As we put out the last issue for the year 2023, I want to take this time to thank you all for your support. At the Webb Weekly, we are all family. Everyone knows everyone. We see each other out and about throughout the year, but all of us get together once a year for a meal at Christmastime. Jim gets us all together for the annual Webb Weekly Christmas party and treats us all every year. You walk into the restaurant, and there is always a big smile on his face greeting you and wishing you a Merry Christmas. This year, he wore a Santa hat, which is quite fitting for him. He is so giving and generous all year; I think he could be the real deal, folks!
Most of us writers, sales & office gang are all there. Even Jim’s very sweet wife and family members join us. It’s been so wonderful getting to know them more each year. As we gathered together, we heard stories about one another. How the community takes to the Webb and reads our columns. (Some from back to front, I hear. Haha!) We all hear your stories, guys, and it’s truly heartwarming. I leave the party feeling so good about what I do and who I work for. It’s truly a huge blessing. We have such amazing people who put this paper together. It takes all of us working together each week to get our jobs done so we can reach our 58,000 homes. Wow. How awesome is that? Thank you, Webb Weekly family, for this incredible opportunity year after year!!
Thank YOU for taking time out of your busy lives to sit down with a cup of coffee in the morning or a cold beverage at night to unwind and read the Webb. All of us at the Webb Weekly are so grateful for you and your families. Hearing these stories throughout each year from my readers is just so rewarding. I have some truly great ones this year, and I could never share them all, but I will share a few that have really stuck with me this year.
First off, I get your “fan mail.” THANK YOU to those who have written to me. I save every single one! Secondly, I heard a lot of you refuse to cut a coupon if my recipe is on the back, so you will call Jaimie, our classified rep and all around office guru at the Webb, for a second copy. When Jaimie told me this, my heart melted. I do have a website, http://www.andreascountryhomecookin.com. You can find many of my recipes there if you REALLY want that coupon. Haha! I have run into old teachers of mine, fellow students, and a few who have recognized me out in public. Each one has been so touching. I hear stories, too, from my family, friends, and staff at the Webb. Thank you!!
My twentieth class reunion was probably the highlight of the year. I just couldn’t believe the amount of my fellow classmates who faithfully read my column. I was blown away. Even people I wasn’t even close to. It’s just crazy. I graduated with a girl named Jenna Girio. (She’s probably totally geeking out right now, haha!) Hey girl — heyyyyy!! She was not at our reunion, and I gave her heck about it when I had seen her for the first time in years at Filippo’s restaurant. She was our waitress. I said how it was so good to see everyone and catch up. She said, “Well, I feel like I know you and your family. I faithfully read your column every week on my lunch break.” She was saying how she looked forward to reading it and some Wednesdays it’s not there so she will have to go get one, or someone else is reading it. She laughed and said that when someone else gets it first, it’s not fair. That she has been reading it the longest and will fight them for that puppy with a test of who knows Andrea best and would beat them.
She knew how I had to squeeze my butt through the window this summer to break into my own house and other sweet stories she was telling me about. You could tell she was an avid reader, and she made my whole night! It’s things like this that make my day. I love hearing from you and seeing you. There are so many stories I’d love to share. Please don’t be offended if I didn’t mention yours, but know that every single one means so much to me.
I am truly so grateful for you all and thank you for being a part of my life, hearing stories about my family’s memories of my past, sharing traditions, and making my recipes. I wish you all a very wonderful 2024, and here is to another great year to you and yours and the Webb Weekly! HaPpY NeW YeArS everyone!!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Layered Nachos
Perfect for New Year’s Eve!
Place three chicken breasts in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours. At the 3-hour mark, shred it with two forks, then put in a packet or two of fajita seasoning. Depends on how strong you like your seasoning. Shred the chicken in the last 2 hours of cooking, every so often, so it gets fine and the flavor gets through all that juicy meat.
Place nachos on a sheet pan. Top with your favorite cheese! I used Cabot Extra Sharp cheese. Place your chicken on top of the cheese, then end with cheese. Place in 350 oven until cheese is melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
