Auld Lang Syne

OK.  I had to google it.  I have been singing this song on new Year's Eve for 50 something years and didn't really know exactly what it meant.  I also didn't know it was a poem written by Robert Burns.  So I guess it's good to know what you are singing, especially if you've been drinking.  Oh yeah, it means "old-long since" or "old long ago" just in case you aren't sure either. And when we sing it, I guess we are looking at the past and sort of toasting to it with the knowledge that we have hope in the future.  Reflection is a good thing I guess, especially if you are grateful for what has happened in the past.  I'm just thinking about this past year, and for me, I was blessed with another healthy granddaughter, two daughters and their families who are happy and healthy, and a husband who continues to be my best friend.  I'm not saying everything was rosy in 2011, because there are always lows with the highs.  And this past year sent some revelations to me that were life changing.  But you move forward and learn to cope.  
About 12 years ago, out of nowhere, I began to write songs.  They were for family and close friends only, and were not particularly good.  But I would sit down at the piano and out one would come.  It was a way for me to express how I was feeling and better than going crazy, I guess.  Most of them were spiritual, but one was for Clark.  I haven't said much about him on this blog, but he is definitely worth a post, and then some.  He is one of the good guys--and I don't believe anyone who has ever met him would tell you any different.  I am seriously blessed and super grateful for Clark.  Anyway, I thought since I was doing a little looking back today, I would share that one song with you.  Don't worry--I'm not singing it, but just thought that it would be a cool way to end my blog for 2011. Have a Happy New Year everybody!
                                       
                                               Love of Mine
You still remember our first time to meet
No one could have told you 
My heart's yours to keep.
As we claimed life together,
A friendship was born.
Could it stand up to trials-
Life's thickets and thorns?


And I saw the flame flicker 
In your twinkling eye.
Naive young emotions,
Might they live or die?
Oh the flame is elusive 
And considered a threat
For it knows not of love
And of promises kept.


We've made mistakes
Had our miracles too.
God's grace was upon us
To help see us through.
So HIs path we will follow
Till we round our last bend
Much more pleasant a journey
Sharing life with my friend.

What's Cookin'?

I was brought up in the three square meals era.  Home cooked meals.  I know it's hard for you younger people to get, but in our little town of Blytheville, AR, there were just not many places to eat out, so everyone was at home eating ,and kids were in bed by 8:00.  That's right, 8:00 or before.  When Clark and I go out to eat now, there are kids humming around the tables and playing on iphones at 9 and 10 on school nights.  And we always wonder why they are out that late.  When I was a kid, It was a huge deal for us to have dinner out-- like a birthday or a holiday treat.  I can remember going to the Embers in Memphis for probably the first time I ate in a restaurant.  I was hammered all the way in the car about where my napkin needed to be and how I was to use a quiet tone in talking.  We were dressed nicely and were not allowed out of our chairs once seated.  Times have changed, for sure.  There is a restaurant on every corner and mom and dad are tired and just want to get a break.  
But I digress.  What I wanted to say today is that I am very aware of how cooking connects us....to the family and friends from whom we received the recipe, and to the memory of eating that particular food unique to the holiday season.  I have some of my grandmother's cooking utensils and when I grip the pastry cutter, I think about how many pies and cookies I consumed at Mimi's house that were made by her hands with that very tool. 
Two days this week, Mama came over and we made Christmas candy and cookies (our batting average on the fudge was .500).  On our first try, the soft ball was not hard enough; on the second try we overcompensated and barely got the candy out of the pot before it hardened.  But we made a memory and we laughed a lot.  She can no longer make those delicious pies I blogged about last year, but she can still stir up a pot of homemade fudge or divinity.  It just takes a few more tries.  Sometimes the holidays can be bittersweet, even if you are surrounded by lots of folks, because you remember those Christmases at your grandmother's house or other family member's home that are now an impossibility.  But somehow food is a great connector of family and memories.  And it's not just in the eating but in the making too. Have a blessed Christmas!

Hattie Elizabeth

Hattie arrived Sunday night after Thanksgiving. Clark and I were already at Katie and Adam's for Turkey Day, so Hattie was very accommodating.  Katie had another natural birthing experience, and I just don't know how she does it.  She's a strong soul, that one.  I am a very proud mommy and an especially proud Mimi.  Just look at that sweet baby girl..... so much to be thankful for.