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And Another Season Begins

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Seems like only a few short days ago that we welcomed summer with such joy after a long winter and cold spring. Ready for all the fun activities on the lake and at the ocean; so many days ahead to enjoy the heat of the sun on our cold weary bodies. Even though we think that we never want those hot summer days to end, we always seem to be ready for a change when they do. So here we are again entering fall; my favorite time of year with the warm sunny days and cool nights. A time when open windows allow the fresh crisp air to flow through and clear out the staleness from a long hot summer with a closed home and A/C running. Nights of sound and restful sleep as we snuggle under covers with the cool night air. The leaves will soon be changing to show off their brilliant colors. The apples are ready for delicious homemade pies and fall flowers will begin to grace the doorsteps on many homes. With the cooler days we will start to prepare our comfort foods that have been set aside during the ...
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The More You Do ...

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My mother once told me, "the more you do, the more people expect you to do". Wise words, and they apply to both our personal life and work life. I have always believed in working hard, doing the best job I can do and, in most cases, going above and beyond what was expected. Most of the time this effort is appreciated, however there are instances where I have been taken advantage of. Some people are more than willing to let you do not only your own work, but theirs too. I enjoy helping others both at home, and at work before I retired. When doing for someone else it gives me a feeling of satisfaction knowing that I have helped another person. Their thanks and appreciation are all I need; I'm not looking for grand gestures on their part or public acknowledgement for what I have done. The most difficult thing for those who give their time and energy to others is the knowledge that some will easily take advantage of them. These people have learned over time that if they wait ...
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Floating Free of Time

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  "Legends say that Hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The Hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life's sweetest creation." ~ Unknown A few Hummingbird facts: They are native to the Americas and are among the smallest birds measuring 7.5-13 cm in length. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second). They can fly right, left, up, down, backwards and even upside down. They can hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern, and fly at speeds up to 49 mph. They live for 3 to 5 years. Their bright radiant color comes from iridescent coloring like on a soap bubble or prism and are used to attract mates. Out of the more than 300 species, 12 of them summer in North America and winter in tropical areas. Hummingbirds migrate individually and only during the day. Their migration ca...
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What's for Dinner Tonight? Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

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From Taste of Home contributor, Janet McCormick of Proctorville, Ohio, this rich and tasty dish is a blend of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded into one casserole. The simplicity of it makes it a great choice for nights when time is short as it is ready in only half an hour. Add a side salad for a complete meal. Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 cup sour cream 1-1/2 cups salsa verde, divided 8 corn (or flour) tortillas (6 inches) 2 cups chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (or 1 tablespoon dried) 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese Optional toppings: Avocado slices, thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro leaves In a small bowl, combine the chicken, sour cream and 3/4 cup salsa. Spread 1/4 cup salsa on the bottom of a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Layer with half of the tortillas and chicken mixture; sprinkle with half the tomatoes, minced cilantro and half of the cheese. Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, tomatoes ...
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My Favorite Time of Year

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September has arrived and with it my favorite time of year in New England. In a few short weeks fall will arrive, but for now I will enjoy the bright, warm sunny days of September and the cool nights. Still a hint of summer with a preview of what's to come. I don't think there is anything more beautiful than New England in the fall. As the days grow shorter, we awaken each day to see the color on the trees grow more and more vibrant. Eventually the colors explode on the mountains and hillsides to the most breathtaking views you will ever see. I have watched this for more years than I care to admit, but I am still in awe each year when I see what Mother Nature has provided. The cool nights provide for great sleeping after the hot summer days. Leaving the windows open to enjoy the smells of fall; snuggling deep under the covers as the cool, crisp air slips in. Puts you into a nice deep sleep that you want to stay in for as long as possible. Swimming and boating on the lake are sl...
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Another Year

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Today, another year has passed, and all I can think of is how fast it has gone. When I started this blog in 2012, I could not imagine that I would still be writing it fourteen years later. I guess it has become a way to escape, and to share the joy, sadness, and thoughts on life and events that have occurred along the way. When I look at my grandchildren, I am quickly reminded how many years have passed; it seems like only yesterday that they were young children, and now all of them are young adults. So many wonderful memories have been made along the way, and I hope that these memories will stay with them and bring a smile to their face in the years to come. There have been many wonderful vacations, and I have seen things that I never thought I would. Some places have been closer to home than others, but all were wonderful adventures. The trips to England and Scotland, and later to Austria, Italy and Sicily opened my eyes to a part of the world filled with ancient history. We enjoyed ...
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Let's Have Brunch - Overnight Oatmeal

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There is nothing better on a cool morning than a nice hot bowl of oatmeal. Even as a child I liked oatmeal - especially when it was topped with brown sugar or raisins. This recipe makes having "real" oatmeal easy since it is cooked overnight in a slow cooker. Great for all those busy working mothers who want to give their children a good start to their day. Overnight Oatmeal   Vegetable shortening. for the slow cooker 1 cup whole milk, plus more for serving 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup steel-cut oats 2 apples peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces Toppings such as almonds, pecans, chocolate chips, maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, dried cranberries, fresh berries or your child's favorite toppings, for serving   1. Generously grease a 5–6-quart slow cooker with the shortening.   2. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and 4 cups water. Gently stir in the oats, apples and butter. Cook...
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