Turkey Soup - So good for the soul!

Good Evening and almost Good Night!

We are glad it is the end of the day; another full day.

In between everything else, I ended up making a delicious soup from left over Christmas turkey bones. "Threw" in a bit of veggies, a tid or tad of seasonings; and that was that! Made a few large pots of steaming turkey soup; it smells so good throughout our whole house! It will be a good enforcement against the common cold. I will save some of that homemade soup as stock; and pull it from our freezer when necessary. The above photo image looks very similar to our soupcon of soup! Serving the soup with cheese biscuits and a green salad, hmmmmm; and a glass of red vino! Very simple, but good! - easy! I also enhaled some 8 oysters (I love oysters!); so, I 'soaked' them in a tidbitz marinade of vodka, tabasco sauce, and a few other bittidz sprinklings; and yum! They were a real treat! Raw! Mmmmmmm. For those of you who love oysters, you can savour these mouth watering 'to die for' moments! Actually, to live for, is more like it!

Tidbit - "Roll with the punches!" In other words, if "stuff" unexpectedly hits you from 'out of left field', fear not (for He is always with you); just be extra joyful and enjoy! ie the oysters, the soup, or whatever delectable treat(s) you appreciate!

Bittid - Be grateful for the end of the day; and for the calm of night. Give Him Thanks; and Praise Him in All Things. We do this daily; and it really helps, in appreciating your life, when living one day at a time.

Also, Alan's Mum and Dad are still in the Emergency; but at least his Mum now has the comfort of a bed; and the Dad will be provided shortly with a bed / cot as well. Alan was told there was nothing more he could do; save to stand by and wait for updates. As an aside, I thought the homemade turkey soup would help fortify Alan; for whatever lies ahead of him. The hospital has our telephone number; so, that is all I can say at this time.

Sweet Dreams and God Bless.

Family

Just received a call from Alan; he has taken both parents to the Emergency. This is not a good scenario. For those of you, who wish to say an Intercessary Prayer, we would really appreciate it.

As mentioned a tid earlier today, my Mum never left the hospital, once she was admitted. And I well remember how I 'tore a few bit strips' off the medical staff, including Doctors; when I learned there was nothing more that could be done for her. I was totally devasted! I was, and still am, most appreciative for Alan and my children's loving support during those rough days. It even got to the point of being 'ridiculous'; when both of my children 'taped' me on their phone, when we were 'clowning around', to make 'light' of a hopeless situation. However, we know our 'MoMo' was glad we were all there for her. She is at peace now and we believe, she is in Heaven. And, as I have said before, not a day goes by, that I do not think of her. She had her faults; but then, don't we all? She did her best; and I am glad she was my Mum!

We do know that we have done our best too, for Alan's parents. Moving them from the horrid old age home, they were 'dumped' into, to our apt. To be on record, 'stress kills'.

Tidbit - Everything is always in His Hands; and we must leave all things to Him. Whatever will be, will be.

Bittid - Appreciate family, family, family.

God Bless.

Doves of Peace

Good Morning,

Yesterday was a full day; and I slept like a baby last night! It has been an exhausting time for Alan and I.

Alan's parents; particularly his Mum, are having their major share of difficulties. Alan is taking his Mum to the Cancer Clinic today; and she may end up being hospitalized. This happened to my Mum; and she tragically, never left the hospital; and she passed away within 10 days. We are also working on organizing 24 / 7 care for his Dad, who has dementia. We also have our daily business to run as well. All we can do, with anything and everything is our best; and only with His help.

Wish to comment, that 2007 was a year that we are just as happy to forget; as there were situations, which I / we know, were not right. I believe in one of my recent posts, I may have reached a few hearts, when I genuinely and lovingly spoke the truth; simply because I truly care, as does Alan.

I / we feel a huge sadness over various past events; and now I reflect, that I / we do not want a repeat of such behaviour in 2008. I may have upset a tid few; but in no way was I wishing to "trash" anyone. You may wish to revisit my blog(s); because they were said with LOVE; with the sincere purpose of welcoming a genuine reconciliation between us all. Just thought of the "Prodigal son"; I love that story; we are all like the 'Prodigal son!'.

ON THE CONTRARY, I am Prayful that there be a new start; which would include respect, appreciation, and a genuine acceptance for each other. Perhaps my words were like a "tonic" or catalyst; thus provoked a reaction. I would like to believe that this is all to the good; and that we can all make our apologies, 'bury the hatchet', and move genuinely forward. I also think a 'get together', with integrity and open communication, is a plan of peace, to help clear up any misunderstandings between us all.

Both Alan and I extend a genuine hand of friendship; we hope this blog will be a bit of a healing sav, for any of those that I may have offended or upset. That I say, from the bottom of my heart.

Tidbit - "Love one another, as I have Loved you" spoken by Jesus.

Bittid - Rely not on your own understandings; instead rely on Him. He IS our Guide; and all things are possible; with Him in our hearts. LOVE Conquers All.

God Bless. He LOVES you and I so much.

Full Day & Good Night!

Tidbit - Know when to call it a day.

Bittid - And, appreciate a good night's rest.

God Bless.

Gourmet Food!

Hi,

Now home for the night; and glad of it! The drive was only about 35 mins; not too many cars out on the road. We enjoyed our visit (a bit of business involved as well); and the change of scene was most therapeutic! We also popped into our local Super Market, and picked up a tid of goodies to merge with our bit fridge Christmas leftovers....Whatever, we (Alan) 'put together', will be heartily enjoyed by us!

Also, picked up the January / 08 Gourmet Magazine (Special Collector's Edition); and the delicious recipes look wonderfully easy to 'whip up!' It is featuring 'Southern Cooking'; all the recipes 'rang my bell! LOVE Lemon Meringue Pie! As well, I really enjoy working with French Cuisine, Italian, and other Mediterranean foods. Mmmmmmmmm. If I had made a New Year's Resolution to minus a few bittid pounds, I would have immediately broken my tidbit promise; just even by thinking of all these amazing exotic foods! Alan is the 'chef' in our family; I have become quite 'spoiled!' by his enjoyment of cooking. Now he cooks for our survival! LOL! I love cooking; just have been out of the habit - primarily other priorities have taken over. However, I will prepare Gourmet Meals, with a simple tidbitz touch, on a more ongoing basis!

The above photo image is of tomato soup. I make a cold tomato bisque; and, if I say so myself, it is tres bon! Add a splash of green for color, and it is quite lovely!

Tidbit - Appreciate food and, also take delight in merging various cuisines together! Makes for a very interesting potpourri bittidz!

Bittid - Be thankful and appreciative for what you have! I know I have blogged this message before; but it is so true!

Good Night and God Bless.

Take everything in stride!

Hi again!

Alan just returned home from seeing his parents. It turns out one of the siblings was at the apt. She went "ballastic" when she saw Alan. The atmosphere was one of total toxidity and nastiness. Poor Alan's Dad was distraught at the outbursts; and Alan was calm throughout; and pretty much kept his mouth shut. A friend came with the sibling; and that was how they gained entrance to the apt...ie the friend was there to see the parents. Hmmmmmm. Devious approach by the sibling. The friend was completely aghast and taken aback as well. Alan's Mum could not believe it; she asked the sibling why; and what is the problem? There was no response. Very often, the ones 'guilty', when 'they' are asked about their unbecoming behaviour and / or questionable actions, have no reply; almost as if, they are rendered SILENT.

Tidbit - Rise above it. Show compassion. At the bit moment, I find that rather hard to do, towards these siblings who have exhibited such wrath and rancour towards Alan; and at the same time, blythely ignoring the wishes of the parents. However, I shall do my best to show compassion and act with Grace.

Bittid - As mentioned earlier, 'they' are convicting themselves. There is a lesson here to be learned. I feel He is exposing them, as to their conduct. And, the Battle belongs to the Lord; AND, He has already WON! Also, leave it to Him to fight your battles. Hope this is a tid helpful to you today, as well as it is to me.

Am looking forward to our hour long drive! A drive is generally therapeutic; and we happen to be driving out to the 'country'; so the winter sights will be a wonderful change of scene, as well as an appreciative uplift!

God Bless.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

This year, I am really looking forward to! We have our goals; but am not making any New Year's Resolutions for 2008; because I never keep them! LOL! So, with our endeavours and visions towards "fruition", we are continuing to 'stay the course', and to be constantly guided by Him!

Today seems 'extra special'; more so than previous January 1sts'. January 1st, 2008, has such a nice 'springy' note to it! Perhaps, because I feel this is the year, when things are coming to more of a resolution! The last tid years have been a bit of a long haul, with regards to some of our projects. But that is okay, because we tried our best; and certain things were simply not meant to be. We have become 'stronger' along with the challenges, disappointments, and let downs. Am sure some of you can relate, as per your own experiences. Please feel free or comfortable to comment; re: yours. If nothing else, to get it off your chest, if you wish.

Tidbit - Welcome the day! Enjoy today! Am glad it is January 1st, 2008! Plus, it is the start of a New Year!

Bittid - Once again, there is so much to be thankful for! "Praise Him in All Things".

We had a very quiet but lovely New Year's Eve last night. Between us, we shared one glass of champagne at the end of 2007 and at the beginning of 2008. We also enjoyed watching, "The Runaway Jury"; very inciteful movie. And, this type of behaviour happens in real life!

Up later this am (9 am); and the day has a quiet calm to it! It feels as if it is going to snow; so we lit a fire and reminisced a bittidz of the past year, as well as joyfully welcoming the morning tidbitz! Our 'Blue' was happily 'snoozing' at our feet.

Alan has just gone to see his parents. His Mum is rapidly going downhill; as she is extremely fatigued and dismayed by the behaviour of her other 3 children. She has expressedly stated, that she does not want to see the siblings; unless Alan and myself are present. This has not happened; because twice, 2 siblings have totally disregarded her wishes. In short, they are a piece of work. Sad but true.

Alan has tried to talk with the siblings; however, they do not want a face to face with him. It will be to their detriment; Alan has tried to be the "nice guy"; but no more. The full weight of the law is about to hit them squarely between the eyes. Not a good situation for them; and, by their words, deeds, and actions, they have convicted themselves. They have also caused unnecessary (but deliberate and manipulative) demise of both parents. We unfortunately, are now looking at funeral arrangements. Scary.

Further tidbit - Sometimes people just do not ever 'get it'; or sadly much later in life; and by then, it may be too late. The 'siblings' think they have done / can do no wrong; and yet, it is so obvious; not seen just by us; but by those who 'are in the professional field'. The day of reckoning is literally, about to happen. We went through this for some years with a family member ( I will leave that anonymous; but some of you know of whom I refer to); and the wings were clipped severely and rightfully. Alan and I paid a dear price to have that taken care of; but today, we know the sacrifice was well worth it. Over the years, perhaps some other family members, when they are a bittid older, may catch the drift as to the 'battle' we had to endure, to put things right, to create a legacy for future generations.

Further bittid - Have compassion for others; even if they are gravely in error. We do have a compassion for the siblings; and yet they have brought this on themselves. The 'truth never lies'; that is a tidbit.

Have to run for now; as we have some friends that we are going to see for a tid bittidz this afternoon; and it is about an hour's drive there and back.

A quick bit of tidbitz; our tulips were planted yesterday! We live in a Strata environment; and the landscapers were by yesterday; so this will be a wonderful treat to look forward to! We have some 'parrot tulips' and other varieties; so in the Spring, it will be an awesome sight to all eyes!

God Bless! Happy New Year!