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Happy New Year's 2022

1/1/2022

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Yesterday, while I was putting away the holiday decorations, I went through a box of my old mementos and came across this poem. I believe I wrote this my freshman year of high school when I was heartbroken and scared. I felt it fit my 2022 New Year’s theme--Live in the Moment. Be kind to yourself.

Life has been remarkable and challenging along the way, but I think I need to remember just how resilient I am. I know some statements in this piece appear to show my disappointment or frustration, but in the end, when I look back, the struggles I was dealing with at the time did not crush me; they strengthened me. And as time marches on, I need to remind myself to just keep moving forward because better days are always within sight if we remain focused on positivity.

I did add and change a few words from the original poem while keeping its integrity.

Just For Today, I Will…
 
Just for today, I will wear a smile and see the light of the world.
 
Just for today, I will talk only of good and forget there’s even a bad.
 
Just for today, I will reach a goal and be proud that I succeeded.
 
Just for today, I will wear a heart and throw away my horns.
 
Just for today, I will be flexible and not worry about things I should have done.
 
Just for today, I will live life fully and forget about yesterday’s struggles.
 
Just for today, I will remain happy and not let my temper get away.
 
Just for today, I will look and feel my best and sparkle like the stars above.
 
Just for today, I will live for today because the yesterday’s are gone and the tomorrow’s are not here.
 
Just for today, I will forget the past and live a better day, for the future is already set.
 
Just for today, I will remember I’m me because no one else can make today seem better but me!
 
By Rebecca Thein ©
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Misty's Trailer

8/16/2021

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Misty and Curt wanted to share a trailer about their love story. Enjoy
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Message From Calder

7/30/2021

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Hi everyone, Calder here.

I am super excited. Why? Well, maybe you should ask where Devon is right now? I am thrilled to answer. Devon and Mario are in Japan, making their debut at the Olympics.

I couldn’t be prouder of them both and their dedication to the sport they love. However, with that said, I am sad I can’t be there watching in person, jumping out of my seat cheering them on.
The good news is, I am hosting a private watch party with our friends at my bar. Yes, masks are required, and also everyone in attendance is fully vaccinated. Devon set up the rules for the watch party. And we all agreed and respect his knowledge of the virus.

Devon contemplated not competing in the Olympics. The postponement of the games in 2020 and the need for all medical personal to be available and on-call had him conflicted. Why? Because the daily volleyball practices were practically non-existent as he worked twelve-hour shifts at the hospital taking care of the sick. Without the daily training, he felt they’d lose their momentum. At least, that is what he shared with me. Devon felt horrible because Mario depended on him, but he could not change the fact he had to put his job first. He didn’t want to let anyone down; yet, he had no choice but to do what his job required of him. Therefore, he reluctantly agreed when his boss and the entire hospital administrators insisted he go and represent the USA.
Currently, I am sitting at my bar in San Francisco writing this while I wait for my friends, Rachel, Brody, Zero, Chance, Sheila, Dempsey, Kara, my mom, and my dad, to join me. So everyone that could make it tonight will be here.

​
Okay, gotta go, they’re arriving. I’ll finish later…

I’m back. Let me fill you in on how the rest of the evening went. Once I mixed drinks for everyone, we settled in to watch the match on the big screen TV.

Devon told me before he left that he would pat his chest over his heart to show me I was there with him in spirit. And he did that before every serve. I shared with Rachel earlier what Devon planned. She smiled at me when she witnessed his heartfelt affection.

I will admit I shed tears of relief and joy when they won their first prelim match moving up in the series. I’m sure they heard us shouting in Tokyo. We were on our feet, cheering, hugging, and jumping around.
Brody pulled out his phone and began recording us in our celebratory dance. He immediately sent it to Devon and Mario. Them knowing we saw their win would keep them focused and in the zone.

This certainly is not how any athlete wants their Olympic experience to be. No spectators, no family, friends, or significant others supporting them in the stands. However, the competitors are dedicated to the sports they love, and they just roll with what is presented to them. NO virus would stop an athlete from fighting for the gold.

We partied into the night to celebrate the first win in the series. Then, I reviewed the schedule to let everyone know when we would meet again at Wet Spot for Flair. This was now officially dubbed watch party central. There was no way we weren’t all going to be together to witness the two men we love, bring home the gold.

Everyone left, and I cleaned up the bar before heading home to call Devon and congratulate him in our own intimate way.

Cheers from the Unrelenting crew,
Calder

PS the photo below Rachel took the day I met Devon in Santa Cruz. 
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Sweet Milk Donuts

12/17/2020

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Hello, this is another recipe that my grandma and mom used to make. Easy and tasty. I'm sure Candice would love to have these at her sweet cafe.

You can also download by clicking the link below.


Sweet Milk Donuts
Ingredients

3 Eggs
2 Tablespoons Shortening
1 Cup Sugar
3 Tablespoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
3 1/2 Cups Flour
1 Cup Milk

Directions

Beat eggs until light. Next beat in sugar. Add melted shortening. Sift dry ingredients into mixture. Stir all together. Drop into hot fat (oil) and cook until golden. Sprinkle with desired toppings.

sweet_milk_donut_recipe.jpg
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Chocolate Pudding Pie

12/13/2020

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This recipe is my sons favorite. He never wants a birthday cake, he always asks me to make him this pie, and I do. It is by far the best pudding pie I've ever had.

Candice from "Following Sweet Dreams Home" needs this pie in her little cafe. Just saying it would be a crowd pleaser.

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Oatmeal Goodies Recipe (Cookies)

12/12/2020

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This is a #recipes my grandma used to create these delicious #cookies. I love chocolate chip cookies but these certainly gave the chocolate chip cookies a run for their money.

There is just something about baking during the holiday's that warms my heart. Maybe it's the memories of my grandma and me baking together. The wonderful aromas of spices filling her home. It takes me back to my childhood full of love, and for that I am grateful.

As I have said, my grandma inspired my novel Following Sweet Dreams Home. I had to pay tribute to how she made me feel loved each and every day. A grandma's love fills the soul.

Enjoy

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Pie Crust Recipe

12/11/2020

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I know this year is difficult for all of us. We miss our families, our friends, and we will need to adjust and be inventive. Although I understand video chatting is not perfect at least we have that medium so we can see the smiles on our families faces.

The one thing I miss most is my grandma. Following Sweet Dreams Home is a tribute to all she taught me. My grandma baked something sweet every single day. You always knew she would have a treat waiting for you when you arrived at her home.

Below is my grandma's recipe for Pie Dough. Everyone loves homemade pie, so hopefully this inspires you to make a holiday pie that will warm your heart.

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Single Pie Crust        (from my grandma Mary)

Ingredients
1 cup sifted enriched flour
4 to 6 Tablespoons Lard
¾ teaspoon salt
2 to 4 Tablespoons cold water
 
Directions
  1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cut lard into flour until crumbs are about the size of a small pea.
  3. Using as little water as possible, add cold water, a little at a time, mixing quickly and evenly through flour with a fork until dough just holds in a ball.
  4. Roll dough out until it’s about 1/8 inch in thickness.
  5. Line pie pan.
  6. Add your pie filling.
  7. Bake according to direction in pie recipe.
  8. For baked crust prior to adding filling, prick bottom of shell with fork before baking.
  9. Bake crust at 450°for 8 to 10 minutes.
 

This is the recipe my grandma always used. She made the most delicious apple pies because her apples were picked from her tree and the pie was baked with love. She also used a lot of cinnamon. The extra dough she rolled out and cut into thick strips. Sprinkled sugar and cinnamon on top and bake them. They were little treats I love having.


From my home to yours, Happy Holiday’s


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Scotch A Roo Recipe from Candice

12/22/2019

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Happy Holidays everyone, from Shane and me.
 
Today I want to share one of my childhood favorite recipes. Scotch A Roos. They are super easy to make, and you’ll go home with an empty plate.
 
These sweet treats are one of my most requested items on my menu. I bet you can’t eat just one.
 
Cheers to all,
Candice and Shane
 

 
Scotch A Roo
 
Ingredients
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Corn Syrup
6 cups Rice Cereal. I use Rice Krispies.
1 package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 package Butterscotch Chips
 
Utensils
Large Pot, double boiler (if you have one), spoon to stir, spatula, cake pan. (I use a 9 ½” X 13 ½” pan. But you can use whatever size you prefer. I like my cereal portion thin.)
 
Instructions
Coat the bottom of your cake pan with butter.
 
Bring the peanut butter, sugar, and syrup to a boil. Stir often to keep it from burning.
Once sugar is melted, turn off the heat and fold in the rice cereal. Once all cereal is coated, press into your cake pan. Set aside.
 
Pour both bags of chips into your double boiler. Stir until melted. If you don’t have a double boiler, a pot will do, just make sure you stir to avoid burning. Once completely melted, pour chocolate over the top of your cereal. Spread evenly. Put in the fridge to cool. When you are ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and let it get to room temperature so you can cut it into squares.
 
A crowd-pleaser and easy to make.

You can download recipe below.

scotch_a_roo.pdf
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Holiday Spirit

12/4/2019

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Santa and Mrs. Claus

“Ten minutes, everyone,” the stagehand announced.

Keefe leaned over and kissed Sirenity. His beard tickling her. “See you on stage, babe.”

Sirenity tilted her head to look up into Keefe’s eyes. “This is nerve-wracking.”

“You’ll be perfect. I know it’s been a long time since you’ve stepped onto a stage, but this is important.”
Sirenity nodded. “Every little bit helps.”

“I’ll be waiting for you at the foot of the stairs.”Keefe adjusted his hat before leaving Sirenty to finish putting her wig on.

A few seconds later, Sirenity joined Keefe. They climbed the steps and stood behind the curtain, holding hands, waiting for their cue.

As the drapes rose, Keefe looked out at the audience. What beamed back at him were bright eyes of children that needed to be taken to a land of make-believe.

“Ho, Ho, Ho,” Keefe sang out as he rubbed his belly. “Mrs. Claus, I see we have guests for dinner.”

“Yes, Santa, we do,” Mrs. Claus agreed, following alongside Santa to the front of the stage.

The theater was decorated to resemble a winter wonderland. The oversized dining table sat proud center stage and had been adorned with a sparkling centerpiece made of candy.

“Santa!” an elf skidded onto the stage. “It’s time.”

“Ah, so it is.” The grandfather clock rang out twelve chimes.

Once the grandfather clocked stopped, another elf skipped onto the stage, singing a Christmas Carol. As he sang, one by one, another elf joined him, creating a choir. The song hit its final note, and the elves danced their way into the audience jingling bells. They took the hand of happy children guiding them to join Santa and Mrs. Claus at a dining table decorated with children in mind. Each seat had a stuffed toy keeping the spot warm.

Hot chocolate filled their mugs topped with Marshmallows and sugar sprinkles. The elves went around the table, holding a plate with finger food encouraging each child to take what they wanted to eat.

Santa and Mrs. Claus sat at the head of the table and enjoyed the festive meal along with the children.
Keefe stood when he saw the children finished the last of their lunch. “Santa wants to read you a story,” he announced as he made his way to a very overstuffed chair positioned next to a Christmas tree. his velvet bag sitting on his chair.

“Gather round,” Mrs. Claus encouraged.

The excitement of the tiny feet running to find the perfect spot in front of Santa warmed both Keefe and Sirenity’s hearts.

Keefe opened his favorite Christmas story. “Twas the night before Christmas…” As he read, the children went silent. Each of them so enthralled by Santa.

These children by no fault of their own had found themselves in foster care, and Keefe and Sirenity desired to give them a holiday they would tuck away in their innocent hearts. This was by far one of the most notable roles that Sirenity ever played. She was trying to be the best Mrs. Claus that she could, ensuring to bring a day of joy and love.

Santa handed the closed book to Sirenity.“Do you have my naughty and nice list?”

“Yes, dear.” Sirenity unrolled the scroll and handed it to Keefe.

Santa reviewed the list. “Ah, I see so many children on this nice list.”

“Yes, Santa. I noticed that too.”

“It looks like I have a gift for each one of you,” Santa cheerfully shared.

Santa reached in his bag of goodies and called out a child’s name. That child excitedly ran up and sat on Santa’s lap. Keefe had memorized each child's story. “I see you asked for a gift for your little sister.”

“Yes, Santa. She needs new shoes.” The child stared up into Santa’s eyes.

“Well, here’s your gift, and Mrs. Claus has your baby sisters present.”

Sirenity handed this child a small wrapped box. “Thank you,” the little boy said, smiling.

Keefe and Sirenity had worked with social services to see what gift each child wanted for Christmas. Their hearts were so warmed when they read each wish list. One child wanted a warm coat for her brother. As Keefe read down their wish list, he’d was amazed that the children always asked for something special for their sibling or parent.

After the last package was handed out, Keefe knew he’d do this again next year.

“Santa, the elves have the reindeer ready,” Mrs. Claus informed him as she approached with a plate of cookies.

“You must have your cookies and milk before your long trip.” Sirenity gracefully walked across the stage with a plate of cookies.

Keefe took a cookie and nibble on it.  “Children, Santa must get going. I have a long trip ahead of me.” Keefe stood then grabbed his empty bag.

“Santa, let me take that and fill it for your trip,” a smiling elf offered.

“Merry Christmas,” Santa said as he waved good-bye, exiting the stage.

Sirenity stayed with the children giving them each a gingerbread cookie and milk. They were amped up on sugar and excitement. It may have been a small thing to do; however, they hoped that today the holiday spirit transported these children to a magical place if only for two hours.


To find out how Keefe and Sirenity's love grew

Read
Blossoming Act

Photo by Jill Wellington

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Candice Shares Fudge Recipe

12/15/2018

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Hi, it's Candice here, and I wanted to make sure I shared my favorite Fudge Recipe. This is great to make and bring to any holiday party. I'm swamped at the cafe so I'll just post this and catch up with you all after the holidays.
FAVORITE FUDGE

Utensils
Large Bowl
Large Pot
Cake Pan
Can opener
Spoon
Spatula
Knife to chop walnuts

Ingredients
4 ½ cups Sugar
1 pound (or 16 ounces) Marshmallows
½ pound (or 8 ounces) Butter
Large can Evaporated Milk
3 packages of semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
4 cups coarsely chopped Walnuts

Steps
Grease a cake pan. I use butter to grease it. Then in a large bowl add your chocolate chips, butter cut into small squares, and chopped walnuts. Set aside. Now in large pot mix sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and continuously stir for 9 minutes. Turn off the burner and stir or whip in your Marshmallows until the Marshmallows are entirely melted. The consistency should be fluffy. Pour this hot mixture over the bowl containing the chocolate chips, butter, and walnuts. Mix together until butter and chocolate chips are melted. Pour into your greased cake pan and chill in the refrigerator. Once chilled cut into bite-size squares.

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