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

Entering another busy season of the year – spring, my favorite season.

There’s so much going on this time of the year. School is almost over. Graduations of middle school, high school, college are close. With the upcoming weather to be so beautiful, people are planning weddings, family vacations, friendship reunions and so much more.

Graduates, please believe in yourself!

If you believe you can do it, you’re already halfway there. Trust your skills, work hard, and stay focused. The future is in front of you. One of the greatest secrets to success is self-belief. I’m sure many people stop chasing their dreams because they listen to the negative voices of someone else and they think they might not be smart enough or strong enough. But trust me, you can do it!

A disciplined mind is the ability to control our thoughts, focus on our goals and stay committed to learning. It helps us avoid distractions and build strong habits that lead to success. When we develop a disciplined mind, we become more patient, organized and determined. We learn to manage our time wisely and keep improving every day. When you are disciplined you do not give up easily. You stay focused, work hard and move forward, step by step, toward a better future.

Since I have our first grandchild, Franklin, graduating from Ohio University Saturday, I devote that to him.

Franklin, your future starts now. Every dream, every goal and success begins with a single thought. If you think positively, you create positive actions. If you believe in yourself, you build confidence and strength. The way you think shapes your decisions and habits. Imagine a better future, and you feel motivated to work hard for it. Positive thinking opens new doors and opportunities.

Train your mind to focus on growth, and remember your thoughts today create the reality of your tomorrow. Think wisely and dream big, my boy, the future is in front of you.

Your Papou and Yiayia love you with all our heart, and we wish you the BEST in life today and always!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

You are a SPARTIATIS (Spartan ), like your Papou (grandfather) calls you.

SAGAPO POLI (We love you very much)

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Let’s talk a little bit about weddings!

This is a new chapter of our lives!

Life is a journey filled with surprises and challenges. It is a blend of joy, happiness and love, and everything in between. We learn from our experiences. Family and friends provide support. Dreams come true, and we find the right person to marry. There are moments of laughter and love. We cherish each moment, and from then on we build memories, and cherish our love with the person for whom we say, “I do.”

Blessings to all

Till next week

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Carbonara

1 box mostaccioli

3 eggs

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 -1 lb bacon

1/2 cup white wine

3 cloves garlic, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Cut up bacon into inch squares. Cook until crisp, adding garlic, while it is frying. When crisp, add wine and simmer lightly. (If you use much more than half a pound, you may want to drain some of the fat). Cook pasta according to directions on box. Have the eggs beaten up in the big bowl and the cheese grated.

Now quickly drain the pasta (don’t rinse) and dump with the cheese, bacon and parsley into the eggs. Toss it. Serve immediately with tossed salad and garlic bread, and don’t forget a glass of good wine!

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Tuna buffet casserole

1 cup sour cream

1/4 teaspoon oregano

2 (6 ½-oz) cans tuna fish

2 cups elbow macaroni

1/2 cup sliced ripe olives

3/4 cup sliced mushrooms

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped cashew nuts

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Combine sour cream and crushed oregano in large bowl. Add tuna, macaroni, olives, mushrooms, pepper and cashew nuts. Mix well. Spoon into 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, serve at once.

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Spinach stuffed shells

2 10-oz packages chopped spinach, cooked and well drained

spaghetti sauce

1 lb ricotta cheese

4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp salt

Combine spinach, cheeses, eggs, lemon juice and salt. Mix well. Cook box of large shells, fill with spinach mixture (a butter knife works well.)

In a large baking dish, pour spaghetti sauce to cover bottom. Place stuffed shells in dish, then add sauce on shells. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake, covered, at 350 for 40 minutes . Freezes very well, serves 6-8.