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Arriving Soon - Spring!

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Overall, we have had an extremely mild winter here in the Northeast. Almost nonexistent snowfall and very few bitter cold days. Winters were much colder and had more significant snowfall when I was growing up. Although it has been mild, it is still winter. Shorter daylight hours and no leaves on the trees. Lacking in light and color, which in turn leads to a lack of energy. Now that we have entered March there is anticipation and hope of what is arriving soon. The daylight hours have begun to stretch later into the day, and Daylight Savings time arrived today. Having the extra hours of sunlight seems to invigorate the body and soul. Each year, like a miracle, the sun shines longer, brighter and higher in the sky. As if the days are being touched by the angels. With the extended light and warmth comes a renewed sense of energy that makes me anxious to become reacquainted with the earth. My flower bed is still buried under snow but will soon start to show signs of what's to come. I y...
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Fly Away

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When end of winter seems to hang on, and the cold winds chill to the bone. Close your eyes to block it out, fly away to sunny warm days. When world events seem to crush your soul, making life seem a heavy weight. Disconnect from the negative forces, fly away to a world filled with peace. Each day as you go through the motions, of caring for everyone you love. When it all becomes too much for you, fly away to tranquil solitude. At times when there is little connection, to friends who live far away. Take time to call and reconnect, fly away to the shared memories. When your children now have children, and busy lives get in the way. When time spent together is more elusive, fly away to earlier days of family fun. When the game of life rushes by, and the last quarter comes into view. Cherish each milestone and memory, fly away to embrace each day of your life.
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Coffee and Dessert - Homemade Crunch Bars

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From Jamielyn Nye at https://www.iheartnaptime.net , this recipe for homemade crunch bars could not be any easier. Made with only 3 ingredients, they can be ready within 30 minutes. With the crispy chocolate and peanut butter taste that you love, they are sure to be a big hit with you family. Homemade Crunch Bars 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips 1/3 cup peanut butter 1 cup Rice Krispies flaked sea salt, optional Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Place 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips and 1/3 cup peanut butter in a medium sized microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. When the chocolate is smooth and melted, add 1 cup Rice Krispies and stir well. Spread into prepared baking dish, dust with flaked sea salt if desired. Freeze for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 8 bars. Place in a freezer safe container and store in the freezer until ready to serve.
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Faith, Hope, Love and Prayer

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Watching the news today often brings much disappointment and despair as I see events taking place in this country, and around the world. So much hatred, or mean spiritedness, seems to have taken over our society. People somehow feel they have the right to say whatever they are thinking without taking time to think through how it sounds. The words go directly from their head to their mouth without stopping at a filter. All of this sets us up for a world where nobody cares about their friends, neighbors or the strangers they encounter each day. Perhaps this is exactly what our world leaders are hoping for. If people are not paying attention to what they are doing, then it will enable them to do exactly as they please without thinking of the consequences for their citizens. There are times that I'm glad I won't be around in 30 years, when what seems inevitable happens from events being put into motion now. At times the fear and sadness in my heart, for my children and grandchildre...
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Ready For a Breath of Fresh Air

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With the sun shining higher and brighter in the sky, and the days getting longer, there is a hint of spring in the air. Although the temperatures have not become warm enough to open windows here in New England, I can see it on the horizon. In two weeks, we will turn the clocks ahead and the first day of spring will quickly follow. Even if a couple of snowstorms come in after that they will rapidly disappear. As spring approaches my desire to start cleaning takes over. I have been told by my daughters that my obsessive inclination to clean has been imparted on them. They are not thrilled to have taken on this trait. My youngest daughter was visiting recently, and she found a bottle in the closet with dust on it. She took a picture and sent it to her sister as she couldn't believe it was possible in my house. I let her know that I have relaxed quite a bit with age. Anyway, I still have the desire to clean every closet, curtain and wall, I just don't have the same drive. As time a...
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I Have Not Forgotten You

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I may not call as often as I used to, and my messages are not as frequent. Don't fret and wonder as to why, as I have not forgotten you. Life is not what I imagined as I entered this stage of life. The dreams of carefree days filled with fun are not as common as I had hoped. Sometimes it is hard to explain the things that are faced each day. Although they may be small at this time, the worry is not felt less. Many days seem to be long, and it is enough just keeping up. When the evening arises with time to relax, silence seems to be a best friend. I do think of you often, and treasure memories of time spent together. However, no matter how good my intentions, there are times that sleepy eyes stop a call. Know in your heart that I think of you, and cherish our time and conversations. One day when you least expect it your phone will ring, as I have not forgotten you. 
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What's for Dinner Tonight? - Polpettone Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

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From Claudia Lamascolo, this stuffed meatloaf called Polpettone is the gourmet version Italian style meatloaf. This version comes from the region of Bari, Italy, and is her mother's recipe which is stuffed with hard boiled eggs. I used a mix of ground beef and ground sweet Italian sausage, prosciutto in place of the Capicola, and did not use the spinach. I asked the Italian in my house if it was as good as his mother's, and he said it was actually better. Couldn't ask for a better compliment than that!! Polpettone Italian Stuffed Meatloaf 4 or 5 hard boiled eggs, or enough to place across the size of your meat mixture spread out 1 - 10 ounce bag of fresh or frozen spinach sauteed in olive oil or boiled escarole drained and seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh garlic (1 minced clove) grated Romano cheese 6-7 slices of Hot or Sweet Capicola (or use prosciutto, soppressata) Slices of mozzarella or provolone 1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef 4 slices of day-old bread, crust cut of...
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