Category Archives: Family/Friends

Reliving A Nightmare

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Last night, I dreamed of my mom who was killed in a car accident in August 1992. She had been drinking and popping prescription pain relievers. She was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle. In my dream, she was alive and I had the opportunity to stop her from not wearing her seat belt. Did she listen? No. She didn’t like anyone telling her what to do or what not to do. I woke up feeling that same pain and sadness as I did almost 19 years ago.

When my parents were still married, many times she called my Dad a “know-it-all.” She resented the fact that my father was a college graduate and she barely finished the 9th grade. Many times, I was also a “know-it-all.” There was aways a conflict brewing in our household. She always took the opposite stance on any subject, regardless.

I understand completely not liking being told what to do; I don’t like it either. But common sense steps in and takes over. Common sense tells me to wear a seat belt. I hope common sense tells my grown children to wear a seat belt. I raised them to be responsible, self-reliant human beings. I hope they understand that wearing a seat belt can not only save their lives but also ensure that their children have a mother/father in their lives.

Although my mother and I butted heads and were often at odds, I still wish she were here. If she had just worn that seat belt she would be enjoying her many grandchildren and her 2 beautiful great-grandchildren today. She was 50 years old the year she died and would now be nearing 70. It would be wonderful to have a mom to talk to about personal things or just to have a little girl talk. Of course, that would be in a perfect world because mom was so argumentative that our girl talk would have turned into a cat fight!

I still wish she were here…..

March 13th & A Recipe!

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Today, is my eldest child’s birthday. 24 years ago I gave birth to an 8 lb. 7 oz. baby girl. She had chubby red cheeks, hair as dark as coal, a “cone head” and regardless of that temporary deformity, I thought she was the most beautiful baby girl I had ever seen. She still is. She was born on the 13th of March, a Friday the 13th. Her Grampa called her Jason for years…and occasionally he still does! Many people are superstitious about Friday the 13th and fear the worst when that day comes around. Not me. Friday the 13th will forever be a day of good luck for me because that’s when I met my baby girl.

I have had the pleasure (and sometimes headache) of watching my grandson grow this past 2 years. It’s been 2 years of ups and downs, fun and laughter, with very little peace and quiet. As I look back, I know I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

In less than a month, S.R. and my grandson will be moving out. I will miss them very, very much and hate to see them go but at the same time I’m happy for them to be able to move on and live their own lives. We’ve had many of S.R.’s “obligations” to tend to over the last year and soon they will be over. The stress of working around those “obligations” has overwhelmed me at times. I hope that S.R. can make it in this world and be happy with her life. I hope she knows (and she should because I’ve told her) that boyfriends sometimes come and go but her family is forever. I’m not happy with her choice in men and it doesn’t really matter what I think. I just hope they are happy and that things work out. We all have great expectations when we’re young; I just hope she’s not disappointed or hurt in the end.

I do hope they will visit often and that D.M. will want to spend the weekend with Gramma sometime. I will miss him dearly.

Tonight we had S.R.’s favorite cake, and I have to admit it’s my fave too. We have it every year for her birthday. If you’ve not tried it you really should! The recipe for HEATH CAKE is below:

Heath Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel sauce
1 8 oz. tub whipped cream
3 Heath bars, crushed

Mix cake and bake according to package instructions. While cake is in oven, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce.

When cake comes out of oven, and while still very warm, poke many holes throughout cake. (I use a metal skewer.) Pour the caramel mixture over the cake and let it seep into the holes you’ve poked. Once it has cooled down, smooth whipped cream over top. Sprinkle crushed heath bar pieces all over top. Chill cake before serving. Enjoy!!

Sadness

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I’m feeling very sad tonight for a friend, who’s husband has lost his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Of course, no one will ever win a battle with this terrible disease – not in my lifetime anyway.

Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. 5.3 million people in this country have it. Alzheimer’s costs 172 billion dollars per year and 10.9 million caregivers are unpaid. Unpaid? Why? They are unpaid because they are caring for someone at home who is suffering from the disease.

It’s not just the Alzheimer’s victim who suffers. The family and friends suffer as well. It’s a most horrific disease. I’ve seen it’s devastating effects on people’s lives first hand. I hope to not have to experience this within my own family. It’s hard enough watching it rip friends’ lives into pieces. What can I do?

All I can do is help a friend mourn the loss of her husband and help her pick up the pieces.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie Recipe

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I’ve been so preoccupied with the holidays that I haven’t had a chance to post the recipes I had planned to. Here’s a de-lish ice cream pie that I’ve made a few times for my family. It’ll be a big hit!

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie

1 graham cracker pie crust
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1/4 c. honey
1 qt. vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1/2 c. chopped cashews (or peanuts)
6 oz. chocolate fudge topping
8 oz. whipped cream

Mix peanut butter and honey. Stir mix into softened ice cream. Spoon half of the ice cream into pie crust. (Work fast, especially if you’re making during the warm months!) Sprinkle with half of the cashews. Drizzle 4 oz. of the fudge topping over nuts. Spoon the remaining ice cream onto pie. Sprinkle with remaining nuts and drizzle with remaining chocolate over top. Spread whipped cream over top. Freeze for 6 hours.

NOTES: You can add your own touch; a bit of caramel syrup or mini-chocolate chips, shaved chocolate, shredded coconut, bits of crushed heath bar or peanut brittle even! Have fun and enjoy!