Saturday

Most every Saturday I read my hometown newspaper on-line. I check the obituaries, but my favorite thing to read is what the local churches are doing. Growing up, the town (population 87) nearest to our farm had two churches in it: the Presbyterian Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were rivals, we were friends. Each week when I read the religion section I look to see what the Presbyterians are doing. There’s a comfortable feeling seeing the names of people I admired and remember well (Donna, Corny, Rhea, Bob, Mildred, John, Ilona, Dorothy) still conducting business, parties and Dutch-oven dinners, Sunday school worship and coffee hours forty years later.

I also enjoy seeing what the churches in the larger valley are doing. For example this week:

• The Lutherans are holding their Community Harvest Festival and serving hot dogs and chips with candy and prizes given away. (They ask that you to bring a can of food for the community Christmas baskets.)

• The Methodists are having a potato bar in one congregation while another is serving turkey stuffed with sauerkraut, roasted turkey, turkey dressing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, fruit and tossed salads, green beans, rolls, cakes and cookies. (Have you ever stuffed a turkey with sauerkraut?)

• The Congregational Church’s harvest dinner is having turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry salad, homemade noodles, and homemade pies. (They’re serving it family style and homemade noodles are available for purchase. Have you ever served noodles with turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes?)

• The Catholic Church is having a festival that includes bingo, a carnival and a turkey dinner.

• The Episcopal Church is holding its bazaar and soup and pie will be served. Another congregation is selling plum and carrot puddings for $7 each. (They borrowed a "closely guarded plum pudding recipe, recorded in a 1951 cookbook, from a congregation 150 miles away and were only given permission to use the recipe if they promised they would keep it a secret.” This is my favorite piece of news because I can imagine these women trying to decide who of the parishioners actually gets to read the whole recipe and then when the recipe does leak how they will decide who did it.)

One thing I love about America—be it rural, inner-city, or urban—is her churches and synagogues. Long live freedom of religion.

Luck of the Draw—Valentine’s Day

The other day during a commercial break Calvin asked if I wanted a pajama-gram for Valentine’s Day. It made me laugh because, well, just because it did and he’s never suggested a pajama-gram before. Later he asked me if I wanted a whatever-they-advertise-on-O’Reilly-gram for Valentine’s Day. Still later he asked me what I did want for Valentine’s Day—candy, flowers, chocolate, dinner at a restaurant (he stopped before he offered diamonds). I had already picked up a $5 red and white bouquet so he wouldn’t have to brave the chaos and I assured him our twenty year tradition of a steak and shrimp dinner at home was still perfect for me. We had a wonderful meal with a nice salad, mashed cheese potatoes, steamed vegetables, shrimp and steak. We both enjoy fixing and eating a good meal together. Happy Valentine's Day to us.

Cali and I made Jill’s Sugar Cookies this morning. They are so very good. I really like the recipe. Cali and Ande both have the patience to fight dough and make cut-out cookies, whereas I roll it into little balls. Cali cut the cookies while I mixed the frosting. We’re a good team in the kitchen and visiting made it even more fun. Note of encouragement to young mothers, if you wait long enough it’s really fun to cook with your kids in the kitchen.

This week we also used Amy’s grilled salmon recipe. It was wonderful and I am excited to use it again.

A happy Valentine's Day to you.

Saturday Six or Seven

One. Deb sent me this picture that she took of Cali and Ray as they came out of the temple right after being married and sealed for eternity. I love their faces. I still can't think back to that day without feeling peace and happy.

There had been tremendous storms for two weeks before they got married and we woke to a blizzard the day of the wedding. It was treacherous driving. In fact, Ray and Cali drove off the road just a half mile from the temple and feared they were going to roll as they were on an embankment. They said they sat there stunned for a minute and then a man pulled up to see if they needed help. Ray jumped out and threw the guy a tow rope and after he'd pulled them back on the road, Ray said, "Thanks Buddy, I'm on my way to get married!" The day was blessed from start to finish.

Two. Last night Calvin and I hosted a "Thank you" dinner for those who helped fix and serve the food at Ray and Cali's reception last week. Calvin fixed Soup of the Seven Seas for the appetizer. It had mussels, clams, shrimp, crab, octopus and two other things that float in the sea that I don't remember (I should have suggested he put the lone beta fish in it). It was a great conversation starter. How can someone not comment when there is an octupus strung out over the bottom of his bowl? We served the more traditional food of steaks, baked potatoes, spinach salad, green beans and hot rolls with it. We squeezed all of us around our extended table and had a good time eating, laughing and visiting about everthing from Vietnam to girls' camp.

Three. Calvin and I have a friend who has the most generous, perceptive and kind soul. Everyone loves him. Several years ago when he was in his mid-forties, he had heart trouble and died of an enlarged heart.

We also know someone who has difficulty loving others or seeing good in them. Life and people are burdensome to her. She is currently in the hospital. The doctor said she is suffering from a cold in her heart.

Irony. Sweet irony. * Please let me die of a soft, enlarged heart.

Four. I have dozens and dozens and dozens of dishes to do today. Costco had nice plastic dinnerware and silverware-looking plastic utensils available before the holidays so that is what we used to serve the meal at Ray and Cali's reception. However, seeing the little asterisk on the price sign, I knew it was a seasonal item and once they were gone wouldn't be restocked. What if we have another event before next Christmas? I had the servers scrape them and load them in a rubbermaid bin until the dishwasher and I had time to clean them. They've been refrigerated out in the garage until today. Today's the day.

Five. I love cloudy days. It instantly lowers the expectation of the day. It's like the sky says, "I think you should stay inside today. I'll close half an eye and let you do the things that you want/need to do today."

Six. I won a prize. I am not lucky by nature.

Once, right after we got married, I won tickets to a Chris LeDoux concert. Still fumbling over saying my married name smoothly I told the announcer what it was. He got on the air and teased, "Folks, you will never believe the name of the person who just won those tickets. Jane Payne. That's right She's a rhymer. I'm not making this up. How would you like that name for the rest of your life?" The concert was fun and free and that was what mattered.

Another time I won a $50 gift certificate to our little grocery store. It was rigged. I was the mother of four hungry-looking little kids. I bought $50 worth of flour.

Stacy at Big Picture Scrapbooking asked for a popcorn memory in her comments and the winner would receive registration to an on-line class. My memory got picked. Go popcorn!

Seven . . .

Okay . . . the sky is going to quit winking if I don't get those dishes switched . . . if I think of more random I'll add it throughout the day . . .

(*Edited. Someone was offended at my term "sweet irony" so I removed it. Apparently the anonymous commenter isn't familiar with the term or that it is often used when referring to any irony; rather it was interpreted as a personal attack and that I rejoiced in the hospitalized person's situation. Since it is not my intent to attack or offend and I don't rejoice in suffering, I removed it because it was not properly understood. However, I have learned that removing it caused offense also. I'm taking my lesson that people who wish to be offended will be offended no matter the word choice and putting it back in as originally posted.

This human behavior observation seemed to have struck a sensitive cord; interesting, given it was simply an observation of irony and no attack was implied or given. Discussion of "sweet irony" closed.)

Thank You, Mr. Bush

I voted for George W. proudly in 2000 and 2004. I’m not ashamed and still think the people of Iraq deserved freedom from tyranny. I’m glad we didn’t turn and look the other way. Every time I read a history book which outlines Hitler’s rise to power and the indifference of those not affected which allowed such atrocious treatment of mankind, I am glad we went in to help Hussein’s people. I strongly feel where much is given, much is required. America is given much. I’m glad we have been in Iraq and am proud of what we’ve helped Iraqis accomplish. I’m not speaking flippantly; I have studied this issue extensively for I have two soldier sons who are directly affected by our Commander in Chief’s decisions. I am confident and at peace that there is purpose that is not necessarily now seen in this conflict.

I appreciate President Bush's conviction to moral values and his ability to protect us.

I had planned to post my thanks to George W. Bush for his public service on January 21, 2009, but today the Wall Street Journal wrote this article, so I’ll just stamp AGREED and "Thank you, Mr. Bush" today instead.

What do you appreciate about President Bush?

I Think; Therefore I Am . . .

Once, Abe was reading my high school journals aloud to the family. It was quite entertaining to everyone except me. After a short while I was sick, sick, sick of hearing about myself. Finally, after hours of hearing some of my inner thoughts, Cali said, "Stop Abe. This is getting scary. No kid should know everything their mom thinks." Abe, however, disagreed and kept reading.

Hmmm. I think Cali had a point. I also think Abe had a point. Catching a glimpse of what your mother thinks has merits, but too much of even a good thing can give you a stomachache. Cali, Abe, Ty and Ande, I hope this meme is just the right amount of thinking out loud and I promise we won't read it next summer.

i am....5’9”

i think....it’s important that people have someone who loves them

i know....more than I did a year ago

i want....for nothing

i have....been greatly blessed in my life

i dislike....elitists

i miss....frequent contact with my nieces and nephews

i fear....not living up to my potential

i feel...concern for our nation

i hear....more poorly than I used to

i smell....like Red Door

i crave....interesting conversation

i cry...when something is important

i usually…procrastinate the ironing

i search...for truth

i wonder....how long halibut can stay in the fridge before it goes bad

i regret....my parents’ decisions

i love....life

i worry....that I don't worry enough

i am not....ever mistaken for an elf

i remember....when Big Hunk’s were 5 cents

i believe....in prophets

i dance....when I have to go to the bathroom

i don't....doubt the divinity of Jesus Christ

i write....memories

i win....no raffles or drawings

i lose....track of time

i wish....tickets to NY weren’t $1036 so we could go to Abe’s last home game and senior recognition night this weekend

i listen...for the birds

i don't understand....the media’s lack of concern of association in this election. Ask any parent who is steering their child through kid-dom and teen-dom and they will tell you it makes a big difference with whom their child associates. Parents know that humans adopt the habits, ideology and language of their friends, teachers and peers. I’ve yet to meet a parent who hasn’t been concerned about who her child’s associates are, because birds of a feather flock together isn’t just about birds. It’s about compatible people searching each other out. I have a variety of friends and I love their diversity and the many interests and ideas that generate from that diversity. But one thing is necessary; we are like-minded in our value cores. Though we have varying opinions about religion, child-rearing, politics, whether or not to frost brownies, the formation of the galaxy and how often to clean a sink (important topics mind you), our core values—the things that distinguish right from wrong—are similar. Association will eventually make that so if it wasn’t originally; it's a law of heaven: Matthew 6:24 (whoa. i feel strongly about what i don't understand, don't i? did i lecture like this when you were home? ;0)

i can usually be found....in bed at 9:30 pm

i am scared...of not being prepared

i need to lose....the chocolate covered cashews in the kitchen

i forget....my train of thought

i am happy....ten times more often than I am sad

Luck of the Draw--Scruples

I'm in a motel lobby tonight and just realized I've never stayed in a motel by myself. Ever. We made a quick 750 mile trip for a wedding and I'm flying back tomorrow while Calvin continues on to Idaho for a week of bow hunting.

I have a few scruples questions for you:

1. There is a group of women meeting in the lobby of my motel discussing affairs of their local parish. They are arguing. Sometimes loudly. It's quite funny listening to them as they appear to have come together for the peaceful purpose of fund-raising, but the meeting must have lasted a little too long because they are getting on each others' nerves. My favorite frustration is when someone raps her pencil on the desk. Scruples question one: Is it okay to overhear a conversation and then post it?

Yes or No?

2. Is it honest to order a child's plate/senior plate off the menu if one in your party meets the criteria, but it is someone else that wants to eat it so they switch plates? Scruples question two: Is the food yours once it comes out of the kitchen and whoever eats it is up to you or is it dishonest to order one from those menus knowing full well you plan to switch plates?

Yes or No?

3. Is it okay to use the handicapped stall in the bathroom if it is available? Scruples question three: Is the handicapped stall for everyone or just for those with special needs?

Yes or No?

What do you think?

At Home

Ande and Abe

It is great having the kids home. Ande is the best companion. If it couldn’t be misinterpreted, I’d compare her to a dog. She is just such a pleasant companion. She’s happy. She’s easily contented. She’s pleasant. She gets excited for little things. She’s appreciative. She’s just fun to have along. We went to the Farmer’s Market this morning looking for fruit and found cherries and apricots with a big, fresh bunch of lavender for good measure. Ande hung it on our drying rack when we got home and now the whole kitchen smells peaceful.

We have several Hutterite colonies in the area and a few of them have this little bake stand. Their baked goods are beautiful and they sell the driest, blandest, poppy seed, sweet rolls that I’ve ever tasted, but Ande just loves them so we picked up one of those for her.

After going to the Farmer's Market, Ande and I walked over to the library to pick up a couple of movies, A Girl Named Zippy and The Tightwad Gazette, the Complete Edition (I think the funniest frugal tip I’ve ever read from the TG is when a lady crocheted herself a bikini from old nylons.) I love having a book waiting in the wings.

Calvin picked Abe up at the airport this afternoon and they came home starved. Ande had fresh cookies waiting for them and I’d made a pot of chili so after they’d eaten we sat at the table and Abe told us about his last assignment to a nuclear facility. It was fascinating being taught by him about nuclear energy. I learned more about neutrons in our 45 minutes than I have in twenty-one chapters of physical science. Abe looks great and it’s just so fun to have him home. I love his enthusiasm.

Cali will be home after work later tonight, hooray. She’s also bringing a friend that we really enjoy, so that’s a double bonus. That explains why I’d make a pot of chili on a hot summer day, it serves all hours.

Ty hit his mission one year mark this week. He’s doing great. (I cannot figure out the Chinese directions on the picture cd he sent home, so you'll just have to picture 6', blonde Ty with shortish, dark haired Chinese and great big smiles on everyone's faces.) Life is always going to be a welcome adventure for Ty. I just smile thinking of him trying new things and new people getting to meet him. Did you know before he sends his weekly e-mail home that he always sends a little one to me that says “Buongiorno Princepessa” in the subject line with just a quick note telling me he loves me and why? (Yes, I know I told you that before, but I thought it worth repeating.)

Tonight. Well, I’m embarrassed to tell you what I’m excited for because the kids have given me a rash of trash about it all day . . . I don’t think I could bear it if my fellow bloggers teased me, too, sufficeth me to say I’m excited for something this evening.