By Ivalien Reynolds
Sorry I missed doing the Party Line for a while. On Thanksgiving night, I slipped on some wet leaves and fell backwards and have a fracture in my hip that will require rest and therapy for a few weeks here at the Landmark. I have some really good therapists here and gradually am walking some with a cane.
Thanks to everyone for all the cards, flowers and wonderful visitors, my friend Christy for doing my clothes, neighbors Larry and Teresa Martin for getting my mail and bringing me some shoes and keeping check on my house. I really miss my soup route people and hope to do that again. But I do know that rest of the crew will step in and help.
Thanks to Ben Williams for stepping in and doing a column for me. He is so funny. I always laugh all the way through anything he writes.
I’ve had cards from all over the United States. It’s surprising how far The Enterprise goes isn’t it? And flowers- I’ve got a bunch. The Christmas cactus from my step son, Connell and his sister Michelle is so beautiful and full of blooms. Everyone is amazed by it.
The Men’s Ministry brought a huge fruit basket. Providence Methodist Church did a nice basket and a beautiful lap quilt. I’m enjoying that on cool nights.
Enjoyed some time with Mike and Sue Hall and thanks for the goodie basket. It’s very useful.
I’ve really had missed my weekly visits at Elizabeth’s -guess what? The guys working on Saturday sent me a gift certificate. I’ll use it when I get out. Thank you.
Guess what? Alan Rakes baked me some brownies and brought them to me still hot. Nice to meet his girlfriend.
I was sad to hear of the death of Mr. Gene Tinker, who had a summer home on the mountain. We have been in touch over the years. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife Yvonne Tinker and the rest of the family. Keep them in your prayers.
Christmas Day, Santa came by delivering presents on Christmas morning and my stocking was full of all sorts of stuff.
Hope the New Year is good to all of you! God bless all of you.
Love,
Ivalien
Food for thought – No change endures unless it is accompanied by a change of heart.
Sausage-Potato Cheddar
1 pound smoked sausage, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery
3 cups potatoes, cubed
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
10 3/4 ounce cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
Melt butter in a Dutch oven and sauté onions and celery until onion becomes transparent. Add potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and mushroom soup. Add to chowder, and then stir in milk. Heat, but do not boil – makes 6 to 8 servings.