The most important ingredient....LOVE

It is that time of year whenI seem to spend more time in the kitchen than I do in any other part of the home.  In past blogs I have stated that my mother was a FABULOUS cook and that sadly I learned very little from her.  I think I was just too young when she passed away that I took her skills for granted and thought that someday, when I was old and she was really old, I would take the time to learn from her.  I am old now and she is gone so now I will say to you, Do Not Wait, because every day is a gift from God and he makes no promise directly to you about tomorrow.  Sadly, it has taken me 40 years to learn this and only through a series of losing people that I love so very much.  Live for today like there will be no tomorrow because that could just be reality.  With that in mind, I will continue to talk about family traditions, holiday traditions and loving all that comes with those.  The past few days, I have been consumed by baking.  There is just something so therapeutic about it.  Cookies have been high on the list and my sister reminded me about those little pineapple cookies that my mother used to make.  They were WONDERFUL!  I just may have to try to make some of those today.  Outside the baking there have been many other treats, rice krispie treats, carmel corn, and homemade veggie soup which have warmed my kitchen.  The smells are nearly as warm as the heat generated by cooking and the smells seem to take me back home.  Home to that place where my mother was the one in the kitchen and I was the one laying on the floor with my feet propped up on the hearth of the fireplace.  I wish now that I had been in the kitchen with her.  
A dear friend of mine just told me yesterday that you cannot change yesterday so don't let it screw up today! His words, not mine, but they really hit home.  Soon my house will be full again.  The girls will be home and things will just be right!  If you have holiday traditions make sure you continue, if you have none that readily come to mind, start some new ones this year.  It could be as simple as baking a cookie or making a favorite holiday treat .  Whatever you cook, remember the most important ingredient is LOVE!