Another recipe with no picture

I have made a completely wonderful cake TWICE recently and have forgotten to take a picture both times so I could share it with you. The first time I decided not to post because I was sure I would remember the next time. I clearly shouldn't trust myself that much!

Anyway, to make a super yummy chocolate cherry cake, you need the following:

1 well greased Bundt pan
1 chocolate cake mix
1 21oz can of cherry pie filling
3 eggs
1 tsp almond extract (I forgot this in cake 2 and it was still a big hit)
1 oven preheated to 350 degrees

Blend the cake mix, pie filling, eggs and extract on high for two minutes. Pour into pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan, then turn it over to completely cool on a rack.

If you would like, make this simple chocolate glaze for the top:

Combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1T butter, 2T milk, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a saucepan and heat over low until completely combined/melted. Pour over cooled cake.

Now eat it!

The Weeked Continued

The cookout was a complete success. There was plenty of food and drink, even for the unexpected guests, and fun was had by all. The highlight for me was the rave reviews my rhubarb pie received. I have never made any sort of pie before (other than the pudding variety). Paco has been asking me since about the first day we met - 14 years ago - to make him a strawberry rhubarb pie and I have been too afraid. I can cook and bake many things, but pies just seemed too hard. Yesterday at the market, though, I took the plunge and bought some rhubarb. I will admit that I had some trouble with the crust, but for my first time it worked out okay. Sadly, I didn't think to take a picture. I used this recipe and highly recommend it. In fact, my mother-in-law even said it was good!

The Weekend

Paco and I are having a Father's Day cookout tomorrow; I have so much to do. But, instead of doing dishes or looking for my outdoor napkin holder that matches my plastic-wear holder, I am blogging. Seriously, I need help. My house still needs to be picked up to a point that my mother can at least walk through on her way to the bathroom. Anyone who knows my mother will realize that it may not actually be possible to make my mother happy in this regard...I do have to try, though.

VERY EXCITING, AND COMPLETELY UNRELATED, NEWS
I bought a tomato plant at my local farmer's market today. I really, really wanted to plant a garden this year and it just didn't happen. But, this plant is already started and has some tomatoes started. As long as I don't kill it, I will at least grow a very small portion of the food we'll be eating this summer.

Things I am Feeling Bitter About Right Now

1. Just as I was thinking of going to bed because I am so stupidly tired, I remembered that I have proofreading to do. (Probably at least 40 pages.) Now I can't go to bed. I probably shouldn't be wasting my time writing this...

2. A few days ago I posted about the car problems we were having. That cost $300. Two days later, we had to take the car back and LEAVE IT THERE. WE STILL DON'T HAVE IT. The new estimate is $1600.

3. Something I can't really talk about, but could use some prayers! I think something good is going to happen, but some very difficult things have to happen first and I am starting to lose faith.

4. Did I mention how tired I am?

Feeling Funny?

I am currently feeling the need to be very funny. Problem is, I realize that I don't necessarily have the material I need to be funny. I mean, I am not a comedian or anything so I don't have constant jokes at my disposal (or in my brain for that matter). But, I like to think that I am an entertaining person. People near me often laugh. Wait...do you think they're laughing *at* me? Horrors. I think I need some medication now.

ASIDE: I received a piece of flair on facebook that said "Automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi" and another that had a stick figure that was thinking "this is not a good sign" while looking at a sign that said "bad"...I think I am stuck in 7th grade because both of these made me laugh OUT LOUD.

Disaster of the Day

The car is sitting in the driveway leaking some sort of awful liquid. Paco is leaving in 15 minutes with his dad so he can get to work because I am going to have the car towed a little later. (Note the ridiculous time.) I feel like every drip that comes out of the car is a few more dollars added to the cost at the end of the day...I hate car repairs.

I am feeling a but guilty right now because Princess brought home a sheet for a field trip and she is wanting me to go with her; there is no way I can. She's going to be upset, though, because I just went on one with TBell. Paco can't go because he just took time off for childcare reasons and for Grandma's memorial service. AHHHH! I really do like working, but this is the stuff that is so frustrating. I just hope she understands that I would really love to go with her if it were more possible.

Trying Something New On

So, Jillian got a new template from here and I liked it so much, I thought I would try one, too! I am not sure this is the final one, though. I am still thinking. If I felt up to it, I would modify things I don't love to see if I would like it more. I am feeling lazy, though, and probably won't. I will say one thing - I *love* the pink.