Day 7: 12 days of #HopeforHeidiAllen

How are you doing this morning?

Do I hear TGIF echoing from those pausing to read today's blog?

​It always amazes me at how time can sometimes move so slow, like 30 seconds of running when you first start feels like eternity. But after a few months, you are running more than walking.
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When I think about time, this is where my mind travels. I trained for the Hospice 5K many moons ago and this was the very moment I realized how long 30 seconds was. I used the Couch to 5K process, way before it was an app. It was fun, invigorating, and a challenge but I'm happy to say I completed the 5K at a run, slow, but a run. I achieved a goal and learned something about myself, running is not fun for me. LOL Even though I didn't LOVE it, I felt and slept better than I had in years. Maybe I should sign up for a Spring 5K just to train? Hmm....

Anyway, time is precious and the most valuable commodity any of has. You can have all the money in the world but if you don't have time to enjoy it with your family and friends, is it really worth it?

Today's photos are a then and then, lol. My two favorite K's - both with a sled Grandpa Ken in the sleigh and another from an afternoon with family at our Aunt Judy and Uncle Don's home. Fun memories! We weren't inside playing video games, of course most hadn't been created yet, but we wouldn't have been allowed to sit inside anyway. LOL I'm grateful for this.

I found this gem of my Grandpa Ken out in the snow in this sleigh. I'm hoping some of my family will remember the horse's name and even the story that goes with this photo. 

It brought me a smile. First, look at all the snow! We didn't get a "snow watch" or "warning" because we were getting 4 - 8 inches of snow, people read the Farmer's Almanac or watched the news at 6 p.m. Simpler times....

One thing we had in common, we enjoyed being outside and being active. The way we did it was different but outside was our jam. Fresh air is so good for the soul and our health, not to mention the time of laughing, teasing, and bonding in the hours. 

I'll admit, as a mom I didn't do my daughter justice in this department BUT my husband excelled. He spent as many minutes out in the snow with her as he could. I'd go out and take pictures, take a trip or two down the hill and then head back in to make hot cocoa and cookies so to help them warm up when they were done.

This more recent photo, probably early 80's judging my Heidi's size and possible age. If you look in the background you can see a couple of the sleds (snowmobiles) and more peeps. 

My Uncle Don and Aunt Judy lived nearby, with many acres of land and trails in the woods. After a good "sledding snow", the family spent the next Saturday at their house. 

I was NOT a big snowmobile fan but I'd truck myself and my sled up and down the hill many times. I didn't mind getting pulled behind, as long as the driver didn't go too fast. I'm still the one reading a book on the bench while my family waits in line for the rides at the amusement park. I'm wimpy. 

Heidi on the other hand, LOVED  to drive, ride, and pull me (way to fast LOL) - the faster the better. Her energy and fearlessness in such a tiny little girl always fascinated me. For every ounce of fear and hesitation I felt, she was on the opposite end of the spectrum ten-fold.

She encouraged and pushed me when we were little, teased as we got older, and accepted as teens because there was no changing who we each were. She'd spend a Saturday off with Brett riding the jet skis - always inviting me, knowing I wouldn't go. I'd tell her, "Can I read a book at the dock?" She'd laugh, "You can do that at home." So I stayed home.

Until writing this blog I didn't make the connection that the "moms" weren't outside that long with us. I remember begging for her to stay "just one more" trip. Duh, I never thought that someone was inside making the cocoa and cookies for us! A revelation at 51 years of age. LOL Subconsciously my mind paid attention because I was the mom in the kitchen. 

The only thing missing is my mom and Heidi. My mom was in my aunt's kitchen with her mom, aunts, sisters, and cousins. I picture them laughing, drinking some Port Wine or Boxed Riunite Wine with the sound of laughter and the smell of sweets and cigarette smoke filling the house. I may not have my blood sister or mom anymore BUT I have the best friends in the entire world. They share their time, their kiddos, and are HUGE parts of my adult memories. I'm so grateful for them. 

No one can replace your missing loved ones yet God places others in our lives to help us enjoy our days...time is precious and life is short!

​Make the most of it and make new memories everyday with no regrets in the morning.

Overnight Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients

Bowl 1 (coconut mixture)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup coconut flakes
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ cup chopped pecans

Bowl 2
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 – 4 oz packages vanilla instant pudding

Bowl 3 (Mixer bowl)
1 cup water
¾ cup corn oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 eggs

Directions

1. Combine ingredients for Bowl 1, Bowl 2, and Bowl 3 as listed above
2. Bowl #1 and Bowl #2 – mix within their individual bowls
3. Beat ingredients in bowl #3 at medium speed for 30 seconds on low and then for another 2 minutes (until creamy) on medium
4. Add Bowl #2 mixture to #3 in the mixer bowl - beat 2 minutes, until creamy
5.  Layer 1/2 batter (bowl #3) in bottom of a greased 9 x 13 pan
6. Layer 1/2 mix from bowl #1
7. Add remaining batter
8. Top with remaining 1/2 of coconut mixture (bowl #1)
9. Cover 

Chill over night - preheat oven to 325 degrees and bake for 40 - 60 minutes or until coffee cake tests done. Serves 15

Not Epicurizing this one - enjoy!

What memories of growing up compared to today can you share?