Today as we enjoyed lunch with our little granddaughter, Selah, she stopped eating and looked at both of us. She said, “I need a break.” Selah is 3 1/2, so grandpa said, “From what? What do you need a break from?” She smiled, showing those pretty little teeth, and said, “I don’t know!” We laughed with her, and commented how much we enjoy her visits each Monday when she hangs out with us.
Sometimes we do need a break for one reason or another. The past few months I had to take a break from the Water Lilies aquanastic group at the Fulda Pool because of cataract surgery and healing for my eyes. Then we were gone for a few of the sessions, or I just had other commitments. But these last couple weeks I am so happy to be back in the warm water, and feeling the good results of exercising and relaxing in the pool. And the fellowship of twenty to thirty ladies each time, with their laughter and friendship, is “priceless”.
The Water Lilies meet each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8-9 AM, and anyone who is interested in an hour of water exercise is certainly welcome to come! If you have never tried it, I would encourage you to give it a try. There is no “membership”, just come whenever it works for you. The cost is three dollars each time, but many of the ladies have the cost covered because of their insurance. Check it out! Maybe you would qualify too.
These ladies don’t just hang out in the water! Sometimes they gather outside of the pool for fun or to give back to the community. This week they are going to go Christmas caroling at Maple Lawn, and another day they are having a cookie exchange. Some months they volunteer to lead Bingo at Maple Lawn, bringing their energy and smiles to the residents there. Whatever they are “up to”, it is always a joy to be part of the fun!
Once a month, after the pool exercise, the Water Lilies enjoy a morning brunch right at the pool. This month, Mary Jo Lubben brought the following dessert that everyone raved about. Who doesn’t like Oreo cookies? Or candy canes this time of year? As you prepare special treats for your family or friends, maybe this is one recipe that sounds intriguing to you! Then you could “take a break” and enjoy this pretty dessert during this wonderful time of year.
Layered Candy Cane Dessert
1 pkg. Oreo cookies ( 14.3 ounces)
6 Tlbs. butter, melted
1 pkg. cream cheese, softened ( 8 oz.)
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tlbs. 2% milk
1 carton ( 12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
3/4 cup crushed candy canes ( about 7 regular size), divided
2 pkgs ( 3.3 ounces each) instant white chocolate pudding mix
2 3/4 cups cold 2% milk
Directions:
1. Pulse cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press into a 13 by 9 dish. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping and 1/2 cup of the crushed candies. Spread over the crust.
3. Whisk pudding mix and milk 2 minutes. Spread over the cream cheese layer. Spread with remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate, covered, 4 Hours.
4. Sprinkle with remaining candies just before serving.
** Keep this dessert chilled until serving.
lbeerman68@gmail.com
