I recently bought a Tesla, my first electric car. I only took two test drives in the Tesla. I wanted to buy it to prove to myself I could learn the technology and enjoy what an electric car has to offer. Fortunately, I have a friend. He and has wife live one street over. My friend and his wife both have a Tesla. He volunteered to go with me to Tesla on the day I picked up my car. Imagine that. He sat in the car with me for an hour in the Tesla lot going over every setting and subsetting. When I drove out of the Tesla lot, I felt as if I’d been driving a Tesla for years. Good friends are a treasure. If you have good friends, let them know how grateful you are for their friendship. A gentle reminder, friendship is a two-way street. We help each other out when we are in need.
Month: February 2025
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Inspiring Quote: A Great Treasure
“No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire.” L. Frank Baum
Healthy Foods & Recipes: Kale
4 Healthy Reasons to Eat Kale
- Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse – Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support immune function, bone health, and vision.
- Rich in Antioxidants – Contains powerful antioxidants like quercetin and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
- Supports Heart Health – The fiber and potassium in kale help regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and promote cardiovascular health.
- Aids Digestion & Gut Health – With its high fiber content, kale supports digestion, promotes healthy gut bacteria, and helps keep you full longer.
Spicy Garlic Kale & Black Bean Stir-Fry with Chili-Lime Tempeh
A bold, nutrient-packed dish with protein, fiber, and a spicy kick!
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch kale, washed and chopped (remove tough stems)
- 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, rinsed)
- 1 block (8 oz) tempeh, cut into cubes (or use tofu/chicken for variation)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (for balance)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Tempeh:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, chipotle in adobo, honey/maple syrup, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Toss tempeh cubes in the marinade and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the Tempeh:
- Heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté tempeh for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Kale & Beans:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add kale and black beans, stirring frequently.
- Toss in red pepper flakes and a splash of water if needed to soften the kale.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until kale is tender but still vibrant green.
- Combine & Serve:
- Return the tempeh to the skillet and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro, pumpkin seeds (if using), and an extra squeeze of lime.
Serving Ideas:
- Enjoy on its own as a protein-packed meal.
- Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier dish.
- Top with avocado slices for extra creaminess.
This dish is spicy, nutritious, and full of flavor—perfect for a Tex-Mex twist on kale! 🌶️🥬😋
Do You Fear the Wind? ~ A Poem by Hamlin Garland
Do You Fear the Wind?
Hamlin Garland
Do you fear the force of the wind,
The slash of the rain?
Go face them and fight them,
Be savage again.
Go hungry and cold like the wolf,
Go wade like the crane:
The palms of your hands will thicken,
The skin of your cheek will tan,
You’ll grow ragged and weary and swarthy,
But you’ll walk like a man!
Healthy Foods & Recipes: Green Peppers
4 Healthy Reasons to Include Green Peppers in Your Diet
- Rich in Vitamin C – Green peppers are packed with vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system, enhances collagen production for healthy skin, and improves iron absorption.
- Loaded with Antioxidants – They contain antioxidants like lutein, beta-carotene, and quercetin, which help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
- Supports Digestion & Weight Management – With high fiber and low calories, green peppers promote healthy digestion and help keep you full longer, aiding in weight management.
- Good for Heart Health – Their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, and their fiber and antioxidants support overall heart health.
Spicy Tex-Mex Stuffed Green Peppers with Chipotle Turkey & Black Beans
A protein-packed, fiber-rich dish with bold Tex-Mex flavors!
Ingredients:
- 4 large green bell peppers (cut in half, seeds removed)
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or use black beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, rinsed)
- ½ cup quinoa or brown rice (cooked)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for extra spice)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers: Place green pepper halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Cook the turkey mixture:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in black beans, cooked quinoa/rice, diced tomatoes, corn, and chipotle in adobo.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper half with the turkey and bean mixture.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using), and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges or avocado slices for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of guacamole or salsa.
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for an extra veggie boost.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed topping.
This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a perfect healthy and spicy Tex-Mex meal! 🌶️💚
Healthy Tips: Can You Benefit from Weight Training?
Don’t let your age stop you from getting the benefits of weight training. If you are 19 or 90, run marathons, or struggle to climb stairs; weight training can benefit everyone. Weight training helps build muscle, strengthens bones, improves balance and prevents injuries. Often, it is helpful for people with many chronic health conditions. Overall, it helps people feel better physically and mentally.
Source: Mayo Clinic
When It’s Raining Let It Rain
Sometimes we are in situations we have to patiently endure. There is no viable alternative. We can get angry with the situation. We can get angry with people we believe are responsible for the situation. Or, we can be content with what we are doing and seek to define our happiness within our present context. If we make our happiness a bargain chip in situations we can’t change, we’ll lose and remain anxious, angry, and unhappy. American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow put it this way: “For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.” And, ancient Chinese wisdom says, “Endure for a moment, and the storm will pass; take a step back, and the sea and sky will open wide.”
Podcast Title: The Quiet Work of Healing: How Grief Heals Without You Noticing
Podcast Title: The Quiet Work of Healing: How Grief Heals Without You Noticing
Healing from grief is often invisible but always ongoing. Even when you don’t feel it, your mind, heart, and body are working to restore balance. In this episode, we explore how healing works quietly, like nature—persistent, steady, and built into us. Through real-life stories, we’ll see how small acts, like gardening or running, help us move forward with grief. Plus, we’ll reflect on Wendell Berry’s poem The Peace of Wild Things, a reminder that healing is happening, even when we can’t see it.
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
