Sunday, November 30, 2008

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving this year didn't feel like Thanksgiving. We were kindly invited to a gorgeous home, ate wonderful food and enjoyed good wine. It was a lovely afternoon and I am so glad we were not alone to face the vast emptiness of my Mama's empty chair. And I have so much for which I am thankful, no matter how unreal Thanksgiving felt this year.
I am thankful I had a wonderful Mama who was a true believer in Southern hospitality. Her door, her kitchen and her heart were always open to anyone in need of mothering. She fed, advised, nurtured and loved a remarkable number of my friends, my sister's friends, my Dad's friends and anyone else in need of somewhere to go or somebody to love them.
I am thankful I had a Mama that I loved but also truly liked. I am thankful she and my Daddy had such a happy marriage, thankful they were best friends as well as sweethearts. I am thankful for the love and understanding of so many friends who "get" that this year has not been easy. I am especially thankful for Prankster who is always there to make me laugh, listen to me cry, hug me, call me and sometimes even make me laugh and cry at the same time. I am thankful for my sweet husband who truly misses my Mama, too. I am thankful for my darling kiddos who say "Remember how Granny would ..." or "I'm really missing Granny today because...." or "Granny would really think that was funny". I am thankful my children and niece have such precious memories of a Granny who loved them like crazy. I am thankful I still have a sister and a Daddy to make this difficult journey with me. I am thankful that my sister understands crying over tupperware and other bizarre things. I am even thankful God allowed us to be the ones in need of somewhere to go this year. We are truly blessed.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Because There's No Such Thing as Too Much Butter!

The presence of fresh cranberries at the store and my promise to make something for the LuHigh bake sale have given me an excuse to make this wonderful batch of buttery goodness.
It's delicious. It's scrumptious. It's completely worth the calories.
And if you even think about making this with margarine then you need to seriously consider getting professional help. And don't tell me about it because I may be unable to ever speak to you again. Also, I cannot be held responsible for the abomination that would result from using margarine.
So, here is the recipe for wonderful cranberry and butter goodness...

Cranberry Bars

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries

Preheat oven to 350. Generously butter (do not even consider using any nasty old Crisco!) an 8-inch baking pan. Beat eggs in a medium bowl until thick. Gradually add sugar, beating until thoroughly blended. Stir in flour and melted butter; blend well. Add cranberries, mixing gently just until combined. Spread evenly in pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into bars.
And don't eat the whole pan by yourself.

No, I Don't Remember

The Saint and I have a bit of an age gap between us. Occasionally we have completely different memories of past events because we were at different stages in our lives. Kelly had a post today that reminded me of something that happened when we were dating. The Saint watched entirely too much television as a child and he loved watching the show "Dark Shadows". He would reference this show sometimes or mention a character and I had no idea what he was talking about. He could not believe I didn't remember this show. In fact, he insisted I would remember if I just thought about it.

One day we were digging around in a used book store and came across an old entertainment magazine. The Saint showed me the cover excitedly and said "See! This show! Remember!" I looked at the date on the cover and pointed out, very sweetly, that it had been published the year before I was born.

Really dear, I swear I don't remember!

Well, Okay Then

Yesterday I was sitting at the craft table helping Funnyface make a paper plate turkey. She looked at me and said "Mrs. H., do you have a baby in your tummy?" Thanks, kiddo. I just lost 6 pounds. I foolishly asked her why she thought I might have a baby in my tummy.
"Well, 'cause your boobies are pretty big." I nearly bit my tongue off trying to not die laughing.
And later, when I told this story to Prankster, she said "I think it's the sweater. I noticed they were looking big today."

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Who Are You?

I am incredibly lazy about getting my hair cut. Actually, I think part of my problem is that I like my hair somewhat long and every time I do go in to get a haircut I suffer a minor (or occasionally major)trauma. I probably average one haircut a year, maybe two. (This particular habit of mine used to drive my Mama batty.)
I think my last haircut was in May and I had gone at least a year without cutting it before that. My hair is long and pretty ratty looking right now so I tend to default to putting it up. I hadn't realized how often I was wearing my hair up until Tuesday. I left my hair down and when I got to school, I swear at least six preschoolers gave me a puzzled look and asked "What's your name?" Dollbaby even tilted her head and said "Are you sure?" when I told her. Long-haired Mrs. H. just blows their little minds.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Eavesdropping

This is the exchange I overheard at preschool lunch yesterday....

Georgia: "Say e-drop."

Francie: "Eat-drop?"

Georgia: "No, e-drop. Eeeeee-drop."

Francie: "Eeee-top."

Georgia: "No! E-drop. Like when you e-drop on your sister. You sneaky around and hide in her room and then say Boo! at her. That's e-drop."

They crack me up!