On My Mind Today

We all have days that end up being a rush to get out the door for work. Between getting our children fed and ready for school, and then trying to make sure we are ready, sometimes we don't eat healthy, or at all. Recently I found a recipe in an ad from Quaker Oats that you can make the night before and take with you the next morning. Nutritious and delicious, it's easy to make and ready to go when you are! Overnight Oat Sensation 1. In a one pint mason jar, add 1/2 cup milk to 1/2 cup uncooked Old Fashioned Quaker Oats. 2. Layer on your favorite fruit, nuts, yogurt or other toppings. 3. Chill overnight. Cover and go!

In the 1950's good manners were the rule, and also what held our society together. They enabled people to get along with their friends and neighbors without offending or harming them. Good manners were taught at home by parents and reinforced by the community. Adults and children were expected to display good manners at all times and in any situation. Unfortunately today, good manners seem to be the exception and not the rule in many social situations. With phones, television and social media, children (and many adults) feel they can say or do whatever they want. If they offend or harm another in the process it is of no consequence to them; they move on to the next "target" that may be in their way or have a differing opinion. We have become a self-centered society. Perhaps it's time to bring back the etiquette of the 50's and expect that everyone display good manners and common courtesy. I'm not saying that all of what was taught back then would apply, bu

As I look around today, it seems that everyone is in a hurry. Rushing from one thing to another; rushing through their daily lives. I can't say that I have been much different through the years, but as I look back I wonder what I have missed in this blur of activity. As you age, you are more aware of what is happening around you, and have a greater appreciation for what you see. As a parent I watched my young children at play, but it was to ensure they were safe - not solely for the joy that could be experienced from their play and laughter. I think that many of us leave childhood and that innocence of just having fun, and never stop to embrace it again. I find that the small moments I observe as I watch others, make me realize I should have slowed down and savored them in my own life. We never seem to recognize how amazing they are until they are in the past, and by then we have missed the opportunity. If I could pass on any advice to the younger generation, these would be t

Flatbread has become a popular menu option today. I have seen many recipes, but this one from Woman's Day is full of nutrients with ingredients that include sweet potatoes, shallots, Cheddar, almonds & thyme. Sweet potatoes are loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body, and helps to keep eyes healthy and vision sharp. Serve at dinner as the main entrée with a salad, or cut it into smaller sections for an appetizer. Sweet Potato Flatbread Cornmeal, for the baking sheet 1 pound pizza dough, thawed if frozen (make your own if you prefer) 1 medium sweet potato, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced 4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, shredded 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme 1/4 cup slivered almonds 2 Tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper 1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal. Shape the dough into a large 14 inch long rectangle or oval and place on the prepared baking sheet. 2.

The first computer I worked with was a very large IBM that you had to load program cards into in order to enter your receivables or payables data. Since I was young and new to computers, the "designated" person had to load the cards and get the program running for me to enter the information. The bills were printed on large printers that used the continuous feed paper with pin holes, that had to be lined up for the paper to feed through properly. Inevitably the paper would jam, and it as even worse if you were running checks that jammed and the number sequence was messed up. At the time it was considered much more efficient than using a typewriter to do the billing and checks. I can recall back then being told that computers would eventually bring us to a paperless environment. Unfortunately it seems to have created more paper which eventually gets stored in boxes or tossed. Those of us old enough remember programs that were time consuming and cumbersome to use. Working in

When I signed up to do the Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run in Killington, VT with my daughters, it was for two reasons. First to spend the day with my girls, and second to prove to myself that I could meet the challenge at 60+ years. It was so many months away at that time I didn't think much about it. I did increase my walking to prepare, but not much can prepare you for what's to come. Then in a blink of an eye the day of the event arrived. I was a bit apprehensive as we headed to Killington Mountain, and even more so as we reached the mountain and the temperatures were in the 50's with wind blowing and light rain falling. We were all hoping for conditions to improve, but no such luck. I can tell you at this point between the weather and a view of some of the race/obstacle course, I began to question my sanity and my abilities. Even so, I knew that I had to follow-through not only for my girls and the team, but also for me. I needed to prove I still had it in me to do things I ha

Pepperoni, spinach and dried tomatoes come together for a bold and delicious blend of flavors in this easy strata recipe. In order to have more time to spend with your guests, you can make this dish, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. If you and your company like foods with a bit of zip, then this should be a big hit. Once again Better Homes and Gardens comes through. Spicy Sicilian Strata 5 cups cubed French bread (1-inch cubes) 1 3-1/2 ounce package sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini salad peppers, drained 1/2 of a 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained 1/4 cup chopped oil-packed dried tomatoes, drained 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheeses (4 ounces) 3 eggs, lightly beaten 1-1/2 cups milk 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash cayenne pepper 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 ounce) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange bread crumbs in a si

As women we have many different roles that we play throughout our lives. What that role is depends on not only our age, but by the circumstances we encounter. As a young girl our role is fairly simple. We learn to be part of the family team, meet other children, play, treat others with kindness, and try to do what is right. We may hit some obstacles along the way, but our responsibility is small. When we reach the teen years our role changes and responsibility increases. We are expected to help at home, get good grades, be a good friend, and contribute in the community. If we don't do the right things, our parents will soon know. This time in our lives is more difficult as we meet expectations, and try to find how we fit into the world. Then we become mothers, aunts and role models to the children in our lives. We nurture, teach, discipline and show them the path they should follow. Making sure they understand the responsibility of helping those less fortunate. Encouraging th