May your birthday be the start of a happy new year, Jack. ❤️ Love, Froo
114 years ago today, my dad was born
But especially for my son-in-law James who is celebrating a birthday today.
He is the one who gave me this wonderful ink print years ago.
Framed! I keep it in the dining room on the mantel to remind myself to do just that.
So I’m posting it for him today as I wish him a great day. And a great new year! ❤️
My friend V told me clocks and watches are frequently set at 10:10. I looked it up and she’s right. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, not blocking logo on clock face, looks like the clock is smiling- yes there’s a lot out there about the 10:10 setting. Article from Mental Floss here.
November 20, 1980 was a snowy morning. We left home a little after 8 AM. The hospital in Clarion Pennsylvania was barely a block away from our house. It was beginning to snow.
I was told, “oooops baby isn’t in a good position so you could be here all day.”
Guess you heard that declaration, got into a good position, then everything happened fast? You decided you’d surprise us and not wait around for hours.
You were born at 10:10 AM.
My mom came out from Philadelphia to help. And the next day my dad showed up at the front door unexpectedly. He couldn’t stay home and not drive out the six hours to see you.
Looking at this photo of my mom holding you, I realize my mother (68) is just 5 years younger than I am now.
When we got home from the hospital there was a handmade wooden cradle in front of the fireplace, made with hand tools by our good friend Shuey. you could turn it over and it was a bench to sit on. Your big brother Mark was so excited to meet you.
Love to you on your birthday, Matthew.
Love, Ma
I asked Maura to send a current picture of herself for her birthday blog and it’s lovely.
Just like she is!❤️
Seems not so long ago, she was little!
Happy 17th birthday dear Maura!
Love, FF Ruthie
I bought this collection of curling ribbon a little more than 22 years ago. The occasion was when we were anticipating our eldest grandchild’s birth. Used it for the baby shower.
The party favors at the baby shower were sugar cookies in cutout animal shapes packed in a white paperboard Chinese food take-out container. I think we curled some ribbon on the metal handles. The red ribbon is low so I guess I used it at Christmas time and I don’t think I adorned those cookies with the red.
Tonight is the birthday Eve for the youngest grandchild’s second birthday tomorrow- November 3rd.
Blowing up balloons, a few streamers, a happy birthday banner in place at the mantel. Cake ingredients at room temperature.
It’s going to be a fun celebration.
Anna is the first grandchild!
How I became a grandmother.
So proud of how hard she works and all oh her swimming and academic accomplishments.
She is beautiful inside and out. She’s just the best person you could ever know.
Happy Birthday to my sister Mary.
The archives 2010
For Birthdays it was the 1-2-3-4 Cake recipe or the Happy Day Cake recipe on the back of the Swan’s Down Cake Flour box, frosted with Penuche icing. My mother would put the saucepan into a sink of cold water and then beat it by hand once it cooled. I can hear the ring of the metal loop at the end of the pan’s handle. And as I remember it she added a dash of vanilla extract. My dad would pour milk over a slice and eat it with a spoon. Cake and frosting recipes below photo.
Happy Birthday Mary. This vintage cake pan was a gift from her to me.
2½ cups sifted (Swan’s Down) cake flour
1½ cups sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening, (I use butter) at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
Sift flour with sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir shortening to soften. Add flour mixture, ¾ cup of the milk and vanilla. Mix until all flour is dampened, then beat two minutes at medium speed. Add eggs and remaining ¼ cup milk. Beat one minute longer. Pour into two 9-inch layer pans that have been lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans; remove from pans and cool thoroughly on racks.
This cake also may be baked in three 8-inch layer pans for 25 to 35 minutes, or in a 13- by 9-inch pan for 30 to 35 minutes. Batter may be spooned into 36 medium paper baking cups in muffin pans, filling half full. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Penuche Frosting Butter is Key
In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium low and continue to boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cool to lukewarm. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar. Beat until thick enough to spread. If too thick, add a little hot water. Frosts top and sides of a 2-layer cake or a 13×9-inch cake.