SOME KINDA FRUITCAKE

 All right I’m putting my Christmas cards on the table. 

I LIKE FRUITCAKE

I’m one of the few left who are Fruitcake Fans. 

This year November 26 is “Stir Up Sunday”. It is a reference to the last Sunday before Advent and gets its name from the book of Common Prayer “Stir up, we beseech thee O’Lord, the wills of thy Faithful People.” It’s also the traditional time to start prepping those rich English puddings and fruitcakes filled with candied fruit, nuts and raisins!

Most people consider Fruitcake the worst gift ever, better off as a brick or paperweight. But I like it so for the first time this year, I made one!

Now my Mom makes a rum soaked version rich  in raisins, currants, dates and nuts and goes easy on the jewelled coloured mystery fruit. 

But I went a different route and made an orange and almond base with all the neon fruit. 

I had a bottle of Grand Mariner in the cupboard to use so I figured for my fruit cake this would be what I would use to bathe it in booze.

So I mixed up the batter and stuck pretty close to the recipe as it’s risky to get bold with new recipes and better to follow instructions!

This “brick” baked long and slow in the oven and then I wrapped it in swaddling cheesecloth and put it to rest in the cool garage. I pull it out weekly and give it a fresh soaking of Grand Mariner to keep it moist

Today, I figured it was time for a taste test

It’s a lovely fruitcake! Rich, orangey with lots of fruit and almonds. I’ll add it to the tray of goodies for friends and family to try. Who knows, maybe I can turn around the trend and boost the Fruitcake Fan Club!

Or, I’ll keep it in the freezer and nibble away at it for the next year. It’s not a brick or a paperweight. 

It’s some kinda fruitcake!

A TEN YEAR REVIEW

My 10th birthday, 50 years ago

 Sixty…Yup….6 0…I’ve managed to stay on this earth for 60 years. It’s a Pretty Big Number to chew on but I’m happy to say I seem to be holding up. Aches and pains? Of course, but that’s to be expected with 60 year-old-machinery (all original parts I might add). 

Ten years ago on my 50th many family and friends celebrated my accomplishment (read my Blog “Turning the Big 50”). This past week they again blessed me with gifts, well wishes and a surprise dinner. 

The Big 60!

But a lot has happened in the past 10 years…A LOT! So it’s time for a 10 year review! 

Let’s start with family: In the past 10 years both my children married! Not only that they gave me grandchildren! Two little princes, a princess with another princess due in January!  

The Legacy of Family

If nothing else happened in the last 10 years except this, it would be enough. 

But I’ve also thrown in travel: two trips to Europe - one to France and one to Prague, trips out to British Columbia and Alberta. Amazing camping trips and let’s not forget my cross country drive with my son from BC to Ontario. 

The Mother/Son Cross Country Road Trip

There has been a share of grief and sadness as well. Goodbyes to dear ones whose memories stay with me and live on in my heart. 

I’m very fortunate to still have both my parents with me to celebrate my 60 years with me. 

These two have been with me from the Beginning!

Some things have not changed: I continue to work on the cello, my garden and show up for work and church! I’m working on over 37 years of marriage!

I survived COVID. 

I became and End of Life Doula 

All in all - I’ve had a very good 10 years full of many blessings. 

But what about the next 10 years? Good Question! Undoubtably  I will have my share wonderful moments and deep sadness. I don’t know if I will see 70 years. 

But this I know beyond a doubt. I’ve lived a blessed life on this earth and I’m very grateful. Whatever time I have left I hope I use it well and faithfully until I’m called Home.