10 Dec 2015 – Celebrity Appearances – Billy Dee Williams

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Between The Dashes focuses on the stories in my families’ lives from birth until death. This story is about the time I met Billy Dee Williams!  If someone asked me prior to meeting Billy Dee, if this was even possible, I would have told you “know way!”  But it did happen, and I am going to share proof of that moment.

Billy Dee Williams was one of my favorite African-American actors. He was handsome, …very handsome, and just down right awesome!  He seemed to “glow” on camera, and he looked even better the larger the screen!  He’s played in a lot of movies highlighted below:

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6 Dec 2015 – What I Learned From My Ancestors

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I had a dream this morning about Ms. Rose, my grandmother on my father’s side of the family.  She was really special to me.  She was tall, resourceful, strikingly beautiful, and one of the best cooks I know.  I learned so much from her!  Following is a picture in her youth (I don’t know the age).

Ms. Rose (Davis) Kennedy

Ms. Rose (Davis) Kennedy

In my dream, I was trying to figure out how to fix the elastic waist on my pants.  I was at a loss of what to do so I asked Ms. Rose.  She told me to fold the waistline, stitch it, and feed the elastic through the opening with a safety pen on one end. Once she told me that, it was so clear.  I was thinking, “That makes sense!”

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4 Dec 2015 – Laura Washington and Melzar Williams

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It’s a pleasure to have my Mom living with us!  I hear so many stories about our ancestors that really help to fill the gap that “Between The Dashes” addresses.  If you are following my blog, you know my Mom celebrated her 80th birthday this year!  My Mom and her sister are the oldest living relatives in our family.  Today, let me share with you my 2nd great grandparents, Laura and Melzar Williams.

Laura Washington was born 17 May 1869 in Mobile, AL to Annie (age of 25) and George Washington (age 28 ).   She was about 5’2″, light-skinned with long hair that she parted down the middle, braided in two braids, and pinned each braid in the back.  She had three sisters (Etta, Mary, and Addie) and two brothers (Dave and Emanuel).   Continue reading →

3 Dec 2015 – Pineapple Cookies

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Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
  • 2 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
  • Cream butter and sugar, eggs & mix well.  Stir in vanilla.
  • Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheets.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
  • Frost with powdered frosting with pineapple flavoring.
Directions for Powdered sugar Icing (makes a lot so you may want to cut in half):
  • 1  box of powdered sugar
  • A few tablespoons of milk
  • 2 teaspoons lemon or anise flavoring
  • Combine sugar, milk and flavoring in a medium bowl, stirring well until sugar is dissolved – (I use a whisk)

25 Nov 2015 – Italian Sesame Cookies

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Ingredients:
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup of shortening ( Crisco solid)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Sesame seeds
Directions:
  • Cut the shortening in pieces.
  • Beat slightly 2 eggs.  Add to the eggs: 1/2 cup of milk.
  • Combine the dry ingredients and mix together.  Pinch off a small amount of dough and roll in your hands.  Shape into the size of a finger & taper at each end.
  • You may also shape into balls or crescent shapes.
  • Roll cookies in the sesame seeds.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes.