On My Mind Today

With the new year arriving tomorrow, many of us reflect on the events in our lives over the past year, and ponder what the new year will bring. It has been a challenging and difficult year for so many people I know. A slow economy with low paying jobs, and prices rising almost daily have made it a struggle for families. Relationships that have ended even when every effort was made to repair them. And my heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones - the most difficult thing to endure. The void left by this loss is impossible to fill as we move through our daily life, but we keep them in our hearts and memories as we do so. Tonight is New Years Eve and as I think about the upcoming year I am hopeful that it will be a good year for all. My wish is that in the midst of all the difficulties we encounter each day, that we will also be able to see what opportunities are in front of us. Each day we can choose to see what is "wrong", or we can choose to ask ourselves...

New Year's Eve is just around the corner and many of you will be entertaining friends and family. I recently made this appetizer and not only is it delicious, but it also received rave reviews. Impress your guests with this easy, and visually appealing, appetizer! Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus and Proscuitto   10 thin slices prosciutto, cut in half (long strips) 60 - asparagus spears, trimmed 10 of (14 x 9) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.   2. Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Unwrap phyllo pastry and cut lengthwise into long strips. Cover phyllo dough to keep from drying out.   3. Take one piece of phyllo and brush lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle with cheese, top with one long thin strip of prosciutto. Put 3 asparagus spears on short end of phyllo and roll up. Place seam side down on a baking sheet, brush with butter and sprinkle wi...

A Charlie Brown Christmas was released on December 9, 1969. Even after 45 years I have not tired of the simple story of everyone getting caught up in the commercialism of the holiday, and Charlie Brown's struggle to find the true meaning of Christmas. It warms my heart each time I hear Linus explain this to Charlie Brown. Below are his simple words that mean so much..... Linus on The True Meaning of Christmas: Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?! Linus: Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please? And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born t...

I recently had brownie bites with peppermint centers which were amazing! I decided I would make some for Christmas Day, but knew that the peppermint would not go over well in my home. When asked what kind of center I should have, the reply was raspberry. I went looking for a small chocolate candy with a raspberry center that would fit in the middle of the brownie bite. I finally found the Hershey Bliss Raspberry Meltaways. Perfect size for this recipe. To simplify things I have used a brownie mix. Brownie Bites with Chocolate Raspberry Center   1 - Fudge style brownie mix (13 x 9 pan size) 2 packages Hershey Bliss Raspberry Meltaways   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line mini-muffin pan with miniature muffin cup liners. Lightly spray with cooking spray.   2. Prepare brownie mix as directed. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake for about 10 - 12 minutes - test with toothpick. Do not overcook.   3. Immediately upon removing from oven pre...

With the very hectic lifestyles people tend to lead today, it would be easy to disengage from the world around us. And there are many who do because the alternative can be a daunting task. Negativity and apathy are rampant, and difficult things to break through, but as a society we need to persevere. If not then we will continue down the slippery slope we are on. Pointing fingers, blaming others and not being a part of the solution is non-productive. The media continuously reporting about those who prefer to cause chaos than be a part of the solution does not help. It only encourages others to jump on the negativity bandwagon. Very easy to complain and protest - much harder to take a positive approach to be one who helps solve the problems. It really is not as difficult as it may appear. The first thing that everyone needs to understand is that nobody can have it their way all of the time. If you are reasonable and truly compromise to do what is best for the majority, then all of s...

This blog I originally posted in December of 2012. After seeing on the news this morning that the University of Maine has banned students from displaying any form of holiday symbols (right down to candy canes) I felt it was worth posting again. They say they don't want to create an atmosphere that will divide - I feel that they are doing exactly that. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which happened over 2000 years ago. The word "Christmas" translates to "Mass Of Christ". Many of the traditions that we observe during the Christmas holiday season began way before the birth of Christ. Exchanging gifts, decorating trees, and the burning of the Yule log were all winter traditions that began before Christ was born, but were eventually incorporated into the holiday that became known as Christmas, and became part of Christmas history. I am not sure when it all began, but over the years society has not only lost the meanin...

When planning for guests I am always on the hunt for something new and different. We all attend gatherings where the traditional brunch items are on the menu, so it is nice to find a recipe that has a chance of being a new favorite. This is a variation of a recipe I recently found, and I hope you and your guests will enjoy it. Spinach and Feta Bread   5 ounces fresh chopped spinach Olive Oil 1-2 cloves minced garlic 4 ounces crumbled Feta 3/4 cup sour cream 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 1-3/4 cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons each chopped rosemary and thyme 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon baking soda   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 5 loaf  with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides; coat well with cooking spray.   2. Sauté the chopped spinach in olive oil with garlic. Set aside.   3. Whisk sour ...

I have a couple of great recipes for pulled pork that I have used several times - one is Tex Mex Pulled Pork and the other is a White Wine and Garlic Pulled Pork. Both are easily made in the crock pot and are absolutely delicious depending on what version you have a desire for that day. My mother was recently asking me about a southern style pulled pork recipe as my brother had made this for her a while back. I did some research and found this at southernplate.com . Southern Style Pulled Pork BBQ   Pork Roast - approximately 5 pounds 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1-1/2 cups cider vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1. Put roast in slow cooker and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour cider vinegar over roast. Cover with lid and cook on low for twelve (12) hours (can be cooked overnight). Turn off slow cooker and remove pork roast, shred with forks. Drain juices from slow cooker, reserving two cu...

Children are born with no preconceived notions about life or people. The only thing they know is the need for love, nourishment and warmth. If given all of these things they will flourish physically and emotionally. Everything else, we as parents/adults in their lives, will teach them. From the time they come into the world children are like little sponges just waiting to absorb everything they see and hear. It is our responsibility to ensure they are learning the right things. It is evident if you look at society and its behaviors today, that somewhere along the way we have not put the emphasis on behaviors that children should be learning. What we see are many young people who are focused on themselves with no regard as to how their attitudes and behaviors impact those around them. In fairness, much of the fault falls on their parents first, other adults in their lives second, and last, but not least, the media (Internet, movies and television). Wherever children look they ...

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,   Jack Frost nipping at your nose,   yuletide carols being sung by a choir,   and folks dressed up like Eskimos." Once again it is time for all those wonderful recipes we pull out once a year. If you're an eggnog lover like me, then this one is for you.  I hope you and your family enjoy this Christmastime treat! Eggnog Pie   1/2 cup sugar 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 eggs, separated 1-1/4 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream Nutmeg   1. Stir together 1/2 cup sugar, gelatin and salt in saucepan. Blend egg yolks and milk; stir into sugar mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until mixture boils. Place pan in bowl of ice and water, or chill in refrigerator, stirring occasionally until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from spoon. Stir in rum.   2. Beat ...

With all the recent wild weather across the country far too many people have been adversely effected in some way. From the loss of homes, to being stuck on highways in a snow storm, or living without power and heat for several days. In the midst of all of this one thing has become abundantly clear - we have allowed our utilities and infrastructure to become severely outdated. There was a time when America was a great nation, with the latest and greatest in terms of roads, bridges and utilities. Its citizens proud to live in a country not only with freedom, but also a front runner in the world when it came to industry and commerce. All of this possible because we had the infrastructure to support it. I am unaware when it started to happen, but slowly over time we have become complacent. When did we decide that we should be content to let things deteriorate? How could we believe that all of these things would continue to work for us if we did no...

We all have many events that we'll be attending with the upcoming holidays. There are the traditional appetizers that we will see when we attend, but I always like to find something new and different to surprise people with. I came across this recipe a while back and it has been a big hit wherever I go. Hope that you and your guests, or host, will find it a welcome change from the usual. Tortellini Wreath with Pesto Dip   2 - 9 ounce refrigerated  tortellini (such as cheese & garlic, Portobello mushroom, chicken and herb, spinach and cheese) 1 - 8 ounce tub Cream Cheese Spread 1 - 7 ounce jar basil pesto 1 teaspoon lemon juice green and red pepper strips - for garnish Kalamata olives - for garnish   1. Add tortellini to 1 gallon boiling water in large saucepan; cook approximately 4 minutes (al dente). You will want them firm for dipping. Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain again.   2. Mix cream cheese spread, pesto and lemo...

It was bad enough that we had to endure months of non-stop political ads. Not sure how things were in your state, but NH literally had nothing but political ads, one after the other, each one worse than the last. Once the polls closed the ads finally ceased, and I was hoping for a brief respite before the holiday ads began. I could not have been more wrong. BAM!! Before we even had time to breathe the first Christmas ad was aired. Commercials may be necessary in order for networks to air programs, but sometimes they seem to take up more time than the show. It appears that retailers can't find enough ridiculous ads to bombard us with in an attempt to have us spend money we don't have. Trying to convince everyone that their family and friends need the latest toy, gadget, fashions or technological breakthrough. And who, may I ask, are the people out buying someone a new car for Christmas? Must have far more money than I do. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but not b...

We all have to purchase food, and most of us dread the chore. With today's busy lifestyles you either have to go at the end of a long day of work, or on a day "off". Which is pretty much a joke as I don't think many people truly have a lot of time off with nothing else to do. It isn't just the time involved in making the purchases, but many other things associated with it. If you are anything like me then you prepare for grocery shopping. Make a menu for the week, make a list and then go shopping. Then we put the bags in the car, go home and take them into the house (mysteriously nobody is ever there to help), and then put the food away . This usually involves washing fruits and vegetables so the things "good" for us will be eaten and not left to rot in the fridge. Of course when you get home there is a good chance that you will find frozen with dry goods or soap in with bread, etc. And when I tell the young person bagging that I don't want th...

Although traditional meat lasagna is great, I am always looking for something new and different. Being a lover of pesto there was no doubt that I would try this version, and it did not disappoint. A great meal for your next dinner guests. Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread. Enjoy!! Pesto Lasagna   16 uncooked lasagna noodles 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 1 - 1 pound package baby spinach 1 - 7 ounce container of basil pesto 2 - 15 ounce containers ricotta cheese 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 1 - 9 ounce jar Alfredo sauce 1/4 cup shredded Romano cheese   1. Cook lasagna noodles (al dente) and drain.   2. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 pan.   3. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Add spinach, cook until wilted. Remove from heat; stir in pesto. ...

Reorganize, restructure, streamline - corporations and organizations use many names for it. They claim it is to ensure things run smoothly without waste, and people are held accountable for their contribution to the business or organization. Nobody is to lose their position and everything will be "better" once they are done. Bottom line is this - people do lose jobs and the ones that are still employed end up doing the work of at least two people.  Money is saved by the corporation, which results in bigger profits for them and their share holders. What I want to know is this - how big of a profit is enough? At what point do they realize that what they are doing will only destroy them in the end? Not all corporations are operating in this manner. There are several large corporations that do what will benefit not only them, but those who work for them. They treat their employees well, and in doing so are able to keep knowledgeable, experienced people. They ...

Of all the seasons in New England fall is my favorite. The warm days and cool nights of early fall breathe life into my soul and energize me. The beauty of mid fall when the leaves put on a breathtaking display of red, orange and gold is a vision unlike any other. Then we come to late fall when the days and nights get cooler, the leaves fall from the trees and November arrives with its gray days. If it were not for Thanksgiving at the end of the month, and Christmas in December, it might be extremely difficult to get through the darkness. November can bring gloomy moods if we allow it to, so I try to find some fun and enjoyment even on these days. When my oldest daughter was around two, we happened to be looking out on a cool, gray November day. The wind was blowing hard and the leaves were falling from the trees. As I stood staring out the window a wonderful vision came into my mind. I looked at my little girl and sai...

Over the years friends have shared some of their favorite recipes with me. This one was given to me more than twenty years ago and became a favorite in our house. Recently I was looking for something different to make and rediscovered it. Nothing better than the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. Still as great as I remember, and I'm sure it will be a hit with your family and friends. Apple Bread   1 cup sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups pared apples, chopped 1/2 cup nuts Topping: 1 Tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon   1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour loaf pan 9x3x5. 2. Mix 1 cup sugar, shortening, eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until smooth. Stir in apples and nuts and then spread in pan.   4. Mix 1 Tablespoon sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkl...

Halloween used to be such a fun holiday for us as children. We would dress up in homemade costumes, using our wild imaginations to create them, and go out for 2-3 hours trick or treating to every house we could walk to. Arriving back home with a sack filled with candy and homemade popcorn balls or candied apples, where we would take inventory of the bounty we had gathered. When my children were growing up we lived in a neighborhood full of houses for them to go to on Halloween night. One of us would take them out, while the other stayed home to greet all the trick or treating children that came to the door. Always delighting in the array of costumes, and seeing the smallest ones hold up their bucket for a treat. It was great fun no matter which task we were in charge of. We always had 60 to 100 children come to our house, as those who lived out in the country would drive down to allow their children to take part in the spooky and ...

Like millions of other people I love watching sports. Football is my favorite and behind that baseball, basketball, then hockey. There are many others, but today I address the big four. Each one has its own season, and as one begins, the previous one should be coming to an end.  Here we are at the end of October and the World Series has just ended. Baseball should have been done and over by the time football started in September. Hockey season has begun, and we are only half way through football season. And then there is basketball - which falls into both the fall and winter season. I know that these sports will overlap to some degree, but they each should have their own block of time, where they are not competing with one another for viewers. This would be a win for the sport and for the fans. Unfortunately much of it has to do with money for owners and players, and making more of it with longer seasons. Then there are t...

Recently I had a conversation with a very dear friend.  Asking how she was, I could tell in her voice that it may not be one of her best days. And when she asked me the same question, I commented that overall I was good, but did have bad days from time to time. We are both looking for work at a time in our lives that we never expected to be. Being in a rut, feeling down, unable to move forward. We have all been there and know how difficult it can be to change that environment. Sometimes we stay there because we think we don't have what it takes to move away from it. Other times our procrastinating allows us to remain where we are and not make changes. We can tell ourselves that we have not completed whatever it is we intended to, so we can't go any further until we do. That way we don't have to move forward for one more day. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the tasks we have piled on our to do list, or by events in our life beyond our control. When th...

With all the fresh, crisp apples available right now, it's time for home baked apple pie. There are many variations, and never enough time to try them all. This one is easy and delicious - hope you enjoy it!! Apple Pie with Walnuts and Raisins   One 9-inch prepared pastry crust (unbaked - see recipe below) 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Dash of salt 6 cups thinly sliced tart apples (about 6 medium) 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Crumb Topping (see below)   Pie Crust 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water   1. Cut shortening into flour and salt until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons water can be added if necessary). 2. Gather pastry into a ba...

Growing up I was very aware of what needs were. There were six children in my family and we were well fed and clothed, and had a roof over our heads. We did chores and were given a small allowance (what they could afford) and we were allowed to spend it as we wished. I spent my first 50 cents on chocolate - a want. Anyone who knows me would not be surprised by this. Our parents did try to give us a bit more than they had, but their generation had so little at times that it was not hard to do a little more. We also tried to teach our children the difference between what they needed and what they wanted. We made sure they knew that our job as parents was to keep them safe, fed, clothed and to provide a roof over their heads. These were their needs and they were always met. I know there were many things they wanted as they grew up, things their friends may have had, but as we all know money only goes so far. Having said that, our children were...

It has been a three year journey from start to finish for the first of three children's stories that I have written to be published. My dream to become an author has been realized, and it will be even more exciting when I can present my grandson with a copy of "his" book. Two more books will follow down the road, and then my granddaughters will receive their books. Wish the process moved faster, but as they say - "anything worth having is worth waiting for" or "all good things come in time". We just need to have faith Below is the link to "Anthony's Amazing Adventures and Incredible Discoveries in the Backyard":  http://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Adventures-Incredible-Discoveries-Backyard/dp/1502598566/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413456400&sr=1-1&keywords=Anthony%27s+Amazing+Adventures Hope many of you will share this with your children and grandchildren.

In the spring as I was shopping in the deli, I came upon an entry slip for a grilled cheese contest. I checked out the website and decided that it would be fun to come up with my own creation and enter the contest. After giving it some thought the following recipe is what I created and entered. Although it was not the grand prize winner, it has been a winner with anyone that I have made it for. Hope it will become a favorite in your home. Artisan Hot Cheddarpeno   5 tablespoons butter, room temperature 4 slices Artisan Sourdough bread 8 thin deli slices Hot Capicola 4 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese Red Onion slices Jalapenos, sliced (pickled)   1. Take two slices of artisan sourdough bread and layer each as follows: one slice extra sharp Cheddar, 4 slices hot Capicola, red onion slices, sliced jalapenos and finish with another slice of extra sharp cheddar. Top with remaining slices of artisan sourdough bread.   2. Melt 3 tablespoons butter...

Although every season in New England has it's own unique beauty, there is one that is my absolute favorite. Fall....it does not get any better than this when it comes to beauty and weather. Nice warm, sunny days to enjoy without being too hot, and cool nights for great sleeping. It starts with the trees full of green leaves, and then by October they burst into an array of colors that are breathtaking! Color that brings the tourists in groves, in awe of the beauty, taking photos to bring home as a remembrance. I am fortunate to live in New England to experience the changing seasons throughout the year. Spring with the awakening of all that has been buried under the snow for so many months. Summers full of warm days, blossoming flowers and trees, and fun in the sun making memories to take us through colder times. Fall strutting colors like a peacock, with fresh apples, hay rides, and Halloween fun. Winter bringing a...

As I sit and look out at a magnificent fall day in New England, my mind wanders to fun and creativity, and the many things I could do if I were retired. There are so many people who I have had conversations with about retirement, and there are mixed reactions as to whether it is a positive or negative thing. I know there are those who do not want to retire as it has negative connotations for them, or they don't know what they will do with their time. There are others who look at retirement as a start to a new chapter in their life. They may not know exactly what they will do in retirement, but do view it as a positive. They just aren't quite ready to take the plunge yet. As for me - I look forward to retirement. Not only will it be the start of a new chapter, but also an exciting time where anything is possible. When I contemplate where I will start it is difficult to pick just one thing. There are so many to choose from, and even things that may...

The original Woman's Day recipe from 1944 used shortening and soy flour which were wartime staples. It has been updated, but still maintains the original technique of using the crumb mixture in the batter and on top. This delicious cake will disappear quickly from your brunch table. Coffee Crumb Cake   2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup cold coffee   1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat an 8 x 2 inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper; spray the paper.   2. In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder. Add the brown sugar and pulse to combine.   3. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Transfer 1/2 cup of the m...

Life has thrown me a few curves recently and it would be easy to let it get to me, but in the end that would not change a thing. And just when I am at the point of letting things get me down, I am reminded of what life is truly about. This past weekend my nephew received his "White Coat" as he entered the University of New England's Pharmacy Program. My sister and brother-in-law rented a cottage for the weekend at Old Orchard Beach, Maine and invited family to help celebrate this occasion. We had already planned to have our 3 grandchildren so we brought them along for the day. The cottage was at Waves Oceanfront Resort and it could not have been a more beautiful early fall weekend. In fact it was unseasonably warm at around 80 degrees. Even though the ocean was cool, it did not keep my grandchildren from running in and out with the waves. So much fun to watch them laughing and screaming as the waves chase them to shore. Once they (or should I say we) had our fill of...

This recipe was given to me by my dear friend Mary, more years ago than I care to remember. It has the consistency of a pecan pie, but with lots of chocolate and walnuts instead of pecans. If you love Toll House cookies then you will really enjoy this! Toll House Pie   2 eggs 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup butter, melted and cooled 6 ounces chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 - 9" pie shell, unbaked Whipped Cream (a must)   1. Beat eggs until foamy; beat in flour and sugars.   2. Add butter and mix; stir in chips and nuts.   3. Pour into pie shell; bake 45 minutes to 1 hour.   Top with whipped cream and enjoy!   (You may also top with ice cream, chocolate syrup or chocolate chips.)             

As many of you know, I lost a very dear friend recently. Her life was cut far too short, with so many things that she will not get to experience.  Family and friends who will feel the void left behind by her absence. She did not want a funeral filled with sadness - she wanted a celebration of her life. That is what her family did yesterday, and I was blessed to be a part of this gathering. It could not have been a more beautiful fall day with bright, warm sunshine and a cool breeze. I have no doubt that she ordered this weather. People arrived, both locally and from out of state, to honor Mary and share their stories from the many years they had known her. It was the first time some of us had met and it was fun to share how we had come to have her in our lives. With each conversation it was clear to see the impact she had on so many. It was also a day to reconnect with her family that we had not seen for a very long time. Our lives take us i...

Before I go any further I want to say this is not a politically motivated blog. I believe in keeping my political (and religious) beliefs to myself. This comes from being one of the hundreds of thousands of people that are actively looking for work. If you have been searching for employment you know how frustrating it can be. Most employers do not even want to see you walk in the door any longer. You have to apply online (if you are fortunate you have a computer at home), and at best it is usually tedious and time consuming. You never know if a live person will actually look at your application or resume, and chances are you will never even get a "thanks, but no thanks". How can they even figure out who they want to see out of the hundreds of applicants they must get? I keep hearing on the news about all the "new" jobs created each month, and our government telling us the economy is improving. What are they talking about?? I think they are out o...

I am always looking for new variations on an old favorite. This one was discovered in Woman's World magazine, and it has become a must have in my home. A nice change from the traditional burger and one that should be added to your summer grilling traditions. Bleu Cheese Pecan Burger   1/4 cup butter, at room temperature 6 Tablespoons chopped pecan pieces 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 Tablespoons finely chopped white onion 6 slices bacon 1-1/2 pounds ground beef Wooden toothpicks 6 hamburger buns, toasted 6 Tablespoons crumbled bleu cheese Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onion   1. Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking. Combine butter, pecans, parsley and chopped onion; reserve. In skillet, over medium high heat, cook bacon until lightly browned but still soft and pliable; drain on paper towels.   2. Divide beef into 12 equal portions; shape into flat patties. Divide pecan butter between 6 patties. Top with remainin...

It seems like we planted our garden just a few short weeks ago. Today I picked everything that I could as they are predicting a possible frost for tonight. I am not ready for this change of seasons. This spring we planted with hopes of having more vegetables than we could possibly eat. It has been a strange and interesting year in terms of what we harvested for our efforts. Things either took too long to produce or did not produce at all. Plants that only gave us a few peas, 3-4 green peppers and 3 eggplant were very disappointing. Tomatoes and cucumbers were the winners this season. The cherry tomatoes have been amazing and we have been eating them like they are candy. Cucumbers have produced well, although they have at times been short, round and a bit seedy, instead of long and slender. Even my flower bed did not do as well as in years past. There has been much greenery, but the colorful flowers came and went quickly. It has been ...

I'm sure that many of you are as dissatisfied with the programming on TV as I am. Paying the cable company a ridiculous amount of money and having absolutely nothing to watch at night. The same movies are played over and over to the point of never wanting to see them again. So much of the programming has become "reality" TV. There is nothing real about it. They should call it staged TV - everyone gets a chance at 15 minutes of fame. And the more outrageous, ridiculous and disgusting they act the better the producers like it. A game of who can shock the viewer the most. Recently I saw an ad for a new show - you would be watching people who are watching TV....really??!! How bored would you have to be to watch this? It seems that the writers and producers have taken the easy way out, spending as little money and time as possible to get a show on the air. It does not take a lot of creativity to gather a bunch of people, have them go at each other each week and tape them. ...