Friendship quote

I've been reading a sweet little book on friendship and wanted to share this one with you.  It warms my heart deeply.  It's a good one for reflection.

"I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend."
-  Thomas Jefferson

Many of my friends are very different from me, and yet, I remain increasingly grateful for differences aside and the friendship that remains.  It is an unspeakable gift. 

Good Morning, Lord!

Good Morning, Lord!

Thank You for another day of life.  Lord, thank You for the five senses You've given to me which I easily take for granted...
the ability to see the colors of the sky, cute, fat babies, stars, lines, glory.
the ability to taste food- Lord, You know how I enjoy this!
the ability to touch... to feel fabrics, to lay my hands on my friends, warm embraces.  Lord, You brought someone into my life whose skin actually BURNED and could not get under a shower without hurting, could not wash her clothes without an ordeal, could not hug me without risk of pain.  Thank You, Lord.
the ability to smell... This morning I have my coffee brewing, and this weekend I smelled amazing aromas from fresh, organic foods grilled on mesquite wood.  Thank You for the smell of perfumes, colognes, lemons, flowers, sweat, life!
the ability to hear... cellos, violins, pianos, voices.  To hear the feeling in their words, the intonations and echoes.  Thank You, Lord, for music and the birds singing, chickens wake-up call, coyotes howling, javelinas growling!, buzzards buzzing... so many sounds, Lord.  Thank You.  Thank You Lord for the beauty of Your people lifting praises to You throughout this world! I love You!
There is so much more I have to be thankful for, this is just a drop of Your blessings, Lord.  Open up my heart, Jesus, and let me see and feel and know and appreciate all Your good gifts. 

Sharing is Caring

One of the joys of my settlement in Arizona has been friends visiting from cold places in which I used to live.  I already consider this year the best of my life because of these beautiful experiences.  Not only do I get to see more of the place I'm living now, but I also get to reconnect to friends and make memories. 
I absolutely love playing host.  I guess I discovered this in Maine when I started to host little dinner parties, potlucks, and enjoyed bringing an eclectic group of people together.  I am not an over the top hostess.  I'm not about fancy china or even table placements.  My motto has been and imagine will continue to be until the day I die- comfort. 
The last group of guests I hosted were a busy group.  We weren't actually at home much, and there was no real chance for me to get my cook on for them.  I did bake a bunch of muffins in advance, though, and I was pleased that they loved them.  They packed them on our road trips; pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.  My freezer is filled with them again:

 

I am hosting a special guest again this weekend, and I will have an opportunity to cook and feed, and I've already started getting ready.  I made this fabulous pie from the Pioneer Woman- butter, whole milk, quality chocolate, good vanilla, egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar...  It is delicious.  How do I know this? There was leftover chocolate pudding and I decided to go ahead and you know, indulge myself.  It tasted decadent.  Truly decadent.  Rich and heavenly... very different from manufactured pudding.  It was my first time making this pie but I doubt it will be my last time! There was a wonderful magical moment where the pudding got thick, and after pulling the pot off the stove, watching the chocolate melt was heart thumping! Here's my chocolate pie... without the whipped cream and raspberries!

 

 

 

 

I also made ahead (and just ate a refreshing bowl for lunch) of my Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.  It is so good and very simple.  Chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemon rind, diced chicken, rice... I'm into this soup big time.  I know I go through phases of loving various foods, but to me, this is such a nutritious and tasty soup.  I will try it soon with egg yolks and orzo.  It's good and making my home smell pretty cozy, too. 

 

 

 

Relax this weekend, my friends.  Drink in some peace and serenity.  Share some good food.  Reach out and smile.  Show some love.  Extend some hospitality and receive it back.  :) Lots of love.