Improving on Perfection

A few posts ago, I told my readers the way to make ding dong cup cakes. Scooping out the middle, adding the filling, warming the icing...well, I've improved what I thought was the perfect way to do it!

Some of my readers have asked me about the way I make my cake mix for the cup cakes. Yes, this is true. All I use is diet cola!

One box of cake mix
12 ounces of diet pop (1 1/2 cups)

That's it!

Mix one box of cake mix with the diet pop. If you are using a white cake mix, use diet 7 Up or diet sprite. For a dark cake mix, use diet coke or Pepsi. I have used root beer because that was all I had at the time and everything turned out fine. The cup cakes tasted great!

What I've made easier is the way you add the filling. I purchased an icing bag with the little attachments to make the decorations on a cake. I use the one with the biggest hole in it, fill my bag with the filling, then stick the tip into the cup cake, squeeze until the cup cake expands and begins to crack, then I stop. The filling is in the cup cake...without the mess! No scooping, no packing the cake back into the hole, and NO MESS!

I still heat my fudge chocolate icing for about 15 seconds to get it a little smoother and easier to spread. Stir the icing and spread onto each cup cake.

Last week for Christmas I made around 80 cup cakes in one evening and was done before I knew it! I gave most of those away to my great friends for their holiday enjoyment!

Tonight I made about 50, to give away again tomorrow. This time I got a little fancy:





Be prepared. I just might be knocking on your door again tomorrow with an awesome treat for you!

Happy New Year to everyone. May you be blessed in the new year with everything you attempt. May your health be perfect and may you be surrounded with love from great friends and family!

Time for Some Rest and Relaxation

The tree is down, in the box, and in storage for another 11 months. The gifts are washed, or put together, or in their proper places until they need to be used again. The carpet is swept, the dishes are done and put away, and the 2009 Christmas season is now a memory...and a good one it is!

I hope everyone had a joyful Christmas with friends and family. Again this year we were blessed by everyone that came to visit with us, telephoned, or sent a card. Friends and family from Florida, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Kentucky and of course Indiana made this season special.

Today we are preparing to spend a quiet, relaxing, couple days at our favorite Inn, Spring Mill. The heated pool, game room, dining area, or just some quiet time in our room. It all awaits us as we make our way southwest. Yes, it's time for some rest and relaxation!

Favorite Time of the Year!

I love this time of year and I also love shopping on Christmas Eve. Ric and I have always went to the stores on Christmas Eve. We never need anything, yet we still go to enjoy the people.

For the last 15 years we have taken Patrick. Now, like us, he enjoys his shopping experience almost as much as we do!

When we left the home this morning, this is what I saw:



Almost a roll over!

As we continued to Clarksville it kept rolling:



Tada! 100,000 miles!



Whew! What a ride!!



Finally we arrived to our destination to begin our shopping:



Once inside there was several in line to see Santa and give him their last minute requests. Some weren't too happy to tell him what they wanted...



...while others brought along their beloved pets:



I really wish I could have read Santa's mind in the above photo!

Ric was involved in some last minute shopping...



...and it looks like he thinks he's found a bargain:



Patriots vs Colts??? Both of these guys look a little confused with their surroundings:



We took a little breather:



A few of my favorite shots:



This one is for Shelley:



and a much better angle:



He's off shopping again:



...then back for a rest:



Sometimes I would really like to know what he's thinking:



And finally...



...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Be thankful...always!

Friends II

More good times are always had when Shelley and I are together.



When this photo was taken is no exception. This is the best of the three shots taken, or should I say, the only one worth posting, lol. I'm sure sometime in the near future the other 2 will surface somewhere :-P

It's always fun to visit with great friends and share memories from the past and make new ones to talk about the next time we are together. Thanks to Shelley and Perry for making this a fun evening and a great memory!

Friends

Good times:



It's always fun when good friends get together. There is always laughter and new memories are made. Tonight was no exception!

Thanks to some great friends!

New Equipment!

I'm pretty excited today. I ventured outdoors and got some fantastic (or at least I think they are) shots with my NEW camera!



My new Canon Rebel XS is amazing.



I also purchased a zoom lens for the far away shots.



It's easy when you are quick with an unwilling participant.



God makes it easy if you are in the right place at the right time.



And some shots are just fun to take.



Check back soon for some new shots with my new equipment! The new adventure continues!!!

It's Up!

When I came home Thursday evening, my son had a surprise for me! Last year we had went Christmas shopping at the Clarksville Bass Pro Shop and noticed their trees. My husband and son took notes of a particular one that caught their eye.

If you know my husband and son, you know they love to hunt and fish. It doesn't matter if it's cold outside, rainy weather, snow on the ground, or 99 degrees with the sun bearing down. Day or night, they will hunt or fish if they have a spare moment.

So, since you know that,this should make sense to you:



Patrick calls it our 'Red Neck' Christmas tree. Notice the bobbers, shot gun shells and the angel, err, the Red Man camo hat on the top, and yes, that is a fish strainer as the garland!

I can just hear Patrick telling my grandchildren about his red neck tree when he was a child! Ahhh, the memories!

Thoughts...

I've not been ignoring my blog lately...I have alot on my mind. Friends, family, former co-workers, neighbors and Paul Graupe have been on my mind lately.

Paul is the missing Austin man people have been looking for the past couple weeks. I went to school and graduated with Paul in 1978. Sort of lost track with him, as most do once you graduate.

When I started working for the Town in the 90's, I started seeing Paul again when he'd come in to pay his utility bill. It was the same Paul I hadn't seen for years. Kind, generous, and always worried about how everyone else was doing.

I was shocked to hear and see the information of the missing Austin man the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. This couldn't be the same Paul I knew. Sure enough it was.

This is a picture that has been posted on several blogs, facebook pages, and on the news. Look closely. If you know his whereabouts, or know anything about his disappearance, please call the police!



My prayers will continue for Paul and his family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks and express gratitude for all the blessings in our lives. The 4th Thursday of November is when Thanksgiving is celebrated, but truthfully, we should be thankful everyday.

I have many memories of past Thanksgivings. Both my family and Ric's have had some memorable moments. The first Thanksgiving lasted for three days and provided enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Indians! Sometimes the way my mom and I cook, I think we make enough for that same group! From the turkey, stuffing, mashed or sweet potatoes, corn, gravy, green beans, salads, cranberry sauce, broccoli casserole, pink cloud, pumpkin, coconut cream, caramel apple, cherry and lemon meringue pies, the menu goes on forever. If you leave the dinner table hungry, it's your own fault! ;-)

Usually as mom and I are cooking, the men are in the living room with their noses in the television or since Ric don't like football, he's in the woods looking for signs of deer activity. Usually around 1PM their bellies start hollering for food. One by one, they make their way to the kitchen to sample something that is done. Of course, they try to hide their second, third and fourth trips from mom, but she always catches them and tells them to get out, "it's almost done!"

Having a great family, awesome friends, my health, a job, a warm home, and wisdom are among things to be thankful for...it is always difficult to think about the ones who aren't so lucky. The service men and women who are fighting for our freedom, not able to be with their families during the holidays is always difficult to realize.

WT Purkiser said, "It's not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends, today and everyday!

Disappointments

When facing disappointments, take a step back from the original issue and remind ourselves, "What do I really want?" and "Is there a solution?"

Disappointments aren't meant to hurt us or keep us down. They're meant to help us grow and to remind us of our priorities.

Take the time to realize what the important priorities are in your life. We will all face disappointments in our lives at one time or another. How we deal with the disappointments will define our priorities.

How Are Your Windows?

The Window Through Which We Look

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, The young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'

Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, The young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'

The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look.

I got the above story from a good friend in my email box a few days ago. It had such a good meaning, I wanted to share it on my blog.

I'm sure all of us have been looked at through dirty windows, but how many times have we looked through the dirty window?

They Will Melt in Your Mouth

Probably most of us have went to the store and purchased ding dongs in a box. Don't get me wrong, they are good, but homemade is always better. With ding dongs, there is no exception!

Yesterday, I had to bake some for a church function this morning and I've been asked several times for the recipe, so here it is...

The original recipe was for ding dong cake, but it is rather messy once you start cutting the cake, so a good friend suggested cup cakes. That is what I always make now.

Another thing I've put my own touch on, is the cake itself. If I am making a dark cake, I use 12 ounces of diet Pepsi and with a white cake mix, I use 12 ounces of diet sprite. That's it. No eggs, no oil, no water, nothing. Just 12 ounces of a diet pop.

Mix the cake mix with the 12 ounces of pop until smooth then fill the cake pan or the cup cake papers and bake. I bake the cup cakes for 17-18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cup cake to make sure they are done. (with a cake, I do not bake it according to the cake box instructions. I usually bake it 5-8 minutes less, then do the toothpick trick to make sure it's done)

Once the cup cakes are done, let them cool. I use a spoon and remove the centers of the cup cake. This is where the filling will be placed.



Save the scooped out centers in a bowl for later.

To make the filling it takes 3/4 cup powered sugar, 1 stick of butter, 3/4 cup Crisco, 13 ounces of sweetened milk, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla. Mix the sugar, butter, Crisco, and milk. Beat for 3 minutes till smooth. Gradually add the vanilla and beat another minute. When you are finished it should look like this:



I use 1 can of chocolate fudge icing. Place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get the icing pourable. Remove from the microwave every few seconds (after the first 10) and stir. Make sure it isn't too runny.



I place a little chocolate icing into the hollowed out cup cakes.



Next I place a spoonful of the filling into the cup cake. Use enough filling to make sure the hole is full and over flowing a bit.





Next, I use the saved cake I had scooped out earlier. Replace this into the hole with the icing. I use a spoon to push the cake into the filling.



Next, I use the rest of the chocolate icing and pour it on top of the filling in the cupcake.



The finished project...



Place the finished cup cakes in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy in the morning.

Serve these the next time you are asked to make a dessert. I will guarantee you no one will be disappointed.

Opening Day

Several of my family and friends look forward to this day all year long...opening day of gun season to hunt deer. Some are lucky enough to get one opening day, others sit in the woods, in their trees stands, all week and aren't so lucky.

This morning Patrick was one of the lucky ones:



Him and his dad are off to check in with the DNR, then back home to hang, skin, and process the deer meat. I'm sure later this afternoon, the fever will take them back out to the woods in hopes of seeing another one, or two.

Today We Say 'Thank You'

The annual American holiday honoring military veterans is today, Veterans Day. On the 11th month, the 11th day, at the 11th hour, the local VFW Post #1083 honored our America heros. Veterans Day is a day of celebration to honor American's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Peggy Adams, choir director at the Crothersville Junior Senior High School, along with the high school choir sang the National Anthem to open the ceremonies. Sidney Carder, foster child of Betty Jaminson, read her essay, "Does America Still Have Heros?" The songs the choir chose to sing and Sidney's essay were very touching moments and showed the veterans how much everyone appreciates them.

Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I get a picture of my dad, Barton Riley, a Korean War veteran, and my son Patrick:



My dad served in the Air Force from June 17, 1952 until June 16, 1956. The Korean War started on June 25, 1950 and paused with an armistice signed July 27, 1953. Dad is also a member of the VFW funeral detail and has performed 45 funerals this year for his fellow veteran.



The above picture was taken prior to the ceremony today at the VFW post. Pictured are the funeral detail personnel, Mike Fink, and a spokesperson from Barron Hill's office.

Today, the least we should do is take time to say thank you to a veteran, for their sacrifice they have given, so that we have the right to our freedom in America.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis

"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marine don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

Better put would be, some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world...but a Veteran should never have that problem!

Thanks to all the heros!

Through the Years

I posted some older pictures a few blogs ago. One of Patrick at three days old and another three years old. I love looking at pictures, old or new ones, it doesn't matter. With each photo there is a story that goes along with it. Where you were when the picture was taken, what was happening at that moment, etc.

When I got the following layout I knew it would take 13 years to complete. The closer I get to completion, the harder it is to look forward too.



Seeing him on a daily basis, it is sometimes hard to see the changes he's made. Check back soon, as I've got a suit case full of pictures I'm still going through!

Friends

It's a good feeling to have great friends. Sadly, some people never get to experience a true friend. Some are miles apart, some are as close as next door. I'm thankful my best friend is still close and I can count on her at any hour, day or night.

Other people, even though they grew up in my hometown, I'm glad they are gone. Hopefully never to return!

What Are Women Thinking?

Today we were able to go to the Season's Lodge in Nashville, Indiana to a users meeting for our software. Keystone always puts on a great schooling with their latest updates and answer questions we might have about year-end procedures. Today was a little different, as it was our first time to Nashville. We are usually at the Holiday Inn in Columbus. There were some problems, so Keystone booked the Season's Lodge.

I wasn't disappointed.

We arrived shortly before 8:00AM and enjoyed a continental breakfast. I had a bowl of fresh fruit and a glass of apple juice. Also available was danish rolls, blue berry muffins, donuts, orange and grape juice.

After Keystone's introductions, we were off to our first class with Cathy Stewart. She is an accountant who knows all the secrets which helps make my job easier with payroll, W2's, insurance and all the questions concerning deductions, comp time, clothing allowances, etc.

From there we are off to a payroll class. Keystone consultants are always helpful and willing to find the answer for your questions if they don't know the answers. Today, all may questions were answered! ;-)

From there, it's off to lunch. The food was awesome! Salad with mushrooms, egg, cheese, tomatoes, dressings, slaw, cottage cheese, fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls and apple cobbler for dessert. I had a little bit everything except the roll and dessert and if they were anything like the rest of the food, I'm sorry I missed it...all of it was delicious!

After lunch we headed to the budget class. Since I don't do too much with the budget software, I decided I'd go to the restroom once the class got started.

Most of the users present were women. A few men were in attendance, but the line to the women's restroom was usually long. Once the class started, I figured most would be done and the wait would be minimal.

I was right!

When I entered the restroom, all three (yes only 3!) stalls were full. One lady was waiting in front of me. Shortly after I entered the restroom, a lady emerged from the stall, walked past me and out the door. That's right. She came out of the stall, where the toilet is, walked passed me AND the sink, out the door! GASP! I only had to wait a few seconds until someone was done and it was my time to enter. As I was sitting there, I noticed how quiet it was. There were two other women in the restroom with me, but all was quiet.

Pretty soon the quiet got even quieter! That's right...I didn't hear any water running, no soap being dispensed, no hand towels being used! As the woman beside me flushed and opened her stall door....more quiet! Still no water running, nothing.

Just quiet!

The stall to the left of me was for the handicapped. This stall had it's own sink. Finally, I heard the sound of running water! Finally! When I came out of the stall, I made my way to the sink, washed and dried my hands. To my amazement, another lady came out of her stall, walked passed me and out the door.

I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed in less than 5 minutes. These women had just used the toilet, flushed, and walked out of the restroom without washing their hands!

I guess it was a good thing we had already ate lunch, but then I got thinking...I wonder how many women went to the restroom before lunch?

Sometimes I wonder what women are thinking!

Here We Go Again

Another 'superstar' is coming out of retirement. This time it's Garth Brooks. Yuck. What is up with the latest retirees? Seems they want to retire, then change their minds. I guess it's hard for them to adjust to a life they aren't use too.

Brett Favre, Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens, Lance Armstrong, etc. The list goes on and on. Mark Martin was suppose to retire a couple years ago and only drive a select few races the following year. Now, he's driving every race and fighting for the championship in NASCAR. Some have retired, tried other sports, purchased a franchise and tried their hand at managing a team, only to give it up and come back to play the sport again.

Depression, maturity, or losing the thrill of the audience has gotten the best of the retired individual and they crave a return to the spotlight.

It's hard to tell what's up with Garth. I lost all respect for him when he divorced Sandy, his college sweetheart and wife of 15 years. At the time Trisha Yearwood was his opening act at his concerts and the tabloids had the two in a hot and steamy affair. Of course, Garth and Trisha both denied all of the rumors and said they were just 'friends'.

Whatever.

Sandy Brooks was pregnant with one of their baby girls and in the hospital. I recall she was very ill, close to death, and also in danger of losing her child. Where was Garth? On tour with Trisha.

Again, whatever.

So now, Garth has decided he wants to come out of retirement and sing again. Well, I probably don't have to tell you I won't be purchasing any of his concerts tickets. I wouldn't even waste my time walking across the street to listen to him.

Good night Garth.

If Tomorrow Never Comes

We have all heard it said, or we have said it ourselves, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids when they were growing up!"

Usually by the time that is said, the parents are at their child's high school or college graduation, the wedding of their child, or at some other life changing event in their child's life.

I don't think I've ever heard a parent say, "Darn! I wish I'd spent more time at work!"






`

Wooly Worms

If you have been driving at all during the past few days, you have had to seen all the wooly worms trying to get to the other side of the road! This week on fall break we have traveled several miles across Indiana. Everywhere we have went, we have seen these:



I am kind of curious as to how many of these worms actually make it across the road without be squashed by the passing vehicles.

Big ones, little ones, but mostly the orange/black ones. We did see one white one, but didn't have a camera at the time (gasp!) According to the following link, you are able to tell what kind of winter we will have:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2143194_predict-winter-wooly-worms.html

I don't believe it. I believe we will have whatever kind of winter it wants to be. For me, the deeper the snow the better! ;-)

According to the website if the wooly worm is more brownish in the middle, the winter will be mild. I didn't get a picture of everyone we seen today, there were 100's of them, but I was looking for ones with less brown in the middle!



By the way, the website says to look for the wooly worms under rocks and in hollow logs. I don't know about that, but if you want to see your fair share, travel the roads of southern Indiana...they are everywhere!

Bugged?

Today Patrick and I had an appointment in a nearby city. As I pulled into the parking lot there wasn't very many parking spots to choose from. Once I found one and pulled the truck into the parking slot, we couldn't believe what we seen!



We went to our appointment and much to our surprise, when we came back out to get into our vehicle, the buggy vehicle was still parked beside us. Patrick wanted my iPhone to take another picture.



It keeps getting worse...



and finally...



This car was full of larva, adult carcass, small and large and every size in between! I don't know if they car had spent most of it's days in a barn or where, but I think I would be a bit afraid to drive it thinking something would be crawling up my back or in my pant legs! Ewww!

I couldn't believe it. Patrick wanted to wait around to see who the vehicle belonged too, but I was afraid to!