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

I think you will agree that the days go by so fast these days anymore and all of us have different daily routines which make life interesting,

However when I stop and think about all the different and many disasters taking place in our country I stop and pray for all involved and affected.

Just in the month of January we had many fires destroying thousands of homes and acres in California and when they thought they were finally controlled more fires started. This past week we experienced two terrible airplane crashes involving many deaths that were devastating news for many families and friends that were waiting to greet their love ones home.

It is so unfortunate for the loss of so many young children with their future in front of them and faced death at such a young age. We all need to continue to pray for their families and all associated with their deaths.

This just goes to prove to you that we all need to face and take one day at a time because we never know what tomorrow and the future will bring and enjoy everyday to the fullest.

This past weekend we went for the first time to West Virginia University in Morgantown to see our granddaughter (Kiki) who is a freshman and a WVU cheerleader.

It was exciting and thrilling to see her perform and to fulfill her dreams of being a University Cheerleader since even as a little girl she would wear a WVU cheerleading outfit and pretend she was cheering.

I remember this spring when it was time for three of our granddaughters to decide what college they would like to attend with Nadia and Eleni visiting several different colleges and universities while Kiki had already decided she was going to West Virginia University and not interested in visiting other universities.

It is exciting to listen to all eight grandchildren as to what they like and what they hope to achieve and become when they graduate.

As grandparents naturally we try to also advise them and of course support them realizing many things have changed since our college days.

Like many other families we are fortunate that our family of 16 is very close and loves spending time together on vacations, cooking, family dinners and family traditions. We all enjoy pulling out to old family DVDs and videos to recall and see everyone growing up over the years … then we all sit back and wonder “where did the years go?” LOL.

I try to stay busy and do more than I should appreciating life and realize that everyday is a gift from God.

A REMINDER !!!

Do not forget if you are planning to attend the YMCA 2025 “Heart Of Our Community” dinner and award ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna be sure to get your RSVP in by calling 304-615-1544 today.

To end on a positive note! The first day of spring is March 20! Hooray!

Till next week.

***

STRAWBERRY HEARTS – perfect for Valentine’s Day

1 10-ounce package, frozen strawberries thawed

1 package, strawberry flavored gelatin

2 cups heavy cream whipped

9 gelatin heart cutouts

Drain strawberries, reserving syrup. Add water to syrup to make 1 cup; heat to simmering. Dissolve gelatin in hot liquid, add drained strawberries. Chill till partially set. Fold whipped cream into gelatin mixture. Pour into heart shaped individual molds and chill till set. Unmold. Top with gelatin heart cutouts. Makes about 9 servings.

PS. Save out a few drained strawberries and a little whipped cream fold together and spoon over-hearts .

***

FROZEN VALENTINE ROUNDS

1 No.2 1/2 can (3 1/2 cups) fruit cocktail

1 package, lemon flavored gelatin

1 cup hot water

1/4 cup maraschino cherry syrup

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 3-ounce packages cream cheese

1/2 cap mayonnaise or salad dressing

1 1/2 cups tiny marshmallows

1/4 cup drained, quartered maraschino cherries

1 cup heavy cream whipped

Few drops red food coloring

12 gelatin heart cutouts

Drain fruit cocktail, reserving 1 cup syrup. Dissolve gelatin in hot water, add reserved fruit cocktail syrup, maraschino cherry syrup, and lemon juice. Chill till partially set. Soften cheese and mayonnaise and beat till smooth. Add to gelatin mixture, mixing well. Stir in fruit cocktail, marshmallows, and cherries. Fold in whipped cream. Tint pink with red food coloring.

Pour into two No.2 or 2 1/2 cans. Freeze several hours or overnight. Use can opener to cut around bottom of can. Push salad out. Slice and place on lettuce. Top with gelatin heart cutouts. Makes 12 generous servings.

Gelatin Heart Cutouts

Dissolve 1 package, cherry or strawberry or raspberry flavored gelatin in 2 cups hot water. Pour into shallow dish – gelatin should be a little less than 1/2 inch deep. Chill till firm. Cut out hearts with cookie cutter. Use to trim salads, desserts.