Friends

I had a lot of cake pictures to choose from on this one. I really really really love cake and my friends. And I love that my friends know how much I love cake.

Over a year ago, I was having a conversation with a friend who's mom was dying. We were discussing the stupid things people say when someone dies. And I said, "Why can't they just say, 'I'm sorry for your loss, I baked you a cake." So, I was telling my cake making goddess of a friend about it who makes this chocolate-chocolate cake that admittedly makes me moan. And when Farley died, she showed up on my front door. With the cake.

A good friend will offer condolences. A great friend will make you a cake when your dog dies. Your favorite flavor that says, "I'm sorry for your loss. I baked you a cake." She'll remember and do all that for you.

The same friend will be on notice when your mutual friend's dog is on hospice care. She will make the cake within 12 hours while working, mothering, and part-timing a cake biz. When you get there to pick up the cake, she'll refuse your money, citing, "She's my friend too."

Then she'll know that you're not sticking around to eat the cake, so she'll make you a spare cupcake. And then hand you the extra frosting conspicuously stored in a sour cream container so as not to attract children's attention.

I took the frosting, even though I'm desperately trying to not eat so bad while I nurse this stupid pinky toe. But it's homemade dark chocolate frosting. And I HATE to be rude and all. And we headed to JulzHOLLA's. They had to put their maniacal and yet, sweet dog down. The first and only ruined and spoiled of their children - Chloe. Chloe was brilliantly deviant and loyal.

I deduced that I should eat the cupcake while we headed to JulzHOLLA's house. I mean, where else am I going to put it? God forbid it topple over. So, I did it justice and tore into it. It's. So. Delicious. It's like a firework display of cake and chocolate goodness. No one makes a chocolate-chocolate cake like this. NO. ONE.

"Mom, why are you moaning? And why are you driving so slow?"

"I'm twyong tuh eat thif cufcake. It soooo gooood."

"Can we have some?"

"No."

"Well, could you drive faster and stop moaning?"

"Yef."

"Mom, what's in that container she gave you?"

"Nuffing."

"Is it extra frosting again?"

"Yef."

So, remember next time you're consoling a friend or loved one, that hugs and prayers are always good. But best offered with chocolate.

God bless our first kids - our dog. We'll miss you Chloe. Say hi to Farley for us.

That's how I roll.
Song of the Day: Friends by Flight of the Conchords
Chloe - this one's for you: Crazy by Aerosmith