The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 

Psalm 145:15

As I was entering church this morning I was approached by Helen, who is Hosanna!'s Associate Pastor of Welcome Ministries asking if I would like some Vegetables to take home.   She went on to explain members of our congregation have a stand at the Philadelphia Market and after market is finished for the week on Saturday, whatever food is leftover usually is donated to the church.  Apparently there was an over abundance of donations this week of fresh home grown goodies....of course, I was running a bit late for service and Helen being her bubbly generous self, offered to put some veggies in my car for me.  (Isn't having automatic door locks on your key the best invention!!:)  I made no hesitation turning and hitting the unlock button while thanking Helen for asking me and her generosity..! 

This is what I found in my goodie bags...

1/2 doz of sweet corn  (I was asked if I wanted 2 doz...yikes)

basket of cherry tomatoes

2 eggplants

I fried both Egg Plants and made the corn along with a grilled steak for dinner. I now have plenty of Eggplant to nibble on for the week.  And I'm thinking I may make Eggplant Parmesan later in the week.

Many thanks and blessing to the family who donates their unsold goodies from market...!!  

Welcome, Lucy Paige...

 

A dear friend welcomed her 4th child on Saturday, July 21...MY Birthday!

I was able to meet Miss Lucy on Wednesday, at 4 days old.  As soon as I heard the good news of her birth, I made arrangements with  my friend to meet Lucy and bring some goodies and a meal, especially since her husbands first day back to work was on Wednesday.  I have to say, my friend is such a pro at this baby thing...she doesn't get excited or overly react with three older children, with the next to youngest little princess only 18 months of age.  And dad is just as equally calm....they are great parents, whom you can tell love and enjoy their little blessings:)

 

I could sit and hold Lucy all day long.... 

 

 

 

 With the month of July comes another year older....the best part is I get to share with my Bestie, Kathy:))  If your a frequent follower, you have read my mentioning Kathy is my Best friend.  We have so much in common it's almost freighting sometimes...

Here is a  picture of Kathy and I exchanging our gifts the day of my birthday, to which was also a large gathering at my home for a clam bake later that day.  The clam bake just happened to be on my bday.  When planning a bake such as a clam bake, you have to have it when the clams are plentiful and at a good price.  This seems to be the week around our birthdays.  Kathy and her family actually were at a clam bake the night before ours, there is a short window of time when planning to have a bake during the summer months.  The early weeks of Fall is also a good time for clam bakes and fresh steamed crabs....gotta get em when the price is right!

It's no secret how much I love chocolate!  I just love these prim boxes I was given as a gift....now I have an excuse to find a new prim shelf to purchase and display them on;))

 My good friend, Linda arrived later in the day with a HUGE Wilbur Dark Chocolate Bar for me.  Wilbur is the local chocolate factory in my hometown of Lititz, Pa and known for it's Wilbur Buds, in my opinion the chocolate is much richer than Hershey's and much more delectable..! I only eat a small block per day of the candy bar, due to it's rich flavor...

I gifted Kathy a Gift Set I hand chose from Olio,  a new business that recently opened in Lititz. I loved this shop of different Olive Oils for bread dipping and cooking with...I also gave her all the fixings for Baking Fresh Bread and serving it....I Even had 5 loafs of pre- made frozen bread for her to bake in a whim...

Disregard the stuff in my garage behind Kathy;)

Kathy and I have much of the same taste in decorating and just about everything, to which it makes life so easy when it comes to finding the right gift...

As the rest of the gang showed up later in the day, I was over whelmed with the thoughtfulness others showed me with Bday gifts.  My friends, Judy and Carrie gave me a basket of homemade Christmas and Easter Ornaments.  Shown above, Mamma Karen (Carrie's mother) gave me the beautiful Prim Fresh Flower Arrangement she made and my Cousin Linda surprised me with a bottle of White Wine and a ceramic crock for salsa or cheese.  

 Whats a Birthday and Gathering without a cake...!!?

I made this Chocolate Cake I Labeled, "Death By Chocolate"

I was planning to give myself a break from baking and purchase a similar cake from a very High End Bakery which sells their awesome sweets to Restaurants.  When I found out the cake was 70.00, I put baking a cake back on to the "to do list"... 

 I made a Chocolate Cake with Ganache in the middle, Chocolate Icing with another layer of Ganache on top and finished off with mini semi sweet morsels...! There was not a crumb left.  I didn't think I was going to have enough cake to go around...;)

We had such a fun time with the clam bake another gathering is already planned in August...this one will be a covered dish with lounging around and in the pool..

When your invited to my home, you make yourself at home!   

Thanks for stopping by...

K

Summer Time Fun

July has been eventful on the home front.  And that is why I love the summer months!  

Here is a Trifle I made with homemade Pound Cake along with layers of freshly whipped cream, fresh strawberries and fresh blueberries for a gathering pool side during the July 4th Holiday.   The Pound Cake was a big winner!  

 

Pound Cake Recipe:

3 large eggs, room temperature

3 tablespoons milk, room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups (150 grams) sifted cake flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar

13 tablespoons (1/2 cup + 1/3 cup) (185 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

**To make Cake Flour: For every one cup of AP flour, remove 2 Tbsp of flour and replace with 2 Tbsp of Cornstarch and sift flour, sift again...and again.....

Pound Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and butter or spray the paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), place the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar) and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds or until blended. Add the butter and half of the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about one minute to aerate and develop the cake's structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the remaining egg mixture, in 2 additions, beating about 30 seconds after each addition to incorporate the egg and strengthen the cake's structure.  

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the cake browning too much as it bakes, cover with a piece of lightly buttered aluminum foil after about 30 minutes.

Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a lightly buttered wire rack.

The Pound Cake can be covered and stored for several days at room temperature, for one week when refrigerated, or it can be frozen for two months.

Makes one 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf.

Everyone Loved this dessert....!!!  I hope you do also if you get a chance to make it, its worth the little extra work involved for a fresh yummmy tasting dessert....

Have a safe and fun week, my friends...

much love,

K

 

 

 I made this cake this past weekend for a dear lady I've know for over 20 years.  Her birthday was on Saturday and she was coming to the Salon that day for a service.  I surprised her with a cake I knew she would like...

I took a Pineapple Cake Recipe and added a few ingredients of my own...

I added 4 large containers of Stage 2 Baby Food Carrots

1 tsp of Cinnamon

1/2 tsp of Nutmeg

along with the original ingredients....

Since this was a new recipe for me, I did not have a chance to taste test before I gifted the cake.  I received a call on Sunday saying her and her family LOVED the cake..

Later in the day she brought me several pieces for me to try and share.

The cake is DELICIOUS..! 

It is so moist in texture with the spices being just the right amount,

I'm calling it my own version of a..

"Carrot Cake"

I actually got the idea to use baby food from a

 nursing colleague who is a client at the Salon,

she shared her Carrot Cake recipe with me which calls for the carrot baby food.

When I came across the Pineapple Cake Recipe, I liked that the recipe did not have alot of ingredients and thought I'll give it try  and add a few more ingredients of my own.

This cake is a winner and very easy to prepare...

You can prepare this cake in any pan or form.  

I opted to make a double layer since it was a birthday gift.

 2 cups AP flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2 eggs

4 large containers of stage 2 baby food carrots

YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY
20 ounce can (about 2 cups) crushed pineapple, in juice, do not drain
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup nuts- Optional 

Mix all together until smooth. Pour into greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Icing
8 ounces cream cheese
4 T. butter
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup nuts- optional

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add Vanilla. Slowly add sugar and blend after each addition. Fold in nuts if desired. Ice cake while still a bit warm. Serves many as this cake is rich and sweet, so cut the pieces small as you can always have seconds.

Bon Appetit

K 

Hello Friends....

It's been a few weeks since we chatted, it's been super busy in my small corner.  I hope all has been well for you and yours!  Here is a little of what I have been up to....

The 4th of July was celebrated with good friends, a cookout and pool time was the main event for the day.  I made a refreshing Trifle for dessert of fresh strawberries,  freshly whipped cream and homemade pound cake which Rocked! if I must say so myself :)   Later in the evening our neighbors set off their annual fireworks.  This year they really out did themselves..!  We had over an hour of "high" fireworks illuminating the night.  It was really spectacular....!  I must back up to the eve of the 4th and share the Birthday gift my son surprised me with....I was treated to Stevie Nicks in concert on the 3rd.  and tickets to another concert in August.  My son has grown up knowing his Mother loves her music and bands/groups from her era.  Funny thing is, when my son was very much into guitar and taking lessons and recording music, his mentor taught him from bands of my era...so he has learned to appreciate "good" music.  Not this crappy stuff of today.  Alot of his music preferences are the same as mine, so when he hears of a favorite of mine on tour, the conversation is one we both can engage in with a little more of a few years between us, LLOL.  Stevie Nicks is not a favorite of his, but the venue in August is to which he also purchased a ticket for himself.  Going to concerts together is one of the best times we have being together and sharing the same like.  The Stevie Nicks concert was Phenomenal...!!  It was a great way to jump start the Holiday...

The weekend following the 4th was my Family Reunion in my hometown of Lititz in our beautiful park.   As always we had a fun time catching up with each other while we consumed all the great food prepared and shared.  I took over the planning and organizing the reunion 3 years ago, so after I finish with one event it's on to the next.  Also on the event schedule were cook outs and gathering invites from friends.  It has been a very busy and fun summer thus far.  This coming week,  I'll be preparing and baking for our Annual Clam Bake.  This is always a fun time with great friends and family.  And the fresh seafood and fixings of a clam bake is so worth the planning and hours of preparations that goes into it.  All this fun-playing during the summer months keeps me on my toes:)  and I'm loving every minute of it!!  Hopefully in August a trip to the beach will be planned, the beach is one of my favorite places.  So stay well, my friends and enjoy these long summer days!  

Until we chat again,  

Hugs...K

Wedding Cake update...

We had one small glitch with the cake:(  The largest white cake had a small  malfunction due to the heat.  And the Cake Table provided was a bit small for the weight and size of the three tier display.  The Bride and Groom had no issue with displaying two of the three cakes. The heat was not on our side with this being an outside ceremony and reception, but it all worked out well and all had a good time...AND the cakes were a WINNER for taste and serving.  I received several personal compliments at the wedding, followed by a personal message from my friend today (Mother of the Bride) to tell me the Brides Paternal Grandmother said to "give me praises and my cake was damn good!)  that's quite the compliment coming from a PA Dutch Grandmother...!  Also my friend shared there were many comments on how nice I cut the pieces to serve...That one I had to laugh out loud at, due to the heat I had a very hard time keeping a nice size serving in one piece while placing on the plate...Will I be doing a entire Wedding Cake again in the near future....Don't think so.  My nerves need time to adjust back to normal. 

The Bride and groom had a very beautiful outside ceremony and the Bride was just absolutely gorgeous..!

The day was perfect for an outside ceremony!  I saw some folks I haven't seen in years and enjoyed meeting some new ones.  I wish the newly wed couple the Best of the Best in their new life together..!

Now I can Breathe 

Have a great week my friends, enjoy this last week of June:(  It's going way too fast..!

K

June is the Wedding Month, so I'm told...

I was asked a few months back to make a Wedding Cake for the daughter of a long time friend.  At first I said...thanks, but NO thanks!  The last thing I needed was to have stress of being responsible of a Wedding Cake Creation..!  But my "friend" was relentless..!  And HER Daughter, too..I explained to them both, I can bake and cook, but a professional cake decorated, I am NOT!  I encouraged the bride to find someone within her budget who has more experience than I, that she would not hurt my feelings in anyway.  She insisted she wanted me to do the honors.  She did make it very easy in the fact her only want was the color Purple or Violet...whichever you want to call it.  She had no specifics on the design, only a three tier cake.  That being the one request she did indeed want, the cake Tiered.  When she shared her request of a tiered cake, I thought  it was my way out of not having to make it...lol  I explained to her since her wedding was an outside event in June I would not guarantee the cake to stay upright or in one piece.  Her response was, OK whatever you think will work.  Knowing how important your Wedding day is,  I repeatedly mentioned I would not be offended if  she found someone else and reminded her it was HER day and she should have what she wants...Right!?  I still had the job;/  I made two white and one chocolate cakes.  Shown above (I grabbed my cell for a quick pic) is the smallest of the three, the one the bride and groom take home to place in the freezer for one year and eat on their first Anniversary...I remember mine tasting like saw dust. 

The Wedding is tomorrow and with this heat wave we've had the past several days, I am so glad the cake is not a tiered cake..the cake stand I have is three different levels which will look just as beautiful as a stacked three tier cake.  Now my prayers, I get it delivered in one piece:))

Have a safe and fun weekend, my friends!

K

Hello Friends....I wanted to shared this site with you all...

if you happen to have a swimming pool and need any items for fun or repair,
this site has much to offer at very reasonable rates. 

                                                                    www.InyoPools.com

 I needed a new core for my pump, the site I have used many times in the past did not have the core I needed:( so the search began..I actually was not able to locate the core size and make needed,

but my Son who does research all day long for the company he works for found this site in no time.....

   

Hopefully the shipping time will be just as fast...:))

The sun is shinning here and the temps are back in the 70's..!

Have a fantastic day, Friends!!

Reunited and It Feels So Good...

Remember last year I posted my camera went missing?!

My little pocket camera I totally loved and took...EVERY WHERE!

If you missed the post, I had last seen or should I say....remembered having my camera at a July 4th gathering of friends.  I remembered having my camera and phone when I left and had gotten into the car.  After that night I had NO recollection of what or where I put the camera.  I had my phone, but No camera.  I searched all over the house and my car several times...Nothing!


With that said, it has been almost a year since I last saw that little gem, I was more upset due to the fact my son had gotten me the "black and pink" case for it....
 Today the search has ended!
I was getting ready to  have the first day of grilling and sun by the pool when I grabbed my pool bag to check if I had all my necessary essentials a woman needs within her reach while sunning..:)
when I opened the bag found this on top!!

Of  course it was inside it's little case of Black and Pink...
I think I actually gave out a loud yelp when I saw it..!

I have absolutely NO Idea how it found it's way inside my pool bag, 
but I'm not stressing over it any more!  

Happy Day..!! 




Here is a picture of a treat I made for some sweets by the pool after a delicious grilled steak dinner with some very good friends..!


White Cake with Strawberries and Butter Cream Frosting

Have a great week and until next time...
Be safe and have fun!


K

Not A Mid-Life Crisis...

Today I did something I have been tossing around to do for quite awhile.

Actually...for several years

After seeing some of my 50-something girl friends doing the very thing I have hesitated to do,

I took the plunge today, along with a very good 50-something friend:)

Can you find something new and different!?

If you look very closely, you can see a very small diamond nose piercing..

I really did not know what to expect, but the procedure was very quick and not painful. 

We did our homework when deciding to have the piercing done, with that said

We opted to give "The Piercing Girl" in Lancaster a try.

I was very impressed with her professional approach and sterile technique.

Anyone can open a tattoo and/or piercing salon, no special training is needed and inspections are not usually done by the state or municipality the salon is located in.  This is not the case with Lancaster.  A yearly inspection is done at the location of business.  And like any inspection, if there are infractions they must be corrected or the business is in jeopardy of being closed for business. 

Trust me, I thoroughly read the inspection certificate on the wall..!

I did get "permission" per say from those important in my life...:)
before making the final decision. 

My thoughts are, if I get tired of it...it can easily be removed. 

Thanks for stopping by and wish me luck that I don't accidentally pull this piercing out during my sleep:))

 

Happy Memorial Day Festivities

As we venture out or host family and friends this Holiday,

Please take a few moments to remember and honor those who have given their lives for this Free Country..

And maybe say a prayer for those who continue to serve and also for those who  make the choice to serve in the future.  

Here is a Chocolate Cake I made to take along to a Party/Picnic later today.

First, a Baby Shower for a very special young couple having their first Son:)

 The Flowers were given to me yesterday from my BFF,

Beautiful Roses from her Rose Garden...

After shopping in the early afternoon  yesterday I stopped by Kath's and left with these Sensational Roses!

The cake is so easy..!

*One Devil's Food Cake Mix or your own recipe

*3 Eggs

*1 Cup Cold Water

Mix well with mixer and bake at 350 for approximately 20 mins or top is springy to touch..

I use a Crisco Icing for this cake...

*2 Sticks of Soft Butter

*2/3 Cup of Milk  (I used Heavy Cream)

*One Cup of Sugar

*1/2 Cup of Crisco Veg Lard

*3 Heaping Tbsp of Flour

Mix butter, sugar and crisco...add the milk and mix....mix more.....turn mixer up on high speed and mix more...then mix more.  This Icing will be very light and fluffy...

I cut cake in half and icing middle then reapply top of cake and finish icing top.  Place in refrigerator until ready to serve....My Mother would bake this cake for special gatherings and parties.  It was a favorite and always a big hit with many requesting when they were invited to an event she was hosting..

Enjoy your time with family and friends...

Happy 50th Birthday To Us

This past year has been one big Celebration with Friends turning that pivotal age of 50.  Yesterday many of my classmates from High School gathered one more time for good times celebrating this new Journey.

Here are a few pictures of our day of great friendships and making more memories...

 Our gatherings have become so special over the years,

as one comes to a close, we're planning for the next one.

Until we meet again,

Happy 50th My Friends!

On This Beautiful and Glorious Day...

 Happy Mother's Day!

To all my Mommy Bloggers,

I hope this day is one of much pampering and being recognized for the Fantastic Mom you are!

Miss Sophia Turned 1

 Miss Sophia is the Grand-daughter of my neighbor,

Her Mother, Jen would Babysit my son when he was young if I had to attend a 

meeting or for a short period of  time during the summers...

Sophia was a very long awaited blessing!!

Her parents were very anxious to start a family shortly after they married,

Jen had a very difficult time carrying a pregnancy past her first trimester.

After several years of planning and praying,

Miss Sophia blessed this world!

Sophia is one of the sweetest and cutest little girls..ever!

 Blow are a few pictures of her 1st Birthday Party..

Her "personal" Birthday Cake was one of the biggest I have ever seen for a first birthday,

and did she ever have fun trying to eat it all!

 Cell Phone Pictures....Forgot my camera:(

 Sophia and her Mother, Jen opening her gifts..

Look at that HUGE piece of Red Velvet Cake...

I ate the Whole Thing..!! Yes, I did!

I had to take a few breaks while eating it, but I managed..;)

I love 1st Birthday's...!

During the party Sophia's Grandparents were sharing their adventures looking for a Swing Set 

for Sophia to be kept at their house.  Grandpa works with wood and custom builds staircases for homes

with a price tag way above my imagination.  So, he was very particular when venturing out looking for an already constructed Set.  They were unable to find one they felt was well constructed for the price.  I took this opportunity to offer my Son's Swing Set that was custom built when we first built our home.  Since my son is now 24, we really have no need for it..lol, and when younger children do visit they prefer the swimming pool over the swing set....Today I came home early in the Evening to find the Swing Set...GONE! YAY...!!

We still have his "Fort" that needs to go or be taken down...I am thinking of putting an Ad in the News Paper for anyone who wants to pick up and have it for FREE!  It sure does look empty in the yard when I look out the kitchen window.  But, it's nice to know it will be enjoyed once again by someone very sweet and special....

Safe and Fun Week-End Peeps..!

K

Kindle Fire:...What? I want one too!

My favorite Munchkins from Texas called tonight excited as all heck,

they are my two youngest nephew's who have their birthday's in April 

and just happen to be brothers. I sent their birthday package to them last

week knowing it would arrive sometime early this week.  As I predicted,

they received the package last evening.  I knew the phone would be ringing

soon with lots to share about the birthday parties and gifts. 

Seth, the oldest at 10 years old was first to share his excitement,

mostly of the Kindle Fire he received.  I heard all the in's and out's of what a Kindle Fire

can do and  the one thing it cannot do according to Seth is take pictures, but he was totally OK with that.

 A Kindle Fire...?!

Are you kidding me??

 I want a Kindle Fire..! 

Especially after Seth's explanation of  what a Kindle can do..

WOW

I was then asked if I know what an XBox is..

 Saying "yes"...I then got all the in's and out's of some control they received which was still in the box and Seth was (his words) Begging his daddy to open it so the games could begin.

Seth was trying so hard to explain this new control contraption that I would understand how it all works,

he at one point suggested I "ask Jeremy,...he can explain it all to you"...That's OK Seth, I'll let this between you guys:)

Then the Littlest Guy, Keegan who had his 5th birthday said a few words and Thank You's for his gifts.

I love hearing the excitement in their voices as they share the birthday activities and gifts consuming them at the moment....priceless!

So here we are the last week of April and we're now having March Weather...

I sure hope this is not an indication of what the Summer will be like with unseasonable Weather.

I have way too much planned for the Weather to be uncooperative..

Thanks for stopping by my Friends...!

I'm off to do some research on a Kindle Fire..:))

Hugs...
K

A Happy Birthday It Was..!

Today we celebrated my Son's 24th Birthday along with our Loved Aunt Margie's...

Aunt Marge watched my son when I returned to work Part Time when he was only 4 months old,

she has always been more than an "Aunt" to Jere and her birthday was actually my 

due date when I was pregnant,

Jere was born Four days after her birthday and as long as I can remember, we have always 

celebrated a dinner in honor of them both...!

Aunt Marge was diagnosed with Cancer  just before Christmas,

She had surgery with some complications but has rebound remarkably.

Her Chemotherapy treatments are going very well with her blood work 

all within normal levels.  The past couple of months had been very hard on 

Jere knowing and seeing "his" Aunt Margie going through so much and feeling so ill.

But with many Prayers and Faith, 

Aunt Margie is feeling better than she has in a very long time...

I was prepared to make a Chiffon Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Cream

for the birthday couple...

 But Aunt Margie's Best Friend had dropped off this Beautiful Huge Cake on her Birthday to 

which she wanted to share with Jere at their annual Birthday Dinner.

Thinking we would just add "Jere's" name to the cake knowing
he would not mind the Yellow and Pink Roses.
But Jere being Jere wouldn't hear of it.
When he realized what was going to be done when the tube of Writing Icing was brought out,

he said to keep the Cake just the way it was and to not add his name. 

We had a wonderful day celebrating with much laughter and good food....!!

And the Cake....Heavenly!

The Chiffon Cake will be made in the very near future,

and I promised Jere I would bake him cupcakes to treat at his work tomorrow.

So the alarm is set for 6am...Yikes!

 Have a Fantastic Week and thanks for stopping by..!

Spring In My Step

Lovin' this beautiful weather here in PA..! 

Spring has not disappointed,

the days are getting longer and the sun is getting higher and warmer!

Today was a day of many errands that needed to be taken care of..!

I have several Birthdays in April I routinely gift,

this year has been an over aboundance of birthday party invites..

From friends celebrating their grandbabies 1st birthday and the BIG 50

to family turning a special number this year,

the invites have been pouring in..!

 I always love me a good party..no matter what the age.

I was able to find gifts for Four different birthday Guys and Dolls

who will have their Special Day in April.

The only gift(s) I haven't purchased are for my son...

He is a very independent young man:) 

not needing or wanting anything..!

As I ventured out this morning,

a call came in from a dear blogger friend, Tricia.

 Her voice was sounding tired, but you could still detect a bit of excitement from her

as she shared with me her baking experience from the day before.

Tricia had phoned me yesterday for a long over due chat,

during our conversation she shared her desire to bake for her husband and family,

but not always feeling the best physically at the times when they crave her goodies.

I shared with Tricia how I bake  goodies and freeze them so there is always 

something to grab in a pinch...

I do massive baking and freezing several times a year, 

Especially during the summer months when our pool is open and we have friends and family

stopping by on a whim...

Tricia did the same last evening when she had a small burst of energy!

Good Job, Tricia:)

After returning home in the early Evening,

a phone message was left from our Dear Aunt Margie..

She too, is going through a medical issue and not feeling the best at times.

Her message was the "happy" and "silly" Aunt Margie we all love,

it was so good to hear her voice with that little "spring" in it..!

Aunt Margie also has a Birthday in April,

She has already received her gift, 

A Purple Lilac Bush.

She is replacing old shrubs and requested Lilac's for replacment.

Her request was a very easy one:)

As I was leaving one of the stores I stopped at this afternoon,

I thought I heard my name being called as I walked towards my car.

I turned to see my Cousin exiting the store calling after me:)

Audrey has always been more like a sister to me,

even though through the years we haven't been able to see each other

as much as we both would like,

that closeness has always remained and it was so great chatting with her 

for about 30 mins in the parking lot..hahaha

What a great day to start with and end with,

Three Very Lovely Ladies sharing their "happy" times and awesome love for life with me..!

Love You Ladies..!  

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy life...!

K

Fried Pickles

Fried Pickles.....sounds a bit discussting!? 

 or as my 5 Year Old Nephew would say..Nasty!

Tonight I saw them on the menu and thought...Hmmm, Why Not?!

The cucumber dip sounded good even if the pickles didn't make the grade:)

To my surprise...the darn things were good! 

Actually burned my mouth and dripped pickle juice on my self...

This picture was actually taken and sent to my dear long time friend who lives in Virginia...

she LOVES Fried Pickles...

Her response was confirmation of her love for the things..!

As usual, I brought home over half of my meal...

Which gives me my lunch for tomorrow:))

I'm actually looking forward to eating the rest of them with the other half of my Chicken Quesadilla..

Here is a recipe I would try to make my own.

Fried Pickles

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (32 ounce) jar sliced dill pickles, drained
• 1 quart vegetable oil for deep-frying

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, 1 tablespoon of flour, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate bowl, stir together the remaining flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or heavy deep skillet. Dip pickle slices into the milk mixture, then into the flour mixture. Repeat dipping.
3. Place the pickles carefully into the hot oil. Avoid over crowding by frying in several batches. Fry until pickles float to the surface, and are golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.

 I would fry some to eat with a cook out during the summer months..

Cucumber Dip

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cucumbers - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions

1. Place cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth. Stir in cucumbers, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, dill weed and hot pepper sauce. 

Enjoy..!