JAMMED WITH MURDER

by Donna Walo Clancy

  “I don’t think I can go to church looking like this,” Greg said, looking at the fur all over his suit. “Ah, who cares. We’re going to church tomorrow, so I guess we can stay in tonight with our new family member.”

  “Supper’s ready. Let’s eat before the prime rib is over-cooked,” Tabby suggested.

  They sat down to a candlelit dinner with Buchannan sitting on one side of Greg and the cats sitting under Tabby. They were all waiting for something to drop to the floor. After supper, Tabby gave each one some prime rib scraps as their special Christmas dinner.

  Wine glasses in hand, they retired to the living room with their now extended family in tow. Tabby turned on the television, searching for the perfect Christmas movie to watch. Greg set his wine glass down on the coffee table and knelt in front of Tabby.

  He pulled out a box tied with a purple bow.

  “I never gave you your Christmas ornament for this year,” he said, handing her the box.

  Tabby opened the box to find two turtle doves nesting together with the words, “Our First Christmas Together” written across the nest. She pulled it out of the box. It was small, dainty and she loved it.

  Greg took the ornament from her and opened it up. Inside was a beautiful diamond ring that he took out of the ornament. The center diamond was shaped like a heart and smaller diamond hearts encircled the band.

  “I know you want to take things slow and I’m fine with that. You can wear this ring as a friendship ring on your right hand or on your left hand if you feel comfortable saying it’s an engagement ring. I love you, Tabitha Moon, and I will wait for as long as it takes for you to be my wife. In my heart we are already married.”

  “I hope you realize that this is going to be a long engagement,” she whispered, sticking out her left hand.

  He smiled and placed the ring on her finger.

  The End

  AL’S BACKWOODS BERRIE COMPANY

  www.alsbackwoodsberrie.com

  Plymouth, Massachusetts

  508-317-0205

  HOLIDAY JAM

  1 and ½ pounds of strawberries

  1 pound of cranberries

  7 cups of sugar

  1 package of pectin

  1 teaspoon of lemon juice

  1 Tablespoon of orange zest

  Combine strawberries, cranberries, and orange zest in a blender and blend until chunky. Place the fruit in a large pot and bring to a boil.

  In a separate large pot, place 8, 8-ounce mason jars and lids, submerged in water and bring to a boil.

  While the fruit is boiling, stir in the pectin, slowly, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Slowly add the sugar and the lemon juice, constantly stirring and stir back to a boil.

  Remove jars, one at a time, and fill with jam while they are hot. Place a lid on the jar and turn upside down for 60 seconds and then place upright until they seal. They will seal within 24 hours.

  Recipe makes 8, 8-ounce jars.

  Jelly will stay good for up to 2 years unopened and up to one year opened in the refrigerator.