Being a child of the Sixties, I have aged with this Hubert Humphrey quote in my mind :

“It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”

and  The Golden Rule: 

¹²So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

   I believe all religions  have a form of  The Golden Rule , and therefore, religious or not, we should be able to come together to support  our brothers and sisters that need us myself included.

I will be watching to see which county council candidates rise to the occasion and support a large chunk of the core mission of county government, not with words but with action.

I received a flier from Mansfield Frazier. I plan to attend “The Long Road Home”  a documentary narrated by Peter Lawson Jones tomorrow January 28th in MetroHealth’s Scott Auditorium. The presentation is from 3:00 to 4:30 pm.

The recession has hit everyone hard, but especially for those trying to reenter after leaving the prison system. Those who know me well are aware that I am a board member for C.A.T.S. –Community assessment and Treatment Services, Inc. We are presently finishing up our capital campaign to “build a Better Place for Women. We serve a population of offenders whose drug and alcohol additions have caused them to make very bad decisions.  I believe in second chances.

And, I am looking forward to seeing the documentary based on Mansfield Frazier’s book “The Long Road Home” and to listen to the panel discussion that will accompany the creening.

Tonight I decided to try something different.  I went to the refrigerator to see what we had.  I found skinless chicken breasts, a tomato, green pepper, onions, mushrooms.  I then walked over to the computer and punched in the ingredients plus recipe.  It came back with a recipe for a saute recipe .  I am not competent with “top of the stove”  cooking yet, but my chopping skills are actually better than they were before my strokes.  So, I improvised.

I am sure this still could be “top of the stove, but my baked version at 400 degrees 45 minutes was quite tasty-stir once. I added a few herbs to the basic recipe to make it a bit spicier.  I am sure that you too could use some of your favorite herb combinations as well.

4 skinless Chicken breasts, one large tomato reserve two slices, one large green pepper, one medium onion, one pound mushrooms

Chop all ingredients into large bowl.  Drizzle three T Light Olive oil over top.  Add 1 tsp. sea salt, 1 tsp. pepper,1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. minced garlic, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, Six tsp. basil dried or 2 sprigs fresh basil.  Toss together mixing well.

Spray 9×13 casserole with Olive oil lightly. Place in oven.  Prepare your favorite rice.

Cook’s note:  You could use 1/3 cu. chicken broth reduced fat or low sodium or both for liquid but it is not necessary.  Veggies without are more grilled like.   Fresh garlic would be a plus for someone who can eat fresh garlic.  That is not me.

  Remember the two reserved tomato slices.  Chop and add as garnish before serving.

I am actually looking forward to leftovers tomorrow.