I am another who just loves Sharon's Salmon Quiche! Yum! And I adore Deborah's Paella Salad, too! I wouldn't have hurt feelings if someone wasn't too crazy about a recipe I posted as long as they don't "bash" it and just nicely state that it wasn't for them. We all have different tastes as is so obvious by this thread alone! But I do see Sherry's point, too. There are a couple of recipes I've tried that many of you rave about and I just scratch my head and go "huh?", but we'll leave those be. I tried lots of new recipes this year, and just some that made my "keeper" file: Pear & Candied Walnut Salad....Rachel Ray Stuffed Pork Chops...The Neely's Chicken Alfredo Pizza....Cooking Light Great Lakes Salmon Chowder....Midwest Living Magazine Ultimate Shrimp Scampi....from allrecipes Roasted Carrots with Thyme & Garlic....rosemarythyme Capuccino Mousse....Midwest Living Magazine Peppermint Bark....Sharon (Chase) Pork Saltimbocca with Polenta....Cooking Light The only bomb I can remember was a knock off recipe that really tasted nothing like it's namesake, Boston Market Meat Loaf. But I try lots of new things and if we don't like them I simply toss the recipe so I don't remember most of the others. Linda

I've been so fortunate to have TWO great mothers-in-law. The first was such a delightful and special lady. We had a lot of good times together. I only regret that I HAD TO divorce her son (psychopathic) and I don't know if she ever knew why. My therapist was puzzled when I brought it up!! I hated losing her in that mess. She was so special and I take every opportunity to tell my children about her. An amazing lady! My second MIL was a lovely lady who was so kind and loving. I wish I had had more time with her - not so much as the first one. She was so sweet and dear - I know we would have been great friends if we had only had the time - she passed away several years ago. There was NEVER any attempt by either of them to run my life or interfere. They were just gems. And I'm going to do my best to be that kind of MIL. My son married two weeks ago - to a lovely, wonderful girl who is so good for him. I am so happy with her and hope that our relationship can be as positive as the one I had with BOTH of my MILs.

I kind of think it's little silly to keep the hostess gifts going round and round. When I entertain, I prefer to take care of everything from soup to nuts, and that's how I like to be a guest, too. Taking or receiving a "little token something" like a book or dish towel, flowers or wine, seems completely unnecessary to me. It's too much like trying to be imaginative or thoughtful, as if the gesture relieves one of writing a thank you note. I believe my hosts mean don't bring anything when I ask them what I can bring. I don't know what the etiquette books say about writing notes nowadays, though. I always send a note to my hosts immediately, thanking them for a lovely time. As a guest, I never take anything unless I'm asked to, which I do happily. The only events I'm ever asked to take something to are BBQs and summertime parties, and then the hosts are specific in ther requests. Evenings with friends, or the less frequent, fancier dinners, nada. I love having people in for dinner, and we're having two couples here tomorrow night. I'm sure they won't bring us any gifts, and we'll have a wonderful time. Sherry

newdawn1895 - Not only in the downtown areas, but the art district and the Riverview districts are all undergoing fabulous transformations. Chattanooga is such a neat town. I wish I had taken a photograph of my sons street. The avenue was absolutely beautiful! Most of the houses and yards were well kept, and the flowering trees were gorgeous hanging over the street. :) golddust - First of all, I wanted to tell you how much I love your dog. What a cutie! Secondly...what a tub! I love large old tubs like the claw-foot that my son has. I asked the guys if either had taken a bath and they answered "no" because they were using the tub as a storage place for their bathroom supplies. Now that we have provided a space saver tower over the toilet, the tub is now free for bathing. LOL You are so lucky to have many of the original features, like the built-ins. Your kitchen appliances are tops! I would love to know the date that my son's place was built, and also the history. Guess I'll have to ask the owners.