Oh, Deer

I've mentioned many times that Robin has child-like qualities. Sometimes I feel like I'm raising a child all over again. He has such fun entertaining himself with silly songs or activities. He enjoys browsing the toy department and often buys some goofy little thing that makes him laugh.

His latest purchase is this handsome buck which he plans to put in the back yard. But before Mr. Buck finds his permanent home, he must be photographed in various rooms and positions around the house. The deer's purpose is for bow and arrow target practice. He has a perforated target in his heart area. Fortunately for Mr. Buck, he will adorn the yard instead of dodging arrows.

Robin's new toy was waiting in my den when Patty and I returned Monday from Girls Night Out. Patty entered the room before I did and I heard a four letter word. It scared her and I understand how words can slip out at a time like that, but Robin was only a few feet away paying for his cookies from a sweet and innocent Girl Scout. She will probably bring her Daddy to the door with her next time.

The pictures show him in my new home office, in the guest bathroom getting ready for a warm spray from the shower, peering into our back door (which is scary at night when we walk by and forget he is there) and one of him playing "Godmother", not Godfather since that was a horse's head in the bed. Now, isn't Robin the cutest thing?

Happy Birthday, Ron

My son, Ron, is having a birthday today but I won't divulge his age. It would date me horribly. Let's just say he is at a "holdin'" age and will hit a biggie next year. I feel older just typing that!

Ron is my firstborn, my only son, and my valued employee. I'd wanted a girl and in those days the sonogram was not perfected or even offered. I had to go through the rigors of labor (what is an epidural?) and wait until I pushed him into the world before I knew the gender of my baby. At that point, I was asleep and was told later that I had a boy. I don't remember feeling any disappointment at hearing the news. I was just anxious to see him.

A nurse was pushing my bed down a hall to take me to my room when another nurse bent over me with my new son. I fell in love! His big blue eyes were open and blond hair framed his face. I knew I'd never seen a prettier baby in my life. And I'm sure that's not just a mother speaking.

I was a mere 19 years old when I became a mother. That has its advantages and drawbacks. Ron and I pretty much grew up together. Having more maturity and experience would have helped me a lot in the parenting department. However, when I became a Memaw I was young enough to crawl on the floor and give pony rides. I know Ron got the brunt of my inexperience, but he turned out pretty good after all.

Two qualities I love the most about Ron are his sensitivity and his sense of humor. He can be very sentimental and he's not afraid to show his love. But I do remember his first day in school when I knelt by his desk to tell him bye. I think he was afraid I'd kiss him and he quickly reached under his desk, out of view, patted my knee and said, "bye, Mom". My baby was growing up. But that stage didn't last long. In his teens it was not uncommon for us to shop for school clothes and he would walk through the mall with his arms around me. His grandma and aunts know very well, too, what those arms feel like.

His sense of humor is out of sight! He loves practical jokes and can mimic anyone in both speech and mannerisms. Since we have worked together for over 24 years, I have been the recipient of many of his jokes. We've had several funny pictures that we hide so the other can stumble across them. I have found them taped to the toilet seat, in my files, in the lid of the coffee pot reservoir - you name it. I also drove home with a bumper sticker on my car that was so embarrassing that I won't mention it here. We both laughed so hard over it, in spite of my humiliation.

Ron has blessed me with three of my grandchildren - Candice, Camryn, and Thomas. What a joy they have been and how thrilled I am that Ron enjoys being a father and taking his family camping, to the lake, repelling. and motorcycle riding.

As an employee, Ron's talent has been perfected. He can design any part, put it on a machine, and produce a masterpiece. Many of our customers brag about the quality of our work. I give full credit to Ron for that. I merely write the checks.

Happy birthday, Ron, and my prayer that God will bless you with many more. You have brought so much joy and happiness into my life and I love you with all my heart.

Almost Friends

We just had to snap this picture when we saw both of our boys sharing the same chair. Weasil was there first, then Parker jumped up and took his place on the afghan. So adorable.

Parker is used to being snuggly with other housecats. Weasil not so much. Weasil is showing some tolerance for the orange lug who has moved in. Most of the time he passes Parker without acknowledging him. Gratefully, he has passed the spitting stage - somewhat.

The funniest thing about this furry pair is when they reenact the V8 commercial. Parker will come up to Weasil and sit down, facing him. A short staring match begins. Then, Weasil bops Parker on the head and Parker runs. All in all, they are finally co-habitating nicely. They both sleep with us now. Weasil assumes his position next to Robin and Parker prefers the afghan at Robin's feet. I get my side of the bed to myself until morning, then Parker is all over me, wanting to eat.

And, 4 times lately Parker has jumped in my lap and made himself comfortable. It just melts my heart. The camera will be handy the next time it happens. The picture will be just for Angela. Parker and I love her so much.

Girls Night Out

Donna, Deb, Patty, Allison and I met again for dinner in honor of Deb's recent birthday. We've found a restaurant near Saginaw that provides a good halfway point for all of us. We had a great time visiting and are already thinking of ways to meet again soon. Any occasion is a time of celebration. It's a fun group, but the waiters and patrons are probably relieved when we decide to vacate the premises.

I'm ready to go again. I love these gals!

Perogies - A Full Day's Work

My son, Ron, will have a birthday this week on the 28th and I asked what dessert he wanted me to make. He said he'd rather have perogies. Well, wouldn't we all? Cookies, with my double oven, can be accomplished - start to finish - in an hour. Perogies, however, take four hours. He did this to me last year, stating I hadn't made them since his 30th birthday. So, I forced my lazy butt into the kitchen and began the arduous task of making perogies. I must love that boy!

Actually, perogies are E-A-S-Y to make. They just take a long time. There's the rolling of the dough, making the filling, rolling each perogy out, one at a time, and filling them, and finally crimping the edges. I doubled the recipe and it made 53 (one went in the trash). I couldn't see doing a single recipe, going to allllll that rouble, for a mere 18 - 24 perogies.

Ron was delighted to come over and get the finished product. As you can see from the pictures, he brought his beautiful daughter, Camryn, with him.

Now, the recipe. If I can do it, anyone can.

Hot Water Perogy Dough

1 medium egg, 1/4 C. vegetable oil, 1 T. cold water, 1 t. salt, 2/3 C. boiling water, 2 1/2 C. flour

Mix together egg, oil, cold water, and salt using a wire whisk. Add boiling water and mix well. Stir in flour until too thick to handle, then knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rest 15-20 minutes. Divide in half and roll. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut into circles and fill. Let them dry on a clean cloth until all perogies are made. Boil in water until they float to the top, toss with butter and onion. Serve with sour cream. Perogies can be fried after boiled if desired.

Filling: Boil 2-3 medium potatoes. Mash with salt, pepper, and onions sauted in butter or margarine (1 stick). Leave enough butter and onions to toss cooked perogies. Makes 18-24 perogies.

Enjoy! It's worth the work (once a year).

Don't Mess With Clayton

I am here to carefully advise anyone and anything - don't mess with Clayton. For that matter, don't mess with Angela, either. They have a Powerful Force on their side, One you don't want to mess it. God and His entourage of angels have surrounded their home and they are protected. Anything that threatens them will be eradicated. That includes lymphoma.

In the short time since the diagnosis on Clayton confirmed the presence of lymphoma, an impenetrable barrier of supporters have encircled them. Heaven and earth have come together to fight and protect. The outpouring of love and concern and prayers have been awesome. But then, Clayton himself is awesome.

I clearly remember one December night in 1995. I had just gone to bed when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. Clayton asked if he could come in. He knelt by my bed and asked for the engagement ring that Angela's Daddy had given me in 1974. Angela had wanted my ring set for her own marriage someday and the thought of them on the finger of our daughter thrilled me. Clayton explained that he wanted to have them sized and then ask Angela to marry him.

Allison had married Brian just two weeks before. We were all still recovering from the stress and excitement of planning a wedding. I looked at him and asked, "Another wedding? We just finished one!"

But Clayton and I both knew I was excited about the prospect of him marrying my baby. I'd known him long enough to believe completely that he could be trusted with my daughter's love. And I knew Angela thought the world revolved around Clayton and that she loved him deeply. I eagerly handed over the rings and felt the butterflies in my stomach as I imagined the happiness Angela would soon experience as Clayton proposed to her. None of us have ever regretted that day.

Through the years my respect and admiration for Clayton have grown. He disciplined himself to get through medical school and his residency to become the wonderful, caring doctor he is today. He proved to be a loving husband to Angela and a very involved father to their three children. Their family is a team, working together to make it all run smoothly. I've always been in awe of them, but no more than I am at this moment.

This past week, Clayton and Angela have grown so much in my eyes. Sometimes we have to be knocked down before we realize how strong we are. Then, once the shock starts wearing off, we get into a survival mode and the gloves come on. Clayton is prepared to fight the monster that has invaded his body and Angela is like a protective lioness, ready to pounce on anything that threatens her family. They have adopted a whole new lifestyle that includes healthful diets and breaking any old dietary habits that might have existed, not that there could be many. And they are armed with God's presence and promises, and all the friends and family who have rallied around them.

This fight isn't new for Angela. She lived through the agony and uncertainty before and she knows how important it is to pray and trust in God. She knows how to rally and she knows how to fight. That experience will work in their favor.

Of course, we all ask the question, "why do bad things happen to good people?". I don't know the answer. My usual explanation is that we live on planet earth, not in heaven, and bad things happen here. How comforting to know, however, that we are never alone with our bad things. God is only a prayer away and many friends and family remain close.

I have faith that Clayton and Angela's family will be back to normal in no time. I regret that they must deal with a setback, but it is only a temporary detour. They are surrounded by GOOD and nothing can harm them. Don't mess with Clayton, or Angela. The gloves are on and they are ready to fight.

Happy Birthday, Cheryl! Part 2

I wanted to share this lovely picture of Cheryl with her Puddy Tat. She's allergic to cats so she stays on her medicine so she can enjoy a big love of her life. They are quite attached to each other.

The second lovely picture is one of Cheryl and me in Fredericksburg during a very cold January night. We jogged to my daughters' hotel room to get a laugh from them. The laugh was really more of a are-you-out-of-your-minds look.

Happy birthday, Cheryl!!!

Happy Birthday, Cheryl!

It's always an honor to recognize Cheryl on this blog and today - her birthday - is extra special. What an incredible friend she is! She and I often fear that others get tired of hearing about this friendship but we can't seem to shut up. It's a rare combination of mutual interests, uncanny similarities and divine intervention.

When we met 14 1/2 years ago at a grief seminar we had no idea that God had brought us there for a special reason. Of course we connected on the grief level since we both lost our Polish husbands to cancer. But often as healing begins, the need for a crutch lessens as we learn to stand on our own two feet. That was not the case for Cheryl and me. Oh, we are finally standing, but we are still standing together.

Our marriages to our Polish Princes were so ideal that God stepped in to fill the void that was left. He knew we needed someone who understood, someone who fit so well, someone who was loyal, and sincere, and devoted for a lifetime. He pulled us together not only through our grief, but by revealing a rush of things we had in common. Those commonalities broke the ice between us.

I wish to honor my buddy today on her birthday for the wonderful person she is. This may sound very selfish on my part but I love Cheryl because she listens to me with both ears and with rapt attention. She's sad when I'm sad. She rejoices when something good comes my way. Her heart breaks when mine breaks, whether it be over a crisis at work or within my family. She's adopted my children and loved them like her own. And she's always close by, either by phone, email, or the messenger. I know and Cheryl knows, that we are never alone with our joys or our hurts.

I love Cheryl's sense of humor and how we laugh so hard when we are together. I love her sensitivity and the tears that are always in her eyes when I drop her off at the airport. I admire her courage as she daily deals with glaucoma and the regimen of eyedrops and surgeries. I respect her glowing character and giving nature. Her powerful connection to God has rescued me from the dark pit of despair many, many times. I know my buddy is in prayer for me daily and I love her the most for that.

Happy birthday, BB. May the year ahead be filled with all the happiness, joy, and rewards that you have so graciously brought into my own life. You continue to be my anchor, my lifeline, and I feel incredibly honored to call you friend. I love you, girlfriend.

Happy Birthday, Deb!

Guest Blogger: Donna

I want to wish my oldest and very special friend Deborah Ann Bowen Jones a happy birthday today! Deb and I go way back to the 3rd grade at T J Lee Elementary School in Irving, TX. We would spend lots of time at each other's homes. She'd start walking from her house and I'd walk from mine. We'd meet in the middle and walk the rest of the way together. I remember we'd see each other and just start running with our arms out for a sweet embrace. That, of course, was before labels were attached to same sex friends who did something like that.

We were so excited to spend time together. I would go with Deb's family to Galveston during the summers. They had a cabin on Boliver. We'd take the ferry in their car to Boliver for a great time with her family. Uncle Doodles was a character. So was Deb's grandmother. What a true lady. Deb has alot of Mammaw's neat qualities. Sophisticated describes them both.

Deb always had access to the coolest cars....first the baby blue cadillac of her parents. She would take all her friends cruising around Chubby's in Irving. That was the hot spot at the time. She ended up getting a Camero and later a Malibu. I remember all her cool cars. She also always had the latest albums (music, not pictures, for you youngins).

Deb and I became my sister Peggy's first guinea pigs. Peggy would write short stories and poems and when Deb and I were at my house, Peggy would bring them to my room for us to read. They were good even back then. Deb, just think, we knew her when....

Deb had only one man in her life (that I know of anyway) who was truely the man for her. I really never heard her mention any other man with the same affection as she did Larry. I'm so glad they found their way back to each other. I see how happy she is.

We don't see each other as often as we'd like, but we are just a phone call or e-mail away. I want Deborah Ann to know how much I cherish our friendship. Love you friend!

Donna

Touched by an Angel

We're Having a Tea Party

Baylee is having a sleepover with us tonight and she is having a ball and entertaining us as well. I was surprised when she agreed to lay in my bed with me for a rest, and we both ended up falling asleep. I'm not surprised that I fell asleep, but that she did.

Once awake and rested, we made cupcakes in preparation for our tea party. Using the Valentine theme, we made strawberry cupcakes with strawberry icing, all very pink. We had mini M&Ms and red and white sugar sprinkles for decorations. I was disappointed in the M&Ms. They came packaged in a big pink Valentine bag, yet when I opened the individual packs they were in primary colors. They don't look like Valentine decorations but they taste the same.

Baylee's excitement grew as we opened the new box of porcelain teacups and saucers with a fairy motif. She thought they were "so cute!". I washed them, hunted down hats for us (I own these two only), dressed Baylee in her tutu and we were ready for our tea party. What a grateful child! She kept telling me I was the bestest Memaw and I make the bestest tea parties. It's been a wonderful day of bonding and laughing.

Before she fell asleep for a nap she was singing softly beside me. She made up words as she went. "When I have a little rest we will make cupcakes for our tea party." Simple things seem to thrill our children. I'm sure spending the time together meant the most. I know it did for me.

I polished Baylee's fingernails and toenails in a pretty pink that she selected. I thought it was so sweet how she'd run to Papa to show off her fingers and toes. He responded appropriately by telling her she was so beautiful and asking her to stand still while he grabbed the camera. Funny how such a little girl wants that male acceptance. Our daddies and Papas have an important job in making their girls feel special.

Gotta go. My little houseguest just informed me she was ready for our sleepover. She's getting sleepy.

Working From Home

Monday, Presidents' Day, will be my last day at the office. No, I'm not joining the happy retirees club, although the prospect of that is quite alluring. The fact is that the cute house that served as my offices was sold and I am in the process of moving my office to my house. Ron will find a cubby hole in the shop as his makeshift office.

I have mixed feelings about this change. On one hand, not having to go into work every day is nice. I like the idea of getting ready and walking the few feet to a back bedroom office. This new arrangement will test how disciplined I am, and I hope to pass the test. On the other hand, my home is my sanctuary, the place I escape to when the pressure gets too great. Bringing the work pressure into my home might defile my haven. I hope to be able to shut that door at 5:00 and leave the stress behind.

Another consideration is Robin and I being together 24/7 since he also has a home office. I'm sure we'll both stay busy and we will, afterall, be in two separate rooms. But it was nice coming home to a fresh pot of coffee and the two of us sharing our day. We'll still do the coffee, but I might be the one making it now.

By far, the worst part is leaving my son. Ron and I work well together. We've had our moments and I'm sure I've fired him a hundred times. But I haven't in awhile and it would be pointless anyway. He merely smiles and tells me I can't handle it without him. He's right.

Ron reminded me today that Monday will be our last day together, our last lunch together, and how he feels saddened by it. He considered the number of years, at least twenty, that we have worked side-by-side and visited over lunch. I will miss that, too. But I will make a point to show up at the shop with a bag of food as I gather the mail or pass out paychecks.

My den is packed right now with boxes. Monday we will move my remaining items, the desk and computer. I hope to have fun organizing and hanging pictures. I'm talking myself into a positive attitude and conviction that a home office just might work well.

Oh, the best part? The office phone stays with Ron!

Happy Valentine's Day

There's no better way to acknowledge this day of LOVE than to share another note written by my Dad. This note was sent to his baby daughter, my lovely sister, Donna.

My dear baby valentine,

Just thinking of all the good things that I'm blessed with and of course you popped right out at me. I thought of how I love that girl and said "why not let her know". I know that we say that when we say good-bye or at the end of a telephone chat, but I want you to know that I love you truely from my heart. I'm so glad and thankful that you came to bless our home if only for a moment.

Love always,
Daddy

Donna, too, has fond memories of how our Dad recognized us on Valentine's Day. Too often we look at this day as one for lovers, often forgetting that love extends to many different people. And all these people need to be reminded of how special they are to us and how much we love them. This note from Daddy melted Donna's heart, just as mine had done to me. These words and what they mean are more valuable than any store-bought gift. Such a simple, inexpensive gesture, yet one to last a lifetime.

Just as Donna and I are thrilled with our notes of affirmation, we want to pass the same good feeling on to others. We love our family. Each of you hold a special place in our hearts. I couldn't ask for three children I'd rather have than the ones who belong to me. I have the best sister in the world and I wouldn't trade her for anything. I'm thankful that my parents are close by and always there for us. I cherish the nine grandchildren that have brought such joy and laughter into my life. Cheryl and Patty are the best friends anyone could have the privilege of having.

I'm proud to be Robin's wife even though he can be one gigantic stinker sometimes. I'm sure he can say the same about me. There's an innocent, playful boy inside of him that can be as endearing as it can be in need of a good time-out. I love you, Babe, and appreciate your willingness to accept me and all my imperfections.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

My Priceless Valentine

In today's mail I received the most precious note. It was from my Dad, whom I call Sugar. I want to share his words for they mean the world to me.

Dear "Peg of my heart" Valentine,

It didn't take this season of love to draw my attention to the fact that I have a wonderful daughter that I love dearly. I know that I say that hurriedly sometimes, but I hope you take it to heart as my true feelings. I'm so thankful for you and I wish you the very best in life.

Love, Sug

This short note was so unexpected, yet appreciated more than I can say. I've always known I'm a part of a select group of people who not only have surviving parents, but parents who are still together. They will celebrate their 63rd anniversary next month. However, when I shared these words with Allison she reminded me again of how lucky I am to be a part of such a select group. How my kids would love to receive a note from their father this Valentine's Day. I know how blessed I am and my children and I know how very blessed they were to have the kind of father they had, if only too briefly.

Growing up I remember the times my Dad would surprise my Mother, Donna and me with candy on Valentine's Day. Our favorite was Millionaires, a delicious combination of caramel, pecans and chocolate. And two weeks before I gave birth to my first child, Ron, my Dad gave Donna and me two big red and white stuffed dogs. It made no difference that I was married and about to become a mom, he still gave me a Valentine gift.

This little note will go into a special drawer where I keep my written treasures. There is no gift from my Sugar that I would cherish as much as this note. And there's no candy any sweeter. Thank you, Sugar. I love you, too.

Robin's An Official Texan

My Tampa, Florida-born husband has officially joined the ranks of a real Texan. He now has a new pick-up as his main ride. He's had older ones used strictly for his business, but this is his first one that is brand spanking new and for his personal use.

Because of his new ride, I also get a new one, too. I'm taking over his Chevrolet Equinox. We both feel like we are riding high in the saddle, especially me since I'd been driving a car with low profile tires. Unfortunately, I'll also be taking over the payments on the Equinox. Fortunately, they are lower than I was paying on the Nissan.

Robin has asked that I NOT buy him a cowboy hat. He would refuse to wear it. I guess we can only push this Texan stuff only so far.

More Birthday Girl

These pictures are from our birthday stay in Salado at the historic Stagecoach Inn, and our first cruise. Happy birthday, Patty!!!!

Happy Birthday, Patty!

Happy birthday to Patty, the oldest friend I have. By oldest, I mean that we have been friends the longest. Patty and I met as 11-year-olds in the sixth grade. A friendship was made for life. My favorite years together were our teen years when we swapped clothes, ogled the boys, and acted silly, and the ripe old age we are now because we haven't changed from those teen years when we are together. We no longer swap or ogle, but we do have fun being silly!

Patty reminded me that when we were teenagers that I'd tell her I wouldn't speak to her for fifteen days, until her mere fifteen years caught up to my older, more sophisticated sixteen years. Now, that fifteen day gap in our ages is calling for silence again but for the opposite reason: she is younger. Funny how that works.

Patty and I know how to have fun. We visit over coffee very often, share meals together, take trips, go shopping, and yes, even point and laugh. Hunting season finds us all excited about the weekend slumber parties where we relax and do our own thing. We spend so much time together that my grandson, Ashton, once asked his mother if "Patty is Memaw's wife". She's better than a wife. She is a true friend. This friendship will always stand the test of time.

Patty is one of the most generous people I know. My bathroom vanity is overflowing with perfume that she has given me, now toppling the 130+ mark. My closet is packed with clothes she has bought for me and my jewelry box can hardly close. She has treated me to two Carribean cruises and numerous weekend jaunts. I'm spoiled rotten! And I love every minute of it. Mostly, though, I love the friend who is compassionate, fun, understanding, caring, and loyal. She is a very beautiful woman.

Patty's husband, Dave, snapped the picture of the two of us standing by my decorated birthday car. I want to share that today since we can both claim this same recognition. The remaining pictures capture some of the fun times we've had and continue to have.

Patty, my sincere thanks for the friend you are, and my wish that this birthday bring all great things to you. You are most deserving. Happy birthday, friend, with all my love.

Strange Bedfellows

It was well after 2:30 am when we heard Parker on our bed playing with something. Neither of us commented on it, thinking the other might be asleep. I reached out a hand and patted his head, but he kept pouncing. Finally, he settled down and I fell back asleep.

This morning over coffee Robin asked if I'd felt Parker jumping around on the bed. He thought at first he was playing with a cat toy, but then felt like something brushed across his neck. He thought maybe it was one of those big roaches that find their way into our house. I shivered. Bugs don't scare me but I have no desire to share my sleeping quarters with them. I told him I'd felt Parker's movements but thought maybe he was just being weird.

Well, it's Sunday and laundry day at our house. I stripped our bed and pulled out fresh sheets. I gathered the dirty ones and began shaking them out to place in the washer. Guess what fell out onto the floor? Parker's roach. Like any cat, he's proud of his catch and hopes to show it off. Unfortunately for him, it was too late at night for us to give him the needed recognition.

We have been finding remnants of roaches around the house. I know Parker was a great hunter while living with Angela and I'm pleased that he is keeping unwanted critters at a minimum in our house. Due to the calm winter we are having, the roach numbers will only increase and Parker will be an excellent exterminator. I'm very proud of his efforts but I don't relish sleeping with his trophies.

Suzy Homemaker

That's what you can call me after all my kitchen exploits this week. My mother gave me a slow cooker for Christmas and I tried it out twice this week. Monday was stew and it turned out very well, if a little too watery. There must be an art to slow cooking and learning that the contents need less water than when cooking on the stove.

Later in the week it was corned beef and cabbage. It was awful. I think I added the cabbage too early and mixing its flavor with that of the corned beef produced the worst tasting cabbage I've ever swallowed. And I love cabbage. So, I dumped all the cabbage, wrapped the corned beef, and we're enjoying sandwiches out of it. Really tasty this way.

Thursday night I made cookies for an employee's birthday. If you've never tried the recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies on the lid of the Quaker Oats box, I suggest you hit the kitchen right now. They are to die for. Use Golden Raisins for a fantastic flavor and add chopped pecans. It's a meal in itself!

That same night I made a simple dump cake using apples. Robin was impressed and I failed to tell him how easy it was.

This morning I made the blueberry-lemon coffee cake that Allison gave me the recipe for. It was such a hit when her in-laws visited that she made it again the next day. I admire her for being the perfect hostess since the coffee cake is a bit involved. Grated lemon rind and working with almond paste, which I've never baked with before. The end result was heavenly. It's just as delicious as she said it was. But it was work. Work that I suggest you all give in to since it's so good!

All this and other non-exciting meals in one week! I feel very industrious and energetic. Cooking and baking are not fun activities for me. I've heard women say they love to cook and I just can't grasp the concept. Maybe I'm just burnt out. There was a time when I was prepared every week to have guests over after church. We met some wonderful people and somehow I managed to enjoy them even though I was worn out. I am not sorry my tenure is over. I remember as a child wondering why my mother always had company over for dinner when all the work put her in a bad mood. I understand now. We do it because we enjoy new and old friends and feel the work is worth it. I know I harped on my own kids about keeping my clean house clean before the visitors got in the door. Also, cooking for a bigger family or a crowd is often easier than cooking for two. My meal selections are limited now because I can't use some of my bigger recipes.

Even though I dislike cooking, my favorite (if a favorite is possible) household chore is doing the dishes. If I could find someone willing to cook for us I'd gladly clean up the mess.

Often when I'm baking a batch of cookies Robin will tell me that I love to bake or I wouldn't be in the kitchen doing it. That's like saying we love to change dirty diapers or we wouldn't be doing it.

"If you don't enjoy baking, why are you mixing up those cookies," he's asked often.

"Because I'm dying to sink my teeth into a chocolate chip cookie, maybe?"