Greetings to all folks near and far.

The season to be jolly will never end if we keep our jolly going strong. I hope you winter is giving you the time to be with family and dear friends.

I am working on finishing up some quilts to have them ready for Christmas presents. Quilting takes a lot of time and love. My quilts are handmade and sewn. One is a Victorian Crazy quilt, one is a Log Cabin pattern, and one is an Applique flower pattern. Quilting is one of those hobbies I do in winter months and it makes me feel warm and productive.

Beading is also another passion of mine. I love Native American style beading and apply that to my cloth doll clothing, medicine bags, bracelets and anklets.

What are your winter hobbies? I would love to hear about it in my forum.
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Here is my latest article from the Appalachia site at BellaOnline.com.

Turkey Soup Recipe
Winter is the best time for homemade soups and a good old fashioned turkey soup will warm up the kitchen and put smiles on faces.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7988.asp

I always welcome feedback on my articles. Please join me in my forum to comment on this, or any other, article. There are many discussions and some games in my forum -- you are welcome to join them or start a discussion of your own. I am always available to help you learn how to navigate around all the forums if you need assistance. I look forward to meeting you.

Sign up for the forum is free and all your personal information is confidential. Once you sign up you will have access to all of the over 400 forums at BellaOnline.
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A hearty homemade soup that has taken a lot of time and love is good for the soul.

Some of the earliest settlers in Appalachian regions were German. The Pennsylvania Dutch (Doetch) are still strong in their communities and traditions.

An old German folk saying:

Auf gut Wetter vertrau', beginnt der Tag nebelgrau.
Count on a good weather day if it starts out foggy gray.
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Till next time, may your home be filled with laughter and may it ring from floor to rafter.

Blessings and may you walk in peace and harmony.
Phyllis
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Please visit appalachia.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Appalachia.

To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Appalachia located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=373

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!

Phyllis Doyle Burns, Appalachia Editor
http://appalachia.bellaonline.com

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