Pomp and Circumstance

The Season is passing much too quickly.  There are sooo many wonderful things to see and do that it is impossible to do all you want or that you need to do. This Friday was one of those times for my family.  Our church family was traveling a few hours away to visit the Morehead University Planteterium's Christmas Holiday Light and Laser Show. This was something that my husband and I would have enjoyed immensly, but Friday was also the day that Lindsay, our youngest daughter, graduated from Shawnee University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.  Even though we would have loved to see the Light Show, we loved the idea of her graduating with these honors even more.  So we had an afternoon and evening of commencement, dinner, meeting her friends and their parents, and rejoicing for this new stage in her life that is to begin.

The Gift of an Angel

My favorite old ornament is this little angel. Way back when I was a little girl in the First Grade, at Christmas time we exchanged names. I don't remember whose name I had, but a  thin, white haired girl named Murlon Whitt had mine.  I was so excited as the teacher, Mrs. Lemley, began passing out our Christmas gifts. I watched as the other kids opened their gifts, and one thing in particular caught my eye and I knew I really really wanted that box that opened up like a book and held lots of rolls of Life Savors. Back in those days, store bought candy was never found in our house (except for the Hershy bars that were kept for my dad's lunch bucket) and the thought of having all of those Life Savors would be the very best Christmas gift.  When my name was finally called, I looked at my wrapped gift and knew that it wasn't the pretty box of Life Savors, but maybe it was a new box of Crayola Crayons and a coloring book (like I had brought for my gift.) I unwrapped the gift and I remember trying not to cry but I was soooooo disappointed.  For my gift was this silver plastic angel ornament and a handkerchief.  What kind of gift was that? I know I did not show any gratitude toward that little girl. By the time I stepped off the bus and ran to the house, I was ready to explode and I did.  I cried and I knew even then that I was truly acting like a spoiled ungrateful little 6 year old.  After I vented, my mom reminded me that Christmas is about giving and not receiving...that Murlon had given me the best she had to give and that she had very little to give for she lived with her brother and grandmother in what used to be a chicken house.   I understood then that she probably gave up something for herself in order that she could give me a gift. I can remember feeling ashamed for how I acted and I realized that giving is important, but also important is receiving with gratitude whatever the gift.

I still have the ornament as you can see. Every year I remember Murlon  as I place the little angel on my Christmas tree and tell my daughters and grandchildren the story of the little angel that has watched over everyone of my Christmases since that day.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Thanksgiving has been probably my most favorite holiday, but it seems that the "world" won't let me enjoy it like I used to.  Being able to spend a day and to concentrate on all the blessings in my life IS a blessing and I refuse to put up my Christmas Tree until my day of thanksgiving is over.  Im afraid though that before long Thanksgiving Day is going to be lost in the Festival of Buying that is now beginning on that day.  Why can't we all just slow down for one day and be thankful for family, friends, health, and our Savior Jesus.

This year I seem busier than ever (and more tired) and decided if I was putting up the Christmas tree by myself, it wasn't going to be the big tree with all of my precious ornaments. Now if someone else wanted to put it up that would have been wonderful. So I started looking for volunteers.  Daughter #2 said, "Oh yes, it's got to be the big tree.  I'll help you." 
     I said, "No, will you do it?"
     She replied, "Yes, I'll help." 
     I then explained a little more clearly, "No, I mean, will you do it?" 
     I must not have made myself understood because she then said, "Well, yes....I'll help." 
    Then I knew I had to be very much more explicit with my words.  "No, I mean will you put up the big tree by yourself?"
    I wasn't a bit surprised by her reply, but I think she was by my request. "Oooh, no.  I'll help you though."
So that is how we ended up with a tree (that's pre-lit and no need for all of those lights to be strung) that's only 4 1/2 feet tall and sits on a table.  But instead of three days of me dragging-out, decorating, and then putting empty containers away, I was finished and cleaned up in about three hours. I felt like a liberated woman!

Since this "baby" was going to be all mine, I decided to leave the Hallmark and even the homemade ornaments in the Rubbermaid containers and use only the ones that I felt like using this year. (Plus this little tree didn't need so very much.) I always wanted to do just crystal ornaments so that was my #1 decision and second, I had to have my ornaments that connect me to my family and younger self. So on my tree went crystal angels, icicles, birds, and hearts. Along with these went bubble lights. I have had these put away for years and never used them because they just didn't look right on the big tree. They may not look right now to anyone else, but I LOVE them.  They make me so bubbly.  I have always liked red beads so they went on, as well as two special ornaments from my childhood.  I will have to tell the story on that old angel, but that is another day.  Around the base of the tree are other connectors to my life.  But more about these things later. 

Go Bucks!

It's a beautiful November day...well, actually beautiful for any Fall day...and I am in kinda of a funk.  Why?  I don't really know and I feel ashamed of myself for feeling this way.  Maybe I'll blame it on too much turkey and pumpkin pie or the state of the Buckeye Football Nation.  The situation seems so unfair to interim Coach Fickle, but he went into the job knowing that he would only be "considered" for the permanent coaching position plus Big Ten (as well as any college football program) is a money-maker with high stakes. So with a new well-known, successful coach, OSU will be able to recruit the very best. 

So that's how it is this November day, but I am going to get out of this funk and REJOICE because I am in the Land of the Free with family and friends to love and good health allowing me to work or rest. So  let's Go Bucks and beat the "team up North". ...

Honoring Our Veterans

Today was that time in our calendar when we as a congregation are intentional about expressing our gratitude for their service to our country.Our small church is so blessed to have 12 living military veterans among our worshippers.  I am so appreciative of what they have done and what the current serviceman are doing to safeguard my freedoms. Leaving home and family and even country to defend the belief in personal freedom for all is a big sacrifice.  As a young person, I didn't understand how blessed the United States is that its citizens (and non-citizens) have the rights to live as they choose and how much sacrifice went in to preserving those freedoms.  Whenever I see a young or old person in uniform, I become tearful and have to thank them for what they have or are doing for me. 

My Navy Seabee Father, 1942

I am so proud of my father who served in the Navy Seabees during World War II. He never talked much about his experiences and most of what I learned came from Mom. Seeing the WW II monument in Washington D.C. was a very emotional experience for me as I read the names of places where Daddy had been and talked about.

Swirling Fall Leaves and the North Carolina Mountains

For several days I have watched the fall leaves swirling through the air, landing for a moment, only to be picked up and then swished to land somewhere else. This week I feel like one of those leaves. It seems I don't land anyplace long enough to settle and accomplish anything.  But I will have to tell you about last week which was definitely a MEMORY-MAKER.

I spent five days in Little Switzerland NC with two of my oldest friends. (We taught and rode to school together for 20 years....and so oldest can mean whichever way you want to think it means).  Lois again drove us in her new red Cadillac (instead of her old red Oldsmobile that she used to weight down with concrete blocks so we could go through the snow...boy, that does sound like the "old days", doesn't it), stopping to eat and shop whenever we saw something that looked "good".  She has built a cabin (as she calls it, but anyone else would call it a beautiful home) on the side of the mountain just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The 1 1/4 mile driveway with the drop off the sides made her passengers a little on the jittery side, but we just tried to concentrate on the beautiful foliage and not the drop off the side.

There was nothing that a person could want that wasn't already there in the home. The scenery was gorgeous and the weather cooperated so jeans and long-sleeves were fine for the outdoors....until we decided to drive to Mt. Mitchell which is the moutain that her cabin faced.  There, it was the dead of winter with wind, icicles, and snow.

Another day we went to the Biltmore. I know I walked around with my mouth hanging open in awe. How do/did people live like that? One minute I was envisioning myself as a Biltmore and the next, as a servant traveling through that gigantic structure serving the whims of the rich.  I am definitely in the mood to read a good "juicy" book about what all went on behind the doors of the Biltmore.  Something that was surprising and puzzling to me  is that there is no mention of a chapel of any sorts on the grounds. The Christmas decorations and trees were up so that was an added feature. We did eat in the 'stable' restaurant (our table was actually in the mating stall) and the roasted potato soup was good. All the meals were reasonably priced. 

On the way back to the cabin, we took a wrong turn and ended up going miles up Stone Mountain. The scenery was beautiful, the road was straight up, it was getting dark, and the little Black Bear in the middle of the road made us very watchful for Mama Bear. We finally made it to the top and down and then back up and down again before we were back on Route 40.  FATZ Restaurant was our destination and were we ready for it and YIN YANG SHRIMP.  If you ever have the chance, eat at a Fatz.  

   

I must flight away for now.  But I'll have more about this trip later.

Rainy Days Make Me Smile

What a beautiful rainy Fall day...it really is.  I am a Morning Person who Loves Rainy Days.  If I were a cat, I would lie in front of the sliding glass doors and purr as the rain falls.  But I'm glad I'm me because I like coffee especiall on rainy days and I don't think Kitty would lap up the java.  Really rainy days make me hyper (I know you probaby think it's the coffee, but I drink decaf). When I taught, the windows in my classroom were inches away from a brick wall so I never saw sunlight during the school day. So I was always happy thinking it was a cloudy (maybe even going to rain) day until I walked out the front doors in the evening to go home. Then I would be so disappointed because the sun was shining. You know you never know what makes people tick.

I hum (instead of purring) on rainy days, but today I laughed outloud. My day was already "bright", but this sign made it even "brighter". How nice it is to be reminded about important things in such a fun way. I think Jesus would smile. I hope you do too.

I  am a "morning person" - at least I have been for 60+ years. I have always looked forward to the next morning and waking up and getting started with the plans for my day.   But this Fall, I have found a snag in this thinking.  I find I am not looking forward to mornings.....because I have started an exercise class that meets at 9:00.  It is not the time, but the word 'exercise'.  I really don't like to exercise. I need to get in shape physically, but I think mentally I need a little shaking up too.  After each session I'm like a little kid patting myself on the back for going to and completing the class. I've also been rewarding myself after each session with a cup of English Toffee/Toasted Hazelnut cappaucino and that does help the morale. Isn't that a wise decision for a person who is trying to get more physically fit?  After I get back home, I start on my list of things to do...which I never get finished.  I finally figured out why .... I put too many things on my "to do" list.  I supposed I should forget making a list since that frustrates and stresses me, but if I don't make a list I forget what I was going to do that day.  Which is okay in a way because then I indulge myself in one of my two latest addictions.

I never really understood how someone could become addicted to the computer...now I know.  I love reading blogs.  Wendy started me out with food blogs, but I quickly moved on to scrapbooking and crocheting blogs.  Now I have added Pinterest.com.  My day flies by while I'm reading and looking at all of the interesting things that people do.  I become so enthused about some of the projects that I can't wait to start them, but I never seem to find the time.  I wonder why? 

Some of my first creations.

My other latest addiction is crocheting. The Book Club trip to Charleston SC and Suzanne created that monster.  Suzanne and I walked over five miles in 100+ degree heat to find yarn and a crochet hook so I could learn to crochet on the way back to Kentucky.  Now if my hands aren't busy with another task, I am crocheting. So far it has only been 10 dishclothes. one baby carseat blanket, and about 20 baby hats, but I have other projects lined up to begin along with baskets of yarn to do it with.  With my weakness for pretty and touchy yarn, I would hate to see my garage and driveway if I had a fondness for pretty cars.

Bye Bye Summer 2011

    Summer is gone...boo hoo.  Even though I have come to love the beautiful autumn days, I miss Summer.  What is it about Summer that we yearn for those days to return even when the memory of scorching hot days and high humidity are still vivid in our minds. Does it go back to when we were kids and free from school and could play all day and into the dark?   Those summertime memories of fun, catching lighting bugs, playing hide and seek evolve into memories of long afternoons at the pool, summer dances on the school blacktop, convertible rides, and the county fair. Helping my grandmother work in the garden is a special summer memory. As I work in my small garden and  in my flower beds, I always think of Grandma. Who would have thought that all those years ago a chore that I was made to do could now be one of my greatest joys of a summer day?

The last flowers of Summer 2011

    Since there is a possibility of frost tonight, I covered my blooming and yet to bloom Mums and roses with sheets.  My yard looks like a party of ghosts lounging around. I should have taken a picture (but it was too cold) because all of those mounds of bumpy ghosts made me LOL.

Grit Newspaper and a Good & Easy Summer Favorite

Years ago, and I do mean years, my family would buy the Grit newspaper when someone (don't remember who) would come to our door selling it.  Back then, everyone read The Grit. It was put together, size-wise, like the Enquirer at the grocery check-out, but it was so much better. It had farm news, recipes, sewing patterns, puzzles, comics and a bunch more of miscelleous stuff that I don't remember. If it had entertainment land gossip, it went over my head. I hadn't thought about the Grit in years until yesterday.  All of a sudden I realized that I had not made my daughters' favorite summer recipe....STRINGY NOODLES. 
     It was our first summer of being married. Although we lived in town, I was still reading the Grit.  (There's probably a saying that would relate to this...like ... "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl".  Anyway I found the recipe in the Grit and I could see "good" and "easy" written all over it.  And that it is! I have to admit Stringy Noodles is one of my favorites too, because it is sooo easy (if you have all the ingredients on hand. I had to run to the store to get them yesterday. How could I not have such basic ingredients!).   Anyway with a plate of tomatoes and stringy noodles, we know summer is here.
Stringy Noodles:
Cook according to pkg directions enough noodles for your meal
Drain noodles and mix/stir in 1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup
     a pkg. of shredded mozerella cheese, and meat of choice, diced or chunked.
    (I usually use the pkg. beef or some left-pver ham),
Stir all of the above together and heat through OR put into a baking dish (can
    add bread crumbs dotted with butter to top) and bake till bubbly. 
Serve with sliced tomatoes.
          BTW, since the Grit came to mind, I had to Google and see if it still existed and surprise! it does.  I need to check and see how much a subscription is; I need another "good and easy" recipe and the Grit just might have it.

Thought to Ponder

I saw this graphic on the blog thirtyhandmadedays.com and it really grabbed me and made me think.  I know as kids we are always comparing ourselves, our families, our clothes, our schoolwork, and even our coloring as first graders.  Even as adults, we are playing the comparison game.  Some comparison is good for it often makes us 'step-up', but how many times does it make us feel as if we (our lives, our creations) are not good enough. I know there have been crafty projects and quilts that I have done where I felt mine had to look exactly like the pattern. I agonized over every little difference only to find out that the pattern I was following was created with a mistake in it and here I was trying to make mine "perfect" just like the pattern. Different is okay and sometimes better.

Home Sweet Home

I am back in the real world of Kentucky this morning. I just spent a relaxing week at the beach with the girls in my life, daughters Leeann and Lindsay, and granddaughter Raigan. We didn't do anything exciting, but ate very well, shopped a little, and enjoyed the beach and each other. When I"m at the beach, I become overwhelmed with God's greatness and am reminded that He is in control for no human could have created and maintained the beauty and the workings of this world.

Ormond by the Sea is between Daytona Beach and Flagler Beach. It sits on a strip of land that runs between the Halifax River and the ocean.  In the mornings on my way to buy a newspaper at the Kangaroo Quick Stop, I walk along side of the Halifax enjoying the shade and the quiet moving waters. Then I do beach walking the rest of the day. The beach where I walk is not very crowde in the times that we have been there.  In fact, if you wanted to 'people watch', you would be disappointed.

Must get back to the 'real world', but I will catch up later with some pictures.

A Friday Evening in August

We had a song fest at our church Friday evening. It was a great evening of music, friends, and food. As I sat in the church yard listening, I glanced up at the sky. Seeing the steeple with the sky and clouds behind, I could sense God's power. I guess this is an opportunity to say a little more about myself. My husband and I attend the Methodist Church in our little town.  The church family is a lot like our church family in Gallia County Ohio; I guess that is why we chose this church. I do whatever the Lord calls me to do. Sometimes I wish it was less for He keeps me very busy. I have the elementary age Sunday School class, play the Clavinova for Worship, help with the children's youth group and with the church tutoring program. I have always felt if he has given me the skills and talent to do His work, then I should cooperate and do the best I can.

We are native Buckeyes and moved to Kentucky six years ago since our two daughters are in this area.  We are still Buckeyes and have commented that the only things we do in KY is sleep and go to church. Everything else we head across the bridge which is about 5 miles from our house over into Ohio.

That is it for today. There are boo-koo tomatoes on the kitchen counter waiting to be frozen and I can hear them calling my name.

Something New I Tried

I love to read, but as I have gotten older I find it is difficult to sit down and spend the afternoon reading. Years ago (before children and grandchildren arrived and life became so hectic) I could spend the day reading a novel. Now my "day" of reading may be an hour sitting and sipping coffee and reading through/looking at a new magazine.  Southern Living is one of my favorite magazines to browse and enjoy the pictures. Not often do I ever bake or cook what is on their pages.  But this week a friend (Virginia) had a lovely salad luncheon and she began the meal with a recipe from Southern Living... Chilled Blueberry Soup.  Not only was it tasty, but it was served so attractively.  To me it could have been a Chilled Blueberry Dessert  instead of soup.  The white in the center is a dollop of vanilla yogurt.

This Is the Day

"This is the day that the Lord has made" for me to enjoy. So today I'm only going to do things that I enjoy, not "have to" things.  First, on my schedule (after coffee and raisin bran with strawberries and walnuts thrown in) is to bake another of Our Favorite Summer Casserole -Zucchini Quiche. The fresh tomatoes on the counter will be delicious with the casserole.

I am not a "pretty pie" baker. As my husband says, "If it looks good, it probably isn't." My pies usually won't win a beauty contest but they are very tasty.  But the peach pie that I baked the other day did not fall in-line with that precept.  It looked pretty good (for one of my pies) and it was absolutely delicious.  In fact, my husband and I finished that pie off in two days. I felt like the cat must have felt who just licked the cream off the bucket of milk.

 When I was learning to bake pies, I didn't like the mess of rolling the crust out. So I began using a recipe that allows you to mix the crust in the pie plate. But that is a little confining (cause the flour always wants to jump out of the pan) so I mix mine in a bowl and then put the dough over into the pan and press the dough into place. Then for the top crust, dough mix is just sprinkled across the top. It may not make the prettiest edges and tops, but it works and best of all, it is really good and there is no mess on the counter. In case you are interested, here is the recipe.

No Roll Pie Crust

                                                    MIX in bowl:

    1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

                                                    ADD:

1/2 cup oil

2 TSSP. milk

                                                   PRESS  into 9" plate

For top crust, make extra and sprinkle or pat on to the top of the filling.

Bake as normal pie crust calls for.                               

                         

Well, I think I green things are calling my name.  Until later.

Morning

Morning, as in the sun, has not yet broken through the fog here in Kentucky. I guess I need to tell you a little about 'me' today. So here is a little since I'm waiting for my seven year old grandson to arrive to stay the day and night and my free time is limited this morning. We say he and our year old Boston Terrier are a lot alike...neither have learned to play by themselves. So it is constantly "Play with me; let's play this; watch me while I do this".  I love to play with him, but playing basketball, soccer, baseball, and riding bikes for hours makes a Grandma need a rest. But I still love having him. He makes any day brighter and better.

Me...well, now you know I have a seven year old grandson with redhair, freckles, and an endless amount of energy and a year old black & white Boston terrier with the same amount of energy.  This 60ish writer has energy, blondish-gray hair and some energy...at least enough to get through the day.  There is another grandchild in the family, a beautiful red-haired 16 year old granddaughter who also has the energy of her brother.  But since she is a teenager now, she no longer needs Grandma for a playmate.  I enjoyed having teaparties, sick babydolls, and playing grocery store much more than playing basketball and racing on bicycles. Children and grandchildren keep you young. Well, not really that. Maybe it's more like they keep you moving and definitely smiling with some LOL going on too.

Zucchini Recipes

Just in case, someone else has oodles of zucchini, here are the two recipes.
ZUCCHINI  QUICHE ..  BAKE 350 for about 45 min.

COMBINE:

1 cup Bisquick                                                                                                           

Salt to taste                                                                                                               

¼ cup parmesan cheese

WITH FORK, STIR INTO ABOVE UNTIL JUST MIXED:   

                                         

4 eggs, slightly beaten (Egg Beaters okay)                                                                         

½ cup salad oil

                                        

FOLD THE FOLLOWING INTO THE MIXTURE:

1 - 2 Tsp. minced garlic or garlic powder (opt & for your taste)                                                                                                                          

3 cups grated, sliced thin, or diced (my preference) zucchini

                                                                                                

Crumbled fried bacon (1/2 - 1 cup)

SPREAD IN GREASED 9x9 or 8 x12 CASSEROLE or iron skillet

SPRINK ADDITIONAL PARMESAN CHEESE ON TOP (opt)

BAKE ABOUT 45 MIN., MAYBE LONGER DEPENDING UPON DISH USED, (AN IRON SKILLET IS GOOD BUT WILL NEED TO BAKE LONGER) UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN.  This can be reheated in microwave; also, baked and then frozen to be reheated in microwave.                                                                                             

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Cream:: 1/2 vegetable oil

               1/2 stick margarine

              1 3/4 sugar

Add & Beat Well:   2 eggs

                                1 tsp. vanilla

                                1/2 cup sour milk

Add & Mix: 2 1/2 ups flour

                    4 TBSP cocoa

                    1/2 tsp. baking powder

                    1 tsp. soda

                    1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

                     1/2 to 3/4 tsp. cloves (depends on taste)

Fold in:      2 cups diced or grated zucchini

                   3/4  cups mini chocolate chips

                   chopped nuts optional

Bake 325 for 45 to 60 minutes if making large loaves; less time if making cupcakes or smaller items.

To make sour milk, use 1 TBSP lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk. Let it stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Waste not, Want not was drummed into my head as I was growing up and I sometimes feel frustrated with the bounty of zucchini...well, frustrated and tired.  Sharing is not wasting so remember you can always share with a friend, neighbor, the homeless shelter, or a local food bank.

                   

Welcome to Lemon Thyme

    With the suggestions and prompts from my special friends Barb and Wendy, I am attempting to write my first blog - Lemon Thyme (Thanks Barb for the title You always have such great ideas). Some days Lemon Thyme may focus on fun and work in the kitchen and other days it may be all about my other passions of family,  sewing, scrapbooking, or just life. I've tried diaries and journals and did fine for a week or two, but then I would be back to recording my day in my little God-given computer - my brain. But life is wonderful, so here I go.

     Yesterday was a super busy day. A yearly doc visit and then home to  Zucchini and Green Beans, some of God's wonderful blessings.  First, I have to show you Our Favorite Summer Casserole - Zucchini Quiche.  As soon as it comes out of the oven, it begins to disappear.

In fact, it doesn't even last long enough to get refrigerated. 

     It is a good thing that zucchini multiplies so there is always a zucchini that can be made into our favorite zucchini dessert, Chocolate Zucchini Bread.  

 

A slice of this and a cup of coffee is a perfect treat whether it is summer or winter.

    How the early settlers must have enjoyed summer with all of the fresh garden bounty! I know having a meal of fresh green beans and corn make me happy. I canned seven jars yesterday, but there is more to do....makes me happy to have the abundance, but there are other things I'd like to do more than snap beans.  But won't they taste good in January when the wind blows and the snow is falling (as well as the thermometer)?