I wanted to stop in and wish all of you the best in 2018!
I will be honest, I am glad the holidays are over. It was my first Christmas and New Year without Mike since I was 21. I kept myself very busy, but in the end , you realize your are doing just that.
I did not decorate or entertain, too soon for me, my heart wasn’t in it. But I did decorate , cook and bake, A LOT for others!
I did a luncheon for my parish…
And several parties for my organization. The hardest part is dragging all my equipment back and forth!
I got to use many of my Nordic ware pans, and made more Death by Chocolate trifles than I care to think about.
Stuffed rolled loin of pork, served with an apple brandy compote was a hit for one of the parties. After this picture they were dipped in egg, rolled in panko and browned. You need a really big fry pan!They get finished in the oven.
One of the parties was a Santa party, and I was lucky that my son’s 5 children could attend as they don’t live nearby.
We are in the middle of a blizzard here on Long Island, and as most of the country is experiencing snow and frigid temps, I’ll spare you yet another snow scene!
Here’s to 2018, good health to all of you! I miss you all!
Ahh Kathleen, I prayed for you over the holiday weeks knowing it would be hard and lonely. I can't imagine. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful photo❤️Hope you received my email..
ReplyDeleteKathleen they have grown so much❤️
Hi Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see a post from you! I did read your previous one, but I'm sorry I never got around to commenting. My dad has been in and out of the hospital since early August, and I just haven't been blogging very regularly. I thought about you and B.J., as this was your first Christmas without your beloved husbands. I am so sorry about Mike; I know you must miss him terribly, and my heart goes out to you. I think it's so impressive that you cooked those amazing meals for your friends and community -- you surely blessed some people this Christmas season.
Thank you for touching base with us and letting us know how you are. I miss you very much, so many familiar bloggers have decided to "retire." Believe it or not, it's very cold here in North Carolina and several parts of the state got snow, but not us this time. Take care of yourself, my friend, and keep in touch!
Warm hugs to you,
Denise at Forest Manor
Happy New Year! Your desserts look yummy - and that pork roast must have also been delish!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so lovely! Using your talents and giving from your heart surely cheered others as it helped you through a hard time. Thinking of you and hoping this new year brings many cherished moments! XO
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you, Kathleen. You give so much to others. Your parish is very blessed to have your baking and decorating talents. Heck, I might have lingered on your dessert table a bit long.
ReplyDeleteYour grands are growing up. Beautiful family.
Prayers for a much better New Year.
It’s so good to see you posting again, despite your heavy heart. The food looks scrumptious, Kathleen. And your grandchildren are growing up so fast! 🌺🌷🍽 I hope the snow melts soon! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteHello sweet friend! Cooking will be your balm of Gilead I am sure. You make everyone so happy with your food. Those kids keep you very busy I am sure. I always love to see a post from you! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. It was my second Christmas without Jim, but for me it hasn't gotten any easier. Like you, I stay enormously busy so I don't think about things. One thing I did find helpful, and it looks as though you have as well, is to do everything differently from the way in which you've done it in the past. I can no longer have the same big parties on the same big days that I used to. It's just too hard for me. Happy New Year to you, good to see a post from you.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you here. What better way to keep busy for the holidays than doing for others! I know it must have been hard but I'm sure all that wonderful food was enjoyed and appreciated along with your pretty table settings. It is freezing here, can't imagine how bad it must be there. Take care, keeping you in thioghts and prayers............
ReplyDeleteHi, Kathleen. It's always so wonderful to see your name pop up in my inbox! I'm glad these first holidays are over for you. I lost my first husband to cancer when I was 33 years of age. My little girls were 3 and 5 at the time and our first Christmas alone was only made less painful by totally changing our traditions: we traveled to the family in NY and passed the time there. You were so wise to keep yourself busy, and I admire the efforts you put forth to make the holidays special to others around you by using your talents. All of us who follow you are proud of you and wish you the sweetest of New Years and the strength to embrace the new life you have ahead of you. I also love the tablescape you presented at the start of your post: love those shiny new ice skates and the glistening components of your table: a perfect setting for a winter dinner! Stay warm in that "cyclone bomb" we are hearing about, and please post again when you are up to it. It's always a nice surprise to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteFeel the virtual hugs from all your followers.
Fondly,
Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
Hi Kathleen,
ReplyDeletesuch a pleasant surprise to see you pop up in my reading list! I have missed your posts. the pork looks amazing. I wonder if you would share the recipe? Happy New Year to you. Dianne
Hello, my sweet, and best of the new year to you, too. I won’t pretend to know how you and your family must have felt during this first holiday season without Mike physically present. I do know for certain that you carried him with you to each activity and that he will forever live on in your hearts. You brought joy to many this past Christmas season even while you are mired in pain. Exactly what our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us to do. I’m still laid up from this latest spine surgery, but when I’m able to get back to Mass I will light a candle for Mike’s soul and another asking that He lighten your burden. With all my heart I wish you peace.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in with us with an update. I know it was a hard time for you without Mike. Helping others like you did is the best way, but it still hurts, doesn't it? I still miss your posts and the good old days we had with so many friends posting tablescapes, etc. I still dabble a little bit.
We are having some very cold weather here in FL, hope it ends soon! Bet it's really cold in LI!
Loved seeing a picture of you! You look so young!
Praying 2018 will be a better year for you.
Love and blessings,
Katherine
So good to see a post from you. It looks like you’ve been very busy. All the food you created looked wonderful- you are amazing! I hope the days are becoming easier for you as time passes. Wishing you a blessed New Year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Kathleen, I know the holidays were difficult and I am impressed by all you did to make the holidays special for others! Wow! I know you are surrounded by a community that really appreciates you~ Stay safe and warm~
ReplyDeleteJenna
It was nice so see your post in my inbox, Kathleen. I can’t imagine how difficult the holidays were this year but keeping busy with family and friends was a good idea. Your dishes looked scrumptious and I know everyone enjoyed your efforts! Wishing you a warm, safe and healthy 2018! Zenda
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen, thanks for updating us on how you are doing and what you have been up to. I can only imagine how hard Christmas was for you without Mike. For sure though, you haven't lost your touch in creating beautiful tables and cooking yummy food. The red and white buffalo check tables for your parish look so pretty and festive. I might steal your idea for putting garland along a buffet spread - that adds so much! I'm craving some Death by Choc Trifle right now and it's only breakfast - looks delish! Take care and stay warm Kathleen and I hope and pray that as 2018 progresses, it gets a bit easier for you.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of you so often....
ReplyDeleteKathleen, I cannot imagine how so very difficult this holiday season must have been for you. I am happy to hear that you kept busy. I wish you and your family a most happy and healthy New Year and I was so happy to see your post pop up in my email...I often think of you and how you are doing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo of your family, Kathleen! I can't believe how big Declan is already. All of them! You are fortunate to have such a network of social and church activities in which to participate and donate your time and wonderful cooking and baking skills. I know it's no comfort at the end of the day, but you are doing what you can and that's what what takes strength. May 2018 bring you peace and good health ♥
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see a post from you. The first holidays without our loved ones are always so difficult. Glad your grandkids were able to spend time with you! I've been away from blogging and taking care of my Mom the past months. Best wishes to you for the New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Kathleen, I think of you often. Was going to call you during the recent storm since so many of my work offices were closing early due to weather. I love the black and white table, and all you did to make the holidays special for others!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, late arriving at this post, but wanted to say it is nice to see your post. I know it was a difficult holiday, as are all the days without Mike. Your food looks amazing. Nothing there has changed! We had a simple quiet Christmas with just the two of us here. No big meal! It was delightful! All the best to you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI love that little New Year's Baby on the box in the first photo. Did you make it? Adorable!
Kathleen, I am so sorry sweet lady as I can only imagine how your heart felt. Praying for you for the New Year. I do love that tablesape with the ice skates! So lovely. The food items look amazing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Kathleen...I know this must be such a difficult time for you! So sorry! Thank you for the update, and I hope you have a better year.
ReplyDeleteJust sending you a Texas sized hug!!! I think about you so often.
ReplyDeleteHope the new year treats you well and hopefully a mite warmer!
Blessings,
J