It was very interesting to read about Holy Family and what they would like to do to help people in need. Luckily I was brought up by a family who was very, very good about helping people. From the time I was old enough to remember until well into my teens, we usually had someone living with us temporarily until they could get back on their feet.

My father was a firm believer in helping people since he had lost his mother when he was born and his father when he was 2 years old. The village he lived in took care of him and his family. First, we had a lady and her two daughters for a couple of years until the girls were old enough to work. The mother couldn't because she did not speak or understand English. Then her goddaughter came and lived with us. One of the girls became Miss Albany in the city beauty contest. After they were able to get an apartment of their own, a woman with a daughter and two sons stayed with us. Of course, my mom's twin sister Mickey was also living with us. When the boys were able to work, they got their own apartment.

After we moved to Auburn, my dad got a phone call asking him if the admiral of a Greek ship that had docked on the Hudson River could stay with us. He was retiring and not going back to Greece, but wanted to move to Canada. He needed a place to stay and could we help him? Of course, Dad said yes and he was with us several months. That was some experience. He never forgot he was always in charge, so he had no idea how to take suggestions or directions. Those few months he stayed with us I could tell countless stories, but I'll just say it was interesting.

After that, my Aunt Sophie and grandmother came from Greece to live with us. When my family moved to Washington, my two aunts and grandmother got an apartment across the hall from my parents and sister. So you see, I was lucky. Now it seems the people who need help must not have families or friends that are available.

The other thing I remember is on holidays we always had a few guests who would have spent their time alone if we hadn't invited them to our home.

I sincerely hope that those who are in need of assistance do get some help soon, especially with winter on the way.

Well, the first day of autumn came and went. Soon it will be time to turn the clock back.

My ethnic recipe this week is Greek Azgolememo (Greek lemon soup). My other recipe is for hash brown casserole.

This week's blooper

My blooper this week is not a kitchen blooper but I couldn't resist sharing this incident that happened to a friend last week. She couldn't find her slippers. She looked under the bed.

She looked under the couch. She looked under the chair where she watched TV. No slippers, so she sat down. On her slippers.

Diane Sobus, of Auburn, specializes in making ethnic foods.

Greek Azgolememo

Makes 4 servings

1 pound chicken, boiled for broth (remove chicken and use broth only)

Or use 2 cans chicken broth and 2 cups water

2 teaspoons dried parsley

1/3 to 1/2 cup long grain rice, uncooked

Salt and pepper to taste

2 eggs

Juice of 1 lemon

Bring broth to boil. Add parsley and rice until cooked. Beat eggs well and slowly. Add lemon juice while still beating. Slowly add hot broth to egg mixture, 1/2 cup at a time.

Continue stirring. Cook over very low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Do not boil.

Hash brown casserole

2 pounds hash browns

1/2 cup melted margarine

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 pint sour cream

10 ounces grated cheddar cheese

Thaw potatoes. Mix all ingredients. Put in casserole. Sprinkle with 2 cups crushed corn flakes, mixed with 1/2 cup melted margarine. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours.