Unfinished Projects & A Visitor.

I've loved the extended, beautiful Fall and working in the yard and garden.  Now with the cooler weather its good to catch up on inside projects.  These pillow cases were started years ago.  Last week they were my get-er-done projects.  The pumpkin fabric case was specifically for my sister.  She loves this time of year.  I wanted her to have it now.  What a surprise Monday night when I found out she was in Utah and we could spend Tuesday morning together.  Love it when we can visit.  She went home with her pillow case, the snowmen one for Christmas and a small sack of dried apples that I had just finished drying.  I wish she had accepted more of the apples.  With the sugar and cinnamon I added, they tasted like apple pie to her and her treat was almost finished when we said our last good bye.  

Thankful for the Cannery!

Julie, (bless her heart) went to the cannery today and canned chicken.

Such a blessing to be able to build our food storage.

Our Heavenly Father has inspired our leaders
with many programs to bless our lives.
.

Thank you Heavenly Father.

Enjoying the Season!

There are about 130 geese on the pond behind the house.

In the evening we hear them first and then watch as

 they fly over the house and garden into the sunset to the

fields further west of us.  There they feed through the

 night and then between eight and nine the next morning

we see and hear them returning to spend a beautiful,

relaxing fall day on the pond. 

.

It's a beautiful sight of this season!

                                           

Memorizing Scripture.

In conference this week end we were encouraged to memorize scripture.
As I was reading the other morning this scripture was impressed upon my mind.

1 Nephi 9:6
"But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning:  wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men:  for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words.
And thus it is, Amen."

As I study the scriptures, history and people's  lives, I see He does have the power to prepare a way to accomplish all his works.

Forget-Me-Not.

This was posted on "beinglds.blogspot.com" or

"We Talk Of Christ, We Rejoice In Christ".

This forget-me-not flower was talked about

by Pres. Uchtdorf.

All of the talks were powerful and inspiring.

Worth watching and studying a few times.

Guidance was given.  Questions were answered.

A new perpective to ask "why".

A light went on for me.

I am so thankful for our inspired leaders.

.

~ Blessings ~

Counsel from our Prophet.

"Let us relish life as we live it,

 find joy in the journey
 and

 share our love with friends and family.

 One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. 

 Let us not put off what is most important."

I Love Maxine!

Summer of 2011

Mom's Hotel

Enjoyed visiting with my fun family this summer.

Many nights the beds, couches and foam pads

on the floor have held tired and exhausted sleeping

vacationing or ball playing family members.  The  family

 from St. George stayed for nine days.  One family from

Vernal has stayed several week ends. Kurt, the Texan,

has been in and out this year with his work.  This last

trip  Lynzie came with him for a visit.  M&M from Vernal

will be here this Saturday  for one night.  Diane (Florida)

will be here at the first of the month.  She is staying

 at Jenae's.  Clark (Florida) and family need to vacation

 here this summer.  It's been way too long since we have seen them. 

 (Clark and Dee, we'll leave the light on for you.) 

Family Fun Times 

Kids say the darnedest things and it has been a

delightful, eye-opening experience to know what they

are thinking and to get to know them better.

We've watched volleyball, softball and baseball games. 

 We've played Go Fish, Blink,and Hide the Thimble.

We've enjoyed two original, fabulous skits, and

 singing and dancing performances on the picnic table. 

There has been delightful piano concerts. 

 Gentle loving care of Snickers, the cat.

   Visiting neighbors and my mother's sister, Aunt Mable. 

We've pumped up the old, pink bike's tires and Lynzie's

enjoyed some exercise and cooling off by riding through

the sprinkler.  We've seen and heard fireworks.

Lynzie, Kurt and I enjoyed the annual 24th breakfast

in the church parking lot.   Tom and Kurt are experts at

outdoor grilling.  They have secret potions for marinating 

meats and vegetables.  It's a delicious meal when they

get their grills fired up.  Of course, when anyone

comes to town, the evening meal is enjoyed with

grandpa anywhere, anyone has a hankering to eat.

Other than celebrating the 4th in Torrey

and traveling up the canyon to the beautiful

Heber Valley for Raw Milk on Thursdays,

I've enjoyed a "Staycation". 

Many hours have been spent in the garden.

I've visited more doctors than I ever have

while trying to find out what we can do about 

Lowry's health problems.

I've attended classes and tried to develop more

skills in becoming self reliant.  

   

A view of the Open Air Market.

Tents are set up from the Chuck Wagon

 Store to the old school house.

Three antique treasures

found on the 4th.

Using that WHEAT!

Wheatgrass - I sprouted wheat, sprinkled it on top of soil in the tray,

kept it moist and covered for three days.

This picture was taken at 8 a.m. yesterday.

I then placed it in a sunny spot, uncovered and this

picture was taken at 8 p.m. yesterday.

When the grass is about 7 inches high it is ready to

 start juicing and drinking 2 ounces a day.

 The list of benefits of sprouts and wheatgrass juice is very impressive.

This morning I made bread using only ground, sprouted wheat berries.

This is the third time I've made it.  I like the dense, sweet flavor.

This is fun, nutritious and its gonna make me feel ambitious.

GOOD HEALTH TO ALL!

Hugs, Jean

Quote - Jim Carrey

"I think everybody should get rich and famous

 and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see

 that it's not the answer".

Raw Foods Retreat.

I love to learn.

This weekend it is all about a diet of raw foods

at "40 Blades of Grass" in Spanish Fork, UT.

The three other women at the retreat are 

all experienced in eating a raw foods diet.

One is a young, very pretty, newly wed of two months.

One works as a midwife helping women

deliver their babies in their homes.

One is staying there all week to help regain her health.

Yesterday, I was there from 2 to 7 p.m.

We made a yummy, raw, creamy carrot soup and

Sprouted wheat bread. (No other ingredients.)

She showed us how to check food

to see if it had living nutients.

We learned how to make rejuvalac (sp),

and to grow wheat grass for juicing.

We made two delicious salads for supper with

fermented boccoli and kale chips on the side.

Katherine Scott is the owner.  She is cute, tiny lady from

Ireland and has cured herself from cancer with raw foods.

The retreat is in her home.

I really enjoyed this experience and the new friends.

Looking forward to today.

Good health to all,

and

eat those raw veggies.

Home Tour!

WOW!  Beautiful home for sale just outside of Torrey.
Click on  Circle Cliff Views on the right side of blog.

Changes for Safety!

Antonio is getting his ladder in place. 

 See the split limb in the top of the tree.

I was all ready to watch the big event, but it looked so dangerous I went in the house.  Bob watched to see if he needed any help. After I heard the second limb fall with a big thud I came outside.  Antonio was a bit shaken.  Bob said it was a good thing he had belted and secured himself tightly.  It was tense for a few moments.

That cleaned it up and it is much safer now.

 

Well, Kiss the Cook!!!

We learned ancient Chinese secrets in handling pie dough last week at Enrichment Night.

We were given a handout with 20 favorite pie recipes.

Fresh berries were on sale at Harmons

so......

this is the 2nd berry pie I've made this week.

I'm getting faster and mastering the techniques

but......

I'll still continue to practice.

I only like two kind of pies,

HOT and COLD!!!

Bon appetit

A ~Tasha Tudor~ quote.

,
"Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish.  And what a privilege even to be alive.  In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is.  Supposing you only saw the stars once every year.  Think what you would think.  The wonder of it!"
.

Under the June Moon.

Dave's family have been vacationing this week.

They have enjoyed family, friends and places.

One evening we enjoyed S'mores in the yard. 

  

Making a firepit fashion statement.

Notice "Snickers" the cat under his arm.

I've learned shovels don't bend

and

sometimes stumps don't move at all.

There are a few splashes of color around the yard.

In the garden last night I planted three containers of "Blue Potatoes".

   I could see the beginnings of the potatoes which were
 bright, purple metalic in color.
 Oh, this should be an Epicurean delight. 



Ha Ha!!!

Do you know what the gingerbread man puts on his bed?

Cookie Sheets !

The Letter!

Dear Sir or Madam:
Greetings from the Court.  You are hereby summoned to appear for jury selection:

Here is another item to put on my June Calendar which is filling up fast.  It's a civic duty you know.

Sunday Blessings !

With service to others being emphasized lately,

 this scripture has been on my mind today.

34.  Then shall the King say unto them
 on his right hand,
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom
  prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35.  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: 
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: 
I was a stranger, and ye took me:

36.  Naked and ye clothed me:
I was sick and ye visited me:
I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, 
Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee?
or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38.  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?
or naked, and clothed thee?

39.  Or when saw we thee sick, 
or in prison, and came unto thee?

40.  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, 
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least
of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:34-40

As I go through this list, am I doing them now?
Am I preparing for the future to be able
 to help those in need?

Good Idea!!!

We never know the worth of water
 until the well is dry.

English Proverb

Add to your storage this week - WATER

Saturday in the Big V.

Welcome, Welcome Sabbath Morning!

Desires

"Desires dictate our priorities,

priorities shape our choices,

and choices determine our actions.

The  desires we act on determine our changing,

our achieving, and our becoming."

 In a conference talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, he encouraged us to
"Search our hearts to determine what we really desire".

 Under the word DESIRE in the Topical Guide in the Bible,
and the Index in the Book of Mormon you can find many references.
A few are -
And by their desires and their works you shall know them.  D&C 18:38
The Lord judges according to works and desire of men's hearts.  D&C 137:9
Man will be raised to happiness, goodness, or evil according to desire. Alma 41:5
Satan desires to have you.  Luke 41:5,  3 Nephi 18:18,  Moses 5:23

Elder Oaks counsels us to consider the temptations of
materialism, property, prominence, pride, and power.
He counsels us to desire, work for and pray that we will have our  loving
Heavenly Father's help with our feelings toward others, to forgive those
who have wronged us, to seek for the welfare of others,
 and to love all of God's chidren.
He closed with a final example of a desire that should be paramount for 
  all men and women and they should exert priority efforts to obtain it.
"All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity".
Having an eternal family should not rank below
the desires for a career or other mortal distinctions.

It is a very good talk.  One to seriously think about.



Day 2 in the Big V.

Social Dance Class at the High School was first on the list this morning.  Grandma Joanne and I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation for the parents.  Bre knew her stuff and really made the guys look good she danced with.  I hope they realized they were dancing with a STAR.

Joanne and I drove around later and she showed me some nice neighborhoods with homes for sell.
There are definite advantages to living here.

After school Logan and friends were busy building a fort and a bridge across the ditch.   When he came in last night he announced the bridge was finished and safe to use.  I'll have to check it out this morning.  When I saw it earlier there were tall, not too sturdy, willowy branches laying across the water.

This evening Ry and Bre went to the Drive-In in Craig's truck.  They had a bag full of goodies, plenty of blankets and sleeping bags and a big tarp in case of rain.  They had a set curfew of when to be home and slept at Ry's tonight.  I can't wait to hear about their adventure and believe me those two have fun.

Life is interesting.  Looking forward to a new day tomorrow.

A Fun Day!

Low and I drove to Heber and ate at Wendy's with C and L.  Low was aided with his walking with a gold topped eagle head cane that unscrews and pulls out into a sword.  (nifty huh?)  I am taking him to a Doctor's appointment on Wednesday.  That will be a start to finding out what is wrong and what can be done for his leg.

The others motored down the canyon while I continued on over the top past fresh snow covered hills and valleys. (Hey, its the middle of May.  What's up with this?)  On my arrival at my destination I was greeted by two beautiful and one handsome, eager and friendly faces.  One was involved in homework.  One was watching T.V. and eating cold cereal.  One returned from an all day activity with two rabbit skins hanging from his belt, a walking stick with a dangling peacock feather, a bow made from a stick and string, beaded do dads, wristbands and many other various treasured possessions which were  and are spread out directing in front of the front door for all who enter to oooh, aaah and admire.

Brea, bless her heart, signed me on facebook so I could check on all the grandchildren and friends.
Haven't used it as yet, but I just checked my email and I have some confirmed friends.  AWESOME!
Friends are the best!!!  BUT having Confirmed friends.  DOUBLE WOWEEEEE!!!

Brea took Logan to his baseball practice at 6:30 while I took Jade to her softball game at 6:00.  Jade's team won.  One time at bat she hit to right field bringing in two runners across home plate.  Another time she scooped up the ball between 2nd and 3rd base and threw with swiftness and accuracy to first base for the final out of the game. ( I wonder how a real sportscaster would have described those plays?) The final score was 6 to 1.

I'm tired.  I gotta get some shut eye.  Another eventful day today.  Check in later.

Words of Wisdom.

These last few rainy, cold  days I've enjoyed bundling up and reading.

I finished this book tonight and found a bit of wise advise in it.

"When you choose the path,

you choose the destination."

So true - So true.

Our earth has an impressive history. 

 It has quite a story to tell

and there is still much to happen.

It has a purpose that was planned in our pre-existence before matter was organized and its creation took place.  Our Father in Heaven created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit.

 We needed a place for our progression. 

Therefore, we are all a work in progress.

(This is part of my talk from last month in Sacrament meeting.  It was interesting to think about the Creation and all our beautiful earth gives to us.)  

Monday! Monday!

I would be unstoppable,

If

I could just get started.

Price Increase!!!

Ouch!

Yesterday, there was a jump up in the prices at the dry pack cannery.
It's comforting to have the basic long shelf life storage to work with.
Get stocked up as soon as you can.
Prices don't seem to be on the way down anytime soon.

A fun, quick and easy recipe from an old, old cookbook.

CRISIS CASSEROLE
1  6 oz. can tuna (or one cup any ground  protein)
1  cup cheese (you name it)
1  can cream of anything soup
1  onion, chopped (dehydrated, green or yellow)
1  clove garlic (powder's okay)
1/2 cup celery, chopped (If you don't have it, skip it.)
2 cups noodles (any shape) or 1 1/2 cups rice
(Minute, of course)
2 cups seasoned water (Throw in a couple of bullion cubes
 or several frozen soup stock cubes.)
In a casserole dish sprayed with Pam ( no relation to you know who),
mix all ingredients.  Cover and bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. 
The cheese would have been pretty sprinkled on the top,
 but we should have thought of that before we told you to
throw it in the casserole with everything else.
If you've got a little more cheese, decorate the top.
Serves 5

Much love, Mom  and  Bon appetit

You Got Rice?

Rice is one of the most versatile grains and the main staple for many people.
I am in the process of adding to my rice recipes.
My mother use to serve us rice for breakfast with milk, cinnamon, sugar and raisins.
It was a yummy filling breakfast.

Other ideas -
Rice Pudding
Chicken or Beef in sauce over rice
Fried Rice
Spanish Rice
Veggies and Rice
Rice Casseroles
Rice and Beans
Coconut Rice and Fruit
Can of soup over rice

The list can go on and on.

If you've found a special rice recipe please share.

Gotta Little Surprise for Ya Jessee !!!

I remember washing dishes years ago and some of the children came bursting through the front door laughing and joking.  They came in the kitchen and Clark proceeded to tell me what had just happened.   They had been playing in the Adams back yard when an old station wagon came down the dusty country road.  As it came closer, the children in the car were hanging out the windows calling greetings to the Adams family.  The car stopped by the side of the backyard and an old farmer jumped out and called, "Gotta little surprise for ya Jessee".  He opened the back of the station wagon and started pulling out cages with rabbits in them while announcing, " You can feed em.  You can breed em.  You can have them as a pet.  You can fry them in a pan.  You can boil them in a pot.  You can even make rabbit stew."  He went on and on about all the wonderful things you could do with rabbits. 
For some reason this incident has been on my mind lately, then it dawned on me that this is what we need to do with the basics in our long term food storage.  Gather about six different recipes for our  wheat, rice, beans, potatoes, oats and milk. 

Beans
These recipes use pantry items, bottled or canned beans and fresh or dehydrated veggies.
Dry beans cook very fast in a small pressure cooker. 

Mexican Bean Soup                 ~ Tammy Northrup ~

2 c. refried beans           1 can (15 oz.) black beans
1 1/2 c. frozen corn             rinsed and drained
3/4 c. salsa                      1 can (12.5 oz.) chicken
1/2 c. water    
1 can (15 oz.) reduced
   sodium chicken broth

Combine all ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat.
Simmer 10 minutes.  Garnish with tortilla chips and
grated cheese.

Bean Casserole

1 lb. ground beef                       1/2 T. prepared mustard
1/2 minced onion                          1 T. vinegar
1/4 c. green pepper                      2 T. brown sugar
1/4 c. minced celery                   1/2 t. thyme
1 can tomato sauce                       1 large can pork & beans
1/2 c. water                                         (31 oz. or 1 lb. 15 oz.)

Fry first 4 ingredients.  Drain off any excess fat.  Mix all ingredients
together in a baking dish.  Cover and bake at 300 degrees for
15 or 20 minutes.

Taco Soup
is a good meal for storage because it is a good dump soup.
Just have everything in storage that you will need to make 
it for how many times you want to have it in the next three 
months.

Refried Beans
Many women like to use the dried refried beans from the cannery.

Please share any of your favorite bean recipes.

Sister Julie B. Beck

I had a wonderful evening Tuesday at Suzanne's R.S. meeting.  We met at Mutual Dell in A.F. canyon which was decorated with the "Promise of Spring" which was the theme for the night.  A delicious meal was served. We enjoyed a special musical number and then had the privilege to listen to the General Relief Society President - Sis. Beck.  It was a very informal meeting.  She answered a few questions.  Shared some of her experiences from around the world.  Talked about the history of R.S. and the early R.S. presidents and insights into the lives of women in the Bible.  As I have thought about that evening and thought about her, I have marveled at what a remarkable woman "for such a time as this".

I know this is a terrible picture,

but

I have to savor the moment for a while.

Our Tiny Twins.

So weak and helpless 2 years ago.

But look at them now.

For some reason my computor won't let me put another

picture of the boys on.

I'll keep trying.

They are sooooo cute and active.

Good Freezer Meals.

Julie is having fun with fix ahead meals.  Here are two of my favorite easy, peasy meatloafs that are great for freezing either before or after baking.  If frozen before baking, thaw thoroughly before baking.

#1.  Meatloaf
1 egg
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 cup catsup
2 T. dry onion
1-1/2 c. soft bread crumbs
2 beef bouillon cubes
or 2 t. beef granules
1 c. boiling water
2 lb. ground beef

Oven - 325 degrees.
Beat egg lightly in bowl, then add next five ingredients. Dissolve cubes or granules in boiling water.  Add to above ingredients.  Mix in broken up ground beef.
Shape in loaf pan.
Top with our family's favorite meatloaf sauce of 3 T. brown sugar, 1 t. mustard and 1/3 c. catsup.
Bake for 1 hour.
Meatloaf recipe from Marie Ricks


#2. Meatloaf 
2 lb. ground beef
2 eggs
1 packet Stove Top Stuffing mix
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 c. barbecue sauce or ketchup

Oven - 375 degrees.
Mix all ingredients.  Shape in an oval loaf in sprayed or oiled 9x13 inch baking dish or a loaf pan.
Top with barbecue sauce, ketchup or
our family favorite of 3 T. brown sugar, 1 t. mustard and 1/3 c. catsup.
Bake for 1 hour.
recipe from idareyoutoeatit.com
Left over meatloaf can be made into sandwiches, added to scrambled eggs or fried potatoes, etc.

Beef Stew

I spent part of the afternoon in a hair net, plastic apron and blue plastic gloves at the cannery.
I was impressed with a sign there which reads:

"They shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked."    
D&C 29:8

Logan Ready for School.

Last month I went to Liz's for a vacation and to finish a few projects.

We bottled 24 pints of beef.

She helped me lay out a quilt top.

This handsome young man helped me make a fleece blanket.

He can tie one three times faster than I can.

One of the days I tended Sutton, which I enjoyed.

I watched Mason play 1 and 1/4 basket ball games.

He was aggressively going for the ball under the basket

and collided with some one's head and his tooth went

through his lip.  We dropped Mike and Mason off at the

E.R room where he had 4 stitches on the outside of his
 lip and they let the hole inside heal itself.
We had many more experiences.
There is always alot going on out in the basin.

p.s.  I took Logan's picture to check  the next couple of years and see how fast he grows next to the cabinet.

My Baby Sister and Husband.

This Christmas Card said -
 " Christmas brings out the kid in us all"

BUT

these two are a hoot and a holler all year long.

I love their visits!

Hello Front Desk?

Hello front desk?

I'd like to leave a "March Wake Up Call".

Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating

 animal underneath, for the instinct to be

half asleep all winter is strong in me.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I've been a recluse these cold winter months.

Quiet, content and nonproductive.

A perfect vacation I've needed.

Sneaky Little Elf !

I love my cute little Christmas Elf.

For a number of years now

on a magical night just before Christmas,

a beautifully wrapped present is left on my doorstep.

Inside there have been soft warm pajamas or one year

there was a warm jogging suit of black pants
with red stripes down the sides

 and a red jacket with black sleeves.

This year the gift was soft, black velvet looking pants and

a matching jacket with a leopard looking collar.

I really love this thoughtful little guy.

He always adds special mystery, excitement
and a useful, appreciated gift to my Christmas.

I have two wishes for this gift giver.

I wish some day to thank him personally

and

I wish him a long and prosperous life.    ( he he)

A New Chapter in my book of life.

Next year looking back on this 2011 chapter,
 I want to find -

There was more healthy food on my plate.

Got moving with consistent exercise.

Learned new skills.

Reached out to someone everyday.

More prepared for the future.  Whatever it might be.

Closer to my Heavenly Father.

and

A deeper appreciation for all my blessings.

A Very Happy New Year to All!