Hi everybody!
 
I’ve been rolling some ideas around in my head as to what would be of interest on my web page and what categories to spotlight and expand, etc. The subject of FRIENDS keeps coming to the forefront. I thought it might be fun to let you all meet some of my friends every now and then so that you could get a glimpse of them, too! So, from time to time I’ll “introduce” you to some of the very special people who are in my “friendship” circle! This should carry me through the rest of this century because I am so richly blessed! Old friends, new friends, and new ones yet to be met! The circle just keeps growing!
 
For starters, I’d like you to meet a very special neighbor and friend, Susan Gardner. Susan and Mark live around the curve from us – within “hollering” distance, as they say – here in Lancaster. Susan is so gracious, and at first glance she might come across as a bit shy, but once you get to know Susan, she just glows! I mean that literally! A peaches-and-cream face to die for! Her makeup is always perfect, without even seeing the make up! Some gals are just blessed that way, I guess, and Susan definitely is!

As I remember, I first met Susan in person through a mutual friend, Sabrina, at a local restaurant. They were having lunch, and I was with a few folks from my Bible Study group at the same restaurant. So, that’s how a friendship began!

Susan is in the medical field and works at a local medical facility here in Lancaster. I know her patients must feel the love and care that flows from her heart! In spite of a very busy schedule, Susan finds the time to exchange e-mails with me, too, so it’s like we are in touch even when we don’t get a chance to actually spend time together.

Susan and Mark have a special love for their pets, too! Their precious little Mandy and their kitties get tons of hugs and loads of tender loving care at the Gardner home, for sure!

Another reason Susan and I hit it off so well is that we both love cooking! She - like I do - believes that cookbooks should fit into the Novel category of literature, because we both read them as if they were just that: a novel to be absorbed! They are better than a sleeping pill, too, in my opinion! On a recent Saturday morning we got together and had a cookbook swap! Susan had some absolutely wonderful ones that I am delving into (when I should be doing something resembling house work)! For instance, Christmas with Paula Deen, Uncle Bubba’s Savannah Seafood, The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook, and Sylvia’s Family Soul Food Cookbook! Now, if those titles don’t whet your appetite for satisfying Southern cuisine, just let me know! There’s more... Thanks, Susan, for being such a special neighbor and friend. Blessings to you and Mark!

I thought you'd enjoy a couple of photos from Christmas of Susan and Mark and one of their beloved Mandy!




Baby, it's cold outside!