On My Mind Today

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...