(no title)

Thought for Today

Circle of Life Dance at the United Nations in ... — Circle of Life Dance at the United Nations in Geneva (Photo credit: US Mission Geneva)

“He drew a circle that shut me out-

Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But Love and I had the wit to win:

We drew a circle and took him In!”

— From the poem “Outwitted” by Ewin Markham

Favorite Things — Autumn Edition

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Thought for Today

waterfall1 — Water garden Mahoney State Park
Copyright 2008 by R.O. & R.A. Robbins

“You learn something every day if you pay attention.” ~Ray LeBlond

It’s National Good Neighbor Day

Good Neighbor Day was the idea of Mrs. Becky Mattson, who started the effort in the 1970’s to make this a National day. In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, sponsored by Montana Senator Max Baucus, making September 28, National Good Neighbor Day.

Do you have good neighbors? Let them know. Are you a good neighbor? Do you even know your neighbors? Next time you see your neighbors, smile and say hello. A small gesture, but it might just be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Thought for Today

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake…” ~ Francis Bacon, Sr.

Thought for Today

Water through tall grass resized IMG_0007 — Copyright 2008 by R.O. Robbins

“The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water, but to walk on the earth.” — Chinese Proverb

Making Your Own Salad Dressing is Easy

Balsamic vinegar, red and white wine vinegar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We all know unhealthy ingredients slip into salad dressing, but you can make a simple vinaigrette at home. The formula is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. You may use olive oil, but any good vegetable oil will work, even flavored oils. Apple cider vinegar works, but I prefer balsamic or red wine vinegar. Flavored vinegars or citrus juice may be also substituted.

Add desired seasonings to the vinegar in a small bowl. Add oil slowly in a small stream while beating with a wire whisk. Beat until the oil is incorporated into the dressing. This creates an “emulsion” so the dressing does not instantly separate. This may also be done in a blender.

That’s the basic vinaigrette. Jazz it up with mustard, honey, finely chopped garlic or onion, any herbs and spices your heart desires.