Karen’s Opinion

I just noticed that I rarely make anything in the colors, red, white and blue. I need to remedy that! I did make this pillow.

There are no guarantees that, just because it is your birthday, your day will be great. I guess I lucked out because, even though I had to work today, I woke up without a headache. My hubby fixed me a big breakfast which is always a great way to start the day, and, I had gifts waiting to be opened!

My husband does pay attention to what I say! I, sometimes, wonder if he does but he must have listened at least once over the past month. I opened my gift and was shocked at what was in the package. Can you guess what I received? Was it a weeks stay at the condos in Miami? Was it a necklace from Tiffany’s? No, it wasn’t a getaway or jewelry. I got a new toilet seat! Our toilet seat has looked nasty for a while and I really wanted a new one. I am so happy! It is installed and looks so good.

Both of my sisters sang the birthday song to me over the phone. That was funny. I will get them back. LOL

I will have a celebration this weekend. Our daughter is flying home tomorrow night and our son and his wife will be visiting from St. Louis. It will get noisy and I will eat too much. I cannot wait!

My sister’s “celebration of her birth” is today. She hates the word birthday. We usually wish her a happy day. LOL

I thought about sending her an artificial plant to celebrate her day. Have you seen the flower arrangements used for weddings and receptions? Artificial flowers are so intricate, look as beautiful as the real thing and they don’t need to be watered! No watering is the best thing because my sister is busy. This is a picture of her riding her Harley.

She is also a wonderful grandma to three little girls. She sews clothes, purses, quilts and backpacks for them. She has always been a fabulous seamstress. You should see the beautiful quilts she has made. I hope she likes what I made her for her day. It has a bit of all the new things I have been learning to incorporate into my craft; Embroidery, applique and prairie points that use two colors of fabric.

I was looking through our “dog junk” drawer and found both of the dog’s medical records. I am shocked that our Boston Terrier, Elsie will be seven years old next month. It seems like we just got her.

She is such a smart dog. She annoys everyone because she wants to be right up in their lap or under their blanket but they get used to her. She has stinky gas once in a while but other than those annoying qualities, she is a sweetie. Most Boston Terriers are born without a tail and if they have a tail, they are docked a few weeks after they are born. Elsie has a tail and when she is happy, it goes around like a propeller. LOL We love her.

From the American Kennel Club website:
Truly an “All-American” dog, the Boston Terrier is a lively and highly intelligent breed with an excellent disposition. Conveying an impression of determination, strength and activity, he is short-headed and compactly built, and must be black, brindle or seal with white markings.

A Look Back
Following the Civil War, the Boston Terrier breed was developed in the stables of Boston, Massachusetts, as a fighting dog. An imported dog known as “Hooper’s Judge” (sold to a Boston man in 1870) became the ancestor of almost all true modern Boston Terriers.

The breed is an American creation, resulting from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. In 1891, the breed became known as Boston Terriers, taking the name of the city where they originated.

Today is my husband’s birthday and his only request is for this dessert.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups sugar
* 2/3 cup baking cocoa
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 2/3 cup canola oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup brewed coffee, room temperature
* PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING:
* 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
* 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional

DIRECTIONS

In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat for 2 minutes. Stir in coffee (batter will be thin).
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
For frosting, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter in a bowl until smooth. Beat in sugar, milk and vanilla. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 12-16 servings.

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Printed from tasteofhome.com Sep 21, 2009
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