Wonders Never Cease

For the past few days we've had sunshine here in the northwest, and it has me longing for spring.  I think we might even need to mow the lawn soon.  The gardener has been here cutting back the dead brush and trimming trees, putting all of it through the chipper, and we now have a few nice piles of mulch to work with.  Some of it will be spread throughout the flower beds, and some of it will be composted to enrich the soil for the veggie garden.  This picture (above) is for my sweet friend in northern Michigan, who asked recently (via SKYPE) if we had any bulbs coming up yet and as you can see, the answer is yes!  To our surprise and delight, a variety of small daffodils were uncovered by the afore mentioned gardener this week.  With all the craziness going on everywhere, it's important for me to remind myself to stop and "smell the roses", and appreciate the miracles around us. 

I'm really happy to hear that my little blog happening is being so well received and that many of you found a use for that first sweet offering.  In the meantime around here, I finally finished reading, Can't Wait To Get To Heaven by Fannie Flagg, and it was just as good as everyone said it was.  A wonderful story, and with more home-style recipes in the back.  The first thing I did when I turned that last page was head straight for the kitchen to see if I had all the ingredients needed to make Neighbor Dorothy's Heavenly Caramel Cake--page 361.  (I'll report back when I get around to baking it.) 

My cupboards aren't fancy.  We buy organic spices in bulk.  I just re-labeled some of the jars using SUKIE labels from modcloth, (just  noticed they're sold out--check Amazon).  I love that site, especially their quirky fashion blog and "style inspirations".  I think nerd in tartan  is one of my faves so far.

But anyway, I was speaking of cakes, and I have to tell you that I found the recipe for one I remember from a childhood birthday party, way back in the late 1950's...and I nearly gasped out loud in the  used book store when I ran across the original Betty Crocker's Cooky Carnival cook book that it obviously came from.  I've never forgotten that cake, and when I saw the picture on the cover, well,  it just made me smile.  And drool.  Just a little. 

Comments

[tina]

I want spring.
and cake.
siiiiiiiiigh............

[Dana]

I was just checking out that book yesterday! Have you read Standing in the Rainbow...also very good coming of age story!

[Velma]

Oh Vicki, I remember this "cake" so well. I smiled every time I looked at the cookbook. (It was my mothers.) Oh, such fond memories.
I am so glad that you are seeing signs of Spring. Daffodils are on of my favorite flowers, along with Lilly of the Valey.
Happy Baking! :-)

[Butzeballchen]

Again, I have always listened to rather than read her books. I had no idea I was missing recipes!

I like the Betty Crocker cake. THe top reminds me that someday I want to make this:
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/maypole-cake?autonomy_kw=maypole%20cake&rsc=header_1

[Lavender Dreamer]

I love your sweet surprises! Sure brings back memories!

[brit]

Just finished the same book and really liked it. I've always liked Fannie Flag this book just tickled me, let me know how Dorothy's cake really tastes!

[Junie Moon]

Your surprise is indeed a surprise as I've never heard of one of these before (don't want to actually mention it and spoil someone else's surprise).

I've not read the book you mentioned yet but will check to see if I can get a copy at the library.

Thanks!

[Amanda]

Your blog is ALWAYS such a nice place to visit! ~Mandy

[Elaine]

Thanks for mentioning Nerd in Tartan - I found it hysterical (not sure that's the way this look is meant to be perceived) but hey we all see things differently! Love the surprises, wonderful way to make us all smile.

[Linda Jensen]

What a sight, spring flowers. I am going home, Clarkston MI in May, my sister lives in lower northern Petoskey MI. I love it there. Loving the spring weather in Seattle, will it last?

[Jennifer]

I love the surprise! We have a 4th birthday coming up and this may be just the thing.

[Judy]

I'm so jealous that you have signs of Spring. I checked out my bulbs the other day...and nothing.
I so remember that cookbook, I'm sure my mother had it.
Love the "nerd in tartan".

[Barb]

The first flowers of spring always get me excited too! I'm always on the look-out for old cookbooks. That BC one is great! Thanks for sharing it.

[Lynne]

How fun...I always wanted a cake like that! There are daffodils popping up everywhere here. A sweet surprise indeed. -And thanks for the book recommendation, too! Once again, I am glad I stopped by.

[Diana (Ladybug Limited)]

Wow, your bulbs are so much farther along than ours! I had no idea that spring would arrive at different times in the Corvallis area!

[reminisceheirlooms]

I am with you- so thrilled that we have daffoldils blooming here in Tn. :) Lovely pantry labels. They make me want to go organize. Have a nice weekend!

[CherryTreeLane]

I love that I found this blog--what a treat!

[Gayle at Mountain Moma]

I live in the northwest as well and can't believe our wonderful weather. I planted primroses today in the planters outside. A bit of color will be nice when the rain returns.

[Tracy]

Thanks again for the lovely animals in aprons patterns. I have been obsessively embroidering-from 4-H meetings to long airplane rides. Now that each animal is embroidered and has its apron tied on, it's time to put the quilt together!

[Anne]

I remember this cake and how fun it was to have a box of animal cookies. Remember the little red box with the string handle filled with yummy animal cookies - guess I am really dating myself!!