On My Mind Today

I have no idea what a man thinks about their friends, or whether they have a need to hang with the guys at times. However, as a woman, I know how important our girlfriends are to us. From the time we are young girls, we start making best friends. Of course as we grow and mature many of these childhood friendships fade away; we make new friends that take their place. But, there are some of our girlfriends that are with us throughout our lifetime. Our "new" friends are very important and I believe they come into our lives for a reason. What they have to offer in terms of friendship is exactly what we need, and vice versa. Some of them will leave our lives once their purpose is complete; others will become one our lifetime friends. Our lifetime friends we have a bond with that can't be broken. Even if hundreds or thousands of miles separate us, when we get together everything meshes and it's like no time has passed at all since we last were together. Every memory f

 -1 F with winds at 16 miles per hour making it feel like -24 F. I just came in from starting my vehicle in this frigid weather; I dread the trip back out to turn it off. However, if it doesn't run for a while today, it may not start tomorrow. As I sit in this nice warm house, filled with all the comforts of a home, I realize how blessed I am. I will always be warm, have a good meal to eat, clothes on my back, and other luxuries to make my life easier. As much as I don't like going out in the cold to start my vehicle, at least I have one to take me to work or wherever else I need to go. While I count my many blessings, I am very aware that there are many people who do not have these comforts. So many who are homeless and out in the cold. If they are lucky, they may find a warm bed and a meal at a shelter; otherwise they are left to suffer through the bitter cold. Struggling to find a spot sheltered from the bitter wind, or maybe even somewhere near a vent blowing heat to th

Try as I might to eat healthier and reduce my intake of sugar, every so often I have to give in to my sweet tooth. When these cravings strike, I go to my trustworthy Betty Crocker cookbook. I can always find something that can be made from the ingredients I have available, and is quick and easy. I have been making these brownies for more years than I can remember. They are delicious and chewy, and can be ready to enjoy in less than an hour. Coconut-Butterscotch Brownies 1/4 cup shortening 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Heat shortening over low heat until melted (or melt in microwave); remove from heat. Mix in brown sugar, egg and vanilla. 3. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread in a greased square pan, 8x8x2 inches. Bake for 25 minutes. 4. Cool slightly, cut into 16 - 2 inch squares while warm.

The car buying experience can be enjoyable, or a complete nightmare. I have had both in my lifetime, and I'm sure many of you have also. I am in the market once again for a new vehicle. I know what I want, and also what I do not. I have a budget, but because it isn't extravagant, it doesn't mean I want to settle for less. Most sales people, or customer care specialists as they are called, do understand this, some do not. Let me start by saying that the sales people at the dealerships are hard working people trying to make a living like all of us. However, some do so in a more courteous and soft-sell manner, and listen to their customer. Others not so much. But I will get to that a bit later. We all have the option to buy a new vehicle, a certified pre-owned vehicle or to lease. Considering I am looking at a vehicle I have not had in the past (a small SUV), I thought about leasing this time; that way if I decide at the end of the lease it's not for me I can

A very dear friend of mine once told me that with every ten years that pass, you will see and feel a marked difference. I have become more aware of her true words as each decade goes by. I have no problem with getting older; after all, it's inevitable and there is no use in fighting it. What we do, and what we reap from it, determines how we deal with it. We need to do our best to stay healthy and active. As the old saying goes, "if you don't keep moving, then eventually you can't move at all." Getting some exercise each day is a must. We need to keep our minds active in order to stay sharp. Whether we like to read, write, do crossword puzzles, or a myriad of other things, the more we do the sharper our minds remain. Socialization is vital. Stay in touch with family and fiends; gather together as much as possible. These connections not only keep us active, but also boost our energy and mental well-being. Plus, connecting with younger relatives keeps us cur

In a few short weeks it will once again be Super Bowl time. Of course we all hope our team will make it to the final game, but even if they don't, who doesn't love a great Super Bowl party. This recipe from myrecipes.com is easy to make and travels well. The recipe calls for braiding the bread over the filling, but you can also just fold the dough over the filling before baking. Hoping you all enjoy the big game - may the best team win!! Sausage Sandwich Bread 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot) 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 stick of celery, chopped 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 clove of minced garlic 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed 2 green onions, chopped 2 tablespoons minced parsley 2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed 1 large egg, lightly beaten Sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds, for topping (optional for those with allergies) Preheat over to 350 F 1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, onion, celery, green bell pe

Who really wants to go to the dentist? I n the past year I have had more than my fair share of experiences with the dentist. As I left each appointment I was happy that they were over. The dental cleaning and x-rays I don't mind so much. Pretty simple procedures that do not cause a lot of discomfort. Of course they occasionally hit a sensitive tooth during the cleaning procedure which makes you jump and give them a disapproving look. At each cleaning it seems there is something further that needs attention, and none of it is going to be pleasurable. At a minimum there is a small cavity or an old filling that needs to be taken care of. We all know what it feels like to have the needle stuck in our gums to numb the area before they start drilling. Even if we can't feel the drilling there is that smell - the smell of burning tooth as it's drilled. Once the procedure is complete, we then have to walk around with a numb mouth, and can't talk or eat for several hours. N

We all would love to live in a country where our leaders did exactly as we wanted; where everything is as we want it to be. However, we also know that is not a reasonable expectation. What they need to do for their citizens is to ensure things are as fair as possible for everyone. They need to learn the true art of compromise. With this art of compromise slipping away in today's political environment, it's easy to see where people are angry or upset. However, in an effort to protest, many are resorting to using their anger to incite violence; as if that will force the change they are looking for. Anyone that thinks logically about this, knows that all it will create is more anger, hatred and violence. I have to wonder where they see a recovery at the end of this tunnel? It's nothing but a downward spiral to nowhere; to a world that none of us would want to live in. I find it alarming when the news portrays images of the unpeaceful protests going on all around the world.

These chive and cheddar beer biscuits topped with Andouille sausage, poached eggs, and a spicy hollandaise sauce will be just the thing to kick up your breakfast or brunch. From lifeasastrawberry.com this recipe may take a bit of prep time, but is still quite easy. She also recommends using Chorizo in place of the Andouille if you prefer, and for variation, topping the eggs with avocado slices, arugula or grilled bell peppers and onions. With our hectic holiday schedule I have not had the opportunity to try this one, so the photo is from her website. I'm sure it will become one of our favorites as he loves Eggs Benedict. Chive and Cheddar Beer Biscuits 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out the biscuits 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese 2 Tablespoons chopped chives 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 cup beer (IPA, Pale Ale or