Happy Holidays 2014 - Felices Fiestas Navideñas 2014

At this time of the year of family reunions and special memories, I would like to wish all of you a special celebration.  Stay safe if you travel.

En esta época navideña de reuniones en familia, les deseo a todos unas felices fiestas con muy bonitos recuerdos.   Tengan precaución si es que tengan que viajar.

The HookDude

La Merienda de la Tarde - An Afternoon Snack

I still have vivid memories of getting out of school and stopping at my grandma Conchita's for "la merienda" or afternoon snack.   For me it was usually Mexican hot chocolate or cold chocolate milk and a piece of Mexican sweet bread or pastry.  Guëlita (Spanish for Grandma) would give me a nickel and I'd run to the corner grocery store run by Doña María and buy a pastry from an assortment of Mexican pastry that was displayed.  My favorite was called a "regalo" a square of thin pastry filled with red jelly or jam.  Calories and high cholesterol were unheard of in those days.  "La merienda" was my favorite part of the day.  Many children and adults in Latin-American countries and in the USA still look forward to the afternoon "merienda".
That was about 55 years ago in my hometown.  These days, I stay away from these sweet delicacies.

An Assortment of Mexican Pastries Found at Neighborhood Bakeries

Mexican pastries from a local "Panadería" (bakery)

Tengo bonitos recuerdos de mi niñez cuando salía de clase y pasaba por la casa de mi abuela para la merienda.  Típicamente, la merienda consistía de una taza de chocolate caliente o un vaso de leche con chocolate y pan de dulce.  Guëlita me daba un cinco para ir a la tiendita de Doña María ubicada a unos 200 pies de su casa para comprarme una pieza de pan de dulce.  Mi favorito era el "regalo" una pieza cuadrada de pan con mermelada por dentro.  En aquella época, se desconocían las calorías y el colesterol.  Para mí, la merienda era el tiempo preferido de la tarde.   Muchos niños y adultos en países latino-americanos y en EE. UU. todavía anticipan la "hora de la merienda".  Mis recuerdos son de mi niñez de hace 55 años.  Ahora, hago un gran esfuerzo de no entrar en una panadería y me alejo lo más que puedo de estas delicias azucaradas. 

The HookDude

Happy Festival of Lights - Happy Hanukkah

For all of you out there who celebrate this year's Festival of Lights, I want to say Happy Hanukkah.  

May this feast bring much light and peace into your lives.  

Thank you for stopping by and visiting.  Stay well and be safe.

The HookDude

Happy Thanksgiving 2014 - Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias

We often times take things and life for granted.  I believe that what has happened is that we live life going 100 miles per hour, and we forget that we should savor every moment of the day.   Life is precious, and we must enjoy it while we have it.

I hope that each and everyone of you celebrates this Thanksgiving in your own special way.  Be thankful for just being.  

Que este día de Acción de Gracias sea muy especial para cada uno de ustedes.  Celébrenlo en la manera más apropiada según vuestras costumbres.   Demos gracias simplemente por nuestra existencia.

The HookDude

Join the Fight Against Cancer

You can join the fight against cancer and bring out your hooks or knitting needles to make a chemo hat for someone you know or as a donation.

It doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Remember to keep the body of the hat closed.   Try to stay away from lacy or open stitches, and choose your yarn wisely.  Wool can be uncomfortable on the skin of many persons.  Light-weight yarns are ideal for year-round comfort.  Consider a light cotton or acrylic blend.

You can go to my Ravelry page and download the free pattern by going to this ravelry link  

Thank you for stopping by.   

The HookDude