I just read that Zig Ziglar has died. It was my pleasure and priviledge to meet him several times as we made arrangements for him to address Travel Agents International franchisees. He was an inspirational man. His teachings and words of wisdom will continue to inspire people to reach their potential, to move in the direction of their dreams. I especially loved his response when confronted by someone who said motivation doesn't last.


“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

He had a happy persona and was proof that attitudes are contagious and his was worth catching. Thank you very much.

I saw this sign posted on a wall adjacent to the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. It is a perfect, much needed reminder as I get ready to begin this new week, following a blessed holiday.

Only a few days left in 2012. I plan to maximize them while I enjoy them and remain grateful for each moment of life I have. 

A scene from my favorite Thanksgiving movie:

Went to a corn maze at the beginning of November. The site showed a picture and a recipe for Aunt B's Apple Cake. I thought it looked wonderful. I love apples. Sadly they weren't serving it at the concession stands. I decided to take a chance and bake one myself. I do okay with cookies, unfortunately when it comes to cakes I haven't had much success; UNTIL NOW!  It rose up like a cake, looked beautiful when it came out of the bundt pan and tasted awesome. If I can do it, I know you can do it.

If you enjoy apples, I think you will enjoy Aunt B's apple cake.  It works well as a breakfast cake, on a buffet, or after dinner.

Ingredients & Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

2 cups of sugar and 3 eggs (in a large bowl - combine together)
1 cup of oil (add to the above mixture and mix together)

In separate smaller bowl
2 cups of all-purpose flour (sift)
1tsp salt, 1 tsp soda and 1 tbs cinnamon (add to flour mixture and stir together)

Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix until smooth
Add 2 tsp vanilla and mix in well

Stir in 3 cups of chopped apples (use whatever kind you like. I used granny smith. One good sized apple chopped equals one cup.)
Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts (I used chopped walnuts)

Put into a bundt pan or two loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for  1 1/2 hours. Check that it is done by inserting a toothpick in it. If it comes out clean it is done.

Let cool for about 15 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edge of the pan. Place a plate on top. Carefully lift the cake pan and flip it over. A gentle tap and the cake should be on the plate as  you lift the pan up.

Hope you enjoy this cake and have a Happy Thanksgiving.   

Serenity Prayer


God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

I find myself especially frustrated today that I am not able to make things better for people I care about. Little things are exacerbating my frustration, stupid things. I am as they say "over it" when it comes to the noise here at the condo. I am happy for the people getting things done to improve their homes and for the things being done to the building HOWEVER Monday through Friday week after week, month after month the noise gets to me sometime and today is one of those days.  It is such a little thing which makes me impatient with myself because meanwhile David is working 14 to 17 hours a day trying to breathe life into a company that is on a downward slide. Christina's cousin went into the hospital for anxiety and now weeks later is trying to have a recovery from a stroke that may have happened when she slipped and fell trying to leave her bed and go to the bathroom. A loved one is battling breathing problems.  It makes me sad that all the members of my family don't communicate. It is so easy for people to use the words "I forgive" and "I love you" but just being nice to each other and kind seems so difficult.

I am a lady who is truly blessed and knows it.  I am grateful for my life. I need to realize that I can't control some things and remember that praying for the people I wish I could help is an important thing. That I am healthy and able to leave the condo when the noise gets too much. I went to a bible study with my daughter Shelia and expressed a wish that I have had for many years that eludes me. I was reminded that it may come true just maybe not in my lifetime.  In other words; God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

I am a work in progress.



  
 

The book about my cancer experience is on its way to the American Cancer Society tomorrow. I am grateful to have been blessed to have lots of input and help from many. As I came into the home stretch my two daughters helped me across the finish line.


Shelia added clarity as she helped me to better understand grammar and punctunation rules and Carol helped me create an eye-catching cover so my manuscript won't go unnoticed on a publisher's desk. Each day I am blessed to survive, I am grateful for the people in my life and the possibilities my life adventure presents.

Weather report below is from newjerseyweather.com

11/7/2012...3:30PM...Since the track of the nor'easter has shifted a tad more eastward, areas in western NJ and eastern PA will receive lesser amounts in general. Still 2 to 4 inches of snow expected in all other areas...even closer to the coast. Isolated amounts of 5 or 6 inches are possible as well. 2:10PM Light to moderate snows over much of the area now..Temps will continue dropping through the afternoon. 12:15PM...Max wind gusts lowered a tad due to slightly further off-shore track. 10AM...Snow / Sleet mix currently occurring in Southern NJ..All areas should see precip starting by 1PM...most areas will turn over to snow rather quickly. Snow will get heavier throughout the afternoon..and the strongest wind gusts will occur in the afternoon and early evening. Latest guidance shows even coastal areas could see accumulations. 11/6/2012....9:30PM update : Chances of accumulating snows across the area on Wednesday = Increased. Most of NJ will see 3+ inches of snow.

I like to think of the United States of America as red, white and blue rather than a combination of red and blue states in opposition. May God bless America.  I hope you exercise your right to vote.