On My Mind Today

Everyone needs a little down time to re-energize their mind and soul. Some people are good at not only recognizing this, but putting it into practice. I admire and envy them. Although intellectually I know down time is needed, I have a difficult time shutting down even if the opportunity presents itself. As far back as I can remember if I was awake, I was moving. There never seemed to be enough time in the day to accomplish everything. The idea of stopping to sit for a while never crossed my mind - the day was not finished until it was all complete. I am very aware that I am the only one pushing myself to do more. Most would never even know if something was left undone. I have tried to teach my girls over the years that certain things will always be there and it all can't be done in a day. However, I am perpetually driven to keep moving as there is always something that needs to be done. I'm not sure what the driving force is, but perhaps it's a feeli...

I LOVE ice cream, so when I found this recipe in Women's Day I gave it a try. I wondered if it was as simple as it sounded, and if it would be a hit; not only with me, but with my grandchildren. It takes only about 10 minutes to whip it up, and they were right when they said it would be a crowd-pleaser. You can add your own secret ingredients, such as chocolate chips, fruit or nuts to make your favorite. No-Fuss Ice Cream 2 cups heavy cream 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla 1. Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream, condensed and vanilla in a large bowl until thick, stiff peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes. If adding other ingredients, such as chocolate chips, stir in. 2. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, or freezer-safe container, cover and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours and up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!!

Memorial Day is a federal U.S. holiday where we honor those who died while serving in our armed forces. The holiday is observed every year on the last Monday of May, and originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868. It was established by The Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions celebrated on different days had merged, and in time Memorial Day extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. On a lighter note, It usually marks the start of the summer vacation season. As an American, I cannot thank those who have served, or are serving our country enough. Memorial Day is a great reminder; however we should honor and thank them every single day. Not only have they given their time to serve, but their families also serve when their loved ...

The beginning of the summer season will be here soon with the arrival of Memorial Day. Time for good times and fun in the sun with family and friends. Every gathering needs a great appetizer to start, and this one will become a favorite. Sweet and zesty flavors to wake up the taste buds - they will disappear quickly. Provolone-Stuffed Peppadews 24 Peppadews 24 - 1/2 inch cubes of sharp Provolone 1/4# thin sliced Prosciutto, cut each slice into 2-3 long strips Olive Oil Balsamic Vinegar Fresh Basil leaves 1. Stuff each Peppadew with a cube of Provolone. Wrap each stuffed Peppadew with a strip of Prosciutto. 2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each Peppadew with fresh basil.

Meditation: the act or process of spending time in quiet thought. Mindfulness: the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis. When I think of meditation what comes to my mind is a vision of someone sitting on the floor with their legs crossed while they chant. Or, when you hear the word meditation, you might react by saying to yourself that there is no way you could sit and think about nothing for an hour. The truth is there are many ways that you can meditate. The key is to bring mindfulness into your life, or to “stop and smell the roses”.  If you can do this you will find that daily stress and regrets from your past will disappear. Not an easy thing to achieve, but with practice it can become simple and automatic. For me there are certain times that I know I am more in tune with what I am doing and not thinking of anything else: -    ...

Who doesn't love a good burger? Like most people, I think of beef when I think of a burger, but this pork burger recipe I found in Women's Day magazine is definitely one that will be added to my collection. Quick and easy to prepare, this burger topped with crunchy apple and celery slaw with bleu cheese is a wonderful blend of flavors. Delicious! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Pork Burgers with Crunchy Apple and Celery Slaw 1-1/2 pounds lean ground pork 1 crisp red apple, such as Gala 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 1 Tablespoon juice Salt and Pepper 1-1/2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 Tablespoon whole-grain mustard 2 stalks celery, finely sliced 1 scallion, finely sliced 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped 1 ounce bleu cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup) 4 brioche buns, toasted 1. In a medium bowl whisk together the lemon juice, mustard and 1/2 Tablespoon oil. Cut 1/2 of the apple in 1/2 inch pieces. Add them t...

On Mother’s Day, I am very thankful that I still have my Mom. I am also very aware that there are many who do not, and I send a prayer out to them each year. Our mothers are the foundation on which our life has been built. They are our strength, our joy and our comfort when we need it. I can only imagine how empty Mother’s Day must feel when you no longer have her there. This year I was blessed to spend time with four generations on Mother’s Day. There was my Mother, three of her 6 children, my daughters and grandchildren, and one nephew mixed in with all these women. I do think he truly enjoyed the day with family in spite of being the only male other than my  grandson. The only thing that could make it better would be having all my siblings along their children and grandchildren, but as we all know there is sometimes too much distance to travel. There were no big activities planned for the day, and this truly made for a relaxing day of catching up and enjoying goo...

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am discouraged and dismayed by all the negative and offensive behaviors being displayed today. From the nightly news giving air time to those who have nothing positive to say, to social media where many feel it is acceptable to post negative personal attacks on someone they do not even know personally. With this in mind, I felt this message needed to be repeated. It’s time for all of us to stand up and send out positive messages. Eventually it just might take over the negative if we are lucky………. Children are born with no preconceived notions about life or people. The only thing they know is the need for love, nourishment and warmth. If given all of these things they will flourish physically and emotionally. Everything else, we as parents/adults in their lives, will teach them. From the time they come into the world children are like little sponges just waiting to absorb everything they see and hear. It is our responsibility to ensure ...

I am always on the lookout for easy, healthy and nutritious meals. It's great when you can use a few simple ingredients to create a great tasting addition to your brunch menu. This comes from the pages of Woman's Day, and it's sure to be one that you will add to your collection. Of course you can always use alternatives such as spinach in place of the kale, or another cheese that you prefer. Cheesy Hash Brown and Kale Torte 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced salt and pepper 10 large eggs 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (not thawed) 2 red Fresno peppers, thinly sliced 6 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar or Gruyere cheese, grated (about 1-1/2 cups) 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1/2 small bunch kale or Swiss Chard (about 1/2 pound), thick stems removed, leaves chopped 1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, season with 1/2 teaspoon ...

In a few short months the age of 62 will arrive at my door. Difficult to believe as most days I feel much younger than this, although intellectually I know it is true. There was a time that 62 was considered "old", but today it seems more like middle age. As this next milestone in life has been growing near, I have contemplated what things I might want to do in my lifetime. There is the usual list such as travel, read more books, write, etc. But when I search deeper into my heart and soul I realize I want to challenge myself more. To do something I have never done. Much of my decision was based on my daughters. Last year they participated in the World's Largest Women's Only Mud Run - the Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run. Although it wasn't easy they completed the course with their team. The absolute joy that I saw on their beautiful, muddy faces was worth a thousand words, and I was so proud of them. I told them if they signed up this year I would take on the challenge w...