Straining Toward What is Ahead

Hi Everyone!  I had lots of intentions to blog over the past couple of weeks, but never got around to it.  I think it was because I knew this was the post I should write, and I was putting it off.  Blogging about it make it feel so much more... final.

I quit my job!  Actually I gave my notice in October, but the 20th was my last day.  It was a very, very, very hard decision to make, but I know that it was the right thing.  People who I didn't work with that tried to comfort and help me through the process would try to tell me "It's just a job."  But it wasn't just a job.  First of all, the organization I worked for was a ministry... helping and supporting individuals and families.  I didn't minister directly to those individuals and families, but it was my job to support the people that do.  When you know that what you are doing is helping people, it is hard to stop doing that.  But God has other plans for me.

10 tips for being a great car nurse

We've had our fair share of car trouble over the years.  If I didn't know any better, I might say that Tim actually likes fixing the car.  Sometimes.

We've had a pretty major issue lately-- the clutch slave cylinder went out.  For those of you who maybe aren't familiar with car-speak, this is a transmission issue.  You know that's bad, right?

The process of trying to fix it has been grueling.  In fact, Tim says this is the worst car work he's ever done... at least that he hasn't totally erased from memory.  And this is a guy who put a new engine in his '86 mustang, and replaced the timing belt on two different cars.

This particular fix involved maneuvering a part in very close quarters, while not being able to see what you are doing.

Enter, the Car Nurse.

Coconut Caramels

Six years ago, I was newly married, in a new town--new state!-- and unemployed.  I knew all of 6 people in town, and there wasn't much sunlight.  It was cold and snowy.  I was isolated and (if we're honest) a little depressed.

One of those 6 people I knew was my cousin, Jenn.  (The other 5, if you're wondering, were 1) Tim 2) Mike (Jenn's husband) 3) Bella (Jenn's daughter) 4) Luke (Jenn's son) and 5) Seth (Jenn's son)).  Jenn and Mike are the reason we moved out here-- Mike got Tim a job.

The weather was bad, so the kids had a snow day, and Jenn invited me over to bake Christmas cookies with them.  For those of you who do not know her, Jenn is a very, VERY talented baker.  For those of you who may not know this, the key to being a pretty good cook (or baker) is to know good cooks.  With good recipes.  Jenn is one of those people.  This is one of her recipes.

Jenn, thank you so much for the hospitality you showed us in those early days, and continue to show us.  It is such a blessing to share a town with you and count you among my close friends!  You are a blessing to so many people.  Thanks for being you!

Thank you also for this recipe.  It was a game-changer for me.  I usually don't like coconut, but I really can't get enough of these!  I know this is a bold statement, but I think Tim and I agree that these are our favorite cookies at Christmas time.

Coconut Caramels

• 1 c butter at room temperature
• 3 cups packed brown sugar (1 c + 2 c)
• 2 1/4 c flour (2 c +1/4 c)
• 2 c shredded coconut
• 2 t baking powder
• 4 large eggs
• 2 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350.  Beat together butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 cups flour,  Press evenly into an 11 x 17 inch baking sheet.  Bake until just golden, about 15 minutes.  Remove, cool slightly

For topping mix coconut, 2 c brown sugar and 1/4 c flour, baking powder, vanilla, and eggs.  Spread over cooled crust.

Bake, rotating sheet halfway through until filling is set, about 20 minutes.  Cool on wire rack completely.  Cut and store in airtight container.

Lacey Cookies

Part of making a marriage work is learning how to blend the cultures of your families of origin.  Around the holidays, this becomes especially apparent.  While it can be difficult, there are many positive aspects as well.

Like the acquisition of new recipes!

While the holiday treats repertoire in my family of origin was expansive and diverse, somehow we missed out on these cookies!  Good thing I married Tim!  This is one of his family's favorite Christmas cookies.

My friends, it is with much pleasure that introduce you to... Lacey Cookies.

Freezing!

I have a lot to say today.  Bullet points seem are probably the only way to get this done.  In no particular order, here you go:

• A few of my friends and family who are faithful readers of this blog have mentioned the difficulty in leaving comments on the blog.  I have changed some settings, so I think it should be easier.  So leave a comment and let me know!
• It.  Is.  Freezing outside.  FREEZING!  The bank I pass on the way to work told me it was "-0" degrees outside.  The interwebz is telling me that it is -6 out (update!  it is now -5.1 degrees outside), with a windchill of -22.  I would like to build a fire in the fireplace, but the idea of opening the door to get fire wood seems counter-productive to the warming effect of the fire.
• Before Thanksgiving, I went to visit Sapphire for her birthday, and we went to watch Living History Farms Race.  We had decided not to run it this year, and it turns out it was a great year to skip.  With temps in the teens, running 7 miles through  the river and through the woods would not have been fun.