Pre Thanksgiving Day Preparations

I absolutely love Thanksgiving Day! It’s hands down my favorite holiday of the year. For me it’s all about family and friends. None of this silly exchanging of gifts. It’s all about just getting together, feeling thankful and building happy memories.

According to the Holy Scriptures, thankfulness pleases God. I liken our praises and thankfulness unto a sweet smelling aroma on the altar of sacrifice to Him. He has given us so much. It is always a fitting time to openingly express our thanks for all the multiple blessings we have through the year. And like all of my readers, I have lots to be thankful for this year too. I’ve been exceedingly blessed this year. First of all, we all have been blessed with a loving Lord and Saviour who by His grace has granted all who believe eternal salvation through His shed blood. Money can’t buy that kind of security! And the most important thing we can do as believers, is share this knowledge of eternal love with those that are perishing. To be someone who is openingly thankful, thoughtful, and kind helps show how much He cares about us all.

Also, my health is much improved over the previous four years. I am thankful to have a safe, comfortable, secure home, a husband that adores me, and access to some of the best food on this planet. We may be poor but we’ve been eating good doggone it! I never was interested in food preparation but retirement changed all that. Hubby is teaching me how to cook like he does. I’m really getting into the planning and cooking of meals, thoroughly enjoying myself along the way.

Since it’s just us tomorrow, we’ve down-sized the turkey day menu. It will still be the traditional Butterball with Cornbread Dressing and the green beans. But instead of a “regular” salad I decided to fix Cucumber Salad. And because of our low-carb diet, I’ve opted for cooked, mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. We’ve been doing a lot of experimenting using vegetables in place of  other foods. I recently was sent a recipe for Kale baked just like sliced potatoes to make chips. Can’t wait to try it!

Here’s the menu that’s planned for tomorrow:

Butterball turkey stuffed with cooked Cornbread Stovetop Dressing (our one “bad“ carb). Save the drippings for the gravy.

Green beans thoroughly cooked with garlic, basil and coconut oil. They taste as good as if they where boiled in sugar!

Cauliflower:
    Two heads, chopped fine, thoroughly cooked until soft.
    Mash and serve just like potatoes. No bad carbs and even
    tastes better than the “real” thing!

Cucumber Salad:
    4 cucumbers, thinly sliced        ½ cup water
    1 cup white vinegar                 1 tablespoon dried dill
    1 small white onion, thinly sliced

    Toss together the cucumbers and onion in a large bowl.
    Combine the vinegar, water and Splenda in a saucepan
    Over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Pour over the
    Cucumber and onions. Stir in dill, cover, and refrigerate
    until cold. Serve next day.

Cranberry sauce: chilled.

Pumpkin Pie:
    1 prepared pie crust                 2 tbsp. Corn Starch
                                                 ½ tsp. Cinnamon
    Filling                                     1 ½ tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
    1 can Pumpkin Puree                 1/8 tsp. salt
    ¾ cup Splenda granular             2 eggs
    1/3 cup Half & Half                   1 egg white
    3 tbsp. Heavy Cream                 1 tbsp. Vanilla
    1 tsp. Sugar-Free Maple Syrup    REAL Whipped Cream!

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
    Blend pumpkin puree, Splenda, corn starch, spices
    and salt in a medium bowl. Blend well. In separate bowl,
    mix together remaining ingredients. Stir well. Add to pumpkin
    mixture and stir well.
    Pour pumpkin filling into pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes
    or until set in the center and the crust is golden brown.
    Serve warm or chilled with real whipped cream. YUM!


                               Happy Thanksgiving Y‘all!


Psalm 107:1 (NIV) -”Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) – “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2 (NIV) – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Colossians 3:15 (NIV) – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Psalm 69:30 (NIV) –“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”


                                      ~ Ride Safe ~
                                            Sparky

Happy Hallowe'en!

Monster Mash Song

Remember, Freedom Isn't Free ~ Memorial Day Tribute

 

In spite of all the crazy things going on in the world. In spite of our once (real or imagined) noble government officials who seem to be comprised of entirely scoundrels, cads, heels, thieves and monstrously outrageous liars. In spite of an overwhelming fear of the future, the corruption, the rampant inflation, the dangerous atmosphere if you disagree with the officials and the ever multiplying scandals, I am still proud to be an American. I still wouldn't live anywhere else.  And it's mostly in part to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day, at home and abroad, who vow to protect the Constitution of the United States.

Besides, I truly have faith that things will get better here, for as Queen Elizabeth I said in 1583 after several failed assassination attempts, "They are seeking to take my life but it troubles me not. He who is on high has defended me until this hour, and will keep me still, for in Him I do trust."

So dear military, I humbly thank you for the sacrifices you've made for all Americans. I will remember that freedom isn't free. You are very appreciated by me today and every day. I support the troops but not the pointless wars, which is why I want you all to come home. I will always with every breathe of my body remember and honor our heroes and patriots who died for our country and our Constitution. You are here to protect Americans, not whatever worthless butt is occupying the Oval Office seat at the moment.

SO LET'S BRING THEM ALL HOME SAFE NOW!

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Presidential Mothers Of 5 Living Presidents #MothersDay

They say a picture is worth a thousand words ...

... this one has to be worth $16+ Trillion, wouldn't ya say?

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Kiss Me, I'm Irish #SaintPatricksDay

I am mostly of Irish descent. There are also a lot of Scottish, Wales and English folks, with one in the woodpile on my Sweat family side. Like most Americans I can truly say I'm a Heinz 57. (Not to be confused with Obama's 57 States). :\ My Irish family are the Moore (of the Clan O'More), McMahan, Maloy (O'Molloy), Young, etc. of "wiregrass" Georgia*. But no kisses necessary, just have a grand day me lads and lasses!

My Irisheyes website.

*"Wiregrass" Georgia is so named for the wiregrass, a warm weather grass, that is so prolific here. It includes the southern most part of Georgia and extends into southern Alabama and northern Florida.

Happy New Year Greetings

It's been quite a year, hasn't it!? For us it's been crazy weather, too many surgeries, traveling, remodeling projects, new motorcycles and a few unplanned adventures. Except for the last election, it's been mostly good events. Life is like a box chocolates, one never knows what one will get.

To celebrate the New Year, we're attending an annual cookout with very dear friends up in Baxley. They live way out in the country too. There will be rifle shooting, 4 wheelin', mass consumptions of wild game and homemade cakes, weenie roasting next to an open fire and more! We will definately be sugared up by early evening. It's always loads of fun. I hope everyone also has family and friends they can hang out with tonight.

Thank you for following my blog and for your always welcome comments. I guess y'all know I do appreciate each and every one of you.

Remember to
keep the shiny side down
and
ride safe everyone!

Seasons Greetings From Our Legal Team

Please accept without obligation, implied or implicit, the wishor’s best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter holiday; practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all; and a financially successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2013, but with due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures or sects, and having regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform or dietary preference of the wishee.

By accepting this greeting you are bound by these terms that:

This greeting is subject to further clarification or withdrawal.

This greeting is freely transferable provided that no alteration shall be made to the original greeting and that the proprietary rights of the wishor are acknowledged.

This greeting implies no promise by the wishor to actually implement any of the wishes.

This greeting may not be enforceable in certain jurisdictions and/or the restrictions herein may not be binding upon certain wishees in certain jurisdictions and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wishor.

This greeting is warranted to perform as reasonably as may be expected within the usual application of good tidings, for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

The wishor warrants this greeting only for the limited replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wishor.

Any references in this greeting to “the Lord”, “Father Christmas”, “Our Saviour”, or any other festive figures, whether actual or fictitious, dead or alive, shall not imply any endorsement by or from them in respect of this greeting, and all proprietary rights in any referenced third party names and images are hereby acknowledged.

Now that that is out of the way, Merry CHRISTmas y'all!

Happy Thanksgiving

Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 (Amplified Bible)

O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His doings among the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16: 8 (Amplified Bible)

Dover Cards Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God]. Ephesians 5: 4 (Amplified Bible)
It would take me a lifetime and an eternity to thank God for all His blessings. One of the most precious things is your friendship. Thank you for your prayers, for offering words of encouragement when I've needed them most and for your Patriotism. Y'all are definately at the top of my prayer list of THANKS!

My Pilgrim's Day in Titusville, Florida, 1962.
Here's wishing you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Thank You Veterans

Who's Your Daddy?

Have you seen the new nauseating, creepy advertisement by the Obama Administration? I don't how it could be missed. It's on the Internet, in newspapers ... like southern mold in the summertime, it's everywhere. The page asks for your name, zip code and e-mail address in order to “sign” a Father’s Day card. I’m not sure where the pages takes you, because I’m not giving them that information (even though Big Bro probably already has all that and I'm still not cooperating).

I saw on one blog about this adv where one poster signed the "card" as:
Name: Mitt Romney
Zip Code: 20500 (white house)
Email: futurepresident@mittromney.com.

That one had me laughing out loud!

But really, this whole thing is sickening, isn't it.

I'm so sick of this illegal communist in our White House.

I'm sick of his kool-aid drinking supporters.

I'm sick of his running our country into irretrievable debt.

At least, every turkey has his Thanksgiving Day. Every pig has his Christmas. Every Robespierre meets his guillotine. And so on … and I say none too soon.

Happy Memorial Day

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
Author - Moina Michael
From Memorial Day History
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. ... Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 ..."

This is my salute of THANK YOU to all our veterans, both near and far. Some gone on before, some still with us. Those that are now gone, may you Rest In Peace. Those with us still, may you always stay safe and know you are appreciated. And my humble prayer is that all our veterans will come home to their loved ones soon, that we all my live in peace.

Respectfully submitted.

The Mother Of All Days

My adopted mother Helen and me
just before she passed away [1966]
Tribute At FindAGrave
From "History Of Mother's Day"

Mark your calendars: This Sunday, May 13, is Mother's Day. And contrary to popular belief, the holiday did not rise up from the corporate brain trust of Hallmark and FTD florists. The day to celebrate mom has ancient roots.

The day can be traced to ancient Greece, which honored Rhea, mother of the gods, with offerings of honey cake, drinks, and flowers at dawn. The Romans built a temple for the mother of the gods, Magna Mater (Great Mother), and the Festival of Hilaria called for gifts to be brought to the temple to please the goddess.

In 17th-century England, early catholics reserved a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ. By a later religious order all mothers began to be honored, and the day was christened "Mothering Sunday."

The holiday came to America when, in 1907, grateful daughter Anna Jarvis held a church service on May 12 in West Virginia to honor her late mother's work promoting women's groups for friendship and health. Within five years, almost every state was observing the day, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson [an early Progressive and one of the WORST Presidents ever!] declared it a national holiday.

According to History.com, the tradition of buying flowers on Mother's Day started with wearing carnations to honor moms -- white for a mother who had passed, and red or pink for the living -- and grew to be a more retail event involving cards and gifts. Jarvis, who felt the commercialization did not fit the spirit of the day, spent the last years of her life trying to abolish the holiday she had started ...

As y'all have probably guessed, I'm not really into keeping holidays. ANY holiday. The Holy Bible and the Apostle Paul strickly warn about this and for good reason. Most of them are of pagan origin and they only detract us from the true message of salvation by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ, but, I digress.

Like most I do love my mother. Very much. Since I lost my adopted mother in 1966, I have hoped that by trying to live an honorable life that she would have respected, that I have brought honor to her name. What few memories I have of Helen are that she was a gentle, soft spoken, Christian woman. I still have her well worn Bible by my bedside. It's in the Kings James language so I don't read it often, much preferring a Bible that speaks in my native tongue of modern American. I get lost and tangled up in all the "thee's" and "thou's" in the old language but it is pretty to read. And it's nice to know that the hands that loved me and once held mine have once touched the very pages that I now touch. It helps keep the connection alive.

That said, Happy Mother's Day in Heaven mom. I miss you. Every day. I wish you could have lived just a little longer but thank you for being there as long as you were. I love you.

A Poem On Palm Sunday

When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
And He shows me His plan for me;
The plan of my life as it might have been
Had He had His way, and I see

How I blocked Him here and checked Him there
And I would not yield my will,
Shall I see grief in my Savior’s eyes;
Grief though He loves me still?

Oh, He’d have me rich, and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While my memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I can’t retrace.

Then my desolate heart will well-nigh break
With tears that I cannot shed.
I’ll cover my face with my empty hands
And bow my uncrowned head.

No! Lord of the years that are left to me
I yield them to Thy hand.
Take me, make me, mold me
To the pattern Thou hast planned.

—Author Unknown

h/t Berean Bible Society

Happy New Year Fellow Travelers

For Senior Travel
I also did not know this ...

When you drink vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure.
When you drink rum over ice, it can give you liver failure.
When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems.
When you drink gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.

Apparently, ice is really bad for you.

Warn all your friends.

---

And one more from the blog Hope And Change Cartoons:


Oh, yeah, I'd love to stick that on a certain black bus too ...

Happy Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!


Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

PS: I'm hoping that folks will also stay out of the stores on Thanksgiving day. Let the stores know that it is not appropriate that they are making employees work on a day when we should all be together as a family. There is plenty of time to shop and spend money before Christmas. A few hours isn't going to amount to a hill of beans in the scheme of things. And that's My Thoughts Exactly.

Happy Hallowe'en Y'all

This is absolutely my FAVORITE time of year! Fall! Summers in Southeast Georgia can be just too brutal to enjoy and this year was no exception. I have been sidelined for several weeks suffering from severe hip pain. And now I am happily recovering from hip surgery, but I wanted to take the time to share a quick:





A HALLOWEEN CARD
for all my friends

By the way, stay tuned. My husband and I have been working on a project bike that I can't wait to share! We're converting a 2002 Suzuki 650 Savage into an English style cafe racer. It's just too cool for school! Here's a little teaser for those who can't wait: photos of project bike. The fun part will be getting it custom painted.

Well, more later ...

Celebrate The Zero Jobs Growth Today

A little history about Labor Day:

Labor Day was celebrated for the first time on September 5, 1882 (and 128 years later, the holiday lands on the 5th of the month again). It's unclear whose idea it was to dedicate a day to America's working class -- some believe it as Peter J. McGuire, secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor [i.e. Thugs R Us], who dropped out of school at age 11 to help earn money for the family. Others believe it was Matthew Maguire of the International Association of Machinists.

What we do know is that the Central Labor Union [centralized thuggery] led the event, and it was declared a national holiday two years later in 1884. It was the height of the Industrial Revolution, and millions of Americans (children included) were forced to work long hours in poor conditions, just to make enough money to get by. Trade unions were formed to help fight for the rights of workers. On that first Labor Day in 1882, a group of 100,000 laborers marched through the streets of New York, demanding better working conditions and fair treatment. The workers were speaking -- and two years later The New York Central Labor Union decided to listen, allowing them a three-day weekend to rest at the end of a long, laborious summer.

Yeah, it's another made up holiday, with it's roots in communism, but what the hey!? Yadda, yadda, yadda. It's a day off, right!? Sad to think that this Labor Day somewhere around 15% (+-) Americans are jobless or underemployed. It's even higher in some areas and some States. I'm told Georgia is hovering right around 17% officially unemployed.

Wow.

That's darn near Depression era numbers!!

Seems kinda ironic, doesn't it, to be celebrating a holiday about work when it's Comrade Zero Jobs that destroyed so many American jobs.

Time for some REAL HOPE and CHANGE. IMPEACH!!

Now that I could celebrate!

Mum's The Word

My Three Mothers
Click To Enlarge
I've touched on this subject before so I won't bore my dear listeners again. All my Mother's are with Jesus. I will just add that we don't know the time nor the season when we shall be called Home. One day our loved ones may not be here to talk to anymore. Mine sure where gone in the blink of an eye.

With that said, I hope every mother out there in bloggyland has a wonderful day.

God bless. :)

Erin Go Bragh Y'all

Sweetie and I are headed to a late lunch with friends at an Irish pub in Brunswick, and there'll be wearin' o' the green to be sure. I also have a flashing shamrock lights necklace to wear while drinking me green beer. YUM!

This has Embarrassing Moments written all over it, doesn't it!?

I'm sure there will be humorous photos to follow. :)

Hope everyone has a fun day. Be sure to post your funny photos tomorrow.

Erin Go Bragh Y'all!

Happy Valentines Day