Memories from My Youth

My 3 big brothers tickling me till I couldn’t stand it anymore (which is why I can suppress being tickled like you wouldn’t believe – except with Ian for some reason), the 3 of them fighting, and I mean fighting! There’s still a hole in the bathroom door to prove it. I remember Rob, Tae Kwon Doe chopping me and James and Mike ALWAYS fighting. I’ve seen all sorts of Manly movies thanks to my big brothers. Some memorable ones include Beastmaster and Red Sonya (which is actually pretty girly) and of course some wrestling. I remember sandwiches with Kraft cheese slices, Sonic the Hedgehog and Toejam ‘N Earl. Smelly boys coming back from Scout Camps and the time we all though James was about to be killed by Dad. When he says “Get in the Van” he MEANS it!

So things have changed a little. Somewhere through the years my 3 big brothers turned into some pretty great men. Two of them are fathers, all three of them are married. We had enjoyable conversations all weekend and there was no fighting. Some things never change... they did make me watch Ultimate Fighting Championship and there were still sandwiches with Kraft cheese slices but they’re such grown up, responsible men.

It was good to see the three of them together again.
L

Prize Winning Pie

have this reputation as sort of a Martha Stewart-ish figure. I like to cook, it’s something I think I do well but I’m not really a fan of having to prove it. So the thought of a pie competition was intimidating to me (funny that I came up with the idea eh?). People expect me to win; they expect me to make something sensational... what if I let them down? What if their image of me is shattered... who am I then?

I didn’t want to make a traditional pastry pie... everyone would do that. Luckily my brilliant Chef brother is in town. Together we came up with an idea for a Skor-Chocolate, Peanut Butter ice cream pie with a yummy corn flake crust, just like Mom used to make. It must have been enough because my reputation is safe for another day, Best Presentation is good enough for me :)
L