On My Mind Today

There is nothing better on a cool morning than a nice hot bowl of oatmeal. Even as a child I liked oatmeal - especially when it was topped with brown sugar or raisins. This recipe makes having "real" oatmeal easy since it is cooked overnight in a slow cooker. Great for all those busy working mothers who want to give their children a good start to their day. Overnight Oatmeal   Vegetable shortening. for the slow cooker 1 cup whole milk, plus more for serving 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup steel-cut oats 2 apples peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces Toppings such as almonds, pecans, chocolate chips, maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, dried cranberries, fresh berries or your child's favorite toppings, for serving   1. Generously grease a 5–6-quart slow cooker with the shortening.   2. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and 4 cups water. Gently stir in the oats, apples and butter. Cook...

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

Sirius, the Dog Star, has risen with the sun, bringing July's hot, sultry, summer days. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed these times, could drive dogs and men mad from the heat. The Dog Days of Summer bring to mind, extreme heat with air like pea soup. Some days it is almost impossible, to find the energy to get up and move. Children seem to be impervious to this heat, running and jumping without a care. Give them the ocean, a lake or pool, and they can withstand the sun all day. Dogs and cats will spend their time, lounging for most of the day. Give them a beautiful, shaded spot, and this is where they will choose to remain. With age we become wiser and slower, taking our time to accomplish one thing. Moving too quickly in this extreme heat, will only exhaust us far too soon. July and August will bring much more heat, and will test our endurance and spirit. If we just take our time and slow down a bit, the Dog Days of Summer will not drive us mad.

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.

As I get older it's the small things that bring me joy. With warmer weather I am truly enjoying the awakening of nature with her beauty and sounds. Early in the morning, or lying in bed at night, listening to the haunting call of my Loons is something I wait all winter to hear. If you have never had the opportunity to hear this, there is nothing else like it and it reaches deep into the soul. Being fortunate enough to watch a Bald Eagle fly over the lake from time to time - so beautiful and majestic. We are not sure where they are nesting but feel blessed to have them on our lake. On an early morning walk the only sights and sounds are those of nature. Out on the lake you might see one boat in the deeper waters with a lone fisherman enjoying his solitude. The lake's only sound is that of the gentle waves as they come up against the shore. The birds are all awake and you can hear their chatter as they start their day. Even if you don't know one bird's song from another t...

"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels...Author Unknown"  Over the years I have been blessed to meet some wonderful, amazing people that I am lucky to call my friends. It takes time for me to let someone in and share my life, so these precious people are lifelong friends. We have been fortunate over the last few months to spend time with a few of them. It does not matter if we saw each other recently, or if it has been several months or a year, it always seems like it was just yesterday. There is no awkward silence, or any lull in the conversation, we seem to pick up right where we left off. Hours are spent bringing each other up to date on our families and how they have grown. Our children are no longer children, and our grandchildren are growing into adults. Where did the time go? So much time filled with reminiscing of days long ago. Stories that bring much laughter, and sometimes a tear or two. Every one of them a precious memory we are fortunate to keep with us for a...

I have had this recipe for many years, but do not remember where it came from. It is very easy to make and ready in less than an hour. Filled with flavor and a nice kick of spice from the andouille sausage, it is a delicious meal for those who love spicy food. Serve with hot sauce and a side salad or crusty rolls. Cajun Chicken & Sausage with Red Beans and Rice   6 oz. Andouille Sausage, sliced  1 Onion, quartered and sliced 2 small bell peppers, sliced 8 oz. cooked chicken cut up 3 scallions, sliced 1 pkg. Carolina or Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice    1. Prepare Red Beans and Rice as directed. 2. Heat large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and onion; cover and cook for 3 minutes          stirring occasionally until sausage is lightly browned. 3. Add peppers and sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken and sauté until hot. 4. Add sausage/chicken mixture to Red Beans and Rice when done. Stir in scallions. Serve with hot sauce.

So many things have been gathered over the years, and so much if it has been forgotten. Open a drawer or closet door to discover long lost collections. Too many pictures, some just a blur, that never made it into albums. If left like this no one may ever know which family members are reflected? Oh, the fashions we tried from young to old, so many we could not just let go. Whether too big, too small, or no longer our style, we have hung onto them as if they were gold. Those times we felt we did a good cleaning, we were only fooling ourselves. The minimal space we seemed to free up was quickly stuffed full again. We think our belongings are priceless, and want to pass them onto those we leave behind. The truth of the matter is in front of our eyes, to our children they don't seem to shine. Clear things out, let go of what doesn't matter, and leave them the precious memories. Let them spend time reminiscing over old photos, and not sorting through what you did not.

Our daily lives are filled with constant noise and images. Something is always "on"; whether it be television, computers, phones, radios or noise surrounding us in public spaces, our ears and eyes are bombarded for hours every day. Not only does all of this make us feel we need to engage with these things, but it takes time away from our families and gives us no peace. Being surrounded by all of this it's no surprise that people feel stressed or depressed. Their senses get no down time; some of it by choice and some by circumstances of their daily life. Either way, it's not healthy. Our brains and our senses need time to regroup and recharge. If we don't give them time to heal from the relentless mayhem in our chaotic environment, our stress level will continue to increase and lead to negativity and depression. Both of these have a way of spreading to those around us. We need to find time to be still in our lives; to embrace total silence. We need stillness, for i...

Give your brunch a bit of Mexican flare with this Fried Egg Tostada from Food Network Magazine. You can prepare this with a lot of heat, or not so much for those faint of heart. Use mild salsa if your family and guests prefer or kick it up with the hotter version. I used medium salsa, sliced jalapenos and feta cheese. However you decide to make them, they are delicious! Fried Egg Tostada Serves 4 4 tostada shells 1 tablespoon Butter 4 eggs salt and pepper Iceberg lettuce, shredded Lime juice Salsa Sriracha Cilantro Cotija cheese, crumbled Lime wedges 1. Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crack eggs in pan and cook until the white is set, but the yolk is still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Top tostada shells with shredded iceberg lettuce; season with salt and a squeeze of lime juice. Top with 1 to 2 tablespoons salsa and fried eggs. 3. Drizzle with Sriracha and top with cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with a lime wedge.

Each spring I await the arrival of the flower bed's first blossoms. Seeing the bright colors emerge awakens my spirit after a long winter. By June there are an abundance of flowers not only there, but also in my vegetable garden. The flowering sage and multitude of purple balls on the chives can brighten even a cloudy day. Enjoying these blossoms even more than I do are the bees. Each year they arrive as soon as the first flower appears. Going from one to another gathering pollen to bring back to their hives. Hearing the buzzing of the bees has a calming effect on me. As they go about their business, I will do my weeding right beside them. I am often told that I am going to get stung, but I always say we have an agreement. I won't bother them if they don't bother me. So far, we each have kept out word. I often think that it would be nice if this same mutual understanding could apply to humans. Even if our beliefs may be different, we should be able to occupy the same space ...

As I look around today, it seems that everyone is in a hurry. Scurrying around from one thing to another; rushing through their daily lives. I can't say that I have been much different through the years, but as I look back, I wonder what I have missed in this blur of activity. As you age, you are more aware of what is happening around you and have a greater appreciation for what you see. As a parent I watched my young children at play, but it was to ensure they were safe - not solely for the joy that could be experienced from their play and laughter. I think that many of us leave childhood and that innocence of just having fun and never stop to embrace it again. I find that the small moments I observe as I watch others, make me realize I should have slowed down and savored them in my own life. We never seem to recognize how amazing they are until they are in the past, and by then we have missed the opportunity. If I could pass on any advice to the younger generation, these would be...

This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot summer days. As the name indicates this light, fluffy dessert is cool and creamy, and just the right way to end your summer gathering. I hope that you and your family enjoy this fruity summer delight. Strawberry Chiffon Squares   1/2 cup butter 3 cups (about 56) finely crushed Vanilla Wafers 1 - 3-ounce package strawberry Jello 1 - 10-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed cold water 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk   In medium saucepan melt butter. Remove and stir in crumbs. Put 2/3 of the crumbs in a 13 x 9 pan - reserve remaining crumbs.   In a large bowl dissolve Jello in boiling water. Drain strawberries, reserving syrup; add cold water to syrup to make 1 cup. Add to Jello and chill until partially set.   Whip Jello mixture until thick and fluffy; fold in sweetened condensed milk and strawberries. Pour into prepared pan, garnish with reserved crumbs and if desired halved, fresh strawberries.   ...

 Our lives are not always what we want them to be, or as we had ever envisioned. We make plans with our hopes and dreams in mind; always thinking that if we are meticulous with our planning, and then stick to that plan, then everything will be as we wish. However, as we all know, things don't always go according to plan. There is an expression about "the best laid plans" which basically states, no matter how carefully we plan, something may still go wrong. There are times we are our own worst enemy. Somehow, we find a way to sabotage our dreams and perhaps some of that is out of fear. If we come up with reasons why we can't do something, then we don't have to deal with the possibility of failure. What we forget is that sometimes we need to fail in order to succeed. It can be extremely difficult to accept our lives when it seems that so many things are not going right. Even the smallest glitch in the day can be overwhelming and make us freeze and not move forward. ...

 Although we should always be engaged in our communities and country in terms of social and political issues, there does come a time when we need to let go of the reigns; a time to turn things over to the next generation. This act of letting go can make us uneasy, but if we have prepared them properly then things will be in good hands. I'm sure that our parents, and their parents, had great trepidation about allowing us to make decisions that would impact our community socially, and our government politically. We all prefer to be in control, and don't always understand the changes that take place as each decade passes. We tend to think that what has worked for us will work for generations to come. If we are pragmatic, and are able to put things in perspective, we will see things in the light of the present and not the shadows of the past. Rationality tells us that nothing can stay the same forever and much of the transformation is necessary to adapt to the rapidly changing worl...

A short while ago, we were having dinner with friends, and our host prepared this delicious meal. From Natasha Bull at saltandlavender.com , this creamy chicken stroganoff is sure to become a favorite with your family. With a tangy sour cream sauce and lots of mushrooms and tender chicken, it can be ready for your dinner table in about thirty minutes. Be sure to get a good sear on the chicken, mushrooms, and onions for extra delicious flavor.  Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 2 chicken breasts 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt & pepper to taste Flour for dredging 3 tablespoons olive oil divided 1 tablespoon butter 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced 1/2 medium onion chopped 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or more, to taste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or more, to taste 3 cloves garlic minced 2/3 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup full fat sour cream Cut the chicken into 1" pieces. Sprinkle them with garlic powder and generously with salt & pepper, then coat each piece in flour. Add 2 tablespo...

Relationships with our partner go through many phases over the years. They ebb and flow through good times and bad, and depending on the circumstances, each one will have moments that they lean on the other for support. There is great comfort in knowing there is someone we can turn to during troubled times. Whether it is just a difficult day or week, or a more significant event, knowing that there is a shoulder to lean on can minimize the stress or sorrow. Sometimes we are the rock of support, and other times we will be the one seeking comfort. In a perfect world this sharing of life's troubles, and the giving or taking of support, would flow seamlessly back and forth for as long as we were together. However, we know nothing in life is perfect and there may come a time in our lives when the one we have been able to lean on can no longer be there in that capacity. Through no fault of their own the support they once so easily gave, they are no longer capable of giving. This change us...

July 4th - Independence Day, and the first official sign of summer. Life on the lake can get chaotic during the summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Things have been very quiet for several months and now the fun begins. The quiet will be broken by fireworks that will be displayed on the lake each night of this weekend and many other weekends to come. I guess we should enjoy the peace since the rest of the summer will be jam packed full of people having summer adventures on the lake. Winter and spring seem to last so long that it feels like we wait forever for the hot, sunny summer days. Now that they have finally arrived there are visits from my girls and grandchildren, trips to the ocean, cookouts with family and friends, and so much more. With the short summer months here in New England, we have a difficult time fitting it all in.  If anyone wants to come and we can accommodate them, we will gladly do so. I believe that you can never make enough memories for family and f...

I am always on the lookout for quick, easy and delicious recipes to share with family and friends. From Pampered Chef, the ricotta in this cake keeps it nice and moist, and the raspberries and lemon glaze add refreshing flavor. A great addition to your brunch menu that everyone will love. Berry Ricotta Cake with Lemon Glaze Cake:   Vegetable oil for spritzing 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup maple syrup 1 cup whole milk ricotta ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 6 oz. raspberries Glaze: ½   lemon ¾ cup powdered sugar 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with oil. 2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 3. Combine the maple syrup, ricotta, vanilla, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until blended. 4. Gently fold in the raspberries and pour the mixture into the loaf pan. Bake, uncovered, for 45–50 ...

As I watch the news each day, I become more and more dismayed by what I see. What continually goes through my mind is "what has happened to common decency? Has greed, jealousy and hatred replaced kindness, compassion and understanding?" It would be easy to turn away and try to stay secluded in our own little circle, but ignoring the problems will only drive us faster to an unacceptable end. We all have ownership in some way to what has happened over time, either by contributing to it and perpetuating the issues, or by ignoring it. As if by ignoring it, we will eventually turn and see that the horrific events and behaviors have disappeared. A very naïve view of the world that we cannot afford to undertake. If we don't start treating one another with decency and respect, this will not be a world any of us want to live in. I worry each day what kind of world my grandchildren will be left with. Will they have opportunities to become what they have dreamt of, or will they have...

Father's Day is a holiday to honor fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In the United States, Father's Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. The day is held on various dates across the world and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood. Fathers play a significant role in their children's lives, and at times do not realize how much influence they have in shaping who their children grow up to be. On this Father's Day, I would like to share once again a blog I wrote a few years back about my own father and also wish every father a very happy Father's Day. My Father's Absence 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 ma...

From thebrookcook.wordpress.com   (adapted from LadyBehindtheCurtain.com), these churro cupcakes are a perfect dessert for a taco night party. The cinnamon-sugar coating underneath the cinnamon cream cheese frosting gives them a churro/snickerdoodle taste. They will be a big hit with both children and adults alike. A perfect recipe to make with your children or grandchildren. Enjoy!! Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Yield: 24 Cupcakes For the Cupcake Batter 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups cake flour 1 Tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1-1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-1/4 cups milk For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ...

Dedicated to my granddaughter, Emily, who recently graduated from high school. It seems like it was only yesterday, that your mother brought you home. A tiny bundle of softness and joy, for everyone to shower with love. The toddler years brought curiosity, and an eagerness to question and learn. You charmed the people around you, with your dimples and smile that glowed. School began and years flew by, you absorbed everything like a sponge. From academics to music and sports, You filled your life to the brim. Junior high then on to high school, you flourished and you excelled. Softball, flute, keyboard, and guitar,  banjo, jazz band, singing and more. You strived for excellence and had a plan, with a few adjustments along the way. It seemed at times you were in a race, to reach the prize at the end of the road. And now that high school has come to an end, the future you dreamed of is coming true. We are proud of the young woman you have become, and the lifetime of adventures that li...

The sun has risen on a brand-new day, and what is it all the cheery people say? Put on a smile, turn that frown upside-down, and everything is sure to go your way. Sometimes these words give us a good start, and our happy heart begins the new day. We move through the morning with ease, hoping this sunshine mood will remain. The trials and tribulations we live with, most days are handled with little effort. But every now and then we will falter, and the weariness and sadness move in. We know not the stress others may have, that put brick walls up in their way. Hard as they may try to knock them down, They will end up feeling defeated again. Everyone has their burdens to bear, there is nobody immune from hard times. For those fortunate to carry a lighter load, have compassion for those with heavier weight. The words of others that we read each day, preaching how to live a light filled life. Think positive advice, even well intentioned, can make others feel like a failure again.  Ther...

 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 stea...

 A very dear friend of mine once told me that with every ten years that pass, you will see and feel a marked difference. I have become more aware of her true words as each decade goes by. I have no problem with getting older; after all, it's inevitable and there is no use in fighting it. What we do, and what we reap from it, determines how we deal with it. We need to do our best to stay healthy and active. As the old saying goes, "if you don't keep moving, then eventually you can't move at all." Getting some exercise each day is a must. We need to keep our minds active in order to stay sharp. Whether we like to read, write, do crossword puzzles, or a myriad of other things, the more we do the sharper our minds remain. Socialization is vital. Stay in touch with family and friends; gather together as much as possible. These connections not only keep us active but also boost our energy and mental well-being. Plus, connecting with younger relatives keeps us current wi...

There is so much heaviness that we carry these days from the chaos around us. Sometimes, it seems almost impossible to move forward with positivity and purpose. However, we cannot let them win and steal our joy.  Now that we are in the late spring season, there are so many things that can restore our faith in all that is good. The season where Mother Nature awakens what has been beneath the soil during the cold winter months, and the trees suddenly display their fresh green leaves to hide the new nests filled with baby birds waiting to hatch. After dreaming all winter about warmer days, the arrival of ducks and geese signal the new season is about to begin. When the first haunting call of the Loons is heard, it touches the soul and lifts the spirits. This beautiful sound has been missed like a long-lost friend, and we are blessed that they will share their song from now until fall.  Birds return from wintering in warmer climates and the bird bath becomes a gathering place once...

From myjewishlearning.com , this coffee cake is one of the best I have ever tasted. Ashkenazi coffee cake has a history going back to 17th century Eastern Europe. The original Jewish coffee cakes called for coffee as one of the main ingredients, but today most are perfect partners for a hot cup of coffee but are totally caffeine-free. If you’re hosting some chocolate lovers, try the chocolate filling. If your family likes raisins, try the raisin-nut filling. The simple combination of pecans and walnuts in the nut filling is delicious. No matter what your choice is for fillings this coffee cake will be a big hit with family and friends. Jewish Coffee Cake Step 1: 3 tablespoons brown sugar 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 3/4 cup pecans, chopped Step 2a: 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter Step 2b: 2 cups flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Sep 3: 3 eggs Sep 4: 8 ounces of sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla Optional fillings: 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup chocolate chips Preheat th...

Life has a way of shaking us up every now and then and redirecting us down a new path. Our vision of what the future holds can suddenly disappear like mist rising from the surface of a lake. The question then becomes how do we adjust to the new "normal" and move forward from here? When confronted with this new future, emotions will run from acceptance and compassion to frustration and feelings of hopelessness. We will do everything we can to understand, and to be there to ensure a good and safe life; however, it does not mean that there will be no discontent. Many of us dream of pursuing forgotten passions when we reach retirement, and it never occurs to us that this will not happen. There is the wish list of the trips that are yet to be planned. So many places to see and experiences to share with one another. As we face reality, and watch passions dwindle and fade, there is a sadness. How could life be so cruel to take these things away? Each new day will bring both normalcy...