A Memorable Saturday Evening

Saturday evening was truly a special occasion for my husband and me. The invitation called it an "after Christmas open house". Walking up to the front door of our long time friend's home, we realized very quickly the warmth and hospitality that greeted us, would set the tone for the rest of the evening. Little bags with sand and votive candles lined the sidewalk into the house. Tiny white lights were everywhere. An old chalkboard had a welcome message on it, for everyone. Greeting the guests at the door were the cordial host and hostess.

The dining room table was filled with a beautiful array of food including labels for each dish. Food preparation is something that seems to come naturally for this hostess. She grew up in a home with an open door policy. From stories told, there was always room for an extra plate or two at the table in her parent's home.

This tray of mini brownie muffins looked so inviting. How creative to add whipped cream and top with blueberries and raspberries. It was a temptation to pull up chairs to the buffet table, with so many delicious looking goodies. We proceeded to the lower level of their home where we were greeted by many friends from our past. Catching up with old friends in a warm, festive atmosphere, was a fun way to spend a Saturday evening.

The centerpiece on the dining room table was uniquely and exquisitely done. It was a memorable evening for both of us, and served to remind us of the blessings of friendships...both old and new.

A Quick, Easy and Delicious Dessert

I know that most of you are not looking for dessert recipes now that the holidays are over. If anything we are trying to forget about desserts for awhile. I am sharing this particular dessert with you because it is one of my husband's favorites and because it is so easy to whip up when some unexpected guests show up. You can tell by the looks of my recipe book, that I have been making this dessert for many years. In fact, you can see the way my daughter scribbled on it when she was much younger. It is a cookbook created by my sister-in-law's aunt.

Into a pan you combine first 6 ingredients; 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/4 cups of sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1 TBS. water, 1 tsp. lemon juice, and 1 tsp. vanilla. Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. This sauce is best served at room tempeture. If refrigerated, remove and place at room tempeture for at least 2 hours. Add bananas to sauce, serve over vanilla ice cream, top with whipped cream(Cool Whip), and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

I toast the coconut ahead of time and keep in a ziplocked bag in the freezer. As you can see, this is so easy to put together, especially if the sauce is made ahead of time, and the coconut is toasted ahead of time.

I served the "Rosanna Banana" in these pretty dishes that I found at the flea market this summer. They hold the perfect amount of dessert. A hot cup of coffee or tea, and lots of good conversation...another memory created. Oh yes, I did add some pink and red blended sugar crystals. For some reason my mother's words always echo in my mind. She would say, "why serve bland looking meals or desserts, when all it takes is a little time to make things beautiful." Now that I am a mother, I wonder what words echo in my daughter's minds?

A Friday Smile

Just in case you are feeling sad today...the holidays are over, the days you put so much time into, and the preparations you worked so diligently to complete, are now behind you...you said "goodbyes" to your loved ones...you are feeling overwhelmed with taking down all of the Christmas decorations in the next few days or weeks...and you really do need a smile. Well...here is something that might help. My daughter emailed this to me the other day, and I smile everytime I see it. "The shortest distance between new friends is a smile." Author unknown

Reflecting Back on One of My Most Treasured Christmas Memories...

His Aunt and Uncle gave him his very first real cowboy boots for a Christmas gift. He was not impressed. After all, they were not near as much fun as toy gifts...that is UNTIL his PawPaw came out with his cowboy boots on. Then everything changed...he could not get them on fast enough. When his were on, he pulled paw paw towards the door indicating it was time for a walk. Thank goodness for my camera because this truly was one of those priceless moments in time...the two of them walking together.

Little boots, a new "Harley" tee shirt from pawpaw, and a sunny Christmas Day...what could be better?

The precious influence of a pawpaw!!!

Walk was complete...boots on the hearth...on to the next activity of the day. A memory that will always come to my mind when I remember back to Christmas 2008. As for today...Happy New Year to all of you, my dear blogging friends.

"Hope"...A Needed Ingredient For The Year Ahead

"Hopeful eyes look upward, penetrating the thick blanket of clouds to the clear blue skies beyond."

I picked up a small book a few months ago, with the title of "The Silver Book of Hope" by Publications International, Ltd. I have read through it many times, and always find myself encouraged by the words in it. I thought I would share some of the messages with you, as we say good-bye to 2008 and are about to enter a brand new year. A year that brings with it uncertainty, apprehension, and many unknowns. Maybe these words will help to encourage you and give you the needed hope to face each new day.

"There be no potion so powerful, no pill so amazing, no promised reward so alluring as the certain belief that something good can happen tomorrow."

"Today I long to make a difference...to pass along peace and joy and somehow resurrect hope in weary hearts."

"Hope is about believing with a humble heart that tomorrow can be different. It's about knowing that light will come to chase away darkness." "Hopeful eyes perceive the light where other eyes see only night."

"When the darkness casts shadows upon us and the answers are nowhere in sight, hope lifts us up on a wing and a prayer and carries us back to the light." "We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain." Hebrews 6:19.

"Hope is not immune to reality but transcendent of it. Hope lifts us up to higher ground, where we can see the bigger picture, the wider vista, the far horizon." "Hope knows that in the midst of feeling all alone, God is still with me."


"Like the evergreen, hope never dies, but stands tall and mighty against the coldest winter winds until the summer sun returns to warm its outstretched branches." "Hope gives me strength to stay when fear insists, "You must run away."

"Hope knows on the other side of pain is joy, on the other side of injustice is peace." "Hope, like the glimmering taper's light, Adorns and cheers our way; And still, as darker grows the night, emits a brighter ray." ---Oliver Goldsmith " Hope whispers to the weary heart, "Hold on."
"O Hope! dazzling , radiant Hope!--What a change thou bringest to the hopeless; brightening the darkened paths, and cheering the lonely way."---Aimee Semple McPherson

Wishing you hope, peace and joy as you enter a new year of life. ...thanks to my gifted photographer, uncle and friend, for these sharing these pictures with me.

Sharing Moments From My Neice's Wedding

I was there when she was born, I babysat for her many times, I watched her grow up into a beautiful young lady. On Saturday evening I was privileged to attend her wedding. The handsome groom has also become our good friend, and we were all thrilled to be part of such a special occasion.

My daughter and her dear friend and cousin, the bride. Almost the same age, they were inseparable growing up.

She reminded us of a "Precious Moments" doll when she was little, now she just looks like a princess.
Her sister, her husband and their brand new twin daughters. The twins were in the wedding, arriving to the front of the church in an elegantly decorated stroller for twins. They performed perfectly, amazing everyone.
The black and white bags of potato chips were the right touch for this wedding, and made for good snacking throughout the evening.

Their first dance as husband and wife.

The romantically lit head table.


Cutting the exquisitely done wedding cake.

Our oldest daughter and her husband.

Our middle daughter and her husband and our nephew who wanted to be part of the picture.




For me, the wedding was the best occasion, because it was a time that I could spend with all of my family. Being with my three daughters is top on my list of favorite things to do. It is a rare happening for me, so I treasure the moments when it happens. Thank you for the privilege of sharing this memorable event with all of you. To the bride and groom...best wishes!!

More to come...

A beautiful, meaningful, and fun wedding on Saturday evening, my family celebrating Christmas together on Sunday, family leaves on Tuesday, and then life returns to a somewhat normal routine. I will be returning to you, my blogging friends shortly.