Dear Grandma

This will interest very few of you. These pictures are posted primarily for my Grandma so we can discuss how the party went. I'll call her and remind her how to get to my website, then she'll tell me how beautiful my tables looked and I'll feel pleased with myself. That I actually accomplished something feeling.

Yes, I had to put a table in the family room.

I wish I had taken a picture before the four folding chairs had to come in. They were very handy but not attractive.

This was my favorite thing about the table: the place card holders! Aren't they adorable? I thought of them myself and you can bet I'll use this same idea again. I already have pastel birds for spring.
Yes, there is a See's truffle in the box, but no, I did not get to wrapping the boxes for the red table. I can hear your concern: I used my silver on the dining room table.

The silver and blue table before the many candles were lit.
Notice the chandelier.

Good lighting.



I did wrap the tiny boxes for this table. And when I say "I", I mean Justin. I tied the ribbon on. I have since re-thought the snowflake placecard holders. Too scrap-book-y?

The kids table.

Complete with well behaved kids. There were actually 14 children (!) but these were the oldest. All except Whitman were on their best behavior.

I didn't get a full shot of the buffet table, but here's the Prime Rib in Croute. My talented chef friend, Karren, made all the food besides the (amazing) rolls.
Cheese and vegetable pie. To die for.

Diane is placing her fork in the Duchess potatoes. They looked like rosettes and tasted like heaven. Now that I'm noticing, Diane didn't eat very much.

Here's the full menu:

Cross Rib Roast on Croute with Duxelle
Torta Rustica
Roasted Root Vegetables
Potatoes Duchesse
Cream Spinach
Figgy Pudding
Plum Pudding
Croquembouche
Rolls
Assorted Drinks

The drinks consisted of a homemade ginger soda for starters and sipping chocolate with homemade peppermint marshmallows as an ending, by Justin.

The End.

Gifted

I'm in love and I don't care who knows it.
That's how I feel about the interior of these latest treat boxes. And just like true love, I can't even play it cool and pretend to be neutral. Remember how I said not two weeks ago that the red and white candy cane striped boxes were my favorite?

Well, they were superficial- looked good on the outside, nothing special on the inside.
My new love looks decent enough on the outside:



Yet I'll admit maybe the red and white are more eye catching initially, but it's what is inside that counts.But what is inside the pretty boxes, you ask? Clockwise from the top: Mexican hot chocolate cookies, peppermint brownies, orange shortbread snowflakes, and cranberry cashew coconut bars.

What? This doesn't fascinate you? A quick and slightly dull Q and A then.

Dear Alisha,

Am I lazy to be giving kids all gift cards for XMAS, especially when they are all ages 9 and below? Some suggest I buy something small and add a gift card. Really, anything small is at least $3 to $5. I'm imagining when they get the gift card, they probably be happier if I combine that few dollar to the gift card instead. And if your answer is yes, what do you suggest be great gifts for boys and girls ages 9 below.

Sincerely,

Many Kids to Shop For

Dear --what do I call you? Lazy but Kind Shopper?

I love gift cards. I love them for myself. To me they're better than cash because cash I might be expected to do something practical with. But this isn't about me. My own children started liking gift cards at around age 8. They, or he, since I only have one child that age, grasped the concept and looked forward to picking out their own toy.

Recently my 5 year old was given gift cards for his birthday and I was surprised at how apathetic he seemed towards them. I tried to make it interesting for him while at Target picking out a gift. As a mother, I love it when my kids get gift cards rather than large, noisy gifts that will be a chore to find a place for.

Here's my advice. Don't give a gift card to anyone under 5. Age 8 and up, it is a very good idea. Between 5 and 8 is a grey zone. All kids like the little go-along gift. If you are so inclined, just buy something silly. I hate it when people give my kids candy. Enough already. Other options if you don't want to send an actual gift, contact the parent ahead of time, ask them if it would be okay if you sent them cash or a gift card so they could pick out a toy their child would really like. As a parent, I wouldn't mind that at all as long as it wasn't a last minute request.

As there are a few other mothers who read this blog, maybe they will throw out a few other ideas or share their opinion. Hopefully with out fights or accusations, ladies.

I fear this discussion did not reach you in time.

Balding Gift Giver

Dear Alisha

I have a family member that I have always really enjoyed and get along very well with. We see each other at least once a month at various family functions as well as at each other's children's birthday parties. The problem? We always bring a gift for their children's birthdays and they have never once brought a gift for our children. I'm not usually a score keeper but it has happened several times now and I'm beginning to think they just come for the free food. Do I stop inviting them to our children's birthday parties, not take a present to their children's or just smile and pretend there is nothing wrong? And please don't recommend the third option as I am about to rip my hair out. Thanks Alisha!

Sincerely,
Balding Gift Giver

Dear Balding,

You are going to be glad that these questions are completely anonymous.

First, let me remind you of what a gift is "something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation or expectation of a return". Thanks Merriam-Webster.

As far as I can tell, your family member is not compelling you to bring him/her gifts. This seems to be your own choice. So that leaves the second part of the definition, "without compensation". If you are expecting something in return, like a another gift, you are not a gift giver.

Maybe your family member can not afford to give a gift to each extended family member at their birthday, or maybe they think that the whole lavishing children with gifts things is over done, maybe they really are coming for the free food. (Ha! I've never met one adult who actually likes attending kid birthday parties. Most consider it an act of charity.) Maybe they really are being selfish. Or maybe they have been taking your "gifts" for what they are suppose to be- a considerate act given out of the goodness of your own heart, without the expectation of return.

What ever the case, the problem lies with you. You don't need to "smile and pretend that nothing is wrong" because nothing is wrong. I will concede that often when you give a gift it is common for the receiver to reciprocate. But that is not a requirement. Maybe this relative of yours keeps thinking, 'sure, these gifts are nice, but when is Balding going to catch on that I don't want to exchange gifts? I keep not giving her kids gifts and she keeps lavishing them on mine."
That you would consider ignoring or not inviting a family member you enjoy over a difference in how you prioritize gift giving seems really petty.

In short, the problem is yours. Stop giving gifts or learn the true meaning of giving. It will be a good lesson for you kids too, so don't even try to mention their hurt little feelings. Their feelings will only be hurt if you let them think they have a reason to feel jilted.

You're welcome.

Christmas Blither-Blather

Dear Alisha,

Can we move on to a new post? This vegetarian thing is really boring.


I couldn't agree with you more. You see, it's Christmas time. Tonight instead of answering questions, I'm going to bore you with what I've allowed to keep me busy. Taking my own advice, I started early on my Christmas preparations. Telling you all I've done makes me feel accomplished, so thanks for humoring me.

I've decorated the Christmas tree..

...as you can see by this completely candid photo.

Finished*. I've also put up decorations. Here is my favorite new addition, a glittery village:

The glittery houses didn't look right and weren't safe sitting out on the buffet*.

Justin attached the Command sticky hooks to the wall then drilled holes in the back of the houses to hang them from. When we are all done, the hooks come off with out leaving a mark on the wall and we feel like geniuses. It took a few attempts before we figured out this solution.

*My silver and pale blue decorations do not look as good in picture as they do in person. I can't seem to capture their sparkly, winter-wonder. I am accepting photography tips.

Here's why the houses as well as the rest of my Christmas decorations aren't safe:

It is Whitman's goal to destroy Christmas. He has broken the nativity set twice, shattered a pretty snow globe, broken more ornaments than I can count, picked the feathers off a feather tree, and took a head dive from the piano into the Christmas tree. He shows no signs of stopping.

Davy on the other hand, has loved helping out with Christmas details.

As seen in this unflattering photo of him decorating the kid Christmas tree. If it makes you love him more, he hasn't been feeling his best this winter yet he's so excitable and eager to please.

He, I mean we, I mean I, am very pleased with it.

We accomplished the most tedious and tricky Christmas task of all:

The Family Photo. Attempt No.1. A Christmas tree farm on a freezing, rainy and windy day. The results speak for themselves.

Attempt No. 2: see family decorating the tree photo above. Doesn't look like the opening to The Family Feud?
Attempt No 3:

Sitting on the piano bench on a dark day in a dark room. Whitman loved it. The rest of the boys were good sports. We did get a shot, it's not my most favorite lighting but it works. In case you get a Christmas card from us, I won't spoil the surprise by showing you the photo now. Try to live with the disappointment.

Having done all that and with most of my Christmas shopping finished, I thought I'd get a jump on Christmas baking. Last Monday we had no school and why not take the day to knock out the most time consuming but delicious of Christmas treats, the sugar cookie?


(See recipe at bottom of post)I baked and frosted all day. On my recipe I have written this, "Warning: these take 4 long hours start to finish". True. And that's for a single batch not a double with kids hanging around. Just so you know, I don't let my kids touch any of the cookies or frosting except the few I place on a plate for them to frost and eat themselves. If anyone gives you sugar cookies saying the kids helped make them, beware. The frosting is 25% slobber.

I packed up my non-slobbery cookies in my new favorite boxes of the season,


along with some nutty-spiced-chocolate squares.

Besides tired at the end of the day, I was feeling a little pleased with myself, even smug. See how much I have accomplished so early in the season? Then as I dragged myself up to bed I noticed an email from a friend that went a little like this: "Alisha, where were you tonight? We missed you at Trevor's piano concert, hope everything is okay." AHHH! In my cookie accomplishing frenzy, I completely forgot about my son's piano recital! Not that I missed seeing him perform, I forgot even to bring him there. After all his months of practicing the Star Wars Theme Song and Dashing Through the Snow. I paid for my pride.


I'd like to share a 2011 goal of mine with you. Learn about photography, specifically lighting. I can spot good lighting but don't know how to get my pictures there. Jana says to get a good shot of yourself, "just sit next to a window with the light streaming in", and just look at what I get- an over exposed face in hash light, devoid of facial bones or tone. If you have a photography book you'd like to recommend to me, please do.

Sugar Cookies1 cup soft butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract or orange oil or lemon oil and zest
*mix until creamed

3 ½ cups flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt, unless using salted butter, then use ¼
*sift together, then add to the above

Dough can be used immediately, unless you want you shapes to be perfectly cut, in which case you should chill the dough for an hour before cutting out on to parchment paper.

Bake at 325 for approx. 11 to 14 minutes. Hint: if you wait till the edges are browned, you’ve over cooked them.
General frosting how-to:
1 stick butter or 4oz cream cheese
juice of one lemon or 1 to 2 tsp almond extract
milk as needed
2 pounds powered sugar

Blend fat, extract, and milk-starting with 1/4 cup. Add powdered sugar. Add more milk if needed to achieve desired consistency. Add a tasteful amount of food coloring.

I thank you for your time.

Meat Eater Cooking for Vegetarians

Dear Alisha,

How do you accommodate vegetarians at your dinner parties? Or do you? Do you prepare both meat and meatless options? Or just one main (meat) option and make sure there are enough sides for your vegetarian to fill up on? Are you careful to make sure your soups and sides are vegetarian-friendly (no chicken or beef broth, no bacon, etc)? Do you talk to your vegetarian friend about the menu ahead of time and let her decide if she wants to eat a bit before she comes? And will you please ask your vegetarian friends to reply about what they most appreciate when they come to dinner parties?

Sincerely,
Meat Eater

Dear Meat Eater,

Mmmm, isn't meat good? How I cook depends on the vegetarian in question. I usually speak with them and ask them what they do and don't eat. When in doubt, I make sure I cook my side dishes with vegetable broth, not meat broths. If there is just one vegetarian in the family, I usually serve a meat and a non-meat option. (Why should the rest of us suffer?) If the whole family is vegetarian, I usually serve a meatless meal. In a larger buffet setting, I would have both meat and meatless options. I should also say that I don't invite over vegans- too many rules!

I should say I usually don't mind cooking vegetarian. But it I'm feeling meaty, I think twice before inviting over a vegetarian.

Okay vegetarians, what do you most appreciate when invited to a dinner party? Should we cater the menu around you?

Making a List

I hope none of you are sitting around out there thinking "it's not even Thanksgiving yet, I have plenty of time to get ready for Christmas!" Because if so, and you have a family, you are already way behind. I spoke with my Grandma two weeks ago and she asked me how my Christmas shopping was going just so she could tell me that she's already done with hers. Now, because she's old and feeble, she's working on wrapping the presents, a few each day. She buys a present for each of her 7 children, plus their spouses, plus her 30 to 40 grandchildren, plus her great-grandchildren. That sounds exhausting. Not to worry, she's almost done wrapping.

As a helpful reminder for all of us, especially family members who like to procrastinate and then panic and run around like the proverbial chicken the last week of Christmas, frustrating everyone, I've composed a preparations check list. I will tell you ahead of time that I don't want to hear any whining about simplifying. Simplifying means you prepare early so you can relax and enjoy the holiday when it gets here.

Here's your early preparations check list:

Christmas Cards-This is such an important and festive aspect of the holidays. If you think sending out a quick, dingy photo of your kids made into a glossy Christmas card, mass mailed, is all it takes, I will refer you these words of wisdom Christmas Card Sending 101. And may I add that a papery or homemade card wins over a photo printed Costco card any day.

Here's what you should be doing to be ready: have a family photo taken to be used in the card. That involves planning and possibly shopping for what outfits you will all wear, booking a photographer, picking a location, and convincing your children to get dressed up on a day other than Sunday morning. After that it's in God's hands. I will admit that while I have outfits planned and a photographer, I didn't get the photo taken before the terrible (terribly enjoyable) weather moved in! Now I think I will have to have our family photo taken in front of the Christmas tree, which means I will have to have the tree up and decorated first. This makes me nervous as I like to have our family photo done and over with before Thanksgiving. Wish me luck.

These photos are meant to show you how much my family loves getting their picture taken.


If you would like to include a family update letter, start writing it now so that you aren't tempted to skip this step when you are in a hurry. It's true, I don't mind and even kind of like family brag letters. If I don't want to read it, I don't have to. Otherwise I like hearing what people without blogs are up to.

After the photo and letter, consider what card you will send out. If you pre-bought cards on the after-Christmas sale, well then you are all ready to go. If you make your own cards, and I do not, you have your work cut out for you. If you need to go buy cards, buy more than you think you need, do it now, and start addressing immediately. If you are more in the mood after Thanksgiving, fine, brush up your list now and start immediately after Thanksgiving.

Shopping- What can be said? Whether you are "keeping things simple this year", wise, or going a little crazy, bragger, make a list and stick to it. There is no reason to wait to shop. Set a goal to have it all done by the end of the day on Black Monday. Get an early jump on out-of-town relatives. Otherwise you'll question your holiday spirit while waiting in postal lines and paying for express shipping. [This means you Gayle.] You are allowed to put off stocking-stuffers until the last week of Christmas. I like getting caught up in the last minute excitement when there is no real pressure.

I don't know how to take a good photo of a lit tree. This doesn't capture it's glory.

Decorations- I can not put a single decoration up before Thanksgiving. But come Friday the 26th, all will all be pulled out. If you are going to go to the hassle of decorating, do it early enough for you to enjoy it all season.

Still getting a few more miles from these treat box photos:

Friends and Neighbor Gifts- by this I mean Christmas treats dropped off at doors, small homemade gifts, or thoughtful, useful items. This is a great time to plan what you will do. I break down my holiday baking into several sessions because I like that kind of thing. If you do not, if it stresses you out, no one really wants your baked goods that bad anyways. Skip this step, drop off a card, or buy something small and holiday-ish to give out instead. What I am saying it if you like it, plan for it now. Otherwise, simplify. There! I said it!

**A word to the wise: I love homemade gifts at Christmas. They capture the spirit of the holiday. If you would like to make homemade gifts this holiday, they must be finished early. Starting them the last week before Christmas, and driving your family crazy in the process, defeats the purpose of a homemade gift. It can't be said enough: start early or skip it.

My boys kickin back sodas at the kids' table.

Holiday Parties- if you are throwing one, do I even need to say it? Plan now. If it is going to be fun, invite me. If you are attending several parties, what do you plan on wearing?

Do you know what I find frustrating? Everyone wants to have their holiday parties early "because it gets too crazy closer to Christmas". So much so that it is busier for us early in the season. One year all our parties, friends, work, church, were over with by the 8th of December. The weeks before Christmas felt a little anti-climatic. If you are so prepared that you find yourself with extra time on your hands, well then go ahead and throw and little last minute party. You've earned it.

Look for a Service/Giving Opportunity - it shouldn't be hard this year. If you've been blessed, I know you'll want to take the time to help others. The worse is when Christmas gets here and you realize that while you thought about it all season, you never actually did anything above and beyond for someone else. What's the point?!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a sizable list of things to do. All the preparations, when not rushed and stressed, are half the fun of Christmas. If you dread it, you're missing the point. I am saying this because if you do not enjoy any of the above mentioned, if it just a list of obligations that stress you out, then don't do it. Don't do any of it. Life will go on without all the details. But if it is your thing, don't wait.

Rachel's handiwork.

Keeping in mind that this is my early list, have I missed anything?

Because Rachel is always asking, what are some of your favorite small friend/neighbors gifts that you've been given?

What preparation do you enjoy most?


Bonus Question: Every other year Justin makes a DVD of family videos and photos and sends them out to family and maybe a few close friends. Seeing how we already have a family blog, should he bother this year? Will anyone watch it to make it worth his time?

Out-lawing In-laws

Dear Alisha

How do you deal with your in-laws? We have been married less than a year and I'm already at my wits end! First I will say my husband's parents are divorced, so there is always the constant pulling between the two.

But just in the past month, my FIL has said such hurtful things to my husband AND unfriended us both on Facebook. I'll admit my husband may have said a few things out of line (it was all via email so I read the whole thing... I know I know it isn't the best mode of communication in an already strained relationship but it's really the only way they ever communicate.) But the things he said, no father should say to a son and were completely uncalled for. Plus, I'm pretty sure it's not normal for a parent to unfriend their child and DIL on Facebook. There's a whole laundry list of things I could mention, but I think you get the gist. Anything you can suggest here would be helpful but I'm thinking their relationship is a lost cause. Don't get me wrong, I would really like for him to have a healthy relationship with his parents. It just seems like he isn't a willing participant in any sort of positive relationship.

Then there's his mother. She sort of has a love hate relationship with us. Things will go well for a while, we talk regularly (she lives out of state) and then we do something (seemingly innocent) to set her off and she'll be upset, hang up on us or just not answer the phone. Most recently, we booked last minute travel plans with my family, since she had said they were staying home this year for Christmas. My husband even told her before we finalized everything. Then, that same night, she says we lied to her. Even if my husband hadn't told her, I didn't know we had to check with my MIL when making plans that don't involve her.

So, after all my whining, I'm hoping you'll have a tactful way of dealing with my in-laws. I've tried looking for ideas online (my normal source) but most issues with MILs are the type that criticize your housekeeping, snoop, want you to baby their baby etc and she's really not like that. When times are good, I feel like I can go to her for tips on cooking, information on my husband's medical history he may have forgotten etc, but then there's times like these. What's a girl to do? Help!

Sincerely, *
Out-lawing in-laws.

Dear Outlaw,

First off, I'm not an expert on this subject in any way. I have it easy with my in-laws. Both my in-laws and my parents act like adults. Sometimes getting along with parents, like most people, is a conscious choice.

Off hand, I'd say both parent examples sound very insecure and easily hurt. Maybe their past relationships have taught them bad ways to deal with family and to be distrustful. I would imagine it will take time for either of them to come to trust you. You will have to show them consistent, kind behavior and over time you can build a healthy, fulfilling relationship. You might have to handle this in a more mature and generous way than they are. I agree that you want to aim for a healthy, happy relationship. Who doesn't want that with a parent?

I am sure that you'll need to establish "boundaries" but I'm not sure what exactly that means, besides not letting them be outright hurtful. I wouldn't set myself up for that.

Okay Readers, this is your time to shine. If you have dealt with a situation similar to this or have good advice, let's here it. We'd love a reading reference to get our Outlaw going.

Saving Face(book)

"Let's see.. more love poems from a facebook friend? Not again!"
photo by Trevor

Dear Alisha,

I’m on Facebook but don’t send many friend requests. I like keeping up with the people currently in my life. But for most people – especially those from my past that I never see - I’m usually okay keeping in touch in a Christmas card sort of way.

Recently an ex-boyfriend “friended” me. This relationship went down in flames. FLAMES. And it was all my doing. We haven’t spoken since the breakup – it’s been well over a decade – though we have several mutual friends.

I’m married. He’s not.

I accepted his friend request. Mostly because we have mutual friends, and since I don’t have hard feelings against him (I crashed the relationship), it seemed like the mature life-isn’t-high-school-anymore thing to do. Still, it just seems weird. I don’t particularly care to keep up with him and (honestly) prefer to drop him. But we really do have a lot of mutual friends. So I’m not sure if I should act like a grown up and stick it out.

What do you think? What should I do with my unwanted friend?

Sincerely,

Hiding on Facebook

Dear Saving Face(book),

First I'll give you the short answer: if you don't want to be friends with someone on a social network, don't be.

The longer discussion would be that "friends" on facebook are usually a mix of casual and close friends. I have many facebook friends that would not make the Christmas card list. Not because I don't like them, it's just that neither of us would feel the need. So if it was just a sensitive friend, I'd say what's the big deal?

However, you're bringing up the ex-boyfriend issue. Based on your dramatic past, it does sound like de-friending him would hurt his feelings. ("How many times can I be rejected by her!?") My opinion with ex-boyfriends: it's always better to err on the side of being cautious and not be facebook friends. We've all heard of old flames reconnecting and trouble starting. Glenn Beck says 120% of divorces can be traced to facebook romances! That said I have a couple of guys I dated casually, techincally ex's, who I am sure are not still in love with me, hanging out in my friend pile. But I have many ("many?") that I would not be friends with. Who's to say they're completely over me? (*wink*)

You can adjust your friend settings so that some of your friends see just basic information about you but not your status updates, while others get the full story. Both types are still listed as your friend. That might be the middle road, keeping this ex out of your life but also keeping him from jumping off a bridge. [It probably goes with out saying, but don't make the posts he can see glamor shots of yourself or "what do you guys think of my new bikini?" photos or changing your relationship status to "it's complicated".] Still, if that makes you uncomfortable, remember you don't owe him anything. Just de-friend.

Here is a similar chaser question:

Dear Alisha,

What is is your opinion on the etiquette of old girlfriends/boyfriends on facebook? I don't ever add old flames as friends, but recently, my husband's old girlfriend sent me a friend request (my husband does not have a facebook account). I don't want to seem immature or jealous, but at the same time, I frankly don't care what she is "doing right now", and think it is weird she wants to check out my husband and kids. And, although we have a couple of mutual friends, I have not actually ever met this girl. How would you handle this?

Sincerely,
Nix on the vixen

Dear Nix the Vixen,

See above. If you don't want her as a facebook friend, then just ignore her request. You must not be as curious as I am. I would jump at the chance to peek into the life of one of my husband's ex-girlfriends. Then I'd be disappointed over how boring/blah she inevitably would be.

It's Autumn Time, It's Autumn Time

photo from lsa.uoregon.edu

It's full fall leaf regalia here in Oregon. I am swimming in gorgeousness. I remember when I lived in Arizona and I'd get excited about a few leaves changing color on a single straggly tree. Now I'm drenched in riches.

My backyard:

Kidding, The Japanese Gardens in Portland, photos from their website.

Other highlights of fall:

Harvesting crops. No, I didn't grow these, let's not get carried away. I bought these organic heirlooms from a local farm. We made tomato salad, tomato sauce, salsa...that's it.

Great weather. Cooler but crisp, some rain, plenty of sun. Hey! Look who's being a good mom!

Whitman turned 18 months and started nursery. What a relief.

Kids in leaves:
Okay boys, get your orange shirts on, it's time to play in the leaves! Do you know what problem I had this year and every year? All the gorgeous parks are a little too well manicured. As soon as it's dry out, the leaf-blowers come and whisk away all the leaves and my photo opportunities with it. This also drives my kids nuts because they like to make giant leaf piles to jump in. So I've started driving around with a giant rake stuffed into the back of my car in case we find a park that hasn't been de-leafed.

Pumpkin Foods

Behold the only photo I took of Pumpkin Bread:
Mmmmm, enticing, isn't it? It really is a great recipe, it's more of a cake than bread, but the recipe is written for one large loaf. My theory is that if you're going to mess up your kitchen, why not double the batch? Or triple it? I forgot that the recipe was so large, really already two loaves, so I tripled the batch. I have the large Kitchen Aid, but that couldn't begin to hold the batter. Nor could my largest bowl. It took a combination of 3 large bowls and a ridiculous amount of mixing by hand and transferring bowls to finish the recipe. I should have figured it out when I started adding 12 eggs, 9 cups sugar, 6 cups flour...

I don't have a picture of the finished product, but I do receive compliments whenever I give it out. Not that you asked, but here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Bread (Cake)

2 cups canned pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
2 cups flour
3 cups sugar
1&1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 Tblsp pumpkin pie spice

Grease and flour two larger loaf pans. Mix liquid ingredients in electric mixer. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl, then add dry to liquid mix. Mix well. Pour batter into pans and bake at 350 degrees for at least an hour, until a knife inserted comes out clean. This bread is so moist it's almost impossible to over bake. Just don't under bake it.

When cool, I like to frost the top only with cream cheese frosting. Don't even think about asking me for that basic recipe. The end.

I was going to finish with an expose on casseroles and why I love soup, but this is already too long and I'm out of patience. Stay tuned.

If you're feeling chatty, tell me what you love about fall.