RECIPE: McCormick French Toast

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

No comments


Image: McCormick French Toast Recipe accessed 21 January 2026

RECIPE: FRENCH TOAST by McCormick Kitchens accessed 21 January 2026

Winter isn’t over! Better keep that French Toast recipe handy. McCormick is a well-known spice company. Their recipe uses the classic vanilla and cinnamon. There are other warm spice combinations you might want to try. How about pumpkin spice? If you are topping the toast with apple compote, perhaps use apple pie spice for a doubly rich flavor. Check out what you have in your cabinet, or the baking section the next time you are in the grocery store. Bon Appetit! 

McCormick Easy French Toast Recipe

Read More
di
· ·

Emergency Preparation #3 Snow

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

No comments

 

Image: Snowy Neighborhood 14 December 2025 by Gail K. Kachnycz

EMERGENCY PREPARATION #3 SNOW by Gail K. Kachnycz 21 January 2026

     This winter 2025-26 is starting out as a snowy one, with three events already that required clearing snow from cars and walkways. Roads were not plowed quickly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. This was just practice for the storm we are anticipating this coming Sunday January 25, with 19 to 24 inches of snow predicted. The weather alert on my phone instructs me to implement my plan of preparation. I am inserting the link for Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. If you do not live in Philadelphia, search your county's government website for emergency management instructions.

Philadelphia Emergency Management/Snow

     The website gives a lot of detailed information related to snow, heating, and travel. Caregivers need to have emergency supplies for their loved one. Here are the links for my previous posts on preparing for emergencies:

Emergency Preparation 25 June 2025

Emergency Preparation #2 Critical Supplies

     Here are a few of my thoughts on preparing for snow.

- Be sure you have a backup plan for loss of electrical power. Battery operated lighting, radio or device for media, and a way to charge your phone. I have used the car phone port to charge my phone during loss of electricity. If you turn on your car to charge the phone, do not keep the car in the garage. Carbon monoxide will seep into the house. Be sure that all devices and medical equipment have a full battery charge. Fill up your car; gas stations require electricity to operate the pumps.

-You may experience loss of internet or phone service. Text messages are sometimes delivered when phone service does not work.

-Have a backup plan for heat. If using kerosene heaters or generators, follow all safety regulations to avoid fire hazard or exposure to carbon monoxide. Be sure there is adequate ventilation and do not operate a generator in a garage (carbon monoxide will seep into the house). If you plan on using a fireplace, be sure the chimney is clean & you know how to operate the flues properly.

-Take precautions so that your water pipes do not freeze. This may mean allowing a small stream of water to flow from a faucet at all times.

-Obtain medications and medical supplies in advance of the storm.

-Obtain supplies for clearing the snow. Have a shovel and kitty litter or some other item to promote friction for your wheels if your car is stuck on ice or snow. Get enough salt for pavements around your house.

-We have a heat pump, so the unit fan operates year round. It does have a defrost mode for the blade, but probably not enough for 24" of snow! If you are in the same situation, check the manual for your unit to learn how to protect it in bad weather. If you can't put your hands on the manual, information is probably available on line, just check the unit for the brand model type & number.

-Stock up on bread, milk, and eggs. These items fly off the shelves before a storm. Everyone must make French Toast when it snows. OK, I am just kidding. But seriously, go food shopping, especially if your loved one requires a special diet. And so you are fully prepared, here is a recipe for French Toast.

McCormick French Toast Recipe

Read More
di
·

Life Is Precious

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

No comments

 

Image: Book Cover "Horton Hears A Who!" by Dr. Seuss

Life is Precious; Reprise of Post Published 01/15/2025

Sanctity of Life Sunday is January 18, 2026

A Person's A Person No Matter What by Gail K. Kachnycz January 15, 2025

     "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday" will be celebrated in many churches in January. The event was a response to the Roe v. Wade decision January 22, 1973, which legalized abortion nation-wide in the United States. The Supreme Court decision was revisited and overturned June 24, 2022. However, the need to recognize that each individual is made in the image of God, and to to protect the most vulnerable, is still a challenge.

     Theodore Geisel, AKA "Dr. Seuss," published the book, "Horton Hears A Who!" in 1954, well before Roe v. Wade. However, the theme of the story, "A person's a person, no matter how small," applies to the pro-life cause. In the book, Horton hears a small voice emanating from a dust speck. He believes that there are tiny people living there, worthy of protection. Others, who see and hear nothing, deride Horton and actually try to destroy the speck. But, Horton perseveres, stating, "A person's a person, no matter how small." In the end, he is able to show that the tiny "Who People" really do exist, and those who previously bullied him now join in protecting the tiny population.

     Unborn babies are not the only ones who need advocacy. A woman who views her pregnancy as a crisis also needs help. A person's a person, no matter if we agree with them or not. A person's a person, even if they are not physically complete or strong. A person's a person, no matter if they have mental limitations, or their memory is fading, or they have mental illness. Being a caregiver for the whole person: heart, soul, mind, strength, is difficult. From time to time, we need reminders to recognize the Divine Image in each person, and encouragement to continue the caregiving journey. Our Father God esteems each person as precious, both the one in need, and the caregiver. 

And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 

"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 NKJV

My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! Psalm 139: 15-17 NKJV

Read More
di

Happy New Year 2026!

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

No comments

 


HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026! Happy List Making! by Gail K. Kachnycz on 2 January 2026

     Did you make a list of New Year's Resolutions? Did you know that making lists can help bring you a happy new year? It's true! Crossing off completed tasks from a list actually releases dopamine in your brain, giving you a little "hit of happiness."

     Busy caregivers may feel overwhelmed. Just getting through the routine of care each day may seem like enough to accomplish. Making a list can bring a sense of control and orderliness, in itself a positive effect. Lists also reduce decision fatigue, another bonus! 

     I like to set aside some "me time" in January to plan some larger goals or long range projects. Developing the calendar of blog posts is just one example. For a shorter timeframe, I outline a two week schedule and leave room for daily tasks to be filled in. I write this down on a 8x11 page. When I was down-sizing the house, I taped it to the kitchen counter. This kept me organized, reduced decision fatigue, and gave me that mood-lifting dopamine whenever I checked off the box. I also use the "Reminders" app on my phone. Examples for that are things that are time sensitive but not frequent, such as printing the updated car insurance card, scheduling the inspection for the car or maintenance for the heat pump/HVAC. The app has the advantage of the option to send an early reminder, say 1 week (or more) in advance, so there is time to schedule the appointment.

     Here is a link for the full article on the benefits of making lists. I hope it will help you to work smarter, not harder. And, during these dismal winter months, any way to lift our mood is welcome!

https://brainhealthuniversity.com/brain-health-insights/the-brains-love-affair-with-lists-why-organizing-feels-so-satisfying/

Read More
di
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)