Thanksgiving Day was a beautiful day with lots of nice sunshine.

It was a nice day for traveling. I enjoyed going to see my sister-in-law, Hilda Nittler, and being with her and her family. Then on Friday, we went on the mountain to Mountain View Methodist Church Cemetery and Conner’s View. It was so nice on the mountain and the wind was still.We enjoyed visiting “Miss” Claudine while we were there.Thanks to Larry and Teresa Martin for inviting me to eat Thanksgiving supper with the Martin Clan. Then everyone went back on Sunday and ate some delicious leftovers.Now it’s time to get serious and watch our diet and diabetes.

If you want some good bargains, they are at the Shooter’s Club Flea Market at Town and Country – open the last Saturday of the month. Prices are “rock bottom” and their stuff looks good.

I surely hope the weather is nice for the Christmas Parade. Patrick County always has a good parade and lots of people.

The soup kitchen decided to try something a bit different from the usual soup – noodles and veggies. It was really good. Thanks to the kind lady who is on my soup route for the farm fresh eggs. I always enjoy my visit. I want Jerry Morgan to know I’m enjoying wearing the Christmas vests he picked out.

I enjoyed my visit with “Miss Claudine” the other day. She had a beautiful nativity scene and quite a collection of Santas and other things. I enjoyed them.It was really good to hear Eric Sheppard sing on Wednesday night at church. The men’s ministry cooked a good meal for everyone. It was nice to see some new people there.

I got a very nice letter from my stepson, Michael Reynolds. He always sends me some interesting articles.

It surely was good to hear Dr. Jude on WHEO the other day. I learned a lot about the uses of aluminum foil. It was amazing how it might help our aches and pain. I may try some on my bad knee.Just a reminder – When preparing food for elderly friends and family, check beforehand about limitations in their diet after a hospital stay.If you pray for me and I pray for you, God closes the distance between us two. We are connected in a special way. Spiritually we are far apart.

SHEPHERD’S PIE

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 cups mashed potatoes

1 cup cheddar cheese, shreddedIn a skillet, brown ground beef, onion, bell pepper and celery, drain. Add soup and seasonings and place in a casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 15 more minutes.

Food for thought – A recent study that I read said that smiling can be good for your health. Research shows that smiling slows down your heart and reduces stress. A smile can bless others and hug someone with love without giving them a touch. Your smile could be a message of cheer from God to a needy soul.