On My Mind Today

With the beginning of a New Year right around the corner, I find myself thinking about what it may bring. Will 2025 be the year that is the dawn of a bright new world, or are we going to endure and accept more of the same? It is almost inconceivable that as members of the human race we are not striving for a better world. We may be from different countries, but the majority of us all want the same things, a good life for our families, prosperity and peace. This can be achieved if we are willing to work together and stand up to those who continuously strive to keep the status quo. The leaders of the world know that if they continue to bully, spreading hatred and negativity, then their citizens will be divided. These same leaders will use the old “smoke and mirrors” method of hiding what they are doing by putting the spotlight on something else. In the midst of this, all their citizens' energies will be focused on fighting against one another, and they will be blind to the fact that ...

There are many events we will attend during the holiday season. There are the traditional appetizers that we see when we attend, but I always like to find something new and different to surprise people with. I came across this recipe a while back and it has been a big hit wherever I go. Hope that you and your guests, or host, will find it a welcome change from the usual. Tortellini Wreath with Pesto Dip   2 - 9 ounce refrigerated tortellini (such as cheese & garlic, Portobello mushroom, chicken and herb, spinach and cheese) 1 - 8 ounce tub Cream Cheese Spread 1 - 7 ounce jar basil pesto 1 teaspoon lemon juice green and red pepper strips - for garnish Kalamata olives - for garnish   1. Add tortellini to 1-gallon boiling water in large saucepan; cook approximately 4 minutes (al dente). You will want them firm for dipping. Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain again.   2. Mix cream cheese spread, pesto and lemon juice until well blended. Spoon into small ser...

 "Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century, and is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems. There is a dispute over the author, and the poem has been attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston, Jr. over the years. It was first published on December 23, 1823, in the  Troy Sentinel  newspaper in upstate New York. It is also referred to as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." Today I want to share with you the original lyrics to the poem. Hope you will enjoy sharing this with your children and grandchildren. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,  In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,  And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,  Had j...

Every day there is more and more hatred being spread in countries around the world. As an adult, it creates anxiety in my life; I can only imagine how stressful it is for children. Children do not come into the world knowing hatred - it is taught. There are two kinds of parents; the ones who contribute by teaching hate, or the ones who spend a lot of time trying to shelter their children from it and teaching them why it is wrong. I often wonder if those talking the loudest ever stop and think before they spread hatred and fear. Do they ever think about the impact on their families, friends and neighbors, or how this hatred they hang on to keeps them in a cloud of negativity? Do they really believe that people from a different ethnic group or religion than their own should be hated? Is a world where everyone is exactly the same, with the same beliefs, a world worth living in? I would like to challenge everyone to take a close look at who they are and where they come from. The truth is w...

Obsolete: no longer in use or no longer useful. No longer used because something newer exists. Everyday advances in technology help to create something "better" to replace what we have. Each new model does more than the previous one, and they tell us it will make life easier. In some ways it can, however, many times these advancements lead to humans losing one more skill in their intellectual toolbox. Each skill lost will not be passed on to the next generation; skills that will become obsolete and not useful anymore. Since I was a child there are many things that have become obsolete. A few that come to mind: Manual Typewriter Manual Cash Register Rotary Dial Telephone Slide Projectors 8 Track Tape Deck VHS Player Pagers I'm not saying the "newer" models aren't better, but with each thing we no longer have use for, we also lose the skills and knowledge required to use them. Think of how many young people you know that can't count back change from a purc...

Every now and then we enjoy a custard pie. When the desire to have one strikes, I always go to my Betty Crocker cookbook for a simple old-fashioned recipe. Made with just a few ingredients and nutmeg, it is a delicious blend of vanilla and spice.  The challenging part is getting your custard filling to set correctly. If you overcook the eggy mixture, you end up with scrambled eggs. Undercook it and you’ve got a soupy mess to deal with. But Betty Crocker has it all figured out. Instead of cooking the custard filling on the stovetop, this recipe allows it to set in the oven. This traditional technique dates back to medieval times and guarantees a smooth and rich custard filling every time.   Top it off with some fresh berries or whipped cream and enjoy! Custard Pie Pastry for 9-inch One-Crust Pie (you can make your own or use a ready to bake crust)  4 eggs 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2-2/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Heat oven to 450℉. Prepare...

There is no good choice, when it comes to taking choice away from a loved one. I cannot think of anyone who wants to make that decision. Free will to make our own decisions is something that we hold on to, even when we may know we have come to the point where we need help.  Family members that are caregivers sometimes feel as if they are walking on a tightrope. They want to allow their spouse, significant other, or parent to make decisions for as long as possible. It is not natural to treat them as if they are a child who cannot make decisions. We want to believe that nothing is wrong, that they are the same person we have known for many years. The changes sometimes happen very slowly which makes it difficult to see that they are losing the ability to make decisions. We may brush it off for a while, but eventually, it becomes crystal clear that they need our assistance in ways they never did in the past. It can be a simple thing such as mathematical tasks or spelling, remembering a...

It is likely that more than any other time in history, people are fleeing their countries and immigrating. Leaving their lifelong homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, they pray that another country will welcome them and provide a safe harbor. Many of these people walk hundreds, or even thousands of miles, with their children at their side. Sometimes they may go for days without food to eat. Even as they reach exhaustion, they continue their journey. The leaders in many countries have chosen to politicize the immigration issue. They try to frighten their citizens with lies, claiming many of these immigrants are drug dealers and murderers, the worst element from other countries. They want you to fear immigrants in order to push their own political agenda; if you listen to them their words are void of any compassion and filled with hatred. Immigration is a worldwide issue; people flow across borders, and most countries are not equipped to handle the large numbers. Even ...

For those who enjoy Moroccan-style food, you will love this chicken soup. Not only is it delicious, but it's also healthy. Out of the pages of  Weight Watchers All-Time Favorites,  it is quick and easy to prepare - ready in about 30 minutes. Bon Appetit!  Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup   1 - 32 ounce reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 - 15-1/2 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 - 14-1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with roasted garlic 1 - 6-ounce bag shredded carrots 1 teaspoon curry 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast 1 - 6-ounce bag baby arugula 1/2 cup couscous   1. Combine the broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, curry powder, cinnamon and cayenne in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the carrots are tender, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until heated through, about 1minute.   2. Stir in the arugula and couscous. Remove the saucepa...

Gray November has come and gone, and December is at our door. In spite of colder temperatures, the brighter days will lift us up. Forget anything weighing you down, let it all go for as long as you can. Much of it may work itself out, or will be there for another day. Time has come to trim the tree, and decorate throughout the house. Candles lit up in late day windows, are sure to please those passing by. Prepare a few festive Christmas cards, to send and brighten someone's day. You will find the joy you send out, will come back to you two-fold. Take out your favorite holiday recipes, to bake sweet, delicious treats for all. Turn on the carols and sing along, as your hands are mixing up love. Spend some time with family and friends, sharing joy and laughter and love. Let the time together lift your spirits, and enjoy the season as much as you can.