The first newsletter of the year and I am already late. Is this a harbinger for 2014? Yes, the snowstorm interfered but as my mom says, "Richard can always come up with an excuse." A friend sent me this New Years greeting and I would like to pass it on to you.

May God make your year a happy one! Not by shielding you from sorrow and pain, but by strengthening you to bear it as it comes. Not by making your path easy, but by making you sturdy to travel any path. Not by taking hardships from you, but by taking fear from your heat. Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, but by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows. We wish that not a single tear trickles down you cheek unless it's tears of joy. Happy New Year!

        During January many people turn their attention to their diet. Diet as a noun means, one's usual food and drink. To diet as a verb means you are following a certain criteria in your food and drink to create "your diet" the noun. Your diet has been shown to be a very important part of your overall health. But it is only a part.

Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers talks about Rosetto, Pa., where the people are remarkably healthy. After much research it was determined that the overall health of Rosetto was not attributable to their environment, their diet, or hereditary factors. The studies showed it was the strong support system within the community and the residents' sense of satisfaction and happiness that kept people healthy. After all health is defined as being of sound mind and body.

        Does this mean you should eat a chocolate layer cake in one sitting? Of course not. But when Carole and I have coffee and share a dessert in front of the fireplace a sense of satisfaction and tranquility come over us. I propose that the mission of Reinwald's Bakery is to arouse your senses, delight your taste buds, and satisfy your soul. In my book a few calories are worth it. This is what I mean when I end each newsletter with "Enjoy your Days."

Happy New Year and Enjoy your days,  

Reinwald's Bakery   

Carole's dog playing in the snow