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

This winter, it is something that I cannot describe. It is unbelievable and I know it’s not over yet.

Who ever thought we would be buried in snow for a couple weeks, and we are lucky in comparison with other states. Kids are happy because they didn’t have to go to school. They don’t realize that they may have to make up some of those days when it’s time for vacation and they will be stuck in the hot classrooms.

Who ever thought that in all the vacation spots such as Florida, Myrtle Beach, etc., the sand would be covered with snow and no one can go to enjoy the ocean and the hot sun? So many people have canceled their vacations, and they were looking forward to getting away from the snow, not knowing they would have to face the same thing at their vacation destination. Unfortunately, they have to reschedule on a later date. We have several friends that are so disappointed due to the fact they had to cancel their plans. So this unpredictable, snowy and icy weather with temperatures below zero made things impossible to travel by car or plane or any other way.

Honestly, it’s safer to stay home and enjoy your home conveniences, lol. It only takes a slip and before you know it, you break a hip, a leg or an arm and suffer for several weeks. God gave us all the parts of our body for a reason, and if we miss one, it makes it very difficult, plus it takes more time to heal as we get older. So please, please, be careful. Laying in a hospital bed is not a pleasant experience.

Be patient. Before you know it, we will be complaining it’s too hot out there. But trust me, I’d rather be hot than freezing.

Let’s don’t ignore the less fortunate people with no homes, no food on the table, no transportation. It’s time to thank our lucky stars for what we have. Of course, some have more than others, but that’s OK. Who cares? Our goal is for peace on earth and to love each other. Be happy with what others have. And think, at one point, it might be you, so pray for those that have to wait in cold days for the bus, pray and help the ones who wait in line for a warm plate of food. (By the way, a huge thank you to all churches, groups and organizations that provide food for all the less fortunate citizens in our town.) No one wants to be in that position or situation, but I’m sure some of them have no choice. How about children that wait to go to school to have something to eat? And some kids, they have so much and they don’t like certain foods, and some are starving for something to eat. In our family business we donate pretzels and chicken, etc., to different groups and organizations. It gives me extra satisfaction inside knowing that I’m helping.

On the love side: Next week we will celebrating Valentine’s Day, and love is going to be in the air with red and pink roses and flowers everywhere and candy of all kinds. Below I have a few chocolate desserts to make for your valentines.

And then in a few weeks, here comes March. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. in downtown Parkersburg, for the 16th annual Easter Parade. Can you believe that I started the Easter Parade 16 years ago? What a great production; trust me, it takes a lot of planning to organize a parade because we want it to be as perfect as possible and better than last year’s.

This year’s Easter Parade theme is “Legos: Building to Jesus.”

Parade applications are ready to pick up at both Chick-fil-As, freestanding and the one in the mall, and also Auntie Anne’s in the mall. Or you can go on our Facebook page, 2026 MOV Easter Parade, and get all the information you need plus print an application to mail in. Don’t forget applications turned in by March 5 get a $5 off discount.

So don’t wait: Talk to your church members and Sunday school classes, and on Monday talk to your co-workers, business, schools, groups, etc. and plan to decorate a float or walk or bring your horses or your dogs. We would love to have bands and cheerleaders and dancing groups and church groups. The more, the merrier.

At the same time, don’t forget we have the annual Easter hat and bonnet contest in conjunction with the parade. Come on, everyone, you can use your creativity and talents and decorate a hat or a bonnet. Men and women of all ages are welcome, also children. It’s so much fun. It’s a perfect project for art teachers or Sunday schools teachers or any group. Join the fun and we will give prices for the best decorated hat. The winners will be invited to ride in the Easter Parade in a convertible car.

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Chocolate Truffle Cookies

Four squares, 1 ounce each, unsweetened chocolate

2 cups (12 oz. semisweet) chocolate chips, divided

1/3 cup butter or margarine

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Confectioner’s sugar

In a microwave or double boiler, melt unsweetened chocolate, one cup of chocolate chips and butter, cool for 10 minutes. Beat in vanilla and the chocolate mixture. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Beat in to chocolate mixture. Stir in remaining chocolate chips. Cover and chill for at least three hours. Remove about 1 cup of dough . With lightly floured hands roll in 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly puffed and set. Cool on a pan 3-4 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough. Dust with confectioner’s sugar

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Chocolate Meringue Stars

3 egg whites

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa powder

Glaze

3 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate

1 tablespoon shortening

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in cocoa. Place in a pastry bag with a large open star tip ( #8b). Line baking sheets with foil and coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Pipe stars about 1-¼-inch in diameter, onto foil or drop by rounded teaspoonfuls. Bake at 300 for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from foil, cooling on wire racks. In a microwave or double boiler, melt chocolate and shortening, stir until smooth . Dip the cookies halfway into glaze . Place on waxed paper to harden.

Yields about 4 dozen