So Darn Close!

For 48 years I have waited for this morning.  Last night it was looking like it was going to happen.  After the "Hunter's Supper" and setting around story telling Dick was getting his "stuff" together.  I was getting quite excited asking him, "did ya pack this, did ya remember that, how about fresh batteries in the walkie talkie and maybe you should get the coffee ready to be brewed in the morning when you get up." I bet my voice is quite annoying at times!  Seriously I could not think of one more thing he might have to wake me up at 5 am for.  I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat, "old saying from way back when."  I remember mom saying when she would ask me something, "why are you grinning like a Cheshire Cat?"  It was a sure sign she was not being fooled.  Ok, so last night I had the "grin on", I was going to sleep until I woke on my own.  It was something I have tried to do for all the years we have been married.  Men are very needy at times and opening day of turkey and deer is the most needy days for my husband. When the kids were young and went hunting I couldn't sleep in.  I had to warn their father, keep a close watch on them and you better not let anything happen to them.  Now the night before I always say, be careful and don't wake me up! 

It is exactly 5:45 am and I DID NOT WAKE UP ON MY OWN.....Yes, I am yelling!  It was so darn close!  The hunter had it all in order, everything packed, gun and clothes waiting in a neat pile.  Then a mild and meek little voice (which is a give-a-way he is needy) woke me. " Cheryl, you wouldn't want to sew my suspenders would you?"  I groaned thinking, this can not be happening....but it was.  Why, does he plan on leaving one thing for me to do in the morning?  My answer was, "NOW?"  Good God Almighty I knew he meant now, I just wanted to let him know I was not happy.  Not that it mattered either way.  He knows I am not "Susie Sunshine" when I get woke up.  They are fixed and I am dealing the only way I can, SHOP!  Good morning LL Bean.  A few gifts bought which is probably a good thing.

As much as I bitch and complain cookies are in the oven for the hunters.  Today I made Oatmeal Drop Cookies.  This is only the second time I have made them, last week and today.  That is how good they are.  If you like Molasses cookies and Oatmeal this is the cookie for you.

Recipe: preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Beat together
              1/2 cup shortening, I use coconut oil
              1- 1/4 cups of sugar
              2 eggs
              1/3 cup dark molasses
Sift together
               1-3/4 cup flour
               1 tsp soda
               1 tsp salt
               1 tsp cinnamon
add to first mixture until well blended (do not over  beat)
Stir in
               2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
               1 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
               1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
               1 cup of raisins ( I don't add them)
Drop by spoonful onto parchment paper and bake 8-10 minutes.  The center will be a little soft if you want a chewy cookie, if you like them crisp have the center completely done.  If you have never used parchment paper for baking it's a must to try.  Nothing sticks to the paper and clean-up is nothing.  I even roast sticky wings and baked potato wedges on parchment paper, I'm hooked!
        
We put the tree up yesterday.  The house has the wonderful smell of pine.  If you live near and need a "real tree"  stop by Renee White's, My Serenity Shop.  She has a lot of trees and I believe they are Frasier and White Pine types.  I thought one type was Blue Spruce but was told (by my husband) no that is not a Blue Spruce.  Ok, fine I really didn't care what kind it was, I liked it very much!  Of course he pointed to the 4-5 ft trees and I headed to the 8 ft + ones.   Renee's husband had a chuckle listening to Dick and I debating and not agreeing, 48 years and we still are debatable, and they said it wouldn't last!  That's where stubborn helps.  We bought the 8ft for $20.  Now to decide how to decorate it, I hate covering such a beautiful tree with too much.

Sweet Serenity with a snowman I
bought in her mama's shop.  Love
her leggings and skirt.

 

Larry and Dick, all they got was back.
No buck today.