On My Mind Today

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 stories from

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 bag and pound with meat

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. Whisk flo

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