On My Mind Today

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...

The sun rises with clear blue skies, with hope for peace and serenity. I remain still with shallow breathing, careful not to disturb those who sleep. These days quiet moments are rare, they are more precious than gold. Silence is like an elusive butterfly, hiding just out of sight. Noise surrounds me far too early, and sometimes never seems to end. From television to constant chatter, at times it is difficult to breathe. Some days the sensory overload, can exhaust my weary soul. Just a few moments of silence and solitude, a bit of tranquility is all I need. Let me watch the sunrise appear in the sky, and see Mother Nature awaken. Her creatures stir and start the day, a great joy for the eyes to behold. So, give me just a few moments, to soothe my weary soul. The peace and serenity of silence, are far more precious than gold.

In our youth we have many dreams, ever changing with each new day. So much ahead in our lives, with choices we will need to make. Early on our dreams are smaller, with visions of first dates and kisses. Imagining gliding across the floor, at school dances with our first crush. Some of our dreams are a fantasy, of living a rich and famous life. The younger we are the bigger the dream, never believing it cannot become real. As the years pass by the dreams evolve, into much larger events in life. Marriage, children and so much more, making precious memories along the way. In mid-life things begin to change, and we see things with new eyes. After years of chasing our many dreams, we learn some things don't go as planned. Dreams become so much different, more personal and smaller in scope. With each year we begin to realize, the smaller dreams mean so much more. As we enter into our senior years, everything becomes crystal clear. Our only dream is to embrace each day, for sometimes life...

From Just a Pinch Recipes contributor, Vicki Butts, Grapeview, WA. this Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon is a good comfort food that warms your soul. The beef is extremely tender, and it pairs well with the smoky bacon and sweet carrots. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, with a baked potato side, or as a soup over rice. Any way you choose to serve it, the flavor is absolutely delicious! Yield: 4 -6  Prep time:15 Min Cook time:12 hours Beef Bourguignon 3 lb. rump roast, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (I like to use baby carrots instead) 1 md onion, sliced 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 Tbsp flour 10 oz beef broth 6 slice cooked bacon, cut into 1-2-inch pieces 2 c red wine 1 Tbsp tomato paste 2 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp thyme 1 bay leaf 1/2 lb. small white onions, peeled 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced Place the beef cubes, carrots, and onion in the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper; stir ...

Looking at all the so called "reality" shows they keep producing that exhibit the worst of people's lives, and knowing that so many are watching, is very disconcerting. The people they present are often offensive and negative, or willing to make a fool of themselves for their fifteen minutes of fame. It is truly sad in many ways. To think we would rather look at such negative nonsense, instead of embracing our own life, absolutely puzzles me. It is very apparent that we have become a society that seems to dwell on the negative. I guess it is easy as there are so many negative messages put in our faces and screaming at us, while we must look much harder and deeper to see the many positive possibilities. It takes energy and a positive attitude to move your life in a direction that will bring joy and happiness.  None of it comes by just sitting back and expecting it to show up. You need to engage yourself each day and see what could be. Try something that you have ...

Over the last few years, my time has slowly been transitioning into being a caregiver. It has been a slow progression, but time for me is becoming more elusive these days. It can be difficult to r emember that if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be any good to those in your life.  It is not in my nature to put myself first, and I know there are many others like me. We try to make sure that everyone else in our life is taken care of and their needs are met. There are two reasons for this: we enjoy doing for others as it makes us feel good, and it is rewarding when we see them happy. Of course, my sister would say there is a third reason; our purpose in life is to help others. When our children are young our role is to take care of them. We plan, organize and prepare for whatever arises each day, nurturing them as they grow into young adults. As our children leave the nest we tend to transfer these actions to others in our life. The need to nurture so strong that we can...

Growing up, a lot of children do not like spinach - even when Popeye tells them it can make them strong. This recipe from Taste of Home contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, FL just might change their mind. Spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan is filled with delicious flavors that will win anyone over - even my non-veggie eater. Spinach-Parmesan Casserole 2 pounds fresh baby spinach (I used 3 - 8oz. bags) 5 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 400°.  In a stockpot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Add spinach; cook, covered, 1 minute or just until wilted. Drain well. (I did not boil the spinach. I added it to the butter and oil with the garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and sauteed it.) In a small skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning and salt; cook and stir until garlic is tender, 1-2 minutes. Spread spinach in a grease...

Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.  Understanding: Sympathetically aware of other people's feelings; tolerant and forgiving.  Tolerance: The ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.  Acceptance: The quality or state of being accepted; the act of accepting something or someone. Although we have our differences, we all should expect these values to be practiced when dealing with one another. It's called common decency and respect for others, and these should not be compromised for any reason. In our ever-changing world we need to take time to step back, acknowledge, and learn to accept our differences. Just because we have contrasting lifestyles or opinions, it doesn't give us the right to criticize one another. We can live in harmony if we learn to be accepting, and if we mind our own business. Somehow over the last several d...

Some days the sunshine will not grace our door, and it will be hard to find our way. When our minds feel the clouds and fog, we must push through to the other side. When we are faced with a day filled with to-dos, the list can become daunting and overwhelming. With determination we can make light work of it all, and push through to the other side. There will be times when we feel down, and self-pity can easily move in. Don't linger there for too long, just push through to the other side. Days will come when we feel lonely, even though we may stand in a crowd. If we reach out to those we are close to, we can push through to the other side. Holidays arrive with much joy and a bit of sadness too, as gatherings feel the absence of loved ones we have lost. If we share our memories of those gone but not forgotten, we will be able to push through to the other side. Life brings with it many experiences and emotions, the ups and downs that we all live through. Although we may stumble now an...

From Taste of Home contributor, Marilyn Louise Riggenbach from Ravenna, Ohio, these old-world cookies are filled with the delicious flavors of cinnamon and cloves. Her uncles call them cupcake cookies because of the unique way they are baked. The recipe is her grandmother's and is quite simple. Once the batter is mixed up, it is covered and refrigerated for an hour. I used a standard size muffin tin, and the recipe made 15 cookies. They are absolutely delicious and sure to be a hit with your family. Baki's Old-World Cookies 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 cup ground walnuts 1-1/2 cups al-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Confectioner's sugar Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add nuts. In another bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon and cloves: add with vanilla to creamed mixture. Cover an...

As I sit here on Mother's Day, I find myself thinking about my two daughters and how proud I am of the amazing women and mothers they have become. They have had their struggles, some I am aware of and many I'm sure I am not, but they have persevered and emerged stronger and wiser. Just as I did as I found my way on the road of motherhood. As we all know it's not an easy road to maneuver at times; there will be great joy and some heartache along the way. Looking back there are many things that come to mind, and some that have stayed with me are: When I was carrying my children and heard their heartbeat for the first time. The day they were born; both the pain of childbirth and how I forgot that pain the minute I held them in my arms. The feeling of overwhelming love for my child, and fear of having to care for them and protect them. How could I do all of this? Sleepless nights caring for a colicky baby yet cherishing the feeling of holding and comforting them. The first time...

Early morning as daylight is breaking through; silence envelops us in peace and solitude. Savor these moments you quietly say,  before the beginning of the day. The sun slowly rises on the horizon, filling the sky with rays of heavenly light. The beauty takes your breath away; savor these moments you quietly say. Mother Nature's creatures begin to stir; birds chirping, loons calling, and fish silently sending ripples across the water's surface. Take in her beauty as they set about their day; savor these moments you quietly say. Full daylight arrives to break the spell; people arise and homes begin to stir. We filled our soul with peace and joy, to bring with us as we go. Savor these moments you quietly say, until the beginning of another day.

From Brandie at thecountrycook.com , this recipe for chicken and biscuits uses simple ingredients and is very easy to make. We all can use a one dish recipe that can be put together in 15 minutes and popped into the oven. In about an hour, you will have a delicious weeknight dinner for your family that they will love. Chicken and Biscuits Casserole 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon rotisserie seasoning ½ teaspoon black pepper 12 ounce can refrigerated biscuits (or 2 6-ounce cans) 1 cup f rozen peas and carrots 1 cup s hredded Cheddar cheese 2 cups cooked chicken  (shredded or diced) ¼ cup sliced green onion (optional) Instructions: Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, rotisserie seasoning and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined and most of the lumps are gone. Open the can of biscuits and separa...

Spring has arrived with warmer days, bringing hope of what is to come. The birds that winter in New England, begin a flurry of activity once more. As the days have stretched into April, warm weather birds return to nest. Each day brings more and more species, to watch with a heart filled with joy. They fly and scurry here and there, finding what will make a warm nest. And once again the air is filled, with beautiful songs as they work. First, come the Robins scratching the ground, searching for worms, insects, and grubs. Then others will fly north to join them, the Grey Catbird, Scarlet Tanager and more. Soon we see Chickadees, Bluebirds, and Swallows, filling the skies, trees and backyards. They make all the days seem brighter, even when spring rains come along. But this year something was different, something did not appear quite right. The Mourning Dove pair that lived nearby, did not come by together this time. One lonely Dove sitting on the wire,  or searching for seeds on the...

As we age, we have a greater appreciation for time alone. We are not as eager to be surrounded by constant noise and chaos; we have had plenty of that in our younger years. We need time to ourselves every now and then to reset our emotional barometer. Daily life (especially more recently) can be filled with stress. The emotional toll that this stress can take on our mind and body can create havoc not only for us personally, but for those around us also. For me there is no better stress reliever than to be alone in total silence; nothing but peace and tranquility to soothe my weary soul. The only thing that I will allow to enter this sanctuary would be the sounds provided by the living world. Wind, waves, birds, and other music from nature can inspire calm at our most difficult times. There are many ways to enjoy time alone even if we are in the midst of others. I have had some very peaceful moments when surrounded by strangers. We can be sitting on a sunny beach with the sounds of chil...

With spring finally turning to warmer days, we begin to think of fresh and cool additions to our brunch menu. This fruit and yogurt trifle is not only delicious and healthy, but also a beautiful dish for your table. Feel free to add your own favorite fruits to make it your own. Hope you enjoy this light addition to your weekend brunch.   Fresh Fruit and Greek Yogurt Trifle   Approximately 1/2 of a 10 oz. Angel Food Cake, cut in cubes 2-1/2 cups Fresh Strawberries, sliced 1-1/2 cups Fresh Blueberries 1 - 32 oz. Container of Vanilla Greek Non-fat Yogurt   (Reserve 1/2 cup strawberries and 1/2 cup blueberries for top)   Layer 1/2 each of the cake and remaining strawberries and blueberries in a 3 quart glass container. Cover with 1/2 of the vanilla yogurt.   Repeat layers of cake and fruit. Top with remaining vanilla yogurt.   Place reserved strawberries and blueberries on top. refrigerate for at least one hour.   Serve with toppings such as granola, ...

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (when he rose from the grave). No man had taken his life. He had given it freely for us - to restore our fellowship with God. He had been crucified and was buried for three days. All his disciples had believed that he was gone for good.  He had told the religious leaders and his disciples that He would give His life and on the third day rise from the grave. The religious authorities had remembered His words and tried to prevent it by putting a large stone in front of the tomb, a Roman seal, and guards. But none of that prevented God’s plan for that first Easter. Although this is why we celebrate Easter, the holiday also represents time with family for good food and making memories. Unfortunately, family holidays change as years pass, and what once was fades. A few years ago, I was reminded of this by something my granddaughter said. She told her mother that she misses Easter dinner with the family at my sister's hom...

I recently heard someone give advice that really struck a chord. He said, “When you reach the end of your comfort zone step forward”. Such profound meaning in just a few words. How many times have we yearned to try something new or wanted to make changes in our lives, only to be held back by our own fears or discomfort? The fear of the unknown, or that which makes us uneasy, can leave us frozen and unable to make changes that may just lead to better things. There are some who easily welcome change and new challenges. If they have any fears it is not apparent to those around them. How we envy these risk takers who so easily abandon what holds some of us back. What is in their nature that keeps them from staying in their comfort zone? Perhaps they were born with it, or maybe they learned from their parents. When faced with our fears, we need to ask ourselves what is holding us back. Most of us have the desire to do more. We may want to see the world to explore other cultures, or take a s...

If you are looking for something new and delicious for the upcoming Easter holiday, these are sure to be a big hit with family and friends. Recently I heard someone talking about asparagus, prosciutto and blue cheese wrapped in puff pastry, so I went looking for a recipe, and found a similar recipe from Kylie Lato and made a couple of adjustments. They turned out great and were a big hit with our dinner guests.   Asparagus, Prosciutto and Bleu Cheese Wrapped in Puff Pastry 2 sheets puff pastry dough, thawed 18 thin slices prosciutto 36 spears asparagus, woody ends removed, halved widthwise Crumbled Bleu Cheese 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon olive oil salt fresh ground black pepper   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 1. Unfold puff pastry and cut along seams, creating 6 long rectangles out of the two sheets. 2. Roll each long rectangle a bit thinner (about 3.25" wide by 13.5" long). 3. Cut each rectangle into 3 equal size rectangles. This will give you 18 equal size puff pastry r...

Spring snow.... we don't want any, but we always have at least a few days with flurries or an occasional storm after the first day of spring arrives. It's usually wet snow that melts rather quickly. When I was growing up, my father would call it "poor man's manure"; something to put nutrients in the soil for the upcoming growing season. Although the past week has not been very warm, we were given a sunny day before the rain comes back this weekend. I decided to take advantage of the sunshine after feeling cooped up and gathered some tools to clean up a few things in the garden and flower bed. This is phase one - work that gives me a glimmer of hope and visions of what's to come. There have not been many changes in my flower bed for several years, so last fall I cleared out much of what had been there for too long. It felt good to remove tired old plants and get things ready to lay down new soil this spring. The daylilies have sprouted and are reaching for the ...

Open water on the lake appeared like magic, with the ice disappearing while we slept. The first sign of spring to greet us, as we wait for brighter and warmer things. April showers have arrived at our door, but the cold of March is still lingering. Our mind is searching for the warmth of spring, as our bodies are still chilled to the bone. Geese and ducks have returned to the lake, enduring the cold water as they float. Once again, we can hear optimistic birds sing, in spite of the gray dismal skies above. With the ground free of snow our minds wander, aching to put our hands in the earth. As hard as it is to wait for gardening time, we will dream of the things we will plant. Each day new signs seem to appear, hinting that warm spring days are near. The daylilies are pushing through the earth, and buds are filling all of the trees. Mother Nature, she is a fickle one, giving us teasers here and there. Will today be another wet and cold one, or will we get a taste of what is to come....

Several years ago, I was looking for a recipe for Ricotta Pie and found this one online. I was surprised that Ponzio's was willing to share their recipe, but apparently, they were once featured on Food Network and had an enormous demand for the recipe. I am grateful that they were willing to share as this is the best Ricotta Pie I have ever had. The blend of orange and lemon zest gives it an amazing flavor. This pie is the perfect ending to your Easter dinner. Thank you, Ponzio's for sharing. Ponzio's Famous Ricotta Pie The filling is enough for two pies. 2 - nine-inch pie crusts (homemade or pre-made) 2-1/2 pounds Ricotta Cheese 1-3/4 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup powdered sugar 5 whole eggs 2 egg yolks Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon 1/8 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 320 degrees F. 1. In a large bowl, add Ricotta and powdered sugar. Mix at low speed. 2. Add eggs, egg yolks, heavy cream and vanilla. Continue mixing on low speed until texture is smooth. Add zest and place fillin...

Are you living your own life or are you watching someone else live theirs? It's no wonder people tend to feel depressed more often today. If they are watching television or constantly scanning social media, and comparing their life to what is being presented, then it can quickly bring them down. The first thing they need to realize is what people put out there more than likely is not reality. Nobody has a life that is picture perfect, but they want others to believe they do. It may make them feel better or more important, however in the process they are contributing to making others feel like their life is less than it should be. If you are asking yourself questions like: Why can't I look that beautiful? Why aren't my children that talented and well-behaved? Why don't I have such a great home, job or relationship? You need to stop! Stop comparing your life to the unrealistic images you are seeing. Although they say perception is reality, the reality is far from what the...

Our journey in life takes many paths and we never know where we may end up along the way. What we envision is not always what happens as we know all too well. There are many times of great joy and exhilaration that we encounter. Our first day of school, our first kiss, learning to drive, going to college, getting married, the birth of a child and so many other firsts that if we lined them all up, they would show what a good life we have had. The times of our life that we are forever grateful for and wouldn't trade for anything. There are also times of sadness and pain that we would like to forget or wish may not have happened at all. The small things like falling off our bike, the bully at school, and our first broken heart. Or something much larger that we think we will never recover from, like the loss of a loved one. Life goes along quite smoothly most of the time, but just when we think our life is on track and figured out, we are thrown a cur...

From Taste of Home contributor, Julianne Meyers from Huntsville, Georgia, this recipe is a quick and easy dinner that you can make in one skillet. With ten ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner for your family. Although this is meat free, you can add cooked ground sweet Italian sausage or chicken sausage for the meat lovers. Gnocchi with White Beans 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 package (16 oz.) potato gnocchi 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (14-1.2 oz.) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained 1 package (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach (I added 10 oz.) 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook one minute longer. Add gnocchi; cook and stir 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Stir in beans, tomatoes, spinach and pepper (also ground meat if adding...

People everywhere feel the tension, worrying and holding their breath. We raise our voices and speak our truth, but is there anyone listening to us? They do not adhere to their country's laws, as they cut jobs and brutalize those in the way. As long as they line their pockets with money, they will never truly listen to what we say. Our friends and allies are used and abused, with our leaders bullying and leaving them adrift. We cry out and say do not alienate them and isolate us, why will they not wake up and listen to us? We have always been a great and generous nation, willing to help other countries in need. No more they say, we want it all for the rich, too selfish to listen to anyone's plea. Our democracy is now in great jeopardy, they refuse to follow our constitutional laws. And those that were voted into the House, will not listen to what their constituents say. We will continue to rise up in anger, to the horrific things they say and do. Show our resistance to these un...

In light of recent events, I feel this needs to be repeated. As an American, I need to say that what transpired between the U.S. and Ukraine in the white House, was an embarrassment to millions of U.S. citizens. This is not who we are, and the Ukrainian President should have been treated with dignity and respect, not ambushed and ridiculed. What price will we all pay for this lack of true leadership? "Leadership - the process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective." "True Leader - one who wants to give people pride and to make people stand on their own as leaders in their own right. Instead of trying to blind us with their brilliance, a true leader reflects our own light back to us." True leadership can be difficult to find, as it has been overshadowed by the bad leadership that is pervasive in the world today. We all can spot bad leadership because it is driven by ego, power and money, and it uses lies, bullying and oppression to divide and ...

From SouthernPlate.com , this oven baked omelet can be put together in about 15 minutes, and ready for the table in less than an hour. You can make it your own by adding the veggies, meat and cheese that you and your family love. For a larger group, make a couple of different variations to please your guests. For an added kick, top with a dash of hot sauce. Easy Omelet Baked in the Oven 8 eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup milk 1 cup cooked crumbles turkey sausage (I used ground sweet Italian sausage) 1 cup diced onion and bell pepper blend In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk and all other ingredients. Beat until well combined and then pour into a greased 8x8 baking dish. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 40 minutes, or until it no longer wiggles in the middle when you shake it a bit. Note: When serving - top with a bit of shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce.

Overall, we have had an extremely mild winter here in the Northeast. Almost nonexistent snowfall and very few bitter cold days. Winters were much colder and had more significant snowfall when I was growing up. Although it has been mild, it is still winter. Shorter daylight hours and no leaves on the trees. Lacking in light and color, which in turn leads to a lack of energy. Now that we have entered March there is anticipation and hope of what is arriving soon. The daylight hours have begun to stretch later into the day, and Daylight Savings time arrived today. Having the extra hours of sunlight seems to invigorate the body and soul. Each year, like a miracle, the sun shines longer, brighter and higher in the sky. As if the days are being touched by the angels. With the extended light and warmth comes a renewed sense of energy that makes me anxious to become reacquainted with the earth. My flower bed is still buried under snow but will soon start to show signs of what's to come. I y...

When end of winter seems to hang on, and the cold winds chill to the bone. Close your eyes to block it out, fly away to sunny warm days. When world events seem to crush your soul, making life seem a heavy weight. Disconnect from the negative forces, fly away to a world filled with peace. Each day as you go through the motions, of caring for everyone you love. When it all becomes too much for you, fly away to tranquil solitude. At times when there is little connection, to friends who live far away. Take time to call and reconnect, fly away to the shared memories. When your children now have children, and busy lives get in the way. When time spent together is more elusive, fly away to earlier days of family fun. When the game of life rushes by, and the last quarter comes into view. Cherish each milestone and memory, fly away to embrace each day of your life.

From Jamielyn Nye at https://www.iheartnaptime.net , this recipe for homemade crunch bars could not be any easier. Made with only 3 ingredients, they can be ready within 30 minutes. With the crispy chocolate and peanut butter taste that you love, they are sure to be a big hit with you family. Homemade Crunch Bars 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips 1/3 cup peanut butter 1 cup Rice Krispies flaked sea salt, optional Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Place 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips and 1/3 cup peanut butter in a medium sized microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. When the chocolate is smooth and melted, add 1 cup Rice Krispies and stir well. Spread into prepared baking dish, dust with flaked sea salt if desired. Freeze for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 8 bars. Place in a freezer safe container and store in the freezer until ready to serve.

Watching the news today often brings much disappointment and despair as I see events taking place in this country, and around the world. So much hatred, or mean spiritedness, seems to have taken over our society. People somehow feel they have the right to say whatever they are thinking without taking time to think through how it sounds. The words go directly from their head to their mouth without stopping at a filter. All of this sets us up for a world where nobody cares about their friends, neighbors or the strangers they encounter each day. Perhaps this is exactly what our world leaders are hoping for. If people are not paying attention to what they are doing, then it will enable them to do exactly as they please without thinking of the consequences for their citizens. There are times that I'm glad I won't be around in 30 years, when what seems inevitable happens from events being put into motion now. At times the fear and sadness in my heart, for my children and grandchildre...

With the sun shining higher and brighter in the sky, and the days getting longer, there is a hint of spring in the air. Although the temperatures have not become warm enough to open windows here in New England, I can see it on the horizon. In two weeks, we will turn the clocks ahead and the first day of spring will quickly follow. Even if a couple of snowstorms come in after that they will rapidly disappear. As spring approaches my desire to start cleaning takes over. I have been told by my daughters that my obsessive inclination to clean has been imparted on them. They are not thrilled to have taken on this trait. My youngest daughter was visiting recently, and she found a bottle in the closet with dust on it. She took a picture and sent it to her sister as she couldn't believe it was possible in my house. I let her know that I have relaxed quite a bit with age. Anyway, I still have the desire to clean every closet, curtain and wall, I just don't have the same drive. As time a...