(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Good morning to my valuable readers and while you are reading my article today I want to express how much I enjoy and appreciate all the people that stop me constantly on the street and in stores to express how much they enjoy and look forward to my weekly articles.

Actually it is rather difficult and challenging to keep coming up with something of interest plus entertaining to all.

Some like sports, some news, some cooking, some life in general and some “politics” which I refuse to comment on. I am mainly a positive person and try to keep away and avoid all the negativity taking place these days. People need to live by the “golden rule” – be loving, caring, understanding and thoughtful and respectful.

A lot depends on how you present something or say something to your family, friends or co-workers as to how it will be accepted and taken. Hopefully with positive advice you can change their attitude and outlook on life and whatever the pending issue may be.

Telling people you will pray for them and doing so is also very important and has the power to change things and move mountains. You can pray anywhere at any time and God will always be there to listen regardless where you are or what you are doing.

I always try to be a good listener and express my honest opinion because someone’s problem today can turn out to be my problem tomorrow.

Life is very uncertain and when we are young we think with a different attitude than we do as we grow older. Life is full of surprises no matter how rich, poor or successful a person is and with each day a new and different issue or problem may take place.

For a big example – when you are young a person does not worry about falling but as they grow older walking and balance many times becomes a problem that one must deal with.

I guess we all have two choices in life? We can either die young or grow old and be prepared to deal with various illnesses and problems that come along with getting older. The very sad thing is how due to government involvement and regulations the medical situation has worsened over the years and major burdens and paperwork has been piled upon our physicians.

We all love, respect and need our doctors therefore regulations and policies by someone dictating things behind a desk in the medical field need to be looked into and corrected to encourage more doctors to pursue medicine.

We all need to thank all our local doctors and medical personnel for their devotion, commitment and dedication to all in need in the Mid-Ohio Valley and all over the world, always keeping in mind that they also have families and responsibilities – yet choose to neglect their personal life to help others.

Till next week.

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BASIL BEANS

1 lb green beans

2 tablespoons oil

1/3 cup sliced onion

1 clove garlic

1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

Prepare beans, heat oil in large skillet, add beans and all ingredients except tomatoes. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cover, and cook for five minutes or longer.

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DELICIOUS EGGPLANT

1 medium eggplant

Vegetable oil

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles undrained

1 (4oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained

1 (15oz) can tomato sauce

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp Garlic powder

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Peel eggplant and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Brush each side of slices with oil, Place on baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes, set aside.

Combine next five ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil or a medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Place half of eggplant slices in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole. Top with half each of tomato mixture and cheese, repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes.