The sweet friends in my life....

When I host a big dinner for my friends - especially like the one I did during CIAA - many times my 'regular folk' friends will call or text the next day or the following week to see how everything went. Not only are they interested in what I do for my friends, they genuinely care about me and enjoy seeing me so happy.

I have one neighbor who has been so supportive and encouraging since my very first dinner 8-1/2 years ago. The week following my big lasagna dinner for CIAA, I found an envelope in my mailbox from my sweet friend and neighbor.

It was so thoughtful and unexpected. I will tuck it away in a safe place for the next dinner.  ♥

An epiphany for AHOP....

This week has been a GREAT week! It didn't really start out that way though. Just a lot on my mind about work, about life (my life), and about AHOP.  

AHOP has been going in different directions for a while now, and it has changed a lot in the last four years. I think about 'what's next?' all the time. Not that that's a bad thing. I just think about it a lot.  

Then Tuesday night, the tide changed and Annie had an epiphany. I think some may refer to it as an 'ah-ha' moment. 

I made a special cream puff drop to my new friends in the Metro Division. This was my second puff drop to these big-hearted 3rd shift officers. I have gotten to know them through my volunteer work in the gift shop, and I knew there was something special about them because they never fail to stop by the gift shop to say 'thank you' before they leave. They are all just super nice and a class act. 

So when I emailed one of the officers to set up a day and time to stop by, I received an email back saying "they would wait for me outside and greet me with open arms." 

Well, they weren't kidding! They surprised me with these lovely spring flowers and a thank you card. 

I won't tell you how many cream puffs each officer had (I plead the 5th...what happens at AHOP, stays at AHOP), but I will say that they LOVE them! I stayed for roll call and had such a nice visit. 

So here's where the epiphany comes in....

I have been so busy moping around missing my 'family around the table', that I didn't take notice at how much the officers all over the city were enjoying the other stuff I was doing. I kept thinking I wasn't doing 'enough' or making a difference because I wasn't serving my friends at the table.

But to the contrary. After receiving the text message on Monday from my friend Sharon, and my wonderful visit on Tuesday -- well, I thought my heart would explode with happiness on the way home.

If making cream puffs and other treats is all God wants me to do right now, I can do that! AHOP has evolved once already and she will probably evolve again....I just need to listen to God's still small voice.

♥

Saturday at AHOP....and all is right with the world

Ten officers came for breakfast yesterday -- my first AHOP breakfast since August 25. I was so happy to see the first blue and white round the corner, and then seeing them all gathered at my dining room table again talking about their week. I thought my heart would explode - I was so happy.  One officer came and it was his day off. Big-hearted, I tell you! 

On my August 28 post, I posted a cool video on how to separate egg yolks. I could hardly wait to show the guys my newly discovered talent. It was great! The table got real quiet, I separated the egg yolk, and then all six officers, simultaneously, went ...."WHOA!!!!!!" And then laughter broke out. They loved it! Thanks again to my friend, Kat, for sharing this with me.  

And look at this....AHOP received a few awesome gifts!  

My friend and colleague, Kelly N, emailed me one morning and said "I have a donation for AHOP....it's in the freezer." When the weather gets a little cooler, I'll start making sausage gravy again, so these little guys are hangin' out in the freezer until then. Thank you, Kelly! This $aves me a lot and you are a gem for thinking of me and my officers!  

And one of my high school classmates, David L, sent AHOP some real Costa Rican coffee that he purchased especially for AHOP during a recent visit to Costa Rica. It is delicious! So good, that when I dragged my tired, old body into bed last night, my last thought before I closed my eyes was "oh, I can hardly wait to have that coffee in the morning." David and I aren't 100 percent sure, but we think we were in the same typing class back in high school. Who knew, 36 years later, he would be sending me coffee for AHOP. Isn't life grand!

My break is over -- the boys and girls are back -- and all is right with the world!   ♥

This is a picture from my very first post - 8.14.11

A post-DNC thank you!

So proud of our CMPD and all of the law enforcement officers who came in from around the country to help keep Charlotte safe during the Democratic National Convention (DNC).  They made the City of Charlotte shine last week.  We are honored to have such a great law enforcement team in Charlotte, protecting and serving the citizens of Mecklenburg County.

I wanted to make my officers in the South Division (my area) a special after-DNC surprise in appreciation for all their hard work and long hours.  I haven't made a special candy bar wrapper since Easter, and before that it was Valentine's Day, so I thought now might be a good time.  South, Central and North divisions received my Easter candy bars, so this time I made some for the Steele Creek division, in addition to South, with my thanks for an awesome job last week.  I hope they will enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.  Love you guys too!   

I was super nervous about delivering my gift to Steele Creek today.  And as many times as I have stopped by my own division, I still get a knot in my stomach before I go.  It's like everyone is crazy busy, and then here I come -- little ol' me -- with my candy bars, or whatever it happens to be.  So out of my element.       

And here's some surprising news.....I wrapped 108 Hershey candy bars (w/ Almonds) for the South Division and 108 candy bars for Steele Creek.  That's 216 candy bars total and I didn't eat NOT ONE! It's a near miracle.  Wow is all I can say!  

Didn't they turn out cute!!

Click on picture to enlarge

 My pictures didn't turn out very good. 

Thank you Harris Teeter!

My sincere thanks to a few Harris Teeter stores located in the CMPD South Division for their generosity that extends far beyond their grocery store walls.  They have big hearts for the community and have so graciously contributed towards a special July 4th dinner I’m having for my CMPD 2nd shift.  I'm cooking up some Smithfield Baby Back Ribs (but don't let them know....it's a secret.)  I will do a follow-up story after the dinner w/ pictures, and will share my fool-proof recipe for amazing ribs, but I couldn't wait to share my special blessing. The following stores have said "we'd love to help", and I still have a few more stores to visit. :) 

www.harristeeter.com

• Store #11 – Ballantyne Commons
• Store #204 – Quail Corners
• Store #66 – Stonecrest
• Store #294 – Old Towne
• Store #30  –  Arboretum
• Store #27  – The Shops at Blakeney

Thank you Harris Teeter!

This little piggy bank went to AHOP!

Ever since my first breakfast on June 26, 2010, my breakfast bunch has been pleading with me to start a tip jar of some kind so they could contribute a few bucks to help defray some of the grocery expense. And, every time they asked, the answer was the same -- no, no, no! I felt like if they started paying for it, then I wouldn't feel the joy I get for doing this for them. They graciously, yet reluctantly, said OK...but the subject would always come up. They simply didn't feel right about it and wanted to help.

So in January 2012, I emailed one of the morning Sergeants and surrendered the white flag. I knew I was out-numbered and fighting a losing battle, and I wanted them to feel good about coming to AHOP. My concession didn't come without stipulations though. I laid down the AHOP law (yeah, right....sounds funny, doesn't it...me telling the police how it's gonna be?)  But it was important to me that they understood AHOP wasn't about the tip jar....and they knew that.  

After conceding, I realized my joy isn't just in just buying the groceries. It's in the prep work the night before -- frying the bacon, setting the table, premeasuring ingredients, and remembering to take the butter out of the refrigerator so it has time to soften. And the day of -- waking up at 4:30 am,  remembering to put the honey, ketchup and the Chipotle Hot Sauce (for Sgt. B) on the table, cracking those eggs and flippin' those pancakes.

My joy is in the anticipation of seeing my friends again.

This past Saturday, Ofc. Greg surprised me with this cute little piggy bank for the table.
  

I love it!  

Happy Easter to YOU and my Cops of EGGcellance!

Have you missed me? Nothing makes time fly faster than when you're trying to keep up with a blog. Several contributing factors to my absenteeism … first, I hurt my back (much better) and, as usual, I can't remember to take pictures (not much better.) When I cook breakfast and dinner for these guys, they fix their plates and before I slow down long enough to even think about taking a picture, there is nothing left to take a picture of. Maybe I need to keep the camera ON THE TABLE, and they can help me out with this one little minor detail. I keep telling them "my friends think I'm making you up...I need pictures!"

Anyway, I had fun last weekend making lunch instead of breakfast for 1^st shift. I slept in until 6:00 am and actually had time for a cup of coffee and the morning news. Having these guys come for lunch instead of breakfast threw me off though – all day – my Saturday felt like a weekday.  I’m not sure why.  Regardless, it was a blast.

Another reason I haven't been posting....a big Easter project! I made three Easter baskets (324 candy bars), and this little Easter bunny hopped all over town – delivering them to three divisions – South (my division), North, and Central. So much fun to do! 

(Notice the handcuffs on Bugs Bunny)

(Back of wrapper - click once to enlarge photo)

This beautiful Easter lily was a gift from a 2nd shift officer who came for dinner
Tuesday night. Lovely! I will replant it outside to enjoy next year, and the year after. 

May the joy and the blessings of Easter fill your heart with special happiness.

Happy Easter! ♥

An unexpected blessing....

Today I received an unexpected blessing. My Cops w/ Hearts (10 big hearts) came for dinner tonight and I was busy running around all over town with last minute errands. While nothing makes me happier than to see Charlotte's finest at my table, they weren't my unexpected blessing -- not this time.

Tonight's Menu

Classic Crock Pot Lasagna (recipe...it was yummy)

Salad

Garlic Bread

Sweet Tea (recipe)

Southern Banana Pudding (recipe)

Old-time Root Beer floats in a frosty mug

Yes....I made three!

Deliciousness!

I think I am the most happiest when my little brain is busy thinking and planning even the most minor detail for an AHOP breakfast or dinner. When the root beer float idea came to me...well...I just had to have the old-time red-striped paper straws. I thought they would be really hard to find, but I didn't have to look far...which leads me to my unexpected blessing....the kind staff at Sur La Table. Sur La Table is the culinary/kitchen store of all stores for culinary chefs, chef wanabees, and amateur cooks like myself. As soon as you enter the store, you want to buy something useful and go home and cook something good....something very, very good! Not only did they have the red-striped paper straws I wanted, but when I shared what the straws were for and WHO they were for, they offered me their Culinary Professional Discount Card with their thanks in honor of my officers. Thank you, Kimberley! If you ever read this....you were my unexpected blessing today.
  

Root beer, vanilla ice cream -- so simple, so delicious!

Thank you Sur La Table....and my officers thank you too!  

Happy Valentine's Day to my Cops w/ He♥rts

I love Valentine's Day!  Okay, so I know it's insanely commercialized, but I still love it.  And, while I don't think you should limit one day out of the year to let someone special in your life know how much you care for them (there are, after all, 364 other days), it is a holiday set aside for sweethearts, for lovers, for friends, for hopeless romantics, and for AHOP!  

I wanted to do something for my officers to commemorate this fun day.  I designed a candy bar wrapper last summer for another event and everybody seemed to like them, so I thought a Valentine's wrapper would be fun to do.  

Making candy wrappers is a great idea for any occasion (birthdays, weddings, baby showers, holidays, etc.)  I designed this wrapper with the special hearts of the South Division in mind.  I used PowerPoint and had to tweak it a lot to get the size just right, but I think they turned out cute.  100+ Hershey Almond Candy Bars later, this is the end result.  The timing of this gift was not the greatest since a lot of my officers are doing the 'Biggest Loser' challenge and competing among the other divisions...but oh well.

To my friends and readers, wherever you are, I encourage you to do something for the officers who patrol and keep your neighborhood safe.  I can tell you first-hand that they don't hear 'thank you' enough.  They will absolutely love you for it, and you will LOVE every minute you put into it.

Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

    

(click once on photo to enlarge)

The back of the candy wrapper didn't come out very clear in the photo, but this is what it looked like.
  

Doorstep surprises.....

Yesterday was a breakfast Saturday. It was cold and rainy outside, but warm and cozy inside.

I'm always in the kitchen finishing up when  the first two officers arrive, and I have to laugh because so many times I will hear...."oh, it smells so good in here!"  It's the aroma of bacon and coffee -- the combination is unmistakable. But those words will warm the heart of any cook. And I use the word 'cook' lightly --  I'm not a real cook.

As I walked the last two officers out, we were chatting for a few extra minutes at my doorstep when I happened to look down and said "hey, look....somebody left me a surprise."  It was a bottle of real maple syrup in a really cool leaf bottle.  There was no note so I didn't know at first who my secret gift-giver was.

I went back inside and took my post-breakfast three hour sofa nap.  Later that afternoon, I received an email from my secret gift-giver....my friend, Hildy S.

Thank you, Miss Hildy, for my doorstep surprise -- rest assured your thoughtfulness will be enjoyed by all.

A very special gift, from my very special friends!

Now that we have said hello to 2012, I wanted to share my special gift from my friends in blue! 

My last Saturday breakfast just happened to fall on Christmas Eve.  Twelve officers came and it was so festive.  My little house was decorated inside and out.  Even breakfast seemed to turn out a little better than usual.  It was the usual ... scrambled eggs w/cheese, applesauce pancakes, bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, OJ and coffee. 

After breakfast we all gathered in the living room to open the big box they walked in with, which happened to have my name on it. Whatever was inside they said was fragile.  It was packed so well with bubble wrap that it took two officers to cut through all the packing tape.  This is when I learned my heat packing friends are also packing pocket knives.  Well, I never in a million years would have guessed what was inside this box.  My friends gave me my very own neon sign to commemorate AHOP.  AHOP has a sign!!  What an amazing and thoughtful gift from my friends in the South Division.  If ever I question again whether or not these guys really enjoy coming to my house for breakfast and dinner, I will just look at this sign and know that they do!  

I love these officers.  I can't hardly say the words without welling up with tears.  They make my life a better life, and for that I am so thankful.  I wish everybody could see them through my eyes – they have the biggest hearts of anyone I know. ♥

Thank you to my boss, Robert, and his wife, Pam, for this lovely Christmas plate to hold my pancakes. It looked so pretty and festive on my table Christmas Eve morning.

Angels in our midst!

In this season of miracles and giving, I was humbled and honored last week when my boss and colleagues presented me with an abundance of Harris Teeter gift cards … enough to sponsor 6-7 breakfasts or 3-4 dinners. There are not many times I find myself speechless, but I couldn’t talk through all the tears.  I was so touched by their sincerity and generosity.

I shared the news of my co-workers' thoughtfulness with my officers today.  I wanted them to know they had secret angels in their midst.  One Sgt. commented … “What a generous gift from your co-workers; it gives us a sense of appreciation the community has for us.”

Through your gift to me, you honored them.  You let them know, loud and clear, that they are appreciated!

You are all angels, I say, angels!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

      

Real maple syrup from Vermont...and all is right with the world!

What an amazing month this has been.  My friends and colleagues have been so gracious with their time and their gifts  to help support my breakfast and dinners.  I am posting yet another example of a gracious and giving heart.  

An enormous thank you to my friend and colleague, Kate B, for the special surprise I received in the mail.  Kate lives in Vermont, where all the great real maple syrup comes from.  I can finally say, without hesitation, that real maple syrup is the bomb!  A week after my video was unveiled, a special package arrived.  I saw that it was from Kate and couldn't figure out what she could be sending me (she usually gives me a heads-up when she sends business mail.)

Well....Oh. My. Gosh!  Kate had sent my officers a half-gallon of Carman Brook Maple & Dairy Farm real maple syrup.  Kate saw the syrup bottles in the video and wanted my officers to have a special treat. Not only was it a special treat for them, it was for me too -- I have never had real maple syrup before.  Shocking, isn't it!! 

Thank you Miss Kate.  Your syrup was christened with the debut of my pumpkin spice pancakes.  Everybody loved it and my officers and I all agree...there is nothing like real Vermont maple syrup.
  

Carman Brook  Maple & Dairy Farm

Click here for yummy maple syrup recipes!