Though we were far from our friends and children, we had a good Christmas this year, I think, because of all the Christmas spirit we experienced. For one, we started early! Mid November I started making lists of things to make, and then making them. By the first week of December we were ready to begin sending out the first of several Christmas boxes. It was fun planning them, and thinking about what kinds of sweets and treats the kids had enjoyed over the years. Sending a box a week kept the Christmas fun going for 3 weeks!
Secondly, having the living room decorated from top to bottom was also a boost and playing Pandora's wide variety of continuous Christmas music contributed greatly!
In addition, over the course of the three weeks leading to Christmas day we watched every Christmas movie that we have--and even those which have a Christmas scene or two in them.
We attended the ward Christmas Party, where Aunt Grace dressed up as Mrs. Claus and helped Santa hand out treats to the little kids. It also helped that they served grilled steak and had an abundance of salads and desserts! The two weeks before Christmas brought the postman and the UPS guy to the door with presents from our family! I wrapped those that weren't wrapped, and placed them all under the tree. That was so nice!
Our Christmas tree was very pretty and lifelike. So much so, that one morning when I went to plug in the Christmas lights I thought about how I had forgotten to water the tree. And then I remembered that this tree didn't need watering! The day before Christmas Dad and I went to Cody to shop for each other. I bought Dad a digital indoor outdoor thermometer and he bought me a webcam for my computer. We naturally wrapped them and put them under the tree.
We cooked a Turkey and all the trimmings on Christmas Eve day. We would have spent the day with Grace and Jeff if they hadn't decided to drive down to SLC and surprise their kids and grandkids!
And so, we spent Christmas morning the way we began-- just the 2 of us. Upon contemplation of such a thing, we realized that it had been 37 years since we had spent a Christmas alone. Chicago, 1974. Little did we know what lay ahead--so many Christmases with so many wonderful memories!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Hot and Cold: A Thermopolis Adventure!
Tuesday, December 20th, Marsha invited me to go with her and two friends to Thermopolis. Do you remember Thermopolis? We drove through it on our way to Grandma's house many times. It's about 2 1/2 hours south of Lovell.
Marsha, Karen, Judy and I went swimming at the Thermopolis Hot Springs Teepee Pool. They keep the indoor and outdoor pools at about 97 degrees. They also have hotter, smaller pools which are at 102 , 104 and 106 degrees. We tried them all! Besides their being hot, these pools are natural mineral springs. Marsha swears that they have medicinal benefits.
Marsha's probably reacting to that cold ladder! The metal is so cold, and it has little icicles hanging from bottom. It might have been easier to jump in, but we didn't want to lose our sunglasses! It was so bright out! A beautiful, crisp 27 degree day!.
You can see the steam rising from the pool. The water temp is 97 degrees. The air is 27 degrees. Hence, the steam!
The outdoor pool is just out that bright spot on the left which is the doorway. We went back and forth a few times. But, believe me, the indoors wasn't much warmer than the outdoors--it was the water you were always aiming for. The slide was a nice bit of fun though. You climb up nearly 2 flights of stairs, lie flat and push off, and you get a nice whoosh of a ride with a big splash at the end!
Another view--I tried for a more comprehensive view...but the brightness of the day and the darkness of the pool area made it difficult to capture.
We spent a couple of hours there, between the jacuzzis, the sauna, the steam room, indoor and outdoor pools and the slide, of course. We all had a great time. Lunch downtown was pleasant, and the ride home made us drowsy. Poor Marsha! She had to stay awake to drive us all home. She's such a good sport!
Marsha, Karen, Judy and I went swimming at the Thermopolis Hot Springs Teepee Pool. They keep the indoor and outdoor pools at about 97 degrees. They also have hotter, smaller pools which are at 102 , 104 and 106 degrees. We tried them all! Besides their being hot, these pools are natural mineral springs. Marsha swears that they have medicinal benefits.
Marsha's probably reacting to that cold ladder! The metal is so cold, and it has little icicles hanging from bottom. It might have been easier to jump in, but we didn't want to lose our sunglasses! It was so bright out! A beautiful, crisp 27 degree day!.
You can see the steam rising from the pool. The water temp is 97 degrees. The air is 27 degrees. Hence, the steam!
The outdoor pool is just out that bright spot on the left which is the doorway. We went back and forth a few times. But, believe me, the indoors wasn't much warmer than the outdoors--it was the water you were always aiming for. The slide was a nice bit of fun though. You climb up nearly 2 flights of stairs, lie flat and push off, and you get a nice whoosh of a ride with a big splash at the end!
Another view--I tried for a more comprehensive view...but the brightness of the day and the darkness of the pool area made it difficult to capture.
We spent a couple of hours there, between the jacuzzis, the sauna, the steam room, indoor and outdoor pools and the slide, of course. We all had a great time. Lunch downtown was pleasant, and the ride home made us drowsy. Poor Marsha! She had to stay awake to drive us all home. She's such a good sport!
Monday, December 12, 2011
New Cows for Xmas
Dad has been shopping for cows this week....all week at the Billings Public Auction Yard, i.e. the stockyards,while I have been out in real stores buying Xmas stuff. On his 4th day of shopping (Saturday) he finally found some worth bidding on...... 24 pregnant Hereford Cows. Buying them required patience and long-suffering. Four days of sitting in on auctions like this one:
But it was worth it. We arrived Saturday at Billings Livestock at 9 a.m. and at 5:45 p.m. (I'll do the math--nearly 9 hours later) the cows he wanted came into the ring. Nine Hereford (brown with a white wooly face) pregnant cows. We nervously bid on them, listening to the auctioneer announce a higher bid, and then bidding again and again until we won!
In March these cows will calve out and we will have 48 new cows! Way to double your investment, Sweetie!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Oh Howe I Love to Decorate!
I could hardly wait to start decorating for Christmas. We are using the artificial tree I had in Ventura, so I didn't have to wait to buy a tree! That was great! I put it together and strung all the lights. I hung all of the old ornaments, and thought of past Christmases.
I covered the pictures hanging on the walls with wrapping paper, so they look like gifts and add Christmas color to the room. Here's the one above our fireplace stove. Can you see the Santa Band? And the cottage and silo that Jack and Vicky gave us one Christmas?
I hung garlands and white lights --the ones I always used on the bannisters at the Oneida house--across the big picture window in the kitchen. So it looks festive in there as well. Some of my Santas are on the window sill.
The next thing I did was hang the garland across the front of the big bookcase and Rachel's blue lights.
I still have them. "Pardon me, Miss. Do you have any blue Christmas lights?"
Then I arranged the Christmas tins and trays on top.
It looks very festive in here now!
When I went out to the office to photograph the wreath and the bear I thought I might have to decorate out there. It looks drab, and Dad spends a lot of time out there. We can't have him in an undecorated space! So, I see I have some more decorating to do!
Once I find the Christmas CDS, play some music, hang the wreaths, and decorate the office, it will be complete.
PS. Did you know if you click on the pictures they are fullscreen? I thought you might, but Dad says you might not. So now you know.
I covered the pictures hanging on the walls with wrapping paper, so they look like gifts and add Christmas color to the room. Here's the one above our fireplace stove. Can you see the Santa Band? And the cottage and silo that Jack and Vicky gave us one Christmas?
I hung garlands and white lights --the ones I always used on the bannisters at the Oneida house--across the big picture window in the kitchen. So it looks festive in there as well. Some of my Santas are on the window sill.
I still have them. "Pardon me, Miss. Do you have any blue Christmas lights?"
Then I arranged the Christmas tins and trays on top.
It looks very festive in here now!
When I went out to the office to photograph the wreath and the bear I thought I might have to decorate out there. It looks drab, and Dad spends a lot of time out there. We can't have him in an undecorated space! So, I see I have some more decorating to do!
Once I find the Christmas CDS, play some music, hang the wreaths, and decorate the office, it will be complete.
PS. Did you know if you click on the pictures they are fullscreen? I thought you might, but Dad says you might not. So now you know.
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
It snowed again last night. And in spite of the fact that it is wet and cold, I have a particularly uncommon urge to go outside and take photos of the snow, and of all the things I have been promising pictures of that are out in the garage or outside of the bounds of my nice warm and cozy living room. Absurd! Because it means I have to layer and think about my feet. Currently I am in my long nightgown and have nice long johns covering my legs and Martha's warm and fuzzy slippers. Perfectly comfortable. The fire is glowing and the room is Xmas cozy and my hot cocoa is gone.
I guess it is inevitable. Here come more layers: the HSS sweatshirt, the sweats, the pea coat, the scarf and the boots. And the pics.....
Up close and personal.
The views outside my back door. See the dog's water bowl on the step? The water is ice!
I guess it is inevitable. Here come more layers: the HSS sweatshirt, the sweats, the pea coat, the scarf and the boots. And the pics.....
Up close and personal.
The views outside my back door. See the dog's water bowl on the step? The water is ice!
Xmas is Coming!
November 15, 2011
For the last 2 weeks I have been cleaning the garage. That venture included taking down the Xmas boxes from the loft where we put them 5 1/2 years ago! I haven't decorated for Xmas in 5 1/2 years! Can you believe it???? Well, anyway....I was looking at the garlands I had, and wishing I had more of the nice draping type of garland instead of the Michael's garlands which are all wire and poke out everywhere. And amidst it all I was counting how many doors I had that could have wreaths...when I realized I didn't have enough wreaths and the wired garland could be formed into a circle nearly 3 times to make a perfectly lovely wreath. I found some wire and some ribbon and in no time at all I had a very lovely wreath. I added a festive pinecone and more ribbon.
Now, why am I telling you this long story? Well, I was genuinely surprised at how easy it was to make something so lovely, and HOW SATISFYING it was to do it. I had forgotten. And I was actually kind of stunned. And PLEASED.
I was telling Sharon (another pool buddy of mine), who is very insightful and she suggested that perhaps the reason this creation was different than say, my many quilts this summer, was that I completed it in one day. I have given that some thought...and have been on a quest for 1 day creative ventures! Immediate gratification.
The other day I thought about a gift for Fallie for Xmas. Without cash, or nearby stores, I naturally went to my stockpile of fabrics and the internet for ideas. I found a darling bear pattern, and I had a 1/2 yard of fake fur left from a bear I sewed for Emily soooo many years ago. So, I cut out the pattern, and sewed up the bear. It is adorable and it cost me nada! And the lovely part was I did it in one day! I would take a picture for you, but I put it into a box and mailed it to her last week.
That was so easy that I decided to do it again, and again, and again--but this time in different sizes with fleece. I made a mid-size bear for Jayce, aand Dahlia, and a baby bear for Audrey. Fallie's bear and Audrey's bear are the same size, so here is a pic of Audrey's bear.
For the last 2 weeks I have been cleaning the garage. That venture included taking down the Xmas boxes from the loft where we put them 5 1/2 years ago! I haven't decorated for Xmas in 5 1/2 years! Can you believe it???? Well, anyway....I was looking at the garlands I had, and wishing I had more of the nice draping type of garland instead of the Michael's garlands which are all wire and poke out everywhere. And amidst it all I was counting how many doors I had that could have wreaths...when I realized I didn't have enough wreaths and the wired garland could be formed into a circle nearly 3 times to make a perfectly lovely wreath. I found some wire and some ribbon and in no time at all I had a very lovely wreath. I added a festive pinecone and more ribbon.
Now, why am I telling you this long story? Well, I was genuinely surprised at how easy it was to make something so lovely, and HOW SATISFYING it was to do it. I had forgotten. And I was actually kind of stunned. And PLEASED.
I was telling Sharon (another pool buddy of mine), who is very insightful and she suggested that perhaps the reason this creation was different than say, my many quilts this summer, was that I completed it in one day. I have given that some thought...and have been on a quest for 1 day creative ventures! Immediate gratification.
The other day I thought about a gift for Fallie for Xmas. Without cash, or nearby stores, I naturally went to my stockpile of fabrics and the internet for ideas. I found a darling bear pattern, and I had a 1/2 yard of fake fur left from a bear I sewed for Emily soooo many years ago. So, I cut out the pattern, and sewed up the bear. It is adorable and it cost me nada! And the lovely part was I did it in one day! I would take a picture for you, but I put it into a box and mailed it to her last week.
That was so easy that I decided to do it again, and again, and again--but this time in different sizes with fleece. I made a mid-size bear for Jayce, aand Dahlia, and a baby bear for Audrey. Fallie's bear and Audrey's bear are the same size, so here is a pic of Audrey's bear.
Julia Child Inspired
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Hi Everyone. I think you all know I fell in love with Julia Childs and cooking this summer. I had a great time cooking and sharing all the recipes, tips, and treats with you when I was in CA. The last part of that adventure was reworking my kitchen.
We put up the pegboard I have been talking about since July this weekend. Dad did most of the work, sawing the board, and attaching it to the wall in the space above the stove. I did the spray painting and held up my end of the board and handed him the hammer and the nails, and the electric screw driver and the screws. Yesterday I placed the pots and pans and misc kitchen tools! Doesn't it look great! I love it!
Hi Everyone. I think you all know I fell in love with Julia Childs and cooking this summer. I had a great time cooking and sharing all the recipes, tips, and treats with you when I was in CA. The last part of that adventure was reworking my kitchen.
We put up the pegboard I have been talking about since July this weekend. Dad did most of the work, sawing the board, and attaching it to the wall in the space above the stove. I did the spray painting and held up my end of the board and handed him the hammer and the nails, and the electric screw driver and the screws. Yesterday I placed the pots and pans and misc kitchen tools! Doesn't it look great! I love it!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving
We had unexpected company for Thanksgiving! It's a good thing we had nothing planned. Dan and Robin came to town.. Their visit gave us the impetus to celebrate. Though our celebration was a bit off. We had our Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday night. And we had a roast. It didn't seem like Thanksgiving though without the turkey. It just seemed like a nice dinner.
I guess I am just a traditional girl. There are just some elements that are required for me for a Thanksgiving celebration.. First, it needs to occur on a Thursday--mid-day. And a turkey with DRESSING. A pumpkin pie is essential. Alas, we had no pie. That's it. Put a pie and turkey and dressing on the table midday Thursday and I will most certainly feel like it's Thanksgiving Day. Maybe we'll get it right next year.
Now, I just have to make sure the essential ingredients of Christmas appear. What do you think is essential? I am going to give it some thought.
I guess I am just a traditional girl. There are just some elements that are required for me for a Thanksgiving celebration.. First, it needs to occur on a Thursday--mid-day. And a turkey with DRESSING. A pumpkin pie is essential. Alas, we had no pie. That's it. Put a pie and turkey and dressing on the table midday Thursday and I will most certainly feel like it's Thanksgiving Day. Maybe we'll get it right next year.
Now, I just have to make sure the essential ingredients of Christmas appear. What do you think is essential? I am going to give it some thought.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Apple Cider Time
I drafted this post 2 weeks ago, and was waiting to take a picture .... but you know what happens when you wait......
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Winter is fast approaching...we had our first snowflakes this morning! Brrr.
Monday we got the last of the apples pressed and ended up with 4 quarts of the best apple cider you could imagine. Seriously, this cider is so good! It tastes like you are actually eating an apple instead of drinking one. The flavor is so strong and dense. It makes all other apple cider pale by comparison. We are beginning to wonder why the apple cider we have bought at the store is so weak!
[ I had planned to insert a picture of the lovely mason jars filled with the nectar of the gods....but alas, we drank all the cider before I could do it! It was too good!!!]
We are excited about next fall. We are planning to build a better press, and find an easier, more high volume way to chop the apples up next year. After all with all the trees at the farm, and in our yard, we could can 100 quarts easily! Wait 'til you taste it! You'll want to come visit us for the cider alone!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Winter is fast approaching...we had our first snowflakes this morning! Brrr.
Monday we got the last of the apples pressed and ended up with 4 quarts of the best apple cider you could imagine. Seriously, this cider is so good! It tastes like you are actually eating an apple instead of drinking one. The flavor is so strong and dense. It makes all other apple cider pale by comparison. We are beginning to wonder why the apple cider we have bought at the store is so weak!
[ I had planned to insert a picture of the lovely mason jars filled with the nectar of the gods....but alas, we drank all the cider before I could do it! It was too good!!!]
We are excited about next fall. We are planning to build a better press, and find an easier, more high volume way to chop the apples up next year. After all with all the trees at the farm, and in our yard, we could can 100 quarts easily! Wait 'til you taste it! You'll want to come visit us for the cider alone!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November 1st!
I can't believe November has arrived! October just zipped by. I hope you all had a blast last night on Halloween! Pictures please? Did anybody take any Halloween pics besides Em and Will? I'd like to see the Montgomerys in the costumes Rachel prepped pre-Audrey! [I bet you were glad you got those done, Rachel!] And I can imagine the Howe kids looked great in their gear. And what about Fallie? [Will, did you get a picture of her you can share?] I wish I could have seen Martha's Pippi Longstocking costume!
We were planning to attend the Powell Halloween Festival. When we drove through Powell last week I saw a banner mentioning a festival at the Commons hanging on their main highway, but didn't get the details. I didn't know where or what the Commons was, so I went online to look for more info. No info at the city site, or the chamber of commerce site, or a local event site, or even at the Powell Tribune. So who hung up that banner? I asked. Dad recommended calling the Dept. of Recreation. I phoned and talked to a woman who knew nothing about a festival in Powell. Weird, huh. Oh well.
So I ran down to the Redbox in town and I rented the latest X-men movie (the prequel) and we watched it, and then watched X-men and X-men 2. We ate Tostadas and drank Apple Cider and we each had a KitKat bar. It was a fun Halloween evening and we didn't have to wear costumes, or even leave our house.
We were planning to attend the Powell Halloween Festival. When we drove through Powell last week I saw a banner mentioning a festival at the Commons hanging on their main highway, but didn't get the details. I didn't know where or what the Commons was, so I went online to look for more info. No info at the city site, or the chamber of commerce site, or a local event site, or even at the Powell Tribune. So who hung up that banner? I asked. Dad recommended calling the Dept. of Recreation. I phoned and talked to a woman who knew nothing about a festival in Powell. Weird, huh. Oh well.
So I ran down to the Redbox in town and I rented the latest X-men movie (the prequel) and we watched it, and then watched X-men and X-men 2. We ate Tostadas and drank Apple Cider and we each had a KitKat bar. It was a fun Halloween evening and we didn't have to wear costumes, or even leave our house.
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Shumway Corral
This summer Dad worked on the Shumway corral down the road. Funny that we call it the Shumway corral...it seems like it should be called the Howe corral. But the land was called the Shumway place, and we already have a corral at Glen's house. So to avoid confusion, we call it the Shumway corral.
We started working on it in 2007. I did a little bit the first summer to help clear the area, but Dad has largely done it by himself. With a tractor to lift the heavy stuff, and straighten the small building inside the corral. The bulls knocked out one side of it and it was tilting alot.
Dad's pretty pleased with it. He even put up a cross post at the large gate. That's a first. I told him I want one at the house, where you turn at our driveway.
This corral is built to last.
Monday, September 26, 2011
5 Weeks
You know, I was gone 5 weeks visiting my family and I just got back. My friends asked me if I took a lot of pictures. Sadly, I did not. I was just so engrossed in what everyone was doing, and often my hands were full. Those are my excuses. But here are the few I did take.
Yellowstake Lake. Richard and I stopped at the Lake Restaurant for breakfast on our way to CA. We had good food, and a great scenic view!
Don't you love the Tetons! I think they are amazing!
My Sister and I went to Folsom Lake while I was out there. It was beautiful. A perfectly relaxing solitary beach day. We both went swimming and enjoyed the hot, sunny day!
Uncle Glen is looking good following his surgery! He's cooking dinner here.
Martha took Emily and I to Griffith Park to see "Love's Labour Lost" -- Shakespeare in the Park! Photos were prohibited during the play, but I snapped a pre-play shot of the set. We sat pretty close and enjoyed the wild antics of the cast.
Dahlia likes it too. She really loves sand and seaweed.
Next time I visit I promise I will take more pictures....that is, if I'm not too busy holding Audrey, or Jayce, or Dahlia. I'm going to need some practice taking pictures and being "Grandma." Wish me luck.
Don't you love the Tetons! I think they are amazing!
My Sister and I went to Folsom Lake while I was out there. It was beautiful. A perfectly relaxing solitary beach day. We both went swimming and enjoyed the hot, sunny day!
Uncle Glen is looking good following his surgery! He's cooking dinner here.
Labor Day weekend found us at the beach: Rachel's boys, and Jess's Family, Richard and I. The beach is my favorite place to be.
Dahlia likes it too. She really loves sand and seaweed.
Next time I visit I promise I will take more pictures....that is, if I'm not too busy holding Audrey, or Jayce, or Dahlia. I'm going to need some practice taking pictures and being "Grandma." Wish me luck.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Two Weeks Old
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Home Again, Home Again....
Easy flight. Fell asleep on the plane and I almost didn't get off when it landed. The steward woke me to the departure of all the other passengers. Funny! I wasn't the last one off, though. They said the last one off had to clean the plane! I guess the guy behind me did that job.
Dad was nervous. He had time to study all of the arrivals and noted that young people took the stairs and old people and mothers with children took the escalator down. I told him old people and young mothers were the smartest people on the plane.
We stopped at Costco (too many people!!!!) and Walmart (ditto!) and headed for home. Dad did a good job of keeping house. The place looked just about the same as it did when I left 5 weeks ago.
Grace bought tickets to a fundraiser dinner for Sat. night. We had 2 hours to rest before going off to the Lovell Community Center to have an evening of Country Music. The locals are raising money for a Lovell-Kane Museum.
We snuck out before it ended to watch the BYU-UofU football disaster. Nothing more to say about that.
And tomorrow we are going to get up bright and early and head to Yellowstone, before the temperature drops and winter sets in! It gets cold early at 10,000 feet.
Things are back to normal here.
Dad was nervous. He had time to study all of the arrivals and noted that young people took the stairs and old people and mothers with children took the escalator down. I told him old people and young mothers were the smartest people on the plane.
We stopped at Costco (too many people!!!!) and Walmart (ditto!) and headed for home. Dad did a good job of keeping house. The place looked just about the same as it did when I left 5 weeks ago.
Grace bought tickets to a fundraiser dinner for Sat. night. We had 2 hours to rest before going off to the Lovell Community Center to have an evening of Country Music. The locals are raising money for a Lovell-Kane Museum.
We snuck out before it ended to watch the BYU-UofU football disaster. Nothing more to say about that.
And tomorrow we are going to get up bright and early and head to Yellowstone, before the temperature drops and winter sets in! It gets cold early at 10,000 feet.
Things are back to normal here.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Oooohh Baby, Baby!
WELCOME BABY AUDREY JOY MONTGOMERY!!!
Born 12:45 a.m. August 28, 2011
7 lbs 5 oz 20 inches long
Audrey came into the world safe and sound. She seems calm and comfy and is surrounded by loving pats and kisses from her big brothers. Tyler took a peek at her this morning as she was fussing just a little and patted her, saying, "Don't worry, Audrey. We're here."
I think that says it all.
Born 12:45 a.m. August 28, 2011
7 lbs 5 oz 20 inches long
Audrey came into the world safe and sound. She seems calm and comfy and is surrounded by loving pats and kisses from her big brothers. Tyler took a peek at her this morning as she was fussing just a little and patted her, saying, "Don't worry, Audrey. We're here."
I think that says it all.
Huntington Beach Fun!
Sand, sun, family and the roar of the ocean...what could be better?Miraculously everyone appeared for our beach party in good spirits and with snacks to share!
What do you see?
Guess who's being buried ALIVE!!!
Em's back from NYC! Hooray!
The Evolution of Monster Cookies
I wanted to make Monster Cookies, but alas, I had no M&Ms.
I discovered a Choc chip recipe which had the added benefit of oats. Close to Monster cookies, minus the peanut butter and the M&Ms.
Knowing Martha doesn't really like chocolate chip cookies, I downsize the recipe.
Let the baking begin! Tues night, thirty minutes before Fallie's target bath and bedtime, we begin. Fallon, thrilled to be baking cookies, screams at every stage, grabbing measuring spoons and cups and raw eggs---"Me, Me. Let me do it!" As the frenzy to complete the cookies in time builds, I hand Fallie the eggs to crack. She is a whirling dervish cracking eggs and handing me shells, one after another.
Will hovers, anxious to begin the bedtime routine. I grab a cookie tray and begin to dish out the dough so that a cookie will be eaten before nighttime irrevocably falls. Except....
Something is wrong with the dough. It is gooey, and goopy (I don't want to say slimey). What have I done? I reread the recipe and realize that the adjustments were all made, except for the egg frenzy. Three eggs were added where only one was called for. Hmmmmmm. There's no question, we'll have to triple the recipe!
Three batches:
Tuesday night I baked chocolate chip and oat cookies.
Wednesday morning I purchased the missing M&Ms and threw them into the mix.
Thursday I sent Will to the store for peanut butter and added that to the third batch.
Monster Cookies by degrees.
I discovered a Choc chip recipe which had the added benefit of oats. Close to Monster cookies, minus the peanut butter and the M&Ms.
Knowing Martha doesn't really like chocolate chip cookies, I downsize the recipe.
Let the baking begin! Tues night, thirty minutes before Fallie's target bath and bedtime, we begin. Fallon, thrilled to be baking cookies, screams at every stage, grabbing measuring spoons and cups and raw eggs---"Me, Me. Let me do it!" As the frenzy to complete the cookies in time builds, I hand Fallie the eggs to crack. She is a whirling dervish cracking eggs and handing me shells, one after another.
Will hovers, anxious to begin the bedtime routine. I grab a cookie tray and begin to dish out the dough so that a cookie will be eaten before nighttime irrevocably falls. Except....
Something is wrong with the dough. It is gooey, and goopy (I don't want to say slimey). What have I done? I reread the recipe and realize that the adjustments were all made, except for the egg frenzy. Three eggs were added where only one was called for. Hmmmmmm. There's no question, we'll have to triple the recipe!
Three batches:
Tuesday night I baked chocolate chip and oat cookies.
Wednesday morning I purchased the missing M&Ms and threw them into the mix.
Thursday I sent Will to the store for peanut butter and added that to the third batch.
Monster Cookies by degrees.
Friday, August 19, 2011
SOUR LEMON BARS and A ROCK CONCERT
Ummmm, yum. The bars were a hit. 16 bars disappeared in under 30 minutes. Even Fallie tried one bite--uncertain what to expect. I asked her if they tasted like candy--and she smiled a big smile and shook her head yes. After everyone had inhaled a couple, I reached for the plate of bars to set it in the kitchen. Will turned his attention from the computer screen to me, with a "where are you going with those?" scooting the plate a little closer to himself. That plate wasn't going anywhere until it was empty.
Fallie organized an impromptu rock concert with Emily, Martha and I, handing out her guitar, and the "pseudo" microphone and an accordion improvised from a plastic slinky. All 4 of us taking turns with singing or playing an instrument. When it was her turn with the mike she sang and pranced around the room. It must have struck her as terribly hilarious because she would sing, and burst out laughing and continue singing, alternating laughing and singing. Richard arrived in the midst of it and joined in the laughter.
Fallie is the ultimate hostess. Following the concert, upon Richard's announcement that he was leaving, she came running from the hallway, and smiling called out, "Come back soon!"
Sunday, August 14, 2011
On My Way
I've been talking about going out to CA now since I got to WY I think. Thanks to Rachel's new addition I am on my way to HB, and LA, and SD and VC. Tonight I am sitting in my sister's house in Lincoln, having barely made it to her 70th birthday bash. Richard dropped me off Saturday morning just 2 hours before it started. He was a hero, driving all day Friday and well into the night. (5 a.m. to midnight!) Thank goodness Denny's is a 24 hour diner, since we ended up having dinner after midnight. Lucky for us the car breakdown happened before we began the long drive and though it was annoying to wait 2 days for repairs, it was far better than waiting 2 days for repairs in Baker! Been there, done that! (though of course Baker, as you know, is nowhere near Lincoln, or even on the route. Just saying...)
The party was great. Sunshine, BBQ and pot luck, chips, sodas, lemonade, ice cream and birthday cake. Relatives of all ages, from 2 to 72+. And a backyard pool, diving and floaties, balls to toss and noodles and rings to hang on to. 18 people total, and 16 in the pool. That's a lot of relatives in a pool at one time! My nephew Jeff climbed up on the diving rock, bent over and loaded his 11 year old niece across his back horizontally and then jumped into the pool-- a double whammy splash. It looked like a circus act! Beach balls were flying, water from the hose aimed at the swimmers, a noodle waterfall, and two mermaid like girls, Kevin's 2 daughters diving in from every angle, made for a lot of hilarity.
Monday we are planning a day at Folsom Lake, a beautiful spot. Lots of water and shade and sunshine--my favorite things! Tuesday we are hitting the shops and going to the show. That's how we always said it, growing up: "going to the show". "Let's go to the show." Not movies, theater, cinema 8 or 14, or whatever. The show. It's fun to hang out with someone who is just like me. I pulled out a t-shirt to put on and my sis exclaimed," I almost bought that shirt yesterday. I tried it on at the store." Of course she did. The only thing that would have been better would have been if she had actually bought it! Like twins, we are. (for you Yoda fans, and those who know better.)
Wednesday I am flying to LA, part 2. Can't wait for our big beach bash in HB on Saturday. More sunshine, water and sand! I am in my element! On my way....
The party was great. Sunshine, BBQ and pot luck, chips, sodas, lemonade, ice cream and birthday cake. Relatives of all ages, from 2 to 72+. And a backyard pool, diving and floaties, balls to toss and noodles and rings to hang on to. 18 people total, and 16 in the pool. That's a lot of relatives in a pool at one time! My nephew Jeff climbed up on the diving rock, bent over and loaded his 11 year old niece across his back horizontally and then jumped into the pool-- a double whammy splash. It looked like a circus act! Beach balls were flying, water from the hose aimed at the swimmers, a noodle waterfall, and two mermaid like girls, Kevin's 2 daughters diving in from every angle, made for a lot of hilarity.
Monday we are planning a day at Folsom Lake, a beautiful spot. Lots of water and shade and sunshine--my favorite things! Tuesday we are hitting the shops and going to the show. That's how we always said it, growing up: "going to the show". "Let's go to the show." Not movies, theater, cinema 8 or 14, or whatever. The show. It's fun to hang out with someone who is just like me. I pulled out a t-shirt to put on and my sis exclaimed," I almost bought that shirt yesterday. I tried it on at the store." Of course she did. The only thing that would have been better would have been if she had actually bought it! Like twins, we are. (for you Yoda fans, and those who know better.)
Wednesday I am flying to LA, part 2. Can't wait for our big beach bash in HB on Saturday. More sunshine, water and sand! I am in my element! On my way....
Thursday, July 28, 2011
RedBox!
Can you believe it! There's a Redbox outside the Maverick gas station on Main Street in Lovell! Hallelujah Brother!! I was so elated to hear the news I nearly slipped off my swim board. We were in the pool and I was swimming along talking to Agnes when she mentioned she got True Grit the other night. Civilization just got a little closer! You know me, I am the biggest movie fan! And it isn't easy keeping up out here in the sticks!
But yesterday I stopped and got 2 movies. One for me and one for Dad.
The King's Speech
and Red Riding Hood.
Can you guess which one was for me and which one was for him?
But yesterday I stopped and got 2 movies. One for me and one for Dad.
The King's Speech
and Red Riding Hood.
Can you guess which one was for me and which one was for him?
Twisted Tasks and Television Timeouts
I twisted my ankle Saturday night when I was shampooing the rug. Somehow I twisted it in the exertion.In spite of the ankle we set up the bed, cinder blocks for support--in place of a bed frame.
Monday I wrapped my foot and watched TV all day. I am annoyed because I still have so much to do. Every morning I write the day's tasks on the white board in my hall, and then those tasks dog me all day.
Tuesday I finished priming the bathroom walls.
Yesterday I rested my ankle.. Today I want to clear the front porch---we'll see how that goes.
Dad is busy finishing up the Shumway corral that we started building a few years ago. He comes in two or three times a day, hot and tired, to rest in the coolness of the house. I tell him not to work so hard, but he says it isn't work. It's fun. He has 3 posts left to dig and has begun erecting the chute. He plans to use it as the loading corral when we separate the calves come September and again in January when we take them to Billings to sell.
The hay is loaded and stacked and the fields are clear. Dad is elated to think he can finally irrigate the hay fields and get the second crop growing/going! We got 175 of those large bales off the first cutting. That should feed the cows for 6 months..
Everything takes longer than you want it to take. But slowly and surely we are making progress, both inside and out. We will take a break next week when Richard gets here and go to Yellowstone for the day. That should be fun!
Monday I wrapped my foot and watched TV all day. I am annoyed because I still have so much to do. Every morning I write the day's tasks on the white board in my hall, and then those tasks dog me all day.
Tuesday I finished priming the bathroom walls.
Yesterday I rested my ankle.. Today I want to clear the front porch---we'll see how that goes.
Dad is busy finishing up the Shumway corral that we started building a few years ago. He comes in two or three times a day, hot and tired, to rest in the coolness of the house. I tell him not to work so hard, but he says it isn't work. It's fun. He has 3 posts left to dig and has begun erecting the chute. He plans to use it as the loading corral when we separate the calves come September and again in January when we take them to Billings to sell.
The hay is loaded and stacked and the fields are clear. Dad is elated to think he can finally irrigate the hay fields and get the second crop growing/going! We got 175 of those large bales off the first cutting. That should feed the cows for 6 months..
Everything takes longer than you want it to take. But slowly and surely we are making progress, both inside and out. We will take a break next week when Richard gets here and go to Yellowstone for the day. That should be fun!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Painting Myself Into a Corner
I'm going to paint the bathroom today. I wish it could be as vivid as this image. But I already tried that with a bright pink fuschia color that turned out to be a lot darker than I thought. Time for a redo. I'm thinking blue.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)