Where Did It Go??

Whew. The old year is almost gone and a shiny, bright one is on it's way. Don't we all start off the new year with such good intentions? I am sure this year will be no different. Promises are made and a fresh start is only as far away as the turn of a calendar page. If anyone is hopeful for different dynamics in their family, how about making a list of what you would like to see change, and on the other side, ideas to change it.

I do know in the new year we are looking forward to hearing from you. We definitely don't have all the answers but sometimes even knowing the question helps. Often it's just beneficial having a sounding board to bounce ideas, concerns and problems off of. We have lots of topics for upcoming columns and if there is something you would like us to look into, just let us know.

One thing people keep asking is how to find the blog and how to respond. Just type in:

www.muskogeephoenix.com

Go to the bottom of the page and click on us. The Care and Feeding of Teenagers "blog" will come up. You can respond by going to the bottom of any entry and clicking on comments. Type in your comments and either use your name, the anonymous, or any pseudonym. (ex: Sleepless in Seattle). Feel free to forward the sight to interested friends and family in your address book. Comments and insight from other parents and teens is what the purpose of this blog is. We want to hear from you.

Need Luck in the New Year?

Black-Eyed Peas are a must- have on the 1st day of January.

There are fresh black-eyed peas, canned ones and dried ones. I like to cook the fresh ones with some leftover ham and salt and pepper. A chopped yellow onion is good for the broth. I have to admit I usually add a large pat of butter to the pot. Serve hot with the following:

What makes these so good is a dear friend's fresh relish.

Chop very fine

1 green pepper

1 purple onion

1 or 2 tomatoes

a jalapeno if you like

Toss with a good vinegar

(red wine or balsamic)

salt and pepper

a pinch of sugar

Chill

Serve the cold relish over a steaming bowl of black- eyed peas.

Just add a buttery slice of thin and crispy cornbread. There is

not a more delicious way to kick off 2007.

Eat Up!!! Anyone with a teen in the house

needs all the luck they can beg, borrow or steal.

Have a Happy New Year

From Melony and Chrissie