This past year has gone by so fast or I think it has. Maybe that’s what happens when you get older.

I would like to thank all you readers of The Enterprise for your kind words, cards, letters, and telephone calls. Also, I want to thank all my friends and neighbors for their kindness. I’m so blessed and I thank the Lord for you all.

I was saddened to hear of the death of my dear friend, Hazel Johnson of Asheboro, N.C. She came to the mountains often with her brother and we wrote to each other for 29 years.

Mary Ann called from Washington, D.C., and they were quite busy at her church with programs for Christmas. She may be traveling to our area soon. She calls me almost every week.

It was a happy day where I got a long nice letter from the lovely Amish family that Larry, Teresa, and I visited. I’ll always remember them.

The soup kitchen took a two-week break. They need a break, that’s for sure. Before they closed, they cooked some delicious plate lunches along with soup. My people were pleased with their homemade scarves for the ladies—another blessing.

I surely do love the lovely quilt that Larry and Teresa Martin gave me. It’s so bright and cheerful with red birds. Thank you.

I hear that Eldean Martin recently celebrated her 95th birthday with family, friends, and neighbors at breakfast.

David Woodall likes the dog photos. I have a few that I got in Christmas cards. They all are very good.

It’s always nice to go to my sister-in-law’s home at Christmas and be with her and the family. Then on Christmas day it’s a tradition to eat breakfast at Jackie and Brown Spencer’s home. Thank you for including me.

“Miss Claudine” Wood said she had a house full for Christmas when all of the family gathered and there was an abundance of food. I’m sure Miss Claudine was a “happy camper” with all that company and family.

Helpful hint: A gadget that works well for decorating sugar cookies is an empty plastic thread spool. Simply press the spool into the dough, imprinting a pretty flower design.

I hope all you readers have a good 2018 and lots of good things come your way. Thank for all the cards, telephone calls, and the many kind words.

Happy new year.

Remember: we are all prodigals in the process of returning home to the Fathers.

JAPANESE FRUIT PIE

3/4 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. vinegar

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2 eggs

1 pie crust, unbaked

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all the ingredients, mix well. Pour into pie shell and bake for 40 minutes. (Note: over the years, this has been my favorite pie anytime.)

Food for thought

President Harry S. Truman said “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”