For the sports fans in the audience, let me say Congratulations to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks Baseball Team. National Champions, two years in a row!
Rain is a tremendous blessing since we have been on the verge of drought, and have gotten a little rain several days now. My beautiful old dog, Gator just crawled under my feet at this tiny computer desk. He is a blessing also, but right now his message is "protect me from the thunderstorm". So I will try to be a blessing to him and give him comfort.
Here comes the rain. Thanks be to God.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Summer is Really Here
The temperatures in the eighties when you wake up in the morning, pretty good clue. Thunderstorm almost every afternoon whether it brings much rain or not. Grass finally overtaking the weeds in the yard. All these are signs of summer, but the very best signs are fresh tomatoes... the real thing on your own bush, or at the roadside stands. Nothing is as good as a BLT with REAL tomatoes. Then a tie for the best second place treat-- SC Peaches or local watermelon.
Life is good! If you are fortunate enough to have a hammock, or just a swing on a back porch, grab a good book and a glass of iced tea, and savor the moments. Best Seller this week on Amazon's list is The Days of Summer. Appropriate title, gotta check that one out. Have fun everybody.
Life is good! If you are fortunate enough to have a hammock, or just a swing on a back porch, grab a good book and a glass of iced tea, and savor the moments. Best Seller this week on Amazon's list is The Days of Summer. Appropriate title, gotta check that one out. Have fun everybody.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The YaDa YaDa Prayer Club
A couple of years ago my sister lent me a book, The YaDa YaDa Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson. It really is the sort of book that you don't want to put down when you get started. I was delighted to find there are several more. Jean brought me five and I am now on the second. When they are finished I will be forced to buy the sixth and seventh, even though I understand the last two might only be available for Kindle. I may have to start reading on the little machine! The characters in these books are absolutely spellbinding. The book is written from the perspective of a third grade teacher, who is invited to attend a women's conference by her principal, who happens to be the worship leader in her church. They are assigned to a prayer group of thirteen, one is a 22 year old ex-con, with two teenager brothers to support, a drug addict (five years saved and five years sober) a white real estate agent, a black hair dresser, a Japanese college student, her professor's wife, a housekeeper with three children and no husband-- as diverse a group as you can imagine. When one of the group is called to the hospital because her teenage son has been shot in a gang fight, they not only pray for him but build a bond that keeps them together. The entire series is available at Amazon.com, either new or used. This is a very light read, full of humor and pathos. You will find yourself relating to at least one of these ladies, and/or the husband or child of one of them. I heartily recommend the YaDa YaDa Prayer group.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Have You Read...
A Lone Palm Stands is the first book by H. A. Olsen, and it was followed up last year by a sequel, Saving Sara. I am impatiently waiting the third of the series. Andy promises it won't be long. Both of these books are
set on Folly Beach, and as everybody knows, that is the Edge of America. As close to heaven as you get. These books follow the life of a young girl and her quest for recognition and fame with her music, from rural South Carolina to glitzy Hollywood. It features a hurricane, a near death experience, and a ghost. That's just the first one. Saving Sara picks up a few years later, features the same beach house, and the same ghost, and is a real page turning mystery. This is good summer reading. I can hardly wait for the new one.
set on Folly Beach, and as everybody knows, that is the Edge of America. As close to heaven as you get. These books follow the life of a young girl and her quest for recognition and fame with her music, from rural South Carolina to glitzy Hollywood. It features a hurricane, a near death experience, and a ghost. That's just the first one. Saving Sara picks up a few years later, features the same beach house, and the same ghost, and is a real page turning mystery. This is good summer reading. I can hardly wait for the new one.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Secret Graces by Kathryn Magendie
I just read a delightful book by a new (to me) author. This is the second in a three book series, and now I have to read the first one, Tender Graces. I got this one from Amazon after chatting on Facebook with the author. She was posting with my favorite local author, Andy Olsen and I of course had to crash the conversation. I am so glad I did.
The protagonist of the Graces books is Virginia Kate, a young woman living in Louisiana, pining for her home in the West Virginia mountains. Magendie has created a family with unique problems, and deep ties. She draws you in and makes you feel like you know and understand the culture even if you have never been there. The universal theme of family. All the intricacies and longings, love and hate relationships and deep hurts of abandonment, with the saving grace of loving people coming to the rescue...this makes an unforgettable read.
I hope I can find Tender Graces in a paper version. I hate to think I will be forced to buy a Kindle!
The protagonist of the Graces books is Virginia Kate, a young woman living in Louisiana, pining for her home in the West Virginia mountains. Magendie has created a family with unique problems, and deep ties. She draws you in and makes you feel like you know and understand the culture even if you have never been there. The universal theme of family. All the intricacies and longings, love and hate relationships and deep hurts of abandonment, with the saving grace of loving people coming to the rescue...this makes an unforgettable read.
I hope I can find Tender Graces in a paper version. I hate to think I will be forced to buy a Kindle!
Saving Money on Utilities
I was delighted this month to see a nice negative balance on my electric bill. I must explain that I am on the budget plan. You know, they figure your prior usage and estimate what it will be and average it out. Six months ago I got a nice reduction in my monthly bill, with the message they would reevaluate in six months. Obviously, they did not reduce it enough because I got a refund, and now they will be reducing my monthly again. Let me tell you how I did it.
I have a solar water heater, and a solar attic fan. I also use ceiling fans in every room, and keep my thermostat set on 76. I do not use the dry feature on the dish washer. I also have a clothes drying line outside, which I too often ignore and run the clothes dryer, but if I remembered and took the time to use it, how good would it be?
Now, I must confess that two years ago, I spent a lot of money on this system. My husband really got upset when the hot water ran out in the middle of his shower, and we wasted a lot of water letting it run till it warmed up. I have not regretted the expenditure, because we immediately got the benefit of the convenience and comfort of the hot water. The attic fan makes a lot of difference in the efficiency of the air conditioner also.
I am now considering adding a lot of other things to my solar system, but this time I will build my own panels. If you ride by and wonder what I'm doing on my deck, check it out! While I'm learning I might be able to teach you something! Or just order the book and do one yourself.
I have a solar water heater, and a solar attic fan. I also use ceiling fans in every room, and keep my thermostat set on 76. I do not use the dry feature on the dish washer. I also have a clothes drying line outside, which I too often ignore and run the clothes dryer, but if I remembered and took the time to use it, how good would it be?
Now, I must confess that two years ago, I spent a lot of money on this system. My husband really got upset when the hot water ran out in the middle of his shower, and we wasted a lot of water letting it run till it warmed up. I have not regretted the expenditure, because we immediately got the benefit of the convenience and comfort of the hot water. The attic fan makes a lot of difference in the efficiency of the air conditioner also.
I am now considering adding a lot of other things to my solar system, but this time I will build my own panels. If you ride by and wonder what I'm doing on my deck, check it out! While I'm learning I might be able to teach you something! Or just order the book and do one yourself.
Friday, June 17, 2011
B est Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
The best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the world
Preheat the oven to 350.
In a large bowl, mix
2 sticks margarine (this is one cup)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
Cream the margarine and sugar together, then add
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, added one at a time.
Mix well, then
In a small bowl mix
2 cups flour
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups Quaker Oats, processed to powder in your blender
Mix all this well, and then stir in, a little at then time into the butter, sugar mixture in the large bowl.
Now break up 3 Hershey Bars and add with
2 cups walnuts
1 bag chocolate chips.
Stir this all together well, and drop by tablespoonsful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350. They will still be “sorta whitish” and will be chewy and
Awesome. If you like them crispy, bake a little while longer.
NOTE: I like to use real butter, but either way they are absolutely fantastic.
This is from the Bradham Family Cookbook, “Recipes and Remembrances”, submitted by Kim Crianza.
Preheat the oven to 350.
In a large bowl, mix
2 sticks margarine (this is one cup)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
Cream the margarine and sugar together, then add
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, added one at a time.
Mix well, then
In a small bowl mix
2 cups flour
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups Quaker Oats, processed to powder in your blender
Mix all this well, and then stir in, a little at then time into the butter, sugar mixture in the large bowl.
Now break up 3 Hershey Bars and add with
2 cups walnuts
1 bag chocolate chips.
Stir this all together well, and drop by tablespoonsful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350. They will still be “sorta whitish” and will be chewy and
Awesome. If you like them crispy, bake a little while longer.
NOTE: I like to use real butter, but either way they are absolutely fantastic.
This is from the Bradham Family Cookbook, “Recipes and Remembrances”, submitted by Kim Crianza.
Happy Stuff
White Pomegranate
This blogsite will carry ONLY good news. Things to make us happy.
Funny Stuff. Happy Memories. Good Recipes. Comfort Food. Today’s Bible Verse.
I will start with the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies in the entire world.
Pictures of my good dog.
Birthday wishes to whoever is having a birthday.
Reviews of the newest books I’ve read.
The funniest news story I can find for the day.
Links to the best websites I know.
You are all invited to send your best entries, and I will screen them first and then give you credit for the content, or not, if you ask for anonymity,
Welcome to White-Pomegranate
This blogsite will carry ONLY good news. Things to make us happy.
Funny Stuff. Happy Memories. Good Recipes. Comfort Food. Today’s Bible Verse.
I will start with the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies in the entire world.
Pictures of my good dog.
Birthday wishes to whoever is having a birthday.
Reviews of the newest books I’ve read.
The funniest news story I can find for the day.
Links to the best websites I know.
You are all invited to send your best entries, and I will screen them first and then give you credit for the content, or not, if you ask for anonymity,
Welcome to White-Pomegranate
Saturday, June 4, 2011
www.sunshine-4u.com
Dr. Miller says "forget about Garbage Dog Food... Here's healthy recipes proven to improve health and behavior LIKE MAGIC"
My Dog Gator
Gator was rescued as a puppy, approximately a year old. He was found in the middle of the swamp, after a major storm, literally swimming with alligators. It was a miracle that he lived through that, and was right where he needed to be to adopt us. Gator choose us, with his beautiful Golden Smile. He is a Lab/husky mix. The sweetest dog in the world, but terrified of storms. He was Vic's 72 pound lap dog. Now he is my constant companion. I have made treats for him, and that was so much fun I have now have found a dog food recipe book and plan to do some cooking for him. I want him to live a long time. I need him. He will be eight years old in September.
Love Letters from God
For four years, we had lived with the knowledge that my husband's COPD was terminal and progressive. Every day was a good day. He went Home during Lent. On Easter, my son, and one grand daughter came to spend the weekend with me. Before daylight, Granddaughter Rachael got up and went to run. She came in right after sunrise and we went to church. After lunch, Rachael went home and when I thought it was about time for her get there, I signed on to Facebook, knowing she would text me or post a note that she was there. I opened a picture she had posted and felt so blessed. I asked her about the picture and her response was, "Oh yeah, when I got to the car the sun was just coming up so I snapped a quick shot over the marsh." I asked if she had really looked at it. She had not. When she saw what was there, we both agreed it was definitely a message from her Grandpa. She had run his usual route on the beach. She did not see the pelicans, but they were there, in a perfect heart shape formation. God is Great. How great His Love for us, to send us such messages of reassurance. We felt so close to Vic and every time I look at the picture I thank God. For the life and love Vic and I shared for almost thirty years, and for the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection. He is Risen. Alleluia.
White Pomegranate
As children we could not wait for the pomegranates to be ready on our grandmother's tree. It was a magical thing, to open the hard red shell and find all the tiny juicy jewels inside.
When my sister called me to say she had found pomegranate trees, I was delighted that she would get one for me. This was in the fall of 2008. All the information told us we would not have blooms for probably three years, and fruit the year after the first blooms appeared. We agreed it would be worth the wait.
At this time in my life, I was dealing with the fact that my husband was terminally ill. We were thankful for every day God gave us. To our great surprise, the spring of 2009 brought us two blooms on our tree. My husband was delighted to see them. In February 2010, my sweet Vic went home to be with the Lord. In April, not only was the pomegranate tree in full bloom, but it set fruit. I watched them bloom and the fruit develop, but was puzzled when they did not turn red. I found out that my blessed tree was a different variety from my grandmother's. This is a white pomegranate. I harvested seven in the first year of fruit. The two trees my sister kept are on target to be "normal" or "typical" or whatever term you want to give to the usual progress. So far she has not seen a bloom. Her plants are about three feet tall. Mine is at least 12 feet tall, and if all the fruit on it stays to ripen this year, it will be more than a dozen. The fruit is very sweet and juicy. Pomegranates are one of the best sources of antioxidants, with the cancer fighting, heart healthy benefits of all the dark skinned fruits. I call this my Blessed Tree.
When my sister called me to say she had found pomegranate trees, I was delighted that she would get one for me. This was in the fall of 2008. All the information told us we would not have blooms for probably three years, and fruit the year after the first blooms appeared. We agreed it would be worth the wait.
At this time in my life, I was dealing with the fact that my husband was terminally ill. We were thankful for every day God gave us. To our great surprise, the spring of 2009 brought us two blooms on our tree. My husband was delighted to see them. In February 2010, my sweet Vic went home to be with the Lord. In April, not only was the pomegranate tree in full bloom, but it set fruit. I watched them bloom and the fruit develop, but was puzzled when they did not turn red. I found out that my blessed tree was a different variety from my grandmother's. This is a white pomegranate. I harvested seven in the first year of fruit. The two trees my sister kept are on target to be "normal" or "typical" or whatever term you want to give to the usual progress. So far she has not seen a bloom. Her plants are about three feet tall. Mine is at least 12 feet tall, and if all the fruit on it stays to ripen this year, it will be more than a dozen. The fruit is very sweet and juicy. Pomegranates are one of the best sources of antioxidants, with the cancer fighting, heart healthy benefits of all the dark skinned fruits. I call this my Blessed Tree.
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