A tip for happy living . . .

A woman aged ninety two was once asked by a much younger woman to give her a tip on happy living. This was her response.

"Be kind each day to all the people you meet, for every second person may well be having a much harder time than you."

It makes one wonder doesn't it? How many uncertain moments in life have been turned around, and, how many days have been made all the brighter by a friend or a stranger offering a small word of kindness.



It is easy to forget sometimes, that tears of sadness are frequently kept hidden in the eyes of the people we meet.

I have another tip . . . say what you mean and mean what you say. Too many people speak empty words these days without taking any thought to what comes out of their mouths. I doubt they even hear what they are saying. A lot of social conversation has become rote and automatic. I like to think that when I ask someone how they are . . . I really want to know, and, that when I wish someone a good day . . . I really want them to have one . . . and, most importantly of all . . . when I say I love you . . . I really mean it.



Here we are at the portal of yet another weekend! How did that happen? My, but the week has gone quickly!! I am so excited that tomorrow I am going to get to go to the RS General Broadcast! It is always a really nice afternoon. Todd was called yesterday to see if he could serve, but alas, he had already made other plans! I am getting a drive there from a few other sisters, which makes the day even better because we can chat all the way in and all the way home! Men are no good at chit chat are they? Well, at least not in my experience at any rate! Todd is always saying to me when I get off the telephone from having a conversation . . . "I don't know how you women find so much to talk about!"

I think it's rather easy, don't you?



I threw together these lovely muffins yesterday to make a cheery breakfast. They go together really quickly and if I can remember correctly, my children always loved it when I made these when they were growing up. They're delicious and a real treat. The hidden jam surprise in the middle is really tasty, but do warn your eaters though as it can be really hot when first out of the oven. I always let them cool down quite a bit before we eat them. Best eaten warm . . . but not hot!!



*Surprise Corn Muffins*
Makes 12
Printable Recipe

These moist muffins make an extra special breakfast with their hidden jam surprise. You can use any flavour of jam you like. Marmelade is particularly good, but my favourite choice of all is good old strawberry!

1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup corn oil
1 large egg
1/2 cup of jam



Pre-heat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Butter a 12 cup medium muffin tin very well.

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Beat the wet ingredients together in a measuring beaker. Pour all at once onto the dry ingredients, and mix together just to combine. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Top each with 1 tsp of jam, being very careful not to touch the sides with it. Top with the remaining half of the batter. Bake for 20 minutes until well risen and nicely browned. The tops should spring back when lightly touched.

Remove from the oven and run a knife around each one to loosen. Flip out onto a cooling rack. Best served warm. Don't eat hot as the jam will be scalding hot. Warn your family!



I also made these tasty little apple tarts yesterday, easy and very simple to do and quite, quite delicious. Sliced apples on top of an almond filling, with a crispy puff pastry base, then glazed with spiced maple syrup. Go on, you know you want one! Check them out on The English Kitchen.