Thursday, April 30, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRAVIE!!!!!
I did want to mention today is son Travis's birthday! I LOVE that boy!!!!! I may write later of some of his charming (wild and crazy) life!!!!!
Thursday Thoughts
Creative Cooking class yesterday was so much fun. I think we had 17 in the class...perfect group. I feel so blessed to get to associate with these amazing women so much. Everything went well (considering when I went to the storage area where our freezer is located, I found $30 dollars of fish I purchased last week for class....still outside the freezer....spoiled. When I went to put it in the freezer, my freezer had all frosted up (broken seal) and I was so mad I came up stairs and called and ordered a new freezer...and one thought lead to another and I totally didn't realize I had left the fish there. Oh, if I only had a brain....)
Most loved the cilantro slaw that I posted yesterday as an alternative to plain cabbage. I also made a cilantro cream for fish tacos:
Cilantro Cream for Fish Tacos
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems trimmed (about one cup)
1/2 cup creme frache or sour cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
That is the real recipe but I added 1/2 small can of chopped green chilies and also about 1/2 tsp. of cumin to give it a smokier taste.
Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper (don't forget!) Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
Friends Valene and Gayle Miller came to the cooking class since we were headed to the new Draper Temple afterwards! Squeal!!!! We had a leisurely time before and after and it was awesome to be able to talk. It was really the first time that I've been able to visit with Gayle face-to-face since Larry's death. The rest of Bucket group had gone to her home a month ago and took lunch and planted a tree from all of us in his memory so they got to visit but Tenille had just had Sadi and I was watching the little boys that day. I don't think unless you lose a spouse you love, you can even comprehend this pain. She is an amazing woman and I learn so much from her. Life goes on but the pain is there.
Just before I ran out the door to the car, the phone ran and my MIL answered. Thankfully I forgot something (so unusual) and ran back into the house to get it and my MIL told me my mom had called and that dad was in the hospital! After an update last night, which is no update at all...since no Dr.'s had been in or read test results, I really feel like he has all the symptoms of congestive heart failure like my mom has been experiencing. He couldn't breath, his feet and legs were swelling up. But I'll find out more today. I told mom (not a member of my church) that I would put dad's name in the temple. Every temple session, these names are prayed for specifically and I explained that to mom. She must have told dad and his reply (in my typical dad humor) something like "Now you tell those people (meaning us Mormons) not to pray too much. I don't want any extra attention upstairs (meaning he likes to lay low religiously) ....they might just yank me up!" I'm telling you...he IS a funny man! I'm so grateful my brother and his wonderful family is there to take such good care of my folks. My brother is one of my idols and he serves with love, humor and grace. Okay, okay, I have lots of stigmas from growing up with him (i.e. that my nose is big enough to hang in a cherry tree so I can pick with both hands) but he's worth it.
So, please offer a prayer for my dad.....but do it anonymously! (Don't you just love the guy?)
Today is a day I don't get often....a play date with Brandi. Of course it isn't just a date...since Hallee Babe and Addison are coming as well. Ryan has a field trip with Gracie (since he's Mr. Mom).....Karla, we are coming your way so get making my gourmet cake immediately! We are hitting Dear Lizzies (with two little girls, one of which will be a bull in a china closet? What are we thinking???) and Highland Farms to get flowers. Oh, happy day!
Did you know that postage is going up another 2 cents in about another week? Stock up on your forever stamps today!
Speaking of postage-
MARK TWAIN IN CRUSADE TO TRIM OCEAN POSTAGE.
American Humorist Wants Letters from the United States to England Carried for Two Cents.[BY CABLE TO THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE.]
LONDON, July 1.--Mark Twain tomorrow will endeavor to prove that the Saturday Review's designation of him as "the real American ambassador to Great Britain "is founded on truth, for after luncheon in the house of commons he will accompany Mr. Henniker Heaton to the British postmaster general and urge the establishment of penny postage (2 cents) between the United States and Great Britain. Speaking of his project tonight, Mark said:
"The whole burden of postal cost comes upon the senders of letters. To my mind it is nothing but downright robbery to extort $1 a pound for letters. If the post office is in the robbery business let it be on a decent scale. If it is going to rob the public, let it do it for $10, instead of $1. A crime of magnitude may be forgiven, but petty larceny always is abhorrent.
"Speaking postally, my mind goes back to the days when it cost as much as a quarter to send letters to New Orleans. We did not have stamps in those days. My father used to give me the letters with the money to take them to the post office. This constituted my one source of income, as it did for most of the youths of Missouri. I pocketed the money and the letters went just the same, only the receiver had to pay.
"I believe this system did more to undermine the moral fiber of the boys of Missouri than anything I know. Fortunately, my moral character since has been rehabilitated.
"When England in 1848 invented stamps, my feelings were decidedly anti-English, as America took up the system and my income disappeared, as my father used to buy stamps, put them on the letters, and I had to trudge to the post office and mail them without any recompense.
"At that time when the proposition was advanced to reduce postage to 5 cents for short and 10 cents for long distances, the same cry was made which is now raised, that the reduction would ruin the post office, but the cry was false. The reduction increased the revenue. A reduction in postage between the United States and great Britain to a penny would have the same effect."
Most loved the cilantro slaw that I posted yesterday as an alternative to plain cabbage. I also made a cilantro cream for fish tacos:
Cilantro Cream for Fish Tacos
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems trimmed (about one cup)
1/2 cup creme frache or sour cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
That is the real recipe but I added 1/2 small can of chopped green chilies and also about 1/2 tsp. of cumin to give it a smokier taste.
Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper (don't forget!) Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
Friends Valene and Gayle Miller came to the cooking class since we were headed to the new Draper Temple afterwards! Squeal!!!! We had a leisurely time before and after and it was awesome to be able to talk. It was really the first time that I've been able to visit with Gayle face-to-face since Larry's death. The rest of Bucket group had gone to her home a month ago and took lunch and planted a tree from all of us in his memory so they got to visit but Tenille had just had Sadi and I was watching the little boys that day. I don't think unless you lose a spouse you love, you can even comprehend this pain. She is an amazing woman and I learn so much from her. Life goes on but the pain is there.
Just before I ran out the door to the car, the phone ran and my MIL answered. Thankfully I forgot something (so unusual) and ran back into the house to get it and my MIL told me my mom had called and that dad was in the hospital! After an update last night, which is no update at all...since no Dr.'s had been in or read test results, I really feel like he has all the symptoms of congestive heart failure like my mom has been experiencing. He couldn't breath, his feet and legs were swelling up. But I'll find out more today. I told mom (not a member of my church) that I would put dad's name in the temple. Every temple session, these names are prayed for specifically and I explained that to mom. She must have told dad and his reply (in my typical dad humor) something like "Now you tell those people (meaning us Mormons) not to pray too much. I don't want any extra attention upstairs (meaning he likes to lay low religiously) ....they might just yank me up!" I'm telling you...he IS a funny man! I'm so grateful my brother and his wonderful family is there to take such good care of my folks. My brother is one of my idols and he serves with love, humor and grace. Okay, okay, I have lots of stigmas from growing up with him (i.e. that my nose is big enough to hang in a cherry tree so I can pick with both hands) but he's worth it.
So, please offer a prayer for my dad.....but do it anonymously! (Don't you just love the guy?)
Today is a day I don't get often....a play date with Brandi. Of course it isn't just a date...since Hallee Babe and Addison are coming as well. Ryan has a field trip with Gracie (since he's Mr. Mom).....Karla, we are coming your way so get making my gourmet cake immediately! We are hitting Dear Lizzies (with two little girls, one of which will be a bull in a china closet? What are we thinking???) and Highland Farms to get flowers. Oh, happy day!
Did you know that postage is going up another 2 cents in about another week? Stock up on your forever stamps today!
Speaking of postage-
MARK TWAIN IN CRUSADE TO TRIM OCEAN POSTAGE.
American Humorist Wants Letters from the United States to England Carried for Two Cents.[BY CABLE TO THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE.]
LONDON, July 1.--Mark Twain tomorrow will endeavor to prove that the Saturday Review's designation of him as "the real American ambassador to Great Britain "is founded on truth, for after luncheon in the house of commons he will accompany Mr. Henniker Heaton to the British postmaster general and urge the establishment of penny postage (2 cents) between the United States and Great Britain. Speaking of his project tonight, Mark said:
"The whole burden of postal cost comes upon the senders of letters. To my mind it is nothing but downright robbery to extort $1 a pound for letters. If the post office is in the robbery business let it be on a decent scale. If it is going to rob the public, let it do it for $10, instead of $1. A crime of magnitude may be forgiven, but petty larceny always is abhorrent.
"Speaking postally, my mind goes back to the days when it cost as much as a quarter to send letters to New Orleans. We did not have stamps in those days. My father used to give me the letters with the money to take them to the post office. This constituted my one source of income, as it did for most of the youths of Missouri. I pocketed the money and the letters went just the same, only the receiver had to pay.
"I believe this system did more to undermine the moral fiber of the boys of Missouri than anything I know. Fortunately, my moral character since has been rehabilitated.
"When England in 1848 invented stamps, my feelings were decidedly anti-English, as America took up the system and my income disappeared, as my father used to buy stamps, put them on the letters, and I had to trudge to the post office and mail them without any recompense.
"At that time when the proposition was advanced to reduce postage to 5 cents for short and 10 cents for long distances, the same cry was made which is now raised, that the reduction would ruin the post office, but the cry was false. The reduction increased the revenue. A reduction in postage between the United States and great Britain to a penny would have the same effect."
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thanks, Rosebud
I may have posted some of these before but I recently received them from Rosebud (Maniac Rose)...and had a good laugh at them. I have to laugh, otherwise I would cry....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Creative Cooking
This morning is Creative Cooking at my home. We are focusing on fish. We will have a baked talapia (Nilda Castleton) a salmon rigatoni dish (Libby Hargrove) and I am making crab cakes and fish tacos. This recipe for crab cakes is FABULOUS! I made them on Sunday and David gave it the thumbs up. He's a crab cake lover but very discerning. You can eat them plain or serve them with whatever sauce you like. The Lemon Caper one is good too. Thanks, Brandi, for sharing Jenny's recipe!
MobJack Bay Seasoned Crab Cakes
(from Christina Campbell’s Tavern in Williamsburg)
10 oz. lump crabmeat (the can at Costco is great)
1 c. seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten well
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. white sauce (see below)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
1/4 tsp. tarragon leaves
1 Tbsp. Green pepper (chopped finely)
1 tsp. MobJack or Old Bay seasoning
1 T. onion, sauted in oil
Mix all ingredients except the crabmeat. Blend well; adjust seasonings. Add crabmeat and gently blend into mixture. Do not overly mix. Shape into 6 or 8 crab cakes. Pan fry or deep fry until browned, approximately 3- 5 min. per side. Serve with lemon caper sauce or cocktail sauce.
1 c. seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten well
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. white sauce (see below)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
1/4 tsp. tarragon leaves
1 Tbsp. Green pepper (chopped finely)
1 tsp. MobJack or Old Bay seasoning
1 T. onion, sauted in oil
Mix all ingredients except the crabmeat. Blend well; adjust seasonings. Add crabmeat and gently blend into mixture. Do not overly mix. Shape into 6 or 8 crab cakes. Pan fry or deep fry until browned, approximately 3- 5 min. per side. Serve with lemon caper sauce or cocktail sauce.
White Sauce
½ T. Butter
½ T. Flour
1/4 cup milk or half and half
dash of salt and pepper
In medium sauce pan, melt butter. Stir in flour and seasonings. Brown but do not burn. Add milk gradually to flour mixture, whisking until smooth and thickened.
½ T. Flour
1/4 cup milk or half and half
dash of salt and pepper
In medium sauce pan, melt butter. Stir in flour and seasonings. Brown but do not burn. Add milk gradually to flour mixture, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Lemon Caper Sauce- mix together:
½ c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp. chopped parsley
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. chopped capers, drained
½ tsp. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. finely chopped dill pickle
This is one recipe for fish tacos....I love just baking battered fish fillets. I like cold slaw, the fish and Costco's Mango salsa and call it good.
FISH TACOS and CILANTRO COLESLAW
4 tacos
4 frozen battered fish fillets
4 8-inch corn or flour tortillas
1/4-1/3 head green cabbage
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1 green onion, sliced or minced
1 tsp. chopped jalapeno or serrano chili, to taste
1 T. mayonnaise
1 T. Fresh lime juice
½ tsp. cumin seed or 1/4 tsp. Ground cumin
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Bake fish fillets according to package directions
2. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place in oven to heat.
3. Or heat them at the last minute in a microwave in plastic wrap
4. Shred or chop the cabbage
5. In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage with all the remaining ingredients
6. Cut each hot fish fleet into 6-8 pieces, them pile into a hot tortilla with lots of slaw.
4 tacos
4 frozen battered fish fillets
4 8-inch corn or flour tortillas
1/4-1/3 head green cabbage
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1 green onion, sliced or minced
1 tsp. chopped jalapeno or serrano chili, to taste
1 T. mayonnaise
1 T. Fresh lime juice
½ tsp. cumin seed or 1/4 tsp. Ground cumin
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Bake fish fillets according to package directions
2. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place in oven to heat.
3. Or heat them at the last minute in a microwave in plastic wrap
4. Shred or chop the cabbage
5. In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage with all the remaining ingredients
6. Cut each hot fish fleet into 6-8 pieces, them pile into a hot tortilla with lots of slaw.
For dessert (ha!)- I threaded a gummy fish and worm on a colorful skewer!
Picture My Tuesday
Guess what is full??? Not warm enough to put my tootsies in but almost!
Guess what I've been planting? Well, tons of stuff. Thank you, Mr. Greenhouse!
What other stuff have I been planting in the greenhouse? (it has to be things that don't need bees and bugs to pollinate.)
Fun grasses and funky plants.
I have developed a love of coleus in the past few years. I love the varities with varigated leaves and color.
Best example of being your own self? Last Thursday night Jan Kirkham and I drove to Provo to a wedding reception for our darling friend, Cali, who lives in Cedar City, Utah. Actually, she has been married forever...the reception was for her son. Adam (the groom) is a boy that has given Cali a rollercoaster ride (not bad, but fun) throughout life. He's always marched to his own (crazy) drummer. This was the wedding cake. It had a Star Wars couple on the top! LOVED it! (would that be Hans and Leah?) Hats off to "uncookie-cutters!"
Still Humming. Still "wickedly" humming.
I love it when I learn new vocabulary words. Some that I learned at Wicked:
oh wonderflu!!!!
Most interesting thing that happened yesterday: I received a random email (actually, it had filtered into my junk mail box so it is a miracle I even opened it) from someone I have never heard of-which turns out to be a distant relative. Cousin Patty in Calif.- you will be interested in this. His ggggggggggggggg(well, it seemed like that many gggggggggggggggggggg's) (so that makes him totally closer to one than 100)...grandfather was George Thirkell....brother to our gggrandfather John Pinock Thirkell. Look on page 35 of the family history. George was killed by a poacher while serving as a gameskeeper in England. He actually has (and says quite gruesome) copies of newspaper clippings of the event in England. Mark was born and raised in England and currently lives (because of business, in New York.) Anyway, I wrote back and asked if he was friend or foe...and he said definately friend! Patty, I'll pass some other good stuff on to you.
In regards to the news of a pandemic of swine flu...
Guess what I've been planting? Well, tons of stuff. Thank you, Mr. Greenhouse!
How do I feel about homegrown tomatoes?
What other stuff have I been planting in the greenhouse? (it has to be things that don't need bees and bugs to pollinate.)
Fun grasses and funky plants.
I have developed a love of coleus in the past few years. I love the varities with varigated leaves and color.
Best example of being your own self? Last Thursday night Jan Kirkham and I drove to Provo to a wedding reception for our darling friend, Cali, who lives in Cedar City, Utah. Actually, she has been married forever...the reception was for her son. Adam (the groom) is a boy that has given Cali a rollercoaster ride (not bad, but fun) throughout life. He's always marched to his own (crazy) drummer. This was the wedding cake. It had a Star Wars couple on the top! LOVED it! (would that be Hans and Leah?) Hats off to "uncookie-cutters!"
Still Humming. Still "wickedly" humming.
I love it when I learn new vocabulary words. Some that I learned at Wicked:
oh wonderflu!!!!
GLINDA(spoken) Fellow Ozians:
(sung) Let us be glad
Let us be grateful
Let us rejoicify
that goodness could subdue
The wicked workings
of you-know-who
Isn't it nice to know
That good will conquer evil?
The truth we all believe'll
by and by
Most interesting thing that happened yesterday: I received a random email (actually, it had filtered into my junk mail box so it is a miracle I even opened it) from someone I have never heard of-which turns out to be a distant relative. Cousin Patty in Calif.- you will be interested in this. His ggggggggggggggg(well, it seemed like that many gggggggggggggggggggg's) (so that makes him totally closer to one than 100)...grandfather was George Thirkell....brother to our gggrandfather John Pinock Thirkell. Look on page 35 of the family history. George was killed by a poacher while serving as a gameskeeper in England. He actually has (and says quite gruesome) copies of newspaper clippings of the event in England. Mark was born and raised in England and currently lives (because of business, in New York.) Anyway, I wrote back and asked if he was friend or foe...and he said definately friend! Patty, I'll pass some other good stuff on to you. In regards to the news of a pandemic of swine flu...
Question- What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?
Epidemic is a case where a disease or viral strain is localized to a region, while pandemic is global. For example, malaria can reach epidemic levels in regions of Africa but is not a threat globally. Whereas a flu strain can begin locally (epidemic) but eventually spread globally (pandemic.)
(I'm already in a panic....my son and family are probably going to Guatemala for 3 months! yikes!)
What's is the most interesting thing you are considering adding to your food storage? (According to recent news sources) Apparently, these little critters that so freely run my yard could be added to my emergency preparedness list! In case you have an over- abundance of this critters, please know that they are low in fat and nutritious...just make sure you shoot them in the head! Yikes! You mean before I eat them, I have to SHOOT them????
What's is the most interesting thing you are considering adding to your food storage? (According to recent news sources) Apparently, these little critters that so freely run my yard could be added to my emergency preparedness list! In case you have an over- abundance of this critters, please know that they are low in fat and nutritious...just make sure you shoot them in the head! Yikes! You mean before I eat them, I have to SHOOT them????
What is making my eye twitch? Drum roll!!!!!! Saturday IS IT!!!! I know it is so past Easter no one cares BUT I care! It is the 4th annual Eggstravaganza. Over 2,000 eggs! Breakfast quiches. Homemade Cinnamon rolls. Fruit and Goodies!
This is what the weather forecast for Saturday is.......
Twitch! Twitch! Twitch!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stake Conference
This has been our Stake Conference weekend and yesterday put me over the top. As we were leaving the Stake Center, J. was talking to some people and asked me a question and I couldn't even talk...I stammered some gibberish (my normal conversation)...because I just wanted to get home and go into my closet (really wishing I had really CLEANED it last week when I said I would) and just weep (happy weep) and have a little gratitude conversation with God.
Elder Todd Christopherson lives in our Stake and spoke at the end. He told how topics are chosen at General Conference and shared some interesting stories. He shared how in his own preparation, he met with leaders of other Christian churches and they discussed concern over "softness." Rather than being strong in the faith, strong in the scriptures, strong in commitment, strong in the battle against sin....their fear is that we are becoming soft. Soft in the faith, soft in commitment. Soft never wins the battle.
One of my favorite speakers was Larry Tippetts. He taught Institute for many years (maybe still does) and I took classes from him years ago (before Michael Wilcox.) He began by posing the question from God we find in the scriptures, after Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, "Adam, where art thou?"
Now, God being God didn't have to ask where Adam was physically...the question was "Adam, where are you in your heart? Where is your loyalty? What path do you choose?" Bro. Tippetts said, " With God there are two directions "toward or away." He went on to talk about Christ being the only "living water" - that which truly fills. We try to fill ourselves with so much that won't sustain. Besides the story in the scripture (Jesus meeting the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well), he shared the analogy CS Lewis tells in one of his books. In The Silver Chair- a little girl is very thirsty and goes to the stream to get a drink but is frightened because Aslan the Lion is there. She is afraid although he welcomes her to come and drink. She is frustrated because she wants to drink but doesn't want to go through Aslan. She wants some other place to drink.....then Aslan says, ""There is no other stream"
And really....there IS no other stream.
They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters. Jer.2:13
Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. John 4:6-15
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Elder Todd Christopherson lives in our Stake and spoke at the end. He told how topics are chosen at General Conference and shared some interesting stories. He shared how in his own preparation, he met with leaders of other Christian churches and they discussed concern over "softness." Rather than being strong in the faith, strong in the scriptures, strong in commitment, strong in the battle against sin....their fear is that we are becoming soft. Soft in the faith, soft in commitment. Soft never wins the battle.
One of my favorite speakers was Larry Tippetts. He taught Institute for many years (maybe still does) and I took classes from him years ago (before Michael Wilcox.) He began by posing the question from God we find in the scriptures, after Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, "Adam, where art thou?"
Now, God being God didn't have to ask where Adam was physically...the question was "Adam, where are you in your heart? Where is your loyalty? What path do you choose?" Bro. Tippetts said, " With God there are two directions "toward or away." He went on to talk about Christ being the only "living water" - that which truly fills. We try to fill ourselves with so much that won't sustain. Besides the story in the scripture (Jesus meeting the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well), he shared the analogy CS Lewis tells in one of his books. In The Silver Chair- a little girl is very thirsty and goes to the stream to get a drink but is frightened because Aslan the Lion is there. She is afraid although he welcomes her to come and drink. She is frustrated because she wants to drink but doesn't want to go through Aslan. She wants some other place to drink.....then Aslan says, ""There is no other stream"
And really....there IS no other stream.
They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters. Jer.2:13
Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. John 4:6-15
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Feeling Uplifted and Wicked!!!
Yesterday morning I spent in the pool (empty) washing walls and brooming out leaves and yucky stuff. As I'm working up a storm, my sweet MIL was working on the sidelines and I mentioned how when we bought this property, I TOLD David I "wasn't doing" the pool if we bought it. So.....why were WE out there working while David was down at the arena roping? Hmmmm. To be fair, he spent hours in the afternoon doing the worst part, cleaning the sludgie stuff out of the bottom (we don't have a pool cover and the pool is in the greenhouse and it gets full of leaves and yuck. In past years, we have frogs galore but this year we drained it (except for a little swamp at the bottom) so I'm not fishing for frogs! But now the pool is clean and beautiful (well, beautiful for an OLD pool) and filling up with fresh water......water aerobics with the girlie friends, here we come!
It was raining cats and dogs outside but Marci had called the day before and asked if I could pick up Ryan (son Ryan, not SIL Ryan) at the airport. He's been in Guatemala for business and then doing a project for Carol Mikita. Carol is a KSL news reporter and she specializes in featured programs about the church around the world. She had called Ryan to see if he could "tour" them and do groundwork for a feature there that will be shown between Conference sessions in the fall. It was a project which teamed Choice Humanitarian and Beneficial Life in a little village in Guat (as Ryan calls it.) This village had about 300 people without electricity, running water, any kind of sewer system. They put solar panels on the recently (another project) built school so the school has electricity, did some kind of bathroom systems, de-wormed everyone, etc. Ryan made arrangements for a little boy with obvious heart problems, a man with cataracts and several other medical conditions but who knows if these people will follow through. Their world is so small, they can't really comprehend what can be done to alleviate these problems or traveling outside the village. When Ryan on occasion asked someone how far is was to a certain place, they would reply, "Four hours." As Ryan would try to figure that out in his mind, he would realize that it couldn't be a 4-hour drive.....then he realized it was a 4-hour walk! Of the census of the village, very few are over 50. They didn't want to even worm the people over 50! Man- they don't see a lot of people closer to one hundred than one! I'd be in bad wormy trouble! He said there was an 7-year-old girl with obvious Down's that he was sure the parents didn't even know that she had a syndrome. What a great place for her to grow up in- what Ryan said, was one of the most beautiful mountain villages he's ever seen, obliviously happy and not being separated by society! I loved having Ryan to myself for a couple of hours (the traffic was horrid with the rain and construction) as I took him home to Eagle Mountain (1/2 hour away from us, an hour from the airport)...to hear all the interesting stories, to hear about people I've grown to love. He had dinner with the Bawden's in Guatemala (Happy Birthday, Marilyn B!!!!!! I'm sooo glad that he got to see you).....then had lined them and others up for filming along with other people talking about the many wonderful projects they are doing there (and in neighboring countries.)
Yesterday morning, friend Kelly Alter (Kelly's husband used to be David's counselor when he was Bishop...but our Ward was divided several years ago and they are in the Pepperwood Stake now) called and said that she had two tickets last night for the touring production of "Wicked" and asked if I wanted to buy them!!!!!! Oh my gosh....heart be still!!!! Kelly comes to art class and we had been talking about Wicked and I asked her that if she heard of tickets available, to let me know! So last night, Brandi and I had date night....we were both squealing all day! I've wanted to see this production FOREVER.....most of my friends have seen it in New York. We went to Zupa's first for soup and salad. We would have been happy sitting in the doorway at the Capital Theater but then we found our seats. Can I say, about the 6th row, center-stage! I don't think there could have been better seats ANYWHERE! We were totally blown away by everything...the costumes were indescribable (Victorian with bizarre twists....the crazy hats, the shoes, the whole-other-world look!)....the music (I hummed all night long in my sleep, I'm sure!)....the story! Magnificent! The quirky character of Glinda (the Ga is silent....one of the lines from the play) was Katie Rose Clarke and Donna Vivino, who was the original Cosette in Les Mis, when she was little, was Elphaba...the wicked witch. Amazing!!!!!
It was raining cats and dogs outside but Marci had called the day before and asked if I could pick up Ryan (son Ryan, not SIL Ryan) at the airport. He's been in Guatemala for business and then doing a project for Carol Mikita. Carol is a KSL news reporter and she specializes in featured programs about the church around the world. She had called Ryan to see if he could "tour" them and do groundwork for a feature there that will be shown between Conference sessions in the fall. It was a project which teamed Choice Humanitarian and Beneficial Life in a little village in Guat (as Ryan calls it.) This village had about 300 people without electricity, running water, any kind of sewer system. They put solar panels on the recently (another project) built school so the school has electricity, did some kind of bathroom systems, de-wormed everyone, etc. Ryan made arrangements for a little boy with obvious heart problems, a man with cataracts and several other medical conditions but who knows if these people will follow through. Their world is so small, they can't really comprehend what can be done to alleviate these problems or traveling outside the village. When Ryan on occasion asked someone how far is was to a certain place, they would reply, "Four hours." As Ryan would try to figure that out in his mind, he would realize that it couldn't be a 4-hour drive.....then he realized it was a 4-hour walk! Of the census of the village, very few are over 50. They didn't want to even worm the people over 50! Man- they don't see a lot of people closer to one hundred than one! I'd be in bad wormy trouble! He said there was an 7-year-old girl with obvious Down's that he was sure the parents didn't even know that she had a syndrome. What a great place for her to grow up in- what Ryan said, was one of the most beautiful mountain villages he's ever seen, obliviously happy and not being separated by society! I loved having Ryan to myself for a couple of hours (the traffic was horrid with the rain and construction) as I took him home to Eagle Mountain (1/2 hour away from us, an hour from the airport)...to hear all the interesting stories, to hear about people I've grown to love. He had dinner with the Bawden's in Guatemala (Happy Birthday, Marilyn B!!!!!! I'm sooo glad that he got to see you).....then had lined them and others up for filming along with other people talking about the many wonderful projects they are doing there (and in neighboring countries.)
Yesterday morning, friend Kelly Alter (Kelly's husband used to be David's counselor when he was Bishop...but our Ward was divided several years ago and they are in the Pepperwood Stake now) called and said that she had two tickets last night for the touring production of "Wicked" and asked if I wanted to buy them!!!!!! Oh my gosh....heart be still!!!! Kelly comes to art class and we had been talking about Wicked and I asked her that if she heard of tickets available, to let me know! So last night, Brandi and I had date night....we were both squealing all day! I've wanted to see this production FOREVER.....most of my friends have seen it in New York. We went to Zupa's first for soup and salad. We would have been happy sitting in the doorway at the Capital Theater but then we found our seats. Can I say, about the 6th row, center-stage! I don't think there could have been better seats ANYWHERE! We were totally blown away by everything...the costumes were indescribable (Victorian with bizarre twists....the crazy hats, the shoes, the whole-other-world look!)....the music (I hummed all night long in my sleep, I'm sure!)....the story! Magnificent! The quirky character of Glinda (the Ga is silent....one of the lines from the play) was Katie Rose Clarke and Donna Vivino, who was the original Cosette in Les Mis, when she was little, was Elphaba...the wicked witch. Amazing!!!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
And the Winner is......
Liza!!! You lucky girl...you will love this cookbook. Thanks everyone for commenting. I'm so excited about gardening and planting....I've got about a dozen tomato plants in containers planted, lots of basil (heaven!). Yesterday my MIL and I got a couple flats of coleus type plants planted in the greenhouse. Every day I will go downstairs (where she lives) and say, "Do you want to go and have some fun?" And she's always game! I'm so tempted to get the stinkies planted outside but don't dare. Then I can concentrate on my "real" flowers!
And thanks for sharing the funny stories. They REALLY cheered my day! A funny story (almost in response to SuperGabers' most ridiculous knock-knock joke ever. Super Gabers' was one of my Laurels and her mommy is NatureGrams. Gabers' has grown up into this bright, sassy, sharp, funny, wonderful mother of two...but I'm telling you Gab, WORST knock-knock joke EVER!) (but actually it fits in here quite nicely.....)
So, I'm trying to see a new Dr. about my stomach. (sorry, ANOTHER stupid health conversation. I'm soooo sorry! That's what happens when you get closer to 100 than one.) Each Dr. that has been referred will take about a month to be seen (new patient, they take more time, etc.) BFF's Cathy and Kirk were at their Dr.....and tried to get me in to see him...and again, I can't get in for a month. Cathy pleads, "But she thinks she has an ulcer!" And the Dr. said, "Well, then I will send a stool sample kit home with you and afterwards she can give it to Kirk and he can bring it back to me." (the Dr. is clear up-town and Kirk sees him all the time with business.)
So, Cathy calls me on the phone when leaving the office, laughing so hard about "the assignment" and I can hear Kirk in the background exhorting, "You tell Marilyn I don't want her crap!" Sorry about the "c" word...I wouldn't normally say it but Cathy and I can't stop laughing about it. (The stool kit doesn't seem complete so Cathy and I have laughed about the many possibilities of what I'm suppose to do!) David was appalled when I told him the funny story and said, "Man, I would drive that to the Dr. myself....I wouldn't be taking it to Kirk!" Duh? Really? But then again, what are BFF's for???
Oh happy day! Art begins in an hour, then my MIL and I are making fresh strawberry freezer jam. It is so yummy. Fabulous flats at WalMart yesterday for $5 a flat and not one bad berry! Yesterday Brandi, two of the little girls and I got to have lunch together and do a WalMart shop. I love being with them! Hallee Babe and Addi sing and dance the entire time. These little girls make my heart sing. And Brandi? She's my gift.
Last week I was a nervous wreck (and I wonder why I think I have an ulcer. Actually, I think the stomach problems are from the 100 Loritabs I took in two weeks with shingles...and also that is the reason I'm refusing to go back to my Dr. that prescribed that instead of other medication.) worrying about Youth Conference. On Monday I got a call from Jan England, the darling wife of our Bishop. Jan is the Stake Girl's Camp Director that I volunteered to do the food for, to help her....then she was stressed when she later learned that her husband had called us (David and I) to plan and put on our Ward's Youth Conference...thinking that was too much....then Sunday when I was called as Gospel Doctrine, she thought I might be going over the edge and asked what she could do. I told her the only thing I was truly stressed about was youth conference. I am so used to working with a presidency committee, when the three of us would sit down and plan whatever activity together....starting with spiritual goals, then activities that support that, to the fun activities, to food and physical facilities. I have learned after doing Pioneer Trek with David (we were the Wagon Masters in charge of the whole deal with another couple)...that men and women work TOTALLY different when planning a big event. David is wonderful with physical facilities but kind of clueless about the other. He throws out ideas but nothing is outlined on paper, hour to hour, so we can give assignments or even know what we are doing. I HAVE been stressed since Y. C. is 6 weeks away! So when Jan called and asked what she could do, I said, "Do you have time to run and get a yogurt or something later in the week so I can just brainstorm with you?" As it turned out we went almost immediately. We got a gelato and sat outside in the sun and I copied off my pages of ideas and she acted as scribe and within an hour, we had everything organized! It was amazing!!! Girlfriends to the rescue! When I thanked her and thanked her, she said, "Marilyn, all I did was organize your thoughts here." Not true, but I came right home and typed the 3-day agenda, presented it to David when he got home, sent it off to all the Young Men/Women's leaders/Bishopric and we're in business! Whew! Honestly, it was this huge weight off my shoulders (tummy.) I appreciate Jan and her willingness to jump right in to help. She was my lifesavor on this shipwreck!
"One can't complain. I have my friends. Someone spoke to me only yesterday." Eeyore
And thanks for sharing the funny stories. They REALLY cheered my day! A funny story (almost in response to SuperGabers' most ridiculous knock-knock joke ever. Super Gabers' was one of my Laurels and her mommy is NatureGrams. Gabers' has grown up into this bright, sassy, sharp, funny, wonderful mother of two...but I'm telling you Gab, WORST knock-knock joke EVER!) (but actually it fits in here quite nicely.....)
So, I'm trying to see a new Dr. about my stomach. (sorry, ANOTHER stupid health conversation. I'm soooo sorry! That's what happens when you get closer to 100 than one.) Each Dr. that has been referred will take about a month to be seen (new patient, they take more time, etc.) BFF's Cathy and Kirk were at their Dr.....and tried to get me in to see him...and again, I can't get in for a month. Cathy pleads, "But she thinks she has an ulcer!" And the Dr. said, "Well, then I will send a stool sample kit home with you and afterwards she can give it to Kirk and he can bring it back to me." (the Dr. is clear up-town and Kirk sees him all the time with business.)
So, Cathy calls me on the phone when leaving the office, laughing so hard about "the assignment" and I can hear Kirk in the background exhorting, "You tell Marilyn I don't want her crap!" Sorry about the "c" word...I wouldn't normally say it but Cathy and I can't stop laughing about it. (The stool kit doesn't seem complete so Cathy and I have laughed about the many possibilities of what I'm suppose to do!) David was appalled when I told him the funny story and said, "Man, I would drive that to the Dr. myself....I wouldn't be taking it to Kirk!" Duh? Really? But then again, what are BFF's for???
Oh happy day! Art begins in an hour, then my MIL and I are making fresh strawberry freezer jam. It is so yummy. Fabulous flats at WalMart yesterday for $5 a flat and not one bad berry! Yesterday Brandi, two of the little girls and I got to have lunch together and do a WalMart shop. I love being with them! Hallee Babe and Addi sing and dance the entire time. These little girls make my heart sing. And Brandi? She's my gift.
Last week I was a nervous wreck (and I wonder why I think I have an ulcer. Actually, I think the stomach problems are from the 100 Loritabs I took in two weeks with shingles...and also that is the reason I'm refusing to go back to my Dr. that prescribed that instead of other medication.) worrying about Youth Conference. On Monday I got a call from Jan England, the darling wife of our Bishop. Jan is the Stake Girl's Camp Director that I volunteered to do the food for, to help her....then she was stressed when she later learned that her husband had called us (David and I) to plan and put on our Ward's Youth Conference...thinking that was too much....then Sunday when I was called as Gospel Doctrine, she thought I might be going over the edge and asked what she could do. I told her the only thing I was truly stressed about was youth conference. I am so used to working with a presidency committee, when the three of us would sit down and plan whatever activity together....starting with spiritual goals, then activities that support that, to the fun activities, to food and physical facilities. I have learned after doing Pioneer Trek with David (we were the Wagon Masters in charge of the whole deal with another couple)...that men and women work TOTALLY different when planning a big event. David is wonderful with physical facilities but kind of clueless about the other. He throws out ideas but nothing is outlined on paper, hour to hour, so we can give assignments or even know what we are doing. I HAVE been stressed since Y. C. is 6 weeks away! So when Jan called and asked what she could do, I said, "Do you have time to run and get a yogurt or something later in the week so I can just brainstorm with you?" As it turned out we went almost immediately. We got a gelato and sat outside in the sun and I copied off my pages of ideas and she acted as scribe and within an hour, we had everything organized! It was amazing!!! Girlfriends to the rescue! When I thanked her and thanked her, she said, "Marilyn, all I did was organize your thoughts here." Not true, but I came right home and typed the 3-day agenda, presented it to David when he got home, sent it off to all the Young Men/Women's leaders/Bishopric and we're in business! Whew! Honestly, it was this huge weight off my shoulders (tummy.) I appreciate Jan and her willingness to jump right in to help. She was my lifesavor on this shipwreck!
"One can't complain. I have my friends. Someone spoke to me only yesterday." Eeyore
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Flowers and Thistles
In Utah, you have to pay attention. When you wake up each morning, you wonder if it is a snow shovel day......OR SPRINGTIME! We have had springtime all week and it is impossible not to smile or be outside. If you spend your whole day inside cleaning your closet (you might start getting my drift here....) you might MISS these glorious moments. Springtime in Utah can be moments. Although I don't dare plant my stinkies (geraniums), you can see I do have them outside on a small balconey- protected somewhat from the elements and yet conditioning them for the outdoors (and besides, I didn't want to haul them all over to the greenhouse....THAT would have required exercise!)
These sorry-looking-but-in-recovery are the first batch I purchased. They were full and lush and looked like a salad bar, apparently, for our swatters (deer). They munched these babies down and I'm sure had to gnaw on a bottle of Tums afterwards. I'm still shaking my head over that one. Never fear, these WILL recover and once again bring joy to the universe.
This is what they USED to look like. The pink will go along the back wall, back yard where Niki's wedding party will be.
Here are the red ones for the rest of the yard. Of course, today is the last time they'll have these beautiful flowers on them. Today I will pinch off all their heads (feeling very Herodish) because we want abundant blooms in June, not April.
Eeyore's description from Wikipedia: He is generally characterized as a pessimistic, gloomy, depressed old grey stuffed donkey who is a friend of the title character, Winnie-the-Pooh. Eeyore's best friend is Tigger. His name is derived from the British pronunciation of "hee-haw."
"No Give and Take. No Exchange of Thought. It gets you nowhere, particularly if the other person's tail is only just in sight for the second half of the conversation." Eeyore from "The House at Pooh Corner" by A. A. Milne
These sorry-looking-but-in-recovery are the first batch I purchased. They were full and lush and looked like a salad bar, apparently, for our swatters (deer). They munched these babies down and I'm sure had to gnaw on a bottle of Tums afterwards. I'm still shaking my head over that one. Never fear, these WILL recover and once again bring joy to the universe.
This is what they USED to look like. The pink will go along the back wall, back yard where Niki's wedding party will be.
Here are the red ones for the rest of the yard. Of course, today is the last time they'll have these beautiful flowers on them. Today I will pinch off all their heads (feeling very Herodish) because we want abundant blooms in June, not April.
Just to let you know, this guy is still here. Not that I really thought he was leaving unless the neighbors start flipping out. I heard Eeyore a couple of times yesterday but because he is down by the barn (down the sledding hill) next to the gully, the braying has a distance to carry. Thankfully no houses are RIGHT next to him.....I hope he is no more annoying than neighbor's roosters or barking dogs.
Eeyore's description from Wikipedia: He is generally characterized as a pessimistic, gloomy, depressed old grey stuffed donkey who is a friend of the title character, Winnie-the-Pooh. Eeyore's best friend is Tigger. His name is derived from the British pronunciation of "hee-haw."
(who knew? Hee-Haw!)
Along with Eeyore, David brought a whole load of roping steers (which he goes all the way to Burley, Idaho to get!) This was the steers first day at the "ranch." (I use the term "ranch" VERY loosily here....we are a mini-farmette. Did I make up that term? And we really don't farm. Except for 2,000 Blue Spruce trees. Which we don't actually farm, we just watch grow.) I went down to see the steers and immediately they ran to make a football huddle. It was hysterical They were pushing and shoving to get their heads in, tails out. I scared them to death with just my face!
Along with Eeyore, David brought a whole load of roping steers (which he goes all the way to Burley, Idaho to get!) This was the steers first day at the "ranch." (I use the term "ranch" VERY loosily here....we are a mini-farmette. Did I make up that term? And we really don't farm. Except for 2,000 Blue Spruce trees. Which we don't actually farm, we just watch grow.) I went down to see the steers and immediately they ran to make a football huddle. It was hysterical They were pushing and shoving to get their heads in, tails out. I scared them to death with just my face!
"No Give and Take. No Exchange of Thought. It gets you nowhere, particularly if the other person's tail is only just in sight for the second half of the conversation." Eeyore from "The House at Pooh Corner" by A. A. Milne
Except for this guy. I could tell right away that this guy and I are going to be friends. The rest of those babies are going to be sorry. I take treats when I go places. I like to share.
"Sitting on thistles doesn't do them any Good. Take all the Life out of them."
Eeyore from "Eeyore's gloomy Little Instruction Book" by A. A. Milne
"Sitting on thistles doesn't do them any Good. Take all the Life out of them."Eeyore from "Eeyore's gloomy Little Instruction Book" by A. A. Milne
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
More Contest
I'll do the drawing for the cookbook Friday morning, 8:30. So keep sharing your garden loves and funny stuff! (And Deanna and Nicole....you're on my list today to get your books sent. After my closet timer goes off! ....see previous post!)
Springtime
Excitement! Excitement! Spring is here! I just can't get enough! We sleep with our French doors open and sleep snugglie under the quilts. I actually took our quilted king-sized bedspread and 6 pillow shaws (can I tell you that FINALLY after a zillion years David can put the pillows in the right order on the bed! THAT has been a chore. Men versus pillows. I think that is how wars are started.) Saturday to a laundromat with big old washers and washed them all....then dried them for just about 20 mintes and brought them home to hang over our balconey in the sunshine. They smell so fresh I love to bury my face in them. Today or tomorrow I want to go back with all my blankets.
Yesterday in book group, we are in the 8th chapter of Jesus the Christ which details Christ's birth. I have loved learning further information about the conditions surrounding this great event. It has been interesting to learn more about Herold- what an evil man he was....arranging his wife and son's death and any other friend or foe that he had suspicions about. No wonder he was able to make that horrific decree after Jesus was born to slay all babies under 2. Can you even begin to imagine the sorrow? When Herod was dying (a unknown horrible disease) he called for all the "nobles" to come to the palace during his last moments...and had an agreement with his sister that they should all be murdered immediately after his decease. He knew that no one would mourn "his" death so he wanted to make sure there would be universal mourning. Although he is called Herod the Great (self-proclaimed, I'm sure)....he was great at evil and destruction. He is the perfect foil to Christ's love and kindness. I've decided we need to have a family home evening on this so my kids will have a new line for their mothering/fathering skills. When the kiddos are acting up and complaining that they are mean, the parents can say, "Well, you just be glad I'm not Herod!" We learned that the traditional scene painted by artists about the "inn" where Jesus was born, could easily have been a limestone cave which are still used by travelers today. Although Mary and Joseph were poor, they weren't destitute. Sleeping in inns, barns, mangers, caves were a regular means of travel accomdations. We were talking about "khans" which could be caves or huts that are situated within a circle, something common in ancient Israel and also today. Nancy Tillotson shared that they have them in Africa as well and the animals are herded into the middle of the circle so they can be watched and protected at night. She said it was dirty, dusty and basically you are sleeping in dung. I replied, "Well, you DO know that is where the phrase "It's a dung deal" came from.
Silence. Finally someone spoke up and said, "I thought that was a "done" deal?"
Man! These ladies just don't get my jokes early in the morning! "I" thought it was FUNNY!
Yesterday afternoon was one of my most-looked-forward-to events...if you would call it an event. We celebrate Valene's birthday (with funny Kathy Wilson and I) and eat and spend the day going to fun shops or weird places..wherever we want. Then usually we get to turn around and go again next week for Kathy's birthday but she is leaving for Israel so we had to get double celebrating in yesterday. Our favorite birthday restaurant....which is favorite because it is the Red Iguana all the way uptown...so we never go to it at other times....has been our pick for the past two years. But the closer I got, the "hurter" my stomach was hurting....and I asked if they minded not having spicy "mole" for lunch. No problem. We have all been wanting to go to Sittabella's uptown.....known for their "really" Italian pizzas, marvelous salads and gelato. The restaurant is on one side, and the gelato restaurant is on the other. We had our drinks and placed our order when the waitress dropped by and suggested we walk to the other side and taste test all the gelato flavors while we were waiting for our food. So we did. When we sauntered back to our table.....all our drinks were slicked clean away and the table set up for the next guests! We kind of stood there, looking dumbfounded...like we were punked or something. We started laughing and the poor "new" waiter....who thought he was being so efficient....quickly brought us new drinks.
Two of our stops were at garden or farm stores....Valene wanted red seed potatoes to plant and I needed more stinky geraniums (pink ones this time for Niki's wedding coming up.) And yum-oh-yum, fresh basil!!!! I could do a back handspring for fresh basil. (That reminds me that a couple of weeks ago, Travis and I were talking about his high school best friend, Casey Terry and how Casey recently said, "That would always crack me up when your mom would say she would do back hand springs for something!" ) (Sunday, in class with my "littles" I was instructing two little boys to do something and I was helping them and I said to one, "Here, Cutie pie, let me help you." "Cutie Pie" is just my familiar term. This BEAUTIFUL little boy with dark curly hair and giant brown eyes looked up to me and asked, "Cutie Pie?" and then he just started belly laughing. It was so cute.)
So, today's agenda. Clean my closet. Of course, I am already making excuses to get out to the greenhouse and get the basil planted. And then, I do need to run to the garden store and get the grape and pear tomatoes. And then I might need to run somewhere for lunch (it is 9:00 and I haven't had breakfast so I'm just kidding there.) And I need to work on Youth Conference stuff and Girl's Camp.....so you can see, the closet might just keep sitting there. What I have to do in dire situations like this is make it a game. I have to work in my closet for 10 minutes (I set a timer) and then I can do one other thing I "want" to do. Then I set the timer again. Throughout the day. As you can tell, I get distracted very easily. It is sometimes so frustrating but the nice thing is, I have a serendipitous life. Anything can happen and I'm ready to jump on board.
Serendipitous. Don't you love that word?
Yesterday in book group, we are in the 8th chapter of Jesus the Christ which details Christ's birth. I have loved learning further information about the conditions surrounding this great event. It has been interesting to learn more about Herold- what an evil man he was....arranging his wife and son's death and any other friend or foe that he had suspicions about. No wonder he was able to make that horrific decree after Jesus was born to slay all babies under 2. Can you even begin to imagine the sorrow? When Herod was dying (a unknown horrible disease) he called for all the "nobles" to come to the palace during his last moments...and had an agreement with his sister that they should all be murdered immediately after his decease. He knew that no one would mourn "his" death so he wanted to make sure there would be universal mourning. Although he is called Herod the Great (self-proclaimed, I'm sure)....he was great at evil and destruction. He is the perfect foil to Christ's love and kindness. I've decided we need to have a family home evening on this so my kids will have a new line for their mothering/fathering skills. When the kiddos are acting up and complaining that they are mean, the parents can say, "Well, you just be glad I'm not Herod!" We learned that the traditional scene painted by artists about the "inn" where Jesus was born, could easily have been a limestone cave which are still used by travelers today. Although Mary and Joseph were poor, they weren't destitute. Sleeping in inns, barns, mangers, caves were a regular means of travel accomdations. We were talking about "khans" which could be caves or huts that are situated within a circle, something common in ancient Israel and also today. Nancy Tillotson shared that they have them in Africa as well and the animals are herded into the middle of the circle so they can be watched and protected at night. She said it was dirty, dusty and basically you are sleeping in dung. I replied, "Well, you DO know that is where the phrase "It's a dung deal" came from.
Silence. Finally someone spoke up and said, "I thought that was a "done" deal?"
Man! These ladies just don't get my jokes early in the morning! "I" thought it was FUNNY!
Yesterday afternoon was one of my most-looked-forward-to events...if you would call it an event. We celebrate Valene's birthday (with funny Kathy Wilson and I) and eat and spend the day going to fun shops or weird places..wherever we want. Then usually we get to turn around and go again next week for Kathy's birthday but she is leaving for Israel so we had to get double celebrating in yesterday. Our favorite birthday restaurant....which is favorite because it is the Red Iguana all the way uptown...so we never go to it at other times....has been our pick for the past two years. But the closer I got, the "hurter" my stomach was hurting....and I asked if they minded not having spicy "mole" for lunch. No problem. We have all been wanting to go to Sittabella's uptown.....known for their "really" Italian pizzas, marvelous salads and gelato. The restaurant is on one side, and the gelato restaurant is on the other. We had our drinks and placed our order when the waitress dropped by and suggested we walk to the other side and taste test all the gelato flavors while we were waiting for our food. So we did. When we sauntered back to our table.....all our drinks were slicked clean away and the table set up for the next guests! We kind of stood there, looking dumbfounded...like we were punked or something. We started laughing and the poor "new" waiter....who thought he was being so efficient....quickly brought us new drinks.
Two of our stops were at garden or farm stores....Valene wanted red seed potatoes to plant and I needed more stinky geraniums (pink ones this time for Niki's wedding coming up.) And yum-oh-yum, fresh basil!!!! I could do a back handspring for fresh basil. (That reminds me that a couple of weeks ago, Travis and I were talking about his high school best friend, Casey Terry and how Casey recently said, "That would always crack me up when your mom would say she would do back hand springs for something!" ) (Sunday, in class with my "littles" I was instructing two little boys to do something and I was helping them and I said to one, "Here, Cutie pie, let me help you." "Cutie Pie" is just my familiar term. This BEAUTIFUL little boy with dark curly hair and giant brown eyes looked up to me and asked, "Cutie Pie?" and then he just started belly laughing. It was so cute.)
So, today's agenda. Clean my closet. Of course, I am already making excuses to get out to the greenhouse and get the basil planted. And then, I do need to run to the garden store and get the grape and pear tomatoes. And then I might need to run somewhere for lunch (it is 9:00 and I haven't had breakfast so I'm just kidding there.) And I need to work on Youth Conference stuff and Girl's Camp.....so you can see, the closet might just keep sitting there. What I have to do in dire situations like this is make it a game. I have to work in my closet for 10 minutes (I set a timer) and then I can do one other thing I "want" to do. Then I set the timer again. Throughout the day. As you can tell, I get distracted very easily. It is sometimes so frustrating but the nice thing is, I have a serendipitous life. Anything can happen and I'm ready to jump on board.
Serendipitous. Don't you love that word?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Contest
Tuesday is ALWAYS a busy day and today is no exception. Jan comes to help clean (cheaper than a therapist...we solve most of the world's problems if only they would listen...), then my book group (Jesus the Christ) which sends me over the edge with bliss. Add to that today Valene , Kathy Wilson and I are going out to celebrate birthdays. It will be a DAY of fun! Happiness! So, I think another cookbook contest is in order.
1- What's your favorite thing to plant in your garden (I planted my tomatoes in pots yesterday!!!)
2. Tell me the biggest laugh you have had this week. If no big laughs, share a chuckle. If you have absolutely nothing funny in your life, share a joke. (I need a laugh. My stomach has been killing, before and after the twitchie eye. I'm thinking ulcer. I'm sick of hurting. So make me laugh. Sorry, that sounded harsh. Please try to cheer my achy tummy up!)
1- What's your favorite thing to plant in your garden (I planted my tomatoes in pots yesterday!!!)
2. Tell me the biggest laugh you have had this week. If no big laughs, share a chuckle. If you have absolutely nothing funny in your life, share a joke. (I need a laugh. My stomach has been killing, before and after the twitchie eye. I'm thinking ulcer. I'm sick of hurting. So make me laugh. Sorry, that sounded harsh. Please try to cheer my achy tummy up!)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Soooooo......
so:
B and R's kids have been off track. Because of Brandi's busy work schedule, they really haven't had (ha!) fun. So Brandi took a few days off so they could do a real family vacation. They went to Sweden (Ikea) for a free breakfast, Italy for lunch (the Olive Garden), played some futbol in Europe (two of the kids had soccer games), visited the Great Salt Lake (which the kids LOVED) (except for all the dead birds) and Temple Square. They stayed at a B & B; with a swimming pool and hot tub (the other grandparents), then went to a dude ranch (our house) and rode horses. They were amazed but not nearly as SHOCKED as I was when I saw this fellow tied up to one of our fences. Apparently it followed David home from Idaho this weekend where he went to pick up his roping steers! Likely story!
Like we need another animal to feed. Travis laughed when he heard and told Dad (David) that he really should have gotten another horse to which David replied, "I did that too!" First time "I" had heard that! Man, oh, man! Now you see why I don't feel bad going out to lunch every day! Apparently donkeys are great for practicing team roping when you're a heeler (the cowboy that ropes the feet.) Just what I always wanted......
Read about the kid's fun "stay-cation" here:
http://campbellpost.blogspot.com/
Church yesterday was SO AWESOME! Chase Morrison returned home from his mission a few weeks ago. Their family moved a few years ago to Suncrest (Draper) but we still got to hear from him. Chase is part of triplets.....it was wonderful to see the family. I've blogged about them before. Trish, the mom, was on the commercials for anti-school vouchers (I was pro)....and is the most darling, darling person anywhere. We were team teachers for the Laurels for years and I had to make her blush as often as possible. I was her Visiting Teacher for years. Trish has never done a naughty thing in her life so I got a lot of milage out of that! I buy her a book every year for her birthday which is coming up soon..and I've had the book for a month. Another crazy one. I'm always on the lookout.
Brad Walton gave one of the finest talks on "being of good cheer" yesterday....when I have time (!) I'll try and remember some of the points. Even though we are in trying times, two people in the very same situation can have opposing reactions. He was actually in Manhatton on Sept. 11 and saw the trade towers come down and he shared some of that. We "choose" to be good-natured and find joy no matter what. He didn't use this quote but I thought of it during his talk. True joy isn't the absense of sorrow but the presence of God.
Gotta run but I do have to share I got a phone call right before Church. I was released from teaching my "littles" in Sunbeams and called to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher (Sunday School for the adults.) Although I am thrilled, I'm worried about treats. My littles and I have gummy worms and crackers with squirt cheese and drink juicy juices and do finger plays for everything. I can't wait to see Dave Stapels doing finger plays in Gospel Doctrine. He has already threatened to sabotage my lessons (being the bad boy he is) and I could totally imagine, if given the chance, he would squirt everyone in class with cheese. I don't know if I can survive without treats.....and I'm REALLY not sure I can survive D.S.!!!! Just kidding. He's my favorite delinquent in the Ward.
Gotta boogie. A busy day. A busy but wonderful week ahead. I do want to post Sheron Fitches wonderful Lemon-Cornmeal Cake that we had at Bucket group. The texture of this and lemon zest make this a really unique and delicious dessert!
LEMON-CORNMEAL CAKE
Baking spray (cooking spray with flour)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. each baking soda and salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh
4 large eggs1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt, stirred to loosen
Sugar Glaze:
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh
1. Heat oven to 325 F.
You'll need a 10-cup decorative tube pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan, coated with baking spray. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, soda, and salt.
2. In large bowl beat butter, sugar, lemon zest and juice with mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until blended. With mixer on low, alternately beat in flour mixture and buttermilk until batter is smooth. Scrape into prepared pan; level top with spatula.
3. Bake 55 to 65 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack 5 minutes.
4. While cake is cooling for the 5 min., make the sugar glaze. Whisk the sugar and lemon juice until combined (sugar will not be totally dissolved). Invert cake from pan onto rack; place rack over a baking sheet. Brush glaze all over hot cake until absorbed (sugar crystals will be evident).
Cool completely. Transfer cake to a serving plate and cover. Let cake rest several hours, or overnight, before serving. Store cake covered at room temperature up to 4 days. Cut into thin slices to serve.(Note: can use lime zest and lime juice for a zesty alternative)
B and R's kids have been off track. Because of Brandi's busy work schedule, they really haven't had (ha!) fun. So Brandi took a few days off so they could do a real family vacation. They went to Sweden (Ikea) for a free breakfast, Italy for lunch (the Olive Garden), played some futbol in Europe (two of the kids had soccer games), visited the Great Salt Lake (which the kids LOVED) (except for all the dead birds) and Temple Square. They stayed at a B & B; with a swimming pool and hot tub (the other grandparents), then went to a dude ranch (our house) and rode horses. They were amazed but not nearly as SHOCKED as I was when I saw this fellow tied up to one of our fences. Apparently it followed David home from Idaho this weekend where he went to pick up his roping steers! Likely story!
Like we need another animal to feed. Travis laughed when he heard and told Dad (David) that he really should have gotten another horse to which David replied, "I did that too!" First time "I" had heard that! Man, oh, man! Now you see why I don't feel bad going out to lunch every day! Apparently donkeys are great for practicing team roping when you're a heeler (the cowboy that ropes the feet.) Just what I always wanted......Read about the kid's fun "stay-cation" here:
http://campbellpost.blogspot.com/
Church yesterday was SO AWESOME! Chase Morrison returned home from his mission a few weeks ago. Their family moved a few years ago to Suncrest (Draper) but we still got to hear from him. Chase is part of triplets.....it was wonderful to see the family. I've blogged about them before. Trish, the mom, was on the commercials for anti-school vouchers (I was pro)....and is the most darling, darling person anywhere. We were team teachers for the Laurels for years and I had to make her blush as often as possible. I was her Visiting Teacher for years. Trish has never done a naughty thing in her life so I got a lot of milage out of that! I buy her a book every year for her birthday which is coming up soon..and I've had the book for a month. Another crazy one. I'm always on the lookout.
Brad Walton gave one of the finest talks on "being of good cheer" yesterday....when I have time (!) I'll try and remember some of the points. Even though we are in trying times, two people in the very same situation can have opposing reactions. He was actually in Manhatton on Sept. 11 and saw the trade towers come down and he shared some of that. We "choose" to be good-natured and find joy no matter what. He didn't use this quote but I thought of it during his talk. True joy isn't the absense of sorrow but the presence of God.
Gotta run but I do have to share I got a phone call right before Church. I was released from teaching my "littles" in Sunbeams and called to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher (Sunday School for the adults.) Although I am thrilled, I'm worried about treats. My littles and I have gummy worms and crackers with squirt cheese and drink juicy juices and do finger plays for everything. I can't wait to see Dave Stapels doing finger plays in Gospel Doctrine. He has already threatened to sabotage my lessons (being the bad boy he is) and I could totally imagine, if given the chance, he would squirt everyone in class with cheese. I don't know if I can survive without treats.....and I'm REALLY not sure I can survive D.S.!!!! Just kidding. He's my favorite delinquent in the Ward.
Gotta boogie. A busy day. A busy but wonderful week ahead. I do want to post Sheron Fitches wonderful Lemon-Cornmeal Cake that we had at Bucket group. The texture of this and lemon zest make this a really unique and delicious dessert!
LEMON-CORNMEAL CAKE
Baking spray (cooking spray with flour)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. each baking soda and salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh
4 large eggs1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt, stirred to loosen
Sugar Glaze:
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh
1. Heat oven to 325 F.
You'll need a 10-cup decorative tube pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan, coated with baking spray. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, soda, and salt.
2. In large bowl beat butter, sugar, lemon zest and juice with mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until blended. With mixer on low, alternately beat in flour mixture and buttermilk until batter is smooth. Scrape into prepared pan; level top with spatula.
3. Bake 55 to 65 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack 5 minutes.
4. While cake is cooling for the 5 min., make the sugar glaze. Whisk the sugar and lemon juice until combined (sugar will not be totally dissolved). Invert cake from pan onto rack; place rack over a baking sheet. Brush glaze all over hot cake until absorbed (sugar crystals will be evident).
Cool completely. Transfer cake to a serving plate and cover. Let cake rest several hours, or overnight, before serving. Store cake covered at room temperature up to 4 days. Cut into thin slices to serve.(Note: can use lime zest and lime juice for a zesty alternative)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Pirates? Who Knew?
When I was preparing my talk last week for a Stake Primary in South Jordan, my mind kept thinking about pirates. Who knew they were present, dangerous and a real threat? Not only do they steal what we think are "treasures" but can even destroy our lives.
Treasure has been on my mind. Being led by the Spirit enables us, as the scriptures say, to build up treasures in heaven, "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matt. 6:20).
In other words, no pirates allowed!
Pirates are dangerous and yet we often allow them to steal the most valuable of treasures everyday in our lives. I know I have shared these quotes before (a million times but honestly, they are some of my favorites.) Elder Buche, in a talk entitled "The Only Real Treasure" shares this quote.
It is not enough for us to merely know that there will be treasures awaiting us in heaven. When we consistently follow the Holy Spirit, in a continuous, constant spirit of prayer, the world of miracles is open to us now, in this life. A life of adventures, of constant, growing amazement, of surprising vision, of new aspects of life, of new dimensions of joy and peace will be the consequence.
Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), former Relief Society general president: "When you are filled with the Spirit of God, … that [Spirit] satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that spirit my soul is satisfied.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "The Spirit of God … will be as soft as a whisper, coming as a thought to our minds or a feeling in our hearts. … Choose to put yourself in a position to have experiences with the Spirit of God through prayer, in scripture study, at Church meetings, in your home, and through wholesome interactions with others" ("To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency," Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 7).
I realize that spirituality is something that we "choose." We choose how much time we give God. We choose whether or not we live His commandments. We choose whether or not we not just read, but study His word. Helen Keller once said that those who choose not to read are no better off than those who cannot read. I realize that reading the scriptures sometimes is like reading a foreign language. It actually IS a foreign language. But it is one we can and must become fluent in. Don't let pirates rob us of our most valuable treasures.
Joshua is one of my heros in the Old Testament. I love his whole story. I love the courage he found to lead the children of Israel after Moses and I know he found this courage because the Lord walked beside him. At the end of this life, he said (Joshus 24:15) "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The gods of the Egyptians and Amorites where false gods of pleasure and physical power. They didn't believe in a god that expects us to do more than make a gold idol and bow to it. I don't believe in a God that "expects" nothing from us. I thoroughly believe that life has a purpose and that purpose is to come to earth and discipline ourselves and overcome our weaknesses, partake of the atonement and do the things the Lord has commanded. I know he expects more of me than I am content to expect of myself. I'm thankful that with all the billions of things He has to do each day, He loves me enough to talk with me, chastise me (which isn't harsh but full of love....pointing out my weaknesses- which are MANY- so that I can do better.) He's been doing that a lot lately and I appreciate it.
Just a few Sunday thoughts. Tomorrow I will share fun things from yesterday, frustrations about my health, how the sun is shining and some yummy recipes. But now I need to go and fine-tune my lesson for Primary. Since none of the littles were there in class last week, I'm sharing the Easter lesson that they missed. Because I love it. Because I love them. Happy Sabbath!
Treasure has been on my mind. Being led by the Spirit enables us, as the scriptures say, to build up treasures in heaven, "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matt. 6:20).
In other words, no pirates allowed!
Pirates are dangerous and yet we often allow them to steal the most valuable of treasures everyday in our lives. I know I have shared these quotes before (a million times but honestly, they are some of my favorites.) Elder Buche, in a talk entitled "The Only Real Treasure" shares this quote.
It is not enough for us to merely know that there will be treasures awaiting us in heaven. When we consistently follow the Holy Spirit, in a continuous, constant spirit of prayer, the world of miracles is open to us now, in this life. A life of adventures, of constant, growing amazement, of surprising vision, of new aspects of life, of new dimensions of joy and peace will be the consequence.
Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), former Relief Society general president: "When you are filled with the Spirit of God, … that [Spirit] satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that spirit my soul is satisfied.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "The Spirit of God … will be as soft as a whisper, coming as a thought to our minds or a feeling in our hearts. … Choose to put yourself in a position to have experiences with the Spirit of God through prayer, in scripture study, at Church meetings, in your home, and through wholesome interactions with others" ("To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency," Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 7).
I realize that spirituality is something that we "choose." We choose how much time we give God. We choose whether or not we live His commandments. We choose whether or not we not just read, but study His word. Helen Keller once said that those who choose not to read are no better off than those who cannot read. I realize that reading the scriptures sometimes is like reading a foreign language. It actually IS a foreign language. But it is one we can and must become fluent in. Don't let pirates rob us of our most valuable treasures.
Joshua is one of my heros in the Old Testament. I love his whole story. I love the courage he found to lead the children of Israel after Moses and I know he found this courage because the Lord walked beside him. At the end of this life, he said (Joshus 24:15) "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The gods of the Egyptians and Amorites where false gods of pleasure and physical power. They didn't believe in a god that expects us to do more than make a gold idol and bow to it. I don't believe in a God that "expects" nothing from us. I thoroughly believe that life has a purpose and that purpose is to come to earth and discipline ourselves and overcome our weaknesses, partake of the atonement and do the things the Lord has commanded. I know he expects more of me than I am content to expect of myself. I'm thankful that with all the billions of things He has to do each day, He loves me enough to talk with me, chastise me (which isn't harsh but full of love....pointing out my weaknesses- which are MANY- so that I can do better.) He's been doing that a lot lately and I appreciate it.
Just a few Sunday thoughts. Tomorrow I will share fun things from yesterday, frustrations about my health, how the sun is shining and some yummy recipes. But now I need to go and fine-tune my lesson for Primary. Since none of the littles were there in class last week, I'm sharing the Easter lesson that they missed. Because I love it. Because I love them. Happy Sabbath!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Zupa's Vermont Maple Blueberry Salad Recipe
Ferrell commented in my last post about a certain salad at Zupa's....actually it is the one I always get...but this time I made myself get something else. I actually have the recipe for the salad she was talking about. My darling DIL tracked it down for me forever ago (and I posted it when I first started blogging)...but here it is to enjoy again!
Candied Nuts:
Nonstick vegetable spray
6 tablespoons plus 3 more tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons orange-tangerine juice/maybe- use vanilla mixed with water as alternative
2 cups pecans or almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Line a large cookie sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, add 6 tablespoons sugar and orange-tangerine juice. Bring to a simmer, and then add nuts. Cook until sugar is absorbed and mixture starts to caramelize around the nuts, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar. Toss nuts in cinnamon-sugar. Place nuts in single layer on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until nuts appear crystallized and toasted, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup balsamic or good quality wine, cider or maple vinegar
1/2 cup Pure Vermont Maple Syrup
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Preparation:
Combine mustard and basil in a small bowl. With a whisk, add vinegar, maple syrup, lemon juice and garlic. Add olive oil and continue whisking until ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Make salad with romaine or mixed greens. Add crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese to the salad as well as a cup of blueberries and diced apples. Scatter the candied nuts over salad and serve with maple vinaigrette.
Blueberry Romaine Salad with Candied Nuts And
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing
Candied Nuts:
Nonstick vegetable spray
6 tablespoons plus 3 more tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons orange-tangerine juice/maybe- use vanilla mixed with water as alternative
2 cups pecans or almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Line a large cookie sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, add 6 tablespoons sugar and orange-tangerine juice. Bring to a simmer, and then add nuts. Cook until sugar is absorbed and mixture starts to caramelize around the nuts, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar. Toss nuts in cinnamon-sugar. Place nuts in single layer on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until nuts appear crystallized and toasted, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup balsamic or good quality wine, cider or maple vinegar
1/2 cup Pure Vermont Maple Syrup
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Preparation:
Combine mustard and basil in a small bowl. With a whisk, add vinegar, maple syrup, lemon juice and garlic. Add olive oil and continue whisking until ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Make salad with romaine or mixed greens. Add crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese to the salad as well as a cup of blueberries and diced apples. Scatter the candied nuts over salad and serve with maple vinaigrette.
Saturday
This morning I've been rather lazy (wow! THAT'S unusual- ha!) We slept in (again-ha! I ALWAYS sleep in) since David and I signed up to help clean at the Draper temple last night- 10-12:00! WAAAYYY past my bedtime. But it was awesome to be able to do that.
Okay, enough touring of a simpleton's art room. I had better get to work.
Thought I would share a few pictures today since I'm still yawning. The herd is back. Of course I have known they were here...have seen many of them....STRIPPING my new flowers and all new growth of my shrubs and trees. But really, I know what it is like to be hungry. There is that period between lunchtime and dinner ....when you could eat a rubber shoe. So, I'm not getting out the cayenne spray yet. I love these guys. Can't wait to see if babies are born here this year.
You can see eight in this picture but 4 more are off to the side. I caught them looking at the funny faces I've hidden in the trees and I believe I heard them discussing which grandchild this face belonged to......
So, I'm cleaning up the artist supplies, separating frames and paints, new canvases and old. I am NOT a professional painter by ANY means. I'm still very much a beginner who just loves to paint. I'm experimenting with styles and products to find my niche.
Here is what I am working on. Still in progress. Bad picture without editing. Sorry.
Here's one I call "The Yellow House." I bet that title just grabbed you, didn't it. Really what I call it is "Springtime in Utah."
I love fruit bowls. I'm really thinking I need some spiced caramel apple dip to eat with these.
So, yesterday- after my delightful lunch with Penny (talking wedding, wedding, wedding! oh, and the most wonderful Wisconsin Cauliflower soup and a Pina Colada salad)- I came home and thought I would do something constructive. Usually when my babies move out (fall in love, leave me, rip my heart and guts out)- I keep their room "as is" (which was frightening in a few situations) as a shrine (i.e. a place to go and have cry-fests) for at least a year before I confiscate it and turn it into something else. But when Tanner left (101 days ago), he took his bed and side tables and wicker chair.....and the room has been naked. Well, except for great piles of "stuff" he left behind.
And since this house is so much smaller than our previous home....and my MIL is living with us (thankfully)......that doesn't really leave a lot of room or reason to not just move right in. At first, I thought I would make it another guest room....since we always have tons of guests. But then selfishness kicked in when I realized I used art stuff almost daily and I needed a place to store my stuff (since my art closet was given to MIL) and make messes. It is a total work in process and not a cute studio or anything, but it is a place to stash. Already it was time to organize and clean up. This is a cute wallboard that hung (and still hangs) in Tanner's room. It had all sorts of pictures and quotes stuck on it....ties swinging from the pegs. When I was clearing things off, I found this note that I couldn't bear to take down. We moved to this home while Tanner was on his mission. He left from one home, and came home to this one (although we had purchased it and he worked for a month or so on the remodel.) His best friend, Kevin, son of my BFF Cathy, whose father(Kirk- who is Kevin's dad/Cathy's husband and my husband's BFF (who is home from the hospital already with the blood clots and the prognosis is good, thank you all!)....all were living in "the home" that Tanner had had grown up in. Not only that, Kevin had actually had the NERVE to be engaged when Tanner got home (which REALLY ticked him off) and Kevin and his wife, Lori (whom we adore, including Tanner now) were all living happily-ever-after in Tanner's space. I remember straightening Tanner's "new" room just before he came home, fluffing the pillows, trying to see the room as Tanner would see it....knowing it would be a foreign place. So I hurried and wrote the note and stuck it on his wallboard. Nothing fancy. After these years, I don't think I'm taking it down....
So, I'm cleaning up the artist supplies, separating frames and paints, new canvases and old. I am NOT a professional painter by ANY means. I'm still very much a beginner who just loves to paint. I'm experimenting with styles and products to find my niche.Here is what I am working on. Still in progress. Bad picture without editing. Sorry.
Here's one I call "The Yellow House." I bet that title just grabbed you, didn't it. Really what I call it is "Springtime in Utah."I love fruit bowls. I'm really thinking I need some spiced caramel apple dip to eat with these.
I might need to add a paring knife in the foreground. Still thinking on that one....
I wish you could see this picture in person (because that would mean you would be here and we could start making lunch plans!) While with the girlie friends biking on Balboa Island, I squashed my nose against the window of a gallery that was closed....because this original was displayed. I totally freaked out and was mesmerized by the style and the colors (I almost never use Cerulean blue.) I found the gallery online and they had a tiny 1 inch picture of "the picture." I couldn't stand it. I tried to replicate it for myself. If I could choose a painting that screamed me, this would be it. Happy and a little over the top.
This is a pastoral scene I've also painted this year. As with all these pictures, they look better in person. This picture was an experiment using a really thick Liquin medium that you can almost sculpt with. I love it.
Look at all the texture.
So much fun. I'm so proud of myself for not eating any of the product. Usually things I love, I eat. My children are lucky to still have all their limbs.... If you've seen David, he's actually just a stump of a man....
I'm not usually a red rock painter although I am loving St. George more and more and last time took some pictures I might try. I actually workshopped this picture with Jon McNaughton...and although I think it is okay, it looks like a Jon McNaughton painting, not a Marilyn Williams painting. But I love Jon so I won't hold that against him....
I wish you could see this picture in person (because that would mean you would be here and we could start making lunch plans!) While with the girlie friends biking on Balboa Island, I squashed my nose against the window of a gallery that was closed....because this original was displayed. I totally freaked out and was mesmerized by the style and the colors (I almost never use Cerulean blue.) I found the gallery online and they had a tiny 1 inch picture of "the picture." I couldn't stand it. I tried to replicate it for myself. If I could choose a painting that screamed me, this would be it. Happy and a little over the top.
This is a pastoral scene I've also painted this year. As with all these pictures, they look better in person. This picture was an experiment using a really thick Liquin medium that you can almost sculpt with. I love it.
Look at all the texture.
So much fun. I'm so proud of myself for not eating any of the product. Usually things I love, I eat. My children are lucky to still have all their limbs.... If you've seen David, he's actually just a stump of a man....
I'm not usually a red rock painter although I am loving St. George more and more and last time took some pictures I might try. I actually workshopped this picture with Jon McNaughton...and although I think it is okay, it looks like a Jon McNaughton painting, not a Marilyn Williams painting. But I love Jon so I won't hold that against him....
Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. ~Pablo Picasso
Friday, April 17, 2009
Odds and Ends
Yesterday was so busy I didn't have time to talk. But I HAVE loved laughing about the crazy talents you all have! Thanks for sharing!!!! Thanks for making me laugh and making my day!
I decided that since we had so many entries (relative, but for this small blog)...I needed to award THREE prizes! The names drawn were:
Deanna, my cuz from Arizona! Brandi my favorite daughter! Nicole, my new friend from Canada!!!!! N., send me your address info at my email: mdwillpoet@msn.com and I'll get your Simpable cookbooks out soon!!!
Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to be the guest speaker at a Stake Primary Leadership meeting in South Jordan. It was SO AWESOME to be there, to be invited, share my feelings about God, feel their love. Really. Such a joy for me. They were so kind to give me this gorgeous bouquet and also a book by Camille Fronk Olson called "Too Much To Carry Alone." I can't wait to read it.
I feel like a tiny bird with a big song! Helen Keller
Also, driving to South Jordan last night, I called BFF Cathy...who flew back East yesterday to be with her daughter, Leslie. I called Cathy for moral support...and she, in turn, told me Kirk (her husband and my husband's BFF) was in the hospital with blood clots in his lungs. WHAT in the heck is going on around here? Blood clots in lungs seem to be going around! Kirk had knee surgery about three weeks ago and this is probably residue from that. Of course, last night he went to a spinning class at the gym. That probably broke them loose. That is why I have resolved NEVER to do a spinning class at the gym......
anyway, keep our friend in your prayers please, if you have room. Thanks. Cathy is a little crazy not being here when this is happening.
This morning is art (oh happy day!) and then Penny and I are going out to lunch (I know you're surprised) to talk about/plan her daughter's wedding celebration at our home in June. Niki's actually getting married in San Diego next month but will have a small (100ish) celebration at our home. I've loved this girl since she was little. We lived next door and once she was perclunking one of her dresser drawers filled with stuff down the stairs. Penny asked her what she was doing and she said, "I'm running away to Marilyn's!" One time I found her on the other side of our sliding glass doors, with her nose pressed up to the glass, looking in. When I opened the door, she said, "Who made this mess?" Hello!!!! Love her to death. I know I've told these stories before but one time, Tom and Penny, David and I went out for the evening. We were sitting in the car in our driveway for a while when we got home talking. Although it was spring, just like now, we had a HUGE snowstorm. Penny noticed that her parent's car was parked at their house and finally wondered out loud why they were there. Later she called. Her older daughter was babysitting (Michelle) and for some reason, had gotten mad at Nikki and sent her upstairs to her room. Nikki opened her dormer window and reached out to scoop some of the beautiful snow and actually fell out the window, slid right down the roof line and landed two stories below on the snowy lawn. She picked herself up, then rang the doorbell since the door was locked. When Michelle came to the door, she started to yell at her for being out of her room when AJ and my Ben (just about 4 at the time) said, "You fell out of the window, huh, Nikki!" Michelle just freaked and got her in the house and called the grandparents. The snow had cushioned her fall...can you even BELIEVE she wasn't even hurt! Anyway, I love Nikki stories and love the girl too!
I wanted to mention from the other night at GNO, we learned that our friend's dad died. JoAnne (a GNO member) wasn't there but I've heard stories about her father forever. He was born in Yugoslavia. This is just a small portion of his obituary: Ivan learned early the value of dedication to task, wisdom in choice as well as the perils of totalitarianism. His young years were spent tending the family's farm and animals as well as serving in their small village grocery store. World War II brought turmoil and destruction to their region with friends and family members suffering the ravages of war. Forced from his family and homeland in his teens as a political refugee, Ivan sought asylum in Italy for the duration of the war before migrating to Australia in 1949 on a program for displaced persons." This man eventually came to America (after Joanne was married) (we love her Australian accent) and became very successful in business. (JoAnne's sister is Donna Smylie- from 7Gypsies of the scrapbooking world. I LOVE her photography books as well.) It was the American dream. He ran away from a government that wanted to control every aspect of your life......I hope that isn't what America is headed for. This week across the nation were "Tea Parties." Protesting more taxation.
Make Up. Who knew? I found this in the news and wanted to save the info so I'm posting it here so I will know where it is at! These are expiration dates for make-up:
Expiration dates — beginning from the time you first open these products:
Powders and shadows: 2 years
Cream shadows: 12 to 18 months
Foundation: 1 year
Lipstick & lipliner: 1 year
Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled
I decided that since we had so many entries (relative, but for this small blog)...I needed to award THREE prizes! The names drawn were:
Deanna, my cuz from Arizona! Brandi my favorite daughter! Nicole, my new friend from Canada!!!!! N., send me your address info at my email: mdwillpoet@msn.com and I'll get your Simpable cookbooks out soon!!!
Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to be the guest speaker at a Stake Primary Leadership meeting in South Jordan. It was SO AWESOME to be there, to be invited, share my feelings about God, feel their love. Really. Such a joy for me. They were so kind to give me this gorgeous bouquet and also a book by Camille Fronk Olson called "Too Much To Carry Alone." I can't wait to read it.
I feel like a tiny bird with a big song! Helen Keller
Also, driving to South Jordan last night, I called BFF Cathy...who flew back East yesterday to be with her daughter, Leslie. I called Cathy for moral support...and she, in turn, told me Kirk (her husband and my husband's BFF) was in the hospital with blood clots in his lungs. WHAT in the heck is going on around here? Blood clots in lungs seem to be going around! Kirk had knee surgery about three weeks ago and this is probably residue from that. Of course, last night he went to a spinning class at the gym. That probably broke them loose. That is why I have resolved NEVER to do a spinning class at the gym......
anyway, keep our friend in your prayers please, if you have room. Thanks. Cathy is a little crazy not being here when this is happening.
This morning is art (oh happy day!) and then Penny and I are going out to lunch (I know you're surprised) to talk about/plan her daughter's wedding celebration at our home in June. Niki's actually getting married in San Diego next month but will have a small (100ish) celebration at our home. I've loved this girl since she was little. We lived next door and once she was perclunking one of her dresser drawers filled with stuff down the stairs. Penny asked her what she was doing and she said, "I'm running away to Marilyn's!" One time I found her on the other side of our sliding glass doors, with her nose pressed up to the glass, looking in. When I opened the door, she said, "Who made this mess?" Hello!!!! Love her to death. I know I've told these stories before but one time, Tom and Penny, David and I went out for the evening. We were sitting in the car in our driveway for a while when we got home talking. Although it was spring, just like now, we had a HUGE snowstorm. Penny noticed that her parent's car was parked at their house and finally wondered out loud why they were there. Later she called. Her older daughter was babysitting (Michelle) and for some reason, had gotten mad at Nikki and sent her upstairs to her room. Nikki opened her dormer window and reached out to scoop some of the beautiful snow and actually fell out the window, slid right down the roof line and landed two stories below on the snowy lawn. She picked herself up, then rang the doorbell since the door was locked. When Michelle came to the door, she started to yell at her for being out of her room when AJ and my Ben (just about 4 at the time) said, "You fell out of the window, huh, Nikki!" Michelle just freaked and got her in the house and called the grandparents. The snow had cushioned her fall...can you even BELIEVE she wasn't even hurt! Anyway, I love Nikki stories and love the girl too!
I wanted to mention from the other night at GNO, we learned that our friend's dad died. JoAnne (a GNO member) wasn't there but I've heard stories about her father forever. He was born in Yugoslavia. This is just a small portion of his obituary: Ivan learned early the value of dedication to task, wisdom in choice as well as the perils of totalitarianism. His young years were spent tending the family's farm and animals as well as serving in their small village grocery store. World War II brought turmoil and destruction to their region with friends and family members suffering the ravages of war. Forced from his family and homeland in his teens as a political refugee, Ivan sought asylum in Italy for the duration of the war before migrating to Australia in 1949 on a program for displaced persons." This man eventually came to America (after Joanne was married) (we love her Australian accent) and became very successful in business. (JoAnne's sister is Donna Smylie- from 7Gypsies of the scrapbooking world. I LOVE her photography books as well.) It was the American dream. He ran away from a government that wanted to control every aspect of your life......I hope that isn't what America is headed for. This week across the nation were "Tea Parties." Protesting more taxation.
Make Up. Who knew? I found this in the news and wanted to save the info so I'm posting it here so I will know where it is at! These are expiration dates for make-up:
Expiration dates — beginning from the time you first open these products:
Powders and shadows: 2 years
Cream shadows: 12 to 18 months
Foundation: 1 year
Lipstick & lipliner: 1 year
Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled
Benefit Concert for all you Arizonian's!
For all my friends in Arizona, I got an email from my friend, Michele Baer that she will be a part of a Benefit Concert tomorrow night. Brooke White, from last year's American Idol will be there as well. I WISH I could be there.....I adore Michele and her music. If any of you are free tomorrow, this sounds like a wonderful place to be!
Michele Baer invites you to "Benefit Concert with Brooke White, Jordan Bluth, Michele Baer and others" on Saturday,
April 18 at 7:00pm.
Event: Benefit Concert
Michelle says: "My new album will be available for sale that night!!!"
Start Time: Saturday, April 18 at 7:00pm
End Time: Saturday, April 18 at 9:00pm
Where: Gilbert High School
Michele Baer invites you to "Benefit Concert with Brooke White, Jordan Bluth, Michele Baer and others" on Saturday,
April 18 at 7:00pm.
Event: Benefit Concert
Michelle says: "My new album will be available for sale that night!!!"
Start Time: Saturday, April 18 at 7:00pm
End Time: Saturday, April 18 at 9:00pm
Where: Gilbert High School
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Being Filled! And a Contest!
I've just spent over an hour on the phone long distance with my BFFFC (best forever friend from college) discussing yesterday's Bucket Group experience with James Ferrell. There is no way, I'm sorry, that I can put into words all the feelings that I am feeling, thoughts circulating around my mind and heart. An amazingly lovely day, almost too personal for words. After his discussion, during lunch, I heard him lean over to Gayle Miller (my first time to hug her since Larry's death) and he said, "This is an amazing group you have here." And I thought, "Lucky, huh?" Meaning blessed, of course, that I get to associate with these wonderful women...all ages, all different circumstances of life....to be together each month and learn together and help lift each other. I wish I could give a play by play but that would take a 1 1/2 hour phone conversation and we would just cover the tip of the iceberg. I had to run a few errands afterward and called Valene from a store....just to relive a few thoughts. I love having wonderful friends who love the same things. It was a gifted day. Thank you, Sheron, for creating this opportunity!
James Ferrell....how is one so young so smart?
I did want to share a few other thoughts. Sunday afternoon I got a knock on the door. No one was there but this cute little sign was stuck in the grass.
The C.' kiddos scattered eggs for David and I to find all around the yard. How fun! I love these goofy kids. Please note that it is IMPOSSIBLE to have everyone looking at the camera at the same time and SOMEONE not making face! Love them so much!
Then Elaine brought a box of cupcakes for us to sample and a business card. Simpable Things is also starting "Friends Always"- cupcakes you can cuddle! I am so excited now to be able to order these for EVERYTHING! I'll let you know when their website is up. In the meantime, I think we need a contest for you to win this cookbook. It is filled with delight....including an extra section on some amazing cupcakes
I did want to share a few other thoughts. Sunday afternoon I got a knock on the door. No one was there but this cute little sign was stuck in the grass.The C.' kiddos scattered eggs for David and I to find all around the yard. How fun! I love these goofy kids. Please note that it is IMPOSSIBLE to have everyone looking at the camera at the same time and SOMEONE not making face! Love them so much!
It is pouring rain outside. Yesterday afternoon it was like monsoon weather. There was a steady river coming off of the greenhouse......but I don't care....
because look what it is doing to the avalanche of snow (that was 6 feet high last week!) Oh happy day!
It is so beautiful. All hazy and misty and eerie and romantic and ghostly.....all at once.
Yesterday I went outside and this is what I found:
Okay, what's the deal here? My deer NEVER eat geraniums...that is EXACTLY why I plant them. They must be starving. I bet they all have a stomach ache right now.......
because look what it is doing to the avalanche of snow (that was 6 feet high last week!) Oh happy day!It is so beautiful. All hazy and misty and eerie and romantic and ghostly.....all at once.
So, last week I went to get geraniums at Quality Wholesalers on 33rd South. If you live in the valley and need these beautiful but stinky flowers....go get them now!!!! These plants are GIGANTIC!!!! One will fill a hanging plant all by itself. They will be gone in a couple of weeks and then you will pay more for much smaller plants to be of the same size.
I have them sitting outside to get some wonderful rain.
Yesterday I went outside and this is what I found:Okay, what's the deal here? My deer NEVER eat geraniums...that is EXACTLY why I plant them. They must be starving. I bet they all have a stomach ache right now.......
Last night was Girl's Night Out (24 1/2 years and still going strong!) Elaine hosted at Red Lobster and we had a great evening out together. For our gift, Elaine had two surprises. First of all, a former GNO member, Linda Madsen, is probably who I would call the "hostess with the mostest." Whenever she hosts a party, it is a PARTY! I've talked about her many times...remember when she did the catering for the wedding in the neighborhood for one of the Tillotson's (his mom is one of the owner's of NuSkin)...and they brought in and sodded an entire arena...then brought in a full-sized ferris wheel and had a carnival? Well, Linda did the food....had booths with gourmet hotdogs and a million condiments, then the lemondade stand with a huge variety of lemondades (like watermelon, cherry, etc.) and the candy shop...with dozens of jars filled with colorful candies just like a real candy shop....and on and on and on. And then the cupcake shop. Cupcakes like you've never had before. Well, for years now, she and friends have built up a business called Simpable Things. The cute name comes from a endearing story about how one of her kids said "simple." They host amazing home parties...with purses and jewelry and decorative items...and during Conference weekend, Linda hosts a show at her home...which is always over the top....and they serve refreshments, always to die for. I didn't go to the last show so didn't know that they have produced "this" after numerous requests! A Simpable Things cookbook!
Then Elaine brought a box of cupcakes for us to sample and a business card. Simpable Things is also starting "Friends Always"- cupcakes you can cuddle! I am so excited now to be able to order these for EVERYTHING! I'll let you know when their website is up. In the meantime, I think we need a contest for you to win this cookbook. It is filled with delight....including an extra section on some amazing cupcakes
(the cookbook, not the contest....)
All you have to do is introduce yourself:
1. First name- (example: Marilyn, duh!)
2. State (or?) you live-(Utah)
3. Three things you love (besides family) painting, writing, cooking
4. one unusual talent- (I can flick the inside of my mouth with my finger and it makes a huge pop!)
That's all. That easy. You'll want this cookbook! I'll draw the winner on Friday morning at 8:30 (since I have art class at 9) It will make your day to get a treat in the mail!
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