The other day when I was standing at the mailbox, I noticed my weeping willow tree. I bought it when we moved to this house 6 years ago. It’s not that the yard lacked trees; I just always wanted to have a weeping willow. I liked that it seemed to show emotions.
I saw that the branches were hanging way over into the sidewalk area and realized that the neighbors who enjoyed a nightly walk would have to duck and cover when passing by our house. So being the responsible neighbor I’d like people to think I am, I took to trimming.
I trimmed a little here and a little there then I stood back to admire my cosmetology skills.
Sure it was a little uneven – a little too long on one side, but I could live with it.
Then I had a moment of de ja vu. I had seen this before…somewhere. It was just so familiar.
Then I remembered.
I must have inherited my trimming skills. Thanks Mom!
Trim Job
The yard work took a lot out of me so dinner tonight will be fend for yourself. That’s when all the meals from the week make an encore presentation. My family always snarls at leftovers. How can a meal be considered delicious one night and two nights later be beneath them? (Okay no one actually says “delicious”. That’s what I hear in my dreams along with, “Thanks Mom, for making another one of your very tasty meals and how about if you take a break and we’ll clean up the kitchen.”)
I talk big, “You’re lucky to have leftovers. People in China would love to have leftovers.” But the night always ends with me feeling guilty and making some sort of dessert to make up for it.
This recipe is VERY simple and very delicious. It starts with Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix (no product endorsement – this one just really tastes good).
Brownie Cake
Ingredients: Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of oil, 1/4 cup of water.
Mix the above ingredients and pour into a greased 13 x 9 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Chocolate Frosting: 1/2 stick of butter, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 3/4 box of confectioner’s sugar, 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in cocoa. Turn down heat and stir in vanilla, sugar and whipping cream. Put on top of cooled brownie cake. Vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even better.
Brownie Cake
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I am a working mom of two kids - a daughter who is 18 and a son who is 12. I have been married for 25 years and I have worked in education for 26 years! I've been a high school math and psychology teacher, and school counselor, and counselor educator at large university in the Southeast. I am hoping readers will get a laugh and maybe even learn something from reading my blog.
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5 thoughts on “Emotional Trees and Bad Hair”
I thought you looked cute – actually that was one of my better trims! Can’t wait to see your willow tree!
I had a similar hair cut when I was about that age. My sister did the cutting when my parents weren’t home. I’ve never let her forget that story.
-Gail
You sweet wonderful mother and I did a lot of things together, going to church, praying, cooking and sewing and enjoyed our families. But I declare to you that she accomplished that hair cut all on her own, I had absolutely nothing to do with that. However, she probably had to run along beside you to cut it, as I seem to remember you were always on the go. Things seem not to have changed much as here you are a sweet and beautiful lady busy at all things, college prof, wife, mother, and now a writer. I am enjoying your blog and catching up on your activities. You most certainly had a wonderul example in your mother, she has been the friend of a lifetime. Keep up the good work, Love, Sue
realized that the neighbors who enjoyed a nightly walk would have to duck and cover when passing by our house. So being the responsible neighbor I’d like people to think I am, I took to trimming.
momslifeponderings 
I thought you looked cute – actually that was one of my better trims! Can’t wait to see your willow tree!
I had a similar hair cut when I was about that age. My sister did the cutting when my parents weren’t home. I’ve never let her forget that story.
-Gail
I hope you got her back! 🙂
You sweet wonderful mother and I did a lot of things together, going to church, praying, cooking and sewing and enjoyed our families. But I declare to you that she accomplished that hair cut all on her own, I had absolutely nothing to do with that. However, she probably had to run along beside you to cut it, as I seem to remember you were always on the go. Things seem not to have changed much as here you are a sweet and beautiful lady busy at all things, college prof, wife, mother, and now a writer. I am enjoying your blog and catching up on your activities. You most certainly had a wonderul example in your mother, she has been the friend of a lifetime. Keep up the good work, Love, Sue
I remember. Thanks, Sue!