If anything is expected in Minnesota, it is the unexpected — and such has been our weather.
It is that time of year when we bake cookies and candies for friends; after all, it is Christmas time. Baking is a Christmas tradition I started almost 40 years ago.
And then, there is the "Grinch that stole Christmas." How can we in good faith feed our friends food that Nature News says is a no no?
Sugar, wheat, and shortening: all those things necessary for cookie baking that are all on the no list.
Yes, I know some people give fruit baskets at Christmas, and for some that is a good idea. So for those who still think that they need to bake goodies, they can replace shortening with applesauce, sugar and some stevia and wheat with flour ground from nuts and coconuts. Wear rose-colored glasses so you can pretend it isn't so - though you know different.
I guess one can make the portions smaller and/or suggest these items as a substitute for a dessert with more calories. Not for anything would I contribute to someone’s bad health, even in moderation.
Sending along the recipe with the gift helps. That way the recipient can choose if they want to poison themselves, poison someone else or feed the dog who might not know any better, with sugar.
Maybe we need to change the slogan to "Betcha can eat just one."
On to bigger and better things: I always send Christmas cards. I am sure some people don't appreciate it and say, "Why does she do that? Postage is too expensive,” or something of the sort. I have sent some Christmas greetings via e-mail but it just isn't the same.
Yes, I know the post office needs the money. I know my sister, who works for the post office, tells me they don't need more work, but all and all I think it is still a pretty cheap gift if you make it that. Just a few words puts you in touch with family and friends.
Some people really look forward to those Christmas greetings. I do.
It is like a hug, a handshake, or a thinking of you greeting! Like frosting on a cake, it is a little sweetness on an ordinary day.
This year, my mother and I tried to find old friends and neighbors that we don't hear from too much. A little honey takes away the bitter taste of some of the tragic and sad things that seem to be happening all around us. We need all the natural happiness we can give and get, especially at Christmas.
As I bake my Christmas cookies and loaves and loaves of banana bread, address my Christmas cards and letters, and affix the stamps, the thoughts that come to mind are precious, worthwhile accounts made payable through the years. There are many thank yous and thoughts of tough times we got through that are just as important.
"Double green stamps" again; awards received every day by just being able to have lived them. Hey, I am still here, aren't I?
I could never name everyone who has helped me along life’s way. I wish I could, but I know a lot more than I thought I did who have played an important part of my life.
It takes many musical notes to make a masterpiece beautiful and everyone is important. Such is life.
May every joy be yours his holiday season. May the blessings and joy of God's greatest Gift be yours. Merry Christmas!
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, December 20th: Corlyn Paulsen, Kyle Johnson, Laurie Swift, Debbie Whelan, Odean & Andrea Johnson.
• Friday, December 21st: Audriene Nelson, Nancy Rich, Liz Wangness, Darin Rhodes, Brandon Hagen, Dave & Tammy Peterson, Duane & Cheryl Lembke.
• Saturday, December 22nd: Destiny Rita Hill, David Arends, Pam Cook, Gary Dobberstein, Tracy Dulas, Julie Jensen Wichman, Ed Nelson, Nikki Toft Schumaker, Barbara Zamora, Bryce Hanson, Jamie Jensen.
• Sunday, December 23rd: Vicki Richards, Jonika Otto Wing, Jess Dunlap, Paitin DuBois, Julie Cornelius, Keith Severson, Carol Schultz, Sophia Swift, Burt & Carla Scripture.
• Monday, December 24th: Christmas Eve! Barbara Mrotz, Brooke Reese, Craig Paulsen, Anna Louise Fuerniss, Susan Oolman.
• Tuesday, December 25th: Merry Christmas! Mitchel Gale Evans, Krista Lee Hardyman, Tom Reitveld, Makenzie Butler.
• Wednesday December 26th: Nadine Strenge, Gerald Edwards, Tom Hanson, Joshua Kasper, Jill Peterson Otterbein, Nicklas Hanson.
May your find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day!
