Regardless Of Your Position

This is definitely a crazy year for Politics.  It is at the same time frightening and enlightening.

There is sure a lot of HATE spewing from some Politicians mouths and it find it disturbing that so many people are willing to jump on the "Hate Bandwagon."  In reviewing History, I don't see any evidence of that ever having helped a difficult situation.

Somehow we United States Citizens need to find a way to come together in Peace and work out the problems which seem to be plaguing this Country.  The Civil War ended over a hundred years ago, and yet there is still a huge problem with racism in this Country....and not just against Black Folks, but Hispanics, Jews....anyone who is seemed "different."  ALL of us are IMMIGRANTS unless we are Native Americans!  Are we forgetting that?

Now our choice for President is going to be clouded by all the hate being spewed on both sides.  I am, I must say, happy that a Woman is actually able to be nominated for the highest office in the land.  I am also frightened that a man who has shown no regard for people with less than himself, people who are Hispanic, Muslim or any other "different" he decides is significant are "dangerous."

I am frightened by a man who tells his followers to "punch him in the face, I'll pay for your legal expenses:"  Really, really? People...many people have voted for this man.  I understand that some of it has been in protest to "politics as usual" and people are quite sick of that...me included.  But, it takes finess, and diplomacy and knowledge of world affairs to be President.  Hmmmmm...

We need "Peacemakers" in this crazy war filled world right now...what we don't need is someone who wants to try to "isolate" us and yet sends his own businesses overseas to avoid taxes.

I have heard all the arguments about email servers, Benghazi (which by the way the CONGRESS refused to fund more security over there), and more...yes lives were lost in that incident...tragically.That is a dangerous part of the world..we all know the risks.  But, alienating our Allies, "getting in the faces" of other World Leaders and "Building Walls" will not solve anything.

I pray people will think long and seriously, not emotionally about who they vote for when they go to the polls in November.  It's gonna be a dirty, hard fought election and it's gonna take a lot out of all of us.  I hope we can all look up to a "HIGHER POWER" regardless of your faith, and look for a solution that will work the best for this GREAT COUNTRY (and it is ALREADY GREAT) of ours when we go to vote!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Autumn is Upon Us!

It is that glorious, color filled time of year again!  Fall is definitely my favorite Season!  The air is crisp and clean, the sky is clear as crystal and the color on the mountains is absolutely amazing!

Then there are the Fall Festivals.  I love the time of Pumpkins, Colorful Leaves and Caramel Apples!  Our annual Harvest Moon Festival takes place on 25th Street on the 19th! It is such a fun time when all the locals gather to celebrate the Season and prepare for the upcoming Winter!  For the ski enthusiasts it is a prelude to the coming snow and a great time flying down the mountainside.  For the farmers, it is time to celebrate the end of a successful growing season.  The Farmers Market will soon be closing, and I will miss those Saturday mornings in the park picking out fresh tomatoes and other delicious fruits and vegetables.  The beautiful horses and pianos that decorate our streets in the Summer will soon be removed, and in November they will begin putting together the Christmas Village.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but as my granddaughter reminded me the other day, FIRST is Halloween! The children are always to excited to put on their costumes and become someone or something else!  Yes, Fall does have a lot of charm.

I am anxious to turn on the fireplace for the first time.  Sounds silly, but I love the dancing flames taking the chill off the early morning air.  This Summer has literally flown by, what with my trips to England, France, Maryland, Georgia and Norway!  Lots of wonderful memories from all that travel though.  I'm looking forward to a Holiday Cruise just before Christmas and celebrating the holidays with family.  I love making memories with the kids.

I am reminded with each Season change how brief life really is and that each day is a gift.  I remind myself that I must make the best of each day and spread positive energy all around.  Funny how Spring, the time of renewal has it's own special feeling, and that Fall reminds us that things age, change and move on.  I hope all of you have an amazing Fall.  Enjoy these lovely days, the beautiful colors and the smell of smoke from the fireplaces.  Remind yourselves to stay POSITIVE and enjoy the beauty around you.

I haven't shared a recipe lately, but here is one that is delicious and so appropriate for the season!

It is a great One Bowl Apple Cake

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1 3/4 cups sugar

2 heaping teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup oil

6 medium Gala or Fuji or Honey Crisp apples

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, cinnamon and oil. Peel and slice the apples and add to mixture in bowl (coating as you go to keep apples from turning brown.) Mix together the baking soda and flour and add to the ingredients in the bowl. Mix well (best with a fork) until all of the flour is absorbed by the wet ingredients. Pour mixture into a greased one 9x13 or two 9″ round pans. Bake for approximately 55 minutes.-

I wish you PEACE, LOVE AND JOY

Linda