     I've always heard that if you're going to mess things up, make a good job of it. Based on that premise, this week I did an excellent job of demonstrating my skills.
         Anyone who knows me knows that I truly enjoy cooking, baking and entertaining. I don't create gourmet dishes but I work hard at serving delicious home-style cooking with health considerations and financial constraints in mind. Thursday, with flavour, nutrition and a budget included in my considerations, I went about planning what was supposed to be a delightfully delicious supper for some dear friends. I purchased an appropriately sized and priced beef roast, peeled some of the potatoes still remaining from last summer's crop, boiled red beets and dug into the deep freezer for apples. This was going to be one good meal!
         As it turned out the recipe for roast beef I found in one of my trusted cooking websites, was delicious…but rare on the inside (as in bleeding rare). Fred and I loved it; Sharon couldn't bring herself to try it. Hubby graciously ate a slice. And the beets. Beets, I found out, are the one vegetable that Fred detests. Fortunately Sharon let me know in time to dig out some frozen peas to supplement that end of the meal. The apple pie was everything I'd hoped for and, indeed, the redeeming feature of the evening repast. The best part, though, was the great fellowship and the laughter we shared; it truly was an example of the joy that results when friendship trumps human frailty.
         In the end I confirmed the veracity of two premises: Make a good job of making a mess and, don't try new recipes on visitors. Even better? He's always there!
         "The Lord upholds all who fall and raises up all those who are bowed down." (Psalm 145:14)
