69 and holding!

Here are some pictures of me, from the year of my birth, 1939 to 2007. See how we change! They say it's gravity you know. LOL

I was feeling a bit odd about this being the last year I will be in my 60's then our sweet Heavenly Father reminded me that he has many wonderful surprises awaiting me in the years to come. Isn't that just like Him?

1939 and I'm about six months old. My mother is holding me up. See my chubby thighs? They're back!

1942 and I am about three with my beautiful mother and wearing what I called my 'Scotchmutt Dress." The shadow of the man in the hat may be my dad or grandpa.

1947 and I am eight with my little sister Bonnie Jean, whom I frequently called Johnnybean. She was about five.

1951 and feeling so grown up at 12 years old and wearing my new circular skirt mom made me. My blouse was lacy and made of a gauzy material and my shoes were made of velvety stuff and had straps that buckled around my ankle. I thought I was so stylish! Mother posed me.

1953 and I am 14, sitting in a haystack at my aunt and uncles little farm. I spent the summer there, picking strawberries at a nearby field. It as a hot and tiring job but I made over a hundred dollars for school clothes.

1959, and 20 years old. You wouldn't believe all that happened in my life since 1953. I got married at 16, and at the time this picture was taken I had three little girls.

1967 and I'm just a month away from 29 years old. I now have a six year old son as well as the three little girls. This picture was taken at a family Christmas party. My oldest daughter Patty-Jo is behind me. Two years later I had a second son, now a total of five children.

1973 and divorced after 16 years of marriage and five children. My youngest was just a year old when his father left. I'm holding my sister Bonnie's baby, Annie. Bonnie is to the right with her camera over her face. This was a strange time of my life, Loneliness and fear really messed me up. I had never been alone before and now with five kids, it was scary!

1982 and 43 years old. A second marriage nearly knocked the life out of me. Never marry a man who loves to drink! I'm holding three of my sweet grand babies here. Miranda, Jake and David. That marriage took place in 1973 and ended in 1983. Live and learn.

1994 and I am now 55 years old. Loving on another batch of grandchildren, Aimee, Johnny and Britty. Oh how I love these kids!

1998 and I am 59 years old. Here I am holding my GREAT grandson Brandon. He is 10 now and tells me I am the greatest. Apparently because he was told that I am his Great grandma. A play on words but I'm not complaining. Brandon lives far away from me but I love him and his mommy and daddy dearly.

2002 and I am 63. My arms full of sweetness again with Tyson and Dylan, two more of my great grandsons. They have an older brother for me to love too.

2007 and 68 years old. Well just see what that gravity did to me? Mercy! There have been a lot of changes in this old world since I was born and a lot of those changes clearly show on this old gal. Am I complaining? Not one bit! I don't mind wearing trifocals. If I get tired of seeing my wrinkles I take the glasses off. I quit dyeing and cutting my hair sometime in 2002. My clothing is for comfort. I like cotton Tee shirts and jeans, and if I don't feel like wearing a bra I don't. So what? They aren't going anyplace. I love bubblegum and blow magnificent bubbles while doing computer work. (I can even blow bubbles inside bubbles) I also love soap bubbles and keep them on my back deck so I can 'play' whenever I feel like it. I still love gardening and can't wait until I can get my hands in the soft dirt again. I have my little Yorkie's to keep me company. What's it like to be 69? I think its great. I have children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters and nieces and nephews, cousins and friends and blogfriends to love and who love me in return. I am truly blessed.

Thank you Heavenly Father for another beautiful year.

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CHANGE OF PLANS

Remember that Gingerbread Cake I posted about? Well I didn't make it. It sounded good on the 21st but on the 22nd it didn't. So I didn't bake anything.

Then my daughter in law called asking if I had plans for my birthday. I didn't. So she and her daughter brought dinner to me. A lovely beef stew and homemade bread. Talk about delicious!!! Oh my! This little gal can cook and bake!!!

She also brought a pan of brownies and vanilla ice cream. So after the stew had settled a bit, she and I put together Brownie Sundae's, like this. A brownie in the plate first then a scoop of ice cream, then liberally drizzled with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream piled high and a marachino cherry on top. Whoo-Hoooo and a happy birthday to me!! Gosh my tongue was happy! It's still a wagglin' today. My daughter Patty-Jo even came over and we all enjoyed this awesome treat. We didn't do a whole lot of talking while we were eating this, either.

Patty-Jo left a comment on my last post asking about the gingerbread recipe so here are answers to her questions.

First of all, I didn't use the brown paper bag to line the pan with, but used to a hundred years ago. (((smile))) I just grease and flower the pan. I remember mom using the paper and I don't remember her greasing it at all. It just peeled off the cake or bread.

Now for the Streusel Topping for the gingerbread. I suppose there are many recipes, but heres the one I have.

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 Tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice)

Just mix this all together and sprinkle it on top of the gingerbread batter before baking.

Ok now here's another cake recipe you will like. It's easy and quick.

APPLE CREAM CAKE

1 package yellow cake mix

3 cups peeled, sliced apples

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup whipping cream

Prepare cake batter according to directions. Pour into 13" x 9" greased pan. Mix apples, nuts, sugar and cinnamon and spoon over batter. Pour cream over top and bake 350 degrees about an hour or until toothpick comes out clean and apples are tender.

Serve with ice cream if you want or if it's a cold day have it hot with a cup of tea.

Keep warm everyone. It's still freezing here and I'm getting pretty dang tired of it!

SPRING-SPRING, WHEREFORE ART THOU SPRING?

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FROST, ICE AND BIRTHDAY GINGERBREAD

This photo was taken a few years back, across the street from where I live. The snow is piled up on the teasel making it look like cotton balls.

We don't have snow at the present time but my outdoor thermometer needle is laying slightly above 20 degrees. For those who have never experienced this kind of cold, I can tell you it's mighty chilly in these here hills!

I borrowed this photo from the net. I think it is beautiful even if it is cold looking. ( I may have posted it before)

Yo-ho-ho! Tis the season for hot gingerbread!!!

Tomorrow is my 69th birthday and I plan to treat myself.

Following is a recipe I got back in the 70's. I was told the recipe was at least hundred years old then.

I made this frequently when my boy's were still at home, usually at least doubling the recipe. They could eat the entire cake in one day. Sometimes I put a vanilla buttercream icing on it, sometimes a streusel topping.

Ok, so I know it has sugar in it but it also has molasses which is a wonderful source of Iron. So perk up your blood and make yourself some of this yummy cake.

MY BEST GINGERBREAD

1/2 cup butter or shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

2 1/2 cups sifted flour

1 1/2 teaspoons soda

1 teaspoon each of cinnamon & ginger

1/2 teaspoons each of cloves & salt

1 cup dark Molasses

1 cup hot water

Cream butter & Sugar, add beaten egg. Measure and sift dry ingredients. Mix molasses with hot water. Add dry ingredients, alternately with liquid a little at a time. Beat between each addition. Bake in paper lined pan 9"x9" x2", in moderate oven, 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or till toothpick comes out clean.

Add a big dollop of whipped cream and a cup of hot tea and you'll forget all about Grandpa's longjohn's frozen solid on the clothesline and the cold privy seat too.

enjoy

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Thanks so much for your prayers, my granddaughter who has meningitis is now home from the hospital and recovering. My two great granddaughters awoke totally healed from their sickness and are perfectly well today.

PRAYER WORKS WONDERS!

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AN HONORABLE GENTLEMAN

A Texas friend sent me the following story concerning my Psalms 91 post. I think it deserves a post. Thank you sweet Texas Rancher. I have omitted the names of her family but the story is just as she wrote it.

"Some 15 years ago I was watching TV and heard the actor, Jimmy Stewart, tell a story. I sat transfixed as he told the following. Jimmy Stewart, the actor, was a WWII Bomber pilot of great distinction. He was never shot down and after the war rose to the rank of Brigadier General. As he went to the train station to leave on assignment, his father, an old Scots man of few words, accompanied Stewart. Jimmy Stewart said his family didn't hug each, but were quiet and stoic. He said his father shook his hands and handed him a folded letter, which he placed in his pocket. After the train left the station, Stewart took the folded letter out of his pocket and saw that his father, the quiet man, had written the entire 91st Psalm on that paper. Stewart said he folded the letter back up and placed it in his billfold and he carried it the entire war.

So, when my son left home for the Air Force Academy I did the same. And I added the story above. My son carries that in his wallet all the time, along with a xeroxed copy of a note that his father has carried (from his grandfather) since Vietnam.

So, the 91st Psalm means alot to this family. I am praying for all your family.

We are all going through testings right now (the family of God) and He is working his will out in our lives. Sending love and blessing.

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PRAYER NEEDED

It has been a difficult two weeks here. The funeral for my cousin is over and now we are trying to tie up all the loose ends.

Today my granddaughter was diagnosed with meningitis. Her baby who is 10 months old and her two nieces are also sick but have not been diagnosed with meningitis at this time. I pray they are not.

Please hold them all up in prayer.

Thanks.

I keep thinking things will calm down so I can visit all my blog friends again, but I can see it will be a bit longer.

I miss you all

God bless you and keep you,

((((Hugs))))

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I had planned to post on the 9th because it was the anniversary of my 3rd year of blogging, but my cousin passed away and I have been busy making funeral arangements. This cousin is not to be confused with my friend in Canada who was diagnosed with cancer and still needs our prayers.
My cousin Kay had been ill for several years but was seeming to do better. Always the loss of our loved ones is a shock and very sad. Your prayers for me and my family are appreciated.
On my blog anniversary I like to repeat my very first post from my first blog, Holy Tornado. so here it is a little late but still a great message.
God bless you all and I'll be back as soon as things calm down. Blessings

My first blog post:

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor by the arrow that flies by day; Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you, Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. "Because he has set His love upon me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation."

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PRAYER MAP

A dear Texas friend sent me an URL for a prayer map that her wise son-in-law has created. This is a wonderful opportunity for people from all over the world to post a prayer request and also to pray for others. I am delighted to be able to share this with everyone.

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WINTERTIME RECIPES

I just came from a nice visit at our sweet Arkansas friend, Diane's Place.

She plans to post a recipe soon for her Portuguese Bean Soup. I'll be checking it out because I want to know what makes beans Portuguese!

Diane has a beautiful Winter Blog page up. I wish I knew how to do all those clever things. Maybe someday I'll have time to experiment~~~~

Now about that Bean soup, my neice sent me a recipe today that I think would go perfect with it. Thanks Teresa!!

OLIVE CHEESE BREAD

1 regular size can of black olives, drained

1-six ounce jar of pimiento stuffed green olives

2 green onions

3/4 pound monterey jack cheese, grated

1/2 cup real Mayo

1 stick better, softened

1 loaf french bread

Roughly chop the black and green olives. Slice onions and give a rough chop.

Mix olives and onion with butter, mayo and grated cheese.

Slice bread lengthwise and spread mixture evenly over halves.

Bake 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until melted and starting to turn light brown and bubbly. Cut diagonal slices.

Serve with soup, salad or spaghetti or as a yummy appetizer.

Make ahead tips: You can make the cheese mixture up to two days ahead of time and store in the fridge or you can spread it on the bread and wrap and freeze, unbaked for several months.

I want to mention that my dear friend since childhood has been diagnosed with cancer. I would appreciate prayers for her and her family.

Joan is a Christian. Her father was my pastor, Her husband and son are also pastors. She is one of the sweetest ladies I know.

So please hold her and her family up in prayer.

Thank you.

God bless you all

hugs!

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