On My Mind Today

Black Friday - just the name conjures up visions of a bad day. I am baffled as to how anyone can find the chaos of this day enjoyable. The name Black Friday originated before 1961 in Philadelphia and was used to describe the extremely heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic on the day after Thanksgiving, and became more widely used outside of Philadelphia around 1975. It was later used by retailers, who traditionally operated at a financial loss ("in the red") from January through November, and "Black Friday" indicated the point at which they began to turn a profit ("in the black"). Over the years Black Friday became extremely popular as the day to start your Christmas shopping. It remained that way for many years, but then things changed. All of a sudden it was not the Friday morning after Thanksgiving that the stores were open and started the "big" sales - they were now open at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving. And from there retailers d

In a few short days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving - a day to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest. When many of us think of this holiday we are brought back to grade school and lessons of the "First Thanksgiving"  with the Indians and Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621. As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nation-wide thanksgiving celebration in America, marking November 26, 1789 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. The date that Thanksgiving was observed varied from state to state until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed in 1863 that all states would observe it on the same day - the last Thursday in November. A joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt on December 26, 1941, changed the national Thanksgiving Day from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday, where it has remained. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of mine as it is a day for exactly that - being thankful for what w

I recently took a day trip to Vermont so I could spend time with a dear friend. It was a beautiful, sunny November day and the ride to Athens was so peaceful and enjoyable. The long ride seemed to pass quickly, and arriving at her home in the country was like going to a retreat for a few hours. An amazing, picturesque spot in the country. Over the years we have been in and out of touch as we each traveled down the paths of our lives. As we raised our children and moved to different parts of Vermont and New Hampshire we connected from time to time. Even though we were not always in touch I know that we thought of each other as the years passed. She has been fighting cancer for several years, and her strength in this battle has been amazing. I am honored to know a woman with such will and determination. We spent several hours talking about all the things that have happened over the years. Sharing stories of our children and grandchildren, and talking about our parents. She has lost b

A while back I met a good friend for lunch and was introduced to Mulligatawny Soup. It was so incredible that I had to come home and find a recipe. What follows is quick and easy, and I hope you enjoy every mouthwatering bite as much as I have.   Mulligatawny Soup   4 ounces onion, chopped 1/2 garlic clove, chopped 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons. flour 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon tomato puree 32 ounces beef stock 1 ounce apple, chopped 1-1/2 teaspoons ginger 1 tablespoon mango chutney 2 tablespoons coconut flakes salt to taste (optional) cooked rice   1. Lightly brown the onion and garlic in butter. 2. Mix in the flour and curry powder; cook for a few minutes, browning slightly. 3. Mix in the tomato puree. 4. Gradually mix in the stock until smooth. 5. Add the remaining ingredients except for the rice. Season to your taste and simmer for 30-45 minutes. Soup will thicken as it cooks. 6. Add rice to serving bowls and pour hot

Today is Veterans Day, and we are reminded to thank those who are serving our country. However, this is something we should do on a daily basis - not just one day out of the year. There are so many that are serving, or have served this great country of ours. Some have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives while others return wounded. These wounds are not only physical, but also psychological. The things that they have seen and been exposed to we can only imagine. Things that they can never erase from their memories which can affect the rest of their life, and that of their families. I do believe as Americans we are proud of our country, but then there are those who feel a strong desire and obligation to serve. Those that go to foreign soil to protect our rights and freedoms. Answering the call of our government, without hesitation, to do what they feel is their duty. Putting any of their fears aside to complete the mission given to them. Their families wait at home, praying

It seems impossible that another full year of seasons has passed us by. Wasn't it only yesterday that I was talking about last fall? How could we have already come full circle to November? November (and March) my two least favorite months of the year. Darkness in the morning when we rise, and darkness by the time dinner is served. Gray and gloomy days so much of the time that make it difficult to feel energized. I am thankful that it is only 61 days that these months come across our door, and know that occasionally we will get one of those bright, sunny days mixed in to boost our spirits and feed our souls. On the lake it is hard not to embrace each day, no matter what season is upon us, as we gaze at such beauty. The seasons with open water speak to my soul and I feel as if my spirit flows with it to new horizons. Opening my mind to dreams and aspirations that all seem possible. Spring brings back my Loons and the ducks, and warmer weather in which to open windows and breathe

The Old Port area of Portland, Maine is unique, quaint and a great place to spend some time. With dozens of wonderful places to choose from for a great meal and an evening of entertainment, you will want to return many times. We recently headed north to Portland on a Friday afternoon to meet up with his daughters. Being a big fan of ghosts tours, he had been planning this adventure for several months in order to go on the Portland ghost walk. With no particular place in mind for dinner, we walked along the waterfront and came upon Andy's Old Port Pub http://www.andysoldportpub.com/about.html . The staff was very friendly, and the menu and daily specials offered a number of wonderful selections. We started with a Maine Potato Pizetta - hand tossed pizetta crust topped with rich mashed potato, cheddar and bacon. Definitely a dish new to us, and very tasty. I had a bowl of Roasted Corn Chowder which was delicious with a slight kick, followed by Blackened Haddock. He had Lobster Bi