Miccia's Wonderful World

And the Winner Is....

2009-12-17T16:48:00.003-06:00

The winner of the Pioneer Woman Cookbook is....Maureen from Illinois!!! Congratulations to Maureen! She'll be fixing supper for us all on...just kidding! But I do think I smell something really great wafting over to Missouri from Illinois! Since I bought myself a copy of the cookbook as well I think I'll go sink into my space on the couch and see what recipe I'm going to try! Merry Christmas, friends!

Pioneer Woman Cookbok Giveaway

2009-12-07T11:53:00.005-06:00

I promised a giveaway a few weeks ago and I think it's high time I followed through!!! I became interested in blogging due to this woman, Ree Drummond, also known as Pioneer Woman. She is one of the best and widely known of all bloggers. Her blog chronicles her life on a ranch in Oklahoma with her husband and 4 children. She is also an accomplished cook. She has just released her first cookbook, and, so, I'm pleased to be giving one away.

I've not done this before so help me muddle through. To enter just leave a comment telling me what it is you like best about the holiday season. Not hard...one word will do although I welcome more. (For me my one word would be "food". But I have my own cookbook!) I'd also appreciate it if you would sign on as one of my followers...it's kind of embarrassing only having three when two of them are relatives! Of course, you'll have to leave a way for me to contact you. If you are shy and I know you, you know how to get in touch with me. This contest will close on Monday, December 14th, at 7:00 p.m. CST. Good luck and Merry Christmas!!!

H.K. Anderson pretzels...endorsed by Sam!

2009-12-06T19:24:00.006-06:00

Sam and I have discovered a great new snack that is quickly turning into an addiction! H.K. Anderson's Pretzels...yes, I said pretzels. But these aren't just any pretzels! I found the sacks in the checkout at Walmart. (Yes, an impulse buy.)
The simple, retro packaging is what caught my eye. I took the bag home and it was quickly devoured by a young man who is rather picky about his food. Sam's ADD medication suppresses his appetite, so I was pleased to find a healthier snack for him that he would actually eat. The pretzels are filled with peanut butter and are quite yummy. They were such a hit I started searching for a larger package. I found these containers across the aisle from the potato chips. Besides the peanut butter filled pretzels they also carry the pretzel balls-double baked butter. I think the pretzel balls are my favorite, but Sam always goes for the peanut butter pretzels.
Check them out the next time you're in Walmart and let me know which is your favorite. After all, we could be eating much worse things, right???

Holiday Hunt

2009-11-26T19:44:00.019-06:00

Sonja Henngeler and Kristi Wolbert threw one heck of a "Holiday Hunt" last Sunday at The Hanger in Maryville. They really out did themselves, bringing in some of best artisans, showing us that "this ain't no ordinary craft show".

My hands down favorite was the pottery of Andy Rogers. Andy lives in Maryville and creates the most beautiful pottery. He has mastered blending his love of ceramics and gardening in his organic forms. I'll tell you more about Andy and his work in a later chapter. Let's just say I bought myself a Christmas present...or two...or three..Okay, four! Dammit I deserve it!!! You can check Andy out at www.andyrogersceramics.com. Sorry about the blurry photo. Here are some more pictures of Andy's work.

This is my new BFF, Ben. His family works with stone from Israel. They do a lot of building for people who can really afford it! At the show, Ben was selling soap dishes, coasters, and key chains made from the stone leftovers. His mother made cell phone carriers from wool she gathered from their sheep. She also confessed a love for buttons and had many interesting items made from old buttons. The patriarch of the family was hand engraving custom key chains. They also provided stones for children to play with and entertain themselves. They were an interesting family!

In the past, Sonja and Kristi have held a bi-annual event called "Hodge Podge". Their booth offered a lot of recycled, re-invented, and re-purposed items. I bought a long, narrow basket full of greenery for my front door. It also had a Christmas ribbon and was adorned with an old rusty buckle. When I got home, Sam's comment was "You like rust, don't you Mom?". Yes, son, I do!!!

Holiday Hunt also had many more booths ranging from prints, ceramics, home baked goods, purses, baby items, and much, much more. Sonja said they were already making plans for next year's Holiday Hunt! I'll be looking forward to it!!!

C.J.'s Barn

2009-11-13T18:49:00.022-06:00

This little red barn is like a sentinel waiting to greet me every time I reach the south edge of my small hometown. It belongs to C.J., a long-time friend of my family. I love the view of the bottom land sprawled out behind it. I also love the fact that it is a RED barn! Sadly more and more barns are being torn down, which makes the remaining ones even more special. Morton buildings dot the landscape, and while I am sure they are functional, they lack the personality and charm of old-fashioned barns. I can easily see in my mind's eye a farmer headed to the barn to do chore in the early morning light.

On this particular day, I decided to visit the barn instead of just driving by. I wanted to drink in the view, to savour the beauty and the smells of the scene on a beautiful Fall day. I needed to stop and show my appreciation to the ordinariness of a small barn on an ordinary day in my ordinary life.

I was rewarded with another treat. I hadn't been up close to the little wash house in a long time and had forgotten all about it. The tiny little structure is trimmed with gingerbread. It's front door is intricate and the glass window it a complex etching. We certainly don't see buildings like this anymore. All this detail for a wash house!!!

Even the wood stacked between the trees had it's own visual appeal and conjured up images of a warm fire. I could almost smell the wood smoke.

So maybe it isn't just about learning to appreciate what is ordinary in our lives, but finding the EXTRAORDINARY that lies in the ordinariness of our lives!

Blog...What Blog????

2009-11-09T08:38:00.002-06:00

For those of you who have been kind enough to notice, I have been absent for awhile. This disappearing act can be attributed to a myriad of circumstances. During my absence I have been having an internal debate on whether I should continue. I've decided I want to go forward with my little project. So... I'm baaacckk!!!

I originally started blogging after becoming a fan of Pioneer Woman, who is probably THE most well known blogger. Being somewhat of a negative person, I was impressed with how she took her, well frankly, pretty ordinary life, scrutinized it, photographed it, wrote about it and suddenly, it became an extraordinary life. Because everyone's life IS extraordinary!!! We've just become so busy we don't take the time to realize each and every one of us has an extraordinary life in it's own way. Life isn't about the big things, which are few and far between. It's about appreciating the little, everyday moments! And so I started to see how even my ordinary life does have it's special moments. Blogging also gives me a chance to let some creativity flow. When I write about my small adventures it forces me to appreciate the normal life I have and be thankful! It makes me realize I have a very full life!

So as I go forward, I would like to see my blog become more interactive. That means I would like someone to comment besides my sister!!! Please, become a follower and give me some feedback!!!

To celebrate my return, I will be having a "give away" contest in a few weeks! I'll give everyone a chance to realize I'm back and join me on my journey. Trust me, you won't want to miss my "give away". It's a good one!!!

Daytripping in Des Moines at Penzey's

2009-06-12T17:46:00.007-05:00

Penzey's Spices, above, below Sam being somewhat patient in front of the sea salt display.

Recently, Mom, Sam, and I headed North for a couple of days, just to say we'd been somewhere! Actually, we went to visit my cousins and do all the fun things I love to do when I'm in Des Moines, which isn't as often as I'd like. So hang on, the next few blogs will feature what we do when we hang out in Des Moines. After all, there is no commercial that says "What happens in Des Moines, stays in Des Moines. (And c'mon, Mom and my 10 year old son were with me!!!)

I have this list of things I have to buy when I go to Des Moines. Hostas, orange almond creme cake, hostas, chocolate raspberry jam, hostas, and Snookies Ice Cream. This year I've also added quilt stores, since I've started thinking about sewing again!

Mom and Jan found what they were looking for...and then some!

Our first stop was Penzey's Spices. Last year, Jan introduced us to Northwoods Fire Seasoning and we were instantly hooked. We've had to resort to ordering from Penzey's catalog and we were ready to see the real deal. Of course, it had everything the catalog has, but there were SAMPLES here!!! We loaded up on Northwoods Fire, Southwest Seasoning, cocoa, vanilla sugar... well, you get the picture. I tried not to spend all my money on the first stop. I made mental notes of what I'd have to have next time! Sam endured it well. It's not easy being stuck in a spice store with Mom, Grandma, and the cousins. But even Sam highly endorses Northwoods Fire on hamburgers on the grill!!! Although, not as highly as he recommends Snookies' ice cream!

Cousin Belinda found something she needed. What's nice about Penzey's is they offer everything in several sizes.

Me, grinning like an idiot, because I drag everybody to the places I want to go. I'm lucky though, because they want to go to the same places! Or at least they pretend to and Sam doesn't get a choice. There are some advantages to being the adult!

New Plant Species Discovered

2009-06-05T21:59:00.004-05:00

Oh, I'm just kidding. This is our cat, Mena. Sam found her up in a tree in our yard over a year ago. She was very young, but had had a litter of kittens. Unfortunately, we were never able to find her kittens. Of course, Sam wanted to adopt her and so she became a member of the family. I like to drink my coffee on the patio where this pot of dirt sits waiting for flowers. Mena likes to hop into the pot, curl up, and take a nap. Silly cat! She really has turned out to be a good cat. I like to think she chases all the snakes in my yard into the neighbor's yard!!!

Allium Bulbs

2009-05-21T20:16:00.007-05:00

I admit it, I don't know beans about bulbs. But at some point in my bleary past, it registered in my brain mush that allium bulbs turn into some pretty wayout looking "flowers???". "Flowers" just doesn't quite describe them. They're kind of alien looking. They remind me of the sputnik ornaments from the 1950's that were made to use on those shiny aluminum Christmas trees. Well, last fall, there I was in Target and I spied a package of allium bulbs from Smith and Hawken, half price, no less! How could I pass that up, I ask you??? I bought them, they sat around the house until almost winter. Whoa, I'd better get these suckers in the ground! At first I tried using a bulb planter. One hole, two holes, three holes...oh to hell with that. I just raked back a bunch of dirt and set the bulbs down then covered with dirt. Roots go down, roots go down. I figured I'd end up with them planted upside down. Alliums belong to the onion family, by the way. And the bulbs kind of look like onions. Then I waited through the doom and gloom of winter. Waiting....Waiting....Then one day sprouts!!!! Sprouts grew taller and taller. Then the blooms started to unfold. I know I should have taken pictures, like one a day so I'd have a time lapse thing going, but that didn't happen. What did happen are these gorgeous purple softball sized globes that are just awesome. Too bad I can't remember what kind of alliums they are, although "Purple Sensation" is forming out of my brain mush. I think there will be more alliums in my future. Try adding some to yours!!!

Creme Puff Cake

2009-03-30T18:50:00.007-05:00

Valerie Bertinelli before Creme Puff Cake:

Creme Puff Cake

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

First let's make the crust! Or, rather, the puff!

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of butter

1 cup of flour

4 eggs

In a heavy saucepan heat water and butter over medium heat. When it starts to boil, turn down the heat and add the flour. Stir fast and furiously until the mixture forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat. Break and add eggs 1 AT A TIME. Make sure you completely mix egg in thoroughly before adding the next egg! Put puff stuff into an ungreased 9x13 UNGREASED pan. Use the back of the spoon or spatula to put batter up the side of the pan, while keeping an even layer on the bottom, forming a shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, because mine was puffed up and brown 10 minutes before it should have been. Cool....

Now for the pudding:

4 cups of milk

1 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened

3 boxes (3.5 oz.) INSTANT pudding mix

And last, but not least, a tub of Cool Whip

Use mixer to combine milk and cream cheese. Now add 3 boxes of instant pudding mix. You get to choose your flavor. I made this with vanilla pudding and took it to work and my co-workers nearly licked the pan clean. But then, they would eat chocolate covered dirt as long as somebody else made it and brought it in to work. Coconut Creme is also good, and you can never go wrong with good ole' reliable chocolate. Mom tried it with Banana Cream pudding and thought it tasted a little artificial. But you can roll however you want... Keep mixing until the pudding, milk, and cream cheese thickens. Pour the "creme" over the cooled "puff". Top it all off with a tub of Cool Whip. Cover and put it in the fridge, or what the hell, have a bowl full, then put it in the fridge!

Valerie Bertinelli after Creme Puff Cake:

Now, honestly, doesn't she look great? After her weight loss, I mean! Wow, to be 48 years old and looking that hot in a bikini on the cover of People magazine! I wonder if I'd look that hot if I lost weight. I'm going to ponder that over a bowl of Creme Puff Cake!!!!

One more thing...my Dad loved creme puffs. One time Dad and I had had a disagreement about something, I don't even remember what. He left, ticked off. He showed up later bearing creme puffs. Creme puffs are the best form of apology! Miss you, Dad!

Big and Little

2009-03-20T12:54:00.005-05:00

My son, Sam, (that would be the toothless one on the right, smiling like only a ten year old boy can) has a Big Brother. That is Ryan, on the left, although since there are only two people in the picture you probably could have figured that out on your own. About a year ago I contacted the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization in our area to find someone for Sam. BBBS matches kids (littles) with adults (bigs) in order to provide a positive role model, friendship, and companionship for children in non-traditional settings. Sam and I were then contacted for a meeting in which the rules and expectations for BBBS were reviewed. Sam was able to communicate his hobbies and interests with the counselor who would then look for a suitible match for Sam. Since Sam is an only child and we live in a college town I was hoping they would be able to match Sam with a male college student. Then we had to wait. And I think we ended up waiting for several months before we were notified that a "Big" had been found for Sam. Apparently, more women volunteer than men so it takes longer to match boys. The program also does extensive interviews and background checks on potential volunteers. BBBS also asks for a one year commitment to the program from the volunteers to provide stability for the children.

Ryan has been great for Sam. What started out as a quiet and shy introduction has grown into, simply, two brothers hangin' out. In the fall they played football and went to the park. This winter it is all about video games. And McDonald's. And just doing what brothers do.

Ryan and Sam try to get together at least once a week for a few hours. Ryan calls Sam. Sam calls Ryan. Plans are made. Plans get changed when Ryan has a test, which offers me an opportunity

to point out to Sam that Ryan has to study just like he does. Only Ryan's Mother isn't there telling him he has homework!

For Christmas, Ryan gave Sam the first of a series of books called "The 39 Clues". (I would underline that title like I was taught if I could figure out how!) Sam is now on the third book and has figured out that reading can be a good thing. Something he didn't believe was possible when I told him that!

Sadly, for us, Ryan will be graduating the first of May and leaving Maryville. I have already ask BBBS for a new "big" for Sam, but no one will ever replace Ryan. I'm confident that between e-mail and texting they will be brothers for life!

I would highly recommend BBBS for anyone who is interested in finding a mentor for their child. It has been such a good experience for Sam. I would also love for more people who want to make a positive difference in a child's life to consider giving their time to such a worthwhile program as Big Brothers and Big Sisters!

Willow

2009-03-17T16:07:00.006-05:00

Her name is Willow and she is one special little princess! She is the daughter of my niece, Blair. And she is my very first great-niece. She will be joined in June with my very first second great-niece when my niece, Jessica and fiancee Adrian, welcome their first child into the folds of the family. Yes, there will be more on that later!!!

But this post belongs to Willow, because on March 13th she turned one year old!!!

Sam's Hospital Gig

2009-02-22T14:13:00.009-06:00

It started Wednesday night when I picked Sam up after work. He'd had a great time hanging out with his second cousin, Shelbie, and her friend Dan at the dorms on the campus at Northwest Missouri State University. He even thought he might be a little more interested in going to college someday. It had something to do with everybody being nice and the fact that Shelbie knew everyone.

On the way home he complained that his chest hurt. Well, of course it did. He had homework to do when we got there! Then came a complaint that his lungs hurt. Huh? Then the pain moved to his stomach. Yeah, sure, Sam. He's going for no homework AND a day off from school! My 10 year old drama queen kept it up the rest of the evening. And I did let him out of doing his homework. But he was carrying on just a little too much. And things just weren't quite adding up. No fever, no vomiting, no diarrhea. He couldn't sleep. We went from his bed to my bed to the couch and back again. By 2:00a.m. I called the emergency room. "Maybe it's bladder infection. Call the Doctor in the morning."

First thing the next morning I called the doctor's office. We wouldn't be able to see the doctor until 2:15 that afternoon. Sam continued to complain of pain in his lower abdomen and started walking stooped over. By afternoon he was running a temperature. He definitely did not want me pushing on his stomach.

We met with Dr. Watson and after examining him she decided a urine sample (his first and hopefully most time consuming), a blood workup, and an x-ray were in order. Low and behold, his white count was sky high. She suspected appendicitis, which didn't come as a big shock. Next we headed to meet with the surgeon who immediately put Sam in the hospital. Well, actually, we went straight to prep for surgery. Since Sam had eaten about 1:30, we had to wait 6 hours before they could anaesthetise him.

Unfortunately,at this moment in time, Sam remembered a history lesson. When I asked him if he knew what his appendix was he filled me in. "A body part we don't need, he said." And one of the men (He knew his name, but I've already forgotten it.) who traveled with Lewis and Clark on their expedition had died on the trip of appendicitis." And, therefore, Sam thought this could be his fate. I asked him how long ago Lewis and Clark had gone on their expedition. "Two hundred years ago" he replied. I assured him that there had been a lot of medical advances in the last two hundred years and that he would be just fine. Still, as my only child, my baby, who is at ten years old almost as tall as I am, was curled on my lap, face flushed from fever, with tears running down his cheeks, it was all I could do to keep it together.

It seemed like a lifetime before he was taken into surgery. But the nurses were wonderful to him. He got to choose his own surgical hat so he'd have one like the surgical staff. He chose one with Scooby Doo on it. The hats are hand sewn for the children by one of the nurses. When he got teary eyed again, the nurses showed up with a stuffed Curious George to comfort him. George was quickly donned with a surgical cap as well. George was provided by the Abrielle Neff Foundation. Abrielle was a pre-schooler who tragically lost her life in an auto accident a few years ago. The stuffed animal was a great comfort to Sam, as was the hat. Both provided diversions that he needed. I was touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the nurse that provided the hats and the Foundation. Ironically, when we walked into the hospital we walked past the local newpaper machine and Grandma and her sewing friends' picture was on the front page of the paper. They are sewing pillows to be given to children who have cancer at Camp Quality this summer. I guess what goes around does come around.

Sam made it through surgery without any complications. Everything about it was routine. He and George both had band aids to show as they were wheeled into Sam's room.

St. Francis Hospital has undergone many changes since Sam was born there a decade ago. A local man, Jimmy Jones, had generously left a donation to the hospital at his death. Jimmy was a famous horse trainer for Calumet Farms and had two horses who won the Triple Crown. The hospital has used the money to rennovate and add an addition. The rennovations were very, very, nice and Calumet Farms memoribilia filled a case. Huge pictures of the horses lined the walls. It is quite a tribute to a local celebrity.

Amazingly, Sam was released to go home the next morning. Grandma, who was with us through the ordeal, came home with us until both Sam and I recovered.

Thanks to Grandma, Dr. Watson, Dr. Charles, and all the nurses and staff at St. Francis, Sam and I are going to be just fine!

Willow's First Chrsitmas

2008-12-28T10:31:00.002-06:00

Willow is my first great-niece. My first great, actually. By this time next year, our family will have another member. Maybe even my first great nephew. Whether Jess and Adrian have a girl or boy, we'll have fun spoiling the baby!!! Babies add so much to the family.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this picture of Wizzle Banizzle under her first Christmas tree.

Christmas Traditions Around the House

2008-12-22T19:50:00.013-06:00

I have this thing for collecting vintage Christmas stuff. Don't

ask me why! I think maybe it has to do with reliving past Christmases. My brother, sister, and I were very lucky children. I have Christmas memories that still make my eyes shine. My brother, Paul, and I were just talking about how anxious we always were on Christmas Eve. Of course, we were supposed to be in bed, but who could sleep on a night like that? Unfortunately for us, our parents bedroom was at the bottom of the stairs...and my Mom was/is a very light sleeper. I told Paul that Sam says if he wakes up at midnight we're opening presents! I'm thinking 5:30 A.M. is plenty early enough. But as Paul and I continued our conversation it started coming back to me. There aren't many things that keep me up because I am so excited about the possibilities of the morning ahead. In fact, I can't think of any. Evidently that feeling has gone by the wayside, due to age. But I have been doing a lot of thinking about what this season means for my son and all children. To have that level of anticipation for Christmas morning is a precious treasure every child deserves. And the next best feeling is having Mom yell up the stairs "SNOW DAY!!!" Thanks Mom and Dad for the wonderful Christmas memories I hold dear to my heart.

See the Christmas kitties? My sister made those for me when we were in college. I'm now 51, so you do the real math. I'll just say it has been some time ago. They are actually ornaments, but I've always seemed to like them arranged in a basket. Some are missing ribbons, some bells due to jealousy on my real cats part. It doesn't matter. It just isn't Christmas if Shelli's kitties aren't displayed somewhere. I like simple traditions the best!!! Don't you?

I'd like to introduce you to Eve. She's a child mannequin I've had for quite a few years. She's just recently been brought out of the closet, not because she's gay, but because my son has always been afraid of her. Now it's the beagle. When she was dressed for Halloween, I thought the beagle was going to have a heart attack. He cowered and barked for 2 days (and nights)! Eve is looking lovely in her Santa's hat, don't you think? Or maybe she's cold. Maybe I'd better find her a dress...and some arms. Another thing I like to do at Christmas is put out the picture Christmas cards Mom and Dad sent out when Paul, Shelli, and I were kids. The pictures are hard to see but the card on the right is just me (cuz I'm the oldest)! Then there is one of just Paul and I and then finally several with all three of us once Shelli arrived. There is also one of Grandma and Grandpa Ferguson and all ten of us grand kids. I had this photo copied and mailed one to all the cousins a couple of Christmases ago. It was definitely worth the effort! The spouses had fun trying to figure out which one of us was which. I'm missing one card. It's the infamous staircase photo. I'm fuming in it because I DIDN'T WANT MY PICTURE TAKEN!!! If you look in the back of the photo, you'll see a Western Union telegram dated Dec.17th, 1962. It's addressed to my brother, sister, and I, sent from the North Pole via St. Louis (where my aunt lived). It reads: From the land of snow and ice with a pack of presents nice my trusty deer are bringing me down. Your house will be my first stop in town. Santa Claus

I bought myself a little present when I was out today. I went to the local Hallmark store and picked up Sheryl Crow's Home for Christmas CD that's only available with Hallmark. It was $7.95 and I had a $4.00 coupon so it only cost me $4.58. I've been listening to it while I've been blogging and I like it. Well worth the $4.58! Bossy will be proud of me! And so will my sister!

I'll be back soon with more of my Christmas junk. I drug it out and everybody is going to see it, dammit!!!

Paul Smith's Santas

2008-12-21T13:21:00.011-06:00

I have known Paul Smith all my life. He and his family lived in the same little town that I grew up in. Paul was a mason by trade. When he chose to slow down a little, he took up the art of woodcarving. I'm not sure when I first saw his Santa carvings, but after that, every year when Mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I would say, "One of Paul's Santas." And so for several years I received one of Paul's creations. I've been looking on the bottoms of them. Not all are dated, but one is dated 1990 and another one says 1997.

One year Mom gave Paul some wooden thread spools that had belonged to her mother, Aileen Ferguson. Paul carved Santa faces in them. What a special use of Grandma's spools that probably would have ended up in the trash.

Paul's wife, Gertrude, played her own part in the making of the Santas. Gertrude was in charge of painting them.

Eventually, Paul's interest in carving gave way to other things. But it doesn't stop me from asking him when I run into him if he has anymore Santas! And I don't think I'll ever stop asking him! Paul's Santas are some of my most prized possessions. I'm not sure what attracts me to them so, but I treasure them and always will!

The dark red Santa on the right was not done by Paul. I bought it at a craft show here in Maryville several years ago. It is signed "Main" and I think the man was from around Corning, Iowa.

Sorry the pictures aren't any better. My camera doesn't do well on close-up shots.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like She Forgot She Has A Blog...I mean't Christmas!!!!

2008-12-20T18:48:00.008-06:00

It's finally starting to look like Christmas around my house. I started in early and burned out quickly. Not good when you have a nine year old!

Here's my Christmas List of Accomplishments:
1. Observe 1st anniversary of my Dad's death to lung cancer hiding under covers
in bed all day.
2. Mom in Emergency Room-Acute bronchitis
3. Me in Emergency Room-Migraine (May I digress just one
moment here-Attention All Nurses!!! Please DO NOT wear perfume!!! My sense
of smell is heightened and so is my nausea!!!)
4. Mom still not well.
5. Computer has an STD. Must wait several days for Deryk, my computer
expert/John Deere farmer repairman. Hey, they don't call the area rural for
no reason!
6. Get phone call at work that a pipe has broken at home and water is
spewing everywhere.
7. Sam gets up in the middle of the night and pukes all over the bathroom floor
before finding the toilet.
8. I get Sam's flu bug. Only I'm 10 times worse than he ever thought about
being.
9. Mom is still sick.
10.My brother, Paul, who is a guest of the Federal Corrections System, is being
moved to Louisiana. Now tell me...how can that be good? Thank goodness they
like to keep them close to their families. It's only a 14 hour drive!!!

Okay, that behind me, I'll stop whining. I know that I truly do have a lot to be thankful for-my son Sam, my family, my friends, my job (even though I hate it!) the roof over our heads, the stars shining in the sky...my faith. So now I'm going to go watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas with my son and all will be right in the world!

Naomi's Soaps

2008-11-14T15:53:00.006-06:00

Recently, Mom, Sam and I visted a new member of my hometown. Her name is Naomi and she is a soapmaker. She graciously agreed to show us her soap room and "talk soap" with us.

My interest in soapmaking is largely due to my friend, Becky. She has been collecting the knowledge, equipment, and ingredients to make her own soap for several months. And now that she has gotten the family settled into their new home, her soap making has begun. She and her daughter Emma have a couple of batches under their belts. So thanks to Becky I have a small knowledge of soapmaking. (Although, as yet, I have received no soap. Hint, Hint!)

Be patient, this is going to link together eventually!!!

So anyway, when I was at the Clarinda Craft Show a few weeks ago, Naomi was there selling her soap. I bought a bar and told her about my friend who is just learning the process. After using Naomi's soap for several days I was amazed at how much softer my face had become. I

called Becky to share my revelation with her. What? She cried! Naomi? Naomi's Soaps' Naomi??? You can't be serious!

It's because of Naomi I became interested in soapmaking! My sister gave me some of her soap and I loved it! My sister knows her!!! Yes, it was a six degrees of separation moment.

So, there's the connection!

Naomi has built a beautiful home outside of my beloved, little hometown. I could smell the soap as soon as I stepped out of the car. Her soap room was spacious and well-equipped. Bars of soap were lined up on racks, aging. Others were packaged for an upcoming show. She kindly answered our questions as we proceeded to smell everything. I told her how soft my skin was after using her soap. Interestly, she said she felt that most people buy her soap based on having the color of the soap match their bathroom. I totally could not relate to that. I've never been one of those people whose ensemble matched from earrings to socks! Let alone have soap that matches the color of my bathroom. Ok, get real, I'm lucky if my socks match!!! Naomi said the second criterion for buying soap was the scent and thirdly, because it was good for your skin. (It is, I'm telling ya!) Silly me, I'd have thought that would be the reason to buy handmade soap. Among other little details of making handmade soap I learned, the biggest shocker was how expensive emu oil is! Glad I'm not filling up the Jeep with that stuff!

After smelling everything I chose a bar of spearmint, one of lavender, and one called Winter Ice. I'd hoped to find a pumpkin soap, but she said she'd stopped making it as it wasn't a big seller. Neither was the coffee scented soap. Darn, two of my favorite scents in the world. She then told us that she uses the spearmint soap to brush her teeth. I haven't tried that yet, but I will.

After saying goodbye to Naomi we landed at the Methodist Church for the annual Lord's Acre Supper. My friend Brenda, who had been at the craft show with me, said that several others wanted to get together and visit Naomi's Soaps. I laughed and told her we had just come from there! Not to worry, though, I'd gladly go back again. There were several other scents I wanted and Naomi also makes a shaving soap I want to try. So look out Naomi, I'll be back with more people!!!

Try Naomi's soap yourself. You can find her at http://www.naomisoap.com/. Too bad you can't smell them over your computer!

Flags on Election Day

2008-11-05T13:35:00.002-06:00

The times they are a-changin....

Seth and Brianna

2008-10-31T19:45:00.005-05:00

Several weeks ago my nephew, Seth, moved in with us. And I must say I'm thrilled to have him. His girlfriend, Brianna, was moving to town to attend NWMSU and I knew Seth needed to be close by. I told him he was welcome to stay with us and we cleared out a room for him.

Seth got a job as a temp where I work and, luckily, got the same shift. So now we trudge back and forth to work together. We go to breaks together and complain about work together.

It has been really interesting to get to know him as a person, not just a nephew. It tickles me to no end that they hang out here and seem to be enjoying being with us. (Brianna has an apartment here so it isn't like they have nowhere else to go!) They both seem at ease here. And, for that, I'm thankful!

They go back home to Clarinda regularly. Brianna still has a job there every other weekend. And Seth loves to hunt. So we all have plenty of time apart as well as together.

They are both wonderful young adults. And Sam and I are very happy to be more involved in their lives. I can only hope I'm able to impart at least one little bit of wisdom that the perspective of age provides that will stick in their young minds and help them as they start their journey in adulthood. If I can do that, I will consider myself a successful Aunt! And if that was all I was put here on earth to do, I will be content!

A Potting Shed

2008-10-27T18:28:00.008-05:00

No, this potting shed is not mine. But I want one. BADLY!!! REALLY, REALLY BADLY!!!

This adorable building belongs to my nephew's girlfriend's mother. (WHEW-that was a mouthful!) Her son built it for her.

I am hoping to build a shed someday. I've been collecting windows and stuff for awhile now. I even have a doorknocker for the door that is a trowel. I'm SERIOUS about wanting a potting shed! I went to look at this one just to get some ideas. There is a cut-out in the work bench with screen wire and below it is a wheelbarrow to catch the dirt.

I really like the angled roof and the sun was absolutely pouring in.

The owner is also a hosta lover and I'm looking forward to visiting this yard again next year when it is in season.

Hodge Podge

2008-10-27T15:39:00.010-05:00

On Saturday, October 18th, Sonja Henggeler and Kristi Wolbert hosted their bi-annual Hodge Podge. I'd never been before and it was an awesome event! These women are very talented designers and I was very impressed with Hodge Podge!

At the antique festival on the square a few weeks ago, I ran into a woman I'd grown up with in our hometown of Clearmont. As we were talking about what treasures we'd seen, Susan mentioned Hodge Podge was coming up. She said she thought I'd like it and offered to forward the e-mail with the information to me. Oh yeah, this looked like it would be right up my alley!

My sister and I, along with her step-daughter arrived to a packed parking lot and people (okay,women!) everywhere. The building was so crowded we could barely get through. (It also made taking pictures difficult.) I quickly latched onto the bowling pins for $3.00 apiece and kept moving. Then I spied the zinc armillary and envisioned it in my yard. Lucky me, my generous sister decided it would be my birthday present!!!

Sonja and Kristi did a wonderful job with arranging the items they had to sell. Every display was eye candy! Everything was being quickly snatched up, the checkout lines backed up, and guests stood outside the door sipping coffee and enjoying the gorgeous blue October day. Since this is a small town, I think everyone found that they were surrounded by friends, co-workers, and family! It's always more fun when you have someone to share "Look at this!" with, not to mention "Where could I put this?". And as women, it's always nice to have someone with you helping to convince you that, not only do you NEED it, you DESERVE it!

I didn't get to go back later, but something tells me they were pretty much cleaned out very quickly!

The next Hodge Podge will be held on May 2, 2009. If interested in being added to their e-mail list, go to henhouse5@unitedsky.net!

From Hodge Podge, we rushed back home to the kids and the Northwest Missouri State University homecoming parade. I left Sam with my sister, Shelli, to watch the parade and headed for Clarinda, Iowa for the annual craft show. I helped my fellow cookbook queens sell the Clearmont Sesquicentennial Cookbooks at the show. The cookbook was a fundraiser for the Clearmont Community Club. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of cookbooks we sold. We ended the day back at Mom's for supper and a visit from my neices and my great-neice. It was a busy day, but a good one!

Antique Festival on the Square

2008-10-16T17:24:00.017-05:00

The first annual Maryville, Mo Antique Festival was held on the town square on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4th and 5th.

I'd anxiously been waiting for this event as I had met the organizers early this summer. Michael Weston and Kindra Felver are the couple behind the scenes. They have been having garage sales for four years and I just happened across them for their last two sales. (This is so typical of my life!) Check my earlier blog on garage sale finds- that's where I got the stuff! Michael and Kindra are leaving Maryville to open a shop in Weston, Mo called Shabby Chic. Best of luck to them, they will be missed.

October blessed the festival with beautiful weather. I spent time visiting the vendors and checking everything out. Never one to buy on the first round, unless it really hits me hard, I strolled around again. There was a nice crowd and I visited with several people I knew. I also enjoyed visiting with Jill, a vendor from Leavenworth, Kansas. It was especially nice that, other than food vendors, it really was just antiques and collectibles.

I thought this was a great display of vintage dog stuff.

This booth had a lot of vintage sports memoribilia!

Here's a photo of Jill's booth.

I didn't come home with much, but I couldn't pass up these solid oak drying trays. Or at least that is what I think they are. I paid $3.oo for the big one and $2.oo for the smaller one. I wandered back up on Sunday, since the square is only a few blocks from home and found this little chicken feeder for $2.00. I think I'll try to grow moss in it next year, or if all else fail, maybe hen and chicks.

I treated myself to a breakfast burrito from The Enchilada Lady. It was so good I bought frozen enchiladas and breakfast burritos to take home. They didn't last long! Sounds like she'll be adding Maryville to her regular route. I'm definitely looking forward to that!

I really enjoyed the weekend and hopefully Michael and Kindra will continue to host the Antique Festival again next year.

I Love Coffee!!!

2008-10-10T21:27:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am a coffee junkie.

I come by it honestly. Coffee is in my blood. My family owned a cafe in a small town and as soon as I could carry a coffee cup without spilling it, that became my job. Nothing smells better to me than the smell of coffee in the morning. Coffee started every day for my extended family. I swear my Dad surely had coffee flowing through his veins!!! He drank it morning, noon, and night!

My addiction to coffee started later in life. Now, no day starts without it. And I'm picky about my coffee. (Interject guffaws from family here. "What isn't she picky about? And don't buy her anything pink!" I can just hear them!). I digress. I order my coffee from NEW YORK CITY!!! And yes, I like getting packages in the mail. Especially ones that smell good! So there!

My favorite coffee is Kenya AA. It is hands down, The Best! Period! And I buy beans. No sleeping in at my house, because no one can sleep through the high pitched whrrr of the coffee grinder. And surely, heaven must smell like fresh ground coffee.

On days that I'm not working, I can waste away the entire morning drinking my coffee on the patio, staring at my hostas, figuring out where I can put more. And definitely some redbuds, oh yeah, and those limelight hydrangeas I saw at the garden store the other day. I also like to watch the butterflies and the bees flitting around my plants. When I tire of this, I move to the porch swing on the front porch and watch the world and the college students go by.

On work days, it's a different story. It's all about how much coffee I can consume before running out the door with a coffee cup in hand. Then I grab more coffee at work and start the day at a dead run to the bathroom! Hey, I'm entitled to one vice!!! And since tomorrow begins at 5:15 A.M. I've got to get my beans ground and in the coffee pot so they're ready to perk while I'm in the shower. AAAHHHH! Thank goodness for coffee!

(I've listed my coffee supplier's link over there in that box marked favorite stores. The family run business has been supplying coffee since 1907! This generation is led by Peter Longo. (Snicker, snicker, I can't help it. I know I'm bad!) Peter always has a sale in October because it's his birthday. And hell no, I'm not getting paid to pimp his store! I just like his coffee!)

I think I need to go to bed!

One more thing, the chocolate covered coffee beans are excellent. The best of two worlds!!!

And don't ever buy me anything pink. I hate pink!

Sliding into Fall....

2008-10-05T14:50:00.014-05:00

I just thought I would share a few pictures of the yard before winter takes over. I'm already making plans for next year. I can't wait to go to Flying Frog Farms again. It's the best hosta place ever!!! I didn't manage to get everything on my list that I wanted this year, (say it ain't so)! I guess that just gives me a head start on next year's list!

Jan and I found these adorable snails at the downtown Des Moines' farmer's market. We both had to take one home to our garden. They are made out of rocks and metal. Check them out at http://www.rslawnfurniture.com/!

Here's a picture of an urn that I think must have belonged to my great-grandparents. It was broken into several pieces and I had to have it welded. They set the bowl on the
diagonal on the base. It bothers me. I think I'll have them re-do it. For some reason it just annoys me. Anybody else have an opinion on this? There is a label still attached on the base. It was made by Stewart Ironworks Co. of Cincinatti, Ohio around the turn of the century. The company is still in business although they have relocated. I keep it filled with a Boston fern. The hosta in the front is Paradigm, I believe. It's a gorgeous hosta!

Here's a picture with the fern. It almost covers up the urn! Hmmm....I'll have to think of something different for next year! Any suggestions?

My morning glories finally bloomed. They are climbing around an armillary that Mom got me for Christmas several years ago. It sits in the middle of a raised gardenbed, which I commonly refer to as the cat pan. One of these days I'm going to have to work on this!

Well, I'm not even sure how many hours it has taken me to get to this point. I'm no computer whiz as those who have gotten phone calls for advice well know! So with a glass of wine in hand and steaks on the grill I shall bid you adieu! Until next time....

Relay for Life...for Dad

2008-09-25T19:12:00.014-05:00

Relay for Life has been very important to my family for years. In 1975 the Mayo Clinic sent my Dad home with six months to a year to live. He had been operated on for colon and liver cancer. God answered our prayers and we were given a miracle! Dad survived! Fast forward several years and Mom and Dad started to attend our local Relay for Life. I had never gone until about nine years ago. I was blown away by all the people participating as well as all the luminarias for those who had lost their battle with cancer. Dad wore his survivor shirt and walked the survivor's lap. We thanked God he was there to light his luminaria himself.

One year, when my son was about 3 years old, Sam walked with Grandpa around the track. When Dad got back to the starting point, we realized Sam wasn't with him. Dad, was unconcerned-"He's around here somewhere." Mom was yelling at Dad for losing him (and rightly so) and I was trying to not panic. I went to the stage and had Fred, the emcee for the event, announce that my son was missing. I'll never forget telling the crowd that he was wearing a dark red t-shirt that had three fishing lures printed across the front. (I still have that shirt, by the way!) Luckily a voice from the crowd shouted "Here he is!" The crowd parted and someone lifted my blonde, curly-headed pride and joy onto the stage.

It took a lot longer than that for Mom, always the ever vigilant, protective grandmother, to stop lecturing poor Dad for losing him.

In October, 2006 my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and this time he lost the battle. He died on December 4, 2007.

We didn't attend Relay for Life this year. Our hearts are still aching too much.

My employer sponsers a team for Relay for Life every year. I bought a luminaria in Dad's memory. Sam and I had wanted to decorate it ourselves, but it just didn't work out. We'll try next year. I couldn't really afford to make a monetary donation so I volunteered to make something for the bake sale they were having at work to raise money. I made Poppy Seed bread and amazingly they sold the mini loaves for $5.00 a loaf! They sold all of them! I at least felt I had made what contributions to the cause that I could afford to make. Hey, we can't all be Brad and Angelina!

So here's a big thank you to everyone who has been involved with Relay for Life. And a big hug for anyone fighting the battle against cancer. And please pray for my friend, Kathy, who is fighting for her life. Cancer is a truly horrible disease.

(Note: Kathy lost her life to cancer on September 30th. I will miss her, as many others will.)

Here's my recipe!

Poppy Seed Bread

3 cups of flour

1/2 tsp. of salt

1 and 1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 and 1/2 cups of sugar

1 and 1/2 cups of milk

1 and 1/2 T. poppy seed

1 and 1/2 tsp. butter flavoring

1 and 1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 and 1/8 cups of oil

3 eggs

Mix 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Pour into greased and floured loaf pans. I use the mini loaf pans and it makes 6 of them. I can't remember if it makes one or two of the regular loaf pans. I think it makes two. Sorry. Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick done. While bread is hot pour glaze over the top. I use the back of a spoon to smear it around. YOU MUST MAKE THE GLAZE!!!

Glaze

3/8 cup of sugar

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. melted oleo (I know, what the hell is oleo?!!) I use margarine.

1/8 cup of orange juice

3/4 almond extract

Hear together in a saucepan and then smear on bread! It's best the next day, after the flavors have blended together. Okay, let's get real. Try to let it cool off before eating!

Oh yeah, we donated the lamp post to our hometown in Dad's memory. It is placed in front of "The Little Red School House" which is the town's meeting place.

Moonflowers

2008-08-22T08:14:00.005-05:00

I love moonflowers. They are right up there with white calla lillies in my book. They are so perfectly shaped and flawlessly white. Since they bloom at night, they really shine in the dark! Just wanted to share them with you. Nature can do things so simply, yet so beautifully!

The First Day of Fourth Grade

2008-08-21T12:55:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, August 20, 2008, was Sam's first day of fourth grade. He was not very thrilled about it, to say the least. Well, at least I was!!! After being forced to have his picture taken he was off to Eugene Field Elementary and I was back to bed. Yeah!!!

Everyday of Sam's school life, I ask him "How was your day? What did you do today?" and Sam's reply is always "Nothin!" Today was no different. At bedtime he did volunteer a little more information, but not much. He showed off his new planner the school had provided, said he'd done this assignment at school and ask for my signature. He informed me that he was a bus buddy-the fourth graders are assigned a kindergartner to watch over on the bus-but Sam couldn't remember his name. He did remember that the child was a twin. I suggested he try to find out the kid's name and remember it! The only other bit of information I got out of him was that he was glad to see his friend, Frederick.

He'll be home soon, I'll ask the same question and I'm sure all he did today was "Nothin!" But it will sure be good to have him home. It's just a little too quiet around here!

Riley Redhead and baby Willow

2008-08-18T17:56:00.001-05:00

"You'd find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair," said Anne reproachfully. "People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is."

-Anne Shirley (Who is also known as Anne of Green Gables, I believe.)

Willow's Baptism

2008-08-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, August 10th, my family gathered together to celebrate my great-niece's baptism. Willow Isobel made it through the service with the class of a true lady. She was beautiful in her christening gown made for her by my Mom. Long, white, lacy, with a tiny bit of pink ribbon, the dress was a one-of-a-kind. Mom used her amazing sewing skills to fashion the perfect gift for her first great-grandchild. Afterwards, my nieces told Mom that the dress will be passed on, so that each new great-granddaughter will wear this special dress when they are baptized.

The easiest way to flatter my Mom is to ask her to sew something. And she is always honored to do it. Whether it is a christening gown or wedding dress, hemming prom dresses or patching holes in someone's jeans (Not those holes, Gram, just this one!) Mom is always ready with needle and thread to sew this family tightly together.

Garage Sale Treasure

2008-08-10T19:57:00.001-05:00

I'm really not very into garage sales. Sure I love a good buy and finding treasure. I just never seem to have alot of luck. Ok, the real reason is that I don't want to get up that early! There...the truth is out. I had seen a hot pink sign stuck in the ground at the main intersection in town for several days in a row screaming "primitives" at me. So Friday morning, though not that early, I made my way to the sale. WOW!!! What a sale! This was no ordinary garage sale! This was TREASURE and more!!! I wanted everything! This person has an eye for the same stuff I like! So here's a picture of my loot! (Just keep scrolling to the bottom. I haven't figured out how to get my pictures between the text!)

The suitcase I got at a different sale for $1.00. I also picked up some Shiny Brite ornaments for 10 cents apiece.

And now for something completely different! I've been promising an old and dear friend some recipes. Today I'll post this salad recipe because it's great for summer. Soon I'll post my Poppy Seed Bread recipe. So here ya go Becky!!!!

CUCUMBER AND PASTA SALAD

8 oz. mostaccioli (I use Barilla that comes in the blue box and I use the entire box. I think it may be a 12 or 16 oz. box. Just trust me on this. It will be fine.)

1 onion, sliced in rings (or use green onions)

2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin

Now for the dressing:

1 1/2 cups of sugar
3/4 cup of vinegar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 cup of water
1 tsp. of salt
1/2 tsp. of garlic salt
1 T. of parsley
1 T. Accent
1 T. of dry mustard

Boil mostaccioli (I AM NOT ITALIAN, THEREFORE, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT.) until tender. Drain and rinse. Add onion rings and cucumber slices. Next, combine the dressing ingredients. I like to add them to a plastic container that has a lid so I can shake ingredients together. Or put it in the blender. SHAKE WELL! Pour over the noodles. Refridgerate several hours before serving or make it the night before. Supposedly, the salad will last for up to two weeks. I don't know. There has never been any left long before that! Good luck!

The New View from the Front Porch

2008-07-31T13:56:00.000-05:00

Thursday, July 31,2008

Here goes...my first blog attempt!

The view from my front porch has dramatically changed this week. For the last 9 years I have been staring at a vacant house. And I mean a really, disgusting vacant house. And the house beside it is a vacant house. And I mean a really, disgusting vacant house. It isn't that I live in a bad neighborhood, it's just that the landlords have not taken care of the properties and the houses have also been tied up in bankruptcy.

Honestly, there really are no "bad" parts of my town. I am lucky enough to live in a town of about 10,000 people which swells to several thousand more when the college kids come back to town. Which is happening as we speak. ( It is considerably noticeable since I live about 3 blocks from campus.)

Anyway, my neighbors were recently able to purchase both properties and the houses have come down. (Insert trumpet fanfare here!) I can hear the dozers outside now. Dirt has been brought in and at the end of the day I will be looking at a newly vacated lot. Soon to be a playground for the neighbors' 5 kids and my son, too! There has also been talk of a community garden. Who knows what new life lies ahead for this little piece of the earth. I'm just so thankful that all in the neighborhood will benefit from this improvement!

Today is also a day for me to remember my Grandmother, better known as Gramma Ferguson. Today is her birthday! And even though I lost her in 1996 I still want to say "Happy Birthday, Gramma! I love you!"