On My Mind Today

With the world we live in today, it is imperative we teach our children what is truly important. It is not what they wear or whether or not they have the latest technology. These are just things that will not bring them to a place of self-fulfillment as they become adults. Who they are and what they give back will say so much more, and give them the inner peace and self-respect they should have. The first thing we need to do for our children is to tell them every day that they are loved. Let them know they are an important part of the family, and that we will ensure they are protected and safe. If we fail here, then we will destroy their self esteem and lose them as they grow into their teen years. I recently heard a presentation where the speaker made a statement that hit home. Basically, if we do not love our children and make them feel part of the family unit, then there are others who will...drug dealers, gangs, child molesters. That is how they bring children in - by making them

This past spring we traveled out to Wisconsin and spent a night in Toledo, OH. While there we went to El Tipico Mexican Restaurant.  After a great meal we decided to get dessert to go for later in the evening. We chose their Sweet Chimi - a sugar and cinnamon Chimichanga filled with strawberries and cheesecake. It was absolutely delicious! I knew when I came home that I would have to try my own variation to share with others. Below is what I came up with and it was a big hit. Sweet Chimichanga   8" Flour Tortillas Sliced Strawberries or a good Strawberry Preserve Cream Cheese Cinnamon and Sugar Combined Canola Oil     Make sure the tortilla is room temperature so it will fold easily. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese and berries or preserves in the center of the tortilla and then wrap to close. Place the Chimichanga in hot canola oil and cook on one side briefly to brown and then turn and brown other side. Remove from the oil and place on paper towel

We have entered into the most beautiful time of year in New England. The sunny, breezy, warm days and cool nights of fall cannot last long enough for me. They refresh your soul and make you feel full of life with energy that never seems to end. Who would not want that feeling to last forever? Along with this great weather comes the end of our garden and all it's bounty. We have thoroughly enjoyed the fresh vegetables and herbs over the summer. Making so many wonderful meals from the garden to share with family and friends. We are hopeful that we will squeak out a few more weeks before everything is done. At this point we are left with a couple of tomato plants and the herbs. We will savor every last bite of our delicious veggies. One of the many great things about fall is that the crisp, juicy apples are here! The fresh Macintosh are my absolute favorite - crisp, a bit tart and so good to make all the apple goodies we so love. I have a hard time deciding which dessert I want to

The recent nip of cool fall air has put me in the mood for some wonderful, warm comfort foods.  The best are the easy ones where you can throw all the ingredients in a slow cooker, and come home to the house filled with the aroma of great food that brings back memories. This is one of my favorites and I hope you will enjoy it too! Chili 2 Cans (15.5 oz.) Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained 2 (16 oz.) Petite Diced Tomatoes 2 pounds Ground Beef (browned) 2 Medium Onions, coarsely chopped 1 Green Pepper, coarsely chopped 2 Cloves Garlic, crushed 2-3 Tablespoons Chili Powder 1 Teaspoon Pepper 1 Teaspoon Cumin Salt to taste Put all ingredients in slow cooker and stir once. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours. When serving, offer toppings such as shredded cheddar, chopped scallions, cilantro, avocado or sour cream. A great side is homemade Corn Bread or Muffins.    And best of all the leftovers can be used for Chili Dogs or as a topping for a great salad.    

We all have those times in our lives where we feel unsettled - like we are a ship bouncing on the ocean at the mercy of the waves. We know that something is not as it should be, but really can't put our finger on what that actually is. The truth of the matter is that a combination of many things can feed into that unsettled feeling. Our children - if they are having difficulties or are unhappy for any reason we worry. Our grandchildren - if they are sick or having trouble in school we want to fix it. Our husband/wife/significant other - if they are not happy at work or have health issues we feel their frustration and pain. Our parents - as they get older we worry about them being alone and their health. Our brothers and sisters - if their life is in turmoil. Our good friends - when they or their families are having tough times. Our finances - when there is not enough money it weighs heavily. .................and so many other things. Although I have been feeling a bit un

  Nesting -  verb:  to build or have a nest;  to settle in or as if in a nest.   Women are very familiar with the term "nesting". We do this in many ways throughout our lifetime.     I remember when I was carrying my children, as the due date got closer there was the uncontrollable desire to make sure everything was ready for the baby. A burst of energy would take over and like magic things would be settled and waiting for their arrival.   The other nesting so familiar to me may be a bit "old school", but growing up I was taught to do a complete cleaning of the house both spring and fall. In the spring it was to clear out the stuffiness of winter and bring in the clear, crisp spring air. And as winter approached we cleaned out and closed up to make sure we would be cozy and warm. Windows got washed inside and out, closets got organized, and gardens were planted in spring and harvested in fall. It felt good to do these things. With the

Our adventure to Fort Ticonderoga with the grandchildren was such a success, we decided to take them on one more before the seasons change too drastically. This time we made a trip to Burlington, Vermont to the Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center http://www.echovermont.org/index.html .    The Aquarium and Science Center is located  at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain which sits on the waterfront. It is an absolutely beautiful location, and the Leahy Center building has windows all around the front where you can look out at the lake. It is a breathtaking view and hard to walk away from, but the kids wanted to see the fish, frogs, snakes and more. There are many things for them to see and interact with, and they ran from one thing to the next with anticipation. So fun to watch their reactions to the different frogs and snakes. One of their favorite things in the entire center was the kinetic sand in the 3D Watershed Sandbox. Although the interactive piece of this exhibi

If you are a chocolate lover like me, then this recipe will make your day!   Death by Chocolate   Chocolate Cake Mix (or your favorite chocolate cake recipe) Extra large Cool Whip 2 Packages of Chocolate Instant Pudding 1 Package of Heath Bar Crunch Bits or 6-7 Heath Bar Crunch Bars - crushed   Make the chocolate cake in 9 x 11 cake pan, remove from pan and let cool overnight. (put on cooling rack and cover with towel) Cut the cake into small squares. Place 1/2 of the cake squares into a large glass bowl or truffle dish. Make 1 package of the instant pudding according to directions and pour over the cake squares. Place 1/2 of the Cool Whip over the cake and pudding mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the Heath Bar Crunch Bits. Repeat the layers and refrigerate.   Hope that you enjoy this as much as I have!   

Birthdays have not had any major impact on me over the years; 30, 40 and then 50 came along and they were just another number. However, this one coming up seems to weigh a bit on my mind. In a very few days it will be 59 and for some reason I am not liking this one very much. Such an arbitrary number which should not provoke these unsettled feelings in my soul. I have spent much time looking within to figure out why this one should be any different than the others. Perhaps it is the reality of how many years have passed and realizing how fast time slips by. Although no "aha" moments have transpired, I have figured out some things I have come to know after all these years: First, and foremost, family is the most important thing in life. We must take time every day to be thankful for the good things in our life. To feel good about yourself you need to do for others. You can't find your happiness from someone else, it comes from within. Laugh as much, and as often a