On My Mind Today

  Nov ember Darkness Once again you grace our door, bringing gray skies and gloominess. Your darkness can cast shadows across our souls making cheerful days harder to come by. We struggle to rise each day, and are slow to greet what lies ahead. It would be easier to bring the covers up over our heads and remain sleeping. Sunshine becomes increasingly evasive as it hides behind dark clouds. Every now and then its rays peek through, and we praise and cherish each precious moment. At times we envy the woodland  creatures who hibernate through these dreary times. They have no worries of facing the dismal days of November as they slumber, peacefully dreaming of summer days left behind. The gathering of family and friends near months end helps to lift our spirits, pulling us up from the long dark days. One day that easily washes away the dismal weeks we have recently endured. November; dark, dreary, and dreaded materializes as we are trying to enjoy the last vestiges of fall foliage...

Before too long, we will be moving into the holiday season and will be hosting gatherings with family and friends. If you are planning a brunch during this time of year, you might want to try this recipe from Tasty which I found on social media. Filled with pumpkin, pecans, and caramel, this sweet treat is sure to be a hit with your brunch guests. Caramel Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter, melted flour pizza dough caramel topping Preheat oven to 350℉. In a medium bowl combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pecans, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough and drizzle with caramel topping. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough lengthwise into 3 long strips, and widthwise into 6 - creating mini rectangles. In a greased 8x4 l...

As far back as I can remember Halloween has been one of those holidays that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dreaming up a costume and going out to Trick or Treat for candy. Growing up there were six of us and we spent weeks deciding what we wanted to be and how to come up with the costume. Of course, back then we used what was available in the house to create our vision, and maybe we could get a purchased plastic mask. Then on Halloween night our parents took us out to go from house to house. We would run up to the door, knock, and when it was opened, we would all yell out, "Trick or treat!", then watch as the treat was deposited into our bag or bucket. After saying thank you we moved on to the next house and repeated the process until we felt that nothing had been missed. Once home we would dump our bounty on the table and our eyes would open wide with amazement at what we had collected. I kept that tradition alive with my children, and they did with their chi...

Of all the seasons in New England, fall is my favorite. The warm days and cool nights of early fall breathe life into my soul and energize me. Then October arrives and Mother Nature puts on her fall foliage show with a breathtaking display of red, orange and gold. Truly a vision unlike any other. When late fall arrives the days and nights get cooler; leaves fall from the trees and November arrives. November, one of my least favorite months (with March being the other); gray days with little sunshine to warm our bones and brighten our spirits. If it were not for Thanksgiving at the end of the month, and Christmas in December, it might be extremely difficult to get through the darkness. November can bring gloomy moods if we allow it to, so I try to find some fun and enjoyment even on these days. When my oldest daughter was around two, we happened to be looking out on a cool, gray November day. The wind was blowing hard, and the leaves were falling from the trees. ...

Although it is not always a perfect life, it has been filled with love, hopes and dreams. Places we have gone and things we have seen, forever memories that can be recalled. Years go by giving time no thought, with so much in our future to do. We take for granted the life we have, never imagining what road lies ahead. One day things begin to slowly change, a memory lapse from time to time. Written off as not paying attention, or listening to what has been said. As time passes it is too much to ignore, and a search for an answer ensues. The words they speak too difficult to absorb, will overwhelm and take your breath away. Far too young for this to be true, disbelief at what you have been told. The only thing that can be done, is to try and slow it down. The long goodbye they call it, you have no understanding of what this means. The journey you are about to embark on, is far more than you could ever surmise. At first the changes are minor, everyday life remains much the same. We go and...

From the always reliable Betty Crocker, this variation of apple pie is absolutely delicious! Think caramel apples and you will know how great this combination is. Prep time is only about 25 minutes, and it's easy enough to make with your children. I know this pie will be one that is made often in our home, and it's sure to be a hit with your family also. Caramel-Apple Pie 1 box prepared, refrigerated pie crust (2/box), softened as directed on the box, or you can make your own pie crust. 1/2 cup butterscotch caramel topping (I used sea salt caramel topping) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 8 cups baking apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/2 inch (6-8 apples) Fresh McIntosh work well. 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon milk 2 teaspoons sugar 1/2 cup butterscotch caramel topping Vanilla ice cream , if desired 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Place cookie sheet on bottom rack. Make pie crusts as directed on box for two-...

Life can be exhausting at times. There is too much noise, too much chaos, and an overabundance of negativity coming into our days. It's not surprising that people look back at different eras and think that life may have been easier, or at least simpler with less stress. In thinking about this, I decided to look at a few different eras of days gone by to see what they were like. I wonder if anyone might choose to go back to any of these times? 27 BCE-14 CE: The Roman Empire - a period in Roman civilization that was governed by emperors and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, North Africa and West Asia. There were secure borders and a stable central government, and they enjoyed a period of prosperity and technological advancement. If you were a Roman citizen you were entitled to education, military pensions, democracy and welfare for the poor. A non-citizen received protection from invaders, free passage for supplies, and engineering advancements for a ...

Seven decades have passed, which has made me pause and look back on my life. I have a good life and over the years have had few regrets. The one question I do ask myself is "where did that young woman go?" The younger woman had many dreams, goals and ambitions, excited about life, fun and carefree. Dreaming of adventures that she would embark on when stepping out on her own, she was willing to take risks to get there. In her mind were visions of traveling the world and becoming a famous writer or photographer. With a heart filled with joy and wonder, she would share her experiences with everyone so they could imagine being in all of the places she had been. Along the way, life got in the way, and these dreams and adventures ended up at the end of the list. Adulthood brought work, marriage and children, and somehow, she got lost; lost amongst all the daily tasks and routines; lost amongst all that she did to care for those she loved. Prior to this some of my own fears kept me ...

My daughter shared this recipe from  tastefulventure.com  with me, and I figured it would be a nice change from our usual dinner menu. Living with a Sicilian, I wasn't sure how he would react to spaghetti squash. I did add ground sweet Italian sausage as he doesn't feel it's a meal without meat. Much to my surprise, he actually thought it was great. Filled with a mix of great flavors, it is a dish that will grace our dinner table again in the future. Italian Spaghetti Squash Boats 1 large Spaghetti Squash 1/2 Red Pepper chopped 1/2 Sweet Onion chopped 4 cloves minced Garlic 1/4 cup chopped fresh Basil 2 1/2 cups of Marinara Sauce 1/2 cups shredded low fat Mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and cut Spaghetti Squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Place squash halves cut side up on foil lined baking sheet. Brush 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil over insides of squash. S...

Where did you go with your vibrant soul, that once shined bright as a star. In the midst of everyday chaos, did you lose yourself once again? It used to be easy feeling free to dream, never letting things get in your way. These days so much seems to cloud your mind, that barriers hinder your vision of what could be. Torn between the inherent need to do for others, and the yearning to chase a buried dream. Your heart is filled with a desire to care for the ones you cherish, and your soul cries out, what about me? Balance, you whisper, or everyone will lose, yet balance is elusive most days. Pulled here, then there, to make sure that loved ones thrive, and telling yourself tomorrow will be for you. There is great joy in what you do for others, and their happiness is a true reward. But you are empty when there is no time left for you, and your soul feels the void. Don't lose yourself,  take a breath and step back. Remember the dreams, set time aside, and bring your heart and soul back...

Over the past few months, we have traveled the highways and secondary roads from New England to South Carolina and back, and much more. Our adventures have taken us over 3,000 miles, and one thing I have come to realize is that Mother Earth deserves better from humans. Although there are billboards in some New England states, the further south you go they become even more prevalent. They may encourage people to stop at attractions along the way, or travel off the highway to buy souvenirs, but they detract from any beauty that Mother Earth is so willing to share with us. It is difficult to see wildflowers along the roadway, or family farms with livestock and fields of corn, with huge advertising signs blocking the view. Some states have banned them, and it would be great to see them disappear from the roadside throughout our country. With today's technology we can easily find the places we want or need to go without a big billboard blocking the views. One of the most heartbreaking t...

From Nagi at  recipetineats.com ,  these buttery, crispy smashed potatoes will be  your new favorite potato recipe.   Ultra-crispy  on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these taste like buttery  French  fries, but  they  look completely different.  Forget squashing them neat and flat – the more nubbly the surface, the better the crunch! Ultra-Crispy  Smashed Potatoes 1.4 lb. small potatoes (12 - 14)  2 - 2.4 lb. medium potatoes (6 - 8), cut into large chunks 1 tbsp salt (for boiling) 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 tbsp olive oil 3/4 tsp salt (for sprinkling) 1/4 tsp black pepper Finely chopped parsley, optional garnish Cook potatoes: Bring a pot of water to the boil, add 1 tbsp salt. Cook potatoes until soft - small ones should take around 20 to 25 minutes, medium ones might take 30 minutes. It's ok if the skin splits. Alternatively, steam or microwave them. Preheat oven to 400℉. Steam dry: Drain the potatoes and let...

Regardless of the path life takes us on, there is always one place that feels like home. We may travel the world and live in many other areas, but that one place we return to comforts our soul. Perhaps it has something to do with family and memories, or maybe it is simply the beauty of our surroundings making us feel like gentle arms are comforting us. Although we may never know exactly what draws us there, we will always be pulled back to feel the peace and contentment only it can provide. For me that one place is Vermont. This is where I was born, and where I lived for many years at various times of my life. Every time I return my first thought is I am home. Her beauty is breathtaking, and even though I have seen many beautiful places in my travels, nothing compares to, or speaks to me, like the beauty of Vermont. The changing of the seasons ensures there is always something new and different to see. Just as we begin to tire of the cold snowy winters, spring arrives on our doorstep w...

Propaganda - In formation, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Propaganda can be true, but many times false, and is used to push an issue. During World War I the use of propaganda emerged as modern media outlets were on the rise, and was refined into an art. The sole purpose was to spread information (or misinformation) and rumors for political purpose. There are seven techniques used to spread propaganda: Name Calling: Using negative or discriminatory words to arouse suspicion and prejudice. To create the dislike of a group of people they attack their beliefs, leaders and religion. Glittering Generalities: Making generalized statements using slogans or catchphrases. Usually, they involve the ideas of love, honor, glory, family values, freedom or patriotism that will inspire pride. The statements say very little so they cannot be proved or disproved. Transfer: Using a revered symbol to promote the prop...

From the pages of my well used and always reliable Betty Crocker Cookbook, this applesauce cake is moist and delicious. It takes no time to mix up, and is great for that last minute dessert you need. This one I prepared for a longtime friend that we had not seen for quite some time. He showed up with Italian pastries, so I can also tell you that it freezes well. Nice to have something sweet on hand for our next guest. Applesauce Cake 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1-/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1-1/2 cups applesauce 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1 cups raisins (optional) 1. Hat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan, 2 round layer pans, or a tube pan. 2. Beat all ingredients in a large mixer bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, about 30 seconds. Beat on high speed, scraping bowl occasional...

We live in a society where the mindset is to throw things away if we feel we no longer have a use for them. Our landfills are overflowing with things that should not be there; much of it toxic to the ground, and some of it tossed when it still may have a purpose. Many years ago, the trend turned to manufacturing things for a single use - plates, utensils, paper towels, diapers and so much more. Marketers convinced everyone that these new and innovative items made our lives so much easier, no fuss, no mess. Nobody thought about the consequences to the earth. There were times, such as during the depression or during war, that people were very cautious about what they used, and didn't throw things away needlessly. There always seemed to be something else they could do with an item after its initial purpose was done. Out of necessity came many innovative and creative ideas on how to use a "used" item. Growing up we were taught ways to reuse everything from paper bags to coffe...

  "Legends say that Hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The Hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life's sweetest creation." ~ Unknown A few Hummingbird facts: They are native to the Americas and are among the smallest birds measuring 7.5-13 cm in length. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second). They can fly right, left, up, down, backwards and even upside down. They can hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern, and fly at speeds up to 49 mph. They live for 3 to 5 years. Their bright radiant color comes from iridescent coloring like on a soap bubble or prism and are used to attract mates. Out of the more than 300 species, 12 of them summer in North America and winter in tropical areas. Hummingbirds migrate individually and only during the day. Their migration ca...

This recipe for Chicken Francese is from  www.saltandlavender.com  and  has golden  pan-fried  chicken in a delicious buttery lemon sauce. I recently made it when my  granddaughter  was here, and she can be a bit of a picky eater, and not much of a lemon lover. It was a big hit with her, and we loved it too. You can make this restaurant favorite at home in about half an hour! Chicken Francese 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise Salt & pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup flour + 1 tablespoon flour divided use 2 eggs lightly beaten 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup chicken broth or 50/50 chicken broth and dry white wine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 lemon sliced into thin rings For serving: chopped parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner cutlets. Place them between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and then pound thin (to about 1/4...

 Whether times in our life are good or bad, I do believe that there is always a lesson we are supposed to learn. The question is, are we open to receiving the message? Too often we are caught up in whatever is going on to see what is right in front of us. When wonderful things happen like getting married or having a child, we sometimes are so wrapped up in making plans, or caring for a fussy baby, that we don't fully appreciate these blessings. The days filled with sunshine and fun with family and friends pass far too quickly. An exciting new job, promotions at work, traveling to new places, and so many more great moments in our life. Perhaps we have fleeting moments of appreciation, but are we receiving the message? These wonderful times are ones we need to never forget, as we will need these memories and lessons later in life. Even in difficult times, there is a lesson for us to learn. We may not always understand why we are given stress, struggle or sadness, but if we are o...

We are children of the 60's and changing times. Witness to an escalation of the Vietnam war, anti-war protests, the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and sexual revolution. We were the love generation, the hippie generation, and the counterculture movement. Psychedelic colors, drugs, and rock music were an integral part of our world. We saw the assassination of President Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington. We all believed when he spoke so eloquently, about having a dream for a better tomorrow. We challenged our government, and brought great change politically and socially. We were young Americans rebelling against tradition, men wore long hair and women miniskirts. We embraced Mother Nature, and became environmentalists. Demanding change and protection, through political activism. We saw the Soviet Luna 9 land on the moon, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon. The FDA approved the first birth control pill, changing how we looked...

It's that time of year when zucchini is plentiful. There are many options available for finding new recipes, and I found this one on social media. I thought it was worth trying and I'm glad I did as it is amazing! I love zucchini and find that there are always new ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. Give it a try - I'm sure it will become a favorite for you too. Zucchini Boats 2 medium zucchini, stem end cut off and sliced in half lengthwise olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper grape tomatoes plain or seasoned breadcrumbs small mozzarella balls grated Parmesan fresh basil 1. Scoop out center of zucchini halves. Mix olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper, and brush on the zucchini. 2. Cut grape tomatoes in half and place on the zucchini, then sprinkle breadcrumbs over the tomatoes. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until just turning tender. 3. Remove from oven and place mozzarella balls on top of each zucchini half, then broil until melted. Brush with a ...

Spirituality: the quality or state of being spiritual. of or relating to religion or religious beliefs of or relating to a person's spirit When I think of spirituality, the second definition is the one I relate to. I do believe in God, but I do not think of myself as a highly religious person; one who follows a specific religion. However, I am a very spiritual person. Spiritual in the sense that I feel very connected to the earth and nature. I do believe we are linked far more than many may think. Those outside the Native American culture often confuse religion with spirituality. Native American spirituality includes a strong reverence for animal life, the environment and each other. Although many tribes practice different spiritual ceremonies and rituals, the main feature is the relationship of man with the land. There are times in my life when I have felt that I was losing my way, or when outside forces have easily overwhelmed me. These times have also coincided with periods when...

My old-fashioned traditional Whoopie Pie recipe is great; they are always delicious and other Whoopie Pies never seem to compare. I recently decided that I would like to make adjustments to my recipe for a new flavor. Since I am a fan of Mexican chocolate cake, I came up with some changes and additions. I added chili powder and cinnamon in the cake and substituted some cold brewed coffee and cocoa powder in the filling. Not only did they smell amazing while they were in the oven, but the results were outstanding! Mexican Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Mocha Filling 1-1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour milk* 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup hot water (I used dark cocoa powder) 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup mini chocolate chips * To sour milk, add 1-1/2 teaspoons vinegar  or  lemon juice and enough milk to make 1/2 cup) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 1. In a me...

As decades pass, it seems the years fly by at a faster pace. We believed in our youth that we had forever and could not foresee fewer years ahead than behind. And yet, we reach this point sooner than we could have imagined. What we find as we age, is how precious time is with our children, our grandchildren, family and friends. The love, joy and laughter we have shared over the years, we hold onto in our memories like they are precious gold. At this point in my life, my grandchildren are close to, or at, the adult stage of their lives. The time with them is far and few between with their busy lives. When I receive a call saying they want to come and stay for a few days, my only question is, "when are you coming"? I was blessed this past week to have my two granddaughters, ages 15 and 17, come stay with us. They are intelligent, funny and filled with contagious energy. Don't get me wrong, they do love their technology and spend time looking at phones, but they also still l...

Growing up we were outside as much as possible. The thought of staying in the house and looking at a screen was boring; we couldn't wait to go outside and play games with our friends. Back then playing in the street was not a big deal. We simply moved to one side whenever a car came by. Back in the 60's, few cars did come by, and for the most part we could play without interruption. Of course today, playing in the street is not advisable, but you can certainly play in the front or backyard with your children. Getting them outside for fresh air and exercise will be easier once they see how much fun it can be. There are many outside games, but I have some from my childhood that I wanted to share, along with the rules of each game. We had many hours of fun playing these games, and I hope that you will enjoy playing them with your children. Red Rover Two teams make two lines of kids facing each other and holding hands.  One side begins by calling out to an opposing teammate: "...

This soup from Food Network Magazine is low calorie and delicious. With our gardens filled with fresh vegetables it's a great time to prepare this for your family or to serve to dinner guests. Serve with some crusty rolls for a great meal. Summer Vegetable Soup with Andouille 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1 - 12-ounce package fully cooked andouille sausages, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch pieces. 1 pound red-skinned potatoes, cut into chunks 4 ounces wax beans, trimmed and halved 4 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved 1 ear corn, kernels cut off 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1 large tomato, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon. 2. Add the potatoes, wax beans, gre...