On My Mind Today

Four o'clock on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and it seems like the last four days have gone by at the speed of light. Back to work tomorrow and in a way it's a blessing. At least I will be able to slow down a bit, and get off the spinning merry-go-round. We have come to the end of July which seems impossible. Didn't summer begin only a few short days ago? I remember when we reached the end of the season last year, I vowed to take things a bit slower as we entered into summer this year. If anything, our weekends have been even fuller. Vacation in April, then family or friends almost every weekend since. We have been to Hampton Beach so many times that I think the car could find it's own way there. Please don't misinterpret what I am saying. I love time in the sun with my grandchildren; watching as they play in the waves at the ocean or enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Time with our families sitting around sharing memories, and gathering with friends for great food and

Another great summer recipe for the grill with a Greek twist! Healthy ingredients with a delectable combination of flavors. This is sure to please the taste buds of your family and friends. The Tzatziki Sauce recipe makes more than you will probably need, but goes well with pita chips or fresh veggies. Kabobs 1 3/4 - 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , diced into 1 1/4-inch cubes 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp olive oil , divided, plus more for grill 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar 3 cloves garlic , minced 2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp ground coriander Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 large red bell peppers , diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces 3 small zucchini (nearly 1 pound), sliced into rounds slightly under 1/2-inch thick 1 large red onion , diced into 1 1/4-inch wedges Tzatziki 1 medium cucumb

It seems that Mother Nature has been slow at bringing forth any bounty from my garden this season. The plants were gently placed in late May with hopes of having fresh vegetables by now. The only thing we have been able to enjoy are a few green beans. A few weeks ago I decided it needed a bit of help, but didn't want to use chemicals, so I purchased some fish fertilizer and fed my plants. There are some peppers started, flowers have blossomed on the cucumber plants, and my tomato plants are finally starting to fill up with tomatoes, so there is hope. My neighbor, who used a very popular feeding solution (MG) had huge plants early and production far earlier than we did. However, it seems that some of the bounty was not so great. The heads of lettuce were brown inside so not edible. At this point the greenery looks great, but I have to wonder about the production they will get, or the chemicals the vegetables will be filled with. I will admit with the busy summer we have been exp

Six more weeks and another year will have passed – 63 this year – so hard to believe. Although I have become more comfortable in my skin, I still have that voice whispering in my ear when I see “those” ads on TV or in magazines. The ones that tell us women that we are not enough as we are. The never-ending commercials by actresses who lead you to believe that you can look as youthful as they do just by using the products they are selling. Anyone over the age of 60 will not look better than they did in their 30’s by using face creams.  I, for one, am insulted by their arrogance for thinking we will believe their claims. If you are over the age of 40 and have skin as smooth as a baby's behind (as my mother would say), some work has been done. A plastic surgeon can make your skin that tight and smooth, but not a face cream. Moisturizers are important, and can improve the look and feel of your skin; however, you will still have lines from living life. I have always tried to take

One dish breakfast casseroles are always great for a brunch, or for an easy family breakfast on the weekends. This Sheepherder's Breakfast casserole is simple to make, and serves 10 so it's great for a large crowd, or even for camping. A flavorful blend of bacon, eggs, potato, onion and cheese - what's not to like? Sheepherder's Breakfast 3/4 pound bacon strips, finely chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded has brown potatoes, thawed 8 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup ( 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan. 2. Stir in hash browns. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes or until bottom is golden brown; turn potatoes. With the back of a spoon, make eight evenly spaced wells into potato mixture. Break one egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Cook,

I fear that some day when beings from another universe encounter the residents of Earth, they will be puzzled by the fact that we have no faces. All they will see is an orb balanced upon our necks with hair; with no voice emanating from our bodies as we will have forgotten how to speak by then. This may seem a bit far fetched to some, but take a look around and you will begin to understand. Almost everyone has a phone or tablet, and they never look up from them. So obsessed by social media that they fear they will miss something if the take their eyes off the screen. Everywhere I go people don't look up to see who is in front of them or where thy are going. Many walk into you and are stunned, or even annoyed, as if you were in their way. At best they will utter a brief "I'm sorry", if they say anything at all. I see children misbehaving because that is the only way to get their parent's attention. They will even take being reprimanded for their behavior if i

From the Sunday, July 9, 2017 Rutland Herald By Gordon Dritschilo, Staff Writer "KILLINGTON — Pink tutus and giant grins adorned numerous women as they slid into a puddle of mud Saturday. They arrived in the puddle via an inflatable slide, the final obstacle in the Dirty Girl Mud Run. “This is our third year coming to Killington and every year it gets bigger,” organizer Alena Han said. “You have groups and groups of girls. We have people who come by themselves and these groups suck them in. … It’s all about ladies having fun in an event where they don’t feel pressed.” A portion of the proceeds is donated to breast cancer charities, and breast cancer survivors are given free registrations. Han said an estimated 2,500 women participated in the untimed obstacle course event. The untimed 5k course featured 14 obstacles such as monkey bars and a climbing wall. “And, because we’re in Killington, there’s lots of vertical,” Han said. “It’s a challenge for many, but we do say if you

Sugar pie is found in the western European countries of Northern France and Belgium, the Canadian province of Quebec, and Midwestern United States such as Indiana, where it is known as sugar cream pie. When baked, the ingredients of cream, brown sugar, cream and vanilla combine into a  mixture similar to caramel. This pie is creamy, rich and delicious, and will become a family favorite. Sugar Cream Pie 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons sugar, for sprinkling 1/2 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 (9 inch) pie crust 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine heavy cream, flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, milk and vanilla. 3. Fit crust into 9-inch pie plate and dot bottom with butter. Pour filling into crust. Combine cinnamon and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and sprinkle on top.  Bake pie until se

July 4th - Independence Day, and the first official sign of summer. Life on the lake can get chaotic during the summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Normally we would have company on this busy holiday weekend so it's quite strange to have it so quiet. Well, quiet other than the fireworks that will be displayed on the lake each night of this weekend and many other weekends to come. I guess we should enjoy the peace since the rest of the summer is jam packed full of guests and fun. Winter and spring seem to last so long that it seems we wait forever for the hot, sunny summer days. Now that they have finally arrived there is the 5K Mud Run in Vermont with my daughters, visits from both of my girls, weekends here at the lake with my granddaughters and then my grandson, a multitude of trips to the ocean, cookouts with family and friends, leisurely boat rides and faster ones to pull the kids on the tube, and so much more. With the short summer months here in New England, w