On My Mind Today

My mother has always told me that time goes by much faster as we age. Seems like there are days the world is spinning out of control like a child's toy top. As the realization hit me that the month of July is almost over, her words whispered in my ear reminding me of how quickly the summer is speeding along. We have had many great times with family cookouts, dinner with friends, and more to come, but I find myself wanting to scream out " slow down! I'm not ready for you to be over." Trips to the ocean with children and grandchildren creating memories for them to take home. Dipping my feet into the cool water, or sitting on the beach watching them as they try to ride the waves, taking in their joy and laughter. We will all think of these times together for the rest of our lives; something nobody can take away. Taking the boat out to pull the kids (and adults) on the tube; some wanting to go slow and others looking for a wild ride. If they are lucky they will boun...

For a recent family gathering I wanted to serve something different from the traditional summer salads. I went in search of a recipe that would take advantage of the fresh vegetables available this time of year, and found this one from prouditaliancook.com .  This is easy to make and doesn't use mayonnaise so it can sit out for a longer period of time.  It's full of flavor and was a big hit at our cookout. Plus it makes a large salad so there was plenty left to enjoy the next day. Summer Chopped Veggie Salad 1/2 pound green beans, cut into 1/4 inch pieces 1/2 pound yellow wax beans, cut into 1/4 inch pieces 1/2 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 cucumber, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch pieces 2 ears fresh corn (I used 1-/2 cups frozen corn, thawed and well drained) 1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch pieces 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces 1 small red onion cut into 1/4 inch dice 4 or 5 tomatoes, seeded and diced into...

Propaganda - In formation, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Propaganda can be true, but many times false, and is used to push an issue. During World War I the use of propaganda emerged as modern media outlets were on the rise, and was refined into an art. The sole purpose was to spread information (or misinformation) and rumors for political purpose. There are seven techniques used to spread propaganda: Name Calling: Using negative or discriminatory words to arouse suspicion and prejudice. To create the dislike of a group of people they attack their beliefs, leaders and religion. Glittering Generalities: Making generalized statements using slogans or catchphrases. Usually they involve the ideas of love, honor, glory, family values, freedom or patriotism that will inspire pride. The statements say very little so they cannot be proved or disproved. Transfer: Using a revered symbol to promote ...

During a recent conversation with my brother, he told me about a recipe he tried for apple dumplings that comes from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. A simple recipe that is quick to put together for a last minute dessert. My granddaughters were visiting and they helped me make the dumplings so it was a fun activity. These dumplings are not for the faint of heart as they are very rich and sweet. If you have a smaller group then I would suggest making half the recipe. They were absolutely delicious and a big hit. This recipe is one I will make again. Apple Dumplings 2 whole Granny Smith apples 2 cans (8 oz. each) crescent rolls 2 sticks butter 1-1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Cinnamon to taste 1 can (12 oz.) Mountain Dew Soda 1. Peel and core the apples, cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 13 x 9 buttered baking dish. 2. Melt the butter, then add the sugar and barel...

I have had the pleasure of having my granddaughters with us for the last several days. They are 7 and 9, and are constantly on the move. We have had fun going to the beach, the movies, riding on the boat and playing in the lake. As I have watched them I remembered this blog from several years ago and felt it was worth repeating. I think we sometimes forget that they are children and may need to remind ourselves how important play is in their development. So here it is again ...…. Obviously I embrace technology as I use it on a daily basis. It has many wonderful applications which enable us to learn and be aware of what is happening in the world around us. Used wisely it is invaluable, and as an adult we can determine what wise use is. As a young child they cannot make that determination and often spend far too much time involved in this activity. They should be introduced to it, but it is only part of what they need to learn.   There are those who will to...

"1 Timothy 6:10 Fir the love of money is the root of all evil." There is much truth to be found in this verse when we observe what is taking place in the world today. If you watch those with money, they are looking for ways to cut others down to obtain more money. Once they have it, the fear of losing it pushes them to do corrupt and sometimes evil things to keep those without money repressed; to maintain power and control. Maybe we should look at going back to some old ways where money was not always necessary to meet our needs. As far back as 6000 BC, people used the barter system which was introduced by Mesopotamia tribes. A barter economy is a cashless economic system where people trade goods or services with another person. There are even cultures in modern society who still use this type of exchange. Bartering does have many advantages; the main one is you do not need money to barter. There is also flexibility as you can trade related items or products that ar...

I was looking for a cold appetizer to bring to our friend's for dinner, and came upon this recipe from Inquiringchef.com. It's simple, easy and full of flavor with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. I used large vine ripened cherry tomatoes, and our garden fresh Genovese basil which is very aromatic and rich in flavor.  Everyone loved these cool, refreshing skewers so I will add this to my collection. The recipe serves 8-10, so if you have a smaller gathering you can make half the recipe. Caprese Skewers 40 large cherry tomatoes, cut in half (if using small cherry tomatoes use 80) 20 fresh basil leaves, torn or cut in half 1 ball fresh mozzarella, cut into 40 small cubes good quality balsamic vinegar, for serving 40 toothpicks 1. To make the skewers, on each toothpick, skewer one-half of a cherry tomato, one half leaf of basil, and one cube fresh mozzarella, and finish it with another half of cherry tomato. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just b...

Life today has become relatively easy for most in terms of physical labor. We sit at a desk and spend much of the day looking at a computer screen; forced to get our exercise at the gym, on a treadmill at home or going for a walk. Some have become so engrossed in electronic games, television or their phones that they don't get any physical activity in their day. Today's children would never survive in the world of the 1800's or early 1900's. In fact, many adults wouldn't either. Many children of this era had to help support their family, so they were put to work at an early age. If they lived in the city then they would be sent to work in factories instead of going to school, and those that lived in the country worked on farms. Children between the ages of seven and twelve made up one-third of the factory workforce during this time period. And if your family owned a farm, children as young as 5 began assisting with farm work. Men worked long days; far more than ...

Every culture has their own collection of wise old sayings and proverbs that offer common sense advice. I have heard them my entire life from my parents, who learned them from their parents, and so on back through the generations. If you talk to my children, they will tell you that they have learned them from me. As I pondered this topic, I started a list of all of the ones I heard when I was growing up. When I thought about their meaning it was clear why they have survived over the years; they offer some good advice for everyday living. Below is a list of some old adages, with their meanings, that have been a part of my life.  They have come to mind often as I have faced different situations. I've also thrown in a few that are new to me, but are wise advice. The early bird catches the worm - Get to it early before it's too late. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all - keep your negative thoughts and criticism to yourself. Don't bite off mo...