This is one of my most cherished recipes - a true comfort to me. These are my grandma's brownies. I have no idea where she happened upon this recipe, but I've never had any like this and don't expect to.

Grandma Sharp's Brownies

In two 8x8 baking pans (grandma always used metal pans), melt 1 stick of margarine in each.

In a medium bowl mix together 2 cups sugar and 2 T cocoa (grandma meant SERVING tablespoon so, about 1/2 c or slightly more)

Add melted

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New Year's Eve seems to be all about excess for many people, and with good reason. With resolutions to turn over a new leaf the very next day, why not indulge that night? Our New Year's Eve will be an indulgence for sure. We decided this year that we would watch a series of movies to pass the time on New Year's Eve, and the decision was that we would watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We… Read More

When we first rented Ratatouille , it wasn't for the kids; and when my mother-in-law gave it to the kids yesterday for Christmas, I claimed it for myself. Don't worry, I'll let them watch it, but only after I've taken it from it's locked cabinet.

I adore this movie. Ratatouille is fresh, funny and full of irony. Who would ever think a rat, of all animals, would have a highly refined sense of taste? Chef Gusteau is a man… Read More

Beyond the very obvious wanting my family to remain healthy this coming year (especially this coming year), and although we don’t do resolutions here, there are five small "wishes" I have for the coming year.

1. Give more hugs. In all the rat race of life it’s very easy to simply blow a kiss or give a one-armed hug to friends and loved ones. With touch being such a vital part of a person’s well-being in more ways than one,… Read More

Imagine walking through a heavily wooded area thick with snow and your bedclothes as your only protection from the cold. Suddenly you’re attacked by a vicious little man, and in the next moment are rescued by a stately queen offering you anything you desire. Would you ask for Turkish Delight? I know I wouldn’t, but it seemed to be just the thing for Edmund Pevensie as he sat in a sleigh with the White Witch in, The … Read More

Two hundred sixty-six years ago this Christmas Eve, the city where I reside was named by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, a Moravian leader, in the first house erected in this area. I can almost imagine the Count, said to have been watching the stable animals and listening to hymns being sung, suddenly standing tall and proclaiming the community, "Bethlehem", named after the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It may have been less dramatic than that, but… Read More