On My Mind Today

Built on the backs of our ancestors, who arrived from places far and wide. Searching for hope and opportunity, with the promise of prosperity for all. Anyone who comes is welcome here, new citizens to make democracy strong. Traveling from east and spreading west, claiming land for their new homes. Over the decades America stood strong, a beacon of strength to the world. Sending our soldiers to war many times, to help our allies fight evil abroad. Americans worked to achieve their dreams, enriching the country with hard work. Off the backs of immigrant citizens, we became the richest country in the world. Decades have passed and much has changed, generosity and compassion have waned. The greed of billionaires drained any wealth, from the citizens who work every day. Those who are supposed to serve us, seem to only serve themselves. The rest of the world looks upon us, as a threat to democracy for all. Our gift from France many years ago, the Statue of Liberty stands tall. With words eng...

This recipe is one that my mother made for many years. It is from Myra Waldo's Chinese Cookbook which was given to her by my great aunt. I always remembered this dish and a short while ago she passed the cookbook on to me. My memories did not deceive me - this dish was as delicious as I remembered! Sautéed Beef with Snow Peas   1-1/2 pounds Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips 3 tablespoons Dry Sherry 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce 2 tablespoons Cornstarch   Mix the sherry, soy sauce and cornstarch - toss with the beef. (I do this the night before and let it marinate overnight, but you can do it when you prepare the meal)   1 pound Snow Peas 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil 2 cloves Garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Sugar 1/3 cup Soy Sauce   1. Remove the ends from the snow peas and cook in boiling water 3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. 2.  Heat 1/4 cup oil in a skillet and sauté beef until lightly browned. Remove. 3. Heat the remaining oil in another skillet and...

I remember when each of my grandchildren were born. We think that our hearts could not love anyone as much as we did our children at their birth. Little did I know that my heart would feel this great love again for each of my grandchildren when they were born.  The wonderful thing about grandchildren is you can hold them, love them, play with them, but do not have the full-time worry. I have always told people that being a grandparent has many perks that motherhood does not. We can spoil them in a way we could not our own children. We have taken our grandchildren to spend time with us since they were barely toddlers. We have had wonderful experiences and taken them to so many places over the years. Of course, the first grandchild went to many more places than the others as he arrived five years before his sister. When she arrived, and then his cousin, we took them each for time of their own, and all of them together. What we have done with them has changed as they grew, but their a...

  Nov ember Darkness Once again you grace our door, bringing gray skies and gloominess. Your darkness can cast shadows across our souls making cheerful days harder to come by. We struggle to rise each day, and are slow to greet what lies ahead. It would be easier to bring the covers up over our heads and remain sleeping. Sunshine becomes increasingly evasive as it hides behind dark clouds. Every now and then its rays peek through, and we praise and cherish each precious moment. At times we envy the woodland  creatures who hibernate through these dreary times. They have no worries of facing the dismal days of November as they slumber, peacefully dreaming of summer days left behind. The gathering of family and friends near months end helps to lift our spirits, pulling us up from the long dark days. One day that easily washes away the dismal weeks we have recently endured. November; dark, dreary, and dreaded materializes as we are trying to enjoy the last vestiges of fall foliage...

Before too long, we will be moving into the holiday season and will be hosting gatherings with family and friends. If you are planning a brunch during this time of year, you might want to try this recipe from Tasty which I found on social media. Filled with pumpkin, pecans, and caramel, this sweet treat is sure to be a hit with your brunch guests. Caramel Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter, melted flour pizza dough caramel topping Preheat oven to 350℉. In a medium bowl combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pecans, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough and drizzle with caramel topping. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough lengthwise into 3 long strips, and widthwise into 6 - creating mini rectangles. In a greased 8x4 l...

As far back as I can remember Halloween has been one of those holidays that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dreaming up a costume and going out to Trick or Treat for candy. Growing up there were six of us and we spent weeks deciding what we wanted to be and how to come up with the costume. Of course, back then we used what was available in the house to create our vision, and maybe we could get a purchased plastic mask. Then on Halloween night our parents took us out to go from house to house. We would run up to the door, knock, and when it was opened, we would all yell out, "Trick or treat!", then watch as the treat was deposited into our bag or bucket. After saying thank you we moved on to the next house and repeated the process until we felt that nothing had been missed. Once home we would dump our bounty on the table and our eyes would open wide with amazement at what we had collected. I kept that tradition alive with my children, and they did with their chi...