Something to think about. . .

With all the political upheaval and unrest in the country today, it is easy to get depressed and overwhelmed.  But something has reminded me lately that there is a lot of good in the world.

I enjoy going to my grandsons' games.  Right now Ben is on a lacrosse team.  I had never seen a lacrosse game before and knew very little about it.  So I googled "idiots guide to lacrosse" and learned about it.  Jack is in track and is a distance runner.

As I sat in the bleachers recently watching the game, it hit me. . . here is a crowd of parents and grandparents showing up to support the team and enjoying watching.  These are everyday people, family oriented folks doing their best to raise their children in a proper way.  For my part, it is a respite from thinking about all the crap going on in the country.

Quote for the Day

Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are. 

A gratitude journal - they really work

Oprah Winfrey has long preached the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal.  My thoughts on that were - I know what I'm grateful for, why bother to write it down?

I'm currently reading a book, "Build the Life You Want" by Arthur Brooks and none other than Oprah Winfrey.  It's not another feel good book, but based on scientific facts, it points out how even when times are tough, you can find things to be happy (grateful) for.

So I tried it.  Yes, I know what I am grateful for.  But when you write everything down, day by day, you will be amazed at just how much you have in your life that is good.  Or another way of putting it, if you concentrate on the positives, rather than the negatives, your perspective changes and you are in better shape to deal with what needs fixin'! 

Kabobs on the grill

First time cooking outside this year!  I especially love the kabob baskets.  It was always hard for me to use skewers.  When I try to turn the skewer over, to cook all sides evenly, the food spins back around.

Most of you know, I love all kinds of cooking and the warm weather brings out the smokers and the grills.  There are few things more enjoyable than sitting with a glass of wine, the smoker slowly cooking a piece of meat to perfection, and leaning back in my chair to gaze at the white puffy clouds against a blue sky.

I've been smoking meat for ten years or more.  It just came naturally to me.  I read books, watched You Tube videos, talked to other, more experienced smokers and I am proud to say I have never ruined a piece of meat.