Remember

Do you remember these lovelies from past times?  Seems like Apricot is missing a sock.  Are you able to help her find it?  Blueberry Muffin and Strawberry Shortcake are all together.  We've an Apple Dumpling, too, but she's missing all her attire.:-( 

The past post (Tuesday) was a picture of a card from a dear friend.  It was created by Rowpress, and Rosemary Macuga is responsible for the image.

Friends

Do you recognize any special friends from special times in your life? 

It was Pi Day....

This has been a busy week!! Tuesday was Pi Day, so it was time to bake a pie!  This is cherry, the next to favorite pie around here.  (Apple is the all time favorite in this house.)

I was in a hurry to take a picture and didn't wait until this slice was topped with ice cream.😀

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Still cooking....

Although I am not present on Blogger as I once was, I am still busy with cooking.

This was a Christmas gift from a very special friend, so it just made sense that I try something from it.

Saucepan Brownies!! I didn't even have to turn on the oven!

2 2/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (this is more than a 12-oz. bag, so be sure to have more on  
                                                                hand)
1 cup evaporated milk (or half-and-half cream)
3 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers (about 96 - 11 ounce box)
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 t. salt

Additional evaporated milk - 2 teaspoons

Heat chocolate chips and first amount of evaporated milk in saucepan on medium-low, stirring often,  until chocolate is almost melted.  Remove from heat.  Stir until smooth.  Reserve 1/2 cup in small bowl.

Add next 5 ingredients to saucepan.  Mix well.  Press firmly into greased 9 x 9 inch pan.

Stir second amount of evaporated milk into reserved chocolate mixture.  Spread evenly over brownie layer.  Chill  until set. Cuts into 36 squares.

Warning!!  These are addictive!!

Marching along....

Just as these Santas on the mantle are marching on into storage for another year, so is 2016 quickly coming to a close! Happy New Year's Eve!

Christmas in the country....

We were blessed once again to spend some time with the Country Couple at their home on Christmas Day.

A perfect tree for their home in the country!

Just a few words....

It has been a long time since I've posted on the blog.  Just as is the case with you, it has been a busy time here.

There are those of you to whom I have sent Christmas cards in past years who most likely didn't receive one from me this year.  Perhaps a few words of explanation are in order.

On Wednesday, November 23 the Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff reported a 1.5-acre wildfire near the Chimney Tops Trail.  Fire suppression efforts began, though extreme drought conditions hindered successful extinguishing of the fire.

On Monday, November 28, hurricane force winds entered the picture, setting off the unbelievable spreading of the fire!  Where blown sparks didn't ignite, trees blown across power lines set off fires as well.  Evacuation of the area was ordered.

Before the burning was controlled, a total of nearly 18,000 acres had burned, along with a reported 7,000 structures burned/damaged and 14 fatalities reported.

Rather than adding to my Christmas card list, I chose to donate to the Disaster Response Fund of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Should you wish to donate, write your check to Holston Conference and mail to the Holston Conference Office, P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701.

Tourism is vital for Sevier County's economy.  Gatlinburg has re-opened, and tourists are welcome.  If you wish to make plans for a vacation, there are many places that are open for lodging.  It is a lovely area and The Husband and I have many memories of time spent there during our courtship, then with the girls as well.

The year is quickly passing!  While I may get around to another post before year's end, I send good wishes to you for the year ahead at this time.