Being Old Revisited...!

I'm sure that I've posted this, or a variation of it, before...

I wanted to post it again because, first of all, I like it! Secondly, I find it to be very true. It pretty much says just how I feel about getting older...

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer the question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)

Now, what say we get some fresh, hot coffee, my friend?

Grandma King's Pinto Bean Pie...Again !!

Last year, I posted this recipe for pinto bean pie from an old family cookbook. With the emphasis now days being in large part on the use of our preps, I thought that it would be a good time to repost it.

As you can see from this recipe, all it takes to be a good cook with preps is a good imagination...and maybe just a dash of adventurous nature! Trust me, the family will love it!

Grandma King's Pinto Bean Pie...

I know, I know...it sounds pretty weird to all you city dwellers and maybe even some country folks as well. However, I think you'll find that this pie is really quite good! Sort of a cross between chocolate and sweet potato pie!

I remember as a kid, I was sort of skeptical of it when Grandma told me the ingredients. However, she had always made really cool desserts so I tried it...and fell in love with it! I hope you try it!

1 1/2 c. bean pulp
3/4 c. sugar

3 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves or spices of your choice
1/2 tsp vanilla
Unbaked pie shell

The easiest way I've found to prepare the beans is to cook them in the usual manner and use the leftovers. Don't be afraid to use the pulp of beans which have been seasoned (even chili powder doesn't hurt the flavor of the pie).

Pour about 2/3 cup of beans at a time and juice on a plate; and mash well with a fork. Run through a fine wire strainer or sieve (I use a large tea strainer). This removes all hulls and leaves only a smooth pulp.

Beat eggs well; add sugar a little at a time. Mix thoroughly. Add spices, milk, vanilla, and bean pulp. Mix well and pour into unbaked pie shell.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour: check to see if pie is well set. Serve pie warm or chilled with whipped cream (or cool whip...).

Now this is great with any beverage of your choice...cold milk, tea, or COFFEE!!! Man, my mouth is watering! How about you...?

Let's go get a fresh cup, OK?