On My Mind Today

There is a place we used to go from time to time on weekends to have a drink and watch a football or baseball game. It was fairly quiet and he could enjoy his cigar. While there we would frequently see another couple. When they arrived he would help her remove her coat and lay it across the back of a chair. Then he would pull out a chair so she could sit before going to get their drinks. After enjoying their beverages and each other's company for a while the routine would be reversed, and he would pull out her chair and then hold her coat so she could put it back on. I would observe this gentle dance between them each time and it would bring a smile to my face. Finally my boyfriend asked what I was smiling about, and I told him that this gentleman had it figured out. He wondered what I meant so I let him know that this man realized that these small things would go much further than some grand gesture. It seems that men are always trying to figure out what women want or what the

Christmas morning and I am feeling very blessed. I will be spending time with most of my family sharing great food, and many laughs over stories from our life or from years ago. I will feel the warmth of their love and know that this wonderful family of mine will always be there for me. As I have these thoughts, I am very aware that there are so many who will not have a Christmas day with family, or perhaps no Christmas at all. Aware of those who are homeless and running out of hope, and know if they are fortunate they will have a meal at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. The hardworking parents who don't have enough money to get their children the fancy gifts that others will receive, and hope they will understand. The children growing up in war torn countries who may be looking for a Christmas miracle that will stop the pain and suffering they feel each day. And so many others who will not enjoy the Christmas that many of us are fortunate to have. So, as I begin my journey

With Christmas and New Year celebrations upon us, I am always looking for new and intriguing recipes to share with family and friends. As always, I can count on Food Network magazine to share some great recipes. This one I will be taking to a Christmas Eve day gathering. They are easy to make and I think they are delicious - hope they will all agree. Mango Chicken Salad Phyllo Bites 15 frozen mini phyllo shells 1 cup diced roasted chicken 1/4 cup diced mango 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon mango chutney chopped almonds 1. Bake phyllo shells on parchment lined baking sheet at 375 degrees F until browned and crisp, 5 minutes. 2. Combine chicken, mango, mayonnaise, cilantro and chutney. Divide among the prebaked shells; top with chopped almonds and more cilantro.

As a mother, no matter how old our children are, we want to fix all their hurt, heartache and struggle. Even though we know it is not possible, it doesn't stop us from trying. When they were young it was easy to make things better. As infants their needs were simple. If they were fed, dry and cuddled then they were content and happy. And if they were sick we held them close and did what we could to make them comfortable. When they are toddlers they think we know everything, and as far as their curiosity and needs are concerned we do. If they fall, get a cut or pinch a finger we can hold them as they cry, and kiss the hurt away. They look to us to answer all their questions, and never doubt what we say. As they enter school a whole new set of issues enter their world. Sometimes they are picked on for no apparent reason and the hurt cuts deep for them. This is when fixing things starts to become more difficult. I tried to teach them that someone who is mean can be that way beca

This is the second year that we have had an early Christmas with my children and grandchildren at my Mother's house. As everyone knows it is very difficult to get all of our loved ones together on Christmas day. This special gathering makes for a relaxed day and starts Christmas off early for all of us. My grandchildren are 6, 8 and 13 and all of them are very excited about getting gifts early. It's fun to watch them as they open presents, and to see the joy on their faces as they discover what's inside the wrapping paper. It sometimes surprises me when they tell me what is on their wish lists. This year it included everything from clothing to new bedding, and games for the PS4. Of course the games were for my 13 year old grandson. The girls were so happy with the new pajama's they got from Great Grammie that they had to put them on. After opening gifts we have a very casual lunch where nobody has to spend hours fixing a meal. Today was locally prepared pizza with c

I love the smell of cinnamon and ginger wafting through the air when things are baking. A couple of years ago a friend of mine brought her Czech Ginger Bread to a gathering and it was delicious. She was kind enough to share her recipe at the time. Today as I was looking for something different to bake I found the recipe and decided the time to try it was long overdue. It is very easy to make and the house smells amazing! If you are a ginger bread lover then you must try this one. Czech Ginger Bread 2-2/3 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons ginger 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter 2 eggs 4 tablespoons honey Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease 8 x 8 baking dish. Mix dry ingredients first; cut in butter. Mix honey and eggs then add to dry mix. It will appear too dry at first, but it's not. Put in baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean a

Family is very important. I have always believed that family comes first, and I will do whatever I possibly can when any of them need me. Now that we are entering the Christmas season, family is in my heart and thoughts more than ever. Christmas has a way of bringing forth feelings that make us desire a closer connection with those we love. There is something about spending time with family that renews our faith in all that is good. It also bestows upon us the warmth of love, and the feeling of being a part of something very special. Today it is more difficult than ever to spend time with family and feel connected. So many of our brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews no longer live in the town they grew up in, or even in the same state or country. Due to marriages, jobs or a desire to see and live in another part of the country or world, they are scattered like leaves that have been blown far and wide by the wind. There are times during this holiday seaso