Showing posts with label Thursday's Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thursday's Thoughts. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Completely Random

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

1. Do you remember the Lite-Brite toy?  You know, where the colored pegs were stuck into a black grid and then lit from behind.  For some reason I was thinking about that the other day.  Those were kinda neat.

2. Whenever I make popcorn my fingers smell like popcorn until the next day.  Right now my fingers smell like burnt popcorn.  Sometimes burnt popcorn smells like coffee.  Not this time.

3. Wouldn't it be weird if raindrops "fell" in the opposite direction, from ground to sky?

4. The seedless watermelon I cut up earlier had very large white particles extremely similar in shape, size and texture to the black seeds found in a seeded watermelon.  I have never seen such large non-seeds in a seedless watermelon.  All the sweet, juicy goodness of the melon more than made up for it.

5. You can throw your pants in the dryer to take out the wrinkles.  If you go to the store during the de-wrinkling process and then forget to take your pants back out until 3 hours later, your pants will be wrinkled again.  But in different places.

6.  De-wrinkled. I'll have to add that to my word list.  Or maybe de-wrinklified.

Food for Thought: "Fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life." -Donald Miller


Thursday, May 9, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Always Time

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Even when I feel stretched for time there is always time to be thankful.  With that in mind, here's a quick list of what I'm grateful for right now.

chirping birds outside the window
open windows (hello spring!)
walking inside just before a downpour starts
plenty of tasks to stay busy with
the health and resources to complete those tasks
stillness of the morning (on the rare occasion I'm up that early)
color in the sky
when the sun turns dew drops on grass blades into a rainbow of diamonds
blooming spring flowers
evening walks
longer daylight hours
emails with far away friends
the hum of crickets at night
sunglasses
can openers
dish soap
pleasant conversation
a family game and pizza night
handwritten recipes
magazines to page through
fresh green beans
a good night's sleep
anticipation


Food for Thought: " 'After all,' Anne had said to Marilla once, 'I believe that the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.' " -L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea  

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Small Talk Followed by a Real Thought

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

1. I missed you yesterday!  It felt, I don't know....out of place, different, odd to not write a post or check in here.

2. Also, what's with this weather?  Crazy.  The neighbor kids were outside in their swimsuits over the weekend and now a full-blown snow day.   Snow, lots of snow.  In May.

3. Wait, what?  It's MAY already?

4. Did you make May Day baskets as a kid?  The idea was to fill a small basket (...or paper cup with a pipe cleaner handle) with spring flowers (hmmm, it was usually treats) and leave it on your neighbor's doorstep.  Then you ring the door bell and run away as fast as you can without getting caught.  I have one odd snapshot in my memory of delivering May Day baskets.  Just after we rang the doorbell and started to run my shoe came untied.  Except it was un-Velcroed not untied, because I was wearing Little Mermaid shoes with Velcro straps.  I had to stop in the middle of the cul-de-sac to fix my shoe.  That's all I remember.  No idea why those particular shoes are the only part I remember.

5. Okay, we've wasted enough time here.  Check out the idea below that I found on Ann Voskamp's site.  You pick just 1 of the 10 things to do before you turn on your computer (or tap on your phone, tv, etc).  Make your own list if you like, just pause for something meaningful before you get sucked into distractions that eat up your time.  Speaking of eating, I couldn't help but notice Ann's dessert analogy after the printable version, "Life is dessert-- too brief to hurry. You don't wolf it down."  Click on the links (in blue) for the rest of her post and thoughts on distractions.



Food for Thought: "It occurs to me it is not so much the aim of the devil to lure me with evil as it is to preoccupy me with the meaningless." -Donald Miller

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Learning Curve

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

When something goes askew in the kitchen I like to read up about it and figure out why.  Understanding the principle behind the problem decreases the likelihood of a repeat episode.  Here's just a taste of what I've been reading up on lately along with a few other bites I'm beginning to chew, swallow and digest.

Meringue
1. Underbaking a meringue pie results in weeping, a layer of liquid between the meringue and filling.  This can be prevented by spreading the meringue on the pie while the pie is still hot.  However, the pie should not be too hot or the filling may not have set up enough to hold the meringue.

2. Beads on top of a meringue are the result of overbaking.

3. To prevent a meringue from shrinking and tearing, be sure to attach and seal it to the crust before baking.  Adding certain starches to the meringue also helps.

4. Soft meringue, hard meringue, Swiss meringue, Italian meringue, cooked, uncooked, added starch, ratio of sugar, type of sugar, temperature, beating time, underbaked, overbaked, acidity, humidity....so much to consider.

Pie Crust
1.Overworking a pie crust stretches out the dough which causes shrinking while baking.

2.  A large gap between an upper crust and filling (such as apple) is due to a slow release of steam.  Thick apple slices release steam slowly, but thinner apple slices cook faster, allowing a quicker release of steam.  Thinner apple slices (along with cutting proper slits) prevent the crust from puffing up and leaving a large space.

Eggs in Custard
 1. Stirred custards without starch are heated over a double boiler and require constant stirring.  The eggs thicken anywhere between 160 and 180 degrees F.  The eggs can begin to thicken just one degree before turning to a scrambled curdled mess.  Rate of heat, milk to egg yolk ratio and sugar all influence curdling and thickening of stirred custards.

2. Baked custards without starch need a water bath.  The water for the water bath needs to be extremely hot.

3. Stirred custards with starch can be made over direct heat as opposed to a double boiler. Similarly, baked custards containing starch do not need water baths.

Consomme (just pretend the e has an accent over it)
1. This stock is clarified with egg whites.  As the stock simmers the egg whites coagulate and trap impurities.

2.  The egg and impurity mixture floats to the top forming what is called a raft.  An acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or tomatoes aids in forming a stable raft.

Food for Thought: "Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have." -Louis E. Boone 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Unpictured Randomness

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

So, I was planning to show you some pictures from this past weekend.  My phone, however, does not agree with this plan and wants to keep the pictures to itself.  That or I'm just no good with technology.  Yeah, probably that.  I can do random though.  Let's do random.

1. Mangoes were on sale for 39 cents again.  Now, the last mangoes I bought were fairly flavorless. They sure looked like mangoes, but they must have been in disguise for under cover work.  This incident made me hesitate to buy more, but at 39 cents a piece there's not much to lose.  Into my cart they went.  Thankfully, this batch is super juicy and tastes just like mangoes should.  Yum.

2. No matter how many puddles you avoid, it only takes one wrong step to soak your shoes.  At least I avoided soggy socks until the last few blocks.

3.  I'll take puddles, wet socks, and warmish weather over freezing rain and snow.

4.  Okay, I won't really take them.  Where would I take them?  And if I could take them somewhere, how would I carry them?  In my pocket?  I'm not so sure about soggy pockets.

5.  I should probably get a little more sleep so there's a little less nonsense here, huh?

6.  Somehow I seem to think of (and find energy for) 50 things I don't really need to do about an hour after I should already be asleep.  Did you follow that?  Yeah me neither, but it's not important enough to repeat.

7.  Some of those animal crackers sure don't look like specific animals.  The camel, elephant and cow are fairly distinguishable, but I'm a little hesitant on some others.  Also, it's a good thing animal crackers don't taste like their corresponding animal.

8.  I don't know about you, but I'm losing interest in this conversation quickly.  It also seems rather one sided, don't you think?  Let's just call it a day.

9.  Unless you know how to get the pictures from my phone to magically appear here?  Because the last 8 distractions haven't exactly helped me figure that out.  Okay, goodbye.

Food for Thought: "The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances." -Aristotle 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Thankful List Continued

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

In the hustle of day to day life I often get my priorities mixed up and neglect to make time for what's most important.  Once again, I'm going to use this space as a means to slow down and reflect on what I'm thankful for.

loud thunder storms
cracks of lightening
the patter of rain on the windows
windshield wipers
windows
friends as close as family
games
lessons learned by experience
crawling into bed after a long day
straws in drinks
reminders
good deals
silence
curling up in a comfy chair
clean dishes
new perspectives
old examples
structured time
ample time
purpose
a good laugh
books to read
running water
microwaves
a day to sleep in
footprints in the snow

Food for Thought: "When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator." -Mahatma Gandhi

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Spring Flowers

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Last year at this time I was outside taking pictures of all the spring flowers.  I can hardly wait to give it another shot this year.  Though a decent portion of the snow is gone, the flowers aren't exactly in full bloom yet, are they?  That doesn't mean we can't enjoy some spring colors right now.  Below are some of my favorites from last year.  I have a few hung around the house until this year's blossoms open.


Sunshine!



 I used these two on the coasters I made for Christmas.  I'm afraid I'll ruin them if I actually use them as coasters, so they're hanging on the wall like tiles.  Whatever, it works.




This planter was an Easter gift, also from last year. 


This tree is right outside our kitchen window.  Quite the view for washing dishes. 


Ahhh, I can almost smell the flowering crab blossoms now.  That has got to be one of my favorite scents, along with lilacs.   Even better than freshly baked cookies, don't you think? 


Food for Thought: "What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable." -Joseph Addison

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Another List

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Like I explained here I find it helpful to make lists of what I'm thankful for.  It may seem silly or trivial, but try it out for yourself and you'll find out just what I mean.

a big round full moon
cheery yellow daffodils
new learning opportunities
ambidextrous scissors
spell check
moonlight shadows on clouds
sunshine and slightly warmer weather
conversations that make you think
choices and decisions
planning via lists
pictures and memories
care-free laughter and songs of children
clean socks
when every clean sock has a matching clean sock in the same load
the twinkle in an eye that accompanies a smile
popcorn
thoughtfulness and concern of a friend
a good stretch
lint rollers
lip balm
laundry baskets
unhurried time
decluttering
making up words
the hope and promise of spring
trust and patience
working alarm clocks
large cutting boards
fresh rosemary
helping hands
selfless sacrifice
forgiveness
intricate patterns in unexpected places

Food for Thought: "The great gift of Easter is hope- Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake. -Basil Hume 


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Gentleness

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. -Proverbs 15:1

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. -Proverbs 25:15

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -Matthew 11:29

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. -Galatians 5:22-23

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. -Philippians 4:4-5

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12

You beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. -1 Peter 3:3-4

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. -1 Peter 3:15

Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patiencepeacehopetrustfreejoywaittruthself-controllovewisdommind

Food for Thought: "The source of a true smile is an awakened mind. Smiling helps you approach the day with gentleness and understanding." -Thich Nhat Hanh


Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Distracted Avoidance

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

1. Some people name their cars and some name their appliances.  My friend has a Kitchen Aid named Esmeralda.  I'm trying to think of a name for this mixer.  Any ideas?  I'm thinking an older name since it's such an old mixer.  Gertrude?  Mabel?  Gretchen?  Please shout out your suggestions.

2.  Today is Pi Day.  Pi as in the mathematical constant that begins with 3.14.  Get it?  March 3rd, 3-14.  We should celebrate by making pie.  Actually National Pie Day is in January and I missed it.  To make up for it we'll just make two pies and eat 3.14 slices.  Sound like a plan?

3. Now I may be the only one who does this, but I'm guessing you can relate.  Do you ever find yourself doing just about everything but what your supposed to be doing?  Let's say, just as an example, you should be writing a blog post.  Actually you should have written it hours ago and be asleep.  Yes, considering you have to go into work early you definitely should be in bed or at least close to it.  But instead you're watching a movie with your brother.  And hoping you can think of something to write about.  Because watching a movie will help you concentrate, work faster and get to sleep sooner.  Oh, and research shows that these combined activities also reduce stress, increase life span and lead to the discovery of time travel.  Say what?  Never mind.

4.  The mirror image of 3.14 kind of looks like Pie.

5.  I've had this song running through my head all day.

6.  The new toothpaste I'm using is really foamy.  I'm not too sure about it yet.

7.  Don't brush you teeth and then eat grapefruit.

8. Lip gloss before coffee is also not advised.

9. The word of the day is quirk.  I'll have to add quirk to my list of words I like.  After I start that list.

10.  Yep, told ya I couldn't think of anything to write about.  Let's just leave it at that.

Food for Thought: "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor." -Truman Capote




Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Thanks Again

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

It's time for another thankful list.

softly falling snow
fuzzy pajamas
snow shovels
a good book to read
afternoon sunlight streaming in the window
curling up in the sun to read
longer daylight hours
fresh vegetables
citrus
warm coats
ice skates
weather mild enough to go for a walk
wool hat knit by a friend
wool socks knit by another friend
dry shoes (as opposed to ones still wet from snow)
comfortable shoes
when you give and realize you've been given more in return
understanding not expressed in words
learning new tricks and tips
fresh opportunity and new possibility
accomplishing a significant item on the to-do list
small victories
reminders
finding my favorite tea at a new store for an even lower price
white and purple stripes in the cross-section of a red onion
ice that crackles when stepped on
winter sunshine in open blue skies
freshness of cold winter air
a faithful promise
new ideas
bubbles
smiling faces
laughter
true friends

Food for Thought: "Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Mind Reset

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

The more often you repeat something the more likely it is to stick in your mind. I mentioned a while back that I'm participating in a scripture memory group this year which involves memorizing two Bible verses a month.  I was enthusiastic and persistent in January with my first two verses.  I kept a card out where I could see it and worked on the verse most days.  Today is the last day of February and honestly I haven't done nearly as well this month on my next two verses.

Committing something to memory involves mindfulness, repetition, persistence and frequency.  It does not just happen by osmosis.  I looked at my verses a few times this month, but didn't put in as much effort as I did in January.  Ideally I'd be committing the new verses to memory as well as reviewing the past ones.

  Whether it's studying for a test or memorizing verses, repetition has always worked for me.  But in order for that to work, I have to actually do it not just think about it.  Good intention must be followed by action.  So, in order to get these verses into my head in as many ways as possible, I'm going to type them out for today's post.  Here are the verses I've chosen so far, starting with the most recent.

Those who live by the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. -Romans 8:5-6

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  -James 3:17

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. -Deuteronomy 8:3

Whatever is pure, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. -Philippians 4:8-9

Food for Thought: "The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph." -Author unknown (possibly Marvin Phillips)


Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Wisdom

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. -Job 12:13

Teach us to number out days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. -Psalm 104:24

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. -Psalm 111:10

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. -Proverbs 2:6

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning. -Proverbs 10:13

When pride comes, then come disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. -Proverbs 11:2

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. -Proverbs 19:11

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. -1 Corinthians 1:25

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. -Ephesians 1:7-8

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17

Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patiencepeacehopetrustfreejoywaittruthself-controllove

Food for Thought: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. -Proverbs 23:24



Thursday, February 14, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: True Love

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Happy Valentine's Day.  You were made to crave unbroken love.  God's love for you is the only love that will truly satisfy.  It's the only love that lasts forever and will never break.  He loves you.  Yes, you.  No matter what.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. -Nehemiah 9:17

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. -Psalm 103:11

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. -Psalm 106:1

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. -Proverbs 10:12

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. -Lamentations 3:22

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17

'Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength'....'love your neighbor as yourself'.' There is no commandment greater than these. -Mark 12:30-31

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. -Luke 6:27

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. -John 13:34

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  -John 15:9

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. -Romans 5:5

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17-19

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. -2 Thessalonians 3:5

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! -1 John 3:1

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. -1 John 4:18

We love because he first loved us. -1 John 4:19

Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patiencepeacehopetrustfreejoywaittruthself-control

Food for Thought: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Heteronyms

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

It's time for a little fun with words again.  Heteronyms are words that have the same spelling but a different meaning and pronunciation.  It's kind of entertaining to try and use both words in the same sentence.

The tear in the paper caused him to shed a tear.

After playing his bass guitar, he sat down to a meal of grilled bass.

I'd be content with the book if the plot had a little more content.

Following his performance on the bow and fiddle, he took a bow and accepted the gift tied with a bow.

He shot his bow and arrows from the bow of the ship.

The dove dove from the tree in a swift motion.

It was a close call, but she managed to close the door just in time.

Lead me to something that's not as heavy as lead.

I object to owning anything as useless as that object.

Though you are an invalid, your excuse is still invalid.

Before you resign, you'll have to resign this paperwork.

I must resume the rewriting of my resume.

The rope will wound you if it's wound too tight.

For fun and recreation he enjoyed making a recreation of the original.

She decided to produce a meal consisting entirely of produce.

I'll combine the cookie ingredients while you finish harvesting with the combine.

Hmm, speaking of cookies...I think I'd better just stick to that.

Food for Thought: "Just that maybe...maybe you don't want to change the story, because you don't know what a different ending holds." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: This and That

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Hmmm, it appears to be Thursday again.  What am I thinking?  I can't even figure out what's on my mind, so let's go for random again.

1. There was a snow day on Monday, and I missed it.  Missed it! I didn't even know it was a snow day until the next day. What fun is that?  To be fair we didn't get any snow, just a lot of rain and ice.

2.  Everything looked like it had been dipped in glass.

3.  Cold winter days call for hot bowls of soup.  Two recipes I'm loving lately are this creamy mushroom soup made with cauliflower and Greek yogurt and this spicy red lentil soup.

4.  After you're warm and cozy from soup you can eat this chocolate-ginger ice cream.  But then you'll need some ginger hot chocolate to warm back up.

5.  Happy February Eve.  Tomorrow is February, just in case you forgot.

6.  I can now say I've disassembled a laptop, cleaned out the fan and put it all back together. Actually my brother did it and I "helped" by keeping track of the screws.  There are a lot of little screws and lots of dust. Thanks again, B, for tolerating my "help" and taking the initiative in the first place.

7.  I'm in need of another good book to read.  Any suggestions?  I just read The Help, it was really good as was the movie.

8.  Do you remember gel candles? And gel pens? I had almost forgotten about the gel candles until I came across an old one I made.  I should dig out all those old gel pens too.  While we're on the gel topic, don't forget jelly shoes.

9.  A good puzzle should suffice until I pick another book to read. I used to do puzzles quite a bit, but I haven't worked on one yet this winter.  Unless you count laptops.

10.  I'm totally loving grapefruit right now.  But why the name grapefruit?  Supposedly it grows in bunches like grapes.  But if you look at pictures of grapefruit trees it doesn't look like clusters of grapes to me.  Besides, grapes grow on vines, not trees.  Bananas grow on clusters in trees, why not call in bananafruit since it's yellow.  Or something completely different that does not involve another fruit plus the word fruit.

11. That is it, carry on.

Food for Thought: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." -James 3:17

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Peanut Butter

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

It's National Peanut Butter Day!  Once I get peanut butter on the brain I can think of little else.  Get ready for some peanut butter randomness.

1. Peanut butter and jelly is always the top sandwich combination, but I've come across a few more interesting combinations over the years.  Some go for peanut butter and pickle sandwiches while others kick it up a notch with jalapenos.  I also know someone who grew up eating peanut butter and lettuce sandwiches.  Another friend of mine ate grilled peanut butter sandwiches (which are amazing), but then she dips them in ketchup.  Other odd pairings include mayonnaise, potato chips, marshmallow creme, tomato, bacon, onions and olives.

2. I put peanut butter on my smores more often than not.

3. Presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey's favorite sandwich was "peanut butter, baloney, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and mayonnaise on toasted bread with catsup on the side."

4. It takes roughly 540 peanuts to make a 12 ounce jar pf peanut butter and 770 peanuts to make a 16 ounce jar.

5. If you haven't made your own nut butter yet, such as peanut butter, you are seriously missing out.  It's ridiculously easy and obviously addicting.

6. Peanut butter has a super short shelf life in my pantry.  However, while cleaning out my grandma's cupboards I found an open jar of old peanut butter.  It had a consistency similar to beeswax.

7. Peanut butter is often used in mouse traps.  It would totally work to trap me too.  If I were a mouse I'd want to go that way.  Death by peanut butter.

8. The average American eats 3 pounds of peanut butter each year.  What, that's only 3 jars over the course of an entire year!  Clearly I make up for that, and then some.  I don't even want to know how many pounds of peanut butter I go through in a year.

9. A few of the more unusual or unexpected peanut butter flavor combos I've tried here:
Peanut butter, blueberry and chocolate chip
Peanut butter and basil
Peanut butter, basil, banana and chocolate chip (and trial number two)
Peanut butter and chai tea
Peanut butter and nutmeg
Peanut butter and pumpkin
Peanut butter, jalapeno and chocolate chip
For a full list of posts with peanut butter (including some normal ones), click the peanut butter tag on the right side bar.

10. In the early peanut butter days peanut butter was considered a delicacy.   It was served at upscale locations with pimento or watercress.

I could write all day about peanut butter, don't even get me started on my own favorites or things I'm dying to try.  If you're looking for more peanut butter trivia here's some from the National Peanut Board and The Food Timeline.

Happy National Peanut Butter Day.  Enjoy!

Food for Thought: "Everything in moderation...including moderation." -Julia Child 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Truth

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. -Psalm 25:4-5

Do not withhold you mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protects me. -Psalm 40:11

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me. -Psalm 43:3

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. -Psalm 86:11

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. -Psalm 145:18

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. -Proverbs 12:22

Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. -Proverbs 23:23

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. -Mark 10:15

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1:14

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. -John 1:17

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it my be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. -John 3:21

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. -John 5:24

I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. -John 6:47

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. -John 8:32

Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6

This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. -1 Timothy  2:3-4

Let us not love with words and tongue, but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:18


Still hungry? Check out similar posts on patiencepeacehopetrustwaiting, and joy


Food for Thought: "Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either." -Albert Einstein

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Random Food Words

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

It's time to learn some more random food words. And no, I did not make up that first one, it sure made me laugh though.

1. beefalo- a cross between cattle and bison (buffalo).  The meat is dark red with a slightly stronger flavor than beef.

2. opah- also known as a moonfish, this marine water fish can reach 200 pounds.

3. natto- soybeans that have been steamed, mashed, and fermented. With a cheeselike flavor and glutinous texture, it is a popular condiment in Japan where it is served over rice for breakfast.

4. isinglass- a form of gelatin derived from the air bladders of certain fish. While rarely used today, it was commonly used 100 years ago to clarify wine and thicken jelly.

5. fleuron- a tiny piece of puff pastry in the shape of a crescent that is used as a garnish.

6. flummery- a pudding made of stewed fruit and thickened with cornstarch.

7. ceriman- also known as the monstera this fruit resembles a narrow, foot-long pine cone. The scales pop off as the fruit ripens. Smooth and creamy like a firm custard, this fruit has hints of pineapple and banana.

8. ayran- a non-sweetened yogurt drink popular in the Middle East. While generally a blend of plain yogurt, water, and salt, some variations include garlic or mint.

source: Food Lover's Companion

Food for Thought: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Thursday's Thoughts: Thanks

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

I finally started reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  The book reveals her life-altering challenge to write a list of 1000 things she loves.  As she writes her list she realizes it is a list of things she is thankful for, blessings in her day to day life.  The practice of writing down these things, these gifts, is a simple concept with profound effects.

 As I mentioned last November, I've been writing down two things each night.  The first is something I learned that day and the second is something I'm thankful for.  Let me tell you, some days are much easier than others.  But practice and repetition are key.  There is always something to be thankful for, it's a choice, an attitude, a frame of mind.  I'm aiming for a stronger focus on gratitude and thought this first Thursday of the year would be the perfect place to share. What would you include on your list?

the soft glow of the snow from reflecting lights
the sparkle of snow in sunlight
knitted wool socks
old aprons
polka dots
food processors
soft, warm blankets
the clean smell of shampoo
hot water
quenching lotion on cracked hands
mittens
colored straws in drinks
bubble lights on the Christmas tree
fun dishes
caring friends
thoughtful coworkers
cozy turtlenecks
hooded sweatshirts
slippers
fresh fruit in the winter
handwritten recipes
a cheerful whistle
musicals
the sound of a family member playing piano
a new, working garbage disposal
patient fixers to install the garbage disposal
an unflickering light bulb in the oven
clean flannel sheets
sleeping in
a patterned pillow case made by a friend

Food for Thought: "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude." -Ralph Waldo Emerson