Salome Ellen

Daybook --1/23/12

2012-01-23T17:17:00.003-05:00

Outside my window... Warm and wet and squishy. OK, 45 degrees isn't WARM warm. But it is for January in Michigan. Yesterday there was more than an inch of snow on the ground. Tomorrow ... who knows? This IS Michigan.

I am thankful for... our upcoming long weekend in Stratford. We weren't sure the budget would go there this year, but it did, so we are. Four days of pure relaxation!

From the kitchen... Pork Sausage Casserole. Tomorrow will be leftovers, and Wednesday tacos. I am going for easy for our dinners, because for most of those two days Roger and I will be in a large church kitchen making 300+ servings of chili for the local Pregnancy Care Center fundraiser in February. He's the chili chef; I just chop whatever he tells me to.

I am wearing... tan cotton pants, an amethyst-colored ribbed cotton sweater with more-or-less-matching cotton socks, black loafers, and a fuzzy rabbit-angora shawl to keep my shoulders warm. Inside our house, the only difference between a 45 degree day and a zero degree day is how often the furnace runs. The thermostat stays at 70 in the daytime and 55 at night.

I am creating... Christmas presents for Miriel and Tirienne. I didn't have time to knit ahead before Christmas, so I gave them each a certificate good for one item, with a trip to the yarn shop for pattern and yarn. Tirienne's beret is done. Next is Miriel's scarf.

I am going... well, aside from the previously mentioned chili-making, this week I have knitting group and choir practice. I thought I was going to need to read for another Quiz Bowl meet, but the organizing teacher found enough readers closer to home (about 45 min. from here.) In this case, I really don't mind not "getting" to go and read.

I am reading... Twelve Drummers Drumming, by C.C. Benison -- a pen name of Douglas Whiteway. This is a mystery featuring British Anglican vicar Tom Christmas. It's not a bad read, at least so far, but it's fairly obvious that the author chose his character's profession so that he could be called "Father Christmas." The book is full of similarly punnish ideas and names, and apparently is the projected first volume in a series (Eleven Pipers Piping, and so on.) But although the protagonist is likeable as a detective and a man, he's not very believable as an Anglican priest. Jan Karon fans shouldn't bother.

I am hoping... to finish this post fairly quickly, since I have a couple of other things to do before bedtime. Which needs to be relatively early, since the chili-cooking begins at 8:30AM.

I am hearing... Bruce Springsteen singing Glory Days. Kelson has discovered the joys of vinyl recordings, and Born in the USA is spinning away on the newly dusted turntable.

Around the house... my weekly schedule is all jumbled up, because the church kitchen is only available to us for two days, and which two days they are has changed a couple of times. My day planner is full of scratchouts and arrows, but with any luck all the laundry and cleaning will get done at some point.

A few plans for the rest of the week... um, I think I've mentioned them all.

Words I'm pondering : "Sanctity of Human Life is about trusting God." This quote is from a blog I read regularly, and really sparked me to think more deeply about the root causes and solutions of this country's romance with killing our unborn children.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Not a picture this time, but a link. You won't see this on the news, but go here to see Twitter's photo gallery with the hashtag #marchforlife. I went two years ago, and will go back as soon as I can afford something more than the red-eye bus. I can do the bus or the March, but not both.

Seven Quick Takes Friday : Yes, I'm still alive. Shocker.

2012-01-20T13:58:00.004-05:00

--- 1 ---

Number of times I have thought about blogging in the past month: at least a dozen.
Number of times I have actually blogged in the past month: zero.
(I don't count that naggy little thing about Word and Question, which I probably needn't have bothered with...)

--- 2 ---

Topics I have considered for blog posts in the last month : Seven Quick Takes, Daybook, Seven Quick Takes, Daybook, Seven Quick Takes, Daybook,.........
Lather, rinse, repeat. As you can see, Quick Takes finally won. Because I don't even have to answer any questions.

--- 3 ---

Oh, wait. I lied in the last take. Because I also considered doing the "2011 in recap" meme. For about 17 seconds.

--- 4 ---

I am very tired today. On Wednesday we drove 5 hours each way to a family funeral (RIP, Dick...) Yesterday I changed beds and cleaned bathrooms, drove to a not-so-nearby town to serve as a reader for a Quiz Bowl meet, and went to choir practice. Today it all caught up with me.

--- 5 ---

Fortunately, I can say "Nine!" Which is counting down days until our Stratford visit. I intend to alternate reading in the jacuzzi with sitting in a booth sipping Strongbow. Bliss.

--- 6 ---

In preparation for Stratford, I just requested eight books from the library. I suspect that if they all come in, that might have been a little over-ambitious. But I couldn't whittle the 20+ books on my list down to a readable-in-a-long-weekend number. I'll just have to renew some of them.

--- 7 ---

Since I have now put together a (very rudimentary) semblance of a post, I think I'll go and take a nap. See you!

A Reminder... Updated

2011-12-29T19:37:00.006-05:00

There were only three participants for December, and all the poems are now in. Antiaphrodite's is in the comments to this post, Enbrethiliel's is here, and mine is two posts down if you want to scroll there. Whew, done!

And sorry for neglecting this blog for the start of 2012...

WORD &
QUESTIOn 18
Your poems are due by midnight Saturday.........

Seven Quick Takes -- Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T13:20:00.005-05:00

--- 1 ---

I am flabbergasted and astounded: I have time to blog two days before Christmas! Actually, it's even better than that; except for minor meal-preparation tasks, all the work is DONE. Presents wrapped, decorations done, food for various meals marinating or whatever. Oh, I need to hang the string on which we hang the stockings. I really miss our fireplace...

--- 2 ---

The pessimist part of me is almost afraid that my unwarranted preparedness means that "something will go wrong." Such things are not unknown; last year our water heater died the day before the whole family descended for the holiday. But I'm trying to regard this as a marvelous unmerited gift from God -- time to BE at Christmas, instead of my usual DOing.

--- 3 ---

My only brother and his wife are coming for Christmas, arriving this evening. We saw them regularly at Christmas when my parents were alive, since we traveled to my hometown at least every other year. But we haven't gone at Christmas since, and my brother and sister-in-law have only come once before. Having them here will be a special treat.

--- 4 ---

Maybe next year Roger and I will go to visit them for Christmas. This year is our first stab at letting each married child and their family establish their own Christmas traditions. Christmas eve and Christmas morning will be in three separate places. Christmas afternoon we will travel to their town, and on Monday, the second day of Christmas, we will have brunch, presents and dinner all over again. Only Brandon will be missing, and we'll probably video-chat with him in Alaska. (We've been incredibly blessed to have him with us the past several years; this is his sixth Christmas in the Coast Guard, and the first one where he hasn't been able to get leave.) Next year, when Christmas Day isn't on Sunday, we may need to put "whole family Christmas" on the following weekend, which would allow for travel around the day itself. We'll see.

--- 5 ---

One of the advantages of this multi-site Christmas schedule is that those of us here will be able to go to Midnight Mass! We've never gone to one since Roger and I were newly-weds. We did make a point of going to the earliest possible Christmas morning mass with the kids -- which often meant going to a neighboring parish -- and for a number of years midnight wasn't even an option in our area, since the latest masses tended to be at 10 PM. I'm glad our diocese is pushing for more "Christmas Christmas" masses and fewer vigils. And (whisper, whisper) I'm glad there will be no small children waking up at 6AM. I'm not as young as I used to be, and four hours of sleep doesn't cut it anymore...

--- 6 ---

Apparently Roger also has all his "gottas" done. While I was typing the previous take, he came into the kitchen and announced that he was going to make sugar cookies. Over the last (probably quite a) few years, our Christmas baking has been done between Christmas and New Year's Day, the better to be devoured at our New Year's Eve party. (Note to local people: if you've ever been invited, you are again! The more the merrier!) Baking on Christmas Eve eve is a sure sign of pleasant preparedness. Yum!

--- 7 ---

I just glanced out the window and heaved a sigh. The one thing it would take to make this Christmas beyond perfect would be snow. There is a TINY bit here and there on the ground, but no real accumulation is predicted. Yet my father-in-law in New Mexico got a foot last night. What was that about moving to avoid Michigan winters?? But now I will stop complaining, go sit on the couch with my feet up, and try my hardest to just BE.

Wish me luck, as I wish all of you

A Most Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Word and Question 18 -- Host's Poem

2011-12-21T16:10:00.004-05:00

So it's a crazy month (when is December ever not??), but I am happy to announce that I have completed my December Word and Question poem by the agreed-upon date. Go me!

Lesson Learned

I made a pot of soup today -- chopped onion, sauteed meat,
Added tomatoes and some broth and set it on the heat.
I tossed a pinch of pepper in, a little bit of thyme,
Some salt, a bay leaf, lentils, rice. It really smelled sublime.
I let it simmer for a while. Supper was coming, so
I tasted it, a heaping spoon, and realized oh, no,
I'd been too heavy with the salt! How could I fix it now??
I thought of pending suppertime, and furrowed up my brow:
Would sugar help? Or vinegar? Or something bitter? Or
Something with that "umami" taste I read of once before?
Then I remembered "Oh, that's right -- throw a potato in!"
I washed and chunked one quickly, didn't bother with the skin.
I added it, then, frankly, prayed "Let this come out OK;
My family will be home soon, and they've worked hard all day.
They really need a tasty meal." And then I set the table.
Put lots of bread and butter out, in case I wasn't able
To save the soup. But when they came and I fished the potato out --
(My daughter, watching, asked me just what THAT was all about!) --
The taste was fine! The soup was great! The saltiness was gone!
(But I resolved to always undersalt things from now on...)

Word : umami
Question: What is required to renew that which was almost ruined?

There weren't many participants this month, but I'll link to their poems as they post them...

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Advent Wreath

2011-12-12T14:02:00.004-05:00

Sarah over at Snoring Scholar is having an Advent wreath carnival. This is the picture I'm entering. (Do you KNOW how much tidying I had to do to get a decent picture??!!)

Or should I have used this one? (Of course I took several; why waste the tidying?)

Have a blessed remainder of Advent!

I'm Hosting Again...

2011-12-07T06:00:00.006-05:00

WORD & QUESTION 18

Updated: Wow, that is NOT what the title looked like in preview mode (since I did this as a scheduled post.) I'm not adept enough with HTML to make it beautiful, so I'm just moving it sort of out of the way.....

Well, the title looked a lot fancier when I drew it up in Word, but apparently it didn't all translate to Blogger...

Anyway, this month I am again hosting the Word and Question poetry game, with a slight wrinkle -- because December is so busy, my poem will be due on the 21st instead of the 14th. Prompts are due to me by the end of Saturday the 10th, and I will send them to participants on Sunday the 11th. (All of this is US Eastern Standard Time.)

If somehow you have wandered by here for the first time and wonder what the heck this is all about, look here for the rules, and search my archives for the "word and question" label to see related posts.

Word and Question 17

2011-11-30T16:56:00.005-05:00

This is for Word and Question 17 (Playing Poetry.) Those of you who come here regularly know the drill... ;-D I'm later than usual this month because we didn't actually start until mid-month, since the host, Enbrethilie l, has a crazy busy life right now. Enjoy!

Harmony
My friend Marie can sing quite well. She has
A deep and rich contralto voice that fills
A room with sound. You'd think that she,
With such a voice, would sing the deeper stuff
Like arias -- those songs from operas where
The girl tells off the hero just before
She kills herself. But no. Marie prefers
The stuff I like: the silly parodies
That Allan Sherman wrote, or nursery rhymes,
Or things we learned at campfires long ago.
When she lived here, she tried out for a choir.
When the director heard her sing, he said
"A luscious voice; like chocolate!" (Once or twice
Marie and I have sung together for
A "talent show" or something of that ilk.
I like to think that my -- much weaker -- voice
Sounded a little bit like caramel
Or soft vanilla, or something like that,
That didn't make the chocolate "seize.") And now
Marie lives far away. We stay in touch.
I see her pictures, and she reads my blog.
But oh, I'd like to sing with her again!

Word: Hero
Question: What color is a voice?

I had fun with this, although I wasted some time trying to make a pun of coloratura. But I wound up, as is usual for me, writing more-or-less about something from my life. I really did enjoy the pairing of colors and flavors to make this work. And Marie (although that is not her name) is a real person who really reads this blog. My favorite thing we ever sang together is this, (although the video part of the link LONG postdates our performance..)

100 Things I'm Thankful For -- Give or Take

2011-11-22T18:02:00.007-05:00

1) Roger -- the best husband in the world for me. I'm extremely thankful daily!
Obviously the other top things on this list are my family. The order I've listed them in is simply the one I use when I'm trying to count heads for Easter baskets, or buy Christmas presents. They are all equally wonderful.
2) Arwen
3) Bryan
4) Camilla
5) Blaise
6) Linus
7) Ambrose
8) Branwen
9) Larry
10) Daniel
11) Matthew
12)Lauren
13) Miriel
14) Brandon
15)Tirienne
16) Kelson
17) My brother P and his wife A. I am regularly thankful that he brought her into the family.
18) The good parents I had. They had their less-wonderful points, but then so do I
19) Roger's extended family. They welcomed me, the first in-law, most warmly, and I love 'em all.
20) Bryan's and Larry's parents/siblings/etc. The two families are as different as chalk and cheese, but good people all. My daughters have been blessed.
21) My own extended family of origin. I have no blood aunts or uncles left, but what a lovely mess of cousins.
22) The town in Pennsylvania where I grew up. I still enjoy going "home".
23) The mountains of Pennsylvania and Maryland
24) The Michigan town where I live now
25) The Great Lake you can practically see from here. It almost makes up for no mountains
26) The Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I want to go back!
27) My car. It's been "on its last legs" for years, but it still gets me around town.
28) My house. Having to move for the "public works project" has been such a blessing. This house is roomier, prettier, more functional.
29) All the work my family has put into this house to make it beautiful.
30) Sunshine through my beautiful big picture windows.
31) Books
32) Free lending libraries
33) Online library access. This has save me SO much time, and some money in overdue fines. I renew online.
34) MelCat -- the Michigan elibrary access. If my library doesn't have a book, it's probably available from somewhere else in the state.
35) The computer that lets me do all this
36) All the technology -- cell phones, iPhones, computers, the internet -- that makes it so easy to keep in touch with my family
37) My knitting group
38) The member of the knitting group who moved across the state in August, but who still "attends" via Skype
39) All the people who developed all this technology
40) My "new" (Brandon's old) Kindle.
41) My friend Julia who has always lent me books, just now in eformat.
42) Brandon's old iPhone, no longer attached to a call plan, on which I play Hanging with Friends and Angry Birds.
43) Twitter
44) Blogger Because I couldn't be doing this if it wasn't free.
45) Turkey
46) Gravy
47) Filling. Which is almost like stuffing, but not in my kids' opinions. But it's what I grew up with, and I love it.
48) Sauerkraut with turkey. What can I say, I grew up in Pennsylvania Dutch country?
49) The fact that Arwen bought sauerkraut for me -- my favorite brand, too -- even though the rest of my family could have a happy Thanksgiving without it.
50) Pumpkin pie
51) Pecan pie
52) Whipped cream for both of the above
53) Wine
54) Chocolate, especially DARK chocolate (70 % and higher)
55) Caramel covered with chocolate
56) Good tea. It only costs a little more than "OK" tea, but it makes my days brighter.
57) Almonds. I eat lots of them.
58) Homemade bread
59) The fact that Roger makes almost all of the bread we eat. (12 to 18 loaves at a time, and freezes it.)
60) Roger's spaghetti sauce in the freezer
61) Ditto his chili
62) The awesome meat bundle we bought last January, which has lasted us most of a year.
63) The enormous chest freezer I keep all of this in
64) Electricity! My life "runs" on electricity.
65) My washer and dryer. We didn't have a dryer when I was a kid, and I used to help my grandmother with her tubs and wringer washer.
66) The proximity of excellent food shopping options. Everything from the locally-owned specialty shop where I buy meat bundles to Wal-Mart. And a lot of things in between.
67) And clothing shopping. I have to drive, because there's no road as the crow flies, but there's a whole mall within technical "walking distance."
68) Shawls! I am in the "hot flash" stage of life, and a shawl is SO much more adaptable than a sweater or jacket. I have at least 10 of them.
69) Inexpensive cute shoes. My everyday shoes are utilitarian and expensive, because I have really strange feet (inherited.) But I found comfortable ballet flats that fit. I bought three colors.
70) Automobiles. Because I can be with my grandchildren, who live 100 miles away, in under two hours.
71) Interstate highways for driving the cars on. A trip of 100 miles on the kind of roads that cover most of our area would take much longer.
72) Good mechanics, who keep my rustbucket of a van rolling. Thank you, Doug, Glen, and the other guys!
73) Music, and the church choir I sing in.
74) Sunrises and sunsets
75) I am also thankful that I have the freedom to change the goals I set for myself -- I'm here with my grandchildren, and this is enough time with my laptop. If 25 people read this, I'm done, since I'm thankful for every one of you!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Seven Quick Takes -- All About Veterans

2011-11-11T17:09:00.004-05:00

Since this is Veterans' Day (or Remembrance Day a few miles away in Canada) I first thought that I'd spotlight one veteran for each take. But I realized that I couldn't pick just seven, so some of them are in groups...

--- 1 ---

Let's start with my dad. He was the oldest of five children, and my grandfather died when he was only 13, so by the time WWII came along, he'd been "man of the house" for quite a while. I've never known what my grandmother thought, but I do know that my dad felt a strong need to enlist. Even though he'd broken his right upper arm very badly when he was a preschooler, and the doctors had said he'd never be able to use the arm. But my grandfather, ignoring the doctors, had worked with my dad until he could do most things with it, including write -- since he was right-handed -- and support things he was lifting with his other arm. My dad argued with the Army until they let him in, with the restriction that he could only serve stateside. He did jobs that freed a more-ablebodied soldier to serve and perhaps die in combat. And he's my hero just the same. Because he didn't HAVE to serve at all. But he did.

--- 2 ---

My uncles are next. Uncle Joe (Dad's brother) hit the beach on D-day. Uncle Dick (Mom's brother) was in the Army Air Corps. My other Uncle Dick (Dad's brother) wangled an enlistment even though he was underage. (He lied, OK?) He was in on the mop-up in Europe. My youngest uncle, Mom's brother Raymond, served in Korea.

--- 3 ---

My father-in-law also served in the Army in WWII. He did some foot-slogging, but wound up as the aide to the aide of a general. I wish I'd recorded some of his stories when I had a chance.

--- 4 ---

Roger served in the Coast Guard from 1976 to 1979. He was a Quartermaster -- navigation and other things -- on a couple of cutters, ending up here in our current hometown. He served during the "window" years -- there was a brief period where no official conflicts were happening -- which means that he, and every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine who served only during the same period, aren't qualified for the American Legion or the VFW. Something should be done about that!

--- 5 ---

Brandon, obviously, is currently serving in the Coast Guard. He loves his work, and will probably make a career of it.

--- 6 ---

LOTS of relatives and friends. My cousin Rob, a former Air Force pilot. Roger's sister Nancy, and her husband Doug, both former Air Force. Our nephew John, Navy. Our friend Ernesto, his daughter Rosa and her husband Nic, all Army/National Guard. Our best man's son Ryan, a Marine with two tours in Iraq. Trevor, who we watched grow up from a tiny altar boy, just back from a stint in Afghanistan -- Air Force. Kids I chaperoned at Band Camp, now in just about every service. And no doubt a bunch I can't actively call to mind...

--- 7 ---

Oh, and he certainly isn't a veteran yet, but Kelson was sworn into the Coast Guard last Thursday. He leaves for boot camp in early March.

A BIG Thank You to all these people and their comrades, no matter what service, whether or not they ever saw combat, and no matter whether they enlisted to protect the country or to earn money for college. The United States would be a much-less-wonderful place without you!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Seven Very Quick Takes -- NOBloPoMo

2011-11-04T19:07:00.002-04:00

--- 1 ---

For the last several years, I have participated in National Blog Posting Month, briefly known as NaBloPoMo. This year, I simply don't have what it takes to even attempt a post every day for a month. I'm just going to shoot for once a week.

--- 2 ---

In the comments to my last post I asked whether my readers pronounced "Laura" and "Lora" the same way. This is a full confession: my children are soooo tired of this discussion. They and their friends hear them the same; I grew up pronouncing them lahr-uh* and lore-uh. Now I'll try not to ever mention it again.
*Like Bert Lahr, who played the Cowardly Lion.

--- 3 ---

I need to hustle with my typing, because Branwen and her family will be here soon for the weekend. I love having grandchildren in the house, and it's even better when their parents are here too. ;-D

--- 4 ---

I'm making Slow-Cooker Green Chili Pork (Tacos) for dinner tomorrow. Last time we decided we like the meat better in buns than in corn tortillas.

--- 5 ---

This time we're trying the pork with half Mrs. Renfro's salsa. The last time it was tasty but a little bland for our taste. I'd use all Mrs. Renrfo's, but the grandchildren will be here.

--- 6 ---

For those of you for whom that last take made no sense: ordinary green salsa is made mostly with tomatillos. Mrs. Renfro's is made of jalapenos. Nuff said.

--- 7 ---

My blog post is ready, my chores are done, and my grandchildren are here. See you!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Word and Question 16

2011-10-25T09:43:00.004-04:00

This is my October entry into the Word and Question poetry game sponsored by Enbrethiliel at Shredded Cheddar. Follow the link to see more of this month's entries.

On Dialects
(or is it dialectics??)

"AL-e-gory"/ "a-LEG-o-ry"
My husband and I will disagree
(Probably till the end of our days)
About the correctness of these ways
To pronounce the word. On the other hand
Unlike many couples in the land
We both say "to-MAY-to", "crEEk", "pe-KAHN",
The list of agreements goes on and on.

Neither of us says "melk" or "pellow"
So we don't sound like that local fellow
Who also will "aks" you what you know,
And tell you just how "fur" you can go.

Our accents are generally the same
When we play the pronunciation game.
(Though when I was a child I said "warsh" and "rinze" --
I still do it sometimes just for grins.)
But I wonder how we sound to you,
And if, perhaps, it's really true
That we both mispronounce things all the time.
(I'll do it on purpose, to force a rhyme....)

But you want to know who says that word which way?...
I'm right and he's wrong, that's all I'll say!

Word: allegory
Question: Were you hoping for more?

The standard spellings of the words in quotation marks are, in order: allegory (twice); tomato; creek; pecan; milk; pillow; ask; far; wash; rinse. I am absolutely certain that every reader will pronounce one of these differently than I do! And I am very sad that I couldn't work in "umber-ella" (umbrella) or "wheel-barrel" (wheelbarrow.)

Daybook, 10/10/11

2011-10-10T16:17:00.006-04:00

Outside my window... I can see every shade of green and brown and yellow and red and orange. This is my favorite part of fall: warmish days, cool nights, and still enough green to make the other colors seem like accents.

I am thinking... about simplifying my schedule. I think about this periodically, and o c c a s i o n a l l y I make a change. It's really true that the hardest thing is deciding between two (dozen) good things.

I am thankful for... this past wonderful weekend with my family. We celebrated all being together all weekend long, not just with our Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner did lead to some humor: people started naming Canadian things they were thankful for. Stratford, Ontario! Gordon Lightfoot! Geddy Lee! But when somebody got to Justin Beiber, we shut it down. (Even though he is from Stratford....)

From the kitchen... leftovers. I'm having Tex-Mex stuffed peppers, and the guys are going with Pioneer Woman's Drip Beef.

I am wearing... tan cotton pants, teal green tee and socks (which don't quite match each other), and a cream-colored short-sleeved sweater. Also black loafers, but I keep kicking them off.

I am creating... a table plan for our local pro-life banquet. Many organizations buy tables of eight, but some people buy one or two tickets. I get to figure out which individuals get to sit where, and which groups get the "best" tables near the front. That one's easier, since I try to give them to the groups who paid first!

I am going... nowhere until knitting group tomorrow. We are letting Brandon use one of our cars while he's on leave, and he won't be in town until Wednesday so the people with jobs get first dibs on the other one in the meantime. But that's OK, since I don't want to go anywhere.

I am reading... Evanly Bodies, by Rhys Bowen. In hardback from the library, because I've always argued that I preferred "real" books to an e-reader. I think I will always prefer them, but Brandon just gave me his Kindle -- because it was just taking up space in his locker and he reads everything on his iPad -- and my friend Julia, who has always lent me books, now buys all of hers in that format. So I'll be reading some things digitally from now on. But I need to get through the pile from the library before I let Julia lend me another ebook, especially since the ones she has expire in two weeks. I need to make sure I have time to read them before I borrow them. Unlike the paperbacks from my sister-in-law which have been sitting on the end table for several moths.

I am hoping... that we will find a replacement for my van soon. The requirements are "in good repair, runs well, and cheap," so it will probably take a while.

I am hearing... the hum of my computer, and the drone of the refrigerator.

Around the house... I need to figure out where four grandchildren are going to sleep this weekend, while both sets of married kid take a get-away with "only" the babies. We have lots of beds, but nobody is old enough for the top bunk with no rail, the ones in the basement are too far from Grandma and Grandpa's room, and we don't have infinite floor space for sleeping bags. But everybody will have fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week: my Bible study group here in the morning, knitting group, Brandon arrives, we go pick up the grandchidlren on Thursday. Friday I hope to take them to "Small Wonders" at the library (story time plus crafts) and we're planning on the HS football game in the evening. They love marching bands and football on TV, and we should be able to entertain them through the first half, at least.

Words I'm pondering : How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?.... My current ponderings are decidedly NOT deep.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... Roger and me with all the grandchildren. From left to right.. Camilla; Daniel; me holding Linus; Roger holding Lauren and Ambrose; Matthew; and Blaise.
This was taken in August; the twins are definitely bigger now!

Seven Quick Takes, now with template!

2011-09-29T16:17:00.008-04:00

--- 1 ---

Jen over at Conversion Diary has provided a nifty template for people who want to do Seven Quick Takes, and the header image is included. How can I (or anybody) resist that??! If you've never done quick takes before, today is a good time to start. The template does all the formatting; all you need to do is talk about stuff.

--- 2 ---

For the first time ever this year, my family will be celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving. No, I haven't moved to Canada (although I can see it from just down the road.) It's just that my whole family will be in one place that day, probably for the only time this winter. Brandon is coming in on leave, Miriel will take a long weekend from grad school, all the babies will be there... what's not to be thankful for?

I am thankful that this should be a simpler meal than Thanksgiving dinner has become around here. After all, we don't have any Canadian Thanksgiving traditions, so nobody can object if I only make 3 pies instead of six, or skip something else entirely. (To be honest, I will be the one who misses certain dishes most. Don't you "need" sauerkraut with your turkey?)

--- 3 ---

Brandon's leave status means that this will be the first Christmas we haven't had everybody together at some point during the holidays. (Branwen and Larry have been in Idaho for at least one Christmas Day.) But this is also the year that we had already decided would be a good one for the new families to start establishing their own Christmas traditions. I'm not sure how exactly this year's events are going to look, but the one given is that nobody will have to drive anywhere before they open their stocking. The married kids are ecstatic about that one!

--- 4 ---

Speaking of stockings, in need to get moving on the ones for Linus and Ambrose. Everybody (sons-in-law included) has a stocking I sewed, with their name on a counted cross-stitch band at the top. The assembly is easy, but the cross-stitch takes some time, and this year I have to do two. The only other year I did two was the year Daniel and Camilla were born. And just to make it harder, Arwen gave both boys names containing an S. Nobody else's name has one, and curvy letters are hardest to stitch, and I have to figure out how to do that in the same "font." See why I'm stalling?

--- 5 ---

Another reason I'm not very enthusiastic about the cross-stitch is that I have a new favorite needlecraft -- knitting. Back in July an old friend invited me -- for about the third time -- to her Tuesday evening knitting group. For some reason, this time I said "sure", even though I made sure she knew I was a committed crocheter. It's been wonderful! There are other old friends and acquaintances in the group with whom it's been great to reconnect, I got the twins' afghans done while chattering about anything and everything, and I fell in love with knitting, at least for now. (I'm very fickle when it comes to needlecrafts and video games...) I've made four hats, quite a few dishcloths, and now I'm working on a shawl for myself. Although I went out last night and bought more dishcloth cotton, because the shawl pattern is maybe about half-a-step too difficult for a beginner like me. So I'll do the shawl when I feel like concentrating, and dishcloths when I just want to relax and knit.

--- 6 ---

Even though it's not yet 10AM, the casserole for tonight's dinner is prepped and sitting in the fridge until it's time to bake it. I feel inordinately proud of this for some reason, as if making dinner were a high accomplishment instead of a routine chore.

--- 7 ---

And now I'm going to step away from the computer for a while. Of course, I'm probably just going to go play Hanging with Friends on my ipod... My username is Salome Ellen (what else?) if anybody wants to join me...

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Tasty Tuesday -- "Larry Hashbrowns"

2011-09-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

When Branwen and Larry were in college, they lived on a temporary campus while the school's permanent campus was under construction. The "dormitories" were actually apartment buildings, and four or more students shared actual apartments, with living rooms, full kitchens, balconies, and sometimes two full baths. This sounds lovely, and it was, except that the kitchens weren't truly full kitchens. Because the school intended to sell the buildings when the permanent campus opened, the students were not allowed to use the stoves in their apartments. (One apartment per floor was designated a "common room", and you could sign up to use the stove in there, and the refrigerators could be used.) But kitchen appliances were permitted, so microwaves, toaster ovens and electric frying pans were prized items.

Since Branwen and I share a birthday, I chose to fly down and visit her on campus the weekend she turned 21. (I turned 21 + n. ;-D ) I took along all the ingredients and equipment to make her a cherry pie, including a triple-wrapped bag of frozen cherries. When I reclaimed my bag at the airport, it was no surprise to discover that TSA had opened it for a search. What do you suppose a pastry blender and rolling pin look like on x-rays??!

We baked the pie in the common room, and it was excellent. And on Sunday after mass a bunch of Branwen's friends threw a brunch to celebrate. I don't remember what all was on the menu, but I know there were mimosas and this dish, which was -- and is -- Larry's breakfast specialty.

"Larry Hashbrowns"

In a large covered skillet over medium-high heat (obviously, you can do this in an electric frying pan!) brown one onion in oil or bacon grease until soft. Add one 2 pound bag frozen southern-style (diced) hash browns, and allow the potatoes to thaw, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, microwave 1 to 2* boxes of pre-cooked brown-and-serve sausage links until hot. Cut** the links into small rounds and set aside. Grate 4oz. or more of cheddar cheese (we like extra-sharp.) When the potatoes are soft and starting to get warm, sprinkle on Cajun seasoning*** to taste and stir to distribute it evenly. Stir in the sausage bits, and allow the mixture to get very hot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, although browning is fine. Just before serving, sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly, stir and serve. Serves 3 to 6 (depending on how many of them eat like Larry!) Some of my family like to top this with salsa, but I think that's overkill.

*Larry currently uses about 1 1/2 boxes (15 links), but he makes these often enough that the open box doesn't sit in the freezer very long. I love sausage, so I throw in all of them.

** If the links are too hot to hold down for chopping, you can use two forks to tear them apart.

*** Tony Cachere's is our favorite brand. Start with just a little; this stuff has zip!

Monday Daybook, because I need to ease back into this "blogging" thing

2011-09-12T12:24:00.005-04:00

Outside my window... sunny, and lovely weather. A contrast to a week ago, when I had to break out my woolen cape to be comfortable at the local outdoor music and chili festival. Although there were definitely people there in Tshirts and shorts...

I am thinking... that fall is just around the corner. The leaves outside are green, but they won't be for long.

I am thankful for... my wonderful family. I'm regularly startled when friends make comments about how their (grown) children are at odds with each other or their parents, or have walked away from God, or are struggling with an addiction, or breaking the law. I'm not quite sure why mine aren't like that, but I'm thankful!

From the kitchen... lasagne. And tossed salad. Both are sitting in the fridge ready to bake/serve. I like doing dinner prep in the morning.

I am wearing... blue/aqua/lime floral "beach pants" (longer than capris, shorter than slacks), a turquoise tee, turquoise socks and black walking shoes. Not a great look, but I'm changing to sandals after I walk the dog. My feet are too pernickety to walk any distance even in good sandals. I'm constantly amazed at women who can walk wherever in flip-flops.

I am creating... a knit hat for Brandon to wear under his biking helmet. The picture in the link shows a woman in a ski helmet, but the pattern allows for omitting the pigtail slots, and I like how it's turning out.

I am going... to walk the dog in a little while. Otherwise I'm staying home.

I am reading... The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum. And I just finished Unraveled by Maggie Sefton. I'm not sure if I'm reading knitting mysteries because I'm getting back into knitting, or the other way around. I'm also working on The Oxford Project book and finding it fascinating.

I am hoping... that I can find a way to get age discoloration out of my ancient, much loved cream rayon Western broomstick skirt. The elastic died of old age, and while I'll have no problem replacing that, it turned the whole top of the skirt an orangey brown. Non-chlorine bleach did nothing. Chlorine bleach supposedly yellows rayon. But I think I'm about ready to try it.

I am hearing... cars passing by. The windows are open again, since it's so nice out.

Around the house... Kelson will be home today from visiting his sisters for a week. So there will soon be several pairs of shoes by the front door, and a couple of longboards parked somewhere. And a mess in his room, which has been tidy all week. But I have to admit that I missed him.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Choir practice starts again on Thursday. I miss it over the summer, even while I relish the free evening.

Words I'm pondering : "since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?"

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....
Some days are just like this...... (From those hilarious people at XKCD again...)

Word and Question 15

2011-08-21T14:34:00.002-04:00

This is my entry into the August round of Playing Poetry started by Enbrethiliel of Shredded Cheddar. This month is hosted by vvb32 reads, and you should head here to see links to the other entries. (You'll have to go to the comments to see the links.)

The theme for this month was "thriller, supernatural, horror" and we were asked to submit prompts in that genre. Since I'm generally a "scaredy-cat", my poem leans toward the "supernatural" end of things.

Adventure

I'm sure there are fairies
Around here somewhere.
When I was little
I saw them all the time:
Dancing in the garden,
Flitting above Mother's head
And winking at me,
Reflected in the mirror
In my room.

But Sister says
There are no fairies.
Only butterflies and shadows
And "figments of my imagination."
And she knows a lot.
She's old enough
To go to grade school now --
She reads these great big books
And thinks she knows it all.

But does she?
I just can't be sure.
Last night I'm pretty sure I saw
A fairy at the bottom of the stairs.
The fairy beckoned me
To come up to the attic where it's dark
And quiet. Sister thinks
It's damp and dusty so she won't
Go up there..... But I might.

Word: attic
Question: Where did they go?

Gerunds

2011-08-08T10:49:00.006-04:00

A little foray into a meme with even simpler prompts than a daybook.... HT to Chunky Monkey

Making: dinner for a friend who recently lost her husband.

(Not)Cooking(for us): leftovers recycled into steak salads

Reading: The Healing Presence by Leanne Payne

Wanting: more hours in the day

Looking: at the clock -- see above.

Playing: nothing. But I recently got a high score at Zuma Blitz.

Wasting: premium tea by tossing it now that it's tepid.

Sewing: thrift store pants for Kelson. Let out one pair, take in the other. Hem both

Wishing: for more time to read.

Enjoying: the cool evening breeze. (Sorry, Southern readers!)

Praying: for someone who is really hurting emotionally.

Waiting: for Roger to get home from Bible study so we can walk the dog.

Wondering: how well I will sleep tonight. Last night wasn't so good.

Loving: Roger, my children and grandchildren.

Hoping: that tomorrow's activities go smoothly.

Marveling: at how much I got done today.

Needing: sleep, please.

Wearing: white shorts, turquoise T and socks, black walking shoes.

Following: my family (and some other cool people) on Twitter.

Noticing: dust on my desk. Oops.

Knowing: that I'm still not as old as I feel right now.

Thinking: that I should be more diligent in doing my exercises.

Bookmarking: my novel, which I haven't had a chance to read at all today. (The Corpse Wore Tartan.)

Opening: my mouth in a yawn.

Giggling: because I always get silly when I'm tired.

Feeling: blessed to have such small worries as I do!

No-Brain Daybook

2011-07-15T11:54:00.003-04:00

Because my tired brain needs more prompts than Seven Quick Takes would give me.....

Outside my window... the jug of sun tea is getting darker, and the grape vines are loaded with growing grapes. Homemade jam this fall!

I am thinking... that I had no idea how long it had been since I posted anything other than Word and Question. Oh, and Linus and Ambrose's birth announcement. I am hopeful that this crazy period of life is settling down, and i will start to post again more often.

I am thankful for... a quiet day today. The last load of laundry is in the dryer, the casserole for dinner is prepped and in the fridge, and it's only noon. A long afternoon sitting with my feet up, with books and knitting/crocheting. Yesssss!

From the kitchen... this casserole. With bratwurst left over from the last time we grilled, and extra-sharp cheddar on top. I have made this three times in the past month or so, and it definitely lives up to its name.

I am wearing... tan cotton pants, coral tank top and socks, and a cream-colored short-sleeved crochet-lace sweater. I have had this sweater for a long time, but it's been buried in my drawers because the matching tank is (more than) a tad snug. When some new cheap tanks I got turned out to look more like "husband-beaters" than I had hoped, I started looking for a short, lightweight jacket to make them wearable. Nothing in the stores, but then I remembered this sweater. I LOVE shopping in my own closet!

I am creating... a knit dishcloth, and crocheted afghans for the twins. The dishcloth will be imperfect but useable, since I am trying to re-learn knitting, which I haven't done since Arwen was a baby. I'm aiming to have the afghans done by the time it gets chilly. I am doing them concurrently (they are in coordinating stripes, one more blue, one more green) so that they stand a chance of being finished more or less simultaneously! Twins are a challenge, even for Grandma.

I am going... nowhere today. But tomorrow we have a 50th Anniversary open house to drop in on in the early afternoon, followed by a pig roast and barn dance which is the big blowout in celebration of a wedding that happened in May. I'm still debating on what outfit is appropriate for both. I'm thinking my gauze peasant dress... (I thought of posting a link, but the ones I could find, although similar in style, are on models who aren't shaped the least bit like me.)

I am reading... Crunch Time by Diane Mott Davidson, and Consider It Done by Julie Subotky. I can justify having two in progress at once if one of them is non-fiction!

I am hoping... that the weather today will remain this pleasant. I can't take off my sweater without showing an unacceptable amount of skin, and I don't want to turn on the AC if I can help it. (My apologies to those of you in places where it's been 100 degrees for weeks, but this is one of the reasons I live in Michigan.)

I am hearing... cars passing by, bird sounds, and the occasional lawn-maintenance noise. Our house has a lot of windows, and they are all open.

Around the house... painting is on the agenda. Our wonderful children painted the outside of the house over Memorial Day weekend, but there are a few things that still need to be done in the accent color. ( Behr "sea fern", if you're interested. The main color is "pale sagebrush", and the trim is "icy tundra." All of the colors look warmer on the house than they do on the website.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: other than the parties tomorrow, and mass on Sunday, none. I am looking forward to a totally "normal" and boring week next week. I hope.

Words I'm pondering :
Clarke’s Second Law of Egodynamics --
For every expert there is an equal and opposite expert. — Arthur C. Clarke

I cribbed this from my old friend Ernesto at OrthoCuban. He has posted a terrifically funny set of Laws penned by sci-fi writers. Check it out here.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....

I wish this excuse had been available back when I was one of the most sedentary children on the planet.

Word and Question 14 -- Host's Poem!

2011-07-13T17:42:00.006-04:00

Family Resemblance

I look like my mother, I'm startled to say.
I'm taller, and different in most every way.
But at times when I pass by the mirror I see
Her there for a minute, but really, it's me.

When I was a teen I was frequently told
I resembled my Grandma, except not so old.
Great aunts would remark that when wearing "that dress"
I was her spitting image. I could be, I guess.....
When I look at that snapshot of Grandma and me --
The one in the yard, by the juniper tree --
I have to admit the resemblance is there,
Except for the color and length of our hair.

Last week I was visiting in my home state,
Met up with my aunt, and I'm shocked to relate
That she told me I'm like Granny was at this age;
My other grandmother! Which just sets the stage
For debating who's right. (Can we really all be???)
Am I Granny, or Grandma, or Mom, or just me?

Word: juniper
Question: Who is the person you're most like who you wish you weren't like?

First of all, I am in shock that even with a trip and the subsequent catching up at home, I managed to write this by the deadline. I think I pulled it off because this is truly autobiographical, right down to the juniper in the yard when I was growing up. (Although I had to make it a tree for the rhyme, when it was definitely a bush!) I'm leaving you readers to figure out the answer to the question, and I hope if you do you'll tell me.

I will try to update this post to add links as the other participants post them in the comments (What a brilliant idea, Enbretheliel!) I'm really looking forward to seeing what some people did with the prompts I sent. ;-D Happy writing!

Updated 4: Dylan's poem is in (with a bonus.) And now Enbrethiliel. Laurie has chimed in! (There's one more to come, and you know who you are.... This will become a link as of August first... ;-D) The link is now live, so go nudge him!!

Word and Question 14

2011-07-07T07:54:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I am hosting the Word and Question/ Playing Poetry game this month. If you are familiar with the game and want to play, please send me your prompts by Friday the 8th (and OK, I'm late with this, so Saturday the 9th at the latest.) If you aren't aware of how the game works, go visit Shredded Cheddar -- Enbretheliel there is the originator of this game -- and find out about it. And then come back and send me your prompts. It's a lot of fun!

I will parcel out the prompts and email each of you by late Sunday the 10th. God willing, my poem will be up on Wednesday the 13th (although we're driving nearly 600 miles on Monday, so we'll see....) Your poems, and links here so we can read them, are due by Wednesday the 27th. Got it? On your mark........., get set..........., prompts please!

And a special thanks to the timely participant whose prompts arriving in my inbox reminded me that, yes, I AM hosting this month! ;-D

Word (Place) and Question 13

2011-06-29T18:16:00.002-04:00

I've been spending a lot of time helping Arwen with my marvelous new grandsons and haven't posted in more than a month (ouch), but I did manage to enter and get my prompts for this month's Playing Poetry. I'm going to post what I have, and if anybody wants something better I'll post pictures of the babies! ;-D

Place: Mendon (described by the submitter as a small town)

Question: What do the angels see?

Pastorale

On Christmas Eve in Mendon the pale snow
Falls gently past the steeple of the church;
Both white, both quiet, for the swaying bells
Are waiting for the depth of night to chime.

Inside, the congregation sings a hymn.
"It came upon the midnight clear....". Outside
Close pressing in, as if to hear the song
The angels gather. On this holy night
Their thoughts fly long ago and far away ---
A stable in another tiny town;
A baby bringing peace to Earth, goodwill
To all mankind. And yet the angels know
The promise they sang then is still delayed.

Why are they gathered here? What good
Or evil have the angels come to find?
Or are they simply here to sing again
For us who plod along the weary road?

When I Googled Mendon after receiving my prompts, I discovered that there are in fact three Mendons in the US, in New York, Massachusetts, and here in Michigan. And the one in Michigan was named by settlers from both of the others. I also found quickly a picture of a classic steepled white church in one of the Mendons, hence the direction of the poem.

More poems can be found by going to Enbretheliel's blog, since she's hosting this month. (There is a rumor that I'm next.....)

Word and Question 12

2011-05-23T12:03:00.003-04:00

It's another one of those poems... Unlike Lindsay, who is hosting this month, I'm not sure my poem has progressed beyond "a valiant failure", but it's what I've got.....

Trophy

I know my tuna was hanging here....
I caught it myself on yesterday's cruise.
(I saved for the ticket for a year.)
The ocean was gorgeous with greens and blues.

It gave me a run -- I'd say "for my money"
But just to be there was dollars well spent.
The sky was clear and the day was sunny --
It caught my hook and away it went.

I reeled it in (I'll spare you the details)
And we threw it on ice till we came ashore.
(Do you know how much a fish like that retails?
It was worth my ticket price plus some more.)

I hung it up here last night to cure it.
(It's scheduled for dinner; I'll freeze a bunch too.)
But it's gone and I need your help looking for it.....

Well, I'll be hornswaggled!

It was you!

Word: Hornswaggle
Question: Who ate my fish?

It's a Boy! And another boy!

2011-05-12T08:27:00.001-04:00

Arwen and Bryan's twins were born early this morning! Linus Michael and Ambrose John are 5 1/2 pounds each and doing well, though they'll be in the NICU until it's clear that they have all the skills necessary to handle life outside, since they were born at just over 34 weeks. I am hanging out with Camilla and Blaise until the twins come home, and then I'll be back after Bryan goes back to work. I love being a grandma!

Word and Question 11

2011-05-02T09:05:00.002-04:00

So, this poem is late, (which I understand earns me hosting duties for June.) It is not what I want it to be, but then, this is just a game, right? Right? So I am resigning myself to coming in last in every sense of the word.

The Voyager

I knew a seaman once, an ancient chap;
Laconic, but, with prompting he would tell
Of ports, and girls (as every sailor will,)
Strange cargoes, favorite ships, or storms at sea.

One evening, late, (and he was in his cups)
Out poured a story that I'd never heard:
"She was a beauty, was my ship, the Dawn.
And we were all a crew of volunteers.
A royal ship! The captains name was Drin
(Or so we called him --never to his face!)
At any rate, the day that I signed on
They said there might be perils, and there were!
But marvels too, both fair and evil. When
We'd sailed so far the water was not deep
Enough to float us, one brave soul --
A talking mouse (those were quite common, then.) --
Launched out his tiny craft, and paddled on.
We turned for home. Ah, this was long ago..."

The sailor's voice by then had sunk quite low
And I can not be sure what else he said,
But, were I pressed, then I would quote him thus:
"I wish I could have traveled on with him."

Word: laconic
Question: How far east have you been?

Ten Things about Roger and Me

2011-04-02T14:59:00.005-04:00

Although I'm several days late, I'm adding this to the "Ten Things about Me and My Better Half" thing that Hallie started over at Betty Beguiles. This link will take you to the join-in post, if anybody else gets inspired.

1. I am almost seven years older than he is. (Six years, eight months, and 19 days, to be exact.) This was especially weird when we were first getting to know each other, and I would refer to significant historical events. For example, I know exactly where I was when President Kennedy was assassinated (Home Ec. class.*) He doesn't have a clue, because he was in kindergarten at the time.

2. Now, thirty years later, I get all the benefit of the discrepancy. My hair, although graying, maintains a kind of overall brown tone. Roger's formerly black hair and beard are fast approaching solid white. (This is a very flattering color for his complexion, I'm glad to say.) So when people know approximately how old he is, they automatically assume that I am younger. Easiest way in the world to take ten years off your age!

3. We are both Tolkien nerds. This ought to be obvious, since we named our daughter Arwen! It also contributes, though, to why Roger was willing to consider an "older woman."
Shortly after we met, we were both at a weekend church event, and there was a Lord of the Rings game of some sort sitting there. I mentioned that I was a big fan, and he (thinking he was talking to some kind of mild enthusiast) asked me his sheep-from-the-goats question: "How did Frodo's father die?"** The rest is history.

4. Roger is a lark who likes to get up with the sun, or even before. He's at his best in the morning. I am an owl, who drags herself out of bed, but could stay up to all hours of the night, especially if there is good conversation or good literature. This has been a stressor for us at times, but we seem to have finally reached a workable plan.

5. One of us is more musical, but which one depends on your definition. I sing in the choir at church, play (at) the flute and guitar, and always have a snatch of song as a commentary on what I see or hear. Roger, although he has a nice baritone, only sings at mass, and has never played an instrument. But he's the one with a constant playlist going on his computer as he works. I (to my shame) don't even have iTunes installed.

6. He likes coffee. I like tea. Fifteen years ago, that would have been the end of the story. But then I began to drink fast-food mochas as a cheap hot beverage in the winter. And he began to have an afternoon cup of tea, when he didn't feel like brewing a new pot of coffee. So now we're to the point where I might actually order decaf at a restaurant after dinner (especially if I can get it with Baileys!), or he might have tea. But not usually.

7. Roger is very easy to buy clothes for. Classic, woven, blue, sometimes buttondown. The end. I, however am difficult, even for myself. It has to be the right shade of whatever color, with sleeves that fit, and an acceptable neckline, and not too clingy, but not boxy, and on and on and on.... He, to his credit, has not given up on buying me presents. This past Christmas, he hit five for five. See why I love the man?

8. Both of us are avid readers. Of anything and everything, not just Tolkien. (Although we do have a full four-shelf bookcase full of nothing but works by or about the Inklings. I know that if there was a local literary pub, with a writers discussion group, he'd be there.) He tends a little more toward classics and historical non-fiction, while I lean more toward mysteries, certain kinds of sci-fi / fantasy, and general fluff. But both of us find sitting in the living room with our books and occasionally sharing the "good parts" a satsifying evening.

9. One difference is that Roger is a writer, and I am not. Oh, I am quite literate, and I do post to this blog occasionally! But I write in lieu of conversation with all of you, and I can't do fiction at all, only parody. (Come to think of it, maybe that's why I like these meme-style post prompts; it's just putting my spin on somebody else's writing...) He, however, is a published author, and regularly sends long and fascinating hand-written letters to a variety of people. It's one of my regrets that we were never apart long enough after we met for me to have any of his letters stashed away. I have a couple of birthday notes and poems, though.

10. We'll celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in August. Some of the days have seemed long, but the years have been all too short. I hope that God sees fit to give us 30 more. I love you, honey!

*For all you young things -- Home Ec. is short for Home Economics, where we learned things like cooking and sewing and how to set a pretty table. It was a nice break from History and French. The boys took Shop, where they made wall clocks in the shape of a flying goose. We got real skirts and dresses and good things to eat. Sex discrimination for the win!

** He drowned.

Word and Question 10

2011-03-21T18:31:00.003-04:00

This is my March entry for the Word and Question poetry game hosted by Enbretheliel at Shredded Cheddar. (The complete rules are here.) I have made it by this month's deadline, but only because I have decided to settle for scansion but no rhyme -- this one just WOULDN'T. So here you go...

Human Ingenuity

We come, they say, from apes.
Great-grandpa (ten times squared)
Was just a monkey! But
No monkey I have seen
Would ever "sort" his things
Or give a name to what
He saw glow down at night.

It takes a human mind
Imaging that of God
To name, and then to list
Antares, Betelgeuse,
Polaris, and Rigel
In order, so we can
Recall them every night.

So if we question who
Alphabetized the stars,
One thing we know for sure --
It must be one of US!

Word: monkey

Question: Who put the stars in alphabetical order?

If you follow the links above, you can see all this month's entries.

Monday (!!) Daybook

2011-03-07T13:13:00.003-05:00

Outside my window... there is still snow. Enough so that some tree branches are still frosted. Since it's above freezing today, that will be gone soon, but I expect the ground to be covered for a while yet.

I am thinking... that I wish this head cold would go away. And I haven't had it that severely OR that long. I expect I am turning into a wimp in my old age. ( Apparently I am embracing my change of decade at least enough to use it for an excuse.) At any rate, feeling as though my head is stuffed with Brillo pads is not my favorite.

I am thankful for... this blog as a place to vent about my cold. Roger has heard all that he wanted to, and then some. And it's NOT anything serious, just an annoying cold.

From the kitchen... leftovers (what the menu plan says) or possibly take-out hamburgers, since Roger -- who is not a big fan of leftovers -- spotted a buy one/get one coupon hanging on the fridge. Maybe I should just throw the leftovers away now??

I am wearing... navy blue cotton pants and socks, and a cream-colored ribbed long-sleeved henley. I have a plaid shawl nearby, but right now I'm warm enough.

I am creating... faschnacht dough for tomorrow. I grew up in an area where Lent was taken seriously, and my family often bought faschnachts from one of the (usually Mennonite) ladies groups who raised dough all night and fried all day as a fundraiser for their churches. One article I saw online said that faschnachts are square (for the four Gospels) or triangular (for the Trinity.) I'm betting that it's simply that those shapes require less rolling out if you're doing massive quantities. Anyway, I plan to use a doughnut cutter, and turn the scraps into doughnut "holes." Yum!

I am going... to Bible study tomorrow morning. That is how I plan to get rid of my faschnachts! Even 1/3 of a recipe makes more than two dozen, and Roger and I simply can't eat that many. But it does mean I will have to get up no later than 6AM to have them done, even if I mix the dough tonight and let it rise in the refrigerator. But it's only once a year.

I am reading... down through my stack of books that's been accumulating. I only have 4 library books out, and I have forbidden myself to check out any more until I have finished all the borrowed/gift/bought myself stack that I have kept pushing aside because they didn't have a due date. Anything and everything from Belles on Their Toes (the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen) through various mysteries to Dune, which I promised Kelson I would try before he went to college.

I am hoping... for a holy and profitable Lent.

I am hearing... the sump pump working on a VERY regular basis. I am grateful to the original owners of this house, who had it designed and built with enormous attention to detail. ALL of the ground water goes through a piping system under the house into the sump, and NONE of it comes through the basement walls or floor. In this part of Michigan, that is a blessing verging on a miracle!

Around the house... I need to deep clean. Usually I get motivated to do it about this time of year because Easter is coming and we will be having guests. But Lent/Easter is very late this year, and we will be going to Arwen and Bryan's for Easter so she doesn't have to travel, so my motivation is quite low.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bible study tomorrow, Ash Wednesday morning mass with Roger and then noon (Episcopal) Eucharist for me, Pregnancy Care Center banquet Thursday night, Lenten Friday adoration/Station of the Cross/mass, and then Branwen and Larry and their kids arrive for the weekend. Busy, but I hope profitably so.

Words I'm pondering :
"Remember, (man), that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
"Repent and believe the Gospel."

Every Ash Wednesday for quite a few years now, I've received ashes on my forehead twice, once with Roger (and sometimes other family) and once at my regular Wednesday service. I really like that the ashes are ecumenical; other than the veneration of the cross on Good Friday, this is the only time I can "get in line" like everybody else in the parish (only some of whom know I'm not Catholic.) But the two services use different verbal formulas for the imposition, both of which are above. I prefer the first one, which is more traditional. But I really need to hear them both. So I do.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... This has been around for a couple of weeks, but I still find it funny. Especially since I'm currently hooked on Angry Birds.

Daybook, Later February

2011-02-21T14:57:00.005-05:00

Outside my window... there is fresh snow. Lots of it. Some people thought that spring was here, but I've lived in Michigan for over 30 years. Not in February, it's not spring. Not for another month yet, no matter how many nice days we may get.

I am thinking... how grateful I am that our kids bought us a snow-blower during the blizzard at the beginning of the month. And Roger is even more grateful!

I am thankful for... nowhere to go today. Our driveway may be clear (thanks again, kids!) but the roads are not. There was already no school today because of Presidents' Day, so the kids got cheated out of a snow day. Poor things.

From the kitchen... Enchilada Casserole. This is a lazy day meal which also uses up leftovers. I mix up any leftover taco or tamale meat, refried beans, chili, anything like that with some canned enchilada sauce. I put about 1/4 of the can of sauce in with the filling, pour another 1/4 into the bottom of a round casserole, and save the rest for the top. Then I make alternating layers of corn tortillas (10 to 12) and filling, ending with a tortilla. i dump the rest of the sauce over that, top with shredded cheese (some can also go in the filling), cover with foil, and bake at 350F for an hour or so, until hot through. Today I used a bag of seasoned meat and beans that I threw in the freezer some time in January. VERY lazy.

I am wearing... navy blue cotton pants, socks, and cable cardigan, with a bright raspberry turtleneck that Roger got me for Christmas.

I am creating... not much. I just finished the grocery list. I need to work on some stuff for choir, but since we don't have practice this week I will put it off until at least tomorrow and finish this daybook instead!

I am going... to Bible study tomorrow morning. And as few places as possible after that.

I am reading... well, I stayed up too late last night finishing Possession by A.S. Byatt. This is not my usual fare, and I've had it out from the library so long that when I return it tomorrow after Bible study I will owe nearly $1.50, even though I renewed it as much as I could. Miriel reviewed it here, and I'm not sorry I stuck it out and finished it, but I am ready to return to my preferred frothier stuff. Even though it had an acceptable ending. Apparently I am not quite as literary-nerdy as I want to believe.

I am hoping... that I can get to sleep at a reasonable hour tonight. 12:30 is too late for old ladies like me, even if I did sleep in until 8:15 or so.

I am hearing...classical music on Roger's computer. I almost never put on any music of my own, because the house is just too auditorily small, even though our desks are at opposite ends of it. Fortunately, I like his taste in music.

Around the house...everything is relatively tidy. This will last until Friday, when Arwen and Camilla and Blaise arrive. (The twins are coming too, but at this point they don't impact the organization of things. ;-D ) Bryan has a business trip, so we get their company.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bible study, then on Thursday a concert at noon and lunch with a friend. We go out every year between our birthdays to celebrate. And yeah, I change decades on Sunday. (I was born in 1951. You do the math. Personally I am in deep denial that I could possibly be that old.)

Words I'm pondering :
"Hope not for minde in women; at their best
Sweetnesse and wit, they are but Mummy, Possest."

This is from John Donne's "Love's Alchemy", and the lines figure in the novel Possession, though I had heard them before. I am astounded that someone as wise about other things as Donne seems to me to be could be so wrong. But perhaps they are quoted out of context?

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... This is from Brandon's blog, titled "Still Winter in Alaska." This is also pretty much what it looks like today in Michigan.

Word and Question 9 -- with updated link

2011-02-09T22:48:00.005-05:00

Word and Question/ The Poetry Game was started by Enbretheliel at Shredded Cheddar.
This month's game is hosted by Dauvit at Crosses and Cradles.

And here's my entry.

Word -- iconic

Question -- What do you see in the light of day?

Morning. The sun rises over the hill.
Daybreak is misty and peaceful and still.
Sunbeams appear
Gilding the trees.
How could I not be contented with these
Phrases that make dawn an iconic thing?
(Even omitting the "birds on the wing"..)
But Reason cries
"Dawn is just day!
Multiple problems are found on the way
Forward to night, when things darken again:
Foolishness, work, anger, sorrow, and pain."
Hope interjects
"But, to be sure,
After the night the sun rises once more,
Showing you gently that though you may doubt
Who you are, how things work, what life's about;
Follow your heart
Trust what you knew --
Icons are windows to what's truly true."

~~Note: I seem to be ahead of the game (instead of behind like the last time) and there's no new post to link this to. I will update as soon as it's available.~~
The link for this month's entries is now working above.

Daybook from Canada

2011-01-31T12:39:00.003-05:00

Outside my window... it is bright and sunny. And -20 degrees. But since I'm in Canada, those are Celsius degrees, so it's "only" negative 4 Fahrenheit. Brrrrr......

I am thinking... that I am almost rested, thanks to this wonderful vacation. Even on vacation the hot flashes still wake me up sometimes. But I haven't had to get up until I was ready since we got here. Awesome!

I am thankful for... God's provision of this time in Stratford. It's quality time with my husband, and relaxation, and an opportunity to realize again that heaven is going to be even more wonderful than I can imagine, since all the good things about this time are mere dim reflections of the greater good awaiting me.

From the kitchen... Well, I haven't been in one since last Thursday! And even on Wednesday night we had leftovers. Our room here at Bentley's * has a kitchenette, but cutting a hunk of cheese and peeling an apple aren't exactly cooking.

I am wearing... grey pants, a cream turtleneck, navy v-neck sweater and over-the-knee socks, and my new fuzzy slippers. When we went out for coffee earlier I had on my much-loved knee-high riding boots. Roger paid what seemed like a ridiculous amount of money for them one Christmas, but since that was in ( I believe) 1994, I'd say he got his money's worth!

I am creating...nothing right this minute. But I have been pondering what changes I want/need to make over my next decade (I turn 60 next month :-o) and more creative endeavors are on my list. More crocheting, relearning to knit, dusting off the guitar and the flute.... It may be an interesting 10 years.

I am going... to one of our favorite Italian places for dinner before very long. Bonus: It's literally just a few steps from the hotel door to the restaurant. A nice perk in this weather.

I am reading... A lot of random fiction, which is one of the pleasures of Stratford -- I average a book a day. But I am about to start unPlanned, by Abby Johnson. Arwen reviewed it here, and she and Bryan bought me a copy. Stay tuned.

I am hoping... that I can manage to keep my mind off the fact that in order to go home I must pack until it's actually time to pack. I have a bad habit of living in the past or the future and therefore not fully experiencing the present. I'm working on it...

I am hearing... Roger putting ice cubes into a glass. An interesting aspect of Stratford for me is that I consume a much greater proportion of each day's calories in liquid form -- decaf mochas at Balzac's, Oranginas, ginger beer, wine with dinner. At home it's tea, water, a glass of milk with dinner, and maybe orange juice if I don't have clementines or grapefruit on hand. But here there are so many good things to drink...

Around the house... we are extremely grateful that our friend Tom is house-sitting. Joe-dog and Lucas-kitty are even more grateful, since as far as I can tell he plays with them more than we ever do!

A few plans for the rest of the week: home tomorrow morning, blizzard predicted for Tuesday into Wednesday, and on Thursday -- if they can make it -- Branwen and the kiddos will be arriving to spend some time with us while Larry travels on business.

Words I'm pondering : "If I hear anymore Michigan residents crying about possible snow I will lose my mind. It's Michigan!" This on Twitter from a friend this morning. And my sympathy goes out to Brandon who is stuck in Alaska, where the forecast is rain. His current hometown has higher average winter temperatures than ours does!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
These are "mint smoothies" from Rheo Thompson, and one of the delights of Stratford. And these I get to take home!

*Most of the pictures in the link are actually of this room, except the ones that show the two queen beds. This one has a king; we've gotten spoiled at home and now sort of "need" a bigger bed. And the room rates have actually come down as the Canadian dollar has gotten stronger, so this trip didn't cost as much as you'd think.

Word and Question 7/8

2011-01-18T09:49:00.002-05:00

A month late and a rhyme scheme short... but here we go.

Word: capo

Question: How much is too much?

I need a new guitar.
That's what folks say, anyway.
My old one has pieces missing
And it won't stay in tune.

But then I don't play that much
Anymore. My finger calluses are gone.
The kids disassembled my capo,
Which is OK, because I never use it.

When you can transpose everything
Into D or G, mostly you do,
Even when it makes it harder to sing,
And my voice is half-shot anyway.

Still, I'd like a new guitar.
I've been looking at prices.
The old one was $100 -- a fortune back then --
But worth it, when I played a lot.

But now? What can I afford?
I could come up with the money, I guess....
But I'd "need" to put in more time...
Would the investment be worth it?

She's Baaaack -- with a Daybook

2011-01-11T21:00:00.005-05:00

Outside my window... it is dark. Earlier it was light, but all of today was in shades of gray. Even the snow looked grayish, and not because it was dirty. We've been getting fresh snow every night.

I am thinking... that while Christmas with the family was WONDERFUL, it is nice to have "normal" days again.

I am thankful for... Roger's determination that we can afford to go to Stratford again later this month! He is always a little more skittish about affording it than I am, but this year even I wasn't sure. But we can. Thank You, God! I'm relaxing a little just thinking about it.

From the kitchen...Lentil Sausage Soup leftovers. It's a struggle for me to go from cooking for the whole family back to cooking for just the two of us. This is the third night in a row we've had leftover something.

I am wearing... brown and white and greenish-gray houndstooth slacks and a brown turtleneck. And my OLD fuzzy slippers. I got new ones for Christmas, but the stitching started to rip on only the fifth day. So back to LLBean they went. I'm awaiting the replacements!

I am creating...a US Postal Service online identity so that I can print the postage to mail a package to Brandon. He needed some new uniform parts, and I volunteered to sew the name tapes on. But he had to leave before they arrived here. So there will be a package waiting for him when he arrives at his new duty station.

I am going...as few places as possible for the rest of the week. But one of those places will be the Barnes and Noble Cafe.

I am reading... In the Company of Others by Jan Karon. It's the latest Father Tim book, set in Ireland not Mitford, and although I've barely started I'm sure it will be a delight.

I am hoping... that I finish this blog post before Roger finishes the letter he is writing. Then we can go to bed at the same time.

I am hearing... the furnace blower. In this weather, I hear it a lot! Also the clicking of my keys, which I don't usually notice... Does this mean something???

Around the house... the outdoor decorations are still up, but almost everything is back to normal after a great Christmas. Today I changed 7 beds (we had 16 people here sleeping on the fullest night) and the only thing left is to tidy the basement kids' play area/ teen hangout. The indoor decorations came down on (traditional) Epiphany and the day after.

A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping and laundry. And then we will have Camilla and Blaise for a couple of nights while Arwen and Bryan go to Stratford. We set a good example for our kids! ;-D

Words I'm pondering :

¹ My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5 (NIV)
This came up in my women's Bible study group this morning AND in my (unrelated) daily readings, so I figure that means I should probably pay attention!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... This is the town in Alaska where Brandon will be living as of next Monday. I already am thinking about saving for a couple of tickets so that Roger and I can visit!

Daybook Placeholder

2010-12-07T21:04:00.002-05:00

Just so you all know I didn't quit after NaBloP.....

Outside my window... it is dark. At this time of year it's dark a lot. Especially when I have free time to blog.

I am thinking... that it would be nice to have the Christmas shopping done, but I don't. At least I'm over half way.....

I am thankful for... the fact that my choir notebook was actually in my van all the time. I had shoved my tote bag behind the seat because I was giving a couple of people a ride, and it must have fallen out and not been noticed by anybody

From the kitchen... tamales! It was "tamale day" and a sadder and lonelier one, since my friend with whom it's been a tradition now lives in Ohio. But they turned out OK, which was in question since she always seasoned the meat.

I am wearing... my blue fleece bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. Do you see a pattern here?

I am creating...lists of things that need to be done before Christmas. Tomorrow, butter cookie trees. Yes, they're dyed green.

I am going...all over town in the next two days, and then to Virginia and Pennsylvania with Brandon. I'm looking forward to this trip!

I am reading... Dangerous to Know by Tasha Alexander. It's the fifth in the And Only to Deceive series. Also Expecting Twins by Elizabeth Noble. I might be a little excited about Arwen's babies....

I am hoping... that the weather report is correct and we beat the snow to Virginia. I have driven on the PA and Ohio Turnpikes in heavy snow a couple of times, and I'd rather not repeat the experience.

I am hearing... the dryer going around.

Around the house... the outdoor decorations are up, but I'm not going to do any indoor decorating until we get back, because the cat will attempt to undo whatever I did while I'm not looking.

A few plans for the rest of the week: butter cookie trees, finish the Christmas shopping (please, God!), do laundry, buy some groceries so Roger can eat while we're gone, pack, and hit the road. Oh, yeah, and choir practice Thursday night,

Words I'm pondering : Pearl Harbor Day. The day when my dad, and my uncles, and many like them, turned from boys into men overnight.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... This is what I would like for Christmas, but only after everybody is safely home.

NaBloPoMo Fail

2010-11-27T09:52:00.002-05:00

So I didn't get a post up yesterday (and Thursday's was pre-scheduled.) And I've already backdated once (I won't tell you when...) So I've decided that since I'm only doing NaBloP for me, and I refuse to "cheat" that much, that I'm going to declare this a blogging "pulled muscle" and drop out of the race.

But don't worry. I intend to keep posting. I just am not going to beat myself up about enjoying my family instead of sitting at the computer. And that is all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

Today I am cooking, eating, and enjoying family, and I hope you are doing the same!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whew! Wednesday

2010-11-24T16:19:00.002-05:00

I am in the middle of making nine pies (three pecan, three pumpkin, and three double-crust apple). From scratch. I cooked the pumpkin last week, and peeled the apples with my handy-dandy apple peeler. I am not reading anything today but recipes!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Tasty Tuesday -- Pennsylvania "Filling"

2010-11-23T19:42:00.003-05:00

I always have to laugh when I see the discussions that pop up around this time of year about whether that bread mixture that goes in the turkey is called "stuffing" or "dressing"! Because if you grew up where I did, the answer is "neither!" We did, however, (and I still do) accompany our Thanksgiving turkey with this very tasty "filling."

Pennsylvania Filling

A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, go out and buy a loaf of the cheapest, most generic white bread you can find. (The proportions given here assume a one-pound loaf.) Shove it in the refrigerator to get good and stale without spoiling. (If you don't have extra refrigerator space, a cool cupboard will do.) Monday of Thanksgiving week, take the bread out of the fridge, trim the crusts, and cut into small cubes. Place the cubes in a good-sized bowl and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Leave the bowl sitting at room temperature and, a couple of times a day, gently toss the cubes so that they all dry out. (If you must cover the bowl, do so with a thin, loosely woven towel, so that the bread can continue to dry.)

The day before Thanksgiving, melt 1 to 1 1/2 sticks of butter and drizzle over the bread cubes, tossing repeatedly. Remind yourself that the filling is so delicious that it will be your loss if you taste all the bread cubes now.

Thanksgiving noontime (or about 1 1/2 hours before the turkey will be done) beat together 4 eggs and 1 1/2 cups of milk. Stir together with the bread cubes. Place in a greased casserole. I use a two quart flat casserole (about 8" square.) The next time you baste the turkey, squirt a couple of baster-fuls of broth/drippings onto the top pf the bread in the casserole. (You can, of course use a spoon! The object is for all of the filling to have a pretty brown broth tinge.) Bake at 350F for about one hour, until golden and puffy. Serve with gravy.

To be perfectly honest, I would be completely happy with just filling and gravy for Thanksgiving. Oh, and some sauerkraut. That PA Dutch side dish always appears on my Thanksgiving table, to the bewilderment of my husband and many of my children. But don't let that scare you away from the filling. It's GOOD!

Full disclosure -- Roger, who cooks the turkey, also makes his traditional seasoned crouton mixture to stuff the turkey. I like it just fine, but not for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Music

2010-11-22T14:37:00.003-05:00

I'm already into the pre-prep for Thursday's dinner, so here are some links to Thanksgiving music.

Come, Ye Thankful People Come

Now Thank We all Our God -- on handbells
-- on organ
-- and sung (with an introductory riff)

And just for a bonus, a different tune, a cappella and in German.

Praise and Thanksgiving (words below)

1. Praise and thanksgiving,
Father, we offer,
For all things living
You have made good;
Harvest of sown fields,
Fruits of the orchard,
Hay from the mown fields,
blossom and wood.

2. Lord, bless the labour
We bring to serve you,
That with our neighbour
we may be fed.
Sowing or tilling,
We would work with you;
Harvesting, milling,
For daily bread.

3. Father, providing
Food for your children,
Your wisdom guiding
Teaches us share
One with another,
So that, rejoicing
With us, our brother
May know your care.

4. Then will your blessing
Reach every people;
Each one confessing
Your gracious hand.
When you are reigning
No one will hunger:
Your love sustaining
Fruitful the land.

And that's it for today; a tasty recipe tomorrow!

Gaps

2010-11-21T10:54:00.003-05:00

Since I moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in my twenties, and then to Michigan the fall before I turned 30, I still make a point of going "home" on a regular basis. Sometimes when I was still single I rode the bus, but since I've married and had kids it's been a driving visit. The quickest route (though not the cheapest or most scenic) is to head south on I-94/I-75 and then head east on the Ohio Turnpike. If you've never driven on the Turnpike, let me explain that on the entrance ramp you are issued a ticket stamped with the time and date, and the point of entry. When you exit this ticket is used to determine your toll, based (roughly) on the distance you have driven.

Many, even perhaps most, people get on at one city in Ohio and exit at another. But since my destination is Pennsylvania, my experience is different, since the Ohio Turnpike feeds directly into the Pennsylvania Turnpike (with similar toll policies). I don't take an exit, I merely pass through a toll plaza. (LOTR fans will appreciate that it's called Eastgate.) Then, for a distance of about 5 miles, I am in what my kids dubbed "no man's land." I've paid my Ohio toll (but I'm still in Ohio), I haven't yet hit the Pennsylvania toll plaza or even the state line, but there is literally nowhere to go but straight ahead, since there are no exits in this stretch. ("We cannot get out!") But since my destination lies a number of hours ahead in Pennsylvania, I don't want to exit. I keep going, cross the state line, stop at the Pennsylvania plaza, and eventually finish my trip.

All this is by way of introduction to the real point of this post, my feelings during this next week. Today we "pass" Christ the King Sunday, the endpoint of the liturgical year. Advent, the start of a new year,doesn't begin until next Sunday. So I often feel adrift in a calendar no-man's-land. True, there is Thanksgiving to celebrate, but it's not a liturgical holiday. (Black Friday, the secular celebration of consumption, is something I avoid if at all possible.) But there are no exits from the expressway of life in this world, so all I really need to do is "stay on the road", keep passing landmarks, and eventually I will get to my final goal!

Heirlooms

2010-11-20T23:13:00.002-05:00

I find it ironic that I actually have more of a post today than I did yesterday. I chose "sloppy Saturday" as a category so that I wouldn't have to think so hard on the weekend, but yesterday I thought and thought and came up with nothing, and today's post just fell into my lap...

For all of you married women out there, I'd love to have my curiosity satisfied on something: Do you still have your wedding dress? I have mine, hanging in a closet. I made it myself, of cotton dotted-swiss, and it's not in bad condition if you don't count the dead elastic in the sleeve cuffs and that one spot where a small child got at it with a magic marker. I wanted to keep it for sentimental reasons, but I simply washed and ironed it and hung it in an old dry-cleaner bag.

This came up because I was talking to a somewhat younger friend tonight, and she mentioned that she opened the box in which the the cleaners "preserved" hers (satin and lace) and discovered that the plastic combs from her veil had leached color onto the sleeves. We couldn't decide if this was a tragedy, or just the nature of things..

I do know that it's not necessary to have a well-preserved dress to have a good marriage. But I wonder if it says anything about a family to know that if necessary I could produce four generations of wedding dresses -- my grandmother's (1911), my mother's (1948), mine (1981), and either Arwen's (2002) or Branwen's (2005). And I don't expect that any of these will have gone missing by the time Camilla or Lauren get married.

So does having five generations of wedding dresses make us stable? Or odd? Or quirky? Or just pack-rats? Opinions, please!

Inane Rambling

2010-11-19T17:48:00.002-05:00

It's Friday evening. I'm tired. I don't have a post idea. I started a "Seven Quick Takes" and deleted it. (I went and played games instead.) By rights this should be a "Sloppy Saturday" post, so maybe I'm just ahead of the game. Or maybe I'm that far behind.... Anyway, I am going to go and finish my novel now.

The End

Thursday Daybook Again

2010-11-18T22:34:00.003-05:00

Outside my window... it is chilly and damp. And dark. I can't believe I'm up this late, but then it's been dark since suppertime.

I am thinking... that I wish I knew where my choir notebook is. All the Christmas music is in there... and only 10 days until Advent.

I am thankful for... people in choir who share their music with me when I show up for rehearsal and discover my notebook is not in my bag.

From the kitchen... it was leftovers night. I am still cooking for more than two people, apparently.

I am wearing... my blue fleece bathrobe and fuzzy slippers, which was what I had on when I last did a daybook two weeks ago. But that was morning, and this is nearly bedtime. As soon as I finish this post.

I am creating...nothing right this minute. But I need to start Lauren's Christmas stocking very soon.

I am going... nowhere tomorrow. This will be the first time all week. I am excited! (Oh, wait; I just realized that two of the possible lurking places for the choir notebook require going to the church. Sigh.)

I am reading... catalogs (for Christmas ideas) and magazines (because the new issues just came) and books (10 checked out, 5 on request/hold) and blogs (because I have to keep up with all of you)..... It's a good thing I like to read. And let's not mention Twitter and Facebook.

I am hoping... that my turkey thaws before Thanksgiving. I moved it from the freezer to the refrigerator today, but if my track record is any indication I will need to hasten it along with water even so.

I am hearing... the refrigerator running, and my key-click, which I don't usually notice. Even the animals are asleep.

Around the house... the cat has knocked the miniature pumpkins off the table again. I would be more upset by this if it wasn't for the fact that when he's batting the pumpkins, he leaves the salt shakers and the toothpick holder alone.

A few plans for the rest of the week: make homemade pumpkin puree, and cook and mash the sweet potatoes for the casserole. The cooking countdown begins!

Words I'm pondering :" It is eleven PM. Why am I not in bed??"

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....
just in case you haven't clicked over there yourself....

Whatcha Readin' Wednesday -- 11/17/10

2010-11-17T16:45:00.002-05:00

So, I am still plowing (OK, plodding) through The Little Book of String Theory. The author uses really creative example, and I ought to get it, but, well..... Maybe I will try to read it over once I finish, to see if it makes more sense the second time through. Or maybe I will assume it's like Till We Have Faces and I'm just somehow not equipped to understand.

My other current non-fiction reading is way more fun: When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads by Dr Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein. Several of Arwen's commenters recommended it, and since my library had it, I checked it out. Great stuff! (And the English geek in me is thrilled that the title has the "Oxford comma".) I need to confirm that Arwen hasn't bought a copy of this yet, and then I'll send it to her!

On the fiction front: more mind-candy. The Chocolate Pirate Plot by JoAnna Carl. To be immediately followed by The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert, and The Charming Quirks of Others by Alexander McCall Smith (of Number One Ladies Detective Agency fame.) This is the latest in his Isabel Dalhousie series.

And now I'm going to stop blogging and read for the half-hour before dinner, because all of them are due back at the library two weeks from yesterday.

Tasty Tuesday -- Basic White Bread

2010-11-16T15:54:00.004-05:00

A member of my ladies' Bibly study group was recently diagnosed with a severe egg allergy, and she has been avoiding bread, since apparently some of the commercial loaves have egg-derived ingredients. I'm going to give her a loaf of this and the recipe.

Basic White Bread (adapted from James Beard)

Sprinkle 1T active dry yeast over 1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees F.) Stir in 2t. sugar or honey.

In a larger bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water and 1 T salt. Slowly stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour. Once the yeast has bubbled and foamed, add the yeast mixture. Stir in an additional 2 cups flour.

Sprinkle about 1/2 cup flour on the counter top, and turn the dough out onto the floured surface. With floured hands, knead the dough by pushing down and away with the heels of your hands. Fold the back of the dough over the front, turn the whole thing 1//4 turn (90 degrees) and repeat. Knead until the dough no longer feels sticky, adding more flour if needed, up to 1/2 cup additional. (This will take about 5 minutes.)

Pour a little oil (1 to 2 T.) into the mixing bowl, form the dough into a ball, and place it in the bowl, turning it over so that all sides are coated with oil. Set in a warm place to rise. (Our oven can be set to 100 degrees F., so we usually preheat it and turn it off. The only reason to cover a bowl of rising dough is to protect it from critters or drafts, which are not an issue in the oven.)

In 1 1/2 hours or so, check if the dough is risen by poking it with two fingers. If the dents stay, it's ready! Turn the dough out onto the counter (we don't wash it in between; add a tiny bit of flour if you need it for other things in the meantime) and knead again for a few minutes.

Allow the dough to rest on the counter while you grease the pan(s). This will make one large loaf in a 9 x 5 inch pan, or two smaller loaves in 8 x 4 pans. And if you have no bread pans, it will make a nice free-form loaf baked on a cookie sheet.. Next, form the dough into (a) smooth round or oval shape(s) and place in the pan(s). Allow to rise for about 45 minutes. Don't poke the dough this time; if it's obviously risen above the edge of the pans (or spread some on the cookie sheet) it's ready.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. (If your oven tends to be slow or fast, adjust the temperature accordingly.) Bake the bread in the lower third of the oven for 35 to 50 minutes, checking after 35. It's done when it sounds hollow when you knock on the top. If the bottom is not yet golden but the loaf sounds hollow, place the bread directly on the oven rack (no pan) for about 5 minutes, but watch it carefully!

Cool the finished bread on a rack until you can't wait any longer. We like to brush ours with melted butter, which gives a slightly more tender crust. If you do cut into a hot loaf, cool the uneaten part cut-side down so that the rest of the loaf doesn't dry out.

This bread freezes well. We (actually Roger, who taught me to make bread) often make 18 loaves -- 3 triple batches -- in one day. We freeze it in half loaves, and often give it away, since "Dad's bread" toast is one of the things both Arwen and Branwen can eat in early pregnancy. We also cut a slice or two on the end of each half loaf before freezing, so that it can be popped into the toaster straight from the freezer if "thaw bread" doesn't make it to the top of the priority list!

I Changed My Blog Header Again..

2010-11-15T20:12:00.002-05:00

I finished a major project for choir today, and I thought I might write about that (since I usually do Musical Monday....)

But I'm just so gobsmacked (in an absolutely wonderful way) that I'm just going to send you over and let you read Arwen's post from today.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee! (Also Whewwwwww!)

Sometimes Sundays are a Mixed Bag

2010-11-14T18:08:00.002-05:00

So did you guys know that "a mixed bag" is actually a British hunting term? You might "bag a brace(pair) of pheasants," or if you shot a pheasant and a quail and a grouse, that would be a "mixed bag." Get it?

I got up early this morning (well, early for a Sunday, anyway) and made a cherry pie and a chicken pot-pie for Roger's birthday dinner. His birthday is actually tomorrow, but we celebrated today because it's more fun to have more than two people at a birthday party, and Branwen and her family were here.

Larry made his famous hash-browns for breakfast as a birthday treat, because most Sundays cooking breakfast is Roger's job. They were, as usual, awesome! Then choir sang at 11:30 mass, and unfortunately we were not in best form. Our best soprano AND main tenor had laryngitis and didn't come, some of us (me included) spaced out on just how we had "arranged" the communion hymn, and I at least felt like we couldn't really hear each other. Kind of like a big blob of fog had descended on our ears. The family assures me it "wasn't that bad," but it wasn't that good, either.

While we were waiting for the pot-pie to bake we played some bridge, which was somewhat interrupted because baby Lauren had gas and needed to be held. And then we had dinner and pie, and Branwen's family went home. And now I'm sitting at my computer writing a post, and while I'm not sure what all I have in the "bag" that's today, I know it's certainly mixed! See you all here tomorrow......

Sloppy Saturday -- Ooooooops!

2010-11-13T18:00:00.001-05:00

So all day Saturday I am/have been/did totally enjoying having Branwen and her family here. Making beanbags and hairbows, playing computer games with the boys and bridge with the grownups (with some gurgles and such contributed by Lauren.) Doing all of that? Yes. Writing an actual blog post? Um, not so much.

Seven Quick Links Friday

2010-11-12T12:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's post was so long I had no time for links, so today instead of writing quick takes I'm going to link them.

1. My longtime friend Ernesto (at our age we don't mention "old" friends...) posted a video on his blog showing Pope Benedict with the world's largest thurible. Be sure to watch well into the video, both to see how they swing it and for the expressions on the pope's face.

2. Brandon's friend Andy has a blog which I find hilarious, and not just because I know him. Check out his take on the subject of caffeine overdose. (Yes, I know he's referencing a sad story. Think of this as a Darwin Award, if you must.)

3. I missed this yesterday, but it made me cry today.

4. And if you haven't tried this game yet, be warned that I find it addictive.

5. If you love tea as much as I do, this site is a must! (Kate, I'm looking at you...) It makes me sad that most of the American public only knows Lipton, or at best blends and flavored teas. I saw a menu from "high tea" at a fancy hotel, and while the choices were a step up from, say, Bob Evans, I drink better tea at home every day. Admittedly, without the fancy sandwiches......

6. If you're ever stumped doing word games, this one's for you. But I think probably using it while playing "Words with Friends" qualifies as tacky.

7. And if you've ever wanted to try Gregorian chant for yourself, take a look at this. Kind of like "Sing Along with Mitch" for chant geeks. (And a couple of bonus links in case you're too young to know what I'm taking about.)

Seven Quick Takes is , as usual, hosted by Jen.

A LONG Book Meme

2010-11-11T09:25:00.005-05:00

Lindsay did this, and I liked it, so I thought I'd join in...

1. Favorite childhood book?
For preschool age, The Jolly Jumping Man (a Golden Book). Later, Eight Cousins, by Alcott. I almost swooned with joy when I found Rose in Bloom, the sequel.

2. What are you reading right now?
A Deadly Yarn. Also, I am persevering with the Little Book of String Theory. So far I'm following it.

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
(Checks library site...). The Chocolate Pirate Plot, Kilt Dead -- which are in; Dangerous to Know -- for which I'm number 3 on the list; and in the statewide system, In the Company of Others, the newest Jan Karon. I'm a sucker for online requests!

4. Bad book habit?
Reading in the shower. I try to limit it to books I own, but.......

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Nine in total -- four yarn shop mysteries, two Constable Evans, String Theory, a compendium of knitting stitches, and a short story collection that will probably go back unread.

6. Do you have an e-reader?
No! I have seventy-two-skillion things I'd prefer to do with my money. And if you want to buy me a present, "real" books are fine. Even used. I have a list...

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?
Usually one fiction and one non-fiction, not counting any specific studying I may be doing.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
No. I may be reading less print since I started reading blogs, but that was a long time ago.......

9. Least favorite book you read this year?
The Grave Gourmet. It looked interesting enough that I actually requested it, but UGH! Took it back after less than two chapters. This is RARE.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
No clue. Nothing jumps out at me, so I'm guessing I read a lot of mind candy.....

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Aside from my "one non-fiction" mentioned above, I have a discipline of "educational reading", where I go through something I think I ought to read which would never otherwise make it to the top of the pile. Ten to twenty minutes four or five times a week. I've done some good stuff this way.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Light, unfortunately. Mysteries (with or without romance). Milder sci fi and fantasy. Older (in terms of when it was written) young adult.

13. Can you read on the bus?
No bus, no car, no nothin'. I come very close to envying my children because reading while traveling doesn't make them queasy. (I have read on planes, but that's because the discomfort of reading while moving is less than the discomfort of thinking about where I actually am...)

14. Favorite place to read?
My end of the couch. Our new couch has recliners in both ends, and the left side is mine. (Now if I could just persuade the dog to respect that.)

15. What is your policy on book lending?
Lend, but write it down! Unless we have duplicates, which is not as rare as you might think.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
Only catalogs. I broke this habit 40+ years ago.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Rarely. Roger does it much more, which is sometimes interesting and sometimes distracting.

18. Not even with text books?
I cracked my last textbook in 1973. My Bible study guides have spaces where you're intended to write.

19. What is your favorite language to read in?
Um, the only one I know? Although it makes me ridiculously happy if I can follow a short passage in French or Greek.

20. What makes you love a book?
When something resonates with me. It can vary from book to book.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
If I think it's a good "fit" for the person I'm recommending to. I rarely make blanket recommendations.

22. Favorite genre?
See number 12.

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did)?
Classic light fiction. Austen, Bronte(s), re-reading Alcott.

24. Favorite biography?
Can't think of one.

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic by Reneau Peurifoy. This one saved my life, or at least my sanity.

26. Favorite cookbook?
The More-with-Less Cookbook. Ask my kids!

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or nonfiction)?
My Grandfather's Son by Clarence Thomas. Kelson won an autographed copy by being the only one in his HS classroom who could immediately identify who Thomas is. Pathetic.

28. Favorite reading snack?
Not food, drink. Tea with sugar, no cream, no lemon.

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
??????

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
If a critic is reading it, it's probably not my style.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I think you should always be honest, but I also think that you should always even out things. If you tell me what’s bad about a book, I fully expect to hear what’s good about it as well. (This is Lindsay's answer. I agree completely.)

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Koine Greek. I know just enough to fumble around in the New Testament. I'd love to be fluent.

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Till We Have Faces. I read it through four or five times one Lent, because I grasp that it must make some point I need to understand, but I still don't "get" it. And I love everything else Lewis wrote.

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
The Silmarillion. The sentences are simple too long to make this anything but work for me.

35. Favorite poet?
Kipling. Or Robert Service. I'm a poetry lowbrow.

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Five to ten. As low as two, and as high as twenty, but both of those are rare.

37. How often have you returned books to the library unread?
As often as my reading "eyes are bigger than my stomach". But with online renewal, it's rare.

38. Favorite fictional character?
Samwise. I don't think it's any accident that I came out as him on a "which Tolkein character are you?" Facebook quiz.

39. Favorite fictional villain?
Scrooge. Because he isn't, in the end.

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
A stack of whatever series I'm hooked on at the time. New reads, re-reads, doesn't matter.

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
However long I had the flu that one time. If I go 24 hours without reading time, I get withdrawal symptoms.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
Not too many. I'll only stop if I feel the book is/could be damaging me in some way. But of course there are many I don't start for this reason.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Not much.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
Emma. Because then I didn't have to read it.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Jane Eyre, the old one with George C. Scott. I love the book for the dialogue, and the movie turns three pages into two sentences as often as not. We'll see about the new version.

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
A $50 gift card. I borrow rather than buy.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?

Only to see if I should bother.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Distraction. Got more interested in another book I was reading simultaneously. I have one like that right now....

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
I was excited that moving let me organize the books, something I'd been meaning to get around to for years..

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
Keep. I might want or need to reread them. Unless they belong to the library, of course.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
"Avoiding" is the wrong word for the Twilight books. "Reject outright."

52. Name a book that made you angry.
An Inconvenient Truth. Which I will never actually read.

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
The Lord of the Rings. I avoided it for about 10 years, but then got it forced on me. And look what happened.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
A Wizard of Earthsea. Rave reviews from friends, but "meh."

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Harry Potter

This post took longer than I expected, so there are no links. If it's not clear which book I'm referring to, pipe up in the comments.

Word and Question 6

2010-11-10T15:48:00.007-05:00

WORD & QUESTION 6

I'm leaving the word and question till last this time, or you'll know exactly where this is going. I couldn't believe it when I got the email telling me what they were -- I knew what this poem would be about instantly. The scansion and rhymes took a little longer...

When I was first married, I planted a garden
With cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes and more.
The plot wasn't large, but the produce was tasty,
Much better than what I could get at the store.

But then we had kids, and a budget apartment
With nowhere for planting except in a pot,
And I thought "Later on, when our income is bigger,
We'll buy a big house, and I'll garden; why not?"

We did buy a house, and a garden was planted,
Much bigger, more varied, and harder to tend.
And with 4, 5, 6 kids, it just wasn't my focus
So we let it go back into grass, in the end.

Years passed, and kids grew -- no new garden was planted.
My intentions were good, but that road leads to....... Well,
All the children are grown, and we've moved to a new house
Which once had a garden -- it's easy to tell.

We've been here for a year, but my indolence tempts me
To internet surf, or crochet, or just read.
I've taken no action: No digging, no weeding,
No searching for trowels or packets of seed.

I'm content in my chair, but I have to admit it;
That patch in the back yard is calling to me.
I'm set in my ways, but I love fresh tomatoes --
Will there be a garden next summer? We'll see.

Word: Indolent (or indolence)
Question: When will your garden grow?

And don't forget to check out the links to the other participants over at Shredded Cheddar.

Tasty Tuesday -- Tuna Turnovers

2010-11-09T18:35:00.003-05:00

We had these for dinner tonight, and I love them! I only make half of what I used to "back in the day", and even that's actually too much. But I can't figure out how to cut a can of tuna in half.... (Well, I know they now make tiny "single-serve" pouches. But they cost way more per ounce than a can.) This recipe is adapted from my beloved More-With-Less Cookbook.

Tuna Turnovers

For the filling: Combine 1 5 oz. can tuna, drained; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1 small rib celery, finely chopped; 1 T. onion, minced; salt; and pepper. Stir in enough mayonnaise to moisten to about the consistency of tuna salad. Filling can be made early in the day and chilled, if desired.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For crust: Combine 1 cup flour, 1 1/2 t. baking powder, and 1/4 t. salt. Cut in (a fork works fine) 2 T shortening. Stir in 3/8 cup (6 T.) milk. Dump dough out onto the counter and knead lightly 15-20 times.

Roll out dough into about an 8" by 16" rectangle, and cut into 8 4-inch squares. Place an equal amount of the filling on each square, fold over, and seal by crimping with a fork. (I do triangles or rectangles depending on my mood and/or how neatly I've rolled out the dough.) Place sealed turnovers on a greased cookie sheet, and brush with melted butter or margarine. ( 2 T - 1/4 stick is probably enough, although I tend to use as much as twice that.) Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. (Don't worry if some of the filling oozes out; some members of my family think the slightly crisp oozy cheese/tuna is the best part.) Brush with any leftover butter.

The cookbook suggests that you "Serve with clear soup and green salad." I've never done anything fancier than throwing some raw vegetables on the side, but the serving suggestion would admittedly make a "nicer" meal. Any cheese is fine, although we rarely use anything but cheddar. And you could also use 1/2 cup finely diced chicken or ham instead of the tuna. The crust also would serve as a reasonable stand-in for any filling recipe that calls for canned crescent roll dough.

Musical Monday --

2010-11-08T19:53:00.006-05:00

My brain is in low gear this evening, and I really have no idea what to post. I tried to find YouTube videos of the hymns I posted last week, but there was nothing with the quality that I really wanted...

Wait! I know! I've seen this several places, and enjoyed it every time I clicked on it. Hallelujah! I have a post!

"Spiritual Sunday" -- Warning, I'm going to talk about religion!

2010-11-07T17:10:00.003-05:00

As a non-Catholic who spends a lot of time in Catholic churches (since Roger and all the kids are Catholic, and I sing in the choir,) I also spend a fair amount of time wondering why Catholics -- whose doctrine claims that "the fullness of the faith subsists in the Catholic Church" -- mostly spend more time thinking about the pancake breakfast, or the school fundraiser, or landscaping the parish grounds, than they do about who God is and what He wants them to do. [There are notable counter-examples, both individuals and parishes, but I'm speaking of the general run of things.]

Even though since Vatican II personal Bible study has been not only allowed but actively encouraged, many more people show up for the card party than for the study group. And the ones who do show up mostly want to be told what the Bible says, rather than reading it and experiencing it for themselves. As a mainline Protestant turned Evangelical turned I-don't-know-what-the-heck-you'd-call-me-except-it-isn't-Catholic, this mystifies me. Why would somebody not want to hear God's voice?

All this by way of bringing up what I did this afternoon: went to an introductory session for a women's study group my parish is trying to start. They are planning on using the ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity Of Women) program, and personally, I find it awesome. But -- forty women showed up for the intro, and maybe eight signed up for more information. I'm one of them, because I believe I'm supposed to be. But -- two hours EVERY Sunday right after 11:30 mass? For two or three months? Do Catholics only study on Sundays? (Humor me ; I know the answer to that, and I'm just venting.)

Anyway, from everything I've seen and read, anybody who bothers to do the ENDOW program will gain a lot. I just wish I thought a lot of people will do it.......

(We now return to our regularly-scheduled inane ramblings.)

Sloppy Saturday -- This time you get a review

2010-11-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

A couple of days ago on Facebook there was an item in my feed from cooking.com's Facebook page. (I gave the girls e-gift certificates last year when we were moving and going out Christmas shopping was low on my priority list.) They were looking for bloggers "with an established following" to do a review and earn goodies (gift certificates, DVD's and such.) Apparently you all qualify as enough of a following, so Thank You, and here's the review:

I chose to review the Wusthof Grand Prix 4.5-inch utility knife. If you had asked me five years ago if I wanted a knife like this, I'd have said "no thanks." But I've changed my mind.

Please understand that I LOVE Wusthof knives. (Before I was married I worked in a restaurant for a couple of years, and I learned to appreciate good knives.) Roger and I got an adequate set of another, lesser brand as a wedding present, and they served us just fine for a good while. But when they started to show their age, Arwen and Bryan (who have Wusthof knives themselves) started to give them to us as presents. The 8-inch chef's knife. The 3.5-inch parer -- my everyday favorite. The 7-inch santoku. I learned that things had changed since my restaurant days, when molded handles were considered sub-standard. These handles hold up amazingly well, even in our somewhat chaotic kitchen. (Do too many cooks spoil the knives?.....)

Anyway, I have to admit that I was less than thrilled when we received this utility knife. Too long, I thought. Not the right shape for chopping. What will I use it for??

The answer, it turns out, is for slicing that perfect tomato without the marks you get from multiple cuts with a paring knife. For chopping that tiny bit of something that it's really overkill to get the chef's knife out for. For "perfectly" dividing one goodie between two grandchildren. I don't use it every day, but I wouldn't give it up!

As with all of the knives I've tried in the Wusthof Grand Prix line, the utility knife is well balanced, and holds an edge well, too. (I do know I'm lucky to have a husband who "does" the knives with multiple stones and a strop a couple of times a year.) But in between it takes maybe 30 seconds with a diamond hone to get it back to the point that it will cut through tomato skin without a hitch. In short, I like this knife very much.

If you're interested in a review opportunity like this sometime (or if you just want to go drool over the gorgeous kitchenware) you can go to cooking.com's website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter. (I'm struggling to get a workable link for Twitter, but you guys are smart, you can do it yourselves!)

Family Friday -- Quick Update

2010-11-05T14:58:00.003-04:00

I'm struggling to get everything I need to do today done, so this will be brief. For those of you who have lost track, this is what my family is up to these days:

Roger and I are living with an empty nest, and busier than ever. Nobody told me that "no kids" didn't mean "more relaxed lifestyle."

Kelson is a freshman in college in Florida, where his sisters went, and loving it. He will be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm sure the animals will be excited!

Tirienne is still living with Arwen and Bryan and going to culinary school. She has pretty much settled on pastry as her field. Nobody is surprised.

Brandon is almost done with his time in Duluth, and will be home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, due to a combination of moving time and accumulated leave. His new duty station is on an island on the Inside Passage in Alaska. He will love it there! (Actually, the weather is warmer than it is in Duluth.)

Miriel is living with some dear friends in Virginia and working as a research assistant to a constitutional law scholar at a non-profit in DC. This is all right up her alley, and will be much more fun for her now that she finally has a desk high enough to get her knees under. (I don't know if her predecessor was tiny, or just didn't mention it to anybody.)

Branwen and Larry are adjusting to life with three children. Judging by the number of adorable pink outfits Larry has bought for Lauren, I'd say he likes having a daughter! Daniel and Matthew continue to grow, and amaze us with their imaginations and abilities.

Arwen and Bryan continue to love their life, except when Bryan has to travel too much for business. Camilla is becoming quite the young lady, and Blaise's vocabulary is booming. He's not a baby any more! Which is good, because this family will be welcoming a new baby along about June. (I changed my header. Did anybody notice?!!) Six grandchildren will be wonderful!

Daybook -- On Thursday because that's just how I am....

2010-11-04T10:59:00.002-04:00

Outside my window... fall is turning to winter. The leaves on the grape vine were bright yellow just a few days ago. Now they are brown and lying on the ground.

I am thinking... that NaBloPoMo is being slightly less challenging this year. Honestly, I think it's because I've been practicing my typing and now I can get the same amount of thoughts written in less time.

I am thankful for... the anticipated holiday season, with ALL the family here. And that there is money to buy gifts, and special food, and even enough to share. I am waiting anxiously for the parish "giving tree" to go up, so that I can decide what sort of tag to take this year. Baby? Homeless person? Teen?

From the kitchen... Lentil Sausage Soup and apple crisp for the Worship Commission meeting at church. Everybody on the committee is so busy that the only way we could find time to meet is by multi-tasking it with dinner. But I get to cook for 8 people again!

I am wearing... my blue fleece bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. I am admittedly a slow starter in the morning, but I'm usually showered by now. But I've gotten a lot done.... That's an excuse, isn't it? Please say its OK....

I am creating... blog posts all month. And a Christmas shopping list. I saw on a blog I read the author's goal to have her shopping done before Advent! I'd love to pull that off, and maybe next year if I set it as a goal I'll be able to. But this year it's encouraging me to get as much as I can manage out of the way.

I am going...to the grocery store as soon as I'm dressed, and then to Worship Commission followed by choir practice. A busy evening.

I am reading... the books I mentioned yesterday. I am speeding through Evans Above, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to love the whole series. No progress on String Theory...

I am hoping... that it doesn't rain while I am grocery shopping. I hate carrying things into the house and having them drip.

I am hearing... the Celtic music Roger has playing as he works. I tend to need/want much less background music than he does. Which is good, because sound carries in this house (I'm in the kitchen, he's in the office at the end of the hall,) and we might have to turn it up to deafening levels to drown the other out.

Around the house... I did a complete dusting round on Saturday, and Roger put shrink-wrap plastic on all the windows. I haven't noticed a difference in temperature, but I'm sure I will in January. And we are supposed to have snow flurries tomorrow!

A few plans for the rest of the week: grandchildren this weekend! Arwen is going to The Blathering (a blogger get-together), so Bryan is bringing Camilla and Blaise to town.

Words I'm pondering : none, I guess. Which means I need to slow down a bit.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....

Whatcha Readin' Wednesday -- 11/3/10

2010-11-03T16:25:00.003-04:00

I actually just finished both a fiction and a non-fiction, so today I'll tell you what I just read, and what I just started. My current fiction is total mind-candy. The one I just finished is Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton. It's the second in a series about Kelly, a Colorado girl turned Washington DC CPA who gets called back to her little mountain hometown by her Aunt Helen's murder. While solving that (in the first volume, Knit One , Kill Two) , Kelly also gets hooked on knitting (surprise! ;-D ) with the group of women who frequent the yarn shop in her aunt's former farmhouse. Pretty standard mystery fare, and no real secret that by volume three Kelly will have given up the big city for yarn and the mountains. Fluff, but fun.

Just before I sat down to post this, I picked up Evans Above by Rhys Bowen. I've been enjoying her "Royal Spyness" series, and discovered this earlier series about Welsh constable Evan Evans. I'm hoping to read them straight through, although Bowen's website indicates that they're mostly out of print. I'm not surprised, since I'm reading this first volume in large-print format, which was the only way it is available in our local library system. If I find as I work through that some books in the series aren't available here at all, I'll try the state e-catalog.

On the non-fiction front, I just finished Theater Geek by Mickey Rapkin. I had enjoyed his Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Capella Glory, and thought I'd try this look at Stagedoor Manor, a famous (but not known to me) performing arts camp. Rapkin is an engaging storyteller, and if you can get past the culturally-obligatory "every young male interesting in acting is probably gay, and there are lots of them here" vibe (I rolled my eyes at least twice a chapter) this is a pleasant and informative read.

My next non-fiction... well, we'll see if I make it through. It's called The Little Book of String Theory, by Steven S. Gubser, and although my college minor was physics (major: math) I'm not sure that Gubser's attempt to simplify string theory is going to be successful. I've made it through the introduction -- which read a lot like the intro to a college textbook -- and I'm truly unsure wehther I will be able (or willing) to finish the rest. But for now, I'm going to try.

And today's burning (for me anyway) question: will blogging every day cause a serious reduction in my reading? Time will tell!

Tasty Tuesday -- Herb Cheese Toasts

2010-11-02T16:02:00.003-04:00

We had a semi-unexpected guest for dinner yesterday. He's a family friend, and Roger's golf buddy, and when they decided that yesterday (and the rest of the winter!) was going to be just too cold for golf, I suggested that Roger invite him to eat with us. After some schedule juggling, he determined that he could come.

Now yesterday's dinner plan was nothing fancy. Every so often Roger makes ENORMOUS pots of chili or spaghetti sauce, which we freeze. I was simply going to heat up a bag of sauce, and boil some angel hair. Simple and good. (Well, I did forget to mention the freshly-grated parmesan...) I don't know whether Roger was inspired by the sight of the cheese, or thought our dinner was "too plain for company", but he suggested I add these. No problem!

Herb Cheese Toasts

Cut slices of French or Italian bread to a uniform thickness. (I used half a baguette I had in the freezer and quickly thawed. You want the slices uniform so that they broil evenly.) Melt about 1/2 cup (one stick) butter or margarine for each half loaf of bread. Arrange slices on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle or brush with the butter. (I usually drizzle, and then turn them over and rub the tops in any that runs off. Brushing is neater but slower.) Sprinkle slices with grated parmesan or romano (I used 1/4 to 1/3 cup) and dried Italian herbs. (My jar contains oregano, basil, marjoram, thyme, and cracked rosemary.) Place under broiler until cheese bubbles and edges are browned. Serve hot.

WARNING: These are addictive. The three of us finished off a dozen plus slices along with our pasta!

Solemnity of All Saints, or NaBloPoMo begins

2010-11-01T09:34:00.005-04:00

As I said on Friday, I'm going to give NaBloPoMo* a shot for another year. And since this is "Musical Monday", what better way to begin than with the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns of all time, William W. How's For All the Saints? The tune is Sine Nomine (which just means "without a name") and is by Ralph Vaughn Williams. You can hear the MIDI here.

1. For all the saints, who from their labours rest,

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;

Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

3. For the Apostles’ glorious company,

Who bearing forth the Cross o’er land and sea,

Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:

Alleluia, Alleluia!

4. For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,

Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,

Is fair and fruitful, be Thy Name adored.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

5. For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,

Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,

And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

6. O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

7. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,

Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,

And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

8. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

9. The golden evening brightens in the west;

Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;

Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

10. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of glory passes on His way.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

11. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:

Alleluia, Alleluia!

The site where I found the words says that verses 3,4, and 5 are usually omitted. I had never heard them before, but I like them. (Although I do think 13 verses are a bit long for most congregational singing these days, and the only anthem setting of this I've ever seen also skips 6, 9, and 10.) And they make the reference to the Te Deum Laudamus, which is just below, very obvious. I've bolded the relevant parts.

We praise Thee, O God: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee and the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels:
to Thee the heavens and all the Powers therein.
To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry with unceasing voice:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Hosts.
The heavens and the earth are full of the majesty of Thy glory.
Thee the glorious choir of the Apostles.
Thee the admirable company of the Prophets.
Thee the white-robed army of Martyrs praise.
Thee the Holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge.
The Father of infinite Majesty.
Thine adorable, true and only Son
Also the Holy Ghost the Paraclete.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
Thou having taken upon Thee to deliver man
didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
Thou having overcome the sting of death
didst open to believers the kingdom of heaven.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God
in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants:
whom Thou has redeemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting.
Lord, save Thy people:
and bless Thine inheritance.
Govern them and lift them up forever.
Day by day we bless Thee.
And we praise Thy name forever:
and world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord: have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us:
as we have hoped in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I hoped:
let me never be confounded.

And just to round out the "musical" part of this, here is the metrical version of the Te Deum, which may be familiar to some of you. The original German words are by Ignaz Franz, translated by Clarence A. Walworth, and the last verse was added by Hugh T. Henry. You can hear the MIDI of the tune here.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in Heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising,
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising;
Fill the heavens with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord.

Lo! the apostolic train
Join the sacred Name to hallow;
Prophets swell the loud refrain,
And the white robed martyrs follow;
And from morn to set of sun,
Through the Church the song goes on.

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee;
While in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim Thee;
And adoring bend the knee,
While we own the mystery.

Thou art King of glory, Christ:
Son of God, yet born of Mary;
For us sinners sacrificed,
And to death a tributary:
First to break the bars of death,
Thou has opened Heaven to faith.

From Thy high celestial home,
Judge of all, again returning,
We believe that Thou shalt come
In the dreaded doomsday morning;
When Thy voice shall shake the earth,
And the startled dead come forth.

Therefore do we pray Thee, Lord:
Help Thy servants whom, redeeming
By Thy precious blood out-poured,
Thou hast saved from Satan’s scheming.
Give to them eternal rest
In the glory of the blest.

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded:
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee;
Never, Lord, abandon me.

And that's my blogging for today. I'll see you here tomorrow!

* Oh, and my friend Tracy at The Secret of Living is doing NaBloP as well; if you've never read her, head on over there and check it out.

Seven Quick Takes Friday --Chocolatini Edition

2010-10-29T21:35:00.003-04:00

Seven Quick Takes are hosted by Jen.

1. I totally thought I had already posted here this week. But no, I put a note up on Facebook. NOT the same thing. This does not bode well for NaBloPoMo.

2. Yes, I'm going to try NaBloPoMo again this year. Wish me luck!

3. We had chicken mole for dinner tonight. Well, a women's magazine version of chicken mole apparently designed for wimpy kids on a low-sodium diet. A saltshaker and a bottle of Tapatio made it much better. Next time I will kick it up several notches!

4. We had a chipmunk in our basement. It entered by falling down the dryer vent pipe, and Roger wasn't quick enough to keep it in the bucket when he untaped the vent to let it out. We set up a Havaheart trap, but the cat (or dog) didn't have one (a heart, that is). So now we have a chipmunk grave in the yard. Sniff.

5. Tomorrow is a don't-have-to-go-anywhere day. So we won't. We will, however, do the overdue dusting of all the furniture (me) and put shrink-wrap plastic on all the windows (Roger). And then we will have wine and cheese and shrimp cocktails for dinner, to celebrate our diligence.

6. Today was the first day all week that neither of us had an evening commitment. Next week will be the same. I thought empty-nesting was supposed to be more laid-back. Silly me.

7. The chocolatini in the title is one of my favorite weekend drinks -- chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and Irish cream in a martini glass drizzled with chocolate syrup. Dessert in a glass! And now you know why this post was quick and (possibly) incoherent. Goodnight!

Seven Quick Takes Friday -- Totally Random

2010-10-22T16:33:00.004-04:00

Seven Quick Takes are hosted by Jen.

1) I Right now my kitchen (where my computer is) smells like onions. Dinner tonight is Creamed Chicken with Corn Bread Dressing. (The recipe for the dressing is coming in November.) I did all my prep around lunchtime, including chopping the onion for the creamed chicken, which I then put into the pan I'll be using and covered with the lid. I just took the lid off. Whew!

2) It is a gorgeous fall day outside. Lots of red and yellow, fading to brown, but still enough green for contrast. I love to look at fall, but I don't really spend much time outside enjoying it. Good thing there is a window right by my desk.

3) We went to our local Right to Life banquet last night. Well, actually, except for the food part, we ran it. Tickets, seating plans, speaker, decorations, programs. you name it. But Roger didn't have to be emcee this year, since somebody has finally stepped forward to take over as president, after almost two decades. So next year there will be a banquet committee, and all we'll need to do is show up. The new president has the people-motivation skills we lack, and I expect a lot of good things to happen. Thank you, Joe!!

4) Election day is in less than two weeks. Michigan is not electing a US senator this year, but every other state and local office is up in the air. Some races have a clear (to me) best choice, some are a little fuzzier. But I'm putting on my patriot hat and telling you -- no matter where you are, or where you stand on issues -- to get out there and VOTE! A country where people take their responsibility in this area seriously will be a better country than one where they don't, even if the "wrong" candidates win.

5) Our local park system is awesome! I've mentioned the walking/running/biking trails before, but the beaches and museums are also great, and we just acquired a lighthouse! Furthermore, local groups have gathered donations and grants to repair it and care for it. So if you ever come to visit I'll be sure to take you to see it.

6) My stomach is growling. I've been cautiously trying to lose some weight but eating only when I'm physically hungry. Well, I am! But I'm going to wait for the Cornbread Dressing, because man, is that tasty!

7) Those of you who care about grammar may have noticed that I lean toward the use of the "Oxford comma"; that is, a comma after the item before the "and" in a list separated by commas. Example: I like vanilla, butterscotch, and chocolate ice cream toppings. Modern usage says the comma after butterscotch isn't necessary, and should be omitted. Go read this, (specifically the photo caption) and see if you agree!

And that's it for this week's version of Seven Quick takes. Have a great weekend!

15 Authors in 15 Minutes -- edited

2010-10-20T16:51:00.006-04:00

I tried to use some keyboard shortcuts, and this is up in two versions. I'll read all comments both places :-D

This post was originally a Facebook note for which I was tagged by a blog-friend. I decided to put it on here as well (with added commentary) because there are a couple of people whose lists I'd like to see with whom I am not Facebook friends. And frankly, if you wind up here and this looks like fun to you, by all means play along -- leaving a link here would be wonderful -- and maybe expand my reading horizons!!

Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen authors (poets included) who've influenced you and that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Tag as many friends that are passionate about reading as you can, including me, because I'm interested in seeing what authors my friends choose. (To do this, go to your Notes tab on your profile page, paste rules in a new note, cast your fifteen picks, and tag people in the note.)

(My comments on each author were not part of the Facebook post.)

1. The Holy Spirit -- As the ultimate author of the Bible, in the same way I'd list Edward Stratemeyer as the author of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. Somebody else did the actual writing, but the inspiration was his.

2. CS Lewis -- He's the ultimate reason I have more than two kids. (Read That Hideous Strength.)

3. JRR Tolkien -- A daughter named Arwen. Any questions?

4. Robert Heinlein -- He was my first introduction to sci-fi. Some of it has palled after 40 years, but he was definitely formative for me.

5. Jan Karon -- I want to live in Mitford!

6. Barbara Mertz (Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters) -- Amelia Peabody Emerson is what keeps me reading her, but I got hooked by the Readers Digest condensation of Ammie, Come Home.

7. Rudyard Kipling -- For the poems, although I like his stories just fine. But I'm a creature of rhyme and meter, and his poems suit me.

8. Dr. Seuss -- He's one of the authors who make reading the same book to your kid 72 bazillion times bearable. Ask me how many I have memorized!

9. Georgette Heyer -- She never palls. Romance with true literacy and period clothes!

10. George and Helen Waite Papashvily -- If you don't know them, Google them and then find one of their books, especially Anything Can Happen.

11. C.J. Cherryh -- For the Foreigner series.

12. Madeleine L'Engle -- I remember the day I was handed A Wrinkle in Time, and read it in one sitting. Some of her stuff has what I consider slightly whiffy theology, but I like her anyway.

13. Edith Schaeffer -- If anybody knows where my copy of Hidden Art is, I want it back!

14. John McCrae -- "In Flanders' fields the poppies grow..." The most awesome of one-hit wonders.

15. Louisa May Alcott -- Eight Cousins, Rose in Bloom, and Jack and Jill! And yeah, the famous stuff, too.

I have to admit that I spent 5 of my 15 minute circling the bookcases in the hose to make sure I didn't leave somebody out, or put somebody of lesser importance in. I figured (correctly) that I would get good guidance from what I own a lot of.

And I would LOVE to see lists from Enbretheliel and Mighty Maggie and Rae, if you guys even see this............

15

2010-10-20T16:51:00.001-04:00

1. The Holy Spirit*

2. CS Lewis

3. JRR Tolkien

4. Robert Heinlein

5. Jan Karon

6. Barbara Mertz (Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters)

7. Rudyard Kipling

8. Dr. Seuss

9. Georgette Heyer

10. George and Helen Waite Papashvily

11. C.J. Cherryh

12. Madeleine L'Engle

13. Edith Schaeffer

14. John McCrae

15. Louisa May Alcott

A Solemn Warning (giggle!)

2010-10-20T10:29:00.001-04:00

For all you Word and Question/Poetry Game participants who haven't weighed in -- you have one week, and then I may have to post your names on the WALL OF SHAME! (snicker!)

Word and Question 5

2010-10-13T18:33:00.004-04:00

WORD & QUESTION 5

So I guess I've been channeling e.e. cummings .....

Word: slay
Question: Will the dish crack after all?

i would really like
to get rid of that cockroach

he's lurking now
somewhere in my kitchen
i saw him yesterday

i'd have stepped on him
but i was barefoot
and anyway i'm not
heavy enough to crush him

i could slay him with poison
but i have a cat
and besides, i'm scared of the stuff

maybe i could hit him with something...

i bet a blow with a dinner plate could work...

but first i have to find him

Don't forget to comment here with a link to your own poem when you post it. There are eight of you out there, and I know who you are! ;-D

Emails Are Out! -- Updated

2010-10-10T12:20:00.003-04:00

OK, folks, the Word and Question emails have been sent. I'll have my poem up on Wednesday (or die trying??) We have 8 players this month, three of them new, so be sure to leave a link in the comments here when you post your poem, so that everybody can find you!

(A note to new players: if it wasn't clear, the words and questions are distributed separately, so if you want to see a poem from "your" prompts, you'll have to look at two of them! I like the way some random submissions came together in interesting ways. )

I received an additional entry after I had emailed the prompts and posted this, and because I'm ~~a pushover~~ a very nice lady I sent that person the prompts I had left for myself and took the ones they sent. The part of me that used to be a math teacher is objecting strongly that the distribution of words and questions no longer fits the scheme I had devised, but the part of me that thinks I need to grow in flexibility says this is a good opportunity to practice. So welcome, player # 9!

A Quick Reminder

2010-10-08T10:37:00.001-04:00

Don't forget: if you want to participate in this month's Word and Question poetry game, send me your word and question by the end of today.

Word and Question/ Playing Poetry -- October Edition

2010-10-06T16:41:00.004-04:00

For the last couple of months I've (as those of you who show up here regularly probably know) I've been playing the Word and Question poetry game started by Enbrethiliel of Shredded Cheddar. Being a generous sort, she has been sharing the hosting duties! Last month was hosted by Dauvit at Crosses and Cradles, and this month it's my turn.

The full rules are here, but the general pattern is that if you want to play, you email me by Friday with a word and a question. I email you back by Sunday with a word and question submitted by others, and the game is on! I have to post my poem by next Wednesday, but everyone else gets until the 27th. And if you don't have a blog, you're welcome to post your poem in the comments here.

If you're waffling about whether or not to play -- please do. The entries are all over the map in terms of style and execution, and the rules state that we all have to say something nice about each poem. And your eighth grade English teacher isn't playing!

My email is in my profile, and just in case anybody is wondering -- my name really is Salome Ellen, but I've gone by Ellen all my life. Let's Play Poetry!!

Seven Quick Takes Friday , or HOW Long Has It Been Since I Did One of These??!!

2010-10-01T14:17:00.003-04:00

1) Today is the first of October. I am reminded by the mail in my inbox that NaBloPoMo starts November 1st. In one month. Thirty posts in thirty days. I think I am posting more often and more regularly than I ever have before, but for some reason the 30/30 sounds scary this year. We shall see...

2) One post I will certainly be doing is the one hosting Word and Question/ The Poetry Game here for October. (Well, two, since I have to post my own poem.) The rules are here, and we would love to have more participants. So think about it, and please join in! Your word and question should be emailed to me by October 9th.

3) My husband is baking bread today. Eighteen loaves. (Yes, I know I'm spoiled!) Some of it we will freeze, and some of it will go to Branwen, for easy lunches for her boys. And some of it we will eat for dinner. Yum!

4) When I am finished with this post, I am going to go out and buy apples. This is sad. I phoned our regular u-pick orchard to find out what varieties were ready, and discovered that due to a badly-timed spring freeze, they don't have ANY. The apple crop in Michigan is off 50% this year, which explains why prices have been staying so high. But we have to have some apples, since Roger can't get along without his pies, so off to the Farmer's Market I go...

5) Our bird-feeder is getting a workout. We never had one at the old house, but Roger has so enjoyed watching the variety of birds we get that he went out and bought a new one when the one that came with the house broke. (I blame the squirrels.) Also a hummingbird feeder and a suet-cake cage. I am glad that unlike the dog and the cat they require no effort on my part, even if he's gone for a few days.

6) We have talked about giving away the dog and cat, especially when having to make arrangements for them foils the spontaneity of buzzing off to see the grandchildren for the weekend. We can think of somebody who might want Joe-dog, and we could get a self-feeder/waterer for Lucas-kitty, who doesn't need to be let out. But Roger would hate to separate them, so expect we will have pets until these (relatively young ones) die. And anyway, the grandchildren would miss them.

7) And we will be seeing some grandchildren later today! Branwen and Larry, Daniel, Matthew, and Lauren are coming for the weekend. (They are also bringing Tirienne, who I am going to help make fondant for a wedding cake she's doing for next weekend.) I'd better go make sure the guest room is ready! Lucas-kitty has taken to dragging random items in there, so there might be a cake of soap, or a chewed-up postcard, or ???

See you all next week, and Happy Feast of Saint Therese!

Seven Quick Takes is hosted at Conversion Diary.

Daybook, 9/27/10

2010-09-27T15:23:00.003-04:00

Outside my window... it is gray and chilly. One of our maple trees is bright red. The rest of them are pretending it's summer for a little longer.

I am thinking... that I am looking forward to my evening alone. Roger teaches a class on Monday nights, so I have a four hour block of "free" time. That mystery novel is calling my name...or maybe I'll crochet...

I am thankful for... grocery prices in this area. I recently had a Facebook chat with a young mom I know in New Orleans, and she is paying twice what I am for milk, hamburger, all kinds of things.

From the kitchen... grilled chicken quesadillas. The chicken is from a whole "beer can" chicken we did several weeks ago; I always cut up and freeze any leftovers. Grate a little cheese, get out the salsa and sour cream, and dinner is easy. Bonus today: I also have leftover guacamole. Yum!

I am wearing... tan pants, a pink Tshirt and socks, black walking shoes, and a pink sweatshirt! Three days ago it was 88 degrees here.

I am creating... menu plans and a grocery list. I have to keep revamping the menu plans, because until I learn to cook for just two again, we have been having more leftovers to deal with. I think I'm cooking one dinner, and it turns into two. Or three.

I am going...to Bible study tomorrow, and then to the library to pick up the book they're holding for me. But I only have five other books out right now, and I'm almost done with one of them. I think this is a 2010 record low!

I am reading... The Art of Eating In: How I Learned to Stop Spending and Love the Stove by Cathy Erway. It's not quite what I was expecting, but she's a good writer and I'm enjoying it.

I am hoping... that my van doesn't have anything seriously wrong with it. It was making "funny noises" --which stopped-- on Saturday, so we are going to have our mechanic check it. Meanwhile, I am driving it around town as usual.

I am hearing... sizzles from the griddle. When your computer is in the kitchen, you can cook and blog at the same time.

Around the house... things stay much tidier with no kids at home. I think it's funny that this comes as somewhat of a shock to me.

A few plans for the rest of the week: apple picking on Thursday, if the weather cooperates. This is another area where I need to scale back, or I'll wind up with enough apples for three households. And two of them have done their own apple picking... But there will be apple pie for dinner.

Words I'm pondering : My mother taught third grade through all of my growing up, and every year I helped her ready the bulletin boards in her classroom for the first day of school. This always went on the biggest one at the back, suitably illustrated.

Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

September

The golden-rod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest,
In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
Make asters in the brook,

From dewy lanes at morning
The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
And autumn's best of cheer.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... This is a view out over the Pennsylvania valley I grew up in, taken from a mountain vantage point that I could see from my back porch. I think I'm homesick, a little, every fall.

Tasty Tuesday -- Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers

2010-09-21T16:03:00.006-04:00

This is the first Tasty Tuesday post where I wish I had/could use a camera to document the recipe. It's also the first recipe I've posted that's really "mine" as opposed to an adaptation or credited pass through. But we had it for dinner last night, and it was too good not to share!

Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers (serves 6-8)

(This is not a version of the classic Mexican Chiles Rellenos, but a south-of-the-border take on the one-dish meal Mom used to make.)

The Peppers:
6 large dark green fresh poblano peppers -- choose "fat" ones if possible. People who aren't used to much spice can use small green bell peppers. But the poblanos are much tastier

For the filling:
1# ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pkg taco seasoning (or whatever you normally use to season tacos)
1 cup raw rice
1 t. salt
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or canned (heat lovers can use a drained can of Ro-Tel)

For the topping:
1 cup (4 ounces) cheese, shredded ( PLEASE shred the cheese yourself. And it should be something that will melt, like queso chihuahua, Monterey jack, or cheddar)
1 cup crushed plain tortilla chips, like Tostitos

To cook:
1 cup salsa or picante sauce. Your choice of heat, but the sauce should be runny rather than chunky.

Directions:

1. Wash the poblanos, then broil them whole 3-4 inches from the heat. Turn them often with tongs until they are blistered and lightly browned over most of their surface. Remove them from the oven and place them in a gallon-sized zipper bag, close the bag, and let them steam for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.

2. Combine the meat and onion in a large skillet that has a tight-fitting lid. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any fat. To the meat and onion, add the taco-seasoning mix (dry), rice, salt, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat (stirring a few times.) Give a final stir, cover, turn the heat as low as possible, and do not peek for 20 minutes. When the time is up and water is absorbed, remove from the heat and stir in the tomatoes.

3. During the 20 minutes you are not peeking at the rice, clean the peppers. With your fingers or paper towels, pull off the loosened skin. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise (from stem to tip) trying to get the halves deeper rather than flatter. Carefully trim out the stems, and remove and discard the seeds and any pith. Lightly rinse and drain the pepper halves.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour the salsa or picante sauce into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. (Glass is pretty, but metal is fine.) Shake the pan so the sauce covers the whole bottom. When the filling is cool enough to handle, fill each pepper half with the mixture, rounding it up as much as needed. Place halves alternately (thin end, then fat end...) in the prepared dish, setting them on the salsa. Carefully mound any extra filling evenly on the pepper halves. Top each with cheese, then with crushed chips. Cover with foil. ( At this point they may be refrigerated up to 24 hours. Increase baking time to 45-60 minutes) Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, uncovering for the last ten minutes, until filling is hot, cheese is bubbly, and crumbs are slightly browned. Serve with sour cream.

OH, yeah: As you would any time you work with hot peppers, PLEASE wash your hands thoroughly with soap after touching them. Or you might regret it when you rub your eye. I'm just saying...

Word and Question 4 (aka The Poetry Game)

2010-09-17T22:55:00.003-04:00

Although this meme began at Shredded Cheddar, this month it's being hosted by Crosses and Cradles. Head on over there and follow the links in the comments for the other participants. And be nice.... next month I'm hosting it here!

Word: month

Question: Is your fate made of paper?

Sometimes I wonder who planned them,
These foothills and mountains of paper:
Records of birth and of marriage,
Taxes and grades and insurance.

Daily, it seems, piles grow higher;
Bank statements, pizza ads, fliers.
Month after month they keep coming--
Bills, and requests for donations.

Someday we all will escape them
When in the grave we are lying.
But then our heirs will be burdened
With more papers, proof of our dying!

(I really struggled with the punctuation for this, and would love advice on how that can be improved. Of course I might not take it!)

Daybook -- 9/15/10

2010-09-15T19:05:00.003-04:00

Outside my window... it's starting to be dusk. At 7:15 PM. But then fall starts officially next week.

I am thinking... that when I am done with this post I am going to go and take a hot bath. For some reason my joints and muscles are extra-stiff today.

I am thankful for... the internet. In the last 48 hours I have video-chatted with Kelson in Florida, Google-voice talked to Brandon in California, and Twitter-followed them AND my other children, sometimes laughing, sometimes praying. But always happy to be in touch.

From the kitchen... "corn man" corn, tomatoes, and marinated cucumbers. The corn man has a large market building now, and sells plants and all kinds of local produce. But we have been buying corn from him since he sold it out of the back of his pickup in a local parking lot. I used to do frizzled ham when we had this meal, but eventually we just went for corn as the main dish. Simple and delicious.

I am wearing... navy pants, a cream cotton twin-set, and black loafers. It was cool here today, although sunny and beautiful.

I am creating... a pink baby afghan. If I could just decide which pattern I wanted to use, I might get somewhere. But to this point it's been "do a trial swatch, and then frog*." I need to make up my mind. *Rip it, rip it!

I am going... back to Arwen's again on Friday. Bryan is away for work for ten days, and right now she has a friend visiting, but Roger and I are going to go down and hang with her and Camilla and Blaise for the weekend. Our car is getting a lot of highway miles.

I am reading... my library books as fast as I can. Nothing earth-shattering, but somehow I managed to check out eight or so on various occasions so that none of the due dates are the same. I just logged on to the library website and made a list of which book is due when, so that I can read them in the order I need to return them. Another reason I am thankful for the internet!

I am hoping... to get a good night's sleep tonight, assisted by that hot bath and some ibuprofen. The poor sleep and the aches and pains seem to be a chicken-or-the-egg thing, so I'm going to see if I can short-circuit it.

I am hearing... nothing much. It is very quiet around here now that Kelson is at college.

Around the house... I need to dust! Roger takes care of the floors, but I am responsible for everything above ankle level. And with the busyness and excitement of the last month, I haven't dusted. Maybe tomorrow.

A few plans for the rest of the week: tomorrow the first Noon Concert of the school year at our local community college with my friend Julie, a quick grocery run, and then the first church choir practice after summer break in the evening. A very musical day.

Words I'm pondering : "A miracle is when God does something that wouldn't happen if He didn't do it." -- C.S. Lewis

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... This is Lauren Elizabeth, who is three weeks old today. Yes, she is a pretty girl ( ;-D), and she actually is this alert relatively often. I don't remember my own kids been awake and interested nearly as much at this age.

NEW

2010-09-05T15:55:00.002-04:00

Well, I have a NEW description up in my blog header. I needed it because I have a NEW granddaughter. Lauren Elizabeth was born on Wednesday August 25, 7# 10oz., 19", healthy and beautiful!! I am delighted for Branwen and Larry, Daniel and Matthew, but I am also delighted for me, because I finally get to make a pink baby afghan. I have made one for each grandchild, but I made them in advance, and the only one I knew the sex of in advance was Blaise, who got blue, of course. But really, all of them were variations on blue and white. Branwen and I agreed that I could wait to begin the afghan, since they had plenty of generic blankets. So now I know, and I bought four skeins of pink yarn! By Tuesday I hope to have made up my mind which (lacy!) pattern I'm going to use. One is easier, one is prettier. Hard choices.

I also needed to change my header because we are NEWly empty-nesters. The day after Lauren was born Kelson took a plane to his new life at college in Florida. So far this has not affected the amount of sleep I've gotten, but we shall see. Maybe I'll need a NEW new header, with a picture of me awake!

Daybook -- 8/23/10

2010-08-23T18:29:00.005-04:00

Outside my window... the air is cool. There is no doubt that fall is coming. Where did the summer go??!!

I am thinking... that I will miss Kelson when he is at college. Right now he is sitting with his computer at the dining room table, but his plane flies out Thursday afternoon. It will be different around here.

I am thankful for... cruise control! My van doesn't have it, and I thought I was fine without it. But Branwen and Larry's van -- which we used to take Miriel to Virginia -- has it, and I think I got more tired driving the 100 miles from Arwen's house to home today than I did driving the almost 500 miles I did yesterday. Of course, I was already tired... But I think for any future vehicle I get cruise control is going to be a "must have."

From the kitchen...a cheese sandwich. Roger has begun teaching an evening class at the community college on Mondays, and Kelson went out with friends. So I went for very simple.

I am wearing... a green t-shirt, tan pants, and tan sandals.

I am creating... the grocery list. Which mostly right now includes the fixin's for reuben sandwiches, which Kelson loves. It's not a "big grocery shopping" week.

I am going... back to Arwen's tomorrow, with a stop at Penzey's and New York Bagels on the way home. Actually, we are picking some friends up at the bus station and dropping them near Arwen's, but how can we pass up the opportunity to see the grandchildren?! And the round trip gives us to opportunity to restock our spices, and pick up 6 or 7 dozen bagels to freeze. Back when all the kids were home we used to get twice that many.

I am reading... Living More-with-Less, a companion volume to my much-loved More-with-Less Cookbook. Unfortunately it's fairly dated, having been published in 1980. The principles are sound, but the examples remind me of the pictures in my high school yearbook.

I am hoping...that Branwen's baby arrives soon. Of course, I've been hoping that for two weeks, and she is hoping even harder!

I am hearing... Kelson drumming and tapping along with the music he is playing. I'm pretty sure that is one thing I WON'T miss.

Around the house... are signs of Kelson's "packing." Of course it will be an untidy mess until he is actually out the door on Thursday.

A few plans for the rest of the week: see above. On Friday I am going to sit as still as possible all day and do nothing, except maybe read.

Words I'm pondering : "A snuggie's just a backwards robe! How stupid are you people?!" A bit of Twitter wisdom from one of Kelson's friends.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.... We went to Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday. It was the first time I had been there, and I was awed at how well people obeyed the signs. It was easily the quietest tourist attraction I have ever been to.

Word and Question 3

2010-08-18T16:25:00.006-04:00

This is my third poem for the meme over at Shredded Cheddar.

Word: fossil

Question: What is the taste of sorrow?

Some say that sorrow tastes of bitter gall;
Some note instead the saltiness of tears.
Some claim the thing is tasteless, overall,
Giving a lack of savor to the years.

If joy is sweet, as many also claim,
And disappointment sour, as well may be,
Why do most people "taste" them each the same?
And is there more to this than we can see?...

Why should emotions have a taste? Is this
A synesthesia* that affects us all?
Is there a flavor for eternal bliss?
Or are such things an aspect of the Fall?

Years hence, when I'm a fossil down below,
These questions will not matter -- or I'll know.

*Synesthesia --A condition in which one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another, as when the hearing of a sound produces the visualization of a color.
(Definition from Answers.com)

Happy Anniversary, Roger!

2010-08-15T13:20:00.002-04:00

I'm just dropping into the blogosphere for a minute to wish my dear husband Roger a happy 29th anniversary. (He reads my blog ;-D ) I didn't get him a card, but I made him a cherry pie, and we're going out to dinner to celebrate.

Happy Anniversary, Darlin'!

It's been great so far, and I'm looking forward to as many more years as possible.

Love you!
Ellen

Daybook --8/10/10

2010-08-10T19:39:00.006-04:00

Outside my window... things are green, and the air is cooler than it was supposed to be today, helped along by the fog we had until almost noon.

I am thinking... that I am always surprised when what seems like a very little outdoor activity makes me tired. My Bible study group had a picnic today at a member's house on the lake. I sat in a chair in the shade and played Mexican Train, ate lunch, and floated around on an awesome inflatable raft for an hour. Then I came home and felt like I wanted to sleep for a week.

I am thankful for... my children. Today they suggested that a good birthdays/anniversary/Christmas present for us would be that they will provided all the supplies and next spring paint the outside of our house, which needs it. Awesome! They put in so much work on the inside last December that I thought they'd be sick of it, but I guess not.

From the kitchen... enchilada casserole. Leftover taco meat and refried beans layered between corn tortillas with canned enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. And Kelson thinks it's better than real enchiladas. Win!

I am wearing... a turquoise t-shirt, white shorts, and tan sandals. I have two identical turquoise t's that I got for $5 each at a big-box store. I bought the second one when I thought I'd ruined the first one with bathroom cleaner, but it turned out to be OK. I like both of them. ;-D

I am creating... bibs! Actually, I am waiting for feedback from Arwen and Lauren on the old-fashioned tie-back bibs I made for their velcro-and-snap-defeating little boys. I didn't have a pattern, only a memory, so it will take some tweaking to perfect them. But they can't be pulled off.

I am going... nowhere else today. Which is good -- see "tired", above.

I am reading... a mishmash of fiction and non-fiction. At one point I had four different books going, none of them anything spectacular.

I am hoping...that I sleep well tonight. I've been having "odd" dreams; not horrible but frustrating or peculiar. For example, last night I dreamed about the recipe for the cookies I took to today's party. Except it had extra ingredients. What's up with that??!!

I am hearing... music on Kelson's computer. This time it's "radio classics." So far we've had Born to Run, Leavin' on a Jet Plane, Mrs. Robinson, and The Times they Are A-Changin'. Any bets on what comes next?

Around the house... Kelson did and folded his laundry. And sorted out what he'll never wear again, and what he won't take to Florida. And I didn't even nag him. I think he's ready to get going.

A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping, as usual, and a quiet weekend unless Branwen and Larry's baby decides to arrive. Actually, we're all rooting for that. Especially Branwen.

Words I'm pondering : Actually, I don't think I'm pondering anything at this point. I don't know if that's good or bad, or just a sign that I'm tired.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...This is a citronella plant. Our hostess today had them all around her patio, and if we noticed any mosquitoes at all, she would jostle the leaves of the bush, and the bugs would scram. I love this idea! And the bonus is -- it smells wonderful.

Seven Quick Takes in 17 Minutes; or Can She Write that Fast???

2010-08-06T15:42:00.002-04:00

Seven Quick Takes is hosted by Jen.

1) I walked 21/2 miles today. Normally I try to walk for about 20-25 minutes four times a week. In our neighborhood, that often means once around the "block", which is a .3 -- .4 --.5 mile right triangle, therefore 1.2 miles. But Miriel is home for the week, and she thinks I ought to be walking more. So she talked me into taking the waking trail just down the road. For the second time this week. I enjoyed my time with her, I could definitely do this on a regular basis if I wanted to spend the time (not sure yet..), but right now my calves ache.

2) Miriel is home this week! She will be in Michigan for another two weeks, but she's going to divide up the rest of the time between her sisters who live about 100 miles from here. And Branwen's new baby is due the day she leaves. Come early, baby! Aunt Miriel wants to see you!

3) Grandma, of course, would also like to see the new baby. But Grandma knows that she will get to spend a whole week with Daniel and Matthew and their sibling (and Branwen and Larry, of course) the week after Larry goes back to work. Aunt Miriel's new job starts on the 23rd whether she's seen the baby or not.

4) Aunt Miriel's new job is in Washington D.C., where she's been interning since last January. And since she has a lot of stuff stored here and at her sisters', we will be driving her there. Yes, I said we. Tirienne and I will be going, and sharing the driving on the way back. Most of the route is familiar, since D.C. is only about an hour south of my hometown. But I'm still not sure if we'll actually get a chance to stop there. It's a 9 1/2 hour drive each way, so we plan to spend a day there in between, but the "where" has not fully been established.

5) In other news, Brandon has just found out that he will be reporting to his new duty station in Alaska before the end of the year. I'm excited for him, but it means that he may not be able to be home for Christmas. Actually, I know that we have been very blessed to have had him home for the last four Christmases, so I'll settle for anything between Halloween and Groundhog Day. But I'd like to know which, so I can get a jump on my Christmas shopping if I need to.

6) It's been 20 minutes. I knew I was too slow a typist to actually finish seven takes in 17 minutes. But I'm going to let the title stand. At least I tried.

7) And now I have to go, because the 17 minutes was based on when I needed to move on to my next task. Which is unloading the dishwasher, which just beeped. We have had this dishwasher since late December, and it still startles us when it beeps to indicate it's done. I wonder how long it will take us to adapt? (No, you can't shut off the signal. I checked.)

And here you have seven quick and boring takes, and a promise from me -- I'll see you here again next week. Have a great weekend!

Tasty Tuesday -- Beans for Guests

2010-08-03T16:01:00.005-04:00

An on-line friend Tweeted today that she has a problem -- she and her husband have invited friends (presumably new friends, since they just moved) over for dinner. Which is a pleasure, not a problem, except that their normal diet consists, as she puts it, of "beans and kale", and she's a little tentative serving that to others.

BUT -- there are lots of recipes that are plenty good enough to serve to company that feature beans. Monterey Beans and Cheese, which I posted here (scroll down) are different and delicious. So is the recipe below.

Sòs Pwa (Haitian Bean Sauce)

In a large saucepan, soak overnight or by quick method*
1 1/2 cups any dried beans, with water to cover.
When beans have soaked, add:
3 cloves garlic, diced or mashed
8 whole cloves or 1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 c. onion, diced
1T. oil.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until beans are tender. Drain off liquid and reserve. Remove 1/2 c. of the cooked beans and reserve.
Puree in a blender:
cooked bean mixture
2 c. reserved bean broth
Return pureed sauce and reserved whole beans to saucepan. Add:
1 hot chili pepper, chopped or 1/4 t. ground red pepper
salt to taste
1 T. margarine
Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, until thickened to the consistency of gravy. Serve over rice, or Nshima (below). Garnish with slices of avocado or lemon (optional).

* To quick-soak beans, cover with water, bring to a boil, and boil for five minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for one hour. Proceed with recipe as usual.

Rich Haitians eat this in restaurants over white rice. Poor ones eat it over cornmeal porridge. For those of us who've never had cornmeal porridge, here's a recipe.

Nshima (Cornmeal Porridge)

Boil in a large soup pot:
6 cups water.
Mix in a bowl:
1 cup cornmeal*
1 cup water
Stir until smooth, then add to boiling water. Simmer 15-29 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add, 1/2 c. at a time,
2-2 1/2 cups additional cornmeal
(Salt if desired)
After each addition of cornmeal, stir well with a wooden spoon until all dry particles disappear and mixture is smooth. After last addition, keep stirring until Nshima is stiff enough to handle without dripping off fingers. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 10 minutes. Stir again before serving. this can be served in one serving dish or on a platter in scoops or patties.
Soaking in cold water helps clean the pot!

* Africans use white cornmeal, Haitians use yellow.

These recipes are adapted from Extending the Table... A World Community Cookbook. And as I was looking them up, I found a bonus recipe for my friend --

Morogo

Cook until soft in about 1/4 cup water:
3 cups fresh greens -- chard, kale ;-D, spinach, collards -- chopped
1-2 red chili peppers, chopped
1 T oil or margarine
1 onion, chopped
1 potato, chopped
1-2 tomatoes, chopped

Serve with rice or Nshima.

Daybook -- 7/26/10

2010-07-26T18:51:00.005-04:00

Outside my window... the sunflowers are drooping. We had a couple of very hot days at the end of last week. It is cooler now, but many of the plants still look like they'd like a nap.

I am thinking...that I hope I can focus on the things I need to do this week, and not the irrational worry that keeps nagging at my mind. My life would be so much easier if I could shed this anxiety disorder for good, instead of just keeping it at bay.

I am thankful for... the tools that let me deal with anxiety without dissolving in a puddle. Until I was diagnosed twelve years ago, I would have periods when I was paralyzed by anxiety, eventually reaching panic attack levels. Now I'm mostly fine, with occasional bouts like this one.

From the kitchen... well, I microwaved the sauerkraut for the bratwurst Roger grilled. And I set the table. Does that count?

I am wearing... a turquoise t-shirt, blue and turquoise flowered capris, and tan sandals.

I am creating... settings for the Gospel antiphons for the next quarter. They sneaked up on me again, and I wish I had the whole three-year cycle done. But every time we get a new priest, the expectations change. I think this round will finish it, but it's hard to know.

I am going... to the library again but not tonight. Why is it that when I place holds on several books, they each become available right after I pick up the last one? Sometimes I've made two library runs in one day. Sigh.

I am reading... Deceiver, the latest of the Foreigner series I first mentioned here. (That was the last trip to the library.) The Sara Rosett book in this post was also good, and I'm moving on to the rest of the series. It's not "great literature", but so refreshing to read a novel where the characters are looking for a church in their new town, and say a prayer when they hear someone's in the hospital. Not explicitly Christian like Jan Karon's books, but more like me than not.

I am hoping...that I can figure out which things on the grocery list are needs, and which are wants. And which are a mistake. I now have four bottles of A-1 Sauce, because I forgot where I keep my extras in this house, and bought extra extras. But at a good deal.....

I am hearing... music on Kelson's computer. I don't recognize it, but that's not unusual. And it's neither too loud or too raucous. So I guess it's DIY Muzak...

Around the house... the day is winding down. Roger is at Bible study, I have just one more thing to do after this, and Kelson has plans to go long-boarding, which may or may not happen.

One of my favorite things... is Lindt 70% dark chocolate. But I've had my square for today.

A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping, and a trip to see the grandchildren. And Miriel comes home!!

Words I'm pondering : "If your son asks for a fish, will you give him a snake?" I wish I trusted God as much as I should. And that would help with the anxiety, too.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... our grandson Matthew turned two yesterday, and his party will be next weekend so that "Aunt Mi-wa" can be there. And of course the cake will feature "tankem enin"! This is for you, Matthew!

Big Boat Race Final

2010-07-20T10:35:00.002-04:00

Well, the big boat race has ended. I suppose I'll follow it again next year, but I have decided the details are too confusing for me. Bryan's dad's boat came in in the middle of its class, but lost a couple of places because of some handicapping system that I don't care about learning. The rival boat had a faster "corrected time", so I guess they will gloat again...

Next year I will just follow one boat, and say "Yay, they're there!" and be done with it. Or not.

Big Boat Race Update

2010-07-18T13:31:00.003-04:00

Well, it appears that I was left out of the loop on an important piece of information -- Bryan's dad's boat has changed racing classes. Their previous class was determined strictly by length, and some of the gung-ho racers in that class strip their boats down as much as possible, to make them lighter and quicker. Bryan's dad and his co-owner, although they like a good race and wouldn't miss this one for anything (including Branwen and Larry's wedding!), also like to use the boat for pleasure cruises. This means that there's a stove in the galley, storage lockers full of non-essential gear, and so on. So they decided to switch classes to one based more on the weight of the boat.

So far this looks to be paying off. The GPS shows them right in the thick of their class, with more boats behind than ahead, and anything possible. This is being a relatively slow race; only about half a dozen boats in ANY class have rounded the buoy which marks the "corner" of the race route. And the perennial rival is behind them. Of course, the start is by classes, and the rival started 10 minutes later. But to my eyes on the map, they look to be more that 10 minutes behind. I'll keep you posted.

Big Boat Race

2010-07-17T17:55:00.005-04:00

Normally, I pay no attention at all to boat races. Brandon has been enjoying crewing for a friend this summer in Duluth, and various kids have sailed various races on the boats of their friends' families. But aside from asking whether they had a good time, I'm not much concerned with the results.

But one weekend a year, that changes. I live "within spittin' distance" of the start of this race, which draws boats from all over the Great Lakes and some from beyond. Furthermore, Bryan's dad (Arwen's FIL) co-owns and crews one of the boats which regularly participates. They don't win (OK they won their division once or so) but for these particular guys a "win" consists of finishing ahead of their uber-rival, a boat in the same division from the same boat club.

For some reason this has captured my imagination. So every year I go to the tracking site -- modern GPS technology is great! -- and breathlessly follow the course of "our" boat and "their" boat. And then it's over, and I sigh or cheer, and go back to being indifferent to boating for another year. Anybody who knows why, feel free to let me know!

Daybook -- 7/12/10

2010-07-12T10:11:00.003-04:00

Outside my window... is a gray and cloudy day. And cool! We had a massive thunder storm last night, which dropped the temperature a good 15 degrees. Marvelous! And the forecast for today is cloudy, with scattered showers.

I am thinking... that it has been a long time since I did a "proper" blog post. But this will have to do..

I am thankful for... the cooler weather! My hot-weather clothing options are somewhat more limited than for cooler seasons, and today I got to wear whatever I wanted without worrying about the sweat factor.

From the kitchen... pork sausage and rice casserole. It's one of Kelson's favorites, and a cooler day makes it just the thing.

I am wearing... navy scoop-neck tshirt, khaki pants, tan sandals, and the lapis lazuli earrings that Roger got for me at the Feast of the Sainte Claire.

I am creating... menu plans and shopping lists. I have a shawl I'm crocheting, but it's just been too hot... Maybe today.

I am going... nowhere today, since Roger's car is having brake work done and he has mine. But that is fine with me!

I am reading... Moving is Murder (A Mom Zone Mystery) by Sara Rosett. A friend read a later book in the series and recommended them. But since I'm only on page 7 I can't say anything specific.

I am hoping...that it stays cool all day. And that there's a dry period where I can go for my walk.

I am hearing... traffic outside my windows. A bit splashy sounding because of all the rainwater from last night.

Around the house... Kelson is sleeping. Since school ended, he has become almost completely nocturnal. I know it goes with the age group (I was that way myself), but it drives me a little bit crazy.

One of my favorite things... is my couch that we got when we moved. It's a sectional with recliners at both ends and a giant hassock that fits into the center curve. Dark brown, chenille-type fabric, cushy and wonderful. I'm going to sit there and do my daily study disciplines as soon as I finish this post.

A few plans for the rest of the week: not much, which is a change and a relief. Grocery shopping, and all the rest of my regular routine.

Words I'm pondering : "Do I have to?' "OK, if I hafta, I'm gonna." This is my current "translation" of Jesus' words in Gethesmane: "Father, if it be possible let this cup pass..." and "Not my will, but Thine be done." I am finding this better understanding of Jesus' human side incredibly helpful and comforting in some current curcumstances.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... some days it feels like this is how my mind works...

Word and Question 2

2010-07-08T08:34:00.003-04:00

Another round of poetry from Shredded Cheddar.

Word: snakeskin
Question: What can I see from here?

Postcard to Grandpa

We're on vacation in the West.
The tombstones say who's laid to rest --
"Jesse James lies here"; I bet it's true!

Our cowboy hats are hot but fun.
We like to wear them in the sun
And Daddy says we'll bring one home for you.

We heard six-shooters: Bang, bang, BANG!
Mom held her ears, but I said "Dang!"
And got a "look" from Mom I didn't like.

Dad bought us all bandannas, too.
Jacob's is red, and mine is blue.
When I get home I'll tie it on my bike,

This postcard shows "The Trading Post";
The thing in here I like the most
Is in the left top corner -- can you guess?!

No, not the hatchet or the bow.
I like the snakeskin down below!
Oops; out of room. I love you, Grandpa! -- Jess

Whatcha Readin' Wednesday

2010-06-30T17:10:00.003-04:00

Well, I've been on a fantasy kick lately. I just finished reading the third volume of Jane Lindskold's "Breaking the Wall" series. These are about "the Land Born of Smoke and Sacrifice"; an alternative world that appeared when an ancient Chinese emperor burned many books of lore and executed those who refused to turn over their books. The first volume in the set, Thirteen Orphans, relates the current experiences of the descendants of thirteen residents of "The Lands" who are exiled back into this world after an attempted coup. The focal character, Brenda Morris, doesn't even know she has a Chinese heritage until some extremely strange things happen. The next book, Nine Gates, describes an attempt of the "orphans" to get back into "The Lands". The one I just finished, Five Odd Honors, continues the story. The books are all full of Chinese myth and magic, including a creative take on the mythical uses of mah jongg sets. I enjoyed them a lot, and am hoping for at leaset one more book to tie up a number of loose ends

I am also working my way through a teen fantasy series by Michael Scott The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. I saw a display of them -- the fourth volume was just released -- at Barnes and Noble, and it caught my attention because the charater is mentioned in the Harry Potter books, which I loved. As it turned out, a friend of Kelson's was anxiously awaiting book four, and she was able to lend me the earlier volumes. I've finished book one, The Alchemyst, and have started book two, The Magician. Not a bad read for teen fiction, but not great literature either.

In the way of non-fiction, I am inhaling (no other word will do) Sweater Quest by Adrienne Martini. The subtitle is "My year of knitting dangerously." I LOVE it. If you are a knitter, know a knitter, or -- like me -- wish you were a knitter, GET THIS BOOK. I suspect that if he could get past the title even my husband would enjoy it. It's informative, entertaining, and a glimpse into the world of knitting in the 21st century. Buy a lot of copies and give them to your knitting friends for birthdays and Christmas. You will get lots of thank you notes!

Next up: A biography of Susan Boyle. We shall see.

Miscellanea

2010-06-29T20:50:00.002-04:00

Well, I said I had a blog post idea, but it seems to have deserted me, at least for now. I was thinking about just doing a Daybook and pretending that was what I meant, but you all would have known...

Anyway, I do have my power supply back. As it turns out, I could have used any of the other power supplies in the house; it's just that they can't use mine. Everything is the same brand -- Dell -- but the connector for my machine is octagonal and won't fit into the round holes on their laptops, but the round plugs from their machines fit mine just fine. But I'm still grateful to my son-in-law's cousin who brought my own cable back. Thanks, Liz!

I had intended to make this longer, but Roger is going around closing the blinds, and the ice cream in my bowl is all gone. I think that means it's bedtime. Have a good night, and I'll see you soon.

Oops!

2010-06-27T20:21:00.003-04:00

I have a blog post idea. I have a computer. I have a power supply. Unfortunately only two of them are in the same place -- I left the power supply at Arwen's.
See you when I get it back!

Let's Play Poetry!

2010-06-15T09:40:00.003-04:00

Enbretheliel at Shredded Cheddar is doing a poetry meme; she gives you a word and a question, and out of this you produce a poem. (She's nice about it, and lets you give her the same!) For more details follow the link. Here is my entry.

Word: reflection
Question: How are cats helpful?

We are the proud possessors of a cat,
Or rather, really, he possesses us.
We put out food and water. Lucas deigns
To notice once a day, or maybe twice,
And never gives a nod of thanks, or purrs,
Or lets himself be cuddled on a lap.
He is the monarch of his home and life
Or so he thinks -- though we could prove him wrong
By never giving him the things he needs.
"Let's toss him out! See how he likes it then!"

Sometimes I think I act that way with God --
"I run my life; I'm sure You're there, but still
MY work gives all I need, or even want!"
I know this to be false, yet still I live
As though I were the monarch of my life,
Until I am stopped short by what I see:
My selfish life reflected in a cat.

How are cats helpful? Well, ours makes me see
I act toward God as Lucas does toward me.

Seven Quick Takes Friday - Graduation Edition - 6/11/10

2010-06-11T10:29:00.004-04:00

Seven Quick Takes are hosted at Conversion Diary.

1) Kelson is a HS graduate! His commencement was short, sweet, and seemly -- the most riotous moment was when all the grads threw their caps into the air -- but it is kept that way by teachers and administrators galore, and a pat-down of all the grads before they process in. Arwen's graduation was disrupted by smoke bombs, and Branwen's by beach balls (brought in and then inflated) so I see the necessity but deplore the cultural attitude that makes it so.

2) Of course, the thing I remember most about my graduation (In 1969! I'm OLD!) is the two guys on either side of me playing cards across me during the speeches. I remember the name of one of the school board members who spoke, but that is only because he was the step-father of one of my classmates, and step-fathers in those days were rare (and somewhat scandalous) creatures. Now, probably half the graduating class has one. Sigh.

3) This includes our "spare kid', who I haven't mentioned here before - and won't ever again - and whom I will refer to only as X. X has lived with us for much of the school year. He and Kelson have been friends since middle school, and one day last fall I noticed that Kelson offered X the chance to take a shower at our house. A little delicate prying disclosed that X's mom and stepfather (!) were divorcing, and for reasons that I still don't understand after a talk with his mom, X had been thrown out of his home and was living on the streets. After a little discussion and the aforesaid chat with X's mom we offered him a bed at our house. So two members of our household graduated on Tuesday. Congratulations, X! You did it!

4) This is the first graduation we've had with no younger kids still in school. So it's a little disorienting to me to see the school buses still running, and find the mall still empty on a Wednesday afternoon. Isn't it summer?? School's out! But for non-seniors there's still a week and a half to go.

5) Tomorrow will be a massive day of cooking and organizing, because the graduation Open House is Sunday afternoon. Since this is the sixth one I've done, I have lots of supplies and lots of experience, and since Kelson didn't care about the menu, I chose things that are easy for me: queso and chips and soft taco fixings. Tirienne (who is studying cake decoration at culinary school) offered to make the cake, but discovered she has a conflicting commitment. But she has made decorations that I can just place on a base of white frosting, so I don't mind. I LOVE having talented children!

6) Of course, the other side of getting the last child graduated is the upcoming empty nest. I know I will love no longer being tied to the school calendar. No more conflicts between Right to Life meetings and band concerts, or choir practice and Quiz Bowl meets. And no restriction on when we have to come home from visiting grandchildren. But also no new-to-me music blaring in the dining room (who would have thought I'd like Romeo and Juliet by The Killers!!) and no late night conversations about faith and morality. As with any new stage of life, I guess I will just have to get used to it.

7) And we still have a couple of college graduations to look forward to. And grandchildren graduating from kindergarten. And middle school. And High School. And college! But for those I won't have to do the Open Houses, just show up with a card and a kiss and a gift or two. I think I'm going to like this new stage of dealing with graduation. Bring it on!

Daybook, 6/7/10

2010-06-07T21:44:00.003-04:00

Actually, by the time I got to this, it was a Nightbook....

Outside my window...it is dark. Actually, the blinds are shut. When I started working on this post it was still light outside, but I spent a LOT of time looking for a picture for the end -- and wound up with XKCD again.

I am thinking... that my "baby!" will be a high school graduate in less than 24 hours. Where did the time go?

I am thankful for...the fact that Brandon is home for his brother's graduation. We haven't seen him since Christmas (except on video chat) and he adds a different flavor to life around here.

From the kitchen... meatloafies (baked in muffin cups), rice, and green beans. Not fancy, but it tasted good.

I'm am wearing... a blue fleece bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. By our standards it's LATE!

I am creating... a wedding gift for our niece. Shhhh. It's a secret!

I am going... to bed just as soon as I finish this post. Yawn.

I am reading... Wyrms by Orson Scott Card. It's an early one of his, and I am either going to love it almost as much as Enchantment or Ender's Game or dislike it intensely. Right now I'm back-and-forth.

I am hoping...that when I finally get to bed, I will fall asleep in a hurry. I have a lot to do tomorrow.

I am hearing... the quiet noise of my computer's fan. Everyone else is asleep, including the dog and the cat.

Around the house... everything has been tidied up for the evening -- always assuming that Brandon and Kelson stay asleep. Otherwise all bets are off.

One of my favorite things... is my Franklin Planner. I just got a year's worth of new pages. My inner control-and-planning freak likes this.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Graduation, followed by "regular routine", followed by Kelson's graduation Open House on Sunday afternoon. (Cooking all day Saturday.)

Words I'm pondering : "Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." No wonder I'm broke!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Our household has people in all three groups...