To Burn

at our Provo High School 45th Reunion tomorrow night.  Explanations later . . .

Late Throwback Tuesday -- 1960

When it rains, it pours.

We had another of Gary's cousins pass away last week.  Alene Hone.  That is just a short time after his cousin Paul.

Then Gary's sister had a freak accident and fell into a crawl space at her son in Oregon's home.  She shattered her leg.  If she had the surgery up there, she would have to stay for a couple of months, so she (very painfully) flew home and had the surgery last week.  Now she is in a rehab center here in Orem for at least a month.

Then Richard has not been doing well and is in a facility where they can monitor him and his medications closely.   This is so hard.

The inspirational message from Paul's funeral was that anytime anything went wrong, Paul didn't get angry, but he would just ask "Well, did you learn anything from it?" or "What did you learn?"  All of the kids basically said the same thing.   A great way to approach life.

At Alene's funeral each of her 6 boys basically said that her love was unconditional, but that she didn't let them make excuses.  She would say, "You know what you need to do, so do it."

I can learn a lot of life lessons from funerals.  It makes me wonder what my one remembered phrase would be.  Maybe, "Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake?"

Tried some new

Dishes today.  Yummy.

Just because

I love this picture.

Grandfather Clock

Every time I've looked at my grandfather clock the last few years, I've felt sad.  It hasn't worked, and the weights were jammed.  Dad built it, and I love it, which was why I was sad.

A few times I've played around with fixing it, but to no avail.  Finally on Saturday, I decided to get serious about it and give it one more try. In fact, it was almost a challenge in my mind that if I could get it working that it was a message from mom and dad.

I pulled up instructions on the Internet, and basically troubleshooted by changing the weights, bending the pendulum, etc. -- all along figuring that the worst thing I could do was break it more and have to call a repairman-- which I was going to have to do anyway since it hadn't been working for years. 

Well, I feel loved, because now it is working. The chimes are erratic, but just having the mechanism work lifts my heart.  I'll deal with syncing up the chimes later, but for now I just love watching the pendulum swing and hearing the rhythmic tick-tock. 

Thank you. 

Goodbye

Bee and beehive decor. 

Front Flower Garden

As of today.  I'm looking forward to it filling in. The grass is doing pretty well, too. 

The Significance of Butterflies

This morning I was feeling weighted down with worries and uncertainties.  It is hard to watch people you love go through hard things, and there seems to be a lot of that going around.   

I didn't really feel like going for a walk, but once I pulled myself out of bed and Gary suggested we go, I figured I should.  As we were walking and observing the demolition of the old Edgemont Elementary, a very large monarch butterfly kept circling us.   I was a little annoyed and said, "What is that butterfly doing?"

Then I remembered, and realized, that perhaps I was being sent a little message of inspiration.

What came to mind was an experience I had while we were "Wilderness Youth Conference" leaders about 30 years ago.  I knew I had written my experience down and was looking through some journals, but then remembered that I had blogged about it at one time.  I searched the blog and found this entry from July of 2010:

"Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a camper.  I like the comforts of home and do not seek out challenging outdoor activities.  So when we were called in by the Stake President and asked if we would be group leaders to 10 girls and boys, I was honestly filled with much trepidation.  The more I read up on what we were to do, the more anxiety I felt. 

These were things like:  Meeting the youth, who we didn't know, at 9:30 at night and then leading them on a 5 mile night hike to our campground.  Having only one orange to share for breakfast.  Doing activities like "fireman's net"  and other various obstacle courses and games all day, and then preparing our first meal in the evening.  Those things might not invoke fear in some people, but it certainly did in me.

The week before the youth conference, we had a training day.  On that training day we made the 5 mile hike, and I honestly thought I would die.  I remember standing on the trail in the baking sun wondering if a helicopter would be able to come and get me.  After that training day and during the following week, my anxiety was even worse.  I wanted to call and bow out.  How could I lead the youth when I couldn't be a good leader?  But, I've always believed, and followed my belief, that if I am called to do something that I will do my best and that I will be blessed the rest of the way.   I was blessed. 

The night of the hike, it was like my feet hardly touched the ground.  In fact, at the end of the conference each of us wrote something nice about everyone in the group.  One of the comments made to me was "she is a good hiker."  Ha!  Little did they know.

So, this story is a very long set-up as to why the butterfly has significance to me. 

The last activity of youth conference was to have everyone go off alone for a half hour.   We were to ask God a question and listen for an answer.  That was also somewhat of a new experience for me.  While I often ask God questions, I seldom have the patience to stay still, meditate, and wait for an answer. 

My question was, 'Why does there have to be such sorrow and pain in the world?  Why do some people have to go through so much?'  That was very much on my mind at the time, particularly because of my nephew and niece, Chuck and Christine, who lived with such excruciating pain with EB.   

As I sat in silence in the mountains, a beautiful butterfly flew right in front of me.  As I watched it fly away, my heart lifted and I felt such peace.  What came into my mind was the thought that "without sorrow or pain we would not recognize or appreciate the opposite, which is joy and love and goodness."    I knew that my question had been heard and that I had been given a greater understanding.  The whole wilderness experience, from beginning to end, was one of the hardest and one of the most faith promoting of my life.

Later, when I shared that experience with Lynn (Chuck and Christine's mom), she asked me if I knew that the symbol for EB (Epiderolysis Bullosa) is the butterfly (They have skin as fragile as a butterfly wing which can blister at the slightest touch).    I had never known that, and hearing it gave me an even greater appreciation for my experience on the mountain."   (End of previous blog post)


So, when the butterfly was working so hard to be noticed, I did get the message.  My heart has felt lighter.

And, symbolically, the change (or metamorphosis) of the old Edgemont School being replaced by the new beautiful one, was not lost on me either.

Annie is 12!

Annie's Interview from December 31, 2016

If you could go on a family vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Dubai—Richest place in the word.  Man made islands.  Had a friend who lived there and she said it was cool.  Also has the tallest building in the world.   (Showed me the picture)

What superpower do you wish you possessed?  

Be like Flash – the fastest.

Where do your first and last name come from? 

First name from grandma’s, Suzanne and Annette.  Last name of grandpa born in France.

What is the hardest part of going to school?  What is the best part?

Worst part – grades.  Best part – 1 hour lunch

What show could you watch over and over and why?

Psych – super funny

What is your biggest fear or phobia?

Breaking a bone and not being able to play sports.  Or death.

Would you rather time travel fifty years forward or fifty years into the past?

Go backward.  If you go forward, then people will be dead.

Best Personality Trait?

Active – do fun things.

If you could have a wild animal from anywhere in the world, which would you choose?

Panda Bear – fluffy

What teacher or coach has had the most impact on you and why?

My basketball coach – she’s my best friend’s mom

My 5^th grade teacher, Ryerson.  Didn’t act like a teacher but a friend.

What do you like most about the person to your right?

Grandma – love her so much, smells so good, pretty.  (Love You Annie!)

What special talent do you wish you possessed?

Shoot really far away from the basket and make it every time!

Using one word, how would you describe your family?

FUN

Do you have a family rule that is unfair?

If it is your birthday, you don’t have to clean (I BET YOU ARE LIKING THAT TODAY!)

What do you think is the greatest invention of all time?

Cars and Phones

What is your favorite smell in the whole world?

Gasoline, nail polish, chocolate cake and cupcakes, Grandma Ashton

Would you rather have a bigger closet, kitchen, or backyard?  Why?

Back yard – because then you could play more

If you could earn $250 by eating the same meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an entire month, would you?

Yes – Pizza or Crepes

 What real (Pyramids in Egypt, Great Wall of China, Easter Island, etc.) or mythical place (Garden of Eden, Camelot, etc., would you like to visit?

Great Wall of China and Garden of Eden

Which of your relatives should get the drama king or queen award?

Luci and Estelle

If you could take over the garage and do anything you wanted with the space what would you do?

Living Room, couches, pillows, lot of TVs put together to make 1 big one.

Is there a foot or dish that you used to hate when you were young but you like now?

Like chicken but not salad, used to be the opposite.

Who snores loudest in your family?

Luci and Dad

What qualities do you look for in a friend?

 Nice, funny, fun, kid, stalwart and steadfast, stands up for you.

What is your favorite thing to collect?

Money and Candy

What would you sell if you created a family business together?

Candy – Me and Grandma

 

I was looking at my google photos, and it showed me this collage from 4 years ago on this date.

Annie is definitely growing up.  But she will always be our "Annie Pie"

WE LOVE YOU, ANNIE!  

Throwback Tuesday - 1959

Yummy Salad from Studio 5 - I've made it twice!

Basil Couscous Salad
June 5, 2017
By:  Si Foster

Basil Couscous Salad
Ingredients:
1 package Olive Oil and Garlic Couscous
12 cups Romaine lettuce (about 1 large or two medium heads)
1/2 cup Craisins
1/2 cup grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups or 3-4 medium ears fresh white corn, cooked, cooled and cut off cob*
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Fresh Basil Dressing:
(enough for a double batch of salad)
1 cup fresh basil leaves*
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 shallot, chopped (optional)
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method:

For best results- a day before, or at least a few hours before: Cook couscous according to package directions. Cool completely. Refrigerate.

Wash and dry lettuce, set aside in refrigerator. Cook corn, rinse with cool water. Cut corn off cob and place in refrigerator to cool completely.

Make dressing by mixing all ingredients in blender or by using a hand immersion blender. Refrigerate.

When ready to serve:
Place cooked couscous in a large bowl. Chop lettuce into bite size pieces. Add lettuce and rest of salad ingredients into bowl. Just before serving, drizzle dressing (I only use about 1/2 ) and toss. You may serve additional remaining dressing on the side.

Tips:
– When I say “large” head of Romaine, I’m not talking about a Costco head of Romaine. Those are Romaine hearts. If you are using Costco Romaine, probably about 4-5 heads will do.
-Misty said this salad was originally served with chopped chicken as a main ingredient. Great for a main dish salad.
-The first time I made this salad, I tried to cook the couscous and cook the corn and let both cool before adding to the salad. It really works best to cook both several hours or the day before and refrigerate. Also best to use really cold lettuce and dressing. I tried both ways, and had the best result when preparing ingredients the day before and then toss the ingredients when all completely chilled.
-*You may use frozen corn. I won’t be as delicious, but you won’t know the diff if you don’t use fresh first.
-*Don’t even think about using dried basil.

Find more of Si's recipes at www.abountifulkitchen.com.

I just watched Music and the Spoken Word

The message is Happiness:  Treasuring the moments of happiness.  Small moments add up to be great treasures.  Happiness is right there in front of you, inside of you in little ways, little moments, little pieces of happiness.

While working with Gary on his history, as we would go back over it, he recognized that he used the word "enjoy" a lot.  He would say that he uses it too much, and would want to rephrase it.   I looked at it as a compliment to him that he did find joy in many, many things.

After the funeral and luncheon at Gary and Lynn's house, we girls went to get pedicures.  Then we all went down to Riverwoods shopping area.  We went in a few of the shops, as Tiffany was looking for a dress for Eliza, but we browsed through the others. Then we ate pizza at Milawi's.

While we were there, I kept thinking to myself that this is the kind of evening that Gary would enjoy, and it made me happy.  He and Lynn have always found great pleasure in enjoying the atmosphere of places and people, no matter where they were.

So, every time I am "enjoying" my experiences, whatever they may be, I will think of Gary --and find joy in what I am blessed to have.

Funeral Program

I felt such peace

All day yesterday.  Gary's life was honored beautifully.  I'll write thoughts later. But I am so grateful to have been born into my family.

A sweet time

today up at Charlene's.   We picked up Tom and Lynn, who have flown in from California, and met at Charlene's for lunch.  It was a wonderful time to reminisce and feel the love that we share.