On My Mind Today

Bone-weary, worn out, dog-tired, bone-tired, drained, and fatigued. We all feel tired at times, but there are distinct kinds of tired. We can be tired from physical labor which I refer to as a good tired. Then there is bone-tired; a tired so deep that no amount of sleep alleviates the exhaustion. Engaging in physical activity is not only good for our body, but also for our mind. While we are diligently working with our hands, it allows our mind to wander and let any troubles float away or resolve themselves while we work. A clear mind sometimes gives us the answer to our worries. When we are done, we feel that good tired which allows us to sleep peacefully. There are many things we all deal with on a daily basis. We may get tired from work, children, and daily routine, but most of the time we are able to manage them without too much trouble. Once we are able to get a good night of rest, our energy level is normally renewed. The next day we are ready to start all over again. Stress from...

Welcome home! I can hardly contain my excitement and joy as many more of my feathered friends return to New England. Spring has truly arrived. With the sun shining higher in the sky, it warms our soul, and the fresh spring air makes us feel alive. The ice is off the lake, and the open waters welcome the ducks and geese who float along the waters searching for their next meal. Before long there will be the never-ending parade of baby ducks following their parents as they teach them to hunt for food. Such fun to watch them dive under in front of you and then emerging several seconds later in a different location. Robins hop along the grass in search of bugs and worms, and many other birds are arriving every day. Soon we will see the Tanager, Black-Capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal and so many more. The last to arrive will be my beautiful Hummingbirds on Mother's Day, and their feeder will be ready and full of sweet nectar. I have yet to ...

After seeing someone prepare this dish on television, I went online to find a recipe. Unfortunately, I don't remember the website where this recipe comes from, but it is creamy, comforting and delicious. To save yourself some time, you can purchase the squash peeled and cut so all you will need to do is cut the pieces smaller. It is filled with the flavor of autumn and is perfect for a family dinner or dinner party any time of year. Butternut Squash Risotto Serves 4 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste freshly ground black pepper 2 cups cubed butternut squash, 1/4-inch cubes 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 teaspoon minced rosemary or sage (I used 1/2 teaspoon of each) 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 4 cups warmed vegetable broth chopped parsley or small sage leaves, optional, for garnish 1/2 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving In a large skillet, heat the oil over ...

The nurturer knows no other way, they are driven to protect and help. No matter the circumstance someone may be in, their inner voice will move them to lend a hand. They do not know how to step away, no matter how difficult the situation may be. They tell themselves there must be at least one thing to do to lift someone from their dark days. If I could just do this, or maybe that, their burden will be not so great. My shoulders are strong and ready to help, to lessen the load that they carry. These providers refuse to give up, even when everything tells them they should. It is unbearable to accept that they have reached the end of any assistance they are able to give. The nurturer ends up weary at times from trying to help so many. As they keep pushing themselves, they may eventually become aware  that some do not even want to help themselves. Despite their attempts they need to accept that at times they need to step back. No matter how hard they try, every now and then, there is n...

The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. ~Wendell Berry~ We all have hopes and dreams for our lives, and for our children's and grandchildren's lives. In years past these thoughts were filled with optimism and certainty that they would become reality. After all, anything is possible. However, with recent events throughout the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a high level of optimism. I have found it challenging recently to rise above it all, and find a way not to have fear about th...

Good health is something that many of us take for granted. We have a misguided belief that it will take care of itself as we move through this thing called life. Never would we think at some point in our lives we will face health issues. When we are children, good health and maintaining it is easy. Children are active, running and playing outside, always busy doing something. As the old saying goes, no grass grows under their feet. They never feel the need to think about their health. Sailing through our teen years we feel invincible and believe that we will live forever. We stay healthy playing sports or doing other activities with our friends. We are always on the go and many times survive on little sleep. Even as we burn the candle on both ends, we are still young and able to maintain our health, one of the remarkable things about youth. As the years go by and we become parents, we tend to be less active and do not pay attention to our health. With a busy life of work, kids, and the...

From Food.com contributor Lizzie Rodriquez, this chicken soup recipe uses r educed fat cream cheese to add richness. Very easy to make, it can be ready for your dinner table in about 30 minutes. Serve with warm, crusty rolls for a great cold weather meal. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1⁄8 teaspoon salt 1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained (or fresh spinach) 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed 3 cups low sodium chicken broth In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened, about 7 minutes. Add chicken, and spinach; stir for 1 minute. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add broth, bring to a simmer, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Growing up I was very aware of what needs were. There were six children in my family, and we were well fed and clothed and had a roof over our heads. We did chores and were given a small allowance (what they could afford) and we were allowed to spend it as we wished. I spent my first 50 cents on chocolate - a want. Anyone who knows me would not be surprised by this, but I did learn over time. Our parents did try to give us more than they had, but their generation had so little during the great depression that it was a little easier to do more by the time they had children. We also tried to teach our children the difference between what they needed and what they wanted. We made sure they knew that our job as parents was to keep them safe, fed, clothed and to provide a roof over their heads. These were their needs, and they were always met. I know there were many things they wanted as they grew up, things their friends may have had, but as we a...

What right do you have to invade their home? It is not yours to take by brutal force. Attacking like a thief in the night, showing your cowardice and cruelty. Telling the world your lies in order to justify your actions. No one, not even your own citizens, believe your fabrications and protest against you. Brutally killing innocent people, and labeling them as the aggressor. Forcing families to leave their home, traveling far and wide to protect their children. Men of all ages, and many women, staying behind to protect their homeland. Using their bodies and weapons to block the destruction from tanks. These brave souls will always be the true heroes. You, with your powerful army and weapons, attacking a small country living in peace. If you succeed, you will always be the pariah who has isolated his country from the world.   The world is watching your aggression with sadness and tears. They all see you for the brutal oppressor that you are. This will not end well, as wars neve...