Beth

My friend Beth.  

This is my favorite photo of her. 

She was so done with me and my camera. 

I had the pleasure of attending the American Cancer Ball with her.

Her hair had grown back, and the dress had a lace up back.

Her birthday is today, August 17.

We used to celebrate our birthdays together.

I miss that.

She would have been 38 today.

Breast cancer affects so many.

Beth was strong, happy, and always smiling.

I miss her.  She touched many of us.

Happy Birthday Beth.

Friends and Family

Who do you consider family?

I have lost most of my immediate family over the years, and tend to believe that my friends are my family. I have family in Germany, and love them dearly.  But they are so far away.

One young family, in particular, was difficult to get to know.  God opened a door, and all of us have been so very blessed.  I have spoken of them before...but this morning part of them are traveling North.  North for another adventure in their lives. 

The youngest one...C...wrapped himself around all of our fingers.

He is a joy.  Just over a year old...and we have gotten so much love from him.  Babies love big.  Big love.  You see it in their faces, happy to see you.

This little family has had so much impact on our lives.  Touched each one of us.  Carmen: a big sister.  Stephen: an paper airplane friend.  David:  joy, from all 3 of them with games, talks, and smiles.  Learning more of himself, and the joys that a baby can bring.  Me: family. 

Today is bittersweet.  Knowing that we won't see them for a long while, hurts our hearts.  Knowing that we will see them soon...and that we have made life-long friendships:  priceless...truly.  God given family.

We love you.

Blogs

Okay - I couldn't stand it any longer.

Two blogs!  I was out of my mind.  (I know, when am I not - heh.)  But seriously. 

I like being able to say this is all me.  My recipes, combined with the craziness of the way I think, should only belong to one blog.  Hanging...just hanging...sometimes I cook, sometimes friends cook, and sometimes we eat out.  Truth.  Okay, a lot of the time we eat out.

So I am back here...plus the sheer confusion of the other one (and), what I thought I could do there and not here...but can here...confusion.

No longer.  I am random.  I have tons of other stuff here.  I am not just recipes.  So, you will have to put up with me with all of the "other" stuff too.

I am going to be creating something different with the look here, so once again, be patient with me.  =)

Blessings!

Serenity Chocolate Cake

Yes!
It is wonderful.
Flour less Chocolate Cake...it is wonderful.  I will have to post pictures later...mainly I need to upload, and secondly, I am sitting in my chair not wanting to connect the camera.

Truth.
Yes, truth.

8 oz dark/semi-sweet chocolate
2 sticks butter (Yes, real butter, sweet cream no salt added!) softened, at room temperature
4 eggs (at room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
6 tablespoons corn starch

Melt chocolate, and set aside.  Beat butter until fluffy, add cooled-melted chocolate.
In another bowl, beat eggs, slowly add sugar.  Beat 6-8 minutes or until thick.  These should be the same thickness.
Add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture.  Beat in Grand Marnier.  Sift in corn starch.
Pour into a greased 9" spring form.  Cover with buttered parchment.  Put in shallow dish, fill 1/2 way with near boiling water.  (water bath)
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.  Remove from water bath, let cool 15 minutes.  Invert onto a serving plate.  Let stand 30 minutes and then remove pan.
Top with Ganache.
Recipe for the Ganache to come soon.  =)
Enjoy. 

quiet time

Yesterday was a very busy day.  We went clothes/shoe shopping with Stephen.  I had put it off for way too long, and he has grown out most everything.

We went to Kohl's (I had a coupon for an additional 15% off).  We ended up purchasing just enough.  And, then some.  We saved $280!  Yes, saved!  Between costs of items originally $21, paid $11, and then 15% off of that.  I signed up at Kohl's for their email savings...I would suggest you do the same.

Two pairs of shoes (1 boat shoes - Chaps, and 1 black dress shoes)
Two pairs of jeans - Levi's
Two pairs of Arrow khaki's
3 dress shirts (button downs)
4 t-shirts
1 plaid shorts
1 basketball, reversible shorts
1 warm up pants
1 leather reversible belt
3 packages of underware
3 packages of socks (white, and dress)
toys...yes, toys, for a newly turned 1 year old.

Really doesn't seem like much, but then on top of all of this...$60 in Kohl's cash to be used August 2-6.  I can purchase $60 worth of merchandise, and not pay for a penny of it.
Deal.

Today is quiet time.  Haven't moved much.  Just a bit of laundry, and lots of tv time.
Enjoy the chaos...and then quiet time.