Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

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Happy Holiday Wishes

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Cookies with some of my 1950s kitchen diner decor. Simple pleasures make me so happy. (Yes, there is milk in the teacup. Soon to be hot cocoa.)

A quick note to wish you all a happy holiday season. I went cookie baking crazy last Thursday and made Peanut Butter Blossom, Mexican Wedding, and a few gingerbread cookies. Now I need to stuff them all in the garage freezer to avoid munching on the leftovers.

Confession: I’ve already eaten all the New Year’s Eve potato chips and most of the dip. It’s the rain’s fault. And since I refuse to enter the grocery store until after the holidays, I will make do with Ritz crackers. Always have backup snacks.

Saturday, I watched The Six Triple Eight movie on Netflix about the World War II black W.A.C. Battalion that deployed to Europe. Those women were amazing and true examples of leading by example. They paved the way for women like myself, who joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1975. 

For those of us comfy at home, a big thank you to our troops serving around the world to keep us safe while we enjoy the freedom of their sacrifice and their families. It’s a 24/7 commitment that doesn’t stop for holidays or bad weather.

That includes the North American Air Defense Command, NORAD, making sure Santa has safe passage on his trip tonight. You can track him at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/map

As I write this, he is heading for Natal, Brazil. He is on track and on time! 

Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and calm holiday season.

P.S. Santa has just cleared Salvador, Brazil. He’s booking it! Go Santa!

 

 

Truly Thankful

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Getting ready to start my pumpkin pie baking and I wanted to send a quick thank you out to all our military service members, foreign service officers, and all their families serving around the world and across the USA. Of the many things I learned in the military, the big takeaway was we are one big crazy family in this nation of ours.

Everybody has nutty relatives, I think I am that person in my family, truth be told. We can’t agree on the best sports teams, beer, or how to hang the roll of toilet paper or raise the dog. We do like food of many different types with various hazardous spice levels. I think we can be called a “snack nation” for our love of sweets and junk food. Have you seen the holiday drinks at Starbucks this year?

Whether it’s pumpkin or pecan pie, light, dark or no meat, one thing is for sure; I am thankful to live in a country that is still a teenager in our young two-hundred plus years of development. And we all know how challenging trying to corral a teenager can be. Like dressing a cat. Who knows he’s going to the veterinarian. Requires metal chain mail.

I propose a toast of sparkling apple cider to our troops around the world, who keep us safe while we stuff ourselves with turkey, ravioli, or pizza as we watch football games or parades.

To our military service members, active, Guard and reserve – stay safe and know you are in our hearts today and always.

And whenever I think I’m having a bad day, I watch what some of our Marines were doing on Nov. 22 in Norway.

The Polar Plunge. Ice breaking training.

Bless Them All.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Got A Turkey Launch List?

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by Kimberly A. Cook

With everything going on right now, I think the best thing to do is to prepare for Thanksgiving. Focus on food. With less light, more rain and cold temperatures, it’s the perfect time to plot the menu for next week. Once again we must answer the age-old question – jellied or whole cranberries?

Pumpkin pies and/or cake? Both. Whip cream? Always. Turkey. Yes or homemade ravioli as one former co-worker’s family. Whatever food will grace your table, it’s time to prep.

I spent two Thanksgivings in mess halls and our Army cooks put on quite a feast. And it didn’t really count if that crab leg got away from me and flew across the dining hall. I acted cool. It might still be there.

So seafood or Italian or turkey or whatever you wish for your celebration, let’s be thankful for what we have. Let us also remember our military troops serving around the world who will be eating in mess halls and aboard ships.

For those of us who might need some help in the kitchen skills arena, Snoopy is happy to show off his sous chef skills.

Happy Quirky Friday and make your Thanksgiving launch list!

https://youtu.be/t0SAmBX-7oM

 

How About These SEALs?

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by Kimberly A. Cook                  (Twitter@  WarriorTales)

Heading into the long Labor Day weekend, wanted to send a shout out to all the troops around the world who will be working hard while we play. Then thought it might be super cool to watch these Navy SEALs play at a football game. Jumping into a football game that is.

Have a great, safe weekend and Happy Quirky Friday!

https://youtu.be/x_7tsRrgA2Q