(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Growing up like many we always had a dog in the family that we loved very much and took good care of him. However, 60 years ago in Greece ready-made dog foods were not popular or easily to come by.

I recall my mother going to the butcher store and getting bones to take home and boil for our dog. She would broil the bones to get the flavor out and then add a pasta and other ingredients then divide it up in containers and keep for later meals.

Our dog’s name was Bill and died soon after I left Greece for America and I was not told so I would not get upset and did not find out about his death until I visited Greece. They had however purchased a replacement dog which they named Black but for me Bill was my favorite – however on our next visit to Greece Black was hit and killed by a car once again upsetting all of the family.

Soon afterwards a third dog was purchased which we named Byron and my mother would cook meals which smelled so good that I thought she was preparing them for us. LOL.

Byron was a great help and company especially when my mother got sick and never left her side proving what they say that “a dog is a person’s best friend” is true. After my mother passed my brother continued to care of Byron who refused to leave our house and was constantly looking for my mother.

Sadly a few months ago my brother called to let me know that our dog Byron had also died and the decision was made that no more dogs or pets will be sought. As you well know pets become part of your family and cause sadness when they are sick or pass the same as if it were your child. We all that have pets love them and care for them but also having a pet also ties you down and presents another full-time responsibility just like having a child.

Many pets have issues that we do not commonly think about, such as being frightened by thunder during a storm or rain, etc., etc.

We have personally had a couple pets that our children wanted that became such a problem that we could not keep them. Our children’s godmother brought three rabbits for Easter – one for each of our kids – sadly they did not last long. Then our son wanted hamsters which also became a major task and problem resulting in them not being an addition to the family for very long.

The last so to speak pet in our family was our kids wanting goldfish which resulted in another catastrophe with the feeding and changing of water and this ended the pet fad in our family.

For us having pets was not a good thing because of our schedule plus traveling frequently and for long periods of time. For example we would spend over a month every year at our home in Greece with our three children.

It just boils down to what each person wants and likes and their lifestyles.

PS. Can you believe it’s time to order your annual Christmas poinsettias from the West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg. This year we offer 6.5-inch pot for $11 (red, pink, or white); 8-inch pot for $21 (red, pink, or white) or 10-inch pot for $26 (red,pink or white). Pickup will be at Scots on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Delivery is also available by request. All orders in by Dec. 4. I would love to take your order to help us with the Symphony League and our accomplishments by texting me or call me at 304-615-5454, email me at Kangelos797@gmail.com or call any League member.

Till next week.

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SEAFOOD DELIGHT CASSEROLE

4 slices, white bread

1 cup of water

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 medium onion chopped

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup butter melted

1 egg

1 cup shrimp

1 cup crab meat

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Few drops Tabasco sauce

I teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Bread crumbs (Optional)

In a medium bowl, mix together bread, water and cheese. Saute green pepper, onion, and celery in butter. Add to bread mixture. Add next 7 ingredients stirring well. Place in small greased casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

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CRAB CAKES

1 pound crab meat

1 egg

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 cup cracker meal or seasoned breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onion to taste

Pick over crab meat discarding shell and cartilage. Combine with the remaining ingredients. Form into 6-8 patties. Fry over medium heat in lightly grease skillet until brown on its side or deep fry at 350 degrees F until brown. Serves 4 to 6 people.

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TABOULEH

1 cup bulgur, cracked wheat

1 tablespoon crust, dried mint or 1 cup fresh mint cut up

4 large tomatoes, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 bunches parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup salad oil

Juice of 3 lemons

Soak bulgur wheat in cold water for 30 minutes. Squeeze water from bulgur wheat and mix with next 4 Ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Add oil and lemon juice tossing well. Refrigerate covered 6 to 8 hours. Will keep several days. Serve on lettuce, cabbage leaves or in pita bread. Serves 8.

Variation: Substitute 1/2 pound of fresh spinach for 1 bunch of parsley and add black olives for garnish.