Sharing Recipes for Comfort and Joy

By Barbara Rainey | December 7, 2020 | 10 Comments

  Food gives comfort and shared with others it brings joy.  There are recipes I make only in the month of December because they belong exclusively to Christmas. You too?  Perusing these collected possibilities brings joy as I remember the friend or family member who introduced the cookies or soup or casserole to our family. […]

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Traditions Matter, More Than Ever

By Barbara Rainey | November 9, 2020 | 6 Comments

  My expectations for Thanksgiving this year have changed.  Dramatically! With all the uncertainty in our lives, we’ve decided not to do our usual Peterson family gathering of 30-40 people this year. Though we intended to continue this annual Thanksgiving tradition for at least this year since my mom died, it’s now clearly not prudent. […]

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Why Freedom Is Precious

By Barbara Rainey | May 25, 2020 | 1 Comment

  Today is Memorial Day. The calendar calls us to remember those who ignored fear to serve in the military to preserve our freedoms. Today it feels more real medically instead of militarily. We have two close family friends whose children volunteered to work in the Covid units in their cities. We prayed for them […]

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Dear Barbara: How Can I Help My Children Learn Better Manners While We Are Quarantined?

By Barbara Rainey | April 20, 2020 | 4 Comments

  Dear Barbara: I remember reading about an etiquette dinner. We are planning one for our kids who are ages 10,8,4, and 2. Where do you suggest a list of manners to learn? I love this question because this mom recognizes an important part of child development; teaching kindness and respect for others using the […]

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Happy Winter

By Barbara Rainey | December 30, 2019 | 4 Comments

Happy early New Year everyone!!! Only two days left in 2019! You may be dismantling your tree and putting away all the lights and ornaments … or maybe not. I have a dear friend who leaves her tree and lights up through January… so, what is your preference and tradition? How have you changed your […]

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