Beautiful Morning

The early morning dew on the roses was just too lovely not to note. I love God's beautiful creations--especially flowers.

In Memory of Murphy

It's been a few weeks since our old cat "Murphy" died; yet, out of habit I still look out the sliding glass door almost everytime I go by to see if she is there. She lived with us for 16+ years, along with her litter mate"Slush" (who passed away several years ago.) Murphy will be missed!

Grandkids galore--Easter Picnic in Mayfield

Family is what it's all about! Nothing means more to me than my fantastic family. The Saturday before Easter about 130 descendants of Ken & Orpha Whitlock gathered for the annual family picnic. Plans were to journey to "Easter Hollow"-- (Foothills in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains), property belonging to the family for generations. Snow and rain changed the plans; we picnicked in the local Church and had a wonderful time looking for hidden goodies in the basement classrooms. So thankful for the Gospel, for Easter and what it represents, and especially for "Forever Families!"

The Girls

People I Love !

My favorite place on earth

Camelia Bush

Hungry Hummingbird

I'm home! After being in Utah for 10 days, where it was COLD and Snowy, I returned to EG and found the Camelia bush outside my bedroom window covered with buds and a few showy flowers. The oranges outside my kitchen window are ready to eat! And, hummingbirds are still visiting as they have been all winter! Ahh, the joys of California--never thought I'd admit to that!

Grand Champion Sponge Cake

My mom made a delicious cake for special occasions.

Now my sis continues the tradition so when the siblings got together (2-4-09), we reminisced about growing up in Mayfield, played Mormon Bridge, Five Crowns, speed scrabble, and enjoyed a lovely dinner with scrumptious sponge cake for desert!

Mom's Sponge Cake

1 1/4 c. sifted flour

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

6 egg whites

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. cream of tarter

6 egg yolks

1/4 c. water

1 tsp vanilla

Sift together flour, 1 c. sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tarter.

Gradually beat in 1/2 c. sugar, a little at a time; beat until whites form still, not dry peaks.

In a small bowl, combine egg yolks, water, vanilla and sifted dry mix. Beat at medium high speed for 4 minutes ('til they are light and fluffy). Fold yolk mixture gently, but thoroughly into the beaten egg whites. Turn into an ungreased 10" tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Invert pan to cool.

Creamy Pineapple Frosting

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. shortening (I substitute with cream cheese)

3 c. powdered sugar

1 c well drained crushed pineapple

Mix until well blended spreading consistency (may have to add more pd. sugar)

Fruit Salad

Yummy fruit salad made for a friend's family, to be served after her funeral. Recipe came from another dear friend who lives too far away and couldn't be here.

1 pint whipping cream (whipped and lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla)
1 pear
1 banana (not too ripe)
1 red apple
1 green apple
1 stalk celery (use the inside, smaller stalk)
1 pomegranate (seeds come out best under cool water)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans)
sliced almonds for garnish

Wash and cut fruit in small pieces, add to whipped cream.
Mix gently, (save a few pomegranate seeds for garnish), refrigerate until served.