On My Mind Today

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...

After a very long, cold stretch of weather in early spring, warmth and sunshine finally arrived. Of course, it always seems to rush in with days that are far too hot and humid for mid-May. However, we will take it over the lingering cold as it feels good on our winter weary bodies. All winter I think about the flower bed buried underneath the snow. On the cold and dreary days, I spend time pondering what I want to do when the days get longer, the snow melts, and planting time nears. The ground will be ready and filled with nutrients from spring snow - poor man's manure they used to call it. When the first hint of growing season arrives, I take a trip to my local garden center to decide what will grace my flower bed. The Sunpatiens are always the showstopper. They come in several colors, will have a multitude of blossoms from summer into the fall, and are easy to care for. A Million Bell plant takes its place in front of the bird bath next to the Daylilies, and wildflower seeds are ...

If you are a big fan of ice cream, then you will love this easy ice cream cake. This recipe is one my sister gave to me many years ago. With only five ingredients, it takes very little time to put this together. It calls for vanilla ice cream, but you can use any of your favorite flavors. I make mine with 1/2 vanilla and 1/2 chocolate. It makes a good size cake, so it is a perfect dessert for a larger group. Ice Cream Cake Makes 12-15 servings 1 stick of butter 1 Family size package of Oreo cookies 1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream 1 - 15.5 oz. jar of Mrs. Richardson's hot fudge topping 1 - large container of Cool Whip Crush Oreos. Melt butter and add crushed cookies. Press into a 13x9 pan (I use a large round pie holder as it has a lid for storage). Put into the freezer for 1/2 hour. Let the ice cream soften for 5 minutes. Take the Oreo crust out of the freezer and cover with vanilla ice cream. Pour hot fudge sauce over ice cream and spread evenly. Top with the Cool Whip and put in ...

 Anyone growing up in the northeast can relate to the old saying "summer is a short month in New England". The actual duration is the same as anywhere else but depending on the weather it can seem extremely short. As soon as we experience the first warm day our thoughts turn to all the events we want to plan with family and friends, and the coordinating of schedules begins. There are only so many weekends of summer and trying to bring everyone together can be a logistical nightmare. If we are lucky, most people will be available on the same date. For a major event we will have to plan a year in advance. Of course, all of the above needs to be maneuvered around any vacation plans we have made. Whether it is a major overseas trip, traveling locally or visiting another state, these are usually arranged well ahead of the summer season. Once these trips are set, we can only hope we will not miss family gatherings while we are away.  Now all we have to do is pray for the weather to...

Sometimes life throws us off kilter, filling our head with too much to absorb. The ensuing chaos swirling in our brain, can overwhelm even the strongest soul. Noise constantly surrounding us, so much of it out of our control. Unless we are in total isolation, there is no way to find an escape. How do others enjoy the constant din, of voices and external sounds? They seem to thrive on the chaos, still able to function through it all. For those of us who enjoy some solitude, we yearn for days free of artificial sound. No television, radios or cell phones, can help to restore some balance in life. The ultimate way to soothe the soul, is to embrace Mother Nature's sounds. The sound of the birds or calling loons, can release all the tension we hold. We need a few moments to gather our thoughts, to stop the swirling chaos in our brains. May the day ahead bring a few moments peace, to renew our tired soul once more.

Not only is this pork tenderloin delicious, but also a heart healthy choice for dinner. From the American Heart association, this elegant main dish will impress your guests when the pork is sliced open to reveal its beautiful, bright filling. It may look complicated, but it’s simple to prepare. Sweet sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and crunchy pine nuts provide a wonderful contrast to rosemary-scented pork. Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Spinach, Pine Nuts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 1/2 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes Cooking spray 1 pound pork tenderloin, all visible fat discarded, butterflied and flattened to 1-inch thickness 2 tablespoons pine nuts, dry-roasted 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, divided use 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided use 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Put the tomatoes in a small bowl. Pour in the boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until softened....

There are an endless number of words that can be used to describe mothers, loving, nurturing, caring, healer, protector, cheerleader, warrior, comforting, understanding, compassionate, selfless, accepting, resilient, strong, courageous, generous, patient, beautiful and wise. We all have our own words to describe our mothers, and what comes to mind depends on where we are in our lives. Each stage of life brings a different role with its own meaning. Being a mother is a huge responsibility. From the day we hold our children for the very first time we become acutely aware of two things; just how much we can possibly love another human being, and the enormity of the responsibility ahead of us. Our children are a miracle we give to the world; there is no other word to describe giving birth. We love and nurture them as they grow and try to not only see our hopes and dreams for them fulfilled but also hope they achieve their dreams. Mothers are not perfect. We are human after all, and we will...

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...