A friend was over tonight and the phone kept ringing. Both daughters and a woman who talked a mile a minute and then signed off without a goodbye. I said, "Are you still there?" She wasn't.
She's a lovely woman who has a plethera of problems and I adore her but not as much as I love my dear daughters. How I wish I could make everything better for my family. I would foul things up royally. They wouldn't have any growth because I'd solve everything. They wouldn't get any stronger because Mommy would sweep in and make everything easy and pretty and even smelling nice.
And the woman on the phone and the dear friend? I'd solve their problems too and then where would they be?
I'd foul things up royally. I really would.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
THIS AND THAT--VAMPIRE BEST SELLER, EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS, PIONEER WOMAN and PLANE CRASH SURVIVORS
NON-SIGNED VAMPIRE BOOK: My--coughtotallyinsanecough--nephew--who I adore--promised his Sunday School class full of teenagers that if they read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year he would give them a signed copy of Stephenie Meyer's book, the last book in the TWILIGHT series, BREAKING DAWN. He thought it would be easy to obtain--coughdidn'tdoanyresearchfirstcough. He didn't know she's only had three book signings and signed copies of her book are $200 EACH, on EBay. Does anyone know Stephanie? He could send her some bookplates to sign if he had her sympathy. He certainly has mine.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Are you worried that if we loose power you will freeze to death right in your own home. Go here and see some things you can do to prepare for emergencies. The link for foam clothing is there.
Phil and Kraut went to Jim Phillips' class years ago. Jim is the inventor of this amazing clothing. Who knows where the handouts are--somewhere in the garage--with the chairs. You can buy the clothing or make your own. There is a link to a video you can watch that explains the "Thermal Johns" and how they work. The test was done in a freezer at minus 18 degrees and the woman wearing the Thermal Johns started the test wearing them soaking wet.
The video that follows is about a portable composting toilet. It is called "Nature's Head." Honest, it is. I know you are thrilled to know this stuff. If you keep watching the video's you will see Jim give lots of good preparedness information. I've been watching for a l-o-n-g time. He said, "May we have the courage to create joy in our lives." That goes for more than preparedness, doesn't it?
You can click from one video to another by clicking on the second single forward arrow. He gives you information on everything unimaginable from a camping shovel and axe, bug spray, to the best books to read on survival. One short video is about a product called the Whiz Freedom. Yes, it's what it sounds like. Girls, you too can have the "stand up" experience.
PIONEER WOMAN: I know everyone on the planet knows about Pioneer Woman but just in case you don't follow the link and go see what she's up to. She has a cookbook blog, which I call the Add-Butter-Directly-To-Your-Thighs blog. She runs contests. My favorite was the one where people sent their recipes. When I'm bored I go read some of these. There are over 5,000. I've read about 200. It really gives you an idea of what people in America really eat, even though they say they steam their vegetables and eat whole grain bread, without butter, which Pioneer Woman doesn't believe in.
PLANE CRASH RECOVERY: Probably everyone knows about this too. In August a private plane crashed and burned in Arizona. The pilot died of injuries, the two passengers, Stephanie and Christian were burned badly. They have been recovering in Arizona while their four children were being cared for by Stephanie's siblings, here in Utah.
c jane enjoy it is a blog by Stephanie's sister. She has been giving updates on their recovery. Their recovery, by the way, has been nothing less than a miracle.
Their brother, The Jolly Porter has a blog too and it is good for a good chuckle. Only one problem with this site. He doesn't update often enough and he doesn't allow comments so people can't nag him about it. But he's in my ward so I nag every Sunday but I'm a failure though.
C Jane has links to Stephanie's blog which was written before the crash. Her posts are being re-posted. Stephanie is a lovely young mother who loved her role as wife and mother more than anything else in the world, even shoes.
You can donate to Stephanie and Christian's recovery efforts or even have an auction of your own and donate the money to this cause.
I wasn't going to write a book tonight or stay up this late, either. Don't tell Phil. He thinks I'm a reasonable person. Well, okay, he doesn't really think that but lets not add fuel to his list of reasons that I might not be reasonable.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Are you worried that if we loose power you will freeze to death right in your own home. Go here and see some things you can do to prepare for emergencies. The link for foam clothing is there.
Phil and Kraut went to Jim Phillips' class years ago. Jim is the inventor of this amazing clothing. Who knows where the handouts are--somewhere in the garage--with the chairs. You can buy the clothing or make your own. There is a link to a video you can watch that explains the "Thermal Johns" and how they work. The test was done in a freezer at minus 18 degrees and the woman wearing the Thermal Johns started the test wearing them soaking wet.
The video that follows is about a portable composting toilet. It is called "Nature's Head." Honest, it is. I know you are thrilled to know this stuff. If you keep watching the video's you will see Jim give lots of good preparedness information. I've been watching for a l-o-n-g time. He said, "May we have the courage to create joy in our lives." That goes for more than preparedness, doesn't it?
You can click from one video to another by clicking on the second single forward arrow. He gives you information on everything unimaginable from a camping shovel and axe, bug spray, to the best books to read on survival. One short video is about a product called the Whiz Freedom. Yes, it's what it sounds like. Girls, you too can have the "stand up" experience.
PIONEER WOMAN: I know everyone on the planet knows about Pioneer Woman but just in case you don't follow the link and go see what she's up to. She has a cookbook blog, which I call the Add-Butter-Directly-To-Your-Thighs blog. She runs contests. My favorite was the one where people sent their recipes. When I'm bored I go read some of these. There are over 5,000. I've read about 200. It really gives you an idea of what people in America really eat, even though they say they steam their vegetables and eat whole grain bread, without butter, which Pioneer Woman doesn't believe in.
PLANE CRASH RECOVERY: Probably everyone knows about this too. In August a private plane crashed and burned in Arizona. The pilot died of injuries, the two passengers, Stephanie and Christian were burned badly. They have been recovering in Arizona while their four children were being cared for by Stephanie's siblings, here in Utah.
c jane enjoy it is a blog by Stephanie's sister. She has been giving updates on their recovery. Their recovery, by the way, has been nothing less than a miracle.
Their brother, The Jolly Porter has a blog too and it is good for a good chuckle. Only one problem with this site. He doesn't update often enough and he doesn't allow comments so people can't nag him about it. But he's in my ward so I nag every Sunday but I'm a failure though.
C Jane has links to Stephanie's blog which was written before the crash. Her posts are being re-posted. Stephanie is a lovely young mother who loved her role as wife and mother more than anything else in the world, even shoes.
You can donate to Stephanie and Christian's recovery efforts or even have an auction of your own and donate the money to this cause.
I wasn't going to write a book tonight or stay up this late, either. Don't tell Phil. He thinks I'm a reasonable person. Well, okay, he doesn't really think that but lets not add fuel to his list of reasons that I might not be reasonable.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
THE COMPLICATED LIFE
Today I did not have a personal history story written for group. This is almost the first time in two years that I have not been prepared.
The women in the group let me talk after everyone else had read and I talked about the book. The book. The book where I am exorcising my ghosts. One ghost. The loss of my birth dad.
I am beginning to realize this book cannot be about my loss alone. My sisters lost too, especially Julie--who will be referred to as the troll occasionally in the book. Poor Julie to be portrayed in such a way--she hardly resembles a troll at all. Anyway, I have a hot tempered scene in my head between me and the troll, who, I will have to call something nicer because she put up with "the brat" all those years and has never been properly thanked for it.
Mom had the biggest loss of all. Julie told me some of the details of what happened after my dad's death. Mom tried to hold the business together but the physical work was overwhelming.
I have another scene with her and Aunt Dee trying to make mattresses but their strength just wasn't enough. It will have to be a dialogue scene, painted by the speaker--haven't decided who that will be yet--who watched and participated more than I did. I just ate dirt, probably, and peed my pants.
So, the book is getting more complicated. Life is complicated. We don't know what someone else is going through while we merrily waltz Matilda--that is if we know how to waltz and we know Matilda and if she doesn't want to lead. We should always be on the lookout for subtle signs that someone else is in distress--that someone is suffering, is sad, is grieving or even is angry.
I told one of my son's once to, "Watch for the signs." (This was after he teased Gilmore Girl to the edge of insanity and she broke down and cried.) He said, "What signs?" He honestly didn't know. Some of us are more in tune that others but it's a skill that can be taught. Sadly, sufferers aren't likely to say, "Hey listen. I'm having a crappy life. Could you cut me a little slack here?" So we go on our merry way, not helping, not loving or being compassionate. Judging. Often judging.
Life is complicated. We don't know what someone else is dealing with. I wonder if we could be a little more careful. Watch for the subtleties. The sighs. The forced laughter. The silences. The countenance that is devoid of joy. The heavy hands that hang down.
I wonder if a word of kindness would help. A hand on the shoulder. An "I'm sorry." Hardly ever can we change things, but we can listen. We can let the other know, maybe even just by a look, that we might understand, maybe only 10% but that's better than nothing. Maybe even if they see us eat some dirt and pee our pants they could say to themselves, "Well, at least I'm not that bad." Maybe it would help.
I don't think it helped my Mom or my sisters. I was just one more detail that had to be taken care of but maybe it did help. Maybe it gave them something to take their mind off their loss. There is nothing so delightful as a two year old and maybe I was there, at that time for a reason, more than I know.
Anyway, life is complicated, isn't it? I wish we could have a visual image that shows how we are all connected and then a visual image that shows how we have helped one another. I'll bet we would even be connected to Kevin Bacon somehow. Maybe in as little as four steps.
The women in the group let me talk after everyone else had read and I talked about the book. The book. The book where I am exorcising my ghosts. One ghost. The loss of my birth dad.
I am beginning to realize this book cannot be about my loss alone. My sisters lost too, especially Julie--who will be referred to as the troll occasionally in the book. Poor Julie to be portrayed in such a way--she hardly resembles a troll at all. Anyway, I have a hot tempered scene in my head between me and the troll, who, I will have to call something nicer because she put up with "the brat" all those years and has never been properly thanked for it.
Mom had the biggest loss of all. Julie told me some of the details of what happened after my dad's death. Mom tried to hold the business together but the physical work was overwhelming.
I have another scene with her and Aunt Dee trying to make mattresses but their strength just wasn't enough. It will have to be a dialogue scene, painted by the speaker--haven't decided who that will be yet--who watched and participated more than I did. I just ate dirt, probably, and peed my pants.
So, the book is getting more complicated. Life is complicated. We don't know what someone else is going through while we merrily waltz Matilda--that is if we know how to waltz and we know Matilda and if she doesn't want to lead. We should always be on the lookout for subtle signs that someone else is in distress--that someone is suffering, is sad, is grieving or even is angry.
I told one of my son's once to, "Watch for the signs." (This was after he teased Gilmore Girl to the edge of insanity and she broke down and cried.) He said, "What signs?" He honestly didn't know. Some of us are more in tune that others but it's a skill that can be taught. Sadly, sufferers aren't likely to say, "Hey listen. I'm having a crappy life. Could you cut me a little slack here?" So we go on our merry way, not helping, not loving or being compassionate. Judging. Often judging.
Life is complicated. We don't know what someone else is dealing with. I wonder if we could be a little more careful. Watch for the subtleties. The sighs. The forced laughter. The silences. The countenance that is devoid of joy. The heavy hands that hang down.
I wonder if a word of kindness would help. A hand on the shoulder. An "I'm sorry." Hardly ever can we change things, but we can listen. We can let the other know, maybe even just by a look, that we might understand, maybe only 10% but that's better than nothing. Maybe even if they see us eat some dirt and pee our pants they could say to themselves, "Well, at least I'm not that bad." Maybe it would help.
I don't think it helped my Mom or my sisters. I was just one more detail that had to be taken care of but maybe it did help. Maybe it gave them something to take their mind off their loss. There is nothing so delightful as a two year old and maybe I was there, at that time for a reason, more than I know.
Anyway, life is complicated, isn't it? I wish we could have a visual image that shows how we are all connected and then a visual image that shows how we have helped one another. I'll bet we would even be connected to Kevin Bacon somehow. Maybe in as little as four steps.
GOOD GRIEF! EVERYONE'S A CRITIC.
Everyone's a critic. I've been called "old and moldy," and I've been "bless your heart'd." TWICE in as many days. (We all know what THAT means.) And I've been told to call some of my children and their excellent spouses excellent. "Excellent." There, how's that? And I've been told my word choices makes one of my children want to embalm something. What does that mean, and are my children demented?
So, I'm not blogging tonight because, one, I can't think of anything and, B., I obviously have a wee brain morsel. I'm taking the wee brain morsel to bed and without a "personal history" story ready for tomorrow, either.
That's what old and moldy people do. Nothing.
Oh, wait. They mold. In an old sort of way. Bless my heart.
So, I'm not blogging tonight because, one, I can't think of anything and, B., I obviously have a wee brain morsel. I'm taking the wee brain morsel to bed and without a "personal history" story ready for tomorrow, either.
That's what old and moldy people do. Nothing.
Oh, wait. They mold. In an old sort of way. Bless my heart.
Monday, November 17, 2008
JUST "GOOGLE" IT
I was talking to Her Excellency of Mousehole on the phone tonight and I said, "I wonder how old so-and-so is?"
"I don't know," she said.
"I'm going to "Google" her and find out.
"WHAT," she said. "You're going to "Google" her name?
"Yes."
"That is so lame. That's an invasion of privacy. That's...she's 47 years old," she said.
"What?" I said. "How do you know?"
"She's the second one down on Google."
I hadn't even brought a "Google" search box up yet and she...the one who criticized me for my curiosity...already had the information.
And so it goes. As human beings we might think what someone else has, wears, thinks, eats, etc. is stupid but pretty soon we want one, are wearing one, thinking about it, eating it, etc. It's just human nature.
But some of us aren't quite as quick about it, like my genius child is.
She takes after me. The genius part.
"I don't know," she said.
"I'm going to "Google" her and find out.
"WHAT," she said. "You're going to "Google" her name?
"Yes."
"That is so lame. That's an invasion of privacy. That's...she's 47 years old," she said.
"What?" I said. "How do you know?"
"She's the second one down on Google."
I hadn't even brought a "Google" search box up yet and she...the one who criticized me for my curiosity...already had the information.
And so it goes. As human beings we might think what someone else has, wears, thinks, eats, etc. is stupid but pretty soon we want one, are wearing one, thinking about it, eating it, etc. It's just human nature.
But some of us aren't quite as quick about it, like my genius child is.
She takes after me. The genius part.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY, HER EXCELLENCY OF MOUSEHOLE
We took our darling no-longer-a-teenager daughter's belated birthday present up to her today. We went to lunch and she showed us where she works. I insisted on photo's of the new birthday item and of course, being EXACTLY like her siblings she gave me her best sneer. I can't actually tell if the photo is good or not until I get it home. Thanks for the wonderful surprise, daughter dear. The sweater looks good though, don't'chathink?
Jason's dog, Ruka, looked at her delightful sneer and decided that's what she was supposed to do when I bring out the camera. Sneer. An obedient dog, to be sure.
Jason's dog, Ruka, looked at her delightful sneer and decided that's what she was supposed to do when I bring out the camera. Sneer. An obedient dog, to be sure.
Kramer had no intention of sneering, He was right where he wanted to be. Right next to Her Excellency. Asleep.
But Your Excellency, I need to be right next to you, too.
Oh, all right, you big baby. Let me just get
the tiny one out of the way first.
Oh, all right, you big baby. Let me just get the tiny one out of the way first.
And so Ruka slunk up for a cuddle and Kramer hopped off to welcome her.
And then there was more snoozing. Two snoozers.
See what I have to put up with?
Yup, this is pretty much my life.
Happy late birthday, our beloved daughter. .
...and many more. We love you,
Mom and Dad
Friday, November 14, 2008
THERE WILL BE NO FUNERAL POTATOES AT THE AFTER-FUNERAL-LUNCHEON
Tonight we went for a walk and I said we should stop and see a friend who's husband died two days ago. Phil said we shouldn't because he hadn't showered and I had garlic breath.
"Nonsense!," I said, breathing in his direction. He staggered in a daze and I took him by the hand--temporary blindness from the fumes--and before he knew it were were there.
I got an assignment. Please bring some food to the luncheon after the burial so she and some other family members can have something to eat. It can have no ham, no wheat, no sugar, no potatoes.... NO POTATOES? What about the famous Mormon funeral potatoes? I guess that's out. And some family members are vegan or at least used to be. I don't know what their status is now.
"I can make some roasted vegetables," I said, "They are wonderful."
"Oh," she said with just the barest hint of disappointment, "we make them all the time," Translation: Don't make those, please. Or maybe my translation filter is on the blink.
"Beans," she said, "some kind of chili would work but no wheat."
Wheat? In chili? And chili for a luncheon? It was my turn to stagger.
"You can figure something out," she said. "You're such a good cook."
I can't, I thought. I really can't.
So, now I am home, with my garlic breath, looking up recipes on the Internet for sugarless, wheatless, hamless, potatoless and honestly, there were two other restrictions in there somewhere. What were they, I wonder? Oh yes, one was dairy. No dairy of any kind. So the caramels really would have killed her with three kinds of sugar and two kinds of dairy. And no corn. That was the other thing. No corn and if those family members are still vegan it will be no meat, too.
I'm going to need some inspiration. I'm off to search the Internet for recipes with practically no food products in them. Wish me luck.
PS I've been looking for an hour now and I think I can do this. Found some great sounding recipes on Veggies Unite. Mmm.
"Nonsense!," I said, breathing in his direction. He staggered in a daze and I took him by the hand--temporary blindness from the fumes--and before he knew it were were there.
I got an assignment. Please bring some food to the luncheon after the burial so she and some other family members can have something to eat. It can have no ham, no wheat, no sugar, no potatoes.... NO POTATOES? What about the famous Mormon funeral potatoes? I guess that's out. And some family members are vegan or at least used to be. I don't know what their status is now.
"I can make some roasted vegetables," I said, "They are wonderful."
"Oh," she said with just the barest hint of disappointment, "we make them all the time," Translation: Don't make those, please. Or maybe my translation filter is on the blink.
"Beans," she said, "some kind of chili would work but no wheat."
Wheat? In chili? And chili for a luncheon? It was my turn to stagger.
"You can figure something out," she said. "You're such a good cook."
I can't, I thought. I really can't.
So, now I am home, with my garlic breath, looking up recipes on the Internet for sugarless, wheatless, hamless, potatoless and honestly, there were two other restrictions in there somewhere. What were they, I wonder? Oh yes, one was dairy. No dairy of any kind. So the caramels really would have killed her with three kinds of sugar and two kinds of dairy. And no corn. That was the other thing. No corn and if those family members are still vegan it will be no meat, too.
I'm going to need some inspiration. I'm off to search the Internet for recipes with practically no food products in them. Wish me luck.
PS I've been looking for an hour now and I think I can do this. Found some great sounding recipes on Veggies Unite. Mmm.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
OTHER PEOPLE'S DREAMS BORE ME
As soon as someone says the words, "I had the weirdest dream last night," my eyes glaze over and my brain function resembles that of a heart monitor of a cadaver--flat-lined. I would rather clean the toilets, go to the dentist, anything but listen to their dream. So, when I woke up today I wondered if I should tell my friend I dreamed about her husband.
Her husband took his leg off, about three inches above the knee. Then he put on a steel pipe leg with a working knee and ankle. "Joan," he said as he walked around, "I think this will work."
Should I tell Joan? Do you think she would be bored? Do you think my dream was an invasion of her husband's privacy or of his leg?
PS If you have an interesting/weird dream that you feel compelled to tell me just remember that I am a fanatic about clean toilets and will probably have to go home and scrub one.
Her husband took his leg off, about three inches above the knee. Then he put on a steel pipe leg with a working knee and ankle. "Joan," he said as he walked around, "I think this will work."
Should I tell Joan? Do you think she would be bored? Do you think my dream was an invasion of her husband's privacy or of his leg?
PS If you have an interesting/weird dream that you feel compelled to tell me just remember that I am a fanatic about clean toilets and will probably have to go home and scrub one.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES AT GRANDMA'S HOUSE UNTIL SOMEONE MELTS
We have a gas fireplace in the family room. I love it. That room was always cold and I freeze all winter so it is a wonderful thing for me.
The other day Gilmore Girl was here with her two girls, Curly Sue and Tuesday. Gilmore Girl, Phil--who, Gilmore Girl says needs a nickname--send suggestions--and I were upstairs visiting and then she cut our hair. I fixed dinner because the Fearless Hunter was going to be home late and so they decided to stay over and eat.
The girls had been downstairs playing and watching TV for a couple of hours. When I called them upstairs to eat they nearly melted up the steps. They didn't so much as sit at the table but wilted in their chairs and oozed melty words, like syrup. Then I realized that the temperature downstairs must be about eighty-five degrees. Just right for me. Not so right for anyone with blood that still circulates.
So, if you come to my house in the winter be prepared. Or you could (sing ), "...a little song, (do) a little dance, (put) a little seltzer down your pants." That'd cool you off. The girls will have to do with some ice cubes because I don't have any seltzer.
You have been warned.
The other day Gilmore Girl was here with her two girls, Curly Sue and Tuesday. Gilmore Girl, Phil--who, Gilmore Girl says needs a nickname--send suggestions--and I were upstairs visiting and then she cut our hair. I fixed dinner because the Fearless Hunter was going to be home late and so they decided to stay over and eat.
The girls had been downstairs playing and watching TV for a couple of hours. When I called them upstairs to eat they nearly melted up the steps. They didn't so much as sit at the table but wilted in their chairs and oozed melty words, like syrup. Then I realized that the temperature downstairs must be about eighty-five degrees. Just right for me. Not so right for anyone with blood that still circulates.
So, if you come to my house in the winter be prepared. Or you could (sing ), "...a little song, (do) a little dance, (put) a little seltzer down your pants." That'd cool you off. The girls will have to do with some ice cubes because I don't have any seltzer.
You have been warned.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
HOW TO GET RID OF FRUIT FLIES
Because I still have scads of tomatoes ripening in the kitchen and the odd one decides not to ripen so much as to rot, we have pesky fruit flies. Correction. We had pesky fruit flies.
Now they reside at the bottom of this jar.
Recipe for fruit fly trap: 1-2 tablespoons water, 1-2 tablespoons vinegar, a few drops of dish soap. That's it. The flies can hardly wait to come and drown themselves. I have tried it with balsamic vinegar and apple cider vinegar. The fruit flies love them both.
Monday, November 10, 2008
KRAUT GETS EVEN--ONCE AGAIN--FOR THE HURTZ DONUT
Some time back I wrote about poor, donut-deprived Kraut being tricked by his mom, who I might add is a fine and funny jokster. Every child should have been lucky enough to have a mom like me. Kraut has "gotten even" with me what seems like hundreds of times. here is yet another instance of his diabolical revenge fine sense of humor.
I don't know the inner working of my first born son but I do know he is creative, smart and never, EVER lets a good idea go without follow through. I also don't know when he found the handy spool of wire or how long it took him to construct a fine looking EVIL, LARGE spider out of it. Nor do I know how he managed to be alone in my bedroom long enough to attach it to the ceiling above my side of the bed.
Perhaps he laid on the bed so he could pinpoint the exact spot my eyes would go to as I was lying down, aftera long day of washing 86 items of clothing, folding and putting away all the clothing minus six socks that took a permanent vacation to outer space, all the while nagging the children to do their chores (that they had no intention of doing) until I nagged myself into a frazzle, making sure they practiced the piano, vacuumed the floor, cleaned up a fur ball from one of the interesting cats, thawed something for dinner, fixed dinner, said for the ten hundredth time "yes, you have to eat your vegetables," and "we don't need to have dessert every single night," cleaned up after dinner, made sure everyone had a bath or a shower and made sure everyone brushed their teeth, listened to everyone's prayers and finally said, "Thank goodness, one more day finished a normal day and was ready for some peaceful rest.
I later learned, from mypatient, diabolical son, that I laid down under the wire spider many nights before finally looking up. But when I finally did look up I screamed. And then, as I was scrambling out of bed, dragging the sheets and blankets, and perhaps Phil, with me, all the while keeping one eye on the gigantic spider, I heard a familiar chuckle from the boy's room. It was Kraut. Then I looked up at the spider again and realized it was too evilly perfect to be a real spider. I stormed into Kraut's room, trailing sheets and blankets and perhaps Phil.
"What do you know about the spider on my ceiling?" I asked through clenched teeth.
"Nothing," the innocent-faced child said. "And it sure has taken you a long time to notice it."
Score: Mom 1 Kraut 212 and counting
PS Kraut's children should read this. Surely one of them will want to avenge their poor shell-shocked Grandma. And I happen to know they are a clever bunch. I'll bet there will be stories to tell soon. Thank you, kids.
I don't know the inner working of my first born son but I do know he is creative, smart and never, EVER lets a good idea go without follow through. I also don't know when he found the handy spool of wire or how long it took him to construct a fine looking EVIL, LARGE spider out of it. Nor do I know how he managed to be alone in my bedroom long enough to attach it to the ceiling above my side of the bed.
Perhaps he laid on the bed so he could pinpoint the exact spot my eyes would go to as I was lying down, after
I later learned, from my
"What do you know about the spider on my ceiling?" I asked through clenched teeth.
"Nothing," the innocent-faced child said. "And it sure has taken you a long time to notice it."
Score: Mom 1 Kraut 212 and counting
PS Kraut's children should read this. Surely one of them will want to avenge their poor shell-shocked Grandma. And I happen to know they are a clever bunch. I'll bet there will be stories to tell soon. Thank you, kids.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
TRIALS AND TROUBLES
This afternoon a family member was hospitalized. She's home now, very shaky and frightened. We all are frightened. We love her and her family and hope all will be well.
Today, all over the world people found out their lives aren't going to be like they thought. All the hopes have been put on hold. The ripple effect reaches people who don't even know them. Soon, in one way or another, we are all affected. Today it was my family in distress. Tomorrow it may be yours or your neighbor's or someone you will never meet but we are all connected. What affects one affects all.
Phil and I fed the kids and then played games with them. When they were getting ready for bed the five year old "lost it." She bawled while brushing her teeth and could hardly talk for foam and spit. "I miss my Mom," she said, over and over. One life, so important, so precious, so needed and so loved.
The very important "Mom" is home tonight, shaken and tired. Tomorrow, and in the days to come, the doctors will try to track down the problem. I hope it is a quick fix.
And whatever is troubling you out there, or around the corner, or next door, you who I probably don't even know, but whose life circumstances ripples and eventually touches mine, I hope you find answers and help and peace. And if the answers are not what you thought they might be I hope you will know that people, who have never met you, care.
I hope that doesn't sound insincere or flippant. I am picturing people all over the world who are saddened tonight. People in circumstances I cannot imagine. Some are in poverty and some in wealth. Some have people to help them and some are alone. And I am thinking of one woman that I love and of her husband and her children and all the people who are touched by the ripples of her life and hoping that everything will be okay. As I hope for you. That your life, though difficult and unplanned for, will be okay. That is my sincere wish.
Today, all over the world people found out their lives aren't going to be like they thought. All the hopes have been put on hold. The ripple effect reaches people who don't even know them. Soon, in one way or another, we are all affected. Today it was my family in distress. Tomorrow it may be yours or your neighbor's or someone you will never meet but we are all connected. What affects one affects all.
~If I weren't so tired I'd look up effect and affect and see how to use them properly.~
Phil and I fed the kids and then played games with them. When they were getting ready for bed the five year old "lost it." She bawled while brushing her teeth and could hardly talk for foam and spit. "I miss my Mom," she said, over and over. One life, so important, so precious, so needed and so loved.
The very important "Mom" is home tonight, shaken and tired. Tomorrow, and in the days to come, the doctors will try to track down the problem. I hope it is a quick fix.
And whatever is troubling you out there, or around the corner, or next door, you who I probably don't even know, but whose life circumstances ripples and eventually touches mine, I hope you find answers and help and peace. And if the answers are not what you thought they might be I hope you will know that people, who have never met you, care.
I hope that doesn't sound insincere or flippant. I am picturing people all over the world who are saddened tonight. People in circumstances I cannot imagine. Some are in poverty and some in wealth. Some have people to help them and some are alone. And I am thinking of one woman that I love and of her husband and her children and all the people who are touched by the ripples of her life and hoping that everything will be okay. As I hope for you. That your life, though difficult and unplanned for, will be okay. That is my sincere wish.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
TODAY'S PRAYER-WISH-LIST
This morning I didn't pray beside my bed. I usually do that first thing after I've showered and dressed because that's when I make my bed. If my bed it unmade it means I haven't had my morning prayer. But, today I was going to change the sheets--note "was going to", as in, it didn't happen--and put the down comforter on for the winter. But, it didn't get done so as I was standing in the hall bathroom, un-ugly-ing my face and un-witching my hair I remembered I hadn't prayed. I folded my arms and had prayer, right there in the bathroom.
This is what I asked for: To remember the joy and the peace I felt when I lived with Heavenly Father before this life on earth. I would really like to remember it all but I know that wish can't be granted so I asked just to remember the joy and the peace. And then I asked that I could have that joy and peace with me.
Today was an ordinary day. I felt peace all day. I had a fair amount of joy too, far more than usual. I know there is no way I could have the joy of that I experienced in my pre-earth-life but what I had today was pretty nice.
So, today's plea was a success. Maybe that's all we have to do. Ask. Ask and have faith.
PS Pika, the prayer cat showed up for my prayer this morning. I don't know how she does it. And she had something to say, too.
PPS We just had family prayer as Phil has gone to bed and yes, Pika attended. She meowed, too. it's the only time we ever hear her voice.
This is what I asked for: To remember the joy and the peace I felt when I lived with Heavenly Father before this life on earth. I would really like to remember it all but I know that wish can't be granted so I asked just to remember the joy and the peace. And then I asked that I could have that joy and peace with me.
Today was an ordinary day. I felt peace all day. I had a fair amount of joy too, far more than usual. I know there is no way I could have the joy of that I experienced in my pre-earth-life but what I had today was pretty nice.
So, today's plea was a success. Maybe that's all we have to do. Ask. Ask and have faith.
PS Pika, the prayer cat showed up for my prayer this morning. I don't know how she does it. And she had something to say, too.
PPS We just had family prayer as Phil has gone to bed and yes, Pika attended. She meowed, too. it's the only time we ever hear her voice.
Friday, November 7, 2008
HER EXCELLENCY OF MOUSEHOLE'S NEW PUPPY
The Boarder came by today to show us this. Her Excellency of Mousehole's "Happy Birthday to You," present:
How cute is he? And The boarder too.
Then he took wee doggie home to her and we haven't heard from her yet. Why? Because the doggie has never been out of her arms, we're betting.
Happy Birthday, Her Excellency of Mousehole. There is nothing we can ever give you that will come anywhere close to this.
Does that mean we don't have to try?
How cute is he? And The boarder too.
Then he took wee doggie home to her and we haven't heard from her yet. Why? Because the doggie has never been out of her arms, we're betting.Happy Birthday, Her Excellency of Mousehole. There is nothing we can ever give you that will come anywhere close to this.
Does that mean we don't have to try?
No, we didn't think so.
The Boarder did well. Congratulations to both of you and to the little barker who will be very pampered, we're guessing.
Update: She called ten minutes after I posted this. She loves him and is naming him Kramer. His hair does look like Kramer's, doesn't it? And I was right. He is going to be very pampered.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
MY FAVORITE PHOTO
I started another blog the other day and this is the photo on it. I wanted to share this photo with you. It was taken on my wedding day.
I was so in love. So happy. So innocent and believing life would be easy and rich with wonderful experiences. It has been rich with experiences but I have a hard time saying they have all been wonderful. That is because I don't understand like God does.
I am embarking on a study of faith. It's going to be slow going because every day I have responsibilities and it won't let up until after the New Year. Maybe not even then. But I hope to be able to see my life as God does, to feel the happiness he offers me, even when things don't play out like I think they should.
But, tonight, I wanted to share this photo. An uncomplicated little photo, showing me on a happy day. May you all have those days of happiness or remember those days of happiness or have faith that all will be well. That is one of my goals, to know that all will be well.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
THE EVIL SEDUCTIVE MAIDEN BRINGETH THE TOOTHACHE
Grr. A toothache. And why? Because I ate some caramels while I wrapped them. Sugar is a naughty, seductive maiden with a sweet voice. She promises pleasures unnumbered but delivers pain and fatness and headaches and other maladies I know not of. Tonight I have the pain. So, I'm quitting for the night.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
NO ELECTION TALK HERE
I will be the one lone blog not saying anything about the election. Except to say that we must work together. We must do what we can to make this country great and be the good people we are destined to be.
Now, a bit of drivel, if I could just think of something to say....
Well...I did go to card class tonight where the emphasis is on friendship, not cards--but the cards were darling too.
Now, a bit of drivel, if I could just think of something to say....
Well...I did go to card class tonight where the emphasis is on friendship, not cards--but the cards were darling too.
It is like therapy to be able to go to Gaye's, to sit and be surrounded by talk flowing around you, no one dominating the conversation, everyone loving everyone else. Earlier today my personal history group met. Everyone read different stories, we've all had different experiences, lived different lives, are different ages and yet are the same. There is deep, real friendship among us.
Tonight a friend called and we must have talked for an hour and a half, about nothing and everything.
This is the kind of thing that women need. Besides shelter and love and maybe a baby or two--or five, they need friendship. Men, not so much. That didn't read right. Women need men, at least I do, one man--Phil, that is, but men don't seem to need friendship so much. Not like women do.
And shopping. A man's idea of shopping is have a need and figure out what store carries the item that is needed. He might call first and see which store has the cheaper price. Then he goes there and buys it. Mission accomplished.
Women's idea of shopping is to go to a store or to a bunch of stores and see what's there. At any store at any time. They don't necessarily need anything, it's the "looking" that accomplishes their mission. I can't count the number of times I've been leaving to go shopping and Phil has said, "What do you need?"
"Nothing," I say.
"Then why are you going?"
"To shop."
"But you just said you don't need anything," he says
"I don't. And I probably won't buy anything, either."
"I don't get it. You don't need anything, probably won't buy anything and yet you have to go shopping."
"Right," I say, giving him a kiss. "You finally got it." And away I go.
So, nothing in this post is important, not like the fate of the nation. Or even the fate of the economy, which wouldn't be so good if women stayed home and didn't shop when they didn't need anything.
Tonight a friend called and we must have talked for an hour and a half, about nothing and everything.
This is the kind of thing that women need. Besides shelter and love and maybe a baby or two--or five, they need friendship. Men, not so much. That didn't read right. Women need men, at least I do, one man--Phil, that is, but men don't seem to need friendship so much. Not like women do.
And shopping. A man's idea of shopping is have a need and figure out what store carries the item that is needed. He might call first and see which store has the cheaper price. Then he goes there and buys it. Mission accomplished.
Women's idea of shopping is to go to a store or to a bunch of stores and see what's there. At any store at any time. They don't necessarily need anything, it's the "looking" that accomplishes their mission. I can't count the number of times I've been leaving to go shopping and Phil has said, "What do you need?"
"Nothing," I say.
"Then why are you going?"
"To shop."
"But you just said you don't need anything," he says
"I don't. And I probably won't buy anything, either."
"I don't get it. You don't need anything, probably won't buy anything and yet you have to go shopping."
"Right," I say, giving him a kiss. "You finally got it." And away I go.
So, nothing in this post is important, not like the fate of the nation. Or even the fate of the economy, which wouldn't be so good if women stayed home and didn't shop when they didn't need anything.
Monday, November 3, 2008
THE DIATRIBE BLOG
Someone, I'm calling her Blessherheart, was here the other day and said, "I looked at your blog and it was this long diatribe." And then Blessherheart pulled a face, not a horrible face, just kind of a "I hate your blog--it's stupid," face and then Blessherheart said, "Have you read so-and-so's blog? It's really cute. Did you see her costumes? How she does all she does I'll never know. Blah, blah, blah, everyone but you has a charming blog." Okay, maybe she didn't actually say anything from the "Blah's" but I heard it, just the same. And then Blessyourheart changed the subject and I let it go. And, by the way, I had read so-and-so's blog and I agreed. So-and-so is Mrs. Amazing. She really is.
Synonyms for diatribe: tirade, harangue.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Blessherheart. It really warms my little heart. Or maybe it "worms" my little heart. I can't decide which.
So that's tonight's post. No diatribe.
Synonyms for diatribe: tirade, harangue.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Blessherheart. It really warms my little heart. Or maybe it "worms" my little heart. I can't decide which.
So that's tonight's post. No diatribe.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
AT CHURCH TODAY
Today in Relief Society our President was giving the lesson. She took it from Julie Beck's talk in the October 2007 Women's Conference. Our President is a darling woman who out-works, out-"relief's" and out-does me in everything and I adore her. First off she puts up a poster board on the white board-magnetic board with two magnets. The title of her poster was "Increase in Faith and Personal Worthiness." The magnets weren't strong enough and her poster slowly slid. The other counselor--I call her the Russian Princess--said, "Oh, oh, it looks like our faith is slipping."
Later Madam President was making a list of all the things the audience members suggested that women do. Things like "teach," and "cook," and "nurture." Someone said, "We're compassionate." Madam President said, "Well, that's one I'm certainly not!" Which really surprised me because he is the very essence of compassion. She turned around and wrote the word, "Passionate." I tried not to snort but it was difficult. Someone corrected her she laughed and just shook her head as if to say, "I can't believe I said that."
One woman said she was at the mall with her seventeen year old grandson and the displays at Victoria's Secret were particularly offensive. She was very embarrassed and he was too. Later she found out that several women had written to the Mall and Victoria's Secret had more modest displays after that. Voices for decency can be heard.
Another woman said that the drill team at the high school came out with outfits with one sleeve and no sleeve on the other side and the fabric made a slash across the body--quite immodest. One teenage boy yelled, "Modest is the hottest!" and the other kids in the bleachers yelled, "Say it again, say it again." Another voice for modesty heard.
Another woman said, "When we do what is right we get everything and more." She had a story to go with it but it's too long to put here.
Today during testimony meeting the Russian Princess's teenage boy was bearing his testimony. He was talking about Jesus and the Holy Ghost being a comforter. He quoted from John 14--I didn't get the verse--and then he said something like, "Jesus watches over us and we can rely on him and nothing bad can happen to us," and then he paused for just a milisecond, and said, "even if it does." That made more sense to me than almost anything that was said today. "...even if it does." Because we have faith in the Savior we can weather any storm, even though it's hard. Even though it hurts. Even though our hearts may be broken we can do it because he loves us and atoned for us and sent the Holy Ghost as the most precious gift.
Anyway, a big of rambling. Today was a good church day and a not-good "I've rented another bomb from Netflix" night and I think I am really banned this time. Send good recommendations.
And one last bit: Another woman in Relief Society had on brown herringbone tights. They were beyond darling. She also has the perfect legs to go in the brown herringbone tights. "It's discusting," said the jealous woman who does not have brown herringbone tights or great legs to go in them, either.
Later Madam President was making a list of all the things the audience members suggested that women do. Things like "teach," and "cook," and "nurture." Someone said, "We're compassionate." Madam President said, "Well, that's one I'm certainly not!" Which really surprised me because he is the very essence of compassion. She turned around and wrote the word, "Passionate." I tried not to snort but it was difficult. Someone corrected her she laughed and just shook her head as if to say, "I can't believe I said that."
One woman said she was at the mall with her seventeen year old grandson and the displays at Victoria's Secret were particularly offensive. She was very embarrassed and he was too. Later she found out that several women had written to the Mall and Victoria's Secret had more modest displays after that. Voices for decency can be heard.
Another woman said that the drill team at the high school came out with outfits with one sleeve and no sleeve on the other side and the fabric made a slash across the body--quite immodest. One teenage boy yelled, "Modest is the hottest!" and the other kids in the bleachers yelled, "Say it again, say it again." Another voice for modesty heard.
Another woman said, "When we do what is right we get everything and more." She had a story to go with it but it's too long to put here.
Today during testimony meeting the Russian Princess's teenage boy was bearing his testimony. He was talking about Jesus and the Holy Ghost being a comforter. He quoted from John 14--I didn't get the verse--and then he said something like, "Jesus watches over us and we can rely on him and nothing bad can happen to us," and then he paused for just a milisecond, and said, "even if it does." That made more sense to me than almost anything that was said today. "...even if it does." Because we have faith in the Savior we can weather any storm, even though it's hard. Even though it hurts. Even though our hearts may be broken we can do it because he loves us and atoned for us and sent the Holy Ghost as the most precious gift.
Anyway, a big of rambling. Today was a good church day and a not-good "I've rented another bomb from Netflix" night and I think I am really banned this time. Send good recommendations.
And one last bit: Another woman in Relief Society had on brown herringbone tights. They were beyond darling. She also has the perfect legs to go in the brown herringbone tights. "It's discusting," said the jealous woman who does not have brown herringbone tights or great legs to go in them, either.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
THE LAST OF THE KALE SOUP and THE MUTANT CHILD and UN-MUTANT CHILDREN
Why is it that I can't just ignore the last of the kale in the garden and not feel like I have to use it up? I also had tomatoes ripening so that was a double whammy and so made the LAST OF THE KALE AND BEAN SOUP, so help me, it has to be. I am about souped out. I froze some and saved some for dinner and packaged some to share.
The following hilarious photos were on Kraut's blog today, he called this sweet young thing the Mutant child. Now I ask you, does he look like a mutant to you? Me neither. He can't help it if he has locks of fluorescence.
Kraut thanked the Soap Queen for their wonderful children. Darn right. Does she look old enough to have seven? I don't think so either.
On the other end of the valley we see Curly Sue as the Greek Goddess. 
With that curly hair she looks the part.
Tuesday is a grinnin' Minnie.
Gilmore Girl showed all the candy they got on her blog and you know what? They did not get one stinkin' wrinkly apple or pencil. What's this world coming to, I ask you? Those kids won't have anything to complain about when they are old and decrepit like me.
Note: If you live in Arizona and then you can just say, "pfttt" tomorrow when the rest of us are grumbling about sundown being SO DARN EARLY. I would forgo the extra hour of sleep to keep things the way they are. How about you?
The following hilarious photos were on Kraut's blog today, he called this sweet young thing the Mutant child. Now I ask you, does he look like a mutant to you? Me neither. He can't help it if he has locks of fluorescence.Kraut thanked the Soap Queen for their wonderful children. Darn right. Does she look old enough to have seven? I don't think so either.
On the other end of the valley we see Curly Sue as the Greek Goddess. With that curly hair she looks the part. Tuesday is a grinnin' Minnie.Gilmore Girl showed all the candy they got on her blog and you know what? They did not get one stinkin' wrinkly apple or pencil. What's this world coming to, I ask you? Those kids won't have anything to complain about when they are old and decrepit like me.Note: If you live in Arizona and then you can just say, "pfttt" tomorrow when the rest of us are grumbling about sundown being SO DARN EARLY. I would forgo the extra hour of sleep to keep things the way they are. How about you?
Friday, October 31, 2008
TRICK OR TREAT, SMELL MY FEET, GIVE ME SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT
Trick or treat, Smell my feet,*
Phew!
"No, smell MY feet!"
Someone forgot to tell Roger Federer that he should have left his SKELETON feet at home and put on his real feet. Oh my.
"Roger, get those scary feet out of here or at least put on some shoes. Is this who I've been playing against? Skeletor? I'm gonna hurl. Projectile hurl. It's gonna be ugly. but not as dang ugly as those feet."
Give me something good to eat. 
So, Trick or Treators don't want pickled beets and pickled onions but that's what I made this afternoon which morphed into the evening which meant Phil answered the door forty-'leven times.
He was so cute with all the kids and even the big kids. He never once said, "Aren't you a little old to be Trick or Treating?" to the junior high kids and even the high school and--ahem--college kids. He commented on their costumes and always wished them a Happy Halloween. He's such a nice guy, my Phil.
Hope your Halloween was great.
Don't tell anyone but I miss my little kids. They were so excited that they changed their minds about what they were going "to be" about ten time before Halloween actually got here. When they got home after the great treating-hunting-gathering-fest they spilled all the candy on the floor and sorted it by types and kinds. And they always complained that one family gave pencils. Honestly, they had so much candy that they couldn't even eat it all and they complained about one stinkin' pencil.
But, perhaps they aren't so different from their mom who remembers one family in Annabella who always said, "What? It's Halloween? Lloyd!"--names changed to protect the cheap--"Lloyd, did you know it's Halloween? See if you can find something for these here kids." Which meant we were going to get a wrinkly apple. Now, I tell you, every year we'd get a wrinkly apple. I guess each time some kid knocked on the door she'd yell, "Lloyd, did you know it's Halloween?" because we weren't the first ones there.
If they were still alive I'd take them a pencil.
* Those are not my feet. I "stole" that photo off someone else's blog. I found worse photos, disgusting photos of feet but I was nice to the world and didn't post them. I didn't want more projectile hurling. Honest, they were a-word-worse-than-ugly, whatever that would be. Bad. You should thank me for not posting them. Seriously. Thank me.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
