Saturday, December 29, 2012

NIGHTIME SNOW VIEW


 
Was walking Pierre outside to do his duties when I saw the beautiful snow and trees.  I know my pictures don't do the trees and snow justice.  I really wanted to catch the moon behind one of the trees, but I think the snow came out better than the moon.  Hope you like the pictures.  Wish everyone a Very Happy New Year.
 
Marilyn
 
Just remember if you drink-don't drive and if you drive-don't drink.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

BABY, IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT !!!!!

Last night the snow covered my boots when I walked Pierre.  The maintenance man has cleared us a path this morning.
These trees are near where I live. Down below is  picture of my car in the snow along with all the other cars of residents of our building. Next one down is the a shot down a local street.

Pierre does not understand how he can go potty out there in this mess.  He does not like snow.  I am only allowed four pictures on this post.  This is going to be a problem in some future posts.

Last night Jean called me and we have the January 7th post on Susan's school all done. We will have a recipe for January 9th and then I will have a post on January 11th.  It may take two posts on January 11th to get all the pictures on unless I can figure out how to get more pictures on one post.

So enjoy the pictures of our snow. 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

SANTA CAME !!!! THE BARK by PIERRE

SANTA  CAME !!!!! HE CAME !!! HE REALLY, REALLY CAME !!!! My Mom said that Santa would come, but I wasn't sure.  When I got up this morning, I didn't see any Christmas packages.  I looked all over.  Mom took me out for my morning walk and I ate my breakfast.  When I came out in the living room there was a pile of presents-I thought they were for Mom, but Mom told me they were all for me. 

I opened some of the toys first.  Then I opened a new leash.  Also got a steak to put in the grown with a long leash on it, so we can hook it up next summer.  I got another dog bed (now I have two), but I still sleep in bed with Mom.  Then I got a Christmas Stocking with more toys. 

The new dog bed is really neet.  It comes with the bed, a blanket and a toy.  You can lie in the bed, cover with a blanket and play with a toy.  It also has a bow on it, but I think that looks kind of sissy so I'm going to get that off when Mom isn't looking.

I don't know how that Santa Claus got in our apartment.  I never heard him and I hear everything.  It doesn't matter, I got toys this Christmas.  Real toys.  My toys to play with and no one will take them away-well maybe my girlfriend Lily will try to sneak one out when she comes to visit.  She has lots of toys at her house, but she likes to take a toy where ever she goes.  That's okay because it's Lily and I always get them back in the end. 

I do believe in Santa Claus, now and if my Mom says he is coming-he will.  Mom said we have to wait all year and I have to be a good boy before Santa comes again. 

Well, I am going to go and play with some of my new toys.  Maybe I'll cuddle and take a nap in my new doggie bed.  I hope Santa Claus stopped at your house and your got  everything you wanted. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
PIERRE AND MOM (Marilyn)



Monday, December 24, 2012

WEBSTER, NY-PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS

Webster, New York is near Rochester, New York.  This morning a call for a fire was called in.  When the fire truck went out-two of the firemen were shot and killed.   Two of the firemen are in the hospital.  A passing police officer stopped and he was also injured.  Police believe that they have obtained the shoter who is now deceased.  Four houses are still burning.  Fire Department does not know if everyone is out of the houses.  This is a shock as Webster is a very small, violent free town where everyone knows each other.  The news just said that the two injured fireman are expected to make it, but complications could arise.  Police Officer injuries will be going home today, if he isn't already there.  I know more will be coming up, but I ask that you please remember these people in your prayers.  It is a tragic thing much less it is on Christmas Eve. 

Marilyn

MARTHA'S NTRODUCTION-JEAN'S RECIPE

MARTHA'S INTRODUCTION-TURKEY PIE FILLING - December 24Th

Hello, it is such an honor to be on here on Christmas Eve.  What a Christian Religious Day this is.  It is the day before Christmas, the day honoring the Birth of Jesus Christ.  We must remember that not only was Jesus born , but that later He gave His life for our sins.  Jesus is the reason for the Season.

I am Martha, I was born an outsider or Englisher.  When Joseph and I met, I went with him because he was Old Order Mennonite and I have never gone with one and he went with me because I was the first Englisher he had ever gone out with.  Little did we know, we would fall in love.  One of us had to change religion.  As Joseph was dedicated Old Order Mennonite and I was not as dedicated to my church as he was-I joined Old Order Mennonite.  It was a long hard change that has changed me.  I have been Old Order Mennonite for almost 20 years and would not change.  If you have read Amish Stories, you know about me there. 

My husband, Joseph and I own a Dairy Farm in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.  We have 10 children.  Seven of our children came as Foster Children that we adopted.  All of our children are treated alike.  They are all treated equal in all the phases of life. We all work together and play together-we all go to meetings (church) together.  Most of all, they are all loved and  are taught about the Lord. 

Jean and David are not only our friends, but will soon be our neighbors.  When I joined Old Order Mennonite, Jean was one of the few people who, at first, thought I would make it and stay.  She encouraged me and showed me our ways. So, I am glad to have them move next door to us. 

I am also surprised and happy that my son Kevin and fiancee, Bridget gave Jean, David and family their house to live in until their new house is built.  I would be glad to have Jean, David and their family in our house, but I know they need more room.  We are going to turn our third floor into an apartment for Kevin and Bridget.  After they leave, we will leave it that way-either for more Foster Children or to rent out by the week or weekend. 

Also, I will be filling in posts while Jean and family are moving and getting settled in their temporary home.  As Jean said, I will tell of Kevin and Bridget's wedding, but I will tell of other things, too.  If you have any questions, please put them in the comments.  It gives us an idea of what you are interested in. So, I hope you don't mind my filling in.  I look forward to helping Jean and New York State of Mind.

Be With the Lord,
Martha

This recipe is a great place for the left overs from your Christmas Dinner.

JEAN'S TURKEY PIE FILLING

1 cup cooked, diced vegetable of your choice or a mixture of carrots, peas, onions, celery and potatoes
2 cups diced turkey

Melt in large, heavy pan or kettle:
3 tbsp butter
Add: 4 tbsp flour
         1/2 tsp salt
         1 tsp grated onion
         1/4 tsp paptrike
         1/8 tsp pepper
Stir well.  Add slowly
         1 1/2 cups turkey broth
         1/2 cup cream

Bring to a boil.  When boiling, add vegetables and diced turkey and boil again.
Cool.  Put into favorite unbaked pie crust. Put a crust on top of the pie.  Bake at 350 degreed until crust is golden brown.  Filling must be at boiling point at some time during baking or reheating.


A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Martha, Joseph and Family

Sunday, December 23, 2012

PIERRE'S "THE BARK"


Merry Christmas everyone.  I am waiting for Santa at our house.  My Mom says he will come to our house, but I find it hard to believe because he never came in the other homes I had-but Mom promises.  A friend of my Mom's says Santa's not coming because I have been a bad boy.  I ran away when the maintnance man opened the sliding glass door and I had to be chased down my him, Mom and half the construction crew.  She also reminded me of how I would take food out of the garbage can under the sink until Mom put a baby lock on it so I can't get it opened.  Also, she told about the time I ate all the chocolate candy and Mom called the vet-who told her how to make it come up on me.  So I'm not sure if Santa is coming-but Mom says he is-so I hope.  I think he should after Mom dressed me up in this Santa outfit and took this picture. I deserve it.

I know that money is tight in the economy today and lots of people can't do this, but if you have a few extra dollars please consider the dogs, cats, birds, fish and more.  If you give a food basket to someone who has pet-if you could put a can or box or bag of food in there for their pet.  I know some pets in the world aren't as fortunate as I am.  Maybe you could also slip in a toy for the pet, too.

If you know someone who is out of work or a Senior Citizen, please consider their pets too.  Mom was told by the Humane Society that many pets come in, not because they aren't wanted or love, but because people can't afford to keep them.  Maybe you could give some food, or a toy or maybe if you have a lot extra - maybe give a gift certificate to the vet to have their pet checked or even, if you have real extra money to take the pet to get it's shots.

Also please remember the pets at the S. P. C. A. or Humane Society-theywon't get any gifts from Santa.  If you have extra, they would like  toys, or dog or cat cookies or just pet food.  Even if it is after Christmas.  They also will take items that have been used.  Mom gave them a dog carrier and dog bed that she had for Rickie, who was a chihuahua, because it is too small me, a poodle.  You don't have to go to fancy pet stores-just from Dollar General or Family Dollar sell dog cookies for $1.00 a bag-it would give pets a treat.  Maybe you could just make a money donation in memory of a pet that passed.

While there, maybe you will find a pet just for you.  The greatest gift a pet could get is a full time home where he or she is loved and taken care of.  Puppies and kittens are cute, but don't forget the older ones, too.  I came to my Mom potty trained, fixed, trained (well most of them) and had lots of love to give.  Athough I was three when she got me, I still have lots of years left to give love and compaionship.  I consider dog special because dog is God spelled backwards.

I know some people can't afford to donate-I understand.  Mom, being a senior, has to watch her money, too.  But if you should have some extra money and could make a donation or just give someone some food for their pet-would be appreciated. 

Mom (Marilyn) and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. 

Love,
PIERRE





JEAN'S PECAN PIE



JEAN'S PECAN PIE-DECEMBER 23rd

3 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar *
1 tbsp flour
1/2 c. Karo syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp. melted butter
Prepared pie crust, unbaked

Mix eggs, sugar, flour, syrup, pecans and butter.  Stir well after each addition.  Pour into prepared pie shell.  Bake at 275 degrees  oven for 1 hour. 

* My Mother sometimes uses Splenda instead of sugar as my Father is diabetic.  It doesn't come to the diabetic level-but it lowers it down, some.

I have made this for Christmas for many years.  I also bake pumpkin pie, but most of the people prefer pecan.  Of course there are some that like a slice of both.

Jean