Cherry Dream Squares

Back in the early 80's, we were settling into a new home at 329 E. Juniper St. in Mesa. We hadn't been married that long. (I was either expecting Julianne or she was a baby.) I was just getting to know the ward and the people in it - kind of a new experience, being "grown-up" now, trying to live like you knew what to do!
But my new visiting teachers came by one day, as planned. It was a nice visit. They were young and new, too, and anxious to know me. As we visited in the front room next to the window, one of them handed me a plate of beautiful cherry bars. Her name was Marsha Payne. The bars were delicious! I was sure to ask her for the recipe on their next visit.
It took a minute to remember, but luckily it came to her. It was from a Woman's Day magazine from a couple of weeks before.
The minute I waved them off at the front door, I headed out the back. Car keys and purse in hand (Julianne too, I'm sure, if she was born!). I had to find that recipe! I was relieved to find of, in the exact same issue she told me. There it was, "Cherry Dream Squares".
I had no idea then, how priceless this recipe would become. I'm sure I have made it a hundred times since then. I copy the recipe again and again when the card gets ratty. Or I give it out gladly, just like Marsha did for me. I don't ever make them, that I don't think of Marsha, my first visiting teacher, that taught me how to share something really yummy.
It has become a part of me, so here it is for you. In this Valentine's Day Season, where red and cherries belong:

With Love

Cherry Dream Squares

1 pkg. white cake mix
1 1/4 cups rolled oats *
1/2 c margarine / butter (room temp.) *
1 egg
21 oz. can cherry pie filling
1/2 c chopped nuts
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar

* divided - read below

Heat oven to 350o. Grease 13 x 9 pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, 6 TB butter*, and 1 cup rolled oats*. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
(Reserve 1 cup "crumbly" for topping.)
To remaining crumbs, still in bowl, add 1 egg. Mix until well blended. Press into prepared pan.
Pour cherry pie filling over pressed crust; spread to cover.
To reserved crumbs, in large bowl (I usually use the same bowl again), add remaining 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 TB butter, nuts, and brown sugar. Beat until thoroughly mixed (or by hand).
Sprinkle over cherry mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 - 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely. If desired, serve with whipped or vanilla ice cream.

If You Give Your Child Piano Lessons

If you give your child piano lessons
He's going to want to play music
With rhythms.
When you compliment him,
He'll want to play more.
When he's finished, he'll smile.
Then he'll remember
How his Grandpa plays the ukulele,
And how his family
Likes to sing in the car.
And he'll feel good inside.

He'll become proud of his hard work
And confident to share his talent
At recitals or on talent day at school.
His Mom will have
Lots of pictures to show.

When he gets older,
Maybe he'll join the orchestra
And play the violin, viola,
Cello, or string bass.
Whenever he can . . . or even for a living!
Maybe he'll join the steel drum band,
Play the clarinet, the french horn,
Or play duets with his sister (or his wife).
Maybe taking dancing lessons,
Singing with a choir,
Or being a conductor would sound fun.
He might even collect vinyl records.

No matter what,
Music will make him happy -
Whether he hears, dances,
Sings,or plays.

If you give your child piano lessons
It will give him all kinds of
Happy memories.
Then when he grows up
And has children of his own,
He's going to want to give them . . .
Piano lessons!

Christmas 2010

The clan...

The cutest grand kids...