A Bit of Thanksgiving Humor

Maggie sent me this tale. Please take time out from stuffing, cooking, baking, mopping and cleaning. Rest and enjoy!!! You NEED a break!!!

A Parrot And A Turkey

A young man received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary.

Every word out of the bird's' mouth was rude, obnoxious, and laced with profanity. The man tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, he was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back and cursed him.

He shook the parrot, and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

The man, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, he quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto the man's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I am sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do verything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

The man was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude.

As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird spoke-up, very, very softly: "May I ask what the turkey did?"

~~~Happy Thanksgiving~~~

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Countdown to Thanksgiving with Maxine...

Enough said!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!!!

Praise God!

Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart sponsors this and it has been forever since I have done this!!! Today is a good day to add my list!

~~~Praising God for a wonderful family.
~~~I praise him for the wonderful weather we have been experiencing.
~~~I give praise and glory to God for the friends he has given me to share his words with in Bible Study.
~~~I offer praise and thanksgiving for less pain in my tooth and a request for affective treatment on Wednesday when I see Dr. Reitz.
~~~I will offer praise for all those who have shown concern for me! Thank you, too!

Wishing you all a grand week of praise and thanksgiving of your own wherever you may be!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God~

It's BACK...

Yep, don't know why but the toothache has returned...The root canal seemed to have worked. But yesterday afternoon the pain returned. Will be called Dr. Pitt as soon as I get to work! Oh, me!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Countdown to Thanksgiving with Maxine...

I always feel badly for those who find baking a turkey a stressful challenge. I've had a couple "dry" turkeys, but all in all even then the kids were soooo hungry they didn't take time to critique it. My philosophy is, " Be thankful you have a turkey to eat."

Turkey, turkey bird
White meat, dark meat and stuffing
Just love to eat it!

~~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

Best Cranberry Nut Bread Ever!!

Fresh from the oven!!!

I love ...nut breads, banana nut bread, pumpkin nut bread, apple nut spice bread, but my favorite ...nut bread is cranberry nut bread. The best recipe I have found is on the bag of FRESH cranberries by Ocean Spray! If you lived near me I would make you a loaf for your holiday morning breakfast.

But since I don't, here is the recipe. Of course if you buy a bag of Ocean Spray fresh cranberries it's on the bag.

Cranberry Nut Bread

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons of shortening
1 tablespoon of grated orange peel
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x5 loaf pan. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, shortening, orange peel and egg. Mix until well beaten. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf.

Enjoy!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Give Thanks!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

OOPS!!!

Well, ya know "stuff" happens. And last night it happened to Ron. On his way home from work he was stopping for gas. The car ahead of him was slowing and stopped short...Ron didn't! The Little Red Corolla is now in the impound lot and has seen better days. Today, we look for a replacement.

Good and gracious God, thank you for your guardian angels. Thank you for prevention of injuries. Thank you for kindness instead of anger and blame. Thank you in the name of your son Our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Countdown to Thanksgiving with Maxine...

Thanksgiving has never been that stressful for me...It's always the same menu. The family expects it. Easy. It's Turkey, Aunt Marjorie's stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry salad and pumpkin pie! I'm full just thinking about it!

Thanksgiving will come
The family will all be there
And no leftovers!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Picture Puzzle Day

Last summer we had a grand time in Montana. It's has a wonderful history. Ron and my bother, Phil, went to pick up my niece from volleyball camp and so they stopped at the Montana History Museum to wait for her to be finished. I particularly like this picture that he took.

Please enter into the game and ENJOY. Post one of your favorite pictures as a puzzle and we'll all have a go at it. Also, leave a comment. And when you post your puzzle please add it to Mr. Linky so we can visit and PLAY at your house.

~~~^j^~~~
Have a grand day
and
Thanks be to God!

Say Something Nice About a Priest

Abbey at Abbey's Road tagged me for this MEME. It is not hard for me to say something nice about a priest. The most difficult part for me is to decide which one to tell you about. There are so many Men of God that have touched my life that I just don't know where to begin.

Perhaps, I will tell you about Father Gene. When we first moved to Indiana we were new to St. Philip Neri Church. We had only lived here a year when a newly ordained deacon was assigned to our parish. Deacon Gene was a vibrant and enthusiastic young man. We invited him for dinner on a number of occasions and we developed a wonderful friendship. He was ordained to the priesthood the following April and we were all invited to his ordination. It was our first (but not the last) and it made a glorious impression on me.

We have had the opportunity to share many happy hours with Fr. Gene since then. He is a wonderful friend and he has been my Spiritual Adviser for a number of years. He's a member of the family. I remember how wonderful it was when he surprised us by arriving at Laura and Roy's wedding and con celebrated with Father Ken, another family friend.

My life has been full of the presence of God through his ministers. For the most part they are men of integrity, compassion, humor, and love of their church and vocation. There job is not an easy one. Their life is full of many challenges.

My hope is that after reading this you will call your pastor and invite him to your home for dinner. You will thoroughly enjoy his company and you will find a true gratitude for your kindness. I have not met a more appreciative guest.

Now I will tag:

Tracy

Esther

Laura

My best to all and Thank your priest today!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

I Am Renewed

Thank You - Diecut Challenge
Originally uploaded by Lucy Abrams

And for that I want to thank you all for your prayers. To Ron, my ardent supporter, thank you for always being here for me. To my children, thank you for loving and supporting me. And to all my dear friends who have taken this journey with me to this point either here at A Bit of the Blarney or in my church/work family for your prayers and encouragement.

There were no fireworks, lightening bolts, just contentment, peace and encouragement as I continue my Provident Journey. For this is only one of many celebrations along the way to the ultimate celebration! So again, Thank You ALL!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Originally uploaded by Lucy Abrams

Road to Providence

This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad.
Psalm 118: 24

On the eve of my commitment to the Sisters of Providence I would ask for your prayers. Tomorrow is the day I am accepted as an Associate of the Sisters of Providence. Pray that I will be worthy of this honor.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Picture Puzzle Day

Quebec City
June, 2000

Truly a lovely city!!! What struck me most about the city was the language. French is a lovely language. I am sorry to say I have never mastered any language well, not even English, but hearing the French language spoken was like music. The shop keepers do very nicely helping the tourist. But the most difficult thing for me on the trip was to walk into a book store and find NO books written in English. I had to confront my own "American Pride" that day and turn it from "How dare they not have any books written in English" to "Thanks be to God for the diversity!" It was a real education!!

~~~^j^~~~
Again I say,
"Thanks be to God."

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

Climbing the Ladder

Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.

~Saint Rose of Lima~



I was really struck by these words this morning. The image of the cross as a ladder is really profound. Imagine it as a ladder and at the top of the ladder our Savior offering a helping hand. Isn't that what he does every day? He continually offers that loving hand and we may choose to allow him to help or reject it because we think we can do it better...When we succeed though, did we really do it by ourselves?

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God

You Broke The Reigns of Death, All Souls Day

Spiritually, I love the month of November, when the church seems to exercise a maternal concern for her suffering children and when the communion of saints seems more alive. In addition to my prayers for the church, for souls, for my loved one, and for those who have asked to be remembered, I especially like to pray for the souls in purgatory, for the dying.

~Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur

So it is that we pray for all the faithful departed this day.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Haunted House in Lights

Haunted House in Light
Originally uploaded by Norbini

I was looking for a picture of a haunted house to post today and found this much more exciting and a beautiful work of art as well!!! Have a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Haunted House in Light
Originally uploaded by Norbin

Gorgeous Blogger Award

Yesterday Therese of Aussie Coffee Shop gave me this award. Isn't cute? So to here I say, "Thank you very much!" And now I will continue.

Here are the rules:

By accepting this award I am required to tell you six things about myself that you don't know and then award it to six other gorgeous bloggers.

1) I have 5 children (I know you know that) born in 4 states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma ("where the wind comes sweeping down the plain) and Indiana.

2) I received my degree in Gerontology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College at the age of 48.

3) I need to tune my harp and practice...It's getting close to the Christmas Season and even though I am NOT very good at playing, I really should try.

4) I am hoping to go on retreat to St. Meinrad early next year. It is so invigorating.

5) I wish I had a professional camera...probably not a good idea though. I'd probably not understand how to use all the gadgets!

6) Wish I could dance...but the klutz that I am enables me to stumble, fumble and generally look as "graceless" as you can imagine.

Now 6 bloggers to pass this award onto:

In Him I Live and Move and Have My Being

RoyalTLady

On My Own

The Dutchess

Made for Joy

Mrs. Pogle's World

And three for good measure

Blessings Each Day

Are We There Yet

A Journey Through His Garden

Wishing all a grand day! Will be off to INDY for Halloween with the Grand Kids and a Happy All Hallow's Eve to you. Can hardly wait! [Will be staying home...I have a cold! DRAT! That's why I'm soooo blue!]

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

So Thankful for Friends

I was given this award by Marcy at Blessings Each Day. To her I say a heartfelt Thank YOU!!! I love surprises and she is a treasure. Visiting her blog is a wonderful experience.

IF YOU COULD COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

I believe if I was to come back as an animal I think it would be a kangaroo. Bouncing around seems like fun and with that pouch there's no need to carry a purse.

SOMETHING YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT

The presence of God in my life and hope of a new tomorrow.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN ANOTHER PERSON

A sense of humor, compassion, tenderness and a dreamer

THE COLORS YOU TEND TO WEAR ARE

Navy and shades of brown

THREE WORDS THAT DEFINE YOU

Caring, understanding, hopeful

A PLACE YOU WOULD TRAVEL TO

Ireland again.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE FROM A BOOK OR MOVIE

"We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed firmly on God." Saint Francis de Sales

SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO

I'd like to spend more time with family and friends.

YOUR MAIN STRENGTH/FORTE

The ability to offer an ear for those who need an attentive ear.

You are also supposed to send this on to seven "young" blogs and seven blogs of wisdom. the nice thing about something like this is that it enables us to get to know one another just a little bit better and these 'tags, you're it' are fun and finally, if you have blogger's block, instead of walking around the block (get it...hee, hee???), you have something instant and easy to post.

Here is my list of Young and Wise Blogs (in no particular order):

1) Aussie Coffee Shop

2) Castles, Crowns and Cottages

3) Catholic Teacher's Musings

4) Cuisine Kathleen

5) Eileen on Him...At Least I Try

6) Jenny of Elefantz

7) La Dolce Vita: the sweet life with three sons

8) My Chocolate Heart

9) Umma's World

10) Tamara's Treasures

11) Scraps of Starlight

12) So...This Is The Road I Am Traveling On

13) My Wonderful Life

14) Catholic Mom in Hawaii

This was a great pleasure for me as I was able to offer to you all some blogs that Have welcomed me and offered me pleasure, insights and laughter. Please enjoy!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Beautiful Women Month

Kathy, a dear friend, sent this to me because it's Beautiful Women Month. And if you visit Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages you'll find a wonderful "dinner with Audrey." I don't know if this is a coincidence or not but I am glad to be reminded of Miss Audrey. She was such a joy to watch perform. I loved her in My Fair Lady, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina, Charade and A Nun's Story...I could go on and on.

So here in her words is a wonderful poem Miss Hepburn wrote when asked to share her 'beauty tips .'


For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you
will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you
grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

So, as you venture out today contemplate your value, your worth. You are grand each and everyone of you!!! Thank you for the ways you enrich my life!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Autumn Foliage

Someone needs to hide my camera...I have far too much fun with it. Wishing you all a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

Rising to another day is always a blessing, one in which thanksgiving and praise is offered to the all-loving Father. So it is with gratitude I begin this day.

~~Outside my window...it is very dark. It's 4:25 a.m. Sam's peering through the office window meowing to come in.

~~I am thinking...it would be grand to visit my friends Martha in NJ or Fay in TX and chat over a cup of tea.

~~I am thankful for...sunshine and glorious Autumn colors that reflect the sun.

~~From the kitchen...clam chowder.

~~I am wearing...my long-sleeved nightgown.

~~I am creating...the Book of Wit 'n' Wisdom.

~~I am going...have a less hectic week.

~~I am reading...still A Call To Joy by Matthew Kelly. I have found it to be a good book for reflection.

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be glorious.

~~I am hearing...humming of the computer in the stillness.

~~Around the house...decorations complete for Halloween, just need to dust and vacuum.

~~One of my favorite things...watching old movies.

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) continue to work on my vacation journal (it was a BUSY summer);2) prepare for Halloween travel to INDY to visit grand kids for the holiday;get my hair cut; 4) prepare Bible study for Thursday.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Autumn Berries

After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share. It will always be a journey worth sharing!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Picture Puzzle Day

Niagara Falls
June ,2000

Have missed the puzzle this week. Perhaps this a good time to do it. It's a lazy Saturday and I can sit with a cup of tea and just relax.

Having been to Niagara Falls I must say I was awestruck by it's grandeur. When standing right next to the river I was aware of the power the water contained!!! It was magnificent!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend full of lazy hours!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality

The lesson last night was an instruction in how to move our Catholicity to a higher level. I have had this book for two years. In that time, I have used it as a resource in my preparation for my RCIA presentation numerous times.

Quick story...I received my copy of Rediscovering Catholicism two years ago when we visited our son, Jimmy, for Christmas in Alpharetta, GA. His parish, Saint Brigid Catholic Church, gave this book to the entire church, members and visitors alike, for Christmas and was distributed Christmas Day. I took it home, read it and was awed.

A couple of months later I used it in one of the RCIA classes as part of the topic on Reconciliation. When all was said and done, the Director of RCIA, asked where I had gotten the book. I pulled a postcard from the book that suggested one could get 2 free books to share with others and so she took it to see if she could get those two plus purchase enough for the class...about 10 candidates. The next time I saw Bev I asked her if she was able to get the books. She told me that, not only was she able to get those two books, but she was sent free of charge enough books for the rest of the class and each of the sponsors.

Enough said! This man practices what he preaches!

So that brings us to those Seven Pillars...This topic is an entire section of the book.

Those pillars are:

Reconciliation
Contemplation
The Mass
The Bible
Fasting
Spiritual Reading
The Rosary

When I heard these topics explained I realized that by integrating each of these pillars sincerely into my life I can't help but become "The Best Version of Myself." It's got to be laborious, for nothing good can come from stagnation and laziness. I say, "Give it a TRY." You and I certainly have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Wishing you a GRAND day!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!