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When the One We Lean On...

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Relationships with our partner go through many phases over the years. They ebb and flow through good times and bad, and depending on the circumstances, each one will have moments that they lean on the other for support. There is great comfort in knowing there is someone we can turn to during troubled times. Whether it is just a difficult day or week, or a more significant event, knowing that there is a shoulder to lean on can minimize the stress or sorrow. Sometimes we are the rock of support, and other times we will be the one seeking comfort. In a perfect world this sharing of life's troubles, and the giving or taking of support, would flow seamlessly back and forth for as long as we were together. However, we know nothing in life is perfect and there may come a time in our lives when the one we have been able to lean on can no longer be there in that capacity. Through no fault of their own the support they once so easily gave, they are no longer capable of giving. This change us...
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Summer Gatherings Begin

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July 4th - Independence Day, and the first official sign of summer. Life on the lake can get chaotic during the summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Things have been very quiet for several months and now the fun begins. The quiet will be broken by fireworks that will be displayed on the lake each night of this weekend and many other weekends to come. I guess we should enjoy the peace since the rest of the summer will be jam packed full of people having summer adventures on the lake. Winter and spring seem to last so long that it feels like we wait forever for the hot, sunny summer days. Now that they have finally arrived there are visits from my girls and grandchildren, trips to the ocean, cookouts with family and friends, and so much more. With the short summer months here in New England, we have a difficult time fitting it all in.  If anyone wants to come and we can accommodate them, we will gladly do so. I believe that you can never make enough memories for family and f...
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Let's Have Brunch - Berry Ricotta Cake with Lemon Glaze

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I am always on the lookout for quick, easy and delicious recipes to share with family and friends. From Pampered Chef, the ricotta in this cake keeps it nice and moist, and the raspberries and lemon glaze add refreshing flavor. A great addition to your brunch menu that everyone will love. Berry Ricotta Cake with Lemon Glaze Cake:   Vegetable oil for spritzing 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup maple syrup 1 cup whole milk ricotta ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 6 oz. raspberries Glaze: ½   lemon ¾ cup powdered sugar 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with oil. 2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 3. Combine the maple syrup, ricotta, vanilla, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until blended. 4. Gently fold in the raspberries and pour the mixture into the loaf pan. Bake, uncovered, for 45–50 ...
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What Have We Become?

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As I watch the news each day, I become more and more dismayed by what I see. What continually goes through my mind is "what has happened to common decency? Has greed, jealousy and hatred replaced kindness, compassion and understanding?" It would be easy to turn away and try to stay secluded in our own little circle, but ignoring the problems will only drive us faster to an unacceptable end. We all have ownership in some way to what has happened over time, either by contributing to it and perpetuating the issues, or by ignoring it. As if by ignoring it, we will eventually turn and see that the horrific events and behaviors have disappeared. A very naïve view of the world that we cannot afford to undertake. If we don't start treating one another with decency and respect, this will not be a world any of us want to live in. I worry each day what kind of world my grandchildren will be left with. Will they have opportunities to become what they have dreamt of, or will they have...
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Father's Day

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Father's Day is a holiday to honor fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In the United States, Father's Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. The day is held on various dates across the world and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood. Fathers play a significant role in their children's lives, and at times do not realize how much influence they have in shaping who their children grow up to be. On this Father's Day, I would like to share once again a blog I wrote a few years back about my own father and also wish every father a very happy Father's Day. My Father's Absence Although it's been twenty-plus years since my father's passing, I still miss him. There are some days when I feel his absence more than others; with the arrival of Father's Day there have been many of these days. My father was not a perfect ma...
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Coffee and Dessert - Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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From thebrookcook.wordpress.com   (adapted from LadyBehindtheCurtain.com), these churro cupcakes are a perfect dessert for a taco night party. The cinnamon-sugar coating underneath the cinnamon cream cheese frosting gives them a churro/snickerdoodle taste. They will be a big hit with both children and adults alike. A perfect recipe to make with your children or grandchildren. Enjoy!! Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Yield: 24 Cupcakes For the Cupcake Batter 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups cake flour 1 Tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1-1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-1/4 cups milk For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ...
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A Lifetime of Adventures Ahead

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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...
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