On My Mind Today

Perhaps it is seeing my children grown up, or watching the years pass quickly with my grandchildren, or maybe even turning 70, but I have been thinking a lot about my younger days lately. When I was a teenager and in my early 20's, and I believed that I would be young forever. We all do have that false sense of never getting older during those years. I'm not sure how men look at the passing of time, but I know what this one woman sees and feels. Remembering those times as a teenager, still feeling the excitement and joy of times with good friends. All the things we did and places we went that were new. Most of the time things turned out well, sometimes not so much, but it was certainly exhilarating, and I would not change a thing. The excitement of youth as they say. Over the years I have made some very good friends - some I have known almost my entire life. I find that since we tend to live far apart, and have full, busy lives with family or...

Recently I was in search of something to satisfy my sweet tooth and came across a recipe from years ago. I'm not even sure where it came from, but this is one that I used often when my kids were growing up. They are very easy to make and have always been a family favorite. It calls for chocolate chips, but I have mixed in peanut butter chips. I'm sure M&M's, mint chips and Reese's pieces would work great too! Blonde Brownies 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup butter 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 2 eggs, slightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1. Mix flour, soda, baking powder and salt. 2. Melt butter in saucepan; add sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well. 3. Spread in a 13 x 9-inch pan. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees (325 for glass pan) for 30 minutes (until golden brown). Cool in pan. Cut in...

What if we were to look down on earth, from high above the clouds. When we gazed down on the suffering, would our hearts break from what we saw. Brutal wars scattered here and there, lives lost to the evil savagery of men. They tell lies to justify their deeds, but we know they have power hungry hearts. Jealousy fueling racism and hatred, pointing fingers at friend and foe. Claiming that what is wrong in our lives, is the fault of anyone but ourselves. We have used and abused our resources, wiping out all of the natural safeguards. When bigger catastrophic disasters arise, we struggle to bring them under control. Ultra wealthy making more and more, never thinking of anyone else. While so many in the world are suffering, they laugh and say it's all mine. Corporations making record profits, all the while cutting jobs without a care. Their gluttony and greed are disgusting, without any regard for their fellow man. In every country and corner of the earth, homelessness is growing every...

Winter does have its beauty, however, along with that come some very cold temperatures. On a bright sunny day, they seem tolerable as long as the north winds are not blowing. When the north winds hit us at 30 miles per hour or more, it is a brutal assault to our bodies.  As I sit in this nice warm house, filled with all the comforts of home, I realize how blessed I am. I will always be warm, have a good meal to eat, clothes on my back, and some luxuries to make my life easier. Even though I have to go out into the cold, I have a soft place to land. While I count my blessings, I am very aware that there are many people who do not have these comforts. So many who are homeless and out in the cold. If they are lucky, they may find a warm bed and a meal at a shelter; otherwise, they are left to suffer through the bitter cold. Struggling to find a spot sheltered from the bitter wind, or maybe even somewhere near a vent blowing heat to the outside. Anything to try and keep themselves from...

Life, and dinner, would be dull if we didn't try new things. This easy slow cooker recipe is delicious and has been added to my go to recipes for when mealtime gets a bit boring. For a little kick hot sauce can be added when served. Enjoy! Cuban Style Braised Steak and Peppers   1/2 cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano salt and pepper 1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 medium onion, sliced 2 red peppers, sliced crosswise 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 Tablespoon capers, roughly chopped 1 pound flank steak, cut crosswise into 3-inch pieces (flank steak can be expensive - I used sirloin tips instead) 1 cup long grain white rice 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives, quartered, plus 1 Tablespoon olive brine Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving.   1. In a 5–6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the wine, cumin, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. 2. Stir in the tomatoes (and their juices), onion, peppers, garlic and capers. Nestle the steak amon...

I love the holiday season! The lights, music, and gatherings with family and friends make it a very warm and magical time of year. So many wonderful memories made to carry forward once the festivities come to an end. After taking some time to unwind and breathe, we look around and realize that it is time to undo all the Christmas magic we created so many weeks ago. Keepsakes to carefully wrap and store, trees that need to have decorations removed, candles to be taken from the windows, and cards to reread before parting with the warm sentiments they brought. So many mixed emotions come with this task. Slowly we begin to undo what it took so long to create. With each task, our home which seemed so warm and cozy for weeks, starts to transform. The tree that once filled the front window is put back into storage leaving a big empty void. The decorations once again go into hiding, staying safe and snug until the time arrives for them to shine once more.  We dust, vacuum, and clean throug...

In loving memory to our beloved Mr. Murphy who recently passed. Murphy is our Exotic Short Hair Persian Cat. If you have not had the pleasure of spending time with this breed, then you don't know what you are missing. They have a unique look and personality which grows on you quickly. When people meet him their first comment is always about his flat face. Where most cats have a longer nose the Persians is flat to their face. Once we got used to Murphy's unique look, all other cats appeared strange to us. Mr. Murphy - as many of our family and friends refer to him - has many funny habits that started when he was a kitten. The first was his insistence on drinking from the faucet. Not sure why he decided that is what he needed to do, but it is a habit we could never break. And when he is thirsty, he will sit at the sink and meow until you get up and turn on the faucet. When he is feeling especially indignant, he will walk away once you turn the water on, just ...

A one dish breakfast casserole is always great for brunch, or for an easy family breakfast on the weekends. This Sheepherder's Breakfast casserole is simple to make and serves ten so it's great for a large crowd, or even for camping. A flavorful blend of bacon, eggs, potato, onion and cheese - what's not to like? Sheepherder's Breakfast 3/4-pound bacon strips, finely chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded has brown potatoes, thawed 8 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan. 2. Stir in hash browns. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes or until bottom is golden brown; turn potatoes. With the back of a spoon, make eight evenly spaced wells into potato mixture. Break one egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Cook, covered, on low 10 minutes or unti...

Acceptance - The act of accepting something or someone; welcoming, embracing, tolerant. Growing up I was fortunate to have parents who accepted people for who they were, even if they had different views. We were taught respect for others, and often were told "treat others as you wish to be treated". Because of this it is difficult for me to understand how anyone can teach their children hate or disrespect. I find it alarming that there are so many who cannot, or choose not, to accept those who are different from them. Whether it is race, religion or politics, there is an enormous lack of tolerance today. Much of the blame for this can be assigned to some of the world's leaders whose egos fuel their desire for power. By spreading hatred, intolerance and fear they believe that they will convince the majority to follow their lead. It is irresponsible for them to perpetuate these lies, and I believe that most of the world's citizens are very aware of what they are trying ...