(Photo Illustration – MetroCreativeConnection)

Like many people, when we were growing up, we always had a dog in our family that we loved very much and took very good care of. However, 60 years ago, ready-made dog food was not popular and not easy to find in Greece.

I remember my mother going to the butcher shop and buying bones to take home and boil for our dog. She would roast the bones to savor the flavor, then add the pasta and other ingredients, then portion them out into containers and save them for later meals.

Our dog’s name was Bill and he died shortly after leaving Greece for America and I wasn’t told so I wouldn’t be upset and I didn’t learn of his death until I visited Greece. However, they had purchased a replacement dog, which they named Black, but my favorite was Bill; However, during our next visit to Greece, Black was hit and killed by a car, upsetting the entire family once again.

A third dog, whom we named Byron, was purchased shortly after, and my mother was cooking meals that smelled so good I thought she was preparing them for us. LAUGHING OUT LOUD.

Byron was very helpful and kept me company, especially when my mother was sick, and never left her side, proving what he said. “dog is man’s best friend” this is true. After my mother passed away, my sister continued to care for Byron, who refused to leave our home and constantly called my mother.

Unfortunately, a few months ago my brother called to inform us that our dog, Byron, had also passed away and it was decided that we would no longer be looking for dogs or pets. As you know, pets become a part of your family and cause sadness when they get sick or pass away as if they were your children. All of us who have pets love and care for them, but having a pet also bonds you and offers another full-time responsibility, just like having children.

Many pets have issues we don’t usually think about, like being afraid of thunder during a storm or rain.

We personally had a few pets that our kids wanted and they became such a problem that we couldn’t keep them. Our children’s godmother brought three bunnies for Easter – one for each of our children – unfortunately they did not last long. Then our son wanted a hamster, which became a huge task and problem and resulted in him not being able to join the family for a long time.

Our family’s last pet, so to speak, was when our kids wanted a goldfish, which led to another feeding and water changing disaster that put an end to the pet enthusiasm in our family.

For us, having a pet wasn’t a good thing due to our schedule and traveling frequently and for long periods of time. For example, we would spend more than a month every year at our home in Greece with our three children.

It just depends on what each person wants, what he likes and his lifestyle.

P.S. Can you believe it’s time to order your annual Christmas poinsettias from West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg? This year we’re offering the 6.5-inch pot for $11 (red, pink, or white); Get an 8-inch pot for $21 (red, pink, or white) or a 10-inch pot for $26 (red, pink, or white). Delivery will be at Scots on Saturday 7 December between 09:00-12:00. Delivery is also possible upon request. All orders will be delivered by December 4th. I would love to take your order to help the Symphony League and our successes by texting me or calling me at 304-615-5454, emailing me at [email protected], or calling any League. member.

Until next week.

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SEA FOOD DELIGHT CASSEROLE

4 slices of white bread

1 glass of water

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 medium onion chopped

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup melted butter

1 egg

1 cup shrimp

1 cup crab meat

1/2 cup mayonnaise

A few drops of Tabasco sauce

a teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Breadcrumbs (Optional)

Mix bread, water and cheese in a medium bowl. Sauté green pepper, onion and celery in butter. Add to bread mixture. Add the next 7 ingredients, mixing well. Place in a small oiled pot. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

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CRAB CAKES

1 pound crab meat

1 egg

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 cup cracker meal or seasoned breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onion to taste

Select the crab meat, discarding the shell and cartilage. Combine with remaining ingredients. Form into 6-8 meatballs. Fry in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until brown on side, or deep fry at 350 degrees F until brown. Serves 4 to 6 people.

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TABULEH

1 cup bulgur, bulghur

1 tablespoon peel, dried mint or 1 cup chopped fresh mint

4 large tomatoes, chopped

1 bunch green onion, chopped

2 bunches of parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup salad oil

juice of 3 lemons

Soak bulgur wheat in cold water for 30 minutes. Squeeze the bulgur and mix with the next 4 ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the oil and lemon juice, mixing well. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours. It will keep for a few days. Serve on lettuce, kale leaves or pita bread. For 8 people.

Variation: Replace 1 bunch of parsley with a pound of fresh spinach and add black olives as a garnish.