On My Mind Today

Dedicated to my granddaughter, Emily, who recently graduated from high school. It seems like it was only yesterday, that your mother brought you home. A tiny bundle of softness and joy, for everyone to shower with love. The toddler years brought curiosity, and an eagerness to question and learn. You charmed the people around you, with your dimples and smile that glowed. School began and years flew by, you absorbed everything like a sponge. From academics to music and sports, You filled your life to the brim. Junior high then on to high school, you flourished and you excelled. Softball, flute, keyboard, and guitar,  banjo, jazz band, singing and more. You strived for excellence and had a plan, with a few adjustments along the way. It seemed at times you were in a race, to reach the prize at the end of the road. And now that high school has come to an end, the future you dreamed of is coming true. We are proud of the young woman you have become, and the lifetime of adventures that li...

The sun has risen on a brand-new day, and what is it all the cheery people say? Put on a smile, turn that frown upside-down, and everything is sure to go your way. Sometimes these words give us a good start, and our happy heart begins the new day. We move through the morning with ease, hoping this sunshine mood will remain. The trials and tribulations we live with, most days are handled with little effort. But every now and then we will falter, and the weariness and sadness move in. We know not the stress others may have, that put brick walls up in their way. Hard as they may try to knock them down, They will end up feeling defeated again. Everyone has their burdens to bear, there is nobody immune from hard times. For those fortunate to carry a lighter load, have compassion for those with heavier weight. The words of others that we read each day, preaching how to live a light filled life. Think positive advice, even well intentioned, can make others feel like a failure again.  Ther...

 Life, and dinner, would be dull if we didn't try new things. This easy slow cooker recipe is delicious and has been added to my go to recipes for when mealtime gets a bit boring. For a little kick hot sauce can be added when served. Enjoy! Cuban Style Braised Steak and Peppers   1/2 cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano salt and pepper 1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 medium onion, sliced 2 red peppers, sliced crosswise 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 Tablespoon capers, roughly chopped 1 pound flank steak, cut crosswise into 3-inch pieces (flank steak can be expensive - I used sirloin tips instead) 1 cup long grain white rice 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives, quartered, plus 1 Tablespoon olive brine Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving.   1. In a 5–6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the wine, cumin, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. 2. Stir in the tomatoes (and their juices), onion, peppers, garlic and capers. Nestle the stea...

 A very dear friend of mine once told me that with every ten years that pass, you will see and feel a marked difference. I have become more aware of her true words as each decade goes by. I have no problem with getting older; after all, it's inevitable and there is no use in fighting it. What we do, and what we reap from it, determines how we deal with it. We need to do our best to stay healthy and active. As the old saying goes, "if you don't keep moving, then eventually you can't move at all." Getting some exercise each day is a must. We need to keep our minds active in order to stay sharp. Whether we like to read, write, do crossword puzzles, or a myriad of other things, the more we do the sharper our minds remain. Socialization is vital. Stay in touch with family and friends; gather together as much as possible. These connections not only keep us active but also boost our energy and mental well-being. Plus, connecting with younger relatives keeps us current wi...

There is so much heaviness that we carry these days from the chaos around us. Sometimes, it seems almost impossible to move forward with positivity and purpose. However, we cannot let them win and steal our joy.  Now that we are in the late spring season, there are so many things that can restore our faith in all that is good. The season where Mother Nature awakens what has been beneath the soil during the cold winter months, and the trees suddenly display their fresh green leaves to hide the new nests filled with baby birds waiting to hatch. After dreaming all winter about warmer days, the arrival of ducks and geese signal the new season is about to begin. When the first haunting call of the Loons is heard, it touches the soul and lifts the spirits. This beautiful sound has been missed like a long-lost friend, and we are blessed that they will share their song from now until fall.  Birds return from wintering in warmer climates and the bird bath becomes a gathering place once...

From myjewishlearning.com , this coffee cake is one of the best I have ever tasted. Ashkenazi coffee cake has a history going back to 17th century Eastern Europe. The original Jewish coffee cakes called for coffee as one of the main ingredients, but today most are perfect partners for a hot cup of coffee but are totally caffeine-free. If you’re hosting some chocolate lovers, try the chocolate filling. If your family likes raisins, try the raisin-nut filling. The simple combination of pecans and walnuts in the nut filling is delicious. No matter what your choice is for fillings this coffee cake will be a big hit with family and friends. Jewish Coffee Cake Step 1: 3 tablespoons brown sugar 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 3/4 cup pecans, chopped Step 2a: 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter Step 2b: 2 cups flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Sep 3: 3 eggs Sep 4: 8 ounces of sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla Optional fillings: 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup chocolate chips Preheat th...