My dear readers,

I can't believe I have been writing Recipes: Then and Now for seven years. It does not seem like that much time has slipped past. But looking back on the many articles I have created, I wonder how I did it all in such a short amount of time. I counted 163 articles. But that is not too accurate, as I did do a couple of them more than once.

To get to the point of this 'letter to my friends,' my father is in failing health. I have been needed in Iowa to help care for him. And I will be needed again, when and for how long no one can tell. I do not in the least mind this duty but it does cause me much trouble in getting an article ready for The Gazette. And turned in on time. So it is with much sadness I must let this part of my life go for now. I may return someday but I just can't commit to a specific date, season or even year. For now I will focus my thoughts and energies on the good and proper care of Dad.

As for my plans for the future? I will, of course, continue collecting cook books, though I do have a new rule: if a new book comes in an old one must go out. I'm pretty good with this rule (so far) so I will not become overwhelmed by cook books.

I will also continue to cook. That is something I could not stop doing. It is just a part of who I am. My cooking is a very real way to express my love to those around me. The good food I fix keeps them coming back for more. And that is exactly what I want. I do hope you will do the same for the ones you love.

I am sure I will miss the time I spend at the computer talking to you. While writing these articles over the years I have always felt as though I were just writing to a friend. I will miss that, a lot. As a good-bye gift I wish I could bake some brownies and share them with you right now. That is what friends do, right? You probably regret that I can't as much as I do!

I will treasure my memories of my meeting with a few of you and the letters and emails I have received from others. I hope you have gained something from my seven years as a cooking writer. I have gained so much. Thank you and keep on cooking.