On My Mind Today

Ahh, the wonderful aging process. So many new things to experience; some are welcome. but many others are not. Going into the senior years, changes are small and uneventful. A few laugh lines appear and maybe some gray hair starts to mix in. Nothing that causes any concern or alarm, just a natural progression in life. In time we find comfort in the "laugh" lines and welcome the gray as it ushers in less work and fewer trips to the salon. As time goes by, we may experience some of the other issues of getting older. These may include joint pain, issues with our eyes, etc. Our eyeglasses may require a stronger prescription, and at some point, we may need cataract surgery. Eventually some of us may encounter a hip or knee replacement. None of these is earth shattering and when addressed we continue on with our normal routines. And then there is the hearing loss. I had noticed for several years that my hearing was not what it once was. A couple of years ago, I had my hearing teste...

I recently lost a close, dear friend who was a very important part of my life. We shared over fifty years of friendship, and I feel like I have lost a part of me. She filled my life with joy and laughter, and we shared so much over the years. It is difficult to envision a world where I will never be able to pick up the phone and hear her voice again. My heart has been shattered by this loss. As I navigate this significant loss, I felt it was a good time to share this earlier blog about cherishing those we love. I have reached the age where years seem to be passing by in the blink of an eye. However, my inner struggle between acceptance and denial over the number of years I have experienced so far is something to contemplate another day. Today my thoughts are focused on the relationships that have been established over a lifetime. So many people who have helped to shape who I have become; some still a part of my life and others who have come and gone. A few lost to age or illness, and t...

From Allrecipes.com contributor, Bibi, this recipe for chicken piccata makes it easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. This oven-baked casserole gives the great flavor of chicken piccata without the mess. It can be prepared in about 20 minutes and then popped into the oven. The convenience of a casserole frees up time to prepare pasta, veggies or salad for side dishes. Chicken Piccata Casserole Prep Time:15 mins Cook Time:35 mins Total Time:50 mins Servings:6 cooking spray 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup half-and-half ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup capers, drained salt and ground black pepper to taste 3 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 medium lemon, sliced 3 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or to taste Directions 1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a 9x13-inc...

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 ...

With all the things I have accomplished, it seems more recently that I often feel tired. Even though I have plans to do many things, the energy is not there. As I reflected on this, I was puzzled as to the reason why. I try to exercise on a regular basis, have a healthy diet for the most part, and a good life with wonderful family and friends. There are no health issues and no medications to impact how I feel. What I have finally come to realize is that for far too long we have all been bombarded with negative messages on a daily basis. Whether it is the nightly news or social media, the negative seems to be front and center, with no end in sight. It's no wonder that people are feeling exhausted. It zaps you both emotionally and physically. And if we allow it to continue then our lives will not improve. I have decided to remove this from my life as much as possible. We all know what pushes our buttons and zaps our strength. These are a few of the steps I have chosen to take: When w...

Who doesn't love a fresh baked muffin hot from the oven? The smell as they bake brings back memories from childhood. There are the traditional ones like Blueberry or Banana Nut, but it's nice to find something new. From Food Network Magazine this is sure to become a new family favorite. Sweet Potato-Chocolate Muffins 2 cups flour 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 stick melted butter 1/2 cup canned sweet potato purée 1/2 cup sour cream 2 eggs 1. Mix flour, mini chocolate chips, baking powder, salt and baking soda. 2. In 2nd bowl whisk brown sugar, melted butter, sweet potato purée, sour cream and eggs. Fold into the flour mixture. Divide among 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy!

 I, like millions of other people, loved Calvin and Hobbes, and was disappointed when the comic strip came to an end. No longer would we see the world through their eyes as they went on their adventures sharing their wisdom along the way. Several months ago I discovered this last conversation between Calvin and Hobbes written as a final chapter by a fan. It deeply touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. One more time they have shared their words of wisdom with the world. In The Final Minutes of His Life, Calvin Has One Last Talk With Hobbes “Calvin? Calvin, sweetheart?” In the darkness Calvin heard the sound of Susie, his wife of fifty-three years. Calvin struggled to open his eyes. God, he was so tired and it took so much strength. Slowly, light replaced the darkness, and soon vision followed. At the foot of his bed stood his wife. Calvin wet his dry lips and spoke hoarsely, “Did… did you…. find him?” “Yes dear,” Susie said smiling sadly, “He was in the attic. “ Susie reach...

Each day we are hit with an onslaught, of all that is wrong in our world. As impossible as it seems we gather our strength to rise above it and see the good. Narcissistic leaders unleashing evil in their incessant need for power. With no heart or compassion, they bomb the innocent never looking back with as much as a hint of remorse. Some of our fellow countrymen strive each day to spread hatred, fear and lies. If said often enough their hope is they will eventually turn friends into foes. Misogynistic men calling out like the pied piper, hoping to pull in those easily led. In spite of this we will stay strong and rise above it all, knowing in our hearts that we will triumph in the end. Be diligent and recognize the ones, that try to persuade you to buy the evil they sell. Always remember if we rise above it all, Our love, hope and acceptance will always win.

Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there was deep grief, there was great love. ~ knowyourgrief.org ~ One thing is certain in life – eventually we all run out of time. This truth is much clearer with each passing year. That feeling of invincibility from our youth fades ever so slightly with each decade. Nothing can bring us face-to-face with our own mortality more than the loss of a loved one or dear friend. Even if we are aware that their time with us is slipping away, we are never prepared. As they leave behind all that binds them to the earth, our hearts feel like they have been crushed by a heavy weight. Grief is a natural response to losing someone that is important to us. Processing a loss is different for each person, and grief is never experienced in the same manner. While some can allow themselves to feel their grief and release it, others hold it in and keep it hidden from the world. Losing someone is difficult at any time in our lives but can b...

This recipe was found on the Midwest Living website. It was submitted by Karen Cope of Minneapolis who won a blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair for this stunning chocolate-and-marshmallow cake, based on whoopie pie cookies. As she says, "It's hard to beat a chocolate cake with a creamy marshmallow filling and chocolate glaze." I suggest making it when you will be having company, otherwise you will have trouble not eating all of it by yourself! Whoopie Pie Cake   1-1/2 cups butter 5 eggs 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup buttermilk powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee crystals 1 cup water   Chocolate Glaze   1/4 cup whipping cream 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces   Marshmallow Filling   3/4 cup butter, softened 1 - 7-ounce jar marshmal...

Laughter - noun: The action or sound of laughing; an expression or appearance of merriment or amusement. Syn onyms -  belly laugh, cackle, chuckle, giggle, guffaw, horselaugh, snicker, hee-haw. It has become clear to me that people don't laugh enough today; at least not the hearty kind of laughter that makes us feel good. We have fallen into routines where we allow daily stress to dominate our days. Is it any wonder we feel unhappy so often? They say that laughter is the best medicine, and as it turns out, there is some scientific truth to this. Per research by Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University in California, laughter leads to benefits such as:  Reducing stress hormones Working our abs Boosting T-cells Lowering blood pressure Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increased blood flow which can help to protect us from a heart attack. It can also temporarily relieve pain, and it burns calories. Another bonus to laughter - it has been shown t...

Relationships – at best they are difficult. It’s not easy ensuring that two parties feel valued and that they are heard when they speak. We too often can’t open our minds to listen to one another when all we can hear is our own voice saying, “it’s not fair”, “I don’t agree with you”, or “listen to me”. We all like to have our own way but also know that it’s not possible all the time unless we choose to live alone. In a perfect world things would go our way, and our partner would always do whatever we wished.    Not going to happen! As I have always told my children, there is no such thing as perfect. Sharing your life with someone takes a lot of hard work and compromise. Many times, we feel like we’re the only one compromising, but the reality is both parties do. Circumstances in our lives make a difference in how much we are willing to or can compromise. When faced with difficulties we are less open to hearing another point of view, or willing to go along with something that ...

Several years ago, while visiting my mother, we had lunch at a local restaurant. They had a very nice menu with selections I had not seen in other places. I ordered their Vermont Panini, and it was delicious! I made sure I took a mental note of the ingredients so I could make it at home. They used a maple mustard, and I was able to find a simple recipe for this. An easy recipe with a great combination of flavors. Vermont Panini Panini Bread (I used the large oval flatbread) 6 thin slices baked ham 6 slices Granny Smith apple 4 slices Vermont Cheddar Cheese Maple Mustard: 1/8 cup stone ground mustard 1Tablespoons Vermont maple syrup Combine mustard and maple in a small bowl. 1. Prepare maple mustard and set aside. 2. Take two slices of the Panini bread and place one slice of cheese on each. Top with three thin slices of the baked ham, three slices of the apple, and then top with another slice of cheddar cheese. Put the other two slices of brea...

As I awaken each morning, I notice that the sun is rising just a few minutes sooner than the day before. Such a small thing that makes rising to start the day a little easier. Although it has been a fairly mild winter here in the northeast, for those of us who are not fans of this season, winter always seems to last far too long. The short, dark days are difficult to get through, and the cold temperatures seem to sink into our bones and settle in. For months we seem to force ourselves out of bed to move forward with the day. Many days it feels that we are just going through the motions until we can return home, take care of necessary chores, and once again snuggle under a blanket for the evening. During these long dark days this can be our saving grace of safety, warmth and security. In the past few weeks we have begun to see signs of what lies ahead. The longer daylight hours that have recently appeared at the end of the day, have now begun to grace us in the early morning hours. It i...

  Daydream - Noun - a series of pleasant thoughts that distracts one's attention from the present. In the world we are currently living in, it would be a good thing if more of us spent time daydreaming. Indulging in daydreams can drive out the noise and chaos that we encounter on a daily basis and bring us to a much calmer state of mind. Something all of us can use as we face so much discord. Between the non-stop news cycles and negativity on social media, it is difficult to find much peace and solitude. Learning to tune much of it out can take time and practice since we have been conditioned to look for these things for so long. Not only does it have an impact on our frame of mind, but eventually on our physical health too. I remember a time when it was easy to lose myself in random thoughts and daydreams. True, in our more youthful days it seemed effortless to let ourselves drift and fantasize. Dream of places we would go, things we would do, and the people we would meet. Imagini...

 Recently I was looking for something different to bring to a party as an appetizer. In my search I came upon a recipe for Avocado Deviled Eggs, so I decided to give it a try. As we all know, people will either love it or hate it. Turns out they are very good and were a big hit. These deviled eggs would also be an excellent addition to your Sunday brunch. Easy to make and your company will be asking for the recipe. Avocado Deviled Eggs   12 Extra- Large Eggs 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (I used Lite Mayonnaise) 1 tablespoon Dijon-style Mustard 1 teaspoon caper juice or sweet or dill pickle juice 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Dash of bottled hot sauce (or a bit more if you like things spicy) 1 ripe Avocado, peeled and seeded Snipped fresh chives (optional)   1. Place eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch, add 4 tsp. white vinegar and pinch of salt (will make eggs easier to peel). Bring to...

These hands once young and smooth, now carry the scars of time. Some days I gaze upon them, and wonder whose they are. Once the hands of a child, that loved to play in the mud. Never a thought or worry, as to how these hands looked. As years passed priorities changed, and these hands became important. Lotions, potions and painted nails to show off their natural beauty. Then arrived the child raising years, keeping these hands so busy. Carrying babies, then chasing toddlers, playing and enjoying precious moments. Laundry and cleaning, meals to cook, making a house a home. Ensuring that all within the walls, feel safe, secure and loved. Years of working took their toll, slowly these hands transformed. Once smooth and blemish free, small changes began to appear. Now the senior years have arrived, and time has left a trail. As I think of all these hands have done, I welcome every scar, wrinkle and flaw.

 Why is it that we can give so easily to others in our life and treat them with gentle kindness, but we seldom can do so for ourselves? Why do we not feel that we deserve the same level of care? The people in our lives are important and making them a priority seems simple. Doing for them can bring us immense joy, and we would not consider putting them last. Doing so would make us feel selfish, but the real question we need to ask is why is it acceptable to put ourselves last? No matter how strong we are, and how big a burden we can carry, nobody is capable of doing so all the time. At some point our shoulders will begin to bend from the weight, and we will feel like we can no longer go on. Our mind and soul will be weary and in need of rest and rejuvenation. There are people who are exceptionally good about self-care. However, many of us find it extremely difficult to put ourselves ahead of those around us. Even if we are aware that we need to take care of ourselves, in our mind we...

Recently fresh blueberries were on sale, so I decided to make blueberry scones. From the pages of Taste of Home this recipe is easy and makes enough to put a few in the freezer for a special treat later on. To go along with the warm scones from the oven, I've included the recipe for a sweet, clotted cream that I'm sure everyone will love. Blueberry Scones 4 cups all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons sugar 4-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold butter 2 eggs 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk,  divided 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries*   1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a bowl, whisk eggs and 3/4 cup milk; add to dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto lightly floured surface; gently knead in the blueberries.   2. Divide dough in half. Pat each portion into an 8-inch circle; cut each into eight wedges. Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with re...

Although we have had bitter cold temperatures, it is a joy to wake up to a bright sunny sky. It has not been a terrible winter in New England terms, but it has been a cold one. These bitter temperatures are  more  difficult to deal with than warmer ones filled with several feet of snow. Since we are more than a month beyond the shortest day of the year, each day brings us more daylight hours which makes winter more tolerable. Longer days and sunshine  give  us hope for what will come in the next several weeks. Although we will inevitably get more snow before all is said and done, the warmer days ahead will prevent it from remaining for an extended period of time. Each milestone lifts the burden of winter a bit more. In just four weeks we will turn the clocks ahead for daylight savings time making the weight on our shoulders feel a bit lighter. Two weeks after this the first day of spring arrives making our soul feel brighter and hopeful for what is to come. Then East...

I have been trying to prepare meals that are healthier for my pasta loving Italian. This recipe is from the GLP-1 Weight Loss Accelerator Cookbook by Christina Dick. She uses ground turkey in this, but I did substitute lean ground beef as I knew he would not eat the ground turkey. If I had not told him, he never would have known that I used cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Definitely delicious and it will be added to my recipe collection. The recipe listed ingredients per servings, so I adjusted for 4 servings. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey & Cauliflower Rice 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded 16 oz. lean ground turkey 1 cup cauliflower rice 4 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 4 teaspoons olive oil salt and pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 375℉.  In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and turkey until browned. Add cauliflower rice, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 more mi...

There is magic in the wind,  and her wings bring enchantment as they fly. Some days they will envelop us in warmth, and others the bitter cold will cut through us like a knife. March winds come in cold from the north, and become gradually warmer as spring arrives. As they rush through, they cleanse away the weariness of winter, preparing us for new growth to come. Summer days her wings will feed our soul with a warm southerly breeze, bringing much needed contentment. Its warmth reaches into our bones and eases daily worries for a time. We cling to this warmth for as long as we can, as we know these days will be shorter than our heart desires. The magic of fall arrives on cooler winds that still have a hint of warmth. Her wings carry that distinctive smell of autumn, a mix of drying leaves, wood fires, and spices from homemade apple pies  awakening memories from the past. As fall begins to fade, the wind whirls falling leaves for one final dance. Winter winds can be so harsh an...

The blame game has become more prevalent, and extremely dangerous to our country over the past year. Fueled by hate speech from the top, telling people who to blame for all that is wrong in their life, and elected politicians who refuse to uphold their oath and do their jobs, the division that has been created should have everyone deeply concerned. We have a choice to either reject the hatred and work towards creating a better world or sit back and allow things to deteriorate even further.  Once again, I ask, "who do you blame?" When our lot in life is not as we envisioned it's easy to find someone to blame for this. Circumstances in our lives sometimes play a role, but the biggest culprit is the economy. When the increase in the cost of living has outpaced the increase in wages, it's a recipe for disaster. What ensues is the finger pointing game. Those with money and power will try to tell us who we need to blame for our financial troubles. Over and over, they will s...

If you love peanut butter cookies, but need a gluten-free option, these will become a favorite. This recipe comes from the Woman's Day Kitchen, and it pairs the perfect peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache, and who can resist peanut butter and chocolate? It is one of my favorite combinations. Nothing better than a cup of coffee and a cookie! Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies 2 cups creamy peanut butter 2 cups packed light-brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup coarsely chopped cocktail peanuts Ganache: 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cut bittersweet chocolate chips Garnish: chopped peanuts 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat peanut butter, sugar, eggs and baking soda in large bowl with electric mixer for 2 minutes or until smooth and blended. Stir in 1 cup chopped peanuts. 2. Drop by level teaspoonful 2 inches apart, flat side down, onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake, one sheet at a time, 10 minutes or until cookies are puffed and slightly golden. Cool 5 minutes an...

Wake up members of the human race! There is a negative force in play that is working overtime to turn us all against one another, and the sad part is many don't even realize it. Open your eyes to what is happening in our world: We have become a society of I, me and my, and have lost we, us and our that hold us together. People who feel their opportunities have been taken away are being drawn into messages of hatred and fear that separate us. The negative forces have cunningly pitted us against each other along religious, political and ethnic lines, magnifying our differences. We have "leaders" who are not leading to unify, but to divide. In that division they become more powerful because nobody is paying attention. Those who swore to serve and represent us no longer do so. Afraid to go against their "party" they are not standing up to the false leaders. The messages of hatred and fear are fueling hate groups making them feel empowered; with that false power they...

The nurturer knows no other way, they are driven to protect and help. No matter the circumstance someone may be in, their inner voice will move them to lend a hand. They do not know how to step away, no matter how difficult the situation may be. They tell themselves there must be at least one thing to do to lift someone from their dark days. If I could just do this, or maybe that, their burden will be not so great. My shoulders are strong and ready to help, to lessen the load that they carry. These providers refuse to give up, even when everything tells them they should. It is unbearable to accept that they have reached the end of any assistance they are able to give. The nurturer ends up weary at times from trying to help so many. As they keep pushing themselves, they may eventually become aware  that some do not even want to help themselves. Despite their attempts they need to accept that at times they need to step back. No matter how hard they try, every now and then, there is n...

There are many parents who do an excellent job of giving the right mix of praise and constructive criticism to their children.    You can see it in their children who have a healthy self-esteem, the ability to move forward when they make a mistake, and good social skills. Then there are those who give too much praise – to the point of making their children believe that everything they do is right. We all know that is not possible and only sets them up for disappointment when they do fail as they won’t know how to move forward from there. They also don’t know how to allow others to come first as they are used to being the center of attention. And there are those who only seem to tell their children what they do wrong. We all see it every day when we are out in public. The child who is being corrected for all they do and never receiving a word of praise. I can only imagine how heart breaking it is for them to always hear nothing but negative feedback from their parents. Every ti...