Do you know a good remedy for cabin fever? I experienced one today. After being housebound for over a week (except a necessary trip down town on Wednesday), I experienced a fabulous day today (Sunday). It was a debatable decision if I should venture out in the forecast weather for the day. The decision was on hold until 25 minutes before church time. I was prepared to go but was waiting on the opinion of my daughter and son-in-law. After the freezing temperature and the damp weather, the conditions were not the best but they came after me. After church services we attended the breakfast in the church basement that was a fund raiser for the youth of our parish who will be attending work camp this summer. So far the day was progressing famously. We were informed to not try to go home and just go straight to my sister’s home where there would be a potluck dinner to celebrate my sister’s 86th birthday and we were excused from bringing any food. There are a few advantages of advanced age!
The house was as full of kids, grandkids, and greats as it was full of food. A very pleasant experience and my sister-in-law and I felt blessed to be included, especially since we both had been trying to avoid a severe case of cabin fever these last few weeks.
As it is well known, all good things do come to an end and it was back to solitary confinement again. I settled in my recliner with the Sunday newspaper with no intention of napping, when from a distance, I thought I heard a voice “Max, Max, Max”! I opened one eye and saw a vaguely familiar figure in my dining room. A Home Extension Club member from Garrett was meeting her two kids from Defiance to exchange some necessities and she suggested meeting at the C-Store in Edgerton, so she could stop in to see me! What an enjoyable and uplifting surprise and a sure cure for cabin fever.
Saturday was a very special day, too. My son from Decatur called to see if I was going to be home and he would be here at three. My daughter from across the street noticed his car was here and wanted to see him, so she came over. Another daughter had gone by and she called because she had a book she wanted to give to him. Another daughter and son-in-law stopped in to see about my intentions for Sunday. At five thirty Keith said, “Is anyone hungry?” I told them I had a small dish of goulash that I could warm up!! That brought the brilliant idea, “Let’s go to Rita’s”! I think I was the first one who had my coat and boots on. Spontaneous events create a much more special atmosphere than weeks long planned events. Many magic moments from ordinary things.
I did not raise dumb kids because I have a son who took his wife to Florida to see her dad and his wife, then onto Texas to visit a son and daughter-in-law and their only three grandkids. That is a cruel twist of fate, getting to retirement age before you have grandkids and they are that far away. How can you possibly spoil them properly? A daughter and her husband are taking a much deserved vacation in Florida and they all chose to go during the coldest weather of January and the most snow!
I have two recipes that I have been saving to try before I pass them on, but my ambition went out the window and before I lose the clippings, I am going to give them to you and you can tell me if they are worth saving.
BREAKFAST SQUARES
2 cups quick oats
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins
¼ teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients. Stir until blended. Scrape into 9 inch square, greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
RASPBERRY MALLOW PIE
35 large marshmallows
½ cup milk
1 package (10 oz.) frozen raspberries
1 carton (8 oz.) whipped topping
1 ( 9 inch) graham cracker crust
In a large microwave bowl combine marshmallows and milk. Cook on high for 1 to two minutes. Stir until smooth. Stir in raspberries, then fold in whipped topping. Pour into crust. Refrigerate or can be frozen.
Do not read the weather forecast. It can be depressing.
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