian Dressing Seasoning Dry Mix*
Makes 8 Tablespoons

This is a delicious all purpose dry seasoning mix that is good in spaghetti sauces, soups, stews, pasta salads or sprinkled on ripe sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. It also makes a darn good salad dressing and all purpose marinade. Chicken breasts marinated in this and then grilled on the barbeque ar delicious!

1 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1 TBS onion powder
2 TBS dry oregano, crumbled
1 TBS dry parsley, crumbled
1 TBS caster sugar
1 1/2 TBS salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dry basil leaves, crumbled
1/4 tsp dry thyme leaves, crumbled
1 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp dried chili flakes

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. If you want to make a salad dressing with it, combine 2 TBS of the mix in a jar, together with 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 TBS water and 1/2 to 2/3 cup of salad oil. Shake well before using.



Over on The English Kitchen today, some delicious Date and Lemon Scones!

A day in the life . . .

Who steals your heart with a magical touch?
Who ensnares your love in a wee angel clutch?
Who makes you a slave and a worshiper, too?
Who gets adoration, so lavish and true?
Who plays with your heartstrings like a
champion love maker?
Nobody but puppy . . . the little heartbreaker!

~Adapted from a poem entitled Nobody but Baby by Helen Steiner Rice



What is this new place that I have come to? I thought I was only going for a drive in the car with some nice new people, but where are my brothers and sisters? Where is my mummy? I have a lovely cage that I can go into and feel safe . . . it has my old blanket in here that smells of my family and my own teddy bear that smell like them too. Maybe it's not so bad after all . . .



Well . . . perhaps I'll stretch my legs a little tiny bit . . . just to see what new things there are here in this strange place that I've come to . . .



Hmmm . . . a bit stringy with a slight bouquet of . . . wait . . . wait . . . I think it's busy lizzie . . . yep, I'd recognize that taste anywhere!



There are so many new things here to explore . . . what's a gal to do!



New nooks and crannies to investigate . . . new smells and textures . . .



Not to mention a somewhat besotted crazy lady following me around with a camera everywhere. Is this what is known as the Parrapazi???



Well . . . perhaps just one still photo for my adoring public . . . what could it possibly hurt???



It's not so bad here after all . . . lots of toys to play with and I don't have to share them with anyone! Likewise the comfy bed and all the treats! There's a lovely big garden that's just mine, all mine! And two giant besotted humans that are doting on my every move . . . ahhhhh . . . celebrity. I could get used to this!



But . . . I think I'll take a nap first . . . sigh . . .

(and now back to your regular programming)

As you can all see Mitzie has arrived and settled in very well. In fact she is sitting next to me here on the sofa as I type, snoring away. She had a very good day yesterday and feels quite, quite at home . . . needless to say, she already has us both wrapped around her little doggie paw! She is just the best birthday present ever . . . for both of us. Our pooch loving hearts are filled to overflowing with love for this special little gal! Somehow I don't think our lives will ever be the same.

Many, many thanks for all of your lovely birthday wishes, both here and on Facebook . . . for the texts, and the lovely cards. I'm not sure what I did to deserve all of this goodness, but I musta done something good! I am most grateful for it and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart! You all made my special day even more special!

Oh yes . . . the winner of my Birthday Giveaway was lucky number 13! DonnaTN, please send me your postal details and I will pop it into the post on Monday!

Now, I am going to go and get me some more puppy love if you don't mind! In the meantime here is a tasty recipe that you can use to help get rid of some of those courgettes that are overtaking your garden! They're a very versatile vegetable! This is just one tasty way of many to use them up!!



*Calabacitas*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

This is a Tex Mex dish and a great way to use up some of that garden glut of courgettes we all have in our gardens this time of year! Courgettes are one of those lovely vegetables that gladly take on the flavour of anything you cook them with.

1 onion, peeled and chopped
4 tsp olive oil
4 medium coourgettes, unpeeled and cubed
1/2 cup seeded and chopped green chillies
2 cups sweet corn kernels
salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated medium cheddar cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the oil. When it is just shimmering add the onion and sauté it until it is softly translucent, stirring the whole time. Add the courgettes and chillies. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook, stirring from time to time for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are just crispy tender, but still retaining their lovely green colour.

Add the corn and seasonings and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Finally, add the milk and the cheese, stirring constantly to help prevent the cheese from sticking, cooking and stirring until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately. I could eat the whole pan myself and nothing else!



Over on The English Kitchen today, a delcious Celebration Cake!

Lessons life has taught me . . .

Birthdays come and birthdays go
And with them comes the thought
Of all the happy memories
That passing years have brought.
And looking back across the years
We come to recognize
That it takes a lot of birthdays
To make us kind and wise,
For growing older only means
The spirit grows serene
And we behold things with our souls
That our eyes have never seen.
for each birthday is a gateway
That leads to a reward.
The rich reward of learning,
The true greatness of the Lord.
~Helen Steiner Rice

Yes, fifty five years ago today I made my way into the world, and I've been making my presence known and felt ever since!! (55 sounds so old, but inside I still feel like a 22 year old!) Did you know that in Nova Scotia where I come from 55 is actually considered a Senior Citizen?? I know!! Say it ain't so!! Although to be sure, it comes in mighty handy at Zellers on Senior's Discount Day . . . just ask my mom! A 10% saving is a 10% saving and not to be sniffed at!



I like to think that in 55 years I have learned a few things . . . some little tibits of wisdom that I'd like to share with you today.

1. Change is inevitable. It comes to each of us. The best we can do is to learn to roll with the punches, go with the flow and take advantage of the changes, using them as tools to help us to grow and to become better people.

2. Dwell in Possibility. This is a quote of Emily Dickenson, but it is such good advice. I take the view point that in this life anything is possible. You have to have a dream in order to have a dream come true! I never say never.

3. We're only here for a short time in the expanse of an eternity that stretches forever and forever. Have fun while you are here. Enjoy the ride with all of it's ups and downs. You will never pass this way again. Make the most of what you've been given.

4. Don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Some of my best experiences and opportunities have come to me only after I have dared to lose!

5. Believe in yourself. If you can't believe in yourself, how ever can you expect other people to believe in you.

6. Never stop learning. Remain open to new things and new possibilities. You are never too old to take something new on board or to explore new avenues. Knowledge is strength. Knowledge is power.

7. Eat healthy, get enough sleep and plenty of exercise. This is a good rule to live by, although to be sure a treat once in a while is also healthy. Life is filled with compromise.

8. Live with integrity and honesty. Always.

9. Reaching out to others, and serving mankind has brought me some of my greatest joy in life. I firmly believe that you don't even begin to live your life until you can learn to give it away. If you can't help others . . . you can't help yourself.

10. Love is always right.

11. You only fail when you stop trying. Where you are does not determine where you will go.

12. We create our own limitations and horizons. Follow your passions and dreams. Never give up.

13. Focus on quality, not on quantity.

14. Words and thoughts are everything. What you say and think will eventually become your reality, so be positive. Can't is not a word that I embrace. If I think I can . . . I will.

15. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" in every situation. If you do what you think He would do, then you just can't go wrong.



These are only some of the things that life has taught me, but I like to think that they are some of the more important things. Life continues to teach me every day. Sometimes the lessons are hard to learn, and other times quite easy . . . it's all a dance and I'm enjoying the dance as much as I can, and for as long as I can. Who could ask for anything more?

Many thanks to each of you for your best wishes, cards and Birthday Greetings! They truly do mean the world to me. I like to think that each of you are a gift I give to myself each and every day of my life . . . very special indeed!

I have an appointment at the Doctors this morning to find out the results of my scan. Wish me luck! Then at noon we are going to go and pick up Mitzie! I am very excited about that! This will be the last morning that I have to come downstairs to an empty living room. From this day onwards there will be a wagging tail and doggie kisses to greet me! Ain't life grand!!

Peanut Butter cookies have to be one of my absolute favourite kinds of cookies. Peanut butter anything is actually a favourite of mine. I know . . . I'm not hard to please!



*Peanut Butter Cookies*
Makes 4 1/2 to 5 dozen
Printable Recipe

The kid in me loves these. I have been making these for as long as I can remember. Nothing fancy here, just old fashioned peanut butter goodness. Bet you can't eat just one!

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed soft light brown sugar
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 large free range egg
1/2 cup peanut butter (you can use crunchy if you want, bit I like smooth)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup plain flour (you may need more, I always do)
1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Lightly grease several baking sheets. Set aside.

Put the butter into a large bowl and cream it really well with a wooden spoon. Once it is quite fluffy, beat in both the sugars gradually, beating until creamy. Mix in the egg, peanut butter, salt and baking soda, mixing them all in and blending them well. Stir in the vanilla and then finally the flour. Mix in enough flour so that the dough is not too sticky. You will need to be able to roll the mixture into balls with your hands. I find that I usually need about 1 ½ cups of flour at least.

Roll the dough into walnut sized balls (or drop with a teaspoon onto the baking sheet) Put each ball on the baking sheet, placing them at least 2 inches apart. Take a fork and dip it into some flour and lightly press each one flat. Bake for ten to twelve minutes. Remove from the baking sheet with a spatula to a wire rack to finish cooling. Repeat with the remaining dough until it is all used up.

Sometimes you can drop the balls of dough into a small dish of white sugar and roll them around to coat them before placing them onto the baking pan. They are really good done this way too.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Clare College Mush. Oh how very scrumdiddlyumptious!

Nice Matters

I have a little wooden picture frame that stands atop my dresser, up in the bedroom. Surrounded by precious photos of my children and grandchildren, it stands out . . . and one can tell of it's great import to me, it's in such good company! It doesn't look overly special . . . the frame is a simple pine one. It has two sections, divided by a piece of pine in the centre. In it I have placed two quotations from a woman I greatly admire, Ms Sheri Dew.

"Our spirits long for us to remember the truth about who we are, because the way we see ourselves - or our sense of identity - affects everything we do."

"Am I the woman I think I am, the woman I want to be? More importantly, am I the woman the Saviour needs me to be?"



Those are the quotes. Above them, on a nearby wall, hangs a picture of the Saviour, painted by Simon Dewey. The Saviour appears to be gazing out in deep thought . . . a staff held in his arms. This picture helps to remind me that He is the good shepherd and we are His sheep.

These little things are the guiding principles by which I live my life. If people see me as being calm and serene, it's because I am. Knowing who I really am . . . a child of God with a Divine inheritance . . . helps me to see others in a different light and with a kinder heart, because I know they are children of my Heavenly Father as well. I am at peace with myself, and with who I am. I feel special, because I know I'm special, as indeed are all of you. This special knowledge helps to garner my thoughts and my actions These words help to give my life a purpose and goals . . . a 'raison d'etre' . . . or reason for being.



When you help to make the people around you feel good, you really help to make yourself feel good. This is one of the most basic teachings in life after all. (It really is that easy.) Being kind to others is not only what the Saviour's example has taught me to do, but also pleases me. Kindness, in and of itself, is it's own reward. When I make the effort to go the extra mile for others, and help to meet their needs, I reap what I sow in return . . . little seeds of kindness and happiness. What goes around really does come around.



Often it is not the big things that truly matter to people . . . it is the small things that touch people's hearts, bringing joy to their inner soul . . . things like putting in an effort to make a card for someone's birthday or giving praise for a job well done . . . taking the time to speak to a friend or a stranger, or even more importantly . . . taking the time to really listen. Picking a bouquet of wild flowers and then giving it to someone . . . just because. Encouraging and edifying others in small and simple ways and often. To me, these gestures are characteristics of my daily walk in life and a huge part of who I am . . . and who I strive to be every day of my life.

I am not perfect. I make mistakes . . . but . . . at the end of the day, I know who I am . . . and who I should be. Being kind and good helps make me to feel as if I am experiencing a little bit of heaven right here on earth.



There is an old saying . . . "Giving is it's own reward." Being genuine and kind to others, helping those that surround me to feel warm and accepted . . . this helps me to feel a sense of inner comfort and pleasure . . . heaven's reward in earthly measures. Words can never truly describe the feeling, because it is meant to be felt and experienced, and it comes to us in small and meaningful ways . . . Nice DOES matter, and nice guys DON'T always finish last.

We had such a lovely day yesterday, even if it was a bit showery from time to time. I took lots of pictures but haven't had time to go through them as of yet! You can expect them real soon though. I had some rather good news as well yesterday. My youngest daughter is expecting her first child. Very exciting news, so not only am I expecting a new grandson the end of November, but another little blessing is now due the end of February! My cup truly runneth over . . .

And only one more sleep before Mitzie comes home with us! I can't wait!

Oh I do love the summer months and all of the fresh bounty we gather from out of our gardens . . . fresh new potatoes, corn . . . tomatoes and basil. This salad combines all of those in a most interesting and delicious way!



*Potato, tomato, corn and Basil Salad*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

The delicious blend of flavours in this salad is outstanding, The tartness of the lemon dressing along with the peppery sweetness of the basil are so appealing to the taste buds and the colours are a veritable feast for the eyes!

1 pound of red or white salad potatoes, cleaned
2 cups of corn kernels, fresh, frozen or tinned (fresh is better)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, peeled and thinlysliced
1 bunch of fresh basil, rinsed and dried
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
the juice of two lemons
1 tsp sea salt
freshly grated black pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the potatoes. Cook them until they are just fork tender, about 15 minutes. Remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and drain them well. Add the corn (if you are using fresh) and cook it for 5 minutes, in the same water. Drain that well also, when done.

Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters if large and place them into a large salad bowl. Add the corn, tomatoes, and onion. Toss gently to combine. Tear the basil leaves or julienne them, and add them to the mix, along with the olive oil and lemon juice, again tossing gently to combine. Season with the salt and pepper and serve.



This morning in The English Kitchen there is an old memory from a much beloved children's book, Mary Poppins. It's Gingerbread Stars!

Summer's wane . . .

If it were always summertime,
how weary we should grow
of the changeless weather
and ths sun's unfading glow!
If there were always roses
blooming down the garden ways,
they would not call forth
from the heart
such words of joy and praise!
It is the expectation
of the sunshine and the flowers
that makes us welcome with delight
the summer's golden hours . . .
The waiting in the winter
and the hoping in the spring.
It's twice as sweet
because we know
that time is on the wing!
~Patience Strong

Already the nights are drawing in. They have been for almost two months now, at a few minutes a day . . . but it is only now that it is becoming really noticeable, and it seems to have happened all of a sudden!



The fields are becoming filled with the dried seed heads of a million blooms . . . ready to take their journey with the first strong wind that comes along . . . a journey to a million spots . . . waiting to capture them so that they can tuck in and sleep over the long winter which awaits, putting roots down into the earth, and springing back to life in the spring that is to come. How magical nature is . . . there is a plan and a purpose to everything, to every nuance . . .

Right now our garden is a riot of colour, filled with the pretty bobbing heads of Dahlias. They always bespeak autumn being just around the corner for me . . . I love them so. There are so very many colours and varities, each one seemingly more beautiful than the last . . . but it cannot be so, can it? They are all lovely . . . We will soon seek out more bulbs to plant in the autumn, the promise of a summer to come . . .



I do not mind the cooler nights. They mean a much easier sleep. I cannot sleep when it is hot and sticky . . . I don't think many people can, except perhaps children, but then they are exhausted from their day's travels and adventures. Mayhap that is the secret to a good sleep no matter the temperature. We all need to climb a few trees and hike a few meadows . . . and perhaps run a few races . . .



We are off on a short trip today. We had thought to go to The Lakes and see Beatrix Potter's house, but on second thought we are sure it will be uber busy because of the school holidays so we are instead going to go to a spot much closer to home called Erddig Hall in Wrexham, Wales. It is known to be one of the most widely acclaimed and historic houses in Britain! It is an 18th century house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years. As a big fan of the BBC series Upstairs Downstairs, I am really looking forward to this small glimpse into a bygone era. I promise to take as many pictures as I am allowed to take! If we have time we will also go to Chirk Castle, which is nearby. Completed in 1310, Chirk is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I and is still lived in today. In any case we are planning a full day of activity!

Here is a hearty breakfast splurge or a tasty light supper. Quick to make and always satisfying, I think this is one of Todd's favourite things to eat! (Not that I make it that often. It is a rare, but much welcomed treat!)



*Bacon, Egg and Cheese Toastie*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

This is a wonderful way to have your breakfast, all stacked together in one delicious pile. Every forkful brings you a taste of bacon, egg, cheese and toast, all together in one luscious mouthful! It also makes a nice light supper entree.

4 slices of thick country style white bread
12 slices of dry cure streaky bacon
8 ounces of medium cheddar cheese, cut into slices
1 TBS butter
4 large, free range eggs

This is my secret way of cooking bacon so that there is no grease on top of your stove and no messy pan to clean up afterwards. Preheat your oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil wrap. Lay the bacon slices out onto the baking sheet without overlapping. Pop the pan into the heated oven and and bake for six minutes. Turn the pan around 180 degrees and bake for another four to seven minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. (For this recipe you only want it medium done and not too crispy as it will be going under the grill after) Remove the bacon to a plate, lined with paper kitchen towelling to drain. I, then, blot the top with more kitchen towelling. You can then just pitch the foil wrap into the bin and you have a clean oven tray to continue on with the rest of the recipe.

Heat your grill while you make the toast. Toast the slices of bread until they are medium toasted, not really dark, as they will be then going under the grill and you don’t want too crispy a slice. Once they are toasted lay each one out onto the baking sheet and cover them with the slices of cheese equally. Divide the bacon equally amongst the sandwiches and lay it on top of the cheese.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat and pop some butter into it. When the butter is foaming, crack in the four eggs. Turn the heat down to medium and cook them slowly for a few minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are as done as you like them. If you don’t want them sunny side up you can flip them over if you like. We like them sunny side up. When they are done to your taste, turn out the heat and remove the pan to the side while you grill the toastie.

Pop the tray with the bread, cheese and bacon on it under the grill and grill until the cheese is melted and bubblling and the bacon is as crisp as you want it. It should only take four or five minutes. Remove from the oven and place a fried egg neatly on top of each. Remove to heated plates. Sprinkle each with a little seasalt and cracked black pepper and serve immediately.



Over on The English Kitchen today, there are some really scrummy Chocolate Peanut Crumble Cookies!