from the Shoe Box to the mother bored: Shakin' and Bakin'

04 October 2008

Shakin' and Bakin'

After 2 months of a blessedly uneventful start to middle school, today, he forgets to lock the house.

It was bound to happen, sooner or later. And, as usual when my child downloads alarming information, Mommy-mode kicks in, and my focus is on allaying his fears so that he doesn't trip on the stairs as he climbs into the bus.

"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it. You have a great day, ok?"

My next-door neighbor, who works from home, does not answer my call. He is a sound sleeper.

I decide to take my chances, until I remember that we replaced the hinges on the side door a couple of weeks ago, and it still doesn't shut properly without careful attention.

Visions of my cat-eating dog, loose, and free to eat what she may, viciously flash across my brain, complete with dripping, red background...

Patricia answers on the second ring, as she carefully negotiates the car-rider lane in front of the school.

"Sure!", she answers without hesitation, as I envision two potentially horrific scenarios.

"Um...What do I do if they are out?", she asks, with a voice that tells me she is measuring traffic in an effort to make a turn.

"Stay in your car!", I almost shout, as I imagine my friend, who is violently afraid of dogs, dealing with the blood-dripping cat-eater.

My phone rings, again, as she climbs the driveway in front of my house.

"The door is closed, honey.", she manages, in a tight voice, not yet given to relief.

I tell her where to find the key, and, my pathetically frightened friend braves the door, and the pouncing, barking, cat-eating dog on the other side of it, as she inserts the key, and finishes the job...

And, tonight, I bake, in thanks.

While I don't always enjoy cooking, I do enjoy baking, and, especially baking for a reason, and, particularly, baking for other people.

Tonight, I got to do both. I strapped on the IPOD, and cinched up my apron, as I pulled out recipes I had settled on earlier today.

I am baking "Butterscotch Blondies", courtesy of Alexis Stewart of "Whatever" on Sirius radio,(A guilty pleasure that makes my daily commute doable.), and, "Pretzel Yummies", a recipe I've made only once before, but which is requested on a weekly basis...

I had a great night! Below, I've included some pictures, and samples of music that accompanied me along the way. Come have fun with me!