Spring ~ Life is Beautiful This Time of Year

Ohhh, the smell of cut grass and the birdies singing with their heart and soul.  It brings renewal to all things good in life.  It's been a rough week for our country ... once again ... we steel ourselves to the callous actions of a few ... that sadly will affect so many.  Our prayers are with families, friends and loved ones whose lives have been changed forever ....

Small Blessings Around Home:

Tulips from Holland

Grape Hyacinth

It's so beautiful today that "Cowboy" is out on the porch enjoying the warm sunshine.  He's wondering why I'm taking his picture, see how he's looking at me?   He talks and sings and makes all kinds of strange noises ... but most of all he loves to mimic the tweety birds outside.  He's 15 years old today!  Happy Birthday Cowboy . . .

I've always thought that a big laugh

 is a really loud noise from the soul

 saying

 "Ain't that the truth"

                                                                                       ~ Quincy Jones

Oh Yum .... you've got to try this ~ it's good for breakfast, lunch and dinner!!

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

4 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 tbsp canola oil

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 large egg white, at room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 large ripe bananas

1/4 cup milk

For the Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tbsp chopped toasted nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray 8 inch square pan with cooking spray.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt.  Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter, oil and sugar.  Beat in eggs and egg white, one at a time, mixing well.  Add vanilla.

In separate bowl, mash bananas with milk.  Set aside.

Mix half of the dry ingredients into butter mixture.  Add bananas.  Add remaining dry ingredients.  Pour cake mix into baking pan and bake 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  

Frosting - Beat cream cheese and vanilla.  Reduce speed and gradually add confectioners' sugar.

Frost and sprinkle with nuts!!!

We've had a wonderful time with G-baby #4 ... she has been a real trooper helping Papa and I in the garden.  I think she loves digging in the dirt as much as we do.  After gardening, we went to the lake to feed the ducks and stopped at the park for some much needed play-time.  We will surely have withdrawals when she goes home ....

Celebrate Every Day ..... That's all for now!