"Cardinals are messengers sent to bring sweet memories from those we love in Heaven!"
I am delighted to discover redbirds here in the East. Daily, three couples bring their joyous song to my bedroom window. I see them darting amongst the trees, perched outside kitchen window when I trek in for my coffee. Legend says that these cardinals are visitors from Heaven. Synonymous with Christmas for their scarlet plumage, they remind us of the Christchild who the angels heralded in Bethlehem, who later died for our sins.
Cardinals are one of the few birds who, the male and female both sing in response to one another. Of course, as with all birds, the male is bold and bright, while the female, is a creamy caramel with subtle scarlet highlights. Earlier in the season, I caught sight of their young, fluffy chicks one morning. As the messengers from Heaven, carrying down sweet memories from those we love...I think of my Pop. I remember the friends and other family members who have also gone Home. Each one casting a different memory. I hold close those who are dear to me, who have lost loved ones. God promises to be near to the brokenhearted and I pray that He enfolds them in HIS mighty love and comfort this holiday season.
One of my favorite traditions is making a batch of my Pop's famous fudge. Of course, I need my hubby to help, as he stirs the thickening chocolate best. I cherish many fond memories of my Pop, but one brings a smile everytime. He adored chocolate covered pecans and every holiday, birthday, etc we would hear the same speech from him, "I don't need anything, I don't want anything, save your money." Until the year I discovered how to make homemade chocolate covered pecans. He opened the package, took one, ate it and proceeded out to the van to hide the rest! From then, on until we lost him a handful of years later, he would give us all the same speech until just before Christmas, when he would whisper to me, "I sure hope I get those yummy pecans again this year." We have been without him fifteen years and he would have been 88 years old today. I miss him every day. Happy Birthday, Pop!
Pop's Fudge
18 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 14 ounce can of Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
pinch salt
1 cup chopped pecans
line a 8" square pan with wax paper or aluminum foil, set aside.
In heavy 2 qt saucepan, stir chocolate chips, milk and salt over low heat until melted.
Remove from heat.
stir in vanilla and nuts.
spread evenly in pan. Refrigerate two hours to cool.