Lessons Life Has Taught Me . . .

This is a picture taken in our front garden when I was about six and my sister was three. I absolutely love this picture. As you can see from the very beginning we were the best of friends! Yesterday I got this e-mail from a good friend and like a good friend decided I wanted to share part of it with you. I've also added my own two cents worth to it. How could I not!

Lessons Life Has Taught Me

Age5: I learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night.”

Age 7: I learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either. It's also no good hiding minced beef under the carpet when your mother isn't looking.....she's bound to find it the first time she hoovers.

Age 9: I learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.

Age 12: I learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it all up again.

Age 14: I learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.

Age 15: I learned that, although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me.

Age 19: I learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.

Age 23: I learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life’s great pleasures.

Age 24: I learned that nothing can beat the feeling of two little arms around the neck, accompanied with the words "I love you mummy."

Age 25: I learned that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there.

Age 29: I learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

Age 30: I leaned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it.

Age 31: I learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little note, or giving them a quick call, or even something so simple as a smile and a hello.

Age 32: I learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. (I lived that reality for 22 years before I escaped)

Age 35: I learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it willbe better tomorrow. Time indeed heals all wounds.

Age 36: I learned that singing "I stand all Amazed" can life my spirits for hours.

Age 37: I learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.

Age 38: I learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. (None of which my ex husband handled very well)

Age 39: I learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Digging in the earth is good for the soul.

Age 40: I learned that making a living is not the same as making a life.

Age 41: I learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. I also learned that it takes two to make it work. One can't do it all by themself.

Age 43: I learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance....or a third or a fourth...never give up.

Age 44: I learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You sometimes need to be able to throw something back.

Age 45: I learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people and doing the very best you can…happiness finds you.

Age 46: I learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. If all your actions are tempered with love, you can't go wrong.

Age 47: I learned that everyone can use a prayer, and that being able to pray helps me most of all. It's a win/win situation!

Age 48: I learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

Age 49: I learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

Age 50: I learned that the birth of a grandchild is even sweeter than the birth of your own child. There is something very rich in knowing the circle of life has begun yet again.

Age 52: I learned I still have a lot to learn.


Over in North America a pudding isn't just another name for dessert...it's what we call a deliciously rich and sweet flavoured custard that's cooked on top of the stove. It comes in all kinds of flavours....vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, banana, coconut...and best of all butterscotch. You can buy packets you can cook yourself at home....you can even buy instant packets that you don't have to cook at all...but I think the best version of all is the one you make yourself, using your own two hands and throwing in a pinch of love. That's a flavour that can't be beat!




*Creamy Butterscotch Pudding*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

There is something about butterscotch pudding that speaks to the soul. It is home, love and comfort all rolled up into one sinfully rich and creamy dessert that smacks of wonderful buttery and caramel flavours. Deliciously pleasing on any level, it‘s worth all the trouble to make.

3/4 cup caster sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup double cream

1/2 cup (packed) soft light brown sugar
1/3 cup cornflour
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole fat milk

4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence

OPTIONAL TOPPING:

4 bananas, sliced
Whipped cream
1/2 cup English toffee bits

Mix the caster sugar and the water together in a heavy medium sized saucepan. Cook, stirring, over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Turn heat up to high and boil without stirring until the sugar turns an amber colour. Watch carefully as it turns very quickly when it starts and you don’t want to burn it. Take it off the heat as soon as it begins to turn amber. Carefully stir in the cream right away. It will bubble up furiously, so be careful. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Combine the brown sugar, cornflour and salt in the top of a double boiler. Slowly whisk in the milk. Set pan over simmering water and cook, stirring, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Whisk in the caramel sauce. Beat the egg yolks and temper them whisking in 1 cup of the hot mixture, then gradually whisk it back into the cooked mixture. Set back over the simmering water and bring the mixture back to simmer whilst whisking. Cook for a further minute, then whisk in the pieces of butter and the vanilla essence. Remove from the heat and divide amongst 8 dessert dishes. Chill until cold, approximately 6 hours or up to one day.
Serve garnished with banana slices, whipped cream and toffee bits. I prefer mine unadulterated and plain….ahhhhh…. bliss.