I have been asked why I write this blog. I have asked myself the same question particularly when I write stories about insignificant topics like making cheese or chasing bees. It is pretty boring to read about someones family vacation or how to repair a coffee pot. I do it so I can find my own recipes or important events easily by typing the subject in the search bar. It's a way of organizing my life by year. But more than that, it's a way of being heard. It may not be anyone else's experience, but people don't want to hear what you have to say. They don't want details, just the cliff notes. I am an introvert so I would rather not talk then. When I write, I can include a few details. Even then, it can't be too long. People are easily bored. Every single time I post a blog, I get a pang of anxiety but I do it anyway.
The art of conversation is lost. Today's technology is somewhat if not totally responsible. Texting in incomplete sentences using abbreviations is a way of the world. Snapchat is a snap of a persons life that doesn't require a response and disappears quickly. What is the point of that? I am at fault as well. When I tell a story in person, I get tongue tied and skip to the end because I can tell I am losing their attention. Often I miss important details, so what I say is either forgotten or doesn't make sense. I can identify we have a problem but I can't fix it.
My wish for the future generations is that they ask questions about their heritage and listen to stories their parents, grandparents and even friends are telling. I was in the car with my daughter recently and I mentioned something about my college days. She had never heard it before. It wasn't an important story but it made me realize people don't really know each other very well, even our children. We try to have family meals but even that is hard to arrange. Those times are when the best conversations occur. In the 1970's I listened to a song called Stop and Smell the Roses. We all need to start doing that.
So that being said, I made Pumpkin Bars yesterday. Type Pumpkin in my search bar, and you will see I like pumpkin. Here is the recipe I used for the pumpkin bars. Sorry there is a piece missing from the pan. I had to sample it to make sure it was good. Well maybe the truth is I was so excited to eat it, I forgot to take a picture.
Pumpkin Bars
4 eggs
2 c. brown sugar
1 15 oz can of pure pumpkin puree
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) melted butter or a scant cup of oil
2 c. flour
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp cinnamon
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
Mix the first 5 ingredients together until well blended. Add the dry ingredients and pour into the greased jelly roll pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Frosting
4 T. softened butter
1 8 oz. block of cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
3 c. powdered sugar
1 T. milk or more if needed.