On My Mind Today

Just in time for the 4th of July weekend, this patriotic sugar cookie tart from the pages of Better Homes and Gardens will be just the thing for your holiday cookout. With fresh berries in season, I'm always looking for new recipes to enjoy them. Made with fat-free cream cheese and Greek yogurt the frosting layer is light, and calories are kept low. A great dessert to add to the menu! Berry Tart with Lemon Cookie Crust 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 egg, lightly beaten, or 2 teaspoons refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup tub style fat-free cream cheese, softened 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel 1/2 cup thick plain Greek yogurt 2 cups fresh blueberries, blackberries, and/or raspberries whipped cream, optional fresh mint sprigs, option...

When my children were growing up there were times that they brought me great joy as I watched them learn new things. Their first smile, first words, first steps; so many firsts before they were even a year old. Each one bringing a smile to my face and filling my heart with pride. As they entered school there were new challenges for them to conquer. They worked hard to fill their minds with all the knowledge that was bestowed upon them. I silently observed at times as they struggled with certain things, and relished in the joy on their faces as they mastered something new. I watched them as they played sports and learned what it meant to be part of a team. Taking pride in their wins as much as their losses, as they had learned how to be gracious in either situation. Although they challenged me in many ways, and at times broke my heart or disappointed me with some of their choices, there never was a time I worried about their behavior in public. Regardless of the "mel...

With summer upon us, and the 4th of July weekend just around the corner, I figured that this blog from 2014 was worth repeating. I have added a couple more "rules" for situations I have encountered recently. Feel free to let me know what rules you would add to the list. So......traveling on the roads anytime these days is stressful, but even more so when a holiday is approaching. Everyone in such a hurry to get to a destination to "relax". Seems ironic since they may not arrive unless they slow down. As I was out doing my usual weekly errands yesterday I was unsure if I was going to return home in one piece. You certainly need to have eyes not only in front of you, but in back and to the sides to ensure you can find an escape route in case someone is approaching too fast or swerving out of their lane. In view of this I have come up with a few rules of the road for bad drivers: 1. If you are not able to talk and drive at the same time...PULL OFF THE ROAD TO ...

Grilling season is here and there is nothing better than meat or fish seasoned to perfection. I have a three-ring binder filled with great recipes I have found over the years. Back in 2010 Woman's Day shared several rub recipes which can be made and stored in an air tight container for up to 3 months at room temperature. Give them a try and share with family and friends. Have a great grilling season! Redeye BBQ Rub ( For London broil, strip steak, burgers and pork chops) 3 Tablespoons paprika 2 Tablespoons brown sugar 2 Tablespoons ground coffee 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Jamaican Jerk Rub (For Salmon, mahi mahi, pork tenderloin, steak and bone-in chicken) 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mediterrean Herb Rub (For shrimp, striped bass, lamb chops, boneless chicken breasts,...

Being a parent is an honor, and a big responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Once you make the decision to have children you have an obligation to nurture, safeguard and teach them certain things. Your ultimate goal is to raise them to be kind, compassionate and contributing members of society. Over the years I have learned some basic things that we need to teach children in order to obtain this goal. A moral compass. Whether or not you believe in organized religion, children should be taught the basics. This moral compass will be what guides them when determining right from wrong. Taking responsibility for their own choices and actions. It's not somebody else's fault when things go wrong. In order to achieve the things you want in life you have to work hard. Nothing should be handed to you without working for it. You are not better than others, and you should treat all people with respect. The rules/laws apply to all of us. you are not exempt. You don't have ...

In March I lost my uncle, and when I attended his funeral I was talking to my aunt. I was telling her that I was in awe of the fact that they had been married for 70 years, and she told me of how they met on a blind date. After this he had taken her to meet his mother, and eventually they were married. While he was away during the war she stayed with his mother. It was interesting talking with her and to learn things I had not known in the past. A large percentage of marriages don't last like this anymore. It is not often you hear of couples who are together for this number of years and it's a shame. I think that people are not willing to work at a relationship as they did in the past. I am not naïve enough to believe they never had their problems over the years. You cannot live with someone day in and out for year after year, and agree on things or get along all the time. Everyone has their share of struggles both emotionally and financially, and how you deal with thes...

For all the Italian food lovers, this great find from Better Homes & Gardens will certainly be a hit at your Sunday brunch. Italian bread stuffed with sausage, peppers, onions, eggs and more - how could it get much better than this? From start to finish, this will be ready for your guests in just over an hour. Mangiare e godere! Egg Baguette Bake 2 - 1 pound Italian baguette (unsliced) (14x4 inch) 8 ounces sweet or hot ground Italian sausage (or a combination of both) 1 medium red or yellow sweet pepper, chopped (3/4 cup) 1/2 cup sliced green onions (4) 10 eggs, lightly beaten 2/3 cup whipping cream, half-and-half, or light cream 1/4 cup snipped fresh basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 cups shredded fontina, mozzarella or provolone cheese (6 ounces) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, cut a wedge into the top of each loaf cutting to about 1 inch from each long side. Use a sp...

As I get older it's the small things that bring me joy. With warmer weather I am truly enjoying the awakening of nature with her beauty and sounds. Early in the morning, or lying in bed at night, listening to the haunting call of my Loons is something I wait all winter to hear. If you have never had the opportunity to hear this you should - there is nothing else like it, and I can't explain just how much it reaches deep into my soul. Being fortunate enough to watch a Bald Eagle fly over the lake from time to time - so beautiful and majestic. We are not sure where it's nesting, but feel blessed to have him on our lake. On my early morning walk the only sights and sounds were those of nature. Out on the lake there was one boat in the deeper waters with a lone fisherman enjoying his solitude. The lake's only sound was that of the gentle waves as they came up against the shore. The birds were all awake and I could hear their chatter as they started their day. I may not ...

We all get angry and lose our tempers every now and then; some people more and some less. Much of this depends on how we are taught to deal with this emotion. As children we tend to just let it out not understanding the impact to others - it's an automatic reaction. This is the opportune time to start teaching children how to constructively process anger. They need to know that it's natural to feel this way, but they need to express it in a manner that doesn't hurt others and also allows them to let it go. Without guidance these children grow into teenagers, and then adults, who cannot have healthy relationships. Once something doesn't go as planned that anger rises and they still don't know how to process it. Hanging on to anger (our own or that which someone directs at us) is so destructive not only to our emotional health, but also our physical health. The longer we let it control us the more we will live in a negative environment. We also will impart this ne...