A Piece of Cake

Carrot Strawberry Jell-O Cake

I have been looking forward to this post for ages.  Finally, a chance to link up with other memes, and thus give back to those who have faithfully linked to Mosaic Monday.  An opportunity to write a simpler post than I normally do, spotlighting a few recent fun subjects without the need for structure or logical flow.  I know, I am a nut, but for me this is freedom!  Having my cake, and eating it, too!

I made this cake as an experiment since I have learned the hard way that baking at altitude can be unpredictable, even with guidance from "Pie in the Sky - Successful Baking at High Altitudes".  I had it in mind for a future Munch and Make gathering, and I wanted some quality assurance.  The result was a delicious cake that provided many a breakfast pastry for Spousal Unit and me.  On the other hand, it is a long process, and I am not sure I will always have the time for it.  (And I grabbed the wrong Jell-O from the pantry - this should have been a strawberry Jell-O rather than vanilla pudding.  I liked it anyway!)  If you would like to try it, visit Natalia for the recipe.  

On the subject of cakes - Fleur Bakery in Whitefish recently moved into bigger digs on the main street of town.  I love a good coffee/tea shop, so this was good news to me.  The bakery filled a gap left when the Red Caboose closed - the Red Caboose had a cool vibe and comfy seating, and I was sad to see it go.  So I had to check it out.  I've been in twice and so far I will give it a B.  Robust coffee but I have to ask for sugar.  Seating is a little formal - I would like a few oversized chairs or couches.  Macaron was average; the beet tartine made up for it! 

And the dainty china is a nice touch

Do you have a gift shop that is your 'go-to' for unique items?  For me, it is Flair in Kalispell.  Many Montana-made gifts.  A diverse selection of funny items such as socks with patterns or quotes.  So for a recent birthday, I dropped in.  I walk the whole shop, with a particular eye for the sale rack.  This day, bingo!  Lately, every time I pull out my wallet, I have been a bit embarrassed by the worn corners.  So, this charming wallet caught my eye - and on sale, too!  Oh, don't worry, I didn't forget the birthday present.

"Caution" socks for Spousal Unit's birthday - THAT'S a
story for another post!

I know all of you have been worried sick about my unfinished Christmas ornaments.  At last report, 25 out of 30 were complete.  Drum roll, please!  All done!  After all, as some retail outlets are already telling us, only 146 days until Christmas!

Josie really does have 2 ears!

Aren't sleeping cats just adorable?  Most of the time, my attempts to sneak up on them are unsuccessful - darn them for having such good hearing!  But this day, I managed a couple of cute shots.

Despite the heat, Maggie likes to cover her nose ...

Last night, our neighbor stopped by and surprised us with Flathead Lake cherries.  Cherries thrive along the shores of the largest fresh-water lake in the US west of the Mississippi.  The combination of a northern climate and winter temperatures moderated by a huge water body, provide ideal growing conditions.  SOOOO good.

This morning, our son sent us pictures from the UK, where he is visiting his paternal grandparents.  This warmed my heart in so many ways - we are thrilled that he gets this special two-on-one time with them.  Also, it is delightful to know he is thinking of US!  And, while visiting the Thorp Perrow Arboretum, he was so thoughtful to take pictures of subjects he knew would interest us.  Here are a few.

I hope you've enjoyed this post as much as I have reveled in putting it together. From Montana, wishing you the joy of the simple things in life!

Please do take the time to visit my fellow blog hosts at the following memes!  I appreciate you all.

All Seasons
Friday Bliss
I Like Thursday
Nature Notes
Saturday's Critters
Thankful Thursday
Wandering Camera
Willy Nilly Friday