Life is so stressful some days, so I take a nap.

Height doesn't matter between friends

A beautiful photo by my friend Libby in Dumfries(Holywood) Scotland

First snow in the city

Lovely short storm today.

Thank you

I want to send a special thank you out to all my friends, family, and Caregivers who once again helped me celebrate the season. I couldn't have managed without you. A special thanks to Tess, one of my caregivers, who helped my friends decorate and undecorate (my own word).

And of course an ongoing thanks to those who visit, do finances, make phone calls on my behalf, repair what I crash into(my brother Ken is 'Mr. Fixit), shop, send notes/emails/cards and good wishes. My life would be VERY difficult without you.

Yummy apple spice cake

A delicious final touch, the glaze adds a hint of extra flavor and an attractive sheen to this coffee cake.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 tart cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or
  Braeburn, 1 lb. total, peeled, cored and
  coarsely chopped
• 2 Tbs. strained fresh orange juice, lemon juice
  or apple juice
• 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at
  room temperature
• 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
  
  

For the vanilla glaze:

• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 Tbs. condensed skim milk, warmed, plus
  more as needed
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform pan or square baking pan or baking dish (see Note).

To make the cake, in a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, toss the apples with the juice. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cardamom and cinnamon. Add to the apples and toss to coat. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, combine the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture in 2 or 3 additions and beat well until smooth. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold in the apples just until evenly distributed, no more than a few strokes. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, the 2 Tbs. milk and the vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk, a few drops at a time, if needed.

Remove the sides of the springform pan, if using, and place the cake on a wire rack set over a piece of waxed paper to catch any drips. While the cake is warm, drizzle with the glaze. Let the cake cool to room temperature. Cut into wedges or squares to serve. Makes one 9-inch cake.

Note: If using a glass baking dish, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.

"Change is good as long as you don't have to do anything different." Maxine

ALS demands me to adjust to ongoing changes. Sometimes I accept it and other times I fight it. I was happy to have a power chair as I wanted to get around. I gave up my car without argument as I didn't want to injure anyone including myself. Now it gets harder. I surprised myself when I balked at learning how to use speech devices--somehow I thought delaying the process was going to make my voice last longer. How silly was that!? Denial is a restful state. When it was evident that I had to give up the 'Sit to Stand' lift I got angry at my arms. It didn't improve their strength by the way--just caused further frustration. Surprise surprise. The BiPap(breathing device), I accepted as I figured out it was a good idea to keep breathing--and it was. I cry easily when something doesn't work but I have learned to laugh when my body doesn't work. I will continue to whine off and on--ignore me. I will manage just fine. We all need to give ourselves permission to grieve our losses and lean on our carers, friends and family to renew our strength. As I experience more weakness and eventually total paralysis, I will not lean on you, I will rely on you.