On My Mind Today

I wrote this blog back in 2015 and being naïve I was hopeful that things would not deteriorate further; unfortunately, I was wrong. When I hear about incidences of not only professional people being harassed and bullied, but also young children and teens, it breaks my heart. I will never understand how anyone can feel that it is acceptable to hide behind social media to make someone feel horrible about themselves, or to destroy their lives. I ask myself, what kind of monster are they? The truth is they are cowards who become brave when hidden behind a computer screen. With all of this in mind I am sharing the blog once more. Engage your children in conversations about this topic, monitor what they are doing on social media, and make sure they let you know if any of this behavior is being directed at them. We need to make this stop, and it is our responsibility as adults to ensure it does. Respect -  noun   \ri- ˈ spekt\ 1.  :  a relation or reference to a particular ...

This recipe is courtesy of Eli Mathews from Scottsdale, AZ. He won Food Network's America’s Best Kid Cooks Contest, which he said takes him one step closer to his dream of becoming a chef and owning his own restaurant. His bacon, egg and cheese bread pudding is delicious and filling. You make it the day before and put it in the fridge overnight. The next morning just pop it in the oven for a great brunch offering for family or friends. Breakfast Bread Pudding Butter or cooking spray, for the pan 1 pound bacon 8 large eggs 2 cups half-and-half 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 pound cheddar cheese, grated 2 loaves sliced Hawaiian sweet bread, end pieces and crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives Directions Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lay the bacon side by side on the pan. Cook the bacon for 18 to 20 minutes, or until crisp...

Spiritual people have a deep connection to the earth and nature and tend to thrive in peace and solitude. Although they will survive chaos, they do not thrive in it.  This does not mean that they are loners or anti-social. They enjoy the company of others, but socialization is easier in smaller intimate settings. Because they can feel other people's energy, larger gatherings can be overwhelming at times. As a spiritual person I embrace the quiet moments where I can reflect and rejuvenate; time with my hands in the soil or tending my flower bed. When attending social gatherings, I find myself observing from a distance; learning much from what I see and hear. In time a connection is made with someone who radiates positive energy. These are the ones I consider my earthy people; connected to the earth, filled with enthusiasm, and genuinely interested and invested in what others have to say. You can tell who they are by the smile on their face and the genuine interest they show as someo...

Love, fresh and new in our youth; so deep, passionate and easy. We believe it will last forever until the pain of that first breakup. The heartache seems to linger far too long. We learn that love is not easy. It is passionate, difficult, and messy; a roller coaster ride of emotions on a rough road. We must brace ourselves for the journey to survive the hills, plains and pot holes along the way. Love can be deeply passionate, and in these times will flow easily. It will seem as if our hearts so filled with desire may burst from the passion held within. We cannot imagine a time where this is not how love will be. Love can be calm and smooth like the flowing of a river, and we ride along peacefully enjoying the view. There may be no deep passion, but there is also no rough water and turmoil. It is a journey that we gladly embrace. Love can be messy. Over the years we find our partner's faults and quirks, and they also learn ours. In the process of discovering these, chaos can ensue. ...

 In the early years of raising my children I was always looking for new ideas for dinner. Although you could purchase premade Sloppy Joe mixes, I was fortunate to have a friend who shared her recipe with me, and it became a favorite in our home. A short while ago I found the recipe tucked away in my old recipe box and prepared it for our dinner one night. The Sloppy Joes not only tasted great, but it brought back memories of dinner with my children all those years ago. Sloppy Joes 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon butter 1 tablespoon grated onions salt and pepper (to taste) 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon mustard 1 teaspoon celery salt Brown ground beef, butter, grated onion and slat and pepper in a frying pan on medium-low heat. Drain any excess grease. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns - add cheese if desired.

As I look at the sunrise over the lake on this late summer day in September, my emotions run from feeling blessed to see such beauty, to sadness for the nearing end of summer. Although it brings my favorite season in New England, I'm not quite ready to let go of the warm summer days. The loons that I hold so dear are less frequently serenading me with their haunting call, and I know that it won't be long before their silence will leave an empty space in my heart. They too know that their days on the lake are coming to an end. It has been a fun summer overall, with a road trip traveling 2,000 plus miles with stops to see family and friends. I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with those we have not seen for so long. We made a few trips to the beach, but not as many as in the past. Special days with our grandchildren are the best, but they are growing up and we have fewer of these which makes me long for them to return to earlier years. There is nothing that can refresh yo...

With the world we live in today, it is imperative we teach our children what is truly important. It is not what they wear or whether or not they have the latest technology. These are just things that will not bring them to a place of self-fulfillment as they become adults. Who they are and what they give back will say so much more, and give them the inner peace and self-respect they should have. The first thing we need to do for our children is to tell them every day that they are loved. Let them know they are an important part of the family, and that we will ensure they are protected and safe. If we fail here, then we will destroy their self esteem and lose them as they grow into their teen years. I recently heard a presentation where the speaker made a statement that hit home. Basically, if we do not love our children and make them feel part of the family unit, then there are others who will...drug dealers, gangs, child molesters. That is how they bring children in - by making them a...

My garden has produced an abundance of zucchini this summer. Although I enjoy zucchini in many dishes, one of my favorite ways to use it is in bread - with chocolate chips of course. The best recipe I have found comes from my reliable Betty Crocker cookbook, and it makes 2 loaves so there is plenty to share. It can be served cold or warmed up slightly to soften the chocolate chips. Enjoy! Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips 2/3 cup shortening 2-2/3 cups sugar 4 eggs 3 cups shredded zucchini 2/3 cup water 2 teaspoons vanilla 3-1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup chocolate chips 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom only of 2 loaf pans (9x5x3 inches) 2. Mix shortening and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs, shredded zucchini, water and vanilla. 3. Blend in flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in chocolate chips. 4. Pour into pans. Bake...

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 more than...