Not Quite Full...

I was out testing my camera when I captured this shot. It's not quite a full moon, but pretty close. The date for this month's full moon, according to Moon Phase, is Saturday, May 9th. --LKR

Please, Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Okay, so has this picture of my back yard made you very glad I'm not your neighbor? Well, I'll have you know that my yard is incredibly popular with the insect population! Various bees, butterflies, and ants are flocking on over for a feast. Yup, so that means these dandelions will be pollinated and their seeds viable. ...Um, a note to my neighbors: I will make every effort to get these flowers picked before they go to seed!!! --LKR

The Long Anticipation Has Finally Ended!

I've been waiting for this day to come since they last appeared at our feeders. This made for a very long winter! But, finally, as I was sitting near the window cuddling a kitty, a beautiful male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird flew up to our feeder!!! It was 12:26 pm. Our feeders have been up for three whole weeks. Just in case. :-)

Reported the siting to Journey North. I always forget, but this is our location: Latitude: 44.74 Longitude: -91.51

--LKR

White Wisconsin Deer

This report was fascinating! I'd love to get the book "White Deer: Ghosts of the Forest"! Jeff Richter spent a decade photographing them, and John Bates did the research and writing. A larger population of white deer reside in the Boulder Junction, Wisconsin area where they were photographed for this book.

I've seen elsewhere that people claim that a true albino deer has pink eyes..., but there are many forms of albinism. Very interesting! --LKR

Happy Resurrection Day!!!

Happy Resurrection Day!!! An oldie but a goodie by Don Francisco:



He's Alive

The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
A voice began to call
I hurried to the window
And looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers' feet

There was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told us where she'd been
She said they've moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone's been rolled away
Now His body isn't there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
How or where they'd taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Something strange had happened there
But just what I did't know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify him
Then I saw him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him
Just added to my shame
'Cuz when at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn't be the same

Suddenly the air was filled
With strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
Love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had
Just melted into peace

He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive! He's alive!

--Don Francisco

Sunday's Song--Jesus Is Alive!

Jesus Is Alive!

Hallelujah!
Jesus is alive
Death has lost its victory
And the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever
He's alive! He's alive!

He's the Alpha and Omega
The first and last is He
The curse of sin is broken
And we have perfect liberty
The Lamb of God is risen
He's alive, He's alive!

Jesus is alive!

--Ron Kenoly

End of the Beginning

I was taking a trip on a plane the other day, just wishin’ that I could get out.
When the man next to me saw the book in my hand and asked me what it was about.
So I settled back in my seat. "A best-seller," I said, "a hist’ry and a myst’ry in one."
Then I opened up the book and began to read from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John...

"He was born of a virgin one holy night in the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered ‘round Him underneath the stars singing praises to the great I AM.

He walked on the water, healed The lame, and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though He never ever did a single thing wrong, the angry crowd chose Him.
And then He walked down the road and died on the cross and
that was the end...of the beginning."

"That’s not a new book, that’s a Bible," he said, "And I’ve heard it all before.
I’ve tried religion, it’s shame and guilt, and I don’t need it anymore.
It’s superstition, made-up tales, just to help the weak to survive."
"Let me read it again," I said, "But listen closely, This is gonna change your life."

"He was born of a virgin one holy night in the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered ‘round Him underneath the stars singing praises to the great I AM.

He walked on the water, healed the lame, and made the blind to see again. And for the first time
here on earth we learned that God could be a friend. And though He never ever did a single thing
wrong, the angry crowd chose Him. And then He walked down the road and died on the cross and
that was the end...of the beginning."

"The end of the beginning?" he said with a smile. "What more
could there be? He’s dead. You said they hung Him, put nails in
His hands and a crown of thorns on His head." I said, "I’ll read it
again, but this time there’s more.

And I believe that this is true: His death wasn’t the end but the beginning of life that’s completed in you.
Don’t you see, He did all this for you..."

"He was born of a virgin one holy night in the little town of
Bethlehem. All the angels singing praises to the great I AM.
He walked on the water, healed the lame, and made the blind to see.
And for the first time here on earth, did you know that God could be a friend?
And thought He never ever did a single thing wrong, He was the one the crowd chose.
And then He walked and He died, but three days later, three days later, three days later...
He rose! Three days later He rose!

You see, He came, He lived, and He died, but that was the end of the beginning.

--David Phelps

Scuba Kitty and Feline Demonstrating Proper Etiquette!

Sunday's Song--All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Ye prophets who our freedom won,
Ye searchers, great and small,
By whom the work of truth is done,
Now crown Him Lord of all;
By whom the work of truth is done,
Now crown Him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all;
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Edward Perronet, 1779

The Interview with God

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Rain, A Rainbow, and...Snow???

Riding home from swimming lessons with the kids, yesterday afternoon, was fun. We had all run--or walked quickly--through the rain to get to our van, and were close to being soaked. (it was a long walk!) As we were driving, the sky began to brighten. I urged the kids to search for a rainbow. "Where?" they asked? "Opposite the sun," I told them.

Turning onto our street, I instructed them to look toward our neighbor's house in the back yard. My son hopped out of the van and started searching the sky. "Over there!" he cried. Sure enough, one was beginning to form. All four of us watched as the rainbow became more vibrant right before our very eyes. I don't know about you, but I never tire from witnessing this phenomena, nor of remembering why the Lord put them there!

As my youngest daughter and I headed for the house, I turned around in time to see the raindrops glistening in the sunshine. It looked like a thousand little sparkling diamonds, and thankfully I still had my camera in hand to capture the moment before this disappeared!

Then this morning, Hubby broke the news that we had gotten snow over the wee hours of morning. My oldest daughter came in to say that it was still snowing before she and her brother headed out the door before 7AM. Monday, donned in tee shirts, refusing to wear their winter jackets, they stood waiting at the bus stop in 22F!!! They sure didn't do that this morning!!! --LKR

A Violet!!!

Sure, yesterday was officially the beginning of spring. And yes, many states such as New Jersey, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all had snow falling from the sky on that promising day.

This morning, I took a few shots of the snow that had yet to melt. But what I discovered shortly after noon was really surprising.

A beautiful violet was in full bloom!!! I'd been lamenting that not a single crocus or daffodil has poked through the ground, but here was this cheery little flowery face looking up to greet me!!! Oh, what a beautiful day it's been! --LKR

Adventures in Mud, Muck, and Slush

Hi, it's me, Mister Poochie! What a beautiful day we had, today! It was in the 60's, it was!

Ice and the white fluffy fun stuff were melting fast. Yesterday, too, was warm! Hurray!

We did not have a really long walk, today, oh, no. Mud and slippery slush kept us from going too far. For cyclists, too!

I helped Mom up this one, I did!

Some trails we had to cross over... .

Mom caught me picking up on scents, she did!

We didn't take this path, oh no!

Nor go down this trail, for sure!

Mom sunk deep into mud right here, she did!

This path is called Bump. I wanted to explore, but Mom said, "No, we go home."

I got to play wild dog on the way back, I did! I lead Mom off trails and into fields where we ran and Mom laughed.

I found a "leave it" running through the grass, I did. Mom wouldn't let me make nice. These are holes where the "leave it" live and travel. We had fun! --Mister Poochie

Big Falls

I was in great need of seeing the top of Big Falls on this beautiful day! We were relatively close by, so took a quick trip on over.

William had just done a solo for cello, and was all dressed up!

This steep path leads to right below the falls.

I love the ice on top of the rocks!

This is the top of the falls. I would have loved to have seen this with more ice and less sloshy snow, but I'm not complaining!

Cool, huh?! While we were here, a large chunk of slush slid down into the river. It was a quieter noise than the last time we were here and heard ice heaving, falling into the icy river below.

Next year, I'd like to spend more time here out in the winter! It's truly beautiful here year round! --LKR

Sunday's Song--When God Ran

When God Ran

Almighty God,
The Great I Am,
Immovable Rock,
Omnipotent,
Powerful,
Awesome Lord,
Victorious Warrior,
Commanding Kind Of Kings,
Mighty Conqueror

And the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
Was when He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said, "Son,
Do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise,
When God ran

The day I left home,
I knew I had broken His heart
I wondered then
If things could ever be the same

Then one night,
I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road
Ahead I could see

It's the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
When He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice,
He said, "Son,
Do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise,
It brought me to my knees
When God ran

I saw Him run to me
And then I ran to Him

Holy One
Righteous Judge
He turned my way
Now I know
He's been waiting for this day

And then He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice,
I felt His love for me again

He ran to me
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice,
He said, "Son",
He said, "Son,
My son,
Do you know I still love you?"
Oh!
He ran to me
When God ran.

--Benny Hester, 1985

Dog Days in the Dead of Winter???

Hi! It's me, Mister Poochie!

Mom took this picture, she did, as my little kitty brother Toby and I were taking our nappy naps. Remember how tiny he was? Well, he's sure not that small any more, no, he's not! At 10 months, he is way bigger than our almost 17 year old kitty sister Rocky!

Mom and Alpha often have to rescue Rocky kitty kitty, they do, when he tries to "suma wrestle" with her. She just does not like that, she doesn't. Mom likens it to a toddler attacking a frail elderly lady!

Anyway, Mom says we're laying low, today. Something to do with a snow storm coming through. But when I saw a flash of lighting and heard Mom squealing with delight, I was confused. This time of year? Mom said "yes"--she knew what I was thinking, she did!

Mom just loves thunderstorms, and danced around the kitchen while I scurried out of her way. She calls it her happy dance, she does, and said the thunder and lightning makes her think of summer, her favorite season. So while we got about six inches of the white fluffy fun stuff, Mom's anticipating the sunny season!

I just want to go play and roll around in that white fluffy fun stuff, I do, but Mom says it's a white out, she did. Maybe later... . --Mister Poochie

Sunday's Song--Hear My Cry

Hear My Cry

Hear my cry O Lord
Attend unto my prayer
From the ends of the earth
Will I cry out to Thee.

And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Oh Lord,
Lead me to the Rock
That is higher than I,
That is higher than I.

For Thou hast been
A shelter unto me,
A high tower, Lord,
Against the enemy.

And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Oh Lord,
Lead me to the Rock
That is higher than I,
That is higher than I.

Sunday's Song--No Higher Calling

No Higher Calling

Down at your feet O Lord
is the most high place
In Your presence Lord
We seek your face
We seek your face

There is no higher calling
No greater honor
Than to bow and kneel before Your throne
I'm amazed at your glory
Embraced by your mercy
O Lord, I live to worship You.

--Lenny LeBlanc & Greg Gulley, 1989

Valentine Outing

Valentine greetings to you all! To celebrate this beautiful--but frigid--day, Hubby and I went to visit the south side of Big Falls County Park in the snow and ice.

It was a beautiful--but sometimes slippery--walk through the woods to get to the Eau Claire River.

My jaw dropped to see how the snow had melted in this part of the park. If the weather were not a factor, one would think this was a mid March day, here in western Wisconsin!!!

Yup, this river is full of shards of ice! Way cool! Hard to believe, but in all my years of existence, this was my first real up-close and personal look at a river in winter! Ponds? Yes. The Jersey shore? Of course. But never a river, and growing up, we were surrounded by the Passaic River and one of it's branches!!!

Cool, huh?! There were several formations like this close to the shore line.

Look at all the layers on this large piece of ice!!!

This kind of reminds me of the scene in the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve where he finds out who he is and where he came from.

This looks too much like spring, doesn't it?!

Shortly before we left, we heard a horrendous cracking, heaving, and crashing noise. We supposed it must have been a huge chunk of thick ice that broke free on the upper, more spectacular part of the falls at the north of the park. --LKR

Long Live the Penny!

On this my oldest daughter's 15th birthday, I learned they were honoring her--and coincidentally (ha ha) Abraham Lincoln--with the release of one of four new designs to the penny, a first in 50 years! Okay, okay, so this is in celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday. But I always counted myself blessed to have a child born on such a great--yet humble--man's birth date while we lived in the land of Lincoln.

The first of four new designs to the tail of the penny is being released today, and with each new quarter of the year, a new one will be released. Different aspects of Lincoln's life will be represented: reading as a young man (pretty significant since he taught himself how to read!), an image of a log cabin, Lincoln as president, and the US capital dome in it's early stage. I would have liked to have seen his home in Illinois depicted, but no one asked me!

Long live the humble penny!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Amazing Love

AMAZING LOVE

MY LORD, WHAT LOVE IS THIS
THAT PAYS SO DEARLY
THAT I, THE GUILTY ONE
MAY GO FREE!

AMAZING LOVE, WHAT SACRIFICE
THE SON OF GOD GIVEN FOR ME
MY DEBT HE PAYS, AND MY DEATH HE DIES
THAT I MIGHT LIVE, THAT I MIGHT LIVE

AND SO THEY WATCHED HIM DIE
DESPISED, REJECTED
BUT OH, THE BLOOD HE SHED
FLOWED FOR ME

AND NOW, THIS LOVE OF CHRIST
SHALL FLOW LIKE RIVERS
SO COME WASH YOU GUILT AWAY
LIVE AGAIN!

Bebo Norman--1989

Duckling Feeding Fish

Sunday's Song--You're Worthy of My Praise

You're Worthy of My Praise

I will worship, with all of my heart
I will praise You, with all of my strength
I will seek You, all of my days
I will follow, all of your ways

I will give, You all my worship
I will give, You all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise

I will bow down, and I'll hail You as king
I will serve You, I will give You everything
I will lift up, my eyes to Your throne
I will trust You, trust You alone

I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise

I will give, You all my worship
I will give, You all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise

You are worthy, You are worthy
You are worthy of my praise

Well, I'll give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise

I'll give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone (you alone) I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise.

--David Ruis

Purple Finch Family

Almost every year, purple finches build a nest in one of our hanging baskets. I must admit, it's a very nice neighborhood to raise a family!

Do you see mother finch's beak?

...And then there were four!!!

Our first little guy is "eggxhausted". At first he thought I was one of his parents! He needs to save his strength.

"Me! Me! Me! Me!"

Aren't they adorable?!

They grow up so fast!!! Can't wait for another year of baby birds!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Majesty

Majesty

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus, be all glory
Honor, and praise

Majesty
Kingdom authority
Flow from His throne
Unto His own
His anthem raise

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus, be all glory
Honor, and praise

Majesty
Kingdom authority
Flow from His throne
Unto His own
His anthem raise

So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify
Christ Jesus the King

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all Kings

So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify
Christ Jesus the King

Majesty
Worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all Kings.

Jack Hayford--1981

Sunday's Song--Refiner's Fire

Refiner's Fire

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within.

Brian Doerksen--1990

Taking a (Much Needed) Break!

It's much warmer outside, today, but I'm still glad to have not set foot through the front door all day!!! Luxury--the kids can take Mister Poochie out during the day instead of me! In the summer, it's a pleasure; in the winter, it's a chore!!!

I've been taking breaks off of working on uploading last-minute photos and putting pages together for my daughter's elementary school's yearbook, and doing some relaxing embroidery, instead. Oh, and blogging this! Our first deadline is February 2nd, but it's better to get it done earlier. Less stress!!!

I've been on the volunteer yearbook staff for five wonderful years, now, and love it! Sadly, this is my last year, as my baby will be graduating 5th grade and entering the middle school scene. I'm really going to miss the kids, staff, and the great group of volunteers who help put together this wonderful book of memories! I'm just hoping someone will step in as the new adviser. We already have a wonderful photographer who stepped in last year to help me with the (fun and rewarding!) work load! Thanks, Anne!!! --LKR

Arctic Air Arrives, Again

Well, it was another cold day off for the kids, again. Every area school district but ours had decided school would be closed today by last evening! Frigid arctic air has been coming through, turning our already bitterly cold temps into new record lows!

A New Record

We set a new record for today's date. Back in 1977, it was -22F. This morning, the air temperature was -30F!!! Needless to say, the kids have school off, today!

Sunday's Song--Ancient of Days

Ancient Of Days

Blessing and Honour
Glory and Power
Be unto the Ancient of Days
From every nation
All of creation
Bow before the Ancient of Days

Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare Your glory
Every knee shall bow at Your throne
In worship
You will be exhalted oh God
And Your kingdom shall not pass away
Oh Ancient of Days

Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
Sing to the Ancient of Days
For none can compare to Your matchless worth
Sing to the Ancient of Days.

--Ron Kenoly

Sunday's Song--Now I Belong to Jesus

Now I Belong To Jesus

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

Once I was lost in sin's degradation,
Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,
Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood, He came to redeem,
Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

--Norman J. Clayton

Sunday's Song--O Little Town of Bethlehem

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel.

--Phillips Brooks, 1868

Recipe--Gluten-Free Salmon Pinwheels

Gluten-Free Salmon Pinwheels

Mix:
8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
1 t dried dillweed

Spread onto:
4 8-10" Rice Tortillas
(I doubled this and also used Spring Rolls Skin which we liked better)

Sprinkle on top:
4 1/2 oz Smoked Salmon, finely chopped

Evenly space on top:
16 Spinach Leaves
16 Strips Pimento (I just used olives)

Roll tortillas tightly, using extra cream cheese to seal, if needed. Wrap securely in foil or plastic wrap. Place in fridge over 2 hours, but under 24 hours. Cut in 1" pieces, and place cut side up on platter. Cover 'til ready to serve. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!!!

On Christmas Day, it's nice to be able to reflect on the real reason for all of our celebrating: Jesus coming into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!! --LKR

O Holy Night
(Minuit Chrétien)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

--Placide Cappeau, 1847

Christmas Family Get-Together

We hosted Christmas in our home, this year, and had a blast! Since moving from the Chicago area and away from long-time friends and our church's youth group (that we hosted monthly), we don't do a whole lot of entertaining, anymore.

The menu is the same at Thanksgiving as it is for Christmas: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, rice stuffing, gluten-free bread stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, canned cranberry sauce, and a gluten-free green bean casserole--or just served with sliced almonds as it was for today.
Every year, starting right after Thanksgiving, begins dessert making. Cookies, candy, and other goodies are made for friends, neighbors, coworkers, teachers, and last but not least, family. Our large freezer, aka garage, keeps these treats safe and cool 'til the opportune time.

Because a large crowd was coming, my youngest made a veggie tray while I made a parsley ranch dip shortly before family arrived. Cheeses and sausage also were served. A few days before this, I also whipped up two different cheeseballs. Gluten-free crackers accompanied these appetizers. Salmon pinwheels made with rice tortillas, a big hit, were a new hors d'oeuvre that wes served, this year.
After the feasting, there was a flurry of activity. Time flew by too fast, and soon people began trickling out, family by family.

A very Merry Christmas and Hannukah to you all! --LKR

Recipe--Ham and Cheese Cheeseball

Ham and Cheese Cheeseball

16 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 C Sour Cream
1 T Garlic Salt
1 C Ham--I used Canadian Bacon
1 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese--I also used a little bit of Swiss Cheese
1/4 C Parsley

Beat first three ingredients in bowl 'til smooth. Stir in ham and cheese. Form into balls and roll in parsley. Refrigerate. Serve with crackers--Mary's Gone Crackers and Glutino Gluten-Free Crackers are superb. Enjoy!!!