Poetry Missed

A Friday at my great job has a tradition of poetry and chocolate. It may only be a few moments amid phone calls and patients... but a fellow team member will take it upon theirself to read a small paragraph. Each week a cherish moment can take us away from the stress of our job and remind us ... that joy comes from working together. The conclusion of the reading we are all offered a bit of chocolate. Our dear unit secretary and organizer of our E.R. is always the one, who remembers to bring the organic chocolate choices. Actually, she who began this special time! The chocolate came with a poem inside the wrapper and she decided, we needed the reading done aloud. So it began and we have enjoyed Friday treats much more. Of late, we have been so busy with the many sick children, it is very hard to find a moment, when we can all appear at the station at one time. We miss it and I wanted to share a poem this week--- just in case, I am not able to share this Friday.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore---
while I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping
As of some one gently napping, rapping at my chamberdoor---
"Tis some visitor," I muttered," tapping at my chamber door---
Only this and nothing more."......
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15638

Edgar Allan Poe

Now have a piece of chocolate...

Granddaughters

What joy they bring.. I have three granddaughters, whom I love very much. Two of them have October birthdays, so we have been celebrating their life. It always gives such pleasure to share my passion and fun with them. They grow so quickly to be young ladies. But most of all, I take pleasure and wonder at how they are developing their own joys and passion. I continue to learn so much from them as well. The wonder and excitement they have can leave me breathless. My heart is always filled with the sound of their voices.

My sister, Beverly has recently been witnessing the joy of having a granddaughter. She speaks of sadness upon returning home after sharing the love from the eyes and arms of her granddaughter. It just makes all and every moment with them even more precious.

Thank you granddaughters for all your love... you give... and for the gift of your life.

Fun Times

Such good times were had with my sisters,
but now it feels as if the fall is past. I have sweet memories of sharing my part of the world. Those Days Gone By....
The nature walk with Lorena was so inspiring and our day with Brenda at the One room school house the best. Enjoying the Pioneer Festival at the museum with Wayne county was an added as a bonus, that worked so well with my theme. I must lead you to Brenda's blog, for our times at the one room school house. She has a beautiful blog on our adventures there. The Fried chicken dinner was excellent and the almond cake under the tree superb. Thanks again Brenda.
http://www.simplepleasures-bb.blogspot.com/
Later, I will share the beautiful fall flowers and grasses we discovered with Lorena.
I will leave you with another Pumpkin Recipe...

Kay's Pumpkin Dessert

1 Pkg. yellow cake mix--[minus 1 cup of the mix saved out}
1/2 c. butter melted
1 egg
Mix and press into greased cake pan 9by 13

filling: 3 c. 1 lb. 14 oz. can pumpkin pie mix
2 eggs 2/3 c. milk

Topping- 1 c. reserved cake mix
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. butter cut in together

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes
Serve with whipped cream topping
delicious.... a favorite at my home.

Sisters Retreat Food

The Sister Retreat was a success. Weather held for us... Because today is a bit chilly with 32 degrees.
Days Gone By was the theme. You must have a theme, to pull all your plans together. My dear friend, Brenda from Simple Pleasures [www.simplepleasures-bb.blogspot.com] gave me the wonderful suggestion. It was her help that gave the climax of the weekend its success. We had many exposures to Days Gone By. We even had crazy quilting projects. But much more of the tidbits on our Retreat at a later post.
If you may have guess, Food is a important part of our Retreat. We must eat well!
So, of course all things pumpkins were use along with other side special recipes.
I heard discussion of plans to form a sisters cookbook. So I will share some of favorite recipes.
So I will start with sharing this one... Some requests were heard for this one.

Pumpkin Pancake Recipe given to me by another friend Cami Wright.

2 cups of flour
1/4 cup of Brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup of milk
1 can 15 oz. pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 T " vinegar
Mix together with a wire whip may add a bit more sugar and if too thick may add a bit more milk.
Tip.. I found if you make them too thick in the skillet .. they are hard to completely cook through.
Smooth out a bit thinner for a faster cook.
May add some pecans on topping with the Maple Syrup
So very good.
Thanks- Cami.