It is hard to believe that Nov. 10, 2018 marked the 18 year anniversary of Mom’s passing. I know people say that the pain decreases as time goes by, but that is a load of bull. I miss Mom every day and long to talk to her again. I get so much inspiration for this little thing that I do every week. I just wish all of you could have met her. She spoke her mind and if she didn’t like you, she would let you know.
She was not a shy or bashful person. She was straight forward and in your face. She was a force to be reckoned with. I miss her fire and spunk. She never seemed to get tired and was always one step ahead of everyone. I don’t know how she got so much work done in one day and always by herself. After I moved back to the area I helped her when I could but most times she was up at the crack of dawn and was usually done by the time I could help.
I know everyone has a soft spot in their heart for their mother and it should be that way. Everyone needs someone they can look up to and aspire to be. I wish I had Mom’s spunk and self confidence. She taught me to work hard and take pride in what I do. I try every day to meet those standards. Sometimes I feel disappointed with myself, like I don’t work hard enough or I don’t try harder to meet my potential.
I try to think I make her proud and if she were still here I would hear Momma Say “Way to go Kid.” I am on my own and work hard to make a home for myself and my pets. They are my little family and I think she would approve. Every time I have a job I need to do, I think how would Mom do this? She is my idol and I feel privileged to have known her. I just wish it could have lasted longer. Give thanks to your family this week and hold them close because, Momma Said, “Time is a fickle mistress and it can sneak up on you fast.” I never imagined 18 years could pass so quickly.
Caramel Apple Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups apple, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup soft caramels, cut in half (optional)
- Directions
- Mix the sugars, yogurt, apple sauce, oil and eggs in a large bowl before mixing in the mixture of the flours, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mix in the apples and caramels, pour into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick pushed into the center comes out clean, about 40-50 minutes.
Option: Serve topped with homemade caramel sauce
Caramel Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract