Hammade Fruitcake
Take one cake. Add Fruit. Mail it to Venture at this address:
2580 Saint Josephine Drive
Concordia, CA 98154-2518
12 years ago
The Last Day of Fall, 2008
Tommorrow it will be winter. If this is fall I wonder what winter will be? Oh, wait, they predicted an ICE STORM for tomorrow. It's fun to have snow when you don't have to work outside or live with it for months.....I hope this doesn't last until Spring!Merry Christmas all!
Snow December 14
The snow started falling about 7:30 am, which made for a somewhat interesting trip to church. It's snowed lightly but steadily all day. The kittens think it's grand and more or less ran away in the snow this morning. It's so pretty out and so quiet. A real winter wonderland!
I love Spanglish and tongue twisters
Lately I have been searching for an elusive item, the Smallavaca, or perhaps it's a Smalla Vaca (would that be a little cow?). They were advertising them at Winco, two for $.68. [Smallavacados$.68]
And then there is Soymilk. Why doesn't it say Soyleche? They say you are what you eat, so soyleche makes more sense to me.
Now I see my daughter states "I love Mole". Why on earth would anyone love Moles? Or gophers for that matter? Or does she mean Te amo Mole sauco?
Wishing you the peace that paz es comprehendo.
And my new favorite albeit hard to type tongue twister....
How many nuns could a nunchuk chuck if a nunchuk could chuck nuns?
...too much wii ing I fear....
And then there is Soymilk. Why doesn't it say Soyleche? They say you are what you eat, so soyleche makes more sense to me.
Now I see my daughter states "I love Mole". Why on earth would anyone love Moles? Or gophers for that matter? Or does she mean Te amo Mole sauco?
Wishing you the peace that paz es comprehendo.
And my new favorite albeit hard to type tongue twister....
How many nuns could a nunchuk chuck if a nunchuk could chuck nuns?
...too much wii ing I fear....
Thoughts from Dan Kimball
I lifted this from Dan's blog: http://www.dankimball.com/vintage_faith/ because I thought it was a good word for all of us. Just a reminder that you don't have to travel to the far corners of the world to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone and be a beautiful reflection of Christ to those you meet in your community.
My main thrust was showing from the Scriptures that the very first thing Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 4:18-19 was "Come, follow Me and I will send you out to fish for people." He didn't say "Come follow Me, and I will keep you huddled with other Christians singing songs feeling safe together" or "Come follow Me, so you can hang out with primarily Christians and complain about how terrible the world is getting. or "Come follow Me so you can have nice theological discussion with other Christians and deconstruct the church". From the very first time we see Jesus talking to and calling His disciples, it was all about being be sent out (not inward) to make new disciples. So the first impression He gave His disciples was emphasizing that following Him meant being focused on other people who didn't know Him yet.
I also shared that the very last words of Jesus to His disciples was focused on the same exact thing - being in the world making new disciples. I walked through His last words in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8-9. So His first words to his disciples were about being others focused on mission and His last words to them were about being others focused on mission.
My main thrust was showing from the Scriptures that the very first thing Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 4:18-19 was "Come, follow Me and I will send you out to fish for people." He didn't say "Come follow Me, and I will keep you huddled with other Christians singing songs feeling safe together" or "Come follow Me, so you can hang out with primarily Christians and complain about how terrible the world is getting. or "Come follow Me so you can have nice theological discussion with other Christians and deconstruct the church". From the very first time we see Jesus talking to and calling His disciples, it was all about being be sent out (not inward) to make new disciples. So the first impression He gave His disciples was emphasizing that following Him meant being focused on other people who didn't know Him yet.
I also shared that the very last words of Jesus to His disciples was focused on the same exact thing - being in the world making new disciples. I walked through His last words in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8-9. So His first words to his disciples were about being others focused on mission and His last words to them were about being others focused on mission.
Jen's new digs....
View left from the balcony
View straight ahead from the balcony
The balcony
Mama Jennie
Jen and John have a darling apartment in a cute neigbhorhood with lots of light and views of fall color (for now).
Trinity Cathedral
These photos show an interesting sculpture (post 911) in the courtyard at the front of Trinity Cathedral. We didn't go into the cathedral but the courtyard and cemetary are interesting and the sculpture tells a poignant story of the aftermath of 911. You can also see the really great purse Haley found at Macy's, which bills itself as the world's largest department store. We were determined NOT to go there since we live 5 miles from a large Macy's...but sure enough we did some great shopping there!
Kittens!
Malcolm Tux, the explorer!
Henry, the quiet cuddly kitten. Update on Monday evening, Henry is at the cat hospital racking up a major bill. We don't know if he will pull through, he's pretty sick for such a little kitten. His brother misses him.
Update Thursday morning, Henry is feeling well enough to play a little. I think he's turned the corner!
Skip a Mocha, help an Orphan
Just sitting here waiting for the mailman to bring my Amani tote bag....so while I wait I thought I'd remind you all to go to this website and sign up to help send orphan girls to college for the low price of $10 PER MONTH
http://www.amanilifeproject.com/
Spokane
Whitworth College
Haley and I are chillin' in Spokane looking at colleges. I mean it when I say chillin. It was 32 when we walked to campus this morning. Brrr! Sunny though!
Overall Spokane was cold (most mornings it was about 22 when we set out, daytime highs were mid 40's) but it was sunny and gorgeous and we had a great time. Both campuses were really pretty and had strong points. After a weekend of cafeteria food I'm glad I don't have four years of it ahead of me!
"Pappy" Lew Schimke
A moment of silence for the loss of a fun cyber friend. Here's to you Pappy, a kind man with a big heart and a wicked sense of humor. Even if we never did agree on the best way to clear a diving mask, I sure did like you.
Home Sweet Home
Cole Bear is home, having slept all the way on both flights....I think this picture pretty much sums up how we all feel. 243 photos downloaded...."stand clear of the closing doors" still ringing in our ears. Portland is so wonderful. We are all glad to be back to the land of polite and friendly clerks.
Brooklyn Gurl
She likes a good "pie" with lotsa mozzarella! (This was a pie in honor of Kris's birthday).
NYC
Good Morning from Brooklyn! We are starting day two of our NYC adventure. The weather is nice, cool and breezy and today it seems a bit overcast. Yesterday we took the subway to Grand Central station, walked a bit of 5th Avenue, shopped a bit, went to St. Patrick's cathedral and participated in the last part of mass. We had lunch at Rockefeller center and managed to find our way home which included changing trains! Dinner was a great experience following a walk along the Brooklyn Promenade with a view of the Statue of Liberty, the NYC skyline, and of course the Brooklyn Bridge. We ate authentic NY pizza at a really old resturant in a brick building tucked under the bridge and it was the best pizza we've ever had! Today we are heading back across the river to "do" the Empire State building. We had planned to hit the Met and Guggenheim however I am pretty sick (Bob and I both feel like a big truck ran us over repeatedly) so we may skip the museums. Haley's feeling a bit punky too. It's hard not to feel like we have to see "everything" while here, but we decided to just do what feels good and let the rest go.
Postscript....Haley uploaded a few of our photos...this one is of her singing at Carnegie Hall. :)
September's End
It's 5 AM on the last day of the last month of summer. The train whistle just blew its lonely sound and then I heard a coyote echoing it back. I wonder if it's the same (very well fed) coyote we saw on the way to the airport an hour ago. I often hear the coyotes singing when the train passes, and perhaps they think the train is singing their song. Maybe they are lamenting the end of summer and the coming cold and rain. Maybe they are savoring these late summer days and soaking up every ray of sunshine, just as I am.
Soup's On
OK this recipe is posted in honor of my "long lost" forum buddy....Ventureman. He's the king of hammade soup...and margaritas.
Potato Leek Soup
Step One
Go on the internet and look at potato leek soup recipes for a while. Remember that Karen can't have milk so skip the ones that call for cream. Look for an easy one.
Step Two
Get out the chef's knife that you take with you to Maui. (Remember not to take it next trip since you are not checking luggage.) Chop up the leeks. One bunch should do it unless you are feeding Venture's kids. Then chop up a lil garlic. While you are at it chop up some bacon, a few slices. Don't drop any or turn your back for even a second or that darn dog will jump up and snatch it off the counter.
Step Three
Heat up a pan with some olive oil...EEEE VOH for you Rachel Ray fans. Saute the garlic, bacon and leeks. Add some seasoning now if you like. Salt, pepper, beau monde, anything else in the cupboard that makes sense to go in soup.
Step Four
Chop up the potatoes if you forgot to do that earlier since it wasn't listed. Bobkitty likes to add the "e" if you are speaking of potato plural. A few is fine, like twice the amount of leeks max. Add the potatoes to the soup and a bunch of chicken stock. Now I just learned that Swanson's chicken stock has MSG in it and I have a whole darn case to use up, but from now on I will buy the spendy stuff at Trader Joe's. You need about three cans of it. Most recipes of this size call for 6 cups but what are you going to do with the little bit leftover? Just use all three cans. Recycle those tin cans please.
Don't forget to add some bay leaves. Let it simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Take your hand blender and smush it up as much as you like.
Oh yeah if you have a bottle of two buck chuck dry white wine open you can add some of that...
Enjoy! Great with rosemary potato bread and a crispy salad. Even good with LIITs.
Potato Leek Soup
Step One
Go on the internet and look at potato leek soup recipes for a while. Remember that Karen can't have milk so skip the ones that call for cream. Look for an easy one.
Step Two
Get out the chef's knife that you take with you to Maui. (Remember not to take it next trip since you are not checking luggage.) Chop up the leeks. One bunch should do it unless you are feeding Venture's kids. Then chop up a lil garlic. While you are at it chop up some bacon, a few slices. Don't drop any or turn your back for even a second or that darn dog will jump up and snatch it off the counter.
Step Three
Heat up a pan with some olive oil...EEEE VOH for you Rachel Ray fans. Saute the garlic, bacon and leeks. Add some seasoning now if you like. Salt, pepper, beau monde, anything else in the cupboard that makes sense to go in soup.
Step Four
Chop up the potatoes if you forgot to do that earlier since it wasn't listed. Bobkitty likes to add the "e" if you are speaking of potato plural. A few is fine, like twice the amount of leeks max. Add the potatoes to the soup and a bunch of chicken stock. Now I just learned that Swanson's chicken stock has MSG in it and I have a whole darn case to use up, but from now on I will buy the spendy stuff at Trader Joe's. You need about three cans of it. Most recipes of this size call for 6 cups but what are you going to do with the little bit leftover? Just use all three cans. Recycle those tin cans please.
Don't forget to add some bay leaves. Let it simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Take your hand blender and smush it up as much as you like.
Oh yeah if you have a bottle of two buck chuck dry white wine open you can add some of that...
Enjoy! Great with rosemary potato bread and a crispy salad. Even good with LIITs.
The sky is not blue...
...though some will tell you it is. It's grey or gray.
Family fun on a Saturday...
Pretty much sums it up. This is a warning to people behind HAC on a hill at a red light....at least she said "please".
Welcome to Portland! (They're Back!)
The U Haul made a U Turn...and Jen and John are pounding the pavement of PDX looking for their new home....stay tuned for more.
Meanwhile, back at the homestead, the concrete pour finally happened and we have two swell sets of stairs in the back yard. The dog has decided to play fetch and we finally figured out that the command for giving us back the ball is "put it down". It only took us 2 months to get that one right. No wonder he cocks his head to the side and looks at us so funny. The pear and apple harvest is over, the tomatoes show signs of ripening, and the weather is drop-dead perfect. Haley has mastered the nuances of driving her classic car! Late summer is the best time of year in the PNW!
Jen and John...Seattle bound day two
A few hours sleep and they are "back on the road again"....traveling with lots of prayers and a couple turkey sandwiches...
Baby's First Day of School
Zoom Zoom!
Baby's off on her first day of her senior year! She left early to watch the sunrise with other crazy seniors...and will stay to watch the sun set on her last day!
A new home after 38 years
When I was 12 my parents bought me a guitar and then suffered through my attempts to play it. It was a wonderful gift that helped me connect with the girls at my school and allowed me to express myself. While I was never a very good guitarist, playing it was something I really enjoyed. Several of my kids got their first calluses on those nylon strings! What a fun blessing it was this summer to send it to Mexico to find a new home. I hadn't really thought much about who would receive the guitar, I just knew it was time to pass it on. When I learned that Aaron had given it to a young woman it really touched my heart to know that the little Franciscan guitar was once again in the hands of a girl with music in her heart. I hope it will serve her well and continue to be passed on.
The Last Back to School
The stores have alluring racks of notebooks in every color of the rainbow, packs of new crayons and a gazillion things you never knew you needed. The newspaper is stuffed with back-to-school ads that feature kids in cute outfits and deals on bulk purchases of underwear. Does America really buy it's underwear in September? It's harder when the kid heading back to school doesn't present a good excuse for a shopping trip for bags of supplies and a new lunch box, nevertheless it's a poignant time of reflection as we face a new start. This year it's bittersweet, the last time a kid will go through the routine of getting organized for a new school year. It's just not the same when they sprint off to college. So I bought a cute notebook and folder just for the experience. Maybe next year I'll dump some stuff in an unsuspecting and distracted young mother's shopping cart, some surprises for her kids. For today, it's time to savor the last few unhurried days of summer. Sleeping beauty can sleep in, no confusion or bumping around in the kitchen, no hurry for the door a few minutes late, no blood pressure rising in the school zone traffic. For today, it's a slow cup of coffee and memories of lots of boxes of crayons, of a cute one who knew herself begging for "just the box of 8" and another one amazed at the built in sharpener in her box of 64. It's a towed-headed boy who was always taller and more mature than his classmates, it's a red "elephant" backpack that went to kindergarten four times. The question for today, how do we use all the stockpiled ruled notebook paper in this last year of school? If anyone runs short, you know who to call.
Heat Wave predicted in Oregon
The experts tell us it's going to hit 95 this weekend. I wonder if it will still be gray and cloudy? It's 53 as I write this and overcast....but even as we all yearn for sunshine and warmth I am reminded that we could be experiencing extreme heat and breathing smoke. I guess it's all relative.
What's for dinner?
Another long day and my brain is too tired to think about cooking...so, what are you having for dinner tonight?
American Idol
Is anyone watching? Which artist do you like best. Wait, I am asking questions, you are supposed to ask questions, not me....
"The Merton Prayer"
MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"© Abbey of Gethsemani
Aloha
It's Saturday and I have not had my coffee...so this is a pretty bad time to be trying to set up a blog. However, I'm a mom, and everyone knows Mom is always at the ready...fire away with those burning questions about getting red wine out of a white silk blouse, how to e-file your taxes, who to vote for, or what exactly Paul meant when he said " [fill in the blank]".
And lastly, this morning, my parting words are for Lou Lou....
I SAID, HAPPY EASTER!
And lastly, this morning, my parting words are for Lou Lou....
I SAID, HAPPY EASTER!
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