Renewal, Rejoicing, and Beer Bread...

Today has been a really good day. I wanted to write down what happened, so I won't lose it. So, here I am, in the kitchen, writing and watching. Watching the broccoli cook and waiting for the bread to be done.

Broccoli soup and beer bread for supper tonight. And brownies for dessert. Typical fare on a cold, early winter night. The air is crisp, the sky is cloudy, and there's mist on the windows. The  lights are on, and music is playing on the stereo.

I sing along with the songs, and poke the broccoli with a fork every once in awhile, to see if it is done yet. When it is, I will start the cream part of the soup in the soup kettle, mixing butter and flour to make a thick paste. Then I'll add the broccoli and chicken broth.

Meanwhile, the beer bread is in the oven. I can smell it now....

And, as I cook and sing along and watch, I am thinking about today. This morning, quite unexpectedly, I received a call from my daughter-in-law. In Italy. I was meant to get the call: I was sitting right next to the phone, dusting it off!

I wrote a comment on a picture she posted on Facebook the other day. I was feeling melancholy at the time and missing my son and grandsons. I commented that I missed them desperately and that I didn't think the boys would even know me.

She called to tell me that is not true: the boys know all about their Grandma and have my picture, too. I told her that her phone call was the best present I could possibly receive. After talking for a few minutes, she promised she would call more often, and then we said goodbye. International phone calls are not cheap. I hope we can Skype the next call.

And this afternoon, my daughter called me: she will be here for the weekend. She works in healthcare, too, and time off on weekends off are a rare commodity. I am thrilled that she and her husband will be joining us.

Yes, sometimes I do get carried away. I have lights everywhere, and music playing. It is what renews me and reminds me of what is important in life. Time with family is about love, hope and renewal. Life gets too hard, sometimes, and these days together reminds me that I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful life and loving family.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, here's the Beer Bread recipe:

Heat oven to 350. Grease a loaf pan.

Mix together 3 cups of SELF-RISING flour (no, regular flour won't work), 3 tablespoons of sugar, and a can or bottle (12 oz) of beer. Mix well and 'plop' it in the loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour, then let it cool for a few minutes before you try to cut it.

Enjoy!