An Old Friend!

I found an old friend today. One who has been with me down rough roads and smooth sailing, sloshing through puddles on rainy days, dancing in the street, walking on the beach, running after puppies, tiptoeing through grass wet with dew, catching fireflys on a summer nite. I bought them more than 10 yrs ago in the Keys. They're not pretty (and never claimed to be!)

My feet slid into them and found the familiar worn spots. The soles are separating, the buckles rusted, the footbed stained with paint, sweat, mud and goodness know what else! Yet, I can't bring myself to toss them out!

Isn't it wonderful that we have friends that are like my old Birkenstocks? Comfortable, welcoming, been through thick and thin with you and still make you feel good! Aren't we so lucky????

Yuuummmyyyy!

MAMA’S BUTTERSCOTH BROWNIES
1 (1-pound) box brown sugar
2 cups Bisquick
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix well by hand and pour into greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes.
Note: You can add chocolate chips (or other flavor chips) before baking.

Busy weekend!

Whew! It was a very busy weekend, but such fun! We saw baby Vicki - Mama, Daddy and baby are all fine. Didn't get to see little brothers, but will see them soon, I hope! Then we visited with Bill's old friends, one of my friends from years ago in Florida AND went to Sarah & Jared's wedding! WHEW!

Kelley and Zach were wonderful hosts for our extended house guest visit. They made us feel right at home in their cute house. It has so much personality - just like them!

I look forward to seeing more of the children - especially the little ones!

We're going to see the baby!

Tomorrow we're going to see the baby! I'll take lots of pictures and post all of them! Get used to it.

Then we'll go to Sarah and Jared's wedding. It seems like we've waited forever for this one! Yeahhhhh! THE day is finally here. Its been such fun to see these girls grow up and become the young ladies that they are and find these wonderful young men to become their life partners. I'm so proud of each of them.

It should be a fun weekend!

Our first granddaughter has arrived!

Victoria (Vicki) Annette Turk has arrived! She joined her 2 big brothers, Riley (8yrs old) and Alex (almost 2) today, April 14.

Springtime recipe

One of the joys of spring time eating is an abundance of fresh asparagus. Try this recipe for a real treat! Make your own fresh bread crumbs by whizzing 4 slices of white bread in the food processor then spreading in a flat pan to dry in the oven.

Asparagus Gratin with Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

3 quarts salted water

24 medium-size asparagus spears (about 1-1/2 pounds)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

2 tablespoons fine plain dry bread crumbs

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted


Bring the salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus stalks. With a vegetable peeler, peel the bottom half of the stalks. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until tender but still crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain well.


Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss the cheese, bread crumbs, and lemon zest together until blended.


Preheat the broiler. Arrange the asparagus stalks in a single later in an 8-inch square or similar-size flameproof baking dish. Drizzle the asparagus with the melted butter and sprinkle an even layer of the bread crumb mixture over it. Broil about 4 minutes from the heat until the bread crumb mixture is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Serve hot.

He is Risen!

Our hymn in church today was "He Lives!".
"I serve a risen Saviour, he's in my heart to stay....
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way....
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!"

AMEN

After the storm

Did anyone else feel the connection between the storms of last night and the fact that it was Good Friday? Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified, the day the heavens turned black. I found it unsettling. I approach today with a feeling of emptiness and despair. I worry about my children. I worry about the economy. I worry about my inability to make it better for them.

I could sit down and cry with depression. Maybe this is how the disciples felt.


I did not sleep last nite for examining over and over in my mind every decision I've made since 1972. Every move, every change that affected my children and my failed marriage to their father. If only I could go back and do over so many things. Would life be better for us? I'll never know. Its painful to re-visit the old hurts.

Save your breath, I know I have much for which to be thankful.

I KNOW that God forgives us. I KNOW that Jesus died on that cross so that we can be saved from our sins. Tomorrow, I KNOW that we will celebrate his resurrection. Tomorrow, I need to KNOW that my children will be OK.
My heart knows it is so, my head needs a sign.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday brunch calls for something fun and easy. This recipe fits the bill! Serve these rolls along with omelets (made to order), fresh fruit and a cup of really good coffee - yuummmm!

Honey-Pecan Roll
Refrigerated crescent rolls are the base for this easy sweet roll.

1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll
1 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
Honey

Open crescent rolls and spread out to a form a rectangle. Roll dough to a 14-x-9-inch rectangle, pressing perforations to seal.
Combine ½ cup pecans, sugar and butter in a small bowl; stir well. Spread over dough. Roll up jelly roll fashion, beginning from long end. Pinch ends to seal. Place seam side down in a crescent shape on greased baking sheet. Brush with honey; sprinkle with remaining pecans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes; slice and serve warm.