November 26, 2007

Back to Life

It's been an awesome weekend! I thoroughly enjoyed Thanksgiving... seems like forever ago, though. As soon as we finished up the feast, I had to get busy getting everything together to set up for the flea market.

We (mom and I) got the booth set up Thursday night, so we could just walk in Friday morning and get down to business. It was a fantastic weekend. We were so busy I couldn't believe it. I moved all of my equipment, so I was printing on-site and it was CRAZY. I had taken quite a few pre-printed things for cash and carry, but everyone seemed to want something special instead.
I couldn't believe how well I did... totally surpassed my expectations, which is awesome!

The only down side is that I am physically tired. I could use one day of rest, but I've gotta go in to work today. I have a big project that has to be finished up this week and it's going to take some pushing to make that happen. So, it's back to life I go.

How was your holiday weekend?

PS-Be sure to check out the website later this week for an inventory sale. Lots of cute stuff for Christmas gift wrapping. Last day to order for Christmas is December 7!!

November 21, 2007

Thankful


I have always enjoyed Thanksgiving. Unlike most other holidays, this is one that is really not about material things. It is about being with special people and taking time to count your blessings.

The past year has been a struggle for us financially. I have become increasingly frustrated with this lately. I find myself being caught up in jealous thoughts about what others have... or more importantly what we don't. Frankly, it's been a lot of feeling sorry for myself.

Last weekend every local news station as well as the local paper ran articles about the shortage of food donations at the local rescue mission. This organization feeds, shelters and clothes a majority of the Nashville homeless population (many of whom are mentally ill). I was saddened to hear that for the first time since they opened their doors, that they would not be able to feed everyone on Thanksgiving Day. They were several hundred turkeys short of what they needed and were desperate for donations of food and/or money.

My first thought was that I really wished there was something I could do to help. I mean we don't seem to have a surplus of money these days. I just couldn't get the food shortage off my mind. Sunday it came to me. I CAN do something. I may not personally have the ability to donate, but there is another way. I can use my influence at my full-time job to make a donation.

Monday morning I went to the grocery, purchased four cases of fresh turkeys and headed down to the mission. When I arrived, there was a line of vehicles on both sides of the street waiting to pull into the donation center. My heart was full, knowing that so many others were there to make sure that even if it was only for the hot meal, that everyone would have something to be thankful for.

When it was my turn to pull in, I got out and three homeless men greeted me with big smiles and a warm hello. I said "I've got some turkeys for you," and we walked to the back of my car and the look on their faces when they saw those cases of turkeys was the best thanks I could have ever received. As I walked back to get in the car one man thanked me again and said "have a blessed Thanksgiving." At that moment, I knew I would.

As I drove away it occurred to me that I need to be more thankful for the blessings in my life. I may not have all the treasures in the world, but I have clean clothes, a warm home to come to at the end of the day and I never have to worry about when I will get my next meal. I am so blessed and as pitiful as I think my life may be sometimes, so many have it much worse. I hope that I never forget that or the joy I felt on Monday doing something as simple as delivering turkeys.
More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.
We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.
So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;
Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.
By Karl Fuchs

A Blessed Thanksgiving to All!

November 19, 2007

Thanksgiving Feast

Like many of you, I'm gearing up for Thanksgiving. Once again we are hosting the festivities at our house this year. I love to entertain, so I don't look at this as a chore at all. I am really looking forward to every little detail. It is a treat for me to do the shopping, polish up my great-grandmother's silver, break out the china and give my fun kitchen gadgets a good work-out. Thursday can't get here soon enough for me.

The Menu
Oven Roasted Turkey
Sage Dressing
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Squash Casserole
Chilled Broccoli Salad
Apricot Casserole
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Yeast Rolls
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie

What are your plans for the holiday?

Apricot Casserole

This is a great recipe that I got from my mother-in-law. It is an amazing dish that we always prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
4 - 15 oz cans Apricot Halves, drained
1 - 2# bag light brown sugar, divided
1 box Ritz crackers (or any variety of buttery snack crackers) crushed & divided
1 stick butter (no margerine) cut into 1/4" pats

  1. Spray 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Arrange half of the apricots on the bottom of the dish.
  3. Cover apricots with half of the brown sugar.
  4. Cover brown sugar with half of the crackers
  5. Arrange half of the pats of butter on top of crushed crackers as evenly as possible.
  6. Repeat steps 1-5 for 2nd layer.
  7. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.

November 09, 2007

Seeing the Light



I can hardly believe it has been almost three weeks since my last post. Where does the time go? The days have been hurried and hectic, but I am so thankful that it seems (knock on wood) that things are starting to even out a bit.

Riley is feeling great. Such a weight has been lifted by his recovery. I feel very blessed and thankful that everything went so well. His new vet is wonderful. The pathology report was very good. All the cancer is gone and most likely, we won't be faced with this again.

I had a so-so showing at the flea market a few weeks ago. I was in a shed last month... sales are always much better when I am inside. I have an inside booth reserved for November, so I am looking forward to that. I need to re-think my display and package more cash & carry merchandise.

I just returned Tuesday from five great days in Newport, RI. I was there for a women chefs conference. Such a great group of women! We had a fantastic time. The winery tour was amazing and just got me even more excited about planning my trip to Sonoma Valley.

Mom is coming into town tomorrow for the weekend. On the agenda: pedicures, Christmas Village, yummy dinner out and football. Can't wait!!

What are you doing this weekend?