Goodbye February and Hello March

Spring I'm waiting for you as this rain and snow have out worn their welcome!

Last year I painted and mailed the following picture to my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jerry in tribute of their daughter Trina, who had passed a couple of years ago.  This week Jerry made the following comment on Facebook regarding their love of the painting.  Warmed my heart! ❤

Happy 28th Birthday to Sammy on February 17! Knocking on 30's door already!!

Another Happy Birthday to nephew Cole,  who also celebrated his 28th on February 21!

Couldn't help myself! Read about a new cookies and creme flavor of Oreos and had to snag a pack. The big draw was the mega filling, my favorite part. Tasty but the angels weren't singing when I downed a few. 

As stated before, have been so overloaded with work it's been hard to tackle crafts or painting. 

This afternoon fit in a few minutes for a quick bell jar craft, placing a royal birdie and nest atop a sweet cup and saucer. 

Rest in peace Aunt Shelby, who passed away last week. She was my mom's half-sister; she, her husband Rick, and my cousins would visit on occasion when we were kids. To be honest, he kind of scared me. Southern born, full of racist jokes, and required their kids to address them as Yes Sir and Yes M'mam.

Last week celebrated my 5-year anniversary with my company. Received $100 Amazon card so went shopping! Along with a few other items purchased the boots below. Need a replacement for my beat up, old red boots so selected the snazzy ones below. Also picked up a pair of suede Chelsea boots - super comfy.

And that's it! Hello to March this week!!

Ding Dong and Springsteen

Celebrated #59 on Monday, January 30, 2023. Fairly quiet event - made a Ding Dong Cake on Sunday using a recipe from Pinterest. 

Cake involved adding coffee, which made the batter rather thin. Filling, my favorite part, involved creating a thick pasty roux which you then added to creamed butter and sugar until it transformed into a whipped mixture. Final step was to make the icing which, because it was my birthday cake, I snuck in a few shots of Kahlua. Cake was moist, filling was fluffy, and tasty frosting topped it off!

Received birthday flowers from Jay and Linda!

Along with numerous cards, received one from Sam where he actually drew a picture of Wonder Woman. Awesome talent!

Sam, Shelly, and Braxton stopped by for cake.

Recently discovered The Golden Girls, a show which bestie Lynn loved but one that didn't interest me. Manny was watching it so I randomly caught a couple episodes.  It is hilarious! Pretty rare a sitcom makes me laugh but found it happens every time with Golden Girls. 

Tracked down the full seven year series on Hulu, binge watched and finished up the last episode this afternoon.  Because Manny had seen every episode more than once, the worst part was keeping him quiet and not telling me in advance what was going to happen i.e. oh you'll love this part coming up as Dorothy kisses Miles; have you seen the one where Rose gets bypass surgery; and so on. Arrrgggg!! Along with the girls, silence is golden!

During my birthday week I won a work raffle of two tickets and parking pass to see Bruce Springsteen in Seattle on February 27.  As my plus one, Erin will be my partner in crime. A few years back saw him with primo seats and it was a great 3-hour show.

News Flash - I've discovered Hearts of Palm, which are edible interiors of certain palm tress. Heard they are a cross between artichoke hearts and water chestnuts but had never eaten them. Was making an artichoke dip today so grabbed a can to test the taste.

Where have these been all my life? Taste fabulous and could be used in everything. They were a perfect addition to the creamy cheese dip. Ran across a recipe for faux garlic lobster using them as a substitute and that is next on my list.

During my weekly trip to Goodwill, ran across a NYC International fake cheetah with fur collar jacket that called my name. Decided to buy it as a happy birthday to me gift! 

Also picked up a pair of beige, pointed toe ankle boots at Goodwill for half off which will go great while wearing the jacket.