On My Mind Today

There is a place we used to go from time to time on weekends to have a drink and watch a football or baseball game. It was fairly quiet and he could enjoy his cigar. While there we would frequently see another couple. When they arrived he would help her remove her coat and lay it across the back of a chair. Then he would pull out a chair so she could sit before going to get their drinks. After enjoying their beverages and each other's company for a while the routine would be reversed, and he would pull out her chair and then hold her coat so she could put it back on. I would observe this gentle dance between them each time and it would bring a smile to my face. Finally my boyfriend asked what I was smiling about, and I told him that this gentleman had it figured out. He wondered what I meant so I let him know that this man realized that these small things would go much further than some grand gesture. It seems that men are always trying to figure out what women w...

Christmas morning and I am feeling very blessed. I will be spending time with most of my family sharing great food, and many laughs over stories from our life or from years ago. I will feel the warmth of their love and know that this wonderful family of mine will always be there for me. As I have these thoughts, I am very aware that there are so many who will not have a Christmas day with family, or perhaps no Christmas at all. Aware of those who are homeless and running out of hope, and know if they are fortunate they will have a meal at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. The hardworking parents who don't have enough money to get their children the fancy gifts that others will receive, and hope they will understand. The children growing up in war torn countries who may be looking for a Christmas miracle that will stop the pain and suffering they feel each day. And so many others who will not enjoy the Christmas that many of us are fortunate to have. S...

With Christmas and New Year celebrations upon us, I am always looking for new and intriguing recipes to share with family and friends. As always, I can count on Food Network magazine to share some great recipes. This one I will be taking to a Christmas Eve day gathering. They are easy to make and I think they are delicious - hope they will all agree. Mango Chicken Salad Phyllo Bites 15 frozen mini phyllo shells 1 cup diced roasted chicken 1/4 cup diced mango 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon mango chutney chopped almonds 1. Bake phyllo shells on parchment lined baking sheet at 375 degrees F until browned and crisp, 5 minutes. 2. Combine chicken, mango, mayonnaise, cilantro and chutney. Divide among the prebaked shells; top with chopped almonds and more cilantro.

As a mother, no matter how old our children are, we want to fix all their hurt, heartache and struggle. Even though we know it is not possible, it doesn't stop us from trying. When they were young it was easy to make things better. As infants their needs were simple. If they were fed, dry and cuddled then they were content and happy. And if they were sick we held them close and did what we could to make them comfortable. When they are toddlers they think we know everything, and as far as their curiosity and needs are concerned we do. If they fall, get a cut or pinch a finger we can hold them as they cry, and kiss the hurt away. They look to us to answer all their questions, and never doubt what we say. As they enter school a whole new set of issues enter their world. Sometimes they are picked on for no apparent reason and the hurt cuts deep for them. This is when fixing things starts to become more difficult. I tried to teach them that someone who is mean can be that way...

This is the second year that we have had an early Christmas with my children and grandchildren at my Mother's house. As everyone knows it is very difficult to get all of our loved ones together on Christmas day. This special gathering makes for a relaxed day and starts Christmas off early for all of us. My grandchildren are 6, 8 and 13 and all of them are very excited about getting gifts early. It's fun to watch them as they open presents, and to see the joy on their faces as they discover what's inside the wrapping paper. It sometimes surprises me when they tell me what is on their wish lists. This year it included everything from clothing to new bedding, and games for the PS4. Of course the games were for my 13 year old grandson. The girls were so happy with the new pajama's they got from Great Grammie that they had to put them on. After opening gifts we have a very casual lunch where nobody has to spend hours fixing a meal. Today was locally prepared pizza with c...

I love the smell of cinnamon and ginger wafting through the air when things are baking. A couple of years ago a friend of mine brought her Czech Ginger Bread to a gathering and it was delicious. She was kind enough to share her recipe at the time. Today as I was looking for something different to bake I found the recipe and decided the time to try it was long overdue. It is very easy to make and the house smells amazing! If you are a ginger bread lover then you must try this one. Czech Ginger Bread 2-2/3 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons ginger 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter 2 eggs 4 tablespoons honey Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease 8 x 8 baking dish. Mix dry ingredients first; cut in butter. Mix honey and eggs then add to dry mix. It will appear too dry at first, but it's not. Put in baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out...

Family is very important. I have always believed that family comes first, and I will do whatever I possibly can when any of them need me. Now that we are entering the Christmas season, family is in my heart and thoughts more than ever. Christmas has a way of bringing forth feelings that make us desire a closer connection with those we love. There is something about spending time with family that renews our faith in all that is good. It also bestows upon us the warmth of love, and the feeling of being a part of something very special. Today it is more difficult than ever to spend time with family and feel connected. So many of our brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews no longer live in the town they grew up in, or even in the same state or country. Due to marriages, jobs or a desire to see and live in another part of the country or world, they are scattered like leaves that have been blown far and wide by the wind. There are times during this holi...

We all have friends. Some come into our lives for a while and then slowly fade away. I have always believed that they come into our lives for a reason, and once the need has been fulfilled they are gone. Either we needed them during that time or they needed us. Either way, it was a good thing for both. Then there are the friends that come into our lives and are with us forever - through good times and through bad. The connection we make with them just feels right from the moment we meet. These lifelong friends are truly a blessing. I am very fortunate to have some amazing lifelong friends. Whether we see each other often or only occasionally, we are able to pick up where we left off. From the moment we say hello the conversation flows easily and feels like the warmth of a hug. If things are going great they share in my joy, and if things are rough they are there to lift me up. They listen or give advice depending on my need. They will laugh with me as I share humorous stor...

As many of you may know from reading my blog, I am one who loves to take a wonderful meal that I have enjoyed at a restaurant, and go home to recreate it. With my joy of cooking, and a few adjustments to the recipe that I found online by Robin Miller, my latest endeavor was Chicken Piccata. My guests loved their meal and I could not have been happier with the results. Chicken Piccata with Lemon, Capers, Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Red Peppers 4 - 4 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts Salt and ground black pepper 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock 1 - 14 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced 1 large roasted red pepper, sliced 1/4 cup drained capers Penne Pasta - 1 lb. 1. Place chicken breasts in zip lock ...

Acts of kindness - sometimes it's as if our guardian angels or spirit guides send someone to graciously do a good deed just when we need it. On those days when we feel down or ready to give up on the world. Perhaps these random acts are not so random. Yesterday I decided to treat myself to a peppermint mocha iced coffee. After placing my order at the window, I drove around to find that the woman in front of me had paid for my order. What a wonderful surprise! It brightened my morning and made the coffee a double treat. Her act of kindness prompted me to do the same for someone else, and it felt good. We all get deeply involved in our lives and limited circles, which can make us forget how a simple thing done for someone else can mean so much. It doesn't even have to cost us anything but a few moments of our time. A small gesture as we encounter others throughout our day: Opening the door for someone. Carrying a grocery bag to their car. Saying hello with a big smile. A...

The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. Wendell Berry We all have hopes and dreams for our life, and for our children's and grandchildren's lives. In years past these thoughts were filled with optimism and certainty that they would become reality. After all, anything is possible. However, with recent events throughout the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a high level of optimism. I myself have found it challenging recently to rise above it all...

We recently saw an ad on TV for seasonal pancakes. They mentioned a pumpkin spice pancake and he wanted to travel an hour to go try them. Of course I told him that I could make these at home which would be much nicer than travelling for them. Plus they would certainly be much better.  I was fortunate to find a recipe from Hope's in the Kitchen which she shared from Martha Stewart Living. These easy, flavorful and colorful pancakes will be a favorite in this house for years to come. I doubled the batch so I was able to freeze some for a 2nd breakfast. If your family and friends like pumpkin then these will be a winner! Light and Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 pinch clove 1 cup milk (can be any kind - whole, low-fat or 1%)) 6 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 egg 1. Whis...

November has arrived, and with it come the gray clouds hinting of what's to come. It has never been my favorite time of year, and I often struggle to remain in an upbeat frame of mind. It takes a bit more energy to push through the gloomy days. Another reason November seems this way to me is because I know my loons will be departing before too long. I have enjoyed listening to their repertoire of calls from spring to fall; imagining all the while what they might be telling one another. Such a beautiful, haunting sound that speaks to my soul. I will miss this very much. I recently visited with a very dear friend, and she questioned if I had seen a difference in the color of the loons as the seasons changed. I told her that they were very drab looking the further into fall that we went. She read an article in a local publication about the loons which made her think of me, and generously shared it with me. Although I have always loved the loons that return to our lake each year...

Cheesecake, coconut, chocolate and almonds - what a great combination! Just in time for the upcoming holidays, these cheesecake bars from Philadelphia Cream Cheese are sure to be a big hit at your holiday parties with family and friends. The preparation is easy, but they do need to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours. A good recipe to make the day before an event and just keep refrigerated until serving. Coconut Joy Cheesecake Bars 25 chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed. 2 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 4 packages (8 ounces each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup coconut milk 4 eggs 2 ounces Baker's Semi-Sweet chocolate broken into small pieces 1 cup Cool Whip Whipped Topping (do not thaw) 1 cup Baker's Angel Flake Coconut 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 1. Line a 13 x 9 inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. ...

Every time we are with our grandchildren I am reminded of how fortunate I am. Being a grandparent is even better than being a parent because you don't have the 24/7 worry. Plus, we have lived long enough to know what's important, and what to let go of, allowing us to enjoy these times even more. This past weekend we were going to take our grandchildren to a big corn maze - a great fall activity that they all could enjoy. Unfortunately the weather decided to squash that idea. So after lunch we decided to take them bowling which ended up being a lot of fun. The youngest had never been bowling, but she did very well for a first time bowler and she had a great time. As each one waited for their turn, they had difficulty sitting in one spot and were dancing and spinning around. Carefree with no worries - just enjoying the moment. The next day we went to watch my grandson play his last football game of the season. He is in Junior High and this is his first year of full contact f...

I love spending time with family and friends, and wouldn't give it up for a million dollars. Getting together with wonderful people, having fun and connecting face-to-face is very important. It enables you to feel a part of something bigger and makes for a well-rounded life. However, I can always tell when too much time has been spent on the run. The smallest thing can seem like a major task - one more thing that I just can't bear to take on. It could be something as simple as having to set up the coffee maker for the next day. I feel my body tense up and I just want to run away. I know that may sound extreme to some, but I'm sure that there are others who can relate to this. We all need to turn off once in a while. Even a few minutes will help temporarily. But the truth is, we need to allow some down time where we turn off the phones, TV's and other distractions, and even go off by ourselves if we can. There is something to be said for c...

A few years back we were in Maine and had lunch at a small town restaurant. I tried the squash and apple soup they offered, and it was amazing. As I always do when I find something new that I love, I went home and did some research and came up with my own recipe. With all the fresh squash available this time of year, it is a great time to make this delicious soup. Bon appetit! Squash & Apple Soup 6 cups (about 2 large) Butternut squash, seeded and cut into 2 inch chunks Melted butter for brushing 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups vegetable stock 4 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon ginger 4 ounces light cream 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 apples, peeled, cored and cut into small chunks Preheat over to 400 degrees. 1. Brush the flesh of the squash with a little butter and season with salt and pepper. Put on a sheet pan flesh side up. Roast for about 35 minutes or until the flesh is nice and soft. 2. Scoop...

Looking out over the lake today with clouds in the sky and a light breeze sending ripples across the water, there is a hint of what's to come in the next several weeks. The trees still have colorful leaves, and although we are in for warm temperatures this week, many of the birds have started their journey to warmer climates and only a few brave ones remain. We have a pair of Loons and a duck gracing us with their presence. They take turns sitting on buoys near the docks. A Loon will sit for a while, and when the duck approaches it will raise its wings to move the duck back. Eventually the duck will jump up on the buoy and the Loon will give in and float on the water for a bit, allowing the duck to get out of the cold water. Living in harmony yet both knowing who is in charge of the buoy. The sky looks different, there is a change in the way the air feels, and your senses know what's to come. The aroma of fall with leaves starting to dry on the ground and th...

Whether we want to admit it or not, there is a conflict (usually unspoken) between working moms and stay-at-home moms. An underlying resentment for what each perceives the other's life is like. As with many things in life it is human nature to believe the grass is always greener on the other side. Working mothers not only have to get the kids up and ready to go out the door, but need to make sure they are ready and make it to work on time. God forbid one of the children is sick, because you then need to have someone that will take them for the day or you miss work. Not something that goes over well with employers or co-workers. After work you pick up the kids and rush home to cook dinner, make sure homework is done, and that they are bathed and in bed at a reasonable time so they have enough rest. Once they are sleeping you put the house in order and prepare lunches for the next day. In the midst of all of this chaos there is the unbearable guilt you feel for not being home with ...

So many wonderful things about fall in New England - beautiful foliage, fresh picked apples and of course apple cider. It's also a great time to make homemade doughnuts, and this recipe has the bonus of apple cider adding great fall flavor. Prepare them just before your brunch to serve fresh and warm, or they can also be made ahead of time. Your guests will fall in love with these flavorful doughnuts! Apple Cider Doughnuts 2 cups sugar 1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1-1/2 cups apple cider 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs, plus 1 large egg yolk 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying 1. Line baking sheet with parchment. Line large plate with paper towels. In a paper bag, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon; shake to mix well. Set aside. 2. Bring cider to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cider has reduced to ...

The dreamers of the world always believe that they have lived another life. Their imagination has the freedom and wings to take them to another time and place. There is that feeling of déjà vu and they wonder if perhaps that is because they have been there in another life. You have to wonder if they might be right. When you hear music from many years ago and it feels warm and familiar like arms wrapped around you. Did you once dance with a lover to these melodies? When you are deep within yourself, and your thoughts take you to a memory that surely did not happen in the life you are currently living. Memories that may take your across oceans to another country, another time and another life.  An aroma that triggers both visions and emotions. Perhaps creating a strong image and a physical response, and you try to tell yourself it's just your imagination. Or is it? There are many who believe in past lives, and are certain they have expe...

I wrote this blog almost two years ago and truly hoped that society would soon head in a more positive direction. Unfortunately things seem to be even more negative, and I'm not sure what will make people wake up and realize that we all have to be part of the solution. Anyway - I felt this was worth repeating: 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 ha...

Recently I was in search of something to satisfy my sweet tooth, and came across a recipe from years ago. I'm not even sure where it came from, but this is one that I used often when my kids were growing up. They are very easy to make and have always been a family favorite. It calls for chocolate chips, but I have mixed in peanut butter chips. I'm sure M&M's, mint chips and Reese's pieces would work great too! Blonde Brownies 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup butter 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 2 eggs, slightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1. Mix flour, soda, baking powder and salt. 2. Melt butter in saucepan; add sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well. 3. Spread in a 13 x 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees (325 for glass pan) for 30 minutes (u...

When people hear the word romance they usually think of the grand gestures like a candle lit dinner at an upscale restaurant, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, boxes of fancy chocolates or expensive jewelry. Most of this has been embedded in our thoughts by ad agencies who have created commercials and print ads for jewelers, florists and chocolatiers. At the beginning of a relationship many of these romantic gestures do take place for a couple of reasons. One, our endorphins are in high gear when we are first in love and two, we want to impress a new partner. Nothing wrong with this as it is a natural reaction to want to please a new love. We all know that this beginning romantic stage doesn't last forever. The better we know a person, and become more comfortable with them, we are not as quick to do the grand gestures to impress. It doesn't mean that romance should go out the door and be replaced with complacency; it just means things change with time. Th...

When we are young the thought never crosses our mind that we won't be around some day. Because we are young we believe we will be around forever, or at least that we have a very long time before anything happens to us. Even when we are in our 50's and 60's, as long as we feel good physically, we still tend to believe we have years and years ahead of us. In reality, we never know what is in store for us at any age. However, if we accept this and openly admit it, then we come face to face with our own mortality. Many people are not comfortable with this. The truth is we all need to have the hard end of life discussions no matter how uncomfortable it can make us or the ones we love. Not to do so can put those left behind in a very difficult position, or even worse, at odds with one another over what each one feels your wishes would have been. I have seen how this can tear a family apart and cause damage to relationships that lasts for years, Even young adults who have ye...

Like most people today, I spend the majority of my time doing the things that "need" to be done. The reality is that many of these tasks could wait, and everyone around me would enjoy my company more if I took time to unwind. For me there are a few things that I do that bring peace and solitude to my soul. When I write it clears my mind and brings me to places where I can let everything else retreat into the background. Unfortunately through the busy summer I have not had the luxury of taking much time for this. It has been another "chore" and not the creative release I cherish. Another favorite way to unwind is when I am baking. I had the pleasure of doing this the last two days and made blonde brownies and an apple pie. I am always amazed by how peaceful I feel when I am creating something in the kitchen. With my hands busy my mind relaxes and creative thoughts move in and replace worries that may have been there. Plus the added bonus is enjoying these delicio...

There is a change in the air hinting fall will soon arrive. As the temperatures cool down at night it always makes me think of hot homemade soup. Nothing better after a long day of work, and even better if it's quick and easy to make. This one comes from the Campbell's Kitchen, and if your family loves pumpkin as much as I do then they will enjoy this. Serve it with a homemade corn or spice muffin to make the meal complete. Easy, Creamy Pumpkin Soup 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups chicken stock 1 - 15 ounce can pumpkin (plain) 1/2 cup sweetened applesauce 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup heavy cream 1. Heat the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Add the flour to the saucepan and cook and stir for about 1 minute. Stir in the broth, pumpkin, applesauce, ginger and nut...

September has arrived and with it my favorite time of year in New England. In a few short weeks fall will arrive, but for now I will enjoy the bright, warm sunny days of September and the cool nights. Still a hint of summer with a preview of what's to come. I don't think there is anything more beautiful than New England in the fall. As the days grow shorter we awaken each day to see the color on the trees grow more and more vibrant. Eventually the colors explode on the mountains and hillsides to the most breathtaking views you will ever see. I have watched this for more years than I care to admit, but I am still in awe each year when I see what Mother Nature has provided. The cool nights provide for great sleeping after the hot summer days. Leaving the windows open to enjoy the smells of fall; snuggling deep under the covers as the cool, crisp air slips in. Puts you into a nice deep sleep that you want to stay in for as long as possible. Swimming and boating on the lake i...

It's not easy today to find work that pays well, which makes it difficult to provide for your family. This is a sad but true fact, and my heart goes out to young families as they struggle every day. However, I also see that too many are not good at prioritizing, or distinguishing between a need and a want. All you have to do is look around and you can see how money is wasted on things that are not needed to live a good life. Driving to work in the morning I am surprised at two things; the expensive new vehicles people feel they need to have, and the number of vanity plates I see. These high priced vehicles strap people with a monthly payment that could feed a family of four. As far as the vanity plates, not only do you pay more for these, but I'm beginning to think people are having an identity crisis. I have never understood why you would want to label yourself, unless you are starved for attention. Grocery shopping is another area where too much money is spent. People a...

Sometimes there is nothing better than a nice hot cup of coffee and a fresh baked cookie. This recipe combines two of my favorites - pumpkin and chocolate. With fall right around the corner it's a great time to fill the house with the aroma of cookies baking in the oven. These are sure to become a family favorite! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies 1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin 1-1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup vegetable oil 3 cups flour 1-1/2 teaspoons milk 3 teaspoons baking powder 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 - 12 ounce package chocolate chips 1 teaspoon salt Mix ingredients in the order given. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. Enjoy!

As I sit on our back deck in the shade on this late summer afternoon, I contemplate what is on my mind today. My thoughts are almost as relaxed a I am at the end of this busy day, which makes it difficult to delve into my creative side. When I was out earlier today I noticed that the local high school was already back in session, and the elementary school will start their school year in two days. It seems like it was a few short weeks ago that the school year ended and they ran out the door excited for the days ahead. I'm sure the kids were not ready for this so soon. Looking at my garden with the tomato plants starting to dwindle and other vegetables gone by, I realize this season is coming to an end. I am both sad to see it go and happy about the beautiful fall days ahead. Time for picking apples for fresh apple pies and many other wonderful things to bake. Filling the house with delicious aromas that bring back childhood memories. Sometimes these memories make you wish ...

I have seen more and more commercials on television selling meals in a box - delivered to your door. All of the fresh ingredients needed, with instructions, to prepare a meal for your family. Although I am in favor of feeding your family a home cooked meal, I am sure this is not a cost effective way to do so. These companies are making money and you are paying too much. Plus, how fresh can it be after it is shipped in a box? Growing up we were taught hot to cook; how to read a recipe, measure ingredients, and put things together for a nice meal. It was part of being a family and something everyone should know how to do. With all the pre-packaged foods and fast food restaurants, the home cooked meal has gone by the wayside; and also sitting down to dinner as a family. Every child should be taught how to prepare a meal. Not just the cooking part of it, but also how to get to the point of cooking. We should show them how to prepare a menu for the week, and how to put together a gr...