Dear Lisa......

"Here are some candy recipes I made this Christmas. I hope you enjoy and can read them.

I usually chop the nuts and wrap individual pieces and store in (sic) cool place.

We are doing pretty good, you might say we are getting by.

The weather has been very cold. We have had some snow (sic) expecting more.

Talked to your mother last Sunday (sic) always enjoy our visits by phone.

We miss our loved ones.

We love you.

Grandma"

I rediscovered this note in a dainty spidery hand dated 2/14/05 (yes 2/14, St. Valentine's Day) tucked behind handwritten recipes in my personal recipe collection from my "GG", my Grandmother Galeski for her Pralines, Divinity and Fudge that she made EVERY Christmas. Treats that I dreamed of and lusted after for an entire year.

"Visions of sugarplums"

I had written her and begged her to send me these treasures in her own hand.

And she did. She would live three more years. My grandfather, just one more.

I have these treasures to share and this Christmas they will find their way into the hearts and homes of my family and friends packaged in beautiful little bags, beribboned with a tag reading "From GG, With Love"


side note

My oldest has always called my mother "GiGi"

I don't know why I didn't notice it until tonight....but my Grandmother Galeski's initials are "GG"

Fate? Coincidence?

Who knows. All I know for sure is that in my mind, I was 8 again, curled under her arm, trading confidences and nibbling on sweets.

I miss my GG