For those who don't know, I run this site by myself -- in an ideal world I'd have many writers to help with it, but it's just me. Keep this in mind when months go by and I haven't gotten a newsletter out yet! That having been said, if you have something that you think would benefit others -- an idea, a perspective from a Dad's point of view -- PLEASE feel free to email it to me!

The holiday season has come and gone and I sincerely hope that everyone had a great one. I must extend great thanks to all who helped with our adopted family this year. Due to typical Canada Post blunders the package got there late, but a Single Mom and young daughter in Florida still enjoyed their Christmas goodies. Thanks also to others who chose not to chip in for this family but adopted a family all on their own! Way to go, you couldn't make me prouder. Check out the picture of our box ready to go here: http://www.parentsworld.com/angel2000.html

Earlier this month on the message board a thread started after a regular visitor received a Bread Machine for Christmas. In honour of these great time saving machines, I've added two of my favourite bread machine recipes to this edition. Remember if you've got a "short on time, short on cash" recipe to share simply reply to this email to send it in and we'll consider it for next month's issue.

This month, leaving the trend of books geared to Single Parents, I've added two links to two great books written by my High School Science Teacher. If you've read anything good lately that we should share, let us know.

As usual, I'd like to take this moment to welcome all of our new subscribers and bid a 'welcome back' to our returning ones.

After five years of running this site and a lot of international attention, SPW finally received some recognition in her home country of Canada. A mid-January article in the "Calgary Herald" brought a CBC Radio interview on the Calgary Homestretch show, another radio interview at the SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) radio station, and we're working on a CBC National Radio interview.

I just got word via email today that the story was picked up "on the wire" and is appearing in newspapers nation wide. What does this mean for SPW? Nothing really other than the site getting out to more people looking for support, and that's a great thing!

MACHINE PEPPERONI BREAD

Place first 8 ingredients in bread machine in order given. Follow your machine's manufacturer's instructions.

Add Pepperoni at raisin/nut signal or about 5 minutes before last kneading is finished. Makes 1 medium loaf.

Try adding some grated cheese to this bread!

BANANA-CHOCOLATE CHIP BREAD

I add these two books this month in honour of those who've made a difference in my life -- and they're also great stories that I've read! The recent early passing of my Jr. High School Teacher, George Cumyn, reminded me of all those important people in my past I've never thanked. Russell Smith, author of these two books was my High School Science teacher for only one year but he is someone who made a difference during a rough time in my life. Mr. Smith is one of those people who always believed in me and in turn, made me believe in myself. I found Mr. Smith again on the web many years back -- take some time today to try and find someone who made a difference in your life and let them know!

The Felicity Papers: Forgotten Voices of a Valley Town
by Author Russell Smith

The Felicity Papers gives a funny and insightful look at the people and politics of a small town located in the Ottawa Valley. When Allistair Corkery, the editor of a weekly newspaper in Felicity, Ontario, retires after 40 years, he left behind an accumulation of letters and clippings that recount the life of the town. It is more than the history of a small town-- we will all recognize ourselves in the townspeople.
(review from the Chapters.ca website)

Trippers' Tales: Stories & Legends from the Ottawa Valley
by Author E. Russell Smith

Trailing along the isolated trails and lonely waterways of the Ottawa Valley is the subject of Trippers' Tales, a collection of stories and legends from this region. What is true and what is just a trick of the moonlight? This anthology will inspire readers to travel there and discover the truth behind the wilderness for themselves.
(review from the Chapters.ca website)

Valentine's Day -- this could possibly be one of the worst days to be single. Everywhere you look -- television, print media, and shopping malls -- you're reminded of this day of celebrating love.

Don't let anyone tell you that as a Single Parent you are left out on this day of love, we have the best kind of love around, the love of our children.

Valentine's day falls on a week day again this year, take this opportunity to slip a note into your child's lunch bag and let them know how much they mean to you. For under a dollar these days you can get a chocolate heart or something similar which would thrill any child to find in their lunch box along with your note telling them just how special they are.

I know the first few Valentine's Days were hard for me to deal with, but now I enjoy the day with my children more than I ever have any Valentine's Day in the past.

Well folks, that's it for another month. As usual, if you have any suggestions or contributions just reply to this email and let me know! We're always up to suggestions and recipes sent in also have the chance to be included on the website.

Jill Lassaline, editor
Single Parents World