Author: stephsimply

Chocolate Cherry Berry Smoothie

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Recipes

“If you’re one of the many people who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables each day, adding smoothies to your diet may help.”–WebMD

Photo by PNW Production on Pexels.com

Why Make a smoothie? 🍓🍒🫐🥬

I love a good smoothie, but I am often questioned about why make a smoothie when I could eat the same foods for your breakfast or lunch? It’s a fair question. Personally, I enjoy eating a good meal.  However, if, like me, your morning is busy, the day’s schedule is packed, and even your lunch time is a working lunch, a smoothie might be one way to ensure a healthy dose of nutrition for at least one meal.

The key to a balanced and nourishing smoothie is whole food ingredients, with heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables, in order to get a healthy mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.  This ensures your smoothie is full of fiber, has a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. This is why I advocate for making your own smoothie, rather than buying it, so that you can control the ingredients.

customize your own creation 🍎🥭🍌

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Smoothies are customizable; therefore, even though I am sharing my latest smoothie recipe, you can feel free to swap out one whole food ingredient for another.  For example, if you need to avoid seeds in your diet, but you want to maintain a dose of healthy fats, swap the seeds for an avocado. (Some grocery stores sell frozen bags of avocado cubes.)  If you don’t have one of the fruits on hand the recipe calls for, use what you have on hand. (I do this all of the time.) 

Sure, switching one ingredient for another, may somewhat vary the taste, texture, or nutritional content.  However, as long as you’re swapping out one fruit for another, one vegetable for another, and so forth, you are still overall increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy nutrients–which is the goal. 

Smoothie benefits✨

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Here are the benefits (the pixie dust) of the ingredients in this recipe:

Spinach or cauliflower:  These cruciferous vegetables are chock full of essential nutrients that are associated with lowering risk of chronic disease, such as cancer and heart disease.

Cherries: This fruit is full of polyphenol antioxidants which can protect our heart from cell damage and may reduce inflammation.

Blueberries: Full of flavonoids, especially anthocyanins which gives the fruit its gorgeous hue, blueberries are associated with reducing oxidative stress that can lead to inflammation among numerous other benefits. 

Banana: In addition to being an excellent source of potassium, bananas, especially when frozen, lend a creamy texture to smoothies.

Prunes: These luscious orbs are full of fiber, potassium, vitamin K, and boron.  The latter two ingredients are key to bone building health.

Cinnamon: The National Institutes of Health describes cinnamon as a “multifaceted medicinal plant that is “an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.”

Cocoa powder:  This much beloved ingredient is also full of flavonoids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to heart and brain.

Protein powder: Obviously, this ingredient increases the protein content of your smoothie, but it affects texture by making it creamier.

Seeds: These tiny, but mighty ingredients, contain alpha linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) which may increase brain function and boost the immune system.  In addition, they are full of fiber, protein, and a variety of minerals. 

Beet juice: Beets are rich in nitrates that the body converts to nitric oxide which helps with blood flow and lowers blood pressure.  Additionally, beets are full of other beneficial nutrients as they are also part of the cruciferous family. ( I rarely include juice in my smoothie recipes, but this is one juice I will add.)

Whole Food ingredients that can even be made ahead of time! 🍍🥝🍑

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As you can see from the nutritional deconstruction of this recipe, smoothies made with whole food ingredients can be a healthy part of your daily dietary intake. They can be easily made from frozen fruits and vegetables, so you don’t have to waste what you don’t use. 

Furthermore, smoothies can be made ahead of time, such as the night before.  They can even be made several days ahead of time and frozen, which is what I often do.  Then, it’s simply a matter of removing one from the freezer the night before and placing it in the refrigerator.  The next morning, grab the container and go. It can either be sipped on the way to work or saved for later time in the day.   All that is required is to give the smoothie container a good shake, and you have a perfectly chilled, thick, and creamy delight that is not only tasty but is also contributing to the body’s overall health and well being.

High Quality Blenders can’t be beat 🍐🍇🍊

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One caveat I will mention is that it is worth investing in a quality, high powered blender if you are one who frequently makes smoothies as I do.  I actually purchased a certified reconditioned model, directly from the factory.  It automatically came with a five-year warranty, and the company’s customer service has been outstanding.  This is not only a cost-effective way to get a quality, high-powered blender, but it also promotes sustainability. Win. Win.  

From my home to yours, I wish you health, happiness, and peace.

Blend two at a time. Drink one, share one, or freeze for another day!

Chocolate Cherry Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen spinach or riced cauliflower 

1 cup frozen cherries

1 cup blueberries

1 ripe banana, frozen if possible

¼  lemon with its peel (remove seeds)

 2-4 prunes (can substitute medjool dates)

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

vanilla protein powder

2-4 tablespoons flax, hemp, or chia seeds

2 cups water OR 1 cup beet juice + 1 cup water (Can substitute pomegranate juice for beet juice.)

Directions:

Place all ingredients in the order listed in a high powered blender and blend from one minute or until smooth and creamy.

Serves 2

Warm and toasty memories of grandparent’s kitchen

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

“On average, a well-maintained pop-up toaster can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.”–Storeable.com 

A toast to Love 🥂 🥯

“Bready” to work for 34 years!

My grandparents gave John, my husband, and me a wide-slotted toaster in 1989. We cannot remember if it was a wedding gift or a Christmas gift during our first year of marriage. Regardless, Grandmother and Papaw were so proud to give it to us because it was just like theirs, white with four slots wide enough for bagels. 

Here’s the thing, John and I didn’t use the toaster that often until our own daughter was born ten years later when it became used on a more regular basis.  It was one of the last tangible connections to my grandparents.  The gift was from a time period before Alzhiemer’s disease overtook Papaw’s brain; therefore, it was more likely the two of them chose the gift together.  

Who’s the Center of Attention? 🤩

I can remember how Papaw first greeted John.  He looked at John, sized him up, and shook his hand.  Then, he looked at John’s hair, and asked, “You got all those hairs numbered to get your part so perfect?”  

At the time, John had, as Papaw called it, “a head-full-of-hair.” Thus, it became Papaw’s default joke-of-a-greeting with John.  That was one of Papaw’s ways–teasing a person to let them know he liked him or her. 

Grandmother tended to let Papaw take the spotlight while she remained present, but in the background.  She was quite adept at allowing Papaw to soak up all the attention, so she was embarrassed easily–and yet loved it–when attention occasionally turned to her.  John knew how to use this to his advantage.

Papaw would give John a hard time about his hair, the way John was dressed, or the shoes John was wearing.  In turn, John would banter good-naturedly with Papaw for a few moments.  Then, John would pivot and turn his attention to Grandmother, asking her a question such as, “Helen, how do you put up with this man?”

Grandmother’s eyes would light up–probably because she secretly wondered that very thing herself from time-to-time when Papaw was carrying on, but she would usually deflect the comment good naturedly while laughing. 

Family dinner Rules 🍽️

During family dinners, Grandmother still remained in the shadow of Papaw’s entertaining ways; however, her food was center-stage.  She was a good cook in that hard-scrabble, Kentucky/Appalachian way–a woman who had been poor during her childhood and continuing through the Great Depression. Therefore, her cooking methodology was a mix of traditional Appalachian-style foods and popular recipes of the time, made in the most cost effective way. (I could probably write a book on her cooking alone.)

Therefore, John would tease her mercilessly about her cooking.  One moment he would tell her how much he loved something, and then next he’d quip, “Now, Helen, I am not sure who makes the better  __________, you or _________, (He’d usually insert his mother’s or my other grandmother’s names.) so I’d better have some more of that if you don’t mind.  It will help me decide who the better cook is.”

Oh, how she basked in that kind of banter.  “Now, John . . . ,” she’d say as her face reddened.  Then, she’d smile, realize there was food in her teeth, and cover her smile with a napkin.  She’d wave her hand as if batting his comment away, but she’d ensure he–and everyone else gathered around the table–got more food. 

Clean up and Dish up 👂

After special dinners, Papaw, who usually did help clean up the kitchen, was given “permission,” especially during football season, to go ahead and sit down, with any other men that were present, to “watch” football and/or read the Sunday paper.  I put quotes around “watch” because after eating, Papaw would typically doze off part way through the game.  Nonetheless, 20 or so minutes later, he’d perk back up, and command the rapt attention of those that remained in the room with him.

Meanwhile, the women would clean up the kitchen, often making more coffee. The conversations were rich as the coffee and somewhat “dishy” about this person or that.  Once I was old enough, I would hang out in the kitchen, offering to “help,” but mostly hovering between the TV room and the kitchen, so I could hear the tales from both rooms.  

There was an intimacy in Grandmother and Papaw’s kitchen area that was warm and inviting. During winter months, their single-paned windows would thickly frost, and as a child, I felt sheltered and safe in an often chaotic world in that room.  Later, when I lived with them for two years as a young adult, I came to realize that even when it was just the two of them, that presence of peace could still be felt in their kitchen.

During those early adult years when I lived with them, they graciously shared their kitchen with me, so I could explore my own cooking interests. Grandmother especially loved it when I cooked with a wok or made homemade pizza, so she could eat something different than her traditional fare.  Papaw would just walk out of the kitchen and mutter under his breath about my “concoctions” while Grandmother sat at the kitchen table asking me questions about the recipe as I worked.

It was also during this time period that I observed their steadfast devotion in the early morning hours, when they made breakfast together.  Their breakfasts were usually simple, but that didn’t matter.  It was how their presence made the space feel. 

Their presence remains 👴🏻👵🏼

 If I listen hard enough, I can still hear the metallic clank of the toaster popping and the rhythmic perk, splurt, sigh of Grandmother’s percolator, brewing her aromatic coffee, filling the kitchen with an ethereal presence, as they two of them sat side-by-side at their kitchen table, talking about the coming day, current aches and pains, or strategizing for an upcoming, double-coupon, shopping day.

Grandmother shared her love of cooking and baking with me, and Papaw taught me the importance of an appreciative eater.  They both offered wisdom on the art of not wasting food and cooking on a budget.  They were patient with my presence in their sacred space–the kitchen–when I lived with them for those two years.  And they modeled that a kitchen table–and the events around it–are often the heart of a home.

With the toaster they gave me, it felt like a small part of Grandmother and Papaw remained with my own family in our kitchen, but this past Thanksgiving, the toaster quit working–only months after our daughter moved out to begin her career and life as I once did with them. 

I know it is a miracle it lasted as long as it did, but I still mourn its loss.  However, as I write this piece, I realize that Grandmother and Papaw’s kitchen is not lost, but remains in my heart and in my hands.  Their love wraps around me when I bake or cook one of those traditional recipes and even when I explore new ones.  The echoes of Papaw making himself an endeared, center-of-attention and his gruntings about my “concoctions” still whisper.   Likewise, visions of Grandmother sitting at my own kitchen table, eating with me in spirit, asking about my recipes, and savoring each new taste as her clouded blue eyes shine their light on me seem almost real.  I suppose, in the end, these words are written as a toast to their lasting influence.

Thank you for your service, toaster. Rest in peace.

The Joys (and benefits) of Exercising Outside in the Winter

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings
  • “The only other sound’s the sweep, Of easy wind and downy flake.”–Robert Frost
Photo by Julia Larson on Pexels.com

It begins with the First step 👣

My daughter and I began Thanksgiving morning with a run, and I was surprised by how invigorated I felt afterwards.  We were participating in a local 5K that raised money for a local non-profit that provides emergency assistance to those in need. The route was scenic and engaging as we made our way through a historic railroad town along the Ohio River. Fluffy pillows of white clouds floated on a canvas of cerulean with intermittent rays of golden sunshine warming the otherwise brisk air. 

When Christmas morning rolled around with temperatures in the mid-thirties and milky sunlight filtering through the clouds, I decided to once more begin that day with a run in a nearby park. This time I was alone, but I did encounter small clutches of people here and there, many with dogs.  With little traffic, and so few people, it was an idyllic opportunity to bask in an appreciation of my surroundings. 

The creek flowing alongside the path gurgled a peaceful tune. The rhythm of my own two feet kept time as my breathing matched their relaxed beat.  There were numerous animated squirrels, performing their own countermelody, scurrying across and along the path, mouths stuffed wide with nuts and other random fodder. Exposed trees revealed secrets they hide throughout the other seasons.

New Year’s morning was full of gunmetal gray clouds and snow flurries, but I wasn’t to be deterred. I once more donned my running shoes and headed to the park.  Energetic wind gusts embraced me once more, as I pitter-pattered along, keeping the beat–one-two, one-two–finding an easy pace. Only a few people stirred, and most of them were accompanied by their canine companion.   Traffic was nearly nonexistent. All was quiet.  My face was repeatedly pecked by diminutive flakes, and I was filled anew with a deep peace that comes from nature immersion.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Pexels.com

The Joy of being outside ❄️

There is joy in being outside with nature, and there is joy in movement.  Combine nature and movement together, and therein lies a sweet spot–a compatible coupling of energy. It doesn’t matter if you run, walk, bike, ski, snowboard, or hike, but getting outside in the winter is beneficial to body, mind, and, yes, soul.  

One of the more obvious benefits of moving outside is giving to your own health and wellness. Even if you are only out for 5-10 minutes, those few minutes can clear your mind, increase circulation, and, of course, increase calorie burn because the body has to work harder in cold weather.  However, there is so much more than the obvious.

Exercising brings a sense of camaraderie, even if you’re solo. I typically encounter other exercisers during my outings, and there is always a collective sense of “we’re in this cold weather together.”  Most will speak or wave in greeting, which I try to emulate, and I personally find a sense of connection in such a simple act.  However, if you have a buddy who can join you, then exercise is always more fun, goes by quicker, and both of you benefit from holding one another accountable!

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Benefits of Exercising Outdoors 👟

Outdoors exercise can reduce levels of cortisol, which in turn, reduces feelings of stress. Moving outside in the colder temperatures can boost your mood by increasing levels of serotonin, which can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Winter exercise boosts the immune system, which may in turn prevent or reduce viruses, such as cold and flu. 

Being outside, even during the winter months, is a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness.  We can engage all five senses by observing your environment: listening to the sounds; feeling the rush of chilly air brushing against our cheeks; inhaling scents of winter; and, even tasting the frosty air. It provides our minds an opportunity to to slow down and clear the mental cobwebs or perhaps still incessant chatter of our thoughts.  

As I have discovered, there is a quiet in the winter months that isn’t present at other times of the year and not just the kind of hush I experienced on those holiday runs. It is a special stillness that allows me to feel connected with our Creator. Every step I am fortunate to make, every tree I am able to observe, the chirping of the winter birds, the  air, and the nippy air bring me closer to the Source of all that is.  God is ever-present, and I feel closest to that presence best when I am out-of-doors and in nature.

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels.com

It’s all about Mindset 🧠

The hardest part of getting outdoors in the winter is mindset. Our thoughts will tell us it’s too cold, it’s too uncomfortable, it will be miserable, and so forth.  However, if we can push past the resistance, dress for the weather, and step outside, we find that our bodies will adapt. Once past the first 5-15 minutes, depending upon what we’re doing and our own unique system, our bodies warms up, those endorphins kick in, and we begin to feel much better and warmer!

In fact, I often find that once I’m outside and moving, I wonder why I didn’t want to do it in the first place.  Still, I often have to fight past my own resistance in order to not “flake” out. (Get it? Snowflake; flake.) 

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Dress for the weather, but adjust for activity level 🧤🧣

Keep in mind that when we are engaged in activity outside, according to an NPR article, it will feel 15 to 20 degrees warmer than it actually is. Therefore, I personally saved a 2018 article from NBC  on my phone that breaks down the temperatures into zones–from the 40s-50s, 30s-40s, 20s-30s, and even 0-20s–and makes suggestions regarding what to wear, which I use as a dressing guide. I compared that 2018 article to a 2023 piece from the Mayo clinic, and found that both offered similar advice for dressing. The point is, there is plenty of information/advice with the stroke of a few keys.

Most experts advise dressing in layers made of dry-wicking fabric which can be taken off, if needed, as the body warms. Hats and gloves/mittens are also important, as is appropriate footwear. It is also advised to warm up the body for a longer period of time, and use caution, especially during dicey weather conditions.  

If it’s icy out, raining heavily, or temperatures are in the teens or lower, it may be advisable to avoid exercising outside during those time periods–especially if you do not have the proper gear/clothing. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out, so that you can ensure it’s safe and know how to dress for the conditions.  If your work schedule permits, consider switching up the time of day you exercise as temperatures can be significantly warmer in the afternoon hours. 

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Dress Appropriately, Get outside, and get moving ⛄️

In the end, don’t allow the cold temperatures to keep you inside. Head outside when you can. Connecting with nature and moving outside is a great way to appreciate not only the wonders of creation all around us, but also appreciate the wonder that YOU are.  Of course, use caution and basic wisdom when deciding what temperatures and weather conditions are right for your unique circumstances.  Whether it’s a short jaunt to your mailbox or car, or a full exercise session, taking time to soak up the fresh air with a few extra steps could benefit you in surprising ways!

Wishing you health and happiness in 2024.  

Reflect on my runs on Christmas, New Years Day and so forth. 

A “Bear-able” story: The ‘safe’ car that was an accident magnet

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

“All sorrows can be borne if you put them in a story or tell a story about them.”–Isak Dinesen

It was May 2016, and safety ruled supreme

STatistic Tell a Story 📊

It was 2016, and my husband, John, texted me photos of a previously owned car he discovered for sale on a local lot.  The former owner rarely drove the car, and it was in pristine condition. However, it was white, a color that seemed bland to me. However, the price was right, and after a few test drives and conversations, we decided to buy it.

Turns out, it was a vehicle often used by police officers, a 2013 Ford Taurus SHO, a model no longer made. However, if you’re a car enthusiast, you will know the car.  It was only through driving the SHO and encountering car aficionados, that I began to appreciate what a following the car has due to its powerful and uniquely designed engine.  

In addition to the car’s engine, another advantage of the SHO, John explained, was its color. According to Autolist’s “Guide to Safest Cars,” AAA, and numerous large law firms, white is the safest car color. Statistics indicate white vehicles are 12-percent less likely to be in an accident because the color is such a contrast to its colorful surroundings.. Hmm. . . in the words of a former British politician,“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

Tippi Tail needed a check-up. Little did she know that an evil force would find us there.

 “Oh well, bears will be bears.”–Michael Bond 🧸

Case in point, 2021.  I took our cat to a local veterinarian for her annual check up.  I parked away from other cars, farthest from the door.  Moments later, I was inside an interior exam room with the cat when the door popped open. “Do you own a white Ford SHO?”  

Turns out, another client, driving a full size SUV with a camper hitch, somehow managed to back into my car, despite my parking precautions.  The entire trunk area of the SHO was wrecked, seriously damaged by the hitch and size of her vehicle.  Did my white car, parked as far away from the entrance as possible, really safely stand out?  

Now consider 2023 . . . 

Off to the body shop, again and again!

“The best way of being kind to bears is not to be very close to them.”–Margaret Atwood

I was driving on a winding country state route on my way to a local gym around 4:45 on a cold February morning.  THWACK! A large buck, spooked–perhaps by my car–darted out from the woods onto the road behind me and collided into the driver-side rear bumper.  If my car was such a contrast, why did Mr. Bambi decide to leap towards it? 

This time it took months before the SHO was fully repaired due to an incredibly bad experience with a well-known, car repair shop.  Once we finally did get it back, a little over a week later, we were rear-ended in Charleston, WV by a person without insurance who transparently reported, “I don’t know if I fell asleep, or I zoned out when I hit you.” Back to the original, much more reliable, local body repair shop. who made the repairs after the veterinarian parking lot debacle.

Photo by Aaron Brewer on Pexels.com

“Bears are masters of survival.”–Catherine Lukas

All was right in the world once more.  Our car was repaired in a timely fashion, but we decided to search for a new vehicle–an HEV model similar to one we owned many years ago.  A few days before Thanksgiving 2023, we went to a local dealership, where I met a young, respectful sales associate named Austen, and I completed a test drive of a vehicle similar to the HEV model John and I researched.  After some back and forth, I sat down with Mr. Austen to order a 2024 “Dawning Red ” compact SUV that was an HEV with ALL of the top-of-the-line, high-tech safety features.  After my experiences with a white vehicle, I determined I might as well get a color I love AND be able to defend from would-be “assassins.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t slated to arrive until January or February 2024.  

Mid-December, 2023, John and I left Snowshoe Mountain Resort where we attended a wedding. We were driving along WV-39 when we entered the scenic Monongahela National Forest. We were listening to music and chatting, when suddenly, John and I both screamed, “BEAR!” 

A large black bear had “barreled” out from the woods and was running across the road in front of us. John braked hard, but there was no avoiding it.  In a split instance, I quickly did a survey of our circumstances. We were in the middle of nowhere with little to no cell phone service, night was falling quickly, and there was no traffic on the road.  We were doomed.

 THWACK! That sickening sound of impact, and perhaps, impending demise as we both exhaled, bracing ourselves for the worst.  However, by a Source greater than us, we were still driving.  In the rearview mirror, the bear was seen shaking its head and ambling back towards the side of the road from which it had originally darted.  

In a note of irony, and almost “unbearable” humor, the Maps App’s image revealed we were driving on “Bear Run Rd.”  It was at this point, John and I burst out laughing. Our cachinnation continued momentarily as tension slowly diffused into gratitude. We were safe. The car was still functioning with minor damage to the front, driver-side bumper, and the black bear appeared to be alive.

In the light of a convenient mart 50 or so miles away, we were able to photograph the damage the bear “bearly” made.

I once more contacted the local body repair shop regarding my damaged white vehicle.  However, before I could get it to the shop, Austen, the young sales associate, reached out to me.  The newly ordered vehicle, with all those safety features, had arrived early at the local dealership.  I could “bear-ly” contain my joy as Austen explained the new vehicle would have sensed the bear and automatically braked before we could have reacted!

In the same way the sun’s rise and fall creates beginning, middle, and end to the day, so too do stories bring structure to life events.

Stories can bring sense, structure, and sometimes, humor, to a world that I often struggle to fully understand.  Disjointed events rise in an arc of plot developments and somehow come full circle in the resolution of the narrative.  I have been fortunate to share these stories with you. By writing, I hope I am contributing to the understanding of our shared humanity as well as your own unique life story.  It is my hope to continue to share the untold stories yet to come as, together, we move into a new year. 

For those of you who take time out of your busy schedule to send emails, cards, letters, and messages to me, please know that I am sincerely appreciative for your kind words, generous spirit, thoughtful advice, and even corrections when I am wrong.  A writer needs a reader just as a cook needs someone to feed.  Thank you for being that reader for me.  You are why I write.  May the new year be gracious to you and yours; may it be filled with peace and, of course, stories!

P.S. Thank you Austen, Mark, Jacob, Gavin, Marvin, and all the other friendly guys at the local dealership.  You made our purchase feel like the beginning of the next adventurous chapter in our life story . . .

Here’s to the “dawning” of a new day.
“Dawning red” indeed!
Even though my eyes were shut for the picture, they were wide open with gratitude and joy for the new vehicle and the easy process with had with Austen, Mark, and all the other guys in Barboursville!

Be Like Mary: Welcome Everyone

by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

“There is little in life so reassuring as a genuine welcome.”–Robin Hobb

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Country Roads ⛰️

The sun was sighing its light in surrender to the day as our vehicle threaded through the twists and turns of the mountainous route of US 219 beyond the town of Marlinton, WV.  John, my husband, and I were heading home after attending a beautiful wedding in St. Bernard’s Chapel on top of a mountain in Snowshoe Mountain Resort.  The road was mostly abandoned and the scenery was miles of iconic rural farm pastures framed by ancient mountains.

Bales of hay were in the fields. Abandoned homesteads that whispered of once large families were slouching in the stiff breeze here and there.  Cows of fading earth tones grazed about pastures nonplussed as we passed by.  Deer dotted the brown fields foraging for food, but no signs of human life along this section of rural road.  

As we rounded a sharp bend of yet more pasture, there stood a church on the left side of the road.  It was an aging one-level, white-wash wooden church with two entry doors, reflecting that practice of men sitting on one side with women and children entering and sitting on the other.  In front of the church, clearly visible for cars passing by to read, was a white sign for which you could attach and rearrange black letters.  The top line read, “Mary’s Church,” and the bottom line stated, “Everyone is welcome.”

Photo by Arvid Knutsen on Pexels.com

Mary’s Church: Everyone is Welcome ⛪️

There was no obvious community near this church, and yet, it stood by the road as a welcome to “everyone.” The thin winter sunset bathed the church in a peachy-pink glow, giving it an ethereal, but inviting look. Had it been earlier in the day, it would have been one of those places I might have asked John to pull off the road, so I could walk around it and take pictures.  Unfortunately, time and daylight was not on my side, yet the image of that church left an impression–especially the line “Everyone is welcome.”

I began to contemplate the church and its sign within the context of the Biblical story of Mary, mother of Jesus. I began to ponder the words, “Everyone is welcome,” within the circumstances of being a mother.  And that is when it hit me:  Welcoming all with a mother’s love.

For the sake of my point, I am focusing on the concept of mother at its most ideal state.  As a mom, I have certainly made hundreds, if not thousands, of mistakes and errors in parenting, but at my heart, at my highest self, I unequivocally love my child.  And, that is the love for which I am writing.

A Mother’s Love 👩‍🍼

As a general practice, a mother will wash, feed, clothe, and comfort a child in need. Mothers celebrate their child’s joys, and cry with their child at their sorrows.  When a mother sees a child enter her home, she smiles and welcomes them in an embrace.  If a child calls, a mother answers the call. 

A mother is willing to meet her child where they are, provide a loving space for that child to express their individuality, but she will also gently nudge and nurture her child along an honorable path of living. A mother will pray and hope for the best for her child, but love the child no matter what.  Even if there are times in the relationship when a mother may not agree with the child’s choices, the mother looks beyond that choice, sees the child inside, and still loves the child. 

Mary’s Church.  Everyone is welcome.  As the Christmas story goes, at the birth of Christ, Mary had to accept many challenging realities with regards to her child.  Within the first year of her son’s birth, Mary had to welcome foreign men who traveled from another country.  These men probably spoke a different language, dressed and looked differently, and may have even had different faith backgrounds than Mary and her husband, Joseph. Nonetheless, Mary welcomed them.

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

A Mother’s Concern 😧

Later, Mary had to accept her son’s precocious nature as he wandered away from his parents in order to hang out with the teachers of the temple.  Can you imagine her worry during those three days?  God gave her one job.  Raise a kid to bring good news to the world, and she lost him?  Imagine how relieved she must have been to find him, even if he didn’t stay close to his parents as he was most likely directed to do. She had to love him enough to welcome his behavior as part of the process of his development.

Consider her anxiety, when years later, rumors and gossip circulated about her son losing his temper–as young men often do–at temple.  She must have felt a knot in her stomach as gossip focused solely on Jesus’ actions–publically shouting and up-turning tables of money changers.  As I put myself in her mom’s shoes, I would have been thinking such thoughts as: He could have been hurt.  Worse yet, he could have been killed.  What was he thinking?  Nonetheless, for better or worse, Mary still loved him. 

Later, as his reputation grew, I can envision the suggestive stories Mary had to hear, full of implications and imputations, that her son was hanging out with a wide-array of so-called “low-lifes.” Still, I am certain that Mary’s love never waivered.  She would have always welcomed her son, along with any of his new acquaintances–no matter their background–into her home because that is what mothers do. 

Photo by Angela Chacu00f3n on Pexels.com

A Mother’s Welcome 🫂

As Jesus continued his travels between Galilee and Judea, continuing to mix with people from all walks of life, Mary, I am confident, still loved and accepted him.  If Jesus, or anyone with him, was dirty, poorly clothed, hungry, or wearing sandals worn thin from the road, I also believe as a mother, she would have welcomed him and any traveling companions into her home, offering what comforts she could provide.

Mary must have marveled at her son’s charismatic ability to interact with people of all walks of life. She loved her son through it all–even watching him die a cruel, inhumane death. Mary accepted and fulfilled her role as Christ’s mother, and loved him fiercely. This familial love (including Joseph), provided a solid foundation for Jesus’ role as an evangelizer of hope and love to “everyone”.

“Everyone’s welcome. Nobody’s perfect. Anything’s possible.” This popular quote best sums up not only how I view the role of Mary as a mother, but also the impression I had driving past “Mary’s Church” where “Everyone is welcome.”  

Photo by Ave Calvar Martinez on Pexels.com

All are WElcome ♥️

In a world full of discord, dissension, and division, it is worth remembering Mary’s love and Christ’s example.  Everyone should be welcome.  None of us are perfect, but anything is possible through listening and love.  Yes, I am writing in the ideal, and yes, I took imaginative liberties in my writing, but isn’t that what the stories of the New Testament are trying to teach us-–All are welcome.  

Be a mother: Meet people where they are. Listen. Learn. Love.  

Cranberry Smoothie: Say “Cheers” to your health

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Recipes

“Packed with antioxidants, this fruit can help keep your teeth, heart, and gut healthy.”—clevelandclinic.org

What a Saucy Idea💡

Over Thanksgiving week, I purchased fresh cranberries with the intention of cooking up some homemade cranberry sauce.  However, I never got around to making it, and I wondered if I could, instead, add them to a smoothie.  Turns out, not only could I add them to my morning smoothie, but by adding them, I could amp up my own nutrition! 

Okay, so I tried to eat them raw, and they are really tart, like suck-the-saliva-out-of-my-mouth-tart! Nonetheless, I wasn’t deterred, especially once I read numerous current articles about all their healthful benefits. In fact, cranberries are often classified as a superfood due to their high nutritional value and antioxidants properties. 

Are Cranberries a Berry?🍓🫐

Cranberries are related to blueberries, but grow on vine-like plants similar to strawberries. Like blueberries, cranberries, by definition, are not true berries.  Instead, they are what scientists call a “false berry” because their fruits grow below the flower.  Nonetheless, it appears that the food industry still tends to classify cranberries (and blueberries) in the same categories as other berries.  As a group, according to nutritionfacts.org, berries “average ten times more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable.” Specifically, cranberries have “the highest fresh weight concentration of polyphenols (a strong antioxidant that complements and adds to the function of antioxidants) among commonly consumed fruit in the U.S.,” according to The National Library of Medicine.

This concentration of polyphenols may be why cranberries possess beneficial properties unique to them.  Research  has shown that cranberries lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).  This may be due to their high levels of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which prevents certain types of bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.  These same PACs may protect against a type of bacteria that causes tooth decay. Additionally, cranberries have been linked to reducing risk for certain types of cancer.  They are also known to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve blood pressure.  

Given these facts, it is clear to see why cranberries should be incorporated as part of a healthy diet.  This brings me full circle to my motivation for now incorporating them as part of the regular rotation of a variety of whole food ingredients I incorporate into my daily smoothies.  When using cranberries, I have learned to blend their tangy taste with other flavor profiles to round out their taste and also gain the most nutritional bang for the buck.   

Sippin’ up the goodness🥤

Below is a recipe I now blend up repeatedly as part of my weekly smoothie rotation–usually twice per week. It incorporates other berries too since, as a whole, berries are a solid nutritional choice.  My recipe  also incorporates the creamier and sweeter tastes of mango and banana–both of which are nutritious in their own right. I also like to add vanilla protein powder to not only round out the flavor, but to also boost my protein intake–an important consideration at my age. There are further ingredients–mostly spices–that I use for their unique and beneficial properties, but they are optional as they don’t enhance or detract from the overall taste.

Remember, most nutritionists encourage us to eat the rainbow when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Cranberries, with their dark red color, can definitely be one of those colorful choices.  Furthermore, smoothies are one easy way to contribute to your overall daily intake of that rainbow-array of fruits and vegetables as part of a well-rounded diet.  They can be made ahead of time, if desired, and refrigerated for up to three days, or frozen in tightly sealed containers for up to three months.

Manifest Good Health✨

Smoothies, like this one, are my own private health manifestation.  While I know they are not the end-all, be-all when it comes to nutrition, I do know the whole food, plant based ingredients that I put in mine are high in quality nutrition and not full of artificial ingredients or sweeteners.  They are also full of fiber to keep the digestive system operating, well, “smoothly.” Plus, they are an easy way to get a serving of both vegetables and fruit in one tasty, fell swoop.  

From my home to yours, I toast my smoothie glass to yours and wish you much health and happiness this holiday season. 

Drinking up the goodness!

The Recipe📝

Cranberry Smoothie

1 cup frozen riced cauliflower (You won’t taste it!)

1 cup frozen strawberry, mango, blueberry mix (or any other berry mix)

1 whole banana, can be frozen

½ fresh cranberries

1 whole medjool date, or other natural sweetener 

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

2 cups water

Optional anti-inflammatory and immunity add-ins:

2 teaspoons black elderberry syrup

½  teaspoon ground ginger

½  teaspoon ground turmeric

⅛  teaspoon black pepper (only if adding tumeric)

Put everything in a high powered blender in the order listed.

Blend for one minute.

Serves 2

How to capture those perfect holiday images and still remember the event

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

“Taking photos can help us remember certain things, but if we are completely reliant upon them, it can also impair and spoil our memories.”–Susan Blackmore for BBC Science Focus

Oh Those Annual HOliday Pics 🎞️

As the holiday season is now upon us, I am reminded of those annual childhood photographs my parents, like many, used to take of us.  There was always one of my three siblings and me holding our empty Christmas stockings on Christmas Eve.  Snapshots of us dressed up before some sort of Christmas performance, and pictures of us in our pajamas, rubbing the sleep out of our eyes before we opened our presents were also part of the mix.  Throw in a few more shots of Christmas brunch, one of us opening a “big” present, or another one riding a new bike, and it is clear that my family took pictures to memorialize special holiday moments.

I grew up in the era of cameras with film, now referred to as “vintage”. Film was not cheap, nor was the price to pay for developing it, which often required the film to be mailed away in a special envelope to a developing center with a one to two week wait period before the pictures arrived back to you.  As a result, it seemed to me that photography was more precious because the act of taking pictures was mostly saved for special occasions, such as birthdays, graduations, vacations, holidays, and so forth.  Plus, by the time an entire roll of film was used, sent off to the developers, and returned, it often made for a great surprise to see the time-line range of images on one roll of film.

How and Why We Now Take Photos 📸

Photo by Nicole Michalou on Pexels.com

All of that has changed in the current era of digital photography.  According to a 2022 BBC article , many older adults like me, still tend to use photos to commemorate special events and document special family/friend events.  However, younger generations tend to take many more photos and use them as a way to “communicate with peers, form identity, and bolster social bonds.” 

Additionally, the article added that many young people snap pictures to make a statement about how they are feeling at the moment.  However, I would argue that given the age of social media, people of all ages take more pictures than ever for the explicit purpose of instantly sharing a moment on various platforms. Therefore, taking photos is more than a tool of memorialization of events.

However, this comes with a bit of downside.  According to a 2021 NPR article, research as early as 2014 and conducted again in 2022 , has firmly established that “snapping too many pictures can actually harm the brain’s ability to retain memories.” Thus, while you instantly have access and the ability to share all the photos we want, the downside is loss of memory of the actual event.

Offloading our recollections?

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

It seems as if our brain will either offload the responsibility of remembering the moment because we are taking the photo, or we are so distracted by the process of taking and/or posting photos that we aren’t soaking up the moment in order to form or retain memories.  Therefore, this is a bit of a cautionary tale as we approach annual traditional gatherings of which many of us participate in one form or another.  

If we spend most of an event photographing and posting on social media, our brains are not cognitively engaged in gathering information about the event–the sounds, the sights, the textures, and so forth.  Despite the fact we might have scores of pictures from the occurrence, it turns out that we will not remember many of the details.  This is because those cognitive skills typically used for storage of memories were disengaged from the actual event and surroundings in order to focus on the photos and the media posts.

However, all is not lost. A 2017 study indicated that while the act of taking pictures is distracting to the brain, the preparation of the photo, framing the picture, zooming in and out on details, can sometimes enhance memory.  By contrast, according to a 2022 article published by the British Psychology Society, taking too many pictures impairs the memory due to attentional disengagement.  The trick, it seems, is to find the middle ground.

Photo by Any Lane on Pexels.com

How to Prevent memory Offload 🧠

For the sake of our memories, I’ve gathered a few helpful tips for navigating those holiday gatherings of family and friends in which you may want to balance the art of taking pictures and still recall the event while also capturing the perfect post for social media. 

  • If possible, have someone take the photos for you, allowing you to be more immersed in the moment, such as a designated friend or spouse.
  • If it’s not possible for someone else to take the photos, then take a few key photos, and put your phone away.  For example, take pictures at the beginning of the gathering and/or at the end, focusing the majority of your time enjoying the moment.
  • Additionally, be deliberate about what and when you take photos.  For example, think about the key moments ahead of time, to the degree possible, that you plan to photograph, and stick to your plan.
  • Focus on details when photographing a scene, instead of randomly snapping shots.  Research indicates that when you take time to focus and frame to capture the moment, you help the brain remember events better.
  • Wait until the event is over before you post. This serves two purposes.  First, it allows you to be more present during the actual gathering, soaking up the details that form memories.  Secondly, the act of closely examining and selecting photos to post AFTER the event will further strengthen your memory 

Photographic memory 📷

In the end, we all want nice photos we can look back on with fondness, commemorating those special moments.  However, we also need to spend time engaged and immersed in the gathering around us in order to establish those memories in the first place.

Therefore, make this a holiday season of “presence” and not just presents and photos.  Consider taking a few key pictures to preserve these special times, but then challenge yourself to put down the phones and feel the pleasure of full immersion and connection with those around you. After all, it’s time you may never again get.

Saint Nicholas of Myra, a story of service and generosity

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic His giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.”–St. Nicholas of Myra

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Heart-warming Stories . . . 📖

I have always appreciated heart-warming stories–you know the type.  The wronged protagonist, our underdog hero, faces one insurmountable challenge after another.  Just when you think the bad guys are truly going to get him or her, the protagonist finds a way to persevere, inspiring mere-mortals that we too can be like the protagonist.  

Those comforting stories are like cotton-candy, light, sweet, and sticky. Instead of needing to clean your hands, it’s the story that sticks around in your mind, inspiring you to perhaps make a change in your own life.  That sums up the legend of Saint Nicholas of Myra.

My interest in the story of Saint Nicholas was piqued when our school pastor, Rev. Monsignor Dean G. Borgmeyer, spoke of the upcoming Feast of Saint Nicholas at a school church service.  I wanted to learn a bit more about him and conducted a brief search. From Britannica to Farmer’s Almanac and from the Cincinnati Enquirer to National Today and a few others, my gleanings yielded a variety of lore associated with St. Nicholas.

By the time this is published, the Feast of Saint Nicholas will have already occurred in Western Christian countries on December 6, including the United States; however, it won’t occur in the Eastern Christian countries until December 19. Nonetheless, his legend, and all the variations of it, is a heartening story.  In fact, it inspired many of our current traditions and notions centered around the present-day conception of Santa Claus.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

. . . Get Into your Head . . . 🧐

Some sources say that Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in the 3rd or 4th century in the Lycian seaport village of Patra, Turkey. It is believed that he traveled to Egypt and Palestine during his youth.  Tragically, however, according to one account, his parents died when he was quite young due to an epidemic sweeping the area.  This same report added that because he was raised Christian, Nicholas ultimately sold his belongings, dedicated his life to one of service, and then used his inheritance to help others.  At some point during his years of service to the church, he returned to Lycia, and there, he was made Bishop of Myra, one of the youngest men to be named bishop. 

Most sources emphasize his dedication to helping children in particular.  In fact, the one most often repeated stories are variations of how he helped a poor father keep his three daughters from a life of poverty, slavery, or prostitution by providing each of them with a dowry.  One account stated that stockings filled with gold coins were lobbed through a window of the family’s home and landed in shoes near the hearth.  Another account simply stated that gold coins were mysteriously found in their shoes.  In a similar fashion, unrelated to the three daughters, it is also claimed that children would find gold coins in their stockings that were left outside to dry after washing, and it was a widely held belief that this was the work of Bishop Nicholas.  

All sources agree that Nicholas was imprisoned for his good works and probably tortured during the Roman persecutions of Christians. Most likely he was released during the reign of Constantine the Great and continued his life devoted to helping those in need.  He was supposedly declared a saint on the same day he died at an estimated age of 73.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

. . . Melt your heart . . . ♥️

His reputation for kindness and generosity grew because it is believed most of his gifts to others were given anonymously, and as a result, there are many wildly, unbelievable legends and miracles associated with Saint Nicholas. One such miracle was of a crazed butcher who chopped up three young kids and hid them in brine.  Supposedly, Nicholas was able to fully restore the lives of all three children and return them whole and healthy to their parents. Another story tells of a kidnapped son being returned to his family one year later, guided by Bishop Nicholas, years after his death. 

However, for me the greatest takeaway of the story of Saint Nicholas is the idea of practicing generosity and kindness to others, not just through the holiday season, but throughout the year–especially in an anonymous or low-key manner as part of a regular practice. In fact, during the recent funeral of Rosalynn Carter, her pastor talked about the fact that she understood the message of living a life of faith and service intellectually in her head.  That intellectual seed of understanding became planted in her heart, and the desire to share and love others grew from that planted seed of faith.  From her heart, a passion for generosity and service moved to her hands via actions.  Over time, these acts of service and kindness became a regular practice, thus creating a habit.  Head. Heart. Hands. Habit.

The story of St. Nicholas is quite similar, and you don’t have to believe all parts of his legend to get the message.  The protagonist understood at a young age the importance of faith and serving others.  Due to this belief, he soon learned to embrace and embody the idea of service into actions.  Then, the act of kindness and generosity became so ingrained in him that service, kindness, and generosity became the habit of his life–even if it meant facing persecution for it.  Head. Heart. Hands. Habit.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

. . .And move your hands to action 🤝

As 2023 winds down with the holiday season, it is so easy to get wrapped up (honestly, no pun intended, but it does fit) in commercial, marketing hype, which can lead to stress, over-obligating, and overspending–which creates even more stress and anxiety which is self-focused. While I am not saying you should not participate and enjoy the holiday season, rather I encourage all of us to also take time to reflect on our own head, heart, hands, and habits of 2023.  

How can we more often incorporate acts of service? Can we find ways to practice generosity and kindness regularly and/or anonymously? Can we carry that spirit of Saint Nicholas beyond the holiday season and look for ways to continue in 2024.  If we can intellectually convince ourselves of the value of service to others, however small, then maybe our hearts would soften and open to the idea. From that softened heart, we might find the audacity to commit our hands in 2024 to some form of humble service–not because we want others to know, or we want a tax-write off, but because it is simply the right thing to do. Could it, would it, become a habit?  What would happen if there were more people like Mrs. Carter or like the legendary St. Nicholas?   

Lewisburg, WV: A great town to visit anytime of the year, but especially during the holiday season

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Travels

“Having won a number of accolades over the past few years, Lewisburg, West Virginia continues to be an idyllic vacation destination for families, couples and groups alike.”–visitlewisburgwv.com

This door, found on an attorney’s office in Lewisburg, gave John and me a good giggle!

Sometimes, we Just Need to Recharge 🪫

 It was short and sweet, as the saying goes, but, wow, was it ever a relaxing getaway that was perfect for rejuvenating the spirit. My husband, John, and I decided to take a couple of days and head up the WV Turnpike to Lewisburg, WV.  While we had visited Lewisburg on previous trips, it had been several years since our last visit. Therefore, we were looking forward to experiencing the town and its surrounding picturesque countryside with new eyes.

Lewisburg, WV, once named one of Budget Travel’s “Coolest Small Towns” in America, has a vibrant energy you can feel whether you are simply strolling along its streets, visiting one of their unique shops, or dining in one of several locally-owned restaurants.  This was especially evident during the weekend in which we visited as it happened to coincide with the town’s kickoff to Christmas.

We arrived on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in the afternoon, which was the first day/night of what the town calls, “The Magic of Christmas in Lewisburg, ” and the town was on-point with its festive spirit.  Ambling through town, we noticed the outdoor Fresh, Hot Donuts and Coffee stand set up outside as part of their celebration.  Boy, did they smell great! The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves trotting along the streets of Lewisburg pulling a carriage of bundled passengers was quite the idyllic sound. Those seasonal carriages rides will continue every Friday and Saturday afternoon/evening until the 23rd of December.  (There’s even a Girl’s Day Out scheduled for December 10 in downtown Lewisburg as well to coincide with their seasonal celebration.)

Additionally, we were there for the town’s tree lighting ceremony on the town’s Center Green Space which occurred later in the evening, not long after the sunset. Prior to this event, Santa and Mrs. Claus walked throughout the town, graciously posing for pictures. Kids of all ages could be heard squealing with delight at the sight of this iconic pair, reminding John and I of when our own daughter was young. According to both Facebook and the Lewisburg website, Santa and Mrs. Clause will continue strolling through town on Saturdays throughout the month of December, from noon to 2:00 pm, with their last appearance occurring on the 23rd. 

Rest and Relaxation 😌

John and I thoroughly enjoyed staying in the heart of downtown in an AirBnB hosted by Anna and co-hosted by April.  We were able to easily access the shops, coffee shops, and restaurants with an easy walk. Additionally, it was also a great jumping off point for a little out-of-doors adventure. 

Greenbrier County, and its neighbor, Pocahontas County, we knew from previous trips, are full of scenic views. This trip was no different. We  loved the simple pleasure of driving through the countryside with its bucolic farmland valleys and mountainous surroundings as we made our way to Beartown State Park. Sadly, we did not take time to look at their website before driving to it. After making the panoramic drive up a winding mountain road, we arrived to find that it was closed for the season.  Even more regrettable was the fact that IF we had taken time to view the website, we might have noticed on the West Virginia State Park’s website that the park, “may be seen during the closed season by contacting the Superintendent of nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. No fee is charged.”  A lesson to remember for another visit.

GreenBrier River Trail 🥾

Since we were unable to walk/hike through Beartown, we decided to make a stop on the Greenbrier River Trail at Renick. While walking along a short portion of the 78-mile path of a former railroad track, we discovered a few interesting historical facts about Renick. We actually stood in the remains of what was once a former, thriving desk factory, viewed several of the buildings original to the town, and stopped by the Renick Community Center and Park, which was decorated for Christmas.  All-in-all this was a pleasant two-mile off-the-beaten-path experience.

The Welcoming Committee 😉

Lost World Caverns 🗺️ 🧭

Continuing back towards Lewisburg, we also decided it was high time we visited Lost World Caverns, located just outside of Lewisburg downtown. What a treat! It is located on a working farm with animals wandering the premises and contained within fenced areas of the parking lot. Additionally, there are plenty of picnic tables and space for walking about the property for those who want to make an afternoon of it.  

Once inside the facility, there is a fascinating museum that houses numerous fossils.  One fossil of interest is the complete remains of a prehistoric bear that was found on a ledge above the main cavern. This bear once roamed the area around 32,000 years ago, and its skull is 2.5 times the size of today’s black bear. Additionally, there are plenty of other replica fossils and items of geological interest.  Plus, for those that can’t get enough, there is also a museum shop, so you can bring home your own cavern treasure.

There are two ways to experience the caverns–the self-guided tour, which John and I took, or the “Wild Cave Tour.” The self-guided tour takes about 45-60 minutes to walk the ½ mile loop that includes about 350 steps as you move through the cavern. No matter the time of year, the cavern remains around 52 degrees. With beautiful passageways full of numerous stalactites and stalagmites, all playfully named, the tour is full of sights that will fill you with wonder and awe of the ever-changing world below ground.  The history of the cave is rich, and there is even an opportunity to hear a hidden spring flowing through the cavern. 

For those who enjoy a spicy adventure, there is a four-hour guided tour of the caverns that will definitely take you off the beaten path and even off your feet since there are spots in which you will be crawling, climbing, and getting muddy! The guides take care of the required gear in order to allow you to successfully navigate passageways and chambers.  Reservations are required.

Let’s Eat 🍽️

Old and New FAvorite Places to Dine 🍝

To fully round out our time in Lewisburg, John and I dined at a couple of new places and visited an old favorite.  Our dining highlights included, The Humble Tomato, The Wild Bean, and Hill and Holler. These restaurants offered delicious gluten-free and plant-based options for me as well as plenty of scrumptious eats for John. Additionally, tasty treats and exceptional wine were found at Bella The Corner Gourmet and Robert’s Antiques and Wine. 

All-in-all, our recent trip to the Lewisburg area provided John and me with new experiences for which to be thankful.  We were able to relax in comfortable surroundings, recharge our batteries with a walkable and welcoming community, and renew our spirits with plenty of fresh air and inspiring natural sights.  Lewisburg, WV, and its surrounding area, has much to offer visitors. John and I highly recommend it, and I am sure it will not be our last visit to the area!

Aunt Patty’s overflowing-with-goodness pound cake

by stephsimply, posted in Recipes

“Pound cake is so named because its original recipe called for a pound of each of its four ingredients: sugar, eggs, flour, and butter.”–Britannica 

Pounds of Appreciation 👩‍🏫

When I was a very young child, my mom would bake pound cakes for my siblings’ and my elementary teachers during the holidays.  I honestly do not remember for how long she kept this tradition going, since there were four of us kids.  What I do recall is carrying the cake into my classroom with great pride.  It was a family favorite recipe, so I felt like I was giving a grand prize to my teachers–a whole cake. 

sweet tooth cravings 🦷

As a young adult, I asked my mom for the recipe, which is when I discovered it came from my Aunt Patty, my mom’s oldest brother’s wife.  It was one of those recipes I made a couple of times before it became relegated to my recipe basket filled with index cards of recipes seldom used.  However, strangely enough this summer, I got a hankering for pound cake, and I dug out the recipe.

As soon as I read it, I realized that the recipe was back when I was ignorant to my celiac diagnosis.  Now I know why my stomach hurt every time I ate it!  I decided to try to create a gluten-free version of it.  It was NOT easy.

overflowing with love 🥮

My first adaptation overflowed into the oven.  It was a mess!  The good news was that the remaining batter that fully baked in the pan tasted good, so I was on the right track.  After spending a good hour, and then some, cleaning the oven, I was back to the drawing board.

I did more research and visited three sites for whom I have found reliable baking information in the past.  These sites helped with adapting the ingredient amounts of Aunt Patty’s original recipe to a gluten-free version. Mama Know Gluten Free confirmed my addition of vinegar to the original recipe.  King Arthur’s website inspired the idea of making the cake more decadent by adding a glaze to the top.  Finally, Land O Lakes helped me get clear on the correct cake pan size. 

The taste of sweet success 🍰

Cool on a rack first

Once success was attained, I knew I had to channel my former inner-child and share this gluten-free variation of Aunt Patty’s pound cake recipe. I’ve noted several adaptations/modifications that anyone can choose to bake a pound cake that meets dietary needs and/or taste preferences.  My mom often baked hers with cocoa powder, but for my gluten-free variation, I have not yet tried it, but I do plan to try that in the near future.

The gift of homemade goodness 👩‍🍳

Drizzle with glaze if desired.

In the meantime, as the holiday season is now upon us, give yourself, or someone special, the gift of decadent simplicity that can result when you mix and bake flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and few other simple ingredients!  From my home to yours, I wish a healthy and happy holiday season filled with “overflowing” homemade goodness from the kitchen!

Pounds of Saucy Goodness 🍯

Drizzling with good taste

Serve it up! 🥮

Add some extra sauce, like this strawberry sauce.

Aunt Patty’s Pound Cake, with optional Brown Butter Glaze

gluten-free and plant-based variations included

 Ingredients

1 cup milk, or non-dairy alternative

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 sticks (1 cup) room temperature butter, or non-dairy alternative

½ cup shortening

1 ½  cups sugar 

½ cup brown sugar

5 eggs, room temperature, or egg-free replacement 

3 cups of all purpose flour, or gluten-free alternative

(⅓ cup cocoa, optional if desiring a subtle chocolate flavor)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tsp almond extract

1 tsp coconut extract 

(Can replace almond and coconut extract with 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)

Brown Butter Glaze, optional

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup confectioner sugar

½  teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk

Directions

*Note:  It takes 3-5 hours for butter and eggs to come to room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare 12” (14.5 cups) bundt or 10” (16 cups) angel cake (tube) pan

Add vinegar to milk, and set aside in fridge 

Cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy

Add in eggs, one at a time mixing well between each addition

Gradually add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa (if using) alternately with milk

Mix in extract(s), but do not overmix batter

Pour batter into cake pan

Bake approximately 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Allow cake to cool in pan 15 minutes before turning onto cooling rack to completely cool

Serve as is or with desired toppings such as fruit or ice cream; or top with glaze (see below)

Directions to make glaze:

Place cut up butter in pan over medium heat

Continually stir butter until you begin to see brown bits

Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar until incorporated

Whisk in confectioner sugar and vanilla extract

Gradually whisk in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until glaze is smooth and sugar fully dissolves

Poke hole with toothpick in cracks and crevices of cake top, and drizzle glaze over top of cake.

Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Can also freeze for up to 6 months.

Each loaf makes approximately 10 slices

*Pound cake is great toasted in a skillet or oven with butter and sprinkled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and sugar.

*It is also excellent served warm with favorite toppings such as berries, cherries, sauces, whipped cream, and/or ice cream. 

Toast it up in oven with butter, Brown Sugar, and cinnamon