Several years ago, my family started the tradition of having a “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” themed meal on Thanksgiving Eve while we watch the classic special together. If you’ve not seen the show, poor Charlie Brown is inundated with last-minute, self-invited dinner guests. His plans were to eat Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmother’s house, so he [...]

Look at those beautiful faces, so full of joy. You wouldn’t know that each of them has experienced more loss and pain than most Americans ten times their ages. They’ve known not just what it’s like to miss a meal, but the painful gnaw of hunger from going days on end without food. They know [...]

I love a deal. I especially love things that are FREE! I have a relative who travels a lot and often brings me shampoos and soaps from the hotels at which she stays. She is very persnickety about what she chooses — no cheap-o Dial soap here. She’s graced me with lots of lovely little [...]

A few friends have asked for my soft gingerbread cake recipe, so I thought it would be easiest to share it here. I first baked it to use in this amazing Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle, but it was so great by itself that I’ll have to make it again. And again. Oh, and you should try [...]

  1. In November, I most look forward to Thanksgiving. 2. Halloween is over…phew! 3. It’s right there, in the place you left it. Where it doesn’t belong. (Guess how many times a day I say THIS?) 4. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but having enough of it might purchase a little peace of mind. 5. [...]