On My Mind Today

As each year passes we are robbing the children in our world of their innocence. We are allowing it by not speaking out against inappropriate programming and advertising during the hours children are watching. It's time that parents take charge and turn off the TV when these things appear on the screen. Perhaps there are those who would call me "old fashioned", and I'm okay with that. When an advertisement appears during prime time viewing with a scantily dressed woman with a whip, and they tell us "this is how a Dominatrix opens a pistachio", I think they have gone too far. I must say it is probably the worst I have seen and I was a bit shocked and offended by it. So many things that I never dreamt would be discussed or advertised on television from incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, erectile dysfunction and many more. Programming that has "colorful" language or adult sarcasm. Lifestyles and adult situations that children don...

Back in 1970 my great aunt gave a cookbook to my mother: Myra Waldo's Chinese Cookbook, which she passed on to me a few years ago . It has many great recipes and it's one I turn to when looking for something different for dinner. I recently tried this out and it was a big hit in my house. Hope you enjoy it too! Pineapple Chicken   2 whole raw boneless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon water 1 - 8 ounce can pineapple chunks 6 tablespoons vegetable oil 1-1/2 cups sliced (lengthwise) onion 1 cup sliced celery 4/3 cup sliced water chestnuts   1. Remove the skin and cut the chicken in 1-inch pieces. Toss in a mixture of the cornstarch, soy sauce, salt and water. Drain the pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup syrup.   2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet; sauté the onion 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the onion. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet; sauté the celer...

Employers, advertisers, schools and many others assume everyone has access to computers at home. The reality is there are many households that cannot afford a computer or internet access. Although the cost of technology has come down, it is still prohibitive to many. There is also a large population, such as the elderly, who have not learned to use this technology. Anyone who has applied for work recently knows all too well how cumbersome it has become, and how valuable computer access is to the process. The only way to apply is online and the minimum amount of time per application is thirty to forty minutes. Usually it takes much longer. If your only access is through a library or employment office computer then it is even more difficult to be "first" to apply. Schools are giving students assignments that require computer access. Although it may not require a lot of time, if you don't have a computer at home the time to accomplish that assignment seems monumental. Pa...

As the old saying goes, either you have time and no money, or money and no time. That is the reality for most, but in a perfect world you would have both. The majority of us need to work in order to provide for our needs and the needs of family. We have dreams of all the things we want to do, however by the time the work week ends we spend the majority of any "free" time taking care of things at home. If you have children then that time is used to ensure they have healthy activities outside of school. We all have special projects or hobbies that we hope to get involved in. Many of these, if time allowed, would be therapeutic and fulfilling. Unfortunately since we are busy making money we never have the time to immerse ourselves in these activities. After working for myself for three years, I have recently reentered the work force in order to have consistent income. Although I am adjusting it has not been an easy transition. The biggest reason for this is having to be so...

This recipe is from the pages of the Live Longer cookbook. Although not as sweet as a traditional coffee cake, it is moist and delicious. Quick and easy to put together, and great swerved warm from the oven.  Apple-Cheese Coffee Cake   1 cup unsifted all-purpose flour 1 cup unsifted whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces) 2 Golden Delicious apples (or apple of your liking), peeled, cored, and grated (2 cups) 3/4 cup buttermilk 1 large egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9"x9"x2" baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; mix in the cheese and apples.   2. In a 1-pint glass measuring cup, stir together the buttermilk, egg and oil. Make a well in the center o...

Whether you are receiving or giving, the greatest gift is that of time. There is nothing more precious than spending time with your mother or children. I have been fortunate in the past week to have time with my mother, and also my daughters and grandchildren. Last weekend I went to visit my mom, and also to help her with some things that needed to be done. I must confess that I don't get up to see her as often as I would like. It felt great to help her with some things that are not as easy for her to do anymore. As I age I understand more and more how the body is not always willing even if the mind is. We were able to have lunch and spend time catching up which was truly a gift. It reminded me that not only is she my mother, but also my friend. Today I had the pleasure of meeting my daughters and grandchildren for lunch. Unfortunately it is a rare occasion for all of us to be together. And everyone was in a good mood - all at once -...

After waiting for what seemed to be forever, we are finally being rewarded with spring weather. Feeling the sunshine and warmth on our bodies makes us feel alive and full of energy. Ready to tackle all the projects that slept along with winter. As I waited for the flower bed to appear out from under the snow, the decision was made to change from red mulch to black. Over the weekend the red was removed which was a much more monumental task than anticipated. For such a small flower bed I took away a wheelbarrow full of the old, and then put down 2-1/2 bags of black mulch. Needless to say I was tired and sore the next day from all the bending and lifting, but it's what I refer to as a good tired. One that comes from accomplishing a goal and seeing the reward. Over the last few weeks we have raked the yard, painted doors and put the patio furniture on the deck. The garden has been cleaned up and the oregano moved to allow enough room for it to spread. To my surprise the garlic I th...

With thoughts of warmer weather I like to find lighter desserts to offer to my family and guests. This combination of tart and cookie with a bit of lime zest will become a popular summer treat. Lemon-Lime Squares   Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter   Filling: 4 eggs 1-1/2 cups sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons lime zest, from 2 limes Confectioners sugar, for dusting.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.   1. In a bowl, mix flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until lumps are gone. Or blend flour and sugar in a food processor; add butter and process until the consistency of cornmeal. Press mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake until golden around the edges and slightly form to the touch, about 18-20 minutes.   2. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Wit...