In yesterday's post, I introduced you briefly to Murphy. His first name is Charles, but we call him Murphy. He has been a friend to my mother for many, many years. He is basically a brother to her and an uncle to me and my brother. Rarely has there been a family milestone or celebration where he was not present. Even though we have moved around the country, we have continued to be close. We have met up with him in Texas, Florida, D.C., and even Canada. This is all very incredible not just because of the number of years of friendship that have passed, but also because Murphy is not a fan of flying. Consequently he travels by train. You can get a lot of places on a train.
Murphy is also quite the cook and baker. He made a beautiful groom's cake for my wedding that traveled all the way up North on the train from Georgia. Following the tradition, he made the groom's cake chocolate. He constructed a chocolate basket filled with candied fruit. The fruit cascaded out of the basket and down the cake's sides. His cake completely outshone the wedding cake in taste and beauty. I so wished he had made my cake too!
Murphy also carried my parents' anniversary cake on the train too! It was eaten in minutes flat although it had many tiers. My brother and I, with the help of my dad's brother and his wife, planned a surprise anniversary party for our parents. One final surprise for my mom was Murphy. After the initial shock had begun to wear off. Murphy called my mother to express his sorrow for not being able to attend. Then he walked around the corner. My mom almost fell over. We have had such fun and adventure with Murphy over the years. He brings such light and joy to our lives and to the lives of many other people too!
He surprised my mother again for her birthday party this past weekend. Murphy also brought another cake via the rails. This time it was strawberry shortcake! Again, it completely outshone the "official" birthday cake. I mean it went fast. Guests were actually scheming on how to get more before it ran out. I was a part of several interrupted conversations as people bolted for the shortcake when they saw it dwindling!
Here is the beautiful and delicious cake that was the backbone of the shortcake. He's done it a lot, but I still can't believe he toted this cake all the way from Georgia on the train!
I rarely use them, but I love punch bowls. There is something so 70's about them. My grandmother gave me this one. She was appalled that I didn't have a punch bowl in my cupboard. She was right of course; I did need it.
Ah and there it is. This was the best strawberry shortcake I have ever eaten. Murphy should have made two!
I was so happy to see Murphy again. We have all been through so much together, sad times as well as incredibly happy times! Murphy is just family, despite that Incident with the cat (she wouldn't let him in the house for some reason), and my brother's attempts to reengineer Murphy's Curtis Mathes television. He still loves me even though I stole his collard greens off of his front stairs one evening as a practical joke. He had really been looking forward to them too. ;-) He is an incredible and magical man. Thanks so much for everything Murphy!
