“Three Cheers For the Biggest Thanksgiving Turkey”

“Just looking,  and all   that one can think  is,  When do we start eating?”

Just looking  at this fine Turkey, I am hoping that everyone will have such a nice tender Turkey dinner with all of their Family and Friends  and be Blessed  by the Almighty Yahweh with  an abundance of those things that they need, as we will be entering into the New Year 2020!

2020 is just around the corner, NOW and I am wondering if everyone is ready for what this  NEW YEAR will be bringing in?  This current year has been an upside-down year. Seems that everyone wants things going their way – and if not their way – they seem to be adamant proving you to be wrong in the way  that you think, talk ,teach and preach!

2019 has been rough for everyone as there is no straight and narrow road to travel, since there are more roads that seem to take you nowhere, but to a dead end! There is no right way to do anything since the person next to you wants it done their way, according to them that is the right way. Now no one can do anything right?

A hundred years ago, as I remember – We had nice heavy duty furniture ready to last hundreds  of years. The lady of the house would make doilies and hand crochet  items for every fine piece of furniture in the house, something like this photo.

Do you remember seeing such nice  items on furniture  in your home  or maybe in your friends’ home?  When I was very young, we were busy making all kinds of nice items for the entire  house, all throughout you would see doilies on dressers, bed stands the end tables  and beside any large piece of furniture.

Everywhere you looked, it was a beautiful site to see and admire, but you were afraid to touch and or use!

It seems that a family moves every six to seven years and to have a house look beautiful like the days gone by – is now impossible. It is too much work and no one to take care  and make sure that there is no rough-housing to destroy such masterpieces of creative work, since we did hope they would last forever?

Within the next years coming, there does not seem to be the time to  do the creative work as once done – as everyone in the household is working and meals are no longer prepared as for those designated times as they once were. There is  too much rush put into doing everything, hardly time to think.

So, for this extra special week that we celebrate THANKSGIVING, let us slow down and start enjoying our FAMILY and FRIENDS – paying more attention to that which is the most important thing in our LIFE  with those we LOVE!

Let us all take some special time with those we LOVE because we do not know if there will a tomorrow to celebrate with them as we should – it is NOW or never. I sure do not want to hear those words…”I wish that I did this or that – I should have – I could have – I just forgot to take the time – for those that are most important to  me – and now I am so sorry!”    D.V.


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“Tapioca Pudding” Best Treat to Feel Good”

“Healthy is, as Healthy does – and a  dish  of this Tapioca Pudding will make you feel terrific,  when ever you want to feel  like you are  resting on Cloud 9.”

 

Recipe of the Day

Tapioca Pudding
Prep:  30 minutes
Cook:  30 minutes
Total Prep:  60 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/2 cup small pearl tapioca
3/4 cup water
2 – 1/4 cups 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar divided
2 eggs separated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Soak the tapioca in water for 30 minutes in a 1-1/2 quart saucepan.

Do not drain any remaining liquid from the tapioca.

Lightly beat egg yolks and add to tapioca along with milk, salt and 1/4 cup of sugar.

Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes and stir frequently.

Beat together egg whites and remaining sugar until soft peaks form.

Fold in a portion of the hot tapioca into the egg whites, then carefully fold the mixture back into the saucepan.

Continue to stir over low heat for approximately 3 minutes.

Allow the tapioca to cool for 15 minutes, then add the vanilla.

Serve the tapioca warm or chilled.

As an added treat, top with fruit, nuts, whipped cream, cinnamon or other seasonal favorites.


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“Thanks Be That We are All Together”

“Looks like the “CHEF Alan” himself,  just has to give the “Lucky Bird” one more test for complete doneness!”

“Yes, that is ME at the sink – why – who knows, now – but – for some good ole reason – something or someone needed something – and –  I was able to take care of whatever it was!”

A second thought just came to me,  this could be the beginning of a new “FAD” – start taking pictures of people from the “Backside.”  We always take pictures of people and we are looking at their face – but – NOW, if we see them from the backside, we just have a better idea of what they really look like, and will be able to pick them out of a CROWD – no matter which way they are going – we will know  – who – goes there!

Now that the “TURKEY” is here, and baked to perfection, as we did all enjoy it, as some of us even had room,  for second helpings and because of the size, there was enough for some  “leftovers”  – to be taken home – with those that may have wanted a snack  for the next day – as there was plenty to go around.

While the main attraction, the “TURKEY” was resting, we were busy with the other foods seeing to it, that the foods that needed to be warm were just right, and a check on the “GOOD GRAVY” was just the way it was supposed to be.

We had two tables set up and ready and  “Great Grandson Lex” was seated nicely in his own highchair.  Serving spoons and utensils all available – and just like in a “Self-serve Restaurant” get in line and help yourself – just do not take too long- as others are behind you and will start a new row, at the other counter to get their first choice at what they like, and plenty of it.

One good thing for sure about this time of the year – you do get to see and hear from all of he relatives – especially those that have to work more hours and at different times, than the others – and with a large gathering, having a terrific meal to be shared – on this day and time spent together, is just like being in Heaven –  we all get to take our  own time,  in the doing and  talking  – as it seems, that the clock just stops – just to let  all of us humans, enjoy a wonderful and terrific time together – making a memory to  be remembered for always!   

“OUR main PRAYER is always, that we might be BLESSED to receive those Blessings – that will allow all of our FAMILY and FRIENDS to  once again, be reunited – in just another  terrific united get together!”       D.V.


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“NATIONAL PLAY DAY WITH DAD” – “Do It”

On November 25th, National Play Day With Dad encourages fathers to spend the day focused on fun with their kids. It’s a day designed for bonding and memories.

A dad play day allows the children of fathers a focused time to bond. For busy dads, the observance provides an opportunity to get to know one another better. Some dads may choose to make positive memories. Others may want to schedule time to take pictures and capture those new memories as keepsakes. The day also gives men a chance to become the real heroes every child and community needs.

Fatherhood is a grand experience. It even leads to great dad experiences. Investing in our children and their memories and adventures teaches them more than just how much we care. It provides them with a foundation they rely upon for a lifetime. They will continue to grow and build upon those gifts we give them. And someday, we will enjoy the rewards of their happiness and success. Sometimes, that includes the love they share with their children of the next generation.

HOW TO OBSERVE #PlayDayWithDad

Dads, set the day aside. Clear your schedules and focus on your children.

Find out what interests your off-spring and pledge to join the fun.

  • Find out what interests your off-spring and pledge to join the fun.
  • Play arcade games together.
  • Love, hug, smile, dance with your children.
  • Have a photo-shoot with your family.
  • Play a ball game together.
  • Watch your child compete in something.
  • Join your off-spring (adult children) while they are working on a project (at work).
  • Tell your child stories about your father, and share your family history.
  • Ask your child – How can I be a better father?
  • Promote positive fatherhood.
  • Read a book to your children.

Share with us how you’re spending the day using #PlayDayWithDad socially. And share pictures of your dad, and tell Share Our Style Foundation about him. Like, Share, Comment your support socially to illustrate positive images of fatherhood.

NATIONAL PLAY DAY WITH DAD HISTORY

Share Our Style Foundation National Play Day With Dad in 2019 to remind fathers that their most important role in life will be to be a hero to their children. Every other role falls to the wayside when children come into our lives. Being a good parent stands out more than anything ever will. When we ace that job, we make the whole world better. Join Share Our Style Foundation in their mission for excellence in parenting.

In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Play Day With Dad to be observed on November 25th, annually.


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“Thanksgiving = Giving Thanks”

This is the  big first, for Grandson Alan – all by himself – he baked this extra large and  beautiful Turkey and as you can see – this is a very big  and tender Turkey and that was not all! Alan  went the extra mile – so to speak,  he even brought several other side dishes that he prepared, all  done up in an extra special way,  enough to feed an ARMY!

It  looks as if  I am acting like the old “Julia Child” beside her guest “COOKS”  on one of her old SHOWS –  – pointing and giving her guests a few pointers – fingers going- all along with the mouth in motion, asking questions, “Did you do this and that – and what about this – was it done correctly according to  be instructions in my BOOK, “Julia Child Cooks!”

Now that I am looking at this PHOTO – “I am wondering how some of the guests felt, when they were preparing food on Julia’s Show – did they  think that they were in Kindergarten again, after all the many years of their cooking for hire, all over the Globe.”

“Thanksgiving” that word is backwards –  it  should be “Giving thanks” because at least this once a year week of “Thanksgiving” is really not enough – we should,  give Thanks  – everyday of our LIFE – and maybe every hour on the hour – as every minute of the day – we are receiving the BIG TIME GIFTS – from our Almighty Creator! Without our Creator – we would be nothing and therefore, needing nothing!

Never let a full DAY go by – without giving our Creator,  “THANKS” – and while we are doing that – give several people we know and or meet with each day, a very cheerful THANKS – with  all the gusto and mustered up with some LOVE – giving them them a hug about the neck, and a small pat on the backside – just  to let them know – you are sending LOVE from Heaven above to them – and  also remember – what you give to others – you receive from the Almighty – by the bucketfuls – if, I say so myself!   D.V.


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“Over the River to Grandma’s House We Go”

“Happy Thanksgiving to you and to you and to all!”

“Nothing more exciting than for the first great grandson to arrive first, for a Happy Thanksgiving Day celebration with the meeting to be at our “FUN Grandma’s House!”

That is  the best Grandpa, Al meeting Grandson LEX, himself – as he is walking on his own and loves to go places and see everything and also likes to get a ride up  and high in the air  – so that he can see where everything is, and then will know just exactly where he will be going, for a closer observation with the possibility of getting his own hands on everything to make a closer observation – and if he does not like it,  oh well,  just let it drop to the floor.

On the ride over to “Grandma’s House” – we always sing that best old time favorite song  – and we know, that you know the song well – because, I am guessing that all the children when they are small, are taught  – “Over the River and through the woods to ‘GRANDMOTHER’S’ House we will go” as that is so much FUN getting all the young voices singing and just wondering about all the good things, and about all the good surprises that will be popping up – just for their Fun and enjoyment!

“Just in case  – you forgot – or in the case you never did  get to sing and have the  FUN  as we did – hope that you can at least enjoy this FUN song as we have always  done at this time of year,  and will  do forever – with lots of FUN – excitement – put all that gusto into it – with your arms moving  – just as if you are going through the WOODS – on a Sled that is pulled by a horse or two – flying over all of the nice thick white snow – that we always get at this time of year – just to make many more wonderful memories – for  that “BOOK of OUR LIFE” – for a remembrance,  for when we grow old, and  can only remember the  very “Good  OLD Times” of   all those days,  a way and way  back and when!      D.V.


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