Muse on vacation... and a chocolate pie for comfort

Well, this week my writing Muse has disappeared. I have 24 chapters written on the next "Annie's Story", (stream of consciousness writing, no proofing - just getting the story down)... and then nothing.

I look at a blank page, know where the story should be going... but for some reason, can't get it down. So, I'm taking a break... perhaps it just needs time (took me 2 years to get out the 2nd book so I shouldn't be surprised).

Anyway, on to other things. I did make a dark chocolate pie yesterday. I love a good dark chocolate pie. This one is made with unsweetened chocolate and topped with whipped cream (with a little added sugar, vanilla, and a touch of bourbon).... so-oo good! It's OK for me as there is no flour in the recipe (gluten free). Of course there is flour in the pie crust as I used a frozen Pet Ritz one - but blind baked it and basted the pie shell first with some butter mixed with vanilla and a tiny bit of bourbon... (flaky and delicious). 

Reading DJan's post today got me to thinking. I've really had a pretty easy life... I mean for the most part. DH and I married right out of college, had 3 kids, worked, retired, and are getting to grow old together. How lucky is that?  We aren't rich by any means, but we're comfortable. Our kids and grandkids are great. Life is good. 

Of course there's been some bad things  along the way... losing both my siblings and Dad to Cancer and my mom to Alzheimer's wasn't easy. Even though you're not a child anymore, you feel like an orphan when your immediate family is all gone. And it makes you feel a bit guilty that you're still here... and wonder why. Both DH and I have been diagnosed with Cancer - but both of us are survivors (so far). Old age (77) brings other inconveniences, but nothing we haven't been able to handle.

I wasn't able to go to Vet School as planned since we got married right out of college and we had 3 kids within the first 5 years. But I never regretted that... I did end up with a BS in Animal Science (LSUBR had no Vet School back then) and later (when the kids were school age) went back and got an Animal Technician degree (Associate degree in AMT) so I could at least work in the field... and did work at a Veterinary Hospital (that specialized in feline care) for years.

DH had a degree in Electrical Engineering and his first job out of college was in Florida. We lived there on Satellite Beach watching the rockets go up from Kennedy Space Center from the summer of 68 until 1971 when we moved to Texas... and stayed. I love Florida for visiting, but never liked living there. The salt air from the ocean rusted cars and as much as I love the water, our first 2 babies were red heads who couldn't take much sun... so time at the beach had to be severely limited.

But this post has taken a turn I hadn't planned, so I will stop here. Wish you all a wonderful Valentine's week, ask you to forgive my ramblings as sometimes my mind goes off on a tangent all it's own.

And before I forget, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday)  is almost here. I believe it's the 21st. That was always fun growing up (the parades and King Cake parties).  Then of course the day after is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Then Easter, my favorite holiday! Looking forward to Easter and Spring!

Hugs (still virtual),

Rian

(I know I didn't mention the earthquakes - so horrific that I don't want to go there, but they are in my thoughts and prayers and we hope to help in other ways if possible.)