Today Was a Wonderful Day

It was a good day to have a birthday, even if it was pretty bitterly cold.

In the morning, a group of friends came over for coffee and treats and stayed for almost three hours chatting about pretty much everything.  We had kettle doughnuts, muffins, that caramel cream cheese dip for apples, a new Pesto Cream Cheese Dip and the very popular so-called German baked eggs.  It was a delightful time.

Soon after, Mama and I headed to an event at the kids' school, a "Can-a-Character" Expo, where we saw the projects everyone made on their favorite realistic fiction book.  Sis and Bud were excited and happy to see us (they'd invited me to lunch, and so had Mama separately, but the Expo took precedence.)

Especially because we pulled them early and fetched an Italian feast from our nearby deli.  Afterwards, there were more Doctor Who characters for the Christmas Village (we voted that it might be on Gallifrey!), including both a blue T.A.R.D.I.S and a clear "disappearing" one as well as a Cyberman, all 11 doctors, two store-bought Daleks, and Amy.

And then while Bud was at kung fu, I spent down more of the historic house grant money at the local craft store with Sis's help--piles of glue, scissors, cheesecloth, paper, paints, tapestry needles, embroidery floss, hoops, Aida fabric, and other items for school tours at the historic house.

Then we all had Froyo!  And went to watch the meteor shower on a local hilltop.  We didn't see a thing because of the bright moon, but it was fun just the same.

PLUS I got word this evening that my Aunt Sis is improving, having been dangerously ill.  Yay!

All of that plus cards, phone calls, FB posts, and emails contributed to a pretty great day.

Thank you!!


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Pesto Cream Cheese Dip
8 oz cream cheese
1 container pesto (yes, you could make it; I didn't this morning)

Place block of cream cheese in a baking dish; smoosh a little.  Spread pesto on top of cream cheese.  Bake at 350F until bubbly and hot through.  Serve with crackers.

inspired by 100 Days of Real Food

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German Baked Eggs 

12 large eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups (16 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup butter, melted
2 cups cottage cheese
1 teaspoon baking powder

- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a 9x13x2” pan
- Bake at 350º for 40 to 45 minutes or until eggs are set nd top is lightly browned

Above is the basic recipe for this dish. I modified it by changing the cheese to the
Mexican cheese mixture, added 2 small tins of green chilies and some red pepper flakes.
Feel free to add anything you like to the recipe.

Note: this recipe freezes well as long as you use a cheese with low moisture content. It
also freezes well in individual portions.