Neighbors

I am thankful for neighbors. While we live four miles down a gravel road, it is wonderful to have good neighbors, neighbors that truly love and care for one another. No, we may not see each other daily or even weekly, but there is the feeling of comfort that we are there for one another.

Yesterday we had our 80 year old neighbor over for tea. It was fun to watch my daughters help in the simple preparations - making sure our living area was picked up, baking "jammies", and preparing the tea and table. Our guest of honor is a widow of many years and she lives by herself. Although she has chronic pain she remains one of the most joyful people I know. She loves our children although she has 23 great-grandchildren of her own. It is with much pleasure that our family gets to learn of what life was like growing up in the 30's and 40's in rural Vermont. She shared about how her father was in charge of disbursing clothes, food and sometimes money to the poor. Back then the towns administered to the needy. She shared how they often received clothing that wasn't even fit for those in need and how her mother made beautiful braided rugs from the excess material.

My nine year old daughter and eleven year old son ride their bicycles to her house and visit with her about once a week or so and upon their return home, I am often blessed with hearing another story about her life.

Here is the recipe for the Jammies:

1/2 Cup Oil

1/2 Cup Honey

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together. Spoon the dough onto a cookie sheet by teaspoonfuls. Make a dent in the top of each ball with your thumb. Spoon in 1/2 teaspoon or so of jam. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

So yummy!

Warm wishes. Tonya