Sharing

Yesterday was the second day of spring. Before it started snowing, and we all became enchanted by the winter wonderland that could be seen through the windows, Bow was enjoying his afternoon snack, another item from the gift basket.

This time it was pecans, coated in cream and sugar. The package described the ingredients like this:  pecans, sugar, butter, cream, milk, salt. Something about the process of coating them with cream and sugar made the pecans much harder than normal. Bow took his own sweet time eating and enjoying every morsel, but as the time went on, he progressively slowed down, and I began to feel that he would have trouble eating it all.

It had not seemed like such a big serving for a snack, but when you take into account the extra calories in the sugar and cream, it was a much heavier snack than I usually give Bow at that time of day. It was three o'clock and all that was called for was a light snack.

I took this opportunity to ask Bow if I could try the pecans, too. "Can I have one, Bow?"

Normally. Bow does not share. But he was not very hungry, so he agreed. He would not place the pecan into my palm, but he did generously lift the bowl to allow me to select one. I took one and thanked him. Then he observed very closely as I ate it.

We each had a pecan in our mouth, and Bow was enjoying the shared sensation.

After that, Bow took another pecan and ate it, but he was hesitant about continuing. When I asked if I could have another one, he did not answer. But he left the whole bowl to me, and went to sit up on the ledge.

I took another pecan, but saved the rest for his dessert at supper time. Sharing does come naturally sometimes, but it's easier to do on a full belly. This is true for society at large, too. People who have more than enough find it easier to be generous. It's only natural.

Relaxing with Assorted Nuts

Today was stressful, as Missouri HB284 was being heard in committee and our fate could depend on the outcome. But it was also just another day. It was warmer than it has been in quite a while, so Bow went outside and enjoyed the weather.

And for lunch Bow had the assorted nuts from the gift basket his uncle sent him for his birthday.

There is nothing as relaxing as a bowl of assorted nuts if you are stressed!

Birthday Cheesecake and a Birthday Pear

Bow is now eleven years old! His birthday was yesterday. If you would like to read about the celebration, you should check today's entry on Notes from the Pens. But if you're just interested in the food part of the celebration, then stay tuned.

The birthday cake was a cheesecake sampler, each piece a little different. I highly recommend cheesecake as a good choice for  those avoiding wheat based foods and those who don't want something quite as sweet as an ice cream birthday cake.  Bow chose a chocolate and nut covered piece of cheesecake. He had a great time eating it, though it was a little hard to slice with a spoon, as it had not quite fully thawed out. But you can see in the video that he had no trouble biting into it.

Another special treat that Bow had on his birthday was a luscious pear from the gift basket his uncle sent him for the occasion.

All in all, it was a birthday to remember, full of special treats and rare delicacies to please the palate of the most discerning eleven year old!