Recipe for Longevity and my Coconut Cake

Jack is our neighbor of 20+ years. He is 83 years old and still going strong. He has had a cancer, but he has healed well and is fine. Jack loves to mow his lawn, wearing his headphones, and works his garden frequently. Doctor says to stay active, but no one needs to tell Jack. He loves to be outdoors.

We were on vacation recently, and Jack mowed our lawn. What a guy! I told him, "I owe you a coconut cake". (More about Jack below.)

He loves my summer coconut cake, and it's so easy to make. Here it is from memory:

1 Box Duncan Hines French Vanilla cake mix
1 Can Cream of Coconut (not coconut milk)
1 Large container of Cool Whip
1 Cup of flaked coconut

Bake cake according to directions. While yet warm, use a fork to gently poke holes into entire cake. Then pour coconut cream over cake. Refrigerate cake until chilled and frost with Cool Whip. Sprinkle coconut flakes over topping--amount according to taste. (Optional: toast coconut in oven until golden brown, then sprinkle over cake.)

On one of my husband's more busy, stressful days, Jack sauntered up our driveway, like he has so many times before, to borrow our sod cutter. When he saw how busy my husband was, he offered to do it for us. Mike responded with a thanks, but no. Jack slowly walked away, looking forlorn.

I told my self-sufficient husband who doesn't like to ask for favors, nor does he like to accept them, that it would make Jack feel good to help out. I explained that it was his way of returning all the favors my husband has done for him. As stubbon as he is, he understood, and called out, "Jack! Go ahead and mow if you want. I would really appreciate it."

Mr. and Mrs. Ringler, down the street, are both between 87 and 93 years old. They are always out gardening and working in the yard. They still drive and, until a couple of years ago, we could see Mr. R. frequently riding his bike around the area. They are so sweet.

Recipe for longevity (in part): Stay active, keep your faith, maintain a positive attitude and indulge yourself, once in a while, in a piece of coconut cake.

Hungry for Life!