Simple Girl

September is a nice month for a funeral and I don't mean that in a cynical sort of way.  A few years ago my Grandpa passed away in September. This year my aunt passed away, too.   Whereas some months are rainy or cold or unbearably hot, September embraces us with its perfect, blue-skied days.  September gives us a final glimpse of summer, hope for a harvest and a freshness to sustain us.  September wipes away our tears. After the funeral, I stopped by my aunt and uncle's Wisconsin farm. It brought back memories to see the taste of country life that I experienced for one week each summer - The place where I milked my first (and only) cow ..... The place where I jumped from bale of hay to bale of hay...... The place where we sent the kittens when our cat had, not one, but two litters! - I reconnected with my cousin.  We were the only girls among a sea of boys. Although her path took her one way and my life led me...

Ray : What's wrong, mom? Dorothy : First class is what's wrong. It used to be a better meal. Now it's a better life. --   Jerry Maguire Earlier this month, I flew back to Minnesota for a funeral.  What used to be a love of travel mysteriously turned phobic - fear of flying, fear of leaving my family, fear of driving to the airport.  How would they manage without me? What if she forgot her lunch?  What if nobody quizzed her on her spelling words? What if nobody washed his football gear for three whole days?  I know.  Perhaps I put a little too much importance on myself to think that I am irreplaceable. There have been times when I could think of nothing more relaxing than a few days to myself.  But suddenly, faced with that reality, I wanted nothing more than those demanding cries of mommy, mommy, mommy! I arrived at the airport.  My husband used his points to upgrade my seat to first class.  He loves me like that.  As I ...

My big brother turned 40 this month, and for his birthday, my sister-in-law made these adorable little apple pies.  My brother doesn't like sweets, but he'll eat pie.  I think he's adopted.  See the cute pie vents that say, "40"? Since I don't have step by step photos of the How To, I thought I'd give you the process in reverse, starting with the scoop of ice cream that simply must go on top.  Are you ready?  SCROLL! Happy Birthday, Brother! Wishing you another sweet year! You can get the step by step instructions at Our Best Bites ! THIS POST IS PROUDLY LINKED TO  MONDAYS :  MOUTHWATERING MONDAYS ,  MADE BY YOU MONDAY , MINGLE MONDAY  ,  HOME SAVVY A TO Z ,  TUESDAYS :  TUESDAYS AND THE TABLE,   TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY ,  TASTY TUESDAY ,  IT’S A BLOG PARTY ,   TIP JUNKIE  , GET YOUR CRAFT ON ,   CRAZY SWEET TUESDAYS!   WEDNESDAYS :...

Although the temperature still reaches into the 80's, we've officially reached summer's end.  Even though the neighborhood pool is officially closed, I often reflect back on this picture of Arielle. There's something I love about the way the water is frozen in time.  There's something about her peacefulness, despite the storm around her.  It speaks to me.  She's grounded in what truly matters. 

If you're a High School Football player, your games are referred to as Friday Night Lights. But if you sit at the top of the middle school pack, Saturday Night is yours. I have to admit, there's something magical about watching a game under the lights. The air is crisper, the crowds are louder...... OK, so maybe 8th grade doesn't pack out the stands, but the fans are just as loyal. I remember two years ago thinking how HUGE the eighth graders seemed next to the sixth graders who were only five feet tall and 80 pounds. By eighth grade, you feel like you're watching a real game. The talent is emerging. The plays come together.  The quarterback can throw a long pass, the kicker can reach the goals. My boy is on the field.  You can't see him, but he's white, number 55.  Number 55 was his dad's lucky number.  My boy hand picked that number.  He loves his dad.  My man is on the field, too.  He's in a white shirt and khaki shorts.  Go figure....

Last January I posted White Chocolate Popcorn, a recipe given to me by my friend, Anne Pryor.  Today, I'm posting Pink Popcorn which was one of the festive pink snacks I served at Ella's Pink Party .    But you don't have to make it pink.  You could make it Purple (Go Vikings!) or Green (Luck 'o the Irish!) or any other holiday-sports-favorite color you wish!   This popcorn is based on our White Chocolate favorite, only easier. You might be wondering how a recipe containing only two ingredients can get any easier. Here it is..... Buy your popcorn. Angie's Artisan Kettle Corn is completely delicious all on it's own. But top it with silky sweet chocolate melts, and you won't be able to keep your hand out of the bowl. Of course, feel free to use your favorite microwave or stove topped popcorn. It's all good. (After you mix it, don't forget to spread it out on parchment paper to dry.) One big Cos...