Happy Holidays

Thanks for reading and writing in. I hope my first full year of posts was informative and, at times, even inspirational. As a child I was too shy to speak my mind and unsure of how to express myself through words. In my thirties I started speaking out, and there was a lot to say aloud and through negotiating and opining upon issues about many things I believe in. After a few letters to the editor were published in our local paper and others in the NYTimes, I was floored! I tried bad poetry but the best I could do was an ode to my husband-to-be shortly after we met. Of course I didn’t show it to him!

My husband and I don’t buy each other birthday or Christmas gifts. This blog was his gift to me 1 1/2 years ago and it has inspired me to do the best I can to reach out and learn from others, talk to people, find out how our soldiers’ parents are doing, what people are cooking or even knitting (that’s for you, girl) or playing on the guitar. For someone who cringed at the thought of a class called “creative writing” I still don’t know if I can do that. I tell stories. Like some people, some of my stories have morals.

We’re alone this Christmas, not such a bad thing. I’ve ordered a rack of lamb and will make scalloped potatoes, spinach with garlic and olive oil (spinaci aglio e olio), and braised carrots. That’s what I think now, anyway, that I’ll marinate the lamb in olive oil, thyme, rosemary and garlic then roast it on high heat.

We moved halfway across the country from all our family for a job. We will spend time with them, and several have already ventured out here to visit so we don’t feel so bad about not flying to see two families this Christmas. In the meantime, I wish you and your family every happiness and hope you enjoy your time together. It’s not about gifts, it’s about family. Cheers, Dee

I wish you warmth and comfort and family memories not only during the holidays, but all of the year.