Happy holidays to everyone! Let the celebrations begin! Give thanks all year long, not only at Thanksgiving but at all times. Let’s give thanks and count our blessings. We can never name them all. God deserves all the honor and praise.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to those around us that have lost loved ones in the last few weeks. “Our loss is heaven’s gain.” Yet we are human, so we do have grief in our lives. Let us love and pray for each other. Just a telephone call or a hug will bless someone.

Volunteers are still needed in the home-bound meal program. Consider volunteering; it is a ministry and a blessing. When you see a volunteer working, thank them for what they do! Last week, and most weeks, you will see me volunteering in the homes and nursing facilities. I volunteer whereever I am needed. It’s a good feeling when someone smiles and thanks you! It’s not so good when you get a frown and not a thank you. Volunteers are very special and great value lies within each individual.

Upcoming at the Garland Senior Center: Nov. 8, we will have Janet Brown come and make jewelry; Nov. 14, 21, 25, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 we will have a Diabetic Workshop with Sammy Bailey 9:30-11:30 a.m. All this is open to the general public. It is free and fun. If you need more information just give me a call 910-596-8246.

Oh yeah, so sorry I didn’t write last week. My plate got too full. I will try to stay on track! Thanks to all of you that stops me and tells me how much you enjoy my article. You know your name! Thanks, I love ya’ll.

Let me share some household tips:

1. To keep nuts from sticking to the bottom of a cake or bread batter, shake them in a bag with a pinch of flour.

2. Use cotton swabs dropped in luke warm water with soap or detergent suds to clean the grooves in carved furniture.

3. To cut fresh bread easily, cut with hot knife.

4. To make sheets and tablecloths last longer, fold them criss-cross wise.

5. To avoid lumps in batter, add a pinch of salt to flour before it’s wet.

Words of wisdom from my husband, “You can’t listen with your mouth open.”

Words from Ernest Hemmingway, “I like to listen; I have learned a great deal form listening carefully. Most people never listen.”

Jennifer Donelly once said, “Voice is not just the sound that comes from your throat, but the feeling that comes from your words.”

My quote to you is, “When you speak, think first. A person may never remember those words, but will forever remember how you made them feel.” Spend time, make memories “under the shade tree” living, laughing and loving. May the life your live speak for you.

Marie Faircloth
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_Marie-Faircloth.jpgMarie Faircloth

By Marie Faircloth

Contributing columnist

Marie Faircloth is the director of the Garland Senior Center.