On My Mind Today

Anyone with a heart has compassion and believes in helping those less fortunate. Everyone needs a hand at some point in their life. Unfortunately, our society has reached a point where we are rewarding the wrong behavior. We are quick to help so many who do not want to work - those who will take anything they can receive for doing nothing. That's why we are in such financial trouble - too many taking and not enough paying in to sustain it. And then there are those single parents that work extremely hard to try and keep their heads above water. Struggling every week and praying they can pay the bills and put food on the table. If they get any help at all it is minute; barely enough to make a dent in their deficit. God forbid they get a slight pay raise, because when they do that tiny bit of assistance is taken away. The pay raise can't begin to make up for what is lost, and anxiety increases as they fall further behind. In their desperation they become angry at those who don

From Melissa d'Arabian's Ten dollar Dinners cookbook, this All-Purpose Pork Shoulder can be used many different ways. The pork is tender and delicious, and after making the basic recipe, you can turn it into completely different meals from Mexican to barbecue sandwiches and more.  Great for a family with a busy schedule. All-Purpose Pork Shoulder 1 - 3 to 4 pound boneless pork shoulder (or 4-1/2 pound bone-in pork shoulder) 1 tablespoon sea salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1 onion, roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press 1/2 cup dry white wine 1. Rinse the pork, place on a cutting board, pat dry with paper towels and rub in the salt and pepper. Set the pork in the bowl of a slow cooker, scatter the onion over the pork. sprinkle in the garlic and add the wine. Cook until the meat easily pulls apart with a fork, about 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low. 2. Turn off the slow cooker and transfer the pork to a plat

Whether times in our life are good or bad, I do believe that there is always a lesson we are supposed to learn. The question is, are we open to receiving the message? Too often we are caught up in whatever is going on to see what is right in front of us. When wonderful things happen like getting married or having a child we sometimes are so wrapped up in making plans, or caring for a fussy baby, that we don't fully appreciate these blessings. The days filled with sunshine and fun with family and friends pass far too quickly. An exciting new job, promotions at work, traveling to new places, and so many more great moments in our life. Perhaps we have fleeting moments of appreciation, but are we receiving the message? These wonderful times are ones we need to never forget, as we will need these memories and lessons later in life. Even the difficult times have a lesson to learn. We may not always understand why we are given stress, struggle or sadness, but if we are open we will re

Lately it seems like a struggle to put together a cohesive and clear string of words for my blog. There are times it feels like I have nothing to write about, and then the longer I contemplate, I realize that perhaps I have too much on my mind. With the usual daily routine, and other events and commitments, it seems like there is no time. Of course topping it off is the fact that he is home every day since he injured his Achilles tendon and had surgery. It has been four weeks since it happened - he says he needs a new nurse, and I say don't threaten me with a good time. Like I would be offended if I didn't have to wait on him. I don't think so. I have become accustomed to having Thursday and Sunday to myself, which allowed for the creativity to flow more freely. More recently it feels like it has been stifled due to the lack of quiet, peaceful moments. A thought that has started cannot flourish if interrupted by chatter or constant noise in the background. Sometimes it&

We all are looking for healthier options to feed our family and friends. Fortunately there are many great recipes to choose from today. From Kirbie's Cravings these cauliflower hash egg cups are low carb and healthier than other hash egg cups. Great for a brunch, or to take with you as a breakfast bite. Cauliflower Hash Egg Cups 2 cups cauliflower (finely chopped cooked) 2/3 cups Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs (make sure you use seasoned, otherwise you'll need to add other flavoring to these) 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded) 13 large eggs 1. To prepare cauliflower, first steam florets until soft. Then either finely chop with a knife, or pulse a few times in a food processor until it resembles large coarse crumbs. 2. Add the chopped cauliflower, bread crumbs, cheese and 1 egg into a large mixing bowl. Mix with a large spoon until everything is combined. 3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin cups in muffin pan. Add about 1/4 cup cauli

In a few short days, Mother's Day will be upon us once again. Although it's wonderful to have a special day set aside to recognize mothers, I believe we should celebrate motherhood every day. Mothers around the world are the nurturers of children, and their role in shaping who these children become is invaluable. Here are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of a mother's role: Feeding, bathing and making their children feel safe and secure as infants and toddlers. Reading bedtime stories when they are too young to read themselves. Sitting at the table to help them with their homework. Staying up late to make sure the laundry is done so they have clean clothes to wear. Packing lunches for school (with all the things they like). Working long days, and even though they're exhausted, coming home to prepare dinner. Volunteering in their children's classrooms or for field trips. Coaching sports to teach kids how to be a part of a team. Being a

As always, Mother Nature has given us early hope, and then disappointment with our New England spring. Those sunny warm days last month were teasers and we were hopeful they were here to stay. Of course, deep down we knew that it was not to be. When April arrives I become anxious to get my hands in the dirt to plant flowers that will bring color and beauty to my home. I know in reality the planting still cannot be done for many weeks, but it doesn't stop me from planning and dreaming. I look out the window and create a design in my mind that I can almost visualize in full bloom. Deciding what colors will be included this year and how all the plants will complement one another. I look forward to watching the bees as they go about their daily work, buzzing from flower to flower collecting pollen. The joy I feel the first time I see the birds enjoy a dip in the bird bath; dropping themselves in and then fluttering their wings to pull up and dry off. They always bring a smile to my

Another great recipe for all the chocolate lovers! Any of you that follow my blog know that I am a chocoholic. I say there is no such thing as too much chocolate. This great recipe is sure to become a favorite for all your chocolate lovers. As Ghiradelli says "Moments of Timeless Pleasure" (TM). Ghiradelli Ultimate Double Chocolate Cookies 1 bag (11.5 oz.) Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate chips 6 Tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 bag (12 oz.) Ghiradelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 1 cup (4 oz.) chopped walnuts Yield - 2 dozen cookies 1. In double boiler over hot water, melt the bittersweet chocolate chips and butter. In large bowl with electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar until thick; stir in chocolate mixture. 2. In a small bowl, stir together flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture. Gently mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts. 3.