...Please pardon my language, but that's what my day has boiled down to.
I've been trying all day just to find 10 minutes to blog,
(and I really did have some nice things to say - really!)
But it has just been one thing after another all day, until any positive feelings I had have blown away with the wind.
I'm feeling so frustrated tonight.
I had a bit of an epiphany during the week, and I have been so excited about it that I didn't even sleep for 24 hours.
I sketched and made lists, planned and researched - only to hit a brick wall this weekend.
Turns out I'm not going to have a spare minute (or a spare penny) to do anything on my list - at least for the time being.
Bleah.
I've stifled and locked away my creative urges for the last 18 years, (ever since my youngest was born,) believing that one day my "time and season" would come.
With her moving out last week, it felt like just maybe my time had come - so I opened that locked cage and took a peek - yup, they were still in there, and crazy wild to be free.
...But alas, it is still not to be.
(It just seems like an awfully long time to be patient. I'd like to use my talents before I lose all my faculties!)
Thankfully, I'm not bitter. (LOL)
...The day wasn't a total loss, however.
I drove my daughter back to her little college town this afternoon.
Usually, I dread the drive back because I'm alone and it's an hour drive through narrow winding roads, and unpredictable traffic.
(You would think country folk would like to meander - but not so. They are speed demons who like to ride your bumper and breathe down your neck!)
...I digress...
Today, the drive back was surprisingly peaceful.
I brought my favorite book on CD, (which takes place in a small town in the country,) and it was so pleasant listening to it with fields of ripe grain, herds of sheep and mountains as a back-drop.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the barren hills, softening the harsh edges and making them appear as mounds of draped fabric.
There is the slightest sensation of fall in the air now, and it made me actually long for future drives when the leaves in the canyon have started to turn.
For once, I wanted the drive to last a little longer before having to deal with the chaos of home.
I think I may just insist on going by myself from here on out - at least until the snow flies.
I'm hoping this week goes by quickly, and praying for health for the in-laws and safe travels for all my children.
.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Oh What a Night....
...And not in a good way.
Last night we just sat down to dinner when hubby's phone rang. It was a family member who was at the hospital with his dad.
They said that his body was beginning to shut down, and he needed to get there to say his final good byes.
So, we left our hot meal sitting on the table, grabbed the keys and ran...
It took hours for everyone to get there (one had to come all the way from California,)
...But we assembled the entire family - except for that brother who is in the Cancer treatment center. Him they connected to through Skype.
Finally, around midnight, we had a family prayer, then he was given a blessing releasing him from the cares and responsibilities of this life.
Afterwards, my son left to pick up his three little girls. My youngest had ridden home with a cousin, and was home alone, so I ran to catch a ride with him to be with her.
Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough to catch him - and the hospital doors locked behind me (they lock up at ten,) so there I was, stranded alone in the parking lot.
We had left the house so quickly that I hadn't been able to grab my phone. Hubby had given me his, but it was because the battery was dead and he wanted me to charge it for him.
Thanks to merciful heaven - he had left the car unlocked, or I don't know what I would have done! I sat in the car for hours, wondering how long I would be there - freezing. (I hadn't planned on it being COLD!) Something in me kept saying he's not going to die tonight - I could just feel it in my gut. I prepared myself to be there, waiting it out until the sun came up.
Finally, at 3:00, hubby and my daughter came out of the hospital - smiling and laughing.
After I had left, his dad woke up and spoke to everyone in the room, calling them by name and thanking them for coming!
That man has more than 9 lives - he has done this to us so many times!
At 3:30, we came home and finished our meal...
Poor hubby is so emotionally drained - and it's his turn to go up and sit with the brother today.
Bizarre is the only word to describe it - what a night indeed.
.
Last night we just sat down to dinner when hubby's phone rang. It was a family member who was at the hospital with his dad.
They said that his body was beginning to shut down, and he needed to get there to say his final good byes.
So, we left our hot meal sitting on the table, grabbed the keys and ran...
It took hours for everyone to get there (one had to come all the way from California,)
...But we assembled the entire family - except for that brother who is in the Cancer treatment center. Him they connected to through Skype.
Finally, around midnight, we had a family prayer, then he was given a blessing releasing him from the cares and responsibilities of this life.
Afterwards, my son left to pick up his three little girls. My youngest had ridden home with a cousin, and was home alone, so I ran to catch a ride with him to be with her.
Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough to catch him - and the hospital doors locked behind me (they lock up at ten,) so there I was, stranded alone in the parking lot.
We had left the house so quickly that I hadn't been able to grab my phone. Hubby had given me his, but it was because the battery was dead and he wanted me to charge it for him.
Thanks to merciful heaven - he had left the car unlocked, or I don't know what I would have done! I sat in the car for hours, wondering how long I would be there - freezing. (I hadn't planned on it being COLD!) Something in me kept saying he's not going to die tonight - I could just feel it in my gut. I prepared myself to be there, waiting it out until the sun came up.
Finally, at 3:00, hubby and my daughter came out of the hospital - smiling and laughing.
After I had left, his dad woke up and spoke to everyone in the room, calling them by name and thanking them for coming!
That man has more than 9 lives - he has done this to us so many times!
At 3:30, we came home and finished our meal...
Poor hubby is so emotionally drained - and it's his turn to go up and sit with the brother today.
Bizarre is the only word to describe it - what a night indeed.
.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Dear Void...
Sometimes it feels like that's where my rantings go - just off into the vast echoing universe - but there are also those times when I feel that that same universe is my closest listening friend.
So, Hello dear Void, it's me again...
We got baby moved to her college dorm yesterday, and all settled in (I hope.)
Goodbyes were tearful, but it felt good to know that she has at least one good friend in her apartment - someone familiar, and somewhat stable for her to cling to.
I left her with prayers and hopes that she can somehow find her way out of her comfy shell and reach for the stars.
Nothing would make me happier than to see her achieve all of her dreams.
She's been homesick today already, and has been texting all of us. Hopefully she'll do better tomorrow when she's occupied with orientation, and gets more adjusted to her surroundings.
As for me, I decided that rather than dwell on all the things I'll be missing, I would focus on the positive things, such as;
* I won't have to adjust the radio station every time I get in the car.
*Computer's printer ink will last longer
* I can go wild with the new recipe nights, (since she's the last of the picky eaters at my house.)
* I have so many ways to keep in touch - phone & text, email, and I can finally start using all those cards I make - and stuff them with big fat letters full of mommy advice.
Well, it's not much compared to losing my shopping buddy, my writing adviser, my art critic and masseuse, but I have to hold on to what I can.
-*-
I spent a pleasant afternoon chatting with my older daughter today.
Whenever I do this, I find myself wondering what went wrong in the great beyond where families are assembled. She should have been the mom, and I the child.
She knows things about things that... well - I didn't even know were things.
I can talk to her about anything and everything - so, I was picking her brain about the next phase of my life's journey and how to keep it from being empty and dull. She did give me some great tips and advice, which I'm anxious to try to put into practice.
I'll let you know how that goes... :-)
-*-
My oldest son had the chance to go visit his brother in Seattle this past weekend. I'm so glad they got to spend some time together. It sounds like they had a lot of fun exploring and sight-seeing. They even attended a Green Bay vs. Sea Hawks game. He flew back home today, grateful that he's the country boy and not the city one, though.
-*-
Friday, I'm afraid I had a teensy-weensie meltdown and I gave myself a time-out. An evening's exile to Borders.
I was a little anxious at first - it's been so long since I've gone anywhere at night, let alone by myself, but before long, I was enjoying the light jazz and the soft comfy chairs as I sampled many of the books and magazines that I can't find in my home town.
I could feel my blood pressure dropping as I sat there, and if I had stayed much longer, could have fallen asleep where I sat. It was that relaxing.
I may just make that my new Friday night ritual.
The only thing I brought home was a copy of Artful Blogging. I was pulled in by all the interesting photos, and thought that maybe I could pick up some helpful hints on how to do a better job of it.
What I'm discovering though, is that I probably shouldn't be blogging at all. - All the bloggers featured in it are entrepreneurs of some sort.
Artists, photographers, jewelery makers, or cooks. Each blogger seems to have chosen a running theme, or a mission statement to keep things unified.
...So who am I to have a blog? I'm not famous, I have no goods to sell, no art to inspire, or wisdom to impart. I'm just an ordinary mom trying to muddle her way through an ordinary life.
As I thought about it though, I came to the conclusion that I don't care.
I think that every soul has a story to tell, whether good or bad.
Writing is therapy for me (but cheaper!) and I enjoy it, so why not blog?
If I offend by not having a theme - just put me down as one 'recording my journey through life.'
I've never been one to take the safe route by staying on the straight and narrow path, I've always been too curious (foolish?) for that - I have to explore all the side roads - or leave the path altogether and wade up the stream...
Sometimes (well, most of the time) it takes a hard knock to teach me things, but every lesson learned leaves it's mark. (Pun not intended - just a bonus.)
If lessons are recorded, then hopefully they don't have to be repeated, and therein lies it's worth.
Blogging helps me sort through my emotions and focus on things that matter most.
So thanks, dear Void. I love you too.
.
So, Hello dear Void, it's me again...
We got baby moved to her college dorm yesterday, and all settled in (I hope.)
Goodbyes were tearful, but it felt good to know that she has at least one good friend in her apartment - someone familiar, and somewhat stable for her to cling to.
I left her with prayers and hopes that she can somehow find her way out of her comfy shell and reach for the stars.
Nothing would make me happier than to see her achieve all of her dreams.
She's been homesick today already, and has been texting all of us. Hopefully she'll do better tomorrow when she's occupied with orientation, and gets more adjusted to her surroundings.
As for me, I decided that rather than dwell on all the things I'll be missing, I would focus on the positive things, such as;
* I won't have to adjust the radio station every time I get in the car.
*Computer's printer ink will last longer
* I can go wild with the new recipe nights, (since she's the last of the picky eaters at my house.)
* I have so many ways to keep in touch - phone & text, email, and I can finally start using all those cards I make - and stuff them with big fat letters full of mommy advice.
Well, it's not much compared to losing my shopping buddy, my writing adviser, my art critic and masseuse, but I have to hold on to what I can.
-*-
I spent a pleasant afternoon chatting with my older daughter today.
Whenever I do this, I find myself wondering what went wrong in the great beyond where families are assembled. She should have been the mom, and I the child.
She knows things about things that... well - I didn't even know were things.
I can talk to her about anything and everything - so, I was picking her brain about the next phase of my life's journey and how to keep it from being empty and dull. She did give me some great tips and advice, which I'm anxious to try to put into practice.
I'll let you know how that goes... :-)
-*-
My oldest son had the chance to go visit his brother in Seattle this past weekend. I'm so glad they got to spend some time together. It sounds like they had a lot of fun exploring and sight-seeing. They even attended a Green Bay vs. Sea Hawks game. He flew back home today, grateful that he's the country boy and not the city one, though.
-*-
Friday, I'm afraid I had a teensy-weensie meltdown and I gave myself a time-out. An evening's exile to Borders.
I was a little anxious at first - it's been so long since I've gone anywhere at night, let alone by myself, but before long, I was enjoying the light jazz and the soft comfy chairs as I sampled many of the books and magazines that I can't find in my home town.
I could feel my blood pressure dropping as I sat there, and if I had stayed much longer, could have fallen asleep where I sat. It was that relaxing.
I may just make that my new Friday night ritual.
The only thing I brought home was a copy of Artful Blogging. I was pulled in by all the interesting photos, and thought that maybe I could pick up some helpful hints on how to do a better job of it.
What I'm discovering though, is that I probably shouldn't be blogging at all. - All the bloggers featured in it are entrepreneurs of some sort.
Artists, photographers, jewelery makers, or cooks. Each blogger seems to have chosen a running theme, or a mission statement to keep things unified.
...So who am I to have a blog? I'm not famous, I have no goods to sell, no art to inspire, or wisdom to impart. I'm just an ordinary mom trying to muddle her way through an ordinary life.
As I thought about it though, I came to the conclusion that I don't care.
I think that every soul has a story to tell, whether good or bad.
Writing is therapy for me (but cheaper!) and I enjoy it, so why not blog?
If I offend by not having a theme - just put me down as one 'recording my journey through life.'
I've never been one to take the safe route by staying on the straight and narrow path, I've always been too curious (foolish?) for that - I have to explore all the side roads - or leave the path altogether and wade up the stream...
Sometimes (well, most of the time) it takes a hard knock to teach me things, but every lesson learned leaves it's mark. (Pun not intended - just a bonus.)
If lessons are recorded, then hopefully they don't have to be repeated, and therein lies it's worth.
Blogging helps me sort through my emotions and focus on things that matter most.
So thanks, dear Void. I love you too.
.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Weekend Wrap-Up
Just a short one today, since this isn't a movie, and I can't just use the dark screen to signify time passing...
Slightly abnormal week - I've worked a bit more than usual, tended the girls a bit more than usual, and the youngest has been in hyper-drive all week getting ready to move.
Jenny packed up her room last night,and was feeling the angst. She kept going to her room, then minutes later would return to tell us something else that needed to be done.
Hubby and I started timing her - "How long do you think it will be before she comes out this time?" ...Sort of like a broken cuckoo.
It took her a while to wind down and finally go to bed. Tomorrow is the big day, so she's covering all her bases, bless her. I completely understand her anxiousness, but she's making me nervous and weary too.
Not such a good day for hubby's family. Grandpa is doing better, in fact he may be coming home soon. But things aren't going so well for his brother. He (hubby) called me from the cancer center yesterday in tears because he was almost non-responsive. They sent him in for an MRI - and had to send him back because his body wasn't strong enough to endure it.
He has pneumonia and it's getting worse - breathing tubes etc. It's getting so hard for hubby to watch.
Cancer is mean business - if the disease doesn't kill you, the treatment will.
I've had better weeks too - it's starting to wear on me being alone so much. Been in a bit of a depressed mode.
We'll be spending the day in Ephraim tomorrow, getting Jenny settled. Meanwhile, it's our last day together for a while, so I guess we should ENJOY.
A little good news too - yesterday we learned that my son finally landed a job in Seattle - at the school he's planning to attend. Now if his wife can just get her transfer...
I'm sure it's wearing on them being apart.
My family is all busy today, so I'm going to attempt to cheer myself up by playing with my art supplies.
.
Slightly abnormal week - I've worked a bit more than usual, tended the girls a bit more than usual, and the youngest has been in hyper-drive all week getting ready to move.
Jenny packed up her room last night,and was feeling the angst. She kept going to her room, then minutes later would return to tell us something else that needed to be done.
Hubby and I started timing her - "How long do you think it will be before she comes out this time?" ...Sort of like a broken cuckoo.
It took her a while to wind down and finally go to bed. Tomorrow is the big day, so she's covering all her bases, bless her. I completely understand her anxiousness, but she's making me nervous and weary too.
Not such a good day for hubby's family. Grandpa is doing better, in fact he may be coming home soon. But things aren't going so well for his brother. He (hubby) called me from the cancer center yesterday in tears because he was almost non-responsive. They sent him in for an MRI - and had to send him back because his body wasn't strong enough to endure it.
He has pneumonia and it's getting worse - breathing tubes etc. It's getting so hard for hubby to watch.
Cancer is mean business - if the disease doesn't kill you, the treatment will.
I've had better weeks too - it's starting to wear on me being alone so much. Been in a bit of a depressed mode.
We'll be spending the day in Ephraim tomorrow, getting Jenny settled. Meanwhile, it's our last day together for a while, so I guess we should ENJOY.
A little good news too - yesterday we learned that my son finally landed a job in Seattle - at the school he's planning to attend. Now if his wife can just get her transfer...
I'm sure it's wearing on them being apart.
My family is all busy today, so I'm going to attempt to cheer myself up by playing with my art supplies.
.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Live, Laugh, Love, Repeat...
Just when you feel relief that one week has ended - another one begins...
Had a good day yesterday - my grand daughters were in a parade in the next little town over.
I've lived in this area for over 30 years, and I should have known that there was a "Salem Days," but I really had no reason to care - until yesterday, that is...
As I sat there viewing the parade entries, I couldn't help but think how much I enjoy small town life.
The parade consisted of mostly horses and tractors, but, by golly - those folks are proud of their horses and tractors!
How fun to feel the close-knit community spirit as neighbor applauded neighbor for their efforts.
My girls' were so cute on the float (with their Karate class), even though grandpa had to chase them down the road to get a picture.
(Grandma had trouble with the camera and missed them.)
It's all about the kids these days - and thank goodness they do things to keep us entertained and interested in life.
Later, we spent some time with the mother-in-law.
Yesterday was her birthday. She's been home alone for a few weeks, because Grandpa is still in the hospital.
She's hanging in there, but it was a quiet birthday for her...
That brings us to this morning -
I don't mention my church calling much, because I'm not a preachy kind of soul, but I conduct the music for our congregation.
I really enjoy my job - I love music, and it's a pleasure to me to be able to choose the hymns that we sing each week, and arrange for musical numbers.
I swear that music is a conductor to the Spirit, just as water is a conductor to electricity. Some of my most spiritual experiences involve my participation in music.
The one draw-back I have is a physical one. I have a touch of bursitis, or arthritis or one of those achey 'itis' things...
I happened to choose an extra long song to open the meeting with, so by the time it was over, I was near the point of having to prop my arm up to keep it aloft.
I was hoping for a long break between hymns to regroup... Wouldn't you know it - no announcements at all this week.
So as I lead "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain," I was feeling more like "Raise it Gently Because it's Sprained." Ha. The joys of age.
I asked one of the young ladies in the ward (Anna B.) to play a piano solo this week, but she asked if she and her friends could sing instead.
I was great with that, because I've heard her sing with the choir and I know she has talents there too.
I wasn't expecting, however, the quality of the talent I heard today. They sang the most beautiful arrangement of "If You Could Hie to Kolob" a'capella.
They sounded like angels.
I found out after church that she arranged it herself!
Wow.
Sundays are a mixed bag here - mornings are calm and quiet, but evenings are full of family and chaos.
Love at Home.
.
Had a good day yesterday - my grand daughters were in a parade in the next little town over.
I've lived in this area for over 30 years, and I should have known that there was a "Salem Days," but I really had no reason to care - until yesterday, that is...
As I sat there viewing the parade entries, I couldn't help but think how much I enjoy small town life.
The parade consisted of mostly horses and tractors, but, by golly - those folks are proud of their horses and tractors!
How fun to feel the close-knit community spirit as neighbor applauded neighbor for their efforts.
My girls' were so cute on the float (with their Karate class), even though grandpa had to chase them down the road to get a picture.
(Grandma had trouble with the camera and missed them.)
It's all about the kids these days - and thank goodness they do things to keep us entertained and interested in life.
Later, we spent some time with the mother-in-law.
Yesterday was her birthday. She's been home alone for a few weeks, because Grandpa is still in the hospital.
She's hanging in there, but it was a quiet birthday for her...
That brings us to this morning -
I don't mention my church calling much, because I'm not a preachy kind of soul, but I conduct the music for our congregation.
I really enjoy my job - I love music, and it's a pleasure to me to be able to choose the hymns that we sing each week, and arrange for musical numbers.
I swear that music is a conductor to the Spirit, just as water is a conductor to electricity. Some of my most spiritual experiences involve my participation in music.
The one draw-back I have is a physical one. I have a touch of bursitis, or arthritis or one of those achey 'itis' things...
I happened to choose an extra long song to open the meeting with, so by the time it was over, I was near the point of having to prop my arm up to keep it aloft.
I was hoping for a long break between hymns to regroup... Wouldn't you know it - no announcements at all this week.
So as I lead "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain," I was feeling more like "Raise it Gently Because it's Sprained." Ha. The joys of age.
I asked one of the young ladies in the ward (Anna B.) to play a piano solo this week, but she asked if she and her friends could sing instead.
I was great with that, because I've heard her sing with the choir and I know she has talents there too.
I wasn't expecting, however, the quality of the talent I heard today. They sang the most beautiful arrangement of "If You Could Hie to Kolob" a'capella.
They sounded like angels.
I found out after church that she arranged it herself!
Wow.
Sundays are a mixed bag here - mornings are calm and quiet, but evenings are full of family and chaos.
Love at Home.
.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wouldn't Put it Pasta...
It's Friday the 13th, and I'm feeling a bit down in the chops.
Nothing in particular - just everything in general...
On the up-side, I tried a new recipe last night (usually the family is very apprehensive on new recipe night,) but this one looked good and tasted even better.
I found it in a magazine, but I made some changes to suit my family's tastes.
Pasta Salad
1/2 bag of salad pasta, cooked and drained
1 medium sized tomato, chopped
3 or 4 green onion, chopped
5-6 slices of bacon, cooked and broken up
1/4 bag frozen peas
about 1/2 C grated cheddar cheese
about 1/2 C Miracle Whip (or Mayonnaise,) enough to coat and bind the pasta
about 1 Tablespoon dry Ranch Dressing mix.
Sprinkle with crumbled Bleu Cheese (optional)
I wanted to serve it on lettuce leaves, but I didn't have any on hand...
I served it with bread that I prepared with butter, garlic salt, and grated Parmesan, and then grilled, face down.
Yum! It was so tasty - really. I got 8 thumbs up, and the leftovers disappeared this morning with hubby and DD for lunch at work.
I would call that success.
Meanwhile, it is Friday the 13th. My girls say that we are unlucky for 364 days of the year, so this date should be lucky for us, Right? I guess we'll see.
FYI: Both hubby's father and brother had set-backs yesterday, so this weekend will be crucial. Prayers appreciated.
Have a good weekend. :-)
.
Nothing in particular - just everything in general...
On the up-side, I tried a new recipe last night (usually the family is very apprehensive on new recipe night,) but this one looked good and tasted even better.
I found it in a magazine, but I made some changes to suit my family's tastes.
Pasta Salad
1/2 bag of salad pasta, cooked and drained
1 medium sized tomato, chopped
3 or 4 green onion, chopped
5-6 slices of bacon, cooked and broken up
1/4 bag frozen peas
about 1/2 C grated cheddar cheese
about 1/2 C Miracle Whip (or Mayonnaise,) enough to coat and bind the pasta
about 1 Tablespoon dry Ranch Dressing mix.
Sprinkle with crumbled Bleu Cheese (optional)
I wanted to serve it on lettuce leaves, but I didn't have any on hand...
I served it with bread that I prepared with butter, garlic salt, and grated Parmesan, and then grilled, face down.
Yum! It was so tasty - really. I got 8 thumbs up, and the leftovers disappeared this morning with hubby and DD for lunch at work.
I would call that success.
Meanwhile, it is Friday the 13th. My girls say that we are unlucky for 364 days of the year, so this date should be lucky for us, Right? I guess we'll see.
FYI: Both hubby's father and brother had set-backs yesterday, so this weekend will be crucial. Prayers appreciated.
Have a good weekend. :-)
.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
We had some rain last week - lovely long drenching rain.
The best thing about that is that it has taken the heat down a notch or two. Confession: Summer is my least favorite of all the seasons. I just don't do well in the HEAT. It drains all my energy leaving me a lethargic (and cranky) breathing mass.
Most creatures hibernate in the winter, but it's Summertime for me.
I always look forward to the days when the temperatures start to drop.
It's way too early to be feeling fallish yet, but it's Cooled down to the low 90's, and the evenings are in the 60's. We can finally turn off the AC at night, throw the windows wide, and just enjoy the breezes.
I love it.
I've made no secret about the fact that Fall is my favorite season - mainly for the reasons listed above, but also for the changing leaves, the harvest, and the Holiday season that follows.
I also love the fact of school starting, (even though I won't have anyone going to school anymore.) I just love the feeling of order, and schedules, it's a time of new beginnings and new possibilities.
With the cooler weather, my energy level goes up a notch, and I feel like I'm coming back to life again. I'm looking forward to feeling ambitious (let's say I'm hopeful) - starting new projects, and getting out of the house a bit more.
With those changes, I'm hoping to start walking daily again. I hate how sedentary I've become this year. Not only is it bad for the body - it's bad for the mind and the attitude. I need to clear some cobwebs (and shed some insulation!)
Speaking of favorites...
I'm in a sharing mood today, so I'll share with you a little family favorite dish
We all love it, though admittedly I don't make it very often (it takes hours to prepare!) ...But I assembled a batch this week.
This started out as a [Japenese ?] recipe that my former sister in law found, but I have modernized [and Granny-fied it,] and made it my own. It has a name I can't spell or pronounce, but my family just calls it "Pillows."
You start by browning about a pound of hamburger with about an eighth of a cup of soy sauce and about a tablespoon of grated ginger root (Mmmm - it smells lovely!)
Then you place about a teaspoon of the hamburger in the center of a small square egg roll wrap. Moisten your finger, (no, I don't lick and stick - I keep a small cup of water nearby.) Dampen the corners of the egg roll wrap, then fold it closed, sealing the edges.
(I would say fold it like a diaper, but does anyone even know how to fold diapers anymore?)
When they are finished, they look like neat little bundles, thusly:
Then you fry them up in a little vegetable oil, just until they are golden brown...
...And serve them with rice and some yummy stir fried veggies. So, so good!
Parting note:
The other morning I was doing my hair, when I noticed a tap tap tapping outside my window. This silly little woodpecker was having a snack in my tree.
(I love watching the birdies)
The poor sad tree is infested with some kind of destructive bug that is killing it, I'm afraid. Makes me so sad - this tree shades my room and keeps it nice and cool.
Off to see what's next for this week...
.
The best thing about that is that it has taken the heat down a notch or two. Confession: Summer is my least favorite of all the seasons. I just don't do well in the HEAT. It drains all my energy leaving me a lethargic (and cranky) breathing mass.
Most creatures hibernate in the winter, but it's Summertime for me.
I always look forward to the days when the temperatures start to drop.
It's way too early to be feeling fallish yet, but it's Cooled down to the low 90's, and the evenings are in the 60's. We can finally turn off the AC at night, throw the windows wide, and just enjoy the breezes.
I love it.
I've made no secret about the fact that Fall is my favorite season - mainly for the reasons listed above, but also for the changing leaves, the harvest, and the Holiday season that follows.
I also love the fact of school starting, (even though I won't have anyone going to school anymore.) I just love the feeling of order, and schedules, it's a time of new beginnings and new possibilities.
With the cooler weather, my energy level goes up a notch, and I feel like I'm coming back to life again. I'm looking forward to feeling ambitious (let's say I'm hopeful) - starting new projects, and getting out of the house a bit more.
With those changes, I'm hoping to start walking daily again. I hate how sedentary I've become this year. Not only is it bad for the body - it's bad for the mind and the attitude. I need to clear some cobwebs (and shed some insulation!)
Speaking of favorites...
I'm in a sharing mood today, so I'll share with you a little family favorite dish
We all love it, though admittedly I don't make it very often (it takes hours to prepare!) ...But I assembled a batch this week.
This started out as a [Japenese ?] recipe that my former sister in law found, but I have modernized [and Granny-fied it,] and made it my own. It has a name I can't spell or pronounce, but my family just calls it "Pillows."
You start by browning about a pound of hamburger with about an eighth of a cup of soy sauce and about a tablespoon of grated ginger root (Mmmm - it smells lovely!)
Then you place about a teaspoon of the hamburger in the center of a small square egg roll wrap. Moisten your finger, (no, I don't lick and stick - I keep a small cup of water nearby.) Dampen the corners of the egg roll wrap, then fold it closed, sealing the edges.
(I would say fold it like a diaper, but does anyone even know how to fold diapers anymore?)
When they are finished, they look like neat little bundles, thusly:
Then you fry them up in a little vegetable oil, just until they are golden brown...
...And serve them with rice and some yummy stir fried veggies. So, so good!
Parting note:
The other morning I was doing my hair, when I noticed a tap tap tapping outside my window. This silly little woodpecker was having a snack in my tree.
(I love watching the birdies)
The poor sad tree is infested with some kind of destructive bug that is killing it, I'm afraid. Makes me so sad - this tree shades my room and keeps it nice and cool.
Off to see what's next for this week...
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Wednesday, August 04, 2010
ADD
When I was in school, we never heard of ADD, but when my son was diagnosed in kindergarten, and I read up on it, it filled in some pieces to my puzzle.
...Like, when I was in 3rd grade, I was always wandering out of my class and into my sister's. I would go over to the bins where the worksheets were kept, pull one out and sit next to her and fill it out.
It wasn't that I was lonely or scared - it was just that my class felt boring sometimes, and her work was a little more interesting. This went on for several weeks until her teacher finally kicked me out. (Now that I think of it, no one from my class ever came looking for me - Hmmm...)
Anyway, if acorns fall from oaks, I may have a little of that disorder myself.
That would conveniently explain why I can't make long term goals - it's not that I can't commit - it's just that way before the deadline approaches, I've found several other paths that interest me, and have wandered off the track...
And in decorating my home - I always have to do a little at a time because of my budget, but by the time I'm getting started, my tastes have already changed and I want something else. I can't settle on just one style, because I like EVERYTHING!
I've even started this blog post twice this week, and shut down after the first paragraph. Just couldn't concentrate.
- Not a serious problem, but definitely distracting.
I'm trying to work on my concentration, but... hey - look over there, there's something shiny!
....
...Like, when I was in 3rd grade, I was always wandering out of my class and into my sister's. I would go over to the bins where the worksheets were kept, pull one out and sit next to her and fill it out.
It wasn't that I was lonely or scared - it was just that my class felt boring sometimes, and her work was a little more interesting. This went on for several weeks until her teacher finally kicked me out. (Now that I think of it, no one from my class ever came looking for me - Hmmm...)
Anyway, if acorns fall from oaks, I may have a little of that disorder myself.
That would conveniently explain why I can't make long term goals - it's not that I can't commit - it's just that way before the deadline approaches, I've found several other paths that interest me, and have wandered off the track...
And in decorating my home - I always have to do a little at a time because of my budget, but by the time I'm getting started, my tastes have already changed and I want something else. I can't settle on just one style, because I like EVERYTHING!
I've even started this blog post twice this week, and shut down after the first paragraph. Just couldn't concentrate.
- Not a serious problem, but definitely distracting.
I'm trying to work on my concentration, but... hey - look over there, there's something shiny!
....
Sunday, August 01, 2010
This is a test.... This is only a test....
So much on my mind and in my heart today. Hoping I can create some order out of the chaos and make some sense of it all...
Things have been a little insane around here this month - hubby got through the first round of cancer treatments with his brother, but the second round is coming up this week. (Dennis' wife can't be with him all the time, because she's the main source of income now, so hubby fills in for her.)
Dennis is feeling more himself this time around, so he's all the more anxious about the treatments (plus, he's fully aware of what's coming this time.)
On my end, I get more and more concerned for hubby who is bearing such a tremendous burden. Besides being there with his brother, his dad is now having problems too. He's been in the hospital for over a week, and having quite a struggle.
His mom is partially blind and isn't able to drive, so coping with her needs and her fears is a trial too.
...That plus holding down two jobs - just to look at hubby shows how much it is all wearing on him.
- But look in his eyes, and one can also see that the refiner's fire is at work in him, and that he is receiving a measure of joy and satisfaction, (and I hope strength) from all the service that he has been giving. I know that he has chosen this course, and that he wouldn't have it any other way.
The frustrating thing for me is trying to find my part in it all.
The job it took me so long to find keeps cutting hours, and my wages are a joke.
I thought I had a second job in the bag - but this week I discovered that there is no bag.
I'm just here at home alone all day, twiddling my thumbs and feeling completely USELESS. I wish that I could do more to lift the burden, but it seems all I can do is to try not to add to it.
My sister has had me caught up in making plans a trip for the two of us for over a year now. We were going to go this September - but I finally gave myself a reality check this morning, and decided that that dream is a dream that is not meant to happen. At least not now.
There is no way I'll be able to save enough at this point, and whatever I do manage to save, I would so much rather use to help my youngest to get into college, and for my little grans to buy school clothes.
(My daughter in law plans to get their clothes from the second - hand shop this year... There's really nothing wrong with that - she loves being frugal, and the girls get just as excited to find things there as they do at the department store - the only one who minds is grandma.
I love to spoil them, and I love seeing them all dolled up and looking just so...)
To splurge on a vacation right now would just feel selfish and wrong.
Speaking of reality checks - my son Brad flies out this week to search for a new home for he and his wife. And Jenny will be making trips to Ephraim to finalize finacial aid for school. No more pretending that things are going to stay the same - life is about to go on in a big way.
The first time Brad left home, our milk bill dropped about 80%. ...Just one of those silly little things that remind you that something is different - something is missing.
Each soul that has come to our family is so precious, and they leave such a big hole when they are not around. I've been so blessed to have them all close for so long...
I love this quote from Bruce Barton:
.
Things have been a little insane around here this month - hubby got through the first round of cancer treatments with his brother, but the second round is coming up this week. (Dennis' wife can't be with him all the time, because she's the main source of income now, so hubby fills in for her.)
Dennis is feeling more himself this time around, so he's all the more anxious about the treatments (plus, he's fully aware of what's coming this time.)
On my end, I get more and more concerned for hubby who is bearing such a tremendous burden. Besides being there with his brother, his dad is now having problems too. He's been in the hospital for over a week, and having quite a struggle.
His mom is partially blind and isn't able to drive, so coping with her needs and her fears is a trial too.
...That plus holding down two jobs - just to look at hubby shows how much it is all wearing on him.
- But look in his eyes, and one can also see that the refiner's fire is at work in him, and that he is receiving a measure of joy and satisfaction, (and I hope strength) from all the service that he has been giving. I know that he has chosen this course, and that he wouldn't have it any other way.
The frustrating thing for me is trying to find my part in it all.
The job it took me so long to find keeps cutting hours, and my wages are a joke.
I thought I had a second job in the bag - but this week I discovered that there is no bag.
I'm just here at home alone all day, twiddling my thumbs and feeling completely USELESS. I wish that I could do more to lift the burden, but it seems all I can do is to try not to add to it.
My sister has had me caught up in making plans a trip for the two of us for over a year now. We were going to go this September - but I finally gave myself a reality check this morning, and decided that that dream is a dream that is not meant to happen. At least not now.
There is no way I'll be able to save enough at this point, and whatever I do manage to save, I would so much rather use to help my youngest to get into college, and for my little grans to buy school clothes.
(My daughter in law plans to get their clothes from the second - hand shop this year... There's really nothing wrong with that - she loves being frugal, and the girls get just as excited to find things there as they do at the department store - the only one who minds is grandma.
I love to spoil them, and I love seeing them all dolled up and looking just so...)
To splurge on a vacation right now would just feel selfish and wrong.
Speaking of reality checks - my son Brad flies out this week to search for a new home for he and his wife. And Jenny will be making trips to Ephraim to finalize finacial aid for school. No more pretending that things are going to stay the same - life is about to go on in a big way.
The first time Brad left home, our milk bill dropped about 80%. ...Just one of those silly little things that remind you that something is different - something is missing.
Each soul that has come to our family is so precious, and they leave such a big hole when they are not around. I've been so blessed to have them all close for so long...
I love this quote from Bruce Barton:
"Sometimes when I consider all the tremendous consequences that come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things."I love my family.
.
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