Horatio Stafford – Author of “It Is Well With My Soul”
Everyone’s “normal” has been shifted to a different place. We are in unknown territory, a land that is unfamiliar to any of us. But for most of us, the results of this pandemic are largely inconvenient. For some who have themselves become ill, or have family members who have, or who have lost their jobs or businesses, the results can be very frightening. And for those who have lost loved ones, this has been devastating.
Today we share a true story of a family who faced massive loss, the kind gratefully, few of us hopefully ever have or ever will, face in our lifetimes. But the point of this story is not their hardship and loss, but rather in the face of the grief, sadness and personal loss and devastation, their response.
There is a difference between cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected? Simply put, we want to share the differences between these three options so you can keep you and your family healthy.
Prompted by Mr. Rogers’ admonition to “Look for the helpers” during life’s challenging times we are sharing some facts about one of the world’s greatest helpers, Florence Nightingale.
Sometimes when there is so much distress and anxiety all around us, it is possible, even normal to be overwhelmed and paralyzed. You can feel unable to do much of anything.
For many, if not most of us, pasta falls into the category of a universally accepted comfort food. The one we are sharing today is both comforting and D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S!
Earlier this week we gave you an idea that came to us from a chum, Nancy, for a “homemade” mask to be worn if one is necessary. Today thanks to our dear chum, Helen, we have yet another option to share.
While we are all at home so much more, cupboards and refrigerators fuller than usual, planning not to be out more than necessary in stores, here are some Savvy Secrets for keeping food fresh longer.
During these days of corona virus Covid-19, facial medical masks are in very short supply. We have a suggestion if you need to go out and are in need of mask. Please keep reading…we think you will appreciate this.
You have no doubt seen this site or perhaps have done this yourself. You’ve placed an avocado seed in a glass of water using toothpicks in the hopes of rooting the seed and growing an avocado tree that will in turn provide you with an endless supply of avocados.
We have heard that Prince Charles tested positive for the Covid-19 and has consequently left his home in London and gone to Balmoral Castle. His spirits are high but, obviously, he is being wise. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has also gone to Balmoral but is staying in another part of the Castle. This Castle was first purchased by Prince Albert for his Queen and love, Victoria and we found some great facts in House Beautiful about the purchase and re-building of this magnificent abode.
Just like people all over the world are working from home to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Isaac Newton had to work from home during the Bubonic plague.
Perspective is an important aspect of any situation. The way we see something, the perspective we have, most certainly colors the way we experience life. With the current world situation that we all find ourselves to be in, there is fear and frustration mounting for many of us. The way we look at the impact this outbreak is having on our lives is bound to effect our attitude about it all. We read something the other day with regard to this pandemic and what the health and government officials are requiring of us now in response and felt it a good thought to pass on to our chums. We thought it might help each of us keep this all in perspective.
Last night the President gave the country some updates on the situation regarding the coronavirus and what the government is doing in response to this situation as well as reminding individuals of the importance of good hygiene and playing our role in keeping ourselves and others safe from the virus. Everywhere we turn right now we are hearing about the importance of washing our hands and keeping away from germs. Your Two Chums don’t tend to be fearful people, but we also want to be wise and encourage our readers to do the same. So today we have some tips and suggestions for cleaning in and around our homes.
On this day in 1997, Paul McCartney, a former member of the most successful rock band in history, The Beatles, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to music.” The 54-year-old lad from Liverpool became Sir Paul in a centuries-old ceremony of pomp and solemnity at Buckingham Palace in central London. Fans waited outside in a scene reminiscent of Beatlemania of the 1960s. Crowds screamed as McCartney swept through the gates in his chauffeur-driven limousine and he answered with a thumbs-up.
McCartney’s wife, Linda, who was fighting breast cancer, did not accompany him, but three of their four children were at the palace. “I would have loved the whole family to be here, but when we heard there were only three tickets, we had to draw straws,” McCartney said. Linda McCartney would succumb to cancer 13 months later on April 17, 1998.
As for the surviving Beatles, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, Sir Paul said that since they learned that he would be knighted, “They call me ‘Your Holiness.’” McCartney dedicated his knighthood to fellow Beatles George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon and the people of the northwestern port of Liverpool. In October 1965, McCartney, along with fellow band members John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, collected MBE (Member of the British Empire
Twenty years later, Ringo was also knighted but he was knighted by none other than Prince William!
Beatle Sir Richard Starkey, also known as Ringo Starr, is made a Knight Bachelor of the British Empire by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace during an Investiture ceremony in London. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
What a precious photograph this is! Richard Meston was at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens near Sidmouth, Devon in England, when he came across a mother swan and her babies. The cygnets were splashing in the water around their mom.
Expressing thanks may be one of the simplest ways to feel better.
For those of you who visit Two Chums regularly, you know how we stress the importance of gratitude. But, in reading a Harvard Mental Health Letter, we find that we are truly not alone…nor are we a forerunner!
Major Bill White at 104 years old is the oldest living member of the U.S. Marine Corps and very possibly the recipient of the most Valentines in history.
Sunday night will be a time for your Two Chums and our husbands, and our longtime chums, the Williams, to gather around the TV to take in Hollywood’s big night of celebration as they honor their favorite films of the year.
HM the Queen pictured around the time of her Coronation on the 6th February, 1952. British tiara studio shot royalty royal robes Queen portrait pictures official picture monarch jewellery female
Most of the country did the same thing on Sunday…sat in front of their TV sets and cheered on their favorite team. Whether you are from San Francisco or Kansas City, if you are like most people you picked a team to cheer on. For some it came down to a favorite player.
These wonderful Army folk in Australia are using their days off to make sure the koala bears and other animals burnt in the fires are well cared for and loved.
For anyone who wants to know which fork to use when or how to write a thank you note and how to introduce a Duchess to your best friend, get this book!
Yesterday we celebrated the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. Actually Dr. King had a lot to say on a number of subjects and a lot of wisdom to share…wisdom that is important for more than just one day a year. He spoke often and directly about love. Here are just few of the words of wisdom on love that he left us.
In this particular case, goodness equals homemade tortillas! They are more simple than you might think to make and NOTHING beats the flavor and taste of warm delicious homemade tortillas.
We found an anonymous quote the other day that read “We are all broken. That is how the light gets in.” We loved it and had every intention of sharing it here with you, our chums. Then, just yesterday our chum Karen, shared these beautiful words on Facebook that complimented what we had read:
It’s that time of year when it’s cold outside and we tend to gather around the TV to enjoy sports or movies, or all those shows we have saved up on our DVRs. This can be great family time. But we need some yummy foods to snack on. Everyone loves Buffalo chicken wings. But we have a suggestion for you to try this weekend that has those same flavors but is quick an easy to make…Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s simple and really good!
There has been plenty in the news these past few days that has brought anxiety and tension at the prospect that there could be a new encounter of war in the Middle East. The idea of war, or even potential war or short term conflict, can shake the steadiest person. Even the stock market seemed to falter for a bit at the uncertainty of what might lie ahead. So these words we offer today are a remedy to any situation for us, your Two Chums and ones we rely on often…but truth be told, probably not often enough.
Those of you who know us know that we love to follow the Royals and that Lady Di was one of our favorites. Here is a list of quotes, all of which we had not heard before so we wanted to share them with you. They are from “Yahoo Pure Wow”.
Yesterday the Queen gave her annual Christmas message. She is a remarkable woman and at 93 years old a very wise one too. Her message was a great one for all of us, British or not. We think this message is a universal and timely one. And well worth the listen:
If you have not done so already, run out to Target or Trader Joes and grab yourself a gingerbread house to build. Start the tradition for your family NOW!
It’s Monday again….already. The days fly by, especially during this holiday season when we are all so busy everyday day and even during the nights too. We have some words…wise words, we believe… for you to take a moment to ponder.
George Washington, the first president of the United States, was revered as the “Father of the Nation,” and set up on a pedestal even during his own lifetime. After his death, his legend only grew.
Yes, HRM Queen Elizabeth definitely celebrates Christmas and does so with a certain flair! According to Yahoo Lifestyle Insider, these are some of the traditions she follows.
Yes, Christmas is very well known as a time for giving and what a wonderful time it is. When we saw the following reminder, we felt touched and desirous of sharing it.
If you celebrate Christmas in your home, chances are there will be a wreath to adorn your front door this holiday season. Have you ever stopped to wonder where this tradition came from or why we hang a wreath on the door at Christmas?
If you are looking for a delicious snack, a great hostess gift, the perfect accompaniment to wine or cocktails, a holiday gift for your neighbors or the mailman, or your children’s teacher, you are going to LOVE these spiced nuts!
If you have been around Two Chums over the past year you know that we have been featuring Gluten Free (or GF) recipes. The day after tomorrow you, like thousands of other Americans, will no doubt head to the kitchen to have a sandwich made with some leftover turkey.
The recipe for classic Swedish Meatballs is simple and really, really good. Make a bunch and freeze some, then on one of those busy nights leading up to the holidays you’ll have a quick and delicious home cooked meal your whole family will enjoy:-)
Any of you who have known Two Chums for a while know that one of our favorite subjects is the subject of gratitude. Certainly, we feel, the more gratitude, the richer the life.
Under normal circumstances, or should we say “traditional” circumstances, the man is the one to ask the lady for her hand in marriage. BUT in this case, because of who she was,
