On My Mind Today

A one dish breakfast casserole is always great for brunch, or for an easy family breakfast on the weekends. This Sheepherder's Breakfast casserole is simple to make and serves ten so it's great for a large crowd, or even for camping. A flavorful blend of bacon, eggs, potato, onion and cheese - what's not to like? Sheepherder's Breakfast 3/4-pound bacon strips, finely chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded has brown potatoes, thawed 8 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan. 2. Stir in hash browns. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes or until bottom is golden brown; turn potatoes. With the back of a spoon, make eight evenly spaced wells into potato mixture. Break one egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Cook, covered, on low 10 minutes or unti...

Acceptance - The act of accepting something or someone; welcoming, embracing, tolerant. Growing up I was fortunate to have parents who accepted people for who they were, even if they had different views. We were taught respect for others, and often were told "treat others as you wish to be treated". Because of this it is difficult for me to understand how anyone can teach their children hate or disrespect. I find it alarming that there are so many who cannot, or choose not, to accept those who are different from them. Whether it is race, religion or politics, there is an enormous lack of tolerance today. Much of the blame for this can be assigned to some of the world's leaders whose egos fuel their desire for power. By spreading hatred, intolerance and fear they believe that they will convince the majority to follow their lead. It is irresponsible for them to perpetuate these lies, and I believe that most of the world's citizens are very aware of what they are trying ...

With the beginning of a New Year right around the corner, I find myself thinking about what it may bring. Will 2025 be the year that is the dawn of a bright new world, or are we going to endure and accept more of the same? It is almost inconceivable that as members of the human race we are not striving for a better world. We may be from different countries, but the majority of us all want the same things, a good life for our families, prosperity and peace. This can be achieved if we are willing to work together and stand up to those who continuously strive to keep the status quo. The leaders of the world know that if they continue to bully, spreading hatred and negativity, then their citizens will be divided. These same leaders will use the old “smoke and mirrors” method of hiding what they are doing by putting the spotlight on something else. In the midst of this, all their citizens' energies will be focused on fighting against one another, and they will be blind to the fact that ...

There are many events we will attend during the holiday season. There are the traditional appetizers that we see when we attend, but I always like to find something new and different to surprise people with. I came across this recipe a while back and it has been a big hit wherever I go. Hope that you and your guests, or host, will find it a welcome change from the usual. Tortellini Wreath with Pesto Dip   2 - 9 ounce refrigerated tortellini (such as cheese & garlic, Portobello mushroom, chicken and herb, spinach and cheese) 1 - 8 ounce tub Cream Cheese Spread 1 - 7 ounce jar basil pesto 1 teaspoon lemon juice green and red pepper strips - for garnish Kalamata olives - for garnish   1. Add tortellini to 1-gallon boiling water in large saucepan; cook approximately 4 minutes (al dente). You will want them firm for dipping. Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain again.   2. Mix cream cheese spread, pesto and lemon juice until well blended. Spoon into small ser...

 "Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century, and is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems. There is a dispute over the author, and the poem has been attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston, Jr. over the years. It was first published on December 23, 1823, in the  Troy Sentinel  newspaper in upstate New York. It is also referred to as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." Today I want to share with you the original lyrics to the poem. Hope you will enjoy sharing this with your children and grandchildren. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,  In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,  And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,  Had j...

Every day there is more and more hatred being spread in countries around the world. As an adult, it creates anxiety in my life; I can only imagine how stressful it is for children. Children do not come into the world knowing hatred - it is taught. There are two kinds of parents; the ones who contribute by teaching hate, or the ones who spend a lot of time trying to shelter their children from it and teaching them why it is wrong. I often wonder if those talking the loudest ever stop and think before they spread hatred and fear. Do they ever think about the impact on their families, friends and neighbors, or how this hatred they hang on to keeps them in a cloud of negativity? Do they really believe that people from a different ethnic group or religion than their own should be hated? Is a world where everyone is exactly the same, with the same beliefs, a world worth living in? I would like to challenge everyone to take a close look at who they are and where they come from. The truth is w...