When we go around the table tomorrow, you, Mr. Gaertner, will be on my list. I'm making my contributions for tomorrow and read your article in between pie bakes.

The farmer down the road sent me purple sweet potatoes. I baked them, mashed them up and froze them in pie sized portions. Medium's Super Mrs. C put her sweet potato pie recipe in a recent article, so I am giving it a try. My pie looks perfect, but I have to wait to taste it along with everybody else tomorrow.

Another farmer got some lemons from someone down south and they were going bad so he sent me some. I juiced and zested them, then froze them too. I just pulled a lemon meringue pie out of the oven and it is so pretty.

There will be more than thirty people at dinner tomorrow, so we are sure to have a huge spread of home cooked food from family recipes.

I love country people and I love the country life - for all the reasons you listed.

Have a good holiday, Mr. Gaertner.