December 30, 2019 thought for the day: Master your passions or your passions will master you. English Proverb

I have certainly kept myself busy today. My sister went through some further changes on her journey back to wellness. The changes were a bit disturbing but putting them in the hands of God made my stress a little less scary. This morning I talked to her on the phone and feel much better.  But the process has ups and then downs. Apparently she is still facing several problems.

After my usual virtual visits I left for Kroger. The dogs will be grateful. They would have been out of their dinner tonight. As usual, I picked up a little more than I actually needed but, of course, it will all be put to good use.

The photo theme for December 29 was “selfie”. Like so many people I do not like to have my photo taken so this was a real challenge. I set the camera on self-time and set it on the desk. I had to arrange it several time to get anything usage.

After putting the groceries all away I got started on the rest of this Monday’s to-do list. I have the bulletin up to the point of the pastor’s information. After the scare with my email the other day I realized I haven’t run a full system’s computer scan for quite a while, so I did that today. I got the frig and dish washer cleared out and the dish washer reloaded and started. Another storage box got cleared out, there are still over a dozen to go. I think I am about at the end of the to-do list for today, a good thing to be, at the end of the list I mean.

My word today day.  Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, William Shakespeare. When we sleep the soul is lit up... by many eyes, and with them, we can see everything that we cannot see in the daytime, Aeschylus, It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom, Aristotle.  Look at the fate of summer flowers, which blow at daybreak, droop ere even-song, William Wordsworth. Unto him who is able to keep us from falling, and lift us from the dark to the bright mountain of hope, from the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy, to him be power and authority for ever and ever, Martin Luther. Sit in reverie and watch the changing color of the waves that break upon the idle seashore of the mind, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  Truth is a naked and open daylight, Francis Bacon. This child whom we Love, Brings daylight Into our soul, Victor Hugo. Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day's occupations, That is known as the Children's Hour, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Life would be no better than candlelight tinsel and daylight rubbish if our spirits were not touched by what has been, George Eliot. Old men, what are they? Fast fading the leaf, Three-footed they walk, yet frail as a child, As a dream set afloat in the daylight, Aeschylus.   

Today’s photo is “lunchtime”. I stopped on the way home from Kroger for a sandwich and a diet cola. By the time I got home and ready to shoot the photo one of the burgers was gone so here is what was left.

I see something new in the way animals help humans, in some ways more than human’s can help humans. Today’s article is about a program where horses are therapy for veterans and recovering addicts. One day as the horses were released from the barn a group of men were watching. They were told to watch the horses and pick the one that most matched his personality. This group of people were from an addiction recovery program. Horses for Healing was formed about five years ago for the purpose assisting in a form of therapy for adults and children of special needs. His “niche” is serving veterans. He is a former Marine and a recovering alcoholic. Part of the “healing” in this project includes work in the barn such as mucking the stalls. The man who runs the program states that the horses are “in tune with our feelings and emotions”. To begin one of the sessions the people are encouraged to breathe in, breathe out, in your mind think of walking on a beach as the water touches your feet. Even the horses seemed to relax. At this point in time, there are 100 volunteers that help run the program. It is hoped that one day more land can be added along with an indoor arena with more access for handicapped. The article stated that this experience can be life changing.

Tonight’s menu: creamed chicken on biscuits, Stove Top stuffing with gravy and pickled beets. I added apple cider vinegar and a bit of sugar to a can of Kroger beets. The creamed chicken was a can of Swanson's white chicken breast meat added to a simple white sauce with a bit of Knorr's chicken bullion added. The sauce is spooned over Pillsbury biscuits.

Joy