Back in the Saddle, again

I have not been reading much in the past 6 months, but recently I've read three books. I read a short series consisting of Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. Then my friend Susan and I went to see the movie. We had a great time reading the books and seeing the movie.  I will say the book definitely has some morality issues, but if you stick with it through the second book there is some resolution.  Also, I like that the first book discusses some of the problems with female friendships. Honestly, I can't say that I've ever had those specific issues. Then I read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I loved this book. I read the interview with the author and she did so much research into the circus during the Great Depression Era. It was super interesting, and also just a really enjoyable story. It feels good to be reading again.

Lime topped Cheesecake

Lime Topped Cheesecake

This recipe mainly by Philadelphia cream cheese.

7 whole graham crackers

3 Tbsp butter

3 pkg cream cheese

3/4 c sugar

3 eggs

1 Tbsp vanilla

Heat oven to 325. Mix graham crackers and melted butter. Pat into springform pan. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla until well blended. Add eggs one at a time mixing on low until just blended. Pour over crust. Bake 50-55 minutes until center is almost set. Cool completely.

Topping:

1 pkg cream cheese

1 pkg whipped topping

1/4 c sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 lime's worth of juice and 2 tsp of zest

Beat cream cheese. Add rest of ingredients and blend thoroughly. (You can taste test for more or less lime flavor and sweetness.) Pour over cheesecake refridgerate for 4 hours.

This came about because I wanted to make a key lime pie for mother's day. My mom and I were hanging out flipping through a magazine and found this recipe for cheesecake with topping and just decided to add the lime flavor to the topping. We all loved it. I just wanted to keep eating the topping.

Sentimental

I'm a pretty sentimental person. I don't necessarily hold on to everything, because I don't like clutter. However, some things are special to me. I had both of my Grandmother's wedding bands made into one ring. The jeweler told me it was too much gold for one ring and that I would have some left over. I had him make two rings instead, one for me and one for my sister. The rings were fashioned to look like ropes...because I am a product of people and families weaving together. Well we all are, but this was my thought.  My Grandma Millye's favorite hymn was Amazing Grace, and we sang it at her funeral. Now, everytime I sing the song, I get choked up on the last verse "When we've been there ten thousand years bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun" Amen. Both of my Grandmothers were godly women who walked humbly with the Lord, their God. I had both of the rings engraved to say "bright shining as the sun", because those are the words that make my eyes swell knowing they are both in glory in heaven praising the Creator and Savior of the World.

 The two rings before.

The ring now.