Joy in Haiku

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

God's palate

I must be open to it!
~~~~~~~~~~

Healing always comes
It's many forms surprising
Smiling, laughter, tears

Happiness and joy
God's abundant love, mercy
Thanksgiving treasures

~~~^j^~~~

Will be at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods this weekend for recommitment as a Providence Associates.  Pray with me!!!

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

I'm also joining Lou Ceel at Haiku Friday.  Come play with words.  It's such a joy!!!

Once Upon A Time Recipes

There is always that special recipe that brings back wonderful memories of holiday meals with family and friends and grand times spent together.  Thanksgiving and  Christmas holidays are one of those times when memories flood back for me.  What about you?

It's always been a challenge for me to make chicken and dumplings.  Here in Indiana chicken and dumplings is another way of saying chicken and noodles (wide noodles).  But being raised in Colorado I always knew chicken and dumplings as chicken soup with fluffy puffs of batter steamed atop the soup.

******

And the challenge was not the soup...It was the dumplings.  As a wedding gift a dear friend gave me a cookbook called The Complete Book of High Altitude Baking by Donna Miller Hamilton and Beverly Anderson Nemio.  (I'm not sure if the book is still in print, but I did find 2 used copies on Amazon.com.)  I decided one afternoon those many years ago when the wee ones were napping that I'd make chicken and dumpling.  And so the adventure began.

Chicken Soup

3 boneless chicken breasts                1 medium white onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced                 1 49.5 oz can of chicken broth 
2 bay leaves                                        salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredient to a 6-quart sauce pan.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is done.  Remove the chicken from the broth and when it is cool enough to handle cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.  Return the chicken to the pot and simmer until you are ready to add the dumplings.  (I also make the chicken soup in my large  Crock Pot and then when I get home from work I only need to transfer the soup to the sauce pan to make the dumplings.)

******

Dumplings 

1 egg, slightly beaten                            1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted                 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
1 cup milk                                                 OR  1/4 teaspoon thyme
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted                 savory, if desired
2 teaspoons double-acting
   baking powder. 

Blend egg, melted butter and milk together.

Sift flower once before measuring.  Mix and sift together flour, baking powder, salt and herbs, if desired.

Make a well in the center of dry ingredients.  Add small amount of liquid mixture.  Blend quickly.  Add remaining liquid mixture, using as few strokes as possible to blend  the two [mixtures] together.  Dough should be stiff.  Add a small additional amount of flour if necessary 

After having removed the bay leaves, bring the chicken soup to a rolling boil.  Reduce the heat to medium.  Then drop dough by tablespoonfuls into hot broth.  Cover with lid and cook 10 minutes.  Uncover and cook 10 minutes more.  (I have never adjusted the recipe because of altitude, but you can if you desire.)

Recipe yields 12 dumplings.  

I serve it tonight with Cheese Biscuits.  The mix a gift from Jimmy and Kelly because they know how much I love Jim 'n' Nick's when we visit them in Alpharetta. ( If you find a copy of the cookbook the recipe is on page 106.)  

What an adventure it has been, because for 44 years now I've been making and loving those chicken and dumpling meals on a chilly Autumn/Winter evening.

~*~*~*~
Thanks be to God!!!


Cathy

Please join the fun. Share your family recipe and memories surrounding it. Make your comments here and then go to Mr. Linky so we can visit and share your recipe. Who knows your recipe might start a new holiday tradition at someone else's holiday gathering.

Mosaic/Macro Monday

Tis the season for anticipation and reasons for giving thanks.  The family gatherings, harvest moon, and the glory in God's creation!

On the Wednesdays during the preparations for these wonderful holidays please join me for Once Upon A Recipe.  Share your recipes and tradition stories behind them from Grandmas sugar cookies to Mom's best stuffing recipe!!!  All are welcome and what fun we'll all have sharing these memories!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Stop by  The Little Red House and offer words of encouragement to Mary.  Mosaic Monday is postponed this week due to the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.   Visit Macro Monday,  too.  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Halloween "Once Upon A Recipe" with Joy in Haiku

Today seems like the perfect day to share a "Once Upon a Time" Recipe. Why? Well it's Halloween, a beautiful chilly Fall day and I'm thinkin' hum...baked macaroni and cheese.

This is one of those recipes a family acquires but is never sure where it came from because it's been used for years. I started making this when we lived in Burlingame, California (just south of San Francisco) nearly 35 years ago. I have no idea how I got the recipe, I just know a week seldom went by without making it. Now it's the "Mother-In-Law" recipe. You know "The One Your Husband Asks You To Make Because His Mother Made It This Way" Recipe? So without further ado, here it is.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 stick of margarine/butter

4 cups macaroni, uncooked

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups grated Colby cheese/favorite cheese

5 cups milk

1 package smoky links

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9" x 13" baking dish melt margarine/butter in the oven. Add macaroni with salt and pepper to the baking dish and coat with margarine. Evenly distribute macaroni mix and top evenly with grated cheese (I sometimes use more that 2 cups). Cover mixture with milk. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and top with smoky links. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before serving.

I usually serve it with french cut green beans, and the kids always like to put ketchup on it and the "links."

Please join the fun. Share your family recipe and memories surrounding it. Make your comments here and then go to Mr. Linky so we can visit and share your recipe. Who knows your recipe might start a new holiday tradition at someone else's holiday gathering.

~~~~~~~

Tomorrow I'll join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

Halloween!

I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~~~~

On All Hallows Eve

We gather to play and tease

Tomorrow we pray.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart on Friday. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Autumn Leaves

It's been a long three weeks and I've not had a hiatus like this since I started blogging 5 years ago.  Just let it be said that this has been a three weeks of challenges and inspiration, love and miracles.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Visit Macro Monday,  too.  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

(Editing error...It should read, "Autumn is a second spring when every LEAF is a flower.)

The Navajo Rug

This is a repost from 2/2008.  Found this reflection as pertinent to my life today as it was then!  Wishing all a grand weekend!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!  

Cathy

Bit of the Blarney: The Navajo Rug: Picture by marymactavish I found the most wonderful reflection today. I was reading Radical Grace: Daily Meditations by Richard Rohr, O.F....

Haiku My Heart

Prayers for the journey

It continues everyday

Providence the guide

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy

I've been so busy this week that I forgot Share the Joy Thursday and nearly forgot today Haiku My Heart.  Tomorrow begins the women's Christ Renews His Parish weekend at church and I would ask for your prayers for its success.  I will give my witness and though I trust i the Providence of God, I would be silly if I did not ask for your prayers as well.  So to you all, I say, "Thanks!"

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Mosaic Monday

'Tis the last rose of summer, left blooming alone;

 all her lovely companions are faded and gone."

Thomas Moore

It's been a glorious weekend!!!  How lovely the work of the Creator's hands.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Visit Macro Monday,  too.  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Haiku My Heart

We are all climbing

By ourselves we can do it

We do not need help

Always in our pride

We do not need anyone

But Father knows best!

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

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Mosaic Monday

I always feel at home at The Woods.  I'm greeted with hugs and smiles.  The sisters and my friends are alway happy to see me.  Walks and treasured time the Associates allow me to become centered again in my faith.  I become renewed and refreshed.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Joy in Haiku

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

God's palate

I must be open to it!
~~~~~~~~~~

God of Majesty
He rises in the morning
Prevails in all things

~~~^j^~~~

Will be at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods this weekend on a retreat/gathering of Providence Associates.  Pray with us!!!

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Wordless Wednesday

Sunrise in Eastern Colorado

~~~^j^~~~  

Thanks be to God

Cathy

I'm joining Wordless Wednesday. Why don't you drop by for a visit there?

Joy in Haiku

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

as a the appearance of Autumn Colors!

I must be open to it!
~~~~~~~~~~
Fall colors immerge
Crisp mornings and falling leaves
Great for a brisk walk

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Mosaic Monday

Grandpa and I get to babysit for Xavier today.  Yep, we still have it in us.  First, we all went for a walk after breakfast and Coco met her friend Potato.  The we all came back to play. . . He even helped Grandpa with his coin search.  Napping?  Yes, he's doing that now!!!  Success.  What fun we had!  And a great feeling of accomplishment for Grandma!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

The Joy in Haiku

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

as a glowing disc in the West

I must be open to it!
~~~~~~~~~~
The glory of God!
It sets in the western sky
Praise and Thanksgiving!!!

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

The Joy In Haiku

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

a live  mannequin at 
The Festival of the Little Hills.

He offered surprise 
and laughter to passersby.
I too must be open to it!

Last weekend we made our annual trek to St. Charles, MO for the Festival of the Little Hills.  In years past it was a way to shop for wonderful craft and art and just mingle with the people on the streets of Old Saint Charles.  The past couple of years it has been an opportunity to be with the people and just enjoy the company of family as we luncheon on the the patio at the Little Hills Restaurant.  This year we had the treat of having a live mannequin posing near where we ate.  Oh my, what a wonderful time we had witnessing the surprise on the faces of the people when he would reposition himself.  He was very talented and the joy and laughter he brought to everyone around him was just priceless.  

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

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Share the Joy and Haiku My Heart

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

our resident tree frog.

He offered excitement and joy to the children.
I too must be open to it!


Tree frogs and children
The joy in discovery
Smiles on the faces.

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

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Note Card Party~~August

Beginning a new adventure today.  I'm joining Vee at her Note Card Party this month.  It looks like an enjoyable way to spend a Wednesday. It has been so hot this summer that the waterlily has be scarce.  But when she does bloom she is just gorgeous!!!  One of God's treasures shared with us! ~~~^j^~~~ Thanks be to God! Cathy I'm joining Vee today for the first time at Note Care Party.  Why don't you drop by too?

Mosaic/Macro Monday~~Air Plant

I was introduced to Air Plants by a dear friend and coworker a couple of months ago.  The one she gave to me then is cute and small and I have named him Simon.  She went to visit family in Tennessee a week ago and I asked her to bring me two more when she went to Gatlinburg.  This is one of the two she brought to me.  Isn't she lovely.  Sarah told me that this variety of of air plant may only bloom once every ten years.  But she also said it might also keep its bloom for up to a year.  Well, here's hoping for I think Miriam is just beautiful!

Tillandsia is a genus of around 540 species in the Bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), found in the forests, mountains, and deserts, of Central and South America, and Mexico and the southern United States in North America. Tillandsia recurvata and another Bromeliaceae species on electric wires near San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela Flowering Tillandsia and daughter plant The thinner-leafed varieties grow in rainy areas and the thick-leafed varieties in areas more subject to drought. Moisture and nutrients are gathered from the air (dust, decaying leaves and insect matter) through structures on the leaves called trichomes. Tillandsia species are epiphytes (also called aerophytes or air plants) – i.e. they normally grow without soil while attached to other plants. Epiphytes are not parasitic, depending on the host only for support. The genus Tillandsia was named by Carolus Linnaeus after the Swedish physician and botanist Dr. Elias Tillandz (originally Tillander) (1640-1693).
Wikipedia 

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy 

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Mosaic Monday~Boys and Trains

What is it about little boys and trains?  What is it about Big boys and trains?  What is it?  

~~~~~~~

"The romance of boating is gone, now. In Hannibal the steamboatman is no longer a god. The youth don't talk river slang any more. Their pride is apparently railways -- which they take a peculiar vanity in reducing to initials ("C B & Q") -- an affectation which prevails all over the west. They roll these initials as a sweet morsel under the tongue."
 - Notebook #20, reprinted in Mark Twain's Notebooks & Journals, Vol. II.

When Grandpa heard Daniel was coming to visit he got out the train. And so that evening dinner was late and Grandpa played trains with Daniel and cousin, Neil. Oh, what a treasure!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Mosaic Monday~~Reflection

~~~~~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~~~~~

My mom lives in an adult community in Montana that has the loveliest gardens.  And a walk in the early morning allows for a stroll through it in compelling silence.  From the vivid colors to the dewdrops on the roses, you find yourself reflecting on creation and it's beauty.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Joy In All The Heat

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

A bit of humor

During all the heat and humidity
we must bear.

~~~~~~

Joy today must be shared in the humor we find in life itself.  It is miserable outside.  It's been that way for weeks...I have to laugh, because  there is nothing I can do about it.  I have not control of it.  Then today a friend, Father Tim Tenbarge sent the following!  Please enjoy!

"IT'S SO HOT!!!  REALLY?.....HOW HOT IS  IT?....."

 ......the birds have to use potholders to  pull the worms out of the ground.
 .....the trees are  whistling for the dogs.
 .....the best parking place is  determined by shade instead of distance
 .....hot  water comes from both taps.
 .....you can make sun tea  instantly.
 .....you learn that a seat belt  buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
 .....the  temperature drops below 90 F and you feel a little  chilly.
 .....you discover that in July it only takes  two fingers to steer your car.
 .....you discover that you can  get sunburned through your car window.
 .....you  actually burn your hand opening the car door.
 .....you break  into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30  A.M.
.....your biggest motorcycle wreck fear is, "What if I  get knocked out  and  end up lying on the pavement and cook to  death"?
 .....you realize that asphalt has a liquid  stage.
 .....the potatoes cook underground, so  all you have to do is pull one out and add  butter.
.....the cows are giving evaporated  milk.
 .....farmers are feeding their  chickenscrushed ice to keep them from laying boiled  eggs.
 IT'S SO DRY!!! HOW DRY ???
 .....that  the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling
 .....the  Methodists are using wet-wipes
 .....the Presbyterians are  giving rain checks
 ..... and the Catholics are  praying for the wine to turn back into water!
 TRY TO  KEEP COOL !!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks to Father Tim

And

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy