Hello everyone! It sure has been cold. I went to Greenwood yesterday and it sleeted on me almost the whole way there. I am a hot-weather girl! It is December, though—we have to expect the cold weather.
I have to tell y’all a funny story before I get to the other one. I went to Cato in Fort Smith and bought a skirt, and as I was checking out, I asked the girl, “Did I get a size 18?” (Yes, I’m plus size.) She said, “Yes, you did. Would you like a gift receipt?” I said, “Nope, it’s for me.” I guess she was implying that I was too fat for a size 18. She never said another word—guess she thought better of it!
This time of year is always hard, because my husband passed away in November, twelve years ago. My son and I were talking about him the other day, how much we miss him, and all the great memories we have. He worked out of town a lot during our married life. He would always come home on Christmas Eve and meet us at LongHorn Steakhouse in Fort Smith for dinner. We haven’t missed a Christmas Eve meal there since he passed.
He worked in the Conway area a lot, and one year he couldn’t come home, so Jacob and I headed to Conway for Christmas. We got up on Christmas morning, had our Christmas together, and decided to go eat in Conway. Now, if you haven’t seen the movie A Christmas Story, you need to—because this was our day.
In a city the size of Conway, you’d think there would be a restaurant open for a nice Christmas meal. I assure you, there was not. We drove all over town and finally found this Japanese Fuji place. It was the only thing open. So we went in, and let me tell you—I do not like that kind of food. I’m a southern-food kinda gal. That’s why I wear a size 18! I think we were the only ones there, maybe one other couple. We laughed and talked and had a great time. I just really wanted them to come out to our table and sing us a Christmas song like in the movie.
Y’all hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them and cherish every moment together.
Until next week, y’all stay warm and be safe out shopping.
MARASCHINO CHERRY CAKE
For the cake:
3 large eggs
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
1 box of vanilla cake mix (I am going to try the almond cake mix next time)
16 maraschino cherries cut into quarters (I just put in my chopper)
Bake in a 9×13 pan sprayed with cooking spray according to the box directions. It may take a little longer, you will know when it is done.
Icing:
1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Mix this till smooth and creamy. You can add more powdered sugar or cherry juice to get it to the consistency you prefer. Enjoy and have a blessed week.
