life in my empty nest

Friday, September 13, 2013

Honoring My Father

Last night, my family had the privilege of attending a ceremony that honored alumni football players of note at my father's high school. Growing up, we had always heard the stories about what a great athlete my father was, back in his high school and college days. This was the first time we were able to experience his glory days with him and were grateful for this chance to be there.

As the alumni were introduced, we were especially proud, when my father was noted as " the greatest athlete the high school had ever produced" and his accomplishments were listed - all state, player at Michigan State University and player in the Canadian Football league.

My father is a quiet man and is not one to speak of his accomplishments, so we were all so happy to be there to hear his accolades and to support him. I think he looks pretty good, for an alumnus of the class of 1953 :-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thoughts for Thursday...books, 9/11

Twelve years later on September 12th, the beautiful Freedom Tower now stands tall and proud at Ground Zero. Every time I saw it in the skyline, on my recent trip to New York, it gave me chills. It just seems such a perfect symbol for the pride and strength of America and the people of New York.

The latest book by JoJo Moyes was recently released in the U.S., after becoming another best seller in England. You might remember, I have recommended her books in the past - The Last Letter From Your Lover and Me Before You. This book, The Girl You Left Behind, was also a very good read, and was similar to The Last Letter From Your Lover, in that it wove the past with the present in an effective manner. And, there is a surprising twist at the end, similar to the other books. I especially enjoyed the historical perspective of occupied France during WWI.

I was out doing some shopping yesterday, and fall is everywhere you look in the stores. Between that and the other blogs I read, I am already feeling behind. I still think I will stick to my usual plan and wait until October to decorate and buy my mums for outside. Since I leave everything up through Thanksgiving, I would get tired of the decorations, if I got them out now. Maybe I will work on a few new projects to put me in the fall spirit :-)

Tonight, I am doing something very special and will write about it tomorrow. My father is being honored by his high school football team for his accomplishments in the early 1950's. It will be a special night for him and for our family.

Happy Thursday!

Linking with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom, Thursday Thoughts

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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

I have done my fair share of helping my daughters with projects over the years. I have been room mom, brownie leader and booster club president. You would think those days would be in the past, now that college is in the picture, but when they are involved and busy, you still pitch in when you can.

Melissa is in charge of the Pompon Alumni/Parent Tailgate at MSU this Saturday and thought it would be cute to give homemade dog biscuits to the dogs, brought along. Since she lives in a college house and has no rolling pin or other baking supplies, I offered to make them - and it was fun!

The biscuits are made just like cookies and the dough was very easy to work with. My puppy tried a few and loved them. I have never made homemade dog biscuits before, but they are so healthy with such simple ingredients, I would definitely make them again.

The final step was to put them in individual bags, tied with Spartan green - ready to pass out to all the dogs who attend the tailgate.

Recipe for Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Beat 2 eggs with hand mixer until fluffy. Add 3/4 cup pumpkin purée and 3 T peanut butter until mixed well. Add 2 1/2 cups flour. Separate dough in half and roll 1/2 on well floured surface. Cut with a cookie cutter (I used a dog bone shape) and place shapes on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Repeat with other 1/2 of dough.

Happy Wednesday and Happy Birthday to my hubby - you are the best!

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