February 2008 Newletter

MAKING MEMORIES... WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS

Volume 1, Issue 2, February 2008

MEMORIES FROM HOME

From the Heart

On January 2, the world as I knew changed.  I ignored my phone while I was in the doctor's waiting room, since I did not recognize the incoming number.  I would find out later that it was probably a good thing that I did not answer.  Later that afternoon, as I read my email, I felt as though I'd been sucker punched.  My friend Jim Kodros had passed away that morning.  I can't remember when I first met Jim, but I will forever remember my last meeting with him.  It was New Year's Day and after Mass, he made his way over to Susan Bates and me, and gave us that big Jim Kodros hug.  That will stay with me forever.  I am a better man for having been loved by Jim.  Jim shared his love with many in our community.  He was such a positive influence on both us old folk and probably more importantly on our youth.  In sharing our lives  and our love with each other we take risks.  We allow ourselves to become vulnerable.  In that vulnerability, we open ourselves to feelings of joy and feelings of grief.  I know that in time the grief will subside and lessen.  And in the end, we will be left with beautiful memories to share.

Cooking with the Kids

Some of the best memories that I have with my Grandma and Grandpa Witschger involve food.  Grandpa had a great garden out back and I can still taste the fresh asparagus and hear the snap of the green beans.  And baking sugar pies with Grandma was a real treat.  One of the traditions at the Schneeman household is Cookie Day each year during Advent.  Our grandkids anxiously look forward to baking Christmas cookies with Cindy on that special Saturday in December.  Yet safety is always a concern when cooking with kids.  Here are ten safety tips I came across recently in LibertyLines, a Liberty Mutual publication.

1.  Supervise kids at all times.                                                                                                                   2.  Wash hands before touching and handling food.                                                                                     3.  Watch the use of hot water and keep the garbage disposal off limits.                                                                                                                                                     4.  Teach kids that stoves, ovens and microwaves are hot.                                                                          5.  Give kids age appropriate tasks.                                                                                                          6.  Clear away flammable items.                                                                                                              7.   Heat pans on back burners.                                                                                                               8.   Avoid steam burns by removing pan lids, lifting them towards the back of the    stove.                                                                                                                                                         9.   Wipe up spills immediately.                                                                                                                 10. Practice fire safety.

=Just for Fun

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