Ha Ha Ha . . .

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“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Anyone who ever meets my eldest daughter Eileen, cannot help but fall in love with her. She is such a special spirit and despite any handicap she has had to learn to cope with, she is one of the most handi-capable and happiest people you could ever want to meet. She has the loveliest laugh. It peals out like aa church bell tinkling in the early morning air, inviting all who are within it's earshot to share in her love and zest for life.

In thinking about her beautiful smile and laugh this morning, I am reminded of that old saying . . . "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you." Indeed it is true, the sound of laughter echoing across a room can be quite infectious.

I have heard laughter described as being "God's Sunshine," and the happy times in life are what most of us like to keep in our mind and reflect back upon. Fun and light-hearted moments should be prescribed as a part of our daily lives, to be taken at least once daily and in company of friends. What a difference that would make in the world.

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The study of laughter is known as "gelotology," and people who study it are called "Gelogologists." (You learn something new every day!) They have come to surmise that there are many reasons people laugh . . . We laugh when we find something funny, and when we are embarrassed or when we want to avoid a difficult situation. We also use laughter to build friendships with people. For example, we are 30 times more likely to laugh in front of other people than when we’re alone.

It is also interesting to note that children can laugh up to 200 times a day, whilst adults, on average, only laugh up to 20 times a day. That could be why kids have more fun! They also say that laughing is good for your health. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Laughter is the best medicine’? It has been scientifically proven that laughter benefits our health and our immune system, in particular. Laughing is good for you. It relaxes you and makes you feel good by releasing chemicals into your bloodstream.

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All science aside . . . I happen to think that laughter is just plain good all round. It brings joy into our lives and into the lives of those around us. It helps us to feel good and can get us through some very tough times. They say that the happiest people are those who can laugh at themselves. I like to think of laughter as a way for the soul to dance. There are some days I'm sure my soul must look just like Gene Kelley in "Singing in the Rain." And that can't be bad.

“A day without laughter is like living in darkness; you try to find your way around, but you can't see clearly.”
― Emily Mitchell

I have to say that we thoroughly enjoyed the film "War Horse." If you haven't gone to see it you really must. It was beautiful and very moving. I even cried at one point. It was beautifully filmed and the story was quite inspiring. If you only go to see one movie this year, I highly recommend this one. Tuesdays is cheap day at our local cinema. You get in for just about half price. The theatre was filled with grey and wrinklies, of which I guess I am now one when I really think about it! How did that happen???? I guess it kind of sneaks up on you! The only down side to our afternoon was the old man who sat down right in front of Todd and kept his stocking cap on throughout the whole movie. It was standing straight up and added at least 4 inches to his height. I kept hoping he would take it off . . . as any gentleman would . . . but he did not. Oh well . . . what can you do . . .

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone. Be well, be blessed, be loved . . . and . . . don't forget to laugh!!

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This is one of my favourite ways to prepare chicken. You can buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself, or you can buy chicken already cut into pieces. The nice thing about the crumbs is that you can make up the whole batch and then only use what you need, storing the remainder in a container in the freezer. That way you have a chicken coating mix ready to use whenever you need it. It uses potato flakes so it is gluten free, which is great for anyone who is on a wheat and gluten free diet! (Note: do remove any crumb mixture which you plan to freeze before coating your chicken.)



*Crisp Oven Fried Chicken*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

The flavour and crunch of fried chicken without any of the hassle or mess!

1 1/2 cups of mashed potato flakes (dried)
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup of butter, melted
1 large free range egg
1 TBS water
3 to 3 1/2 pounds of chicken pieces, skin removed if desired

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with foil wrap and then spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the potato flakes, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and mix all together well. In another bowl combine the egg and water, beating that together well also.

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then roll them in the potato mixture, thoroughly coating them on all sides. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is fork tender and the juices run clear.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Plum Fudge Puddings!