Stremmed Out

Season Confusion

2011-04-13T14:09:00.003-05:00

I have seriously been confused about what season it is. High temps, snow the next day, pouring down rain the following, warm again, windy, tornadoes... Windows open, windows closed, basement leaking. (What else is new?)

One thing that always helps me know it is spring is when my beautiful dogwood tree blooms. It is my favorite time in my backyard. All of the bushes' buds are starting to open, and my dogwood blooms - in their unique color - always look especially nice with the deep red backdrop of my big Japanese Maple tree. (In contrast, my huge holly tree on the left needs a trimming and a lot of help. Hope to tackle that soon.)

I've always wondered why such a bright-colored, beautiful tree that welcomes spring here in the Midwest is named after a dog. (Not that dogs aren't beautiful!) So, that led to some late-night research on Wikipedia. If you've always wondered too, here are the facts under the heading Nomenclature.

Mushroom Season

2011-04-12T08:58:00.003-05:00

As I was lying in bed last night, I was again thinking about dinner. The only other thing that would have made supper better (besides having all of you there with me) would be the addition of fresh morel mushrooms. Mushroom season is beginning, and I need to get out and hunt. I've seen the cars start to line the woods by New Poag Road, and that means folks are starting to hunt for mushrooms in the woods around campus.

The mushrooms were probably especially on my mind because of something that happened earlier last evening. I came home to find the neighbor children working in my yard. They are part of a wonderful homeschooling family down the street that I've become close to. They watch my home and cats while I am away. And, I have paid them to do small odd jobs around the house so all of the kids can have a little bit of spending money at the dollar store. Well, they were raking the sweet gum balls out of my yard before I got home from the store... and what do you know?!? They found 3 morel mushrooms in my yard. They took them home to share with the family - which was ok by me. But, I had them show me exactly where they found them so I could keep an eye on that exact spot.

It would be wooondeeeeeerfuuuuul to have my own mushroom patch in the back yard. I need to stop writing about these because my mouth is watering just thiking about them. I'll keep you posted on my mushroomin' finds throughout the spring. Do you like fried morel mushrooms?

One of the Best Meals Ever

2011-04-11T20:15:00.004-05:00

Tonight I had one of the best meals I've ever had. Some of you are going to laugh at me about this and my choices, but what else is new?!? Long story short, I raided the produce aisle at the grocery store, drove home, and served up this: Corn on the cob - I know. It's not in season. But whatever Shop N Save had did the trick. Not as sweet as the fresh kind will be this summer, but still sweet. White and yellow kernels. A little butter. A little salt. A little pepper. Voila! Brussel sprouts - Most people don't like them at all. As early as I can remember, I've loved them. Mom usually bought them from the freezer section, and I need to get those more often. But, I spied the fresh ones while grabbing some broccoli, and they would not let me go. Those delicious miniature cabbages. (Come on. That's basically what they are.) I didn't know how to cook them without boiling them to death. And, I don't have steamer. So, I put on my thinking cap and found the perfect way: using my egg poacher. Those little egg cups are perfect for holding 3 or 4 tiny sprouts. Topped with a slice of low-fat American cheese that melted all over them, they were delicious. Avocado - Yep. I cut it open, made a little criss cross design with a knife like Mom always has, squeezed on some fresh lemon, a dash of salt... and ready to eat! Thankfully, they were not outrageously priced like they usually are and there were actually some ripe ones for a change. So I can look forward to 3 more nights of this treat. I couldn't wait to sit down and scoop out those little squares of avocado with my spoon. Hard boiled egg - Nothing exciting about this. I just need protein. Plain old egg. Boiled. Simmered. Cooled. Peeled. Sliced. Ready to eat. Kiwi - Soft, but not too soft. Fuzzy skin peeled back to show that gorgeous green. Cut into slices. Lemon Shake-up with Splenda - I found some recipes on line, and I decided I don't need to wait for the fair once a year to have my favorite drink. Especially when lemons were on sale for some reason. (I thought this was supposed to be a high priced lemon year?!?!?) I'll keep experimenting. But the recipes I've found so far are soooooo good. I already dance in my kitchen. I just need to find a good shaker to perfect this while making shake-ups. I set all of it out on the big dining room table. I don't know if it is the change of the weather, the breeze blowing through the window, the sounds of children playing in the neighborhood or what. But, the meal made me think back to times when we lived on the farm or when we were at Grandma and Grandpa's house and almost everything that would have been on the dining room table would have been from the garden. Good, clean, fresh food. I miss those days and long for when I will have the time and the sunny space for a garden. The only thing that would have made tonight's dinner better would have been to have some of you family and friends here to share it with me. Instead, I just thought of each of you and prayed for each of you as I enjoyed the peaceful evening and wonderful meal. Now I've settled on the couch for a bit of reading, and I'm enjoying my dessert: a huge glass of ice water and a pear. I dug all of the way to the bottom of the heap to find the ripes one so I could eat them right away. They don't look too pretty, but they're scrumptious. Nothing like the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies I made for church this weekend. But, thankfully I had some forethought about me walking to the kitchen ever 5 minutes to retrieve one, so I gave the leftover cookies to the neighbor family. So, in their absence, I'm going to try to convince myself that the pear is a close second. :)

Aunt Bee's Recipe Box

2011-03-26T13:23:00.004-05:00

Surprise, surprise, surprise!

Now that is has been almost two years, I think it's time for a post. Even though I have less free time than I used to have, I have truly missed writing. My posts, I'm guessing, will just need to be a lot shorter, and I'll get to the point more quickly. (I know. A huge sigh of relief just escaped some of you.)

It's no secret that I'm a night owl, and I have a really hard time waking up in the morning. But, the doctors are trying to help me out a bit to see if we can change that. However, something that has helped me perk up a bit is the fact that our local CW station (channel 11) plays two episodes of The Andy Griffith Show each morning. One plays at 6:00 am, and the second is shown at 6:30 am. Sha-zam! (I hope that wasn't meant as a bad word to Gomer.)

If I haven't already shared this fact on the blog, then you must know that The Andy Griffith Show is very important to our family. When Aaron and I would go to Grandma and Grandpa's house, very frequently we'd find Grandpa or both of them watching the show. There was a time when there were at least three episodes shown on the channels that were available in Canton. Within seconds of a show beginning, it seemed Grandpa could recognize what episode it was. And, then Uncle Roger caught on. And, you can ask about any of my cousins and they can name at least a handful of their favorites. Knowing what is going to happen doesn't steer us from watching it one bit. We just love the show, and we loved watching it with Grandma and Grandpa.

In an episode that was shown earlier this week, Professor and Lecturer Hubert "Hugh" St. John visits Mayberry. He pursues Aunt Bee because he believes she is so similar to his deceased wife. During one of the dinners, Professor St. John talks about having more of Aunt Bee's Nesselrode Pie. So, that piqued my curiosity, and I did some research. It led me to this blog and the recipe. And, that led me to search about the origins of the pie recipe, Count Nesselrode, chestnuts, optional ingredients and many more related topics. Nesselrode Pies have almost completely disappeared from today's cookbooks, but it seems to have been quite a hit a few decades ago. Well, I'll be dogged!

After a dear friend pointed out that the Mayberry version of the pie contains raw egg whites (which would be an especially big concern to Grandma Stremmel,) I am going to put off making one right away, fiddle with the recipe a bit, and make it after a specially ordered, important ingredient arrives. (I want it to be an authentic Nesselrode Pie to see what all of the hype is about.) If you already knew what a Nesselrode Pie was without researching it, more power to ya!

So, instead, I'm going to try to make another Mayberry recipe for church this weekend. And, then that search started me on another search: trying to find as many Aunt Bee & Mayberry recipes I can find. I don't have any of the cookbooks, and I'd love to have them. But, in an effort to obtain quite a variety of the recipes published through the years for a very cheap price ($0), my big project of the week has been tracking down recipes on the internet. And, next I'll head to the library. And, then I plan to offer up the collection to all of the church friends and family who I know love The Andy Griffit Show, cooking, or both. Stay tuned. But, after working on it about 4 days in the evenings and all day so far today, I have 102 pages (11 point font, single spaced) of these delicacies pasted or typed. So far, so good. If you know you'd like a copy when I finish it, leave me a note here on the blog or send me an email which is provided in a link on my blogger profile page.

Well, already, this has gone on too long. So, it's time to nip it in the bud.

I don't chew my cabbage twice. And, you ain't heard the last of Strem.

CAW-lling All Crow Lovers

2009-07-31T16:19:00.003-05:00

If you didn't catch the NPR report on crows earlier this week, I recommend you listen to it now. Fascinating stuff. When you go to the NPR page, consider watching the video feature near the top that summarizes a crow's interesting ability to recognize human faces or listen to the full radio broadcast (just a mere 7 minutes and 49 seconds near the bottom of the post). Or, you can see if you can recognize a crow's face with the quiz in the middle. (I did pretty well at my first and second try and then started failing miserably.)

This is very interesting...so much so that others (like Joshua Klein) have picked up on crows' abilities and have begun to think about the possibilities in training them.

If you have never been to home site of ted.com where Joshua Klein's presentation is posted, spend some time there. You can learn and learn and learn. Listen and watch, spit out what you don't like, and really chew on the rest.

Give Me A Brake!

2009-07-28T11:55:00.002-05:00

Today, I woke up with excitement. I went to bed early (for me) last night. I had really good dreams. I woke up without an alarm. I felt refreshed. I felt rested. I was ready to go go go. I finished my loads of laundry last night so I didn't have to do the last minute scramble to move items from the washer to the dryer in hopes they won't be too damp by the time I need to leave for work. So, all in all, I knew it was going to be a good day.

However, as soon as I got less than a mile away from my house and on my way to work, I realized that my dash was a little brighter than usual. That's because there are no fewer than 6 lights lit up there today... including the traction light, service engine soon (not uncommon/long story), service auto soon, antilock brake light and the tire light. (The sixth light is escaping my mind right now.)

I took my sweet time getting to work... but HAD to get to work before going to the shop. So, now it is lunchtime, and I'm heading to the garage. I'm putting money on the fact that I'm going to have to have some brakes replaced today. It won't explain all of the lights... but it will explain some of them. It'll be a good start and the first step. Here we go. I'm already holding on to my wallet. I feel my debit card heating up by the moment. I'm taking a couple of books with me, because I have a feeling I might have to wait this one out. I'll provide an update on the damage when I return.

The Plan & Looking Ahead

2009-07-27T13:28:00.003-05:00

I am getting ready to go to the pharmacy - with prescriptions in hand - to receive some medicine. These are three important medicines, in fact, which I hope will greatly change how I've been feeling. I have been waiting for this day... a day which I hope will be a marking point for moving forward. A day which will divide 'before' and 'after' in my mind and my life. A day of difference.

Many of you know that I haven't felt well for a few years. Things haven't been right for actually many years. And, with my doctor's help, I've been able to piece together the timeline of some of the symptoms exhibiting themselves. Some of the worst started showing up 10 and 8 years ago - which were two extremely stressful times for me. And, I've been fighting through the aches and pains and oddities ever since.

I don't know how many doctors I've seen now. Some were kind. Some were dismissive. Some didn't believe me. Some became frustrated when the tests didn't show what they expected. One moved away right as we were making progress. Some didn't work well with others. Many I never saw again after visiting for the first time. When I didn't need anything else bogging me down, dealing with a doctor was often yet another unbearable obstacle. (And, I don't have the patience to begin describing the interactions with the billing departments.) Finding a doctor I trust has been difficult, but I think I've FINALLY found a good few. And, with the help of an administrator at a local hospital, I think these are going to work well together.

I don't feel like myself. And, I feel like I don't look like myself. I definitely don't act physically like I feel on the inside (if that makes sense). It has seemed like everything has been put on hold while dealing with this situation. The aches and pains have been strong this past week. But, I pray everything starts lining up, and I'm able to move forward like I've been hoping for so long.

I'll be making updates here on the blog to include some of the progress. Some of it may not be pretty, but it will be the truth. And, it will be great to look back a few months and years down the road to see all of the progress that has been made.

The plan for the near future is as follows:
1) I'll start taking two of the medicines right away and ease one in gradually in the upcoming weeks. Two of the three I have taken before, and two of the three will likely make me sick to my stomach from the start. But, that should go away in a week or two, and I'm at the point where I'm willing to try about anything.
2) I have received booklets from one doctor which shows me the food that is best for me. For the last week, I have followed it to the T, and some of the symptoms have subsided. Thankfully, this is not something I will always have to follow - especially after some of the medicine kicks in. But, the food plan should greatly help me over the next month.
3) I have a few more blood tests to take over the coming week. FUN FUN! Hopefully my arm will recuperate from last week's tests.
4) I am doing everything I can to attack bad health and encourage good health. So, I am trying everything - even if I tried it six weeks ago or six months ago and it didn't work. One of the doctors said that I have to remain on track with my plan even if my aches, weight, fatigue, joint pain, headaches, etc. seem to increase... even if they continue for weeks at a time. I imagine that's going to be the hardest part of the whole plan - to remain encouraged and focused if that occurs. But, I'll do it if it is necessary. The doctors are convinced - with their help - there will be turnarounds even after seemingly long periods of setbacks. So, I went to my gym, signed up for sessions with a trainer to whom I have talked on several occasions, and we're setting a plan Tuesday night.
5) I'm logging everything. Types of food, amounts of food, exercise, types of exercise, liquid intake, symptoms, sleep... That last one probably caught the attention of a few of you. I'll be doing my best to stick to a 24 hour schedule and get enough sleep, but I can't make any promises about my dreams.
6) I'll be seeking out two more doctors to deal with a few of the things found by my uncle (who is a nutritionist and ran a test on me) and that appeared through my tests with the endocrinologist. It is likely that those new specialists will run more tests, but I'd like to have as much done as possible right away (to get to the bottom of the issues and to have all of my large medical bills be billed within this year. The insurance will kick in to pay everything else within a calendar year once I hit my deductible.) In addition, the doctors will be trying to get to the bottom of why my feet (when I wear tennis shoes) and arms keep going numb. These matters point to nerve issues, but nothing has been determined yet.
7) I have been doing my best to keep up appearances in my schedule for so long that the effort has often caused bigger setbacks for myself. That is because I didn't take time to rest or deal with everything that was happening. My doctor had a stern talk with me about many examples of this. So, in the coming months, I am going to have to make some tough decisions. This will be especially hard for me - just as difficult as step #4 - as I feel like I am already doing so little and barely keeping up with the basics. But, I am going to try because I know this will create a way for me to do more in the future. I have to keep reminding myself that no matter how important some things may seem and no matter how badly I want to do them, there are very few things more important than this plan at this time.
8) I'll follow up with the endocrinologist in 6 weeks to log any changes (hopefully many!) and go from there.

So, that's the plan. And, I have a lot to do. Hope you'll be thinking of me during these next six weeks. I'll give you an update then (if not before), and I am hoping for progress.

All A-Twitter

2009-07-24T17:15:00.001-05:00

Four of my young cousins have been asking me about Twitter again. I don't know if I have good answers to their questions regarding the purpose, the point, and the pay-off of having an account. What I do know is that over half of my friends that created a profile in the last 6 months no longer make regular posts (known as tweets). They have either deleted their account or they just follow their favorite celebrities' tweets. When groups of friends join and interact together, it seems like it can be a ton of fun. So cousins, if you're up for it, join and follow me. And, I'll follow you right back. (But, if you don't understand the point of status updates in Facebook, you probably won't like Twitter.)

Even if you don't create a profile and tweet all day long, you may have noticed that Twitter references are creeping into conversations and vocabulary. Late night talkshow hosts have been speaking to celebrities about their Twitter habits. And, there have been important news events which have been reported first through tweets.

There are several articles written about Twitter from which to learn more. Here is "All A-Twitter" from the Boston Globe from earlier this spring which explains how a businessman shared one of the first accounts of US Airways Flight 1549 landing in the Hudson River.

You Betcha, I'm Gonna Play!

2009-07-16T17:46:00.002-05:00

>>>>>FACEBALL<<<<<

A Refined Ford Fin

2009-06-16T14:00:00.002-05:00

Long story short, John Green, of Indianapolis, is a friend of a friend. He's an author who has received the Michael L Printz Award as the winner in 2006 for Looking for Alaska and as an honoree in 2007 for An Abundance of Katherines.

Within his second book, he writes about a character who is an outstanding annagramatist. I love anagrams, but I am not as skilled as creating (or discovering) them as I wish I could be.

For anyone challenged in this area, you may rely on the Internet Anagram Server... or the appropriately named "I, Rearrangement Servant". When I plugged in Stremmed Out, the following are some of the (somewhat) amusing results the server displayed:

Emoted Strum
Demurest Mot
Muttered Oms
Modems Utter
Stormed Mute
Muted Metros
Trusted Memo
Mud Remotest
Deem Must Rot
Deer Mums Tot
Doter Met Sum
Red Me Utmost
Drums Me Tote
Mud Meets Rot
Do Retest Mum
Duo Terms Met

The title of this post is an anagram of 'A Friend of A Friend". But, in all honestly, John Green is really a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend. I think.

If you plug your name into the server, feel free to comment to leave a few of the funny results.

Ahead Gave A Try
Adage Heavy Rat
Average Day Hat
(Have A Great Day!)

Animal Update

2009-06-12T08:24:00.002-05:00

I went to the church building last night to set up some tables for the annual meeting, and I saw 4 groundhogs and 3 baby bunnies. But, once again, I did not have a camera with me. Thankfully, they let me watch them from my car for about 10 minutes before I needed to get closer to the building. My movement made them scurry away.

I'm VERY THANKFUL that Chris & Lydia have allowed me to "borrow" their camera since they have a new one. So, I have to get in the habit of having it with me again. I'll make an effort to try to capture a shot of them for any of my little cousins who are checking in here at the blog.

Picking Brian's Brain

2009-06-10T10:24:00.005-05:00

Do you have a friend that thinks in a way that is so completely different than your way of thinking? Does she know information that you don't even know is available to know? Do you enjoy spending time with him because you're sure to walk away from the exchange with new ideas?

Well, one of my friends is just that kind of person to me. His name is Brian. He was a student that lived in the residence hall that I oversaw when I lived in St. Louis from 1997 - 1999. We have lost touch and reconnected several times since then. And, each time we connect, I learn about and become fascinated by what he has been doing. I wish I could sit down with him and pick his brain for about a month.

I admit, I don't understand 50% of it. (And, that percentage is probably giving me too much credit.) But, I always learn a lot. And, for those of you who know me, you know I just love learning. So, it has been a treat to read some of the posts on Brian's site.

I may rush through a paragraph in which I barely understand a word. But then, right there in the next paragraph, I'll understand the whole thing or appreciate the insight provided. Or, maybe I still don't understand a thing but learn about a phrase or word he uses. (He is thoughtful in providing useful links to help me expand my vocabulary.) I do read a lot. But, I'm reading completely different items than what Brian is reading.

You may have differences in opinions with Brian about some things, or you may may notice a word spelled in a very interesting way (maybe due to his time spent in Europe or maybe because he now lives in Iceland.) But, if you take some time to read along, I know you will learn something too.

I recently read the following articles:

What are 2D Bar Codes?

Future Predicting: What Might Happen in the Next 100 Years?

Introducing: The PaperNet

Cola Wars Redux

If you read any of these, feel free to comment on anything that was of interest to you.

Reminders for Today

2009-06-09T13:09:00.004-05:00

Matthew 14:22 - 36
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Mark 4:37-41
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

24 Hours of Wild Animals

2009-06-08T14:50:00.005-05:00

First of all, I know I haven't posted for six months. I know. Believe me, it's on my mind constantly. (Mom reminds me on a very regular basis just in case it isn't already on my mind.) The upside of the situation is that not too many exciting things have happened. Just the same old same old (not to diminish the importance of any of them): Work, home repairs, church, going to the doctor, searching for new doctors... Lather. Rinse. Repeat and repeat and repeat... But, even that has felt like too much most of the time.

There haven't been too many events that are different than what has happened in the last year of posting. But, there may be some big things happening in the upcoming months, so I will try to record them here. We'll see. I'll give it my best ol' college try in the midst of trying my best to juggle the basics.

I don't know why I'm even posting this. But, I realize posting anything will maybe help me get back in the swing of things here on the blog. So, I'm going to do it. This past weekend, we had a surprise 60th birthday party for Mom, and it was a really fun day. (More on that later after our family members share pictures with each other.)

However, after the party, Cousin Kayla and I started heading home. We first had to pull out the stakes that were placed on specific corners in Mom's hometown to direct friends and family to the party. When we went to remove the last one on the state route, we saw a family of raccoons. A parent and some baby raccoons were walking along in a row in the moonlight while climbing out of the culvert. That's always a nice sight to see. Very cute.

The very busy day had worn me out, so I was struggling to stay awake during the long drive home. But, as we were just 10 miles out of Edwardsville, something made me perk up quickly. I saw an auto ahead (facing us) with its hazard lights on. When we came closer to the SUV, we could see that a young deer was standing in the middle of the opposite lane just a few feet in front of the SUV and looking over its shoulder as if it were waiting for family and friends to cross the road to catch up to him. I backed up the car to speak to the driver to ask what was going on. He explained that he had called the police because the deer had been standing there in the same position for about 30 minutes. The situation was odd. But, it was interesting to see such a beautiful young deer standing at such a close distance.

The next day, we had a blessed time at church, but Cousin Kayla and I left earlier than expected because both of us were very tired from the previous day. Before exiting the parking lot, we both wondered what happened to the deer from the previous night... only to pull out onto the hard road and see two baby bunnies in the church yard.

I immediately commented on how interesting it was to see so many baby animals in such a short time and joked to ask Kayla if she had any guesses on what we'd see next. No quicker than the words left my mouth, I slammed on the brakes right there on the offramp of route 143. That's because a parent and baby woodchuck were right in the middle of the road. We both laughed so hard as the woodchucks scurried off.

I continued on my way into campus to drop off Kayla... when I saw the largest wild turkey I have ever seen in the grove of trees on the right side of the road. (I've seen only 3 outside of a zoo or turkey farm, so I realize that's not saying much.) He puffed himself up and gobbled and gobbled. We always see a lot of animals on campus but not usually turkeys. Sadly, no baby turkeys appeared.

I joked with Kayla about what else we'd see and noted that, of all of the squirrels in my backyard, I have never seen a baby squirrel. We pull into her lane, and BAM! Baby squirrels. (I don't mean BAM! as in we hit them. I just mean BAM! There they were!) I decided to keep my mouth shut from that point on. (Kayla scrambled to get her camera, so we have a few fuzzy pictures of the baby squirrels and turkey to prove this. But, they were moving quickly.) When Kayla got out of the car, I think our eyes were wide open because we had no idea what we'd see next.

I pulled out of the parking lot, drove toward my house, and saw two more wild turkeys before exiting campus. I literally rubbed my eyes to make sure my exhaustion was not making me see things. I drove 2 more miles to reach home and saw a hummingbird near my sage plants along the driveway.

I know none of this seems like a big deal to some folks. But, it has been a long time since I lived in the country when these sightings are more common, and I don't think I've had a 24 hour period when I've seen more wild animals. Especially wild baby animals. I guess it is still officially spring since summer doesn't arrive until June 21. So far, no interesting animals have been seen today, but I wonder if there will be any spotted this evening. I'll keep you posted.

Weather and Gas Prices

2008-12-01T16:00:00.003-06:00

When my cousins and I visited over Thanksgiving, we joked about the questions that some folks ask when greeting someone else on the street or when seeing family for the first time in a long time. They pointed out that Uncle Wayne (their father) asks two standard questions each and every time he speaks to each child on the phone. So in tribute to him, I thought I'd ask and answer these very important questions and include some not-so-interesting tidbits from the day.

1) How is the weather? It's pretty cloudy and cold here... around 30 degrees. But, the weatherman on the radio says the windchill makes it feel like it is 17 degrees. It snowed about 1 inch Saturday night/Sunday morning...and we received another dusting last night.

2) What's the price of gas in your area? It is now $1.55. Very good compared to a few months ago. However, last Wednesday, as I drove to my house to prepare for heading to Mom and Dad's home for Thanksgiving, I saw that gas was down to $1.37. I couldn't believe it!

Both of these discussion topics are very important when considering that it took me almost 2 hours to get to work today. There were accidents all over St. Louis. It keeps raining and then the temperature drops. So, I guess there is a sheet of ice under the snow, and several of the interstates were at a standstill. Well, with traffic going nowhere fast, I saw my gas gauge move lower and lower. I also saw 19 police cars, 3 firetrucks and 1 rescue squad truck during my morning commute. I was extremely thankful to have heat in my car for the first time in several months - thanks to the assistance of Brother Jeff. After church, he helped me learn all about replacing a motor blower, unhooking the battery of a car, hardwiring the blower, and other useful tidbits that I hope I never have to recall again. It is wonderful to be able to drive and feel my fingertips and toes at the same time! :)

Tag! You're It!

2008-11-25T16:43:00.003-06:00

I was tagged, and I'm at a LATE lunch (aka supper) with my laptop. So, I'll complete this while waiting for my food.

1. Where is your cell phone? On the table next to me
2. Your significant other? N/A
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? is working in the healthcare unit of a prison right now
5. Your father? is teaching a piano lesson right now
6. Your favorite thing? a note in the mail
7. Your dream last night? Very complicated... it involved a house inspector and people moving into my house while I still live there
8. Your favorite drink? Lemon shake-ups
9. Your dream/goal? "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content"
10. The room you're in? A dining room
11. Your hobby? Anything crafty or adventurous
12. Your fear? Being alone
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? At my home much more often than now
14. what you are not? Breathing easily. My asthma is bad today
15. muffins? Not a big fan of them
16. one of your wish list items? New windows and more insulation for my house...and a handyman to install them
17. Where you grew up? Canton IL
18. The last thing you did? ordered my food
19. What are you wearing? black skirt and a tan sweater
20. Favorite gadget? my digital camera
21. Your pets? Simon & Penny
22. your computer? Black laptop
23.Your mood? Nostalgic
24. Missing someone? My grandma, grandpa and grandad... especially at this time of year
25. your car? Buick Regal
26. something you are not wearing? eye shadow
27. Favorite store? Any book or music store
28. Like someone? Yes. Hmmm....
29. Your favorite color? purple
30. When is the last time you laughed? Just a minute ago
31. Last time you cried? This morning

I tag Danielle, Lydia and Sister Karen.

Safe Within the Potter's Hands

2008-11-25T16:34:00.003-06:00

Well, this week is turning out differently than I had imagined as I try to cram in about two weeks of work into 2.5 days. So, I have not been able to post the articles I had hoped to post. But, I was once again reminded of this poet that I like, and this poem was sent to me. Just thought I'd share it with all of you. I will see how tomorrow turns out. However, if it is a rush and I'm not able to write before heading north to visit my family, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Hope each of you is able to take time away from the hustle and bustle to remember all of the blessings in your life for which to be thankful.

Safe Within The Potter's Hands

I'm aware of all the changes, taking place upon the wheel;

I know the potter's molding by all the chipping that I FEEL.

But even in the midst of shaping, He is there to bring me through;

His hands are ever sculpting, to change MY point of view.

I am humbled in the process as He molds this piece of clay;

He's drawing out the nuggets and bringing beauty out of pain.

He pulls me from the fire when I put my trust in Him;

He exalts me in due season and lets me breathe again!

Never once am I alone, upon the potters wheel;

I am safe within His hands ~ I'm being shaped to do His Will!

- Terese Holloway

More Signs of the Times

2008-11-20T17:18:00.005-06:00

I haven't been able create some longer articles because of time restrictions. But, thankfully, this week's submission by Piano Man reminded me of some pictures that he sent me earlier this year that I failed to post. So, here they are. Thanks, Dad!

For fans of the song "King of the Road", here's a sign that is posted at a business between Edwardsville and Bunker Hill, IL.
Here's a funny duo also located just north of Edwardsville. I chuckle each time I see them.
I don't know where Dad spotted these, but I think they are located in central Illinois. They are very light, but the extremely subtle apostrophes are there. I don't know what was happening with the bottom sign. My brother thinks maybe the artist was trying to invent a new punctuation mark... something like the upside down semi-colon with a half twist.

Trip To the Moon on Gossamer Wings

2008-11-19T16:30:00.003-06:00

Roving reporter for Stremmed Out, Piano Man, has written in to recommend a web site for an NPR radio show, A Way With Words. When he did so, I immediately recognized one of the hosts' name... which led me back to the article that I posted yesterday.

David Cook and I are word nerds, and we're not ashamed to proclaim it. So if you're a word nerd, you too will want to check out the site for A Way With Words. It features many podcasts and minicasts from the show... hours and hours full of word origins and trivia. Dad especially enjoyed this episode about the word gossamer. Take a few moments to read or listen.

I was disappointed to discover that our local St. Louis NPR station does not air A Way With Words, but I am going to get busy and write them an email to ask them to consider doing so!

Adult Romantic Partners

2008-11-18T16:32:00.004-06:00

This is a lead-in to tomorrow's post... and a funny article that I found some time ago. This hit on the same question we talk about in my office. When I speak to one of my co-workers, I always ask about her "manfriend" because I feel that boyfriend is just a very weird way of referring to the man with whom she spends most of her time. Manfriend just sounds creepy and awkward and no better than boyfriend... but it also sounds funny....so I keep using it. And, it has caught on around the office.

I was wondering if any of you have a term that you use - whether it be funny or serious. I don't need an answer now, mind you... but I just want to make sure I'm prepared in case the occasion arises when I might need a term. (That's a joke!) ;)

Excerpts from a USA TODAY article by Sharon Jayson from 6/22/08

If you're single and dating and aren't 25 anymore, here's a quandary you've no doubt encountered: how to describe the object of your affection.
Does "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" seem silly? "Significant other" too stilted? "Partner" not quite right?

"People feel a real need for a term that refers to one's romantic partner that does not sound childish," says Jesse Sheidlower of Manhattan, editor at large of the Oxford English Dictionary. " 'Partner' sounds too official. 'Companion' sounds too unromantic. 'Lover' is too explicit. 'Boyfriend' and 'girlfriend' seem inappropriate unless you're a teenager..."

The need for just the right descriptor is a signal of the societal changes surrounding social identities, says linguistics professor Arnold Zwicky, a visiting professor at Stanford University.

According to the most recent Census data, 42% of U.S. residents — about 92 million Americans ages 18 and older — are unmarried. More than 30 million live alone, making up 27% of all households; that's up from 17% of all households in 1970.

Lynn Bartholome knows this question firsthand. The associate professor of English and philosophy at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y., is president of the Popular Culture Association and the American Culture Association, international academic groups that study everyday culture worldwide.

She's also 57 and dating.

"I've talked about this with some of my female friends," Bartholome says. "I don't know what to say. I say 'the guy I'm dating.' I really honestly feel weird calling him my 'boyfriend.' Is a man you date ... a 'beau,' 'a significant other,' a 'partner'? I don't know."

The aging of baby boomers may be one reason society has been seeking a mature version of boyfriend and girlfriend, suggests Dennis Baron, an English and linguistics professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Grant Barrett of Brooklyn, N.Y., a lexicographer and dictionary editor who co-hosts the public radio show A Way With Words, says such questions are asked fairly regularly on the show.

"If you're in your 50s and living with somebody in a romantic relationship, what to call each other? You can say 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend,' but you're not 13 and it doesn't really fit. You can say 'significant other,' but there's no love in that. One caller suggested 'paramour,' but that's old-fashioned," he says. "There are a ton of different options and none of them seems to work."

Barrett recalls his grandmother facing the same questions. Her romantic relationship lasted into her 80s.

"She did call him 'boyfriend,' knowing full well how ridiculous it sounded."

I Just Realized...

2008-11-17T18:09:00.004-06:00

...most of the time when I laugh I sound like a porpoise.

I wish I could insert a sound clip to prove it, but I don't yet know how to do that here on my blog. Besides, most of you have heard my laugh first hand to know this fact all too well.

But, now that I think about this issue, I realize sounding like a porpoise is probably better than sounding like a donkey or a pig. So, maybe it's not so bad.

Recipe for Disaster

2008-11-14T13:05:00.003-06:00

I don't subscribe to a newspaper at home. So, I really enjoy receiving one in the morning whenever I stay at a hotel. And, since ABC was not coming in on the local Lincoln cable on Wednesday night when the Country Music Awards were on, I was able to read about the awards on Thursday morning.

I also read this funny article in the USA Today Life Section. This might not mean anything to you, but it made me laugh out loud.

Cooking With Martha Contest

Soon there will be one more cook in Martha Stewart's kitchen. USA TODAY reader Kelly McDade of Springfield PA will cook with the queen of quiche November 20. McDade was one of more that 1,000 readers who submitted essays outlining why they should cook with Stewart. Here's the winning entry:

Recipe For Disaster
Ingredients:
1 cup burnt pudding
4 hamburger hockey pucks
2 cakes with Grand Canyon-sized craters
1 rolling pin covered in dough
2 lbs. meatloaf "surprise"
1/2 cup brownies stuck to pan
3 tablespoons congealed cheese sauce

Take one average female and remove all trace of inherited cooking ability, making sure to dispose of the Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies and rich Italian indulgences her grandmothers are famous for. Add a dash of not-a-clue and mix well. Let rise for 32 years then add one fiancé and one house perfect for entertaining, mixing well after each. Once the panic has clearly risen to the surface, skim with a melted spatula and discard. Place mixture in slow cooker and add ineptitude, high standards, and perfectionism. Cook at high temperature until ego is tender. Serve immediately in heaping bowls of frustration. To garnish, take to Martha Stewart for a cooking lesson.

Long Day In Lincoln

2008-11-13T21:33:00.003-06:00

I've been awake since 3:30 a.m. this morning, and it is now 9:30 p.m. I just became settled back in at the hotel, and I am tired. That's T - I - R - E - D! And, I will be getting up early again tomorrow to head back to the company site before the 3rd shift employees get off work. It's been quite an interesting trip, and I've learned a lot. But, I am looking forward to going home tomorrow night.

Tonight, I was able to go to a late dinner with one of the staff members from the company I am visiting. And, I was able to see a little more of beautiful downtown Lincoln, NE. Now, I know that most of us, when thinking of vacation spots, don't think to ourselves, "Why don't we head to Lincoln?" But, after seeing some of the area, I think more people should consider that exact question.

It's beautiful at night. Very romantic with brick streets and old-fashioned lights. The buildings are full of rustic brick and decor to resemble times past. There are restaurants of every kind and coffee cafes, boutiques and pubs, offices and historic sites, candy shops and art houses, live music everywhere... Nothing I can say will do it justice. But, if you want to take a little trip to an interesting place and you have a special someone to help you explore, you should visit Lincoln and the Historic Haymarket District. I hope I can return when I have a lot more time.

While the pictures will not do justice for the area, you can read more about this area here and here.

In Nebraska

2008-11-12T18:14:00.002-06:00

I'm in Nebraska because I am visiting our newest "sister company" to make presentations about benefits, vacation and other HR-related info. I've been talking non-stop for 5 hours for the crew, and my voice is almost gone. (I know. I know. Hearing that would be a blessing to most of you.)

I had hoped to post some pictures from my trip thus far, but I am getting ready to head back to the hotel, have to complete some work to be ready for my presentations tomorrow, and must become rested (in mind and body - specifically throat) to be ready to go at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. I think I have around 10 one-hour presentations to conduct tomorrow. It's going to be a long day, but it has been a pleasure to meet all of the employees at our new company.

Then, I settle in tomorrow afternoon/evening to help the employees with on-line registration, do the same for more employees on Friday, and then fly back home late Friday night. If it is anything like my flight out here, I will sleep the entire way and not even know that the flight attendant has come by to offer me a beverage. I sure was tired before heading here... and I think I'll be even more tired heading back. I'm looking forward to Saturday... a day planned for nothing except rest and more rest. And, maybe I will post some pictures then.

Nothing too exciting going on here in this post. Just wanted to keep up my streak since I am attempting to get back on track with the blog.

Shelter

2008-11-11T11:26:00.006-06:00

My reason for posting the verses yesterday is that my recent studies have focused on shelter, and a favorite hymn which was often sung in the church which I attended as a child has been in my mind for over a week now.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

Each time I reflect on this topic, my mind travels back to a particular day from this past spring. It was a day away from the office, so I - like many of my neighbors - had an early start to the morning to work on projects out in the yard. I was abruptly jerked out of my daydreaming when I found one of my friendly neighbors standing directly behind me. He held a finger to his mouth to let me know that I should remain quiet before he stretched his arm out to point to the wooded area on the front of the adjacent yard. There, so close and so quiet, were a mother deer and her young baby... right there on our block. We are very close to the nearby wooded college campus and situated at the edge of town, so I see deer extremely often when driving to and from work. But, I had never seen a deer in our neighborhood. And, I had never seen a deer this small and young... and never seen a deer this close. I was in awe of their beauty. The mother watched the neighborhood carefully. The young one investigated the territory on four wobbly legs. Soon, the two scampered away, and I slowly returned to my yard work while thanking God for the gift of seeing them.

After taking a mid-morning break, I went back out to my yard in the afternoon to complete more tasks. However, a sound kept interrupting my daydreaming. First, I thought it was one of my cats mewing through an open window. Then, I thought it was one of the neighbor's cats. But, after checking out the situation, I found neither were true. The sound was persistent, and as the rain started to fall, the call of the mystery animal became louder. The trickles became steady rain, and the steady rain became a downpour. Yet over the sound of the water hitting rooftops and gravel, the cry of the animal became louder still. My curiosity wouldn't allow me to go inside, so I carefully listened for the cries... and they led me to the small wooded area at the back of my property. It was at that time that I found this young, fragile, beautiful creature hidden away in the brush and leaves of the tree line that separates my block's property from the properties on the next street.

I can't begin to explain the urgency of this tiny fawn's cry. After the rain stopped, it even increased in intensity and volume. Such desperation and such fear seemed to be pouring out in every call to its mother. I used my zoom lens to capture this close picture of the baby, but I was careful not to disturb it or the surrounding area. I tried to go back to my work, but the shrill shrieks would not allow me to keep focus. Faster and faster it cried. Louder and louder it called. I was very concerned about the little one, so I phoned the local animal rescue contacts. It was a holiday, so no one was available at the rescue offices to offer advice. But, after a couple of hours (with the cries continuing to grow), I received a call from a very kind conservationist who was willing to discuss the situation.

After hearing my story about the morning, he assured me that the deer would be fine and was in the best possible location for it to be. He explained that the mother clearly had been looking for a hiding place for her young one so that she could forage for food for the family while confidently knowing the baby would be safe from predators who would harm it. The conservationist assured me, that while the little one seemed terrified, it was in the safest place it could be.... and that the mother was probably closer than I or the little one knew. The little one so desperately did not want to be left in the wooded area. Yet, the mother was making sure that the dangers that come within the brightness of day would not harm her child, and she would come back in the shelter of night to move her little one to an even safer place. It was such a wonderful shelter the mother prepared that, if it were not for the cries, no one would be able to sense the baby deer was present. The conservationist reminded me to not come too close to the tiny deer and to call again if the baby was still there in a couple of days. But, he was confident that the mother would gently guide the baby to another safe location that evening. I went out into the yard to listen and check in about every hour throughout the day. And, then right after dusk, I went out into my yard to find silence. The baby deer was gone, and I realized the conservationist knew exactly what he was talking about.

When thinking on this, I can't help but reflect on how our Heavenly Father provides the same shelter for us. So often, I can call out... wanting something different than I have. So often, I can yell in anger about how things aren't going my way. So often, I can be discouraged by the picture of reality I see. But, even more often, I forget that our all-knowing Father sees a picture much greater than me and my limited scope. He takes care of my basic needs. And, when I get lost in the despair of my perspective, He knows what harm He is keeping at bay. He knows what hurt He is preventing from entering my life. He knows that the places He is preparing for me will keep away pain that is far greater than the pain I can imagine. In the times He seems so far away, I must remember He is the closest... acting as a loving, watchful father. And, in the cleft of the rock, I can be assured that His ways are higher than mine... His thoughts higher than mine. In His hands, I am cradled in His love and protection. In His shelter, I can rest, sweetly rest.

Psalm 61

2008-11-10T21:24:00.001-06:00

1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

6 Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.

7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Work, Play, Work

2008-09-29T17:40:00.001-05:00

Well, one month ago, the work weekend was a success. I can't say enough about the very kind folks - both family and church family - that helped me work on the various in-progress projects at my house. I am very very very thankful. So many of the planned tasks were accomplished, and the peaceful feeling at the end of the weekend was indescribable. I added 9 more garbage bags to this pile before the trash pick-up occurred that week. I've taken two car loads to the Goodwill store. I have sent off 10 packages to friends filled with various items that should have been returned or delivered long ago. By the end of the long weekend, it felt like every muscle in my body ached. But, the house and the load on my shoulders seems lighter. Much, much lighter.

The following weekend, we had the August church social at my place when the Green family visited. We played games in the back yard... including Baggo with the targets my brother made for me!

The kids went on a treasure hunt, and a good amount of time was spent trying to get this dart (one of the treasure hunt surprises) out of the tree. The men tried and tried to set it free from the tree limbs by using everything in sight. We had bean bags and apples flying everywhere. I think another dart and a ball got stuck up in the trees at one point. Quite the challenge.

We talked. We ate. We laughed. We swatted at bugs. We laughed some more. It was a great evening, and I was thankful my parents could drive back down to join in on the fun. Two weekends in a row! And, they brought my Uncle Roger with them! The next morning, Elder Green was blessed to preach a wonderful sermon on prayer which was a great follow-up the sermons Elder Chris had been preaching in the previous weeks. And, we were very sad to see our friends leave. Hopefully, it will be a much shorter wait for their next visit!

Mom, Dad, and Uncle Roger stayed through the Monday holiday, and we were able to go to the Sacred Harp singing that was held at our church building. I've had to miss the shape note singing for many months because of the load at work, so I was so thankful to see our friends from the St. Louis Shape Note Singers and to hear the wonderful music. I have also joined a gospel choir which performs in benefits for a local charity, and I haven't been able to attend their practices in the recent weeks either. I am praying that everything will calm down a bit in the upcoming months so that I may return to singing and attending Wednesday church services each week.

Life hasn't slowed down as much as I had hoped after the big clean-up day at home, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed when working. But, I've been reminded that work is a blessing... both in carrying out my abilities... but also in being able to go to work each day to support myself. Four friends have called in the last week to report that they have lost their job, and the financial futures of their families look dim. Some of my co-workers have been talking about the stock market all day. And, of course, the government is deep in discussion about a bail-out package. We must be praying for our country more than ever. I pray work is steady and stable for all of my blog friends!

Einstein The Parrot

2008-08-21T15:12:00.004-05:00

Today, I received an email from a past co-worker. Our exchange reminded me that he has owned a few parrots while I have known him. They do EVERYTHING with him around the house. That, in turn, reminded me of this video. I know I've seen this many times before, but I could watch it over and over again. I'm amazed at all of the sound and word cues that Einstein knows.

I'll be leaving the office this afternoon to begin my long weekend of projects, and I'm rolling up my sleeves just thinking about it. I'll try to remember to take some pictures of the before and after conditions... even though I'm terribly embarrassed to show the before shots. We'll see if I'm brave enough to post any here. I'm so thankful for the offers of help I have received for this weekend of projects, and I will be attempting to return the favor at their homes in the near future. Hope each of you has a wonderful weekend, and I'll try to post again next Wednesday.

Northern Indiana Trip

2008-08-20T10:59:00.002-05:00

My mom and dad are on a charter bus trip to Northern Indiana. While there, they are seeing the work of many of the local craftsman and artisans... including many Amish families.

After speaking to Dad last night, it was clear they were having an absolutely wonderful trip... one which I would very much enjoy. If they are ever having another tour, I would like to join in on the fun. Just thought you'd like to see a FEW of the neat places that Mom and Dad have seen or will see this week. Of course, some of the best parts are meeting the local residents in their homes, and there aren't web sites for those experiences.

Fair Oaks Farms: The tour consists of a 3D/4D movie, the interactive area, Stewarts of the Land exhibit hall, Mrs. Cowhoun's Cowculus Class, Diva Hallway, the cheese & ice cream production plant, the birthing center and a 45-minute bus tour into one of the largest working dairies in the United States.

Sarah's Oaks Restaurant: Enjoy dinner in the barn, housed in the lovingly maintained homestead of Benjamin Hollingsworth and Sarah Sleeper. Sarah's Oaks diplays its Quaker roots in its restored buildings, the decor, and the food it serves.

Emma's Exotic Eggs: Be spiritually uplifted by Emma's presentation of her collection of decorative eggs. Each egg has been painted, cut, or otherwise decorated to make everything from necklaces to ornaments to photo albums. Emma has crafted over 9,000 decorated eggs ranging in price from $10 to $350, all with either historical or spiritual relevance. Mom and Dad especially enjoyed this very special woman who invited the group into her home.

Clay Critters: Clay Critters was created in 1978 when Rebecca Bollinger turned a hobby into a business. She worked out of her home at first making each "critter" by hand from baking soda and salt clay. Later she began using polymer-clay and added craft workers. She currently employs 18 workers and uses molds and a polymer-clay liquid to create the critters sold.

Yoder's Department Store: An old fashioned shopping experience with a variety of contemporary goods. 12,000 bolts of fabric, 2,800 pairs of jeans, overalls in all sizes, and 10,000 pairs of footwear. Hardware, tools, housewares, home accessories, groceries, and hard to find items.

Menno-Hof: Menno-Hof is a non-profit information center that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites and invites groups and individuals to learn about and experience Anabaptist history and lifestyle. Menno-Hof’s multi-image presentations, historical environments, and colorful displays take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Mennonites and Amish.

What Is This?

2008-08-18T15:27:00.004-05:00

When pulling into my driveway in the middle of last week, I looked into my yard and saw something small hanging in the air. At first I thought that a spider had created a huge web in the yard and caught something. However, after exiting my car and walking closer to the object I saw this: a green worm-type creature on a single thin strand that hung down from my sweet gum ball tree.

The worm was not opaque, so that is the reason none of these pictures are great pictures. The sun kept shining through the worm. It was one of the prettiest light greens I had ever seen.

As I proceeded to take photos, the worm climbed further and further up the tiny strand that was about as thick as a spider web strand. Does anyone know what this is?

While I was traipsing around the yard in my attempt to take pictures from various angles (and still never captured a good one), the usually panicky squirrel sat and ate his nut. For a change, he didn't seem bothered by me one bit.

A Friday Thought 8/15/08

2008-08-15T17:29:00.003-05:00

We are born believing. A man bears beliefs, as a tree bears apples.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hmmmm....

By the way, in less than two weeks time, the apples have begun turning red, and the apples are beginning to drop from the tree.

Bean Bags O' Fun

2008-08-14T17:42:00.007-05:00

I don't know if you have ever played Baggo, but there are different versions out on the market. The rules can differ slightly... and the scoring can differ slightly. But, the main concept is the same: Two teams of two people throw bean bags at a wooden target with a hole. After seeing a couple of sets of targets that my brother built, I asked Aaron if he would build me a set. And he did! So, here is one of the two targets I received this past weekend.

Aaron gave me a sample of the bean bags they use so I could create some for my game. But, first, I wanted to make an extra bean bag set for Aaron and Ketra to extend my thanks. Here they are! Music notes vs. Black and white checks. (They - along with the sample bean bags - are in the mail heading to A&K's house right now.)

Ketra's parents also have a game, so I thought I would make a set for them too. I thought the red baseball print vs. the blue baseball print would be a good choice for Mr. and Mrs. S. (These too are heading to their destination via the mail.) Hope they enjoy using them.

Here is the fabric that I used for my bean bags. I wanted something fun, so I picked red bandana cloth and blue bandana cloth. I can't wait to play the game out in my big backyard. If we don't play before, I hope we can play at the church social that will be held at my house at the end of this month.

State of Fairness

2008-08-13T13:27:00.009-05:00

For a few years now, I've wanted to return to the state fair, and for various reasons, it hasn't worked out. But, my family and I went this year...and I was surprised to see that they had invited my hometown best friend, Susan, to join us. It was even more fun to find out that my aunt, uncle, cousins and their children were at the Illinois State Fair on the same day. Here are a few funny pictures from the trip.

HEY, it's HAY...and Susan! She posed by the blue ribbon winner in the Agriculture building.

Aaron and Ketra are standing by the 250 lb. pumpkin which won. We don't know why, but there were fewer pumpkin entries this year. And, in past years, the winners have been about two times the size of this one. But, it was still very impressive.

Piano Man and his brother, my Uncle Dick, sat down for a rest while Mom took the Sleep Number bed for a test drive. This just cracks me up!

We went to see the Hereford competition and were amazed to see this boy - whose cow and cow prod were both much bigger than he was - win the class.

Each year, there is a butter cow (yes, a cow carved out of butter) in the Dairy House. This year, it was even better than usual. There was an actual scene made out of butter... complete with a cow, calf, skunks, a tree, and some birds. All butter. (I don't know how someone becomes a carver of butter.)

Are there any special features - like the butter cow - at your state fair that you look forward to seeing each time you go? As eluded to in one of my previous posts, we always enjoy seeing the mini donuts, lemon shake-ups, spiced nuts, Taco Gringo sanchos, cream puffs, corn dogs... too many "special features" to mention!

Office Supplies for My Office Space

2008-08-12T18:35:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would show you one of the things that my brother and sister-in-law gave me for my birthday: this extremely shiny, extremely heavy, extremely useful paperweight. (See all of the papers I'm trying to keep down on my desk?) Ketra told me that there's no deep meaning behind what is printed on the weight, but I've been trying to do well with the little things all day. And, I accomplished quite a bit... and the big things seemed to go well too. So, I think the paperweight has worked out wonderfully so far. It was quite the conversation piece with my co-workers today. And, as was pointed out several times, it will serve well as a self-defense tool. Let me stress this once again: Extremely heavy.

Of course, I couldn't help but show off another feature of my new office space: my red Swingline stapler. I use it to staple the cover sheets to my TPS reports each morning....usually from nine to eleven when I'm listening to my radio which is set at a reasonable volume.

Going Bananas

2008-08-11T15:15:00.006-05:00

I went out to run an errand during my "lunch hour". When stopped at a red light, I looked to the right to see a very large man eating something. I did a double take to make sure I saw what I thought I saw: a mini banana.

Have you seen the mini bananas? This is only the second time I have seen one. I hear they are sold at Walmart, and they crack me up. I can just imagine a little mini monkey eating a little mini banana. So, it especially took me by surprise to see a big football-player-type man eating this itty bitty delicious and natural snack.

The first time I saw one was a few months ago... right around the time of Miss Rian Elizabeth's birthday. (See rubber ducky cake on the counter in the background.) Little Abi and I had just enjoyed some play time in the back yard. (See dirt on her face.) And, after welcoming us in for a drink, Jeff asked her if she wanted a banana. Little did I know it was going to be an Abi-sized banana.

Have you seen these in the stores?

These mini bananas lead me to think about delicious mini donuts... which leads me to think of the mini donuts sold at the Illinois State Fair... which leads me to think of Saturday when I spent time with my family in Springfield... which leads me to tell you that I hope to post some pictures from the trip in the next few days.

A Friday Thought 8/8/08

2008-08-08T12:41:00.004-05:00

I have attempted to jump right back into my blogging this week. But, some deal was made between my computer and Blogger. I was making posts each day, but none of you could see them. Today, I kept trying to make them post, and they finally did. I hope this interruption won't happen again.

I thought I might start making posts on Fridays which include a special "Thought for the Day." A point to ponder...or a verse in which to sink your teeth...or something that makes you laugh out loud. We'll see how it goes. This one comes from a fiction book I just finished, The Healing Quilt by Lauraine Snelling.

"Trust is forgiveness in walking shoes.
The two always go together."

Hmmmm...

How Do You Like Them Apples?

2008-08-07T12:48:00.006-05:00

Remember when I spoke about the late frost/freeze in 2007? The one that came after all of my trees and plants had already bloomed? The storm that dumped tons of ice and ceased any production of apples in my apple tree?

Well, the feast is definitely coming after the famine. I had my first clue when I saw the tree bloom this spring. It was amazing to see. Blooms everywhere.

Now, the tree is PACKED with apples, and I wonder what I am going to do with all of them. The branches are actually drooping because of the weight of the apples.

In past years, the ladies at church and I have talked about having an "Apple Day" where we peel, slice, and freeze apples... or make applesauce... or make apple butter. But, since then, there have been two years with no apples on my tree.

This might be our year. My long to-do list now has the tasks of "investigate applebutter recipes" and "research applesauce making" added to it. I am pretty sure this means that a full weekend or two will have to be reserved for this apple situation. If I am not peeling or slicing, then I'll just be picking them up from the ground so the bugs down gather and the ground doesn't rot. I wish I knew when they'd be ripe and ready for picking. Sometime mid-September?

Unrelated to my apples but related because of what is going on in my yard at this time, I just wanted to show that my lilies are up. Brighter than in the past few years.

Colour My World

2008-08-06T13:05:00.003-05:00

This spring and summer has been full of some glorious sights. With all of the rain, there have been major trials for the residents of our area. But, with the rain has also come the greenest grass and leaves I've ever seen.

I love my dogwood tree, and I know spring has arrived when I see the gorgeous blooms come out.

When I was driving home from my aunt's funeral a couple of weeks ago, I saw 13 cardinals within one mile, and I am blessed to have a cardinal couple living in my back yard. They love the holly tree. What a rich red the male is!

This bird was poking around my car in the work parking lot last week. This picture doesn't do it justice, but the bird has the brightest coral feet. Just striking.

When we exited Wednesday night church services one night in the middle of July, we couldn't believe our eyes. Vibrant pinks and purples.

God sure has a beautiful color palette.

Weight Watchers for Cats

2008-08-05T12:40:00.002-05:00

"Meow Meow mew.... MEOW meow meOOOOOOWWWW meow meow MEOW Meow MEOOOWWWW mew mew meOWWW mew mew meow mew MEow...."

Translation:
My name is Simon, and I am an overeater.

(Other cats: Hello Simon.)

I go to my food bowl, lie down, and eat as much food as possible as quickly as I am able. I then go to the food bowl of my friend Penny, lie down, and do the same.

My owner, Strem, finally took me to the vet last week. The vet doesn't blame her. Dr. Randla knows that I weighed a whopping 23 pounds when I was given to Strem by my previous owner, Bryan. In fact, in the first year of staying with Strem, I actually lost 1 pound because she made me run up and down the steps to the basement.

But, last fall, when Strem took on a new job, and I was home alone more often, I was able to eat more and sleep more - just the way I like it. I have to admit, when I saw the vet scale reach the 25 pound mark, that I was a little shocked. I mean, I did realize that I just hadn't been looking the same in the mirror, but I had no idea I weighed 25 pounds (even though Strem's mom had the audacity to bring up my growing weight SEVERAL TIMES during her last visit. How rude!)

Well, last week, I fear my time of chowing down and napping all day came to a screeching halt. Dr. Randla suggested that I join - of all things - "The Losers Club" at the vet office. Why I never!!! The nerve of him to suggest it!!! He wants me to weigh 19 pounds by next April. 6 pounds in 8 months. The stress of thinking about it just makes me want to eat! Well, here's my new diet food. (I hate to admit it, but it is actually pretty tasty.)

The vet sent home all sorts of pamphlets for Strem to read. I am sure these brochures are just packed with devious tactics for making me exercise. She's already making me climb up and down the stairs while she works on house projects. I am going to find those brochures and chew them up as quickly as possible. If only she hadn't put them up on a high shelf! Oddly, the Losers Club packet include a book on weight loss for dogs. (I think I received a blessing on that mistake!)

The Losers Club packet also included some low calorie, low fat treats (I gobble them down!) and some cat toys that are supposed to increase my exercise. I enjoy sitting back and watching Penny play with them.

Strem may give you some updates on my progress (or lack thereof) in the coming months. Or, maybe you can come over for a visit to see for yourself. After all of the climbing this week, I think I may have already lost some weight. That nosey veterinarian! Hopefully Strem will leave on a vacation soon, and I can have some time to myself to nap and dream about food.

109 Days Ago

2008-08-04T14:07:00.003-05:00

109 days ago, I would've said 'pshaw' to anyone who dared to tell me, 'I imagine it will take you over 3 months to make a post.' I had already taken some blog breaks in February and March during the transition of our company, so I was BACK and ENERGIZED and REFRESHED. 'No need for more breaks.' That's what I kept telling myself. 'I can see the light at the end of the tunnel at work.' That's what I kept repeating. 'I can finally get in the groove of things, be organized at work and at home, and really enjoy this summer. I am not going to let another summer pass me by without enjoying it.' That's how I tried to convince myself.

But, here I sit, 109 days later, with no blog post in all of that time... with piles of folders and papers sitting all around me while wondering when the the light will be seen at the end of the tunnel once again. (Ok, two of those towering piles of papers just slid into one giant pool of papers. This will be a fun afternoon of sorting.) And in a deju vu moment of deja vu, I find myself looking at a calendar page with AUGUST written in bold letters across the top and wondering why I've let another summer pass me by.

There have been many changes at work this year about which I've had no control. And, I'm waiting on word from the doctors to see if they have any new answers about how I can regain my energy. But, most of all, I know I've been affected by the rush rush rush rush rush of how I'm carrying out my life. Some of it is the circumstances. Most of it is still about me.

I've actually started reading books again in the last two weeks, so I know something is different. I like to think it is because life is slowing down a little. When I'm trying to be honest with myself, I think it is more like I'm just fed up with how things have been in the recent months. Mind you, the reading is usually happening during a 20 minute mid-day break that I call my "lunch hour" or when I am trying to fit in 15 minutes of skimming some pages at 1 a.m. before I try to go to sleep. But, I've been able to sink into a couple of books for a few "Calgon, take me away" moments and read about times past. Don't get me wrong. I know cooking over an open campfire doesn't mean life was simple for a woman in those days. Quite the contrary. But, something about having all of one's belongings in a covered wagon seems freeing to me right now. You know, the breeze, the necessities, the time outside, the time with others, the adventure... And, the dread about my un-simple reality is because it's still mostly about all of the "stuff" bogging me down. With my work commute, time and energy are precious. So many projects around the house are half finished. I can't do this or that because I need another person to lift the other end. I feel I have to move 5 things to move 5 more things to get to something I want to find. All of it is draining to think about let alone do something about it.

I've written about this before. Living simply. And, last year, with the help of some friends, I made big progress in my quest at my home. It was a HUGE DENT of progress in the mountain that began building soon after I went through the lay off back in September 2001. But, there's much more to do. And, even though the summer is still passing me by and I am going to spend a lot of indoor time continuing with my project of cleaning out and fixing up, I am ready. I realize the key is not to focus on the 10 pages of projects that need to be completed. I need to be realistic about my expectations. The key is focusing on the one task I'm completing at the time. (I need help in this area!)

Thankfully, my parents have agreed to assist me for about 5 days near the end of this month. And, some great folks at church have agreed to join in the weekend to do the same. So, I'm busy getting my thoughts and plans organized. I have a list of projects for cleaning and sorting. I have a list of projects to build and complete. I have a list of items I need to borrow for the project weekend. I have a list of items I need to buy for the project weekend. There is a list for items I want to sell on ebay...and one for items I want to paint. I have a list of items that I want to find. (Can you believe that?) I have lists of specific tasks for specific people. I have lists of specific tasks for specific days. Now, I just need a list to keep track of all of my lists.

This past weekend, in addition to attempting to finish a big project at work, I attempted to get a big head start on all of this "simplifying." Little did I know that we're all smack dab in the middle of "National Simplify Your Life Week."

After letting that sink in for one second, I say 'Forget the week! I'm declaring it for a whole MONTH!' ...If not longer. I publicly reserve the right to take much longer. Maybe a season? Can I declare it for autumn even though we're not yet into autumn? "National Simplify Your Half Summer/All of Autumn" just doesn't have the ring to it that I'd like. No matter that setback, I'll be taking as much time as I need, but I pray I stay focused and committed while I take care of some of these lingering items once and for all.

Boo-hooing About Boo-boos

2008-04-17T19:08:00.005-05:00

I'm waiting for a fax to come in, so I thought I'd take a break. I did the same thing last night, and I've had to force myself just to stop and take a little walk around the office or the building or sit back and stretch for a moment. The body - along with the mind - is taking a beating lately.

My hands probably have it the worst. I cannot tell you how many pieces of paper I've touched over the last 3 weeks. And, if you've had the same experience, you know touching lots of paper = dry skin. So, I have a lotion bottle stashed in my desk drawer. Seems like it doesn't help much, but I know I'd be worse off if I didn't have any lotion.

Then, of course, there's the fact that I did my usual in burning myself this morning. Everyone around here knows this is a common occurrence for me - usually from something on the stove or in the oven. But, today, in my rush out the door, I absent-mindedly grabbed the flat iron when I went to unplug it. I don't know why I did this. But, I have a two inch red painful mark to remind me to ponder over the situation.

And, to top it off, I'm still healing from a few paper cuts. Know what is worse than a regular paper cut? A cardboard cut. Yes... a big gash in my skin, gained through my efforts of quickly ripping open a box. I've had flyers and brochures and magazines and booklets pouring in from all of our new partners and insurance carriers, and a couple of days ago, I just ripped open a box and ripped open my hand at the same time. Know what's worse than a cardboard cut? A paper cut on top of a cardboard cut. Yes, it's true. Just a double treat which a special person like me can have.

My hands have never looked great. I regularly hide them behind my back - especially in pictures. But, lately, they look worse than ever. Thankfully, God has allowed me the use of them, and I'm thankful he's blessed me to use them more than ever in the recent weeks when I've really needed them here at work. They help me type... rip open boxes... pick up my "nieces"... extend my hugs through the tips of my fingers... dial the phone... play the piano... and, of course, eat - among so many other activities.

It's just that they need a little more TLC than usual right now. Of course, a few aloe vera plants (otherwise called "burn plants") have been sitting at Sister Elaine and Brother Tom's house for weeks - just waiting for me to pick them up. They sure would have come in handy today. And, of course, I'm wearing one of these right now for the paper cuts.

Ever seen one of these? On the package, the following words are included:
Highly visible
Metal detectable
Water resistant
Flexible foam
Latex free
Sterile adhesive bandage

You may learn more about our industry than you ever wanted to learn. But there are a few reasons why regular band-aids are not allowed on our site and why these are required (and available within out site first aid kits) here at our business and within the food industry. When creating our flavors, the production staff must not wear anything that might fall into the food batches. (No jewelry except wedding bands or medical alert tags.) Therefore, if a bandage must be worn, it must be VISIBLE! There's no way that this could fall into something we make and not be seen. Also, when our flavor batches are packaged, they are run through a metal detector to make sure no foreign objects have contaminated the batch. Therefore, if someone accidentally dropped one of these, the production staff would see it long before it was sent to our customers. Thankfully! (I just wish the world had detectors for other things that fall into food!)

So, if you ever come to the site for a visit, be sure to ask me for one of these doozies! I'll probably already be wearing one or two.

Plumb Wore Out

2008-04-16T17:46:00.004-05:00

Most of you know I've been working some long hours. For instance, so that I could cover all 3 shifts when the employees came in to accept their offers with the new company, I worked 24 straight hours from Sunday to Monday. Not all days are like that, but the hours have been adding up since I received this new promotion and since we've started the mad dash toward the official start of the company this past Monday.

I'm tired.... or tahrrrrd, to some of you might say. Tuckered out. Plumb wore out, to others. Sleepy. Exhausted.

I wish I could say the work days have become shorter over the past two months, but, clearly, that has not yet happened. Thankfully, I'm not feeling like I'm going to fall asleep at work or while I'm behind the wheel. Instead, it is more of a mental exhaustion. So, I'm needing a break so that I can continue with focus.I have hope that it will happen soon... but probably not for a few more weeks. I will be looking forward to a vacation in May.

I know I've spoken about this before, but I always like having something to plan toward. So I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions of where I could go on a little trip? Know of any special places that would be relaxing and a great location as a "getaway?" A sunny beach? Or a place you always go for a treat?

I realize I'll probably be going by myself. And, it doesn't matter if I have to take a long road trip. So, let me know if something pops into your mind.

Out of the Old, Into the New

2008-04-13T23:33:00.009-05:00

In the last few weeks, I've missed a lot of my routines. I've missed many meals. I've missed hours - even nights - of sleep. I've missed hundred of phone calls and have desperately tried to return them within normal calling hours. I've missed turns I should have taken but was too distracted to notice. I've missed concerts and events I very much wanted to attend. I've missed keeping up with American Idol. And, of course, I've missed my blog friends. I'm trying to keep up, but work has had to take the forefront for this time. I know it won't go on and on for months, and I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. The light is still far away, but at least I can see it now. Thankfully, I have friends who have helped me get a meal, feed my cats, pay my bills, check on other errands, escort me on my way home, and take a pulse on what's going on. And, I've needed each of these. The recent weeks and months have been a blur, and I pray the merry-go-round will slow over the next two weeks. I'm sure the number of posts will be very telling.

One thing I haven't missed is my old office. I was able to tell a few of you that I was excited to be moving out of the place in which I've been spending my office time ever since I came to the company. Some at work affectionately call it 'the closet.' There's no ventilation in the room, so when someone has needed to speak to me at length about something serious, it would often get a little stuffy. At least I had room for a chair for someone else to sit down. Of course, if the chair was in its usual spot, I couldn't open my filing cabinet drawers. And, if the chair was moved to the left just 3 or 4 inches, my door wouldn't be able to be shut or opened. But, other than moving around those puzzle pieces, it wasn't too bad. It had been my home for 8-9 hours each weekday for the last five years.
Here's a picture of my office in the midst of my move about two weeks ago. (I hope co-workers can attest that it usually looked neater than this.) I thought I would point out a few of the items in the room for you.

Left side of office: the largest monitor I have ever seen... both in screen size and in depth. It greatly helped my eyes, I am sure, but it took up so much desk space.

Bulletin board: one postcard from our family's trip to Nashville this past summer. Also my five year anniversary certificate with our former company.

Over my printer: one handmade 3-D snowflake... which I've been waiting to take down until we know no more snow is coming. Believe it or not, we're supposed to receive some in the next couple of days.

Back of my office: one painting poster of a farmhouse and land that reminds me of the farm near Easton IL in which I lived as a child. When I came to the site, my boss allowed me to pick out a picture to have framed, and I was so happy to find this one. The biggest difference is that the picture includes bee hives (white boxes - which our farm never had) in the nearby field.

File boxes on the floor: full of new toothbrushes from our dental health provider.

The telltale Aqua box on the right: When we reached a milestone anniversary with our former company, we were allowed to pick an anniversary gift from... Tiffany!!! When I came to the company, I couldn't believe it. This will probably be the one and only time that I have something from Tiffany. (By the way, I picked out the lead crystal candle sticks.)

When I received my change in position, I was also told I would need to move to a bigger office... one that would allow enough room for a conference table and chairs. I was told to order furniture, but I couldn't stand spending a ton of money on new things. So, me - being thrifty me - went out to look for some used office furniture. And, I found something I really like! I haven't found a table yet (things have been too busy), but I hope to find something next month when I have more time. Our maintenance staff was great in applying a new coat of paint and changing the locks on my new office doors, and my new place is pictured below. It is at least four times bigger than my old office, and I don't know what to do with all of the space!
I know, I know. It's too empty. But, I found a 3 piece wooden (oak, I think?) set... with a desk, computer component, and credenza. I have a good black chair. There is a big white bookshelf and small locked cabinet still in there, and when things slow down, I'll be trying to figure out what to do with them. I'll be trying to find the best spot to move my farm picture, too. In light of everything else going, the move isn't too important now and is taking a back seat. Just wanted to show my family and friends where I've been spending most of my time in the past two weeks. Maybe I'll post a new picture when I get everything settled.

Elder Sarber's Ordination

2008-04-02T08:47:00.007-05:00

This past Friday, I set out with the Zimmermans to head to Indiana to attend the ordination of our dear brother, Jeremy Sarber. We had been planning the trip for months, and I was so thankful that my friends decided to wait for me to get off work on Friday so I would not have to make the trip alone. We set out at 3 pm central time and expected to arrive at Tracy's parents' home at approximately 10 pm (figuring in the time change.) However, halfway through our trip, we had to stop suddenly on the highway... and we remained stopped.... and remained and remained... Over an hour later, we slowly approached the scene where a semi had gone through the wide grass median of the divided highway and knocked out a tree. We don't know the cause of the accident, but we know that it sure held up hundreds, if not thousands, of people on the interstate for several hours. We pray the driver is not hurt.

After some late-night catching up with the Mikels, our gracious hosts, and some good sound sleeping, we drove down the road to meet with Pilgrim's Rest Primitive Baptist Church for the ordination on Saturday morning. (If you have not already done so, please see Brother Jeremy's post about the weekend here and here.) Our church members have sure been praying for Brother Jeremy and have been so happy to hear of how God has been blessing him to preach the gospel, and because I am thankful to call him a friend, I was thankful to be present. The charge, given by Brother Jeremy's father, Elder Tommy Sarber, was especially touching. Brother Tommy shared a few memories from Brother Jeremy's childhood and gave testimony to how their family had seen God working in Jeremy's life. It was wonderful to see all of the people who love Jeremy go up to speak to him and hug him and share their kind words of encouragement with him. Long after this weekend, I hope everyone will continue to pray for Brother Jeremy in his service to God... and for all of our elders and pastors who seek to serve the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

This post has gone up a few days later than expected because I have had some troubles with pictures. So, I will not be able to post some that I had hoped to share. But, here are a couple of good ones that I was able to salvage. To the left is a picture of the new sign outside the meeting place of the Pilgrim's Rest Primitive Baptist Church.

The newly-ordained Elder Jeremy Sarber with his nephews Carson and Alec.
Right after the ordination, everyone packed into the lunchroom to enjoy the wonderful lunch prepared by the Pilgrim's Rest church members. Delicious chicken and noodles and fellowship with loving brothers and sisters.
Tressa and Abi also thought they were pretty yummy!

On Sunday morning, we decided to return to Pilgrim's Rest Church for worship services, and we were abundantly blessed by doing so. Here, Brother Mellott visits with Elder Gary Hall.

I fear the current projects at work are requiring long hours in the office and at home, so I will not be able to write about the moving sermons given by Elder Jeremy, Elder Chris and Elder Gary Hall at this time. And, I won't be able to accurately describe the kindness shown - as usual - by Brother Dave and Sister Wanda in welcoming me to their home and taking time to talk about the most important of issues. But, God was glorified from the pulpit and within the fellowship throughout the weekend, and I came away refreshed and invigorated and at peace after the trip. And, while things have been so busy the last 3 days, I've been thankful to have those memories and sermons to reflect upon. What a wonderful weekend! It is one I will remember for years to come.

Canker Sores

2008-03-27T17:06:00.003-05:00

These seem to be an issue for my family. I have one in my mouth right now, and I can't get rid of it. I'll go ahead spare you my usual accompany photo for my post today. :)

Here's the scoop straight from WebMD:
What Causes Canker Sores?
The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of simple canker sores. Certain foods – including citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, strawberries) – can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Motrin, is another common cause. Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting dentures, might also trigger canker sores.

Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system; nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiency; and gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Celiac disease and Crohn's disease.

A sister in our church says that taking Lysine helps prevent them. My family always used a blue tip match by pressing the unlit tip right on the center of the sore. (You're right. It does hurt. But, the sores sure go away quickly.)

I know there have to be a ton of wives' tales and home remedies out there to get rid of them. I've seem many online today. But, do any of you have a remedy to share? (In the meantime, I'm going on a hunt for matches.)

Taking Out My White Sandals

2008-03-24T14:10:00.009-05:00

(This was supposed to be posted on Monday. My apologies.)

After going to church on Sunday, I was flooded with memories of Easters past. A particular trio of little ladies were dressed in their best Sunday best.... beautiful dresses made by Mama Tracy, of course. Little Rian Elizabeth needed some help from Sister Tasha so that her photo could be taken, and Tressa and Abigail were able to stop their activies for a few seconds so I could capture them.

Yesterday's weather made me laugh. There was a huge drop in temperature, and actual CHUNKS of snow came down. Not the usual snowflakes, mind you. But chunks. So each of these beautiful little ladies came equipped with a snow white sweater made by Grandma Zimmerman.

Easter was always that time when I could finally wear those spring colors again.... the pinks and peaches and light greens that I just didn't feel right wearing with clunky brown and black shoes in the prior weeks. But, once it reached Easter, they seemed fair game again.... especially in an ensemble with my sandals! No matter the weather!

All too often, however, we'd have an Easter like yesterday. COLD. REALLY COLD. And, no matter how cold, I was "bound and determined" to wear my white sandals I had been waiting all winter to wear. I'd try to remember where I had stashed them on that very last day of semi-warm weather back in the fall when I had last been able to wear them....or dig to the bottom of my shoe pile looking for the worn-out white leather. If we "thought ahead", I'd find them late, late the night before Easter and Dad would be able to use that weird white bottle of shoe polish (you know, the bottle with the wet sponge on the end) to spruce them up. I watched with fascination as they turned from grey and cracky to chalky white and cracky. To me, just like new.

Despite the weather, I was wearing those shoes. And, I'm ashamed to admit, many of those Easter Sundays, I sported white tights with my white sandals. Sometimes, I even wore plain knee socks with those sandals - as exhibited here. I firmly deny all responsibility - as the tights were the expectation by Mom if the weather was cool, and I was taught that Easter was the time to break out the white shoes. Too bad these two great independent thoughts often resulted in a bad combination.

Aaron and I would receive jelly beans and Reese's Peanut Butter eggs - our absolute favorite. After becoming sick of chocolate through a bad experience with plain MMs, I had an aversion to plain milk chocolate for several years. So, Aaron and I could always tell our baskets apart because his had a chocolate bunny and mine had a white chocolate bunny. I remember often looking at my shoes to make sure they were whiter than my bunny. If they were, I felt it was going to be a particularly good Easter.

I have no idea why I did something that dumb, but that's what I did. I find myself saying that more and more these days.

Exceptional Courage

2008-03-21T18:55:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to ask for prayers for a close friend who will be having major surgery on Monday. She is a very supportive co-worker who is wonderful to remind me that God is watching over me each day. I just wanted to ask those of you reading this if you would pray that she be reminded in the coming weeks that the same is true for her, that she may be blessed with quick healing, and that she may have exceptional courage while approaching her surgery and recovery.

Exceptional Courage
Does courage become my attitude, when I'm swept up by the storm?
Am I running into battle, holding firm unto the Lord?
You see, my courage is contagious when I take time to follow through;
For, as I walk inside HIS Kingdom, I'm being set apart for truth!
So, when I find that I am frail; and sabotaged by fears;
I'll put my trust in Jesus and I'll give Him all my cares.
I'll align myself within His Word, I'll stand steady, strong and firm;
Resisting every flame of hell and it's fires sent to burn
For I AM a mighty warrior, and I'll stand faithful in my walk;
Rebuking opposition and bowing down before the Rock.
You see, I'm called to be courageous inside the darkest storm;
Finding victory in each battle and strength within the war.
It's the hand of God upon me that will lead me safely through ~
It's listening to HIS voice and abiding in HIS truth.
For He IS my only answer, when I'm lost inside the storm;
When the powers of hell are raging, and I'm weary, tired and worn.
It's HIS courage that lives within me that revives me once again ~
To overcome the turbulence and ride the tempest winds!
Yes, His Spirit gives me victory in the midst of every storm
When I learn to stand in courage and put my trust upon the Lord!
-Terese Holloway

Filing A Complaint

2008-03-19T17:24:00.002-05:00

When any fit of gloominess, or perversion of mind, lays hold upon you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaints. ~Samuel Johnson

I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain. ~Jane Wagner

Untold suffering seldom is. ~Franklin P. Jones

Learn to accept in silence the minor aggravations, cultivate the gift of taciturnity, and consume your own smoke with an extra draft of hard work, so that those about you may not be annoyed with the dust and soot of your complaints. ~William Osler

I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. ~Joe Walsh

It is no use to grumble and complain; It's just as cheap and easy to rejoice; When God sorts out the weather and sends rain -Why, rain's my choice. ~James Whitcomb Riley

The people who live in a golden age usually go around complaining how yellow everything looks. ~Randall Jarrell

Man spends his life in reasoning on the past, in complaining of the present, in fearing future. ~Antoine Rivarol

The tendency to whining and complaining may be taken as the surest sign symptom of little souls and inferior intellects. ~Lord Jeffrey

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. ~Proverb

Php 2:14 ¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

1Ti 6:6 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Just some reminders about what a wonderful blessing contentment is and how easily one can fall into the pit of complaining. It is so common that we sometimes forget what a sin it is in the eyes of God. May I strive to not only rid my own life of this tendency but also be an encourager in helping others seek contentment in this world. Both can be difficult tasks, but scripture shows this is an important part of living a godly life. I cannot overlook it nor diminish its importance.

Not Once

2008-03-17T18:27:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my green stone necklace and the slight hint of pine green in my skirt, I wasn't pinched today. Not even once. What a relief!

That also might be because my co-workers were trying to stay away from me because I was attempting to speak with an Irish accent for the last 10.5 hours.

Yeah... now that I think of it, that's more likely to be the real reason.

Sing Loud, Sing Proud

2008-03-14T14:26:00.003-05:00

Our Sacred Harp/Shape Note group was interviewed and featured in a local paper in St. Louis, the West End Word. Unfortunately, our visitors came on a night when a huge storm was expected, so I was part of the smallest gathering I'd ever seen at our singings. And, that is reflected in the picture included in the article. Very unfortunate. But, we still had a great time singing. If any of you blog friends can come up for a visit, I hope you will schedule your trip around the 1st or 3rd Monday of a month so you can sing with us. I would love to introduce you to our Sacred Harp friends - as they are wonderful, wonderful people.

You Could?

2008-03-13T10:53:00.005-05:00

Today, I spoke with someone on the phone. He was really frustrated. REALLY frustrated. I mean, I could hear him stomp his feet and imagined his arms were flailing all around. I'm SURE his face was turning red. His part of the discussion built up to the end when he pretty much yelled, "And you know what? I COULD CARE LESS!!!"

That probably wouldn't be the best time to point out the error of this phrase, right?

Don't worry. I didn't. But, I wanted to do so. Instead, I literally bit my tongue and - as always - tried not to laugh. I rarely succeed.

There are numerous ways in which we flub up our words and pronunciations and grammar, and there is no crime in that. We're human. (I do it all of the time here on the blog.) But, it isn't common to find a phrase that is used by numerous people which is the exact opposite of what they mean to say.

I have been in a few meetings through the years where I haven't been sure if a participant really meant to use the phrase. It can take a while to figure that out because we hear it used incorrectly so often.

My cousin Stephen has the tendency of not using exactly the right words to explain himself. We have a good chuckle when we get together and tease each other about everything. At Christmas, he told me that he could care less about something. I told him I think he meant to say 'I COULDN'T care less.' He told me he couldn't care less about what I think about what he should say. It serves me right.

Speak Easy

2008-03-13T09:59:00.003-05:00

Last night, my parents and I had a long discussion about regional phrases and words. It all started by talking about the chiffarobes in To Kill A Mockingbird. Of course, this led to a little teasing about our family's use of 'chester drawers' which we've discussed before here on the blog. I know there's an overwhelming amount of vocabularly here on the blog in the past two days. But, maybe, just maybe, you can sort these out if you're not quite clear on all of them. I know I wasn't last night.

colloquial - pertaining to words or expressions more suitable for speech than writing; in informal, conversational style.

euphemism - the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt (as passing away for dying.)

vernacular - using plain, everyday, ordinary language; the native speech or language of a place; the language or vocabulary peculiar to a class or profession.

cliche - a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse.

proverbial - of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb; having become an object of common mention or reference.

idiom - an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements (as kick the bucket or hang one's head) or from the general grammatical rules of a language (as the table round for the round table) and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics; a language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to a people.

platitude - a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound.

Chopping Chiffarobes

2008-03-12T11:59:00.004-05:00

A kind co-worker loaned me a book on CD after we discussed how much time I spend in my car each week driving to and fro. It was "To Kill A Mockingbird" to be exact. I am slightly ashamed to admit that I had not yet read it, but I knew of the main story points. This week of commuting has not been a chore as it sometimes is. I need to get back to listening to sermon tapes, which used to be my constant car companion, and mix them up with novels every once in a while. It was sad to see that I had placed CD number 10 in the player this morning and had only one CD remaining in the box, so the story will soon come to a close.

Of course, as usual, I have been keeping a mental list of the words I've needed to look up once I arrive at home or work. And, as usual, there are many more on my list than I would like. My vocabulary is tiny (so please don't make too much fun of me!) I guess that's why I'm so interested in learning new words or looking up words to confirm I'm using or interpreting them correctly. Here are some I looked up this past week.

beadle (n.): a minor city official, lower in rank than either a sheriff or a policeman, whose main duties revolve around preserving order at various civil functions such as trials and town hall meetings.

calomel (n.): a laxative; often used as a cure for intestinal worms

changelings (n.): a child secretly put in the place of another

charlotte (n.): a desert made with fruit in a mold that is lined with pieces of bread or cake.

chiffarobe (n.): a large cabinet with drawers and a place for hanging clothes

fractious (adj.): mean or cross

Franklin stove (n.): a cast iron heating stove, invented by Benjamin Franklin.

impudent (adj.): To be impudent is to be shamelessly bold, as if you don't care what anyone thinks about you.

invective (n.): Invectives are abusive terms, curses, insults, and/or cuss words

obstreperous (adj.): noisy and unruly

palliation (n.): act of lessening the pain or fear and anxiety of something without actually making the fear and anxiety go away.

philippic (n.): a bitter verbal attack

scuppernongs (n.): a sweet table grape, grown chiefly in the Southern United States.

smilax (n.): a bright green twinning vine, often used for holiday decorations.

taciturn (adj.): almost always silent.

unsullied (adj.): something that has been basically untouched or unused.

The Old Times: Dress-Up and Play-Doh Barbershop

2008-03-11T17:51:00.006-05:00

Last week, I headed to the Zimmerman household to watch 3 of the most adorable girls. Playing with them brought back some great memories of playing around the house with my brother when we were much younger, and I had so much fun.

The girls had received a new Play-Doh Doggy Doctor set. Tressa was very intensely treating the puppy's wounds, and the poor pooch seemed to have problems everywhere. I do declare, I've never seen a creature with more bandages than this!

Tressa was pretty much a band-aid factory there for over an hour. Just churning them out one by one.

In the meantime, Abi was busy with the Imagination Station, and she had opened up the bag of hats. She ran from the bedroom at least 25 times repeatedly yelling, "It's windy, Auntie Em! It's windy! It's windy, Auntie Em! It's windy!" There's no doubt she has been instructed by her mom and pop to wear a hat when it is cold outside, so in her make-believe world, she wanted to make sure I was protected. Tressa and Rian were given special protection too.

I have no idea how these bunny ears were going to block the wind for Rian, but she sure had a fun time wearing them and seemed ready for any stormy weather.

But no one was given more hats than I. Seems like Abi thinks my immune system is a little run down.

I miss the old days of taking an entire afternoon to pull out the Play-Doh Barbershop kit that Aaron and I used to love. There was the barbershop chair, the little people with tiny holes all over their head (scalp), and the tiny little plastic scissors used to give one a haircut. I miss the old days of spending hours dancing around with our white gloves and neon clothes in front of the black lights in our bedroom. My apologies to my brother. I know these types of memories can be a little embarrassing for a guy. But, they are wonderful memories to me. Of course, what isn't a wonderful memory is the amount of time it took and effort it took to take a little toothpick and pick out all of the little dots of Play-Doh out of the men and women's scalp after each time we played with the set. Maybe that's why it seems so special now. Because we played with it so infrequently because of all of the hard work it involved.

The smell of the Play-Doh brought back tons of memories, and playing with the girls is a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of life. They sure make me smile.... even while trying to balance 7 hats on my head.

A Big Opportunity

2008-03-07T17:08:00.002-06:00

As I wrote a couple a couple of weeks ago, things are really changing at our workplace. We were once part of a huge world-wide company, and we were recently purchased by a smaller company. We were quite shocked with the sale, and some employees became uneasy about the future. But, from all interactions with the new owners, this new adventure seems like it will be a very positive one.

I had stopped my job search so that I might reap some rewards of celebrating five years at the company. But, with the sale, I wondered if this might be the forced push for me to obtain more challenging and more rewarding and more creative job somewhere else. The thoughts that were swirling in other employees' heads were also swirling in mine. 'Maybe the new owners will think this position is not needed....' or even more discouraging, 'Maybe the new owners will not think I'm suitable to stay on staff for any new opportunities that might arise.'

Little did I know that I had somehow made an impression on them. In the midst of basement troubles, vacation days, being out sick, attending my cousin's funeral services and trying to keep my sanity, I made an impression, and it was a good one. Because, as the craziness of the previous weeks started to wind down, the owner called me into his office and asked if I would like to take on the challenge of leading the Human Resources efforts. I won't go into all of the details, but I was thrilled and surprised and happy. This was a long-awaited answer to prayer, and I said yes. YES YES YES! And, I am so very thankful for this opportunity to work hard - for this site, for the new owners with whom I'm extremely impressed, and my co-workers who I care for so very much.

Setting up all of the Human Resources details is a lot of hard work and will involve many late nights. I would very much appreciate your prayers during this time of the company transition, and I want to thank those of you who have been praying for me regarding my job all along. I'm sure hopeful for the future!

The Old Times: Rolling Odometers

2008-03-06T10:08:00.004-06:00

You know what I miss? Rolling odometers. You know what I mean? The black and white kind which would move constantly to help you keep track of your mileage?

When Aaron and I were younger, Dad - from the driver's seat - would often make the announcement that we were approaching a special number on the odometer. And, Aaron and I would crowd around Dad's shoulders to try to get a glimpse of the dashboard. (This is before the days of mandatory car seats, mind you.) Mom would lean over too so to not miss out on the excitement. Now, that I think about it, that would have been a pretty funny sight if someone could have taken a picture of us... all of us leaning in to see those black and white number dials move ever so slowly.

So, Dad would let us know that we were approaching a big rollover. For instance, the odometer might read 23999... and the last dial would gradually move with every tenth of a mile. 4.... 5.... 6.... 7.... 8.... 9.... Then, it seemed so exciting to us to see all of those 9s move with that last tenth of a mile to read 24000. Or, we'd look forward to watching the odometer line up with several of the same numbers, such as 12222.

Even today, with our not-as-exciting digital odometers, I look forward to seeing those special numbers. Part of the thrill was gone, but it was still fun to watch a special number approach this week. And, I promise you, I was looking at the road the entire time this picture was taken. I have a bunch of blurry pictures and pictures which don't even contain the odometer to prove it.

Olives Stuffed With This Stuff

2008-03-05T16:49:00.003-06:00

First of all, I've missed all of you bloggers and commenters.

Secondly, we had a discussion at church a week or two ago about pimento (or pimiento). Now, I know some of you are gourmet chefs, so please don't scold us for our ignorance. But, we didn't know exactly what pimento was. I had guessed it was some kind of red pepper and... it turns out that guess was correct.

From dictionary.com:
pi·mien·to [pi-myen-toh, pi-men-toh]
1. the ripe, red, mild-flavored fruit of the sweet or bell pepper, Capsicum annuum, used as a vegetable, relish, to stuff olives, etc.

Thirdly, I've REALLY missed all of you bloggers and commenters.

Remembering Sheila

2008-03-05T15:45:00.004-06:00

Two weeks ago, I walked out of the Sacred Harp singing to head toward my car and turned on my phone to call my cousin Sheila. She had called the night before to check on me because she had heard that I was having some struggles with my basement. Water had seeped in several times in the two weeks before due to the pouring rain we've had in our area, and she was calling to comiserate because she too was dealing with the same ordeal in her house. As usual, her voicemail message was funny, and as usual, she ended the message with some encouraging words and an 'I love you.' When she called the night before, I wasn't able to reach the phone because I was in the basement working on the water problem.

The next day got away from me at work because of our company site being sold, and I planned to call Sheila on my way home from Sacred Harp. But, when I turned on my phone, the alert notified me that I had several messages. I listened to all of them - from various family members - which told me that Sheila had been rushed to the hospital that evening. As soon as I hung up from my voicemail, my cousin Bart called to tell me that Sheila had just passed away unexpectedly from heart complications.

Sheila with Bart and Mary at Grandpa's 98th birthday party.

I can't explain the shock I felt. Sheila and I have always been very close. My dad and mom have always been very close to her, too. In fact, they named me after her, so her middle name Denise is my middle name.

Some of my earliest memories are memories of doing things with Sheila. When Mom and Dad worked for some in-home sales companies and they needed to attend conventions, Sheila would always come along to babysit. We'd explore the area or play in the pool, or she'd teach us songs and poems. We used to sing "Miss Molly Had A Dolly" over and over and over, and I loved watching Sheila act out the song. She loved small children, and she ran a daycare business within her home until her passing. She would go on and on and on about each child as if each were her own, and she was so proud of them.

Sheila made several dolls for me through the years, and one even had a homemade fur coat and mittens. She went to the trouble of refurbishing a cherished doll, Susie, for my graduation, and I couldn't believe it. Sheila was always doing nice things like that.... sending a note, sending me a pansy figurine to add to my collection, or sending some Valentine's Day cookies. She had just done that the week before.

Sheila was so fun, and when there was fun to be had, I knew I always had a partner at the family events that would jump right in with me. It didn't matter how crazy it was. We'd talk and talk, and we'd laugh and laugh. But, then, when I needed someone to really listen and understand, she'd do that too and pray for me. She gave great hugs, and she wasn't afraid to say 'I love you' - both when times were tough and when I was up to something mischievous that she could really appreciate.

Sheila with Mom at Kayla's graduation party.

I can hear her voice saying, "Ohhh, Rog" or "Ohhh, Dennie" when my uncle or dad were doing something funny. But, my favorite was when she looked at her husband and said "Ohhh, David" when he was kidding her. That happened so often when I would visit Sheila and David. I remember always sitting in the backseat and leaning forward to watch them joke with each other while holding hands. It seemed they were almost always holding hands, and I loved that.

Sometimes, Sheila would say all of the "practicing" on Aaron and me in our younger years was really just preparation for her two daughters. She loved Brittany and Kayla so very much. VERY MUCH! That was for sure, and she protected them like a mother hen. When I teased her for being overprotective, she explained the girls were her babies, and the 3 of them were the best of friends. Since Kayla has moved down here to Edwardsville, their family has visited many times in the past year, and those are some special times for which I am very thankful.

It was several years ago when Sheila came to me and told me she'd just read an article about not waiting in life to celebrate. She said the story had made her think about our grandpa - whose 94th birthday was approaching - and wondered what I thought about having a party this year instead of waiting until his 95th to have one. So, Sheila and I moved forward with plans. It turned out to be a BIG party with all of the extended family invited to attend. But, that year and in the years after, some people have been mixed up at what birthday Grandpa was celebrating. They were sure that first big party HAD to be his 95th. 'Why would anyone have a big party for a 94th birthday??' I vividly remember standing in front of my family - while crying, of course - trying to explain why we decided to have a party that year. It was Sheila's idea and Sheila's hope that we would not put off celebrating and spending time and expressing our love to our loved ones because we didn't know how long we'd have to spend with each other here on earth. And, I vividly remember trying to put all of that into words while looking across the park pavilion into her crying eyes that day. What a wonderful memory and a wonderful lesson she gave me that year... along with so many others.

It has been hard to realize she is gone. In fact, even at her own funeral, something funny happened, and my initial thought was that I needed to go find Sheila to tell her about it because she'd get a kick out of it. It was quite a shock when I came to my senses. It just didn't feel right for the family to be together with her not being there because she was ALWAYS there when we had a family event. I know there will be so many more of those times of missing her in the future, and that's very difficult to think about. But, oh, what a wonderful time I've had with her thus far and what a wonderful time I've had recounting the memories. And, I imagine the experience she's having in heaven with our Lord, and, through the tears, I can't help but smile... just like I did every time I was with Sheila.

Crazy Couple of Weeks

2008-02-18T13:55:00.010-06:00

Once again, I've missed posting and keeping up with my blog friends. As most of you know, I became sick on February 5 before heading home to Canton, and finally this Saturday evening, I felt better. My throat was so raw most of the time, and it seems the illness is going around. It's just affecting everyone in such different ways.

My cousin's wedding went really well, and it was a pleasure to help with it. I really appreciated the vows that were exchanged (by my cousin, David, and his wife, Jennifer) and the message that his pastor shared. He spoke about how love in a marriage is a decision a spouse must make every single day... not just an emotion. A commitment that should be lived out through actions every day of their marriage. So many people seem to forget that when the going gets rough. I'm sad to say that with all of the running around, I failed to take a picture of David and Jennifer. I hope to post one soon.

But, I was able to take some funny pictures. Because there were so many children present for the ceremony, the couple provided some special tables in the corner of the reception for our young cousins. Here is one fun part of the day where some of the big cousins played GO FISH with the little cousins. This was right after we enjoyed the dessert buffet. You read it correctly. DESSERT BUFFET. In addition to white cake and chocolate cake, there were about a dozen choices in other cakes, pies, and cheesecakes from which to choose. WOW!

While in my hometown, I packed in the errands around the wedding rehearsal and festivities. I saw my hometown chiropractor, had my rear brakes and catalytic converter replaced, had my vacuum repaired, ate lunch with my friend Susan (more on that later), and went shopping with Mom. It was a nice time, but the time went too quickly. Needless to say, I didn't receive too much rest, and it was really no wonder that my cold became worse. Before I knew it, it was time to return to Edwardsville for church on Sunday morning.

Just a day before, Dad had been asked to fill in for a band that would be playing near Edwardsville, and he accepted the job. The band would be playing at the Crystal Ballroom in a town about 20 miles north of us, so I decided to go hear the music. I had been to the Crystal Ballroom once before with Brother Chris when we went to hear a church friend, Mike Mitchell, play drums with another big band that was touring through the area. Just like the visit before, it was wonderful to watch all of the couples dancing. So many dances and so much fun. I wish that kind of dancing was still popular. I guess, with Dancing with the Stars, it may be making a comeback. Dad did a fantastic job - as always - with his solos, and (above) here he is waiting for the next song to be called. Beautiful white grand piano! I probably should have been asleep at home because later that night my sore throat returned. But, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon.

I missed many days of work last week, but I came to the office for a few hours on Wednesday to hear that our company site has been purchased. There are many questions to be answered, and we do not know what this will mean for each of our employees. I just ask for your prayers for all of our staff while the questions are being answered in the near future.

On Thursday, I felt the worst, so I was not able to celebrate Valentine's Day with my co-workers as planned. But, my pa was thinking of me and brightened my day when he sent me this beautiful bouquet. Of course, he was thoughtful to make sure plenty of purple was included, and the flowers are sitting in a huge purple polka-dotted cup on a purple polka-dotted saucer. Just beautiful, and it made the day much better after being so sick.

On Friday night, my cousin Kayla and I headed to Marine to watch the "nieces" so Jeff and Tracy could have a night out. We had fun touring their new play room, having dinner, watching part of Pete's Dragon (I had never seen it before), and enjoying some Valentine's Day treats (below). Spending time with the girls always makes me feel better, and so do lazy Saturdays at home! So, by Saturday evening, I pretty much felt like my old self again.

I hope all of the bloggers and blog readers have been staying healthy! There will be a lot that I'll be trying to catch up on here at the blog in the upcoming days. But, before I sign off today, I just wanted to send a BIG HELLO to my friend Laurie who is (get ready for the envy to begin) on vacation in Hawaii!!! I heard that her mom and she had a rough time with their flights, and I just pray everything is going better now. I can't wait to see the vacation photos of sunsets, the ocean and mountains. I wish I were there!!!

Catching Up With Day Five, Recipe Five

2008-02-09T11:30:00.000-06:00

I thought I would post the recipe that immediately came to my mind when Kelly first posted her soup recipe. It is sort of similar to the one that Dani posted. And, I don't mean to be a copy cat... but this is the recipe I always intended to post. The dish I always ask Mom to make. The recipe for which I've called and called and called Mom so she could remind me how to make it. (For some reason, it never actually makes it onto a recipe card and into my recipe file.) It's the recipe that Mom always makes for me when we have a big family gathering. It's the food that always makes it into some sort of plastic container and is tucked in my bag on my way back to my house after a visit at home. And, its the food that is usually placed in the microwave immediately after I arrive at my house. I don't know why I love it so much, but I do.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
2 T oil or margarine or butter
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1/8 c chopped celery
1 can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
1 8 oz. jar Cheez Whiz
1 soup can of milk
1 c minute rice
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped broccoli (square box usually)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large skillet, saute onion and celery in butter until clear. On medium heat (warm enough to melt Cheez Whiz), add milk, soup and cheez and stir to combine with onion and celery. Add rice and broccoli. Stir continuously to slightly thaw and even distribute rice and broccoli. Keep in mind this will be baked to cook. So, if mixture seems thick, add up to another 1/2 soup can of milk. Spray 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Pour mixture into baking dish. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes until top browns and bubbles. Let stand for 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Mom almost always doubles this recipe and places it in a 9x13 deep dish for our family events. If she does double, she uses a 16 oz. bag of frozen chopped broccoli or two small boxes. Either will be fine.

Since coming home, I've been trying to juggle several projects and fight a cold. So, I'm sorry I'm behind in my posting. A cold always seems to come right before I'm supposed to sing somewhere. This afternoon, my brother and I will be singing a duet at our cousin David's wedding, and I'm praying the hoarseness will hold off and my sore throat will go away. I've been taking regular doses of various herbs, vitamin C, hot tea, Cold Eeze, and that yummy vegetable beef soup that Dad posted in the comments section a day or two ago. I pray it helps when it really needs to count at 2:00 pm today. Please join me in praying for my cousin David and his soon-to-be-wife Jennifer. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some pictures from the wedding next week.

Day Four, Recipe Four

2008-02-07T17:28:00.000-06:00

Here's one of our favorites for breakfast... especially when guests are coming over, especially on a church meeting weekend.

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
6 c loose packed/shredded frozen hash browns, thawed
2/3 c. butter, melted
2 c. cooked ham, diced
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c. milk
4 eggs
1/2 t. salt (or more to taste)

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Press hash browns on bottom of pan. Drizzle with melted butter over crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Sprinkle ham and cheese over "crust" (hashbrowns). Beat eggs, milk, and salt. Pour over ham and cheese. Return to oven and bake 25 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

Catching Up With Day Three, Recipe Three

2008-02-07T17:23:00.000-06:00

This is not a recipe you'd want to make if you're trying to be healthy, count carbs, or cut sweets out of your diet. But, if you're not doing any of those crazy things, you might enjoy this as much as our family does. This is especially delicious with ham dishes or as a dessert with any meal.

Scalloped Pineapple
4 c. bread cubes
1 can chunked pineapple, drained
1 and 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c half & half or milk
7/8 c margarine or butter ***

*** I have no idea why this weird measurement is used, but that's what we've always had and always used. :)

Combine first five ingredients. Melt butter and stir into mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. It is wonderful served warm - especially with a little ice cream.

Day Two, Recipe Two

2008-02-05T10:46:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling really snacky today, so this recipe came right to mind. Wish I had a food processor here so I could make some at lunch. This is a recipe that was given to me by my college friend, Patrick Schrappen, and he's a great cook.

Sun-dried Tomato Dip
3/4 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 c sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
1 clove garlic
1 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. dried oregano
3/4 c. milk
sprinkle of cracked pepper & salt

Combine ingredients in a food processor and mix until smooth. Chill before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Serve with cut vegetables, chips or flatbread. DELICIOUS!

One time, when I was visiting friends in Arkansas, I was trying to make this, but we were rushing around. We couldn't find sun-dried tomatoes in the small store in town and didn't have time to head to the city. So, I thought I would just try to substitute roasted red peppers (the kind you find in small jars) for the sun-dried tomatoes. I must say, I think it was just as delicious! Just a little different flavor.

Today is the last day I'll be in the office this week as I am heading to my hometown to enjoy a few days off and attend my cousin's wedding. My brother and I are singing in the ceremony, and we need a little extra practice with Dad beforehand. In the meantime, I'm trying to work hard to get many things in place before I leave. Laundry, dishes, projects that are not completed... so I won't be able to post my recipe tomorrow. But, I'll be catching up with two recipes on Thursday since I'll have computer access at Mom and Dad's house. Sorry, in advance, for the break in posts.

The most important things to get in place? My ribs... or whatever is still out in my back. So, I must depart for the chiropractor once again. Hope each of you has a wonderful day, and I can't wait to see your recipes. Yesterday's posts made me so HUNGRY!!!

Here is the updated list of blogs whose writers are participating in Recipe Week:
Sojourning Stranger
Abundant Grace
Faith Hope and Love
Bound
Threefold Chord
Sisters
Kitchen Talk
Gator Gals

And, Mr. and Mrs. Piano Man may contribute in the comment sections. Take out your recipe cards and get to copying!

Day One, Recipe One

2008-02-04T15:17:00.000-06:00

It was a foggy foggy morning. When I awoke, I could not see the houses right across my small street. Thankfully, as the day warmed up, the fog burned off. And, I slowly - and carefully - made it to work.

I was moving slowly anyway. After a good day at church and at the nearby nursing home where we sing on the first Sundays of the month, I headed home to do some super-duper-deep cleaning of my house. Quickly, I was sidelined with a problem in my back. It hurt so badly that I barely moved for several hours. I just stayed in the fetal position and whimpered. (Just kidding... sort of...) I ventured out for some icy-hot. (I had never used the stuff before). I used ice packs. I used hot packs. I took more Tylenol than I probably should have taken. Nothing seemed to help. After my visit to the chiropractor this morning (when I realized it was 76 degrees on my car thermometer), I discovered that I had two dislocated ribs in my back. I have no idea how that happened. He said I could have done it by lifting something heavy (a regular thing for me), shoveling snow (a regular thing lately), or just sneezing really hard (well, that's pretty regular too.) I feel MUCH better now. But, I think I'll be going to the chiropractor again tomorrow. Still feeling pretty tight and achy.

It would have been a great day for me to stay at home, relax, and enjoy some tasty treats like the ones below. I'm starting to drool just thinking about them - as they're some of my favorites.

Peanut Butter Cups
2 sticks of softened margarine (1 cup)
1 lb powdered sugar
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1 cup peanut butter (we prefer mooth, but either will work)

Mix together well and press into a 9 x 13 pan. (I end up using my hands.)

Melt 6 oz of chocolate chips. (We almost always use semi-sweet but some families prefer milk chocolate. And, our family always uses a whole 12 oz bag - or two cups - when making this recipe.) Immediately spread melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter mixture to make an even chocolate coating.

Place in refrigerator (or freezer) to cool. You may need to allow them to come to room temperature slightly to cut them into squares. We serve them chilled as they can be pretty gooey while warm.

Can't wait to see AND TRY everyone else's recipes that are posted this week. Remember, if you're participating in the blog recipe exchange, don't hesitate to leave me a comment so the other participants can check out your blog.

Scenes Along A Snowy Road

2008-02-01T10:51:00.000-06:00

Despite cleaning off my car 3 times yesterday (mid-day, 5:00 pm rush hour, and 11:30 pm), this is what my dirty car looked like this morning. (Yes, I know it should be in the garage!) The news reported that we received somewhere between 8 and 9 inches, and this morning it took me an hour to get out of my driveway and off my little street. (This end of the driveway was much better than the other end.) Thankfully, the main roads and highways were cleared off much more than my home territory so I could make my commute to work.

But, as soon as I exited the house and I looked into my beautiful back yard, I wanted to run out into the snow and make a snowman or throw snowballs.... or run back inside, hibernate all day and watch some movies while sipping hot cocoa within the warmth of my down blanket... OK. I need to stop day dreaming. There was work to be done, so I had to drive to the office. There were less cars on the highway than usual. It's funny to think that it took me less time to commute 35 + miles than it did to get 50 yards from my home.

This kind of weather always seems to generate conversation about driving. It happened here at the office after the first snowfall yesterday. Several employees called in to say they would be late for their shift because "we have to drive 20 mph on the highway because people just don't know how to drive in the snow." Then, we had other employees who got upset because of the "crazy people who are zooming past me and just don't know how to drive in the snow." I'm confused. Is it the fast folks or the slow moving folks who are the bad drivers in this kind of weather??? Or, is this just another example of us just wanting something about which to complain?

The huge signs along the interstate alerted us to upcoming accidents and expected ETAs at the next big highway. I wonder who types in those messages, because today's alerts were some doozies. I tried to take a picture of them, but it was difficult in the conditions. In an attempt to not be labeled as a "bad driver", I decided to promptly put away the camera and keep both hands on the wheel. The long, round-about poorly worded alert, however, reminded me of an interesting group and web site.

If you have time, check out the efforts of the Plain English Campaign. Here's is this group's purpose in its own words:

Since 1979, we have been campaigning against gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information. We have helped many government departments and other official organisations with their documents, reports and publications. We believe that everyone should have access to clear and concise information.

The group presents several awards each year, and my favorites are the Golden Bull (citing the worst examples of written word) and Foot in Mouth (citing the most confusing quotes made by public figures.)

Below are some of my favorite examples from my favorite awards categories:

2006 Foot in Mouth given to model Naomi Campbell for "I love England, especially the food. There's nothing I like more than a lovely bowl of pasta."

2000 Foot in Mouth given to actress Alicia Silverstone for "I think that [the film] 'Clueless' was very deep. I think it was deep in the way that it was very light. I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it's true lightness."

2003 Foot in Mouth given to former United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for comments in a press briefing. "Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don't know we don't know."

The following are a few Golden Bull winners for 2007:

BAA for a sign at Gatwick Airport
‘Passenger shoe repatriation area only’

Fastway Couriers for terms and conditions
‘The Carrier shall not be liable for injury or damage to or destruction or loss of the Goods or any other property arising out of or incidental to or in connection with or occurring during the provision of the Services or for the mis-delivery or nondelivery of the Goods and whether or not caused or contributed to by the default (including negligence) of the Carrier or any agent, servant or officer of the Carrier or any other person entitled to the benefit of these conditions.’

And, finally, here's one some of my co-workers would appreciate.
Nestle for a 'Project News Report'
‘“Green Sauces” are an important product group for Buitoni Pesto Basilico. Their quality and flavour profile are enhanced by the basil used in production. However, Buitoni faced sensory profile reproducibility problems due to heterogeneous raw material, challenging the production of uniform quality.’

We make life so complicated.

(REMINDER to those participating: RECIPE POSTING begins Monday. Post one recipe each weekday next week.)

My Favorite Hymn

2008-01-30T12:41:00.001-06:00

As you know, I often have a song in my head that is just as often coming out of my mouth. Every once in a while, it will be a contemporary hit. More often, it will be a jazz standard that my father has taught me. Most often, it will be a hymn.

I like playing the "My Favorite" game with people. Our group plays it in the car on the way home from a church meeting. One person will announce the category (like favorite flower, favorite food, favorite conversation from the weekend, sermon point from the weekend that has most stuck with you...), and each person will take a turn answering it before the next topic is announced. Playing this is a wonderful way to get to know someone or learn about the interesting facts of his/her life.

It seems we always end up at "favorite hymn", and I have never known what to answer. There are so many great ones from which to choose. How could I narrow it down to just one? But, in the last year, one has continually returned to my mind, and I find myself singing it - both when I need that particular encouragement and when I don't even realize right away that I am singing. It probably has a lot do with the melody which I love, but the hymn also includes some important reminders which apply to my particular pitfalls. So, I need the reminding. Regularly. Very regularly. I think this may also be one of my dad's favorites - as I hear him call for it at church meetings.

ADORATION
Mary F. Stewart
THE OLD SCHOOL HYMNAL CO., INC.
HYMN # 327

Lord let me praise Thee in the morning,
While the day is new.
Let me praise Thee at the noontide,
And the evening too.
Let me not forget to praise Thee,
For since on the cross they nailed Thee,
Thy love has never failed me,
And it never will.

Lord, keep me with Thee through life's journey,
Else I'll lonely be.
Let me ever feel Thy presence,
Keep me close to Thee.
Let me not forget 'tis Jesus
That has never yet forgot us,
He says He'll always love us,
And I know He will.

Lord, I must come to Thee for comfort,
To Thee, Lord, alone,
All that we may do for others
Can't for sin atone.
Lord, we know that Thou dids't tell us
That the poor are always with us,
And that Thy love is jealous.
Let us love Thee more.

I know it is difficult to narrow down the list to just one. But, do you have a favorite hymn or one which you turn to regularly?

State of Confusion

2008-01-29T16:32:00.000-06:00

When I'm waiting for a fax or for a meeting to start, I like to test myself. Sometimes, I try to write out a block of scripture from memory. Or, I'll list the perfect squares up to 30 or 40. Right now, I'm trying to learn the presidents in order - which is something I never had to learn in school - so testing myself would do no good at this point. I hope to be able to recite them from memory by next month. And, I'm ashamed to admit that I've never made myself learn the bible books in order which I've wanted to do for years, so I am diligently working on that.

Yesterday, at the start of two different meetings, while waiting for some of the participants to show up, I decided to go back to the basics and make two lists... the United States from west to east and (later in the day) the state capitols from east to west. Mind you, I didn't allow myself to go back to my first list to make sure I had all of the capitols included on the second list.

This morning, I decided to check my work. Sadly, both lists had only 49 entries. For the life of me, I could not think of the state I had forgotten or the capitol I had forgotten. Then it hit me. Delaware was missing from the first, and Dover was missing from the second. The entire state seemed to be erased from my mind.

I've never been to Delaware, so I guess I should visit sometime soon.

5 Days for 5 Recipes

2008-01-28T13:58:00.000-06:00

Inspired by Kelly's post on her new recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup, some of us discussed how it would be fun for our blogger friends to post a favorite recipe each day next week - starting on Monday, February 4. You have a little time to prepare, so start digging through that recipe box. Five recipes. One for each weekday next week. That's all you need.

Bloggers, you can post your recipes right on your blog. Commenters, feel free to participate by posting within the comments section. And, if you don't have your favorites down on paper, write to your mom or grandma for help. If you plan to participate, leave a comment for me so we will know who is participating.

Sky High

2008-01-28T11:31:00.000-06:00

My friend and co-worker Alan has been wanting a dog for so long. Specfically, a hunting dog. But, because his work hours would not permit him to fully train one and he'd like a dog to be in the house with his parents, it was not an easy task to find the perfect puppy. Besides, Alan is very picky about his hunting partners.

After months of searching, he found Frontrunner Kennels. And, on the Started Dogs page, he fell in love with Sky. But, he needed to see her in person before he would know for sure that he wanted to purchase her. Before Christmas, he headed north to visit the kennels, and the truck had an extra passenger on the way back.

I had never heard of a Llewellin Setter before, but that is what Sky is! After going to the house on Saturday to help Alan's parents with a few things, I was able to finally meet her. She's a sweet dog, and she seems right at home there.

But, somehow, she senses when Alan is ready to go hunting. She starts pacing around the house, and she was thrilled when she was allowed to jump into the truck because she was ready to go. It is amazing to watch her track a scent, and she is very excited when she's allowed to work - to do exactly what she's been trained to do.

Sky seems right at home, and I think they're happy that she's now part of the family. She gets plenty of attention.

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

2008-01-25T10:58:00.000-06:00

I can't count the number of times we've sung a hymn at church that seemed to lift me off the pew... only to look at the top of the music to find Fanny J. Crosby as the lyricist. Born Frances Jane Crosby on March 24, 1820, she was a lifelong Methodist and wrote over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime.

When we met together this past Saturday night for our monthly church social, we took some time to sing... and once again, we turned to one of Fanny's songs. I noted how much I loved her words, and Brother Chris, Brother Jerry and others told me that Fanny also used pseudonyms to not draw attention to herself and her large body of work.

All The Way My Savior Leads Me, Saved By Grace, Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior, Safe In The Arms Of Jesus, Blessed Assurance, Near The Cross, I Am Thine O Lord (Draw Me Nearer), Savior More Than Life To Me, Tell Me The Story of Jesus, Close To Thee, He Hideth My Soul, Hide Thou Me, Praise Him Praise Him, Redeemed How I Love To Proclaim It!, and so many more. It is hard to believe that one person could write so many songs... especially with such beautiful words. But, when discovering more of her story, it was clear that she had a God-given gift in expressing the joys and valleys of life and she gave God all of the praise and honor.

Blind from the age of six weeks, Fanny was guided in her studies by her grandmother and their landlady while her mother worked as a maid. (Fanny's dad died when Fanny was one year old.) Fanny attended the New York School for the Blind where she eventually became a faculty member and met her husband. Several volumes of her poetry were published. She lived a full life while meeting presidents and dignitaries of the day, and it is written that she never seemed bitter about her blindness. Of course, Fanny would be able to say it best - even at the young age of nine:

"Oh what a happy soul I am,
Although I cannot see;
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy,
That other people don't;
To weep and sigh because I'm blind,
I cannot, and I won't."

Later, she commented, "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."

She could see far beyond her physical limitations, and I pray more of us might gain the sight she had.

"When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!"

I cannot say any more than what is already printed on the web site dedicated to her. The pages are filled with wonderful details of her upbringing, life as a teacher, and musical collaborations. If her hymns and life interest you, I hope you will take the time to read more about this precious saint.

Do you have a favorite Fanny J. Crosby hymn?

Ugly Fabric, Beautiful Creations

2008-01-23T16:25:00.000-06:00

A little over ten years ago, I created a list of 25 goals that I wanted to accomplish in my life. These were over the top, out of the ordinary feats. Ok, some were over the top. Some not so much. Right from the start, one of the goals was "Make a quilt." I don't know why I've always been interested in quilts. Maybe it was because I remember always having the quilts around our home that my great grandmother and great great aunt had made. I'm not sure. But, I knew I wanted to make a quilt. So, after feeling a little more settled last year, I joined a local craft guild so that maybe I could learn - as most of the members are avid quilters. And, I could get going on crossing another line off of my list.

The new club president and vice president are very creative in making up new activities, and a few months ago, they asked for volunteers to participate in the "Ugly Fabric Challenge." I didn't exactly know what that was. But, I've learned that if I hope to get better at this sewing gig, I had better get a move on and get to sewing. So, I've been trying to particpate in the contests and activities as often as I'm allowed... no matter what it involves. It makes me stretch, and that's a good thing.

So, I opened my little paper bag to find my ugly fabric, and here it is stacked on top of some (somewhat matching) material that I purchased at the store. I didn't know what I was going to make. I didn't know what material to use. But, I did know one thing. I was sure my material was the only member's material that was going to go from UGLY to UGLIER.

Tracy offered the suggestion of making an apron since I am also trying to continue my studies in making clothes. Lydia was kind enough to allow me to use her "frilly girly apron pattern" which I just love. Both gave their kind suggestions on what fabric to use. There were rules to this contest, mind you. We could add only 3 other coordinating fabrics to our project - no matter what we ended up making. Lydia and Tracy helped me settle on two. So, drumroll please.....

Here is my submission for the contest - in its full frilliness and girliness and gawdiness and oldtimeyness. One apron that is sure to not be forgotten. Despite Tracy's very thorough and wise coaching, I still did plenty of messing up. And, when it took so long to get through the first two coaching sessions, I had to complete it on my own. That was a mistake! (Many mistakes, to be accurate.) It is not put together correctly, but it sufficed for last night's guild meeting and contest. Tracy has offered to continue in providing guidance once I take a few sections back apart, and I'm thankful. And, I need her help. BADLY. Those sewing instructions might as well be in Chinese. At least then I might have a fighting chance at understanding some of the symbols. I hope I'm not a lost cause.

After seeing my apron, I'm sure you can guess that I wasn't going to give anyone a run for their money in the contest at the meeting. (Let me laugh for you. HA HA HA!) But, I just wish everyone could have been there to see the beautiful creations my fellow members made. Gorgeous gorgeous stuff.... alongside my horrendous apron. At least I can be counted on for some humorous story at each meeting... sharing my mishaps and reminding all of the very mature ladies what it was like when they learned to sew back when they were 7 or 8. I am so behind... but I'm trying to catch up. I'm trying.

I could not capture all of the beautiful creations, but here are a few that I thought you might enjoy seeing. From wall hangings to quilts to table runners to sweaters to dolls to artwork... I was reminded that such talented ladies surround me... women who can make the most beautiful out of the most ugly. With fabric and otherwise. May they continue to inspire me and remind me this feat is possible.

Tater Mitts Have Got A Hold On Me

2008-01-22T10:21:00.000-06:00

Something about those Tater Mitts infomercials has still got a hold on my brain... besides the completely tricked feeling I have over the blanching issue. Blanching just kept ringing through my head. Blanching. Blanch. That is such a funny word to me. Say with with me. BLANCH.

So, of course, I started thinking about the name Blanche. Say it with me. BLANCHE. Sounds the same and is just as funny with or without the e.

The fact is that I don't know a single person with the name Blanche. Not one. The only time I know of hearing it is in reference to that character on the TV show Golden Girls. So, that made me think of the name Maude.... which was the other TV personality of Golden Girls co-star Bea Arthur. I know it is a perfectly legitimate name, but I don't know of anyone named Maude.

It just made me think of all of the names that were so popular a century ago that are not used today. Even since 50 years ago, there have been some names that have gone out of style. With apologies to my mom, how many babies do you know named Phyllis? How about Gladys? Dorothy? Fern? Bertha, Edna, Hazel? Emma seemed to be firmly stuck in that category until the name was used for the child on the TV show Friends.

How about male names? Mortimer? Herman? Fred? Ralph? Barney? Herbert? Floyd? Elmer, Earl, Eugene, Clarence, Ernest? Know any babies with those names? I don't. The only exception that I know of is that Henry (with the nickname Hank) is making a strong comeback. I have 3 different friends who have named their sons Henry in the last 5 years.

So, in another attempt to stay awake and entertain myself at the hotel this past week, I made a list of all of the names I could think of that fit into this category.

Do you have any names that come to mind that you just don't hear parents naming their children any more? Or do you have any older names that you know are making a comeback?

Leonard, Albert, Gertrude, Bessie, Mabel, Agnes, Thelma, Ida, Myrtle, Beulah, Harry, Roy, Alvin, Delbert... the list goes on and on.

Conflicting Thoughts

2008-01-21T15:23:00.000-06:00

I meant to post this over the weekend. This is from Friday's edition of Dear Abby. With access to so many of the newspapers at the hotel, I've enjoyed reading the advice and manners columns in the past few months. I read the letters and tried to imagine what my response would be if I had an advice column... thinking through the details, trying to find biblical examples, recalling life experiences... Let's be honest. The majority of the time, I was just shocked at what advice was printed in the newspapers. The columnists were full of statements such as "Do it to them before they can do it to you." "Paybacks are fine." "Look out for yourself." "They're beliefs are wrong." "Get what you can when you can." "Parents, I'd just give up if I were you." "Do whatever makes you happy." And, the train of thought seemed to be all over the place from one letter to the next. It's perplexing to figure out where they've found their belief system, their ethical code, their sense of right and wrong.

Every once in a while, however, I would think one answer was be spot-on. And, I could hardly believe it.

This question and this answer (below) gave me conflicting thoughts. Anybody want to chime in? My answer - as it does with so many of these kinds of questions - would depend on me knowing about circumstances which are not included in the letter.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter, "Felicia," is 33 and still lives at home with her father and me. She's a wonderful person, has a great job and contributes to the house. Her father and I love Felicia and are very proud of her. However, we both feel that she needs her own place.

Every time we bring it up, Felicia says she would like to live here until she marries. Her dad and I have been married for 37 years, but we would like our privacy. What do you think? -- IMPATIENT MOM IN CHICAGO

DEAR IMPATIENT MOM: I think you have been more than patient. The time has come for you and your husband to tell your fledgling she needs a nest of her own. Help her to find one, and do not allow her to stall any longer. You will be doing all three of you a favor.

People Labels

2008-01-21T12:26:00.000-06:00

On New Years Eve, I had a long conversation with Tasha about some country songs that I really like. After writing them down for Tasha to check out, Sister Michele asked me, "How do you always know about so many new songs?"

Just a week later, I was given a wonderful gift by some wonderful friends. It was a book, and it was inscribed, "From one who cares to another who cares." Below is a chapter from this book, On Words: Insight Into How Our Words Work - and Don't by Paula LaRocque.

The answer to Sister Michele's question? See the last paragraph for the answer. As if you needed a label to know it!

Chapter 18
People Labels

Let's forget for a moment all of the reasons why we shouldn't label each other and observe that the labels we do use are often at least lazy and threadbare. Even those lovely words conservative and liberal carry so much emotional baggage that we've lost sight of the potential nobility they suggest: How nice to conserve. How nice to be open-handed.

We need fresh and imaginative words that identify people without being either meaningless or mean-spirited. And many such labels exist. We just don't use them. For example, we frequently talk about introverts and extraverts, but how do we identify those who are neither, those who balance sociability with healthy self-interest? There's a word for such people. It's ambivert.

Speaking of "ambi," we know what to call someone who is equally skillful with both hands. That person is ambidextrous. But what do we call someone who is equally clumsy with both hands? That person is ambisinister. "Ambi" is a prefix meaning both, and "sinister" means lefthandedness. So being ambisinister is a short form for saying we have two left hands.

What about people who have two left feet? No such word seems to exist, so let's play wordsmith and coin one. Since "ped" means foot, what about ambisiniped? (A wordsmith, by the way, is a logodaedalus.)

What trait would you say the word monoculist identifies? It means to have only one eye. And speaking of eyes, are you a presbyope? Or a myope? If you'r far-sighted, you're a presbyope, near-sighted, a myope - hence, the more commonly heard terms, presbyopia and myopia. But how might we label the near-sighted person who is lucky enough to have reached middle-age - and the age of the bifocal. Is that person a presbyopic myope?

Still speaking of eyes - are yours blue? And do you have blond hair? Then you're a glaucope. Now there's a label that sounds far more unattractive than the condition. No wonder we don't hear the term.

Or what if your eyes are brown instead of blue? Then you're a cyanope - a fair-haired, dark-eyed person. If you're a redhead, we can call you a pyrrotist. And if you have freckles with that red hair, you're a lentiginous pyrrotist. Sounds like something you could be arrested for, doesn't it?

We have fewer labels for thin people than we have for fat, and labels for skinnies are not as unflattering as those for chubbies. Of course, there are such terms: beanpole, stringbean, or bag of bones. Or the more clinical term ectomorph. But there's a finer, friendlier label for the naturally thin. It's leptosome. Compare that word to the porknell, which labels a fat person and means not only a pig, but a stuffed pig.

This next label is probably one you can put to use immediately. Do you know people who wake to music, drive to work to music, fall asleep to music, and spend the rest of the time wearing headsets that pipe music directly into their ears? Those people are melomaniacs. Bet you thought they had to be some kind of maniac, didn't you?

When I came to my job five years ago and found out our boss would not allow radios or CD players in our offices, I was devastated. And, I felt like I couldn't handle it. So this was me some years ago. Not any more. Not to this extent. But it is true that I love listening to music. All types of music. A good amount of the time.

New Commercials with New Songs

2008-01-18T13:28:00.000-06:00

There are all sorts of quirky new commercials with new songs that are being played on the tv and radio these days, and they are stuck in my head. For the most part, I like the songs. (Of course, I haven't heard all of the lyrics, so please forgive me if anything is questionable.) I just don't know the artists' names in most cases. So, today, I tried to use my investigative skills to track down a few that I remembered.

There this one, "Love Song", by Sarah Bareilles that is playing on the home page of her site. It plays on the Rhapsody commercial.

Then there's Ingrid Michaelson who sings "The Way I Am" on the Old Navy commercials. I think it is funny how she sings the line, "Here, take my sweater." If you've heard it, you probably know what I mean.

There are two more that were just in my head 10 minutes ago that are now gone because the two above won't get out. That's the problem with songs getting stuck in my head. Sometimes they get really stuck.

Do you know of any to which I might be referring? I'll probably hear them over the weekend... so maybe I'll come up with them by Monday. It's just interesting to see these commercials do such big things for indie and little known artists these days. Land a Gap ad, and your album sales skyrocket.

Update on Saturday morning: I just remembered another artist because she's had at least two big commercial songs out there. Cat Power with a remake of Cat Stevens' "How Can I Tell You" for the diamond advertisement and "Hanging on the Telephone" for Cingular/AT&T.

Then there's Feist with "1234" for the Ipod Nano commercial.

And, don't forget Regina Spektor with "Magic" for the JC Penney ad.

Cutting Edge Techniques for Killing Time

2008-01-17T10:58:00.000-06:00

Tonight begins the countdown....3....2...1... for my last 3 evenings at the night job. While I will miss the financial benefit, I am looking forward to having my weekends once again and am anxious to see what other part-time work or fun might take the place of this job.

The hardest part has been trying to stay awake and to make the hours pass by. So, I've resorted to all sorts of techniques. My usual evening at the hotel might go like this:

Greet the employee that is on duty before me, hear the instructions for the night, read the journal notes from the owners, start the next batch of laundry if needed, count the cash drawer, prepare for the remaining check-ins if needed, do my first walk-through of the building, find things to do for a few hours, do my second walk-through, take care of the garbage, find things to do for a couple of hours, bring in the new newspapers, start breakfast, fold laundry, place the linens in the linen closet, complete final walk-through, find something else to do until the next staff member relieves me.

So, often, there is a ton of killing time in between the important tasks of the night. (That is, when our hotel isn't full with guests and the breakfast doesn't have to be huge and when the laundry room isn't packed with sheets and towels.) On any given night there, I might read my bible or a good Christian book. I've read a few classic novels too. While reading usually doesn't make me sleepy, it does so when it is at the time when my body thinks I'm supposed to be sleeping. My brain is correct, but I have to force myself to switch my hours around on those 3-4 days I work. So, the reading can't always last too long. That's why I try to do that first. Sometimes, I go to the workout room and walk on the treadmill. While it wakes me up a little, I can't do that for too long either because I need to stay presentable for the front desk. Workout = perspiration. Sometimes, I move to organizing the supply shelves. But, there usually isn't much to do there. Of course, I've been working on a lot of craft projects for Christmas so that has greatly helped. Since I've been instructed to throw away the lobby newspaper from the day before, I have started looking out for the puzzle section so I can work through those.

In recent weeks, I've started watching back seasons of TV shows on the internet. But, I don't want to devote much time to that, so I usually try to read my bible again or write letters. But, truth be told, I almost always end up flipping on the TV and have once again become interested in the Game Show Network. It keeps me awake even though I admit it may not be the best use of my time. I've just tried to find something because it is so tempting to start dozing off at about 3:00 a.m. I used to have extended cable and loved watching the very old games shows that they'd re-run. To Tell the Truth, What's My Line, I've Got A Secret... all of those. However, now I have only basic cable at home, so it is a treat to watch the Game Show Network again. From midnight to 3, there have been some funny 70s and early 80s shows playing that I don't remember... Trivia Trap and Now You See It. They sometimes show Body Language which is where celebrities and contestants pair up to play charades. And, 'Merv Griffin's Crosswords' has really helped my crossword skills. Earlier in the evening (meaning 11 pm), Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is now on. And, last week, they had a very interesting question that I didn't know how to answer, but I thought it was something that most of us would want to know. Especially those of you who are aspiring chefs. The question was something like this...

What is the name of the part of a knife blade that extends into the handle? The answer is here along with labels for the other parts of a knife.

Very interesting stuff. Not the most useful or important, but it is interesting. Something else that is interesting is the frequency of biblical questions in the older gameshows. Much more common than in the gameshows of today. And, when the older celebrities are playing, they actually know the answers! Unbelievable. I don't think the celebrities of today would fare so well.

Thankfully, Press Your Luck is not on while I am working. You know, "No Whammies. No Whammies. STOP!" I just never caught on to that one. I do wish Name That Tune would play then. That always used to be one of my favorites, and I haven't seen it for years.

Do you have a favorite game show you always look forward to watching? Or, maybe a favorite way of passing the time?

Playtime

2008-01-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

When Tressa turned two, I drove around town to collect items that she could use to play school, veterinarian, construction worker, pro soccer player, and various other professions and hobbies. Not to mention some huge, gorgeous jewelry that shimmers and shines. And, I bundled all of it up in a storage tub that I named the Imagination Station. It has been fun to see Tressa run to that box from time to time and even add to it. Her imagination has run wild in the last two years.

As Abi's birthday approached, I wanted to give her something special for her second birthday. And, my mind immediately kept returning to an idea. But, time did not allow, and I was not able to follow through. (Notice a theme in the last few months?) So, I gave Abi a Leap Pad so she could play with her own while Tressa plays with Tressa's Leap Pad. Those girls love those Leap Pad books.

But, my mind could not leave my initial idea. And, when the family decided to not get rid of their old entertainment center because they were going to follow through with Tressa's idea to build a puppet theatre with it, I knew I needed to get in gear for Christmas and not have any second thoughts. Back in early fall, I had the idea of giving Abi a fold out theatre board complete with curtains, but Tressa's idea was much better. However, I knew I could help by contributing the most important part which I had ordered months before.

So, I gave Tressa and Abi... puppets, puppets, and more puppets. Complete with Three Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Grandma, Goldilocks, Little Bo Peep, Kings, Queens, Dragons, Mom, Dad, Baby, Doctor, Elephant, Cow, Tiger and so many more. There is a big tub of them, and the first night we opened them, we had a blast. It made me want to run out and buy some for my house. (To keep for only when the girls come over, of course. Of course!) :)
Before having dinner that night, two princesses graced my presence and welcomed me to their castle. Tressa and Abi wanted me to see the fancy dresses and jewelry they received for Christmas and which came in their very own dress-up chest. The girls were adorable.

When Tressa and Abi danced around, Rian became so excited that she couldn't stop laughing. I know she can't wait until she's old enough to join in on the fun. When watching the girls, time seems to rush by, so I know it won't be long. So, we'll just try to have as much fun as we are able right now when the girls are young, and I think we're doing a good job of it!

Beware to those visiting this family! You will probably be invited to the basement for a command performance in the beautiful theatre - complete with a red curtain that Mommy made for the actresses and puppet mistresses. You must be prepared to provide loud cheering, tons of clapping, and many Bravos!

Go Cubbies Go in 2008!

2008-01-11T15:44:00.000-06:00

On December 28th, my brother and sister-in-law celebrated their 5th anniversary, and Ketra sent me this fabulous picture of the happy couple on their special day. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Up until this point, I've tried to be good about following the list for the traditional anniversary gifts. (You know, first year = paper, second year = cotton, etc.) However, as December approached, I knew I would not be able to continue with my plans for their wood gift for five years no matter how hard I tried. Time was just too scarce. So, while trying to deal with the disappointment of not being able to carry on with that, I tried to think of something special I could give them (possibly, make for them) that would be something that Aaron and Ketra would truly enjoy. Then it hit me. I could make them a fleece Cubs blanket. Something to keep them warm for the cold games and something to give them a little extra padding for the long games.

I headed out to the fabric store with many questions. It had been a while since I had made a throw, so I didn't even know how big they were supposed to be. The fabric cutter assured me that most are made to be about 1.5 yards long. I explained to her that I wanted my sister-in-law to have a fighting chance at part of the blanket, so I wanted to make theirs twice as long. So, 9 feet of Cubs fabric was cut.

Then, two days later, another idea hit me. (Or, maybe it was the same idea hitting me just a tad harder!) What gifts could be more perfect for my partners in crime at work, Laurie and Phillip? We're the only Cubs fans in a sea of Cardinals fans. We get plenty of grief for our loyalty, but we know how to hold our own. And, we do it proudly without any apologies. So, I found even more Cubs fleece. Being that I was in the heart of St. Louis, I received some strange stares that day... but I tried to hold my head up high as I exited the store... while realizing that I had purchased enough fleece to also make another for my college buddy and die hard Cubs fan, Mike.

It took me a little while to get everything cut and tied, but, in all, I made one huge blanket for Aaron and Ketra and three smaller throws for Phillip, Laurie, and Mike. I was so excited as I sent Aaron and Ketra's gift in the mail and as I wrapped up the others. I couldn't wait for them to be opened.

Ketra sent me a photo to show me Aaron really appreciated the blanket. I felt badly that Laurie received hers so late due to the hectic schedule at work, but hopefully she got a little hint of what she'd receive when she saw Phillip's throw when she returned to the office. Phillip decided to cover his conference table with his and promptly invited our most aggressive Cardinals fan, Kurt, down to his office for a nice long chat. Kurt could barely stand to be in the room... let alone that close to the Cubs logo. I told Kurt if he really wanted one, I'd sure make one for him. He quickly declined the offer.

So far, the blankets have created a lot of fun. I hoped the gifts would help each of the recipients root a little louder for our dear Cubs while they surge toward victory.

Seriously. I think this could be the year.

Seriously.

New Year Games

2008-01-11T14:54:00.000-06:00

I know these posts will be out of order, but hopefully, together, we can make sense of all of this.

Amongst a great feast at the church building and some wonderful preaching by Elder Marty Smith, Little Flock Church followed its annual tradition of singing in the new year. The voices truly rang out that evening, and we could feel the Lord's presence as we anticipated the arrival of 2008.

It is also the tradition to break up a tad early so that some members can make it safely home before the new year's arrival. But, others of us have become accustomed to moving the celebration to a member's home to be rambunctious and loud while playing crazy board games. We've been known to even bang a pot and pan or two together at midnight. Look out Times Square! We know how to really celebrate.

So, we moved to the Zimmerman household. We decorated cookies. (Brother Chris' gingerbread man is a rather smiley chap with a rather large schnoz.) We talked in the living room while putting off playing the games. (At least, it seemed that way to me.) We watched Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest call out the countdown. We played PIT! (Two, two, two! Three, Three!) We played Catchphrase which made us need to take breaks to catch our breath from laughing so hard.

But, I think we would all agree. The most fun activity of the night, hands down, was HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS! Just look at Tressa's face. She was so excited.

I know some of you played a game that our family politely calls "I Doubt It!" And, some of you played Risk. But, did you play any other games while ringing in the new year? Better yet, do you have any games you liked as a child that you like to bring out every once in a while and play again? (If not, I strongly suggest Hungry Hungry Hippos with a pre-schooler.)

Stremmel Family Christmas 2007

2008-01-11T10:46:00.000-06:00

Each year, on the Saturday before Christmas, the Stremmel extended family meets in Canton to celebrate Christmas. Through the years, our get-together has gone through many changes, but for several years now, we have gathered to start some new traditions. And, many have stuck, and we like to have a lot of fun carrying them out.

One of my favorite parts. The littlest cousins love to gather around Great Uncle Dennis at the piano to sing songs. Of course, the biggest little cousin, Bart, can't help but join in too.

We then break for the men's grab bag gift or white elephant exchange. Many other families participate in something like this, and the game includes a lot of teasing, stealing presents, persuading others to please take my present, and trying to figure out what exactly that is in my box. Dad is more interested in David's present than his gloves, and Uncle Dick (in yellow) doesn't know quite what to think about his GIANT TV remote. By the conclusion of the game, Dad ended up with a fork and spoon that each stretch out about two feet - just in case he's in a situation where he'll need a little extra reach.

Lauren shows off her pink bag that she won in the women's gift exchange, and Brianna is sittin' pretty.
Little Gavin's shirt sure tells the story, and Miss Kayla and Miss Taryn wait to join in on the carols.

Of course, we started our big carol sing by first carrying out our traditional Twelve Days of Christmas with each family member (or group of family members) singing for each day and gift. Uncle Dick (again, in yellow) sings a very dramatic "Five Golden Rings", so we try to make sure that he always receives that part. We acted out the gifts also... with a lot of drummers drumming, ladies dancing, and, yes, maids milking. I was representing Six Geese A' Laying, so I am sure you can imagine!

I've received many questions wondering how we've been able to have so many participate in the fun at our family Christmas party. The truth is, in years past, many of my cousins have been big ol' sticks in the mud. That's right. I said it. Sticks in the mud! They might has well have said 'Bah humbug' throughout some of the past parties. It has been wonderful watching their children become older, see these funny things we've been trying to do year after year, and look forward to participating. So, my cousins have then wanted to join in with their children.

I always enjoy going home to sample some of the family's best cooking. There are some dishes that I am able to eat only once a year. So it is important to go through the line early, because some of pots become empty quickly. Unfortunately, I spoke with cousin Bart too long, but I was so happy to be able to scrape out the last helping of Aunt Norma's beef and noodles when I finally went through the line. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

In the past few years, it seems we have become more busy and more disconnected. So, I asked if each cousin, aunt and uncle would be willing to stand up, re-introduce their family and provide some highlights of the year. Yes, there were a lot of grumbles and moans. But, that was my favorite part of the day. (The sharing. Not the grumbling and moaning.) While some of the family sees each other several times a week, some of us live farther away and really miss knowing what is going on in the lives of our loved ones. It was a wonderful day with the extended family and a great start to the Christmas week.

I'll Be Back...Soon

2008-01-10T18:17:00.000-06:00

I'll try really hard. I will. I promise. I've been trying. But, I'll try even harder tomorrow. Or, maybe even tonight. Or, maybe it will be during the part of tonight that is really tomorrow. When I'm working at the hotel, things get a little blurry and I forget what time or day it is. Goes with the territory, probably.

Passing of a Co-worker

2008-01-04T08:19:00.000-06:00

Some time ago, I resolved to not check in on others' blog unless I had recently written a post or was in the midst of making one. Because the last two weeks have been hectic, I have not been able to write and, therefore, have missed my online friends and their blogs. I hope you will forgive me, and I will try to catch up next week with all I've been waiting to share. Of course, I never know what will happen, but I will try.

I had big plans to post yesterday, but something much more important took precedence in the day. Our company lost a dedicated employee who was in charge of production for our site. After the exchange from third shift to first, Mike reviewed the day with his lead staff, helped for the set-up of the production line, and came up to the front office to meet with our boss Phillip just as he did every morning. Mike felt like he was experiencing indigestion from overeating at the holidays, so he went to the lunchroom to retrieve some antacid from the first aid kit after leaving Phillip's office. Shortly after, a co-worker walked into the lunchroom to find that Mike had collapsed. While waiting for the ambulance, 3 of our staff members tried to revive him. The ambulance and medical staff did everything they could, but later that morning, we received word that Mike passed away due to a massive heart attack.

Mike, Production Manager, on left with Steve, Ice Cream Pilot Plant Tech

It has been difficult for our staff to pick up the pieces. The production operators who worked for Mike had just seen him an hour before, and it was hard to believe that he was now gone. The gruff man with extremely high expectations was not here to lead the team, and the absence was difficult to understand. Thankfully, each of us saw glimpses of his soft side from time to time, but he was careful not to show it too often - as he needed his team to stay on task, respect him, keep up the expectations at work. But, Mike would visit my office for small chats...and occasionally, unexpectedly, a long talk would be shared. It started with sharing our cat stories. Lots and lots of funny cat stories. The discussions often landed on our mutual love of music. He had just started a band this year, and he seemed happier than he had ever been. And, every once in a while, he'd carefully ease into a spiritual topic. I have no business answering these types of questions for anyone, but I'd study my bible to try to give him the best answer I could. I am most thankful for those times, and I am thankful - and amazed - that he was comfortable to talk to me about these important matters.

We will be trying to find our way in the weeks ahead as our employees are very close. We have banded together. We've spent time talking, we've shared stories, and we've taken breaks when we've needed them. A grief counselor has been on our site today, and I am happy to see that several co-workers have taken advantage of the opportunity to speak with her. My close friend Alan has stepped up to take responsibility as the interim Production Manager. And, when our leadership team met with first and second shifts yesterday afternoon to wrap up the day, our friend Tyrone led us in the most beautiful prayer. It was wonderful to join together with our co-workers to thank God for our blessings, plead for His healing, and ask Him to wrap his arms around Mike's family. Please join us in praying for our staff and Mike's wife and two children.

Best of Intentions for Christmas

2007-12-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

I've had the best of intentions about posting here on the blog... and sending out Christmas cards... and having my presents wrapped early... and making my house spotless so I can return to a neat and clean place after being with my family. But, no. None of that has been accomplished. And, I sure have a lot to do in the next 20 hours before heading home!

You see, I've tried to be ambitious in other ways this year, and I have made many of my gifts. So, I've had my very own little Christmas workshop going on. But, here and there, there have been little snags, and the domino effect set in to cause me to be a little (and then a lottle) behind in other parts of my life.

Unfortunately, I can't post any pictures of the gifts here. Not yet! Because I wouldn't want any of the Christmas surprises to be ruined. But, maybe I will be able to post a few after the new year. I know some of you are on the edge of your seat. :)

Please forgive me for the lack of posts lately and the lack of Christmas card in your mailbox. I have given my notice at my 2nd job, and I will end my work there by the end of January. So, I have high hopes some things will get back to normal soon (namely, sleep), and I have high hopes you will receive a Christmas card from me next Christmas. (I just might need all twelve months to prepare.)

Thank you, blog friends, for being so wonderful. It has been a blessing to share notes and emails and to learn more about your life. Even though our communication is almost 100% electronic, your kind words, humor and encouragement mean so much to me, and they brighten my days.

And, thank you family and friends who continue to read my crazy posts and try to keep up with me. There hasn't been anything very fascinating that has been happening lately, but I'm "hopeful for the future" and excited to see what God brings in this new year. Even if nothing knock-your-socks-off fabulous does happen, I pray for contentment and peace for all of us who are trying to seek the Lord's will in our lives... that we may walk more closely with Him each and every day and know we are exactly where He would have us to be.

I hope to post more next week if my computer connections work. However, if my intentions about that don't come to fruition, I want to wish each of you a very merry Christmas and the happiest of new years!

Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2007-12-17T12:24:00.000-06:00

Too bad I couldn't see it this morning.

Today, the drive in to work took almost one and one half hours... much longer than usual. It was because of the terrible fog. For the majority of the ride, I could see the distance of only two and three car lengths in front of me. There were some very scary moments with lots of folks slamming on their brakes at various points, and I saw one wreck occur. Nothing serious, thankfully. What I can't understand is how someone can be out in a situation like that... merging in and out of traffic on a highway with that low of visibility... and not turn on their lights!!! It's been a law for a while now to have lights on when one has turned on their windshield wipers, and seeing cars in the rain is difficult enough. This fog situation is ten times worse. I think some people don't get the point as they think the lights are a waste because it doesn't help them see any better in the fog. The point isn't for them to see better. The point is for all of us to better see them!

By the time I reached work, I had gone pretty far west, and the fog was disappearing in the sunlight here on the Missouri side of the river. And, now, I can see what arrived on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The sections of the St. Louis metro received between 6 and 8 inches of snow over the weekend. The plows have been busy at work. The snow is too dry and won't pack very well for anything bigger than a softball size snowball. So, no snowman for me yet. Wish I had a water hose. :)

Sadly, church services could not be held. And, two churches farther north in Illinois where my family attend also had to call off services because of the ice and drifting snow. But, thankfully, by this morning, many more roads were cleared, and we pray for safety as the snow will surely melt and refreeze back and forth in the upcoming days.

While some of the readers of this blog are not big fans of the snow or "winter cheer", I have to admit that I would love for the snow to stick around a little while. Going home for Christmas while there is snow on the ground always makes the trip seem extra special. Of course, I can't be satisfied, and I have to be picky... as I don't want there to be TOO MUCH snow. I can't help recall two Christmas trips which were quite "interesting", to say the least. Let's see... there was the time in 2002 when it took me almost 7 hours to get home (usually less than a 3 hour drive) through the snow storm (12 inches) on Christmas eve... and I ended up in the ditch out in the country where my cell phone wouldn't work. (I thank God there are good Samaritans.) And then there was the time back in 1999 when I was returning to work on New Years Day after being home for Christmas, became trapped in a blizzard (result of 14 inches), and was snowed in at a hotel in Hannibal, MO for two days before I could be plowed out. (Was thankful for receiving the absolute last delivery of the weekend by Domino's Pizza on Friday the first night, Hardee's being open for a short while the next morning, and the hotel owner's stash of change for the vending machines for the rest of the stay.)

So, yes, a little goes a long way, but it would be great to have just a little snow for Christmas. Just a little.

"8 Seconds Is All You Need"

2007-12-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned before, I have recently become a student of an entertainment phenomenon: the infomercial. Some seem to go on and on. Some are entertaining. Some make me question, "Who in their right mind would want that product?"

The one infomercial product that has most caught my eye - for some reason - is Tater Mitts. (You may see the infomercial on the official web site.) It may be because the commercial for Tater Mitts is the most frequently run advertisement between 12 midnight at 5 a.m. on the weekends here in our area. And, it may be because I've inherited the family fascination with kitchen gadgets. (Yes, we are one of those families who had the food dehydrator... among other curiosities.)

The point of the Tater Mitts? To avoid peeling potatoes: the risk of cutting a finger while carrying out the task, the waste sometimes created when peeling, and the torturous, I-must-sit-down-and-rest-between-spuds hard work.

"8 Seconds Is All You Need." That's what the infomercial and web site claim. And, with an 8 second rub-a-dub-dub with the Tater Mitts, your potato is supposed to become skinless.

I must admit I have been pre-occupied with the thought of this product and have wondered what crazy creation is glued on those rubber gloves to make the potato skins come off so easily. (Yes, I have even had a dream about it.)

Today, the mystery vanished. I saw behind the curtain. And, after viewing the lower right hand side of the web site home page, I have felt tricked. Betrayed. Disappointed.

*Potatoes must be blanched prior to peeling with Tater Mitts

WHAT?!?!?!?!? BLANCHED?!?!?!?!? That isn't advertised in the infomercial. There isn't one single mention of this fact. The ad should state "8 seconds plus 20 - 30 minutes is all you need." Tater Mitt Makers, do you know how long it takes for me to boil water??? (That's probably because I'm always watching the pot.) And, what if I am making a big batch of potatoes for something? I'm sure most of you could imagine it... me there in the kitchen with a full load of slippery hot potatoes. Some would be on the floor. I'd find some new way of burning myself, I am sure. It wouldn't be pretty.

In short, it seems it would be a ton of extra trouble to use the Tater Mitts with the blanching step compared to the regular way. I think I could probably just get down to work and get the entire bag peeled before my water was ready. I guess I might order a set if I were a person prone to cutting herself - Wait! I am that exact kind of person! I should probably get on the phone and order some Tater Mitts right away.

What do you think? Have any favor kitchen gadgets that you wouldn't want to live without?

Beautiful Snowflakes, Part Two

2007-12-12T16:06:00.000-06:00

I'm not one to waste a lunch hour, so I did it! I went ahead and made a 3-D paper snowflake. It took less than 20 minutes. Mind you, my huge snowflake has 6 branches instead of 8, but I like it. It is now hanging on the office door of my friend Laurie. Maybe we can sneak them in and hang them up in covert missions so that a little winter cheer can be brought into the office.
I can just imagine a gorgeous winter dance being decorated with these... hung from different lengths of sparkly string from the ceiling. Or, if I had children, it would be fun to spend one day making their room a winter wonderland. One co-worker even thought they'd be great for baby showers if made in light pink or light blue paper. Tracy and I thought maybe we were way out of the loop because we had never seen these. (We probably are!) Have you seen or made these?

Beautiful Snowflakes

2007-12-12T10:53:00.000-06:00

Last night, I attended Tressa, Abi and Rian's pre-school program, and the three girls were the most adorable little snowflakes. I was distracted by the pouring rain, so I accidentally left my camera in the car. But, I hope to have some pictures I took with Jeff and Tracy's camera very soon. Stay tuned.

The programs are always entertaining, and the evening focuses on literacy. Besides the musical story presentation, they have special reading/teaching tips for parents, story time for the children, and yummy cookies. The night ends with the opportunity for the families to pick out books from tables and tables and tables of them. All FREE! Even I was allowed to pick out a couple so that some good books could stay at Auntie Em's house for the girls.

Throughout the halls of the school were these lovely snowflakes. The teachers gave me a couple, and I brought them to work to decorate my office. I had never seen homemade snowflakes like these before. Tracy is going to learn the process from the teachers this next week, but I think I found similar directions on the internet here. I always loved cutting out traditional paper snowflakes, and I've found that coffee filters are perfect for that. Even though I won't have a lot of time this week to make either kind of snowflake, look out next year!

Birthday Girl: ABIGAIL!

2007-12-12T09:53:00.000-06:00

Time has sure flown lately. It seems Christmas is coming way too quickly - even though Thanksgiving was early this year. I guess that is a sure sign I'm getting older. The moments and hours and days and weeks are zooming past me.

Little Abigail is just another reminder. She is now two... and has been two for over two weeks. But, with time moving so quickly, the HR Manager visit, several meetings and all of the holiday festivities, I've failed to make a post about Abi's excellent party. It's hard to believe that two years have passed since we first saw her. She really celebrated the occasion, and, as usual, her mom and dad included the finishing touches that made the party wonderful - Blue's Clues style. Here are some more of Tracy's wonderful cakes which feature Blue and Magenta, some fun blue jello jigglers and punch (with Shovel and Pail in the background), and Mrs. Pepper and Mr. Salt who were holding balloons in the middle of each table.

Around the room, we could also see Tickety Tock, Mailbox, and Periwinkle, Blue's cat friend. (I'm learning more about Blue's Clues than I ever thought I would.)

When Tracy started painting Blue's paw print on the cheek of each of Abi's friends, Auntie Em couldn't help but join in the fun. I finally convinced Isaac to do the same... and gradually, everyone else joined in. Some needed more coersion than others.

Here, Sister Barb and Brother Chris escort each other to the painting station to see who (between the two of them) would get their face painted first (rather, last. You go first! No, you go first!)

Brother Dale got a special stamp of approval. Below, the table full of reluctant gentlemen show off their paw prints. Even if their faces tell a different story, our group sure likes to have fun! :)

Tracy gave Abi a little lift to help her blow out her two candles before the guests enjoyed cake and Abi opened her gifts.

At the end of the party, the girls gathered in the big red Thinking Chair. As you can see, it had been a long day, and a nap was long overdue for each of them. But, we had a fun time celebrating Abi's birthday. Before I know it, it will be time to celebrate Rian's first birthday, and once again, I'll wonder where the time went.

Word Sweep Answers

2007-12-03T11:55:00.000-06:00

Warning: If you didn't see the puzzle clues here, you may want to check them out before viewing the answers below.

Sweep One
exhale
exhaust
exhibit

Sweep Two
ballet
balloon
ballot

Sweep Three
caramel
carat
caravan

Sweep Four
killing (as in 'I made a killing')
killjoy
kiln

Sweep Five
masterpiece
masthead
mastiff

Sweep Six
oracle
orange
orangutan

Sweep Seven
stymie
styptic
suave

Sweep Eight
enable
enamel
enamor

A Winning Combination?

2007-11-29T14:20:00.000-06:00

Thank you to Other Mother who sent me this article. I promise I will stop soon with my Maid-Rite obsession, but Aaron and I were just discussing the possibility of someone opening a Maid-Rite "lunch counter" again in my hometown of Canton. Sadly, it was closed after I left for college. But, could it be that one could eventually return within our very own Hy-Vee grocery store if this joint venture succeeds in Iowa and Missouri? Hy-Vee and Maid-Rite. I think that WOULD be a winning combination!

Word Sweep

2007-11-29T10:30:00.000-06:00

A fun part of preparing for our family Christmas exchange is trying to figure out which game I might buy my parents or my brother and sister-in-law. I don't buy each one a board game every year. Nor do I receive one. But, I can't remember a year when at least one of us didn't receive a new game.

This year, I was intrigued by many, but I have finally purchased one. (More details on that later.) Another game that interested me, however, is Word Sweep. The idea? Read three definitions taken from the Merriam-Webster's dictionary. The players must identify the three consecutive (usually root) words from the dictionary that match the definitions. And, the game provides boxes of clues in 3 levels of difficulty.

Here are the puzzles from the sample card on the game web site:
1) a long upholstered seat usually with a back and arms
2) not hard, solid, or firm
3) a game like baseball played with a larger ball

The answers
1) sofa
2) soft
3) softball

This seemed like a lot of fun, so I thought I would list a few combinations here. Some simple and some a little more difficult. Feel free to submit your answers or guesses. If you like this sort of thing, you might want to consider Word Sweep for your family (if you don't already have it!) I'll post the answers in the comments section or a new post at the beginning of next week, but I'm sure they will be answered correctly before then.

First Sweep
To emit breath or vapor
To consume entirely
To submit (as a document) to a court or office in course of proceedings

Second Sweep
A theatrical art form using dancing, music and scenery to convey a story
A non-porous bag of tough light material filled with heated air or gas
A sheet of paper used to cast a secret vote

Third Sweep
An amorphous brittle brown and somewhat bitter substance obtained by heating sugar
A small weight
A company of travelers on a journey through the desert or hostile regions

Fourth Sweep
A sudden notable gain or profit
One who spoils the pleasures of others
An oven, furnace, or heated enclosure used for processing a substance by burning, firing or drying

Fifth Sweep
A work done with extraordinary skill
The printed matter in a newspaper including the title, ownership, date, etc.
A breed of very large powerful smooth coated dogs, often used as guard dogs

Sixth Sweep
A person through whom a deity is believed to speak
A berry with a yellowish to reddish rind and sweet edible pulp
A largely herbivorous arboreal anthropoid ape of Borneo and Sumatra with long sparse reddish brown hair

Seventh Sweep
To present an obstacle to
Tending to check bleeding
Smoothly though often superficially gracious and sophisticated

Eighth Sweep
To make possible, practical, or easy
To cover, inlay, or decorate with metal
To inflame with love

OK. Maybe these aren't difficult at all. But, maybe they will provide a little fun for your day. Mom, with your crossword puzzle skills, you should be great at these!

By Request

2007-11-29T10:03:00.000-06:00

I found out that some of you were having a hard time while going to my blog because it was taking a long time to load. I know that situation is due to the number of pictures I have. So, I diminished the number of posts that are shown on the front page. Hopefully, hopefully, this will help. And, I'll try to keep that in mind as I make posts in the future.

For those that don't check often, it means you may have to go over to the right column and look in the archives for posts from the past week. (That is, if I make posts.)

Also, I have a question for the tech folks out there. Is there a way to "lock" a blog so that text always lines up properly with pictures that I post? I am asking because posts on my computers will look fine... but as soon as I see the blog at my parents' house or on my friend Mike's computers (both Macs), the blog looks entirely different. It also does the same when I look at the blog on some PCs - even when the text is not magnified. Maybe this problem is also occurring because I post too many pictures. :) Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Tastes of Home

2007-11-28T13:44:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday, I had a great day with my brother while running errands around Peoria - about 30 miles from our hometown. Because I haven't lived near home since high school, I still don't know my way around Peoria, and I have forgotten anything I once knew about the roads. Aaron was great in helping me find my bearings. (Sadly, Aaron, I believe all of the information from Saturday has already left my head, and I think I need that huge laminated map that we discussed.)

We did a little comparison shopping for possible Christmas gifts, and we made a very important stop at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts. And, right across the Metro Center from Jo-Ann's was...... MAID-RITE. Yippeee! So, I had to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some food that can be found only close to home. I can't believe I've had TWO this year! (Above) I made the mistake of ordering the Mega Maid-Rite lunch special instead of the regular. I couldn't finish all of it. (My brother and I hypothesized that the cooks place the dots of ketchup and mustard on the plates to notify the servers which toppings are included. I had never seen that before. What do you think?)

Aaron seems very happy with his Horseshoe. While I was home, I was also able to enjoy the "absolute must eats" of a Monical's Pizza "Family Pleaser" dinner (thin crust pizza, salad with house French dressing, breadsticks with cheddar cheese and drinks) and Italian Express' ravioli with sweet garlic bread that melts in my mouth. YUM! Are there a certain foods you must eat at a restaurant or a family member's house each time you go home?

Thankful for Cousins

2007-11-27T15:18:00.000-06:00

This post will be for my family members who check in from time to time. Thanksgiving is always great because I am able to visit with my cousins and my cousins' children (which, of course, are also my cousins) on both sides of the family. There is always a lot of laughter and joking mixed in with our celebration of Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, there are many cousins I didn't capture this year, and each of them is probably very thankful that they aren't included in this blog post. :)

Below are Brianna, Emilia with Jenna and Elijah, Tim enjoying some pumpkin pie, little Carter, Adam visiting Lillie in her kennel, Soon-to-be-newlyweds David and Jennifer, Braiden standing between Aaron and Ketra, Ryan and Janelle, Izzy and Shai, and not-so-tiny-anymore Tegan. His smile makes everyone smile.

Hope everyone had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends.

Let It Snow!

2007-11-26T15:03:00.000-06:00

It was difficult to leave home on Sunday after such a wonderful long weekend with all of the family. But, it had to be done. So, I had a little fun with Cindy and Lennie before saying goodbye, began gathering all of my bags in the kitchen and bedroom, and took a look out the window to see the backyard and woods before heading out the front to load up my car.

And, to my surprise, there it was! SNOW! BIG SNOW! Yet another thing for which to be thankful. You might catch a glimpse of it here, and some of the flakes and clusters were as big as nickels and quarters. These pictures were taken right after it began to fall. But, by the time I left (less than a half hour later), the grass was almost completely covered. Good thing I purchased some gloves last week and had them with me. I cleaned off the top of the front deck railing and made a well-packed, wet snowball before heading out. It was a beautiful drive through the falling snow on my way out of Canton. Less than 30 miles into the drive south toward my house, however, the snow turned to sleet and then into rain. And, rain hasn't stopped falling on me since. I wonder when we'll receive some snow here in the St. Louis area. It might be a while, but it was wonderful to see it at home. Already, I'm anxious to return home for Christmas. And, I'm hoping for some snow there at that time.

Raise The Praise

2007-11-21T11:24:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday evening, Jerry, Chris, Lydia, Jeff, Tracy, Tressa, Abigail, Rian and I met up with my friend Mike to attend the Raise the Praise benefit concert for Beverly Farm. On the last Tuesday of each month, I meet with other ladies in a needleworking group called Violet Threads, and we meet in the basement of Eden United Church of Christ. Each time we meet, I have the pleasure of hearing the Raise the Praise Choir practice in the sanctuary, and I usually sneak upstairs to have a closer listen. Since Mike helps in directing the choirs at the church, he told me about the concert, and I am so thankful we were able to attend. Not only were we able to hear beautiful gospel music, we were able to learn more about a valuable organization within our community. In between the solos and choir selections, choir members who work at Beverly Farms recounted touching stories about the special residents.

Description from the Program:
Beverly Farm, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is a planned community designed to enhance the lives of residents, develop their life skills, and provide the required medical care and a variety of therapies. Situated on 220 acres with an abundance of green space, Beverly Farm is a pleasant place to live and work for adults with developmental disabilities. Beverly farm strives to make the environment feel like home to their residents - in face, better than home in many ways. With planned social activities, comfortable housing, and unique recreational facilities, Beverly farm is as much about quality of life as it is about quality of care. Our Mission: We are her to provide a loving, caring home for adults with developmental disabilities, providing each individual with physical and emotional security and a dignified quality of life, with opportunities and challenges, within each individual's functional capabilities.

Already, I can't wait for next year's concert and to learn more about Beverly Farm.

Martha's Tea Room

2007-11-21T10:56:00.000-06:00

Saturday was a gorgeous day, and it seemed like the perfect time to finally go to Martha's Tea Room, a restaurant right down the road from our church building. After hearing so much about it, the Tea Room definitely lived up to all of the expectations. I had one of my favorites: chicken salad. And, the pies there are DEEE-LISH-OUS! Too bad I didn't take a picture of the dessert platter the waitress showed us. Your mouth would be watering. The decor was mostly purple and green (which I love), and the murals were gorgeous. There were bible verses painted around the room. Such a nice place to visit... especially with wonderful friends!

I never would have guessed that there would be a peacock in the restroom, but there he was! If any of you ladies from work or far away churches or my family come for a visit, we will be able to eat at Martha's if you would like. (Of course, if any of you men would like to go, you may also choose to eat there!) :)

Oh, Forgetful Me!

2007-11-19T17:43:00.000-06:00

No matter how quickly I take out my notebook during the prayer request time in services, no matter how diligent I am at writing notes about those that are mentioned, no matter how many times I take out that notebook page during the week, I often fail to do what I should. There are prayers that should be said and people that should be remembered that fall through the cracks of my memory.

I don’t take it lightly when someone opens up to share their trials with me and I tell them that I will be praying for them. But, I can’t begin to describe that awful, sinking feeling I have in my gut when I might see that person again days or weeks or months later… knowing that I told them I would pray but haven’t… or have, but not nearly as often or as fervently as I should have prayed. I have the best of intentions, and it is important to me. But, frequently, I downright fail to do my duty.

When the days grow dim and my own trials appear, it is the realization of my shortcomings and humanity that makes me doubt that others are praying for me. And, I’m ashamed to admit it, but I so often question if our Lord has done the same: forgotten me in this deep, dark valley of life.

There is a hymn we rarely sing at our Sacred Harp gatherings. But, each time we do, these few beginning lyrics make me catch my breath. (Kedron, 48b)
Thou man of grief, remember me,
Thou never canst Thyself forget.

It becomes too easy to place conditions… “If He really cared…,” to place blame “He allowed this…,” to have doubts “Does He even know me?” and treat Him as less than He is “He doesn’t understand.” It becomes too easy to hold him to human limitations… “He has way too much to do.” and “He surely has forgotten me.”

So, forgetful me must be reminded over and over. First of all, He has sent others to pray for us and help us in our walk. He has comforted them and, in turn, they will comfort us with the love and wisdom they’ve received from God. But, even in the rare occasion it seems as if no one is there, God is there. Remembering. Never forgetting.

Sacred Harp Hymn (Sweet Union 424)
But though I have Him oft forgot,
His loving kindness changes not.

No matter how hard the trial, He really cares. No matter the difficult lesson, He is beside me. No matter how large the doubts, His love is steadfast. No matter how large the trial, He understands what I am experiencing and doesn’t turn away. No matter how many troubles in this world, His promises to me, his child, are kept. No matter how many human limitations I try to place on him, His mercies and love are unending. Never failing are His remembrances of me.

While, one day, I can remember this and hold on to this, so easily the next day will I forget. Time and time again.

We sing a special hymn that pleads, “O Lord, remember me!” and I love its sentiments. But, I need a hymn that cries out, “Forgetful me, remember our Lord”… remember all of whom He is… all of which He is capable… all of which He has accomplished for me. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, He will never forget or fail…no matter how many times I do so.

He remembers. And, each time I remember this, may I fall at His feet to worship Him as I should.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
But when I see thee as thou art,
I’ll praise thee as I ought.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

De 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

What I Have Learned At The Hotel

2007-11-18T06:02:00.000-06:00

In the short time I've worked at the hotel, I've learned a few things.

1) I will never ever put a glass or bottle of liquid in the garbage but will first dump out the drink. Some poor soul has to tote that bag of garbage outside to the dumpster.

2) When wearing black clothes (which is almost a constant for me), cleaning out the lint compartment of an industrial sized dryer is tricky business.

3) No matter how many times I fold fitted sheets, the finished product still doesn't look very good.

4) A vending machine will often jam causing a bag of chips to become suspended, but a vending machine can do it repeatedly and suspend 4 bags without dropping a single one.

5) Newlywed couples are the most kind, courteous guests, and they smile from ear to ear. Guests who check in after midnight have usually had a very difficult day and should be greeted with caution.

6) Never take a guest's word on what room number in which another guest is staying... especially on the night shift.

7) Smoke detector batteries die at the most inopportune times.

8) Even when the nextdoor Sonic is closed, they keep that funny Sonic radio station playing on each of their drive-up order boards. Sometimes softly. Most of the time, loudly.

9) The same infomercials play on various channels during the night and wee hours of the morning... sometimes up to 4 channels at one time.

10) The most common noise complaint has not been about pets, loud partying or TVs... but snoring!

Catching Up

2007-11-17T00:21:00.000-06:00

As of 11:00 pm central time this evening, benefits open enrollment is complete, and I'm hoping to return to my usual schedule. I haven't been able to post very often. At the same time, besides being at work and sleeping, there hasn't been much happening about which to write. Still, I hope to pick up with the posting in the next week.

To get started, I thought I'd follow Other Mother's lead and post her meme. These little quizzes make me chuckle - as they are usually created by and for teenagers... and I don't exactly know how to answer certain questions.

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? I made myself laugh.

2. What were you doing at 0800? Pulling into the parking lot at work.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Rushing to get to the hotel after a short nap.

4. What happened to you in 2006? I would say the most significant things that happened last year were some major shifts in beliefs. It was a big time of exploring, and I read and read and read. I also joined the St. Louis Shape Note/Sacred Harp group and tried to return to a lot of hobbies that I had dropped in the busy-ness of leaving Indianapolis.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? I found myself singing a hymn... which is pretty much a constant.

6. How many beverages did you have today? Orange juice, diet coke, lots of ice water.

7. What color is your hairbrush? Black and silver

8. What was the last thing you paid for? Over $45 for gas. I pray the price goes back down soon.

9. Where were you last night? Right here at the hotel.

10. What color is your front door? As my neighbors say, "lemon lime green"... which matches my shutters.

11. Where do you keep your change? In my billfold, in the pocket with a broken zipper. A new wallet is long overdue. Guess I need to save up my change.

12. What’s the weather like today? Sunny and surprisingly warm.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? I love vanilla.

14. What excites you? Lately? The opportunity for a nap. :)

15. Do you want to cut your hair? Yes, a haircut is also long overdue. As of this morning, I have an appointment set.

16. Are you over the age of 25? Yes, even though I don't feel like it.

17. Do you talk a lot? If you know me, you know the answer. But, I'm doing it less and less these days.

18. Do you watch the O.C.? No. Never have.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Yes, many.

20. Do you make up your own words? Yes, as often as possible.

21. Are you a jealous person? Not usually. But, I'm sure it is one of the many sins I commit.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'A'. My brother Aaron is my friend. My "niece" Abi is my friend. Those are the first two of many that came to mind.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Other Mother posted this first, and she's my friend.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? My cousin David.

25. What does the last text message you received say? It's from my friend John, and I shouldn't repeat it.

26. Do you chew on your straw? I hardly use a straw to sip (I'd rather chug), so I rarely unwrap them to chew on them. If anything, I twist them up so someone else can flick them and make them pop.

27. Do you have curly hair? Enough so that it is right between curly and straight... which means it is just frizzy.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? Home to my house.

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? I have no idea. I'd rather not try to figure that out.

30. What was the last thing you ate? A veggie burrito from Qdoba.

31. Will you get married in the future? I pray God will bless me with marriage, but I have no idea. I wouldn't ever want to get married just to get married.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? I saw part of Babe again the other day. I never get tired of it.

33. Is there anyone you like right now? Sure, and I hope to pass them a note during study hall. (Just joking.)

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? Wednesday evening, and I have a ton more to do that are waiting for me at home on the counter.

35. Are you currently depressed? Nope. Pretty hopeful.

36. Did you cry today? Yes, during a deep discussion with a co-worker.

37. Why did you answer and post this? Because I thought I'd join in the fun with Other Mother.

Let me know if you post this on your blog.