Time  (n) a point measured in minutes and hours; generalization of a period in past, present or future.

Thyme (n)  an herb from the mint family used in cooking and for medicinal purposes.

Time, we love it; we hate it.  It is a precious commodity that never stops.  The value of it varies based on how we utilize it.  Time is a gift easily squandered; once it’s gone, all we have left are the memories.  Time is a mind-boggling concept.

We manipulate time or we think we are when in reality, we’re directing everything based in time to try and change the perception. The daylight savings concept is a prime example.  We’re not adding hours to our day, rather, manipulating the clock to seemingly extend daylight into a more useable timeframe.  It has been an ongoing topic of debate across the United States, with some states wanting to end the practice, while others, Arizona and Hawaii, are not participating.

World time zones were proposed in 1878 by Sir Sanford Fleming, a Canadian.  Time zones were created because of the rotation of the earth.  As the world turns, the sun illuminates only one portion at a time.  Time zones maintain a logical order to regulate day and night across the globe.  The US has four time zones which were proposed in 1883 and adopted a year later.  The Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific zones are still in place today.

Thyme is a tasty culinary herb used to season meats and vegetables.  It is one of my favorites to use alongside oregano.  Salt and pepper are great taste enhancers, but herbs are what add a bit of creativity to the world of cooking.  Even the option of using fresh versus dried herbs can change the intensity of flavors.

Not everyone is driven by foods and their wonderful differences.  It blows my mind, but there are people out there who only eat because it’s a requirement of sustaining nourishment.  My husband is one of those people.  He would be happy with the plain food pyramid recommendations in their simplest form.  Others of us see food as part of the daily experience.  It enhances the DNA of the day.  I am not a fancy cook, but I look forward to a good meal.  I don’t venture too far out of our usual favorites; however, I do like to add a few new items once in a while.  Dinner out is an opportunity to try more uncommon dishes and unique flavor combinations.

Time is a gift with each new day.  What’s your perception of time?  Is it a burden?  There’s never enough?  There’s pressure to fill every waking moment?  Time for each of us is finite.  Fitting in all the practical aspects of life is important.  More critical is the attitude in which we face those ticking minutes and hours.  Breathe, check off the tasks and take a moment to relish the quiet before heading off to the next great thing.  Perhaps, find some thyme as you’re in the garden or wandering through the nursery.  Take a bit and rub it between your fingers and take time to enjoy the calming aroma.  You may suddenly have the urge to create a culinary delight!