Gooey Fudge Bars

My visiting teacher Mary Fox made these awhile ag and Audrey has been wanting to get the recipe and make them. We finally did and they were as tasty as we remembered them. Audrey brought them to a YW movie activity.

GOOEY FUDGE BARS

Cookie base:
1 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 & 1/2 cups rolled oats (up to 3 cups if desired)
2 & 1/2 cups floor

Fudge Filling:
12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. walnuts

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, add dry ingredients, and stir in rolled oats. Set aside. Melt chocolate chips, milk, 2 tbsp. butter, and salt. When slightly cool add vanilla - stir till smooth. Line jelly roll pan with parchment paper (your friend!!) and spread 2/3 of oatmeal mixture in the bottom of the pan. Spread fudge over top. Dot with remaining cookie mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or slightly brown. Really gooey the first day - sets up best by day #2.

Classic Tuna Macaroni Salad

John whipped this up for dinner tonight using the recipe on the box of Golden Grain macaroni. It was really quite tasty!!

CLASSIC TUNA MACARONI SALAD
1/2 package salad macaroni
3/4 c. mayonnaise
2 Tb. cider vinegar
1 Tb. mustard
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 c. sliced celery
1 c. chopped red pepper
1/4 c. chopped onion
6 oz. tuna, drained and flaked

Cook and drain pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water to cool. In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Add cooked pasta, celery, red pepper, onion and tuna; toss to coat. Cover; chill to blend flavors.

Happy Birthday Dad

This is a picture of my dad in 1941 South Haven, MI with his sisters: Alice, Carole and Lenora. Today would have been his birthday - Happy Birthday dad. Love me...

Father's Day

I think John had a nice Father's Day. Some of his gifts included a new book, a Star Trek mug and a multi-purpose tool. We had ribs, corn and beans for dinner after church.

CDA Theatre: 25th Annual Spelling Bee

We purchased season tickets to the CDA Summer Theatre again this year. Mom wanted to go with us so she got a subscription as well. So that means that I go with either Audrey or John, depending on who wants to go to which production. None of us had heard anything about the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, so Audrey originally said that was one of John's shows to attend. He hurt his back a few days ago so then it because Audrey's show to attend. From her belly chuckles throughout the evening, I would have to say she was having a great time. It was pretty funny. The premise is that you are watching an actual spelling bee, with adults playing "kid" parts. They even have folks from the audience participate. My favorite actor was the Vice Principal who gave the spelling words. He used them in ridiculous sentences when the contestants asked for assistance. Of course, they did not really help!! A few favorites were:

Word = Palaestra.
Sentence = "Euripides said, What happens at the palaestra stays at the palestra."
Word = Phylactery (a Jewish religious item)
Sentence = "Billy, put down that phylactery, we're Episcopalians".

Rockin B Ranch

The Rockin' B Ranch is a Cowboy dinner show held in a barn. We've gone before and have always had a great time so when Jessie called and asked if we wanted to go, the answer was a quick and loud "yes"! We met up with Jessie, Dale, Emma, Connor and Jessie's mom Sharon & husband Rich. Food included all you could eat chicken, ribs, beef, ranch beans, baked potato, cornbread, applesauce, dessert served in a pie tin. Also bottomless lemonade served in a canning jar. After the meal they entertained us with Cowboy songs, fancy fiddle playing (including glow-in-the-dark strings), singing and a Patrick McManus comedy segment. A very enjoyable evening!

Kitty to Vet

Isn't she cute? She seems like she is asking "What? I have to go where?!" Well, it was about time for her annual kitty shots, which is an event in itself. I have to plan it for my day off but also when Audrey is available as reinforcement. Sidney does NOT like to ride in the car! So Audrey, Sidney and I headed to the vet. We love our vet & their staff. He is close to retirement but is so kind and patient with Sidney. First he checked her ears - she growled. Then he checked her teeth - she snarled. Then he lifted her up and weighed her - huge growl. Then the temperature taking.... And finally it was time for her shots. The vet's assistant brought in the syringe and said she could hear Sidney whispering "sweet nothings" to the vet. Then he gave her the shot - %&@(!&. Then he gave her a new green scarf for being such a good patient - doesn't she look lovely? (and rested?)