Of clocks and attitudes

I awoke this morning to the shrill sound of the alarm clock. The Thanksgiving holiday is over and life returns to "normal", at least for the next week or two. Christopher will not purchase a parking permit until after this semester ends so we will be taking him to classes and picking him up each evening (the prorated cost will be cheaper in January)... yawn. How we wish he could have held on to the employee parking permit until that time.

Our first significant snow is in the forecast for later this week. I have a love-hate relationship with snow. LOVE the way it looks here in the country, HATE driving on slick roads. :)

Once I arrive home, I plan to assemble the Christmas tree, keep the blog up on the laptop to listen to Christmas music... and start the process of going down memory lane as beloved ornaments are brought out of their containers and carefully placed on the tree. This year I have a few more vintage ornaments found at Goodwill to tuck among the branches.

Over the years I have scaled down my decorations a great deal but I still have plenty. Those which are left are either the most important as far as nostalgia, their decorative appeal, or in the case of the tacky musical snowmen on a sled... I am reminded of the person who gave the item to me (in this case, my sister Bonnie). :)

Decorating the house cost me only time and no money since I do have quite a collection of decorations. This year I don't plan on decorating as much as usual but I will make certain the most important items are displayed.

There are so many things we can do for the Season which requires no money. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I spent a couple delightful evenings curled up on the living room sofa listening to the concerts PBS was showing. My husband watched one of his favorite Christmas movies (Ebbie) Sunday afternoon.

Everything we do this year has to be cost free but there is a great deal available. If our Christmas spirit depended on how much money we could spend then we may as well become like Scrooge. Instead candles are lit, music is played, the tree is decorated, tea is brewed, movies are watched, books are read, prayers are said, thanks is given to the Giver of all life... and since we are picking up our son after dark... brightly lit homes are appreciated.

It's all in the attitude...

Sunday Afternoon Tea

I posted this originally last December but I thought it still reflects what I think about Christmas... so, here were my Christmas reflections about a year ago... and today.

I remember coming to the end of a Christmas season about ten or twelve years ago and wondering at my frustration. There were no severe money trials that season, nothing that should have kept me from enjoying Christmas but... I couldn't put my finger on it... there was this sense of a lack of satisfaction... an unsettled feeling.

Soon after that, I was reading an article (magazine... book?) about this very thing. In it, the author said she learned to write out what it was she wanted from the Christmas season, what was most important to her. When I started doing that, I realized why the previous season had been lacking in joy.

It had been a rushed Christmas, the "doing" of many activities I felt I should do and not "being" the person I wanted to be that Season. My frustrations stemmed from a lack of getting away, alone beside my Christmas tree, enjoying that which comes from prayer and study and reading of books. I also had not said "no" to some outside activities that did not bring peace and joy.

Since that time, I have enjoyed making a list each season. My list has changed since that time due to health and finances but only in the "big" things. My list back then included attending a Christmas concert that I loved each year. However, it became too expensive even when we did have a regular income. It wasn't that much of a priority that I'd spend more for tickets to a concert then I would on a week's worth of groceries.

Another item on my list that has gone by the wayside is hosting a big Christmas party. I loved decorating the house and having a lot of people over but that season is now behind me. I remember one very magic (Narnia magic) party in our former house when we invited over Stephanie's college group. There was a tree in the family room and one in the living room, a fire was burning in the fire place, food placed in various areas, conversations were going on in many rooms of the house.

Later that night, as the young people were leaving, one student came up to tell me that night will be one of his "perfect Christmas memories" when he leaves college. It is one of my perfect memories, too. :)

I have found by making a list of those things I love about Christmas, I can make certain what means the most to me (and for my family) becomes a priority for time and money. Here are a few for this year, written out on paper before transferring to my scrapbook journal. Of course, I can't do them all but any of them on the "wish list" would make my season bright.

• Decorating the house with my snowman collection
• Carefully placing all my ornaments on the tree
• Morning quiet times in the dark, with the tree lit
• A breakfast out at Cracker Barrel during Christmas
• Lunch with the guys at our favorite cafeteria
  
• Holiday Baking
• Candy Cane Lane tea
  
• Listening to the music of the season
• Watching favorite Christmas movies
• Reading favorite Christmas books
• Seeing what yummies The Food Channel comes up with this year
• One or two Pumpkin Spice Latte's to enjoy
• A morning at Panera sipping coffee and writing a real letter
  
• Visit my sister, Bonnie, to see how she decorated her place (she has that wow factor)
  
• Send a small gift to my sister, Jean, knowing it is her first Christmas as a widow
• Send Christmas cards to our elderly aunties
• Visit my favorite "downtown" primitive country store... breath in the scents, no purchase necessary
  

Most of my list this year involves more solitude than in the past. It has been that kind of year. None require much money.

This is only a way of thinking through what brings joy... and peace... and faith... and what lifts my thoughts to the One Who Made Me.

Little satisfactions in the most wondrous and magical time of the year.

I encourage you to brew a little pot of tea and fill your favorite tea cup, bring along a notebook and pen, light the Christmas tree if you have one, and think about those things that bring joy to your heart at Christmas. Are you making time for them? Did you budget for them through the year? What makes your heart sing with gladness?

You don't need to do them all, just choose a few that will cause you to look back at this Christmas and smile... and remember, Christmas is not about the price of gifts or how many are given, it is about the Giver of all gifts.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The Christmas music is back on my Play List.

If you click on Pop Out, it will continue playing music without staying on the blog.

Note: I tried to mix up the religious and secular a bit. I love both types of music as well as "Old English" choral music.

When you think you have nothing to give

Earlier today I wrote how those who "have" at this time can help their friends and family who "have not". So... I wanted to share how you can give when you are the "have not".

In our materialistic society, we most often think we have to make a purchase to give or the gift is will not be appreciated. Actually, I have found that not to be true in most cases. Yes, there are those around who may not appreciate fresh baked cookies but let's be honest... do you want those people as friends? So they are family and you are stuck with them... pray for their materialism and offer them a cookie, anyway. They may learn someday.

Here are some ways I've learned to be a giver, even with a very limited income...

When I do have "extra" cash, I stock the pantry (shelves, frig, deep freeze) with simple items which... when mixed together... create magic (Narnia magic). Isn't it absolutely remarkable the number of recipes which can be made from: eggs, butter, milk or cream, various sugars, flour, flavor extracts, nuts, dried fruit, yeast, etc.?

Throughout the year I'm always looking for inexpensive containers, suitable for giving gifts of baked goods. For instance, last year I hit a clearance sale at Wal Mart and purchased a couple dozen pretty red trays for a dime each. I gave many of them to Stephanie as a gift since she often takes baked goods to people.

When I can get a good deal on fresh fruits, I like to "can" jellies and jams. People love these.

A blog friend sent me honey and homemade soap from her farm... LOVED it!

Other gifts I give with little or no money:

Books from the book sales or purchased with Amazon credit.
Items purchased at garage sales and while thrifting that I know people would love.
A pretty mug or teacup from my own collection with a box of favorite tea or hot chocolate.
A basket filled with a favorite snack (like puppy chow... yum) made "from scratch".

I used to make teddy bears, angels, small quilts, and other sewn items.
My first gift to my husband (before he was my husband) was a crocheted scarf... which he still has. :)
I've given a gift of recipe cards written with favorite family recipes.
My daughter received a "cookbook" from our good friend for a wedding gift that she had written with their favorite recipes... all printed from her computer.

Stuff to do as gifts

Offer to babysit the kiddies.
Sit with an elderly or ill person so their caregiver can get relief.
Read to someone who can't read for themselves... young or old.
Offer to scrub a floor or paint a room.
Trim bushes and trees for someone who can no longer get around easily.

Put up a Christmas tree for a friend who is not handy about such things.
Share extra decorations (that you no longer need or want) with a friend who has none.
Hang the Christmas lights for the elderly neighbor who can no longer hang them.

Write letters to people who would love to hear from you.
Send a pretty card to an elderly relative or friend.
Give forgiveness to someone who needs to hear those words.

Listen to a teenager, really listen.
Ask an elderly relative to share family history and write it down.
Collect family recipes and type them into the computer... give copies to loved ones.

Encourage your children to draw pictures for Grandma and Grandpa... and send them.

If you have a green thumb, take starts from your flowers (in season) and start them in your home, give to a neighbor or family member when they are ready.

Ask your kids for ideas, they tend to be quite creative!

The season of giving

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. We went out for a fun celebration today, thanks to a gift card given by our pastor. Not only did we enjoy our meal "out" but it meant less dishes for me! Now, that is a a real gift. :)

Which reminds me, I've been asked so often what one can do to reach out to others during Christmas. I've been hesitant to write about it because I don't want anyone to think I'm asking for something. However, knowing so many people are in need right now, I thought I'd answer questions.

I can not begin to tell you what your giving may do for an individual or family. Don't ever underestimate giving... whether a small amount or a larger gift. You are the hands of God in another's life for you are the answer to prayer.

Your gift may keep another from the depths of despair and help them realize God loves them enough to place their needs on another's heart.

- Don't ever feel you will offend someone by giving. Many people in this economy are praying for help and you may just be the answer to those prayers.

- Don't assume everyone is getting government help, most are not. Even if they do receive some government assistance, it usually is not very much... at least with the people I've known.

- Don't judge those who are in need. There for the grace of God Himself... you may be someday.

- Even if another person or family is in need because of their own actions... remember the children. There are ways to directly help the kids.

How can you help?

- Cash, money orders, gift cards, wrapped gifts... all are good in different circumstances.

- Cash or a gas station gift card are always needed by those in need.

- Moms and Dads with limited (or no) income would love a chance to shop for their kids gifts. By giving a gift card as early as this week, you will be the answer to a parent's prayer.

- If you are concerned about your gift going to the children, offer to take a parent (or older sibling) shopping and hand them a gift card to the store when you arrive or pay for the items yourself - or- shop for groceries or give a gift of a grocery store gift card (some stores will not allow alcohol to be purchased with gift cards).

-If you know what a person loves, give them a wrapped gift. So many people in need have nothing under the tree Christmas morning.

- If you want to give a gift of cash but remain anonymous, ask your pastor if the church can act as a "middle man"... you give the check to the church and then they cut a check for the family. We received a couple of gifts like this in past years. Of course, we spent the day wondering who the giver was. :)

- Otherwise... don't worry about being anonymous.

- Provide a gift subscription to their favorite magazine which they will enjoy each time it arrives.

- If a family in need are close friends whose company you enjoy (and they enjoy spending time with you), then take them out for a special meal together. Let them know ahead of time that you will be paying and that their friendship is the only gift you want from them. If needed, provide a babysitter. :)

-Even fast food gift cards are wonderful for those with limited income.

- Elderly friends would love a gift of service... mowing the lawn or clearing snow off the walkway; a few baked goods; an offer to drive them when needed; an offer to fix something broken around the house (if you have skills)... often their needs may not require money but someone with more physical ability and youth. :)

- Purchase tickets to a special concert or the Nutcracker Ballet for those who love music.

- Teenagers would love a gift card or certificate to their favorite clothing store, which will go even farther in after Christmas sales.

- If you want to go together with more people to assemble a huge blessing... a wonderful gift is to put together a few gift cards... examples: a grocery store, a favorite restaurant, Target, Meijer, or Wal Mart, a bookstore or Amazon (if you know they have computer access), a favorite coffee shop, a movie theater, gas station, hobby or sewing shop, gourmet or tea shop, etc.

- Never ever think a gift is too small. Even $5.00 placed in a card may provide milk for the children.

- Of course, it is so much fun to do the shopping yourself for others and arrive at their home with the gifts already wrapped.

- Give a gift to a friend's pet from your own... kibble, canned food, and kitty litter are always welcome (although in the case of pets, it is a good thing to ask what brands they use since some animals only eat what they are used to... a lot like teenagers).

- We were blessed this year with a turkey and canned goods (although I ended up putting the turkey in the freezer to have for Christmas since I was not well).

- Remember strangers this time of year. Many homeless shelters have programs where people can give practical "gifts" to those in need. Quite often the Salvation Army can help locate a good place to give. Also, pastors and youth leaders often know specific needs where you can give while remaining anonymous.

- We loved to assemble the Christmas Shoeboxes when Christopher was younger. Most cities have various Angel Trees and similar programs to purchase for families in need.


I must admit it is more fun to be the person doing the giving. When we had the opportunity, I loved putting together something fun for friends going through a hard time. :)

Four days of giving thanks - Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for... a life of faith

The Word of Life

Visiting a New England church
built in the 1700s

Quiet time on the deck with my Bible,
a favorite author, tea, and cinnamon toast

My scrapbook journal

and

Blog friends who help
make the path more pleasant

Four days of giving thanks - Wednesday

More thankful moments...
all nature declares the Glory of God!










I am one of those people who truly do feel closer to God in the midst of nature. It doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the church with walls but the most meaningful moments I have felt were while walking the trails in the woods, sitting on the sand watching the waves of Lake Michigan, and sitting on my deck at my house... at the edge of the forest.

A few weeks ago I was listening to K-Love on the radio as I drove the scenic route into town. I passed the corn drying in the fields, horses looking over a fence toward the road, sheep nibbling away at their grassy breakfast, and the amazing splash of colors from the trees in all their glory. The beautiful music combined with scenery brought a wash of praise to my soul... cleansing any hopelessness and leaving a sense of... faith... and hope.

For that I am very grateful.

Four days of giving thanks - Tuesday

Hmmmm.... what else am I thankful for?

Tea with the girls

Flying with the boys

Family conference at the amusement park

The oldest and the youngest menfolk

New Friends

The coffee table when
one must stay on the sofa awhile

Four days of giving thanks - Monday

I love Thanksgiving so much, I want to celebrate it all week.

How good it is to put that which does not edify behind me so I can concentrate on that which He has provided... especially those I may overlook in their everyday-ness.

So, I'm thinking of things for which I am thankful.

Day One...

Flowers fresh from the nursery

Wild flowers picked while walking a country path

Flowers and flags

Finding good mail in the mailbox

Old Books

Thrifted silver and crystal

More tomorrow... :)

*All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them. The silver is especially lovely upclose and personal and the book titles are much easier to peruse (mostly my slim Elizabeth Goudge collection).

Sunday Afternoon Tea

Sigh... as you can tell from my week's posting, it has been one of those no good mixed up frightful absolutely awful weeks (actually more like two weeks). Life is always rather interesting here and requires more faith than the average bear. However, I was ready to contact my local Catholic priest under exorcism in the yellow pages when all the appliances stopped working.

Sheesh... sometimes life is just hard and there is nothing we can do about it but endure to the end and pray... or eat chocolate... preferably both.

Last night the family room was full of young people as Christopher celebrated his 20th birthday. My... time goes so fast. It hardly seems possible I no longer have a teenager in the house. Twenty years ago I was having a scheduled C-section the day before Thanksgiving.

Christopher's birthday is low key again this year. I was very proud of him as he took the celebration into his own hands, called and "Facebooked" friends, and bought the three pizzas himself (using an online coupon code). I provided a hamburger dip, some corn chips, and cheap pop (soda).

Over the years (out of necessity) I have learned to "manage the expectations" of young people. If one always has an over-the-top birthday party then the parents are required to come up with something bigger and better each year. I found this to be true quite often in our former neighborhood, which was quite affluent.

The thought of a small, family gathering (or just a few friends) with a cake and candles to blow out by the birthday boy or girl was considered insulting. Of course, next year's 21st birthday party will be one which will be budgeted for as it is a big deal. I remember Stephanie's 21st at the Olive Garden where a young man joined us for the first time... now known in the family for almost ten years as "the world's best son-in-law". :)

Speaking of expectations... a former pastor used to preach the same sermon the Sunday before Thanksgiving. He reminded us that the next month is the most difficult in many families as expectations are high and quite often family relationships are not the best. He always suggested spending time in prayer before family gatherings, realizing any strains in relationships will be magnified during the Holidays. Can we hear an Amen from the back pews?!!

This afternoon my husband and I will be attending the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for my sister Bonnie and her hubby. How we thank God that he has held on for them to be able to reach this milestone. They met in high school and married as teenagers. Their children are now grandparents for they also married very young. (Many thought Bonnie was actually my mother when I was born, much to my mother's chagrin.)

Most of the family is gone now, I will be the only one of my sister's seven siblings attending. Jean and our oldest brother live too far away and both refuse to travel "North" when it is cold enough to snow. It is during Holidays and family celebrations that the empty place at the table is noticed the most. As we make Mother's recipes, they often don't taste the same as hers and we realize it was her love that added the special flavor.

I will enjoy my sister's celebration today and cook a small Thanksgiving meal later this week... thanking God for those who have gone before us and the blessings He bestows on us today.

Picture: Easter place settings with Great Grandmother's china

A tea party!

Matty is hosting a virtual tea party today.

I thought it would be an excuse to show off the beautiful teacup Sally (Clarkson) gave me as a gift when she arrived at Stephanie's house. My current favorite teacups to add to my "official" collection are bone china with roses... you can see how it is perfect? :)


I haven't put in the tea, yet... it would cover up the pretty roses. I'm brewing one of the teas Stephanie brought back home from England for me, called "Afternoon Tea" (and it is delicious).

I made the cupcakes yesterday and I have more to make today. I "cheated" and used a yellow cake mix but I made chocolate and vanilla butter cream frosting and sprinkled it with pretty sugar.

Christopher's 20th birthday is Sunday!

Hmmm.... do you think his guy friends would like a tea party?

You can go to Matty's virtual tea party... here.

Meet Victoria

We've have been foster parents for a kitty these past few weeks and it looks like the "adoption" will be permanent. So... meet the newest member of our family... Victoria (her name came with her).

It all started with a family from church asking my husband if we would be willing to adopt a kitty. They had taken in a cat but it was not working out at all. The poor little girl kitty was being smacked around by the (male) cats they already owned and she spent her days hiding from them.

Hmmm... I wasn't quite ready emotionally for another cat so I said "not at this time". Anyway, I wanted to pick out a kitty... hopefully a long haired tiger striped type kitty.

However, they called during the week asking if we would temporarily take her while they were on vacation for a couple of weeks. They feared for her safety, and... if it worked out... she could stay with us.

So, I said yes. Hubby didn't let the dust settle below his feet as he ran out to the shed to clean the kitty carrier and leave for our friend's house.

He arrived home a couple of hours later, opened the kitty carrier door, and out came...

Victoria... the sweetest long haired tiger striped kitty you would ever want to meet. Is that a "God thing" or is that a "God thing"... exactly the kind of kitty I wanted... and a kitty that needed lots of love and a good home.

All three of us are smitten.

Friday morning

Thank you for your kindness, my bloggy friends. :)

Thursday was so frustrating but I had an unexpected gift of time this morning. Christopher's friend called him about 9:00 last night to ask if he wanted to stay at his co-op on campus. A lot of guys had already left for their Thanksgiving vacation so there was plenty of room for him to stay overnight.

He only had one math assignment he had to send in by midnight so he took him up on the offer. They most likely stayed up into the wee hours this morning playing computer games but he did make his 7:30 class this morning. He called after the class and before he went to work.

Not only was it good to sleep in but there was pea soup thick fog this morning that I didn't have to drive in. His car is parked at the co-op... no driving in and waiting this evening. It wasn't his fault I had to wait two hours, his unanticipated change in schedule happened after I was already in town. He had to meet with his computer science lab partner at the last minute. I try to keep change with me at all times so I can at least sip a cup of coffee while waiting.

The clinic has two women whose job (all day!) is to work with the pharmaceutical companies. All three of us have been frustrated with Lilly as they have been trying to get my new year of receiving HumaLog started now for a couple of months. Although they have the copies of all the paperwork sent to Lilly, the company says they never received it. We had to start all over again which meant having to get a new prescription from my doctor.

They couldn't give me samples of HumaLog until the prescription was back from him. However, these women are amazing and I have no doubt I'll get a call today to come back to the clinic for a couple vials to keep me going.

After depending on free medicine for a number of years now, I've learned not to wait until I'm out of anything to check if the shipment came in on time. I still have a little left to get me by until early next week if necessary. My last few vials were all samples, it has taken that long to cut through Lilly's red tape (and I've been receiving their insulin for years now).

I'm very thankful for the county clinic since I live in a state where we make too much to receive any government medical assistance (and our income is near the poverty level since we receive my husband's disability check). I have been very pleased with the doctors, nurses, and office staff there. However, as with most (all?) such places... you do a lot of waiting and you get used to lapses in communication which requires many additional trips (forget trying to call).

On one hand, I don't want to say living with no cash is easy (as I've mentioned before, due to medical bills all of our small income is spoken for when it arrives each month). Hubby works for a couple weeks at the beginning and end of each semester at the bookstore and has been doing some handy man jobs. His disability is bipolar disease, which affects his thinking and he gets confused at times... but he is physically strong and brave to an extreme. He made money a couple times this month by getting on top of rather high roofs and cleaning out the gutters... shiver.

We were just talking last night about his wish that he didn't have to be on Social Security Disability and he always hoped he would eventually be able to get off of it and go back to work. However, he has become worse instead of better. Now even his memory is being affected, we don't know where that will lead. It is especially difficult for someone who had an exceptional ability to remember needed facts and could "think in numbers" as an engineer. He could often do the needed mathematical formulations in his head instead of using the calculator.

However, it has been remarkable to see God at work in our lives. We have had miraculous provision that goes far beyond coincidence. For some reason, God has allowed us to continue in very difficult circumstances but He has also shown us His Presence as we walk on that path.

When I start to feel sorry for myself, I think of the Christians who are in prison for their faith in other countries. I have never been called upon to suffer to that extreme.

It would be such a terrible thing if I chose only to thank God when everything is going right. Instead, the journey has taught me to look for God in the everyday (as well as the miraculous) and to thank Him for it all... even drug companies who eventually get past their bureaucracy and send me free insulin. :)

I also thank Him for blog friends who encourage me. Thank you!

My Thursday

Two trips to the clinic and still no insulin.

Two trips to campus.

Two hours of waiting for Christopher at McDonald's this evening.

Too tired to write.

Walking on the snarky side of life

I realized this past week that I have been walking on the snarky side of life... that being when I'm on the edge emotionally and wondering what great (or tiny) catastrophe is about to befall me... or humanity in general.

By nature I'm fairly easy going about a lot of things. Stephanie had a friend in elementary school who told her no one was as nice as I appeared to be (she thought I had to be some kind of axe murderer or something, as one can only be pretending to be so nice to people). Memory being what it is these days, I don't recall if she ever changed her mind. Although she did like the cookies I baked for them.

The snarkiness has come about with a general dissatisfaction of life as it is. Which is absolutely evil considering the blessings He has brought my way this autumn. It was a glorious season, filled with beauty, friendship, new experiences, and kids. Now I let my gaze settle on the forest outside and the trees are bare and forlorn as they stand against the gray sky... I wonder if they feel the cold rain and wind.

I do... well, my spirit does... yes, it is that very cold and damp feeling of the upcoming harshness of winter. Like Narnia before Aslan returned, I feel it is winter and never Christmas. Sigh... My mother became depressed this time of year and I'm understanding why a little more. Perhaps that is why I miss her during the week before Thanksgiving proper.

I know the weather is partly to blame for my cranky, snarky mood and I am feeling better but not really what I would call... well. Then again having multiple items not work right and break down (it was the vacuum cleaner this afternoon!) didn't help. I've had to drive Christopher to campus and pick him up for a couple weeks after the bookstore said he couldn't use his parking pass in the employee lot, anymore. Life has been... complicated.

So what does one do when they find themselves walking on the snarky side? Well, I found myself thinking of scripture on the way to campus this morning ("My God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches..." came to mind out of nowhere). I also decided to do one load of necessary laundry and to take a long nap... because I can.

I haven't been very hungry but I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch... comfort food. I also pulled the bread machine off the red bookshelf and assembled the ingredients for a delicious cinnamon roll bread dough. While I napped, the dough was mixing and rising and the morning dishes were soaking... one ready to be washed quickly while the water was still warm and sudsy to be followed by the usual rolling out of dough to make cinnamon rolls.

Very soon the rolls will be ready to pop in the oven and the aroma of cinnamon and bread will fill the house as if to push aside the cold and damp air which has been hanging around. I will scan the section of bookshelves which contain favorite authors to revisit familiar places and fictional friends. A candle may be lit to bring light into darkness.

I have found when such moods have settled in, on, and all around me... I have to do something... nothing big or important but just that which has brought peace and comfort and joy in the past. In this case, a familiar book will be enjoyed by me but the guys will be thankful for warm cinnamon rolls on a cold and wet November day.

This and that...

I enjoyed the new (to me) recipe sites in yesterday's comments. Thank you!

I am still working on the Recommendations list. I have been working and resting... resting and working.... on the list and housework. I've decided to just type out the list and not put it in alphabetical order. This way at least I will be getting it to you before Christmas. :)

My kitchen cabinets where I keep grocery items and the yellow pantry (which holds spices and other baking essentials) all got tumbled-upside-down-messed up these past couple of month. It looked like it would be a huge project but it didn't take all that long to do and it is so much nicer now to open cabinet doors without cringing.

A blog friend asked if I would explain the Amazon widget a little more, wondering if she had to return to the widget each time she ordered anything within the same order.

• Bloggers receive credit if you enter Amazon through clicking on one of the items in our widget for the entire order, even if you order multiple items within it... as long as it is in the same shopping cart... you do not have to come back to the widget for each item.
• You don't even have to be purchasing anything in our widget, just as long as you enter by clicking on one of the items.
  
• Once again, everyone who has a widget that you use thanks you so much. That little extra time it takes you adds up for us, even if it takes two or three months it is well worth it.

My autumn play list continues until after Thanksgiving when I'll move the Christmas music back to the top. It doesn't seem like a year since I moved them to the bottom of the list. You may notice I always start it with either instrumental or classical music. A reader asked if I'd have an instrumental song play first since it was easier to read the blog that way... so I've done that for a couple years now.

Recently I added Home by one of my new favorite singers... Michael Buble, This guy can sing! He performs mostly the old standards from crooners I loved listening to growing up, as well as "new" standards like this song.

Sigh... I need good music right now. It has been "one of those" weeks with being sick, the router keeps failing on our DSL, and the toilet in the main bathroom suddenly stopped holding water and flooded the floor and the hallway carpet. Isn't it true that those "little foxes" adding up are what can drive us loopy? :)

Picture: yellow pantry from earlier in the year

Some favorite recipe links

I love to find good recipes so I thought I'd share both recipe links and favorite recipe sites today. Just so you know... I'm writing this ahead of time so I can work on the Recommendations list Monday. :)

Sally posted her favorite quiche recipe this week... here. I'm going to try it later this week.

Stephanie's yummy (and very British) Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe is near the end of this post. It would make a lovely Holiday dessert.

I actually liked it better cold the next day when she made it for all of us on our visit (I think because it tasted less sweet and since I can't eat a lot of sugar, I'm sensitive to the "very sweet" desserts). Regardless... this is delicious.

I've bookmarked two (long) posts at Old Fashioned Tips. One has lots of apple recipes and the other an amazing number of pumpkin recipes.

Apple recipes
Pumpkin recipes

Yum... I am old enough to remember when women collected recipes in their kitchens the way some people put money in the bank... one can never have too many good recipes to call upon (especially if they are easy to make from ingredients in the pantry).

My mother-in-law especially enjoyed the recipes that were the weekly winners in the Chicago Tribune. The Internet has replaced the newspaper in many ways and especially as a way to find great recipes. (We haven't had an actual Women's Pages section in the newspaper since I was a bride long ago.)

A few of my favorite recipe sites are...

The Pioneer Woman (nobody does it better)... I have her new cookbook on my Wish List! Just in case you are one of the few people on the planet who does not have Ree on your rss feed... you are missing a lot. The above link takes you to her cooking site.

Mennonite Girls Can Cook is another favorite. These ladies need to write a book, they are amazing. I have eighty-nine of their recipe posts saved on Bloglines.

The Cooks Next Door is a new recipe site but has already become a favorite. My friend, Heather, is one of the contributors.

I discovered Tea & Cookies on a link at a friend's blog. Contrary to what it sounds like, it is not a tea time blog. :) However, she has great recipes and I particularly like the way she cooks with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Megans Cookin has lots of good recipes and a few I already have bookmarked to go back to this Holiday season... especially the cookies.

Of course, I could not forget Tracey's Frugal Luxuries Food site.

I reviewed Lynn's Queen of the Castle book a long time ago (and I still think it is one of the most practical homemaking books around). Her Queen of the Castle recipe blog is... here.

I know there are other recipe sites on my list of Favorites but this should give you some good ideas for the upcoming Season, which finds many of us in the kitchen.

Oh, and of course... there is my recipe blog which is much more an online cookbook. I have a few years worth of family favorite recipes there and I plan to add more soon. It can be found... here.

Added: Yes, if you have a favorite recipe site, do leave it in the comments. I know I'm always happy to find a new site. I peruse favorite decorating and recipe sites when I want to relax and I don't want to get caught up in a book right then. :)

Sunday Afternoon Tea

All these people were still living by faith when they died.
They did not receive the things promised;
they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

People who say such things show that they are looking
for a country of their own.
If they had been thinking of the country they had left,
they would have had opportunity to return.
Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,
for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11: 13-16 (NIV)

The above is a favorite section of scripture, one that gives me great hope. Just this week, during sofa time, I watched an inspiring interview with Anne Graham Lotz where she talked about her new book, The Magnificent Obsession. Anne used the above verses when reminding us Abraham did not receive his entire promise from God on this side of Eternity... yes, he received the "child of promise" but the remainder was for a time to come.

She also reminded us of another important fact about Abraham which we often miss... the journey brought Abraham his greatest gift... to know God. As Abraham walked with God (and not perfectly, mind you) then God became his Magnificent Obsession... and he became known as a friend of God. Can you imagine such a thing?

The journey... not perfect... not easy... but the journey itself was part of that which God would use to give Abraham His best gift.

When my husband and I were young, we did everything the world said was necessary for success... education, hard work, etc. If anyone had told me at that time that we would reach this age (him being much older, really... honest) and living on a fixed income and both of us with health issues... I would have scoffed and laughed. Certainly God would not allow such to happen. But He did.

I loved talking to Sally (Clarkson) at Stephanie's home, just the two of us with heads close together chatting... as everyone else watched Bleak House. We knew the hours were few and precious to share "in person". We talked about trials and tribulations and how God permits such in our lives to bring us closer to Him. Not a popular theology in these modern times but Truth still... Biblical Truth.

Sometimes I get frustrated at my limitations and I cry out to God when I wake up during the night with chronic pain that does not leave. There are times I want to stomp my feet and act like a brat when I really, really can't understand why I have an income that does not cover gas and groceries because we did everything right, didn't we?

But I think of these verses and my chat with Sally and how God understands it is adversity that keeps us closer to Him as we cling to the Book for answers. Human nature is such that we seek Him when we need Him most. I am convinced when we look back at our life, we will see the very trials that gave us the most frustration to be the blessings that brought us closest to Him.

As Elisha asks for his servant's eyes to be opened, I wonder if I would be surprised to have my spiritual eyes opened and see God at work in the midst of it all.

I wouldn't ask for trials and tribulations but I love what they have done in my life as I have developed patience, faith, trust, empathy, and an anticipation which has come from wondering what He will do next... who He will use in my life... and how He meets every need. It is truly remarkable. He does "prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemy".

I have learned that the greatest gift I can give myself is that of an eternal perspective on life. If this was all there is then I would be the the most frustrated of humanity. But I'm just passing through, a sojourner on the path to the city whose Builder and Architect is God.

While here I want to accomplish that for which He has placed me on earth to do and walk the path He provides. But the real rewards may not come this side of that City... except the most wonderful of rewards... getting to know the One who became Abraham's Magnificent Obsession. I could ask no less.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

The end of autumn...

We are so enjoying the nice weather we've had the past week. The country roads have been filled with harvest equipment as well as flatbed trucks carrying grain to elevators. The rare dry spell has been truly a Godsend to farmers and those of us who need to do more outside work before the snow falls. Already cold rain is in the near forecast...

This is the time of year I hold each sunny sixty-degree day close to my heart, engraving in my memory the shades of green as they will very soon disappear into the grey-white-black of winter. The leaves are mostly on the ground now, once in awhile a flaming red tree appears out of nowhere as I'm driving to campus. I must ask my husband if that particular species is last to lose its' leaves or if we are just blessed... or both. (Hubby has a Master's Degree in Wood Science.)

I'm not really a winter person even though I do prefer cold to hot and playing in snow to walking by the lake in August. No, give me autumn instead... that magical season which every day must be a preview of Heaven's glory.

Already I have had to scrape heavy frost off the car's windshields, wishing I'd thought to grab a pair of gloves from the closet. The refreshing chill I enjoy while walking to the rural mailbox will become wind swept bone chilling cold before I know it... the slow jaunt will be replaced by a fast walk, peeking from the fur lined hood of my coat just enough to look each way for fast moving cars on a rural road.

There are very real indications that Christmas is just around the corner... real as opposed to commercial imitation signs of the Season appearing at the end of September in Wal-Mart. The Christmas tree farm has lights on in the barn deep into the evening and there is talk of Salvation Army kettles during the 6:00 news.

I continue reading as I rest each afternoon and gain strength. It is a good thing to be able to get back to cooking and keep up (at least keep up without getting behind) on the daily gotta-do's.

Christopher was finally able to get into the student clinic this morning, they confirmed the sinus infection and gave him a couple prescriptions. There is so much illness on campus they had to make room for him between other scheduled appointments. This has been a rough season for all three of my mold allergy sufferers and I'm certain they are looking forward to their immune systems strengthening... Vitamin C is doled out each morning and evening.

It isn't Heaven, yet. :)


Picture: Raking Leaves; allposters.com

5 Cities that Ruled the World, a review

Doug Wilson has written a very interesting book from the perspective of five cities... Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and New York. Each chapter contains the history of each city and their influence on the world.

I should point out that this is not a comprehensive world history book. It obviously does not bring in Asian cities and cultures. However, I found it to be very good in showing the reader how these particular cities affected the world and for what reason.

For instance, some may not consider Jerusalem as important as the other cities but Wilson reminds us of its' religious significance (and I agree from both a historical and Biblical view).

It would be an excellent book to use by homeschoolers for high school history studies. I'd use it as a basis and bring in other materials relating to each city.

Ramblings on a chilly Thursday evening

The aroma of meatloaf is "wafting" through the house (I just love that word, I think I'd make meatloaf just to use it). It was meant to be dinner tonight until I had to pick Christopher up in his car earlier than planned and spent about an hour in the McDonald's by the Engineering building... waiting.

He has such a bad sinus infection, he knew he couldn't drive today. Hubby will be home later than planned... so, the meatloaf was popped in the oven when I arrived home to be partially cooked tonight and finished tomorrow.

I felt well enough today to assemble the meatloaf and do a couple loads of laundry. I went through the house to see what little housekeeping "tweaks" could be accomplished with leftover energy... these included combining a few piles of paper into just one, walking out to the mailbox and sorting mail, taking the broom to all the spiderwebs on the ceiling (shudder, where are all those spiders?), and putting away the dishes I'd washed earlier in the day... many little chores adding up to a clutter free house.

Perhaps the most important lesson I've learned in the last ten years of dealing with chronic illness is how much can be accomplished a little at a time.

As you can tell, I was able to write two book reviews but I'm still reading 5 Cities that Ruled the World by Doug Wilson. I've almost finished it so the review will be up very soon.

I set it aside to read the two Christmas books I mentioned bringing home from the library. Elizabeth Goudge's A Christmas Book is a collection of short stories and Christmas selections from a few of her books... lovely stories! The Rumpole Christmas selections are so very British... lots of fun to read. Sometimes having to spend afternoons on the sofa can be a good thing (it would be better if the maid would show up). :)

Christopher's English instructor told the class American English and British English are very different and Americans can find British literature difficult to read. Well, some things are just worth the extra effort. :)

I do know there are times we Americans miss the humor in the wonderful British comedies. I expect many Canadians and Australians "get it" faster than us. I still get enough of the humor that I thoroughly enjoy them. Many people agree with me as we had a lot of recommendations for the British shows.

Someone asked about Good Neighbors... it is one of my favorite British TV comedies. It was a series back in the 1970s in England and then shown on PBS to American audiences. It is about a couple who attempt to live off the land in their suburban home... but it is oh, so much more than that. :)

Now, for those not familiar with British humor... it can be a little on the... ummm... raunchy side. I'm talking potty humor and nothing horrible with those on our list. Think junior high instead of college fraternity guys on Friday night.

Now I must read another chapter of Watchmen (the graphic novel Christopher's class is discussing). It is interesting and I can understand why the instructor is using it in his class... but the filthy language is not appreciated. Such a shame, I don't think it adds anything to the book at all. While graphic novels are not my cup of tea, it did make Time magazines 100 Best Novels (of last century)... I prefer something perhaps less "interesting".

Picture: Bushel of Apples; allposters.com

The Fallacy Detective, a review

When the lovely people at Trivium Pursuit asked if I would be willing to read and write a review of the third edition of The Fallacy Detective, I was happy to do so. I will admit up front to enjoying their materials as a homeschool mom (now emeritus). :)

However, I'd never read The Fallacy Detective before and I'm sorry I didn't use it in our homeschooling curriculum. What a great book for learning logic and critical thinking. While homeschooling, I taught a class at our co-op in "Worldview and Literature" where I (hopefully) led the students to realize all writing is done from a particular worldview and to realize how all our media influences our thinking.

That is one of the reasons this book would be well worth using in your homeschool, your co-op, or even with non-homeschooling families who enjoy discussing such subjects. I read a little of it here and there to Christopher, who said it reminded him of the important subjects he learned in debate at the co-op. This is the perfect book for use in co-op debate and/or critical thinking classes!

Having one child graduate from the University and another going through right now... I can't emphasize enough how important it is for young people to be able to stand firm in their beliefs in today's culture. Not only that, but to communicate their beliefs, challenging wrong teaching, and having the ability to reach the culture with good skills.

The Fallacy Detective is full of stories and cartoons to make (what could be) a challenging subject easy and fun to learn for younger students (age twelve and above) but it is "deep" enough to be used by high school and adult students. It is one of those books that you can use over and over again with multiple age students.

For more specific information, go to the Trivium Pursuit website... here.

The Fallacy Detective also has a website... here.

Highly recommended!

The Tallest of Smalls, a review

This is a beautiful picture book with prose by Max Lucado and illustrations by Maria Monescillo.

The prose is fun to read with the message that becoming "cool" is not all we think it will be and that Jesus loves us just as we are. Which, are important truths our children need to hear over and over. It has a Dr. Seuss ring to it...

However, for me the real star of the show are the colorful illustrations. I am always looking for good picture books for preschoolers and this is one young children should enjoy.

Book Talk

I'm feeling a little better, at least enough to get out and about for a couple of hours this morning. (I'm stronger in the morning and fade by late afternoon... where is that maid with dinner?).

I had to pick up the Bleak House DVD from the library (which we had to get through Inter-library loan) and also brought home A Christmas Book by Elizabeth Goudge and A Rumpole Christmas by John Mortimer. The latter being a newly published book of Rumpole Christmas short stories.

I didn't set out from home with the anticipation of Christmas novels but they both sort of jumped in my arms as I walked by the shelf... perhaps sifting through all the book recommendations had that affect on me. So many authors were from the Mother Country (aka: England). :)

Speaking of which, I'm still chipping away at the list to prepare it for the actual post. I think the biggest difference from this post and the first is the number of favorite authors listed... dozens of authors! We also have many more movie and TV show listings this time, too. I hope to have it all put together and posted on Monday... twenty-five pages to go through is a lot but it is also rewarding.

I have two books ready to write a review tomorrow. The third is quite good but I needed a little fiction in the midst of the fine history book I'm reviewing... thus, the evening calls for tea and crackers and Miss Goudge. Ummm...

I also have to read two chapters of a graphic novel (Watchmen... the book, not the movie which is not good to see) to discuss with Christopher before he writes a paper tomorrow for his English class. He wants to know if he can use one of the characters as a Christ figure. That will require use of my brain. Hmmm... I wonder if I could get away with reading it tomorrow after a couple cups of coffee?

Happy Veteran's Day

For all who served.... thank you... including our own Vietnam Vet.

For the dear families of those who have fallen... this day is yours, too.

America remembers...

Picture: Vietnam Reflections; allposters.com

Keep on keeping on

I'm feeling a little stronger today. It is frustrating when we have so much we not only want to do but have to do... and find ourselves flat on our back for awhile. I did get out this morning for a necessary errand but that left me feeling just a wee bit weary.

So, I've decided to take advantage of not feeling well... propping myself on the sofa with a pillow and reading for awhile will be a good way to spend the afternoon. I'm craving pizza.... that is a good sign. I think there is cheese in the frig, do you think I can trick myself into thinking it is pizza? :)

So often we just have to keep going in spite of everything else that surrounds us which would try to rob our strength, not to mention our joy. I have learned to do what I can with what I have at the time... less is better than not at all.

I'll be posting the three book reviews starting tomorrow and the Recommendations post soon. Sigh... I need my sofa.

A couple links to share...

Is it really Monday? I am slowly arising from the sofa for a few hours... only to return now and then. The days have passed as if they didn't care I was not taking part in the things of life. Uggghhh...

I have had sinus "issues" since childhood so I was familiar with the symptoms. I wasn't feeling well last week but while running errands on Saturday, I became very ill. I had stopped by the Christmas open house of my favorite "primitive country gift store" just to see how it was decorated this year.

I'm not sure if it was the intense aroma of scented candles, or the unusual warmth of the autumn day, or just being out and about... but I became so ill I had a difficult time driving home with nausea and dizziness. Since then, I have become good friends with my pillow... this, too, will pass. :)

In the meantime, I give you two links I was going to share this week, anyway...

My friend, Manuela, had a great post last week about getting organized... especially her pantry. Yes, the pantry that is in her extra shower! When I first saw it on her old blog, I was inspired to turn our unused shower (in the tiny bathroom) into a storage place. It looks nothing like this beauty... here.

Lanier sent out an e-mail that her husband has completely renewed and updated her delightful blog/journal. Lanier's Books was one of the first online journals I read when I discovered this whole new world of blogs. I am so happy she is back! Her writing reminds me of the old Victoria magazine. :) She can be found.... here.

Thank you for your kind e-mails and comments. I do hope to feel better soon. My goals for today are to get some dishes washed (hubby did wash some yesterday) and throw together soup for dinner. Otherwise, I'll prop my pillow up on the sofa again and grab Christopher's blue blanket...

I also want to thank the anonymous friend who sent me $20.00 to purchase an inexpensive (but quite good) coffeemaker. Thank you, whoever you are. It is so good to have morning coffee again. I am always touched when someone shares from their own provision. I just used the last of the Charlie's Soap another anonymous friend had sent to me last year!

One doesn't want to feel sick or in need but God shows me His love and compassion through so many of YOU. It is very humbling... all I can return are words. :)

Picture: End of Harvest; allposters.com

Sunday Afternoon Tea (Repeat)

Hello, everyone... I've been ill the last few days (nothing serious but still feeling miserable). So I'm re-running a Sunday Afternoon Tea from a couple years ago. This was when I was still able to work once in awhile at the bookstore.

Find Us Faithful

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on through godly lives

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams
have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover
And the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them
To the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

I was sitting at a table this past week, sipping coffee and reading while waiting for the bookstore to open. I had been called in to sub for a cashier who needed to attend a funeral. Once again Christopher had to drop me off quite early to make his first class on time. I don't mind (once I'm awake that is). I enjoy the time alone with good coffee and a great book.

This time, I became distracted by the man sitting across from me for I realized he was a brother in Christ. He was quite intent in reading his Bible, as if he was soaking up every word. I wondered if he was a professor but the more I'd catch a glance, I realized from the way he was dressed he must be a University coach (later when he picked up his Bible, the front cover was embroidered with "The Coach's Bible"). :)

Within ten or fifteen minutes, a student came to the table and sat across from him. Every once in awhile, I'd look up from my book to find the coach teaching from the Word in between times of conversation and prayer. After about thirty minutes, the young man left and his chair was soon occupied, this time by a slightly older man... perhaps a young coach. Once again, the Word was read while they conversed and later spent time in prayer.

I didn't want it to be obvious I was watching but the scene before me warmed my heart and brought to mind the lyrics above. How wonderful for a leader of men in the athletic realm to also lead men into that which will count for Eternity. He truly is a coach! I'm sure he has many ways to spend his time each day but at least for this morning, his priority was to feed himself from God's Word before mentoring those younger than himself.

I remember when I'd listen to Steve Green sing these lyrics over and over. Rarely has a song embraced my heart as that one did, especially the line that talks about our children finding "clues and memories" of the life I lived. What would my children find when I am no longer walking this planet? What does my closet show them? Are my clothes modest for a woman my age? Are they washed and ironed, ready to wear? Do I have too many? My bedroom needs a good delcuttering right now so they would wonder about Mom's usually neat closet being so messy (on my To Do List for later today).

What about the CDs waiting to be played? What do the titles and artists chosen say about my life? Then there are the books... lots and lots of books. What would the titles indicate to my children? Would they want to keep and cherish many of the books? What does my Bible say about me, does it look well read? So many parts of my life to sift through, what would they find?

I don't even want to think of my dish and teacup collection. Perhaps this part of my life would be where they would shake their head and realize their mother was a little over the top when it came to this obsession... uh, hobby?

What kind of a spiritual legacy am I leaving behind? Was I willing, as the coach at the bagel shop, to fill my heart and mind with Wisdom and Truth each morning? Would they remember that I spoke with wisdom, would they "rise up and call me blessed" or would they look back on their childhood and follow Christ in spite of how their mother lived?

What kind of a legacy am I leaving to siblings and to neighbors, the the various co-workers I've known in the past, to church members, to the guys who pick up my trash, or the woman behind the counter at the bank? Does my life give out the fragrance of Christ or do I let my emotions get in the way too often, greeting those around me with a bad mood and sharp tongue?

I want to be like that coach... at the bagel shop... very early in the morning... pouring his time and his life into the lives of others. His legacy will go with him and by most he may be remembered for the games his team won or lost... but at least two young men will remember early morning talks... wisdom imparted... for all eternity.

A legacy...

Pantry Talk: The Holiday kitchen as ministry (Part 2... kind of)

My further ponderings are once again about the kitchen as ministry. For hundreds of years, the knowledge that women were in the kitchen preparing delicious meals and treats during Advent brought smiles on the faces of family and friends. (In some homes, it was Dad or Grandfather who did the baking.) It has only been in the most recent generations that cooking "from scratch" has become a lost art in many homes.

I used to apologize about giving baked goods as presents until I realized people anticipated them each year. I have written about my own favorite childhood gift as my family would look forward to the homemade candy Bonnie's mother-in-law made each year. I've long forgotten most gifts received but I can close my eyes and almost taste that candy.

We may not reach the crowds like Billy Graham or minister to the poorest of the poor as Mother Theresa . However, there is something about the aromas coming from the kitchen that instantly bring comfort to others. We minister to our own family and friends when we offer delicious food, our best offerings of the Season.

There is a reason we love to look through magazines this time of year. So often the pictures are of beautifully set tables, or platters of decorated cookies and cakes, or scenes of loving family and happy friends enjoying food and drink. Perhaps not always reality... but images of what we would like our Holidays to look like.

This is the time of year to put on the apron and look through the spattered index cards for our favorite recipes, those which Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or Christmas would not be complete if they were not on the table. How important it is to have traditions, those things "we always do" because we are "insert family name".

We all have certain menus or recipes which remind us of a grandparent, parent, friend, and other family members. It is not too soon to make the phone call or e-mail to ask (beg?) favorite traditional recipes from those who have prepared them for us year after year.

While this post is not a what... as in what items to stock up on in the pantry... I hope you will see the why. As you collect the butter, and sugar, and flour, and vanilla... or put together the breakfast casserole the night before... as you baste the turkey and stir the gravy... you are doing something much more important than "just cooking". You are creating fragrant and delicious memories for the years to come.

In a former neighborhood, one of the Dads made a pecan pie each year for friends. It has been nearly nine years since we lived at that address but my family talks about those pies every Christmas.

By placing the candy in a pretty container and cookies on a decorative plate, with a card reminding the receiver this gift is given with love, you are not only baking but offering a remembrance of Holidays past. You... the cook and baker... will not always understand the uniqueness of your gift... but most of your recipients are grateful for that which is homemade.

Never underestimate the delightful gifts of baked goods, home canned jars filled with fruit jams and jellies or pickles and salsa from summer's garden. Perhaps placed in a pretty basket with a favorite book or little New Testament to share the One whose Birthday we celebrate. He who is more than a memory. :)

Congratulations, Freddie!

I am in the midst of putting together the Recommendations post and reading a few books to review... not to mention continuing the Pantry Talk posts... and housework.

However, I must send you to a friar style to share in the joy as my "adopted Catholic friar son to pray for" celebrated an important event in his life. I'd love to have attended but you know me and travel (even if I were to have the funds available)...

Anyone who has read my blog for awhile knows I have a few people who have become special and Freddie is one of them... even if I am not Catholic or Italian... :)

So, if you get a chance... congratulate Freddie as he obtains a goal he worked very hard to reach... here.