On My Mind Today

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 you c

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 grocer

On a trip to spend time with my mother, we had lunch at a local restaurant. They had a very nice menu with selections I had not seen in other places. I ordered their Vermont Panini and it was delicious! I made sure I took a mental note of the ingredients so I could make it at home. They used a maple mustard and I was able to find a simple recipe for this. An easy recipe with a great combination of flavors. Vermont Panini Panini Bread (I used the large oval flatbread) 6 thin slices baked ham 6 slices Granny Smith apple 4 slices Vermont Cheddar Cheese Maple Mustard: 1/8 cup stone ground mustard 1Tablespoons Vermont maple syrup Combine mustard and maple in a small bowl. 1. Prepare maple mustard and set aside. 2. Take two slices of the Panini bread and place one slice of cheese on each. Top with three thin slices of the baked ham, three slices of the apple, and then top with another slice of cheddar cheese. Put the other two slices of bread on top of the sand

I just returned home from taking my youngest granddaughter back to her mother. She is the youngest of the three grandchildren, and the last to have her time with Grammie and Nanu. She only stayed two nights as she is a bit apprehensive about coming by herself. Each grandchild has their own unique personality, but one thing they have in common is a strong will. They think that if they talk at you long enough they will get exactly what they want. Of course they have found this doesn't necessarily work with us. When you don't have them on a daily basis it takes much longer for them to wear us down. Unfortunate for them. However, we always have a very good time with each of them, and I feel blessed that they want to come every summer. Anthony will be 13 tomorrow, and although he still has some young boy left in him, I can also see a glimpse of the young man he will be in a very short time. He likes going to the ocean with us, driving the boat with Nanu, and if he can talk us into

There are so many options available today for finding new recipes. This one I found through social media, and thought it was worth trying. So glad that I did as it is amazing! I love zucchini and find that there are always new ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. Give it a try - I'm sure it will become a favorite for you too. Zucchini Boats 2 medium zucchini, stem end cut off and sliced in half lengthwise olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper grape tomatoes plain or seasoned bread crumbs small mozzarella balls grated Parmesan fresh basil 1. Scoop out center of zucchini halves. Mix olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper, and brush on the zucchini. 2. Cut grape tomatoes in half and place on the zucchini, then sprinkle bread crumbs over the tomatoes. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until just turning tender. 3. Remove from oven and place mozzarella balls on top of each zucchini half, then broil until melted. Brush with a little ol

As I awoke today to find cooler temperatures and much lower humidity, I was reminded of what's to come. Today is certainly more like a September day with bright sun, a beautiful breeze and highs in the 70's. Although we are still in mid-summer, this is a brief preview of fall. I have mixed emotions about these two seasons. Waiting all winter and spring for summer, I am thrilled when the long, hot and humid, sunny days make their appearance. Fun in the sun days going to the beach with my children and grandchildren. Cookouts and gatherings with family and friends. Enjoying an evening boat ride to take in a summer sunset. Planting the flower bed and vegetable garden; watching and waiting impatiently for the rewards of hard work. Taking in the beauty of the flowers and greenery and quietly watching as the birds, bees and chipmunks enjoy it all as I do. Sitting quietly taking it all in. By mid-August it seems it is all passing by too quickly. And then there is fall. Truth is, fa

I remember turning 50 just a few short years ago, or so it seems. The reality is I have gone beyond 60 at this point, and what I am doing is truly not what I would like to be.   Each morning as I’m aware of the need to prepare for work, I find myself involved in other tasks. Procrastinating, which is something I never used to do. The truth of the matter is there are a million other places I’d rather be than work, and so many projects or adventures I’d rather do. I have worked for over 45 years, and I am ready to shake things up a bit. A few of the things I would do if my time were my own:   Take more time with my boyfriend. See my children and grandchildren more. Have more time with my mother and siblings. Meet up with close friends that I have not seen in months or years and have lunch. Reconnect with relatives. Work in my flower bed or vegetable garden – great therapy for the mind and soul. Wander where the road leads me to take pictures of Mother Nature. W