Random difficulties

I was very proud of this cake. The first time the munchkins and I tried to make this cake mold work, we thought the cake was done and pulled it out of the oven. I pulled it out of the mold - it looked so cute and smelled so yummy. Then - the horror - the top of the bunny began spewing forth raw cake batter just like an active volcano! "Quick kids! Grab a fork! We need to eat the cooked part before it's contaminated!" Now, several tries and a year or two later, this is the best effort yet pictured here. I'm still not fab with the cake decorator, but I am proud of my 'grass' around the bunny. I also should add that everytime I make this frosting, the munchkins (especially #2) do a little happy dance in the kitchen while they lick the beaters from the mixer. (As a young child, I used to dance to the rhythm of the family's tractor - it's nice to know some of my genetic weirdness has passed to my offspring.)

The next random difficulty thing has been my mum's recent physical difficulties. The night before she and Dad were supposed to close up their official home and head for the farm (ie the cabin), she took a tumble in the kitchen breaking her ankle. The summer trip to the cabin is probably the most anticipated event of the year in our family (besides going for winter holiday). We are literally coming in from around the country, and the globe for that matter, to be together and enjoy the great outdoors (besides doing farm work of course). Mum ended up needing a steel plate put in her ankle - obviously a thing requiring surgery. I am an only child, and I love my parents deeply. I have a deep affection for and friendships with both of my parents. And where am I in the middle of all this crazy business? Sitting in my comfortable abode in the Middle East. Last night (Mum's second day in hospital), it took all my will-power to not grab my backpack and a taxi and run for the airport. I love my crazy adventursome life, but I really don't love being so far away especially a times if I think I should be 'home'. My heart is definately with my parents right now.

Next random bit....I've been reading the news about Pakistan these days. When we first came to this region of the world, I had WAY too many people ask me, "Aren't you scared?" My reply, "No, of course not. I feel safer here than I did many places back 'home'." I STILL get this question even four years on. But, four years ago when we first came to this region I told folks, "Keep your eyes open for happenings in Pakistan." So...I keep watching the newspapers. I have friends who've come here to work/live but were born in Pakistan. These friends have family and friends still there, but these friends are happier living here. I don't blame them. I'll take living in safety, thank you very much.

I'm just really really ready to hop on a plane and head 'home' for the summer. My brain is tired.

Peace.