On My Mind Today

The Thanksgiving holiday filled with family and great food has come and gone. We didn't even have time to step away from the table before the onslaught of Christmas commercials began. It would be nice if they would allow us a few days to savor the memories of Thanksgiving. It's not surprising that people start to feel stressed, or have negative thoughts about Christmas. Retailers and advertisers present us with images of what they perceive as the "perfect" Christmas. Unfortunately it's not a realistic view. Nobody should feel pressured to purchase what they can't afford. Your home can be beautifully decorated with a few simple things; it doesn't have to look like the pages in a magazine. Remember, those homes are professionally decorated with an unlimited budget. Giving gifts can bring us joy when we see the faces of our loved ones as they open them. Even though we don't want our children or grandchildren disappointed, we also have to be realisti...

I am not one who shops on Black Friday weekend. However, I did go into one store with my daughter and granddaughter yesterday and was dismayed by what I saw. It brings me back to a thought I have often these days - are people being taught any manners as they grow up? If you have watched the news at all over the past few days, you have seen some bad behavior by shoppers. Not only are they trying to push their way past other shoppers but will even fight with each other over one item. What would possess someone to get into a physical altercation over shopping? Is this the way they deal with everything in life when something doesn't go their way, or does some other inner being take over and erase their sense of decorum and decency? Of course, retailers play a role in this. In order to get as much business as possible they will reduce the price on a big-ticket item ridiculously low, knowing full well they only have a certain number in stock to offer. This creates an impossible situa...

Thanksgiving arrives tomorrow, and although apple, pumpkin and pecan pies are traditional favorites, I am always looking for something new. This delicious combination of chocolate and pecans topped with chocolate sauce and white chocolate glaze, should please both the brownie and pecan pie lovers. I look forward to preparing this for family and friends. Pecan Brownie Pie 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups (one 12 ounce bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups Fisher Pecan halves, divided 2 tablespoons milk 1 refrigerated (or homemade) pie crust 1/4 cup white chocolate chips 1 teaspoon milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 1. In a medium saucepan, simmer the condensed milk and sugar over medium heat, whisking steadily, 3 to 5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Shut off the heat and whisk in 1-1/2 cups of the chocolate chips. In a medium bowl,...

When most of us think of Thanksgiving, we envision a huge feast, long weekends, football, floats and family. The first Thanksgiving and it's meaning seem to escape many people today. So, first a bit of history: After the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims lost 46 of the original 102 colonists. The remaining Pilgrims survived a brutal winter with the help of the Indians, and were able to produce an abundant harvest in 1621. To celebrate, a traditional English harvest festival lasting three days united the Pilgrims and natives in a thanksgiving ceremony. There would not be another "thanksgiving" meal until June of 1676. On June 29th the people of Charlestown, MA proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. This celebration did not include the Indians as the colonists were celebrating their victory over the natives. It was not until 100 years later in October 1777 that all 13 colonies joined in a one-time "thanksgiving" celebration reco...

"Music is the universal language of mankind" ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Music is a universal feature of the human experience, and its melodies influence the emotions we feel while listening to it. It is true that music can communicate beyond culture and language. Even when we don't understand the language in a particular song we can feel the emotion that is intended. The melody can express happiness or sadness through rhythm, pitch and tempo. Lively up-tempo music with a great beat can be felt deep within our bodies. We will dance, spin and twirl to the rhythm that vibrates within us; such an exhilarating feeling. When listening to a classic opera like LaTraviata, we may not understand the words they are singing, but we can understand the story they are telling. Their voices can convey the joy of the moment, or make our hearts feel the immense sadness as their voices cry in song. The music of the romance languages such as Italian, French or Spanish can fill o...

My daughter found this recipe at whoneedsacape.com and shared it with me. Since it was a hit with her family I figured I'd give it a try, even though my Italian man was not enthusiastic about it. As you can see it is very easy to make, and as with all crock pot meals, ready when you get home making dinner time effortless. The Dijon and maple flavors are a wonderful blend, and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. Another quick and easy meal to add to my collection. Hope you enjoy it too!  Maple Dijon Pulled Chicken for the Crock Pot 2-3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 2 Tablespoons red or white wine vinegar 1 onion, chopped 1. Spray the crock pot with non-stick spray 2. Place the chicken in the crock pot. 3. Mix together the mustard, syrup and vinegar and pour over the chicken. 4. Put chopped onion on top of everything. 5. Cook on low for about 6 hours (longer is fine). 6. Remove chicken and p...

Acceptance - The act of accepting something or someone; welcoming, embracing, tolerant. Growing up I was fortunate to have parents who accepted people for who they were, even if they had different views. We were taught respect for others, and often were told "treat others as you wish to be treated". Because of this it is difficult for me to understand how anyone can teach their children hate or disrespect. I find it alarming that there are so many who cannot, or choose not, to accept those who are different from them. Whether it is race, religion or politics, there is an enormous lack of tolerance today. Much of the blame for this can be assigned to some of the world's leaders whose egos fuel their desire for power. By spreading hatred, intolerance and fear they believe that they will convince the majority to follow their lead. It is irresponsible for them to perpetuate these lies, and I believe that most of the world's citizens are very aware of what they are t...

The blog that follows was originally posted in 2015. After another disappointing Halloween this year it was worth repeating. I don't know what has become of us that we cannot even take our children out trick or treating; are we so afraid of our neighbors that we don't trust them enough to bring our children door to door to experience the joy of calling out "trick or treat" with the anticipation of the treat they are to receive? And what parent believes that trunk or treating is an acceptable alternative? I can't imagine driving my children to a parking lot to go from car to car collecting their treat from someone's trunk. Do they really believe that this is fun for their child? For the few children who came to my door, I thank their parents for trying valiantly to keep a tradition alive. Without further ado my original thoughts: As far back as I can remember Halloween has been one of those holidays that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dream...

I love pesto, and always consider it a great find when a new recipe comes my way that uses it. KevinandAmanda.com offer tips on travel, photography, and quick and easy recipes. This breakfast casserole they shared blends the delicious flavors of pesto, chicken and cheese with a light flaky crust. Although it's very easy to assemble, and takes a short amount of time from start to finish, it's sure to be a hit at your Sunday morning brunch. Pesto Chicken Breakfast Casserole 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1-1/2 cups prepared basil pesto 8 eggs salt and pepper to taste (1 teaspoon or less) 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 2. Boil chicken breasts for 10 minutes. Shred then mix with pesto. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with salt and pepper. 3. Roll out crescent roll dough into the bot...