On My Mind Today

July 4th - Independence Day, and the first official sign of summer. Life on the lake can get chaotic during the summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Things have been very quiet for several months and now the fun begins. The quiet will be broken by fireworks that will be displayed on the lake each night of this weekend and many other weekends to come. I guess we should enjoy the peace since the rest of the summer is jam packed full of guests and fun. Winter and spring seem to last so long that it feels like we wait forever for the hot, sunny summer days. Now that they have finally arrived there are visits from my girls and grandchildren, trips to the ocean, cookouts with family and friends, leisurely boat rides and faster ones to pull the kids on the tube, and so much more. With the short summer months here in New England, we have a difficult time fitting it all in.  If anyone wants to come and we can accommodate t...

Fruit pops are always a cool and refreshing dessert on a hot summer day. It is even better when they are also healthy. These Rainbow Ice Pops from the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Loss Recipe Collection are the perfect ending to your summer cookout. Kids and adults will both enjoy the cool, fresh fruit flavor of these pops. Rainbow Ice Pops Makes 6  1/2 cup whole Strawberries, diced 1/2 cup Kiwi, sliced and diced (I used Mango) 1/2 cup Watermelon, diced (I used Raspberries) 1/2 cup Blueberries 2 cups Apple juice (I used no sugar added) Mix the fruit together and divide evenly into ice pop cups (6 to 8 oz. each). Pour 1/3 cup of the juice into each cup. Place the cups on a level surface in the freezer. Freeze until partially frozen, approximately 1 hour. Insert pop stick into the center of each cup. Freeze until firm.  I used a pop maker mold, so I was able to insert the stick before freezing. * Feel free to use your favorite fruits in place of above.

I may not call as often as I used to, and my messages are not as frequent. Don't fret and wonder as to why, as I have not forgotten you. Life is not what I imagined as I entered this stage of life. The dreams of carefree days filled with fun are not as common as I had hoped. Sometimes it is hard to explain the things that are faced each day. Although they may be small at this time, the worry is not felt less. Many days seem to be long, and it is enough just keeping up. When the evening arises with time to relax, silence seems to be a best friend. I do think of you often, and treasure memories of time spent together. However, no matter how good my intentions, there are times that sleepy eyes stop a call. Know in your heart that I think of you, and cherish our time and conversations. One day when you least expect it your phone will ring, as I have not forgotten you. 

Although it's been twenty-plus years since my father's passing, I still miss him. There are some days when I feel his absence more than others; with the arrival of Father's Day there have been many of these days. My father was not a perfect man; like everyone he had his flaws. However, he was a good man. He was very intelligent and had a sharp wit and good sense of humor. He also had a good heart and treated people fairly, regardless of social status or race. He was strict when it came to his daughters, but what father wouldn't be? Even though I rebelled as a teenager, I came to understand his reasons when I became a parent. He was only trying to protect us from the bad in the world. I remember him bringing candy bars home in his lunch pail for us and taking us for a ride on Sundays. Sometimes in the summer we would go to the lake for a cookout, or pile in the car to see a movie at the drive-in theater. He also taught us fun things like reciting the alphabet backwards a...

There are times I have items in the freezer that need to be used, but it is not enough on its own for a meal. Recently there was some chorizo sausage, so I went searching for ways to incorporate it into a recipe. I don't remember where I found this, but I do know that as with many of the recipes I try I made some of my own adjustments for a quick and easy meal. Delicious main dish with a great blend of veggies and spices with a kick from the chorizo. Serve with a fresh garden salad. Spanish Rice with Veggies and Chorizo Serves 8 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 white onion, sliced 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 red or yellow bell pepper, sliced thin 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half 2 teaspoons paprika 1 cup frozen peas 1/2 lb. chorizo sausage (cooked), sliced 2 pkgs Zataran's Spanish Rice 2 ea. 14-1/2-ounce petite diced tomatoes juice of 1/2 lemon fresh parsley lemon wedges In a large saucepan, prepare the Zataran's Spanish Rice as directed. In a sauté pan heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, a...

Anyone growing up in the northeast can relate to the old saying "summer is a short month in New England". The actual duration is the same as anywhere else but depending on the weather it can seem extremely short. As soon as we experience the first warm day our thoughts turn to all the events we want to plan with family and friends, and the coordinating of schedules begins. There are only so many weekends of summer and trying to bring everyone together can be a logistical nightmare. If we are lucky, most people will be available on the same date. For a major event we will have to plan a year in advance. Of course, all of the above needs to be maneuvered around any vacation plans we have made. Whether it is a major overseas trip, traveling locally or visiting another state, these are usually arranged well ahead of the summer season. Once these trips are set, we can only hope we will not miss family gatherings while we are away.  Now all we have to do is pray for the weather to ...

You look in the mirror at your reflection, and see that you do exist. Yet your mind is filled with voices whispering you are invisible. The quiet ones never seek attention, and are discreet in all they do. What is done for those around them is unnoticed by encircling crowds. You do not ask for much, and have no desire to be the star. Do what you can, then step behind the curtain, and become invisible once again. Although you need to be noticed at times, you will never cry out to be seen. Silently hoping that someone will realize you are visible and reach out a hand. Being invisible can be peaceful, and protect us from life's chaos. However, everyone wants a moment or two to be visible and stand in the light. You only allow the light to shine on you for a very small amount of time. Then you happily slip into shadows, and welcome invisibility once again.

It is always great when we can find side dishes that are delicious and will impress our family and friends. Recently I came across these easy mashed potato puffs from www.thekitchn.com . They could not be easier to make, and you can have them ready for the table in about 30 minutes. I used Parmesan cheese and did not use bacon or ham. They not only looked great but are creamy and delicious. Mashed Potato Puffs Makes 12 to 24 puffs depending on size of pan used. Cooking spray or butter 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes (I used Idaho Instant Potatoes) 3 large eggs, beaten 1 cup grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyere, divided 1/4 cup minced fresh chives 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon or ham (optional)  salt fresh ground black pepper sour cream, for serving (optional) Arrange rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat the cups of a regular or mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. (I used a regular muffin pan and it made 8 puffs) Place mashed potatoes, eg...

Hope - a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a person or thing that may help or save someone; grounds for believing that something good may happen. There are days when hope is an easy thing to see and feel. The day starts on a bright note, there is music in our heart, and we believe anything is possible. No matter what direction we take everything seems to turn out as we hoped it would. And then there are times that hope is elusive. As hard as we try to remain optimistic, it is difficult for us to find hope. These are the days we need to seek out the signs in front of us. Even on the darkest of days there is hope all around us. Every smile from family, friend, or even a passing stranger is a sign of hope. This simple gesture can open our hearts from the darkness. Nature has a way of shining a light with her wonders. The bees buzzing from flower to flower collecting pollen, birds signing as they bring food to their young, and ducks floating on the water with...