Living so close to Janeann and Rick meant conversations porch to porch, borrowing a food item missing for a recipe, helping one another with small odd jobs, occasional happy hours and friendship. It has meant I could run over, hang out by their island (somehow my inevitable need for someone to listen happened during their dinner hour) to share my soul, often sad and confused. They never judged, only cared. When they told me they were moving I cried. Actually it took a couple of weeks for my eyes to stop leaking and my heart to be calm when I even mentioned they were moving. I am going to miss them. A lot!
I have always believed that one can move anywhere when you do it with your best friend. Well, Janeann and Rick are besties and headed to Louisiana to be with family.
Have I said I am going to miss them? A lot!
Since the ABF van arrived yesterday, it was time to clean out the last of the frig contents. Guess who benefited? I went refrigerator shopping! I brought along my 'haul bags', casting my eyes on shelves of food and condiments and a freezer full of enough frozen fruit to supply us in smoothies for a month. I am SO going to miss them. (eyes leaking...) I pray for them the joy of family and all things new.
Packers come today to load the van and Wednesday it heads to its destination. I decided to make them some loading/travel treats. They can nibble away when they NEED a bit of a sugar perk. So peanut brittle (12/15/17 post) and Date and Oatmeal Bars it is. Sugar equals pleasure. The special taste buds on your tongue sense 'sugar' and immediately send a signal to the brain. Ahhhhhh, happiness; that feel good chemical of dopamine is released and the weary results of packing and long distance driving are lifted.
Here's to Janeann, Rick and Mary (traveler extraordinaire and best sister ever).
ENJOY.
Date and Oatmeal Bars
Makes 25 bars
Ingredients:
1 box pitted dates or 3/4 lb.)
5 Tbl. sugar
'almost' 2/3 cup water
2 Tbl. lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup oats
Directions:
Combine dates, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer over low for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool. Stir in lemon juice and walnuts.
Sift flour (or not), baking soda and salt together. Cream butter until light. Add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Stir in sifted ingredients, then the oats.
Press about 2/3 oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 12" pan. Top with date mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture and pat lightly. Bake in preheated 375 oven for 30-35 minutes. Cool in pan. Cut into bars.