Are we going to use this list for swaps? Plants, not food. lol
West Houston Swap continued...
It was my understanding that we're not really doing swaps this go around......although, I'm bringing a few plants that I had promised to folks that didn't make it to the last soirée.
ah
Here you go... :-)
Edie's Sweeties**
**(This recipe, as written, is for a 9x13 cake pan. I use an 11x14 pan and double the cake recipe using one whole German cake mix box on the bottom and one on top, which makes it easier to measure. Use two bags of caramels, 2/3 cup of evaporated milk, and a whole bag of chocolate chips.)
Cake mix:
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup nuts (optional)
3/4 cup butter
Filling:
1/3 cup of evaporated milk
1 12-oz package light caramels
1/2 12-ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Melt caramel with 1/3 cup evaporated milk; set aside.
Mix cake mix, nuts, butter (use either at room temp or just softened enough in the microwave to be able to work into the batter) and remaining milk. Press half of mixture into a 9x13 greased pan. (The batter is VERY stiff and you're going to think it doesn't have enough liquid in it when you are trying to cover the bottom of the pan with it. Just keep working it over with a rubber spatula and eventually it will cover the pan.) Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Remove from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over base, and spread caramel mixture over chips. Crumble remaining half of cake mix over top. (I scoop up batter with a tablespoon and then squish it with my fingers as I dot it over the top of the caramel. It won't cover every inch of the pan, but it will come together when it bakes.)
Bake for 15-18 minutes. It will still seem liquid-y when it comes out, but take it out anyway. It is impossible to cut if you over-bake it! It will set as it cools. Refrigerate for 1 hour and cut into 2" squares.
Howdy Ya'll~~ Thanks Nancy for bringing me here ~~ Been chasin babies still and introducing them to air plants and tropical fruit plants. If I'm not working on the 20th I'll be there with bells on! Since I'm not sure of my status yet, I'll promise nothing and hopefully if I can go bring a good surprise. The girls start 'school' (mothers day out) this week. Should be moving with thier Dad in Oct seeking council now. Thankful for prayers.
http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w279/manicreality/aug%202007/?start=all
password=joykitty
Marilyn - thanks so much for reposting the recipe! I had saved it on another computer and not had enough time to go hunt it up on that thread. I hope you can come ---- you can bring the Edie's Sweeties! I'll cook them if you can't come, but sure hope you will be there! We should have some fun! Hope you can come Manic - I know you are going through lots of changes with the girls. We wish you and the girls all the best.
Gymgirl...........I am at this moment cooking my "greens" in a crockpot big enough to feed Rhode Island. They have been cooking since 2 pm. According to my superb mathematical calculations, I believe they will be done by midnight????? We were invited out to dinner, and when we got home...........the entire house smelled like ham and greens. Yum, yum! 'Neighbor just came over to confide that his wife (my Peruvian buddy) is pregnant...but we're not supposed to know till she tells us! (DH wound up taking her for a fertility appt. when she locked herself out of house, but that's another story!) He asked what smelled so good....soooooooo...we're having them over tomorrow night for greens, sweet potatoes and pork tenderloin...and hopefully, baby announcement! He's the neighborhood gourmet cook, so these greens better live up to my hyp!!!!!!!! Gymgirl....your reputation is on the line!!! Just kiddin'...
Thank you Randy!!!
You gave me this beautiful Tequila Sunrise Hibiscus that you'd rooted for me. I got it home and planted it in the ground. This morning the first gorgeous blossom opened up.
Many hugs! Mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Janet
Here's the whole plant. As you can see, there is another bloom that should open in the next few days. I just love this bloom!
I need one of those It is gorgeous. I love hibiscus.
Dear All,
I have been out of pocket this week as DH had a stroke and seizure Tuesday evening, my last day home from the holiday weekend. 911 took him to ER as I had a 4 month old baby and his invalide MIL to stay with at the house. Thank God I was home to call. It was a mild stroke that made his right leg go numb, but it is reversing rapidly.
Wed & Thurs. were stressful as his BP would not come down. He went into ER at 203/138. The stroke affected his right leg and the seizure affected his right hand. But, today I can report his BP at 11:00 was 115/78! Praise God! Yesterday, he was able to hold a pen to make his own food selections on the hospital menu. He was still in ICU, because everyone was aware if the BP didn't drop he could have another stroke right there.
Today, he watch Venus get defeated in the U.S. Open, and I'm hoping he remained calm. My dilemma is having to be home with his bed-ridden MIL until someone comes to stay with her so I can go to the hospital. His brother came from Galveston Tuesday and stayed the night so I could go be with DH Wednesday. He will come again tomorrow so I can go.
All in all, God is writing a new chapter for me to live. Not sure how it's going to play out, but I know that I will only make it with God's strength, power and guidance. Those who pray, please include us when you do, that we might continue to grow in our love for and devotion to God first and each other.
Still hoping to join in on the fellowship with you guys in October! What date has been finalized?
BB: How did LIlly Mae's Greens come out? Is your neighbor still the only gourmet in your neighborhood? I think not!
Saying a prayer right now for you and your DH. I will keep him in my prayers. God is good!!! All the time!!! He's got plans for each and every one of us. He knows what He's doing. He will send someone to give you relief so you can be with your DH.
Many hugs!!!
Janet
Thanks, Janet!
Can't wait to see you again.
Linda
Gymgirl, we were where you are last summer. Hopefully, your DH will progress as mine has. I'm thinking of you and hoping all goes well.
Patricia
Dear, dear, Linda,
I am with you. Prayers, love and faith. My daughter is here, too.
If you need anything, we're all here.
Love, hugs and more hugs,
Kristi
OMGosh, I am sorry for what you have been going through. But am so happy all is going great. I know how shaking that had to be. Please don't hesitate to call to just talk. Dmail me if you don't have my home number and would like it.
Thursday would have been mine and Dennis' 32nd anniversary. And I ask all of you to please think of me on the 15th as it will be exactly 1 year since I lost him at 51 yrs old. It seems like yesterday and hurts no less as it was sudden and not a terminal issue.
I held my granddaughter who will be 7 next month tonight when she got here she was crying because she misses him so. I cried with her.
Remember Linda if you need anything we are all here just let us know. Give DH a gentle squeeze from all of us and tell him we are glad he is doing so well.
Blessings,
Sandy ^8^
Just a quick note. DH just called to say if the neurologist agrees, they will discharge him today! Good news, although I am concerned as his BP is back up to 170/?
Thank you all for your prayers, concern, and love. It means a lot to me.
Hugs to All
Linda
Gymgirl, I'm so sorry to hear about your DH. What a full load you have with MIL, baby and husband's health issues. We're all thinking of you and hope things improve. We did finalize a date of Oct. 20th at about 4:00 p.m. until ? I hope things will be back to normal around your home by then and that you are able to make it. All the best wishes for DH's speedy recovery.
Crow
Linda, I wish we lived closer. I'd be right over there to help you out. In case your husband's recovery involves some rehab time, you might want to talk to one of the social workers at the hospital the next time you're there. They have access to all kinds of resources for patients and out patients. 'Might know of an agency that could provide short term care for your MIL (possibly Medicare apprv'd) while you shuttle DH to appts.
Said a little prayer for you last night and wasn't struck by lightning, so will try again tonight!
Sandi
PS...neighbor stiill reigns as top gourmet cook....I think I overcooked greens (on high for 7 hrs) and they were salty, salty (too many ham hocks?) Nowhere near as good as yours.
Gymgirl please keep us informed. Bless your heart you plate is overflowing. I wish we lived closer also. DS is using my truck everyday for transporting DGDs to and from school and he lives 15 miles from me. His car has been in the shop for 3 months. Don't really know how full price will be justified when the man gets done as it is promised to be worked on everyday.
Here for you if you need to talk.
Bubbles that was so cute I almost fell of my chair. That is what I would be doing is dodging lightning bolts. We can dance together and help each other out of the way. ;O) ROTFLOL
Oh Gymgirl - prayers are going up as I write this and will continue as long as you need them. I'm hoping your DH will continue to improve, and that you get some rest for yourself. BigBubbles is right that the hospital social worker could perhaps find some help for your MIL so you can help DH. Know that all of us are praying for you - and dodging lightning bolts some of us... Sending you both peace and strength.
Sandy - will also be praying for you in dealing with your grief. When I lost my mom, the one year point was so difficult.
Thank you bookworm. This whole year has been such a black hole and I am so far from seeing light.
Someone told me today how felt in a divorce and he could not imagine what I felt. I told him I would gladly let him wear my shoes for 24 hours just to have a break. If we could all take each others at 24 hours at a time. WoW, None of us would ever get bogged down.
Gymgirl any new updates?
DH is home! MIL is smiling! And no one got struck by lightning! And it didn't rain today! And my tomato plants are still alive!
Life is good.....
Praise the Lord!!!!
Thanks for the good report! Continued prayer for your whole family Linda. Hope you get some much needed rest.
Sending Love and a Multitude of Hugs!
Janet
Awesome, GG. We'll continue to pray for all of you - your strength, his recovery, MIL AND the tomatoes!!!
Just found this thread......I, too, will be praying for your entire household, book.
Thank you, Lou - the prayers this week are raised for Gymgirl's DH. Always open for ours as well... God Bless you, too:)
Linda, as with LouC, just saw the thread. Soooo glad that your DH is home and things are looking up (even the tomatoes ;o). You and yours are in my thoughts.
Kip
Hi Guys - been in Colorado Springs visiting my brother and nephews-
Linda,
I had to get shocked, sad and happy again all at once! Glad the "old man" is back in action. Tell him hello for me, and if he's real good you and I will cook up some entertaining Africa stories for him! :)
Rj
WOW!!!
Away from the computer a few days and everything happens.
GG, praying & wishing the best for you and your family. Glad the stroke was mild.
ILJ, you are in out thoughts daily. Looking forward to seeing you again, soon.
KN, picked up a few bottles of the jalapeno (summer release) wine from Circle S.
Missed seeing any of the DG family @ our annual Labor Day fish fry.
Ordered roasts for the PARTY, tho.
Picked up 32 little wine tasting glasses while I was in Big D this wkend!
:~)
'Scuse me, Smockette, but did you pick up any big ones??
ROTFLOL!!
Just look at it like this Bigbubbles, when else can you drink a chardonnay, merlot and a cabernet blend all whilst mingling amongst guests with several little glasses in tow?
Well, ya'll know I bring my own & it ain't little! lol
I'm planning to also bring a few bottles of Freezer Wine...so on second thought...those little glasses might just work well.... Oh, and itty bitty lil' individual ice picks, so you can sip it...eventually......
Anyone coming for ACL concert?
dadgumit......I want to come....
& we want you to come!!!!!
I know....as stated above I will be on Mustang Island same weekend. waaaaaa
Good news - spoke with Dave (Circle S) - he is willing to give us the discount. Since so many wanted some of their own, I asked what he could do for us. He is willing to do mixed cases, anything that is available.
So what does everyone want?
Do you need a list of what will be available by the 20th?
Bad News - I will need help - I don't think I can haul more than 5 cases in the car and still have room for the bison roast(s).
If anyone wants to join us for a glass/bottle - we will be making our usual stop there on Friday evening - quality control, so to speak - gotta make sure its all still good, don'cha know.
ILJ, you are in out thoughts daily. Looking forward to seeing you again, soon. Thank you Bubba and DW
Sat is the first anniversary of Dennis' death. It has open a very raw deep hole..... Feels like it has just been told to us he died
I won't tell you but as I sit holding his cold hand for hours it was horrible what gravity can do to ones body. More than I can stand. My friends kept pulling the sheet up. And they let the intibation tube in his mouth and lung I couldn't even kiss him.
I know I sit there atleast 3 hours till we called a funeral home. God I hurt. I wish I was able to fly out of town sat. but there is no where you can escape. It follows but it would be nice to be with someone or people that would just love me through it. Noone here but son and he relates his pain as great as mine. It maybe but totally different.
I love him so deeply.
Sorry if not the place to let my feelings out but I guess I needed to.
And Gymgirl my heart pained so deeply when you were going thru what you was.
I love all of you so much. God brought me here 4 years ago as he knew what I would need to get through this time. Even friends that were so close to us are no longer around. They either don't know what to say or are too busy.
Everyone is there when it happens. But when the shock wears off. No one. I thank God for my family here. I get so lonely and desperste for physical hugs. but no relatives here. 1 DB in PA and DSIL.
I guess sometimes God what us to bare things
I love you all,
Sandy ^8^
Sandy ^8^