I have spent the day at the LA Diocesan Convention in Ontario with several fellow St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood parishioners and clergy. We are voting on the next bishop for our diocese so this is an important time. We’ve had three ballots so far for the bishops and I am happy to say that…

When I was growing up, I took piano lessons from Miss Virginia Baird. She lived in a brown-boarded two-story house on the corner of Main and 9th Streets, and she had at least thirty cats that lived in that great big house with her. Miss Virginia loved most to talk about what was happening in…

Five years ago, my sister-in-law Sandra Adams Leatherwood died on this day.  Here are the words I spoke at her funeral. These seem fitting for today. *** My name is Len Leatherwood and I am Sandra’s sister-in-law. My nieces requested I say a few words about their mother today. Sandra had a quality that is…

Now that we’re moving into the Christmas season, here’s another recipe to consider adding to your holiday table. This is one of those tried and true recipes that you can count on when you want something special. It’s slightly different from stuffed shells. A little prettier. INGREDIENTS: 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese 1 (10…

Ray and I are the last people at the orange grove after a bustling and happy event that started last Wednesday. At our fullest we had around 25 people and that number ebbed and flowed over these last few days as people arrived and left.   We have cooked, cleaned, built fires, spatchcocked a turkey…

I received a call today from my beloved writing student, Madison Stingray. She said, “Len, I know you’re busy with college essays, but I just want to let you know that I was accepted at Cambridge University for my Master’s degree in archaeology. I start next fall.” This young woman has been my writing student…

Granddaughter Luna and I made this cookies today.  They are tried and true and great for the holidays. Of course, fresh orange juice from the oranges in our grove would be best, but you can use any oranges you buy in the market. These cookies are light, orangey and delicious. Happy holidays! Orange Cookies Adapted…

I have been sitting in this chair – more or less – since 7 am and it’s now almost 9 pm.  This is the time of year when students arrive and leave and arrive and leave all day long, one after another.  The November 30th University of CA deadline is almost here along with the…

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought you might be looking for a good cranberry sauce recipe. Well, if you are, then here it is. This is the best cranberry sauce you will EVER taste. The nice part is that it’s really simple, and it is better if you make it ahead so the…