The Deweys

Geese!!!

2012-02-16T12:31:00.000-06:00

When I opened up the drape over our kitchen slider this morning this is what I saw!! The farmer's wheat field across the road was filling up with geese!! Man-a-live they were coming from every direction.

Since I was going to the gym, I turned the other direction to take these pics. Counted 20-50 in every flock. The sound of their honking and flapping of wings was incredible. The white ones are snow geese. We were told that they don't usually integrate with the Canadians. Well, I guess this wheat buffet was too good to keep them apart! :)

I've never seen so many in one field. Rich suggested that one of them "tweeted" the others. They certainly got the "call". And I came away without being "bombed" on, although my shoes were very muddy from tromping around in the field. Bet the farmer wouldn't appreciate that!!

Any way, the sight of the geese is one of the things that gives some "charm" to this place. They are fascinating to watch.

Father-Daughter Dance 2012

2012-02-15T12:00:00.006-06:00

Last Saturday was the annual Father-Daughter Dance at Jeff's school. He alternates taking his four daughters and this year it was Jordyn and Lauren who attended with him. It was Lauren's first year to go with her Dad as a student, in addition to being his daughter. My guess is that Jeff not only "busted a few moves" on the dance floor, but also busted a few buttons of (healthy) prideful joy over his girls!

Lauren (on far right) and Jordyn (third from right) with their group of friends. I'm so impressed, lovely girls, very stylish yet very appropriate! Fathers of some of the other girls also teach alongside Jeff. Good job, everyone!

Our two oldest granddaughters. Lauren is 14 and in eighth grade, and yes, the tallest, and Jordyn is 16 and is a sophomore. They are lovely girls who are strong in their Christian faith, work hard at their studies, play hard, and love life! Couldn't be more proud! Couldn't love them more!

Jeff and his good friend, fellow history teacher, Brad, also the father of one of Jordyn's friends. Jeff sent this with the question, "guess who's standing on the bench?" Brad is about 6'8", considerably taller than Jeff. Taken during the line portion of the dance. Looks like they were having a blast!!

I would say a "good time was had by all!"

Happy Birthday Renee!

2012-02-14T00:05:00.000-06:00

Today is our daughter-in-love, Renee's birthday! She's a real "sweetheart" in so many ways! We are so blessed to have her as Jeremy's wife, Maddie's mommie, and our daughter-in-law! Love you sweetie!

God has shown me these Bible verses for YOU!

" ... we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Dessert Auction

2012-02-06T13:43:00.000-06:00

Brett's church has the greatest Super Bowl Sunday tradition! It's a Dessert Auction!

The church bakers bring their best homemade desserts for a silent auction. Desserts are to be self-contained, i.e. the containers, dishes, pans, go with the dessert. Nothing is returned. Everyone gets to view the display, make their bids and soon after services conclude the bidding concludes. It's a fundraiser to assist with tuition for the church's college students who are going to a Mennonite school. Over the years tens of thousands of dollars have been raised! The lucky bidders have a dessert to take to their Super Bowl party. Talk about a win-win!!!

This was Brett's contribution this year! It's a French Apple Almond Tart featured in the October 1997 issue of Bon Appetit. Isn't it beautiful!!!

It was a process to come up with this gorgeous dessert!

On Wedenesday evening, Brett came to our house with this beautiful fruit tart for tasting.

He, Moira, Audrey, Rich and I tasted and critiqued and unanimously agreed this wasn't the one. It was GORGEOUS, but we didn't care for the filling or the crust. We found a recipe for a citrus tart that sounded nice, so it was back to the drawing board with that one. On Saturday evening, Brett came over with that creation, complete with candied orange peel for garnish (sorry no photo), but again, it was nixed. So at 7 pm, we poured over my cookbooks and recipe box and came up with the Apple Almond Tart recipe, which Jeremy made for our 1997 Christmas Eve dinner. I've never made it but we remembered how delicious it was, so that was the dessert of choice. Because it was getting late, we didn't want to go to the store, so we combined the ingredients we both had and Brett asked me to walk him through this recipe. We had a great time! (I really love cooking/baking with my kids!!)

The auction was great! More desserts this year than last with prices as low as $30 or so and as high as $100!! There was a particular chocolate cake that the girls wanted, so Brett was busy ensuring their bid, but the last he looked his tart was at $60!!!

Here's the recipe.

French Apple Almond Tart – Bon Appetit, October 1997

For crust:

2 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons Calvados or brandy (we used brandy because that's what we had)

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 -inch pieces

For filling

1 1/4 cups blanched slivered almonds

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons Calvados or brandy

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

3 tart green apples, peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/8-inch-thick wedges (used Jonagold and Pink Lady apples because that's what we had)

1/4 cup apricot preserves

Make crust:
Stir egg yolks and Calvados in small bowl to blend. Combine flour, sugar and salt in processor. Add butter; cut in, using on/off turns, until butter is size of small peas. With machine running, add yolk mixture. Process until large moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap dough in plastic; refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled. Let soften slightly before rolling out.). (We put in freezer for 30 minutes, to speed up the process!)

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 14-inch round. Transfer to 11-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Fold overhang in and press, forming double-thick sides. We didn't do this because we didn't want it to be too think. So just made sure crust was even all the way around. Chill while making filling.

Make filling:
Combine almonds, 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, 1 tablespoon Calvados, extracts and salt in processor. Blend until soft paste forms. Add 4 tablespoons butter; blend 10 seconds. Spread in crust. Chill until firm, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir apples, 1 tablespoon Calvados and 1 tablespoon sugar in large bowl. Let stand 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Drain apples; overlap in concentric circles atop filling. Melt 2 tablespoons butter; brush over apples. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake tart 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F. Bake until apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Transfer to rack. Stir preserves and 1 tablespoon Calvados in small saucepan over low heat until preserves melt. Strain into small bowl; brush over apples. Cool. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

Bon Appetit recipes often have lots of ingredients and steps, but the results are worth it!

Proud of you Brett for tackling such a recipe! Wouldn't we love to taste it!!! I'm sure it was delicious!

My Friend Susan

2012-02-04T15:00:00.006-06:00

My dear friend, Susan, passed away in December after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Today her family is hosting a Celebration of Life service. Sadly, I am not able to make the trip to California and so I will share some of my treasured memories here.

Susan and I met in 1978 at Rockwell International Air Monitoring Center. I had been employed there for about a year as a secretary in the Marketing Department and Susan came in as a secretary for the Purchasing Department. Our sons were at the same schools and played in some of the same sports, both of us were Iowan-born (which she took great pride in). We were both women who balanced home, husbands, sons, and a busy job outside of the home, so we had lots of things in common.

She transferred to the Rockwell Science Center in the early 80s and was instrumental in helping me make my transfer in 1984. There our friendship really flourished. In 1984 we were learning how to use a Mac 56 computer! Boy, were we living on the edge when we moved up to a Mac 128! We were both department secretaries and in 1985 both of us made our way to the "front office", where we supported technical directors and their direct reports. We became a strong team, along with other administrative assistants in the "front office", helping each other during times of vacation and working hard together on a daily basis. We laughed together and ah, yes, even grumbled together. We all were on the forefront of learning new software programs called Excel and Power Point! Wow! And this new thing called the Internet and "email"! "Those were the days"!! Honesty, integrity and a keen sense of ethics were our hallmarks. We became a close knit group, celebrating birthdays, and whatever else. We worked together until I retired in 1999 and Susan retired a few years later. Since moving to Kansas, I always looked forward to lunch with Susan, Phyllis and Jeannette whenever I returned to CA! Still lots to laugh about!

Here we are in 1995 at a "Happy Hour" in Phyllis's home. Susan is holding the daughter of one of our co-workers. (What do you think of the "stirrup pants"?!?!?!) We were an "odd-couple", height wise. In heels Susan was nearly 6', and in heels I was, shall we say, height-challenged at maybe 5'5"!

I have so many wonderful memories and I've spent a lot of time trying to sort them out. Two things stand out for me. The first is the great fun Susan and I had in sharing our menus, food preparation and presentation plans for our large family holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving. She gave me a subscription to Bon Appetite magazine and we shared recipes and ideas. For each of us, no group was too large, in fact I think we were really challenged and motivated by it. Sit-down dinner for 25? No problem!

The second memory I have was travelling vicariously with Susan and her husband John on their many trips, especially to Hong Kong. I loved hearing about her plans and adventures. I was the very fortunate recipient of many lovely pieces of jewelry that she brought back from these expeditions (the stories of getting them through Customs were often hilarious!), and I enjoy wearing them to this day. I have Susan to thank for my love of really fine jewelry!

Before I moved to Kansas she sorted through her jewelry and gave me a lovely cross of Black Hills gold, because, in her words "she knew I would appreciate it". I was touched! When I wear it, she is especially close to my heart. In addition to the cross, she gave me a gorgeous sterling silver serving spoon that belonged to her Grandmother. I use it at every holiday or "special" meal in her honor! Susan was exceedingly generous, to say the least!

Susan loved flowers and it was especially exciting when John would send huge, gorgeous bouquets to her at work. EVERYONE could tell they were for her. The bouquets were so large that there wasn't room for them in her work space so she left them at the receptionist's desk for all of us to enjoy. SO like her! She loved the color purple, big dogs, chocolate and all things UCLA. She loved HOT weather - like Palm Springs or Las Vegas summer hot. She said she was part lizard!

I worked with Susan for over 20 years and will remember her as a gracious, dignified, elegant woman. She had been a model and was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside! She was a loyal friend with a caring and generous heart, open ears, wise and perceptive mind, a discreet tongue, and a ready smile. She had a fierce love for her family of sons and her girls and grandchildren, which also extended to her brother and family, aunts, uncles, cousins, and their children. She was a deeply devoted daughter. Susan had the capacity to make EVERYONE feel as though THEY were her best friend. She was my best friend at RSC, indeed! For me, she was the epitome of a real lady and I miss her deeply.

Farewell, my Friend!

Rain! Glorious Rain!

2012-02-03T14:14:00.000-06:00

Thunder, lightening, hail, and rain woke us up around 1 am today! It was a glorious sound! It's been so very long since we've had a thunderstorm, almost a year! How quickly I forgot what it sounds like. It was L.O.U.D! Hail was probably pea-sized but it sounded like God was throwing rocks at the house. It did a number pealing paint on the deck rails! Anyway, we have been praying for rain and we are so grateful for it! We don't have a rain gauge set up, so we'll have to watch TV news to see how much we received. All we know was that it was a lot because we have "Dewey Lake" in our backyard, which we did not have at all last spring and summer! Thank you Lord!

"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills."

Psalm 147:7-8

Weekend Treats

2012-01-30T15:49:00.000-06:00

I started the weekend by baking scones on Saturday Morning. I've never made them before but my friend, Marilyn, made them for Bible study last Wednesday and they were so wonderful! I had to give them a try. When some of us were at breakfast on Friday we talked about variations some had made/recommended. Janice made them with chopped dates and Greek yogurt (in place of the sour cream). Someone suggested dried cherries with almond extract. I'm going to try them with blueberries and lemon when Jeremy, Renee, and Maddie come to visit. Oh my, the possibilities are endless!

Here's the recipe. It's "Simple Scones" from allrecipes.com, with alterations.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 heaping teaspoon orange zest (I used zest of a whole orange)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (I used regular), FROZEN
1/2 cup raisins, craisins, fruit of choice
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg

Glaze: powdered sugar with a little orange juice, enough to drizzle.

Freeze one stick of butter the night before you plan to bake.
Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl mix dry ingredients. Add zest and stir with a fork until distributed throughout. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater. (I left wrapper on the end to hold on to so butter wouldn't melt in my hand). Use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal). This is the important part - DO NOT work mixture too much. Resulting dough will be "tough". You don't want butter pieces to melt. Stir in fruit.

In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and egg until smooth. Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour until large dough clumps form. Use you hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. The dough will be sticky in places and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first, but as you press, the dough will come together. Again, don't work dough too much!

Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7" - 8" circle and about 3/4" think. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, about 1" apart. Bake until golden, about 15-17 minutes. Cool for 5-7 minutes, drizzle glaze and serve warm or at room temperature.

NOTE: I wanted to "plump" the craisins, so I squeezed about 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice into a small pan. Brought to a boil, added craisins, took off heat and covered with foil for about 2 minutes. Poured the small amount of juice into the sour cream mixture for more flavor.

One final note, be careful not to over-bake. I probably could have taken out of oven 2 minutes earlier.

Delicious!!!

Then I made cookies to take to Doug and Sue's for pizza and games. I made friend, Debby's, "Men's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies". First time I haven't made the traditional "Toll House" recipe.

Here's her recipe:

Men's Favorite Chocolate Cookies

Mix together until well blended:
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla

In another bowl mix together:
3.5 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Add dry ingredients to sugar/egg mixture. Add: 1 cup nuts (or more!) and 2 cups chocolate chips

Drop by rounded spoons onto baking sheet. (Debby lines hers with foil.) Bake 15 minutes in preheated 325 degree oven. Very soft and delicious!

Rich had signed me up for a Texas Sheet Cake for the Newton Children's Choir Chili-Supper and Concert, which is tonight. (He is President of the Board.) So to top off the weekend, I made my sister, Cheryl's Chocolate Buttermilk Cake, which I think she acquired from her daughter-in-law. Actually it's also known as Texas Sheet Cake.

Here's that yummy recipe:

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

Place in a large bowl:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Put in a saucepan:
2 sticks butter
4 tablespoons dry cocoa
1 cup water

Bring to a boil and pour over dry ingredients. Let cool slightly and add:
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 unbeaten eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend and beat well. Bake in a 12"x18"x1" baking sheet pan which has been sprayed with non-stick baking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Don't overbake!

Icing:
Place in a saucepan:
1 stick butter
4 tablespoons dry cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup buttermilk.
Bring to a boil. Add 1 lb. powdered sugar while still warm. Beat until smooth. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans (my addition!). Spread over cake.

Baking is one of my favorite things to do. I find it very relaxing! But oh, the calories, sugar, flour isn't terrific for us. But what's a girl going to do???

Hope you enjoy one or more of these recipes!

Volunteering

2012-01-27T13:43:00.000-06:00

Today five friends from my Wednesday Bible study and I had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then went into Wichita to volunteer at WITS, World Impact Thrift Store. What a great day!

Sandi, Ellen, Janice, Sandy, Marilyn, and me. Loved the sweet potato pancakes!

Sandy, Marilyn, and Janice show how we all worked with clothing, making a new section of plus size items for ladies and then working through three large shopping carts and other containers, putting clothes on hangers and hanging on designated racks.

Ellen and I tried on a couple of things. She ended up making some purchases. She worked through the jacket section, which was packed!

Sandi and Sandy - another rack emptied and going back for more!

Our Bible study has set aside the 4th Friday of the month for our day of service to WITS for those that can make it. It's a marvelous day. We are blessed and in turn can be a blessing to this great ministry.

Legacy

2012-01-17T21:50:00.000-06:00

One of the things Rich especially loves is hearing from former students! In addition to telling about their lives today, they frequently will mention "The Crochet Project". Seems as though they either loved it or NOT. If you remember in the 1970s-1980s, granny square afghans were very popular, so for several years Rich would teach his students how to crochet. Apart from learning a craft it also was a good teaching tool for gifted kids who didn't always see a project through to completion because they didn't like it or it didn't turn out the way they expected. But in Mr. Dewey's class, students were expected to finish the work!

Just this week he heard from a young woman who was in his 6th grade class, many years ago. This is what she said ... "I thought you would like to know I started a business this summer with my mom and I have you to thank for it. Check out the www.warmthorwhim.com. I remember how much I hated crocheting in your class, but if not for that, I wouldn't have the business. I also ended up becoming a teacher. Year 13:) My students from my first year are almost out of college now!"

Wow! Isn't that amazing! Check out her website, www.warmthorwhim.com. You will see the gorgeous scarves she has crocheted. Three of my favs are the Bubble Shawl (shown in orange, but wouldn't it be great in black!) and the cobalt blue Simplicity and off-white Intertwined scarves.

So, we never know how we impact the lives of others, whether they be young students or our peers. May we always be up for the challenge! The rewards are great!

Count Your Blessings

2012-01-13T12:30:00.007-06:00

Count Your Blessings

• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep … you are richer than 70 percent of this world.

• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace … you are among the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthy.

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness … you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation … you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

• If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death … you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

• If your parents are still alive and still married … you are very rare.

• If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful … you are blessed because, although the majority CAN, most do not.

Taken from Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson, pages 129-130.

I made laminated bookmarks with the above blessings for Mom2Mom this week. Our theme for the month was "Teach Perspective" and we had a marvelous gal from our church (sorry, no photo!) speak on the topic. She was amazing! Through the telling of the story of her son's adoption from Ethiopia, she really opened our eyes to the needs of the world's very poor. The statistics, images and accounts may not be unknown to us, but somehow the telling from someone we know touches us in a more powerful way. Our blessings are, indeed, innumerable!

A few of the things we learned ...

Did you know that Africa's Big 5 used to be game animals, like elephants, lions, tigers, etc? Now the Big 5 Killers are lack of clean water, malnutrition, malaria, childbirth, and infectious diseases/pneumonia.

Water: the average American uses 105 gallons of water/day. That's for eating, drinking, bathing, laundry, watering lawns-both home and public parks, etc. The average African uses 2.6 gallons of water/day. That's equivalent to two toilet flushes/day! That's for eating, drinking, bathing, laundry. Forget yards and parks. It's the women who fetch the water, usually walking 6-7 miles/day, taking up to 4 hours/day. The young girls will begin carrying water containers around age 13. A 5 gallon container, which weighs around 40 pounds will be carried on the head, or frequently strapped to the back. Think about this the next time you let the water run while you brush your teeth! Oh, and that heavy water container on the head/back of a young girl ??? It causes her bones to become very round, not elongated, which causes her to be shorter in height than normal. This bone structure and stature leads to very difficult and long-labored childbirths, during which either or both mother and child do not survive.

$.98 US - that 98 cents will provide clean water for one person for a year!

Here are links to some wonderful organizations who are doing a mighty work serving the poorest of the poor. I challenge you to checkout the websites. Your heart will be moved to action.

Living Water International - http://www.water.cc
World Vision - http://www.worldvision.org
Samaritan's Purse - http://www.samaritanspurse.org

Yummy New Recipe

2012-01-11T18:33:00.000-06:00

Tried a new recipe for dinner tonight. Actually got the recipe from my friend Sarah's blog, but I made some changes. Originally it was called Balsamic Crockpot Chicken, but since I don't have a crockpot, it became stove top chicken. Photo is a little blurred. Guess I was a little too close!

Here's the recipe and then I'll tell you how I changed it.

Balsamic Crockpot Chicken
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 14.5 oz cans diced or crushed tomatoes
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, medium chopped
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each: dried oregano, basil, and rosemary
1/2 teaspoon thyme
ground black pepper and salt to taste

For the two of us I cut the recipe in half, except I used 2 teaspoons olive oil instead of one tablespoon. I used two chicken breasts, which I cut in half. I'm in the habit of doing that as a means to cut back on the quantity of food we eat. It's actually a very fine portion and in this case it's a two-fer. I have another meal. There was ample sauce for two meals.

I lightly browned the chicken breast in the oil in a medium skillet. (TV chef Anne Burrell says that browned food tastes better! Agreed! More flavor!) Layer sliced onions over chicken, then herbs, chopped garlic, and salt and pepper. Pour vinegar over all and then tomatoes. Covered with a lid and cooked at a very low simmer about 1 hour, until thermometer read 180 degrees.

I served this over thin wheat spaghetti and made two little garlic breads by cutting a small dinner roll in half, making garlic butter and putting it under broiler at last minute. Delish!!

Lots of garlic so opened a chilled can of pears for a sweet finish.

Pretty tasty!

Beholding Beauty!

2012-01-04T12:30:00.000-06:00

Our granddaughter, Jordyn, sent me the following photos, which she took for an assignment in her photography class. I think they are gorgeous!

Jordyn and her little cousin, Maddie, each have Rose as their middle name. I think the first two photos are just like them, both very sweet, one is all pink and "budding out", the other a vibrant young woman. I can only imagine the fragrance these blooms emit!

Sunsets - one of my most favorite things! This is gorgeous!! Can only imagine how "beautous" it was as the colors and shadows changed!

Thank you Jordyn for bringing bright colors to my wintery world today! Love you!!! You have reminded me of the old hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth". It goes like this ...

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies.

For the wonder of each hour, of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flow'r, sun and moon, and stars of light.

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle tho'ts and mild.

For Thy church, that evermore lifteth holy hands above, off'ring up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love.

REFRAIN:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

I am indeed grateful!

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

2011-12-29T15:41:00.000-06:00

Today is the 44th birthday of our firstborn!

Many years ago I remember asking my father how it felt to be turning 70. He replied it wasn't as hard as having a daughter (me) nearing 40. I TOTALLY get that, now!

Jeff is a loving husband to Caroline and a proud father to son, Cole, ...

and his daughters Jordyn, Lauren. Katelyn, and Allison.

To step back from his hectic world of husband, father and high school history teacher, Jeff enjoys a nice walk with Caroline, an end-of-the-school-year fishing trip, playing his guitar, and experimenting with his camera. Following are some of his photographs from the last few years.

Feet

Guard tower at Alcatraz.

San Francisco Clock Tower.

Scenes from Israel.

A California fireworks display.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park.

Palm Springs Sunset.

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - the Lord, who remains faithful forever." -- Psalm 146:5-6

Happy birthday to a fine son who is dearly loved!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T15:53:00.000-06:00

Greetings everyone! May you have a blessed Christmas!

Back-tracking - Our California Trip - The End!

2011-12-21T12:00:00.001-06:00

Well, Christmas is nearly here so I guess I better finish up our November trip to California!

I mentioned earlier about the pumpkin pie tasting ramekins. Well these are little cups made with scraps of pie crust and pie filling that did not fit into the pie crusts. They've become such a family tradition! This is breakfast on Thanksgiving morning and Jeremy introduced Maddie to this yummy treat. She loved it!

We gathered at Jeff and Caroline's for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Two of My Three Sons!

22 gathered around their kitchen and dining room. It was a lovely day! Since we moved away, Jeff and Caroline have made it a new tradition to invite friends who also do not have family nearby to share in the holiday meals. They are known for their hospitality!

That's the turkey under that bright orange beach towel. Jeremy roasted a 25.9 lb. turkey at their house and then wrapped it up for the transport. It was delicious - herb crusted, very moist and juicy. Actually when we take the turkey out of the oven, we wrap it up, or as I say "put it to bed" - wrap in foil and cover with a couple of large heavy beach towels. This keeps it very hot and lets juices go into the meat while gravy and other last minute things are prepared. As an aside, Rachel Ray showed how to do this in one of her programs in November. We've been doing it for years!!! Try it!

Our California Family!

"Thanksgiving" dinner with my sibs, Kathy, Steve, Joel, Nan and Luke was at a great little hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant that Joel and Nan enjoy. Food was delicious and as always, it was a great time with lots of laughter.

Maddie's 1st birthday party was on Saturday following Thanksgiving. Jeremy and Renee hosted both of their families for the event. Maddie, however was sick with a 102 temperature the night before and was pretty clingy to Mom and her "blankie". Considering how she felt, she was quite a sweet little girl. Jeremy grilled chicken for tacos, complete with all the trimmings for 22 people! Delicioso!!

Great family shots from the day.

After her birthday cupcake, she was whisked off to bed. A visit to doctor the next day revealed she had a double ear infection. Poor little thing!

Our last day we had lunch with Rich's cousin Marlene and her husband Frank.

Then we had a last visit with Mom. She's a amazing lady, who is working hard at adjusting to her new living arrangement in an assisted living facility. It's always so hard to say good-bye to her.

We spent several wonderful nights with my sister Kathy. We enjoyed her warm hospitality and some wonderful dinners out. What a treat to have such fabulous food! This is just one of the displays in her courtyard. It truly sums up what a wonderful trip we had. We truly gathered with grateful hearts! Thank you Lord!

Christmas Cookies - Again!

2011-12-20T12:05:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning the girls came to decorate their Christmas cookies. We had such a good time!

Audrey's favorite color is STILL yellow, so every year she mixes the yellow frosting.

Isabel. As an aside, there was an open mike at her school on Friday during lunchtime and she got up to sing "Jingle Bells" in front of the entire school! Way to go, Isabel! Would she sing it for us??? NO!!

Brett and Esther came to join in the fun. It was a sugary, sprinkley, wonderland of sweet!

Moira, little Miss Perfectionist! She really got creative in decorating her cookies. She's always been a girl who loves patterns. She spelled out her nickname "Mo" in red hots on one cookie.

I've been on a peppermint bark kick! Found a recipe for Peppermint Bark Popcorn that sounded yummy! Love it.

Here's the recipe from www.ourbestbites.com.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn
16-20 cups popped popcorn (fresh popped is best, NOT microwave which has that funky yellow color)
1 lb. almond bark
1 6-ounce box of candy canes (Bob's is best), crushed
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (I used 1 cup)

Crush the candy canes in a ziploc bag. Pop the corn. I put in 200 degree oven to keep warm.

Melt almond bark in a double boiler. Stir until completely melted. Quickly add peppermint extract. This is where is gets tricky - it will seize very fast so quickly stir and pour over popcorn. Blend. (I used my hands - it was hot). Add crushed candy canes. Stir, stir, to blend all. Pour out on wax paper- or foil-lined baking sheets.

Melt chocolate chips in double boiler. I added 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let set. When hardened, package in bags or gift boxes. Yum!

Back-tracking - Our California Trip - Part 3

2011-12-18T12:05:00.001-06:00

Oaks Christian School has a lovely tradition the day before Thanksgiving, Grandparents Day. We went four years ago with Cole. This year we were able to go with him (a senior), Jordyn (a sophomore), and Lauren (8th grade). We started off with a continental breakfast with other high school grandparents, followed by a program with various choral groups. We then met Cole and Jordyn and they escorted us to some of their classrooms. The format was repeated for the middle school, where we met Lauren. We also visited Jeff's history class, where he was conducting class with students who did not have grandparents visiting. Such a lovely day!

Jordyn, Cole, Jeff, Lauren

One thing I really enjoy on this campus is the many wonderful quotes painted on walls of the buildings. This one is over the entrance to the History Department. Interesting side note ... the main building of the high school was once an aerospace company. During the Cold War there was an underground vault for top secret communications. The History Department is now located in that area. Isn't that appropriate?!!!

This is the quote that is inscribed over the door to Jeff's classroom.

Rich - always the teacher! At Jeff's podium.

A view of one of the Jeff's classroom walls. Another side note ... see the sign "Jeff Dewey for Judge"??? There was a man running for judge in Wichita in 2008 and when Jeff saw this campaign sign while visiting here he called the other Jeff Dewey's office to see if they could meet (which wasn't possible), but they gave him two of the signs. We have one in our garage.

I LOVE this! Next to the "No Limit" hang one of my Dad's rod and reel, net, and his fishing cap. I knew Jeff had the rod and reel, but the cap and net were a big surprise. It's historic and profound! Dad would have been so proud!

A great surprise was when we bumped into Barbara and Tony. She was the cafeteria manager at Rich's school, now retired several years. They were "grandparents" for some neighbor kids and we saw them at both the high school and middle school. Very fun, indeed!

Favored teachers!

We loved going to Jordyn's photography classroom, where she showed us her photography portfolio. Great work! She has a great "eye", just like her Dad.

This is a view of the soccer fields. Wouldn't you love to go to school with a view like this??? The Pacific Ocean is beyond the mountains!

The Olympic-size swimming pool. Lauren was on the middle school swim team.

The building at the rear is the middle school. Another side note ... this building housed another aerospace company. In 1977 I was secretary for the engineering department which was located in the corner behind the tress. Oaks purchased this building a few years ago and converted it to a wonderful middle school. They have wonderful athletic fields, to the right of the photo.

So after our time at the high school we met Lauren at the middle school.

She proudly pointed out the award for her soccer team. They were the first Class "B" team to take a championship in their division.

Looks like two students, but don't be fooled. Lauren and a favorite teacher.

After lunch with the girls, we went back "home" to Jeremy and Renee's. She was waiting for me to get back so we could bake together. She had already baked two pumpkin pies and was working on two apple pies. We would bake four more pumpkin, plus little "tasting" pumpkin ramekins. That a lot of pie, but between the Dewey and Lord families, we would eat it during the Thanksgiving weekend! She also made two batches of the most WONDERFUL dinner rolls. No kneading, so light and fluffy that they about flew out of the pan. You can find the recipe here: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/worlds-best-dinner-rolls/.

Another GREAT DAY with our kiddos!

Back-tracking - Our California Trip - Part 2

2011-12-17T00:05:00.000-06:00

We spent several nights with Jeremy, Renee, and Maddie. One really fun thing was to participate in Maddie's bedtime routine. Books and playtime were very fun and provided laughs for all! Every night this little girl went to bed happily and without any fuss. She's a blessing for sure!

We have a nice little tradition of going to lunch with Katelyn and Allison at In 'n Out! Gotta love being able to eat outside on the patio in mid-November on a warm, sunny day!!!

Maddie's first birthday was November 22. Her party would be on the weekend after Thanksgiving but we couldn't let the day go by without her first cake and candle! She loved it!!!

Her day care teacher made this birthday hat for her.

There's nothing like that first bite of sweet white cake! Yum!

Renee's parents dropped in and so there was a little celebration with both sets of grandparents. Then it was off to bed for the birthday girl.

What a year she's had!! She is such a sweet, cuddly, loveable little girl with a very sweet disposition. God has blessed us all by bringing her into this family!

Back-tracking - Our California Trip

2011-12-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful two-week trip to California in November, basically enjoying our family!

Our first weekend was to babysit Maddie while Jeremy and Renee took a little trip to celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary. This would be Rich's first visit since seeing Maddie as a newborn and it was September when I last saw her so we weren't sure how she would react to us. She never cried, fussed, or seemed unsure of us. What a love she is! Our weekend was spent simply loving, caring for, and playing with her!

Friday evening the three of us went to Jeff and Caroline's for dinner. Jeff was very proud of his veggie plate with a jicama heart - celebrating family love! :)

Love of a grandchild is so PRECIOUS! Lauren and Papa

Grandma and Allison

Lauren is taking guitar at school and loving it! Lo, do I remember correctly that it is your favorite class??? At school she uses the school-provided guitar, but to practice at home she gets to play her dad's guitar.

Maddie loved carrying her very cute pink Converse tennies and swinging them by the shoelaces!

On Sunday, Cole came to visit Papa, Maddie and me.

Our youngest and oldest grandchildren - a span of 17+ years! Don't you love how Maddie is just "hanging out" with her foot propped up on Cole's leg.

Jeremy and Renee returned home and we all began a busy week. Work for them, we had visiting my Mom and spending time with Kathy doing a final sort of things at Mom and Dad's house, Maddie's first birthday, Grandparents Day at school with Jeff and the kids and, of course, Thanksgiving! More to come!

Grandma's Bake Shop

2011-12-12T19:55:00.000-06:00

Grandma's Bake Shop has been in full gear!! My electric mixer has been running on high and the oven has been roaring for days now!

A family favorite is Wreath Cookies. My mom made these back in the 70s and wasn't sure if the kids would like them. Like them??? They are a Dewey family favorite.

And then the other "staple" is sugar cookies, cut out and decorated in all things Christmas. Just as Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a turkey, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Wreath Cookies and Sugar Cookies.

Other family favorites in the kitchen are gingersnaps, peanut blossoms (peanut butter with a Hershey's kiss), and pecan sandies. I made two new cookies this year (at least new to us) - chocolate crinkles and spicy nut cookies. Also made peppermint bark and almond toffee. Other favorites just didn't make the cut this year, but I made several batches of everything, so it's been a sugary (if not sticky!) wonderland! Major clean-up will happen next week after the little girls come to decorate their cookies this Saturday. There will certainly be more sprinkles on the floor then!

Recipe for wreath cookies:

Holiday Wreath Cookies
3.5 cups corn flakes
1/2 cup butter
30 marshmallows
1 scant teaspoon green food coloring
red hots candies

Tear off a strip of wax paper about 20 inches long and lightly butter. Pour corn flakes into a large bowl. In a double boiler melt butter, add food coloring and stir to blend. Add marshmallows and when they begin to melt, stir occasionally until completely melted and blended. Pour marshmallow mixture over corn flakes and stir to coat. Butter all your fingers. Take a "glob", about one tablespoon of mixture and form into wreath. Decorate with red hots.

Some notes:
1. I use more marshmallows, sometimes the whole bag if 34-36 marshmallows in bag.
2. I use more cereal, probably 4.5 cups.
3. Butter your fingers OFTEN!
4. This is a "fiddley" recipe. Not recommended to do with young children.
5. Be patient and take your time. They are worth it!

Enjoy!

Gingerbread House

2011-12-10T00:05:00.000-06:00

I decorated my first-ever gingerbread house, actually I'm calling mine a church. There's a cross on the front, "stained glass" at the back, and all those little colorful candies on the sides represent all the people inside.

I purchased the edible kit from a sweet family who was selling them at the bake sale and craft bazaar that our women's ministry held last weekend. The mom in the family is one of our Mom2Mom moms who home schools her third and fifth grade children. She told me they had Business 101 all last week as they baked and cut the gingerbread and put into kits, along with directions and the requisite candies. (I added the few starlight mints). The children "worked the table" and were very competent little sales people. So glad to support this sweet family!

My Christmas baking is in full swing! I have made several batches of six different cookies and they are in the freezer/fridge, ready for me to start baking off. I've tried a couple of new cookies this year, so anxious to see how they turn out. Will also make some peppermint bark and perhaps another candy. When I get started, I get on a roll! I'll post some photos in a few days!

Until then ... enjoy your Christmas preparations!

Bible Study Fun!

2011-12-08T16:48:00.000-06:00

Twice a year my Wednesday Bible study has a "fun day". Usually it's shopping and lunch but this year we did something a little different. We spent the last month or so cleaning out our closets and took several vehicles of donations to one of the World Impact Thrift Stores in Wichita. One of the young men from our church left his school food service job to be on full-time World Impact staff. His responsibilities include planning and preparing all the hospitality events for the organization, plus managing their two thrift stores. The stores help support the organization, but even more importantly provide goods for the urban poor. The stories of the customers are incredible. Truly a fabulous ministry.

Mary Ellen, Sandy, Helen and I were in one vehicle loaded with boxes and bags.

Rosemary and Caryn in another loaded vehicle.

Marilyn drove Diane and Janice.

As soon as we arrived, David gave instructions on what needed to be done.

Being the book lovers they are, Mary Ellen and Debby went to organize the book room. Sorry gals, no photo!

Diane began organizing nick nacks. Rosemary and Janice began on a row of clothes. All garments are $1.00 each. What a bargain.

Helen and I worked on a row of clothing, and Marilyn, Deb, and Caryn as well. We were to remove garments that had been on the racks for an extended period of time. They were folded and packed into HUGE tubs and bags to be delivered to a church that is starting a clothes closet ministry where those in need can come and take any clothing they need - free! A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

We worked for nearly two hours and worked our way through all the clothes racks! Then we headed for lunch.

Mary Ellen made reservations a La Galette in the Delano district in downtown Wichita. This is a nice little restaurant that combines the French and Lebanese heritage of the long-time family owners. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and quiches were the order of the day. Plus fabulous desserts. So many choices!!!

We have such a good time together, it's a real joy to carve out this time.

Some of the gals had Christmas shopping to do, others had to return to Newton. Several of us planned to visit the African-American Museum, also in downtown Wichita, to see the traveling exhibit on the Freedom Riders. When we arrived, the museum board was having a meeting in the gallery and so we could not see the exhibit. How disappointing! We headed back to Newton and all the things we each had to accomplish!

The following scripture verse was inscribed on the wall of the thrift store. What a privilege it was to serve the ministry in this way and to support the staff as they seek to demonstrate God's great love to those who are in great need. May God be praised!

Happy Birthday Madelyn!

2011-11-22T00:05:00.001-06:00

Sweet little Madelyn is one year old today! What a year she's had!! Besides growing "like a weed", her first six months were filled with one doctor appointment after another. It certainly is a good thing that she is so sweet and mild-mannered!

She's walking, eating lots of table food, talking, has a mouthful of teeth, and give lots of smiles to anyone she meets! She's so playful and LOVES books. What a treat to be able to read to her on her birthday!

This sweet family has been through a lot this year, but they - and we - continue to marvel at God's goodness in preserving Maddie's eyesight. God brought wonderful medical providers into their lives at just the right moment and we are all very grateful! To all of our praying family and friends, we will never take for granted the marvelous ways you prayed for this family and thank God for hearing and answering all of our prayers on Maddie, Jeremy and Renee's behalf. May God be praised!

Maddie, Papa and I love you very much. We pray that you will grow to know Jesus and keep him in your heart!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

Happy Anniversary Jeremy & Renee!

2011-11-17T00:05:00.004-06:00

Today is the 4th wedding anniversary for Jeremy and Renee! Seems like forever - in a VERY GOOD way!

It's been such a pleasure to watch them grow in their marriage. They've met some pretty big challenges in really wonderful, God-honoring ways, and He has blessed them in return. We love them and are very proud of who they are and who they've become.

Happy anniversary to both of you and may God bless you with many years together!

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."
Philippians 1:9-11

Happy Birthday Jordyn!

2011-11-15T00:05:00.001-06:00

Jordyn is Sweet Sixteen today!

This young lady is a high school sophomore who works really hard at her rigorous course work. She plays soccer for her school, as well as on a traveling club team in the off-season. One of things she really likes to do is bake. Here she is with her Easter basket cupcakes for the family's Easter celebration.

Jordyn was such a cute little girl who has grown up to be a lovely young lady. She's just as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. She has a great laugh!

Wearing Dodger blue with her sisters!

This summer she was given a older model Jaguar. It was one of those friends-of-friends kind of deal. All at NO COST! Hard to pass up a deal like that! She doesn't have her driver's license yet, but I know that's coming SOON, so she's graciously let Cole drive it. It's come in really handy getting this BUSY family to all the places they need to go. I think the plan is to trade it in on something more "teen-ager like" and more maintenance-free. But she'll always be able to say her first car was a Jag!

Papa and I love you Sweetie!

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Peter 1:5-8

Contemplating a Donut

2011-11-05T15:31:00.000-05:00

Every 2-3 days I check out the online version of our local newspaper. Truth be told, there's not much there, obits, a few articles, lots of ads, and a photo gallery. You can imagine my surprise when this photo popped up!

The Saturday before Halloween, our kids attended the Haunt Fest at the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts. One of the activities for children was bobbing for donuts tied to strings without using their hands. I cracked up when I saw this photo of Isabel giving this donut a real once over. And yes, she did get it! Way to go Isabel!

Loving Fall - Part 2 - The End

2011-11-02T19:31:00.000-05:00

Isabel asked me to go on her first grade field trip to Walter's Pumpkin Patch and I jumped at the chance. I did this with Moira and it was so fun. We've had beautiful warm fall days, but on this morning it was 39 degrees when I went to meet her at school. BRRRR! It never warmed up and I was cold ALL day! Oh, of course, I didn't wear a heavy jacket. That wasn't very smart!

We huddled together on the haywagon ride out to the pumpkin fields. The farmer talked to the kids about planting pumpkins and gourds. Then he turned them loose to find the pumpkin of their choice.

We had a hard freeze several nights before so the vines and leaves were all brown, but it made the pumpkins easy to find. In the field was an old chair with a hole in the seat. If the pumpkin fit in the hole, they could keep it. Some kids selected tiny little pumpkins, others chose ones they could hardly carry.

Isabel and two of her school/neighborhood/family chums. They were part of the VERY LOUD group of little girls who later came trick-or-treating at our door! :)

Walter's does a nice job of posting educational signs around the grounds.

The first activity her class did was the Jumping Pillow. Boy, did they have fun on this. By the time they were finished, jackets were off!

Next we did the Hay Bale Climb. Very large rectangular bales were stacked in a pyramid. This dad (who also goes to our church) was standing by to give Isabel a hand, but she was determined to make the climb herself.

And so she did! She proclaimed herself as "Queen of the Mountain".

The bales were stacked so there were tunnels, which the kids loved. They had hay everywhere! One little girl exclaimed to me, "I have hay in my underwear and it itches!"

I love this "free flight" photo. It makes her seem so uninhibited. And yes, it was a soft landing.

Next we went into a barn where there was a small corn crib the kids could play in and like the hay, they had corn everywhere! There were lots of groups there this day, including some home school kids from our church.

Isabel loved taking hands-full of corn to feed the goats.

The big slide that goes through a hill is a big hit. I will tell you that 5 years ago I went on this with Moira, several times. But, alas, my back couldn't do it now. Too bad. It really is fun!

Lunch time! Our hands were freezing when we took of our mittens and gloves! I didn't take off my hood all day (why did I take the time to curl my hair that AM??) and usually had a scarf tied over it. I know, really cute, but I had to do it to stay somewhat warm.

After lunch it was free play and exploring. Lots of fun things to play on, tree houses, slides, gunny sack swings, and of course back to the corn crib and hay bale climb.

Isabel and the two little girls who were in my group.

Back on the bus for the ride back to school. Thanks, Isabel, for asking me to go with you! Such a fun day! I slept VERY well that night!!

Fall has been so gorgeous. We had this cold day last week but it was 75 degrees two days ago. As I write this, winter is tapping at my window. Sleety and temps in low 30s. I'm so NOT ready for winter. Fortunately it's supposed to be back up in the 60s this weekend. We'll eke out what we can of these remaining nice fall days!

a.k.a.

2011-11-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

Pirate Maeve

Rainbow Brite Isabel

Sheriff Audrey

Harry Potter's Belltrix Moira

Mama Pirate Esther and Elmer's Glue Bottle Brett

They is how they dressed up for a party and then trick or treat. For trick or treating, I suggested the girls come to our house first, in case I ran out of candy, they'd be sure to get their choice. About 45 minutes later they came back for SECONDS - along with at least one neighborhood friend a piece. I must say this group of girls was the largest and MOST EXCITED of the evening!! All very cute.

Then just as I was writing this blog, a cute little ladybug flew in from California!!!

Renee and Maddie

Jeremy and Maddie

Loving Fall! - Part 1

2011-10-30T00:05:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful fall season we've had. Actually, this is the first fall I've been home in the last three years and I've totally enjoyed it. But the weather is changing (it's been down to freezing!) and so it's been great fun to wrap up the season with a couple of fun activities.

We took a day trip to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve with our friends Ellen and LeeRoy. They are neighbors, we are in a Community Life group together and Ellen and I are in Bible study and on Mom2Mom leadership team. We also have introduced them to Contract Gin! Anyway ... back to our day trip....

We headed east out of Newton on Highway 50.Took at short ride through the VERY little town of Peabody. It advertises its 1880s Main Street. Drove through a neighborhood with GORGEOUS trees. We all loved the changing of the leaves. Most of the trees around here are cottonwood or elm, which have yellow leaves, so to see the maples with reds and oranges was very beautiful.

Just as my battery flashed red, I realized I failed to bring the bag with new battery with me. I was sick! So I was glad to eke out the few photos of the preserve. So disappointed, as I have wanted to visit here for a long time.

We had lunch at Emma Chase Cafe in another tiny town, Cottonwood Falls. No photos because I was trying to save what battery I had left!

The preserve originally extended up through the Dakotas and into Canada, but over time has diminished considerably. Our Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest in the nation! I should have written down the statistics, but I THINK I remember that it was originally 150 million acres and is now down to 30 million, or is it 5M. At any rate, it's a treasure.

The guide told us the grass is not as tall as it should be due to our lack of rain this year. So sad! He was on the search to find the bison that graze the prairie, but they were not to be found on this tour. This is part of the Kansas Flint Hills, which are beautiful in every season. The soil is only about 18-24" deep, and then it is the flint, so it is best for grazing. The Flint Hills are known for the very large ranches where cattle do especially well.

This was a working ranch in the 1800's. You can take a self-guided tour of the Victorian-styled house. Next to the house is the root cellar and storm cellar, which were connected by an underground passage way. Also close to the house was the 3-seater limestone "necessity" house. The fanciest outhouse I've ever seen! An ice house and other "out buildings" were also nearby.

The views were spectacular!

We walked through the massive limestone barn. This farm was quite an operation in its day!

You can see the limestone walls, which aren't going anywhere, anytime soon!

You can "see forever", no matter the view!

The sun began to drop as we headed back home. A great fall day, out enjoying the beauty of God's magnificent creation!

Happy Birthday Lauren!

2011-10-28T00:05:00.001-05:00

Today is Lauren's 14th birthday!

Lauren at about 7, with her bunny. Such a cute little girl!

And look at her now, so grown up! A lovely young lady!

Lauren plays soccer and is also on her school's swim team. Looks to me that in this photo she's the only going for the ball! She's a strong girl in so many ways, a leader in the making! She's doing great in her school work, at a very rigorous school. At the end of last school year, she was named the top seventh grade student in the Bible department. So proud of her!

She's the only one of her siblings to have blue eyes like her Dad!

One of the qualities Lauren is known for is her strong Christian witness. What could make a grandparent more proud?!!!

We love you sweetie and pray God's richest blessings upon your life! Keep Him first!

"The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Psalm 121:7-8

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

2011-10-26T00:05:00.004-05:00

Jeremy is celebrating his birthday today! Wish we could be there, too. I'd fix some of his favorite foods - meat loaf, baked potato, scalloped corn and a chocolate eclair dessert.

It has been such a joy to watch Jeremy fully embrace his roles as husband to Renee and father to Maddie. Jeremy is a wise man who leads this family with his caring heart, generous spirit, sense of humor. They are a sweet family!

Professionally, he made a job change this past summer when he left Bank of America for a start-up company that deals with banked owned properties. He is manager of a department that markets these properties and we all know that in today's housing market that can be quite a huge job. His days are very full as he shares in family responsibilities as well as he and Renee attend a small group from their church. It's a rare, but very special day, when he can get away to play a round of golf.

We love you, Jeremy, and are so thrilled to see you as the man God created.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Happy Birthday Caroline!

2011-10-24T00:05:00.001-05:00

Today is our daughter-in-love, Caroline's, birthday! She is such a dear and we love her so much!

She's the perfect wife for Jeff and is a great mother to her five children. She has home-schooled all of them and now has just Katelyn and Allison at home. She's a loyal friend. She loves the Lord and uses the gifts He has given her to the blessing of many. One of her "gifts" is the giving of gifts. It truly is her love language. She is so creative in finding the perfect gift and a gift from her is one that it is sure to please!

Recently Caroline (on the right) and her friend, Kristin, did the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It began (very early in the morning!) at the Fess Parker Inn on East Beach in Santa Barbara and ended in Carpenteria, a lovely beach town 26 miles down the Pacific coast. What a fabulous place to walk, the Pacific coast. They spent the first night at the Earl Warren Polo Showgrounds, which had to be a thrill for Caroline as she loves horses.

The race was made up of cancer patients, survivors, and women like Caroline and Kristin, walking for the cause. Santa Barbara walkers earned $4.6 million! These gals trained for months, walking the hills in their communities. Caroline said of the walk, "A couple of blisters and a sore legs but well worth it! One sign reminded us blisters are nothing compared to Chemo! Lots of inspiration along the way to keep us going." Caroline, I am so proud of you!!

Love you dear - and miss you TONS!!

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 9:1-2

Another Good Book

2011-10-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

I recently finished reading another good book, "My Sister Dilly", by Maureen Lang.

This novel is set in the Midwest and the story centers around a mom who unsuccessfully attempts to murder her severely handicapped daughter. It's a journey of survival, restoring and redeeming a life, knowing and finding love from God the Father, as well as a man.

The Author's notes state that the story "was inspired by a combination of true stories: By mothers who've been to the darkest place a mother could go, survived, and found their love survived with them. By other mothers who face each day not knowing how long their children will live and yet make it through with incredible strength. By women who feel they've let others down, not from lack of caring but rather from lack of confidence". I felt as though I was definitely reading a true story. It enlightened me to some of the challenges mothers like Dilly face. A good read!

For local readers, it can be found in our church library (just as soon as I return it!) Non-locals can find it at amazon.com.

Happy Birthday Isabel!

2011-10-10T00:05:00.003-05:00

Today is Isabel's 7th birthday! She is such a sweet girl and so much fun to be with!

I started a birthday tradition with the California kids when they were small where we'd go shopping for their birthday outfits then they'd spend the night. Sadly now, the California kids just get a birthday gift card in the mail, but the Kansas kids get the shopping and sleep-over.

So, recently Isabel and I went to Kohl's in Wichita for a little shopping. When we came home we started her birthday cake. She requested a rainbow cake.

Directions for the rainbow cake:
Prepare two white cake mixes according to package directions. Measure 1.5 cups of batter into a bowl and add about 1/4 teaspoon of Wilton's food coloring. Stir until you get desired color, adding more color if needed. The two cake mixes will make six cakes. I do one mix at a time, baking three cakes at a time. Cool and frost in desired frosting color. Isabel chose pink - her favorite color!

Birthday dinner (meat loaf and Grandma's mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli - her choices) and sleep-over followed a few days later. One thing she and her sisters love about the sleep-over is they get to take a bath. Nightly bath time in their house of four girls is pretty much in-and-out. At Grandma and Papa's, they get the tub by them self, they get to stay in as long as they want - usually until the water is cold!, they get to play with toys used by their daddy and uncles - all by themselves. Who would know this would be such a special treat!??!

Another fun thing about the sleep-over is playing games with Papa and Grandma. Isabel chose Crazy Eights, Aggravation (which she won in both!), and Sorry (which Papa won!). Hearing the two of them laugh their deep belly laughs makes anything fun!

And here she is with that cake! It's a rather impressive TOWER of cake - all six layers!

Isabel is in first grade. She reads everything (even the text on the Kohl's shopping bag!) - and reads very well. She has the greatest giggle and most winsome personality. She's a wizz at checkers and Crazy Eight's. A very fun little girl indeed and we are blessed to live right next door to each other!

Happy birthday Sweetie! Papa and I love you very much!

Another Good Read

2011-09-30T00:05:00.000-05:00

See heaven through a child's eye! This little book is the very compelling story of a little boy's astounding trip to heaven and back. It will make you yearn for heaven - and if you don't believe in heaven, it will touch your heart in ways you've never been touched!

This is a quick read and one that is well worth your time.

Autumn is Here!!!

2011-09-23T00:05:00.004-05:00

Good-bye summer with all its wretched heat!!! Welcome glorious days of warm sunshine and cool breezes, bright colors and yummy smells! Anyone for a pumpkin pie?!?!

Autumn also means the beginning of Bible study and Mom2Mom. Bible study actually began a couple of weeks ago. This year we are doing a Beth Moore study, "DAVID, Seeking a Heart Like His". It's really good, but I'm ALREADY behind! Oh how I hate when that happens!

For Mom2Mom (M2M), we are basing our teaching on a book by Susie Larson, "Growing Grateful Kids: Finding an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places". Very quickly the author makes the point that before we can teach gratefulness to our children we must first have a grateful heart ourselves. This book is great for women of all stages of life. At the end of each chapter there are applications for moms who are still raising children, as well as life applications for women no matter our age. It's all about leaving a legacy of gratitude for our children.

Our little maple tree in the front yard is finally getting mature enough so that the leaves actually show some fall color! Loving it!

And then a little bit of fall color in a flower bed.

For everything there is a season ... praise be to God!

Flitty, Twitty, and Itty Bitty

2011-09-22T13:43:00.000-05:00

My friend, Mary Ellen, had her first book signing of her very first book, "Flitty, Twitty, and Itty Bitty", today at our local Christian bookstore. This is book one of a three-part series and features the littlest bird, Itty Bitty. Book two will be coming soon and is a Christmas story featuring Flit.

Mary Ellen and some of her littlest friends!

Mary Ellen designed this precious pillow of a branch holding the bird nest. The nest is slit and she inserted "eggs" as she began to read, then "birds" as they hatched. Very cute! And no, there aren't more. It's one-of-a-kind.

She read the story and then the children went to a table for snacks (cupcake papers filled with a "nest" of pretzel sticks and crackers" and pages to color. All very sweet.

This story is about God's care and protection for us. In my Bible study on Wednesday, one of the gals told of reading the book to her granddaughter and found comfort for herself, while going through a difficult situation, through reading the story.

For local readers, the book is at Faith & Life. For non-locals, you can find it at www.maryellentippin.com or amazon.com.

Babysitting Maddie - The End

2011-09-20T13:43:00.000-05:00

I Love, Love, Love how Maddie sits with her little pudgy legs crossed at the ankles. Add her sweet hands and my heart melts!

When Maddie is really excited she flaps her hands and arms. Watching Baby Einstein with Lauren there was something that really made her happy.

Jordyn stopped by after her trip to San Diego, just in time to feed Maddie.

On Wednesday I met Cole for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. He could leave campus on this day so it was perfect. I find it's really important to look for and find these special moments with my grandkids!

Also stopping by CPK was my cousin Eldon (JR). I stopped by the hospital earlier to see his Dad but timing was wrong, so JR came to join us for lunch. I was glad he and Cole could meet each other. We reminisced how he took me to my senior prom. I remarked we were Cole's age. At that, the lady sitting at the table behind us piped up and said, "and it was just yesterday!" Sure was!

Out for an early morning walk with Maddie. After a blistering hot summer in Kansas, would you believe I get to California and it's 90-100 degrees for much of my trip! Couldn't believe it. So after her breakfast we took advantage of some relatively cool morning air and walked to the park.

Looking out of their development to Boney Mountain which was the backdrop for our beloved Newbury Park. It was what divided our valley from the ocean. Gorgeous!

Their neighborhood park. So lovely with the mountains that are the "backside" of Moorpark. Makes me homesick all over again!

Maddie and her Daddy, waiting for Mommie to get home from her trip. We three had a wonderful week, with the bonus that I could be with Jeff & Caroline and their family, my mom and siblings, and my cousin.

Thanks again Jeremy and Renee for giving me the opportunity to be with your precious little daughter!

Babysitting Maddie

2011-09-17T12:05:00.000-05:00

Jeremy and Renee flew me to California so I could babysit Maddie while they went away over Labor Day. As it turned out, Renee had a business trip as soon as they returned so I was a busy Grandma taking Maddie to/from babysitter on three additional days and keeping her while they were at work. What a great 10 days it was!!

Maddie has been wearing a helmet this summer to shape up the back of her head. She's had to wear it 23 hours a day. What a little trooper she's been! Just a few more weeks and it will come off - to everyone's delight. You can see how Momma Renee decorated it with stickers - not a "plain Jane" helmet here! :)

Jordyn dropped by after school and soccer to say hi! Between school during the week and a soccer tournament in San Diego on the week-end, I didn't get to see much of her.

Friday night Kate and Allie came for a sleep-over. After Maddie went to bed we had popcorn and a movie. Saturday morning we played and watched Baby Einstein. I loved how Maddie perched on Kate's leg.

Saturday - college football day! Jeremy is an alum of Fresno State and had a short stint on their football team. He wanted me to be sure she wore her "Bulldog" shirt. It says, "Start 'em Young - Raise 'em Right".

For those who asked about Maddie's eyes, this will give you a good indication of how they look. They are a gorgeous blue. She had an eye appointment while I was there and doctor is quite pleased. Ptosis surgey to lift her eyelids was done in nick of time. Her eyes are getting enough light for vision. She wears glasses and the good news is that her prescription did not change, as it was expected to decline considerably. With her glasses, her vision is good. It amazes me that he can tell that at this young age. We are trusting in what he says!

Maddie is a beautiful little girl. Gorgeous skin, apple cheeks and a precious little mouth and with the mildest, sweetest disposition. What a blessing she is!! It's tricky to get her to smile for the camera, so you'll have to trust me that she has a very sweet smile and a great giggle!

She misses nary a drop of food! We are sure she's going to be a "foodie"!

Kate and Allie were such great help! They help their mom, Caroline, babysit her on Thursdays. She's a well-loved little girl!

Kate and Allie left and Lauren came for the day and a sleep-over. What do you think these two precious granddaughters are talking about???

We went to visit my Mom, who was in convalescent care due to a fall in June which resulted in a broken pelvis. She really enjoyed seeing the girls! Mom has progressed sufficiently that she was just moved to an assisted living residence. She's amazing!

Maddie, Lauren, Nan - my dear sister-in-law - and Maddie's "great Aunt". Wow! Does that sound weird!

Three generations!

On the week-end, Maddie stood without any help - twice - for 12 seconds! She's just 9.5 months. She loves "walking" with help and around furniture, is really crawling around, investigating her surroundings. Couldn't let her out of my sight for a moment!

What a blessing to share this time with precious family!

Audrey is 9!

2011-09-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

Our dear granddaughter, Audrey, turned nine on September 2, when I was in California babysitting granddaughter, Maddie.

Audrey is Brett's and Esther's second daughter. She's in third grade and loves school. Right now she is reading Book Five of Harry Potter. She told me her backpack is very heavy. Well, no wonder! She carries this huge book back-and-forth to school in her backpack. One thing is for sure it will keep this petite girl from blowing away in the wind!

To celebrate her birthday this Friday, she asked for my mint 'n chip ice cream pie. The original recipe was in a church cookbook my Mom gave me years ago and it calls for creme de menthe ice cream. We make our own using1.5 containers (3 quart size) of vanilla ice cream, 30 mint flavored starlight candies (chopped up), mint flavoring, mini chocolate chips, and a little green food coloring. To make the crust: crush 25 Oreos and add a couple tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until blended and press into 9" pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Let crust cool thoroughly!

Put about half of ice cream in crust and put in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Also put ice cream back in freezer. Pour a layer of hot fudge sauce from a jar, then add rest of ice cream. Sprinkle remaining Oreo crumbs over top and wrap well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Put in freezer for at least two days and up to a month. Enjoy!

Save a little ice cream for tasting!

One thing I especially love about this little girl is her hugs! When we leave for a trip she gives the best hugs and then when we return, another BIG hug with a "I missed you!".

Love you Audrey!

On the Book Shelf

2011-09-10T00:05:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for light and airy summertime reading you might like this ...

This work of fiction takes place in a small Idaho town in 1915. The primary characters are a father and one adult daughter who run a ranch and another daughter who moves back to town and runs for mayor, and her mayoral competitors. It weaves a story of small town politics and of course there's a little romance thrown in for good measure.

The author's notes reveal that the first woman mayor in America was indeed elected in Idaho, but in 1918, in Parma, Idaho. Other interesting facts of interest:

* In 1896, the woman's suffrage amendment to the Idaho Constitution was adopted, giving Idaho women the right to vote.

* Two women ran for the office of president of the United States in the 1800s. One was Victoria Woodhull in 1872 and the other was Belva Lockwood who ran in 1884 and 1888. The author says that, "neither was permitted under the law to vote, but nothing in the law prevented them from running for office." Huh, very ironic!

A Vote of Confidence is book one in a three book series. For local readers, it is located in our church library. It's an easy, enjoyable read.

Lotion Bars

2011-09-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

Our Ft. Collins friends, Carey and Nancy are such wonderful hosts! On our bedside table they had placed a lovely lotion bar. It looks similar to a bar of Dove soap but it's NOT! It's a rich, buttery, aromatic bar that is a rich moisturizer. Our scent is jasmine. It gives our bathroom a lovely sweet fragrance! Yummy!

This is the display of the Queen of the Mountain lotion bars in their wonderful store, The Cupboard.

This is a product that made in Ft. Collins by a local lady. You can learn more at the website, www.queenofthemeadow.com. Here's what some of The Cupboard's shoppers have to say about it. You can order online. Give it a try!

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The Great Escape - 2011 - The End!!

2011-09-06T00:05:00.000-05:00

It was hard to say good-bye to Larry and Elaine! They are such dear souls! My Mother calls them our "other brother and sister". So true!

Not many options to get from Southern Oregon to Kansas except for through Northern Nevada. Yuck! After all the gorgeous mountains and lakes we had seen this was rather desolate.

Scenery began to change leaving Salt Lake for Colorado via Highway 6.

It's a lonely road!

Frisco, CO, a favorite little town! It provided a great lunch stop!

The city has so many over-flowing boxes and pots of brilliant flowers!

Nastursiums - Rich's favorite.

Colorado's state flower, the Columbine.

About two hours into Kansas we ran into heavy rain. The rainbow crossed from one side of I-70 ...

to the other. We hoped it would be raining at home, but alas, it was not so. So we returned to a very hot and dry town.

We are so blessed to be able to travel and see the wonderful works of God's creation, to spend time with wonderful friends, and enjoy life. Thanks for coming along on the blog-journey with us!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 8

2011-09-04T00:05:00.000-05:00

We left Lake Tahoe for Grants Pass via the back roads of California. This is Mount Lassen.

Every river and lake was brimming with water. The forest never looked greener or healthier.

Mount Shasta. Usually the mountain is covered with clouds but on this day it was particularly clear. Simply gorgeous.

We arrived at Larry and Elaine's home and the next evening they treated us to a dinner cruise on the Rogue River, which runs through Grants Pass. The river was beautiful!

We are on a jet boat, like the ones at the dock, which hold about 50 people.

The first part of the cruise was rather calm and it was fun to see the various homes along the river. How'd you like to sit in these chairs!

An osprey. They are smaller than a bald eagle and have a white chest.

A bald eagle. Magnificent!

You think this was a calm ride?

Not so! The boat would speed up and then suddenly slow down. At that point you hold on to the seat in front of you, duck down as far as possible and hope you don't get soaked! Twists and turns in the river, water splashing from every direction, what a hoot!

A what do you think this "tree" is??? It's a cell phone tower!

Our end destination was the OK Corral, where we had a delicious BBQ dinner of chicken, ribs and all the fixings'.

You think we look a little wet and "messed up"? Just wait until the ride back to town.

Our boat driver, along with another one, warned us they had some special surprises on the return. It was hilarious! They were like a couple of little kids, twisting, turning, speeding up, water going EVERYWHERE! Everyone was hootin' and hollerin'! Who do you think was soaked to the skin???? Mr. Dewey! He was literally dripping.

The sun sets on ANOTHER marvelous, very fun day! Thank you, Dear Friends!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 7

2011-09-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

August 11 was Rich's birthday!

There's a great restaurant at the ground level of the Marriott called "Fire and Ice". We went there for a very late lunch. It's such a cool place! You begin by serving yourself salad. Then selecting your meat, veggies, starch, cooking sauces - all in bowls on ice in a very cool room. Meats ranged from tilapia (delicious!), mussels, sirloin strips, sausage, slab bacon and more; veggies were things like, artichoke hearts, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, pea pods, broccolli, and more, and starches like Udon noodles, pasta, rice. Sauces were hot, sweet, spicy, and many combinations of all. After your bowl is piled high, you take it to the tappan grill and the chef lines each order from the center of grill out to edge. The chef puts on quite a show demonstrating his knife skills. He told Rick that during ski season the four chefs can EACH earn up to $500/day in TIPS. People are lined up out the door!

All of us plus Ken and Shannon's grandson, Travis. Ken and Shannon - and their children - have a home within an hour or so of Tahoe and so some of their kids and grandkids came to see them. K&S have been traveling close to a year, so their kids were very excited to have them close to home.

After cake and ice cream we introduced R&K and K&S to the game of Contract Gin. It's my favorite card game. Very challenging, you have to think but it's really "all in the cards", and you NEVER know who's going to win until the game is over. Here Janet lays down her hand. It looks as though Larry can't believe his eyes at her cards. Must have been what he was trying to get!

Look at the wad of cards Rich is holding - which is VERY typical. He and Larry really had to "check her out" to be sure everything was correct.

And then, a little silliness!

How goofy can one be, taking a hand in the game, chewing on a pretzel rod?!?!?

Our last day. We said good-bye to Rick and Janet and Ken and Shannon. I cried! Rich and Larry went to a movie. Elaine and I each took a book and went to find a quiet place to read at the pool.

Peeking out from my umbrella - this was my view! Ahhh!

We had such a marvelous week. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, 70s-80s during day, dipped down into 30s-40s at night. It wasn't restful in the "lounging" sense, as we very busy every day, but what great fun we had with such dear souls! It truly was a balm for our spirits!

The next day we would depart for Larry and Elaine's home in Oregon, taking the backroads. More gorgeous scenery to come!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 6

2011-08-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

We took the gondola up Heavenly Mountain. Midway up, you can get off and walk around the viewing platform. Then you get back on the gondola and go to the top to hike (or in winter, ski), or as in our case, have lunch. Glorious!

Views of the lake and mountains!

Such an interesting rock formation!

Rich and Janet can always find something to laugh about!

The next day we took a two-hour boat trip around the lake. The boat reportedly belonged to one of the "old" casinos - in it's heyday. I didn't go below deck, but those that did said it was magnificent. We all surmised that "if these walls could talk" would apply to this boat!

Someone called this shot, "Tahoe Babes". Hmmm, don't know about the one in the white sweat shirt!

Ken and Shannon, Larry and Elaine.

Rich and me, Rick and Janet.

Views of shoreline properties. Talk about beautiful - and $$$$$$$$!

This will give you a "feel" for the vastness of the lake. It is huge!

A bald eagle's nest.

What an amazing place to visit! The next day would be Rich's birthday. Come along for the party!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 5

2011-08-30T00:05:00.005-05:00

Our first morning...we had a three-bedroom condo so we three couples had own bed/bath. Wonderful accommodations! Ken and Shannon stayed in their 5th wheel.

A look around the property.

We took the gondola up the mountain on the next day.

Rick and Janet, Rich and me, Larry and Elaine.

We've known Rick and Janet since the early 1970's. I had their daughter, Stacy, in my 2-3 year old Sunday school class. Now she's a momma with three children! It's always a ton of laughs when we are together.

More views around the property. The landscape was so bright, healthy, awesome colors! A treat for heat-sore eyes!

Ken and Shannon. We met them when they moved to our town around 1970-71. They came to our church and sang in the choir Rich directed, along with Larry and Elaine. The six of us and our children did more dinners and things together, often at the drop of a hat! It was Ken and Larry who helped Rich prepare a travel trailer for our sabbatical trip in 1975. We still have the red tool box Ken put together for Rich's use on that year of travel. Ken and Shannon travel the US and Canada most of the year in their 5th wheel. They play pickle ball with others on the "senior circuit". Never heard of it. Something like tennis, but with a paddle.

Ken and Larry.

The men sitting around the 5th wheel while the gals put a dinner of chicken tortilla soup and corn bread together for dinner. The lake-view was gorgeous! A perfect spot!

Shannon with Rich and Larry. Ken and Shannon and their three kids traveled with us on the latter part of our sabbatical on 1976. Met in Cody, WY, where we awaited word of the birth of Larry and Elaine's son (I told you we have a lot of history!!), then traveled to Glacier National Park, western Canada and then home. We pulled a 26' trailer with a Chevy station wagon and they pulled a pop-up tent trailer with a VW bus. Oh!!!! Could we tell you some stories!

What a wonderful, relaxing evening! More Lake Tahoe to come!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 4

2011-08-28T00:05:00.002-05:00

Driving to South Lake Tahoe from Reno, this was our very first glimpse of the lake. It's almost indescribable! It's 22 miles long, 12 miles wide and over 1000' deep. The color is the most brilliant shade of blue, except for a small part of the shoreline, which is called Emerald Bay - the water the color of emeralds! Breath-taking!

There was still snow on tops of the Sierra Nevada Mountains!

Can you tell we are loving it?! Think it was about 75 degrees this day!

Larry and Elaine.

As we started back up the path to the road and our vehicle, a man was walking his dog, which began to bark rather excitedly. This is why!

The snake was very shiny and we thought had shed its skin. If you look at its middle, it's bulging, and near the bottom of its middle (which you probably can't tell from this photo) it was a little lumpy. We thought it was something it had eaten! Ooooh!

Our home for the week. Our timeshare at Marriott's Timber Lodge. Larry & Elaine also have a timeshare here. They go to ski around Thanksgiving with all of their children and grandchildren. It's a lovely place!

Timber Lodge is located at the base of Heavenly Mountain, just a block from the California-Nevada stateline. The building with the clock tower is for the Heavenly Mountain gondola, which we took later in the week. Wait until you see the views!

Rich and Larry "plugged in", relaxing after five days of driving and sightseeing.

We relaxed until Rick and Janet arrived from Southern California and Ken Shannon arrived from their RV home at a local state park. We were so excited to be with all of these dear friends. We all met in 1968-1970 at our little church in Southern California. As I've said, lots of water under the bridge of our history - some of it high, some of it low. All treasured memories! More about these couples later!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 3

2011-08-26T00:05:00.002-05:00

Leaving the Rocky Mountains for Utah, the road became very LONG and STRAIGHT. Terrain totally different, beautiful in a different way.

Looks like Betty and her back porch have been gone a long time! Do you think this was a cafe???

More gorgeous, billowy clouds! Thoroughly enjoyed the drive!

This is the view from the Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Utah. Made a stop here, although the visitor's center is being remodeled and won't reopen until October.

We find it very fascinating to see how the rocks are angled from the earth's thrust!

This is Allesaurus Jimmsdseni, on display at the Dinosaur National Monument. This specimen was found in 1990 during a survey for fossil sites in the Morrison Formation. It took 3.5 years to excavate, a helicopter to lift out, two years to prepare and three years to study. Prior to this discovery, only one species of Allesaurus was known to science.

The head of Allesaurus Jimmsdseni. The display said that understanding the Morrison ecosystem is the ongoing focus of research at Dinosaur National Monument. Other info: it died 5 million years before the dinosaurs in this quarry lived. It's full length was 18.5 feet long and weighed 1,350 pounds!

Utah certainly has a beauty all its own! The contrast of green vegetation and red rocks is beautiful!

Mining salt at the Great Salt Lake located outside Salt Lake City. Looks just like snow! If you go to Salt Lake City, beware - they have serious traffic and smog issues!

Next stop - Lake Tahoe. We spent a fabulous week there on the south side. It's beautiful - you'll love it!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 2

2011-08-24T00:05:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, August 4 - my Mother's 95th birthday. It is fitting that we would be in Estes Park on this day for it was a place of many fond family memories for Mom, Dad, my sisters and I. I couldn't help but think of Mom and Dad especially as we drove through the Big Thompson Canyon for it was a place Dad especially loved to fish.

Every view was breath-taking!

These stables are near where my sisters and I went horseback riding as little girls. Sweet memories!

We had lunch at the Baldpate Inn, tucked into the mountains near Estes Park. Carey and Nancy introduced this place to us. There is a restaurant and lodge and it's well know for its Room of Keys. Fascinating. Keys literally hang from every wall and ceiling and display cases are chock-full of keys from interesting places.

Key to U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Inscription on shiny key is "Ft. Knox Side Door".

These keys especially caught my attention. The large key on top row is to Adolph Hilter's room and shelter at Berchtesgaden. The small key on left is to his side desk at a location in Berlin, Germany. You could spend hours in this room (which isn't very large) just reading all the descriptive tags and notes.

We arrived in Estes and loved the stream running through town.

Thought this poster on a jewelry store window was pretty funny!

No visit to Estes Park is complete without a stop at the Taffy Shop, established in 1935. We introduced Larry and Elaine to it!

On this day, the taffy puller located in front window room was pulling taffy .

Going over the top of Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation over 12,000 feet! The thin air was actualy a little difficult for Rich, even in the car. It was chilly!

Elk were sitting on a little hill, munching away, just watching all the visitors.

Can this be more beautiful?!? Next to California, Colorado is my favorite state!!

The sun set on a day of beauty at every turn. Our senses were filled. Our spirits were lifted. Thank you Lord!

The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 1

2011-08-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, Rich began planning a summer road trip. It would become The Great Escape - from the brutal Kansas heat!

Our dear friends from Oregon, Larry and Elaine, flew one way to Wichita, and then the plan was to road trip to Colorado, Utah, Lake Tahoe, and return them home. By the time we returned home, we traveled nearly three weeks and over 4,000 miles. It was FABULOUS!!

We had dinner with Brett, Esther and girls, and spent another day here at home before heading off to Ft. Collins, CO.

Leaving the sunflowers of Kansas, it was to be 114 degrees at home! By the time of this writing there have been 40+ days of triple-digit heat. To say we were at our wit's end with it is an understatement!

We enthusiastically watched the temp drop as we headed west! By the time we neared "The Fort", it was 74 degrees - at 4:23 pm. What a relief!

We were really taken with the changing cloud formations as we traveled. Gorgeous!

Our first stop was two nights with more friends, Carey and Nancy! We basked in the coolness of their lovely patio and backyard. I actually put on a sweater! Nancy prepared a lovely dinner for us. She's a great cook!

It's become tradition in our visits with Carey and Nancy that breakfast on our first morning is at Lucille's Cajun Cafe. It never disappoints.

Another tradition is a shopping trip in their store, The Cupboard. Elaine has heard me talk about this store on many occasions and she really looked forward to shopping. Let's just say that our purchases were more than we had room for in our already fully packed vehicle, so packages were shipped home! For my local readers, we purchased a Keurig coffee maker! Bible study and Community Life groups can look forward to that.

This is the display that greets customers at the front door.

More gorgeous shelves!

I've blogged before about the All American Selection Trial Gardens at Colorado State Univ. We never tire of walking through the rows of gorgeous flowers. The colors are simply brilliant!

The next day we left for Estes Park and Steamboat Springs, CO. Come along with us! There's LOTS of gorgeous country to be seen!

Happy Birthday Brett!

2011-08-20T00:05:00.001-05:00

Today is Brett's 38th birthday. YIKES!! Our youngest is almost 40. Can hardly believe it!

We are proud to call this husband, father to four girls, brother, pastor, friend to many - our son!

A few of of his favorite things: playing his guitar to relax, Los Angeles Dodgers, Celtics football (soccer), Thai food, writings of German theologian, Dietrich Bonhofer, as well as writings of Swiss theologian, Karl Barth, but most of all being a husband and dad and "hanging out" with Esther and the girls.

Happy birthday, Son!

"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."

Proverbs 20:15

Happy Birthday Honey!

2011-08-11T00:05:00.001-05:00

Today is Rich's birthday! After all he's been through the last couple of years, can I tell you how precious each year is!?!?!?!

This is going to be a busy year for him. He's now serving as President of the Newton Community Children's Chorus. Last year he encouraged Moira to sing in the chorus and it was a good year for her. They enlisted Rich as Secretary for the past year and now they've moved him up to Prez. He's also Chairman of our church Community Life Council. Another new position. Both are utilizing his expert administrative skills as well as keeping his email inbox full!

Rich continues to play the piano every Thursday afternoon at Mid-Town Towers. Mid-Town is a HUD apartment building here in town, occupied by mostly elderly residents. He has always had a heart for the elderly and this is a wonderful chance to brighten the day for these dear folks. It is mostly women who attend the little "chapel" service, led by rotating local pastors. Rich will often stay and visit with these sweet ladies. I don't know who enjoys it more!

It goes without saying that he loves his family. And in random order are some other "loves" - chocolate, reading his daily Chronological Bible, weather (he's very disappointed at the lack of thunderstorms this spring and summer!), traveling, socializing with friends, playing Hearts (he almost ALWAYS wins!), watching movies, working newspaper puzzles, and apple pie.

His license plate holder says, "Papa's hair is silver, but his heart is pure gold." Just about sums it up!

To this dear man, my hubby, I love you!

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Proverbs 11:25

Victory

2011-08-06T00:05:00.011-05:00

"The reason some succeed in battle is because they gain the victory on their knees before the fight begins."

Unknown

15 years for Brett and Esther!

2011-08-03T00:05:00.000-05:00

Today Brett and Esther celebrate 15 years of marriage!

1995 - Following Brett's graduation from Westmont College

Esther graduated from Westmont in 1996 and they were married just a few months after that. They seemed so young, but actually were a bit older than Rich and I were when we married. Time. Isn't it a strange phenomena??

They are kept jumpin' by their four busy, bright, fun little girls: Moira, 11, Audrey, 8, Isabel 6, Maeve 4. Between home, church for Brett, school for Esther, and all the girls' activities they run at a pretty fast pace.

They had an early anniversary celebration the end of May when they went to Las Vegas (where they honeymooned) and with friends attended an alternative music festival. It was their first long weekend away without children - ever! Think they were overdue?! :)

We love having them next door and that arrangement has been good for one and all! Life has been good for them and they have been blessed. We are blessed to have Esther in the Dewey family!

Congratulations and God's blessings be upon you!

"Between whom there is hearty truth there is love."

Unknown

The Beautiful and the Pathetic!

2011-07-26T16:00:00.001-05:00

The BEAUTIFUL!

The PATHETIC!

OK, now this just isn't FAIR! It's blistering HOT and I'm trying R E A L L Y hard not to be homesick for California and Jeff sends me photos of Kate and Allie and the GORGEOUS tomatoes they are growing in their little garden. There's so much to be said for California - where you can grow ANYTHING - ALL YEAR long!!! My goodness, that top photo is magnificent! Bet the tomatoes taste that way too! Great shot, Jeff! It's worthy of a tomato-growers magazine! You can see how our pathetic tomatoes look after 30+ days of temps over 100 degrees - and LOTS of water! Pretty sad. I've picked three, count them, three tomatoes. Two were rotten on the vine from the heat, one I ate. Whoopee! One can only hope the remaining three will be edible.

Way, to go girls! Keep up your gardening!! You make your Grandma proud! When you get a crop, it really is fun, isn't it!

Love you all!

Happy Birthday Cole!

2011-07-24T00:05:00.000-05:00

Today is Cole's 18th birthday! Happy birthday to our #1 grandson!!

Cole at 6 months - such a cute little baby boy - sporting three bottom teeth and LA Dodgers blue!

Fast-forward to 2011! What a handsome young man.

He loves hanging out with his school friends. (That's Cole in the blue shirt and tie.) This may have been after a school dance.

I love it that he can have fun dying Easter eggs with his sisters.

OR hang out with Papa and me! We love the times we have together!

Cole, you are a bright young man with the world at your fingertips. Reach out and grab it! We cannot tell you too many times how much we love you and know you have a bright future.

"Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Proverbs 24:13-14

Craziness!!

2011-07-17T17:58:00.000-05:00

This HEAT is enough to make ya crazy!!!

When I came home from my Saturday morning gym workout - all hot and sweaty - Rich said to me, "Hon, will you help me a few minutes? I'd like to sweep out the garage." Now mind you, he'd already been out watering the yard for TWO hours! So what's a girl to say but, "Sure!"

It was filthy! All the mud and dirt from WINTER. It was so bad that I'd long ago put down cardboard and other mats to cover it up so we wouldn't track it into the house.

That stack of bricks??? My job was to stack it, three high, according to directions. Well, it's all nice and neat now with garden pesticides and ice melt in boxes.

We swept and swept, hosed it out, reorganized some stuff. It looks SOOOO MUCH better! 2.5 hours later, 97 degrees in the shade - we about fell in a heap!

Now the rest of the mess still awaits. But, heck, what's the rush??? It's been like this for nearly five years. Surely it can wait until a 40 degree-kind of day!

The very best part of this little story, aside from being having a garage "somewhat" cleaned out is that Rich had the stamina to do all of this. Man-a-live, it's been a long time comin'!! He's pretty happy about all of it!

And yes, heat WILL make you a little crazy! :)

Sun-Fried Eggs

2011-07-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

"It's so HOT you can fry an egg on the sidewalk!"

a.k.a.

My ANNUAL SUMMER HEAT experiment!

July 10, 12:40 pm, 102 degrees (in the shade)

July 10, 1:40 pm, 106 degrees (in the shade)

The bulge on right is hard. Egg white beginning to harden.

July 10, 2:40 pm, 110 degrees (in the shade)

Yolk is hard. Feels like plastic. Squishes when pushed on. Egg white is hard and shrinking. Feels like plastic.

And in case the temp is unbelievable, this is our indoor/outdoor thermometer, located on a kitchen wall. The sensor for the outdoor temp is located under the deck, in the shade!

Walking out of church this morning the air smelled burnt; not from fires, but from heat-burned grasses and crops.

Brutal, very, very BRUTAL!

Bye, Bye, Birdie!

2011-07-09T12:43:00.000-05:00

Since the middle of June I've been watching a robin's nest built in the purple smoke bush right outside my office window. What a fun experience!

Seemed like the nest appeared overnight. Initially there were three eggs in the nest. (Not my photo. Seems as though I forgot to take one of the eggs.) We also had a nest in the crabapple tree in the back yard but it was too high to see much more than a robin sitting on the nest.

Then after a few days, there were only two eggs. Can't imagine what happened. Perhaps a larger bird swooped down and took it???

Momma bird did a good job of sitting on the nest. She would fly away when I approached to check things out, but quickly returned when I was no longer a threat.

So we had two birdies hatch. Actually they are rather ugly - no feathers, just skin and then a gray fuzz.

Then, sadly, just one little birdie remained. I never saw any remains on the ground. Hope it wasn't taken by one of those aggressive grackles. Once I put just safflower seeds in the finch feeders the grackles disappeared!

So I checked my little birdie every day, watching the fuzz change to feathers. The last photo I took was on July 7. He seemed to me to be ready to soon leave the nest.

Momma bird wasn't happy to have me around at this point. She flew to the roof and really told me off!

So today, I did my morning check - an EMPTY nest. BUT as I write this, I look out my window and what do I see but little birdie return to the nest! Apparently out on an adventure to try his new wings! So I go out to try to catch another photo and he flies off, momma and daddy not happy with me, so I go back inside. Best leave this little family alone now.

I've read that baby robins often don't live their first year. Too many life lessons to learn! I've also read that robins usually lay a clutch of eggs at least twice a year, so I wonder if we'll have more. Hope so!

And speaking of little birds, my friend Mary Ellen has published her first children's book, "Flitty, Twitty, and Itty Bitty". It's a precious book that tells how God cares for little birds, and even more how He cares for us. It's available at amazon.com.

Happy Birthday, Maeve!

2011-07-07T00:08:00.002-05:00

Today Maeve is celebrating her 4th birthday! I called her "Spunky Monkey" and she is just that! Don't be fooled by her very tiny and petite frame. She's "smart as a whip" - knows her letters and sounds, and reminds me of her Daddy at her age - doing her level best to keep up with everyone else!

She can be such a little "goof ball". She's in the stage of making "goofy eyes" in every photo!

And she can be very sweet - all the things little girls are made of!

Maeve asked for a tall pink cake so we made our family favorite strawberry cake. Licking the beaters (which she called "tweezers"!) is the best part!

We love our precious little granddaughter! Happy birthday sweetie!

Revival Tents????

2011-07-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

Before we made our move to Kansas, we made several trips here checking on the building progress of our house. On one such trip we saw lots of these tents - popping up all over. It reminded me of when I was a young girl growing up Iowa. You see ... every summer an evangelist would come to town, set up a tent and have a revival.

I said to Rich, "Well, you can tell we're in the Bible belt with all of these REVIVAL TENTS!

The revival tents of my youth were your basic 1950s brown canvas tents ... not colorful like these.

And then, Lo and behold they weren't revival tents at all but were these ...

Fireworks go on sale here from June 30-July 4. I have counted no less than NINE of these tents within a 4-mile radius of our house. CRAZY! And then, to top it off, we have neighbors who hold some back to shoot off at midnight on New Year's Eve! Talk about a rude awakening our first year here!

What a foreign concept to us! You see in California, fireworks are illegal, except in cases where a beach city will have a display off their local pier, or a park and rec will hold a community-wide event, or such as these in Dodger Stadium. Now THESE are some fireworks!!

Have a safe July 4th - celebrating everything that is good about the USA!

Geraniums and Lilies

2011-06-25T00:05:00.001-05:00

My friend, Debby, asked me to blog about what I did with last year's geraniums. So, Debby, this one's for you!

Geraniums don't "winter-over" here in Kansas. At the end of the last year's blooming season I just couldn't pull them up and toss them out. So my friend, Dorla, suggested I hibernate them for the winter.

This is what I did:
1. End of October-beginning of November, pulled them out of pots, leaving a clump of dirt on each root ball.
2. Did NOT cut back. Left leaves and dried blooms on.
3. Put two or three, however many would fit, into a brown paper bag.
4. Put them in dark room (in our case the mechanical room down in the basement where's it's warm and dark) and "put them to bed".
5. In February took them from mechanical room to garage, leaving everything "as is". They could begin to adjust to cooler temps and get a little light occassionally.
6. Watered once every week "or so".
7. In March put them loosely in pots, didn't add any soil, continued watering. By mid-March new leaves began to sprout.
8. End of March cut back old stems to new growth and re-potted with new soil. When it was warm enough, I set pots on back steps to get some sun.
9. About mid-April, I repotted with good, new soil and fertilized with Miracle Grow. Left outside unless temps dipped down to freezing. New growth came along nicely. All but one very skinny plant survived.

This is how they look now. Estimate that I saved at least $25-30 on new plants! Will try it again this year!

At the end of last summer we went to the Wichita Day Lily Society sale held at the Wichita Botanica. We purchased six clumps of day lilies for $2-$5 each. I planted them along the north side of the house, which needed a little color. I was afraid that they might not come up because I didn't mulch them before winter set in and that side of the house really got a lot of snow. They are now blooming!

I'm so glad I thought to make a little sketch of what was planted where. I knew I'd never remember! So here is "Holiday in Italy" (red) and "Delicate Design". There are more to bloom as summer progresses. We have a total of seven plants and we spent $18! What a deal! Highly recommend it for local readers who want to add these flowers to the landscape!

A Day with Friends!

2011-06-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

Friday of last week five of my Bible study friends and I took a lovely day trip north to Concordia, KS. Concordia is about two hours north of Newton, close to the Nebraska border. Our destination: lunch at Huckleberry Tea House and a visit to the National Orphan Train Complex. We were barely on the road when it was agreed to stop in 15 minutes for coffee for them, ice tea for me. You can bet that conversation flowed freely! It seemed like in no time at all we were in Concordia.

Janice and Rosemary in back, Caryn and Helen in middle.

Debby was our driver. She was able to borrow her daughter's van for the trip. Thanks Jill!

The Huckleberry Tea House was wonderful! Lace table cloths everywhere, every plate and cup was different, nothing matched, so charming! There were hats, scarves, boas, jewlery to wear for tea. Even hats and neckties for gentlemen!

Helen and Janice try on hats. It was so fun to choose the one we liked best.

Even the ladies restroom was decorated! There were lots of cards from previous guests exclaiming their thanks to the hosts.

Loved the Bavarian tea set that adorned the window sill next to our table.

Debby's hat was decorated with a little bit of everything: flowers, lace, even feathers!

Janice, Helen, Rosemary, Debby, me, Caryn - all dolled up and ready for tea!

My fabulous lunch. Began with cold strawberry soup - delish - chicken salad on croissaint with a small (just right!) salad and two little slices of huckleberry bread - double delish!

The dessert tray brought oohs and aahhs from all of us! I settled on the fruit cobbler with vanilla ice cream - triple delish!

There were "all things tea" to view and purchase. I bought a cute little blue and gold cup and saucer to add to my collection. I brought a mini loaf of that delicicous huckleberry bread home to Rich.

Even a "freebie" to bring home to the birds we feed - a safflower seed "cake" shaped like a butterfly.

Then in just a short distance was the National Orphan Train Complex. There's a little visitor's center and museum in what was a Union Pacific train depot, built in 1917. The museum houses excellent exhibits that tell the story of the Orphan Train Movement. Between 1854 and 1929 an estimated 200,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children were placed out in rural communities across the country, to all of the lower 48 states and parts of Canada. I first heard of this movement in a newspaper article sometime after moving to Kansas. It was a part of our nation's history that was kept pretty quiet until recent years when some of the riders and/or their families began telling their stories.

The gals in my Bible study and I knew of this movement and found it held fascinating stories and we wanted to learn more. What we learned was that most of the children came from immigrant families in New York City. Families were large, food was scarce. If a mother died in childbirth the father wouldn't be able to care for children and so many ended up in orphanages. The living conditions were horrible. This is really the sad part of the story!

In 1853 the Children's Aid Society (CAS) was formed by Charles Loring Brace, in an effort to aid the homeless children of New York City. Another organization that helped in placement of children and infants was the New York Foundling Hospital, a Catholic organization. CAS hired Anna Laura Hill to help in the placement of children. She accompanied the children on the trains and made yearly visits to them in their placement homes. Twice a year the children were required to write CAS and tell of their progress. Even with these policies in place, not all of the stories ended well. Siblings were separated, some reunited, some not. Some of the children were placed in homes where they used more as laborers and housekeepers. Many, however, went to homes where they were loved and cared for. This period of mass relocation of children in the U.S. is widely recognized as the beginning of documented foster care in America.

You can learn more at http://www.orphantraindepot.com/.

The depot is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the woodwork and crown moulding are original to the building. There's a small amount of furniture in the master's office that is original. In the freight room, the old freight scale still sits in the floor.

It brought back memories for me of the Rock Island train depot in my hometown.

It was a lovely day with lovely friends! I am certain that all of us came away with a greater appreciation of our families and where we came from!

Never too Late to Celebrate Fathers!!

2011-06-21T16:49:00.000-05:00

Did you know that it was President Lyndon B. Johnson who proclaimed the first Father's Day in 1966, but it wasn't signed into law until 1972 by President Richard M. Nixon. Signed into law? Never thought of that! It took that long because Congress resisted making it a national observance, for fear of commercialization. Commercialized or not, it's a pleasure to honor the men in my life - and the fathers they were and are. Each one, Rich's dad, my dad, Rich, Jeff, Jeremy, and Brett were/are Godly men. It is said that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother, and I say that every child from these men received this gift! Our lives are blessed by the gift of these MEN! May God be praised!

Rich and his father, Dick.

My father, Irwin, and his children, me, Cheryl, Kathy, Steve, Joel.

Rich and his sons, Jeff, Jeremy, and Brett.

Jeff and his son, Cole, daughters, Jordyn, Lauren, Katelyn, and Allison.

Jeremy and his daughter, Madelyn.

Brett and his daughters, Moira, Audrey, Isabel, and Maeve.

Feeding the Hungry!

2011-06-17T12:05:00.001-05:00

Our "birdie family" is growing!! Rich recently took these photos through my office window, so you get the "screened in" view! The bird feeders that Jeff and Caroline gave me for my birthday have brought us SOOO much enjoyment!

They love safflower seeds and thistle (nyger). At first we had so many grackles, large, very aggressive black birds. I didn't like them! Grackels don't like safflower seeds, so we changed from a sunflower seed to the safflower. The last few days there have been as many as nine little finches munching away at any one time! No more grackels! The finches have voracious appetites and are eating us out of house and home! We think these are new springtime babies because they are all the same size and don't have color (males have red on their heads and throats), which they get after first year. Of course some could be females too. They are getting very brave and come to the brick ledge under the window! So fun to watch!

Our resident rabbit seems to have had bunnies. This little guy was eating all the safflower seeds the birds dropped to the ground. Good boy - or girl! I was just about to go and rake it all up!

And then, lo and behold! I found a nest in the purple smoke bush right outside my window! It was high enough that I had to stand on tip toes to look in. Three little eggs! As soon as I stepped away a big fat robin flew to the nest to protect them all. Has been there ever since, even in a blustery storm!

"Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:25-27

Happy Birthday, Moira!

2011-06-16T00:02:00.003-05:00

Moira is celebrating her 11th birthday today!

She will be going into 6th grade and LOVES school, especially science. She reads like a mad-woman and is well on her way to winning a pool party sponsored by our public library's summer reading program. She also likes to write and illustrate her own stories.

She runs like the wind - doesn't want any of the boys in PE to beat her, and loves playing soccer.

This year, in addition to playing soccer, she sang in the Newton Children's Choir, at Papa's encouragement. She has a lovely voice; very pure and quite high. She auditioned for, and sang, a little solo at the closing program. It was a line from the "Wells Fargo Comin'" song from the Music Man. Papa was so proud of her!

Expanding her musical talents, she's excited about taking orchestra in school next year. She will play the viola.

Happy birthday Moira! Papa and I love you!

Moira's Early Birthday Celebration

2011-06-14T18:02:00.000-05:00

We began celebrating Moira's birthday last week! I took her to the Clayworks Gallery downtown where she made an art project for her gift. She chose to make a message board to hang in her bedroom.

A cylinder of clay was rolled through a machine, much like a giant pasta maker. Then she cut it to size.

After discussing various design options, she decided to write "notes" at the top and make a pen holder on the side. Keeping it simple, she said.

After several minutes of gently scraping any texture imprint from the cloth used in rolling out the clay, she smoothed the edges, made her free-form letters, applied the letters and pen holder with "slip", made holes for hanging wire and chose her glaze option. The board will be white and letters and pen holder in blue. She will be able to write on it, just like a dry erase board. We left it at the gallery where they will fire, glaze, and fire it again. The first firing will be at a temperature of 1787 degrees, the second at 2300 degrees! We'll have to wait until they have enough objects to fill the kiln before they fire, so it will be a few weeks before she receives her finished piece.

We came back home, made an ice cream pie (her choice for birthday dinner dessert), had dinner and then she spent the night. As it turned out we were under a tornado warning, so after dinner we went downstairs where she, Papa and I played games. Papa won at Chinese Checkers and I won at Monopoly. She went to jail four times and every third roll I rolled doubles! It was a lot of laughing and she was a REALLY good sport. Her "stuffie" gave comfort in the storm!

Fortunately the storm changed direction and we were fine. Had a beautiful rainbow!

Yesterday was her birthday dinner, which we actually had for lunch since they have evening VBS this week. Audrey was SOOO excited to give Mo her birthday gift - a locket. Just what she had been wanting! It was very sweet.

Now we could take that ice cream pie out of the freezer! It was a big hit!

Four beautiful little girls love a celebration!

Mint 'n Chip Ice Cream Pie
Crust:
25-27 oreo cookies
3 tablespoons melted butter
Crush cookies in a ziplock bag. Mix with butter. Reserve some for topping. Press into a 9" pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. Cool completely.

Mint 'n chip ice cream - we made our own!
1-1/2 containers of vanilla ice cream (about a half gallon)
2/3 cup green/white spearmint candies (like red/white Starlight mints)
mint flavoring to taste
few drops green food coloring
4 ounces mini chocolate chips
1 11.5 ounce jar hot fudge topping

Put ice cream in large bowl to soften. Crush mint candies in ziplock bag. They should vary from fine to smallish pieces. Add crushed mints to ice cream and stir well. Add flavoring. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add to taste. Add food coloring. Stir. Add mini chocolate chips and stir well. Taste for desired "mintiness". Layer half of ice cream in pie crust. Spread hot fudge topping over all. Put in freezer for about 10 minutes. Add another layer of ice cream. Spread top smooth. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over top. Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. Make a day to a couple of months ahead. YUM! (You can do the same ting with red/white Starlight mints - or candy canes, peppermint flavoring and red food color. Mini chips optional.

A Great Book!

2011-06-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

It's been quite some time since I gave a book review. I just finished the best book I've read in a very long time - "The Daughter's Walk" by Jane Kirkpatrick. For my local readers, you will find it in our church library. For non-local, check out your public library or order online.

This historical fiction novel takes place in the late 1800's - early 1900's. The rich details and deep emotions made it seem like a biographical work. This wonderful, inspiring story is about a family schism that author, Francine Rivers says, "comes full circle to love and grace". It is a story about a mother and daughter who walked across America from Spokane to New York in 1896, which has been documented in various records.

Here's a quote that I especially loved ...

"Women friends fill up a certain space in our hearts, ... and romantic love fills another. Family, though, has a special chamber that expands and expands. ... There's room for sunsets and rainbows and shiny rocks that remind us of our strengths, for dogs and horses and cats too. Room for the giggles of toddlers you don't even know. And over all is God's love, which flows through all the chambers, seeping into cracks and filling up the empty spaces until you're so full you almost cannot breathe. It's God who shines in the faces of all those other people looking back at you." ...

Beautiful!

I read a book cover-to-cover and in this book I found the author's notes and acknowledgements to be incredibly interesting. I don't believe I've read a book where the author documented so much research. The book really came alive.

I love reading historical fiction from this period. It is inspiring for me to see how women coped with the daily life of that time. In this book much was made of women's careers, which weren't looked upon favorably, and yet, I'm convinced were very real. They are truly heroines! The dedication caught my attention from the beginning ...

"To strong and transforming women of all generations."

Love it!

Another California Trip - Part 2 - The End

2011-06-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

After a day and night with Kathy, I returned to Moorpark. Caroline and the little girls keep Maddie on Thursday, so I was able to have some fun time with these little girls at the neighborhood park. Maddie is wearing her new eyeglasses. She's so sober when wearing them.

Kate and Allie had fun with Maddie in the swing. It was a first for her. She seemed very focussed on watching the shadow of the swing as it moved across the sand.

It's been said that Maddie's glasses look like mine. It's pretty tricky keeping glasses on a six-month old but she's trying to adjust.

In 'n Out deliciousness with Kate and Allie.

Back at home we made two ice cream pies. One a peppermint stick, the other a mint and Oreo cookie, both with hot fudge in the middle. Yum! I love cooking with these girls.

Jordyn and I also made a cherry cheese pie, but sadly I couldn't remember the correct amount of lemon juice so it didn't set as it should have. I felt bad! Don't usually trust my memory on recipes.

With Lauren.

With Cole.

On the way home from church on Sunday, we learned that the Amgen Tour of California bike race would be arriving in town. Amgen is a large biotech company, located about a mile from our home in CA. One of the drugs they manufacture is a drug that Rich needs to take now after his kidney surgery. Who would have thought! Anyway...... We went home for cameras and found a spot along the street to wait for the bikers. There were several media cars, CHP on motorcycles, etc. Finally a lead car came through saying the first four bikers would soon arrive, giving their names and locations, and that the peloton would follow in about 3 minutes 30 seconds. Right on time. Very exciting! They just flew by. They were followed by cars with back-up bikes on roof tops.

The peloton.

It was a cool, overcast day, great for bikers. The peloton was followed by several more cars with back-up bikes, then ambulances, and finally California Highway Patrol. This nine-day tour was on its final leg. It would go through this valley and then one last very steep mountain before arriving at Amgen in Thousad Oaks. A great way to end my stay in Moorpark!

Jeff, Caroline, and me.

Who's the "shrimp" in the middle??

My last stay would be at my Mom's. My brother Steve cooked for Mom, Kathy and me. He cooks for Mom every weekend and I love being there when I can for this family time.

Spending time with all of these precious loved ones truly filled all the cracks and crevices of my heart! Another wonderful trip! Thank you Honey!

20 Years for Jeff and Caroline!!

2011-06-01T00:05:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's been 20 years of marriage for Jeff and Caroline! June 1, 1991 really seems just like yesterday! Happy anniversary to our son and "daughter-in-love"! Love you SOOO much!

They were married at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA. Calvary's ministry focus was the 4 C's, care, communicate, celebrate, and cultivate, which Jeff asked our pastor to incorporate in his wedding message to them. Very perfect for a marriage! They have worked very hard these 20 years on these very qualities of a good marriage.

Then

Now

Their Precious Family

We are so blessed by this family!!

Another California Trip - Part 1

2011-05-28T00:05:00.002-05:00

As a combined anniversary, birthday, and Mother's Day gift, Rich sent me to California for ten days. He said he knew of nothing else that would give me so much pleasure! What a gift! Precious time with Jeff and Jeremy and their families, my siblings, my mom, and very dear friends. LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it!

The first weekend I spent with Jeremy, Renee, and Maddie. Jeremy was certain I'd like to help with Maddie's bath! She's a slippery little thing!

I loved playing with her. She's a fun little girl. A charmer for sure!

Squash - a new vegetable. Hmmm, not so sure, she says!

Well, maybe not so bad! She enjoys her food! She pays very close attention when people are eating around her, watching them chew and talk. It was fun to watch her reaction as Renee held her at the stove while Jeremy cooked. She really seemed to sniff and smell. A foodie in the making!

She's an arm full for this Grandma. She's my motivation for getting back to the gym. Need to lift weights so I can lift her!

Out on a walk with Cole and Maddie - our oldest and youngest grandchildren.

Maddie was dedicated at church on Mother's Day and Jeremy and Renee received a very sweet children's Bible as a gift. Renee began what they plan to be a family tradition of a Bible story at bedtime.

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby! Remember when Jeremy and Renee were told she wouldn't be able to close her eyes to sleep??? Well, they close almost 100%!

A highlight of my visit was lunch on three separate days with very dear friends!

Fearless Foursome - Rockwell Science Center colleagues. We were a pretty good team - even if we say so ourselves! We worked like the dickens and kept that executive suite hummin'! Susan, Phyllis, Jeanette, and me.

Fab Four! Lucy, Janet, Betty, me. We've been together in church since the 1970s. Lots of water under our bridges! I've discovered just how precious history is in friendships!

Oldies but Goodies! Not speaking of age, of course!! :) Kathy and I had a great lunch with Sharon and Sandy, also sisters. Sharon was my high school friend and Sandy was our sister, Cheryl's friend. They had a cousin, Gary, who was Kathy's first "crush". We met them soon after we moved to CA from Iowa in 1956 at Fairview Heights Baptist Church.

It was really precious time for me to reconnect with these dear gals! Love YOU all!

Weather 'n Blooms!

2011-05-26T15:09:00.000-05:00

Rich LOVES, LOVES, LOVES weather! He took these cloud photos in about five minutes yesterday (Wednesday). Pretty spectacular!

From the back deck.

Looking at Brett and Esther's home.

Looking the opposite direction.

From the front porch.

It was a stormy day but we were grateful for the rain!

Our "bloomin' yard". What a gorgeous sight it was when I returned from California on Monday. Rose bushes just "exploded" with blooms and our new Asiatic Lily is in bloom! I'm itchin' to get back outside. I hear weeds calling my name!

This makes my heart sing ...

For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth,

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

Amen and amen!

Lovin' the Garden!

2011-05-18T00:05:00.005-05:00

In the midst of everything else we've been involved with in the last several weeks, we've been working in our yard. Seems like it takes longer that it used to to get a little work done.

Columbine - and something we can't remember the name of - that we planted last summer. They are truly gorgeous and flourishing!

I separated hostas this year and they are very happy!

Rich planted these gorgeous calla lilies and hibiscus. Love, love, love the colors! He misread the card on the pots and we discovered - too late - that they are not winter hardy for our temps so we'll have to come up with some way to protect them this winter. Any ideas???

The weigiela is starting to bloom.

We reworked our front flower garden. Took out a very large plant that didn't survive winter and planted this stunning rhododendron. Also planted Asiatic lilies that are perennials. We struggled to plant dahlias as a border. The soil here is horrible black clay and requires lots of amendments. It took about 15 minutes to clean out the clay core from the bulb digger, for each of the 15 holes!! It was solidly packed in and didn't make me very happy - to say the least! Also planted dianthus. The little girls planted them in their front flower garden last year and they are gorgeous now, so we hope for the same results.

Thoroughly love working outside. Our time to do that here is so limited because of the weather. We still deal with not having a year-round growing season and the joy of working outside year-round. Really trying to make the best of it this year!

What did you plant in your gardens?

A Kansan Day Trip - Part 4 - The End

2011-05-16T00:05:00.003-05:00

Our last stop for the day was a visit to the town of Greensburg. Greensburg was nearly blown off the map by a F5 tornado on May 4, 2007. 95% of the town was destroyed and 12 people were killed. Horrible! Rich and I drove there a couple of months after and it was shocking. Pres. Bush visited there as well as several celebrities. The town is rebuilding. It is encouraging. Here are some of the remains.

Denuded trees and vacant lots.

Steps to nowhere. Wonder what this building had been????

Rebuilding ... The new Main Street with cute new shops.

New water tower.

Greenburg's claim to fame has always been the Big Well.

It's a loooong ways down there.

I worked with a man who, when I would say, "well....", would reply "it's a hole in the ground". This is a BIIIGGG hole in the ground.

A new museum is in the planning stages. It will be good for the town. Notice how the pole was bent in the storm.

Here are some great signs from a cute coffee shop in town.

On the way home, we drove through Pretty Prairie, another very small town. We wanted to see the farm where Allen grew up.

Debby lived in Japan, where her parents were missionaires until she was 16. They relocated to Pretty Prairie where her father pastored a church. This gorgeous church is where Allen and Debby were married. The stained glass windows were beautiful.

12 hours later we returned them to their home. What a fun day we had. Thanks guys for letting us "horn in" on your monthly adventure!

A perfect finish to a perfect day - a beautiful Kansas sunset!

A Kansan Day Trip - Part 3

2011-05-14T00:05:00.003-05:00

Back on the road again ... looking for Sun City and ready for that pie.

Here it is! Sun City - in all its glory! Population? Debby said a little over 60! Certainly isn't like the Sun City retirement resorts we know about. Retirement? Yes. Resort, no.

Complete with a hitching post.

This is Buster's! As we drove up an "older gentleman" called out, "Do you wanna a beer?" Rich replied, "Do you have pie?" Well, the other man couldn't hear and this little conversation went back and forth. Good for a laugh. They had two portions of chocolate pie and apple crisp left from lunch. We were in luck!!

This is pretty much what you'd expect a place like Buster's to look like - complete with animal heads.

We were told people come from all over to eat here. People had been there earlier who came from east of Wichita and Tulsa! Must be good food. Will have to make another trip! When I asked the hostess to take our photo, she insisted the best place was in front of the mirror, behind the bar. So here we are!

The town has two churches; Sun City Baptist and The Father's House of Worship.

Post Office.

Signs of the past and present!

Leaving Buster's Allen checked our route with this gentleman who suggested a different route than the map. Debby kept asking, "Is it pretty? We want pretty." He said we'd like it, so off we went.

Leaving town we saw this old boarded up home. Must have been quite beautiful in its day.

And across the road, this property owner is expressing his opinion!

This reminded me of the TV program, "If These Walls Could Talk". Plenty of tales would be told, I'm thinking.

This new route took us into open range, across cattle crossings. It was indeed pretty!

Last stop would be in Greensburg.

A Kansan Day Trip - Part 2

2011-05-12T00:05:00.003-05:00

Back on the road again. We loved the beautiful scenery! My little camera doesn't even begin to do it justice!

When we left Medicine Lodge, we were still headed for lunch in Sun City, however, the back roads took us longer and we decided we couldn't wait for lunch. So we stopped in another little town, Kiowa, and decided that we'd get pie in Sun City. We decided to have lunch at a cafe called Sideline and then visit the Kiowa Historical Museum, which reportedly had the Carry Nation hatchet.

The museum is housed in an old firehouse.

The "docent" was a very hard-of-hearing "older" gentleman, who didn't have many answers to our questions, so these are some of the things we discovered.

We thought this was part of the old jail, now a wall for hanging photos.

Before calculators and computers ... there were adding machines and typewriters! :)

During the Cold War, Civil Defense would stockpile foodstuffs in case of emergency. Can't imagine what these "Survival Crackers" would be like!

World War I army uniforms for soldiers and women in the WAC.

And here it is, a display on Carrie Nation (her name was spelled differently!) BUT, alas, no hatchet. The "docent" didn't know anything about a hatchet, and we couldn't really be sure he heard what we were asking.

Back on the road again ... ready for that pie!

This is what gypsum looks like in its raw state. It is really rather soft and when you chip it against another rock it leaves a white powdery mark. I remember putting gypsym in my California vegetable garden, as a way to break up the soil.

Still winding our way to Sun City.