On My Mind Today

In a very few days another year will have passed, and I will turn 61. There are those who tell me I look good for my age, and I always tell them that I thank my mother every day for the gene pool I come from. The reality is, when I look in the mirror I see the lines that were not there a year ago. And, as my sister would say, "Do we look good for our age? Yes, but we look our age." She is right - the majority of us look our age, and our gene pool plays a big role in whether we age faster or more slowly than others. If you watch television you have seen the never ending commercials for the numerous facial products that supposedly slow down or reduce the signs of aging. Many of these are done by actresses who lead you to believe that you can look as youthful as they do just by using their product, which will cost you a fortune if used as suggested. Years ago they would have called them snake oil salesmen.  I feel they are insulting our intelligence to think we beli...

Labor Day is right around the corner; a day when many plan their last big summer gathering. Always looking for a new dish to add to the traditional ones, I found this chickpea salad recipe which I adjusted slightly by adding cucumber, and omitting the 1/4 cup chopped mint. Very light and refreshing with the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. A great side dish which can also be served with small tortillas to make a wrap. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad   Two 15 ounce cans chickpeas (rinsed) 15 - 20 Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half 1/2 cup crumbled Feta Cheese 1cup pitted Kalamata olives, cut in half 1/4 cup chopped parsley 6 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar salt and pepper to taste   Toss all ingredients together. Let sit for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve and enjoy!     

It seems like with the blink of an eye the end of summer has arrived. Teachers are back in school and the kids will be joining them any day. In two weeks we will be celebrating Labor Day which signals the end of the season. My garden managed to produce fresh vegetables in spite of the lack of time I had to tend to it. Now it resembles a forgotten friend getting ready to leave, and as much as I love my garden, I am ready to let it go. Until then we will enjoy what she has left to give. Time has seemed to fly by even faster than last year. Mainly because we have had a very full schedule. Family and friends have come to visit and enjoy time on the lake. Excursions to the ocean with grandchildren, family cookouts, road trips to Maine and Vermont, and fun times in Boston for dinner in the North End and a Red Sox game. Still to come are two weekends with grandchildren (they each get their own time with us), a trip to North Conway for a cookout with his girls, and a graduation in Boston...

I have thought about the fact that it is entirely possible there are other intelligent life forms in the Universe. We certainly can't rule it out. Having said that, what comes to mind is one question; what must they think of us as they observe? I know if I were in those shoes I would have to question the intelligence and sanity of earthlings. Here is a brief synopsis of some of the things they would see: 1. People walking around with multi-colored hair, spiked hair, or purposely shaved heads. 2. An array of bizarre attire with many dressing in what one could best describe as a costume. 3. Piercings through every conceivable body part and tattoos from head to toe. 4. People never looking at one another - communicating entirely through a cell phone (or watch). We all have seen people who are in a relationship that look at their phones more than each other. 5. Can I say, have you had enough of reality shows? What would they think of the programm...

With fresh blueberries in abundance I wanted to make blueberry scones. From the pages of Taste of Home this recipe is easy, and makes enough to put a few in the freezer for a special treat later on. To go along with the warm scones from the oven, I've included the recipe for a sweet clotted cream that I'm sure everyone will love. Blueberry Scones 4 cups all purpose flour 6 tablespoons sugar 4-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold butter 2 eggs 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, divided 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries*   1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a bowl, whisk eggs and 3/4 cup milk; add to dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto lightly floured surface; gently knead in the blueberries.   2. Divide dough in half. Pat each portion into an 8 inch circle; cut each into eight wedges. Place on greased baking sheet. B...

It is not in my nature to put myself first, and I know there are many others like me. We try to make sure that everyone else in our life is taken care of and their needs are met. There are two reasons for this: we enjoy doing for others as it makes us feel good, and it is rewarding when we see them happy. Of course my sister would say there is a third reason; our purpose in life is to help others. When our children are young our role is to take care of them. We plan, organize and prepare for whatever arises each day, nurturing them as they grow into young adults. As our children leave the nest we tend to transfer these actions to others in our life. The need to nurture so strong that we cannot stop searching for ways to help family and friends. Unfortunately, when we spend so much time taking care of others, we sometimes forget we need to nurture ourselves. It’s almost as if we feel guilty for indulging in something we enjoy or taking time just to unwind, because by doing so we...

My employer recently paid for a Nutritionist to come in and present classes for 6 weeks. Each week she would bring in recipes, and a sample for all to try. This was one of my favorites and I have made it several times. Not only is this recipe easy and delicious, but it is made with healthy ingredients. You will find it hard not to each too much at one time! Coconut Bark   2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened) 1 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup honey 1 cup dark chocolate chips pinch of salt   1. Warm the coconut oil until it is a liquid, and add all ingredients except for the chocolate.   2. Line a shallow pan with wax paper or foil and lay out the coconut mixture. Pat it down to create a solid layer. Place in the freezer until solid.   3. Melt the chocolate chips and pour over the coconut. Let it set in the freezer.   4. Once frozen, break into pieces and store in a covered container in the freezer or refrigerator.   ...

Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste - things that most take for granted every day. So used to having the ability to experience these that we ignore what they bring to us. Acknowledging only when our senses are offended by something. Let your eyes truly see the beauty around you each day. The smiling faces of your family when you awaken in the morning. The green grass, blue skies, trees, oceans, lakes and rivers that Mother Nature offers up to you. Really take the time to observe and appreciate what is there in front of you. Take in every vision and store it in your memory to recall a treasured moment. Hear your children as they play, and enjoy every moment of laughter. Take in the sound of the waves as they crash in on the sandy beach, the wind blowing through the trees, and rain as it gently hits the ground. Listen to the many different songs of the birds or the music on the radio. Every now and then, just enjoy the silence. Feel the downy softness on you...

Recently I was having a discussion with a new acquaintance regarding reaching the age of 60 (and beyond). She said what I have been thinking a lot lately; after 60 you become keenly aware of how much closer you are to the light at the end of the tunnel. Or as I say - I clearly see that I am closer to the end than the beginning or middle. With this in mind I have been pondering what I would like to fit into my life that I have not had the opportunity to do so far. Of course I want to do as much as I can with my family and friends, but there are personal goals also. Some of these I am currently working on, such as my writing. This blog, and the children's books, have been an absolute joy for me. However, there are other things that I would not have considered earlier in life, but now feel compelled to do as a challenge to myself. My daughters recently completed the Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run in Killington, VT. Although the obstacle course looks a bit difficult, I have told t...