Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my website.  It’s mind boggling that we are now in the month of November.  Even though this year flew by it seems like an eternity of COVID19.  I hope you and your families are safe and healthy.

Looks like we’re in for an unusual holiday season this year.  As challenging as some of it can be, we need to stay strong and make the best of what we have.   I was happy to see people still got dressed for Halloween and shared photos and videos with each other.  I was also delighted to see that some families created a Halloween Hunt, hiding plastic pumpkins with candy around the house and the yard.  Gotta give kids something to do when they’re hyped up on sugar!

Now we have Thanksgiving to think about.   Another conundrum.  Who to visit or who to invite? Maybe it’s time to pull out the old TV trays, heat up a few TV dinners, and watch your family’s favorite movies.  I know that would take a load off many of you juggling family, work, dinner.  Or have a small group and ask everyone to bring a covered dish.  Less work for everyone.  I remember way back when people would host covered dish dinners.  There were a lot of green beans and Campbell’s mushroom soup casseroles – don’t forget the onions on the top from the Lipton onion soup box!

My advice, give yourself a break.  There’s already enough stress to go around the world a few times.  And Christmas is right around the corner.  Maybe this tumultuous year has taught us to appreciate the simple things.  Family.  Friends.  Loved Ones.  And of course, our fur-babies.  Never in a million years did I think I would be a cat owner, no less a cat lover.  People, I have to tell you, cats are smart, loving, and loyal.  I am enjoying watching them grow, play, and entertain me.

On to all thing’s books.  As many of you know The Brightest Star is out now in hardcover.  Holly and Ivy is in trade paperback, Spirit of the Season in paperback, and Mistletoe Magic will be coming around again next month.   For you Sisterhood fans, Truth and Justice is still sitting on the New York Times Best Seller List!  Woo-hoo!  Don’t forget to tune in to Hallmark on December 13^th for their adaptation of A Christmas Homecoming, working title is The Key to Christmas starring Taylor Cole and Steve Lund.

Now on to another favorite topic, food.  For those of you who are baking – and from  what I hear it’s a lot of you – here is a fantastic apple pie recipe courtesy of Patricia Dorph:

Apple Pie

Pastry for two 9 inch pastry pans:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2/3 cups butter
• 2-3 tbs cold water
• Sift flour and salt together
• Add butter and cut it through with pastry blender until mixture is in pieces, pea size
• Add cold water a few drops at time until moistened enough to hold together in a ball
• Wrap in plastic and chill in frig. for 15-30 mins.
• Take more than half for the under crust and roll out and fit into 9” pie pan

Filling:

• 5 cups, cored, peeled and thinly sliced Granny Green and Mackintosh
• Mix together and add to apples
• 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 2 tbs flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbs butter
• Place into pie pan
• Roll out top dough for crust and place on top
• Make 4 slashes in top crust

Bake 450 degrees for 15 mins. Turn heat down to 350 degrees and bake for 20 to 35 mins. Remove when golden brown.

Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!