Friendship
Pull up a chair and sit a while. It’s that time of year, when we all need just a little break. I don’t feel compelled to have the perfect Christmas, however, I do like to decorate and bake. I try to have all the shopping done before Thanksgiving; I don’t want that interfering with my enjoyment of the season. In full disclosure, I did do a little bit of shopping, this week, for a six-year-old friend. It was so much fun. We don’t have any littles anymore. Even the grandchildren are all grown up.
I know we have talked about friendship before, but my current writing assignment was to explore this a bit further. So here we go! When I left Iowa as a young girl, I left all my friends behind. Needless to say, that was quite traumatic. But what a wonderful reward I got in return. My first friend in Colorado, turned out to be my lifelong friend. We don’t get together often, but when we do we have such a good time. We don’t have to spend time getting reacquainted, Marty is one of those friends who makes it possible to take up right where we left off. I would wish such a friend for you. We all know that friends come and go over time, and sometimes losing them is painful. But just like the Brownie Scout song says, Make new friends, But keep the old. Friendships will not last without love and attention.
How are you coming with your Advent basket for the food bank? This week I changed it up a bit and did not go by the list. This week I am filling the basket with toiletries. (Paper products are a good idea too.) Did you know that food stamps can only be used for food? Sometimes what is really needed is a tube of toothpaste or a roll of toilet paper. Sometimes there is no money for such things. Think about what you would need most if money was a big issue. I also put snacks in the basket. My kids were so excited to get a box of Hostess donuts in the food bank sack! I will never forget that.
Miss Christy was kind enough to share Mr. M’s chili recipe. She is the only one he ever gave it to!
Christmas Eve Chili
1 pound of hamburger
1 whole onion, chopped
1 whole green pepper, chopped (1/2 green and 1/2 red is nice at Christmas)
3 cans of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce
1 small can of tomato paste
4 cans of kidney beans
Herbs to taste: oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, chili powder (not much chili powder!)
Brown the hamburger in a large soup pot. Add the onion and pepper and continue cooking. When the meat and vegetables are browned, add the tomato products. Season with the herbs. The last thing you will add is the kidney beans. Allow all of this to simmer for a good long time to marry the flavors. Serve with crackers, Fritos, shredded cheese, and diced onion or scallions.
Thank you for the gift of your time. I would love to hear all about your Christmas traditions.
Until next time,
Helen
My Quiet Place 