MorningRamble

Seeking Simplicity

2012-01-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

Surrender is a word that I never really thought about, at least not in a complete sense of the word. Sure when you think about war, there seems to be one side that needs to surrender, and I have on many occasions promised God to surrender to Him, but I have never thought about complete surrender and what that might look like in my life. So, yesterday, I walked through the house, wondering what it would look like if I truly surrendered all to God. It would mean I would give Him all my fears and insecurities too. It would mean I would surrender ego also. I realized as I went from room to room and took inventory on myself, that in all these years of seeking simplicity, I was really trying to find a way to surrender all, but had no real concept of what that meant. Imagine, living with no fear or insecurities because you fully accepted the watch care and the plans of the Creator ? No fear of being disliked, or of not quite measuring up to what societies expectations are of us ? So, would the woman that hates to cook and finds her family eating out or eating fast food a lot, feel the need for a big new kitchen that she doesn't really use, but has because people use that to measure our success in life ? Would you have to dye your hair, buy expensive anti aging cream if you honestly surrendered all to Him ? The quest for eternal youthfulness has roots in fear of getting old, fear of not being attractive and of course our ego. If we surrendered our fear, our ego, we could age gracefully and be content to look just as we are...no plastic surgery, no botox, no boxes of hair dye. We would not settle for society telling us we are worth less as we age and that beauty only comes with youthfulness.
Now, imagine living with that same sort of security a small child has in the home of really good parents. Knowing that they have everything under control and you just have to listen to their wisdom, knowing they have "plans to prosper you and not to harm you" and that they will always direct your paths to the best places and give you hope and fill your heart with joy. Imagine what you would feel the need to hold on to and what you could freely let go of. The need to show off would fade from existence and the sense of security would replace all those fears that drive us to behave in ways in which make us carry regrets. A life of surrender is in truth a life of simplicity.

2012-01-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

~William Penn~

photos of a room in our little home on this January day

Hot Chocolate and Cupcakes

2012-01-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

The tea party plans turned into a hot chocolate party. Mei-Ling decided her brother needed to look the part of a tea party guest and he obliged, after all cookies were involved. Its so much fun spending time with the grandchildren. Last night Steven and Priscilla came over with Elizabeth and Victoria, so my day was complete. Love all my grand-blessings so much.

Update on my Dad

2012-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for the emails and the prayers for my dad. He came through the surgery fine. When they were putting in the rod, they discovered a small tear in his rotator cuff so they repaired that while they were there. He was in surgery for just a bit over an hour. He is due to go home today. They sure don't keep people long in the hospital these days. Last night he was in a lot of pain, but they were getting a handle on it. Will be glad when I can talk to him myself and hear in his voice, just how he is doing. Please continue to pray that his recovery go well.

The Start of The Day

2012-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

Last week, out of the blue, Emery mentioned to me how much he appreciates all the times the table is set so pretty. He always notices when I take that extra step to make things look nice. He is a smart man and learned long ago to acknowledge such things, yet, at the same time, he is never one to say something he doesn't mean. I like that about him. He is honest and upright, always. I am as you may have noticed, old fashioned in many ways. Happy to be a stay at home wife. There has not been a single day in our 33 years of marriage that I have regretted staying home in place of working outside the home. I have plenty to do to keep me feeling fulfilled ! My mind runs with ideas and most of the time, I feel like I wish there were more hours in my day to get done the things on my list of "to do's".
Starting the day off with a nicely set table, warm, home made food, no packages of something from the shelf or the freezer, but something cooked from scratch, is just one of the things I love to do. When Emery comes in the house from doing chores and the house smells good from whats been cooking on the stove, his eyes light up and his grin is like that of a growing young man. These are the simple moments in life that give me such joy. And, when we bow our heads together at the breakfast table, Emery's deep and kind voice praying in thankfulness for all that we have, and lays before God the burdens we may have on that day, we feel bound in love even more. A pretty table isn't hard to do, but the reward is great. Little ones love it too.
It need not be fancy, this mornings table was simple, but colorful, with a touch of nature to remind us of the Creators hand.

We Are Having Rain

2012-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

After a year of disastrous drought, this is a blessing. Rain, rain and more rain. Even though we discovered a leak in the roof over the dinning room, it just doesn't seem like much of a problem. Looks like there will be hay this spring ! This fall, the Duck pond nearly dried up. Great to see it this full again.

Prayers Please

2012-01-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

My Dad, who is 90 years old and a very active man, is having surgery tomorrow to have a rod put in his arm. They will also be doing a biopsy to see if there is any cancer in the bone they are replacing. I covert your prayers for him. I pray all will be well and he can get back to playing golf in just a couple of months. Thank you in advance for your prayers for him.
This is a picture of him as a young police officer, directing traffic in Medford, MA

Love is the hardest lesson....

2012-01-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

"Love is the hardest lesson in Christianity; but, for that reason, it should be most our care to learn it."William Penn

Some Quilts Planned

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

My Charm packs arrived from Missouri Star Quilt Co and now I cannot wait to get started. Just planning two simple tops. One for the children when they are here and one for me. I ordered two packs of the 1862 Battle Hymn by Moda. Just love the colors and it will work well for the living room. Now, to get started !

Doilies !

2012-01-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

Diana: "Myra Gillis had 37 doilies when she got married, and I'm determined to have AT LEAST as many as she had."
Anne Shirley: " I suppose it would be impossible to keep house with only 36 doilies. But I assure you, Mr. Wright, Diana will be the sweetest little homemaker in the world... so long as you can afford to let her keep up with the Gillises."

Somehow, through time I have made, and inherited a lot of doilies and I love them all. Such little works of art. Some are quite old and made with what is little more than sewing thread. Care and love have carried them from generation to generation.

New Project and Signs of Spring

2012-01-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

Found some fabric this weekend for a autumn themed quilt. Not sure what pattern I will use, but I loved the colors.
Today I noticed the paper whites are in bloom. Early, even for us.

An Update on Mei-Ling

2012-01-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

Its been a strange month for my family surgery wise. My father was due to have a rod put in his arm on the 18th, however, surgery was delayed as "the part" did not come in on time. Mei was due to have surgery this week, however, one of the Doctors that was supposed to perform a very specialized test requiring a out-patient surgery, forgot to mention the need for anesthesia to the O.R. Her big surgery can not be done until this procedure is done. That had to be rescheduled for the first week in February and her big surgery will be when-ever they can schedule it after that. Delays are for a reason and we trust that God is on control. But, it sure is hard to be all mentally prepared for something and then not have it happen.
We ask for prayer that all work for the best.

The Joy Of Living

2012-01-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

A little voice on the other end of the phone..."Grammie, can we have a tea party this week ? Outside? " Of course I relied in the affirmative. "Can we have cupcakes and gingerbread men cookies ?" Again, I reply "yes". My grand-daughters 4 year old enthusiasm is such a delight. So, here I sit today, checking the weather so we can plan appropriately . Tea parties are the best when teddy bears and baby dolls and little girls are sitting around the table !
As I sit here at the computer this morning my thoughts drift back to what I read this morning in 1 Cor 13:8 ⁸ Love never fails. How true it is. It is not yet 10 am and three people in my life have said "I love you". I have said it three times at least this morning. I feel the love of God in every breath I take. I see His love in the beauty of creation and feel it in the foundation of our home. This love that surrounds me, gives me joy beyond description. It doesn't matter to me that my house is not a mini mansion, or that my car is not brand new. It doesn't matter to me that my kitchen is "out-dated" by todays standard, or that my clothes do not carry a designer label. It matters to me that I live a simple life, free from drama, free from fear and dread. That I have hope and peace, sprinkled liberally with joy and carry with me deep inside a sense of serenity that cannot be shaken, even in the midst of hardships. "Love never fails" "Prayer never fails" and "Faith can move mountains" and as it says in Psalm 30:5 ... joy cometh in the morning.

photo of my mother on the phone

The Pleasure of A Warm Fire

2012-01-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

The Amish made hooded cradle that has a place of honor beside the wood stove is large, and the perfect spot for even a 4 year old to climb in and take a nap after a busy day playing outside at Grammies house. I love that she is secure enough in who she is to not be afraid its too babyish to nap in a cradle. It's the perfect place to cuddle up and sleep soundly on a winters day. I think we were all a bit jealous of her !

Keeping Fit, The Homestead Way

2012-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was going about the tasks at hand I thought a bit about folks going to the gym at my age to work at maintaining muscle strength and I had a bit of a chuckle to myself. You see, I use bowls made of pottery for mixing and cast iron skillets and pots for most of my cooking. I do have copper pans and some of those are quite heavy too. So here I was mixing up the stuff for cornbread this morning in a smaller mixing bowl that weighs 4 lbs empty. I hold it in one hand and use the other hand for beating the batter with a whisk. Oh It gets transferred to my right hand when it comes time to pour it in the skillet. Ahhh, the skillet. That's cast iron and I heat it nice and hot in the oven first, then swirl some melted fresh butter in it, holding it in my hand and moving it in a circular motion to get the butter everywhere. Then fill it with the batter, adding more weight to it and pop it in the oven. I don't much need to stand there mindlessly doing "reps" when I am spending half an hour or more using weights that come in the shape of bowls and pans ! Then after all is said and done, these items have to be washed and there is another set of "reps". After Emery heads off to work and he has had his share of weight lifting this morning, hauling in wood for the stove. Lots of it, its a cold morning, in the 20's F. Now its time building that fire....feeding the hungry stove is another set of "reps". Just for fun I weighed the average log I lift from the wood rack and they are about 3 lbs average. The stove holds about three of those at a time on such a day as today and its not long burning logs at that.
Thinking about making candles the other day made me think about aerobic arm movements. Each pair of candles requires about 32 dips into the wax. I made a dozen pairs. 384 dips ! There is lots of movement making the candles. Laundry time is another work out. The washer is automatic, but hauling those wet clothes out to the line is heavy work and then hanging each item up, two clothespins each, and I purposely make it so I have to take a few steps for each item hung up. I don't keep the basket close. The whole thing repeats itself when they are dry, with a bit more action just in folding them. Once a week or so, there is some kind of serious heavy work, like hoeing the garden, hauling in a 50 lb sack of feed or some other job that requires some extra workout. Scratch the electric can opener and open up some mason jars that sealed extra tight and that will keep your hand strong !
No gym membership for me, I just use weights at home. No light weight plastic bowls in my kitchen and no bread machines. My arms do the work of kneading the bread and my muscles stay strong from using crockery and pitchers for water and milk made of heavy pottery. Life is good living old fashioned. Working out without even having to think about it.

The Farm House

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Farm House
Myrtle Vorst Sheppard
Peace dwells here, and quiet security:
and love, stripped bare of selfishness,
makes homely tasks beneath this roof
true sacraments. Here breaking of the
family bread, and story hours, and tucking
babes in bed are joyous highlights
of the day. Within these walls a strong
man's gallant heart is fed. This is a
place apart, serene beneath the loving
hand of God: a spot that travelers mark
....where yellow lamplight on the snow
becomes a beacon light to those who go,
uplifted, past in the dark.

Busy Weekend

2012-01-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

Its taken me a while, but I finally feel settled on what kind of style I want for the interior of the house. It never seemed to have a theme that suited our lifestyle. Fancy would never do, after all we track in mud and dirt from the land at an alarming rate. Our floors are practical, wood or vinyl planks that look like wood. Not a carpet to be found except a small scatter rug near our bed to save our feet from the cold floor in winter. I am a Yankee, die hard one at that, despite living in Texas. My family came on the Mayflower and I was the first one in my family to move away and stay away. With all this Yankee blood coursing through my veins it is impossible to run from my love of colonial things. I grew up in a house that was decorated that way. My mother and grandmother both had a deep love of history and that was manifested in the things they loved and collected. Plus, we held on to our history. A cast iron pot from many generations, a dough bowl that had made loaves of bread for many generations sat on top of the counter, in winter it was full of oranges stuck with cloves and put on the radiator, filling the house with the most amazing scent. The furniture was maple and black. The dishes, beautiful brown pottery, and white Ironstone for the holidays. So now, my house too is taking on that sort of look, throughout. Emery is a generous man and filled my wallet for some antique shopping this weekend. What fun I have had. Primitive portraits for the dinning room, a nice brown jug to sit next to some pewter. A cherry wood dresser, stained maple, to hold my wool and doll making supplies. New paint for the kitchen cabinets and red check curtains for the kitchen windows. An old wall cupboard and a small shelf to be painted a warm mulberry red. I found a picture of a kitchen on A Primitive Place Blog that I fell in love with, its just what I want, with some slight variations of course. Anyway, I went out and bought a very similar color for my kitchen cabinets and started right away transforming that room into a room that I love and into a room that suits our homestead, simple life. I would love to have all wood kitchen counters, yet am not a fan of the prices I have seen, so am now on the lookout for old maple dining tables that the tops can cut into the right size for counter tops. Seems like a workable idea since I often see wobbly tables at reasonable prices at thrift stores or yard sales. Its been good being settled on a design after all these years of wishy washy plans. Been taking lots of bags and boxes to Goodwill of all the things that have been collected for the many decorating ideas I have tried in the past but never quite felt at home with. I like this idea of simple, comfortable and that uses so many of the treasures from generations past. It lets me live in surroundings that so well match where my heart is. I have always felt I was born about 150 years too late anyway !

The first picture shows the top of the new dresser that is holding all my wool ! One of the drawers is even made of cedar ! The candles are some of the Bayberry candles I made last week.
The second picture shows a bit better the painting that has been passed on down through the family of my great uncles wife's family in their cabin, Swedish immigrants.
Next is the cabinet color with the new curtains draped over it to show how well they go together
and finally the portraits that now hang in the dining room. The Pearces, Mr and Mrs.

Joy In The Simple Things

2012-01-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Joy is something deeper than just a happy thought, it has deeper roots perhaps. This morning as the sun was coming up, for a brief few moments it cast a golden glow on my bedroom curtains. The tie back caught the most color. The morning sun gave me the gift of a joy filled moment. Simple thing, but beautiful, in the way that a baby's curly hair makes you smile. It fills a spot inside of us, one that can not be filled by shopping in stores or gained by material wealth. The sunshine, a daily miracle, was caught for a moment today in an unusual way. A gift. A simple pleasure. Joy in a simple thing. Walking through life with eyes open, ready to capture a fleeting moment of the magic of life.

Candle Dipping

2012-01-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

As I stand by the stove, dipping candles, the smell of the warm beeswax reminds me that I am at this very moment, smelling the same smell that some ancestor so long ago in the beginning of this country, smelled. I am doing the very same task, that perhaps my 10th great grandmother performed in Plymouth. A link, a small one perhaps, but still a link, which in this day and age is rare to find. Our lives are so vastly different than even our great grandmothers. Yet, today, as I step back in time with a task so long done away with for most, I bridge the past with the present. A good moment.

Contentment

2012-01-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is difficult to put into words what the perfect morning actually feels like. Despite the fact that the house was cold, since we were lazy and did not build a fire last night in the stove after a wild, windy cold front blew in from the north, the kind that shakes the windows and howls like a pack of wolves outside your door, there was a level of joy about the morning that rose above words. Emery had an early morning dentist appointment and was gone long before the sun rose in the eastern sky. It was my duty to do the morning chores and it just seemed fitting to wear Emery's jacket and mud boots, and that is just what I did and smiled all the way out to the chicken house and the wood shed. His jacket scented with his cologne, it felt right. A bit of that first love feeling, after more than 3 decades of marriage, I still get butterflies in my stomach when I am near him.
I was thinking this morning as I was making candles, that although I never had a career outside the home, I have always felt completed, fulfilled, to use a term used often these days. Even now, with the children grown, my days are so full of joy and an easiness that defies definition. I am busy all the time it seems, yet there is always time to sit and watch the birds at the feeder, or read a well loved book for the third time. There is time to cook with passion, sew if I wish to. Garden with pleasure, knowing there will be fresh organic food on our table, right from our land. I can spend the entire day playing Princess and the Pea with a four year old, or collect acorns with a two year old and lay in the grass and giggle with these darling grandchildren. Time is for the most part, mine to determine how it is spent. That is freedom ! Contentment floods my life daily. I don't want the riches of the world, I want joy and peace and yes, contentment with just what God has given me at this moment in time. Life is profoundly good. Emery and I have worked with steadfast hearts to create a life that is not dependent on what the mass media has told us we must have in order to be happy. We have built a life that is not reflected in the latest edition of a glossy magazine or on the home channel, but a life that is built on love, faith, strong relationships, and ensuring we have time to enjoy all that counts in life.
birds at the feeders
a roaring fire in the stove
frost on the window
bees wax melting for candle dipping

Thankful Heart

2012-01-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

Thankful for days in my life where I can just spend the entire day playing with my grandbabies, watching the birds, playing silly games and teaching Mei-Ling "she sells seashells down by the sea shore"

Time Does Fly !

2012-01-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, Emery and I were discussing how fast time the past 15 years have gone by. It seems like just a short time ago, the children were all home, keeping us very busy. Now, we seem just as busy but its in a different way. Each stage of life has been wonderful and so full. But there are times still, that I miss having all those cheery children around the kitchen table, sharing their day with us. How blessed we are to have the next generation so close to us, so we can once again hear that same chatter around our table from time to time.
I never feel like we have an empty nest, just a rearranged nest with a few more quiet moments that are none the less full of joy.

The Simple Life

2012-01-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

When all is said in done in any given day, what I love most in life, is to sit outside, watch the chickens scratch around looking for food, listen to the birds sing, watch the sunrises and sunsets and work around the farm, old jacket on, hands dirty, mud boots on my feet. I might want to look chic from time to time, but it isn't the real me, the real me is the simple living gal, that likes to do things the old fashioned way and feel the satisfaction of being independent. Life is good. I love the simple life, where you are free to go most of the day with hair uncombed, and wear wonderful wool hats that are never seen in fashion magazines !

Saturday Morning Beauty

2012-01-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Perfect Veggie Burgers

2012-01-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

This evening I made Planet Burgers a new way. When doing the CHIP program, one of the leaders showed us how she makes perfectly shaped veggie burgers by using a wide mouth canning jar ring and lid. Spray the lid and ring, fill with burger mix and pop it out into the pan. You push the mixture out by pushing on the lid. Works great. You get nice uniform size burgers.

The Morning

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

As the sun poked up above the tree line, pale and cold looking amid the gray waves of clouds, Emery was walking from the wood shed across the yard, armload of wood in hand for the morning fire. He reminded me of an English gardener. His Wellington's tall on his leg, barn coat. green and worn from years of wear. His hat, perfect. My heart filled with warmth and overflowed with love as I watched him come towards the house as I stood at the back door, my breathe captured by the glass on the door. Nothing beats that kind of feeling.

The Farmer Child

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Chore time and following Grammie in the garden with her own tools.

The Joy Of Simple Play

2012-01-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

Mei-Ling is enjoying the outdoor world of Grammie and Grandpas farm this morning. Watching chickens and ducks hunt for food in the tall grasses. Finding feathers, making treasure maps in the sandy spot of the pasture, gathering rocks, eating from the garden. Breathing fresh cool morning air and laying in the grass with Grammie, just watching the birds fly over head and seeing the tree branches dance in the wind. There is no place on earth I would rather be than right here in the pasture, laying in the soft grass, experiencing life in the moment.

Riches beyond words

2012-01-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

This morning, I have been savoring the most glorious riches. The cold of winter is being chased from the house by the warmth of the wood stove. Right next to the stove, by the window, is our wooden rocking chair, the comfort chair. On my lap, my precious grand-daughter Mei-Ling sits, while I read story after story. We stop from time to time to talk about this or that bird at the feeders right outside the window. We are no more than 4 feet from the birds. So many kinds, so many colors, so many songs. Watching the delight in this dear child's eyes as she learns the names of the birds or watches them eat, is a gift beyond measure. Speaking to her of the love God has for even the sparrow is a priceless lesson for me as well as for her. We stop our reading for a moment to pray for her little brother, who is sick with fever and at the Emergency Room. It will not be long before we are praying for this dear girls healing and safety while in surgery. They have scheduled her surgery for the 24th of this month.

21 Day Vegan Kickstart

2012-01-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow will be day one of the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart for us. We did great on the CHIP program before the holidays but got off track with all that rich Christmas cooking. I also gained 5 lbs over the holidays ! So, now we are jumping on the bandwagon once again, which will head us back to where we felt fantastic. When we look back on the past 6 weeks or so, the food we thought we had to have in order to celebrate correctly, was simply not worth it. Neither one of us feels as "light" and as healthy as we did before we fell off the wagon, so to speak. For some reason, I keep trying to convince myself that eating a plant based diet is not necessary, and for some it may not be, but for us, we just feel better on it. Its not hard, we have eaten a vegetarian diet most of our 33 years of marriage. A few years here and there when we would have some meat, but never a steady diet of it. Looking forward to this new year, with all the possibilities it holds for us.

A New Year

2011-12-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

At midnight tonight we welcome the New Year. Many of us make resolutions that we keep and many of us make them just because we feel like we should but in the end,, never give them a second thought. Each day we live, we should resolve to do better, be kinder, have more compassion, see the blessings in life more plainly and understand the power of our words. We don't need to wait for New Years to make resolutions, they should be done daily, perhaps in our prayer time, our quiet time of the day when we are honest with ourselves. Maybe that is my resolution, to resolve daily to check my heart, my goals, the importance I place on things in my life. Earlier this year I began praying a different sort of prayer for people in my life, even those that sorta irritate something within me. Instead of praying for specifics, I pray for each person that comes to mind in a more complete way, praying that their lives be filled with love, joy, peace, hope and serenity. This sort of praying removes me personal agenda from the picture. Praying for a person to be filled with hope, joy, love and serenity, covers all ground, including illnesses. And the best part of praying like this, it works on our hearts. It brings to life our need for those things in us, for others, for ourselves.
I get off track. Its easy to do in this pressure filled, fast paced, high performance modern life we are all part of in one way or another. Simply by reading this post, you are on a computer, a marvel of modern invention but also a major time thief. A major distraction much of the time.
One good thing about the New Year, there is so much talk about making changes in our life, we take stock of where we are, even if only for a few seconds. Its a reality bite moment. One we can use or just toss to the side.
I need changes made, not afraid to admit that. On a day to day level, I need to get back on track with my walking and get past all the holiday time sweet eating ! I need to slow down a bit each day and breathe deeply and appreciate the silence of a moment. I need to fall in love all over again with simplicity in all its beautiful forms. These things I will do.
Happy and Blessed New Year to all of you !

Quinoa Salad

2011-12-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Found this recipe for Quinoa Salad on YouTube and had to try it. I added some cooked black lentils. Smells wonderful cooking and tastes fantastic. It sure was nice running out to the garden to get the kale I needed to make this !

You're Invited to Join the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart

2011-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

We are joining ! A great way to start the new year

The Beauty of The Morning

2011-12-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

The beauty of the morning is there for all to see, if only we open our eyes.

What's New ?

2011-12-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy week. The day after Christmas, Emery and I did our annual after Christmas sale shopping. For the past decade or more, I have shopped the day after for next years Christmas wrap, Christmas cards and for decorations. Since redecorating the living room, the old decorations no longer fit in with the look we have worked to achieve, making the after Christmas sales a real benefit. I was thrilled to fill an entire shopping cart at Michael's for under $100, which translated into about $400 worth of decorations pre sale price. I like sales ! It was fun to buy wrapping paper that had all the same colors as my drapes and yet pay less than even the cheapest wrap during the season. All the decorations for the dinning room this year were purchased on sale after Christmas last year. My Christmas cards for next year are already addressed and stored for next years sending to the folks I know will not be moving.
This is going to be a very intense month for me. My father is having surgery the 18th, and they will be doing a biopsy at the same time, checking for bone cancer. My heart is heavy. Then on the 24th, Mei-Ling will be having a huge surgery with a very long and difficult recovery. A month recovery in bed for a 4 year old is beyond difficult. The surgery itself, is about a 7-8 procedure. On top of this, Emery will be having some follow up tests from his hospital stay last fall. It will be a month of much prayer !
On a fun note, yesterday I was shopping at one of my favorite stores and checked for the umpteenth time, the price on a set of cooper pans. I have a copper crepe pan that I adore, and have dreamed about owning a set of copper cookware for many years but the price makes it hard to justify the purchase. I even have a picture of them on my vision board. Yesterday, there they were, marked down from the normal price and then for their after Christmas sale, everything marked down was an additional 50% off. I called Emery at work and asked if I could buy them, his response was music to my ears and now I am the proud owner of three new copper pans. Can't wait to use them. This stage of our life is what we have worked towards for our entire marriage. Happy adult children that are well established. Grandchildren that bless us in more ways then we could have ever imagined. We have been debt free for many years. Our retirement is well planned for and we are blessed to be able to enjoy life. Simple living has paid off. Life is good.
The last photo is of my father and Mei-Ling over 3 years ago, sitting side by side in their rocking chairs. I love it !

Merry Christmas !

2011-12-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

What a joyous day ! Family, gift giving, good food, lots of laughter and squeals of joy from little ones opening presents ! Santa arrived at our house, leaving bits of his Christmas magic here and there. Yet, not a one of us has forgotten the true meaning of this special day. May each of you have a day blessed with love, joy and completeness.
Santa ate all the cookies we left for him and we should have cleaned out the wood stove a bit so he wouldn't have left such big sootie foot prints on the hearth. The gingerbears helped us out by doing the dishes and wrapping a few last minute gifts !

Joy of the Season and Traditions

2011-12-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight was cookie baking night with Melanie and Mei-Ling. We had to make cookies for Santa, only Papa kept eating all the Snickerdoodles ! A whole dozen of them all by himself ! We had so much fun and its a delight to keep up the tradition we had with our own girls when they were small. Gingerbears are magical as you can read about in Our First Gingerbears Christmas and here then my oldest wrote about her first Christmas away from home and making Gingerbears on her own. I love family traditions, they are glue that holds families together, binds our hearts one to another.

The Sunset From My Front Door

2011-12-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Jack Frost Paid Us A Visit

2011-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

Frost covered everything this morning, and sparkled in the morning sun as if diamond dust had fallen last night while we slept. The beauty of it all felt Holy. It was the creative Hand of the Creator. Unspeakable beauty all around me. So much more beautiful than watching a home make-over show or strolling the isles of a store.
The whole outdoors captivated me, held me in a grip of awe and at the same time shook me awake from this dull slumber I had fallen into where things had begun to matter more than strolling the land each morning, looking with eyes wide open. Holding dear to my heart the most simple pleasures. Life is a lesson, each day a new chapter to be read and understood. My lesson of the day, simplicity is profoundly beautiful.

Pieces of My Day

2011-12-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

Rain, wind, beautiful music, warm fire, wool socks, tea, comfort, contentment, simplicity, love, and a sense of well being...that is my day.
A big gingerbread man, colored with love by Mei-Ling for her Grammie.

Monday Morning Ramble

2011-12-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Gray skies, gusty winds, leaves flying and storms on the way. Thunderstorms for us, snow in the panhandle. I wish we would get some snow, always makes it feel a bit more like Christmas time if there is snow flying. Even though I have been gone from New England for over 2 decades now, I miss it at times. I miss the quiet that comes with a snow storm, and the way the snow sparkles in the sun. I miss preparing for storms, that kind of excitement that is beyond definition. I miss what wet mittens on the radiator smells like and how your cheeks get that rosy red color in the cold and how your face feels when you first walk in the warm house after shovelling snow for most of the morning. I miss the need for lots of warm hand knit articles of clothing. I miss lacing up my gum soled fur lined boots that never made any sort of fashion statement beyond the word, "practical".
I remember how excited I would be to see that the shingles of Mr Gould's roof matched the sky, that was a sure sign snow was on the way. Perhaps I am a bit homesick for the things of my childhood, for those familiar joys found in winter.
So, today I look out at the gray sky and wish for real winter. For snow and icicles hanging from the roof top. For watching my father stand outside in the freezing cold with a hose, filling the backyard skating rink he was making for us. For snow caves and using that amazing snow block maker my Dad made out of scraps of wood one evening in the cellar. Yes, even at my age, when the snow does arrive in North Texas, I go out and play. I walk in that stillness and hushed silence, feeling the magic of the winter and fall in love with snow all over again. And, yes, I have made a snow angel in my 50's and drove down unplowed streets, smiling all the while.
The bottom photo proves we can have some good snow here in Texas !

Some Pictures From Our Party

2011-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

The most "outstanding" Christmas sweater was found "out standing:" in the yard ! The ugly Christmas sweaters made the evening so much fun, however, I was having too much fun to take pictures after all the guests were here. It was a wonderful evening, with delightful conversation and lots of food. A real blessing to have good friends help celebrate the holiday season. We so enjoyed having our oldest daughter, Melissa here for the entire weekend too.
Emery had a really ugly sweater for the evening, and it looked extra outrageous with his lavender shirt !

Martha Stewarts French Macaron Recipe

2011-12-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

This is the recipe I used.

Martha Stewarts French Macaron Recipe

The basic batter and the fillings for these delectable little desserts can be varied endlessly simply by adding different flavorings and colorings; for starters, there's chocolate, coconut, peanut, pistachio, raspberry, and vanilla bean.

Martha Stewart Living, January

YieldMakes 35 macarons

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Ingredients

For The Macarons
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup superfine sugar
Suggested Fillings For Macarons
- Chocolate: Chocolate Ganache
- Coconut: 1 cup Swiss Meringue Buttercream, mixed with 1/3 cup angel-flake coconut.
- Peanut: Chocolate Ganache, or store-bought dulce de leche, jam, or peanut butter.
- Pistachio: 1 cup Swiss Meringue Buttercream, mixed with 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios.
- Raspberry: 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
- Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Directions

Pulse confectioners' sugar and almond flour in a food processor until combined. Sift mixture 2 times.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk whites with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, and whisk until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low, then add superfine sugar. Increase speed to high, and whisk until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Sift flour mixture over whites, and fold until mixture is smooth and shiny.
Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, and pipe 3/4-inch rounds 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, dragging pastry tip to the side of rounds rather than forming peaks. Tap bottom of each sheet on work surface to release trapped air. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake 1 sheet at a time, rotating halfway through, until macarons are crisp and firm, about 10 minutes. After each batch, increase oven temperature to 375 degrees, heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to 325 degrees.
Let macarons cool on sheets for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. (If macarons stick, spray water underneath parchment on hot sheet. The steam will help release macarons.)
Sandwich 2 same-size macarons with 1 teaspoon filling. Serve immediately, or stack between layers of parchment, wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cook's Note

Piping the perfect macaroon takes a little practice. Treat it as you would a rosette, bringing the pastry tip to the side of the circle, rather than forming a peak, to finish.

Variations

Chocolate: Substitute 3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder for 1/4 cup of the almond flour.

French Macarons

2011-12-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

11 hours in the kitchen, baking today. Last job of the day was the French Macarons

Robins Having A Feast

2011-12-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Cookie Baking Day

2011-12-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Coconut Macaroons
Peppermint swirls
Italian Anisette Cookies
Mint chocolate chip cookies

Still have to make the French Macarons and then I will have the cookies all made for our annual Christmas party !

Jo Stafford By The Fireside.wmv

2011-12-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

For my darling !

Love this season of lights and color

2011-12-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

This time of the year just delights my senses. The colors, the lights, the music and the cheery feelings, all fill me with a good feeling

Wintry Sky

2011-12-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

This morning the sky was tumultuous, ebb and flow, shades of gray. Perfect morning to stand by the kitchen window baking for our upcoming party. Lots of opportunity to see the beauty above us. I have loved cloud watching since I was a little girl. My bedroom walls had cloud charts on them as a small girl. The majesty of creation, captivates me.

Presents Ready For Ribbons and Bows

2011-12-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

Time is moving too fast

2011-12-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

This month is flying by for me. So much excitement in each day as we near Christmas. Packages to wrap, rooms to decorate, holiday baking to do and this year we seem to be supporting the economy by doing LOTS of shopping. This weekend is our annual Christmas party which means lots of planning, lots of cooking and baking going on. The last few mornings I have been awake by 5, with my mind instantly running full gear with all the excitement of what lies ahead. I feel a bit like a 6 year old, waiting for Santa to arrive. Perhaps this is part of my childlike enthusiasm that I often write about. Monday night was our towns Christmas parade and fireworks. The crowd was larger than most years, the people were shouting "Merry Christmas" to all the parade participants and children were sharing the candy that was tossed to them. It was like a Hallmark movie. The little ones faces beamed with delight as Santa arrived and as the Grinch was riding in a jail cell being hauled by our local police vehicle. The adults cheered and laughed as the green Grinch's fingers wiggled as he held onto the bars. Soldiers received cheers and thanks as they marched by. The start of the fireworks began with a cannon being shot off. It was wonderful ! Our town is small enough that you always see friends and neighbors at such events. I love that.
This is a wonderful time of the year !

Grandbabies dressed for the season

2011-12-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

The Decorating Continues

2011-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

The Living Room gets decorated today. So far the tree is up and has about half the ornaments on it. I love our old house, with all its idiosyncrasies. The rooms that are not squared, the ceilings that seem to slope a tiny bit here and there. The floors that squeak, and the doors that have decades of paint on them. It is the house where my children ran down the hall, where family gatherings have given so much pleasure. It is the home where toys have been scattered from end to end, and laughter has rang in our ears. Where fevered brows have been soothed and where hugs are freely given and love has filled each room. It is a home with a long history. Early residents of this community lived here. It is alive with its own story. It may not be a palace or a mansion, but it is a home, filled with love, each and every day.

Happy 33rd Anniversary Emery, Our Song

2011-12-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

Time for a little gathering of friends this evening

2011-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

The dining room is all set for a small gathering of friends tonight. Love the holiday season.
Christmas music of Oscar Peterson playing on the stereo, setting the mood for an easy, relaxing get together. Life is good.

A Repost from December 2006, The Art of Growing Up

2011-12-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

There are very few original thoughts in the world, most every subject has been covered somewhere at sometime and this is no exception.
When I read something profound, I want to mull it over, squeeze the truth out of it and look at it in its most basic element. I am ever so grateful for this thread of wisdom...
On the yahoo group I belong to, French Chic, there is a thread that started from one person reading a quote in the book Entre Nous, the quote is from Edith Wharton stating that the French woman is "in nearly all respects, as different as possible from the average American woman. The French woman is grown-up." Ouch......
My mind went into overdrive thinking about this. Thinking about different cultures where maturity is respected and valued. The adults are indeed grown up. If you start to think about this seriously, you can put together that our culture practically worships youth and our youth are the least respectful of the elders in our society. Could there be a connection ? I suspect so. Perhaps, we just are not worthy of respect since we don't want to grow up. I have found myself saying many times, " I don't want to grow up" and I mean it, but now I am thinking that this mentality is cheating me out of the very wonderful aspect of finding value in the life experience I have had. The lessons learned that have made me different from some 20 year old. I know at my age that you can live through some pretty tough things and come out better for it. I have gained wisdom and I should love that and not want to hold on to the ways of youth where experience in life is so limited for most.
I believe in maintaining enthusiasm for life, and wonder at all around us, but maybe there is a time to act grown up. I think by avoiding being grown up I have cheated myself. Cheated myself out of something very beautiful, that element of sophistication that is beyond attractive, it is something people stand in awe of. Sophistication comes with age and it brings with it respect.
My mother and Grandmother were not youth worshipers, they took on the role of adult women with pride. That didn't mean they were not fun or stick in the mud type ladies, but they walked into a room and you knew from the moment you laid eyes on them that they were in control of themselves and could handle any situation with grace. They had everyone's respect. They were grown up.
We cannot be valued for what we do not have and I feel enlightened today about this subject, thanks to some very wise women on the French Chic list. I used to sing, jokingly but with conviction too the song from Toys R Us, " I don't want to grow up, I want to be a Toys R Us kid" Well, today, on the eve of the new year, I do want to grow up, finally.
Put away the childish things that don't serve me anymore. I cannot keep the past and shouldn't. Growing up and being wise allows a person to march on and be where they are meant to be and be beautiful in that moment. Holding on to youth is like trying to hold grains of sand, how much better to let the sand fall and walk in it with a head held high, looking towards the next step in life with an air of sophistication, with all its beauty.
I saw a woman in Wal-Mart last night and she was gorgeous...chic to the hilt. She was in her 60's, wonderful figure, dressed in a black pant suit, hair perfect, shoes were perfect, jewelry, simple but lovely. She was not trying to be younger than her years, she had the essence of sophistication and thinking about it now, the thing that made her stand out even more than the way she was dressed, was that she was grown up and you could tell that. She wore on her face the beauty of experience. I actually followed her down the isle, she was beautiful and yet wore the lines of age, the very ones our culture wishes to erase. She was radiant. I just knew people respect her. Next to her was a woman about the same age with a pink tee shirt on and yoga pants, the shirt had something written on it. The woman had a cloth shoulder bag on and some sort of print socks, with her a teenage girl, no doubt a grandchild and the child was talking rudely to this woman. No respect at all. The grandmother was trying to tease the teen out of the foul mood, playful like and although this pink tee shirt clad woman was actually prettier than the other woman I wrote about, you saw beauty in the first woman that came from a personal grace that went far beyond looks and yes, it was that she was grown up.
This new year, I intend to grow up but maintain my enthusiasm for life. I used to quote Katherine in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun when she quoted the maestro, regarding embracing life with childlike enthusiasm, but to think of it, Katherine was rather a pathetic character in that movie. So leaving off the childlike part and just being enthusiastic from where you are is no doubt the best.

Wind Chill of 15 F

2011-12-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

It's a very cold morning and I am enjoying it. Headed out to take some photos and as always, nature amazes me, and holds me in awe of the Creator.

A Change. . .

2011-12-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

For the past 30 years I have pretty much stuck with the same style of decorating for Christmas, this year I decided to just decorate the way I have been feeling. . .lighter, brighter, more eclectic. The dinning room has a whole different style this year and I have different ideas for the kitchen too. Losing 35 lbs has changed more than my wardrobe, its changed me !

Decorating Time

2011-12-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

Even the guest rooms at our house get a tree at Christmas. This is in the rose room, which Mei-Ling calls "her bedroom at Mimi and Papa's house". Nothing simple about this tree, its all decked out with gold for the little princess that calls this room hers ! This is without a doubt, my favorite time of the year.

Joyful

2011-12-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

We know the word Joy. Most of us can give some sort of definition of it, yet many go days on end without feeling it. Its something we decide to feel, not something that demands to have an event to bring it on. We can feel joy for the simple act of breathing, of waking up in the morning. Loved ones can bring us joy, not for some action or lack of negative action, but again, simply for the fact that they are alive. I feel joyful nearly every single day of my life, deep inside of me there is a profound feeling of quiet joy for being able to feel life happening. For being able to see, hear, touch, smell, and feel love and further than that, to know that God is there, in control. Ever seeing, ever knowing, ever loving me, despite my faults and the draw we all have to the very things that do not serve us well. On the worst days of my life, I have still felt joy. Joy in memories, joy in knowing its not always going to be difficult. I understand that my life is extraordinary in as much as not a day has gone by in my 57 years of life, that I have not felt loved and cared for. I went from living at home under the love and protection of my parents, to living with my new husband, under his love and protection. I recently saw on television where a prominent psychologist was saying that young people need to get out of their parents home and on their own before getting married. He spoke as if it was a sign of weakness for a person to stay at home until they were married. It made me wonder if in all the generations past, where that is exactly what the vast majority of the population did, the very founders of this nation, if they would be considered "losers" now for staying at home until they married. I am not saying its wrong to move out on your own, but I am also saying, I think we shouldn't be thinking everyone MUST get their own apartment before they get married. Surely my mother, grandmother, uncles, aunts, grandfather, etc were not loser's because they stayed home until they married and set up their own homes. The Mennonite and Amish young men and women are not loser's because they have never had a bachelor or bachelorette apartment or even lived in a college dorm.
Well, it seems I have strayed off the path of writing about joy and went on a little journey of how modern thinking is not my way of thinking. Last night on television,  the subject was about staying a virgin, and the expert there was concerned that staying a virgin beyond 25-30 for the sake of being pure for marriage was, a bit ridiculous. They would be loosing out on something so very natural and would not be skilled when they did get married. I do not agree, Once again, proof, that I am old fashioned and born a century too late.
Back to the subject of Joy, seek it, experience it, grow close to that feeling and cherish it.

Psalm 65:⁸ The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders, where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me,  your consolation brought me joy.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tis The Season

2011-12-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Ti's the season for warm fires, pine cones sitting in a basket, lamp light, warm bread and a pot of soup simmering on the stove. Tonight is a foggy, damp night. Good to stay in and appreciate all that we have.
Its been a busy week, which is fine with me. Had to do some clothes shopping since my body is shrinking.
Eating a plant based diet is an easy way to loose weight and feel better. I am eating all I want, yet, the pounds are coming off bit by bit. Slowly but surely, like the tortoise. My energy is so much more than it was and strange as it may seem, my eyesight has improved. I am using reading glasses less and less. My cholesterol is lower, my blood pressure is lower and waking up rested and ready to start the day. The proof is in the pudding as they say !

Barn Bonnet Completed

2011-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the cold weather, I finished knitting the barn bonnet. I so enjoyed knitting with the Mochi Plus wool. Very soft and very easy to work with. For my new barn bonnet I used Chrystal Palace Yarns, Autumn Rainbow # 557 and Taos Kaibab #26

Finding Pleasure in the Simple Things

2011-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Fall colors hang off branches, frost on roof tops melting quickly as the morning sun shines down brightly. Birds darting from limb to feeder, and back again. Feasting on seed, helping them find the energy to stay warm. This mornings fire in the stove, sending smoke up the chimney in great plumes, creating a sort of veil over the land. Sunbeams forcing their way through the smoke, streaks in the morning sky. Sitting on the floor by the stove, tending the fire, looking out the window, seeing so much to marvel at. Natures majesty. Finding time to enjoy the simple things in life. Blessed to have the time to watch smoke curl and dance and see birds eat their morning meal. People often ask us, "why do you choose to live the way you do, its hard work ?" Ah, yes, it is harder to build a fire each morning then to just set a thermostat, but look what I would have missed this morning ! Same for cooking from scratch a meal that took 12 hours to prepare, "why do it ?" Simple, for the joy on the faces around the table as we talk about how many generations before us have eaten the same foods. How I can sit there, watching the family eat, remembering my mother and grandmother sitting around the table with the same feelings I am having. Knowing that Mei-Ling, Yen, Elizabeth and Victoria are soaking it all in. Learning, experiencing what family history is all about. Emery and I smile each evening knowing that someday our grandchildren will look back with fondness the times they came to Grandma and Grandpa's house and fed the chickens, made bread, used home made soap in their bath and helped get kindling or pick fresh vegetables from the garden. Its about the simple things in life that stay with you, binds your hearts, one to another. Creates life stories, and gives you so much more than shopping can.
And, it's about having time to find the pleasure in the simple things.

Hot Chocolate Time

2011-11-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

I picked up Mei-Ling from school so we could have some craft time together, but first things first. Its a hot chocolate sort of day. We called mommy and Yen to come join us for this special treat.
This is how Mrs Santa Claus makes it for Santa and how we make it for cold wintry days.
A little red cup for Yen and a Holly Hobby cup for Mei-Ling.

Chilly Morning

2011-11-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

It got down to 29 F last night, which means we woke to a cold house. Neither of us bothered to build a fire before we went to bed as the house was still toasty warm from all the cooking and baking I did yesterday.
Before the sun was up, there was a big pile of wood next to the stove and lots of kindling. In no time at all fire was burning brightly, warming the house up enough that we could take off our inside coats !

Progress

2011-11-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

My new Barn Bonnet is coming right along. Now just the finishing touches to be done. The last photo is of a bonnet I made several years ago. The picture was taken before I sewed the picot edge down.

Our Belated Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Due to my nasty head cold, we delayed Thanksgiving Dinner until Sunday evening. What fun we had ! I cooked up a storm, 4 hours cooking on Saturday evening and a full 8 hours of standing on my feet cooking on Sunday. I loved every minute of it. Not a mix or packaged food to be found. What a joy it is to work lovingly for my family, preparing all the foods eaten on Thanksgiving in our family for generations. Traditions are such a lovely way to connect family. Once again I reminded the children that they are the 11th great grandchildren of one of the pilgrims, Francis Cooke, and when the little ones are a bit older, I will tell them, that they are the 12th great grandchildren of the very people that celebrated the first Thanksgiving ! We were not able to get a photo of Yen that turned out good, that sweet boy is in constant motion.

Some Good Finds At Homestead Heritage

2011-11-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

With only the two of us home, I needed a smaller pan for certain meals, so this little stainless steal pan met that need and after all these years of cooking, it was time for some new kitchen knives too. Love that their items are from North America ! Also purchased a couple kinds of organic Kale seeds at the general store. We love Kale. At the Fiber Arts store, I found some of the yarn I was planning on ordering on line. The fall color yarns will be knit into a new barn bonnet for me. I need a new one and this yarn will be perfect. The baby rainbow colors will be for socks. A perfect combination of needs and wants met ! I picked up some bamboo double pointed needles to try. I have never used bamboo knitting needles so am anxious to try them.
The weavings were mostly want. I love Swedish Cotton weavings and these were in the colors I like, plus like most of the items at the fair, done by children and teens. What beautiful work ! Such care to every detail. Now, on this windy cold November day, its a perfect time to get started on that barn bonnet. The pattern is in the Winter 1993 issue of Spin Off magazine. So glad I have kept so many of the back issues !

Homestead Heritage Craft Fair 2011

2011-11-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

Homestead Heritage Craft Fair

2011-11-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Once again its time for one of our favorite events of the year.
Homestead Heritage Craft Fair We have been going there on Thanksgiving weekend for nearly 20 years now.
Check back tonight for pictures from the day !

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Home to Yours

2011-11-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

corn bread sticks ready for the holiday

Some Of My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes From Past Posts

2011-11-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

Cranberry Casserole

Vermont Maple Pumpkin Pie

Herbed Buttered Parsnips

Perfect Pie Crust

Hancock Shaker Village Pumpkin Bread with Orange Butter

Crock Pot Indian Pudding

New England Corn Pudding

Thankfulness

2011-11-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

The wood stove is creaking and popping this morning as the fire grows and heats the iron. The clock on the piano steadily ticks away the minutes, that wonderful little clock a gift from Emery and the girls over 20 years ago. It is well loved, even though its not made of any special wood or made to be an heirloom. How I love my peaceful life.
Today, the day before Thanksgiving, its a good day to go about our tasks, being thankful for all that we have in our lives.
I am thankful for freedom to believe as I do.
For love, both giving and receiving it.
For the joy of being a wife to a godly man.
For my children, the people they are, the compassion they show and how they are good people.
For my grandchildren, a love I could never have imagined, unfolding daily.
For my home, simple and full of contentment.
For my extended family for what they add to my life.
For the beauty of nature, always available to me.
For living the life I always dreamed of.
For simplicity.
For having lived a plain life for so many years and all it taught me.
For friends that encourage.
For waking up each and every day feeling serentity, joy, peace, hope, faith, love, and contentment.
For a healthy body and mind
For fresh air
For a warm bed, good food and all the clothing I need.
For balance in my life
and for eyes to see, ears to hear and lips that can speak.

Prayer Request For Melanie Update

2011-11-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

Melanie was taken to the hospital last night and many tests were done. It appears her heart is fine, they just are not sure what the pain in her stomach is from, so more testing needed. She is in pain so we are praying for relief for her. Her breathing is better. We know that God hears our prayers, which is great comfort. The children stayed with us last night and were as good as gold. Such joy to have them here with us. They are both so well behaved and sweet natured.
Keep Melanie in your prayers that they find out what is causing all these problems.

Melissa and Melanie this last weekend

photos from my day

2011-11-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Prayers Please

2011-11-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Our youngest daughter Melanie, has been diabetic since she was 7 is now having tests to check for cardiac issues. She has been having some troubling symptoms in the last week. I ask for prayer for her. There is so much going on in her life, Mei-Ling will be having surgery the 24th of January which is a big worry for Melanie and Casi and the family. Melanie just does not need another hardship regarding her health. I pray for a miracle, that nothing serious be going on for her. Please include her on your prayer list and any other prayer lists you know of.

Monday Morning Ramble

2011-11-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Gray sky, gentle breeze, leaves falling, fire burning brightly in the stove, lamp light chasing the dark from the corner of the room. Clock ticking, beans baking, a perfect Monday morning, aside from the cold I have acquired. Box of tissue on the table, a rose from Emery and a hand made card he gave me this morning, far more meaningful to me than a store bought one. A big mug of Throat Coat beside me.
I was thinking this morning about how so many women in my age category are so bent on chasing away all signs of aging. Getting older is not fun, but it is part of life. You can chase away your gray hair, have a face lift, spend a fortune on cosmetics that might make you look a little younger but still we are aging. My grandmother and mother were content to let each year give them another wrinkle or gray hair. They never tried to look younger than they were. Never tried to deceive themselves or others about the years and experiences in life they had gained. There was a sense of honor in growing older and wiser. At times I think about people like Tasha Tudor, she was admired even in her grandmotherly appearance. What would it be like to watch Andy Griffith and see Aunt Bee with blond hair and botox ? Or the grandmother on the Walton's to be heading off for a make-over ? Why are we so afraid of aging ? If we think age will render us worthless, its not going to be fixed with a box of hair dye or night cream....it will take an adjustment of our thinking. Proverbs 16:31 tells us that..." Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." Why hide that ? Why hate admitting we are aging when its all part of the great plan in life ? Why try to fool others and ourselves into thinking we are not where we actually are in life ? Why are we so afraid of growing older ? Old is not ugly, it is just different than young. Are we consumed by vanity ? Its far easier to just accept our appearance as we age, not trying to fool anyone into thinking we are not the age we are. Greater peace found in acceptance. I am a firm believer in staying healthy, vibrant and as nimble as possible, but trying to look younger than we are, will never add another day to our life.

A Repost from June 2006 About Stuff and Stress....

2011-11-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think about the place my husband works at and what they sell and how many they sell. Storage buildings, called mini barns. They sell so many it amazes me. The amount they sell tells something about our society. We have outgrown our closets, our homes and need more space for our stuff. We truly are a consumer society. People have so much "stuff" that they need to fill another building with it. Most of it packed in boxes forgotten. So, is it important then ?

In our old house, there are just tiny tiny closets in each bedroom. No other closets. My husband and I share a closet that is 4 ft long. I suspect in the olden days, when this house was built, normal folks, working folks, didn't have truck loads of clothes and maybe one winter coat for each person.
The other bedrooms have small closets too.
I heard on the television tonight, once again that we are one of the most stressed generation ever. That the stress of fighting off warring clans or tigers would not be as much as the day to day stresses of modern life. So having "stuff" doesn't seem to help us much.
I shopped yesterday, had fun doing it, and struggled today with where to put the stuff. Did I need any of it ? Well, the hat box will keep my hats nicer, but then do I really need those hats ? They are worn just a few times a year, when I am feeling in that sort of mood.
I never want to fall into the trap of being an acquirer. For me, its just easier to correct myself when I start to fall into that trap.
Heirlooms with family history that have heartstrings are something different, but just buying stuff because its a good deal is not really a good deal. They are just things that require cleaning and storing. That whole thing of attachment. And evidently we measure a bit of our success with how much we own. It hasn't made us happier people. As you can guess this is all for me and I am not pointing fingers at anyone, except our society since we all feel the need to fit in and have have have .
I do not want to spend my time with cleaning and moving all this stuff. Organizing collections and trying to find room for more.
Simple, simple, simple is what I really want.
I am grateful tonight for buyers remorse and how it keeps me in line, keeps me real.

simple beauty, pink poppies.
http://morningramble.blogspot.com/2006/06/stuff-and-stress.html
An old post that I still feel the same about. Learned my lesson a long time ago and it sure has made my life simpler.
Why buy things that next year you will be taking to the thrift store ? Why buy books and magazines that make you feel the need to buy what they show ? Live on less and enjoy the moment you are in.

Autumn Winds

2011-11-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

Autumn winds are blowing this morning, creating bands of leaves flying off the trees in such a way the one thinks of leaf dotted ribbons dancing across the roads. Its a wonderful time of year. One of preparations for the cold, although I still prepare with that same sort of urgency that one gets growing up in New England, even though Texas winters are mild. Tonight a wonderful evening in store for us. Melissa is on her way here for the weekend. We are all so anxious to see her, its been a couple of months since she has been home and for us, that is way too long. Family is joy. Time to build a fire in the stove and get supper started while the light from the day is still shining in the windows. Life is good. Blessings abound.

Been Busy

2011-11-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

Less time on the computer has kept my productivity up ! I finished the star afghan for Mei-Ling and Yen. He is very much in love with his. Its bright and matches his dinosaur quilt. Yen just loves snuggling up with it and Mei is the same with hers. Perfect timing to get them done as its been cold the last couple of nights.
I have been working on a knitted garland for our Christmas tree. Simple to make, just knitting an i cord with some varigated christmas color yarn. I have about 20 feet done. Started it two evenigs ago, but only work on it during the evening after supper. There are a couple projects I started last year for Christmas but never finished them in time so am working on those too. Such a fun time of the year.
Had a wonderful day. Mei-Ling came to visit after school today and we went for a long 3 mile nature walk. So much to discover for a 4 year old. Life is good !

Gentleness

2011-11-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. "

Philippians 4:5

This includes your children and spouse, even when behind closed doors, the slow poke driver in front of you, the lady in line in front of you that has a string of problems at the checkout, the people that believe the world should be run their way, your family members that push all your buttons, and even the people on the other end of the phone line that are rude or haven't a clue what you need from them.

Overload

2011-11-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

We are, in this modern day world, overloaded with information. Often, what we hear one day, and told its an absolute, we hear a week, a month or a year later, that it is not true.   One just has to use salt as an example. We were told for years to stay away from salt. Bad for our blood pressure and now we are being told, not having any salt is a negative for our coronary health.   We are bombarded with studies that show just about everything we do is not what we should be doing.    Standing in line at the grocery store, the magazine racks are filled with conflict. One says this, and another says the opposite. We are pulled in a hundred directions.   There is little peace in paying attention to what each study points to, simply because next year they will change their minds and often the data is manipulated to stress the point made. Manipulation can be simply leaving out information that shows contrary results.   We just completed a series of lectures where not all the information was up to date and some relevant studies were not addressed.
Even with religion, people seem to want to complicate it.   We honestly don't need a thousand books or opinions on how to interpret what we can read ourselves.
Living simply, requires us to not listen to all the chatter out there in the world. All the conflict, the studies funded by this or that industry.   What I love about the plain life and frankly miss it terribly is that the outside influences are next to none.  The computer I write on is also a tool for looking up a zillion things that I would be better off not having overload my brain. Not being an Ostrich with my head in the sand, but living with a single purpose, defined by what I believe in. Not being tossed around on the waves of this kind of eating vs that kind of eating. This kind of lifestyle vs that kind of lifestyle. Buying this kind of gadget because it can do what you have been doing, only 1 millisecond faster according to the ad.
We have complicated our lives beyond what we should.   How many of you have restocked your pantry simply because you read or heard about a new way of eating that is guaranteed to change your life ?   How many of you have felt your kitchen was no longer functional because it was called "outdated" by the standards set forth by a store, a television show or a magazine photo ?   Think back to your great grandmother, did she ever consider having her kitchen done over every 10 years and get rid of a stove or counter tops because they looked "outdated" ? Was her cooking inferior to yours because she didn't have an all stainless kitchen ? We have simply complicated our lives and spent way too much money by the dictates of all the latest fads. My fancy new drapes have not changed my life in one single way, other than make me worry that the wood stove may get some soot on them this winter. I hate to take them down for the winter, since we spent so much money on them, but I sure don't want to have to have them dry cleaned ! Makes me wish for my home made, machine washable curtains once again. I feel overloaded this week regarding what the healthiest diet for my family is. Came to a conclusion last night. Its really quite simple. Eat good food, food as grown, Michael Pollan style eating and exercise like they did back in the olden days, with purpose. Walk a lot, work a lot in the garden and pray without ceasing for a life pleasing to God.

A Time for Peace Within

2011-11-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

In life we all need time for peace within. A time to draw aside from the busy-ness and just find calm and a clear mind. Our lives demand so much from us. There are expectations from outside influences, and our own expectations. And, we may or may not have spiritual expectations taken on by our belief systems. Its not always easy to pull away long enough to find a moment in time where our thoughts are unburdened, free to soar beyond the every day.

Take that time...time for peace within.

Blessing Our Husbands

2011-11-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

Blessing Our Husbands

by Rachel Weaver

I pray that you will read through this in its entirety and that it will be a blessing to you. It would be a great way to start the new year off! Credits are listed at the bottom.
Ways that a Wife Can Bless Her Husband
Taken from ideas given by a group of husbands

1. Pray for your husband daily, not just casually ("God Bless Hubby") but for specific areas of need and blessing.

2. Thank God for your husband's strengths, for the growth you see, and for the kindnesses that he shows you and the needs he meets in your life.

3. Meditate often (at least once a week) on the Scriptures that teach your responsibilities and position in the home.

4. Listen to him. Try to really hear what he is saying when he communicates with you.

5. When he seems perplexed and troubled, do not pressure him. Support him by prayer, your presence, and words of encouragement.

6. Be ready to share your observations and insights in a meek spirit, but openly and honestly, when he asks you. You can be his best counselor. You can anchor him when he needs it most.

7. Encourage him. Do not nag him, or boss him. Do not argue with him even if you are sure he is wrong. He may have something in mind that you are not aware of or do not understand. Ask his counsel and advice.

8. Only say up building and affirming things about your husband to others. Do not criticize him even in a joking manner. Very rarely should you find yourself sharing anything about his faults or failings, and then only with someone who is truly in a position to help.

9. Bless your husband in public. Do not apologize for his background, weaknesses or failures. This will build up your reverence for him and help establish the trust that you should both have for each other.

10. If your husband has failed, entreat him in meekness, don't exaggerate the issue or berate him.

11. Let him know that you want him to be your leader not only by what you say but by what you do. You get that message across by the way you respond to the leadership he does give you.

12. Seek to please your husband even when he does not spell out what he wants you to do. Try to determine what his heart's desire is and do it as fully as possible.

13. Teach your children to honor him, respect him, and bless him. You do this best by your own example.

14. Depend on him. Be very sensitive to areas in which he wants you to act independently. Do not run away with this responsibility. Handle it carefully. If in question, choose dependence not independence.

15. Seek opportunities to serve your husband in love. Find ways to show him that he is your "lord."

16. Be ready to make changes in your day or schedule to accommodate his needs or desires, especially if you run a home business and he needs you or the children to serve in some capacity.

17. When you need to make an appeal, prepare carefully. Choose your words wisely. Choose the time well so that you can have his attention and time to explain yourself. That way you can be sure that he understands you. When he is weary, at the end of a long day is not a good time to communicate weighty matters.

18. Always let your husband have the last word, the deciding vote, the majority rule.

19. Don't say "I told you so."

20. Show appreciation for the way he provides for you.

21. Let your husband know that you love his attention to you and his singleness of heart for you. Bask in this attention and help him relate discreetly to other women especially by letting him know what makes women respond.

22. Reserve yourself, your beauty, and your charm for him. Maintain true modesty and reserve while relating to other men.

There are many, many ways to bless your husband that were not even touched here. These are just a few of the ways some husbands discussed that would make them feel honored. Women tend to think of kisses, hugs, notes in lunch boxes and a meal spent together alone. I am sure that our men appreciate all of those things. But as I typed this list that husbands had made, I was extremely impressed with their need for support and encouragement. They need and want a visible show of this. It is born out in our everyday life in the way we walk and talk, and in the way we respond to their leadership, plans, and desires.
I think that many times we ladies are blind to how much contriving and planning we do to get our own way. Perhaps not consciously, but non-the-less we often tend to get what we really desire. We think we just make good valid appeals. These appeals are in order sometimes, but where is your heart? Is it where your husband can safely rest or are you always pushing the limit? Are you always going to bat for your young people and helping your husband to see why this or that is such a good idea? No doubt you do have good ideas that need to be shared, sometimes. But I am fully persuaded that I, all too often, am really blind to my husband's true desires.
Let us pray for each other and meditate on how we can be women whose husbands can safely trust in. Let us be supporters, encouragers and blessers. Let us affirm our husbands and be there for them. I think it is especially important as our families grow up and husbands need to make boundaries and guidelines for our young people. Often these guidelines are hard to make and even harder to implement. Let us back our husbands up and help them in their sincere desire to guide our families right. We can make their job infinitely easier and thus build a relationship of trust that deepens through the years, rather than ones that erodes as our young people grow in maturity.

What a valuable legacy to pass on to posterity! Can he trust you to stand by him?

The Remnant Vol 1 No 7 September/October 1995

Emery and I will soon be married 33 years, wonderful years, all of them. He is an easy man to love, his kindness, his work ethic and his walk with God have made him a dedicated husband, father and now Grandfather. Yet, there are times when I under-appreciate him or forget to thank him for the many things he does for us. I am so proud to be able to say, that in our 33 years, he has NEVER once said an unkind word to me. As I read through this well loved bit of wisdom from Rachel Weaver, I know that I need to say more often how thankful I am for the man I love.

Late Afternoon Gratitudes

2011-11-11T15:33:00.000-08:00

The sky is beautiful. Wide swaths of lighter clouds reminds me of a child's finger painting, broad places where fingers have made a path amid the colours. Other aspects of this evenings sky remind me of the back of a sheep. Woolly wrinkles. God never fails to give us something beautiful to be grateful for each and every day, even when life looks bleak to us for one reason or another. Even in moments of great disappear, when a child lay ill or a loved one has been lost, I have always found something beautiful somewhere in my day. We are so loved by this great Creator that He never fails to hold out His hand in mercy to gift us with a token of His love for us. This evening, as the day fades into darkness, it is the smell of the fresh air, the crispness of the world around me, that gives me joy. The chickens making their way onto the perches. The ducks, huddled down in their corner of the barn for the night. My hands feeling that slight chill as I gather in a bit of basil, soon frost will take its toll on it, so I gather much of it now to dry, to freeze, to enjoy in the moment. Back in the house, music of George Winston, fills each the rooms with something beyond words. The notes he plays match my mood, my thoughts, the way I move from room to room preparing our evening meal. I just noticed that my wool socks have slid off my foot a bit, duck feet the children used to say of their feet when the same thing happened. In a moment of freedom to be me, I make duck steps and laugh at myself, out loud. Simple pleasures. Its time to light the lamps and bring that almost holy feeling to our little home. Lamp light is so different than electric light. It is a piece of that old fashioned goodness that we have read about. Its restful. Its peace filled. It is holy, if I think about it. It reflects our belief that simplicity gives us freedom to move quietly through life, stopping to smell the roses. To smile with childlike enthusiasm and to sleep like a baby each night. I am filled with gratitude this evening for being able to live a life that allows me to experience joy, serenity, peace, hopefulness and be surrounded by love.

Gentleness of the day

2011-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Wood popping in the stove, the tea kettle whistling quietly on top, the water not quite boiling. Shadows dancing around the room as the sun shines through the bending branches, still heavy with leaves. Curtains pulled to the side to let the golden glow in the house. It was cold getting out of bed this morning, it took fortitude to pull myself out from under the quilts. The bare floor under my feet shocked me wide awake. A fire in the stove was the first order of business, followed by the burners on the stove in the kitchen being put to good use as hot cereal bubbled and cooked apples filled the house with a smell akin to apple pie. My hands busy with the morning chores. I love these moments. Morning conversation with the love of my life. Laughter and love all mixed in together. We had time this morning to sit in the living room, warmed by the heat of the stove, sipping hot Pero. I pulled the afghan I am working on for my grandson, onto my lap and did a bit of crocheting. Just an easy sort of morning. Just the way I like it. A simple life allows me time to see clearly all the blessings in each day.

Computer fixed

2011-11-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much I was able to accomplish with the computer not here to distract me. I made kitchen curtains, 6 pillowcases, a dress for Mei-Ling, a flannel rag quilt and an afghan and that's along with all my daily chores ! Now that the computer is back in operation, I will have to see how quickly I fall back into the habit of turning it on first thing in the morning.

Computer still in the shop

2011-11-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

As much as I dislike not having my computer, it has given me lots of time to catch up on some projects. Actually I now know for sure that the computer takes up a lot of my time each day. Should have my computer back by the first of the week.
Stopped by my husbands office and second thing I said to him was, "can I use your computer for a minute ?" First thing I said was, "I love you".
Life is good.

Life At Its Best

2011-10-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Fire burning brightly in the stove, soft music, hot chocolate and good conversation with the man of my dreams. Gentle moments. Easy day. Life at its best.

Autumn Pumpkin Raisin Cookies

2011-10-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Raisin Cookie Recipe

1 1/4 cup whole wheat Pastry flour
1 cup unbleached white flour
2 teaspoonw pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (Himalayan if you have it)
1 can pumpkin
1/4 cup oil ( I used olive oil)
1 cup honey
1/2 raisins
beat oil and honey together until they are well blended, add pumpkin to the oil and honey, then add the dry ingredients. Mix well. I mixed it all in the big mixer.

lightly spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto the cookie sheet. Makes about 3 doz small cookies

bake at 350 for 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.

"Let Us Go Back"

2011-10-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Let Us Go Back

~Thomas Curtis Clark~

Let us go back

To the simpler and better things.

Let us retrace our steps

From our greed-born bickerings

Back to the quietness

Of plain, good friendliness.

Let us go back

To the old roads of beauty's quest.

Let us again find joy

In the fields and the woods, possessed

By the thrill of the spring,

And of summer wandering.

Let us go back

To old-fashioned content, our wealth

Found in the garden nooks,

And beneath home roofs.

Let the health

Of the trees and the grass

our two girls nearly 20 years ago

"Autumn"

2011-10-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Autumn

~Polly Ward~

Don't you love autumn

When the leaves come tumbling down,

Where they fall in billowy carpets

For the wind to toss around ?

The air feels cleaner, calmer,

As the sounds float o'er the hill. . .

Of the gathering of the harvest

As the barns and cellars fill.

It seem that in autumn

The aroma of burning leaves . . .

Just fill our heart with gladness

While we're bringing in the sheaves.

And the smell of spicy cooking

Of applebutter, jams an jell . . .

And all those pickles mother makes,

And preserves we love so well.

Autumn is : "the summer gone"

And "winter on the way,"

An all those cherry autumn shades

Can't help but make us gay.

I love the Indian summer

With its flaming painted sky . . .

Like an artist at his canvas,

With a thousand pots of dye.

It seems that in autumn

Nature folds her work for rest:

And gathers up her children. . .

And holds them to her breast.

A Piece of My Day

2011-10-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

The scent of balsam in the room, mixed in with the smell of the wood stove burning. Gray clouds like a blanket of soft velvet fill the sky. The smell of rain hangs in the heavy air. Lamp light fills the room with a homeyness that wraps around me like a comfortable shawl. It is a perfect day. Break is rising in the kitchen, while I crochet some more on an afghan for Mei-Lings up coming recovery. A star made with rainbow color yarn and white sparkly yarn. Things she loves. Fabric on the table waiting to be turned into pillowcases for her long recovery. I wonder how many it will take to make her recovery brighter, dear sweet child. She asked me once when I was telling her that my mother was in Heaven, "if my mother had taken Gods hand when He held it out to her." I said I was sure she did and this tender child told me, "Mimi I did not take Gods hand when He held it out for me, and He smiled at me." It makes me wonder a bit about the many times she has come so close to dying. She is our miracle child, as they all are in one way or another. Each life a gift, each breath a gift, each smile a gift. There is yarn and fabric too for Yen to have a pillowcase and yarn for a star afghan.
Soft music drifts through the rooms, the kind of music that you might call, pensive, gentle. The weather outside matches the notes. I love this kind of day. Nothing is rushed, everything feels right. You can feel love in every molecule. It is a day for poetry and sips of tea. Long conversations and hand holding with the one you love. Life is good, it really is.

Watercolor Day at Mimi's House

2011-10-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Three colors of paint can make all kinds of colors ! The joy of discovery.

"Life's Canvas"

2011-10-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

Life's Canvas

Edgar Guest

Sunshine and shadow and laughter and tears,

These are forever the paints of the years,

Splashed on the canvas of life day by day,

We are the artists, the colors are they.

We are the painters, the pigments we use

Never we're wholly permitted to chose.

Grief with its gray tint and joy with its red

Come from life's tubes to be blended and spread.

Here at the easel, the brushes at hand,

Each for a time is permitted to stand.

White was the canvas when first we began,

Ready to picture the life of a man.

Now we ar splashing the pigments about,

Knowing the reds and blues must give out,

Soon we must turn to the dull hues and gray,

Painting the sorrows that darken the way.

Now with the sunshine and now with the shade

Slowly but surely the picture is made.

Even the gray tints with beauty may glow

Recalling the joy of the lost long ago.

Let me not daub it with doubt and despair,

Deeds that are hasty, unkind and unfair,

But when the last bit of pigment is dried

Let me look back at my canvas with pride.

From THE LIGHT OF FAITH 1926

photo of tonights sky as the sun began to set

Changes in Life

2011-10-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

In the past 10 months I have lost 40 lbs, 25 of that being lost in the past 9 weeks, when I got serious about weight loss. At the beginning of this month, Steven, Priscilla, Emery and I began attending a program called Coronary Health Improvement Project. Its a month long series of lectures on improving your health, not limited to Coronary health but also Hypertension and Diabetes. The seminar is being held at a nearby hospital, with a Doctor at each meeting to answer questions and add information to the video lectures. There is also a dietitian and specially trained professionals for the program, helping us along the way. At the beginning of the seminar we had our blood drawn and had our weight and blood pressure taken. The Doctor went over our results a couple weeks later, showing where we needed improvement. At each meeting, we are also served samples of food from the plant based diet they have us eat. The food has been fantastic ! The information, nothing less than enlightening. Each video lecture along with the live lecture aspect is backed by mounds of scientific research. This coming Monday we will have our follow up lab work done and I am so anxious to see what improvements have been made. Honestly, I have never felt this good in years. The eating plan is well balanced, filling, you can eat as much as you want of the foods that are part of the program. Meat and fish are out, but we have never eaten much meat anyway, so that's no hardship for us. Fats are limited, complex carbs are abundant on this plan, lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Sugars and salt are also limited. Exercise is encouraged. If I thought we eat healthy before this, I now know we had room for improvement. My skin looks healthier, and sweet Elizabeth came over to me last night and said, "Mimi, you have a sparkle in your eye, how did you get it there ?" Weight is coming off easily too. My blood pressure has come way down along with my heart rate. Everyone in the class is amazed at how easy this program is to follow and how many positive changes in their health has taken place in such a short time.
These seminars are held throughout the world and the results are all the same. Stick to it and you can even reverse coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
I have copied a few testimonials from the CHIP webpage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHIP Graduates

•"I have lost 25 pounds now all together and am off my lantus insulin, 47 units daily, and no more regular sliding scale insulin. Thanks again for all you have done to impact my life in a positive way, and for giving me the knowledge to make the right choices for myself and for my health! I am a lot healthier today than I was when we first met."
- Sherry Kok, Director of Nursing (IL)

•"The more I learn about the CHIP concept and its clinical results, the more I am impressed. It is a fantastically practical way to capture the essence of health education and making a big difference in the lives of many."- Darren Morton, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Avondale College (AUS)

•"I graduated from the 2005 CHIP program in Boring, OR. Monte and I changed our diet significantly, and my diabetes improved and my pancreatic attacks ceased. Last year, I took another stab at improving my lifestyle. I set a goal of walking across Oregon in 25 days! It was hard at first. I started slowly in my driveway. But by March of this year, I was into it. On May 31 I started my Across Oregon Walk at The Dalles (OR/WA border). I walked 5 days a week for 6 hours a day averaging 13 to 14 miles a day. And on July 1 at 10 AM I crossed the OR/CA border! It was a wonderful experience. I will treasure the memories. And in the process, I also went from a size 14 to a size 8. And I have begun a little jogging." --Beth Nogle, Oregon

•"Based on documented, sound nutritional practices, this approach is for anyone who wants to improve their lifestyle and well-being. Following the principles of this program helped me lose weight, feel better, and have more confidence in my health."
- Peg Haffey, 3rd Grade Teacher (IL)

•"CHIP changed our lifestyle. We feel healthy, we eat healthy. I wish all of the doctors would be aware of it. I would highly recommend it. I don't see why doctors don't recommend it more"
- Mark Corke, Dentist (FL)

•"I lost 52 lbs., cholesterol dropped 50 points, and I have more energy than I can remember. Thank you for CHIP."
- Lynda Kettering

•"My wife (61 yr) and I (63 yr) recently completed the four week Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) in Colorado Springs. In four short weeks my wife lost 10 pounds, and I lost 15 pounds coupled with my cholesterol drop of 63 points. We were never hungry; and we were able to eat as much as we wanted while losing weight and lowering cholesterol."
- 2 Happy CHIPpers from Colorado Springs

•ULCERATIVE COLITIS: The Turn-Around! My wife has battled Ulcerative Colitis since 2004 with steroids and other powerful drugs, until we found the answer. Now Rachel has been completely well for the last 18 months taking no medications. Known as an autoimmune disease similar to Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis progressively involves colon bleeding, cancer risk after some 10 years, possible colon removal and a life that is centered upon one issue all the time: the colon. Realizing the seriousness of this disease in 2006, and not finding any substantive answers, we became interested in health education and lifestyle medicine as so powerfully represented by the CHIP program with its emphasis on whole foods. By focusing increasingly on fresh fruits and vegetables and becoming certified as CHIP directors, we made terrific improvements as a family. Our children love Dr. Diehl and his CHIP program. And Rachel has been completely well for the last 18 months. We thank God that we found the answer.
--Mike Weaver Harrisonburg VA

"Ulcerative Colitis is an autoimmune disease with an up-regulated inflammatory response. We have had several cases, similar to the one described above, that have done quite well by following some of the principles of the CHIP program under medical supervision."
--R Greenlaw MD, ABHM FACP/G
Gastroenterology Clinical Professor of Medicine,
University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Rockford
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top picture was two years ago and the bottom picture was taken last week I have a long way to go, but making progress !

Arise And Shine - The Wedgwood

2011-10-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

When I was in High School I wore this album out, so happy to find my favorite song from this album on YouTube. Today is a big cooking day at my house as the children are coming over for supper, and this is the music that is inspiring me while I work

Mei-Ling Update

2011-10-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

By the grace of God, Mei-Ling is doing fine. Medication will take care of the problem until her surgery can be done. Thank you all for your prayers and concern. How blessed we are that so many people are praying for her. Her attitude is precious through all that she has to go through and we all benefit from the healthy way in which her family, her doctors and how she herself, openly deals with her medical issues.

Melanie, Melissa, Yen and Mei-Ling

How to Waterproof Your Life

2011-10-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

This video, about 25 minutes long, is so good. Well worth watching.
How to Waterproof Your Life
"When life is rushing by leaving you with an endless to do list, when you feel swamped with the demands of life, how can you cope?" A good lesson from Noah and the flood.

Prayers For Mei-Ling

2011-10-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Last night my daughter took Mei-Ling to the emergency room for a problem with her vesicostomy. The Dr at the ER decided they needed to rush Mei by ambulance to the Children's hospital. Still no word on how she is doing and I hate to call since I am not sure how much sleep anyone got etc. Many of you know that Mei-Ling was born with Heterotaxy Polyspleenia, a condition where several organs are not in the right place, missing or too many of them. Praying that all is well and they were able to fix the problem easily.

MorningRamble

Seeking Simplicity

Hot Chocolate and Cupcakes

Update on my Dad

The Start of The Day

We Are Having Rain

Prayers Please

Love is the hardest lesson....

Some Quilts Planned

Doilies !

New Project and Signs of Spring

An Update on Mei-Ling

The Joy Of Living

The Pleasure of A Warm Fire

Keeping Fit, The Homestead Way

The Farm House

Busy Weekend

Joy In The Simple Things

Candle Dipping

Contentment

Thankful Heart

Time Does Fly !

The Simple Life

Saturday Morning Beauty

Perfect Veggie Burgers

The Morning

The Farmer Child

The Joy Of Simple Play

Riches beyond words

21 Day Vegan Kickstart

A New Year

Quinoa Salad

You're Invited to Join the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart

The Beauty of The Morning

What's New ?

Merry Christmas !

Joy of the Season and Traditions

The Sunset From My Front Door

Jack Frost Paid Us A Visit

Pieces of My Day

Monday Morning Ramble

Some Pictures From Our Party

Martha Stewarts French Macaron Recipe

Ingredients

For The Macarons

Suggested Fillings For Macarons

Directions

Cook's Note

Variations

French Macarons

Robins Having A Feast

Cookie Baking Day

Jo Stafford By The Fireside.wmv

Love this season of lights and color

Wintry Sky

Presents Ready For Ribbons and Bows

Time is moving too fast

Grandbabies dressed for the season

The Decorating Continues

Happy 33rd Anniversary Emery, Our Song

Time for a little gathering of friends this evening

A Repost from December 2006, The Art of Growing Up

Wind Chill of 15 F

A Change. . .

Decorating Time

Joyful

Tis The Season

Barn Bonnet Completed

Finding Pleasure in the Simple Things

Hot Chocolate Time

Chilly Morning

Progress

Our Belated Thanksgiving

Some Good Finds At Homestead Heritage

Homestead Heritage Craft Fair 2011

Homestead Heritage Craft Fair

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Home to Yours

Some Of My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes From Past Posts

Thankfulness

Prayer Request For Melanie Update