A Love Story

A Love Story

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived; Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others, including Love. One day It was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.

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Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island Was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of silver in my boat. There Is no place here for you."

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Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and Might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

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Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh....Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself."

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Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even Hear when Love called her!

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Suddenly there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder his Name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went his own way.

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Love realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder. "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered. "Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?" Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because, only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."

-- Author Unknown

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'Twas the night of Thanksgiving,

'Twas the night of Thanksgiving,

But I just couldn't sleep

I tried counting backwards,

I tried counting sheep.
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The leftovers beckoned -

The dark meat and white

But I fought the temptation

With all of my might.

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Tossing and turning

With anticipation

The thought of a snack

Became infatuation.

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So, I raced to the kitchen,

Flung open the door

And gazed at the fridge,

Full of goodies galore.

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I gobbled up turkey

And buttered potatoes,

Pickles and carrots,

Beans and tomatoes.

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I felt myself swelling

So plump and so round,

'Til all of a sudden,

I rose off the ground.

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I crashed through the ceiling,

Floating into the sky

With a mouthful of pudding

And a handful of pie.

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But, I managed to yell

As I soared past the trees....

Happy eating to all -

Pass the cranberries, please.

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May your stuffing be tasty,

May your turkey be plump.

May your potatoes 'n gravy

Have nary a lump.

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May your yams be delicious

May your pies take the prize,

May your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off of your thighs.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!!

~~Author Unknown~~

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Basic Table Manners

Basic Table Manners

Good basic table manners are important because they ensure that both guests and hosts are comfortable at the table. Table manners are mostly common sense. Following these will carry you through most common situations from Formal Dinners to a night of poker with the guys.

1. Sit up straight. Try not to slouch or lean back in your chair (even if you are playing cards and don't want you opponents to see your hand).

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2. Don't speak with your mouth full of food. Sure, you've heard your mother say it a hundred times, but no one likes to see a ball of masticated meat in your mouth. If you feel you must speak immediately, if you have only a relatively small bite, tuck it into your cheek with your tongue and speak briefly.

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3. Chew quietly, and try not to slurp. This is a corollary of rule number 2. Making noises is not only unappetizing, and distracting, but it can also interrupt the flow of conversation.

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4. Keep bites small. In order to facilitate the above rules it is smart to keep bite sizes to a moderate forkful. Cut meat and salad so that it doesn't hang from your mouth after you shovel it in. Don't cut all of your meat at one time, this tends to remind people of feeding small children - and the messiness associated with this activity.

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5. Eat at a leisurely pace. This rule, besides being good for the digestion, also shows your host that you want to enjoy the food and the company. Eating quickly and running is sign of disrespect for the host, as it shows that your focus is on the food and that you would rather be at home watching the grass grow than passing time with your host.

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6. Don't wave utensils in the air, especially knives or if there is food on them. Besides the danger of knocking over glasses, piercing waiters or launching a pea into the eye of your date, this is a sign of over-excitedness that may be unappealing to those present. Earnestness is to be commended, but irrational exuberance goes beyond the limits of good table manners.

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7. Keep your elbows off the table. You have also heard this one from your mother, ad infinitum, but in close dining situations it is a vital rule. Elbows take up table space and can be a danger in knocking plates or glasses. Elbows on the table give you something to lean on and tend to lull you into slouching. If you must lean on the table a good tactic is to take a roll or piece of bread into your free hand and rest part of your forearm on the table.

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8. Don't Reach. You don't want to get in the way of people either eating or talking. Not only is it as impolite as standing in front of a TV with other people behind you, but there is always the possibility of upsetting glasses or running your sleeve through someone's mashed potatoes.

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9. Don't forget please and thank you. These are handy words in most situations but especially vital at the table where common courtesies are noticed by everyone present.

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10. Excuse yourself when leaving the table. You don't want people to think that you are tired of their company. If you must leave the table make your excuses somewhat obvious and appear to be pressing. You want to leave people with the impression that you would rather remain at the table talking with them than doing anything else, but the matter at hand is so pressing that it must be attended to at once.

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11. Compliment the Cook. Even if the food is perfectly awful say something nice. You don't have to lie, simply find the positive side of the burnt leg of lamb..."Gee, the sauce was sure tasty." It is always pleasant to end a meal on a positive note.

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12. Wipe your mouth before drinking. Ever notice that disgusting smudge on the edge of your wine glass? This can be avoided by first wiping your lips with your napkin. (Thanks to Lindy Hill for this contribution.)

Taken from Basic Table Manners

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101 Thanksgiving Blessings

1. The Love of Family Gen. 2:3

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2. True friends who are there regardless of circumstances. Prov. 17:17

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3. God's word, the bread of life. Luke 4:4

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4. Freedom of worship PS 138:2

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5. Beautiful Music to enjoy PS 33:3
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6. The warmth of a fire in Winter PS 9:1

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7. Our Forefathers who paved the way for us. Jer. 6:16

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8. A mother's love Prov. 4:3

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9. The singing of birds Song of Solomon 2:12

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10. Rain in due season Lev. 26:4

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11. Two hands to perform tasks Ecc. 9:10

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12. Laughter to express our joy. PS 126:2

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13. The act of forgiveness Eph. 4:32

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14. Spring flowers PS 65:10

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15. Autumn leaf color Ecc. 3:1
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16. The instruction of a father Prov. 1:8-9
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17. The innocence of children Math 19:14
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18. Peaceful sleep PS 4:8
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19. Tears expressing our joy or greif PS 126:5
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20. A sister's love 1 Cor 13:4
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21. Sunshine after storms PS 74:16
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22. The ability to learn Prov. 1:5
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23. Kind Words Prov. 15:23
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24. The pursuit of Happiness PS 146:5
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25. Lips that worship God PS 63:5
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26. Eyes to Enjoy the world around us Ecc. 11:7
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27. The wisdom of our elders 1 Peter 5:5
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28. Food on our table. 1 Tim. 6:8
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29. God-given talents 1 Cor. 12:18
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30. A place to worship God PS 122:1
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31. The warmth of sunshine PS 133:13
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32. Fresh water to drink Ex 23:25
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33. Cool breezes on a hot day PS 147:18
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34. Laughter in the midst of sorrow Prov. 14:13
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35. Comfort from a friend. Prov. 27:17
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36. God's promises 2 Peter 3:9
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37. The diversity of the four seasons PS 74:17
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38. A voice to sing songs PS 9:2
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39. The breath of life Gen 2:7
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40. The love of a mate. Gen 2:24
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41. Children in the family PS 127:3
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42 Good health 3 John 1:2
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43. A Godly heritage 2 Tim. 1:5
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44. Ears to hear. Prov. 14:31
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45. Coffee with a friend Prov. 15:15
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46. The confidence of a friend Prov. 11:13
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47. Time spent with family PS 128:1,3
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48. A Godly mentor Prov. 11:14
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49. Productive gardens Jer. 29:5
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50. Time spent conversing with God Prov. 8:17
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51. Letters from a loved one Prov. 12:25
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52. A report of good news Prov. 25:25
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53. Inspiring, caring teachers Prov. 9:9
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54. The desire for an abundant life. John 10:10
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55. Hope for tomorrow PS 71:5
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56. Good books to read Prov. 12:1
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57. The gift of God's grace Eph. 2:8
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58. Courage to pursue our dreams. Phillipians 4:13
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59. The comfort of a bed for sleeping. PS 4:4
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60. The beauty of the stars on a dark night. PS 8:3-4
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61. The companionship of animals Gen 2:19
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62. The harvest of a garden PS 128:2
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63. Modern technology Prov. 21:11
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64. Rest after hard work EX 23:12
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65. Prayer offered for you by a friend James 5:16
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66. Beautiful artwork. PS 18:3
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67. The skill of a good doctor PS 34:19
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68. Rainbows after a storm Gen 9:14
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69. Friends with strong shoulders to leave on Prov. 27:9
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70. Family holiday celebrations PS 133:1
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71. Air conditioning in the summer. PS 105:1
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72. Mentors who care Prov. 22:2
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73. An unexpected Valentine 1 John 4:7
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74. God's mercy PS 100:5
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75. Inner joy that makes you smile PS 16:11
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76. Employment Ecc. 9:10
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77. The ability to laugh Prov. 17:22
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78. The shade of a big tree Job 40:22
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79. Victory after a battle 1 john 5:4
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80. Strength to run a race PS 18:29
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81. The small things in life PS 103:2
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82. Spiritual direction PS 1:1
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83. A field of wildflowers PS 104:31
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84. The majesty of mountains Ps 125:2
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85. The desire to smile PS 144:15
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86. Time to smell the roses PS 46:10
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87. Opportunities to improve yourself Prov. 4:1
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88. Communication with others Prov. 16:13
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89. Common courtesy from others Phillipians 2:4
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90. Leisure time with friends. Rom 12:10
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91. The ability to provide for your family Prov 31:27
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92. Words of wisdom from a friend Prov 19:20
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93. A new day PS 118:24
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94. Beautiful poetry PS 68:11
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95. Courage when needed Deut. 31:6
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96. Contentment 1 Tim 6:6
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97. A beautiful sunset PS 104:19
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98. A phone call from an old friend or relative Prov. 16:24
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99. Early morning solitude with God. PS 104:34
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100 The power and beauty of a river. PS 104:10
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101.The privilege of doing good for others Prov. 3:27

~Taken from the book: 101 thanksgiving Blessings, by Vickie Phelps

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Recipe Books to Download

Paula_Deens_Holiday_Hosting _pdf

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Martha Stewart Living

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Land O'Lakes: Free 'Homemade for the Holidays!' Recipe Brochure

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33 Hearty Crock-Pot Recipes eCookbook RecipeLion.com

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Free Jolly Cook Cookbook

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Sargento.Holiday_recipe_brochure.pdf

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Holiday Roast Brochure


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Thoughts to Ponder

Thoughts to Ponder

The most destructive habit..................Worry

The greatest Joy....................................Giving

The greatest loss.............Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work..............Helping others

The ugliest personality trait...............Selfishness

The most endangered species...Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource..............Our youth

The greatest "shot in the arm".....Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome................Fear

The most effective sleeping pill........Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease.............Excuses

The most powerful force in life........................Love

The most dangerous pariah..................A gossiper

The world's most incredible computer...The brain

The worst thing to be without......................... Hope

The deadliest weapon...............................The tongue

The two most power-filled words.............."I Can"

The greatest asset................................Faith

The most worthless emotion................Self-pity

The most beautiful attire........................SMILE!

The most prized possession................. Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication...Prayer

The most contagious spirit.......Enthusiasm

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God’s Coffee

God’s Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together tovisit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned intocomplaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returnedwith a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups-porcelain, plastic,glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite-tellingthem to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "Ifyou noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leavingbehind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want onlythe best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most casesit is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. Whatall of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously wentfor the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position insociety are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and thetype of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, We fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!

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The Holy Bible and the TV Guide

The Holy Bible and the TV Guide

On the table side by side:

The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.

One's well worn but cherished with pride

(Not the Bible, but the TV Guide).

One's used daily to help folk decide,

Not the Bible, it's the TV Guide.

As pages are turned, what will they see?

Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV.

Then confusion reigns, they can't all agree

On what they will watch on the old TV.

So they open the book in which they confide

(Not the Bible, it's the TV Guide).

The Word of God is seldom read --

Maybe a verse e'er they fall into bed,

Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be

(Not from reading the Bible: from watching TV).

So then back to the table, side by side,

Are the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.

No time for prayer, no time for the Word.

The way of salvation is seldom heard.

Abiding in Christ so full and free

Is found in the Bible, not on TV.

-- Anonymous

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Quotes

“No man goes before his time — unless the boss leaves early“. – Groucho Marx

“Time stays long enough for those who use it.“ – Leonardo Da Vinci

“He that rises late must trot all day.“ – Benjamin Franklin

Ordinary people think merely of spending time. Great people think of using it. Author Unknown

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much can be done if we are always doing. Thomas Jefferson

It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about? ~Henry David Thoreau

Never let yesterday use up today. ~Richard H. Nelson

Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating. You are creating your next moment. That is what’s real. ~Sara Paddison

The time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something. ~Carl Sandburg

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

What may be done at any time will be done at no time. ~Scottish Proverb

A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times. ~Baltasar Gracian

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~Carl Sandburg

In truth, people can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the time but the will that is lacking. ~Sir John Lubbock

Those who make the worse use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness. ~Jean De La Bruyere

Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas

Jefferson and Albert Einstein. H. ~Jackson Brown

In the real world, nothing happens at the right place at the right time. It is the job of journalists and historians to correct that. ~Mark Twain

It's not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted. ~Mary O'Connor

Never fight with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig enjoys it! General Abraham’s Pig Law If you win the rat race, you’re still a rat. ~Lily Tomlin

Living your life without a plan is like watching television with someone else holding the remote control. ~Peter Turla

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Apple Recipes

Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup whole milk
1 medium Cortland or other baking apple, peeled and sliced

Set the oven to 375F.
Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with or pie pan a 4-cup capacity.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a bowl, combine 1/3 a cup of the sugar with the cinnamon, set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter with the remaining 1/3 cup sugar.
Beat in the egg until blended. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beating until just combined.
Spread half the batter in the baking dish. Lay the apple slices on the batter so they just cover the batter (you may have to overlap some slices). Sprinkle the apples with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Spread the rest of the batter over the apples. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top. Bake the cake for 25 minutes or until it is golden brown and apples start to bubble at the edges.


Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla
cinnamon
1 small can Mountain Dew

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.


Apple Crisp

6 cups of sliced, peeled, & cored apples (or peaches or pears)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/3 cup soft margarine

Get out a two quart casserole dish and oil it well.
Place the prepared apples or peaches into the dish and sprinkle the lemon juice over them. Set them aside.
In a medium sized bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves.
Add the margarine. If the margarine is soft, it will be an easy matter to mix it in with a fork. If the margarine is hard, you can melt it in the microwave or in a small pan on the stove. The topping will be a little less crumbly, but still very good.
After the oatmeal mixture is well mixed and crumbly, scatter it over the apples in the casserole. It will cover them thickly.
Now put the casserole in the oven and bake it at 350° for about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot with whipped cream or Whipped Topping.
Serves 6. This is really good made with peaches or pears too. Choose which ever fruit is most abundant. Peaches in the summertime, apples and pears in the fall and winter.


Pork Chops and Apples

6 pork chops
4 apples peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown Pork Chops on the Stove top
Place apple slices in a greased 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon and dot with butter. Top with Pork Chops. Cover and bake 1 hour. (if you have thin pork chops they will be done sooner and if you have really thick chops you might have to cook slightly longer)


Apple Muffins

3/4 C canola oil
2 C sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 C unsweetened applesauce
4 C all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place the sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Pour in the canola oil and stir until creamy.
Add the egg substitute and the vanilla. Stir until mixed well. Gently fold in the applesauce.
In another large mixing bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Slowly add them to the sugar mixture and mix just until moistened.
Spray the muffin tin with a non stick cooking spray.
Pour each cup 3/4 full of batter.
Bake 20 minutes and test with a toothpick before removing. Serve them with a glass of milk or juice.



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Setting a Thanksgiving Table, Napkins & Potpourri

For A Formal Place Setting:

1. Place the service plate on the table directly in front of where guest will be sitting.
2. Locate the bread and butter plate at the 10:00 position in relation to dinner plate.
3. The butter knife should be placed on the bread and butter plate in a slight diagonal, pointing to the 11:00 position.
4. Place water glass at 1:00 position relative to dinner plate and just above knives.
5. Put red or white wine glass just below and to right of water glass.
6. Set champagne glass above and to right of red or white wine glass. Finally, set sherry glass to the right of red or white wine glass.
7. Put dessert spoon above dinner plate in a horizontal position
8. Place dessert fork above dessert spoon, facing in opposite direction.
9. Dinner knife should be located to the right of dinner plate.
10. Place fish knife to the right of dinner knife.
11. Put soup spoon and the fruit spoon (if used) to the right of dinner knife.
12. If serving shellfish, oyster fork should be located to the right of soup spoon and/or fruit spoon.
13. Place salad fork to the left of dinner plate. Put dinner fork next to salad fork.
14. Place fish fork to the left of the dinner fork.
15. Place napkin to the left of all forks.
    

Tips: For less formal dinners, remove unnecessary pieces such as fish forks and knives and extraneous wine glasses.

Pretty Rolled Napkins
Napkin Folding Instructions: 27 Photographed Napkin Folds
Custom Linen Service - Napkins - Napkin Folding 101
Napkin Folding- Special Napkin Folding for Your Table
Napkin Folding Demonstrations: 17 Napkin Folding Video Lessons
Napkin Folds: Easy How-To Cooking Tips & Advice: All Guides Free: RecipeTips.com How to Fold Napkins - MyPaperShop.com

More links not from TipNutz:
Holiday Napkin Folding: The Diamond Silverware Pouch Fold
Silverware Napkin Folding: The Silverware Pouch
Napkin Folding- Create a Wings Napkin Fold
Cocks Comb or Bird of Paradise Napkin Fold: Easy How-To Cooking Tips & Advice: RecipeTips.com

Fragrant Home: 13 Simmering Pot Recipes

This is a lovely way to make your home smell warm and inviting. Just fill a pot with water, add your favorite ingredients and simmer all day. This also helps humidify the home a bit.

The recipes below are just guidelines, you can use different amounts and mix up ingredients as you like. Experiment to find your favorite smells.

Save: orange, lemon and lime peels, apple skins (dry them out first before storing in a container)

Frugal idea: For apple juice, cranberry juice, herbs and spices that are outdated, don’t throw out–just add to your simmering pot

You can refrigerate your simmering recipe and reuse daily for up to one week. Just keep adding water as needed.

Directions: Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the ingredients from your favorite recipe, boil for a few minutes, then turn the heat down to simmer all day. Top up water as needed.

Caution: Set your timer for 30 minutes so you remember to top up with water. You don’t want the pot burning dry. Do not leave the house with this left heating on the stove.

Simmering Pot Potpourri Recipes

Recipe #1
Cinnamon sticks

Apple peels

Orange rinds

Whole cloves

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Recipe #2
Apple juice

Cinnamon sticks

Whole cloves

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Recipe #3
Vanilla (a few drops)

Orange peels

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Recipe #4 - Christmas Potpourri Simmering Pot
3 sprigs evergreen or handful pine needles

2 cinnamon sticks

2 TBS whole cloves

2 bay leaves

2 pieces orange rind

2 pieces lemon rind

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Recipe #5
2 TBS whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

5 star anise

1 orange peel

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Recipe #6
Whole cloves

1 tsp nutmeg

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Recipe #7
Peel from a whole orange

Whole cloves

2 Cinnamon sticks

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Recipe #8
5 bay leaves

1 TBS whole cloves

2 sticks cinnamon

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Recipe #9
Peel from 1 lemon

Peel from 1 orange

2 bay leaves

3 cinnamon sticks

2 TBS whole cloves

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Recipe #10
1/8 cup cloves

1/8 cup allspice

2 cinnamon sticks

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Recipe #11
6 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 tsp vanilla

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Recipe #12
1 cup dried lavender

1 tsp anise

1 TBS nutmeg

1 TBS whole cloves

1 Cinnamon stick

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Recipe #13
2 sticks cinnamon

Peel from one lemon

Fresh rosemary

Whole cloves

For the Oven:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take a piece of tinfoil (a few inches wide), pour a teaspoon of vanilla on top and place the foil in the oven. Turn off oven and prop the door open a bit.

Fill a loaf pan with water and your favorite recipe from above. Set in oven on high heat until it starts filling your home with lovely smells. Turn off oven, then prop the door open.

To Encourage Appetites:

Make fresh bread or fry up an onion or set an onion in the oven to heat. The smell will make everyone good and hungry at meal time ;).

Fragrant Home: 13 Simmering Pot Recipes » TipNut.com

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Thanksgiving Checklist

Follow This Checklist and Be Prepared for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Checklist
Here's an easy-to-use checklist of how to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast.

FOUR WEEKS OUT:
*Make your guest list.
*Make your menu.
*Order your turkey--especially if you want a fresh one. (Plan on 1 1/4 pounds per person.)Measure your oven to make sure your turkey will fit.
*Invite your guests. (Before you get on the phone, have a list of guests and a list of dishes. Then, if someone offers to bring a dish, accept the offer. And if they don't offer, ask them.)

THREE WEEKS OUT:
*Check your equipment:
*Table (one large enough for all your guests)
*Chairs for all of your guests

Dishware:
*Dinner plates
*Dessert plates
*Coffee cups and saucers

Silverware:
*Polished forks, knives and spoons

Glassware:
*Water glassesClean wine glasses

Linens:
*Clean napkins
*Tablecloth (large enough to fit your table)

Cooking and serving items:
*Roasting pan: Is it the right size for your turkey? Will it fit into your oven? (Don't laugh: It's easier to buy the right pan today than it will be on Thanksgiving morning.)
*Big-enough bowls, pots and serving platters
*Trivets
*Bread basket
*Sauceboat
*Gravy pitcher
*Well-sharpened knives
*Coffeepot--Can yours make both regular and decaf for a crowd? Maybe you should get a thermos.
*Sugar bowl
*Cream pitcher

SUGGESTION: If you can afford it, having someone to do the dishes will make an immense difference in your enjoyment of the meal.

TWO WEEKS OUT:
*Make a seating chart.

*Work on your shopping lists--don't forget tonic, seltzer and apple cider for the kids.

*Begin cooking--relish will keep in the fridge for a week; gravy freezes well.)

*Select a wine--Caterers recommend providing a half bottle for each guest--not counting children, of course.

ONE WEEK OUT:
*Tidy up the house.

*Put clean towels in the bathroom.

*Make a final shopping list--Remember ice, cream for the coffee and nuts for nibbling in the living room.

THANKSGIVING WEEK - MONDAY:
*Defrost your turkey (if it's frozen).

*Remember that you have to allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds if you're going to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator. That means a 15-pound turkey will take three full days, so get started on Monday.

SUGGESTION: If you miss that deadline, you can defrost the bird faster in a sinkful of cold water, allowing about half an hour for each pound of turkey and changing the water occasionally. (It will still take 7 1/2 hours for that 15-pounder, so do it after work on Wednesday, then refrigerate it.)

THANKSGIVING WEEK - TUESDAY:
*Do your final food shopping.

*Make a cooking schedule for Thanksgiving Day.

*If guests are invited for 5 P.M., count backward from a 6 P.M. dinner, writing down the time everything goes into the oven or the microwave. Don't forget the dishes that will have to be reheated.

THANKSGIVING WEEK - WEDNESDAY:
*Set the table.

*Clear out the coat closet for guest coats.

*Clean the guest bathroom. If possible, make it off-limits to the family.

*Take the gravy out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator so it can defrost.

THANKSGIVING DAY:
*You'll be so caught up that you'll be looking around for things to do. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving Countdown

Thanksgiving Countdown
by Brandie Valenzuela

Now is the time to make those preparations for your Thanksgiving dinner! Here you will find a countdown that will help you to have everything ready by the big day.

2-4 Weeks Prior To Thanksgiving (or now!)

1) Plan your menu. Think about which items that can be made ahead of time and frozen, and plan these items in on your "to-do" list (see #4 below). Have a few items listed which you don't mind if a guest brings -- delegate these items when inviting your guests.

2) Invite your guests and get a firm commitment from them ASAP.

3) Make your shopping list, but only after you know exactly what your guests might be bringing. Don't forget to include important items such as film, batteries, and beverages.

4) Make a "Thanksgiving To-Do" list. List every little thing that you feel must be done prior to Thanksgiving. For example, detail cleaning, washing of serving pieces, shopping, raking of leaves in yard, cooking, decorating, etc.

5) Take your "Thanksgiving To-Do" list, and schedule time for each item. You may wish to complete one or two items a day until Turkey Day. Be sure to get the help of your spouse and children - delegate! Work on your personal "Thanksgiving To-Do" list in addition to the items in this countdown.

6) Order your turkey and ham, if this applies to you.

10-14 Days Prior To Thanksgiving

1) Take an inventory of your chairs, tables, dishes, flatware, glassware, and linens. If items need to be cleaned, do so now. If you need more chairs, arrange that at this time.

2) Will guest be spending the night in your home? Be sure to think about sleeping arrangements.

3) Make sure you will have enough room in your freezer or refrigerator for the turkey. If you don't have enough room, plan now to make room by eating meals made from some of the items taking up the space.

4) Clean your refrigerator inside and out.

5) Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping list, or items you know will keep until Thanksgiving.

One Week Prior To Thanksgiving

1) Will children be at your home for Thanksgiving? Search the web and craft books for easy activities and games that will keep the children busy.

2) Also, if you are having young children in your home, do a safety check of your home. Are medicines and cleaners out of reach? Do your outlets have covers? Do you have breakable items that might be better off on a higher shelf? Do a thorough check of each room the children will occupy.

3) Have the children help you with some simple decorations. Create turkey's from pinecones, place cards, draw pilgrims for the refrigerator door, and more.

4) Reevaluate your "Thanksgiving To-Do" list. Is there many items you listed, that may be impossible to get done now? Be realistic and cross off items that can be skipped.

Five Days Prior To Thanksgiving

1) Plan seating arrangements.

2) To save money on bagged ice, start making your own ice cubes now, by freezing in trays, and when frozen, dump them in a freezer bag.

3) Shop for perishable Thanksgiving items between now and two days prior to Thanksgiving.

Two Days Prior To Thanksgiving

1) Is there any other dishes or desserts that can still be prepared ahead of time? If so, do them today.

2) Fill your salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.

3) Defrost in the refrigerator any frozen side dishes.

4) Be sure your home is clean. If any other details need to be taken care of, do them now. Is your bathroom clean? Do you need to clean your front walk?

Day Before Thanksgiving

1) Prepare any dishes you couldn't freeze.

2) Chill beverages in refrigerator.

3) Buy bouquet of flowers for table or countertop, if you wish.

4) Spot clean the rooms that will be used during the festivities.

5) If you have a formal dining area, set the Thanksgiving table now.

Thanksgiving Day

1) Finish last minute details: turkey, mashed potatoes, but most of all, enjoy yourself!


About the authorBrandie is a freelance writing mother of three children. She is also the editor of the HomeMade Living ezine, a free ezine for stay-at-home mothers.



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Lesson Theme of the Week: The Mayflower and Colonial Times

The Mayflower

General Information
A cut-away plan and description of The Mayflower ship, its decks, superstructure and compartments.
http://www.mayflowersteps.co.uk/mayflower/mayflower.html
MayflowerHistory.com
http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/
Mayflower Passenger List
http://www.mayflowerfamilies.com/mayflower/mayflower_passenger_list.htm
Sail1620 - Discover History: The Good Ship Mayflower
http://www.sail1620.org/
The Mayflower Compact
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0101029.html
The Ship - Mayflower
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mosmd/mayflowerbig.htm

Lesson Plans
Aboard the Mayflower
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/american-colonies/lesson-plan/787.html
Learning to Give - Lesson Plan - Mayflower Compact Started It
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit39/lesson2.html
Mayflower
http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/US_History/USH0043.html
Mayflower Math: Voyage into history and math with our shipshape
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-80747667.html
Mayflower Voyage
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSArtThanksgivingPilgrimHardshipsAndThankfulForQuilt1.htm
No Extra Room on the Mayflower
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.php?lesson=EM675&page=teacher
Sad Seasick Sailors
http://www.learningtogive.com/lessons/unit84/lesson3.html
Thanksgiving : The Mayflower:: Lesson Plan
http://atozteacherstuff.com/pages/441.shtml
Traveling on the Mayflower
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/2855


Crafts
Mayflower Hats
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/mayflower-toppers-661840/
Mayflower Ship Craft
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/watertrans/l/blmayflowcr.htm
Mayflower Thanksgiving Centerpiece
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/mayflower-centerpiece-664344/
The Pilgrims' Voyage: Map and The Mayflower
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/map/


Cooking
Mayflower Cupcakes Recipe
http://www.recipezaar.com/Mayflower-Cupcakes-146294
Mayflower Sandwiches Recipe
http://find.myrecipes.com/food/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=521025


Online Activities
Mayflower Drag & Drop Puzzle
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/thanksgiving/games/dragdrop/index.htm
Mayflower II Photo Puzzle
http://gonewengland.about.com/library/puzzles/nmayflowerpuzzle.htm
Quia - Mayflower Compact Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/105992.html
Quia - Mayflower: Vocabulary Game #2
http://www.quia.com/rr/109625.html
Thanksgiving Games - Find the Differences - The Mayflower
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/thanksgiving/different/mayflower.html
The Mayflower, Its Occupants and Crew Quiz
http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=154094
The Voyage of the Mayflower - US Colonial History Quiz
http://www.funtrivia.com/quizdetails.cfm?quiz=113278


Printouts
Mayflower Order to 50 and to 100 Math Worksheets
http://www.math-drills.com/thanksgiving.shtml
The Mayflower Poem Word Search
http://ex.susd.org/tjagodzinski/mayflower_compact.htm
The Mayflower - Thanksgiving color sheets for kids
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/thanksgiving/the-mayflower.html

Life in Colonial Times

General Information
Archiving Early America
http://www.earlyamerica.com/
Colonial Currency
http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCurrency/
Colonial Hall: Biographies of America's Founding Fathers
ttp://colonialhall.com/index_t1.php
Early American Paintings
http://www.worcesterart.org/Collection/Early_American/
English Colonial Era Timeline
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/rev-col.htm
Food in the 13 American Colonies
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/13coloniesfood.htm
The Avalon Project : Colonial Charters, Grants and Related Documents
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/statech.asp


Lesson Plans
Geography of the English Settlements
http://www.cstone.net/~bcp/3/3DGeo.htm
Life on Plymouth Plantation
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/plymouth/
The Thirteen Colonies
http://www.cstone.net/~bcp/3/3DHistory.htm
To Market To Market
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/market_to_market/
Virtual Jamestown in the Classroom
http://www.virtualjamestown.org/tscreators.html


Crafts
Colonial Soap Making. Its History and Techniques
http://www.alcasoft.com/soapfact/history.html


Cooking
Preparing Snacks using Colonial Recipes
http://www.monroehistoricsociety.org/cookies.html


Multimedia
Colonial House
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/history/panoramas.html
Hargrett Rare Library Map Collection - Colonial America
http://www.libs.uga.edu/darchive/hargrett/maps/colamer.html


Virtual Fieldtrips
Virtual Jamestown
http://www.virtualjamestown.org/


Online Activities
Colonial America Scavenger Hunt
http://www.ih.k12.oh.us/es/5/michael/colonial.htm


Printouts
13 Colonies Map/Quiz Printout
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/statesbw/13colonies/13colonies.shtml
A Pilgrim Home
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag68.html
Come to America
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/wtp/level5/unit3/org.html
Label 13 Colonies Printout
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/label/13/13.shtml
Pilgrim Food
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag69.html
Pilgrim Paperdoll
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag115.html


To Subscribe to the Lesson Theme of the Week use the links below.
Lesson Theme of the Week http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lessonthemeoftheweek/

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Quotes

When the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it may be that they take better care of it there. — Cecil Selig

When you are through changing, you are through. — Bruce Barton

"You can't measure success if you have never failed."Steffi Graf (1969- ) German tennis champion, Olympic gold medalist

“If you rest, you rust.” Helen Hayes (1900–1993) American actress

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) Dutch painter

“Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.”―Jeanne Moreau

“Be grateful for good breaks and kind favors but don't count on them.” Marian Wright Edelman (1939 – ) American activist founder of the Children's Defense Fund

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. CHARLES SPURGEON

“The mint makes it ($) first, it is up to you to make it last.” ―Evan Esar

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ―Oscar Wilde

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.”―George Burns

“Only Robinson Crusoe had everything done by Friday.” ―Author Unknown

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” ―Mark Twain

“Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.” ―Charles Richards

“Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one.” Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American humanitarian and UN diplomat

“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.” Malcolm Gladwell (1963 – ) Canadian journalist

“Things don't have to change the world to be important.” Steve Jobs (1955 – ) co-founder and CEO of Apple

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” ―Franz Kafka

“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” ―James Bryce

“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” ―Maya Angelou

“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” ―William Shakespeare

“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.” ~Robert Frost

"While the other guy's sleeping? I'm working. While the other guy's eatin’? I'm working." ~Will Smith (1968- )American actor


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Pumpkin Recipes

I'll be adding more than several recipes, tips, ideas and articles I've collected. Hopefully having them here they will more easily accessible and therefore I may finally try most of them this year! If you decide to try anything let me know how it goes.

Don't have pumpkin pie spice? Combine 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon allspice for every teaspoon required.

Pumpkin Bars

1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 eggs, beaten

3 small packages (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding

3/4 cup milk

2 cups pumpkin

dash cinnamon

12 oz. Cool Whip, thawed and divided

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and softened butter.

Pat into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan and set aside.

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, beaten eggs, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Beat until fluffy and spread overcrust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes; allow to cool.

Combine dry pudding mixes and milk and beat for 2 minutes at medium speed

Add pumpkin and cinnamon and mix well. Stir in one cup of Cool Whip and spreadover cooled cream cheese layer. Spread the rest of Cool Whip over the top,sprinkle chopped nuts, and chill.

Pumpkin Apple Butter

Try this thick and delicious pumpkin-apple butter the next time you make homemade bread. Fresh bread spread with homemade apple butter (with pumpkin as the base) is a rich treat!

1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 medium apple, peeled and grated

1 cup Apple NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

COMBINE pumpkin, apple, Juicy Juice, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours. Serve with buttermilk biscuits, breads, corn muffins or hot cereal. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Recipe makes 3 cups.

Harvest Pumpkin Apple Bread

Enjoy this tasty bread with your morning (or anytime) coffee or tea!

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 cups granulated sugar

1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

4 large eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup apple juice or water

1 large baking apple, peeled, cored and diced

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

COMBINE flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, vegetable oil and apple juice in large mixer bowl; beat until just blended. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in apples. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pans.

BAKE for 65 to 70 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

FOR THREE 8 X 4-INCH LOAF PANS:

PREPARE as above. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes.

FOR FIVE OR SIX 5 X 3-INCH MINI-LOAF PANS:

PREPARE as above. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes.

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Mix

Turn this bread mix recipe into a gift thats great for the holiday's!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup OCEAN SPRAY® CRAISINS® Sweetened Dried Cranberries

1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

COMBINE all ingredients, except pumpkin, in large bowl. Pour into 1-quart resealable plastic bag. Place in fabric bag. Place bread mix and can of pumpkin in 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

RECIPE TO ATTACH:

Beat together 3/4 cup LIBBY'S 100% Pure Pumpkin, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup orange juice or water in large mixer bowl until blended.

Add contents of bag; stir until just moistened.

Spoon batter into greased and floured 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Bake in preheated 350° F. oven for 60 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe makes one loaf.

Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread

Great for a brunch or as a snack with whipped cream cheese.

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (we recommend Land O Lakes®), softened

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 9x5-inch loaf pan.

COMBINE flour, pumpkin, brown sugar, butter, eggs, spice, baking soda, salt and baking powder in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed. Spoon batter into prepared pan.

BAKE for 45 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.*Substitute 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon each ground nutmeg and ground cloves for pumpkin pie spice.

VARIATIONS:

Banana Bread: Prepare quick bread as directed above, substituting 3/4 cup sugar for brown sugar and 1 cup mashed bananas for pumpkin; omit pumpkin pie spice.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread: Prepare quick bread as directed above. Stir 3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels and 1 cup mashed banana into batter.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: Prepare quick bread as directed above. Stir in 3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels into batter.

TIP: Wrap bread in plastic food wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Just one slice of this kissed-with-spice quick bread gives you 25 percent of the vitamin A you need in a day.

2 cups all-purpose flour

5 teaspoons ground allspice or pumpkin pie spice

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup Apple NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

SIFT flour, allspice, baking powder, baking soda and salt into medium bowl. Combine pumpkin, sugar, Juicy Juice, eggs, oil and vanilla extract in large bowl; stir well. Stir in flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon into greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

BAKE for 65 to 70 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Banana Nut Bread

Add a pumpkin twist to your banana nut bread!

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

4 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup (2 medium) very ripe bananas, mashed

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup chopped walnuts

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

COMBINE flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Combine pumpkin, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, bananas and vegetable oil in large mixer bowl; beat until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture; stir in nuts. Spoon into prepared loaf pans.

BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

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