I have a question you can ask yourself. You can be very truthful with the answer because you will be the only one to know the answer.

Haven't the past two holiday weeks made you feel more exhausted than you can ever remember?

I'll share my answer with you - it's yes. All the Christmas shopping and activities haven't been the only thing that tired me out. I don't know about anyone else, but for me the windy, windy weather we kept having pretty much knocked me for a loop when I'd walk out the door. Watching the waves down at our right of way at the lake convinced me it was even windier. At least it seemed that way.

I've had several calls from friends who are in warmer climates for the season, and they all sound so good and so happy to be so well and so nice and warm. Of course, I have invitations to come visit every time I speak with one of them. I think that means I must go.

Reading about the many fundraisers held in the community these past few weeks was so comforting to know that people in need are being thought of. What was even more comforting to know is that Auburn youth are part of this.

I think the Christmas lights and decorations should stay with us longer than they do. Wouldn't it be nice to have different sets of lights to use to put on the houses at different times of the year? Maybe decorate two or three times a year instead of once.

I went to a Christmas party that was great. There were seven of us “ladies.” A friend of mine has it every year. The food was so delicious. We had such a good time - talking constantly, laughing, reminiscing, sharing different funny things that had happened to us. It was amazing how similar our opinions about things had become.

I had a couple of nice surprises this holiday. A couple relatives I hadn't heard from for quite awhile called me. We had such nice conversations and each one of us learned something we didn't know about our ancestors. I hope it becomes a habit to contact each other a few more times a year.

The other thing was seeing a few former classmates I hadn't seen in years. We just happened to be out shopping at the same time in the same store.

Did you stay up and watch the new year come in? I planned on staying up. I have done that for years. I love it and was enjoying all the celebrating in Times Square waiting for the ball to drop.

This year, I was awake until 10 minutes before midnight and then fell asleep. My daughter called me just after midnight to wish me a “Happy New Year.” This was the first time I missed the glitter ball coming down. I can't believe I fell asleep.

Well, our New Year has started and I hope it will be a healthy, happy one for all.

Happy New Year!

My ethnic recipe this week is Austrian. It's called schinkenfleckerln (noodles with ham). My other recipe is for sweet potato pudding.

Today's blooper

My blooper today is about a friend who baked a pumpkin pie for her dinner party. She forgot to put sugar in it. She had to scrape the pumpkin filling out of the crust, add sugar and cream, then replace the filling into the crust. Then she had to decorate it with whipped cream. That was certainly a project when you are getting ready for company.

Diana Sobus, of Auburn, specializes in making ethnic foods

Schinkenfleckerln (Noodles with Ham)

Makes 4 servings

1/3 cup butter

1 medium onion, minced

3 cups cooked ham, cubed

4 cups medium egg noodles, cooked

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon caraway seed

Heat butter in large skillet.

Saute onion until soft and golden.

Add ham and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add remaining ingredients and toss together.

Cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated through. Stir frequently.

To make this authentic, you can break the noodles into 3/4 inch pieces before you cook them.

Sweet Potato Pudding

Makes 6 servings

3 cups grated, raw sweet potatoes

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 cup milk

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoon melted butter

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Blend well.

Pour into buttered 12- by 8- by 2-inch pan.

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Serve warm or cold with cream or ice cream.