Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything good in the world. ~ Helen Keller

Yes it is time to stop feeling sorry for yourself and get busy.  Self pity never resolves anything.  Hold your head up and keep moving forward.  Everyone will have a bump in the road now and then just don't stop and sit down in the road (you'll probably get hit by a car or camel :)  ).

Today is my Mom's 74th birthday -- Happy Birthday Mom -- I love you -- see you in a bit.  We are having her party here today.  Today in some parts of the greater Phoenix area, we have snow.  Yes snow -- probably not much and it won't last long, but it is here.  A very unusual sight for the Phoenix area but stranger things have happened so for today, we will bundle up and be off to church.  It is a beautiful day with the clouds still hanging in the air and all the little birds will be out hunting for food.  Ever notice that the birds don't sit and feel sorry for themselves?  We have a little parakeet and no matter when I go by his cage, he chirps and is glad to see me.  No cares in the world.  He is cute and we have had him for about 10 years now.

How about some Banana Bread Pudding?  Sounds good in the chilly mornings heated up.  Mmmm.

Happy Sunday!

Charlene


Banana Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups French bread -- day old, cubed 1"
1/4 cup butter -- melted
3 egg
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup banana -- firm, slices 1/4"

**Sauce**
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
1. Place bread cubes in a greased 2 - qt casserole; pour butter over and toss to coat.
2. In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs; add milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in bananas.
3. Pour over bread cubes and stir to coat.
4. Bake uncovered, at 375` for 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
5. Meanwhile, for sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Combine sugar & cornstarch; add to butter.
6. Stir in milk and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for 1 minute.
7. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Serve warm sauce over warm pudding.
Yield: 6 servings