The Adventures of Naomie 38
Mrs Garfield was informed by Caroline how the new Vet had saved the goat and her two kids.
“Grandma, When I grow up I'm going to India and save the Water Buffalo. Do you know how to make Chocolate Curry Cake, Grandma
“I never heard of such a ridiculous thing. Where'd you get such a notion in yere head child? India? Why would anyone want to go to that foreign country? Did that skinny woman fill yer head up with heathen ideas? I don't even have a recipe for such a thing!” barked Grandma Garfield.
“ I have the recipe right here. I'm gonna make them tonight. Grandpa said I could” said Caroline, showing her the recipe Naomie had given her.
COCOA CURRY CHOCOLATE CAKE
Butter a 9×13 inch cake pan.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Ingredients and Preparation:
1 ¾ C. flour
2 C. sugar
¾ C. good cocoa
1 ½ t. baking soda
1 ½ t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 ½ t. Curry powder
Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2 eggs
1 C. milk
½ C. vegetable oil
2 t. vanilla extract
Mix the wet ingredients into dry.
Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
1 C. boiling water
Add the water last, stirring just until combined. Do not over-mix.
Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
remove from the oven, cool before frosting
Icing:
½ C. butter
2 C. powdered sugar
4 T. cocoa
2 t. Curry powder
3-4 T. milk or chocolate liqueur
Beat with a mixer until light and fluffy. Spread over cooled cake and cover.
“ I have never heard of anyone carrying a recipe around in her pocket when she was helping the Veterinarian.” barked Grandma.
“She's the Veterinarian that did all the work. Dr. Matthew can't do heavy work right now. The recipe was for Cindy. Like, you know Cindy Bell at church? I babysit for her at church sometimes so she can be free to help the other ladies. Grandma honestly I am ten years old and a very responsible baby sitter.” said Caroline in an elevated voice.
“Young lady, you will never raise your voice to your Grandmother. Do you understand?” Boomed Grandfather Garfield.
He and Naomie had walked in the door through the kitchen. He was not at all pleased at the tone of Caroline's voice towards her Grandmother.
He gave Grandmother a hug and kiss then introduced Naomie to her.
Smiling, Naomie took Grandmother's hand and said: “ You don't need to call me DR. Williams. My friend Mr Potts calls me Naomie.”
“Were you friends with Irma Potts? Are you the little girl in the cookbook? I miss her. Irma that is. Will you let her know I said Hello?”
Naomie said yes I will tell her husband to let her know you said Hello.” said Naomie quietly.
“Naomie is here to look at Buffy.” said Grandfather.
“Yes Buffy. She has lumpy fur. I don't know what to do about her lumpy fur. It has lots of twigs and mud in it.” said Grandmother sadly.
Naomie opened her medical bag and examined the cat. She was well for an old cat but badly in need of brushing. Naomie asked if Caroline could hold the cat on the old bench by the door while she cut out some of the fur lumps.
“ Mr Garfield does your wife have a cat brush?” He did not know. Caroline asked if her old hairbrush would work until they got a proper one.
“Why yes, that will work. Will you be helping Grandmother to keep Buffy groomed?
I think it might be good practice of your patience for you to help Grandmother.
A good vet must have very good patience with animals and sometimes the owners.” said Naomie softly.
Mr Garfield smiled and squeezed Naomies hand. Grandmother Garfield came back to Naomie and handed her a small paper bag.
“ I made this peach jam today. I want you to have it. You are a nice young lady but you need to gain a few pounds. Are you married yet?”
“Thank you Mrs Garfield. No I have been busy in India at a Vet clinic. I do not have a boyfriend yet. I still have time later on for one.” smiled Naomie.
“Well Dear, You try putting on a little weight.” said Mrs. Garfield.
Grandfather walked her to Matthews truck saying:
“ You can see I have a bit of work to do with that Granddaughter of ours. She does not understand her Grandmothers Alzheimer's stage.
Right now it is mild but as it progresses I do not know how to explain it to her. She is a smart ten year old but I do not have the knowledge or patience to deal with both of them sometimes.”
Matthew asked if he might have time to talk to his wife Cindy. I think Cindy and my Mother might help the two of you out. My father had Alzheimer's and Mama had to deal with it. She had help from a support group.
Cindy went with Mama to these groups. You get together with her after church. Maybe we could have a little get together at our house. Your wife can meet my Mother and if she likes lively children we have four that will keep her occupied.
Your Caroline is wonderful with the kids at church. Why Cindy said she won't even take any money for sitting. Cindy made a deal with Caroline if she won't take money then we help her out with books and school supplies. Caroline accepted that deal.”
She had a vivid imagination and would carry it on for the rest of her life.
©Julia A Knaake