On My Mind Today

When I was a child there was a radio and television program called Queen For A Day . It originated on the Mutual Radio Network in New York City on April 30, 1945, then moved to Los Angeles and ran until 1957. The four contestants told their stories of hardship, and the winner would be determined by the amount of applause they received from the audience. The applause was measured by a meter showing the levels that were reached for each contestant. The winner was then draped in a sable-trimmed robe with a jeweled crown placed on their head, and were given a dozen long-stemmed roses as they sat on a velvet throne. She usually wept as they announced the list of prizes she had won. I'm sure this sounds very corny, but remember it was the 50's and at the time it provided a distraction and a dream to housewives everywhere. As I worked myself to exhaustion over the Memorial Day weekend finishing the flower bed, planting the vegetable garden, helping him get the boat in the water, wi...

We all get bored with the usual options for breakfast on the weekends, so I am always searching for something new. From the recipe files Food Network Magazine and Melissa d'Arabian, this vanilla Dutch baby is very easy, and quick, to put together for your family or guests. It has great flavor as prepared, but you could also leave the Confectioner's sugar off and use fruit with whipped cream, maple syrup, or your own favorites. Vanilla Dutch Baby 3 tablespoons butter 3 eggs 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup milk, heated 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract pinch of salt Confectioner's sugar for dusting Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 1. Put butter in a large ovenproof, nonstick sauté pan and place in oven. 2. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the eggs, flour, warm milk, sugar, vanilla extract and pinch of salt, and blend on medium-high speed until uniform. (If mixing by hand, combine the egg...

Interacting with my children and grandchildren has opened my eyes as to how different things are today. Their opportunities and expectations are more than we had when we were growing up. Of course, our own parents felt the same way about us, and theirs about them; a common generational feeling. As I ponder this subject I begin to understand how each generation finds themselves out of sync with those that follow. What we see are things we have trouble comprehending. Their behavior and expectations are not what we have accepted as conventional during our time. Some of this comes from parents wanting more for their children than they had, and some from changes in society and technology. I recently attended a meeting where generational differences were discussed. What I learned did bring a better understanding as to why each generation has been altered from the one before them. The definitions of the six generations, defining moments associated with their lives and expectati...

As I watch the news each day I become more and more dismayed by what I see. What continually goes through my mind is "what has happened to common decency? Has greed, jealousy and hatred replaced kindness, compassion and understanding?" It would be easy to turn away and try to stay secluded in our own little circle, but ignoring the problems will only drive us faster to an unacceptable end. We all have ownership in some way to what has happened over time, either by contributing to it and perpetuating the issues, or by ignoring it. As if by ignoring it, we will eventually turn and see that the horrific events and behaviors have disappeared. A very naïve view of the world that we cannot afford to undertake. I worry each day what kind of world my grandchildren will be left with. Will they have opportunities to become what they have dreamt of, or will they have to just survive? Will it be so far gone that they cannot provide a better future for their children? I am always ...

From the pages of my well used and always reliable Betty Crocker Cookbook, this applesauce cake is moist and delicious. It takes no time to mix up, and is great for that last minute dessert you need. This one I prepared for a longtime friend that we had not seen for quite some time. He showed up with Italian pastries, so I can also tell you that it freezes well. Nice to have something sweet on hand for our next guest. Applesauce Cake 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1-/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1-1/2 cups applesauce 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1 cups raisins (optional) 1. Hat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan, 2 round layer pans, or a tube pan. 2. Beat all ingredients in a large mixer bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, about 30 seconds. Bea...

As I sit here on Mother's Day, I find myself thinking about my two daughters and how proud I am of the amazing women and mothers they have become. They have had their struggles, some I am aware of and many I'm sure I am not, but they have persevered and emerged stronger and wiser. Just as I did as I found my way on the road of motherhood. As we all know it's not an easy road to maneuver at times; there will be great joy and some heartache along the way. Looking back there are many things that come to mind, and some that have stayed with me are: When I was carrying my children and heard their heartbeat for the first time. The day they were born; both the pain of childbirth and how I forgot that pain the minute I held them in my arms. The feeling of overwhelming love for my child, and fear of having to care for them and protect them. How could I do all of this? Sleepless nights caring for a colicky baby, yet cherishing the feeling of holding and comforting them. The fir...

When we think of Guardian Angels, visions of cherub like figures with wings come to mind. Angels from Heaven that watch out for us, and swoop down to help during times of need. I do believe that these angels exist, and for the most part think they are loved ones who are no longer with us. Always observing to ensure we are safe. It can be just a simple thing to guide us. A couple of years ago I knew that something was off with my car but kept putting off taking it in to be checked. Then I kept getting the brief smell of an auto repair shop (my father was a mechanic), and it hit me. I said, "okay Dad, I'll bring the car in". There are also Guardian Angels we encounter throughout our lives; seemingly ordinary people who appear when we need them. We may not be aware of their purpose or wonder why they are interacting with us. They may even come and go without our ever knowing they have been there. Then there are times that we become the Guardian Angel for someone else i...

We all seem to fall into a rut when it comes to meal preparation. Daily routine and chaotic schedules make it easier to prepare what we feel is quick and familiar. After a while it becomes so boring that it is no longer fun. When mealtime is no longer enjoyable, I start searching through my collection of "must try" to get a lift. This comes from Food Network Magazine's Weeknight Cooking section. It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and has a delicious mix of flavor and spice you can't get enough of. It was a big hit, and will be added to the list of recipes to keep! Pierogi with Sausage and Peppers 1 pound of potato and onion pierogi (12 pieces) 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 4 sweet, hot (or a mix) Italian sausages, casings removed and crumbled 1 - 8 ounce package baby bell peppers, quartered lengthwise 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, smashed 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit for less spice) 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1/2 cup to...

Although there are many movies that can be enjoyed by both men and women, our differences become apparent when we try to find one to watch together. Recently he asked me to watch a movie that a friend had given to him. I was hesitant because this friend has recommended some real winners in the past. They tend to be filled with senseless violence and weak story lines. One of them was so bad, that when it ended we looked at each other and burst into laughter. Well, he had watched part of this particular movie, and assured me it was pretty good and had some humor. I figured I would trust his judgement and give it a shot. Once again I was bombarded with non-stop violence, odd characters, and a weak plot that jumped all over the place. There was some humor, but not enough to save the movie. All I could say at the end was "that was an hour and a half of my life I will never get back", which he did find amusing. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem watching movies with so...