If you were turning 92, wouldn’t you love it if your Grand Daughter asked her friend to bake you a yummy cake because she herself lived in the Cayman Islands and couldn’t be there with you?

That is exactly what I did today.  Dropped off this wonderful Moist Almond Cake with Dessert Wine Syrup (Donna Hay – Food and Wine Magazine – Issue 9) to a very greatful 92 year old woman.  Apple and I surprised her and her husband this morning with Birthday wishes and a cake that is so yummy I cannot even tell you.  Well I can, but I won’t bake one for myself right now because it is so not good for my waistline.

I know it meant so much to them that their Grand Daughter planned ahead and thought of them, even though she lives so far away.  My girlfriend is very good at this, she has asked me to drop off a few things now for her Mom and Grand Parents and I really think that it makes a huge difference.  Even though she couldn’t be here herself she made sure that her love for them was known by going that extra little bit and having me drop off something homemade with love and care just for them.  And you know what, they all love having visitors, so if I swing by with my kids or even by myself then it just makes their day a little extra special.  If they can’t have their Grand Daughter there, at least they had a visit with someone who knows and loves her and is the same age.

I should also add that my Girlfriend and I have known each other since 7th grade, so it isn’t like I am a stranger showing up with baked goods.

Happy 92nd Oma!

A rare day here chez BeachMama. I am going to chat a little about A, my Stepson. I don’t talk a lot about him here for two reasons. One is that he is now 17. YIKES!! 17!! And what should I share about a young adult who sleeps all day and is up all night? And two, he probably wouldn’t like it if I did. I respect that.

Today he turns 17. 17!! SEVENTEEN! I just really can’t get over it. I remember the first time I met him when he was just a wee little guy at 3 1/2. He had a tummy bug and Hubby was very nervous to introduce me to him because he was quite a shy little guy. Hubby was sure to talk to A’s Mom about our introduction and really how could she deny him? I mean, we went to High School together and at least I can say that since I was such an awesome kid at school she had nothing on me to say that I should not meet her son. My Mom should be proud.

A and I became fast friends. I was always cautious of not trying to be another Mom but to be his friend. We did fun crafts, baking, museums all the fun stuf that J and I do but we did it first together. I was also cautious about making sure he had his Daddy time as that was why he was with us to spend time with him. We had him every other weekend so I made sure that my schedule at work (I waitressed) was such that I worked on the weekends he was over so Hubby would have his time with him. It worked quite well for us.

A has always been a quiet guy, but as he has gotten older, I thought that some of the outgoing non-stop chatter that he has been subjected to by my family would have rubbed off on him as it did his Dad. Not the case at all. If anything he has become more quiet. He is a very talented young man with great manners and is always thankful for everything that we do or share with him. He is just a quiet guy.

The photo I chose was taken last Fall at the orchard. I chose this photo because it captures how much J loves his brother. The sun rises and sets on his brother and poor A doesn’t get a minutes peace from J while he is awake. Even sweet Apple loves to crawl up on his lap and sit and chatter away to him. He takes it, which is what big brothers are supposed to do.

Wishing you a wonderful Birthday A!! And thanks for asking to come tonight for dinner and cake with us, your brother is very excited.