Quick and Easy Pumpkin Bread

When the weather gets cold, I always want to start baking. Last week, temps dipped down into the 40's at night, I vowed I would make something with pumpkin in it this weekend. I could have chosen pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cookies or a pumpkin roll/log. But I decided to make my "old faithful" recipe. Pumpkin Bread. It's super easy so I'll share the recipe with you!

You'll need:

• 4 Eggs 
• 2 Cups of Sugar 
• 1 Cup of Oil
  
• 2 Cups of Flour 
• 1 Tsp of Baking Powder 
• 1/2 Tsp of Baking Soda 
• 1 Tsp of Cinnamon 
• 1 Tsp of Salt 
• 2 Cups of Pumpkin 
• As many nuts, and any variety, that you desire

 Preheat oven, 350 degrees.

Combine Eggs, Oil and Sugar. Slowly add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.  Butter and flour 3 loaf pans or one bundt pan.  Bake for 45-60 minutes.  I usually bake them a little longer than 60 minutes, but that will depend on your oven and elevation.  Insert toothpick in the center of the loaf, if it comes out clean, they are done!

 

Enjoy!!

 

Optional :
Cream Cheese Icing
1/2 Box Powdered Sugar, sifted
1/4 to 1/2 Cups of Finely Chopped Pecans or any nut
6 Ounces, Softened Cream Cheese
1/2 Stick Butter
1 Tsp Vanilla

Beat all ingredients together for 7 minutes.  Frost cooled cake.

9/11 Memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana

I've been watching the 9/11 Memorial go up on the north side of the Government Center in downtown Indianapolis. There's been lots of construction around it. It was done and ready to be unveiled for the 9/11 anniversary. Since then, there have been many visitors to the memorial. I hadn't made my way over to see the memorial, though I could see the eagle and beams from the walkway leading from the Government Center North building.

Today, I decided to wander on over there before heading to my car. There were a few people around, but not the crowd that had been there. It was pretty moving. To think the beams that now stand at this memorial were part of the World Trade Center is pretty awesome. The carved eagle, atop the tallest beam, was designed and built by an Indianapolis fire fighter.  As I walked up to the beams, I swear I can still smell smoke on them. It was interesting. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination or if I really smelled that "fire" smell.

Of course I had my camera in hand and snapped a few shots to show you what you're missing and and inspire you to make a trip downtown. The massive marble wall contains a quote from George Bush, President when the 9/11 attacks took place, and quotes from other people as well.

The beams are visible from the Government Center North building. Here you see both beams and the Government Center in the background.

The eagle is a beautiful piece of artwork. I was able to get a few shots to show the detail.

These men were sitting on one of the marble benches at the memorial. They both stood up and looked at the beams and quotes on the wall. The man in the blue t-shirt put his hand on the beam next to him and patted it several times. I knew he was thinking of all those lives lost. As he walked away, he wiped his eyes with his handkerchief. I wanted to say something to him, to let him know I felt the same way, but I left him alone and let him have that moment to himself.

As I was looking up the beam to the eagle, the sun slipped behind the beam. I thought to myself, even in this terrible tragedy and when you think the worst has happened, there is always light and hope. This beam and eagle represent that to me.

I'm proud our city can share this with our visitors and the people of Indiana. If you haven't made plans to stop by and see the memorial, you definately should. It's just east of West Street on Ohio, next to the fire station and right on the canal.

Don't Over-Sweetie Me

So I'm at the McDonalds drive-thru in Fishers for lunch this week. I am greeted by the automated, "Hi would you like to order a fruit smoothie, order when ready." I place my order. The actual person working repeats my order and says, "is everything on the screen correct, sweetie?"

Sweetie? Ok, I suppose that's cute. Yes, I reply. "Ok sweetie, pull up to the first window" she says.

That's sweetie #2. I'm on the verge of being over-sweetied at this point. I want people to be nice and I believe 100%+ in great customer service, but this sweetie business, it seems a bit over the top to me.

So, I drive on up to the window. She greets me, "That's $3.60 sweetie." Oh. No. She. Didn't.

A third sweetie. Quit it. Seriously.

I pay her and anxiously wait to see....will she?????

Oh you betya. "Thanks sweetie, pull on up."

QUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT IT!!!!!!!!! No more sweetie. So I couldn't resist. I said, "thanks a bunch sweetie, see ya next time."

I'm sure she didn't catch my sarcasm but she needed to.