Are you overloaded? Think about it.

If you have ever watched the ridiculous English comedy on television about “Keeping Up Appearances” you know how Onslo is forever complaining about being overloaded with responsibility. We all feel that way from time to time. We feel we have too much to do and think about and not enough time in our day to accomplish it or figure things out. We are on overload.

Then it is time to cut back on some of our activities. I made a list of things I was doing and it filled three pages. I am not complaining. I love doing things, but there came a time when I simply had to get my priorities straight and give up some of the things that were taking the most time away from the things I really want and need to do.

I will never give up our Bible study because it is something I have enjoyed all my life. I love meeting in our home every two weeks to be lead in Bible study by our friend and wonderful teacher, Mary Ruth. Even if I had to let something else go undone, I would continue that because it is so meaningful in my life.

I truly enjoy the time I give helping Jim go to his physical rehab every day. It is a benefit to me also as well. While he is working out, I can walk on the tread mill if there are no members needing it at that minute. To do that with Jim, I have had to give up the wonderful exercise classes at Senior Life Network, but I have to prevent overload.

When we decide to let pressures go and not be overloaded, we shouldn’t feel guilty because we take time for ourselves. It is OK to take needed and necessary time to regroup and reassess our lives. It is OK to take time to exercise and enjoy doing household chores. It is OK to eat out and attend activities. Sure, the garage may need cleaning, but it is OK that I quilt for St. Gregory’s upcoming bazaar instead of cleaning the garage. It is OK to not be overloaded, overworked and overwhelmed.

I am so proud of my brother, Bill, who has devoted his summer to help in the T-ball and softball programs his grandchildren participate in. He is the “dugout Mom” for one of their teams. He loves it and so do they. He and Judy take an active part in teaching them sportsmanship and the rules of the game. No matter how busy they are after a hard day’s work, they take the time and make the effort to be with their grandchildren. I greatly admire them for that.

There is a huge difference in caring for children and grandchildren. Parents are so busy making a living and teaching their children right from wrong and helping them with lessons and everyday chores they sometimes don’t feel they have time to do extra things with their children. That is where grandparents come in. They can help mold young lives and take a bit of pressure and overload off the parents and give them a breather.

Some of the things that overwhelm us and overload us are things we bring on ourselves. We spend too much on things we really don’t need. We shop in stores for something new when we should just shop in our own closet. We need to think before we become overloaded with debt and overspending.

I think back fondly of Grandma and Mother who never seemed to become rattled when they always had so much work to do. There was always gardening, canning, cleaning and just simple day-to-day jobs that had to be taken care of. Their solution was to just keep pressing on and not hurry or rush. Little by little it got done. They seemed to enjoy whatever they had to. I know they must have detested the heat, bugs and other inconveniences, but they never complained.

It seems this time of year we are all overloaded and overwhelmed with zucchini squash. We have made the usual squash relishes, breads and cakes, and we still have squash to give away or use up someway. Well, I have a solution.

My friend, Mary, sent me a recipe for zucchini pie she had tried and said they really liked it. Just for kicks, I tried it and it was wonderful. A lot like apple pie. She used cinnamon and nutmeg, while I used apple pie spice but the taste was probably much the same. She called me later and told me she used less zucchini than called for in the recipe and added a can of whole cranberry sauce and it was great. I have not tried it with the cranberry sauce but I bet it tastes much like cran-apple pie. I made it without the crust and simply sprinkled the topping on it and it was just wonderful with a dollop of ice cream. Enjoy.



Zucchini Pie or Dessert



six cups peeled and sliced zucchini. Steam 10 to 15 minutes and drain well.

Mix:

1 cup sugar (she used half Splenda)

2 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

11⁄2 teaspoon cream of tarter

1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg



Sift together and mix into zucchini and put in unbaked nine inch pie shell or 8x8 inch baking dish.



Topping:

1⁄2 cup flour

1⁄2 cup oatmeal

1⁄2 cup brown sugar

1⁄4 cup cooking oil



Mix together and slowly add oil, a tablespoon at a time. Sprinkle over zucchini mixture and bake in 350ºF oven about 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly or until crust is done.



Send your comments to: Peggy Goodrich, Food For Thought, P.O. Box 1192, Enid, OK 73702.