Kate Collins's Blog, page 64
April 30, 2018
Back in Azalea Land
by Maggie SeftonYes, I am still Back East in Northern Virginia, my old hometown area, and will be for another three weeks. We are having wonderful Spring weather, with really chilly nights and sunny daytimes in the 70s. Lovely. Of course, the Lovely Spring of flowers pushing up in our gardens and new light green leaves appearing on the trees also brings "Allergy Season" to many, many people. Sneezing and itchy and watery eyes---all of it.
I never had trouble with allergies throughout my lifetime, only experiencing a few days of an itchy eye in April and May of the year whenever I traveled Back East. Of course, a Springtime visit back to my hometown area has been part of my life for 15 years----ever since I first began promoting the Kelly Flynn Mysteries at the Malice Domestic Mystery Conference which is held every year in the Washington, D.C. area.
However, there was one "killer season" several years ago where I actually experienced not only the itchy watering eyes but also the sneezing. That spring, the pollen was so thick it blanketed our cars. We could write our names in it. Honest. :) A light golden dust coated everything. During those years, my granddaughter Natale (now 19 years old and a sophomore in college) was playing in the Junior High School soccer season with lots of other Northern Virginia teams. Believe me, that was a test of grandparent fortitude----standing on the sidelines, watching the soccer teams run up and down the field, chasing the soccer ball, while we parents and grandparents watched----and gagged and literally choked on the amount of pollen floating in the air. I remember one time when I opened my mouth to cheer Natale's team and literally choked on the pollen that I sucked in. Honest, folks. No exaggerating. So, I'm "Back Home" in the midst of pollen season AND our glorious Azalea Season. All the trees are in bloom and some of the bushes, too. In another warm week, everything will be in bloom. Absolutely beautiful. I certainly hope something pretty is blooming wherever you folks are living----if not now, then soon. :)
April 29, 2018
THE ONCE-IN-A-DECADE COCONUT CAKE
By Mary Kennedy
As everyone knows, food is a big deal down south and southern women love to cook. (If you're following my Dream Club Mysteries, you'll know that luscious desserts are served at every meeting.)
One of my friends in North Carolina loved to bake and cakes were her specialty. I'd heard that one of her favorite treats was "Once-in-a Decade-Coconut Cake." I have no idea if that's what it was really called--that's what her kids called it. I figured there had to be a story behind it. Did she really only make it once every ten years? Was her family complaining that she didn't make it often enough?
I never found out the history behind it, but I asked for the recipe and here it is. If you're wondering about the calorie count and fat grams, well, just don't give it a thought. My neighbor didn't have them and some things are best left unsaid!
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar12 oz sweetened shredded coconut1 8 oz container sour cream1 box butter golden cake mix1 container whipped topping, thawed.
Directions. Prepare the filling by combining the sugar,coconut and sour cream. Chill for 2 hours. Line two round cake pans with parchment paper.Spray with cooking spray. (I use Pam For Baking)
Bake cake in two 8 inch round cake pans, according to directions on box. Cool before cutting each cake horizontally so you have 4 layers. You can stick toothpicks around the cakes as a guide before cutting.
Reserve one cup of the filling, spread the rest between the layers, as pictured above.
At the very top, stir together the whipped topping and the cup of reserved filling. Spread on top and sides of cake. Chill for 24 hours. Serves 12. Enjoy!
Bon appetit! Mary Kennedy
As everyone knows, food is a big deal down south and southern women love to cook. (If you're following my Dream Club Mysteries, you'll know that luscious desserts are served at every meeting.)
One of my friends in North Carolina loved to bake and cakes were her specialty. I'd heard that one of her favorite treats was "Once-in-a Decade-Coconut Cake." I have no idea if that's what it was really called--that's what her kids called it. I figured there had to be a story behind it. Did she really only make it once every ten years? Was her family complaining that she didn't make it often enough?
I never found out the history behind it, but I asked for the recipe and here it is. If you're wondering about the calorie count and fat grams, well, just don't give it a thought. My neighbor didn't have them and some things are best left unsaid!
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar12 oz sweetened shredded coconut1 8 oz container sour cream1 box butter golden cake mix1 container whipped topping, thawed.
Directions. Prepare the filling by combining the sugar,coconut and sour cream. Chill for 2 hours. Line two round cake pans with parchment paper.Spray with cooking spray. (I use Pam For Baking)
Bake cake in two 8 inch round cake pans, according to directions on box. Cool before cutting each cake horizontally so you have 4 layers. You can stick toothpicks around the cakes as a guide before cutting.
Reserve one cup of the filling, spread the rest between the layers, as pictured above.
At the very top, stir together the whipped topping and the cup of reserved filling. Spread on top and sides of cake. Chill for 24 hours. Serves 12. Enjoy!
Bon appetit! Mary Kennedy
April 26, 2018
Lost in Grief
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
It's been seven weeks since I lost my cat, Fred. To me, he wasn't just a cat. He was my tiny son. My little Prince. Additionally, it's been five weeks since we lost Chester, Mr. L's feline son.
The truth is ... we were prepared to lose Chester. He was almost 20 years old. He had multiple health problems. Mr. L and I had learned to give him subcutaneous fluids back in July 2016 because he was suffering from kidney failure. He had other health problems that had us giving him pills five days a week, and cream in his ears almost every day for several months. But until a week before he had to make the terrible decision to euthanize him, Fred was okay. Yes, he had lost weight, but he didn't give us any real sign that he was in distress. He had apparently suffered in silence with the cancer that was rapidly growing within him.
We thought we were prepared to lose Chester. But to lose Fred was absolutely devastating. And then...12 days later, we lost Chester, and he did not have an easy time. We waited a day too long to take him to his last visit to the vet. On the morning of his last day, Chester had a violent seizure. Ive seen people have seizures but nothing like what our poor sweet boy endured. That was at 7:50 am. I called our vet at 8 when they opened, and they said to bring him in at 10:30. I wasn't sure he'd make it and I worried about him suffering. Five minutes later, they called to say, "Bring him in now," which we did.
Some might cynically say the vet only wanted to make the $50 charge to euthanize him, but I don't think so. We didn't want our boy to suffer .. and he certainly did.
Truly, we have been lost without our boys. And our quest to find new cats has not been easy. Honestly, no cats could ever "replace" our boys. We loved Fred for just over 13 of his 15 years, and Chester was two weeks short of his 20th birthday. But ... April isn't quite "kitten season," and the truth is, Mr. L and I want older kittens, not tiny babies. Maybe we're just a little too old for that right now.
"You should adopt older cats!!!" we've been told sternly.
Okay, but we just LOST two older cats. We are not prepared to get attached to and then lose an older cat or two too soon. I feel terrible, but between losing my parents and three cats (we lost our beloved kitten, Betsy (aged 20) two years ago), I've had too many losses these past few years. I don't think my broken heart can take much more.
So, we're without cats making tracks on our freshly vacuumed carpet. We're without food and water bowls in our kitchen. We aren't maintaining multiple litter boxes and doling out treats ... not that we haven't scoured websites and Facebook pages looking for our next much-anticipated kittens. It seems our timing is just OFF.
We will have cats in our lives again.
It can't come soon enough.
It's been seven weeks since I lost my cat, Fred. To me, he wasn't just a cat. He was my tiny son. My little Prince. Additionally, it's been five weeks since we lost Chester, Mr. L's feline son.The truth is ... we were prepared to lose Chester. He was almost 20 years old. He had multiple health problems. Mr. L and I had learned to give him subcutaneous fluids back in July 2016 because he was suffering from kidney failure. He had other health problems that had us giving him pills five days a week, and cream in his ears almost every day for several months. But until a week before he had to make the terrible decision to euthanize him, Fred was okay. Yes, he had lost weight, but he didn't give us any real sign that he was in distress. He had apparently suffered in silence with the cancer that was rapidly growing within him.
We thought we were prepared to lose Chester. But to lose Fred was absolutely devastating. And then...12 days later, we lost Chester, and he did not have an easy time. We waited a day too long to take him to his last visit to the vet. On the morning of his last day, Chester had a violent seizure. Ive seen people have seizures but nothing like what our poor sweet boy endured. That was at 7:50 am. I called our vet at 8 when they opened, and they said to bring him in at 10:30. I wasn't sure he'd make it and I worried about him suffering. Five minutes later, they called to say, "Bring him in now," which we did.Some might cynically say the vet only wanted to make the $50 charge to euthanize him, but I don't think so. We didn't want our boy to suffer .. and he certainly did.
Truly, we have been lost without our boys. And our quest to find new cats has not been easy. Honestly, no cats could ever "replace" our boys. We loved Fred for just over 13 of his 15 years, and Chester was two weeks short of his 20th birthday. But ... April isn't quite "kitten season," and the truth is, Mr. L and I want older kittens, not tiny babies. Maybe we're just a little too old for that right now."You should adopt older cats!!!" we've been told sternly.
Okay, but we just LOST two older cats. We are not prepared to get attached to and then lose an older cat or two too soon. I feel terrible, but between losing my parents and three cats (we lost our beloved kitten, Betsy (aged 20) two years ago), I've had too many losses these past few years. I don't think my broken heart can take much more.
So, we're without cats making tracks on our freshly vacuumed carpet. We're without food and water bowls in our kitchen. We aren't maintaining multiple litter boxes and doling out treats ... not that we haven't scoured websites and Facebook pages looking for our next much-anticipated kittens. It seems our timing is just OFF.
We will have cats in our lives again.
It can't come soon enough.
April 25, 2018
A Feline-Friendly Garden
by Karen Rose Smith
There are many lists online about plants that are non-toxic to cats. The ASPCA has the most inclusive one for cats and dogs. One thing to remember is that if you buy plants rather than grow your own, they could have absorbed pesticides from garden stores spraying for insects. As often as possible, I try to grow plants from seed.
Here are a few of my standbys that keep our garden safe for strays who visit us as well as add fragrance and color to our yard.
ROSES
I love roses and we have about a dozen bushes--Chrysler Imperial, McCartney, Queen Elizabeth, California Dreamin', Double Delight, Blue Girl, Voluptuous, World War II Memorial and some disease-resistant knock-out varieties. Their vivid colors and delightful scents are a joy to behold each June when they're at their height in Pennsylvania.
ZINNIAS
Depending on the warmth of our spring, I sow zinnia seeds around Memorial Day. They are so easy to grow...unless the bunnies eat them. I rake up the ground a bit, drop the seeds and in six weeks have wonderful color gracing our gardens. My favorite colors are Pink Luminosa, and Purple Prince. There are varieties from the large heirloom blooms to pincushion and miniatures. They can stand up and thrive in humidity and high summer heat. The butterflies love them and the hummingbirds too.
PETUNIAS
Petunias will brighten up any planter or garden. If you want color, there are so many varieties to choose from. Wave petunias are good at borders and traditional varieties are hardy and bushy.
SNAPDRAGONS
Last season, dwarf snapdragons lined our gardens' borders while taller traditional varieties grew to 15 inches or higher. They are easy to grow. I planted seeds in January for snapdragons and petunias. They are ready to plant as soon as the threat of frost is over.
CONEFLOWERS
I especially appreciate coneflowers because they attract hummingbirds. In pink, purple and white, they make a sturdy as well as colorful addition to our gardens. We have them planted near one of our feral shelters.
PHLOX
Phlox also attract hummingbirds. They come in various colors from pink to purple to white and blue. I grew one last year that was red and white striped. They can add height to your gardens, growing from two to three feet.
I also use herbs for greenery. I like having lavender in the garden for its unique scent. Oregano, chamomile, basil, sage, rosemary, thyme and parsley are a few cat-friendly varieties. Cat mint is wonderful in gardens. It flowers and the cats love to lay in it!
Happy gardening!
Links to explore with non toxic and toxic plant lists:
ASPCA List
Cat Faeries List
There are many lists online about plants that are non-toxic to cats. The ASPCA has the most inclusive one for cats and dogs. One thing to remember is that if you buy plants rather than grow your own, they could have absorbed pesticides from garden stores spraying for insects. As often as possible, I try to grow plants from seed.
Here are a few of my standbys that keep our garden safe for strays who visit us as well as add fragrance and color to our yard.
ROSES
I love roses and we have about a dozen bushes--Chrysler Imperial, McCartney, Queen Elizabeth, California Dreamin', Double Delight, Blue Girl, Voluptuous, World War II Memorial and some disease-resistant knock-out varieties. Their vivid colors and delightful scents are a joy to behold each June when they're at their height in Pennsylvania.ZINNIAS
Depending on the warmth of our spring, I sow zinnia seeds around Memorial Day. They are so easy to grow...unless the bunnies eat them. I rake up the ground a bit, drop the seeds and in six weeks have wonderful color gracing our gardens. My favorite colors are Pink Luminosa, and Purple Prince. There are varieties from the large heirloom blooms to pincushion and miniatures. They can stand up and thrive in humidity and high summer heat. The butterflies love them and the hummingbirds too.PETUNIAS
Petunias will brighten up any planter or garden. If you want color, there are so many varieties to choose from. Wave petunias are good at borders and traditional varieties are hardy and bushy.
SNAPDRAGONS
Last season, dwarf snapdragons lined our gardens' borders while taller traditional varieties grew to 15 inches or higher. They are easy to grow. I planted seeds in January for snapdragons and petunias. They are ready to plant as soon as the threat of frost is over.
CONEFLOWERS
I especially appreciate coneflowers because they attract hummingbirds. In pink, purple and white, they make a sturdy as well as colorful addition to our gardens. We have them planted near one of our feral shelters.
PHLOX
Phlox also attract hummingbirds. They come in various colors from pink to purple to white and blue. I grew one last year that was red and white striped. They can add height to your gardens, growing from two to three feet.
I also use herbs for greenery. I like having lavender in the garden for its unique scent. Oregano, chamomile, basil, sage, rosemary, thyme and parsley are a few cat-friendly varieties. Cat mint is wonderful in gardens. It flowers and the cats love to lay in it!
Happy gardening!
Links to explore with non toxic and toxic plant lists:
ASPCA List
Cat Faeries List
April 24, 2018
Here come the cops!
I’m working on Tandem Demise, the third book in the Cycle Path series.
Evie Bloomfield is from Chicago and now living on Mackinac Island. The good thing is she loves the island with no cars and lots of bikes and horses and fudge. The bad thing is she has a black cloud condition that attracts dead bodies. Feeling responsible for the murders and that they involve her new friends Evie sets out to find the real killers. Not an easy task for a graphic designer so she had to acquire new skills...like picking locks. This means I have to learn how to pick locks too. If I’m going to write about it, it has to be real. I actually keep looking out my window thinking the cops are going to pull up any minute and accuse me of the latest theft in Milford.
This is not the only time I’ve done research that has me watching for the cops. I think it’s an occupational hazard of being a writer. I’ve done tons of research on poisons and how to make poisoning look like a natural death. Arson is another fave topic. How to set a fire and get away with it. You know, I think I might actually be able to do this one and get away with it...don’t tell anyone.
There is the usual research of guns and knives but I think those murders are kind of boring unless of course the knife is a wedding cake knife and the gun is a musket. Now things get more interesting. So have you ever done research on something that you think the cops are going to pull up any minute and take you away just on general principals of sticking my nose into stuff no normal person needs to know? Have you ever Googled something and thought if Big Brother is watching I am so screwed? Let me know so I don’t feel so paranoid. Hugs, Duffy
Evie Bloomfield is from Chicago and now living on Mackinac Island. The good thing is she loves the island with no cars and lots of bikes and horses and fudge. The bad thing is she has a black cloud condition that attracts dead bodies. Feeling responsible for the murders and that they involve her new friends Evie sets out to find the real killers. Not an easy task for a graphic designer so she had to acquire new skills...like picking locks. This means I have to learn how to pick locks too. If I’m going to write about it, it has to be real. I actually keep looking out my window thinking the cops are going to pull up any minute and accuse me of the latest theft in Milford.
This is not the only time I’ve done research that has me watching for the cops. I think it’s an occupational hazard of being a writer. I’ve done tons of research on poisons and how to make poisoning look like a natural death. Arson is another fave topic. How to set a fire and get away with it. You know, I think I might actually be able to do this one and get away with it...don’t tell anyone.
There is the usual research of guns and knives but I think those murders are kind of boring unless of course the knife is a wedding cake knife and the gun is a musket. Now things get more interesting. So have you ever done research on something that you think the cops are going to pull up any minute and take you away just on general principals of sticking my nose into stuff no normal person needs to know? Have you ever Googled something and thought if Big Brother is watching I am so screwed? Let me know so I don’t feel so paranoid. Hugs, Duffy April 23, 2018
Retail Memories of Yesteryear
by Maggie SeftonYesterday I returned to my old hometown area of Northern Virginia. I'm staying with my dear childhood friends before the Malice Domestic Mystery conference in Washington, D.C. later this week.
Mary's Monday posts always catch my attention, and yesterday's did again. It brought back so many memories of the wonderful Grand Old Famous department stores of years ago. Yes, we have large department stores now, set in the midst of brand new shiny shopping centers which are complete with adjacent fancy apartments, cinemaplexes, and fitness centers. Something for everyone.
Our family lived for fifteen years in West Lafayette, Indiana, in northwest Indiana while my husband was a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. Since we were used to living in northern Virginia, right across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., we had to get used to new surroundings, new landscapes, new weather patterns, and----new shopping centers. Washington, D.C. had many beautiful and large department stores, we certainly did not lack for shopping variety. But once we moved into the heart of the Midwest, we had to get new bearings.
Fortunately, in those days, there was such a thing as a Faculty Wives Club. I'm sure the name alone wouldn't pass muster nowadays, but back in the 70s (yes, the 70s) it was totally non-offensive. There were faculty dinners and various other functions all designed to build community in Purdue's large and diverse faculty and families. One of the things the club sponsored was an outing to Chicago four times a year. Two hours away on the interstate, Chicago was not a place we went shopping regularly. With the travel, it was 2 hours at least to drive up and 2 hours to return. An all-day experience. But the Faculty Wives club in those days sponsored a large Greyhound bus to take shoppers up to the Grand Old Dame of Chicago shopping----Marshall Fields Department store, right in the midst of downtown Chicago.
I still remember those shopping trips fondly. They provided a great way to escape and treat ourselves to a day of shopping, a wonderful matinee theatre experience if we chose, an all day walk through those wonderful museums or lakeshore parks (Chicago, remember, is on the banks of Lake Michigan and has beautiful lakeshore views. Or, we could simply stroll along Chicago's grand avenues and immerse ourselves in "City." Yes, some of us do enjoy the City experience, even though it has changed over the years. And my family always reminded me to bring home some of Marshall Fields' famous Chocolate Mint cookies. Yummy. Believe me, they rivaled the Girl Scout's Thin Mints. Honest! :)
April 22, 2018
EATING LUNCH AT THE FIVE AND DIME
By Mary Kennedy
I don't know about you, but growing up, we always called Woolworth's the Five and Dime. What a marvelous place it was. And having lunch at the "five and dime" was always a treat, and included a sundae for dessert. (it didn't matter that we often had a milkshake with lunch, somehow there was always room for a sundae!).
If we were having lunch in "the city" (meaning Manhattan) it was tradition to eat at Schrafft's.
Lunch at Schrafft's was usually a club sandwich and iced tea. The perfect prelude to an afternoon of shopping and visiting the museums. Schrafft's was such an iconic place, they even developed an advertising slogan, "Meet Me at Schrafft's."
Before heading to Grand Central at the end of the day to take the train back to Westchester, we'd stop for coffee and pastries at Chock Full O'Nuts.
And to fortify ourselves for the journey home, we might even indulge in a date nut bread and cream cheese sandwich. Just a little something to tide us over till dinner time!
Or we might stop at Horn and Hardart for mac n' cheese and a slice of apple pie. So many choices. The last Horn and Hardart closed in 1991, but I read that they may be making a comeback,complete with quinoa salads and more trendy menu items.
Do certain food and restaurants make you feel nostalgic for days gone by? I can't remember the last time I saw a "date nut bread and cream cheese sandwich" on a menu.
Happy memories from some wonderful days gone by.
Mary Kennedy
I don't know about you, but growing up, we always called Woolworth's the Five and Dime. What a marvelous place it was. And having lunch at the "five and dime" was always a treat, and included a sundae for dessert. (it didn't matter that we often had a milkshake with lunch, somehow there was always room for a sundae!).
If we were having lunch in "the city" (meaning Manhattan) it was tradition to eat at Schrafft's.
Lunch at Schrafft's was usually a club sandwich and iced tea. The perfect prelude to an afternoon of shopping and visiting the museums. Schrafft's was such an iconic place, they even developed an advertising slogan, "Meet Me at Schrafft's."
Before heading to Grand Central at the end of the day to take the train back to Westchester, we'd stop for coffee and pastries at Chock Full O'Nuts.
And to fortify ourselves for the journey home, we might even indulge in a date nut bread and cream cheese sandwich. Just a little something to tide us over till dinner time!
Or we might stop at Horn and Hardart for mac n' cheese and a slice of apple pie. So many choices. The last Horn and Hardart closed in 1991, but I read that they may be making a comeback,complete with quinoa salads and more trendy menu items.
Do certain food and restaurants make you feel nostalgic for days gone by? I can't remember the last time I saw a "date nut bread and cream cheese sandwich" on a menu.
Happy memories from some wonderful days gone by.
Mary Kennedy
April 20, 2018
Life is short ... so should I eat a pound of chocolates?
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
During January, I became my brother's diet buddy. He was having a tough time and needed a little encouragement. I needed to lose some weight, too. So I lost 9 pounds and then plateaued. (He lost 15, plateaued -- and then he regained it.) I got on the scale today, and those nine pounds (which I learned from a Ted talk, you lose by exhaling CO2, unfortunately--eating less and doing more is also part of that equation. Rats) are still gone.
Okay, that's not to say that I haven't had a couple of relapses. In fact, I had Easter candy. Um ... included in the Easter candy was a l pound box of Russell Stover (dark chocolates--with nuts and caramels. Yum!) Um ... I ate it. The entire box. I didn't share. And I gained six pounds. (How can you eat one pound of something and gain SIX???)
I have been PINING to bake. NO WAY. You gained SIX Pounds by pounding chocolate!!! You know what six pounds looks like?
I will say that because of the guilt (and boy, was there a LOT OF IT), I hopped right back on the diet and have lost those six pounds. (Whew! I was really sweating that.) That tells you the power of the Zero Point Weight Watchers diet. (Of course, it gets pretty boring, but ...)
Anyway, back to baking. I've been thinking about homemade coffee cake. And muffins. A LOT. I have this urge to BAKE. To smell some wonderful aroma coming out of my oven, filling my house, lifting me off my feet....
Ahhhhhhhhhhh....
But there's the spectre of WEIGHT GAIN. So ... I haven't done anything. I mentioned it on my Facebook Group page and one of my readers told me, "Life is short. Bake the cake."
Yeah, but ... WEIGHT GAIN!!!
And then my brother called me the other day and said, "Hey, Dr. X's husband dropped dead." Back back in February, she told me about him. That she nagged her husband to exercise more ... and now he was gone. Hmmm. Did he pass because he exercised too much, or did she nag him too much?
Life is short.
If he'd had a chance just before the last minute, would he have said, "I shouldn't have had that bagel for breakfast" or cake, or a cookie .. or a one pound box of Russell Stover.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away earlier in the week. One of her most frequently quoted remarks was this:
“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.”
I'm betting she would say, "Have a piece of cake, Lorraine."
Life is short. Cake can be a treat ... (and I'm planning on freezing most of that cake and/or muffins ... so I'm not tempted). And ... Zero Points Weight Watchers has worked for me.
Would you bake the cake?
During January, I became my brother's diet buddy. He was having a tough time and needed a little encouragement. I needed to lose some weight, too. So I lost 9 pounds and then plateaued. (He lost 15, plateaued -- and then he regained it.) I got on the scale today, and those nine pounds (which I learned from a Ted talk, you lose by exhaling CO2, unfortunately--eating less and doing more is also part of that equation. Rats) are still gone.
Okay, that's not to say that I haven't had a couple of relapses. In fact, I had Easter candy. Um ... included in the Easter candy was a l pound box of Russell Stover (dark chocolates--with nuts and caramels. Yum!) Um ... I ate it. The entire box. I didn't share. And I gained six pounds. (How can you eat one pound of something and gain SIX???)I have been PINING to bake. NO WAY. You gained SIX Pounds by pounding chocolate!!! You know what six pounds looks like?
I will say that because of the guilt (and boy, was there a LOT OF IT), I hopped right back on the diet and have lost those six pounds. (Whew! I was really sweating that.) That tells you the power of the Zero Point Weight Watchers diet. (Of course, it gets pretty boring, but ...)
Anyway, back to baking. I've been thinking about homemade coffee cake. And muffins. A LOT. I have this urge to BAKE. To smell some wonderful aroma coming out of my oven, filling my house, lifting me off my feet....Ahhhhhhhhhhh....
But there's the spectre of WEIGHT GAIN. So ... I haven't done anything. I mentioned it on my Facebook Group page and one of my readers told me, "Life is short. Bake the cake."
Yeah, but ... WEIGHT GAIN!!!
And then my brother called me the other day and said, "Hey, Dr. X's husband dropped dead." Back back in February, she told me about him. That she nagged her husband to exercise more ... and now he was gone. Hmmm. Did he pass because he exercised too much, or did she nag him too much?
Life is short.
If he'd had a chance just before the last minute, would he have said, "I shouldn't have had that bagel for breakfast" or cake, or a cookie .. or a one pound box of Russell Stover.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away earlier in the week. One of her most frequently quoted remarks was this:“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.”
I'm betting she would say, "Have a piece of cake, Lorraine."
Life is short. Cake can be a treat ... (and I'm planning on freezing most of that cake and/or muffins ... so I'm not tempted). And ... Zero Points Weight Watchers has worked for me.
Would you bake the cake?
April 18, 2018
Orange Creamsickle Cake...Yummmm!
by Karen Rose Smith
Remember those orange creamsicle popsicles? This cake is reminiscent of those. I like to make this recipe this time of year with pot lucks and picnics starting for spring and summer. It’s easy and delicious. I hope you enjoy it.
CREAMSICLE CAKE
1 (16.5 oz.) package orange cake mix2 (3 oz.) packages of orange gelatin, divided3/4 cup boiling water3/4 cup cold water1 (4 serving size) package instant vanilla pudding mix1 cup milk (I use whole milk so it holds its body longer)1 teaspoon vanilla1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip
Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions, using a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Cool. Poke holes all over cake. (I use the handle of a wooden spoon.)
In a small bowl dissolve 1 pack of the gelatin in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add cold water. (Very cold water works best.) Then pour evenly over cake, filling all the holes. Chill in refrigerator for one hour.
Combine second pack of gelatin, pudding mix, milk and vanilla in mixing bowl. Beat well until thickened slightly. (I mix on high.) It won't thicken as much as pudding. Fold in whipped topping. I like orange swirls so I don't fold completely even. Spread the mixture over the cake. Chill for several hours before serving.
Bouncing the Bucket List!
Just got back from Amsterdam and the land of tulips and windmills. Well...not exactly just got back but landed Saturday an it took till now to feel among the living with recovering from an eye infection, stomach bug, bad cold and no tulips.Doing the bucket list thing isn’t always a bowl of cherries!Adventures are just that and not all goes to plan. But there was the art I’d wanted to see all my life (Van Gogh’s sunflowers, Rembrandt, Vermeer). And Amsterdam was amazing even in rain and cold...they were ice skating on the canals two weeks ago so the tulips stay said no-way are we coming out in this! See this pic below...well we didn’t see it at all!
So my question today is, is having a bucket list worth it? Is it just pie in the sky or should you roll the dice and give it a try?Even with all the mishaps IMHO adventures are always worth it. I travel a lot with my two daughters and their motto is... If something doesn’t go wrong we’re not trying hard enough.
I like this philosophy a lot. Maybe it’s part of my bucket list. To just keep plugging away and trying new things.So that brings me back to you. Do you have a bucket list? It doesn’t have to be traveling all over the planet and getting sick but maybe trying to really like sushi (I did and still think holding it over a flame would do it a world of good). Or maybe learning how to play Mahjong or go to the opera or give Josh Groban one more try.So what’s on your bucket list and are you adding to it?
