Don't Try This At Home

It's that time of year again, when the male species decides they will take over the cooking of the Thanksgiving dinner---yes, the deep fried turkey brigades are hitting Wal-Mart and Sam's Club and buying turkey fryers and zillions of gallons of frying oil.

The video is just a little warning, but the most important warning is, JUST SAY NO!!  This is a holiday, not a hunting trip---you don't need to prove anything to your family and friends--let the turkey bake in the oven, emerging delicious, juicy and tender.   

If you must deep fry the turkey, take it out to the middle of a field, away from any structures that might burn down; and make sure to DEFROST the turkey, and remove the bag of giblets inside the turkey.  Whichever way you choose to cook your turkey, remember that this is a holiday in which we give thanks for all that we have.  We are a wealthy nation, and if during this holiday you able, give to homeless shelters and to your local food bank.  Invite those that will have nowhere to go to join you during the holidays--you may just make the difference in that person's life. Here in San Diego, we have the opportunity to invite military men and women home for the holidays, or we can adopt a military family to help provide for them while their loved one is in harms' way.  
Keep your loved ones out of harms' way and just say no to deep frying that turkey! 

Bundles of Love

Several months ago, when I began the blog I told you about an Army Major Art La Flamme who started a project called IBOL, or Iraqi Bundles of Love.  His aim was to have quilters,sewers and knitters send a USPS flat rate shipping box filled with sewing and knitting supplies (fabric, thread, yarn, scissors, you name it) and he and his men would distribute them to Iraqi sewing co-ops in Northern Iraq. Here is Art with the first load!

Last year, Art got over 3500 boxes from all over the world as well as quilt stores who filled boxes if their patrons donated to the cause.  This year Art is home from Iraq, but still a true believer.  A friend in Iraq told him they would be able to take over this year--with a deadline of October 1, they received 900 boxes, and these are photos of the distribution.

Look at all that thread!

Interview on Iraq radio station

 Look at those cute clothes on the wall, all from donations!

I'm convinced it's not the quantity of the giving, it is what's at the heart of the giving that matters.  As we enter this holiday season (2 months till Christmas) think about the gifts you will give this year and make a difference in someone else's life.  Too many people at home in the U.S. and abroad suffer daily, and it's only when each one of us tries to make a difference, one person at a time, does fear disappear and understanding begins. 
Tomorrow I'll post on gifts from your kitchen to give for the holidays---until then, I hope your day is filled with joy.