Chickens on the Hooch

I am a multi-talented individual.  I garden, counsel, hold babies, pay bills, take out the garbage, write---not bragging—just when I see y’all in the community you encourage me with your kind comments--, but I did not inherit the cooking gene.  My Momma got it and her Momma had it—can’t speak for my great Grandmother—didn’t know her.  Many of you have known me for several years now and you just know when you call me—when you do—to bring a dish that it will usually be a salad unless my cook, Duke Boy, is available.  A California supper of fruit, cheese, and sour dough is also in my repertoire.  My church circle had that recently when it was my turn to host.  The first California supper was served on the bed in our hotel room when Hedgie Girl was a child.  We open the doors in our California hotel room and watched the fireworks across the Bay on July 4, 1996.  My Dad, who was recovering from a stroke, had a building dedicated to him at Travis Air Force Base and I was there to speak in his place.  Since that time our family has enjoyed many California suppers. 

Ok, back to the cooking or non-cooking gene.  I recently posted on Facebook a picture of some baby chicken cupcakes that I was taking to a picnic. This was a Martha Stewart idea.  A friend posted moments later, Duke Boy or Hedgie Girl?  Meaning—they must have done that---right???  I immediately posted back that it was me!! Sughar, Double Sughar, to be exact who made those adorable, and delicious cupcakes. Perhaps 60 is not too old to develop a cooking gene?  Granted I am not ready to take this up full-time—I will not be opening the Double Sughar Cupcake Stand next week. We just got a new bakery in town.  However, I am a pro at mixing a mean double bottle Similac for my boys.  They gobble it right up.  You can’t ask them about the truth of this yet—they are too busy napping after the gobbling. 

I plan to limit my cooking to things that aren’t too tried and true—if you do an unheard of recipe then they can’t say, “My Momma always puts ______in hers”, or “the last time I had this it was orange”.  A bereaved family doesn’t need any additional suffering from my kitchen trials.  I will tell you my secret to the baby Easter chicken cupcakes—use Duncan Hines—I didn’t do the from- scratch Martha recipe.

Speaking of chickens….The Pastoral Institute Advisory Board is selling tickets to our Chick-fil-a fundraiser. It will be May 20^th from 11-1 at Shawmut UMC.  The cost of the ticket is $6.  I hope you will kindly buy one in support of the services of the Pastoral Institute in this community.  If your place of business would like a signup sheet then we will make deliveries to sales of 5 or more.

Karen Erwin-Brown is the director of the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She provides individual, marriage, and family counseling by appointment.  She also hobbies a booth at Bluffton Antiques in Lanett where her spring sale is 40% off your next treasure.  Call 334-768-2341 or email her at kerwin-brown@pilink.org.

 

 

Being Easter people

Just realized I only blogged once in April--whew.  Lent is a busy season at our house.  Duke Boy & I took a long nap yesterday.

Since photo uploading is a terrible unskill for me-here are some Easter shots.

On  Palm Sunday Duke Boy preached once, Thursday Duke Boy preached twice, Friday once, and Easter Sunday twice.  He also did a beautiful job throughout Lent of creating a worship experience with crosses, take away pocket remembrances, and on Easter a fabulous display of hydrangeas and a banner.  God's people who came to God's house knew that Shawmut people aren't just Easter people on Easter Sunday. The church also hosted a worship experience for the community on Tuesday and the hospitality committee fed lunch to a 100+ people.

 Today we are chilling--me literally on the porch--we have a garden to spruce up before our twin baptisms on May 26th. 

Two new traditions began in our family during Lent.  Friday night we hosted our first annual flashlight egg hunt.  Unfortunately Good Friday weather was predictably terrible so...we hunted in the house.  Emily, our girl winner, and only participant at this point due to 3 boys who aren't yet walking.  The boys spent time enjoying watching the giggles and screams of delight and possible monsters--only me standing in a dark corner watching---. 

Second new tradition was lunch with Hedgie Boy's side of the family on Easter.  There are bunches of cousins on that side of the family.  Another set of boy twins who have already mastered egg hunting and kickball, as well as others who will make sure they find their share of the eggs.  250 were hidden yesterday--only 249 were found since one had already made its way to the stomach of a cousin who was too old to hunt but not too old to enjoy one of the "real" eggs.  Of course, another Easter tradition of hugs, and giggles from all relatives over the latest additions to our family was an added treat to watch.  The boys did their part of shedding sweetness and light on all who had the pleasure of holding them. 

Easter wishes to all the Easter people who read my blog.  Hope you are basking in the glory of the Risen Lord and remembering to be Easter people daily. 

Rainy day in Georgia

Rainy season here on the Hooch. Praying for all effected by today's stormy weather. Little BW is curled beside me on the couch.  She hates storms.  Good news: our cars aren't yellow any longer.

Did church with my baby boys yesterday.  We sang hymns, did interpretative dances, prayed, and raised our hands over our hands.  Very ecumenical.  We even did some napping.  Just like church.
Just ask Duke Boy. 

Got to visit a pediatrician's office for the first time in about 15 years.  Maybe longer.  She was very kind and attentive to Hedgie Girl's questions.  I remember firing  her first pediatrician. He was very rude and condescending  to me one day after I had a particularly rough night with a child, who slept lousy for the first two years of her life. thus my "good baby" story.  People would ask about Hedgie Girl--"is she a good baby"  aka does she sleep all night?  My response:  "Well she hasn't robbed any gas stations but if you're asking does she sleep at night--No".  It was good to see a new generation of doctoring at work. 

Weekend weather afforded lots of good outdoor time--got some things planted and moved around.  God is now watering them.  Gardening is so much more fun than the treadmill.

Peace to all from the Hooch.