Even in uncertain times, there’s a lot to be thankful for

Well, the election is over. Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is fast approaching. Half of the nation was happy and the other half not so much. Whatever your beliefs we’re all Americans, then Nevadans and Carsonites. We as a nation, state and city still have a lot to be thankful for. In times like these, uncertain, you have to be aware and willing to do a little more to support those causes that are important to you.

I just dropped off a check at the Sheriff’s Office for Holiday with a Hero. I encourage others to do the same if you can. It’s a wonderful event for some of the children in our community who could use some extra Christmas cheer and this event does that and more. Shopping, wrapping and just being a part of this day makes you feel just as happy as the kids.

This Friday after the Christmas tree lighting downtown is another chance to help FISH and score some terrific soup from our local restaurants and businesses. Empty Bowls supports this cause all year with the making or painting of pottery bowls and then donating the money to FISH. This is the second year it will be held at the Presbyterian Church. It’s festive, warm and a great place to gather and see your friends and neighbors. I’ll be there serving New Orleans Style Bread Pudding next to Charlie and Karen from Adele’s who will be serving his famous chili. You can even do some shopping because the silent auction has some great buys.

Buy an extra toy while you’re shopping and drop if off at Ron Wood Family Resource Center for their Toys for Tots drive. You can also drop one off at Adele’s when they have their Cookies with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. I always have an extra stash of dollar bills in my pocket this time of year to put in the kettle for the Salvation Army bell ringers.

Don’t have any extra to spare this year? The Bridge Church on Washington Street feeds the homeless five days a week Monday through Friday. Drop by and volunteer to serve or help with the dishes. Time and food donations are always appreciated.

My friend DeeDee Foremaster from Do Drop In is an advocate for many homeless in our area and when I’m at Costco I pick up an extra 10 pounds of sugar and coffee to help her out. I also save all my travel shampoos, soaps and lotions to give to her. They can always use blankets, coats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, shoes and socks. Clean and used is fine. Their address is 1895 E. Long St. on the corner of Long and Humbolt streets. They really take all sorts of donations because once they help their clients get housing they also help with what they might need to set up a household. At this time of year they need help themselves with their heating bill. Their P.O. Box is 3177 Carson City, 89702. They’re a nonprofit as well.

I’ll leave you with this quote I saw on one of my friend’s Facebook post.

“As we grow older our Christmas list gets shorter and we find out that the things we really want can’t be bought.”

The recipe I’m going to share with you today is great for the holidays and anytime it’s chilly out. It’s not too sweet or strong and really goes well with anything you want to nosh on.

Mulled Red Wine

Ingredients

1 bottle of red wine (I like to use a blend, not too dry and not more than $5, Grocery Outlet and Trader Joe’s have the best selection in this price range).

4 cups apple cider

1/4 cup honey

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange, zested and juiced

4 cloves

3 star anise (you can purchase these at World Market)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a pot, heat slowly and don’t let it boil. Pour through a strainer and serve in a crock pot or from the stove. I make mine and put it in the fridge and that way I have it to heat up one glass at a time. Enjoy.

Linda Marrone, a longtime Carson resident, manages the 3rd & Curry Street Farmers Market and is the director of Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association.