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!



Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.

From the movie "An Affair to Remember".

Winter's Eve.

I Love Christmas Cards.

Scenes of the Christ child's birth.

Pioneer scenes of our ancestors times.

Scenes of magic and fun.

Beautiful, cold and wintery scenes outside.

Warm and peaceful scenes inside.

"Winter is a time for comfort,

for good food and warmth,

for the touch of a friendly hand and a talk beside the fire:

it is the time for home."

Edith Sitwell

Something to Think About!

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A remarkable man.

I Love to listen to his German accent.

Not at all bad to look at either!

In the "Christmas Devotional" that can be found

at - lds.org.
(you can read, listen or watch)

Pres. Uchtdorf's talk about the "Grinch".

"The Grinch saw the good in Christmas when he learned to look past its worldly trappings.
If we do the same, we can, with the Grinch, proclaim:
Maybe Christmas . . .doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas . . .perhaps . . . means a little bit more!"

"While the Christmas season is typically a time for looking back and celebrating the birth of our Lord, it seems to me that it should also be a time of looking to the future.  Let us look forward.  Let us prepare for that blessed day when He will come again.  Let us be as wise as those ancients who watched for His coming."

He suggests three areas for us to prepare for the season.

1.  Rejoice in the Birth of Our Savior.
The joy in heaven was so great it could not be contained, and angelic hosts parted the veil, proclaiming unto shepherds "good tidings of great joy, . . . praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

The Wise Men "rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  [they] fell down, and worshipped him . . .and presented unto him gifts.

2.  Ponder His Influence in Our Lives Today.
"Let us take a step back, slow down a little, and reconsider what matters most.

3.  Look Steadfastly for His Coming.
"We live in the 11th hour before the coming of the day of our Lord.  Let us therefore look forward to that blessed day when the King of Kings descends with a shout, takes away death, dries up tears, and ushers in a new era of peace, joy and learning.

This talk helps one to "See Christmas through New Eyes".
He ends with a beautiful prayer for us.

Let it Snow!

It is a beautiful morning!

I was snowed in until Brother Stembridge cleared

my driveway with his four wheeler.

The snow measured 7 inches on the porch

 and it's still snowing.

When I opened the door to sweep the back porch,

 there was my annual Christmas gift from Santa's Elves.

Luckily it was propped against the door

 and didn't get any snow on it.

They left it there before it started to snow,

 because there were no tracks around.

Oh, the mystery of it all.   

I've received a special gift from this special someone

 for 13 years now. 

It is a always a beautifully wrapped box

 usually containing pajamas, cozy warm stockings and such.

Some year I'm going to catch them.

 In the winter I love staying inside. 

I've plenty to eat, plenty to do,

 although of late I have not been very productive.

I'm warm, and with the phone, T.V. and computer

 I have lots of variety and visitors.

I've been to parties and an art exhibit and a theatre production

 on the life of Handel this month.

I've read six novels this month when I haven't

 even read one novel for years.

I usually spend my reading time studying

 the scriptures which I enjoy.

This last few months I've taken a BYU

 religion class on the Old Testament.

It is a lecture piped into the ward house from Salt Lake

.  Oh, how I have learned to love the old prophets.

Learning about their lives and their

 inspiration and revelation

 even to guide us in the latter days is

 fascinating and sobering.

What a blessing the scriptures are to us

and

those with the spirit and knowledge that can help us understand them better.

~ ~ ~

Merry Christmas to all and special Christmas blessings.

Lady Bug Throw.

This is the cutest material in real life.  I started making a tied fleece blanket, but it was a beast to work with.  It stretched and frayed all over the place.  Yesterdays project was to cut off the ties and secure it with stitches.  Another project finished.  Ya Hoo!!!

The Bear Paw quilt.

Early this morning my computer said it was 7 degrees here.  I figured it was the perfect, yes, the absolutely perfect day, to stay in my flannel p.js, warm robe and finish this quilt.  Another finished U.F.O. and another pat on the back.
This is a tied quilt with a little thicker batting and soft flannel on the back.  I know it will  bring warmth and comfort to someone special.

Sunday Reflections.

The last two Sundays as I have looked back over the week, I count many people who bring special kindnesses and blessings into my life. There has been a gift of a fresh bottle of grape juice.  A warm  loaf of freshly baked bread.  There have been phone calls and visits from friends and invitations to go on special outings.  Early this morning my Home Teacher shoveled  the snow from my back porch and steps and swept the car off.  After Church I was surprised when my sweet Bishop's family delivered a delicious meal consisting of a plate with ham and potato casserole, another with jello salad and another with a fresh green salad.

This Thanksgiving was another memorable one with the family.  Liz and Christi put on an exceptionally good meal, after which  we shook off a few pounds and had some good laughs as we competed in the video game  "Just Dance".  Next we watched a T.V. show about the Utah men in World War 11.  Then off we went to the movie and enjoyed the Disney show "Tangled".  The family voted it was one of Disney's best.  Grandpa stayed home, he doesn't like movies.  When we arrived home he was watching  football with the sound off.  He thinks the announcers make dumb comments and he gets so annoyed.
Friday, grandpa and I went with Mike's family and Christi's mom and dad  on their annual family outing to get their Christmas trees. It was a beautiful day with  blue sky and glistening white snow.  We stayed near the truck while Mike and Mason climbed up the mountain to find the perfect tree.  Mason tasted the new fresh snow as he did a face plant as he came down the mountain too fast.  The trip wouldn't have been complete without getting stuck in the snow, so at one point every one's Heave Ho was needed at the back of the truck.  We had a great time.
Next on the day's agenda was a  fun "Craft fair" with Liz's family and then to see the beautifully decorated Christmas trees that would be auctioned off on Monday for different charities.  While waiting for Rylee to perform we watched a huge room full of families having fun on big rubber blow-up games. Vernal is a very family orientated town.  After Rylee and some of the cheerleaders did their routine, because I had a slight ear ache, I went home with M & C where Grandpa adjusted  my neck, and with ear drops, a warm rice pack and wrapped up in warm blankets, after a couple of hours I felt better.   Craig, Liz and family plus Ry and Mason braved the cold at the Light Parade, entertainment and festivities.
A special thanks to our Vernal family for going out of their way for us.
It was a great Thanksgiving!  A good time was had by all!

Another Project.

All quilted and ready to bind.

In a few days I'll have earned another pat on the back.

I love this quilt.

It has a sweet, soft, old fashion feeling.

Baby, Its Cold Outside!!!

The forecast this week is for two days to be in the

 single digits.

Brrrrrrr, I pulled out my Long Johns today.

Yes, they do have the button up barn door in the back.

Super Saturday Activity.

We have a special and talented group of women
that made it a fun "Super Saturday" yesterday.

There were seven different items to choose from
with some of the sisters choosing more than one.

I made this Christmas decoration.

A black metal piece is attached to a picture frame
 with a metal star on top.  The letters are black vinyl.
It is interesting how the baby is
much lighter in the picture.
(It's a little eerie.)
We enjoyed a "souper" delicious lunch
consisting of 5 soups to try,
plus different breads, veggies and yummy cookies.
Everyone had such a good time they are thinking
about having  this type of activity more often.

Using Food Storage.

Save money, eat healthy with food storage.

Many in the family have these huge bottles filled with cracked wheat for mush.

(Thank you, grandpa.)

Another good way to use the cracked wheat is-

Blender Wheat Pancakes

1 cup milk or (1/3 cup non fat dry milk and 1 cup water).

1 cup uncooked whole wheat or cracked wheat
2 Tablespoons oil
2 Tablespoons honey or sugar 

2 eggs                                         
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Put milk and wheat in blender.  Blend on highest speed for four minutes or less for cracked wheat.  Blend till batter is smooth.  Add oil, sweetener, eggs, baking powder and salt.  Bake on hot, greased griddle.

This makes 6 to 8 pancakes.  The leftovers are put in baggies in the fridge or freezer.   Later all I have to do is pop them in the toaster and walla, they are ready to eat with an added topping.

These are filling, rib stickin, hearty, healthy, nutritious and good for you pancakes.

A goal of mine is to learn to use my food storage. 

Dave's a WINNER!

SURPRISE!!!
I said to myself a while back, (yes I did) that whoever commented on my blog would get to pick out of the quilts I'm completing.  Dave is the "grand poo bah" winner.  Liz also commented.  No quilts for her, she makes her own, but I'll have something else for her. 
Loves ya both a whole bunch.

Thankful For -

Potatoes I bottled today.

.

It is so fast and handy to have potatoes already cooked to add to soups, to fry and top with cheese, to heat, mash and serve with gravy, and to use in casseroles.
It's a good feeling to have these
all ready to use on the shelf.

Book of Mormon Messages.

President Matthews taught us that two (there are many) of the
messages to look for in the Book of Mormon are,

 Why Were They Destroyed?

 and

 How to get rescued.

Yesterday, while reading Helaman 4:12-13

there was an interesting list and lessons to be learned.

.

The Lamanites had defeated the wicked Nephites.

Prophets preached to the Nephites and prophesied concerning their iniquities,

 and what would come of them if they did not repent of their sins. 

The list included:

• Pride of their hearts.
• Exceeding riches.
• Oppression to the poor.
• Withholding their food from the hungry.
• Withholding their clothing from the naked.
• Smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek.
• Making a mock of that which was sacred.
• Denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation.
• Murdering.
• Plundering.
• Lying.
• Stealing.
• Committing adultery.
• Rising up in great contentions.

13.  And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength;  therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands.

.

(When they were righteous, humble, thankful and would acknowledge God's help and strength, they were blessed, but when they boasted and forgot where their blessings came from they were left to themselves.)
. 

 It is important that we understand how to receive the strength and guidance that is needed in our lives for ourselves and for our families.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."     John 14:15

.

        ~~Blessings~~





Thankful For Kurt.

Fall Jobs that Needed to be Done!
Grandpa had his chainsaw sharpened and filled it
full of gas, but couldn't keep it going to get the big
 pile of branches cut into smaller sizes to fit in the truck.
Along came our hero and had that saw purring continuously,
and the job was fininshed in no time.

Cleaning out the water heater of the hard water build up
was next.  With Kurt's help it went much faster than years
before when we have done it ourselves.
Thank You Kurt.

Thankful For -

My new soft, warm and cozy "Fleece Sheets" from Costco.

No more cold legs and feet.

My 2010 Halloween

Halloween is a very creative, big deal at the County offices.
It was fun to see all the cosumes and decorating this year.
Claudette and Mini are very competitive and  it was amazing how they could turn our area into a whole different world on practically nothing but paper, boxes,  and things found around our homes. We usually took 1st place in the contest.
Since retiring three years ago, I have gone to Liz's house to celebrate their family traditions with them. The mayor's costume parade at the Rec. Center,  "Trunk or Treating" at the Church parking lot, eating at Arby's, tricking a few homes that they knew give out good treats, like Showalter's where it is scary getting  to the door, but if you can make it past the spooks and chainsaw you get a can of pop.  Then the families would meet, visit,  joke and hang out at grandma Annies and enjoy her special popcorn balls. The younger cousins would trick or treat in her neighborhood, which was great, because the houses were close together.  This year there was a change in their traditions.    It was sad and difficult.  Sweet, fun and dearly loved, grandma Annie isn't with us anymore.  She is and will be deeply missed.   
  

I'm Thankful For -

At D.U.P this morning they talked about a trapper.  He lived in Montana for a number of years then came into Utah Valley in 1941.  (Brigham Young and his company arrived in Salt Lake in 1947).     The trapper recorded in his journal about Utah Valley being filled with Sunflowers.  He watched as the Indians gathered sunflowers seeds and grasshoppers to eat to keep from starving.
I'm so thankful for gardens, orchards and big trucks that keep rolling in so we can keep our supermarket shelves filled.

Happy Halloween!!!

I have so many good neighbors that are always kind and thoughtful of me.

Sister Berry, a sweet single mom, and her four children delivered this "Happy Halloween" gift on Monday (FHE) night along with two muffins. The delicious lemon, poppy seed muffins didn't last long. It is interesting how an act of kindness puts sunshine in your soul just as the candle lights the inside of this jack-o-lantern. I feel richly blessed and am deeply grateful for my good neighbors, friends and special family.
A FUN, HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL.
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The picture was taken in the dark with the "night portrait" setting on so as to see the light in the jack-o-lantern. Ummm, I'll have to work on that.

This Will Rock Your World!

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John Bytheway is a favorite speaker and teacher.

This message is direct and jarring and makes you go "whoa."

Just like it says on the back cover.

A Finished Top.

" Stack and Whack or Crazy Nine Patch"

Made the blocks years ago.

This last two weeks I sewed them together

and last night I finished the border.

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YEAH! I deserve a pat on the back.

A Rare Week That I Need More Of.

Seeing or hearing from more than one of my siblings in one week is very rare.
But this last week -

Sharon and Brian traveled from Albuquerque for her daughter Jennie's wedding on the 15th.
It was a lovely wedding. She is such a cute little gal.
Lots of hugs, fun, laughter and catching up on life's happenings with Sharon and her family.
John's daughter, Jana was at the wedding with Elaine and Stan. More good fun and visiting. Jana sends me a Christmas card each year and I love hearing about her life and travels, but it was a real treat to visit with her in live living color. Jana informed me John was having heart problems and had come to Salt Lake for tests. I called John the next day and his heart is fine, but his problem might have been triggered by "sleep apnea" (spelling). He is wearing an oxygen mask at night now.

Betty, Harold and their son Jeffrey decided on the spur of the moment to drive from North Carolina to visit their daughter Lavinia. The five of us met in Salt Lake for Lunch last Saturday.
Harold is confined to a wheel chair because of a stroke, but claims with a big smile that Betty is taking very good care of him. It was so good to visit with them and get better acquainted with Jeffrey. I haven't seen him for thirty years. He lives in a beautiful part of Virginia and encouraged me to see that part of our great country.

I should have called my brother, Larry in California, then I would have heard or seen all my siblings in one week.

Yes, this was a rare week and some how, even with the family all spread out, we need to figure a way to get to know each other better.
Betty said she thinks mom and dad look down and aren't very happy with us because we don't even know each other.

What A Difference !!!

The West Ladies.

This mother and three daughters are known as "The West Ladies". Years ago they moved to Tennessee and chose to live off the grid (no electricity). Their neighbors taught them, plus they have learned many of the old basic ways of life and homemaking. They share these skills in their DVDs on Bread Making, Candle Making, Soap Making, Gardening, Canning, Herbs, Dairy Delights, Sewing and Quilting. As I watch the DVDs, I get the feeling they are old friends and would love to go back and visit with them.
A West Ladies recipe I found online is -
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Poor Man's "Zucchini" Crab Cakes

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1 1/2 C. shredded zucchini, patted dry.

1 C. bread crumbs

2 Tbsp. grated onion

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning

2 eggs slightly beaten

oil for frying

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Combine all ingredients. Heat oil for frying and drop by rounded spoonful into oil and fry until crisp brown on both sides.

Serve with Tartar Sauce.

A Bright Friendly Gift.

My good friend and neighbor Gwen brought this beautiful, brighten your day arrangement as a celebration for Pioneer Day and thanked me for being her good friend and neighbor. All three kinds of flowers came from her yard. When the weather cools a little she is going to give me a start of each one. Then I can brighten someone elses day with a beautiful, bright, friendly bouquet.

Honor the Farmers.

A few verses of a song in

the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers songbook.

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The Man Behind the Plow.

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'Tis very nice to go to school to learn to read and write,

'Tis nicer still to dress up fine, and sport around at night,

Your music, painting, poetry may all be hard to beat.

But tell me what you're going to do for something good to eat.

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I like your great inventions, and I'm glad you're gettin smart,

I like to hear your music for it kind a stirs my heart.

But 'twill never touch the stomach of a real hungry man.

And so I call attention to a kind a thing I can.

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But if you pay attention. I have just a word to say,

About a great mistake you make and do it every day.

In dealing out your praises, and I want to tell you now

The greatest of the great men is the man behind the plow.

"Mount Up with Wings as Eagles."

A favorite scripture, that we (Julie's family)

read and talked about last night

before family prayer.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.

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Isaiah 40:31