Karen’s Opinion

It is hard to believe but it is time, once again, for our church’s rejoicing service. This is the service where the choir sings songs celebrating the birth of Christ. Sometimes we have groups from different high schools perform their Christmas show. It is a fun, relaxing time of singing, reflecting and laughter.

After the service, we gather for food. We are asked to bring something to snack on and this is often the time when our best cooks show off. It is no time to be on a diet!

While at my sister’s house over the Thanksgiving holidays, my niece made Oreo Balls. OMG! They are wonderful. I shall be making these for the rejoicing service/tasting party.

Oreo Balls
Ingredients

1 package regular size Oreo cookies, crushed
1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 package white almond bark
1 package chocolate almond bark

Directions

Using a blender or hand held mixer, mix Oreos and cream cheese together.
Roll into walnut size balls.
Chill for an hour.
Melt approximately 3/4 package of white almond bark.
Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white almond bark.
Allow to harden on wax paper.
Takes about 15 min.
While waiting, melt about 1/4 package of chocolate almond bark.
When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond bark.
Use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the almond bark.

Has anyone made these? Why am I just now finding out about them? LOL

1. I really need to clean my _________?
Quilt books and patterns. They have been thrown in a pile and look very messy.
2. What food makes you think of Christmas?eggnog

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? 25, that is when my first child was born. I would love to have kept her a baby forever.
4. What was your first paying job?I drove an ice cream truck.
5. Have you read the Twilight series?Yes, I have. I worry about the effect the latest movie will have on teen pregnancy. I haven’t seen Breaking Dawn yet so I am hoping it is dealt with in a good way since so many impressionable young people will watch this movie.

Our family has traveled in Kentucky many times. It seems as if each time we visit this beautiful state, we see something new. This time, we saw a sign for the Middle Creek National Battlefield near Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Being curious, I looked online for information and found the following:

From Kentucky Tourism.com

The Middle Creek National Battlefield (January 10, 1862) is the site of the largest and most significant Civil War battle in Eastern Kentucky. Union forces were led by Col. James A. Garfield and Confederate troops by Brig. Gen. Humphrey Marshall. Stroll along two distinct walking paths that are enhanced with informative interpretive panels. These superb panels explain the strategic offensive and defensive measures that were implemented by the Confederate and Union troops. Fully interpretive. Two walking trails – confederate & union loop trails. Free (donations accepted).

From the National Historic Landmarks Program:
Control of Kentucky was very important to President Abraham Lincoln, who had been born there and appreciated its strategic value. The Eastern Kentucky campaign that resulted in this battle was part of the overall Union strategy to keep Kentucky within the fold. At the Battle of Middle Creek (January 10, 1862), Union forces led by Col. James A. Garfield met and defeated Rebel forces under the command of Brig. Gen. Humphrey Marshall, thus securing Eastern Tennessee. The battle was an important early victory for the Union and brought hope to a disheartened Northern population.

Construction of a flag pole plaza consisting of three poles, placement of split rail fencing on various areas of the interpretive trails.

This site is “The battlefield where future president Col. James A. Garfield made his name and earned promotion to brigadier general will open to the public this month.” Check out this article at Civil War News.

This site