On My Mind Today

I wonder sometimes if people really listen to themselves as they have conversations. The language I hear when I am out in public today can make me cringe. It seems that foul language has become a part of everyday conversations. I am not above using a curse word or two, however there is a time and place for everything. The place is not around children, it is not in mixed company, and never should be used in the course of doing business or at work. Not sure when it became socially acceptable to include curse words as part of a daily conversation, but I think people need to reevaluate this. I was always taught, and try to remind my children, that using this language can diminish what people think of you. It also does not reveal your true intellect. To think this is what our children are hearing all around them on a daily basis is a shame. We need to show them by example what proper language is, and teach them to have respect for themselves and those around them. Most of this is just c

My mother recently had a birthday so I went to spend time with her. I am very fortunate to still have my mom as many of my friends do not. She is not only my mom, but I consider her my friend too. We can spend hours talking about her life, my life, my children and grandchildren. I am free to share with her whatever is going on whether it is good, or not so good. She will listen to my joys, and offer the wisdom gained in her life for my troubles.  We will be attending a family reunion soon - it is for anyone in the country with our family surname (Holt). My mother showed me pictures that she had found to bring and also shared stories of my father's family. I learned that Benjamin Holt was one of the founders of the Holt Manufacturing Company, and received a patent for a practical continuous track for use with a tractor on December 7, 1907, which he called Caterpillar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterpillar_Inc . In 1925 the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor

Last weekend we took a day to enjoy a ride on the motorcycle. I am not a highway rider, but love to cruise the back roads. So many things to see as you take a leisurely ride on a warm, sunny day. Our journey took us down Route 152, a nice ride through the country with old New England homes shaded by canopies of large trees. On to Route 108 south and across Route 111, finally arriving in Hampton. We met up with friends and our journey took us along Route 101E. What a beautiful ride along the coast past Hampton Beach, Rye Beach, and up to Portsmouth. Hard to decide which way to look as the beauty of the ocean calls to your soul, but the homes along the coast are a beautiful sight too. Some are quaint and cozy cottages and others are large, looking like something out of a magazine. We stopped in Rye at Petey's Summertime Seafood for lunch. Great food with generous portions. If you have the opportunity to make the trip to Rye be sure to make time for lunch. http://www.peteys.com/

We enjoyed this light salad at a wonderful Greek restaurant in Alexandria, VA. I have been making it since then and have been asked for the recipe many times. A great addition to your summer cook-outs. Enjoy!!   Greek Tomato/Cucumber Salad   3 Vine Ripened Tomatoes – cut in bite size pieces European Seedless Cucumber – 2 cups cut in bite size pieces Non-Pareil Capers – 3-4 Tbsp. Red Onion (about ¼) – sliced very thin Green Bell Pepper – ½ sliced very thin Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 Tbsp. White Vinegar – 2 Tbsp.   Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for at least one to two hours before serving. The oil and vinegar can be adjusted to taste (the 2 Tbsp is just a starting point). If desired you can add Klamata Olives and Feta Cheese.     

Rainy days can sometimes make us feel tired and blue, and make it difficult to move forward with our day. It can be easy to let yourself fall into this instead of finding the energy to push your way out. Gray and rainy does not bring up images of fun and smiles. But these same rainy days can also be some of the most productive. Today will be one of those productive days for me. So many projects to choose from that I have procrastinated about for much longer than I care to admit. All those pictures that I need to sort so they can be put into albums for my children as promised. Clothing that needs mending or adjustment so they can be worn again. Cleaning out cabinets and closets - again. Creative projects that have been on the back burner for months (or sadly years). And many other things that escape my mind right now. I am not sure where I will start, but will see where the day brings me. I do know that by days end some, or at least one, of these projects will be complete. This rain

We all have hopes and dreams, and deep down believe that some day these will all come to fruition. We know that if all the pieces come together at the right time then the possibilities are limitless. Our hopes and dreams make us reach for the stars, and if we did not believe in them what would we have to propel us forward? However, there are times that we have to accept that these hopes and dreams may have to be put aside, at least for a time. When the hopes and dreams do not allow us to maintain even a minimal lifestyle. When having to meet the demands of our daily existence come to the forefront we need to be realistic - as difficult as that may be. The hard part of this is acceptance, and realizing that it does not mean failure. It does not mean that we give up on our dreams entirely. It just means that the timing is not right for this moment. We need to safely tuck them away and quietly nurture them as we do what needs to be done. So we make the changes we need to make for no

We recently returned from our road trip to the Midwest. By the trips end we had traveled over 3000 miles and were road weary for sure. Flying would have been much faster, but the beauty of this country along the way was worth every mile. Our journey started the first day leaving NH at 3 a.m. By daylight we were entering NY and well on our way for the first 800 mile day. Traveling through northwestern NY and into PA we were surprised to find miles and miles, acre after acre of vineyards. It was very impressive and one can only imagine how much wine is produced from the fruit of these vines. Entering Ohio we came upon the Midwest and were reminded of why it is considered the breadbasket of our country. On both sides of the highway were farm after farm. Fields either planted, or being readied for planting as we drove by. Hard working, proud farmers bringing food to the tables of America. Farmers we should be very thankful for. We ended our first day in Toledo and enjoyed a wonderful