Hugs are really important, even the minor, almost insignificant, because many are not good huggers. They just hug in a different way. My Mom was Bear Hugs in all her letters, etc. but in real life we made up where she left off. I never understood hugs until I grew older.Over the holidays, upon my nephews and their parents leaving, barely containing my tears, I hugged like a Bear, just like Mom's letters. It felt good, like my hug was welcoming them back, just my intention , and hopefully, they return. Think about your hugs, the next time you give them.

I have recently been inspired I think to invent my own Shepherd's Pie without a recipe...oooh and it's good. I have found a new author, Jon Katz and his book, The Dogs of Bedlam Farm, and I suggest that if you need a good book to curl up in front of a fireplace (real or imaginary)run out and get this book, especially if you are an animal lover and adventure seeker. He has several more and one coming out in July...an amazing man to inspire you all. So, I know you are all waiting anxiously for my recipe, right? RIGHT???
What you will need: A glass of red wine (start at 5pm, sip slowly)
2 lbs of ground sirloin
frozen chopped onions or real (whatever's easier)
frozen mixed vegetables
mild fresh salsa, 3 TB spoons
1/2 bottle of Heinz 57 Steak Sauce
a splash of Worcestershire Sauce
a lot of cumin (to taste)
3 containers of ready made mashed potatoes (real easy, or go ahead and mash your own )
salt and pepper (to taste)
one large casserole dish

Start with ground beef in a large skillet, stove top. When fully cooked drain out fat. Add cumin, onions, salsa, mixed vegetables bag,
salsa, Heinz 57, Worcestershire, s&p (all to taste). With a spatula mix it all around till hot and mixed with a more congealed consistency. Then place mixture into a casserole and heat up all the mashed potatoes (microwave) to throw on to the top, with a frosting spatula (looks pretty). Voila! Now toss that puppy into the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Depending on the size of your family it could be a great meal for leftovers!

Good eats!
Keep warm!
n.

"Destiny is a feeling you have, that you know something about yourself nobody else does. The picture you have in your own mind of what you're about WILL COME TRUE. It's a kind of a thing you kind of have to keep to your own self, because it's a fragile feeling, and you put it out there, then someone will kill it. It's best to keep that all inside." December 5, 2004