CARING

We are constantly getting emails which we, for the most part dutifully read. Some make us laugh, others provoke anger at what is happening to our country and some touch our hearts and put everything that is happening in our lives, in perspective. Leland and I read about a young man who lost both arms and both legs fighting for our country. He came home to his girlfriend who remained by his side during his recovery. She remained faithful while he coped with the reality of his situation. Obviously, he was not the same young man when he came home.  His girlfriend would carry him on her back up the staircase and whenever it was appropriate. This couple got married, he with his new prosthetics and she a picture in white. They approached the future with enthusiasm. How brave! Their's is not the only story. Have we forgotten our wounded warriors and their families? Are enough thoughts, prayers and help going their way. Remember how ill-treated our Vietnam veterans were treated. Remember Jane Fonda? How can anyone give her "the time of day". She is and always will be a traitor in my eyes.

Reading that email put so much in perspective for me personally. That young man and others like him make my situation seem trivial in comparison. Let's make a decision to thank these young man and woman in uniform and to keep them in our daily prayers. Let's thank the doctor' and caretakers who help them. Let's hope that they get the help and counseling they need to rejoin society and let's let them know we are proud of their service to our Country and we love each and everyone of them. God Bless them! And finally I hope our government treats them with dignity and makes our armed force the strongest in the world -  whatever it takes!

Just a note: Our Easter dinner was fabulous! and several of our Husbands' in attendance served in Vietnam and/or the armed services. They too, have our thanks.

Have a wonderful week, Arlene

Thanks to Bonnie Rossner this recipe is the VERY best dessert I have ever had.

STRAWBERRY PRETZEL DESSERT
2 cups of finely crushed pretzel sticks
3/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 of an 8oz package cream cheese softened
4T, plus 1 t of strawberry gelatin (out of a 3 oz pkg
2 cups whipping cream, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together first three ingredients, firmly press on bottom , up sides and
onto lip of lightly greased 10 inch pie plate. Bake about 10 minutes. Remove from oven onto a wire rack and cool completely (about 30 min).  Process strawberries in a food processor or chop by hand. Beat condensed milk and next two ingredients at medium speed with a electric mixer  until smooth. Add strawberries, beat at low speed until blended. Transfer to a large bowl. Beat 3/4 cup of the whipping cream at high speed until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture. Spoon into prepared crust and spread evenly. Cover and freeze for 8 to 12 hours.  Beat remaining  1 1/4 cups whipping cream at high speed until foamy; gradually add sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over pie. Freeze 1 hour until whipping cream is frozen. Keep in freezer until 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Southern Living - June 2012.  Thanks again Bonnie!