I want to thank my great kids and their spouses—Christian and Andrea Lewis, Scott Lewis, and Noélle and Eric Lang—for being in my life—My mom, Jean, who still inspires me with her great meals—My grandchildren, Nick and Meredith Lewis, who provide me with unspeakable joy every day—My sister, Tammy Ricketts, who not only helped me with this book but is always full of just the right ideas—My nephew, Bo Ricketts, computer whiz and typist extraordinaire—My boxers—Lola, Sophie, and Rox—who always sit adoringly at the stove, never letting on when they sense a flop coming—Laura Sutton, Leila Salisbury (I’ll miss you), Mack McCormick, and the great staff at the University Press of Kentucky.
The Kentucky Living staff: Paul Wesslund, Anita Travis Richter, Ellie Hobgood, Paula Sparrow, Lynne Christenson, Monica Pickerill, Kate Wheatley, Arlene Toon, Kathy Wade, Tammy Simmons, Carol Smith, Nick Gatens, and Curt Smith.
I also want to acknowledge the writers and contributors who make Kentucky Living such a quality magazine: David and Lallee Dick, Teresa Bell Kindred, Shelly Nold, and all the others who provide me with great reading each month and great pride in this publication.
Most of all—my readers of fourteen years and the greatest audience I could have.