On My Mind Today

Memorial Day is a federal U.S. holiday where we honor those who died while serving in our armed forces. The holiday is observed every year on the last Monday of May, and originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868. It was established by The Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions celebrated on different days had merged, and in time Memorial Day extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. On a lighter note, It usually marks the start of the summer vacation season. As an American, I cannot thank those who have served, or are serving our country enough. Memorial Day is a great reminder; however, we should honor and thank them every single day. Not only have they given their time to serve, but their families also serve when their loved one is...

From Lora at savoringitaly.com , this hearty Italian Lentil Soup, or Zuppa di Lenticchie, comes together in just thirty minutes.  T his healthy soup is absolutely delicious, naturally gluten-free, and vegan! A total freezer-friendly soup, so you can make extra to have later. Authentic Italian Lentil Soup ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin 1 medium onion finely diced 2 carrots peeled finely diced 2 stalks celery leaves removed and finely diced 2 cloves garlic minced 2 cups lentils brown or green picked over and rinsed 1 tsp dried sage 1 tsp dried rosemary 14 ounces canned whole tomatoes hand crushed 7- 8 cups stock vegetable or chicken, low sodium (I used my homemade chicken broth) 2 bay leaves 1 head Tuscan kale destemmed and chopped (regular kale is fine too)  *I used spinach in place of the kale* salt and pepper to taste ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional extra olive oil for drizzling Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, an...

"Take patriotism away, and the nation's soul has fled." ~ Edward Mark Deems We all know people who believe flying or displaying the American flag makes them a patriot; that this symbolic gesture is proof of their patriotism. Then others will bellow and boast of their love of country and patriotism, but what their words are truly exhibiting is prejudice, conceit and hatred.  Yes, true patriots fly the American flag. However, the flag does not belong to one person or group, and it certainly does not belong to a political party. It represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American, and it belongs to all of us. Having pride in our country is commendable, but true patriotism is recognizing that your welfare is deeply intertwined with the general welfare of your fellow countrymen. If you are to prosper, then everyone else must also prosper. In difficult times it is more important than ever to come together. Standing alone while spouting about your rights an...

We all go through difficult times in our life, and it can be easy to let the tough times take over. Human nature seems to bring us to this place first. We allow ourselves to fall into the lows as trying to pull ourselves out of it sometimes seems like a daunting task, and we don't know where to start.  When we are weighed down with life's problems, perhaps we need to start by looking at others around us. No matter what we are dealing with at the moment, there are so many other people who face much larger obstacles. Some of them we see on the nightly news, and the positive attitude and spirit they show in difficult times is amazing and inspiring. As we hear about their stories, we should recognize this as a positive lesson for all of us. At times, every one of us encounters difficult days, but with age we come to realize that it is much easier to approach them with a positive mind. When the day starts off on the wrong road, we need to stop and remind ourselves of...

Warmer weather is upon us, and along with it, ice cream season. I love ice cream, so when I found this recipe in Women's Day, I gave it a try. I wondered if it was as simple as it sounded, and if it would be a hit; not only with me, but with my grandchildren. It takes only about 10 minutes to whip it up, and they were right when they said it would be a crowd-pleaser. You can add your own secret ingredients, such as chocolate chips, fruit or nuts to make your favorite. No-Fuss Ice Cream 2 cups heavy cream 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla 1. Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream, condensed and vanilla in a large bowl until thick, stiff peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes. If adding other ingredients, such as chocolate chips, stir in. 2. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, or freezer-safe container, cover and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours and up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!!

Mother's Day has arrived once again. Although it is wonderful to have a special day set aside to recognize mothers, and those who fill the role of mother for many, I believe we should celebrate motherhood every day. All over the world mothers are the nurturers of children, and their role in shaping who these children become is invaluable. Here are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of a mother's role: Feeding, bathing and making their children feel safe and secure as infants and toddlers. Reading bedtime stories when they are too young to read themselves. Sitting at the table to help them with their homework. Staying up late to make sure the laundry is done so they have clean clothes to wear. Packing lunches for school (with all the things they like). Working long days, and even though they're exhausted, coming home to prepare dinner. Volunteering in their children's classrooms or for field trips. Coaching sports to teach kids how to be a part of a t...

There was a time when land was unsettled, when wildlife was abundant and free. Living in harmony with one another, without ever having to tremble in fear. Native Americans lived by their side, having respect for nature's creatures. Only taking what they needed to survive, leaving animals to thrive in the wild. Eventually settlers arrived from afar, clearing the land and building homes. In time towns were spread far and wide, pushing wildlife from their natural domain. Year after year people took more land, despite cries from those spreading the alarm. Trying to wake people up and take notice, of the increasing harm they have done. And now when wildlife enters human space, people cry and tremble in fear. Why are they entering our land they ask, Never admitting that they took it from them. Wildlife is losing habitats every year, leaving them not knowing where to go. One day they live in peace and solitude, and the next someone has taken their home. Humans think they should fear wild ...

Every now and then I look through my collection of recipes and decide to create something a bit different. In this I have taken a portion from one of my enchilada recipes and added my own touches to come up with a breakfast enchilada. I will tell you that I have not tested this recipe yet, but if it compares to the original recipe for a meat and cheese enchilada it will be great. You can add a little hot sauce when serving if you like extra heat. Egg, Sausage & Cheese Enchiladas 1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup Pace Picante Sauce 2 teaspoons chili powder 8 ounces ground breakfast sausage (or for heat you can use Andouille, sliced) 8 eggs 1/3 cup water, milk or half-and-half 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 6 flour tortillas (6"), warmed 1 small tomato, chopped 1 green onion, sliced hot sauce (optional) Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a small bo...

Preface: On September 25, 1789, Congress transmitted to the state Legislatures twelve proposed amendments to the Constitution. Numbers three through twelve were adopted by the states to become the United States (U.S.) Bill of Rights, effective December 15, 1791. Amendment I (1):  Freedom of religion, speech, and the press; rights of assembly and petition Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The key words are, "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" .  If a group of people gather and their intent is to destroy personal property, or violently cause harm to another then they should be arrested. Vandalism is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, or jail time of less than one year. Violence against another is a felony, which is punishable by m...