Tasty Tuesday -- Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers

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)

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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...

Seven Quick Takes -- About my week

Seven Quick Takes is hosted by Jen.

This has been a different sort of week for me, so each take is going to be related to that theme.

1) We had our Memorial Day cookout on Sunday, since some of the kids who were in town needed to leave mid-day Monday. One thing that didn't move to the new house with us was our old and battered picnic tables, which have not yet been replaced. I miss them. It's easier to eat in the dining room, but ribs just taste better outdoors. SIgh.

2) Monday after everybody left we had a new experience. We could stay up as late as we wanted, because nobody had to go to school the next day. (The last day for seniors, including Kelson, was last Friday.) The last time that happened, Arwen was four, Branwen was a toddler, and Miriel was a baby. Not that we DID stay up late, you understand, but we could have.

3) Tuesday morning I woke up and "called in sick" to my much-loved Bible study because my right shoulder hurt so badly. It hurt to try to move, and although I could get my arm above waist height, I had to lift it with my left hand. It felt like my shoulder was dislocated, and I couldn't get it back in. (I've never actually been diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder, but I have very loose joints -- probably BJHS -- and have been able to pop my shoulder in and out at will for as long as I can remember.) No matter how much I twisted and turned and stretched (and moaned and groaned and whined...) the shoulder still hurt. A lot. So I resorted to the "Mike prescription."

Mike is a Physician's Assistant we know, and his recommendation for anything musculo-skeletal (and not obviously broken/bleeding/urgent ) is "three ibuprofen three times a day for three days." And you know what -- it worked. Wednesday was better than Tuesday, Thursday better than Wednesday, and several times today I noticed myself doing things that would have been impossible on Tuesday. But I certainly hope this whatever-it-was doesn't happen again.

4) Wednesday, sore shoulder or no sore shoulder, I participated in PAC interviews. As I've mentioned before, I'm very involved with our local Right to Life chapter. One of the things we do in election years is interview candidates for various local offices and evaluate their credibility and electablity as candidates. (Their pro-life credentials are evaluated by their answers to a questionnaire mailed out by the state PAC.) By law only the state PAC can endorse candidates, but we can do interviews locally and recommend for or against endorsement. We interviewed five candidates for four different offices, and on Monday I get to drive to another town and help interview five more. I'm an active participant in the political process!

5) Also on Wednesday, we got a call that Miriel had been offered the job she was hoping for. It's a terrific fit for her interests and abilities, and she will love it. Unfortunately she'll be almost 600 miles away, but with the internet she'll be much more in contact than I was when I went 75 miles from home for college. "It's a new world, Golde." (Name that quotation.)

6) On Thursday (assisted by Roger for the heavy lifting), I did MAJOR grocery shopping. In our area it's the custom for HS graduates to have open house type parties, and Kelson's is on the 13th. (This date was arrived at by checking his Google calendar and eliminating the dates on which his friends had already scheduled parties. And most of the invitations went out on Facebook. See quote above.) We're expecting probably 100 people, and although not all of them will eat much -- since they will be jumping from open house to open house -- that's still a lot of food. The non-perishable ingredients are all stowed away -- I'll pick up the perishables next Thursday -- and after graduation on Tuesday the preparations will begin. If you're in the area, come on over on the 13th between 3 and 7!

7) On Friday I blogged. That is all.

Memorial Day

This picture is from the Arlington National Cemetery website, which I thought was appropriate. Thank you to all who have served, especially those who gave all they had.

(Special and specific thanks to Pop, Dad Thomas, Roger, Brandon, Nan, Doug, Rob, and many other relatives and friends.)

TUESDAY Daybook -- because I can!

For Today, May 25, 2010

Outside my window...sunshine, blue sky, and a light breeze. Which is good, because the indoor/outdoor thermometer says it is 85 in the shade.

I am thinking... that the hours I spent yesterday on the music sheets were worth it. They will be done by Thursday, but today I can blog and not think about them. Until tomorrow.

I am thankful for...the cool breezes blowing through my house. One thing I will never miss from our old house was the abyssmal ventilation. Three windows in the living room and none of them could be opened. And for you Southerners, no, we didn't have AC. Most years it's only "needed" for at most two weeks. Our town is one of the places where folks from the big city used to come to get away from the summer heat.

From the kitchen... leftovers tonight. But roast beef and apple pie on Thursday, and on Friday I'm trying a chile con queso recipe. We have been buying multiple jars of the commercial stuff, and it adds up.

I'm am wearing... pink floral tiered skirt, deep pink Tshirt, and my older SAS sandals. But I'm about to go put on shorts and do my exercises. :-(

I am creating... nothing much right now. But I saw a hat today that I'd like to recreate in crochet, and my favorite cotton-lace sweater is getting holes in the sleeves. So I'm thinking about a trip to the store...

I am going... to the Feast of the Sainte Claire this weekend. It's put on by a nearby museum, and draws reenactors from several states. We've taken our kids, and now our grandkids, since we only had two kids! (The link gives a slide show of pictures, which really gives a taste of the ambiance, except that you'll have to imagine the smell of wood smoke....)

I am reading... Holly Blues by Susan Wittig Albert. Garden variety mystery, with a very nice dose of returning characters other than the "detective". I plan to finish it tonight.

I am hoping...that Tracy and her family have a safe trip to visit their ailing relative, and that the visit is worth the looooong drive. I suspect it will be.

I am hearing... somebody's lawn mower. We are "in the country" enough that lots are large, and one mower or another is constantly going. On Sunday afternoon I could look out one window and see three people on riders.

Around the house... I have just finished putting the laundry away, and the place is mostly tidy. Kelson is sleeping (his usual after-school nap) on a couch in the basement. It's cooler down there.

One of my favorite things... is my big library book bag, which is sitting here next to me to remind me to hit the library tomorrow. Two of my books on hold became available at once. The bag is an LLBean extra-large tote, zipper top, natural with extra-long blue handles. They retail for around $40, but I payed $15 for mine because I got it at their outlet with somebody else's initials on it. My trusty seam-ripper took care of that.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Clean bathrooms tomorrow. Grocery shop Thursday. Finish music sheets. Await arrival of kids and grandkids on Friday. Feast of the Ste. Claire Saturday. Grill out twice. Collapse.

Words I'm pondering : "It's not how big our faith is, but how big God is."

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... and this happens a lot at our house...

Hymns for Pentecost

I've really gotten away from my "Musical Monday" posts because I've been (and still am) enamored of the Daybook thing as a quick way to get something onto the blog. But I can't let Pentecost go by without a sampling of my favorite hyms for the day. I didn't get to sing all of these today, but I got to read and hum them as I made my choices, and that's a win for me! Enjoy.

First and foremost:
Come Holy Ghost

Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest,
And in our hearts take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heav'nly aid
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O Comfort Blest to Thee we cry
Thou heav'nly Gift of God most high;
Thou fount of life and fire of love,
And sweet anointing from above
And sweet anointing from above.

Praise be to Thee Father and Son,
And Holy Spirit Three in one;
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow,
The gifts that from the Spirit flow.

The Latin lyrics are attributed to Rabanus Maurus sometime in the 9th century. These verses are part of the 19th century translation by Edward Caswall. I like it sung to Lambillotte, heard here.

Next up:
Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

These lyrics are by Edwin Hatch. I've sung it to several tunes, and frankly, anything in Short Meter will do. (Scroll down the link if you are curious about hymn meters.)


And: Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art,
and make me love thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no opening skies;
but take the dimness of my soul away.

Has thou not bid me love thee, God and King?
All, all thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see thy cross; there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek thee, and O let me find.

Teach me to feel that thou art always nigh;
teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,
teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love thee as thine angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame;
the kindling of the heaven-descended Dove,
my heart an altar, and thy love the flame.


Written by George Croly, and sung to Morecambe.


And finally, a peppy one from my college days:

The Comforter Has Come

O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let ev’ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound:
The Comforter has come!

Refrain:
The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from Heav’n, the Father’s promise giv’n;
O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found—
The Comforter has come!

The long, long night is past, the morning breaks at last,
And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o’er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

Lo, the great King of kings, with healing in His wings,
To ev’ry captive soul a full deliverance brings;
And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings;
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

O boundless love divine! How shall this tongue of mine
To wond’ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine—
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

Lyrics by Frank Bottome, tune by William J. Kirkpatrick. This link is about 2/3 the speed I'm used to; think a peppy waltz in one.

And that's it for my Holy Spirit music for Pentecost.
May the Spirit fill your day and your life!

Monday Daybook Three Weeks in a Row!

For Today, May 17, 2010

Outside my window... it is gray but warm. I wore a sweater when I took my walk, but I kept pushing the sleeves up. But I would probably have been cold without it. One of the paradoxes of spring....

I am thinking... about why I am stalling on the music planning sheets. I am up-to-date on every other responsibility and discipline in my life, so why am I procrastinating???

I am thankful for... our visit to Arwen and Bryan's last weekend. We got to spend and extra day with Miriel before she flew back to D.C. for the summer. And it was just all-around fun! Watching Blaise on the playscapes at the park was priceless.

From the kitchen... smoked sausage (cut up and browned), corn, and sauerkraut heated and then stirred with the sausage drippings. Easy, and I love it. Roger and Kelson tolerate it, but I tolerate a number of things they like, so since I'm cooking....

I'm am wearing... Tan cotton pants, navy scoop-neck Tshirt, navy cable cardigan, navy socks, and black loafers with holes in them.

I am creating... a summer dress for Camilla out of a skirt that Arwen doesn't want anymore. It should be quite cute, if I cut it correctly, since I'm not using a pattern to take advantage of the existing flouncy hem.

I am going... to sit on the couch and read for the rest of the evening. Bliss!

I am reading... three things at once, as usual. Two restaurant cookbooks and a fluffy mystery. I also have a non-fiction on frugal living in the pile next to the couch.

I am hoping... that Saturday will have good weather. Our Right to Life chapter is having a Wheels for Life event (bicycles, skateboards, strollers, for all I know wheelchairs!) We will be making circuits of the pond on the nature trail I talked about two weeks ago. Rain would be way less fun.

I am hearing...the refrigerator running. We just put in the dinner leftovers, and it's trying to catch up.

Around the house... vacuuming needs to be done. It's usually a Saturday chore, but we weren't here on Saturday. Maybe it will get done before next Saturday, and maybe not.

One of my favorite things... is The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Roger is reading our paperback edition right now, and when he is done I'm going to do a long-overdue re-reading myself. If I can stop reserving new books at the library, that is. But I'm homesick for Middle Earth.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bible study tomorrow, a stop at the library for two books that are on hold for me (see what I mean about the requests?), and major grocery shopping on Thursday. This week I made the list and the money come out even with less work than it's been for a while.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...















and I hope I have a relationship with some of you. Content is a little more problematic -- that's why I do the Daybook. ;-D

Seven Quick Takes -- Loving the Laptop!

Seven Quick Takes are hosted by Jen.

1) This is the "laptop edition" of seven quick takes (even though all of them are done on my laptop now) because I actually took my laptop off my desk! Miriel is in the area until tomorrow on her break between internships, and has been spending the week with her sisters 100 miles from our new house. But today Roger and I pulled Kelson out of school -- it's "senior skip day" anyway -- and came down here for a last visit before she flies back. And I can still do this post without kicking anybody else off their computer. Hurrah for the laptop!

2) Speaking of "Senior Skip Day," does that happen where you live? None of our six kids has ever participated in this unauthorized holiday, but we have been assured that nothing will be happening in any of Kelson's classes anyway, so he isn't missing anything. (Since he has an aide hour, three AP classes -- and those exams are over -- and band, for which the end of season concert was last night, I'm pretty sure it's true.) I still felt a little underhanded when I called in his absence, even though the reason I gave -- to visit his sister -- is completely true.

3) Tonight we are all going to Potbelly for dinner. All of us love "belly-pot", which is what Camilla called it when she was learning to talk. Every time we go I think about ordering something different; I expect tonight I will once again have a "Wreck with provolone on wheat" (scroll down the link) and an Orangina. I'm either boring or consistent, depending on your point of view. ;-D

4) I hope we go relatively early, because I'm hoping to be hungry for some cookies later. Arwen baked oatmeal cookies this afternoon, and we have FINALLY solved the family dilemma of "raisins (them) versus no raisins (me)!" Craisins solved the problem! All hail the sweetened dried cranberry, restorer of family harmony!

5) Arwen and Blaise are taking a nap at the moment. This is possible because Camilla has two aunts, an uncle, and Grandpa to play with. Grandma is being boring and typing on her computer. But we are planning to go to the park later, so it's OK. Actually Grandma could be tempted into a nap herself, but not nearly as much as I could have yesterday. I have seasonal allergies, and yesterday was such a bad day that I took TWO (generic) Benadryl. Not a good idea! My nose stopped running, and my eyes stopped staying open without g-r-e-a-t effort. Next time I'll stick to one.

6) Branwen and her family are not here, because they are traveling again. Larry's youngest sister is graduating from college tomorrow, so they piled Daniel and Matthew into the van and are driving 11+ hours to be there. The boys other grandparents will be there, and some aunts and uncles, and they will all have a great time. And although some of you are cringing at the idea of 11 hours in the car with children, 90% of the drive is the same one we took to my home town a couple of times a year while our kids were growing up. It's beautiful country, with enough change to keep it from being too boring, and Branwen knows all the points of interest, like the tunnel under the mountain.... We'll find out on Monday how it went, but I expect the boys will have been fine.

7) I've been sitting here for 10 minutes now trying to figure out a topic for my last take, but I keep getting distracted by daughters and a granddaughter, so I'll just say "I love my family!" and see y'all here next week.

Monday Daybook

For Today, May 10, 2010

Outside my window... the sun is shining, the grass is green, the lilacs are in bloom, and it's downright chilly! We had frost last night.

I am thinking... about which leftover to choose for supper. There are three good options, for a change.

I am thankful for... the enormous help all my kids were in entertaining Daniel and Matthew last week/weekend. Everybody stayed happy, their parents had a wonderful time in Barbados, and I'm only three-quarters exhausted, instead of totally.

From the kitchen... leftover night! But before that I'm going to make myself a salad of some kind for lunch.

I'm am wearing... Blue cotton pants, hot pink scoop-neck Tshirt, light pink cardigan and socks, and black walking shoes. And I'll need to add a jacket for my walk later :-(

I am creating... menu plans and the grocery list.

I am going... nowhere today, which is wonderful. I had a trip to the library on my agenda, but it turns out my book isn't due until Wednesday, so I'll combine errands then.

I am reading... Ad Hoc at Home, a cookbook by Thomas Keller of the French Laundry restaurant in California. I'm not far enough into it to be sure what I think.

I am hoping... that I will have the energy to get the whole house tidied and clean in the course of the week. Today's project was sweeping the garage, since at one point Daniel amused himself by throwing several large clods of dirt into it. Now I can walk to the freezer without feeling grit under my feet. (And Huzzah! for attached garages!)

I am hearing... traffic on the road, and the sump pump periodically. Our basement is dry, but good design and the sump pump are what keep it that way. We live in Michigan, but we don't have a Michigan basement!

Around the house... toys, toys, and toys, with a side of books. I kept the living room under control, and most of the upstairs bearable, but I didn't even try on the basement. I also need to search for the ball from Kelson's track ball mouse, which was last seen being batted about by the cat. Maybe he'll remember to put things away better the next time there are small fry here. . . .

One of my favorite things... is an iced decaf "mocha". And I have cold decaf in the fridge. Maybe that would go well with lunch?!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bible study tomorrow, then the regular routine, with a side of toy sorting. Choir practice on Thursday will be especially fun, since we aren't doing a mass next Sunday and can concentrate on special stuff for upcoming events.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
This is in honor of the card some of my kids got me for Mother's Day:
Optimist -- The glass is half full.
Pessimist -- The glass is half empty.
Mom -- Who didn't put their glass in the dishwasher??!

Daybook, 5/3/10

Outside my window... it is beautiful! The neighbors' crab-apple tree is in blossom, my lilac bush is putting out buds, and the back lawn is carpeted with violets.

I am thinking... that the next few days should be interesting! Tomorrow we pick up Daniel and Matthew, Wednesday Tirienne picks up Miriel at the airport and they come (probably bringing Camilla), and on Friday Arwen, Bryan, and Blaise will be here. From almost-empty-nesters to a full house in four days. Whee!

I am thankful for... a compliment I got yesterday. During the Peace at mass I let a fellow choir member know that I would be praying for their peace in regard to a specific issue this week. The response -- "That's exactly what I would expect from you." Um, wow. Because I am not sure I'd expect it from me; I had had to make a conscious decision that I would actually do it before I said it. But I want to be a person of prayer and love, so it's nice that this friend thinks I show signs of it.

From the kitchen... Creamed Chicken and Biscuits. And I have been spending most of my allowance recently on iced mochas and iced coffee, so Roger made me a big pot of decaf to chill so I can make my own. (We already chill any leftover daily coffee for Kelson's consumption.)

I am wearing... aqua/blue/green (tiny) plaid "beach pants"/capris, a white Tshirt, aqua socks, black loafers with holes in them, and a blue shawl, because the evening is starting to cool off but we haven't shut the windows yet.

I am creating... the bi-weekly "big" grocery list. I get my grocery money in weekly allotments, but I find it saves time and money to spend most of it one week and fill in milk and produce on the alternate week. Occasionally I will change things up if a household staple like cheese goes on sale on the "small" week, but the habit is so strong that I actually write "Major Grocery Shopping" on my master calendar a year in advance.

I am going... to women's Bible study tomorrow, and then 100 miles to pick up Daniel and Matthew. And then stopping at McDonald's on the way home.....

I am reading... Pythagoras' Revenge by Arturo Sangali. I'm a math geek, but this is turning into something resembling History of Mathematics Meets The DaVinci Code. Don't bother.

I am hoping... to not get too tired this week, and if I do get tired, not to get crabby. Prayers appreciated!

I am hearing... cars whizzing past in front of the house, and the birds on the bird-feeder in back.

Around the house... it is relatively clean and tidy. This will last approximately 17 seconds after the grandchildren get here, and although I will keep tidying the main living area, I have resolved to let the basement play area deteriorate to chaos if it will, and not clean it until after everybody leaves.

One of my favorite things... is chocolate-covered ice cream bars. We bought a box last night, and I just had my second one. Sometimes I only get one from a box, even though we buy the store brand which has more (smaller) bars. But this one was perfect!

A few plans for the rest of the week.... family and more family! And grocery shopping, and choir practice on Thursday. And Saturday 5PM is our parish's Confirmation mass. Choir sings, of course (with First Communion yesterday, that makes 3 choir masses in seven days...) But I am looking forward to hearing the bishop, because before he became a bishop he was pastor of this parish. He both baptized and confirmed Tirienne. And he's fun to play bridge with!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.. This trail is actually in Texas, but it looks a lot like the one about half a mile from our house. We are having a lot of fun walking different parts of it and learning what all there is to see.