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

The past couple weeks many of us have celebrated and attended a kindergarten, grade school, middle school, high school or college graduations.

I am sure you can remember all the anticipation and excitement of those days at one time of your life and join in starting the dreams and hopes of a loved one.

Now is the time for the graduate to realize that their future is now open and ahead of them and take the opportunity to pursue without hesitation and fear. The graduates’ future is now in their hands and it is totally up to them to take advantage of and make their future successful.

I think it is important that a child hopefully can decide as to what profession or work they would like to do as adults.

Tell your child to “be happy with the simple and beautiful things in life that make them special and also reach their goals in life.”

Always set your expectations and goals high and always work toward achieving them.

As parents we need to educate our children always keeping in mind that their foundation starts at home and continues through their school years.

Children need to have faith in themselves and establish self confidence in all they hope to achieve.

Many children prefer not to pursue further education after high school and today there is a great demand and need for all various services and trades.

School will now soon be out and summer vacations and activities are coming to surface and I want to wish all graduates a happy, successful and wonderful future with all your dreams coming true.

Till next week.

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VELVET HAMMER

1 blender vanilla ice cream

2 ounces brandy

1 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce banana liqueur

Place ingredients in blender. Turn to medium speed. Mix to pouring consistency, serve immediately in champagne glasses. Serves 4 to 6.

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SUMMER SANGRIA

1 lemon, sliced

1 or 2 oranges sliced

1/2 cup sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup orange juice

1 quart Chianti wine

1/2 (28 ounce) bottle club soda

Play lemon and orange slices in the pitcher. Add sugar and juices and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in wine. Refrigerate for several hours. Pour in club soda at last minute before serving in ice filled glasses.

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CHICKEN CURRY BALLS

1/4 pound cream cheese softened

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 cup chopped cooked chicken

1 tablespoon spoon curry powder

1 tablespoon chopped chutney

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup blanched slivered almonds

1/2 cup grated coconut or more

Mash cream cheese. Add mayonnaise, chicken, curry, chutney, salt, and almonds. Mix well and roll into walnut size balls. Roll in coconut. Chill. Maybe be prepared a day in advance, freezes well. Makes three dozen curry balls.