Thursday thoughts . . .

He drew a circle that shut me out . . .
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in.
~Edwin Markham

I believe that touch may be one of our five senses that is the most underrated, and yet it is probably the one that people probably appreciate most of all. It is purely instinctive that we reach to pick up and sooth a baby when it cries, or to comfort a small child with a hug. What friend does not appreciate a squeeze of the hand or a pat on the back when they are in need of encouragement and reassurance??



Clinical research has shown that the sensation of a loving touch can make all the difference in the world, and a scientifically measurable difference to our health and well being. Experiments have also shown that a familiar touch can boost our immune system and help to relieve stress and pain.

And yet, whilst most of us find it very easy to comfort a child, we find it very difficult to comfort an adult.



I have always been a touchy feely kind of a person. I am a hugger, that's all there is to it! I can't help myself. I just always follow my instincts and reach out to those around me . . . be it a pat on the shoulder, a squeeze of the hand, or a full out hug! I wouldn't change me for the world. I think sometimes if we just do it without worrying about it . . . it might be just the medicine the receiver needs! I've never had anyone turn down a hug!





Well, I have my activity at the church tonight for the Sisters. I am a bit nervous about it. It will be the first one I have ever organized. I hope that we have a good turnout and that it goes well. I've put a lot of thought into it and I want the Sisters to enjoy it and feel spiritually fed as well as well as physically fed! I will be going out this afternoon to pick up all the Sundae Toppings! I know, a bit last minute, but I didn't dare have a bunch of goodies like that in the house too much ahead of time for fear I might dig in to them!

Speaking of digging in, here is a tasty grilled tuna sandwich that everyone loves. I think grilling makes any sandwich taste better. Instead of buttering the outsides these sandwiches are spread with mayonnaise on the outside, a trick I often use, even with a plain old grilled cheese. It gives an extra little zip to them and makes them even tastier, especially if you use something like a garlic or a mustard mayo! I sometimes add chopped green olives as well. I remember doing this when I was taking home economics at school and filling hamburger buns with the mixture, wrapping them with foil and baking them in the oven. We used mozzarella cheese and called them pizza buns. They were really good!



*Tuna Melt Sandwich*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Quick, easy and oh so delicious. As good as anything you might get in a restaurant!

1 6-ounce tin of tuna in water, drained and flaked
7 TBS good quality mayonnaise, divided
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
salt and pepper to taste
8 slices bread
4 processed cheese slices

Mix together the tuna, 3 TBS of the mayo, onion, green pepper and seasonings.

Lay out 4 bread slices and cover them with tuna mixture, 1 cheese slice and finally the second bread slice. Spread outsides of each sandwich with 1 TBS of mayonnaise.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until lightly browned on one side before flipping over to brown the other side. Keep warm in the oven while you cook the remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately.



There's a delicious Easy Berry Charlotte on offer for dessert today, over in The English Kitchen.