Quick & Easy Shepherd’s Pie

1 lb. ground beef, lean
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 or 2 cans of your favorite vegetable (or leftover veggies)
Instant Mashed Potatoes, you choose the amount of servings
OPTIONALS: Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 can Creamed Corn

Cook beef and onions in skillet until the meat is browned. Spoon into a baking casserole dish.

Prepare instant mashed potatoes. Add Shredded Cheddar, if you like. ** Place the prepared potatoes around the edges of the casserole dish on top of the beef.

Fill the center with vegetables (If using canned veggies, remember to drain beforehand.)

Bake in 425 oven for 15 minutes.   Serves 3 or 4 people.

**FOR A CHANGE OF PACE – Pour the can of creamed corn, straight from the can, over the beef, BEFORE adding the potatoes and veggies. Great!

Lentil Barley Soup – The Best

3 cans Vegetable Broth
3 cans Beef Broth
1 cup lentils
1 cup barley
1/2 cup dry black eyed peas OR dry kidney beans
3 tblspn olive oil
1 lb (2 cups) Italian sausage OR Italian turkey sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, chopped very fine
1 tblspn fresh basil (use dried if you must, but add only 1 tsp.)
1 tblspn fresh parsley (use dried if you must, but add only 1 tsp.)
1/2 tblspn powdered thyme
3/4 tblspn dried oregano
1 tsp pepper
1 – 8 oz can stewed tomatoes OR Italian cubed tomatoes
Optional Ingredients:
1 can beans, drained (northern, kidney OR cannelloni, your choice)
brown or white rice
1 can mixed vegetables
pastina
bouillon cubes (with water)

• Pour all broth into a large pot
• Add lentils, barley and dry beans. Simmer for 1/2 hour.
• In separate pan, brown sausage on all sides in olive oil. Drain off oil, if necessary. After sausage is cooked, cut into bite-size pieces. Add to soup.
• Chop celery, carrots, garlic and onion. Add to pot.
• Add all seasonings and the can of tomatoes to pot.
• Cook on low for 1 1/2 hours.
• About the Optionals – I usually serve this soup as the main course (with French or Italian bread) so I like it to have a lot of body. I often add some OR all of the Optional Ingredients.
• NOTE: If you decide to add rice or pastina, you must add another 3 or 4 cups of water along with a bouillon cube for each cup of water.

As with most homemade soups, the longer it cooks, the better it gets. I have put this soup all together in the morning and left it cook on low until dinner. Excellent! Remember to check it from time to time, though.

This makes a huge amount of soup, but it freezes well. I put it into freezer containers holding 3 or 4 servings each. Believe it or not, it comes out of the freezer better than when it went in, if that’s possible.

Enjoy. It’s worth the trouble and one pot will feed a family several times.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Did you ever hear of Stieg Larsson? He wrote The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. The title intrigued me, so there you are. I picked the book up. That’s how happy mistakes are made.

The intrigue doesn’t stop with the title. Main characters don’t come more fascinating than Lisbeth Salander. Her personality: mysterious, hidden, socially inept, computer savvy (genius hacker), sometimes deadly, cautious, captivating, hold-your-breath nerve wracking.

For More

6 Easy Diet Snacks

I’ve already demonstrated how to cook perfect hard-boiled eggs in my previous post, and they are the first items on my snack list, as well as on Heidi Klum’s.

1. 2 Hard-boiled Eggs (only 150 calories)
2. Eat your favorite cereal straight from the box. No milk? More cereal!
3. Look for The Laughing Cow light cheese spread triangles in the dairy case. 1 triangle = 35 calories. (I can vouch for the Swiss flavor–it doesn’t taste like artificial muck!) 1 triangle easily covers 6 or 7 saltine crackers.
4. Rice Cake smeared with 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter and 1/2  sliced banana
5. Low-fat Cottage Cheese with plenty of fresh blueberries mixed in
6. Listen up! There are 15 calories in a tablespoon of ReddiWip. Think about that. You can add some really good zippitydoodah to that blah jello. Live a little. Spritz on two whole tablespoons. I’m not talking about that fat free stuff, either. This is the real deal. Jello with fruit with a large dollop of whipped cream. Heaven help us!

Click for more helpful hints

The Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg

“It’s so hard to peel a hard-boiled egg.” I hear this complaint over and over again. Therefore, I think it is time for me to share my secret.

Also, you might like to know. Heidi Klum’s exercise guru says that Heidi insists hard boiled eggs be available for that time of day when she needs to have a snack, something filling, but low in calories.

So, go here for the secret. Eggs take exactly 20 minutes to cook.

10 More Great Places to Visit in the U.S.A.

This is my second Top Ten List–the Recap. Have fun planning your vacation.

1. Washington, DC
2. Cape May, New Jersey
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Key West, Florida
5. Macon, Georgia
6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
7. Natural Bridge, Virginia
8. Salem, Massachusetts
9. Atlanta, Georgia
10. The State of Maine, including Acadia National Park

I have written at length about all of the above places in my previous posts. Enjoy!

If you’d like to see my first Top Ten List, go to 10 Great U.S. Cities to Visit

Maine

I’ve never been to Maine, but I’d like to go someday. Here are some of the places I’ll be looking for:

Natural Bridge, Virginia

A friend of mine had a temporary position in Virginia, a few years ago. She wanted some visitors because she was lonely. So, I told her to find some places in and around where she was staying and we’d go exploring. That idea culminated in a visit to Natural Bridge. We stayed two nights at the Natural Bridge Hotel. What I remember most about the hotel was their restaurant. The food was good and so was the music. Don’t go expecting a high-end resort, though. The hotel is historic, but quite charming.

Want to read more about the area?

Atlanta, Georgia

It’s been a number of years since I’ve been to Atlanta, but I remember my visit fondly. Probably one of the most innovative places in Atlanta is their underground shopping, where you’ll find unique shops and restaurants.

Also downtown, tour the World of Coca Cola.

Read more.

Salem, Massachusetts

Photo from

Okay, it’s August, I know that! But, I’m thinking Halloween. Because if you’re planning a getaway in October, you must start planning and reserving rooms now. And it doesn’t get better than Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween.

Here’s the truth–

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Photo from

Years ago, I went on a bus trip to Cape Cod. Spent a lot of time on the beach and seeing the sights. The journey ended at the extreme tip of the Cape at Provincetown.

Go here to read about the fun and the food.

10 Ideas (and more) When There’s No Money For Vacation

Over the past few months, I’ve pointed out a number of places to vacation. All in the U.S. All good for the pocketbook. All good to help boost the economy. But suppose you don’t even have enough money to hop on a plane, or a train, or to gas up the car? What then?

It could be time to get creative:

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

I must take a break from my “Places to Visit on a Budget” posts to tell you about a wonderful book I’ve just finished reading–The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society. It is written completely in letter form, making it different from any book I’ve ever read, or if I have read one, I’ve long forgotten it. And the author’s humorous style that easily transforms into serious matters, namely the aftermath of World War II, is done seamlessly.

Here are some other kudos. This one from Mama Monkey

The title alone (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society) was enough to have me hooked because I needed to know just want this “society” was.

…tells the story of Juliet Ashton, a British author, and her getting to know the people of Guernsey Island through their letters and eventual meeting.  The story takes place following the second World War.  The people of the island share their stories with Ashton, which eventually gives her the idea of writing a book about the German occupation of the island– and of their Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It has been a long time since I have been so captivated by a story.

From Teddyree in Australia

When Juliet unexpectedly receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, resident of Guernsey and member of the literature society new friendships are formed along with an idea for a new book. As correspondence between Juliet & Dawsey expands to include other members of the literature society, Juliet is captivated by the stories of life on Guernsey during the Occupation and of friends connected through a mutual love of literature and the trauma of war.

The character’s have an authenticity that makes them feel like old friends, I shared their sorrows and joys, laughing out loud, sniggered in places, & at times I sat with tears rolling down my cheeks. Juliet, Dawsey, Sidney (Juliet’s editor), Amelia Maugery, Elizabeth & Kit McKenna, Isola Pribby, Eben Ramsey are portrayed with such humour and colour, they capture your heart, staying with you, like part of your family, long after the story is finished.

Try this one out.

Macon, Georgia

photo from

[My computer has been sick, but it's all better now.]

So, what’s doing in Macon, GA? That’s what I was thinking 5 years ago when a friend asked me if I’d like to go to Macon for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It turns out that Macon has more, many more, cherry blossom trees than Washington, DC.

And there’s more!

Key West, Florida

If you make it to the southernmost point in the U.S., you’re in Key West.

Okay, there’s beaches. I didn’t realize I gravitate to beaches, but it appears I do, since many of my favorite places are near water. But there’s more to Key West.

Read more and pack your bags

The Outer Banks, North Carolina

Image from

Right off the coast of North Carolina, you will find The Outer Banks. There is so much doing there, I hardly know where to start. Of course, the obvious–the beaches are superb.

But there’s much, much more.

Cape May, NJ

Photo from

If you live anywhere on the east coast and you’re thinkin’ where can I go where the entire family will have a wow of a time without spending a boatload of money, look to the Jersey shore. For everything your heart could possibly desire, zero in on Cape May, New Jersey.

Here’s the lowdown.

Washington, DC

Photo from The DC Traveler

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, with the economy in the doldrums, you should consider a staycation–one where you stay in the U.S. and spend your vacation dollars at home. A perfect city to visit is Washington, DC.  Most of the tourist spots are free. It doesn’t get better than free. And it’s wonderful on the Fourth of July.

There’s plenty more to read

Happiness Or Unhappiness?

One evening a Cherokee elder told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people’s heads.  He said, “My son, the battle is between the two ‘wolves’ that live inside us all.  One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self-pity, resentment and inferiority.  The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Someone sent this story to me months ago. I liked it so much, I thought I would share.

My Job Was Eliminated

I have been eliminated–not laid off with the hope of being rehired. No, I am an eliminated entity. That’s like erasing all the writing from a chalkboard with one sweep of an eraser. One minute there’s something there; the next minute it’s gone.

The thing is, one doesn’t know what to do with oneself when the alarm doesn’t go off. I remember all those mornings when that annoying alarm sounded and all I wanted to do was catch another 20 minutes of sleep. Now, for some reason, I don’t crave the sleep. I get up like always, but I have no place to go.

After several days of thinking and analyzing and speaking to my family, I have decided to move in with my daughter. We will be three generations in one house. That has spawned much discussion among my friends and acquaintances.

Many families, not just mine, are merging together out of necessity. I didn’t realize that while I was still employed, but it appears families are circling the wagons. They have run out of other choices.

In some instances, it is a good thing. My ophthalmologist has opened his doors once again to his son, and his nephew, too, is having a hard time finding another job. He is expecting to find him on his doorstep any day now, as well. However, he welcomes the opportunity to help both boys through this crisis and believes he will come to know each of them a little better because as he puts it, ” I only know the boys as they once were, not as the adults they have become.”

I think my decision to join my family will also be a good one, but I know there are many family situations that are not conducive to combining generations in one home.

I just had a discussion with a friend five minutes ago, while I was writing this post as a matter of fact, who is not looking forward to what the near future has in store for her. Her mother-in law and brother-in-law are preparing to move into her home. She is forced to give up space that she worked hard to create for herself and her husband over the years. That may not sound like much, but it’s huge. Furniture put into storage to make room for other furniture being moved in. Drapes to be hung in a sun room that will now be used as a bedroom, no longer a place of refuge. She views this turn of events as an end of her peace and comfort, something she craves when she comes home from work. The fact that she is forced to give all of this over to people she doesn’t particularly care for, but who she is obligated to help in their time of need, makes it all the more an enormous struggle. Yet, she will do it because she loves her husband.

I think depression will be the likely result for those who are forced to join together and make unwanted and unforeseen changes in their lives. What a pity. What to do? What to do?

Two Squirrel Encounters

Squirrels are just too fascinating.

Did you know they eat french fries and Butterfinger candy bars?

No joke. Read on.

Tea Tree Oil – Who Knew?

I was cleaning out the medicine cabinet last week (something everyone should do every six months, at least). Anyway, I found a bottle of Tea Tree Oil. I had no idea what the oil is used for and it took me a few minutes to recall why I bought it in the first place.

Read more from me and Tree Hugger

In Plain Sight

While I’m waiting for Project Runway to come back for its new season, I’ve found a new favorite, In Plain Sight. Watch it. Comes on Sunday nights.

I’m not the only one watching. Here’s an excerpt from Lamoretti’s Blog

It is a show about Mary Shannon, “a U.S. Marshall in the witness protection program who spends her time relocating federal witnesses.” (www.IMDB.com, 2008) Mary is a witty and strong woman who does not tolerate idiocy and isn’t afraid to speak/act up about how she feels. She is actually the “alpha-female” in her workplace and is the more aggressive character in her partnership. Her partner, Marshall Mann, is a goofy side-kick type, and he has a playful, tedious, yet solid relationship with Mary. There is one short clip that I would like to analyze which perfectly describes their relationship. In this clip, Marshall is speaking to another co-worker about Mary, and says something about her that he perhaps should not have. When she hears him, Mary hits him in the arm, and it looks like a decent hit. Much to everyone’s surprise, Marshall hits Mary back in exactly the same way. Shocked, Mary turns on him and says: “Ow! I can’t believe you’d hit a girl!” To this, Marshall slyly replies: “You’re no girl…” and they exchange identical looks of sarcastic rivalry. (Season 2, Episode 3)

Separation of Church and State

Does this Representative from Georgia have nothing else to do with his time? Like, maybe he could consider thinking about a resolution to help bring back a robust economy. Does he not know we are hurting out here? Click here to see the idiocy.

Fat Girls, Beware!

I don’t know exactly when it became fashionable to humiliate people on national TV. Did that first happen with American Idol? Or some other show with equally distasteful “judges?”

When did it become okay to debase people? And when did other people begin to enjoy it, to find it completely acceptable and totally delightful? Perhaps, soon we will allow some energetic entrepreneur to build a coliseum for our entertainment pleasure.

Before that happens, though, WE-TV has decided stalking is the new wave of reality’s future. Oh, better still–stalk the fat girls. Let’s make them squirm. It will be fun to spy on them and then invade their homes to see what vile food is lurking in their cabinets.

But, of course, WE has sanitized the show by assuring the viewer that the degradation to women is all done in the name of healthy living.  Oh, did I forget to mention the reason why these fat girls will be made to eat humble pie instead of apple pie? WE-TV is out to Save Their Lives. Yes, sir–it’s all about being altruistic. Thanks so much, WE.

Really! How far is too far? Will America really delight in watching women be put through a meat grinder of mental torture?

Recipe for Buttermilk Pie

Here’s a story about Buttermilk Pie.

A few years ago, my friend went to Texas for a week. She ate lunch in the same diner every afternoon for a week, and each time, she topped her meal off with their buttermilk pie. She had never tasted it before. By the end of the week, she managed to wangle the recipe from the cook.

When she returned to work, she laid the recipe on my desk and said, “Make it. You won’t be sorry.” I said, “Why don’t you make it?”

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

10 Great U.S. Cities to Visit

For the past few months, in an effort to encourage travel within the United States, I’ve been writing about cities I have enjoyed while on vacation.

This year in particular, it’s a good idea to spend your vacation dollars right here in the good old U.S.A.

Have fun, while stimulating our economy.

Click here for the list of links.

Savannah, Georgia

Oglethorpe Square

If you’re looking for southern hospitality, try Savannah, Georgia. On the menu–candy for the eyes. It is chock full of quaint B&Bs, but the main attraction is its charming 22 park squares that are situated throughout the historic district of the city. There’s lots more

San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Bridge

When I travel I like to visit places I have read about in a book or magazine. I become the ultimate tourist. My intent is to take the words off the page and experience them in real life. San Francisco is a prime destination where you can do just that.

For one thing, a lot of stuff you’ve read about is within walking distance of each other. You can visit the sea lions AND MORE

Orlando, Florida

Orlando By Night

Continuing on with fun cities to visit in the United States. Try Orlando, Florida.

Yeah, you already know it’s about Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. That’s all good, but it is also about nightlife downtown and restaurants galore. One of my favorite restaurants is Vito’s Chop House on International Drive, a steak house with an Italian flair.

MORE FUN, ALL SORTS

Memphis, Tennessee

Since I’m encouraging vacation travel on a budget, I’ll rerun part of a previous post I wrote a while back.

If you’re looking to hear the blues, Memphis is the town.

Looking to savor the sweet taste of BBQ? Memphis is a good choice.

READ MORE

New York, New York

The Big Apple

When you read that title, New York, New York, tell the truth, didn’t you automatically hear the lyrics in your head? I can almost picture a line of dancers kicking up their heels in unison at the Radio City Music Hall.

New York City is the next city on my countdown for vacationing on a budget and where to do it in the U.S.

READ MORE

New Orleans, Louisiana

Most people think if you’re going to visit New Orleans, it should be during Mardi Gras.  That’s great, I admit. The parades are not to be missed and the craziness on the streets adds to the raucus, carefree atmosphere.

But there’s so much more to New Orleans.

READ MORE

Philadelphia, PA

Sculling on the Schuykill

If you’re vacationing in the U.S., Philadelphia is a good choice. It’s got a little bit of everything: history, art, sports, Broadway-caliber theaters, nightlife and great food.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

San Antonio, Texas

Photo From

In keeping with my suggestion that you vacation in the good ole’ USA, here is another suggestion.

If you want to visit a city that has something for everyone, San Antonio, Texas fills the bill.

READ MORE

Vacation On A Budget

If you’re like a whole lot of other people, you can’t afford to go abroad for a vacation. Getting there is expensive, even if you’re able to find a decent group deal. Worse, the dollar exchange is really, really bad at the moment.

Still, you’d like to get away for a little while, maybe in the spring or summer. The answer is simple. Travel in the good ole’ U. S. of A. If you happen to live close enough to any of these locations, you can plan a road trip. Best of all, you’ll be helping our economy while you enjoy yourself.

I’ll give you a short rundown of cities I’ve visited that didn’t disappoint. I’ll start with my two absolute favorites.

READ MORE

Bruschetta & Crostini

Someone asked me this week, if I had any good recipes for Bruschetta. Here they are. If you use a smaller loaf of bread, like French bread, the tasty morsels automatically become Crostini. You can serve them as an appetizer while waiting for the main course to be served, or eat them right along with your meal. Superb!

Bruschetta – Tomato & Basil

 

Use 8 thick slices of Italian bread

Rub both sides with 2 large halved cloves of garlic OR sprinkle sparingly with garlic powder

Brush both sides with virgin olive oil

Toast the bread or, if you prefer, broil in oven-making sure to brown both sides.

 

Combine:

4 ripe tomatoes, cored and diced

½ cup fresh basil, chopped

Salt, pepper

Spread on bread or serve separately so that each guest can prepare their own.

 

 

 

Bruschetta – Tomato & Mozzarella

 

Prepare Italian bread as above, but DO NOT toast.

Top each slice of bread with shredded mozzarella. Broil till the cheese is bubbling. Remove from oven and top each slice with diced fresh tomato and fresh or dried oregano. (Go easy on the oregano)

 

 

Bruschetta – Garlic, Butter and Cheese

Use 8 thick slices of Italian bread

Spread with thin coat of butter (real butter)

Sprinkle with garlic powder (sparingly)

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese covering the entire surface

Broil until golden

Top each slice with diced fresh tomatoes or eat “as is” with no tomato added.

Good For The Waistline-Good For The Pocketbook, Too

It’s time to cut out some of the fast food drop-ins on your way home from work. Notice I say some, because there are days when you’re just too tired to cook, or you don’t have time to cook, or you’ve got to have a greasy cheeseburger, no matter what!

On those days when there’s no getting around it, be prepared. It doesn’t have to be a fast food burger. I buy a pound of ground beef, but instead of freezing it, I shape it into four burgers (very simple–nothing whatsoever added to it). Those individually wrapped burgers are always in my freezer. I freeze burger buns, too. Instant meal!

And if you want to make it healthier, smother every burger with tomato, lettuce, pickle, onion and a little cheese. The more lettuce, the better. It adds crunch.

Another thing you might want to consider is, once the kitchen is cleaned after dinner, put up the “Closed” sign. I don’t mean literally, but I remember my mother wiped and dried her kitchen sink. She shined the faucet and folded the towel and, believe me, you didn’t mess up her sink after that. It was her way of closing the kitchen for the night. It was a good policy. No one in our family had a weight problem back then.

And, incidentally, if you want to read a book about losing weight the fun way, try reading a book written by Janice Taylor titled All Is Forgiven, Move On. I mention her book because one of her suggestions is to close your kitchen at 9:20 p.m. every night.  My mom was doing that back in the 50’s.

Janice also has some nifty charts, some great recipes and motivation ideas for getting healthy and staying that way.

You might also want to visit Janice’s site http://ourladyofweightloss.com/ It’s an interesting read.

Two Different Points Of View

photo from careerealism

I finally received an emailed joke that actually made me smile. I’m sharing.

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken woman swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, “Do you know her?”

“Yes,” I sighed. “She’s my old girlfriend. I understand she started drinking right after we split up those many years ago and I hear she hasn’t been sober since.”

“My God!” my wife said. “Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?”

The Cape Cod Seagull

When the weather is really, really cold, I like to think about warm-weather places I’ve visited. So, picture  with me springtime in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the town situated at the tip of Cape Cod. it’s a pleasant day–perfect for sitting outside to eat lunch.

That’s exactly what my friend and I decided to do as we walked up to a restaurant that boasted open air seating right on the beach. The porch had a peaceful, cozy feel. The balmy breeze blowing off the ocean made it even more inviting. After a morning spent browsing the shops, we were ready to enjoy a quiet lunch.

We were seated at a round table with a large green umbrella overhead. There was a wooden railing next to our table and as we scanned the menu, a seagull landed on the railing. He was so close, I could’ve stretched my arm out  to touch him. I didn’t dare, of course, but I did retrieve my camera from my pocketbook and I snapped a quick picture. As it happened, there was no hurry. The bird continued to sit and scope out the rest of the patrons eating at the other tables.

As I mentioned, our table was a typical picnic table with umbrella. There were a few tables on the porch, however, without umbrellas. Just as I began to wonder what  the gull found  so interesting, he flew up into the air. Circling once, he suddenly swooped back down. There was a scream and quite a commotion at the table next to ours. A woman jumped up and her chair clattered to the floor behind her. When the bird took to the air again, he was carrying a succulent, roasted chicken breast in his beak. He had stolen the woman’s lunch off her plate.

You’d think the thieving bird would fly as far away from the scene of his crime as possible. That wasn’t the case. He landed on a broken-down row boat that had been abandoned on the beach close to the restaurant. There he shared his booty with another gull friend.

Needless to say, the victim didn’t find the gull’s antics amusing. But I’m forced to admit that after watching the bird’s entire thought process, as he planned his mission, I found it most entertaining. The execution of the steal was flawless. I’ve never forgotten the incident, although it happened more than fifteen years ago.

Cape Cod Seagulls aren’t the only crafty gulls along the East Coast. My sister had a Philly Cheesesteak grabbed right out of her hands while we sat on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Again, I’m sorry, but I must admit I thought that was one of the funniest things I ever saw. My sister freaked out. Great fun!

Pirates of the Gulf of Aden

Does it get any better than Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean? Before Depp burst onto the scene, I thought Errol Flynn was the best swashbuckling pirate of them all. He robbed the rich to give to the poor, a regular sea-worthy Robin Hood. He wooed every aristocratic woman who became stranded on his ship through happenstance and, of course, they couldn’t resist his charms. His crew always loved him, as well.The pirate world was a fantasy land for the romantics.

Now fast-forward to the 21st century version of pirates.Weren’t you a little surprised the first time you heard about pirates taking possession of ships for ransom in this day and age? How did that happen? Why did that happen?

According to this recent report from the Associated Press, most often these modern-day  pirates are Somalians.

More than a dozen ships with about 300 crew members are still being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia, including the weapons-laden Ukrainian cargo ship MV Faina, which was seized in September.

The multi-million dollar ransoms are one of the few ways to earn a living in the impoverished, war-ravaged country. Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991 and nearly half of its population depends on aid.

What a sad commentary on the world we live in today. No more scenes of gaiety with Errol Flynn. Even the bravado of Johnny Depp’s, Jack Sparrow, is of no use in this latest of pirate sagas.

Our world becomes more and more scary every day. What to do? What to do?

You’re the Boss of “You”

Ya-da, ya-da, ya-da, yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s a new year and everyone is going on a diet. Forget it!

If you’re interested in getting healthy, don’t stop eating–stop working. Now that I look back on that sentence, I guess if you stop working, you’ll automatically stop eating–no money. But I wasn’t talking about quitting your job.

In order to get healthy and stay healthy, it’s time to stop laying in bed worrying about what you need to do tomorrow. It’s time to slooooow doooown. Give your mind a rest.

Have you ever read the Desiderata? You should. That says it all and the funny thing is–it was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. The advice is still pertinent today. Just reading it brings a sense of peace and warmth to your mind and body.

But getting back to the work thing–you need to know when to work and when to stop.

Take next weekend off. You’re the boss of “you.” Declare a two-day holiday. Grab a friend, or a member of your family, and make time for some personal enjoyment activities.

• Dine out
• Go see a movie
• Have a DVD marathon (I recently enjoyed an entire Saturday watching NCIS episodes with my granddaughter)
• Go to the park, take some deep breaths. Inhale positive energy; exhale all of the negative energies, and then go enjoy an ice cream sundae. (Gosh, the total opposite of what the rest of the world is doing–Heaven forbid!)
• If you are spending your downtime alone, relax and read a book (the entire book, from cover to cover, without feeling guilty because you should be running the vacuum)
• Take a bubble bath
• If you’re crafty, spread all your supplies out on the table and create

Right about now, you should be starting to feel the stress fall away from your body as you think about your “work-less weekend.”

Oh, and if you still feel it’s necessary to start a diet. That’s okay, too. But remember, it’s not enough to whip your body into shape, your brain needs attention, too. Give it a breather.

5 Ways To Get Rid Of The Holiday Blues

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there who suffer through the holidays. It is a period of time that they endure rather than enjoy. For one reason or another, this is not the “happiest time of the year” for them.

If you experience the holiday blues, here are some suggestions to get you back on track, even if for just a little while.

1. Music brings harmony to the soul. Listen to music that you find uplifting, or something that you associate with other good times.
2. Speaking of good memories. Sift through some of those old photos and relive the happier moments. Reminisce with yourself. I personally like to pull out pics of pets that I’ve had over the years who brought joy and happiness into my life.
3. Keep busy. Get organized. For instance, go through that “catch-all drawer” and straighten it out. Getting rid of unnecessary junk can be very satisfying.
4. When you’re feeling completely humorless, the best thing to do is call a friend, someone who makes you feel good, or someone who always makes you laugh.
5. The best remedy of all is to cook yourself a wonderful, healthy meal. Plan it. Think about it the entire day. Look forward to preparing it. When it’s ready, serve it on your best china and use linen napkins. If you like wine, drink it out of a lovely piece of  stemware. (I’m an eggnog person myself.)

Believe me. I speak from experience. I remember one Christmas that I spent all alone eating a baloney sandwich.  It’s definitely NOT always the “happiest time of the year.” But remember–this too shall pass. Maybe not next year, maybe not even the year after that, but at some point, the grass does get greener.

GLITZ DAY–What Is It And How Did It Begin?

Photo from

Many years ago, a group of women were sitting around a lunchroom table bemoaning the fact that they had to work on Christmas Eve. No one was completely prepared for the “big” day and there was so little time left. The stress levels at that table were enormous.

We sat silently for a while, each of us stewing in our own personal pressure cooker, when a light bulb went off in my head. “Why don’t we dress up that day in some of our most exciting clothes. We’ll transform the day into a festivity–something to look forward to instead of a day to be dreaded.” After a moment, I added, ” We can call it Glitz Day.”

The rest of the conversation around the table that day went something like this.

“What do you mean by exciting clothes? There is no excitement hanging  in my closet.”

“Yes, there is. Remember that blue satin blouse you wear occasionally? That’s exciting.”

“What about me? The only colors in my closet are black, beige and brown.”

“The stores are stocked with beaded Christmas t-shirts and sweaters at this time of year. It won’t be hard to glitz-up.”

“And I have all those Mardi Gras necklaces. I could bring in a bunch of them and share.”

“Let’s do it! We’ll make Christmas Eve at the workplace sparkle and shine: silk, satin, sequins and beads. It will be fun.”

And so, Glitz Day was born.

Since that initial conversation, I’ve moved on to three other jobs. But Glitz Day lives on. Once a year, I get an email from one of the original ladies who sat in on that lunchtime discussion. She writes to say hello and to let me know that Glitz Day is still alive and well with more and more participation each year.

So, are you working on Christmas Eve? Shake off the tension. Make it a Glitz Day. Seeing people pass by your workspace decked out in glitter makes the work seem lighter. Try it.

Phone Books – Think Green

Recycling can be so sexy. Creator Jolis Paons pleated, sewed and glued this entire dress by hand.

Photo and quote above from Neatorama

Two huge, thick, heavy phonebooks were waiting for me at my front door last week. Normally, I drag them into the house, trash the old books (recycling isn’t available in my area at the moment) and replace them with the new ones. I don’t believe I’ve used my phone-books for the past four or five years, and I bet loads of other people haven’t either. How many wasted trees do these unwanted volumes represent, I wonder?

Creating a dress is a novel idea, but I had to ask myself, why do I receive these books year after year. I don’t want them. With the advent of the Internet, these books became obsolete.

A better idea would be to mail all area occupants a postcard asking whether they wish to continue receiving the phone-books. It would cut down on an immense amount of waste and save a lot of trees.

10 Movies I Can’t Resist

When one of my favorite movies appears on the TV screen, I’m lost. There are certain movies that force me to stop changing channels and lay down the remote control.

Here’s my top 10 list:

1. Dirty Dancing – I can’t resist the dancing, or Patrick Swayze
2. Flashdance – Again, the dancing is awesome
3. An Affair To Remember – When Cary Grant realizes that Deborah Karr is actually crippled, I cry–every time.
4. Love With The Proper Stranger – Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen, an unlikely couple, are just so very likeable.
5. Every James Bond movie, especially From Russia With Love
6. The Unsinkable Molly Brown – I have no idea why I love this movie, but I do. Debbie Reynolds is so alive and wonderful…
7. Saturday Night Fever – This movie defined the disco era and I loved, still do, disco music.
8. Forgive me for this one. Normally I hate blood, violence and guts, but I simply can’t resist First Blood. Go figure.
9. Heart and Souls – This is a Robert Downey, Jr. movie. I think I’m the only person who has ever heard of it, but he did make it in 1993 and he was in good company: Kyra Sedgwick and Alfre Woodard
10. I love most of Meg Ryan’s light romantic films. Of course, it’s imperative to wait for the diner scene in When Harry Met Sally

I have a lot more favorites. These are just a few. How about you?

Turn Signals May Be Detrimental To Your Health

Not using them, that is!

Why have so many people stopped using turn signals? Too lazy? Or maybe cutting cars off is more macho? I don’t know. What I do know is blood pressure rises when the car in front of you brakes to make a turn, or swerves into your lane without signaling.

Aside from raising your blood pressure, the “no turn signal” habit can kill you.

A lot of people feel the same way. See Ed’s Thoughts On Life

I don’t care who you are, where you’re driving, who’s around you or any other excuse you might give, if you don’t use your turn signal when driving your vehicle you make the roads a little bit less safe. On city and country roads – okay maybe you can have a little lea-way, but for gosh sake when driving on the highway, use your friggin’ turn signal!

The last time I bought a new car, the turn signals weren’t part of an optional package. All cars come equipped with turn signals. They’re meant to be used. They’re not an option.

Tension and anxiety levels in our society are on the rise. Stressful situations already abound in our fast-paced lives, why add to the pressure cooker?  Clogteachr doesn’t like sharing the road with the “crazies,” either.

Are these really an option when it comes time to purchasing a car? You would think so. It is just polite to use them … I mean how else are we to know that you want to turn?

Of course if the police don’t even use their signals why should the general public. You can get a ticket for not using one.

I was watching the movie “Shoot ‘em Up” (with Clive Owen) this weekend and the director made a point about this. You only have to move your finger a half an inch to signal you are changing lanes … so come on people be connsiderate …

A half an inch–with one finger–is all it takes. If everyone used signals there would be less of this,

And more of this.

Photo from

Santa’s Secret Village

This is a repeat from last year’s popular post.

With Christmas right around the corner, you’ll want to go to this site and share some quality time with your child or grandchild. It’s an amazing place to play. These are just some of the things you will find at Santa’s Secret Village.

1. The kids can write a letter to Santa and he’ll write back.
2. Create a personalized Christmas story.
3. See Disco Dancing Santa.
4. Read a book.
5. Do some coloring.
6. Connect-the dots
7. There are loads of recipes that you can prepare with the kids.
8. Rhyme words.
9. Watch movies and videos.
10. Build a snowman.

The list goes on and on. There are activities galore.

For home schooling, there’s even an Elf Pal Academy with lesson plans that combine learning with fun.

If you can dream it up, they probably already have it at this site.

Go here http://www.northpole.com/Village.html. You’re going to be glad you did.

Hospital

Frances Ellen is in the hospital.  Visit the site next week for an update.

Does It Get Any Worse Than This?