Do you remember the secret LOVE hand squeeze? Three quick pulses for each word: I Love You. If you were lucky, you got the four squeeze reply: I Love You, Too. I used the secret hand squeeze with my mom. Whenever I was nervous or scared or sad, those reassuring squeezes did the trick.
Mister Rogers also had a secret code for LOVE. 1-4-3.
1 = I
4 = LOVE
3 = YOU
Whenever he sensed a child was sad or lonely, Mister Rogers reminded them of the special message: 1-4-3.
February is the LOVE month. Sure Valentine’s Day is a great way to celebrate your true love, but this special month has 29 days to say I LOVE YOU. That’s right, 2020 is a Leap Year.
What will you do with an extra day this month to share the love?
The first recipe my mother taught me to cook was Cheesy Skillet Hamburgers. We used our mustard yellow electric skillet to brown the meat and melt the cheese, but the secret ingredient was Jane’s Crazy Mixed-Up Salt. It was my favorite meal and when mom made it I felt the LOVE.
My children have more discerning palates than I did in the ’70s. Kids these days are all about the bowls. And, our favorite is topped with the most delicious BBQ Glazed Salmon. We could eat this bowl for days! It’s how I say I LOVE YOU.
If you need a simple crowd pleasing casserole, look no further than my 5 Ingredient Tex-Mex Casserole. This make & take dish is a delicious way to tell your neighbors I LOVE YOU.
February 25th is Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day! Clean out the sugar, chocolate, and sweets in preparation for Lent by hosting a traditional Pancake Supper. Invite the neighbors and set up a DIY Pancake Station loaded with all the toppings.
For the Week of February 2
RECIPE: Cheesy Skillet Hamburgers
CONVERSATION STARTER: What meal reminds you of your childhood?
For the Week of February 9
RECIPE: BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa by Pinch of Yum
CONVERSATION STARTER: What’s your passion project?
For the Week of February 16
RECIPE: 5 Ingredient Tex-Mex Casserole
CONVERSATION STARTER: Do you know anyone who isn’t always in a hurry or busy? How does their pace of life make you feel?
For the Week of February 23
RECIPE: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
CONVERSATION STARTER: Have you ever tried practicing a tradition, like Lent, that was new to you? What did you learn?
My favorite Lent devotional: 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast by Alicia Britt Chole
https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Decrease-Different-Hunger/dp/0718076605/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2N069WP5ZHYFD&keywords=40+days+of+decrease&qid=1582385968&sprefix=40+days+%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1
Frank, thank you for this recommendation. I’m eager to read this one. Blessings, Kristin