58 degrees

These past four years have been an exercise in faith.Much has happened in our lives. Steve got laid off, found a job fairly easily but had to move back to his hometown 800 miles away. This move proved to be a blessing in disguise. He got a chance to spend some quality time with both his mom and my parents. Through my dad's diagnosis and subsequent passing, he was the rock who played chauffeur to friends and family that were flying in to say their goodbyes to an amazing man. Oddly enough, Steve was laid off again soon after Dad's death. It seemed that fate brought him there to be that rock.

It has been three years since Steve has been gainfully employed. But he has kept extremely busy applying for hundreds of jobs, which is a job in itself, helping friends by writing stories for their understaffed newspaper, being around to manage various workmen when we had to hook up our sewer lines when our septic tank failed leaving a gaping hole at least 12 feet by 15 feet deep. Then he filled that hole one wheelbarrowful at a time because we love our garden and did not want it ruined especially for our daughter's wedding a few months later, helping plan Oktoberfest for a civic group,and garden, garden, garden.

One year ago, Steve was awarded a full scholarship for an MS in Special Education-Orientation and Mobility and Visual Rehabilitation Training. When he is done, he will be working with veterans. This summer, he finishes up his coursework and will have two internships. In the mean time, he plugs away and the future looks very bright in this new field of his. He is looking forward to being gainfully employed again.

I too am looking forward to this so I can raise the heat this winter to a more comfortable setting than 58 degrees.
We do what we must to survive. Life is good!

Morning Smile

My dad was a Blue Eagle. A proud Atenean who started the fraternity Aquila Legis along with his fellow law classmates.
As I continue to mourn Dad's passing, I have constant reminders of his love for eagles. Our area of the Midwest is home to many bald eagles that feed from the melted spots near the Lock and Dams on the Mississippi River.
Yesterday, as I drove to school, I saw a bald eagle as I drove over the bridge. That was my morning smile.
I also had a morning chuckle because I also saw a hawk sitting atop the roof of a car parked by the side of the road. It was an unusual sight. I wonder...

Birthday Cake

1 Box Angel Food Cake
1 Box any cake mix

Mix both together. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the mixed up mix, then add 2 tablespoons water in a mug. Microwave or 1 minute.
Top with fruit or whipped cream. Store the rest of the mix and have on hand when emergency cake is needed. (from Pinterest)

Having a Valentine birthday has always been special because of the day and the fact that I share it with my sister, Karen. Since I was 9 years old, we have had the pleasure of celebrating together.

She has often reflected on how we have bonded together as posted here. Karen is blessed with a wonderful family. A loving husband and children who take pleasure in being together. Biking, ping-ponging, and having a multitude of friends over to enjoy life. She has a way of making lemonade when she is given lemons; she has the tenacity to survive, and she has the gift of finding joy in what is important.

When I grow up, I want to be like her.

Lemon Biscotti

Lemon Biscotti

2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. oil
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. lemon extract
2 1/2 c. flour

Mix all ingredients together to make a stiff dough.
Shape into an "S". bake until golden brown.
Break into small pieces and roll into floured dough.

I have been wanting to make biscotti. I also happen to love anything lemon (even the color)!
This recipe comes from a book published by the Nonnies in East Rochester many years ago.
It looks simple enough. This is one of the treats I will bake this weekend.

Kitchenaid

About 25 years ago, I purchased a classic Kitchenaid Mixer. I have not been sorry. It has been my lifesaver during the winter months when I bake bread every weekend as a form of therapy to the lack of warmth outside. The smell of bread has a way of lifting my spirits. Today, as usual, I will use this trusty machine to continue my weekend tradition until I am able to dig in the dirt again.

Fabulous Granola Bars

3 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1 1/2 cups assorted nuts, chopped
1 cup dried fruit, chopped
1 can condensed milk

Combine all, pour and press into parchment paper lined 9 by 13 pan.
Let parchment hang over pan slightly to make handles.
Bake 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes. Cool and cut.
Makes approximately 20 bars.
Try not to eat the whole thing in one sitting.

In an attempt to be healthier, I make these granola bars every week. I find that having
one mid-morning helps me make it to lunchtime without grazing through chocolate, cookies
or candy.

During the week,Bryan and I have been attempting to go vegetarian while Steve is away at school.
On weekends, when Steve is home,he likes to cook what he feels like. And who am I to say no? I am no fool.
He is a great cook!! As it turns out though, the tables are turned. Steve goes vegetarian during the week not by choice but by what he has in his apartment fridge. We, on the other hand are not. I will try harder next week.

Fog Delay Day

Bryan had called it last night. The fog had rolled in and as we looked out the window, he said I would have a delay in the morning. He was right. 2-hour delay.
It is a gift. I have had a relaxing morning. 2 1/2 cups of coffee. Oatmeal ( I am a creature of habit). Check email, FB and Pinterest.(Thanks, Ally). But I have managed to cut fabric petals for the rose pins I make.(Chesca and girls, yours are coming!) My goal is to make 2 things a day. I am considering selling them. So far, I have been gifting them. But economics, tuition, groceries etc. move me to think of well, economics.
While economics (have I said that 3 times?) is a concern, I must say that life as it is has settled into a sort of routine. Steve comes home on weekends and unlike last semester, seems a bit less stressful for him.He lost 30 lbs. I have picked up a tutoring job after school twice a week which helps with the econ...sitch. Bryan is so far enjoying his classes and is starting to pick up a few hours working.
We are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am on my last 2 credits for my ELL endorsement, Steve has this semester and summer to finish up his coursework, then on to 2 internships. The first will be in the Chicago area, the second, who knows. After that, it is out of our hands. I have hope that life will settle down a bit for us. But, in the mean time. We plug away.

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