Happy B-Day EZ!

Today is Elizabeth Zimmerman's 100th Birthday! Here's to the icon of fearless, "can-do" knitting!!

Happy Birthday Marie-Jolie!

Today is a special day over at one of my favorite blogs, Permission To Unwind. It's Marie-Jolie's birthday and she is celebrating with a blog party! You will want to head on over there straight away as she has a delicious recipe and some terrific give-aways going today!

(Hurry! Click there now! You can always come back here when you've finished at PTU!!)

PTU is a wonderful blog. Not only are the knitting and photography fabulous, I think you'll enjoy Marie's philosopy, sense of humor, and reflections on life.

To help her celebrate, here's a decadent recipe from my recipe stash.

Aunt Katherine's Brownies

Preheat oven to 350*F

Combine in a small cooking pan:
1/2 cup oleo
1/2 cup shortening
4 Tablespoons cocoa
1 cup cold water
Bring to a boil and cook for a minute or two.

In a large mixing bowl combine:
2 cups of flour
2 cups sugar

Pour the hot cocoa mixture from stove into the flour & sugar mixture. Beat well.

Combine in a seperate bowl:
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
Add this mixture to the above flour/sugar/cocoa mixture and beat well.

Pour into a 10" x 15" sheet cake pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 350*F.

Frosting:

1 stick oleo
4 Tablespoons cocoa
5 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Bring ingredients to a boil. remove from heat and add 1 lb. (16 oz.) of powdered sugar. Beat well. Can add chopped nuts if you like. Frost the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven.

Enjoy!



Happy Birthday Marie-Jolie! Have a terrific day and thank you for the gift of PTU!

Almost Half-Way

Today is my 43rd birthday. I suppose I'm nearing the half-way point of life (at least I like to think I have a good while left yet!)

I like where I'm at on the journey. It's like hiking in the mountains. The half-way point is the pinnacle! You get to the top and have a chance to enjoy some breath-taking views! You have a broader perspective....you can see a lot further!

And the fact that it's all downhill from there is actually a positive thought to me! Making your way up is tough, often strenuous work. The effort requires concentration and sheer will-power to take another step sometimes. Sometimes you feel like giving up. (Sometimes you sit down on a rock while everyone else goes on without you....and you don't get to see the view from the top.....I know.)

The way down doesn't require near the same exertion. You can enjoy yourself. I see more on my way back down than I did on the way up. Enjoy the smaller details. Breathe easier. Encourage the people who are struggling on their way up that it really is worth it.




I'm very blessed to have a great husband, kids, extended family and friends who share the journey with me. Thanks for a special day guys....I love you!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my oldest! How did 17 years go by already?????



(photo taken by a friend on recent band trip to Chicago)