whew ~ another photo book

Miss Artist ~ Abby ~ is a high school senior.  I'm still amazed that the toothless wonder above will be a legal adult in just two months.

I let it get down to the wire again, but I am so thankful for another good deal from Shutterfly that allowed us to order a second photo book for Abby, bringing the printed record up to date.  At 50% off ... and with an extra $10 off for embedding something here a while back.  Yep.  Bless their hearts over there at shutterfly!

Here it is!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo books are the perfect gift for any occasion.

columbus day

{photo and map source}

520 years ago. 
October 12, 1492, is recorded as the day that Christopher Columbus {and the many sailors and adventurers with him} landed upon an island in the Bahamas, thus discovering America.

 

{photo credit}

You can read for yourself in most modern accounts of the controversies or atrocities attached to this man - and to most of the other explorers of his era.  I won't debate or defend it, although I imagine those who would also contest my worldview might exaggerate the claims to further their own agenda.  While I do not espouse the concept of a "noble savage," neither do I believe that God would condone sin, no matter how admirable the motives.  {The ends does not justify the means.}  God did allow Columbus' discovery to lead into widespread exploration of the New World.  However, it is interesting that our beloved land of the USA was not colonized by Spain {except for Florida}.  Or by the Vikings led by Leif Ericson so many centuries earlier.  Columbus himself never visited the mainland of North America.  Spain's influence and control focused on South America ~ which is noteworthy when you compare modern-day life on these two continents, hmm?  Instead it was the Cabots who explored the eastern coast of North America in the years following 1496 and claimed it for the King of England.


Consider the time of the Reformation amidst these years of Exploration ...and the new printing presses producing copies of God's Word in English.  What a difference it would make in the years to come!

10/11/12

10.11.12

AKA ~ October 11, 2012 ~

Just have to post with that sort of fun date going on today!  : )

Of course, if we lived outside the US, we'd have to wait for the 10th day of November.  But we will all agree -- without confusion -- when it's the 12th day of the 12th month.

Okay, whatever.   Shall we move on?


Unrelated to today's date, here are a few pictures from my camera to liven this post up a bit...

Two weeks ago when the Cattleman was cleaning up his garden, he found a couple melons that looked worth tasting.  Somewhat disappointing in reality, but that's hopefully a lesson learned that a garden must be watered more often.  And harvesting fruit before a hard frost is always a good idea.

The Popper learned something about the power of the sun ~ and how to focus that power using a magnifying glass  ~ to melt some chocolate.  We tried to start this dry corn leaf on fire, but it might have been too late in the day.  And since we're still under an open burn ban, it's probably a good thing.  Although I was prepared with a bucket of water nearby.

Someday this shall be a mighty oak, but for now I'm just glad it's still alive with potential to provide a good splash of color every autumn.  And eventually a bit of summer shade.  The picture is a bit blurry because the prairie breeze is a-blowing today.

And here's a colorful maple that I pray will also survive ...despite the cats who've attacked it this summer...  Seriously?

And the pretty asters are in bloom  : )

praline sweet potatoes

{Especially for Julie G.}

My mom found this recipe on a can of sweet potatoes many years ago.  Fortunately I was able to convert her to using fresh sweet potatoes, so this is really yummy!  Even better when they come from your own garden, but... not this year.  So grab some at the grocery store while they are on sale this fall!

{insert picture that I cannot find}

Praline Sweet Potatoes

3-4 pounds sweet potatoes/yams, steamed or baked and skins removed, cut into chunks or mashed

Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour (white or whole wheat)
1/4 cup butter, melted

Place chunks of sweet potatoes in a buttered baking dish (2 quart).
Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over sweet potatoes.  Some people's children think the quantity of topping should be doubled. 
Bake at 350F for 20-30 min. uncovered.

Can be frozen to thaw and bake later - highly recommended when it's a busy food-centered holiday like Thanksgiving Day!  You'll want to make enough for a 3- or 4-quart dish if you're hosting more than 20 people.

daybook 10/8/2012

FOR TODAY

Monday, October 8, 2012

Columbus Day in the USA

Thanksgiving Day in Canada

 

Outside my window...

Sunshine, bare trees, brown and gold trees, and a bit of green grass

Tim started the outdoor wood stove last week ~ the weather has changed!

 

I am thinking...

busy, busy day(s)

Maybe we should watch an old Columbus movie via netflix tonight anyway?

 

I am thankful …

for children who love to laugh together

 

I am praying for...

… Taylor, who is home and weary after round 5 of chemo – surgery is next IF there’s any tumor left?

… Stef’s dad, who had surgery for a brain tumor on Oct. 2

… job prospects for Conny’s hubby Dan – and healing for his broken leg/dislocated ankle – ouch!

…. Michelle, with a long list of life’s stressors in the midst of the physical pain of RA as the weather changes

…Kate, in week six of college ~ still surviving and learning!

 

From the learning rooms...

I meant to have Miss Artist & the Computer Geek present orally their current events reports for government class – interesting reading for me at least!  I highly recommend World magazine.

From the kitchen...

leftovers: turkey pot pie/biscuits, beef roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, praline sweet potatoes, carrot cake, pancakes

menu options:  potato or broccoli soup, turkey enchiladas, chili, maid-rites

 

I am creating...

a winter oasis in the basement for the gerbera daisies and dahlias

{and soon I shall rediscover my sewing machine(s)!}

 

I am going...

to take Miss Artist to the orthodontist again today {expander} along with piano lessons and grocery shopping.  We can do it!

to buy a new printer/copier/scanner… one of these fine days.  The old one is still in a brain freeze since I changed the ink cartridge.  It can print and scan because the computer tells it to, but it can’t make a copy b/c it’s “busy” trying to align/whatever.

 

I am reading...

weekly writing assignments

the Stockman Grass Farmer

Genesis, Proverbs, John, Ephesians

{I did finish the Darlene Deibler Rose book the other week – so good! and so timely to read “we do not sorrow as those who have no hope” as many friends endure the loss of loved ones… and anticipate a joyful reunion in glory someday.}

 

I am hoping...

to stay on top of my lurking headache – and keep the pile of ironing at a doable level

 

I am hearing...

not much – time to get busy!

 

Around the house...

the Cattleman has reheated pancakes for breakfast, others are still reading, laundry is waiting to wash, apple tree seedlings look happy in a sunny window

 

One of my favorite things...

organic apples by the case from Azure Standard ~ hoping to order some this month!

 

Pondering these words...

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Ames today, no harp lesson tomorrow, quarterly business meeting, attending/helping with a wedding, hayride for the teens

 

Here is a picture for thought...

 

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

~ Find more Daybooks at Peggy's ~

But God

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, 

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:1-9

fast & furious

 

No, I’m not angry. 

Sylvia at Christian HomeKeepers Network has designated October for some Fast & Furious Fall Cleaning!  Since I’ve been on a rampage in September to catch up on the last six months or so, I’m choosing to pay attention to those who would encourage my efforts at cleaning something every day.  I’ve been ignoring my FlyLady emails, but today I did read this week’s sneak peek.  They are having a Super Fling this month, and the ‘habit of the month’ is paper clutter.  Well, that’s just too good to resist.  So count me in!  {at least for this morning}

Instead of beginning in the dining room today, I started with my kitchen.  The toaster begged to be emptied, so I started there.  Which led to wiping down the rest of that counter.  And I cleaned the sink as I washed b’fast dishes.  And decided I should wipe the counter all the way to the fridge.  Oh, and do the top of the fridge and stove hood.  Ugh, and since I cleaned the sink and the dish drainer, I should really try to dust out the window area above the sink.  Then, I knew I needed to vacuum too.  While I was vacuuming, the light hit the cupboard door/drawers on the island, and I saw drips of something… watermelon juice?  Who knows, but after putting the vac away, I started wiping/scrubbing the fronts of cabinet doors/drawers throughout the kitchen.  And wondered why I bothered to shower this morning before breakfast!

Well, laundry is switched, it’s time for lunch …and piano lessons… {gotta go!}

But if you’re looking for something less strenuous to read, check out Jodi’s October series on essential oils.  Or Sarah’s suggestions for a book club.

Hoping for a daybook sort of post later… But if you see a zombie in the grocery store this afternoon…