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Joyful!

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A while back we received a banjo head in the mail with a request that I sign it. We sent it head back and went about our usual everyday chaos.

Today I got another package from Jerry with a note saying that my signature inspired him to make this shirt.

I love it! Thanks, Jerry!

God bless,
-Patrick

What’s In A Name?

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I was checking out my new favorite online tea shop today to see what was on sale and I ran across a tea with . . . well, let’s let’s just say that this tea has an unusual moniker.

I can’t even begin to imagine the conversations at the tea factory that lead them to choosing this name. . . 

Cranberry Orange Bread

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Miss Trudy and Dear Old Dad make one of our favorite holiday season treats!

Friday, November 16, 2018

Hello,
Today Mr. Pat and I made cranberry orange bread. Many years ago, my sister-in-law took me to a Christian ladies meeting. During the meeting prizes were awarded. These gifts were homemade. I won a loaf of cranberry orange bread with the recipe. The bread and recipe were from Pat Shea. This happened in the early 1980’s and we have made this bread each fall. I will share this gift with you.

Cranberry Orange Bread
From Pat Shea

Mix together 2 cups flour, 1 ½ tsp. of baking powder, ½ tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. salt (I use less) and a scant cup of sugar. Cut in 2 tbsp. of butter and the grated rind of 1 orange. Juice the orange and add enough water to make ¾ cup. Beat one egg and add to the batter with one cup raw cranberries, cut into halves. Mix well. then pour batter into a greased pan. This makes one 9x5x3 pan or 2 small loaves. Bake 350 degrees for 55 to 60 min. I test for doneness using a strand of dry pasta. If the pasta comes out with batter on it, it is not done. Cool on rack 15 min. then remove from pan. Enjoy!

I want to talk with you about young children and their behavior at this time of year. First it is very important that you understand that young children think concretely. Time is an abstract concept. Now is the time to plan for the days ahead. Young children are targeted by advertisers on the TV and in stores. Please, as a parent or primary caregiver make a decision as to how you want to make this time of year special. The more time you spend with children creating, celebrating with songs and making gifts for others the clearer the true meaning of Christmas will be.

Oh dear! Now about Santa. I happened to be present when a child confronted his mom about the “Characters” Easter Bunny, Santa etc. and telling the truth. It was not a happy memory! My mom explained that there was only one real Santa and that was St. Nicholas. He lived long ago and wanted children to be happy. When you see other Santa’s today, they want children to be happy and are playing a part. I believe a young child can understand that it is Jesus’s birthday. Because He loves us so much, he wants to share His birthday with us. Christmas expectations have somehow grown beyond practical expectations. Children will not remember what gift they received. They will remember you spending time with them. I like to think we are packing a suitcase that they will carry with them throughout life. What do you want to pack for them?
I encourage you to play, sing, read and spend time together. Teach them
to give with joy and receive with appreciation. God bless you and may the
holidays ahead be filled with blessings.

God Bless,
Trudy

Nearly Teatime

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I managed to find a really nice inexpensive gongfu tea set. Instead of a bamboo tea board I decided to simplify things by using a chaxi for catching water while rinsing the tea and such. I picked it all up for less than $20.00.

The good tea I ordered from China is still on its way to Crisfield, so it will be a few days – perhaps weeks – before I am preparing a nice oolong. That’s okay. Tea, like music, is all about patience. You don’t rush to the end. You take time to savor each step!