The books I have read recently are:

The Panther by Nelson DeMille was a very fast moving story featuring federal agent John Corey. It takes place in Yemen and Aden, and covers a lot of the culture of the middle east. John Corey and his wife, Kate Mayfield who is an FBI agent, are sent to Yemen with a promise of job promotions and security when they return. They are tracking a killer known as the Panther. The Panther is ruthless. This killer was born and raised in the United States, but totally committed to attacks on the U.S. It is fast moving and a good read.

I thought Merry Christmas Alex Cross is one of James Patterson's better books in quite a while. Alex Cross get called out on Christmas Eve to catch a thief who is robbing his church's poor box. He returns home to celebrate with his family and is called out to a dangerous hostage situation. The Alex Cross novels contain a lot of good family values and revolve around a very close family (including Alex's 90 year old grandmother - Nana Mama). I think it will be a classic Christmas read for fans of James Patterson.

Please put your comments below and let me know what you think.

Merry Christmas from Southwood Library

The following are a couple of favorite recipes for the holiday season.

A really good casserole for brunch is: Hash Brown Casserole

6 large eggs, well beaten

1 can (12 fluid oz.) Evaporated milk

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 pkg (30 oz) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

1 cup diced ham (optional)

I also add some chopped plum tomatoes

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 13x9 inches baking dish.

Combine eggs, evaporated milk, salt and black pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, cheese, onion, bell pepper and ham, if desired; mix well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until set.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My quick and easy treat is: Marshmallow Balls

In a double boiler or heavy pan heat:

1 can condensed milk

6 bars MacIntosh toffed (4-5 bags of wrapped toffees)

1 cup margarine

Dip large marshmallows in mixture, then roll in Rice Krispies or Special K.

At Christmas I use the green and red Rice Krispies. These can be frozen and are very tasty.

Jessica McNulty

Born and raised in Calgary, I was the third of five daughters born to my mother, Beverley. I am twenty-three years old, currently work at the Fishcreek Library and am completing my degree in Psychology atMount RoyalUniversity. I am always inspired by my sisters, Amanda, April, Kattie-Lynn and Holley and by my strong-willed mother. My family includes my dogs, Ranger and Brooke along with Nana, Sable and Kiska who have sadly passed away. At a young age, I discovered my love for art and hope to one day fulfill my passion by working in the field of art.

My hope is for these creative pieces to inspire passion and an appreciation for life. The world surrounding us is the open door to all things possible but you need to take the first step forward. For me, inspiration comes from anything; a subtle glance, a child’s teddy, that slanted look from a puppy. I encourage people to open their eyes, ask questions, discover inspiration and embrace curiosity.

Carolyn Jerrard

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, moved to Calgary in 2009. Wife and mother of one, currently a homemaker but also studying International Relations part time at the UofC. Have been painting on and off for over 10 years, but started seriously thinking

about pursuing art in 2010.

To me, the greatest inspiration for art is nature. The vivid colors, textures, and extraordinary way elements of nature blend together creating beauty drive me to attempt

to capture it on canvas. I believe that everyone

sees art in their own way and that is why I love to create custom pieces for individuals using colors from nature that grab them.

Sandi Gamvrelis

Sandi Gamvrelis discovered her love of oil painting four years ago. Her paintings are

vibrant in colour and include mostly prairie and mountain landscapes – places she holds dear to her heart. Sandi has lived in the community of Southwood for over fifteen years.

She can be contacted at sandigam@shaw.ca.