I'm Thankful, too.

This was the nicest Thanksgiving I've enjoyed in years. I am so full of thanks. Everything was delicious, done on time, cleaned up with little effort and the conversation sweet. Jason did an outstanding job on the Fried Turkeys...and the Baked Brie was out of this world. I had more fun preparing than in years past. I am so thankful for Michael's family and the full house. It was a perfect day.

The Holidays

I've always liked a formal dinner on Christmas Eve...all the fine china...crystal...silver...I can remember enjoying that growing up and have tried to continue it when possible over the years. I have always loved candles in the windows. One traditional gift....Robin knows...Thank you Notes. The art of letter writing has diminished over the years....fewer and fewer handwritten notes are ever sent. The computer generated letters with more news than anyone really wants to hear and emails have replaced them. To me, that is so sad. I have tried to encourage those I love by sending notes and still enjoy receiving one almost more than anything else. My mother and I exchanged letters for years and I have saved each one. I have letters dating back from the early 70's...Through the years I have received so much comfort, laughter and joy from re-reading them. Seeing the words she penned...hearing her tone in each sentence...remembering her wit...they are so personal. After my mother died, the letters became even dearer. I try to include a handwritten note in each Christmas Card I send. I like Egg Nog and Lebkuken and Fruit Cake...I used to enjoy Christmas Caroling...but haven't done that in years. I miss being in the Church Choir and performing during the holidays.
Thanksgiving and New Years are favorites of mine...Fried Turkey has become a recent tradition...and On New Years...anyone who knows me...knows....Sausage Balls and the Rose Parade.

Papa's Peppers

Anyone who knows Jason, knows his love of HOT SAUCE and Hot Peppers. It used to be a challenge to find a sauce he hadn't tried. The first time we visited Jungle Jims in Cincinnati...I went wild in the Hot Sauce SECTION...yep....they have multiple aisles of Hot Sauces. Anyway...over the years I have learned that Habaneros are HOT....and the seeds, if you touch them are "wicked" hot. Don't touch your eyes after touching the seeds. Wash your hands immediately. I have also learned to read ingredients...some of the funny labels on Hot Sauces are just gimmicks...and some of the stuff you just buy at Publix is the best!

Jason is growing peppers now. He has two plants...one habanero and one jalepeno. Looking good.

Hope none of our little forest friends decide to have a snack....YEEEOOOOOOWWWW!