Life is just hard sometimes.

Last evening, we found these:

Ben has been keeping them- a “momento” from his personal chicken. I knew he loved her- his big brothers said that he had been out earlier in the day to place a flower pot with some flowers he had picked where she had died. *sigh* He just seems so young to have to experience death…even if it is just a chicken.

Most of us have moved past Sunday morning’s killing spree– the neighborhood dogs have not yet been seen, but we’re watching!

We have had the hatchery catalog out looking over the breeds we might like to purchase. It’s fun to plan– I personally loved looking out the window to see so many different breeds- they were all so beautiful walking through the backyard.

I’m sure Ben will be fine, with time, it’s just hard on this momma’s heart. I would love to spare him every pain in the world, but I know that wouldn’t be best either. These are the days that grow boys to men.

This day has passed so quickly! We woke up early and were amazed by how cool it was outside. Wasn’t I just saying I was looking forward to the windows opening?? It was glorious to smell that fresh air!

I am so glad to say I’m still walking with my sweet friend, Jan. She is so faithful to arrive every other day for our walk. I’m afraid if she weren’t at my door, it would be all too easy to stay in bed.

To date, I’ve lost between 35 and 40 pounds! I really am shocked to be able to say that!! All the time I’ve tried to lose weight and it woulnd’t budge- I’ve learned, you have to exercise! It just doesn’t work if you don’t. Walking is just fine, too! I’m walking 1.5 miles, three times a week. I really hope to increase to 3 miles once I’m sure my feet have healed.

I haven’t been on any real diet. We only drink water during the day unless for breakfast, or on Sunday, when I do splurge and have a cup of tea. We don’t eat after dinner anymore for the most part. If I’m still hungry, I go for popcorn (I am still nursing Miss Meredith and do find myself hungry sometimes). We have stopped eating most sugary snacks (oooohhhh, well we did have one last night, which I’ll share in a minute). I am also not eating as much, but I’m really not as hungry.

Soooo….that said, we made the most delicious dessert last night. I found this recipe in the Publix Grape magazine:

Crème Brûlée

• 1 1/4 cups half and half, or light cream (I just used whole milk)
• 5 egg yolks, lightly beaten (we used our own free-range eggs– the color was really beautiful!)
• 3/4 c sugar, divided
• 1t vanilla
• 1/8t salt

Preheat oven to 325^. In a small, heavy saucepan, heat half and half over medium-low heat just until bubbly. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, 1/3c sugar, the vanilla and salt. Beat with a wire whisk just until combined. Slowly whisk the hot half and half into the egg mixture.

Place four 6 ounce ramekins or 6 ounce custard cups in a 2 quart square baking dish. Pour egg mixture evenly into ungreased ramekins. Place baking dish on rack in oven. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish until halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Carefully remove ramekins from water. Cool 30 minutes on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or for up to 8 hours.

In a heavy 8″ saute pan, heat the remaining 1/3c sugar over medium high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking the pan occasionally for even melting. Do not stir. When sugar starts to melt, reduce heat to low. Cook about 5 minutes more or until all sugar is melted and golden brown, stirring with a wooden spoon. Let the caramelized sugar cool slightly then quickly drizzle over the cooled custards. Serve Immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

(A couple of quick notes here– obviously, I had to multiply this recipe, but I only doubled. Everyone had a small cup which was plenty! **ALSO, if I might add, please do not try to stick your tongue to the hot spoon after drizzling on the caramel. Today, I can’t taste much of anything….**

This was delicious! If you try it, please email and share how you liked the recipe. It’s a definitel keeper for my home!

Prayer Requests

Please continue to keep my little nephew in your prayers
Paul, also has a lot of work this week- pray for him as he goes along his tasks

Today I’m Thankful For

This wonderful weather
Fun cooking something up with the girlies in the kitchen last night
Little gifts Ben always brings me from our yard..tiny pine cones, red leaves, etc. They are each so special to me. I need to figure out some way to save some.
Books Courtney checked from the library today- they always make me feel so inspired!
Piano lessons that are still going great!!

Today’s Scripture Meditation

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”- Psalm 119:165

With my love,