Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .


FOR TODAY  Oct 25, 2011

Outside my window... It's dark and cold.  I can tell by the feel of the wind that Old Man Winter is upon us! 

I am thinking... About my husbands family.  He just found out tonight that his mother was hospitalized with cancer of the liver, adrenals, and lymph glands.  The dynamics in this family are so broken . . . please keep them in your prayers.

I am thankful for... One thing that I am so thankful for tonight is my faith.  Faith that there is more . . . this is not the end, the best is yet to come.

A thought to share with you... 

 "May faith be as a candle to guide us in the night by its light. May it go before us as a cloud in the day."
~Gordon B. Hinkley~

From the kitchen...  I made bread today.  It just seems that I always go to my favorite bread recipe when I'm in a hurry.  This is such an easy recipe for white bread.  It came from a friend of mine whose father worked in a bakery for many years.  It's easy and really good, it also makes good rolls.

White Bread

2 1/2 cups very warm water
1 Tbls yeast (I use fast rise)
3 Tbls sugar
1 Tbls salt
2 Tbls shortning (I use coconut oil)
7-7 1/2 cups flour (I have used half whole wheat and half white)

Combine water, yeast and sugar - mix well and let sit for about 10 min.  Add salt, and shortning (or oil), mix well.  Slowly add flour until, kneading well after each addition - dough should be soft, but not sticky, and not too stiff.   Let rise until double.  Make into two loaves.  Let rise until about 1 inch above pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. 

Homemade bread is comfort food for me!

I am wearing... Black pants and a rust sweater - it was so cold today!  I will soon be wearing my nightgown, and hopefully be sleeping like a baby!

I am creating... I want to find a fun craft to make for Christmas - any ideas?  

I am hoping... For inner peace . . . especially peace and comfort for my husband.

I am hearing... My playlist playing "The Enchanted Garden", oh, so beautiful!

Around the house... I hope to work on some Christmas gifts, clean the bathrooms, mop the kitchen floor, do some laundry, vaccume the floors, pull up the frozen tomato plants, and maybe get some painting done on the downstairs bathroom . . . whew, I'm already tired!!

One of my favorite things... Well, at this time of the year it has to be scented candles, making my home smell like pumpkin pie,  and of course, my favorite potpourri simmering on the stove!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
~ Emily Bronte~
 Warm Hugs,
  


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15 comments:

Kimmie said...

Hi gorgeous Barb

Prayers and much love sent for your dear husbands mum and family.

You and I are such kindred spirits, your blog feels like home to me xxx

Debbie said...

Faith is wonderful. It keeps your heart soaring in the clouds instead of sinking to the depths.I will keep you all in my prayers.

Debbie x

p.s. Isn't Gordon B. Hinkley amazing

Arlene said...

So sorry about your mother-in-law. May the Lord grant your family peace during this difficult time. I agree, without faith this would be even more devastating.

Love your Thanksgiving countdown! Have a blessed week.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Wishing you both well, with your husband's family sorrows.

Please enjoy your scented candles, an extra bit more, for me. I love them. Can;t use them anymore because of growing allergy problems. -pout-

Keep warm!!!

Gentle hugs,
"Not the light controlled by a window,
but the cool gold/ Of turning leaves
after their short career in the sky."

~Medbh McGuckian

dee said...

Praying for your family & your mil; it's tough when the family is broken.
If you want Christmas craft ideas, browse through www.pinterest.com! a warning... there is a lot of unGodly content, since people can "pin" whatever they like. Some awesome diy & food links, though

LeAnn said...

Bob's family and yours will be in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear about this and hope there can be some healing within the family. I could so use some homemade bread and jam. You need to move closer to me.
Your list of to do's made me out of breathe. You go girl!
Again, I always enjoy your sweet posts.
Thanks for your loving thoughts on my posts.
Love you much dear sister!

Susan B said...

Hi Barb,
I'm so sorry to read about your mother-in-law's health. I will be praying for your husband and your family.

I love scented candles too. I only light them when my husband is out of the house because of his allergies.

I am also thankful for my faith. I hope the rest of your week is blessed, my friend.

Shug said...

Hi Barb....

Sorry to hear the news of illness in your husband's family...Have put this on my prayer list...also praying for you guys...It can be pretty stressful when those we love are not well...
Send us some cooler weather please... We are still warm down here. going to move your bread recipe over to my recipe list...looks delicious...
Stay warm and place all your worries in the hands of the Lord....
Blessings,
shug

The WIlloughby Family said...

Just thought I would say how much I love you and appreciate the kind of mother you are to me!!!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Barb, I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's mother. I will be praying for her and your family. Hope you are staying warm and cozy in the cooler weather. Your bread recipe is one I've yet to try. I know it must be delicious! Take care!

Linda said...

Sending up prayers for your hubby and the family. It was really cool here today also. They've been saying we could have freezing nights the last couple of days, but I didn't see any frost. It seems like we just got into fall. All the leaves are being blown off the trees, it's been real windy. I'm not ready for winter, hope it stays away for a while longer.

Tauna said...

Prayers for you my friend. I am so sorry.

Thanks for the bread recipe. I love this time of year and the homey smells I can create in the kitchen. I hate to admit that I like Fall, but only hate seeing it come because I know what's ahead.........and there is a lot of it.

Thanks for sharing.

Lucy said...

I may have to try that bread recipe. There's something about homemade bread. And right out of the oven, of course. Oh. And real butter!!

Just Ramblin' said...

Hi Barb,
So sorry to hear about your MIL. My heart goes out to your family and I will certainly keep you in my prayers and thoughts as you face this difficult challenge. What kind of crafts are you looking for? I have several that involve simple stitching and can send you links for them if you'd like. Take care and please keep us posted on your sweet MIL. Nola

The WIlloughby Family said...

i AM MAKING THIS TODAY...YUM!

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