….. and me with no teeth.

 

Ah, my grandpa. He’s half deaf, miserable as hell, smokes too much and keeps the heat on 100 degrees. Man, I love him.

I am struggling to find the words that accurately describe how much this man means to me. He’s been there for me in times no one else was. Offering all he had to help. Frustration builds when I see someone so giving, receiving so little from others. I ‘m not referring to tangible things. Just love, attention, and a visit once in a while. After my grandma passed, the visits stopped. Why is it that when one half dies, the other half seems to be forgotten? I myself have neglected my him at times,  and am trying hard now to right that wrong. Even if it means spending each weekend in the kitchen trying to mimic my grandmothers amazing cooking, because he’s craving good food. (Today he’ll be receiving potato pancakes, lasagna, chicken cutlets, and some Ava sized hugs!)

Today we celebrate his 88th birthday. He hasn’t changed a bit. He doesn’t listen to the doctors. He eats badly, and complains too much. But you know what? I think it’s working for him, and I’m glad that he’s still here. I’ll love him anyway.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Lady Bugs and Spice Cake

 

A few years back I had made the decision to humor my sweet Ava in almost whatever she had an idea to do. One day she had informed me that it was her baby doll Max’s birthday and she would like to have a party for him. A few days later, the cake was baked, balloons were blown up, and party hats were on.

Today, I am told, is Lady Bugs birthday, she is 3 years old. As I had hoped that she wouldn’t remember Max’s party, she did. So, the cake is in the oven, the balloons are waiting for all of my hot air, and the party hats are on deck. Yay.

Applesauce Spice Cake

recipe adapted form Duncan Hines Spice cake mix package

1 pkg Duncan Hines Spice cake mix

3 eggs

1 1/4 cup applesauce (or one can apple pie filling)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour cake pan.

Combine mix, oli, eggs, and applesauce. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Pour into pan and bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean!

Happy Birthday Lady Bug!!!

                         

Blowing out her candles! (which were really matches because mom couldn’t find the candles! lol!)

                           

Don’t forget the guests!

Yeah, I know. Just go with it.

 

So I am the worlds crappiest blogger. I hardly ever blog,and when I do, It’s the random-est thing ever. It’s how I roll I guess.

On that note, I can catch you up some. The big thing going on now? Weight Watchers. I jumped back onto that wagon and have been riding it since January 3rd. I have lost a total of 7.8 pounds (I’m gonna go ahead and call it 8 lbs) I My first goal is to get to 170. I weighed 170 when I had gotten pregnant with A bird, and haven’t seen it since. Next, I’d like to get below 170, into the 160’s. Then, I’ll go on from there. It sucks most days. I’d love to just completely down a loaf of garlic bread, and wash it down with some Ben and Jerry’s. But, I can’t.

Ava has informed me that when she grows up she would like to open a restaurant. She will name it Briakka Rye (pronounced Bree-okka rye) and serve mac and cheese, noodles, “the square cookies with powdered sugar from the Princess and the Frog” (a.k.a. Beignets) and ice cream with a cherry on top. I told her she had an excellent idea, and will do anything to help her make it happen.

In the matter of cooking, I have a  few recipes I plan on trying out, such as, chicken spinach and noodle casserole. I’ve never been big on casseroles, but one can change,eh? Also found some cookie recipes that are teasing my senses a bit!

I have recently taken Beginner Knitting classes. I learned how to cast on, knit, pearl, bind off, and most importantly, fix my mistakes. My numerous, numerous mistakes. I’ve just begun scarf # 2 and will learn to knit a hat starting the 21st. My ultimate goal is to learn how to knit socks! Who doesn’t love a good pair of hand made socks? A crazy person, that’s who!! lol!

And I’m spent. I think that all covers it all. Thanks for listening!

Wordless Wednesday