On My Mind Today

Today is a typical April day in New England; gray, rainy and cool. It's the kind of day that would make it easy to stay in bed covered by not only warm blankets, but also gloomy thoughts. There are those who may look forward to giving in to the rainy, dreary day as if it's a chance to escape from the world for a while. Many of us, however, prefer to look at these April showers in a more positive light. Instead of letting them surround us with a melancholy mood we choose to see what they will soon bring. The trees that have been barren all winter are sprouting buds that will suddenly burst into green leaves. The transformation always seems to happen overnight as we sleep, and the sight is as refreshing as a breeze gently blowing across our face. Birds that have returned to nest for the season reap the benefits of April showers. They provide puddles for drinking and a quick bath and will bring worms and bugs closer to the ground's surface for the birds to feast upon. Watching...

Tomatoes, basil and mozzarella are a great combination in any recipe. From Weelicious, this quiche is rich, delicious and easy to make. You can make it in advance and warm it before serving. Sure to be a hit with your family or brunch guests. It received a big thumbs up from my Italian man! Caprese Quiche 6 large eggs 3/4 cup whole milk 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup packed basil, thinly sliced (I used 1/2 cup and it was plenty) 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 unbaked pie crust (you can make your own or use a refrigerated pie crust) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Place the dough into a pie or tart pan and mold into the shape of the dish. Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill. 3. Line the crust with parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans and bake for 15 minutes. 4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the basil and cherry tomatoes. 5. Pour the filling into the partially baked pie crust a...

 The good ole' boy network, boys will be boys, or whatever terminology they want to use, it's apparent that once again women are being disparaged and dismissed. Mocked by men in power as ones who should not be believed, and even worse, in the same breath excusing or defending the men who have been the abusers. For every step that has been taken forward, in the end so much remains the same. I wonder at times what it's going to take for this behavior to be unacceptable; not only to men, but also the women who have not believed what their sisters have gone through.  W hen men came out after many years to say they were abused by priests nobody questioned whether it happened, or why they didn't say something years ago. So why is disbelief the first reaction people have when a woman comes out to say she was sexually assaulted in the past? Their abuse was just as traumatic, and as difficult to talk about; plus, the fear of what they would endure if they reported the assault at...

There are those days in all our lives where nothing seems to be right. No one thing to point to, no one to blame, just feelings that settle too deep. We can tell ourselves to let it all go, that our life is really not bad. As hard as we try, we can't shake it off like a cold chill that refuses to leave. When these feelings linger and refuse to leave, we may hear a whisper in our ear. Call it fate, or a guardian angel, in a stranger who suddenly appears. A kind word or compliment not expected will catch us by surprise. We turn to see the smiling face of a stranger sent to lift our soul. This small act of kindness, no matter how brief, will impact the rest of our day. A simple reminder to be aware of so much we have to be thankful for. As we go about our day, we must remember to spread kindness whenever we can. Some days we will be the guardian angel, and others the one who needs a hand. A few kind words, a compliment, and a smile can have impact far more than we know.

 From  ManilaSpoon.com , these cookie bars are very easy to make; from start to finish you can have them in and out of the oven in just 40 minutes. The seven layers of rich sweetness are decadent and delicious, and a real treat for your taste buds! The simplicity of this recipe makes it a good one to make with your children. Hello Dolly Cookie Bars 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cut butterscotch chips 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the butter in a 13 x 9 pan in the oven. Remove once the butter is melted ensuring that the entire bottom of the pan and an inch up the sides are coated. 2. Press graham crackers to form a crust. Make sure the crust is spread flatly and evenly. Sprinkle the coconut flakes all over the crust, then layer with the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and then butterscotch chip...

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...