On My Mind Today

Our daily lives are filled with constant noise and images. Something is always "on"; whether it be television, computers, phones, radios or noise surrounding us in public spaces, our ears and eyes are bombarded for hours every day. Not only does all of this make us feel we need to engage with these things, but it takes time away from our families and gives us no peace. Being surrounded by all of this it's no surprise that people feel stressed or depressed. Their senses get no down time; some of it by choice and some by circumstances of their daily life. Either way, it's not healthy. Our brains and our senses need time to regroup and recharge. If we don't give them time to heal from the relentless mayhem in our chaotic environment, our stress level will continue to increase and lead to negativity and depression. Both of these have a way of spreading to those around us. We need to find time to be still in our lives; to embrace total silence. We need stillness,...

I recently read an article which stated that 62% of the adults in America are overweight or obese; 62%!! I found that to be an alarming figure. I'm sure it's not just Americans who are plagued with this unhealthy issue, but it tells us that it's time for a wake-up call. If we don't take steps to stay physically fit, there will come a time when we won't have the ability or stamina to move out of our chairs. I'm not saying that everyone needs to be thin as a rail, but we do need to put the effort into being healthy. As we all know, if we drop too much weight in a short period of time, we will never maintain that weight loss. The best thing we can do is to modify our eating habits in terms of quantity of food, and by eating the "bad" foods on a limited basis. I know that I will never totally give up my chocolate or chips, but I can reduce how often I indulge. Exercise is also key in keeping physically fit. We need to move every day to keep our muscles...

On one of those bright, sunny February days, my mind wanders to the spring season that will eventually arrive. The groundhog says that spring will arrive early this year; I am hopeful that he is correct in his prediction. We all know that there will still be a few snow storms to contend with, but I have to believe the worst of winter is over. That belief is the one thing that will propel me to brighter, warmer days. In the meantime, as I impatiently await its arrival, I will fill my mind of things to come. If I close my eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on my face, so many things seem real: I can see the water opening up on the lake as the sun melts away the last bits of ice. The snow that once covered the flower bed has disappeared and has been replaced with visions of spring seedlings popping up through the dirt. If I close my eyes, I can see the birds that have returned, and hear them singing their beautiful songs.  I can smell the fresh earth that has been enriched b...

Worry....giving in to anxiety and allowing our minds to dwell on troubles; both real or imaginary. Some say, "why worry about something that hasn't, or may never happen?" If only it were that easy; to just let the worry fall away. I have always envied those who have the ability to leave worrying to others. How carefree and calm their lives must be without having that constant weight on their minds. Looking back, I would say that worrying has been a part of my life since youth. Of course, in younger years it was about much smaller things like passing a test or wondering if I would make it through an oral book report. In teen years it becomes more personal as we worry about being accepted by our peers, praying we will be invited to social gatherings, and hoping that someone we have a crush on also has a crush on us. Things that can make or break our self-esteem. As we become adults the worries and anxiety changes as we struggle to find our way in the world. Finding ...

Filled with all your favorite Reuben ingredients, these mini meatloaves are full of flavor. They only take a short time to prepare, and with cooking time you can have them ready to serve in just under an hour. You can serve them with pickles and chips, French fries, or mashed potatoes. Great for a weeknight family dinner, or for weekend guests. Bon Appetit! Mini Reuben Meatloaves 8 ounces deli-sliced corned beef 1 slice rye bread, cut into cubes 1 pound ground beef 1 large egg 1/4 cup milk 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1-1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (about 5 ounces) salt and ground black pepper  1 cup drained sauerkraut Russian or Thousand Island dressing, for topping chopped parsley for topping 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Put the corned beef in a food processor and pulse until finely ground; remove to a medium bowl. Add the bread to the food processor and pulse until fine; add to the corned beef. Add the ground beef, egg, milk, onion, 3/4 cup che...

This recipe comes from the Reader's Digest Live Longer Cookbook. They have reduced the calories and cholesterol from the traditional French open-faced omelet, but it certainly does not lack great flavor. This dish can be ready in less than thirty minutes. It serves two and has only 232 calories per serving. It can easily be adjusted if you are having guests. Piperade 4 teaspoons olive oil 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (1/2 cup) 1 small sweet green pepper, cored, seeded and thinly sliced (1/2 cup) 1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper, or to taste 1 clove garlic, minced 3 medium-size plum tomatoes, chopped, or 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) low-sodium diced tomatoes, drained 2 large eggs 2 large egg whites 2 teaspoons water 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil, chives, parsley or oregano 1. in a 9-inch skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon each of the salt and black pepper; sauté, stirrin...

"The common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The throat, sinuses, and larynx may also be affected. Signs and symptoms may appear less than two days after exposure to the virus. These may include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever. People usually recover in seven to ten days, but some symptoms may last up to three weeks." Yes, the cold is a common virus that inflicts itself upon us every year; usually in the winter months. Although, a summer cold is possible and sometimes seems a worse fate in the warm weather. If we are lucky we will escape the dreaded cold, but chances are we will have to suffer through it at least once each year. We all know the symptoms as soon as they start to appear. It can be as simple as a small sneeze. At first we dismiss that sign; people sneeze all the time for many reasons. Or it could be that little tickle in the back...

It is likely that more than any other time in history, people are fleeing their countries and immigrating. Leaving their lifelong homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, they pray that another country will welcome them and provide a safe harbor. Many of these people walk hundreds, or even thousands of miles, with their children at their side. Sometimes they may go for days without food to eat. Even as they reach exhaustion, they continue their journey. The leaders in many countries have chosen to politicize the immigration issue. They try to frighten their citizens with lies, claiming many of these immigrants are drug dealers and murderers; the worst element from other countries. They want you to fear immigrants in order to push their own political agenda; if you listen to them their words are void of any compassion and filled with hatred. Immigration is a worldwide issue; people flow across borders, and most countries are not equipped to handle the large numbers. E...