On My Mind Today

Cell phones – I am not sure if they were the greatest invention or the worst. Guess it depends on the day.   I love my cell phone as much as anyone, but they have taken over people’s lives to the point of distraction. We see it every day as they have their face glued to the screen ignoring the world around them. We have a whole generation of young adults and children who are losing social skills, or not learning any at all. I believe it’s time to set some boundaries regarding cell phone use. Parents need to start teaching their children now, or eventually nobody will know how to communicate face to face. Or even worse, they will lose their ability to feel a connection to a real human. I know that sounds extreme, but looking at what is happening today, not an impossibility. So – I have come up with my own Cell Phone Etiquette list. I’m sure that after reviewing many of you will have some you would like to add. Anyway – here we go: Cell Phone Etiquette 1.        Your cell

From the pages of Cooking Light, this casserole will be a great addition to your brunch menu. Andouille sausage, two types of cheese, and a splash of hot sauce add flavor and a bit of a kick to this casserole. It's sure to be a big hit with your guests. Sausage and Polenta Breakfast Casserole 2 teaspoons olive oil     10 ounce diced chicken Andouille sausage 2 cups sliced green onions 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 1/2 cups fat-free milk 1 1/2 cups uncooked quick-cooking polenta 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup) 1.75 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated (about 1/3 cup) 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce 4 large eggs, lightly beaten Cooking spray 1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Add sausage; sauté 3 minutes or until browned. Ad

"Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century, and is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems. There is a dispute over the author, and the poem has been attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston, Jr. over the years. It was first published on December 23, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in upstate New York. It is also referred to as "A Visit From St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." Today I want to share with you the original lyrics to the poem. Hope you will enjoy sharing this with your children and grandchildren. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,  In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,  And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap

We all need our family, even if we don't want to admit it. They give us a sense of security and belonging, something that all humans need. Unfortunately it seems more and more people are spending far too little time with family. Many years ago it was common for people to grow up in a town, and remain there after they grew up, got married and had their children. Families got together for Sunday dinners and holidays, or just to stop in and say hello. It was easy as they lived close to one another. Over the years society became more mobile and people's dreams of living in other parts of the country became reality. Families that once maintained a close bond from being near one another were now scattered in the wind. Connected most of the time only by a phone call (or now by social media). The closeness that once included a hug or a kiss no longer exists. Unfortunately this close bond that we have allowed to disappear, has robbed our children of that sense of security and belo

With Christmas only a week away, it's time to plan the menus for holiday gatherings. I am not a big mushroom lover, but a good friend gave me a container of nice large mushrooms last year. Not wanting to waste them I went looking for a stuffed mushroom recipe. I discovered this one from Taste of Home and gave it a try. They were absolutely delicious! I hope they are as big a hit with your family and friends as they were in my home. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms 12 to 15 large fresh mushrooms 2 tablespoons butter, divided 2 tablespoons chopped onions 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon dried basil salt and pepper to taste 4 ounces bulk Italian sausage 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1. Remove stems from mushrooms. Chop stems finely; set mushroom caps aside. Place stems in paper towels and squeeze to remove any liquid. 2. In a large skillet, heat 1-1/2 teaspoons butter. Cook stems an

Giving to others less fortunate is a noble gesture. Thousands of people do this every day, and the majority do so without anyone ever knowing. That is how it should be. If you are doing something for someone only for the accolades, or for what you may get in return, then you are missing out on the true meaning of giving. Our society has changed drastically in the last 20-30 years. The media showcases the famous (or infamous) who all want to be in the spotlight, and social media allows anyone to proclaim what wonderful things they have done. It seems that there are many who don't want to give unless they can tell anyone listening that they have done so. If you give anonymously to others who are less fortunate, you will be amazed how much you receive. There is no better feeling than knowing that what you have done may change someone's day or even their life. Feeling like a guardian angel is a wonderful thing, and it fills your heart with joy. And this is the greatest reward.

This rich, creamy and delicious pie would be an excellent addition to your holiday gatherings. Easy to make and sure to become a favorite of family and friends. You will find it difficult to eat only one piece. Chocolate-Orange Mascarpone Pie Cookie Crust: 24 chocolate wafer cookies (I used Nabisco Famous) 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/3 cup orange marmalade Filling: 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, broken up 3 tubs (8 ounces each) Mascarpone, at room temperature 1/3 cup  over cooled crust.confectioner's sugar 3 Tablespoons orange liquor or orange juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 large seedless orange (optional) Crust: 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. You'll need a 9 inch pie plate. 2. Pulse cookies in processor until fine crumbs; add butter and process until blended. Press mixture evenly into bottom and sides of pie plate. Bake 12 minutes; cool on wire rack. Spread marmalade over cooled crust. Filling: 3. Microwave chocolate in glass bowl,

I love Christmas not only for what it represents, but also for the time spent with family and good friends. There is no better feeling than sharing time and great food with those we love. I also enjoy preparing for Christmas. It is so much fun to decorate the tree and once again see those familiar ornaments that have been collected over the years. Each one with its own memory attached. Dressing up the table with something new and putting candles in the windows. There is something so warm and inviting about our home when it is adorned for Christmas. Then there is the baking, and I love to bake. A day in the kitchen making special treats that everyone enjoys so much is good for my soul. There is nothing better than baking all day while I watch a few feel good Christmas movies. A great way to get into the spirit of the holiday. There are many things about Christmas that can stress you out, but only if you allow them to. I choose to remember the true meaning of Christmas, and will do

Looking for warm winter foods, I cam upon this recipe in my crock pot cookbook. It is an excellent addition to your cold weather foods. A nice change from traditional beef stew it will soon become a family favorite. Pork Stew 2 pounds boneless pork roast, cubed 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 cups water 1 small bay leaf, whole 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch slices 2 small onions, thinly sliced 3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered 1 10-ounch package frozen petite peas (or mixed vegetables) 1/4 cup quick tapioca to thicken stew (optional) Season cubed pork with salt and pepper. Place in Crock-Pot altering layers of meat, carrots, onions and potatoes. Add remaining ingredients except peas (omit tapioca if you don't want gravy thickened). Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then turn to low for 10-12 hours. Add peas during the last 1 to 2 hours of cooking. 

Early this year I became acquainted with T. L. Gregory, and we have since become good friends. She had written her first novel, and was in need of an editor to review it for submission to the publisher. She learned that I am a writer, and I was honored when she asked if I would edit her story. Editing was completed this fall, and the book was submitted to Abbot Press. They have since published her book, Ways of War . This is the first in a trilogy, with the second book coming in mid 2016. It is a historical tale set in the Vietnam War era; interesting and intriguing with plot twists that keep you guessing. I can't wait to receive the first chapters of book two to find out where the story will go! Please help me in supporting T.L. Gregory by visiting her website. Her first novel will make a wonderful gift for you or someone you know. http://www.tlgregory.info/ways-of-war.php 

Growing up we learned about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving held in 1621. Although there are many versions, the story many of us know is the one we are taught in school.  The first American Thanksgiving was held in celebration and thanks of the harvest that the Plymouth Colony was blessed with after a very harsh winter. The colonists celebrated the day in the spirit of traditional English harvest festivals. The Native American Indians Samoset (Abenaki), Squanto (Patuxet-tributary of the Wampanoag), and Massasoit (Leader of the Wampanoag) were the honored guests of Captain Myles Standish, and were asked to bring their immediate families along for the feasting and celebration. Standish had no idea that their immediate family consisted of nearly one hundred members of their tribe. Standish and the Pilgrims did not have enough food to last three days for so many people, so Massasoit sent his men home to bring back more food and supplies. His generosity provided the majority of th

Many of you may be hosting a Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch, and will be looking for something new to serve your guests. With pumpkin being so popular this time of year, this bread pudding may be just the thing to add to your menu. Bon appetite!   Pumpkin Bread Pudding 1 1/4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin 4 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed Challah or other egg bread (about 8 ounces) Cooking spray 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted   1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add bread, tossing gently to coat. Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover with foil; chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.   Preheat oven to 350°.   2. Place dish in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of

As I stepped onto the frost covered deck on this cold November morning, I heard the ducks and geese calling out at the far end of the lake. It was as if they were telling each other that the time to make their journey to warmer climates would be upon them soon. And in my heart and soul I was wishing that I could sprout wings and take that journey with them. I will miss their chatter, and the soulful call of my loons as the lake sleeps over the winter. Every November when the daylight hours diminish and the weather turns colder my mood turns a bit gloomy as I dread what is to come. I enjoy being outside, but not in the bitter cold and snow. Don't get me wrong - I love the beauty of fresh fallen snow and how it sparkles like diamonds under the bright sun. And if it is a warm, sunny winter day, cross-country skiing or a nice walk can be refreshing and great fun. However, I do much better when the grass is green and the days are warm. I will miss my vegetable garden and flower bed

This piece was given to me many years ago by my father. The author is unknown, but it is as true today as it was so long ago when it was written. The original was called The Man In The Glass . I have adjusted it a bit to fit both men and women because it applies to us all. The Person In The Glass   When you get what you want in your struggle for self and the world makes you king or queen for a day, just go to a mirror and look at yourself and see what that person has to say.   For it isn't your father or mother or spouse whose judgment you must pass, the person whose verdict counts most in your life is the one staring back from the glass.   Some people might think you're a straight shooting friend and call you a wonderful soul, but the person in the glass says you're a bum if you can't look them straight in the eye.   They're the person to please, never mind all the rest for they're with you clear to the end, and you'

As young children we have no concept of how our words and actions can hurt our mother. Then we grow into teenagers and it becomes very clear how these things can hurt, and we will often use them to do just that. It is our way of expressing our anger and frustration when we want to be grown up and in control of our life, when we know that we are not grown up or in control. Our mothers remind of us that often - my house - my rules. Mothers get the best of their children, but also the worst. We become the one that they take out their frustrations on - the proverbial whipping post as they say. They have no idea how much we take and how much it breaks our hearts, or how often. In spite of all this, we forgive them, as they will forgive their children when they are on the receiving end of all these things. For it is when we become a mother that we know the impact of our children's words and actions. And they will say as we do.... I forgive you for: The first time when you were a sm

The holiday season is just around the corner so I find myself looking for something new to offer my guests. This recipe comes from The Wellesley Cookie Exchange Cookbook. Since 1971 about 40 women have gathered in December to swap dozens of Christmas cookies. These chocolate nut balls with a generous dose of rum are just one of the many you will find in the pages of the cookbook. No-Bake Chocolate Rum Balls   2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs 1 cup confectioners sugar 1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts, plus more for rolling 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 3 tablespoons maple syrup 1/3 cup rum   In a large bowl, stir together the crumbs, sugar, nuts, cocoa, maple syrup and rum. Form into 1-inch balls; then roll in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate until firm. Serve cold or at room temperature. Keep any that are left refrigerated. Makes 3 dozen balls.     

As far back as I can remember Halloween has been one of those holidays that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dreaming up a costume and going out to Trick or Treat for candy. Growing up there were six of us and we spent weeks deciding what we wanted to be and how to come up with the costume. Of course back then we used what was available in the house to create our vision, and maybe we could get a purchased plastic mask. Then on Halloween night our parents took us out to go from house to house. We would run up to the door, knock, and when it was opened we would all yell out, "Trick or treat!", then watch as the treat was deposited into our bag or bucket. After saying thank you we moved on to the next house and repeated the process until we felt that nothing had been missed. Once home we would dump our bounty on the table and our eyes would open wide with amazement at what we had collected. I kept that tradition alive with my children, and they are doing so wit

With cooler weather arriving I am always looking for a nice meal that I can put in my Crock Pot. Nothing better than having a great dinner waiting when you get home from work. Hope you all enjoy this as much as we do! Coq Au Vin   3 large chicken breasts, halved 6 bacon slices, diced 2/3 cup sliced green onions 8 small white onions, peeled 1/2 pound whole mushrooms 1 clove garlic, crushed 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 8 small new potatoes, scrubbed 1 cup chicken stock Fresh parsley 1 cup Burgundy     In a large skillet, sauté diced bacon and green onions until bacon is crisp. Remove and drain on paper towel. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and brown well on all sides. Remove the chicken when it has browned and set aside. Put peeled onions, mushroom and garlic in Crock Pot. Add browned chicken breasts, bacon and green onions, salt, pepper, thyme , potatoes and chicken stock. Cover and set on low for 8 to 10 ho

Each year the holidays seem to become more and more stressful. Between advertising that starts even before Halloween, the pressure to give gifts that nobody needs, and the obligation to try and get the entire family together on Christmas Day it's no wonder people are getting stressed and cranky. And this doesn't even include friends or work events. Instead of feeling merry and bright, we have the bah humbug syndrome. Everyone needs to take a step back and breathe, and remember that they can't do everything in one day. Gifts should not be expected and what is given shouldn't break the budget. And even though we all want to be with family on holidays, sometimes distance can make it a hardship to do so. This year I have decided to try and put the merry back into Christmas. If I can make it a bit less stressful for myself, then maybe it will relieve the stress for others. Perhaps these suggestions will help others too. We will have Christmas with my children and gran

When people think of appetizers what comes to mind are the traditional cheese platters, chips and dips, and other hot or cold foods. There are some other really great options that are sweet. I recently attended an event where pumpkin dip was served and it was amazing. Of course I went home and found a few different recipes, and decided to make this one as I knew it would not be too sweet. My guests loved it! If you are hosting a Halloween party this will be a great addition to your table. Pumpkin Dip   1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2 cups confectioner's sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger   Gingersnap cookies (Other options for dipping - Apple slices or Cinnamon Graham Crackers)   1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger until blended. Ref

Last weekend we had the annual overnight trip with our grandchildren. They are 5, 7 and 12 so you can imagine the energy level needed to keep up with them. This year we went to the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park in Queensbury, NY. In the past we have taken them somewhere that allowed us to have them spend the night at our home. This was their first overnight in a hotel. Exciting event for them! The lodge is very large and not only has the indoor water park, but also an arcade, restaurants, gift shop and more. And if you visit in warmer weather it is adjacent to the Great Escape Amusement Park. We arrived in the morning, and although we could not check in to our room just then, the water park was open. It was hard to contain their excitement while they changed into bathing suits and waited for us. From that point on there was no stopping them. We spent a couple hours trying many of the water slides and going around the Lazy River. Natalie (the youngest) had a

Last Monday was Columbus Day, or as I prefer Indigenous People's Day in honor of Native Americans. It was one of those perfect fall days with bright warm sun and a gentle breeze, so we decided to head out on the Harley out for a final ride. We took our preferred route along the tree covered back roads where we could enjoy what fall had to offer. There is nothing like having your senses open to the outdoors being able to hear and smell things that you can't riding in a car. Settling in to the sound and feel of the engine's hum until it brings a calm to your soul, allowing your mind to clear and take in all that is around you. Looking into the forest where bright rays of sun peek through the trees allowing their hidden colors to shine. Coming to a break in the trees where you can see the radiant beauty of the foliage reflected in the perfectly calm waters of a river or lake. And then there is the smell of fall. It has its own unique scent of clean crisp air mixed with a h

If you are a lover of Whoopie Pies, then this is for you. My mother told me about this cake and shared the recipe with me. I suggest making it when you will be having company, otherwise you will have trouble not eating it all by yourself! Whoopie Pie Cake   1-1/2 cups butter 5 eggs 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup buttermilk powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee crystals 1 cup water   Chocolate Glaze   1/4 cup whipping cream 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces   Marshmallow Filling   3/4 cup butter, softened 1 - 7 ounce jar marshmallow crème 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar 1-1/2 tablespoons vanilla   1. Allow the 1-1/2 cups butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a small bowl, stir the 1 tablespoon

I have never understood when people say they don't like being alone. At a time in my life when I lived alone, someone said to me "Isn't it lonely?" I told them there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. As much as I enjoy the company of family and friends, for me a day of solitude refreshes my soul. When my senses are continuously bombarded with sound from phones, television and chatter it can be overwhelming. Day after day of this with no break can be almost suffocating. I am unable to let my thoughts flow freely and my creativity is squashed. Working in solitude is therapeutic. When your hands are busy baking, weeding a flower bed, or doing whatever quiet task you enjoy, it allows the mind to wander. Letting your mind go places it cannot when it is filled with outside noises. Today everyone is so connected through technology that they never have down time. I believe that each one of us needs time away from the chaos. These quiet moments with y

When thinking about my personal life I realize how blessed I am. A wonderful relationship, beautiful children and grandchildren, a great family and many dear friends. Spending time together creating great memories. My professional life is not viewed with the same enthusiasm. When I look at what I do to make a living versus what my heart tells me to do, it always comes back to one thing. I am the happiest and at peace when my time is put into creative endeavors, and working outside the home leaves very little time to pursue them. We all have to work to make a living, and I have no problem with this. Hard work is good for us - builds character as my father always said. But, when friends ask me about my work the response is always the same - it's okay. I don't love what I do and I don't hate it, but it does pay the bills. However, when I talk about my writing or photos the change in me is significant. My face lights up, I become animated and my heart smiles. These things a

If you enjoy Moroccan-style food then you will love this chicken soup. Not only is it delicious, but it's also healthy. Out of the pages of Weight Watchers All-Time Favorites, it is quick and easy to prepare - ready in about 30 minutes. Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup   1 - 32 ounce reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 - 15-1/2 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 - 14-1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with roasted garlic 1 - 6 ounce bag shredded carrots 1 teaspoon curry 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast 1 - 6 ounce bag baby arugula 1/2 cup couscous   1. Combine the broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, curry powder, cinnamon and cayenne in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the carrots are tender, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until heated through, about 1minute.   2. Stir in the arugula and couscous. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let

I have been thinking of my father quite a bit lately. I'm not sure why - perhaps it is because I am getting older. And as I age it may be that I understand him more than I did when I was a younger woman. When I started having children he shared something with me that I have held on to for all these year. It left an impression on me and I have thought about it a lot lately. I'm not sure where he found it, but I want to share it with all of you. A Parent's Favorite Child   Every parent has a favorite child. They cannot help it. They are only human.I have mine.   That child for whom I feel a special closeness. The one I reach out to in a rare moment. To share a love that no one else could possibly understand.   My favorite child is the one who was too sick to eat the ice cream at his birthday party, had measles at Christmas and wore leg braces to bed because she toed in. She was the fever in the middle of the night, the asthma attack, the child in my arms at t

There are many parents who do an excellent job of giving the right mix of praise and constructive criticism to their children.   You can see it in their children who have a healthy self-esteem, the ability to move forward when they make a mistake, and good social skills. Then there are those who give too much praise – to the point of making their children believe that everything they do is right. We all know that is not possible, and only sets them up for disappointment when they do fail as they won’t know how to move forward from there. They also don’t know how to allow others to come first as they are used to being the center of attention. And there are those who only seem to tell their children what they do wrong. We all see it every day when we are out in public. The child who is being corrected for all they do and never receiving a word of praise. I can only imagine how heart breaking it is for them to always hear nothing but negative feedback from their parents. Every t