“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” –JAMES KELLER
... CONTINUED FROM COVER
someone had referred a painting company to me several years ago. I called the number and talked with Diann, telling her we needed some painting done … and timidly asked if by any chance they would do sheetrock repair? She said, “Yes, we can do that. Would you like me to send someone out for a quote?” Within a few days, Mark came out to look things over and take measurements. Then Diann came out and knowledgably discussed colors. Then one thing led to the next, and soon we were painting most of the house! What started as a ceiling repair turned into a significant job overall. The quote came promptly, and we were very pleased with how fairly priced it was, too. We had a good feeling about them, and they seemed honest and wanted to help. Plus, they could start the job the next week — all very good indications we were on the right track!
So, last week the painters came. To say magic happened right before our eyes would be an
understatement. They were fast, clean, and quiet. You couldn’t even tell we had workers in the house. Drapes down, blinds removed, room and trim painted, and then blinds and drapes replaced. And all in the same day. Plus, I was impressed they could paint the trim around the windowpanes without tape and not get any paint on the glass, either. I came away from that thinking, “I bet everyone thinks they can paint, but when you let someone do it who really knows what they’re doing, you realize it’s best for everyone if you let the professionals handle it.” And that’s a perfect segue to talk about vacation planning. A lot of people do it on their own, but it’s a better experience for everyone when it’s left to the hands of the professionals. Plus, it’s a faster, easier, and more efficient process — and it’s often cheaper, too. And now that the professionals have come to our home, no one will ever know that “Carol was here” when they sleep in the guest bedroom!
Drop Doughnuts
I found this recipe in Taste of Home back in 1996 when looking for a way to use up mashed potatoes from dinner the night before. It has become a family favorite!
Ingredients • 1/2 cup mashed
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
potatoes (with milk and butter)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• Topping:
• 1/2 cup sour cream
cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions 1. Heat oil in an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer to 375 F. 2. In a bowl, combine potatoes, sugar, egg, sour cream, and vanilla. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients; stir into potato mixture. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, 5 or 6 at a time, into hot oil. Fry for 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Roll in powdered or cinnamon-sugar mixture and serve immediately. Yield: 3 to 3 1/2 dozen.
P.S. If you’re in the Atlanta area, I recommend you contact Diann with Five Star Painting for a quote, 404.375.8530 , and tell her we highly recommended their services! —Carol Shaddix
• 3 770.421.9627
Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
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