Bees, Birthdays and Such

Brooke got me 101 Gourmet Cupcakes for my birthday.  Today I tried the Key Lime cupcakes.  My evaluation would be that you need to not go outside and work in the yard but stay in the kitchen and check because they did not take as long as I set the timer for and when cupcakes are baked too long they are dry.  Nothing sadder than a dry cupcake.  However, I learned how to make the whipped cream stay stiff.  That was worth the effort and the grated lime on top was dee-lissss! Thanks Brooke.  I don't think I will ever be famous for my cupcakes but I do so enjoy new recipes!


My friends took me to lunch for my birthday.  We drove to American Fork to China Isle.  It is small but serves the most wonderful Walnut Shrimp.

We sat and ate and talked until everyone was gone but the people working there.  Two of the Asian servers (boys) had dyed their hair orange.  It was interesting.  They all started eating in the corner and were finishing up when we decided it was time to hit Dough Boys and Flour Girls for a yummy dessert.  First we had to figure out the bill...there were two birthday girls and a lot of cash going back and forth.  We are always so polite---I'll pay for that...no I will.  The shrimp was so yummy.  I actually had Mango shrimp but failed to take a picture of it.  Kim got the leftovers!  I was taken to lunch the day before and the day after my birthday.  I got a lot of shrimp.  Hooray for yummy shrimp.  When I was young, my mom would fry up shrimp for my birthday dinner until I could eat no more.  Those were great times!

Here is Kim retrieving a swarm of bees.  We got a call from the Extension Service and he hurried home from work and we headed out to Salem.  I was supposed to assist but I mostly talked to the fun lady whose house it was.  They had just moved there from Chicago and had built a beautiful home.  Her husband came and talked to us and I found out that he went to South Africa a lot before retiring.  I was excited to hear about all their adventures and Kim seemed to have no problem getting the bees.  I still don't like weeding up close to the hives.  The bees seem to be everywhere.  We lost two hives in the spring but bought one hive and then got the swarm so we are back up to three hives.  Long live honey!  It is so good!

Lastly, here is Whit and Brooke opening
a present in their home.  They couldn't wait after their honeymoon to invite anyone to see them open the presents from their reception, so I kept the presents people brought to our house until we could take them and be there to enjoy the fun.  I think we are very blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends.  They received so many generous and thoughtful gifts.  I am very grateful that every thing was perfect for them and they will have many precious memories of their wedding!