As the new year approaches, I find myself reflecting back on the previous year. All of the trials and tribulations, the ups ‘n downs, the people we’ve lost, the people we’ve gained, the fun and the tears.

For the most part, I think I’ve had a really wonderful year considering all of the trouble that wasn’t necessary nor deserved. Some people have shined and I’m so very proud of them! My hubby is at the top of that list!

Others, I’m ashamed of. I wish for them to come clean of all of the things they’ve done and said to cause hurt and anger if only to start anew with a better heart and newfound conscience, and to become a better and decent person.

Whether they do or don’t, I don’t care anymore. I only wish it for them themselves now and all of the people that they affect and in turn hurt. All you can do, right? 😉

But I think I’ve done a darn good job of being the best person I can be.

This year I plan to further keep myself from those who simply are no longer worth my time, worry or love, and focus on myself, my husband, our very special furbaby, our home, and our own happiness, and never let others ever again interfere to spoil that happiness.

It isn’t going to be easy. The hardest thing in the world can be to simply turn the other cheek. But as we get older, I think we stop worrying so much about what others think.

If good people want to be a part of my life, they will be. If not, it’s just plain going to be their loss. 😉 To the liars, cheaters, schemers, trash, skanks, thieves, users, abusers and drama queens – – EAT MY DUST!  – – “TOWANDA!!!!!”  😉 😀 You slithered into my life last year. THIS year, you won’t even exist in my world. And I’m strong enough to hold to it. 😉 This year, I’m going to ROCK. And you will not be a part of it. 

It’s going to be a GREAT year! I have so many wonderful things planned that I can’t wait to create, recreate, and share with you all! Most, or at least quite a LOT, of the things that I’ve always wanted to try, will get special attention.

Old-fashioned classics will get a shiny new makeover! My fearless grill diva side will include some pretty awesome and daring concoctions on the grill this spring! Regional recipes from our great country will be explored from border to border and coast to coast! And I think it’s about time I figured out how to make some of my favorite international dishes myself, and as authentically as possible, as well! 

Sound pretty darned good to you? It sure does to me, too. 😉 All of it.

Join me in making a point and taking a stand against bullying and don’t take any more crap from anyone. Even if it’s your own family.

We are only on this little blue ball of dust for a split SECOND in time, and anyone that brings us down, intentionally hurts us, lies to us and about us, steals from us, and simply has zero appreciation for us, does not. Deserve. Our time.

Each and every single good person deserves and has earned the right to be happy. So let’s kick ’em to the curb and into the gutter where they belong and enjoy our lives as we should be able to.

I do still believe that Good will someday trump Evil. And it’s starting in my home right this minute. 😉

I wish you all only the best. Only you can make yourself happy. So start today, and start right now. 😉 And know that you are loved. 😀  

WHITE CHEDDAR, BACON & CHIVE SCALLOPED POTATOES

Serves 4-6

3 medium-sized* red potatoes, unpeeled and thinly sliced (*just a little smaller than russets but not those little teeny ones)

3 Tbl. butter

3 Tbl. flour

1 1/2 cups half and half

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

1 (8 oz.) block sharp white cheddar, shredded and divided in half

6 slices crisp cooked lean quality bacon, crumbled into small pieces (*reserve about 2 Tbl. for garnish later)

3 chives, snipped (save one chive for garnish on top)

paprika and dried parsley to garnish on top for color

DIRECTIONS:

In saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook and stir flour mixture for 2 minutes over medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in half and half. Whisk in salt and pepper. Continue to cook sauce over med-low heat whisking occasionally, until boiling and sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in HALF of the cheese and most of the bacon pieces. (*Reserve about 2 Tbl. of the bacon for garnish on top.) Fold in 2 of the snipped chives. (*I just use kitchen scissors and snip them right over the pot.)

Cover with lid and move to a cool spot on the stove.

Slice clean potatoes thinly and layer half of them on the bottom of a 1 1/2 -2 qt. sprayed baking dish. 

Pour and spoon half of the sauce over them spreading evenly.

Layer rest of potatoes and finish with rest of sauce. 

Sprinkle second half of reserved cheese on top. Lightly sprinkle with paprika and dried parsley for color.  

Pop into preheated 350 degree oven, uncovered, for 55 minutes. Top with reserved bacon and bake 5 minutes longer.

Remove from oven and let rest at LEAST 15 minutes before serving to let set. Garnish with reserved chives and serve warm.