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Christmas
I hope you have the best Christmas ever, ever, ever! And if you’re not celebrating Christmas, I hope today is still among your best.
We realize it’s been a tough year for a lot of people. Let’s all take a moment today to reflect on the good things – the things we can be thankful for even if times are rough. Whether it is having a warm place to sleep or plenty of food, a loving family or good health, it’s not hard to think of something to be grateful for.
At Allegro we count our loyal customers at the top of our many blessings. 2008 was our best year yet, and we have you to thank. You mean more to us than you could ever know.
We’re also grateful for the support and dedication of our employees who work so hard every day to make Allegro great. Their passion for helping people is reflected in everything they do.
Next year we’ll be taking everyone’s hard work to the next level. You’ll see more and different products on the site, new brands, exciting promotions and increased functionality in our processes and efficiencies. There’s much more in store.
In the meantime it would mean a lot to us if you continue to recommend Allegro to your friends and family, and as always, remember to check Allegro first for your medical supplies, fitness equipment, dietary supplements, maternity products… well, let’s just say that you should check here for just about everything. I’m always finding things on the site that I didn’t even know we carried!
I’ll end with a hearty Merry Christmas!! And THANKS again for your business. Now, before I go all boo hoo on you, get out of here and go buy something at AllegroMedical.com. Go’on, git. 🙂
-v
Without a doubt the best part about the holiday season, for me, is the food. In fact, I feel sorry for people who don’t love food as much as I do. I am totally serious. It’s my #1 passion. I’m happiest when I’m planning, shopping and cooking a meal for a whole bunch of people. Todd and I are having 16 for Christmas dinner and I can hardly concentrate, I’m so excited.
A couple years ago I self-published “Val’s Friends & Family Cookbook”, primarily to get my family recipes in one place (instead of scattered through cookbooks on scraps of paper). The book ended up to be 200 pages of my favorite recipes of all time. It even has a 4 page spread on how to deep fry a turkey without burning down your neighborhood. This, courtesy of my brother Bill, who is known for his wit, his cajun turkeys and his flatulence . . . in that order.
But I digress.
Here are a few holiday family recipes that we’ll be serving on Christmas day.
Baked Brie with Cranberries
8 oz Brie
1/3 crushed cranberry sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. rum or orange extract
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 T. sliced almonds
Peel off top of Brie. Mix canberries, brown sugar, extrat and nutmeg and pour over Brie. Bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes. Top with sliced almonds. I serve this beautiful appetizer at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone loves it.
Hot Mulled Cider
1 qt. (4 cups) cider
3 sticks cinnamon
6 whole cloves
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. rum extract
Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat until sugar dissolves. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks. Serve hot. Makes 1 qt. You can use red wine too. I wonder if it would be good with white wine… hmmm.
Broccoli and Rice Casserole
1/4 c. butter
1 c. celery
1/2 c. onion
1/2 c. green pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 lg pkg frozen broccoli, cooked slightly
2 c. cooked rice
1/2 c. milk
1 c. grated cheese
Melt butter; add celery, onion and peppers. Saute until almost tener. Blend in soups, broccoli, rice and milk. Sprinle cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. This is a staple at all of our holidays, along with green bean casserole, sauerkraut & tomato casserole and sweet potato casserole. We love us some casserole in the midwest.
Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing
1 1/2 c. cubed wheat bread
3 3/4 c. cubed cornbread
1 lb. ground turkey sausage
1 c. chopped onion
3/4 c. chooped celery
2 1/2 tsp. dried sage
1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 Gold Delicious apple, corred and chopped
3/4 c. dried cranberries
1/3 c. minced fresh parsley
3/4 c. turkey stock
4 T. unsalted butter, melted
Makes 10 servings. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary and thyme; cook, stirring for 2 minutes to blend flavors. Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries and parsley. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill.
Fresh Cranberry Lemon Jello Salad
2 pkgs. fresh cranberries
5 lg. celery stalks
2 cans mandarin oranges, drained and mashed
2 c. sugar
3 pkgs. lemon Jell-O dissolved in 2 c. boiling water
Wash cranberries and celery. Chop cranberries and celery in food processor with knife blade. Let Jell-O mixture cool and add the rest of the ingredients and stir together. This salad can be frozen to use at a later date. It is one of my very favorite salad recipes. There’s something about the lemon and the cranberry taste, followed by the crunch of the celery.
German Apple Cake with Go-Over
Cake
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
6 apples, finely chopped
1 c. raisins (ground)
1 c. chopped nuts
Go-Over
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. margarine
1 c. cream or half-and-half
Cream together sugar and shortening. Add 2 eggs and beat well. Use electric mixer. Sift flour, soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon and add gradually to first mixture. Add apples and blend. Add raisins and nuts. dough will be VERY stiff. Spread in a greased and floured 9×13 pan. Bake for 75 minutes at 325 degrees (300 degrees if in a glass pan). cut in squares and top with “go-over” sauce.
Melt ingredients for go-over in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Don’t overheat, as sauce will sugar. If sugared, add a little coffee creamer and blend. This dense moist cake is a staple at family gatherings.
I am so hungry right now.
Please share a recipe or two of your own! I’d love to try some new ones including cultural ones and non-Christmas holiday fare.
Cold weather is hard on cars. It makes things that you thought were just fine stop working, break, snap or freeze up. I’m worried that some people haven’t formally gone through the checklist to make sure their vehicle is ready.
I went over this checklist with my mom and thank goodness she was already set. Are you?
There’s still time to save yourself from a break-down or worse. Do it today.
Get your car checked out and tuned up. Make sure they check your battery, antifreeze (50-50 mix of coolant to water), rear defroster, wipers, washer fluid, leaks, tire pressure… everything.
- Check your tire pressure. Tire pressure drops by one pound per ten degrees so if you’re driving around in sub-zero weather your tires may be dangerously low.
- Keep a jug of high quality windshield washer solution in your trunk for refills.
- Invest in heavy winter wipers that keep ice from forming on the blade. Remove them in the spring so they don’t stress your wiper motor unecessarily and remember to turn them off before shutting off the engine so they don’t freeze to the windshield.
- Keep your gas tank full. If you get stuck or stranded you’ll need the heater to keep you warm. You can run it at idle for as long as it takes. It won’t hurt anything.
- If you have to weather the storm inside an old rusty car, crack the window so you don’t fill the car with carbon monoxide. And if you’re in a blizzard, new car or old, get out every once in a while to clear the snow out of the tailpipe.
- Sandbag. Put a bag or two of sand or kitty litter behind your rear axle if you have rear-wheel-drive. It will increase the traction of the rear wheels. Start with 20lbs and see how it drives. You can add more from there if it still squirly. Too much weight will lift the front end. Put it in the middle front of the trunk, not in the passenger compartment. It could become a projectile in a wreck. Don’t bother if you have front-wheel-drive because the heavy engine is already sitting over the powered wheels.
- To make sure your freezing cold car always starts in the morning (and you have instant heat), hook your engine to a block heater. This is an electric heater that keeps your engine warm while it’s parked. It plugs into a regular AC outlet overnight. Just remember to unplug it before taking off! I vividly remember my dad forgetting that…
- Understand your car. If you have teenagers or other family members driving your car, make sure they know what kind of steering system and tires they are driving on. Cars handle differently if they have front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, part-time or full-time 4-wheel drive; antilock brakes, traction control or stability control. Practice driving on snow in an empty parking lot to see how it handles different situations.
- Buy good snow tires if you must drive in the snow. Even if you can only afford 2 of them, they are better than nothing to get around before the streets are plowed or even for increased traction when braking or turning on packed snow. If you are only getting two, mount them on the wheels that are driven by the engine. For all-wheel drive you really need four snow tires.
- Consider chains for your tires. If you’re someplace that permits or requires chains, make sure you’ve practiced putting them on. Keep them in the trunk. Instead, there are ladder-like devices (one is called Tiger Paws) that unfold and allow your tire to grip it if you’re stuck in the snow or ice.
- Clean your car completely of snow and grime before setting out. Don’t be like me, as a teenager, just wiping a small peephole in the drivers side windshield and heading off to school. Yikes. Visibility is key in nasty weather, especially so you don’t hit another car or pedestrian. Clean off the whole car including every window, mirror, and headlight. Besides it is the law in most states. If I sound like your mother, it is only because I care. 🙂
Print this out and check off everything. Then, at least your car is ready on the outside. Next, make sure you have your winter emergency car kit put together. Hopefully you don’t run into any trouble. But just in case, do you know what to do if you are standed in your car?
Now I remember why I moved to Arizona.
Do you have a tip or two? Please share them in the comments area!
-v
We’re a turkey house on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sure, I enjoy a little ham on the side, but I certainly wouldn’t serve JUST ham. Growing up in Nebraska, however, I saw a lot of beef for Christmas dinner. Who doesn’t love a nice prime rib at your holiday feast? Me, that’s who. I will probably be cast out of my family of cattle ranchers for saying so, but seriously… folks… give me the bird for Christmas. But don’t try to goose me!
What about you? Fowl, Swine or Bovine? Tofurky?
State your case in the “reply” section below. Thanks!
Happy Holidays!
I’m Craig Hood, President of Allegro Medical. Over a decade ago I started this great company with the express goal of helping folks like you find the medical supplies and equipment needed to take care of yourself, your families and your patients. Many said it wouldn’t work – that people wouldn’t buy medical equipment on the Internet – but I disagreed.
We launched our website with only 500 products, but we offered everything from wheelchairs and walkers to catheters and ostomy supplies. This made us the first in the world to have such a wide variety of medical supplies and equipment, and people loved it. Since then, our business has grown faster than a pack of dogs after a 3-legged cat.
Today, with more than 45,000 items, we have the largest selection of health care products on the web, backed by the best customer service and low prices to boot.
Our goal is still to help people become more independent, mobile, fit and healthy. We are grateful that you have allowed us to help you as well.
By choosing to shop with us, you are among the nearly 1 million customers nationwide who have played an important role in the success of this small American business.
Feel proud that you shop at a company with:
• More life enhancing products than hair in Donald Trump’s toupee
• A solid history with more than 10 years in business
• Prices so low our accountant can’t sleep at night
• Customer Service that’s got your back
• Fast Shipping – faster than a supermodel chasing a doughnut down hill
Thank you for shopping at Allegro Medical!
The success of this small American business is because of you and we know it.
As a token of appreciation for your business I am offering a special gift: please take 15% off* your next order at AllegroMedical.com. Use code ELF15 at checkout until Midnight, Monday December 15th.
Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy Holiday from all of us at AllegroMedical.com
– Craig
Out of town guests for the holidays? Face it, the last thing you need to worry about while entertaining is your niece sticking her barrette in the light socket, or the neighbor’s kid falling down the stairs or your boss’s little cutie pulling the bookshelf over on top of herself. Ahhhh….
Do yourself a favor this season and make your house ready for the pint-sized guests. There are so many great products to make your life easier when hosting (or raising) kids in your home.
Take a look at these lifesavers…
Outlet Plugs – Fit in any standard outlet and stops all barrettes and little fingers. Shocking…, but true. Along the same lines, you may consider a Power Strip Cover for your home office.
Adjustable “Keep Out of my Stuff” Straps – 24 of these might not be enough. Keeps little fingers from opening appliances, doors, diaries, boxes, everything!
Easy-Fit Plastic Gate – Keep ’em in, Keep ’em out. No hardware required. Super easy to install. Here’s one with a few more gizmos: Lift & Lock Security Gate.
Furniture Wall Straps – Use these super sturdy, easy to install canvas straps to secure your bureaus, book cases, shelf units, china cabinets and armoires to the wall. Please use these on ALL of your tall furniture! Kids have been severely injured, or worse, by pulling furniture over on top of themselves.
Medical Emergency Magnetic Memo Board for Children – Would you know what to do if a child in your home needed emergency medical attention? This could save a life. First aid and step-by-step instructions for CPR & choking. Makes a great gift for new moms.
Dim N’ Bright Auto Sensor Night Light – Set the level of brightness. Light the bedroom, hallway AND bathroom. That way, all of your guests – dim and bright alike – can navigate to the toitee safely. We also carry the Soothing Stars Nighlights.
3-in-1 Potty ‘N Step Stool – It’s the potty that turns into a step (and then late at night it transforms into an evil robot bent on world domination – but don’t tell the kids)… Anyway, they say it’s real comfortable. Pack of 2.
Railnet – This is mesh netting that keeps little people and animals from poking through railings. We sell it in a pack of 6, which means you get 60 feet of it, but you can use it on all of your railings, balconies and banisters – indoors and out.
Furniture Corner Cushions – Edge guards for sharp cornered tables, chairs and low shelves. Totally and completely required in a house with kids. We’ve all seen the ‘coffee table corner in the eye trick’ and it ain’t pretty. 24 in each order.
Tub Spout Cover – Avoid bonks to the bean with this soft inflatable tub spout cover. And get the water temperature just right with a Bath Pal Thermometer. For the wee ones spring for a Safety Infant Bathtub with built-in water temperature strip.
****Bonus Tip. Mom’s, Dads, Grandma’s, Grandpa’s, listen up. Our Easy Up Kneeler and Seat does double duty as a gardening stool AND a “save your knees while giving the kids a bath” stool! I’ve seen it in action and it’s totally awesome. Makes a great gift.
See all Safety 1st Products!
Thanks for buying all of your medical supplies and safety products from AllegroMedical.com. We appreciate your business a whole bunch.
Have a happy and safe holiday.
-v
Holiday cheer can become a holiday nightmare if you are ill-prepared for the needs of your overnight guests.
For example, activities that we may take for granted – going up and down stairs, using the toilet, showering, getting in and out of bed, opening doors, etc. – can be difficult for older guests. The addition of a few simple, temporary items placed strategically throughout your home will ensure a safe and comfortable Christmas for everyone.
Bathroom
- Removable Suction Cup Grab Bars on the wall by the tub and toilet. If you get anything at all for the bathroom, I highly recommend that you get a couple of these. Instant ‘peace-of-mind’.
- Check the towel bar and soap dish in the shower to make sure they are secure.
Bedroom
- Pathlighter Safety Cane – A special cane that lights the way on stairways and walkways. Perfect for outings on cold winter nights.
- Smoke Alarms – Make sure you have them, and make sure they work. Sometimes you just need new batteries.
- A sturdy chair in the bedroom for dressing.
- A telephone in the bedroom that can be reached from the floor in case of a fall. How about an Amplified Telephone?
Indoors/Outdoors
- Door Knob Extenders – Quickly and inexpensively convert regular door knobs into lever action handles. Arthritis sufferers will thank you.
- Non-skid backing on rugs – We don’t carry it, but it’s a good idea to get some.
- Water heater thromostat – Set it at 120 degrees F or lower to prevent accidental scalding.
- EZ Access Threshold Ramps – These are the most popular. Great for wheelchairs and walker users. Also for high indoor/outdoor entry-way thresholds.
- Light your outside steps and walkways.
- Check your handrails to ensure they are securely fastened.
- Travel Wheelchair – For events that require extra walking, this super lightweight wheelchair folds up and stores in the trunk or closet.
You see, it really doesn’t take much to make your home safe and secure for your elderly or special needs guests. Order today!
Here’s wishing you and all of your guests a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday.
-v
Help Santa stuff your stockings this year with these healthy gifts for adults. I especially like the EBOOST Tablets and the Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizers. They are on Oprah’s “O” list! Everyone in my house is getting them, including me. Oh, and have you ever used those Bag Resealers? Fabulous. I have saved more food that way. And don’t even get me started about the keyboard and mouse cushions. A must for every stand-alone keyboard user.
Val’s Stocking Stuffer Picks for 2008
EBOOST Effervescent Health Boosters
It’s orange. It’s bubbly. It gives you that extra boost.
Zapi Personal Toothbrush Sanitizer
On Oprah’s “O List” as the best pick for the holidays.
100% Silk DreamSack
The perfect travel sleeper. Protects you from germs on hotel bedding.
Deep Kneading Rechargeable Hand Held Massager
Stay loose no matter where you are.
Eye Pillow with ergoBeads
Put it over your eyes, lie back and say ahhhhhh.
Hand Exerciser and Stress Ball
Hey stressballs! Get a stress ball.
Supracor SpaCells Facial Sponge
Give yourself a 5-minute rejuvenating facial.
Massaging Slippers for Men
Cool looking battery operated slippers w/easy one-touch massage.
Ultra-Soft Plush Massaging Slippers for Women
Sign…me…up!
3-in-1 Car Aid
A must have for every vehicle. Includes side-window breaker.
Forever Last Radio w/Dynamo Flashlight & Nightlight
Unique, beautiful and useful. Like you.
Electronic Automatic Pepper Mill & Salt Grinder
Pepper and salt your steaks in style.
Bag Resealers for Plastic Bags
Seals plastic bags airtight in seconds. Locks in freshness.
Superfeet Cold Weather Premium Insoles
Engineered to protect your feet from the cold.
Orbit Massager
No batteries. No vibration. Only rotation, baby. Rotation.
Dyna Flex Pro
The entry level gyro that everyone is talking about.
Ergonomic Wrist Cushion for Mouse
For all day mousing comfort.
Ergonomic Wrist Cushion for Keyboard
The ultimate for cool comfortable keying.
Order today to make sure you get everything in time for Christmas! And as always, thanks for your business.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
-v
We just implemented a new blog system that lets you send us feedback and comments. Yeah!! I can’t wait to hear from you. Please feel free to share your comments, ideas, suggestions, recipes (I love recipes), whatever… at the end of the post in the “leave a reply” section. Try it now, even if you just say ‘hi’.
Next up… stocking stuffers for grown ups; making your home safe for older guests; easy ways to child-proof your home, and much more.
Now that we’re on a new system I plan to communicate more frequently, with shorter blurbs and blogs. I’ve been practicing writing shorter pieces. Sometimes I run too long… like, um… now. That said… I’ll let you go.
But first, thanks again for your business. Remember to gift mindfully and , hint…hint…use our holiday promotions to stock up on your medical supplies!
-v
For many, this is a financially difficult holiday so I am proposing that we all gift “mindfully”. Pick gifts that your loved ones can really put to use – something that fits their lifestyle, ability, or hobby.
When they open it, it will be obvious that you had them in mind when you chose their special present. And your gift will be especially appreciated if it improves their health, comfort, independence or mobility.
So grab your list and see if you can fit each person into a category below. You’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect gift.
Shop for everyone – fitness buffs, kids, skiers, snorers, active teens, diabetics, new mom’s, seniors, wheelchair users and more!
Aging Seniors
UpEasy Lifting Cushion
Card Player Card Holders
3-Wheel Drive Hawk Scooter
Car Caddie Helping Hand
Suction Cup Grab Bars
Folding Shopping Cart
Tek Pal Large Button TV Remote
Light Relief – Light Therapy
Teak Spa Shower Chair
Portable Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
See all Daily Living Aids
Diabetics
AccelWell Travel Pouch
Paraffin Heat System
Medi-Fridge Micro Fridge
Diabetic Crew Socks
Awesome Diabetic Shoes
See all Diabetic Supplies
Fitness Gurus & Athletes
X2 Vest Weighted Walking Vest – 12 lb
Lex Loops Exercise Band
Heart Rate Monitor
Complete Yoga Kit with Travel Bag
3300P Body Gym Elite Pilates Trainer
ProStretch Lower Leg Stretching System
Power Wheel II Core Trainer
Perfect Pushup
Bodyblade Classic Kit Fitness Trainer
Doorway Pull Up Bar
Personal PowerBlock Dumbbell Set
iJoy Ride by Human Touch
Mini Stepper Exerciser
BOSU Sport Balance Trainer
See all Exercise/Fitness
Gardeners
Easi-Grip Gardening Set
Gardener’s Easy-Up Kneeler and Seat
Easi-Grip Long Reach Gardening Set
See all Yard Equipment
Golfers
Power Swing Trainer Golf Gym
Superfeet Black Insoles for Golf Shoes
Bionic Golf Glove
Wobble Board Balance Trainer
Hotties
Chillow Pillow Cooling Sensation Pillow
ChillowPlus
Cool Care Comfort System Chillow Pak
Kids
Indo Board Balance Board
TRIKKE T5 for Kids
Hop Balls
Pink Lady Pedal Car
Police Pedal Car
Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter
See all Gifts for Kids
New Parents and Moms-to-Be
Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball
InStep Quick N’ Ez Bike Trailer
Safari Jogging Stroller
Comfort Body Pillow
Magentic Safety Magnet – Emergency Memo Board‘
See all Maternity Care
Pampered
Deep Kneading Rechargeable Hand Held Massager
Ultra Soft Plush Massaging Slippers for Women
Spacells Facial Sponge
HydraGel Infrared Massager
Alpaca Fur Fuzzy Slippers
Alpaca Fur Blanket
Alpaca Fur Pillow
Supracor St. Tropez Massage Sandals
iJoy 130 Robotic Massage Chair
Stimulite Bath Mitt
Stimulite Bath Pillow
Thermal Spa Bath Mat Massage Pad
Superfeet Berry Insoles for Women
Original Backnobber
Hand-Held Shower Massager
Soapy Soles Elite 3-in-1 Foot Care System
Spa Petite Personal Paraffin Wax Bath
Eye Pillow with ergoBeads
See all Pamper Products
Pets
Infrared Therapeutic Pet Bed
Canine Cooler Dog & Pet Bed
Singles
The Boyfriend Pillow
Skaters/Surfers/SnowBoarders
iJoy Board Electric Balance Trainer
Fitball Balance Disc
Indo Board Balance Board
Superfeet Performance Green Insoles
Skiiers
Trikke Skki
Superfeet Performance Green Insoles
Superfeet Wintergreen Insoles for Skiing, Snowboarding & Hiking
Wobble Board Balance Trainer
Hand Warmers
Peel-n-Stick Body Warmers
Snorers
The Snore Wizard
Better Sleep Pillow – Side Sleeper
Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker
Snore-No-More Anti Snoring Pillow
See all Snoring Products
Sweetie Pies
Heart-Shaped Digital Picture Keychain
Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock
Alpaca Fur Teddy Bear
Alpaca Fur Fuzzy Slippers
Alpaca Fur Blanke
Teens
Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker
TRIKKE Convertible
Doorway Pull Up Bar
Vew-Do Balance Board
Indo Board Balance Board
Travelers
Personal Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer
Traveller Deluxe Neck Pillow
Aqua Bell Travel Weight ComboSet
Traveling Bed Rail
Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock
Visually Challenged
Large Button TV Remote Control
Deluxe Framed Page Magnifier
Low Vision Watch
Jumbo Buttons Speakerphone
See all Low Vision Products
Wheelchair and Walker Users
Beverage Holders
Sheepskin Arm Rests
Sheepskin Seat Pad
Packs and Pouches
Wheelchair Desks
See all Wheelchair Accessories
See all Walker Accessories
I hope this helps you pick the perfect Christmas gift from AllegroMedical.com. See our entire Gift Ideas Category for more ideas and to shop by price range. Feel free to add a comment about the list and suggest other products and “types”. We love to hear from you.
A Verry Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone from your Allegro Family. We appreciate your business and your referrals.
-v