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What's for Dinner Tonight? - Chicken Piccata Casserole

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From Allrecipes.com contributor, Bibi, this recipe for chicken piccata makes it easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. This oven-baked casserole gives the great flavor of chicken piccata without the mess. It can be prepared in about 20 minutes and then popped into the oven. The convenience of a casserole frees up time to prepare pasta, veggies or salad for side dishes. Chicken Piccata Casserole Prep Time:15 mins Cook Time:35 mins Total Time:50 mins Servings:6 cooking spray 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup half-and-half ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup capers, drained salt and ground black pepper to taste 3 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 medium lemon, sliced 3 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or to taste Directions 1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a 9x13-inc...
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Don't Lose Yourself

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Where did you go with your vibrant soul, that once shined bright as a star. In the midst of everyday chaos, did you lose yourself once again? It used to be easy feeling free to dream, never letting things get in your way. These days so much seems to cloud your mind, that barriers hinder your vision of what could be. Torn between the inherent need to do for others, and the yearning to chase a buried dream. Your heart is filled with a desire to care for the ones you cherish, and your soul cries out, what about me? Balance, you whisper, or everyone will lose, yet balance is elusive most days. Pulled here, then there, to make sure that loved ones thrive, and telling yourself tomorrow will be for you. There is great joy in what you do for others, and their happiness is a true reward. But you are empty when there is no time left for you, and your soul feels the void. Don't lose yourself, take a breath and step back. Remember the dreams, set time aside, and bring your heart and soul back ...
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Searching for Energy

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With all the things I have accomplished, it seems more recently that I often feel tired. Even though I have plans to do many things, the energy is not there. As I reflected on this, I was puzzled as to the reason why. I try to exercise on a regular basis, have a healthy diet for the most part, and a good life with wonderful family and friends. There are no health issues and no medications to impact how I feel. What I have finally come to realize is that for far too long we have all been bombarded with negative messages on a daily basis. Whether it is the nightly news or social media, the negative seems to be front and center, with no end in sight. It's no wonder that people are feeling exhausted. It zaps you both emotionally and physically. And if we allow it to continue then our lives will not improve. I have decided to remove this from my life as much as possible. We all know what pushes our buttons and zaps our strength. These are a few of the steps I have chosen to take: When w...
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Let's Have Brunch - Sweet Potato-Chocolate Muffins

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Who doesn't love a fresh baked muffin hot from the oven? The smell as they bake brings back memories from childhood. There are the traditional ones like Blueberry or Banana Nut, but it's nice to find something new. From Food Network Magazine this is sure to become a new family favorite. Sweet Potato-Chocolate Muffins 2 cups flour 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 stick melted butter 1/2 cup canned sweet potato purée 1/2 cup sour cream 2 eggs 1. Mix flour, mini chocolate chips, baking powder, salt and baking soda. 2. In 2nd bowl whisk brown sugar, melted butter, sweet potato purée, sour cream and eggs. Fold into the flour mixture. Divide among 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy!
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Calvin and Hobbes

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 I, like millions of other people, loved Calvin and Hobbes, and was disappointed when the comic strip came to an end. No longer would we see the world through their eyes as they went on their adventures sharing their wisdom along the way. Several months ago I discovered this last conversation between Calvin and Hobbes written as a final chapter by a fan. It deeply touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. One more time they have shared their words of wisdom with the world. In The Final Minutes of His Life, Calvin Has One Last Talk With Hobbes “Calvin? Calvin, sweetheart?” In the darkness Calvin heard the sound of Susie, his wife of fifty-three years. Calvin struggled to open his eyes. God, he was so tired and it took so much strength. Slowly, light replaced the darkness, and soon vision followed. At the foot of his bed stood his wife. Calvin wet his dry lips and spoke hoarsely, “Did… did you…. find him?” “Yes dear,” Susie said smiling sadly, “He was in the attic. “ Susie reach...
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Rise Above It All

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Each day we are hit with an onslaught, of all that is wrong in our world. As impossible as it seems we gather our strength to rise above it and see the good. Narcissistic leaders unleashing evil in their incessant need for power. With no heart or compassion, they bomb the innocent never looking back with as much as a hint of remorse. Some of our fellow countrymen strive each day to spread hatred, fear and lies. If said often enough their hope is they will eventually turn friends into foes. Misogynistic men calling out like the pied piper, hoping to pull in those easily led. In spite of this we will stay strong and rise above it all, knowing in our hearts that we will triumph in the end. Be diligent and recognize the ones, that try to persuade you to buy the evil they sell. Always remember if we rise above it all, Our love, hope and acceptance will always win.
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Loss

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Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there was deep grief, there was great love. ~ knowyourgrief.org ~ One thing is certain in life – eventually we all run out of time. This truth is much clearer with each passing year. That feeling of invincibility from our youth fades ever so slightly with each decade. Nothing can bring us face-to-face with our own mortality more than the loss of a loved one or dear friend. Even if we are aware that their time with us is slipping away, we are never prepared. As they leave behind all that binds them to the earth, our hearts feel like they have been crushed by a heavy weight. Grief is a natural response to losing someone that is important to us. Processing a loss is different for each person, and grief is never experienced in the same manner. While some can allow themselves to feel their grief and release it, others hold it in and keep it hidden from the world. Losing someone is difficult at any time in our lives but can b...
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