F: is for the gifts of food, friendship and the fusion that fuels our lives.

The count down continues with 10, 11, and 12 gifts to get and give.

# 10: Food glorious food is what you will be chirping when you visit the chicken and rib joint on the UWS. As you enter, the smell is so intoxicating your mouth starts to water. I started with the pita which is warmed on the BBQ. Who knew, a pita could taste so good! The mashed potato's are real and the ribs were delectable, melting in your mouth with each bite. I was in the throes of pork-induced delight. Chirping Chicken is a bargain as well. I paid $8.29 for all of this. The portions are large, so I came home with a rib and 1/2 the mash potato's and the salad which I finished the next day with the same satisfied response. For those holiday parties or cuddling under the tree for $11 dollars you can get a full chicken. I have turned so many of my friends onto this wonderful haunt where comfort food is unsurpassed. Here is the address and website so you to can check it out: Chirping Chicken: 350 Amsterdam Ave off 77th www.chirpingchickennyc.com. In a city where everything seems so expensive and service, fresh food and quality seem a thing of the past it is reassuring to know that establishments like this exist. Check this out and you too will be oohing and ahhing and finger licking.

#9: Friendships are a gift from the universe that expand our lives and make us grow. Sometimes people come into our lives to help us and sometimes it is so we can help them. It isn't till the end that we find out the truth of why somebody was in our lives and why we were in theirs. I have always been blessed to have a diverse group of friends. They have gotten me through many harsh and trying situations and have always been there for me unconditionally. I am not always the best friend but I am a loyal one. Friendship is like a garden you have to tend it, water it, feed it and prune it and when the seasons have passed you see the fruit of your labor and realize it was tending you. May you be blessed by the friendships in your lives.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin

We are in a time of connection, which is odd considering all the mis-communications. We all have faults, idiosyncrasies and flaws that make us unique, special....human. Let us cherish and learn from all those that cross our paths.

#8: Fusion to the palate and a gift to bring your friends. Now, how do you cleanse you palate in between those courses to savor the next item? How do you end a perfect meal? Wine Cellar Sorbet. The flavors: Three reds: a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from California, a 2005 Pinot Noir from New York and a non-vintage Sangria from Spain, Two whites: a a non-vintage Champagne from California and a 2004 Riesling from New York and one blush wine: a non-vintage Rosé from New York. this is definitely not a dessert you send you kid out for. As a matter of F.A.C.T. you have to be at least 21 for their alcohol, content is up to 5% by volume. Since wine changes with each passing season, so do their sorbets. Based on the vintages, varietals and viticulture regions from where the wines were produced. Therefore each flavor is truly unique and limited in availability. To learn more of this intriguing new desert log onto: www.winecellarsorbets.com.

When it comes to gifts there is nothing better than food, wine and friends and what a better way to combine them. We can not live without food. Nor will our souls be nourished without friendship and what a better way to celebrate with a dessert that has an edge. Life is to short not to cherish it and that is a F.A.C.T.