Missing Sodus
By Melissa White

mgoodcooke@yahoo.com

Well, I think we have had just about enough snow and cold for one year already don't you. I haven't heard from Ralph or Eileen lately, I think they are enjoying the Florida sunshine. I'm just jealous I know, but if I were there, it would be tough to get me out of the lounge chair soaking up as much warmth as possible. Nothing would ever get accomplished, so it's better I am up here freezing and keeping active.

We all have lots of company, next week. The kids have off. (The snow will help keep them busy, lots of movies and lots of books. And of course the games Santa might bring.) A fun thing for kids to do if they dont like to be in the snow is to give them a spray bottle filled with water and add some food coloring , they can paint the snow.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

• 1 cup very finely ground almonds
• 1 (16-ounce) container dark chocolate frosting
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 48 chocolate kiss candies

Pulse almonds in a food processor until finely ground, like coarse sand. Pour ground almonds into a pie pan or other shallow bowl and set aside. Beat chocolate frosting and butter in large bowl with a hand mixer until well blended. Stir in graham cracker crumbs and almond extract. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in almonds to coat. Place balls on a cookie sheet. Using your finger, make a deep indentation in the center of each ball. Fill the indentations with chocolate kiss candies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until cold.

I received a note from Helen Standbrook who is enjoying the Christmas cookie recipe that I sent in for our Christmas Traditions paper. She said they freeze well. I know my Mom froze some many times, but in my house the cookies never last long enough to be placed in the freezer. I'm glad you and your family are enjoying them, Helen. It's fun to share. There are many people who have cookie exchange parties, which sounds like a fun idea. (Remember to pass out the recipe.) Just think of all the cookies you could get to try.

Not a lot of events going on, everyone will be really busy with family and friends but the day after (the 26th), there's a Day After Christmas Sale at Old Barnworks, 248 Route 31, Macedon. 33% off all remaining Christmas items. 10 to 5.

Looking onto January 2005 (gosh, time goes by quickly) the Kraft Shack has:

WILTON CAKE DECORATING COURSE II Four Nights - Mon., Jan. 10, Thurs., Jan. 13, Mon., Jan. 17 and Thurs., Jan. 20 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $25 plus supplies

A note from Jake Spencer:

Hello everyone, just a quick note to let everyone know that I am now home in the states. Will get to people on the list asap, or after the holidays, whichever comes first!! So, I want to wish ya'll a merry bah humbug and we'll see you in the New Year.

Jake

Isn't that great that he's home?! I'm not sure for how long if it's for the Holidays or forever but it is good news, especially for his family. There are so many Moms, Dads, sisters and brothers who won't be able to come home for Christmas, so we can keep them in our prayers. I saw the show Dr. Phil had with the Christmas party for the families of soldiers overseas and I must admit I cried.

Some cute books to look for at the libraries:

The Polar Bears are Hungry by Carol Carrick

Wake Up Spring by Lisa Campbell Ernst

Ruby in Her Own Time by Jonathan Emmett

Something Wonderful by Jenny Nimmo

Reading is a great way to pass a cold winter day.

Enjoy passing on your old family traditions which are treasured. (And have fun making up some new ones of your own to pass down through the years.) I have a memory of a fireplace in our living room at my parents' house where, when I was little, I had hung up my stocking.When I got older, I was confused because there was no hint of a fireplace ever being there. I found out the other day it was a fake - a cardboard fireplace for looks. All I know is, the stocking was hung on it and it looked real. I also remember when we were kids, you hung up your socks not the elaborate, huge, knitted ones you see now. My sister and brother would want to borrow mine because I was the oldest and had the biggest feet.

If you have a fun memory, please send it along to me. It would be fun to share

mgoodcooke@yahoo.com

Have a great Holiday, Merry Christmas and then its time to think about what to do for New Year's Eve. Make sure you get some sparkling cider so they can toast, too (if they can stay awake.) Noise makers are a must for the big moment, some party napkins and some streamers. Have a great week and enjoy every moment of your Holiday.

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