A Monday Memory....

On this day, many years ago, my Englishman was born.

I am forever grateful to my mother-in-law for giving birth to him, and to my father-in-law for encouraging him to accept a job offer in New York, rather than Geneva, Switzerland.

Amazing, isn't it, how far reaching the impact of a single bit of advice can reach?  That choice led to our meeting, getting married, having three daughters and now, two granddaughters. 

Happy Birthday!

"Grow old along with me - the best is yet to be!"

Friday Fotos....

How did the chickens get on my driveway?

They crossed the road!  Literally.










And discovered some bird seed I had tossed on the driveway, so as to keep the Basset Boys from eating it.

They were later joined by these two lovelies.  The Basset Boys could see them through the front door, which set off some fierce barking and a show of force.

Long story short, these five birds had escaped from their owner and were cruising the neighborhood. I wasn't inclined to go out and help the lady across the road in scooping them up from our front yard since chickens and I are only familiar via the supermarket.

But upon seeing one skirting the backyard fence, I knew it was time to take action.  So after donning a thick jacket and gloves, I went out and was able to finally got a hold of it. I then went around to the street and delivered it to the lady determined to rescue them.  Where these five creatures are now,  I know not.

These are my first attempt at "made from scratch" vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting.  Recipe courtesy of Mary Berry.  I hope they taste as good as they look!

Baked with love - in preparation for an early birthday celebration for the Englishman tomorrow.


Wishing everyone a warm, and chicken free, weekend!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"If we're really honest with ourselves, there are probably times when we think,

'What possible use can I be in this world? 

What need is there for somebody like me to fill?'

That's one of the deeper mysteries.  Then God's grace comes to us in the form of another person who tells us we have been of help, and what a blessing that is."

~  Fred Rogers

Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way

Wednesday's Wisdom....

My first home baked shortbread cookies!

I am so pleased with the first batch!  I'm almost embarrassed to say how long I have owned the beautiful baking pan I used. Almost.

This particular pan, as well as several similar ones from the same company, have traveled with me for over thirty years!  Imagine that. They have sat in the kitchens of five different houses before eventually being used.  

When I started to, well, beat myself up for having waited so long to finally use them, I immediately recalled a directive I received from a very wise woman a long time ago.  She urged me to "stop shoulding on yourself!" In other words, stop saying things like: I should have or why didn't I?  

To be fair to myself, I've been rather busy since I married the Englishman. There never did seem to be time for things like home baking in between diaper changes, school runs, washing clothes or the hundreds of other tasks that required my attention and participation.

But there is time now.  

So I'm starting to take note of those tasks I've put off for "someday" and I'm doing them.  

I've learned that it is true what they say - "It's never too late!" 

 (even for baking.)

Friday Fotos....

Celebration Chocolate Mousse Cake  - recipe courtesy of Mary Berry

This was my first attempt and I was rather pleased with the results.  It tastes heavenly!

Not heard of Mary Berry?  Well then, tune in to your local PBS station, on Sunday afternoons at 4pm  on channel 13, and you will discover her on The Great British Bake Off.

Actually, it's called The Great British Bake Show in the U.S.

Mary Berry is the lovely woman seated on the right.

The Englishman and I are huge fans of hers, and of the program.  You may have seen the "American" version that was put forth last year, which frankly, turned out to be a bit of a disaster.  But if you enjoy baking or simply listening to British accents, then do tune in.  

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

(It is Friday, right?  Between Christmas and New Year's, I'm no longer sure what day it is!)

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Happy New Year!

"Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You will look 10 years younger. Do not be afraid to say, I love you. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world." 

- Ann Landers