Happiness is . . .

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that
commands your thoughts, liberates your
energy, and inspires your hopes."
- Andrew Carnegie

Introducing my son to Mozart!

This is one of my favorite pictures from vacation. We were walking down a street in Salzburg and came upon . . . Mozart! Okay, it wasn't really Mozart (did you guess that, already?) but a man in costume painted silver. He kindly gave us a photo op, bowed to my son, and gave him a postcard of Austria. As you can see, my son wasn't too old to enjoy the encounter.

The 'Mozart' was amazing. When he stood still on his pedestal, you would almost think he was actually a statue. He dealt with a lots of tourists and was cordial and friendly with each and every one. It was a cold, rainy day but it looks pretty upbeat here, doesn't it?

Chick has a dream . . .

One day, we left both the door to the garage and the car door open. Chick seized the opportunity to hop into the car and investigate. She hit the jackpot and discovered an opened bag of potato chips which she grabbed as she tore past us and back outside into the yard. There was no getting that found treat away from her. To this day, she views the car as the 'chipmobile'. Whenever she gets into the garage, she sniffs around and around the car trying to find the door she accessed that great day when she found the potato chips.

Today, she was 'helping' me out in the garage and discovered a ziplock bag of cheese crackers. Naturally, without a second thought, she got hold of it and race out to her patch of grass where she likes to enjoy her treats. She took a second sniff of the contents, picked up the bag, and disappeared. A few minutes later, she showed up at the screen door, no cracker and a very dirty nose - she had buried the crackers. This is what she does when she doesn't like something. I suggested to my husband that he might want to reconsider that brand from now on!

To Lighten the Mood . . .

"Pity the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
-- Don Marquis

"Nobody in the game of football should be called a genius. A genius is somebody like Norman Einstein."
-- Joe Theismann

"No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up."
-- Lily Tomlin

"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else."
-- Will Rogers

Rich Ricotta Cookies

Another simple recipe for your family and holiday gift giving. I've noticed that people really appreciate a plate of homemade goodness at Christmas which is how I got started collecting recipes. When you don't have the words, something from the heart of your kitchen speaks volumes!

Rich Ricotta Cookies

½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cups finely chopped, candied mixed fruit
1/3 cup chopped nuts, your choice.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, vanilla, and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour and salt. Mix this into the ricotta mixture.

Drop by rounded teaspoons on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes our until sides are slightly golden. Cool cookies on wire rack and glaze with orange icing.

Orange Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon orange extract.

Abraham Lincoln said the best things!

"And in the end it's not the years in your
life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

What a great quote to find first thing on a Sunday morning as we are blessed to begin a new week. It seems to me that we should be especially forgiving as we head for church. The scriptures do say that we have to make good with our neighbor before we approach the altar of God. Lest you think you have to immediately go out and hug every enemy in sight, we don't have to like everyone or be their great pal but we do have to love the potential for Jesus to work in and through them. Hey, extending a kind word to someone you have issues with will come back to you in some way tenfold - in a good way. Besides, why ruin a glorious day which starts with a visit to church? Every day we wake up, is God giving us a second chance.

Oops!

Given the mind set of too many females in today's society, this quote is sadly true!


Remember men, you are fighting for this lady's honor; which is probably more than she ever did.

- Groucho Marx

My Version of Shepherd's Pie Soup

This is a fast and easy soup with just a little advanced thought in having everything needed on hand. You can also substitute the vegetables for ones you might prefer. I like the way the potato flakes thicken the soup and add to the potato/stew flavor. A great dish to set before you family on a cold evening.

My Version of Shepherd’s Pie Soup

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely diced
6 cloves of garlic, peeled, smashed, and chopped
5 cups water
1/4 cup red wine
3 beef bullion cubes
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 cup thinly sliced celery
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic power
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
1 ½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instant mashed potato flakes

　

In a large pot, brown the beef until almost browned, add the onions and garlic, and cook until they are tender. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the potato flakes. Bring to a boil,  add the potatoe flakes, reduce heat, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through. You can always add more broth or water if it thickens too much.