Laurinda Wallace's Blog, page 5

No Puppies for Christmas

Their eyes melt your heart. That puppy breath, squirming warm little bodies just begging for you to take them home. Little Fido makes the perfect gift--right? WRONG!  Christmas is one of the worst times to get a puppy and shelters experience buyer's remorse with an increase in returns during the holidays.  Reputable breeders won't have puppies available for Christmas, but pet stores and puppy mills will. If you're willing to plop down a few hundred or more for this four-footed gift, you'll want a healthy and happy dog, not a sickly one or one that may have major health issues.



Here are reasons why you shouldn't surprise the kids or your beloved with a puppy, kitten, or other animal during the holidays. 

1.  It's Christmas and it's crazy.  Everyone is hyped up and the routine is askew. A puppy added to all the packages under the tree will find himself buried in paper and dragged around the house amid the chaos of Christmas morning. Not a good introduction to your family.

2. Puppies are a LOT of WORK!  How happy will you be when that poor, scared puppy piddles and poops on the presents, the carpet, and Aunt Madge's purse? Bringing a puppy into your home means planning ahead of time. The right equipment and environment need to be ready for a baby dog or an adult dog for that matter. Even a house trained adult dog will be over-stressed in the excitement.

3.  Puppy purchases at Christmas tend to be impulse buys and we all know what happens to some of our other impulse buys. They're relegated to the next yard sale, returned to the store, or tossed out. A companion animal deserves more than a passing fancy. And lest you think that a family member or girlfriend will be thrilled with such a thoughtful gift--think again. Bringing a dog into someone else's home is rather presumptuous, no matter how close you are.

So what if you've promised the kids a puppy for Christmas? There is a right way to do it and it's not putting him in a stocking just before the kids get up.  Here are some things you can do on Christmas morning without involving that lovely little furball in the excitement.

1.  Work with a reputable breeder or shelter to RESERVE a puppy for pick up after the holidays. They will be happy to do so. Be prepared to pay at least a deposit if not the entire price.

2.  Purchase the puppy equipment for under the tree.  This includes a crate, leash, collar, food and water bowls. Put the bow on the crate and not the puppy.

3.  Put a photo of the puppy in the stockings or in the crate. Explain that you have a special date already set to get him or her AFTER New Year's.  That will be enough, believe me.

There's nothing like a dog. They enrich our lives, and are loyal friends. I'm not sure how life would be without one, but like all good things, timing is everything.

For more on choosing a puppy or the right breed, see my previous posts. Links are below.

Which Breed?

Pick of the Litter - Choosing a Puppy

If you love a good mystery with dogs running through it, get your copy of Family Matters.  Only 99 cents on Kindle this month at Amazon.  Also available in paperback.

The Giving Season

Many of us will dig deep this Christmas season, writing checks, pushing coins into red buckets, and making online payments to charities before January 1. Americans are the most generous people in the world. Giving to charitable organizations in 2011 was recorded at more than $298 billion by Giving USA Foundation. That amount was up by 4% from what was given in 2010. That's a lotta dough. The outlook for 2013 isn't as bright, but the numbers aren't in yet.

We love to give, but we're also suckers for a "feel good" experience. The TV commercials that make us cry and tug at our heartstrings may not be the best places to send our money. And definitely not the ones who send us "free" gifts in the mail to make us feel guilty. I encourage you to take a serious look at what your favorite charities are doing with your hard-earned dollars after they get your check. There are great resources to find out what's happening with your donation.  Here are some helpful links:

www.charitynavigator.org 
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/14/charity-10_rank.html
http://www.guidestar.org/rxg/give-to-charity/donor-resources/tips-for-choosing-a-charity.aspx

Visit your charity's website and find out if they post their financials and how much they spend to raise money. That's the real proof of the pudding.  Organizations that spend a whopping 40% or more to raise more money are not a good value. That means a lot is spent on advertising, events, etc. and less is getting to those who need the help. If you can't find the information on their website, send them an email or give them a call. If the organization is unwilling to share those numbers, that's a red flag. 

There are lots of great organizations that operate administrative and fundraising sides with 20% or less. Those are the ones I recommend you check into. Charity Navigator has information on the statistics if the organization is required to file a 990 with the IRS.  

Giving is a serious responsibility and a matter of the heart. We must be sure that our gifts are thoughtful, generous, and done with the right attitude.

"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.  Romans 12:8 NLT

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10 NLT

Give generously, but give wisely. Don't be fooled by glitzy materials or guilt trips. Follow your heart to where you want to give, but find organizations that do it well.  My personal top five are these:1. My church2. Africa Inland Mission 3. Samaritan's Purse4. The Salvation Army (Local)5. Care Net Pregnancy Center (Local)

Money isn't the only way to give, so do consider giving your time to your charity as well. I can tell you from experience, that's the most valuable gift many charities desperately need.
Be blessed and bless others this Christmas season.

Christmas Cinema

It's time to get the Christmas movies and TV specials DVDs out. Since Christmas is just four weeks away, we'd better get started.  The stack of DVDs at Casa Wallace is about ready to go, but we might add something new.  As bonafide Christmas junkies here's what our viewing will include this month.

1.   A Christmas Story - We've already watched this one. A Wallace family tradition for years, we kick off the Christmas season by watching this 1980s classic on Thanksgiving night.  Even though we didn't celebrate at home this year, our hosts graciously let us watch it. (It was tucked in our suitcase.) We continue to laugh over  "You'll shoot your eye out," "a major award," "I double-dog dare you," and "You used up all the glue on purpose. Then there's this little exchange between Ralphie and his mother after he said the worst word of all time:




This movie never fails to bring a smile and a good laugh. And if tradition holds, the USA network will run the movie continuously for 24 hours starting on Christmas Eve. My personal opinion is that if you can't crack a smile during this movie, then you're taking life way too seriously. 
2.   A Charlie Brown Christmas - Having been a kid when it first came out on television in the 60s, I love this animated story. The music by Vince Guaraldi is fabulous and I even have it on my iPod, so I can listen to it year-round. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye as the Christmas story is narrated by Linus. A must see every year. Charles Shultz was an absolute genius when he created this special.
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed
It's a Wonderful Life3.   It's a Wonderful Life - Yup, I cry when I watch this one too. I think it's entirely OK during the Christmas season to shed a few tears. It's the joy of the season that wells up inside and makes us feel good about what really matters - integrity, sacrifice, love, family, and a darn good ending.  Frank Capra's low budget 1946 movie has become part of the American Christmas tradition. Get the DVD and watch it in front of a crackling fire, hot chocolate and tissues in hand. A stellar cast with James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Thomas Mitchell doesn't disappoint--ever. And if you've wondered how Bert and Ernie got their names on Sesame Street, you'll find the answer in this movie. Bill Murray and Carol Kane in Scrooged.4.   Scrooged - With the hilarious Bill Murray, this 1988 film is an adaptation of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.  Joining Bill are Karen Allen, John Fosythe, Carol Kane, John Murray, Robert Goulet, and many more excellent actors. Carol Kane is absolutely hysterical as the Ghost of Christmas Present. A movie that is a hoot.
5. How   The Grinch Stole Christmas - Boris Karloff narrates the original and is the only one I'll watch. Another perfectly told story that needs no remakes or improvements. Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss's Max the dog as he struggles to haul the Grinch's sleigh? And as the Whos sing the strange, but compelling carol in the village square, you might actually join in. Thurl Ravenscroft provides the outstanding bass vocals on "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." He was also Tony, the Tiger for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. (free trivia)
6. National Lampoon's Family Christmas Vacation - We all want the perfect family Christmas and place such high expectations on ourselves and our families for the holiday. But, as Chevy Chase learns in this modern classic, the family stuff is a little overrated. Crazy relatives, snooty neighbors, a squirrel, a large Rottweiler, and a kidnapping by your wife's redneck cousin can almost ruin your life. Almost.  It's a laugh out loud movie to lighten the stress of the holidays.
7.   Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - I was and still am fascinated with the animation in this one, which went along with the Norelco TV ad(the electric shaver that zipped through the snow). You have to be of a certain age to remember that one. Burl Ives narrates and this is another production that cannot be improved upon. Amazing that three Christmas specials from the 1960s continue to have such popularity over 40 years later. The music is great in this one too. Isle of Misfit Toys, Silver and Gold, and Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas are part of the musical landscape. 
8. Christmas with the Kranks - a movie based on the John Grisham novel, Skipping Christmas. Starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, I firmly believe this would happen to my husband and me if we decided to forego Christmas. A 2004 film, this is the only one after the turn of the century that's been added to our pile.  It's a good laugh, heartwarming, and worth viewing this December. 
There are lots more movies that may get watched - White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Inn, The Bishop's Wife, Home Alone, to name a few. What are your favorites?  

A Month of Thankfulness: The Bounty of the Table

Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest home.All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.God, our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied,Come to God's own temple, come. Raise the song of harvest home.
Holidays are all about the family gathering together and celebrating. For many years, I took this for granted. Our small house in Castile, NY was filled to capacity many times with grandparents, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, etc. My sister-in-law's home was also bursting at the doorways with people. Card tables were erected for the kids. The kitchen was in chaos--someone was making gravy, another mashing potatoes, the turkey was being carved, and kids were running through, playing tag. It was the usual holiday pandemonium and then the meal was served. Other than the clatter of dishes and the clank of silverware, the decibel level lowered significantly. By the time dessert rolled around, we were semi-comatose in a haze of carbohydrate over-indulgence.

This scene is probably quite typical for many American families. The Thanksgiving feast is a symbol of the bounty of the country in which we live, the material blessings we've been given, and our  cultural bent to excess. We love choices, and the abundance of side dishes on the table sure give us plenty at this time of year. It's also a time to get as many people around the table as we can. That's the real blessing, families, friends, and yes, even strangers around the table.

There will be many who won't have that opportunity as we well know. But I'm grateful for the organizations and churches who step up to meet the need. The Salvation Army is one of them in our community. You'd better sign up early in our area or you won't make the list to help serve this special dinner on Thanksgiving Day. My husband has been a part of preparing that meal for several years by carving the turkeys the day before. Hundreds of meals will be served at the Sierra Vista VFW on Thursday through the generous donations of our community to The Salvation Army. 


Thanksgiving, 2011Celebrations around the table are special. The intimacy of eating a meal together is something we all crave. It doesn't matter what we eating, but that we're together. That gathering is mentioned many times in Scripture.

David wrote about it in Psalm 23:5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

Solomon in The Song of Solomon 2:4  Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

The prophet Isaiah talking about the great feast to come.  Isaiah 25:6  On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.

 A comment from one at the table eating with Jesus. Luke 14:15  When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

As you sit down down to that wonderful meal tomorrow, give thanks for the bounty of the table--for those who sit around it, God's provision of food, and the great celebration feast yet to come.


Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring thy final harvest home; gather thou thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin, there, forever purified, in thy presence to abide; come with all thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

The Worst Dishes Ever

Thanksgiving is only days away now and visions of succulent turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, and moist stuffing are dancing through our heads.  However, holiday feasts also bring out those dishes that are made but once or twice a year, some to our delight, and others--not so much.

The delightful list for me includes pecan pie, homemade stuffing, and turkey (with some crispy skin). Yup,it's all stuff that will clog your arteries in a heartbeat. Since it's once a year, I think the indulgence is totally permissible. My doctor may say otherwise, but really now, it's Thanksgiving. These decadent dishes are certainly not found in our weekday menus--at least not mine.

However, there are some dishes that make it to the Thanksgiving table that should've been left in the kitchen or in the best case scenario, never made at all. Here's a quick list of what NOT to make next week.

1. Jell-O salads. I know, I know. They're traditional. But green gelatin with shredded carrots and celery topped with mayo are not what most people want on their plate. It's definitely not for me. Although Jell-O was a "treat" growing up, I've developed a real aversion to it in adulthood.

2. Sweet potato casserole. Even more traditional, especially in the South, the cloying sweetness of marshmallows over already sweet potatoes is just too much.  I love sweet potatoes, but leave all the extra brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows in the cupboard. My suggestion is baking the sweet potatoes, and then mashing them with some fresh orange juice for moistness, a dash of cinnamon, a dab of butter, salt and pepper to taste.

3.  Cranberries in the can or out of it, or even fresh. I can't bring myself to talk about them. However, I do have to include the jellied stuff for my dear husband, who actually eats it with his turkey. What you do for love!

4.  Lima beans. Even if you drown them in butter and brown sugar, they're still Lima beans. They're so tasteless, fibery...so Lima.  There are so many other lovely vegetables to choose from, so please do.

5.  Stuffing (dressing for some) that hasn't seen the inside of the turkey. It tends to be crispy and dry.Croutons are not stuffing. As a stuffing aficionado, the absolute best stuffing has been up close and personal with the big bird.  All those wonderful juices and flavors are soaked up in bread crumbs. This makes or breaks the Thanksgiving meal for me. Stuff the bird for heaven's sake.

Without a doubt, you have your own list of favorites for Thanksgiving, and the list you won't sink a fork into. Stop by and let me know about them. Bon appetit!

A Month of Thankfulness: The Ties That Bind

Let's get this factoid out there first thing. No family is perfect. In fact families, including my own are at least a little bit dysfunctional if not a whole lot. But, that's what makes family gatherings a lot more interesting.  The quirky characters, the stories about strange Aunt (fill in the blank), and then wagering with your sister if everyone can get along for one afternoon out of the year--it should sound familiar.

And I am thankful for my family--my biological as well as the one I married into. We've got some really great people in the family tree. They've come from all walks of life--pastors, teachers, machinists, musicians, a taxidermist, laborers, truck drivers, cops, nurses, you name it, and you'll find every vocation amongst the branches.

Since I was raised by two PK's (PK = preacher's kid), discussions over coffee and dessert could range from dispensationalism to who the Nephilim might be. Music was part of everyday life. My mother playing the piano, my dad strumming his guitar and singing. We had cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in our house all the time. Those were the days when you could just show up at someone's door and it wasn't a big deal. No one called before them came, especially family. Whatever was being prepared for dinner was made to stretch and miraculously feed everyone. If you showed up after supper, the men made a quick trip to the store for ice cream.

After marriage and kids came along, we hosted family dinners and birthday parties.Our girls had the blessing of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins visiting on a regular basis. The big get togethers on my husband's side were at my sister-in-law's house. She had the biggest house. It was non-stop playing for the young cousins, playing Rook for the adults, and of course way too much food. Whether it was politics, religion, or whose Rook rules we were playing by, conversation was always lively. Perfect times? No. There were disagreements, crying children, over-stressed cooks, and a few minor food disasters; all the typical family get together stuff. But it was good. Lots of fond memories made.

While our families aren't perfect by a long shot, there's a lot of love to go around, and a shared faith that binds us together, stronger than the hugs we give each other. Who prays harder for you than family? Who loves you even when you're as irritating as all get out? Who will make the dinner cooked for four, stretch to feed four more? But the added blessing of the extended family of faith is a bunch of extra brothers and sisters you get, which brings to mind the old hymn below. That family isn't perfect either, and there's plenty of dysfunctional to go around in the church. But, we're family and we take care of each other.

While the biological family ties us together by blood, the family of faith is tied together by the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We've been blessed with wonderful biological families and church families, who have stood by us, prayed with us, shown us hospitality, visited us when we were sick, and shared a lot of laughs. Doubly blessed once again by the Heavenly Father who loves to give us such good things.

The Holiday Pantry

Photo by The Pioneer WomanThe countdown is on until Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then the New Year. The last few weeks of the year go by in a blur of activity and feasting. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen baking cookies and breads, making fudge, Chex Mix, dips--all those celebratory foods that we love this time of year. One of my cooking pet peeves is starting a recipe and not having all the ingredients. I thought it was on the shelf or in the refrigerator, but that container of sour cream, or bottle of almond flavoring just isn't there. So before you get serious about holiday cooking and baking, here are a few tips to save trips to the store and frustration.

Preparation for holiday baking starts with what you have on hand in your pantry. The well-stocked holiday baking pantry has these basics:

     NON-PERISHABLES
all-purpose flour                                                         white sugarbrown sugarconfectionery sugarchocolate chipsraisinswalnuts or pecans or bothbaking sodabaking powdersaltbaking chocolatevanilla and almond extractsshortening/vegetable oil     PERISHABLESmilkeggssour creamcream cheeseheavy creambutter/margarineNow you'll need to add the additional ingredients for specific recipes.
I. Pantry Prep

Most of us make the same recipes year after year. We have an idea of what ingredients are needed, but usually don't take the time to make a shopping list. For me, the distance to the grocery store is a big factor, so I've learned that a little advance planning saves time, gas, and irritation. Here's my action plan:
                 A. Pull out the recipes you'll be making in the next two or three weeks.
                 B. Make a list of those ingredients not on the pantry shelves. It might be coconut, sweetened condensed milk, dates, sprinkles, etc.
                C. Make your shopping trip and remember to take your list.

II. Party Prep

There will be spur-of-the-moment invites to gatherings along with parties we attend every year. We have to bring a dish to pass, a dessert, or an appetizer. We look into the refrigerator and find that the shelves don't have what we need for our special dip or casserole. A frantic trip to the deli or bakery on the way to the party gives us that holiday-frazzled-nerves look rather than enjoying-the-party look. Don't feel guilty if you don't have the time to whip up an original creation. It's about getting together with friends and family, not an episode of Chopped.

If you don't want to cook, make your trip to the deli the day before or plan to take time to pick up a veggie or cheese platter on the way. By allowing a little extra time for the stop, you can arrive with a smile. Make sure you've ordered it ahead of time if picking it up on the way to the party. There's nothing like finding out all the cheese trays are gone when you rush into the store. Been there and done that.

If you want to take something homemade, the same plan I use for baking will work. Shop a few days in advance to give yourself enough time.  Plan for the impromptu invitation and have a dish in mind to take along. This is NOT the time for a new, complex dish. You're only burying yourself in more stress and probably more trips to the store. Unless you truly love running around like a chicken with its head cut off, stick to the simple plan:

                A.  Choose your recipes.
                B.  List the ingredients you don't have.
                C.  Make your shopping trip and take the list.
                D.  Make the dish.
                E.  Enjoy the gathering.

There are lots of great resources for finding new recipes and the old standby's for holiday cooking. Check them out now to get your shopping list together and make your plan.

Here's a handy link list:

www.allrecipes.com
www.tasteofhome.com
http://www.pillsbury.com/holidays-celebrations/christmas/15-minute-chex-mix-recipes
http://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/

For more tips on enjoying the holidays with less stress and more joy, sign up for the SimplyLife e-newsletter at www.laurindawallace.com. 

A Month of Thankfulness: The Land I Love

When I look at what I have and the opportunities that have been mine my whole life, my thankfulness must extend to the land in which I live. There are many patriotic songs we sing today, but one doesn't get the recognition I think it should. We borrowed it from the British and put our own lyrics to it in 1831. Samuel Francis Smith, a student at Andover Theological Seminary wrote the words, replacing the British version of God Save the Queen.




My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty Of thee I sing Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

The radical idea that people could enjoy freedoms that the government couldn't take away birthed the United States of America in 1776. It hasn't been easy to stay that way, and in light of how large and powerful our government is today, who knows how long it will last. We've fought against tyranny and each other. We've welcomed people from every nation into our land. America has given them the opportunity to succeed and enjoy the liberties of a free society.  I can travel, have privacy, choose where I live, where to work, worship without government prohibition, speak for her and against her, and yes, even bear arms. 
My mother's genealogy research uncovered a lineage of service to our country throughout its stormy history. From the Revolutionary War through today's wars, members of our family served or are serving in the armed forces, and some gave their lives to ensure our way of life. All wars are unpopular, some more than others, but America has never wavered in defending the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Without our military and its top notch abilities, the world would be very different today.
My native country, thee, Land of the noble free,Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills,Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills,Like that above.

America is a place of glorious beauty. Whether you live on its shores, the sweeping prairies, the mountains, deserts, there's no place on earth like it. I've visited other countries, and yes there are gorgeous lands besides the USA. But to an American's heart there is no comparison to the grandeur that is ours. From the tropical scenes of Hawaii, the glaciers of Alaska, the awe-inspiring Rockies, the lush countrysides of Virginia, the beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific, and so much more, the variety we enjoy is like no other. 

Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of liberty,To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright,With freedom's holy light, Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.

Our democracy is rather tattered these days. Politics has polarized Washington, D.C. There's no doubt that we're in real trouble. Our freedom cannot be taken for granted. The blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are threatened on many fronts. We can easily blame politics, but the answer is getting on our knees.

As with everything, the source of our liberty is not the documents under glass in Washington, D.C. It's from the One who established the authority of government. Romans 13 will give you much clearer instruction on governmental authority and its responsibilities and ours as well.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1 
But we know that those authorities are easily corrupted because of the power they have. Jesus recognized that as well. He said in Matthew 20:25  But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.

He also told us we need to be rebels against popular culture. That appeals to my American nature in many ways. Americans have that rebellious bent. Matthew 20:26-27 Jesus says: But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

A radical statement, don't you think? Goes against our grain, and makes us uncomfortable. We may even dismiss it as crazy advice. But as this nation was built on the principle that the government serves the people - a very crazy idea in 1776, and just as crazy today, Jesus' instruction to us makes absolute sense. The high ideal that service is what brings greatness came straight from the Gospels. It's the real American way - sacrifice and service to others. That's the land I love, am so thankful for, and pray for in these difficult times. I urge you to do so as well, just as Paul asked Timothy.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. I Timothy 2:1-2

Sponges and Baklava

Less than an hour from Tampa, Florida, you'll find Tarpon Springs. The small city of about 24,000 in Pinellas County is known for the sponge docks and Greek food. Situated  on the edge of a collection of barrier islands within the bayous, the sponge docks are like stepping into a Greek fishing village. The street is lined with shops selling the usual tourist fare of trinkets, plus piles of natural sponges.
Sponge Docks
You'll also find Greek restaurants filled with the wonderful pastries. The bakeries have sweet delights such as baklava, that phyllo dough classic layered with honey syrup and nuts served in small wedges. It's so rich, that's all you can handle. Then there's spanakopita, phyllo dough layered with spinach and cheesed, baked to perfection. Dolmades--stuffed grape leaves is another specialty of the Helles Restaurant which is where we like to eat when we're visiting.

Spanakopita In 1905, sponge diving was introduced to Tarpon Springs by John Cocoris. He recruited sponge divers from Greece and a flourishing sponge business was born.  Unfortunately in 1947, a red algae tide bloom took its toll on the sponge crop and pretty much wiped it out.  Only recently has it begun to return to its former glory, so most of the sponges you purchase are imported. A bit of a disappointment.

Diving Memorial





There is more focus on fishing excursions and dolphin watching today. You can easily find a charter along the docks and there is also a small aquarium which is fun for the kids. Fishing and shrimping are the main industries for the town. You may spot a manatee in the waters off the docks. They enjoy the quiet bayou waters there.

Tarpon Springs boasts a large Greek population as you might guess and you'll hear folks conversing in Greek along the sidewalks. Probably the largest event of the year is Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts the event and people flock to the celebration, sometimes tripling the population for that day. The elaborate ceremony includes throwing a wooden cross into the water and 16-18 year old youths dive to retrieve it. The one who is successful is said to be blessed for the entire year. Besides a church service, the boats are blessed and then the partying begins.
Helles Bakery
So if a trip to Greece is a little out of your budget, Tarpon Springs will give you a sweet taste of a Greek fishing village and you won't need a passport.


Helles Restaurant and Bakery

A Month of Thankfulness: The One from Whom All Blessings Flow

In this month of planning and enjoying the Thanksgiving feast, it seemed fitting to begin with the Source of all our blessings. I grew up in a church that sang the Doxology week in and week out, along with "Amen" at the end. I took those words for granted, but now age has given me an appreciation for those traditions. It's a song where we canbegin to examine thankfulness.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,Praise Him all creatures here below,Praise Him above ye heavenly host,Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
A heart of thankfulness is necessary to keep life in balance and ourselves in perspective. It's recognizing that our lives are not an accident of biology. And understanding that we are not self-sufficient no matter how hard we try. It's not about our circumstances, but trusting the Heavenly Father. The One who made us and the world around us is intimately involved in His creation. He is the Source of everything that is good and perfect.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17
King David is an amazing example of the thankful heart. He was very public in pointing praise to God and away from himself. 

We thank you, O God!We give thanks because you are near.People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.  Psalm 75:1
Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.  I Chronicles 16:8
Thankfulness turns our eyes on Him and away from ourselves. It keeps us close to the source of blessings, enjoying the favor of God. Who wouldn't want to live there?
How great is the goodnessyou have stored up for those who fear you.You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,blessing them before the watching world.  Psalm 31:19