Many of you have plans for a big evening. Parties, fireworks, laughter and friends – sounds great. But staying home sounds equally as wonderful (to me!) – Whatever your preference make a good time of it! Enjoy those around you, whether it’s with a large crowd or a significant other, friend or family member. Be cognizant of the fact that things are good. Take time to feel the happiness and be thankful. If this hasn’t been a happy year for you, lean on your friends to get you through the tough times. Many of us are very good listeners. Let others help you ease your burden. It takes a village, and one day you will be the one someone comes to talk to.

Well, it’s almost 2024 – hard to believe, I know! So I’m looking back at photos from this year (note to self for 2024: GO THROUGH YOUR PHOTOS!) – I ran across this image, taken at breakfast at our favorite place in North Carolina. The best breakfast’s in the world! Stunning coffee, a chef’s special that will make you run home and try to figure out how they did it. What are some of your special memories of 2023?

Is there anything better than a good loaf of sourdough bread? Yes, there is! One you bake yourself! I took a short workshop recently, we were given some of the sourdough starter “Mother”, and directions to continue on. After I baked my first loaf, I thought, WOW, this is easy. Then I baked my second…

🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS!🎄

Some things are priceless, right? Especially mementos that elicit memories of good times. Like this wooden bowl (made by my dad – THANK YOU, DAD!) filled with wooden Christmas ornaments (also, made by my dad!). I love to pull them out of the Christmas box and fill the bowl with happiness. So every time I walk by this I think of Christmas as a kid, and my parents and how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family, husband and in-laws.

BUSY. Everyone is soooo busy right now. Make a plan (it’ll help), make a list (or two or three in my case), then chill. As Bob Marley sang, “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!” I think sometimes we all want everything to be so perfect (think weddings, etc.) so if the tiniest glitch occurs (i.e. sourdough not turning out as it should) people tend to overreact. In the scheme of what could go wrong in the world, chances are the worry over what you’re making for Christmas, what you’re giving as a gift, how you’re going to have time to throw together a party, etc. etc. are small worries compared to life and death, global, health care, starvation, lack of housing, etc. our problems are slight. So it helps to put it in perspective.

Just look at the vibrant color in this ornamental (vs. edible) cabbage! Stunning, isn’t it? Perfect in the ground or a planter. The link (above) shows the different types, their care, etc. It can really liven up the landscape! It almost looks like a flower. Stunning!

Trees. They are spectacular and can really make a neighborhood special. On the way back from a walk this scene struck me. This was November – the ground was so dry. The sun was coming in strong and a sprinkler was on which looked similar to the sun shining through the trees, wondering if this was a humid day? These live oak trees have been here for a long time, and they’re magnificent. In a way it takes you back in time. Especially when the Spanish moss is blowing in the wind. It’s gorgeous!

Beautiful, isn’t it? We were on a hike in North Carolina – Purchase Knob to be exact. Always a good time, I love the views, they’re beyond breathtaking. For those of you who have been on this trail, this photo was taken on the fairly short strip of grassy area (my favorite) – I’m not sure what the vegetation is, but it was so sculptural against the sky and the mountains. Breathtaking!

I have an amazing recipe for you – but… Oh y’all, my late fall images are suffering with these early dark evenings coming so early. You would laugh if you saw me make a recipe, early enough that there should still be light SOMEWHERE in this house as I run from spot to spot. I usually can find a little glimmer of light, nothing outstanding, but as I run from spot to spot, I’m sloshing and the image isn’t quite what I want it to be. End result is still the same. A recipe (usually someone else’s) that i’ve tried and loved enough to share with you. So on these chilly days I have the perfect Hot Chocolate Recipe… You aren’t going to believe it, I am thrilled to have found it!