On My Mind Today

I have come to the conclusion that the instant availability of information has not necessarily made us any more well-informed or smarter. Much of what is presented to us on the internet is not true or accurate; it's just someone's opinion on a subject matter, and they are more than happy to share it to spread misinformation. Unfortunately, many people buy into it and continue to share with others. How often have you heard someone say, "if it's on the internet then it must be true"? Do they really think there are truth police out there who check everything before it's posted and shared? The reality is anyone can write articles, blogs, etc. and put their own spin on a subject. Much of it may be fact, but there is also personal opinion woven in. Usually this is harmless, however at times it can be harmful if filled with lies. Don't get me wrong, I know there is a wealth of accurate information available to us today. No matter what the subject is we can fi...

The nights are getting cooler and the daylight hours shorter; sure signs that summer will soon be just a memory. Although fall is my favorite time of year, I am not ready to let go of the long, sunny and warm days that give us so much energy. The southern winds that bring the heat and humidity were welcomed as we left a cold spring that seemed to drag on. Now these sultry summer winds are quickly being replaced by the cooler northern air, and we will be longing for their return long before they greet us again. I hang on every warm breeze that crosses my face hoping it will last longer than I know it will. The bees are frantically gathering pollen from the last flowers of the season to take them through the long cold winter. They don't hibernate; they cluster together in the hive to keep the queen and themselves warm for the winter. They must rely on honey to produce body heat and stay alive, and a hive will consume up to 30 pounds of stored honey over a single winter. Fewer a...

In recent conversations with friends who are in management positions where their role includes hiring employees, the stories they have told about trying to find help are at a minimum discouraging for any employer. One of them shared with me that a potential employee thought that cursive was a language?! This might be funny if it were not a statement on the sad state of affairs employers face. With this in mind I came up with a few things that parents, and other influential adults in a young person's life should teach them. As the saying goes, "you don't know what you don't know". They will not know how to prepare for the real world if they are not given guidelines and had time to practice before trying to enter the workforce. There are some simple thigs that everyone should know, but some don't. One of these is how to tell time on an actual clock (not digital). It's surprising how many young people don't know how to read a clock because they have a...

I don't recall where I found this recipe, but it's sure to be a favorite for those who love S'mores. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then needs to be chilled in the refrigerator. I let them chill for about 1-1/2 hours. They are very rich and delicious, and sure to please those with a sweet tooth. No-Bake S'mores Bars Cooking spray 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups finely ground graham crackers 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup milk chocolate chips 1 cup mini marshmallows 1. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides; coat the foil with cooking spray. Beat the butter, brown sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy. Reduce the mixer to low; beat in the graham cracker crumbs and flour until combined. 2. Add the condensed milk to the dough and b...

As our summer gardens begin to wind down, there is usually zucchini and summer squash that needs to be used up. This easy, healthy, no cook dish will be a great addition to the last cookouts of the season. This recipe comes from Food Network and can be ready for the table in 30 minutes. Summer Squash Carpaccio 1 zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise 1 summer squash, thinly sliced lengthwise (if you have a mandoline it works best) minced shallots chopped mixed herbs (parsley, basil, etc.) lemon juice extra-virgin olive oil salt pepper grated pecorino 1. Arrange a layer of squash slices on a plate. Sprinkle with the minced shallots and herbs; drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.  2. Repeat to make about 5 layers. Top with grated pecorino; let marinate for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!

My mother once told me, "the more you do, the more people expect you to do". Wise words, and they apply to both our personal life and work life. I have always believed in working hard, doing the best job I can do and, in most cases, going above and beyond what was expected. Most of the time this effort is appreciated, however there are instances where I have been taken advantage of. Some people are more than willing to let you do not only your own work, but theirs too. I enjoy helping others both at home and at work. When doing for someone else it gives me a feeling of satisfaction knowing that I have helped another person. Their thanks and appreciation are all I need; I'm not looking for grand gestures on their part or public acknowledgement for what I have done. The most difficult thing for those who give their time and energy to others is the knowledge that some will easily take advantage of them. These people have learned over time that if they wait it out someo...

We have spent time each summer with my grandchildren from the time they were very young. My grandson, the first, started to come when he was about two years old. The girls were slightly older as they were not quite ready to be away from Mom at such a young age. Every visit has been a blessing and a joy, and we have filled them with many memories for them to have the rest of their lives. Anthony is now 16, and is very aware that he has had many more adventures than his sister and cousin. He has been to the New England Aquarium twice, The Boston Children’s Museum, and on the streets of the North End during a World Cup; in his stroller yelling out “Italia, Italia”. He’s been on historical adventures to Plymouth Plantation, Lexington & Concord, and the USS Albacore Museum, plus exploring at The Seacoast Science Center at Ordiorne Point State Park. When Emily and Natalie were two and four, we decided to take all three of them at once to start the girl’s adventures. The first one ...

From Rachel Leung at radiantrachels.com , this vegan banana bread is moist, delicious and full of flavor. If you want to plan a specialty brunch filled with a variety of quick breads this would be a great addition to the menu. Serve with jams, cream cheese, peanut butter or your favorite spreads. Vegan Banana Zucchini Bread 2 ripe bananas, mashed 1 cup grated & squeezed zucchini - about 1 medium zucchini ( do not skip the squeezing or you'll end up with a gummy loaf) 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup almond milk 1/2 cup brown sugar (coconut sugar would also work) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose flour) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8" loaf pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed banana, zucchini, oil, milk, sugar and van...

It's very disheartening today to see how badly people behave in public. There seems to be no responsibility for actions, no filter before speaking, a lack of proper social skills, and the belief that they come first at all costs. The idea of having some patience and graciousness totally escapes many. When you leave home, you will encounter any of the following on a daily basis: At work there are the co-workers who speak loudly or interrupt others as they are speaking, or others who try to involve themselves in something that is none of their concern. In stores people will stand in the aisles talking making it difficult for other shoppers to get by, have conversations on their cell phones, or cut someone off to get in line at the checkout. In restaurants, planes, trains and other public venues they will have loud conversations being disrespectful of other patrons. Walking on the city streets people push and shove to get around others or run into someone as they are looking at...