I had a big smile on my face early in the morning on the day our clocks were turned back because it was light earlier finally. I know I've said it before and I know it won't happen but it should just be dark from midnight to 6 a.m. always. Wouldn't that be great?

Of course, it should only rain or snow between those hours also. Does anyone agree with me?

I know we are past Halloween, but I want to mention the Italian-American party I went to at the Carnicellii-Indelicato Post the Saturday before Halloween. It was great. The food by Joe Siracusa, the music by John Reilly, the dancing, the food, and it was a wonderful time. Their next party is Dec. 15 at the Lakeview Country Club and John Reilly will be playing for it. It also is a fundraiser for the Monsignor Gabani Scholarship Fund. The money every year is given to Auburn High School students as a scholarship. Tickets are available at Sam's Shoe Store.

There were several dinners at different churches served on Election Day. That is nice that they were offered. Any time I've attended a church dinner, the food was always very good. I think that's a nice way for the churches to raise money. There were also several craft shows, bazaars, rummage sales, bake sales and fall festivals over the weekend.

November is a busy month for me with my family. There are six birthdays within 10 days and they are all immediate family members. It seems every time I go out I have to remember to buy a birthday card. That's all right though, there are three in October, five in November but only two in December.

Well, Thanksgiving is almost here. Before I retired I always worked every holiday of the year. Actually, when you are cooking holiday dinners you're still working, aren't you. I'm so glad I have family around to celebrate all the holidays.

The weather reports are starting to talk about it getting colder and maybe snow. I know it's that time of year but I think that it should wait until Christmas Eve to have our first snowfall and that should be enough to cover a little bit but not so much as to make it hard to get around. Don't you think that is a good idea?

There are several activities for Saturday after Thanksgiving to start the Christmas season.

The parade to light the Christmas Tree starts at 6 p.m. from East Genesee Street to William Street and then to city hall to light the Christmas tree and welcome Santa.

Well, here's hoping November is a very good month for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving.

My ethnic recipe today is Polish It was given to me by Estelle Sweet. It's called Borscht the Polish way. My other recipe is for pumpkin cake bars.

Diane Sobus, of Auburn, specializes in making ethnic foods

Today's blooper

My blooper is perfect for this season. A woman's daughter told her mom she would like to have Thanksgiving at her home for the first time. Mom was very pleased that her daughter wanted to have them over for the holiday dinner.

She was very pleased until the daughter called and said, “Mom, how much soap suds should I use to wash the turkey?” Good thing she called before she did it.

Borscht the Polish way

1 Polish sausage

1 bunch medium size beets (canned beets can be used)

Salt and pepper to taste

Dash of vinegar

2 hard boiled eggs

3 quarts water

3 or 4 potatoes, cooked and mashed

Cook sausage and beets together. When cooked, cut up sausage and beets. Add vinegar, salt and pepper. Continue cooking. Add chopped eggs and mashed potatoes when ready to eat. Serve with rye bread.

4 eggs, well beaten

2 cups cooked pumpkin or one 16-ounce can

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1 yellow cake mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup chopped nuts

Whipped cream, optional

Mix eggs, pumpkin, sugar, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves together. Pour into 13-by-9-by-2 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix on top. Drizzle melted butter over mix. Spread chopped nuts over all.

Bake at 325 for one hour and 20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to keep from browning too soon for the first half of baking. Cut into squares.

Top with whipped cream. Yields two dozen.