(On Monday was) a milestone in my life, I am 3/4 of a Century old.  WOW!  Whoever thought I would have made it. Other than a few old age symptoms, I am really in good shape; a little fatter than I should be, but what the heck.  If I worried about that I would not have the opportunity to have all those wonderful lunches with my friends and family.Last night I gathered with all my kids, their spouses and three of my grandchildren at Twin Oaks to have a birthday dinner.  I loved the food but most of all it was great to be with them. I received many, many messages on the Internet and as I read the simple happy birthday, I pondered over each one and thought about what place that individual had in my life. Lynn Rubenson is my friend from the Columbus Foundation days, Kathie Titus is my friend from the festival as is Rachel Torcia, Jay Larry is my friend from the Lang family connection, Mary Ann Hanner is my friend from the getting single again days, Jill Defazio is my friend from growing up with her husband, Joe, Julie Starkey is my friend from her parents Joe and Ruth Ann and the list goes on and on. I would not delete the message until I spent a minute reliving a minute with the sender.  Thanks to all of you who sent a message. These are the best gifts in the world.

 

I know that most of you are as worried as I am about the Ebola outbreak. Lets all be vigilant and now is the time to really use paper towels for wiping our hands and spills and then tossing them into the trash. Lets take care of ourselves. A reminder to be sure and get your flu shot as well as the shingles vaccination if you have not had one. Judy Williams posted this recipe for a tea to help fight colds and sore throats.  I tried it for Dave and I and we think it works.  Here it is and thanks Judy.  Take a cup of hot water, add two tablespoons of vinegar, two tablespoons of honey, two tablespoons of lemon juice.  Reheat if necessary, Sprinkle with cinnamon before drinking. It really soothes the throat.

 

A little trivia.  Did you know there are two types of vegetarians?  Lacto ovo vegetarians may eat cheese, milk and eggs.  Vegans will not eat any type of animal products. Instead of making french fries from white potatoes, why not try making carrot fries.  Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly coat carrots with olive oil spray after they have been cut into wedges.  Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning, spread on parchment lined baking sheet and bake until tender and slightly charred on edges about 35 minutes. Serve while still warm and you may use your favorite dip for them.

 

The gardens are about gone , but Dave did plant some kale and Swiss chard so that we may have some greens late this fall. I know that those of you who plant gardens are getting those garlic cloves in the ground now for harvest next year. Dave dug up the beets from our garden and although we had only about two quarts I preserved them and will use them for pickled eggs over the holidays.

 

Here is the good news.  The mushrooms are here.  John and Mary Barnett brought me one this week.  We cleaned it and I fried half of it with peppers and tomatoes and am going to put the other half down in the crock Oh what wonderful eating. A word of caution. Be sure you know what mushrooms you are getting before you eat them.

 

A reminder that Election Day will be here soon and I hope you are getting to know the candidates.  If you are not registered you still have time to do so. You may not think that your one vote makes a difference but it really does.

 

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes, keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."