some food and a birthday

I know, I know, my birthday often turns into a festival instead of a festivity.  But isn't that as it should be? You already heard about the friend birthday...here comes the family celebration. I do want to point out that sometime during the past year when I turned 55, I started thinking I was 56. Now I really am 56. So I think I'll be 55 this year and pick up at 57 next June. Ok?

 

After church Sunday, Mom, Jan, Sophie, Paul and I had lunch at Mr. Chen's. Jan and Mom gave me lovely presents. One of Mom's gifts made me laugh because of the way it was procured. We were in a department store buying makeup for her. I wandered away (attention problems) to the Estee Lauder counter to inquire about a fragrance I have always loved. The nice clerk said she had never heard of Azure but would be glad to check. It is the same perfume I have worn off and on since high school. Well she was surprised and delighted to find 2 bottles in a drawer apparently left there since the stone age. Or maybe they keep a couple on hand for me and the other woman who wears it still.

 

 

All the kids came over for dinner

 

Oh my gosh I could just die from the cuteness

 

Also celebrated a late Father's day

 

Ed promising Toby to share his snacks later

 

Thoughtful presents from all.

 

My favorite cake baked by sister Jan

 

Trying to think of a wish. What more could I want?

 

Ok, Lucy you can log off now. Food news alert. I have rediscovered popcorn. Candy has been making it the old fashioned way...in a pan...in oil. Coconut oil which is the new food that cures all. Apparently it does everything from healing dry hair and skin to curing cancer. Just google it for more info. The coconut oil producers accuse corn oil business of mounting a schmear campaign in the 80's. And I must admit I had heard all that.  I just think it tastes good.

 

Needs no butter. And there is only 3 tablespoons of oil to this entire pan of popcorn (we had already eaten most of it).

Okay here is the best corn cooking method ever. Mary Grace came up with it.

 

 

Trim silk ends off of unshucked corn. Rub with oil and cover with foil. Bake in the oven at 375 about 20-30 minutes depending on how many cobs.

 







 

 When done take off the husks. First cut off stem end. This makes it easy to just roll off the husk. Be careful it is hot. 

 

Season to taste. If you are Ryan that means lots of butter.