It's Christmas week.
It's been a bit cold. We have snow, though not as much as others. Kerry has had to bundle up every single day.
But, there's warmth in our hearts because of this glorious time of year.
I love Christmas. I loved it when I was a child. Though it was usually just mom and dad and me (sisters were older and already gone), I loved the holiday then as much as I do now. I can still remember the magical feeling of the tree all decorated and colorful, the fireplace snapping and popping, my dad putting on the Tabernacle Choir record that had "Silent Night" on it, and my mom turning out every light and only burning kerosene lamps and candles. It was a magical feeling that I can still remember to this day.
Christmas with my own little family was also magical. Nothing brings that feeling around a home more than children. One stands out in particular - when we only had Peter and Harmony. Baby Harmony was barely a month old. One night before Christmas, Peter had fallen asleep under the Christmas tree right beside baby Harmony on her blanket. We didn't have much money that year, but we had two of the greatest gifts we could have ever received - a family. As more and more children joined us, we felt the same way each year. We still feel that way about those precious gifts that were given to us to raise.
Now this year will be a bit different. It's just Kerry and me this year - Kerry and me and the hospital.
This past week, we enjoyed a wonderful evening at the home of Lee and Darlene Tobler - the former temple president and his wife. They are such good people. A few of us gathered there for an evening of desserts. Their home was filled with nativities - and I could have just spent the evening walking around looking at them. But, it's also important to be a bit friendly and sociable, so I was.
The next day I was fitted for the brace I will be wearing for the next three months after surgery. Oh, my! It looks like a saddle. I stopped by to tell Kerry something while he was delivering mail. He glanced into the back seat and asked what in the world that thing was. I told him it was my brace. It's hard, with lots of velcro and bungee cords. They will gradually lessen the plastic until I'm just down to bungee cords.
Friday was my last day at the temple for awhile. I have everything in place for my workers to carry on in my absence. Bless their good hearts.
I will be shutting my computer down tomorrow afternoon. I won't be able to lift it (nothing over 5 lbs.), so I'll be on my little one. It's so little it fits in my purse. My new rule from the occupation therepast is: No BLT - bending, lifting or twisting. My house now looks like a nursing home - grab bars in the tub/shower, raised toilet seat, shower seat, walkers, canes, etc.
If you would like to call Kerry for an update, feel free. He will probably be home after 8:30 each evening, and it's okay to call up to about 10:30 pm. (419-756-7033) If you would like to call me, I'll have my cell phone (419-543-1087), or the hospital (419-526-8000). I'll do my best to answer. It wouldn't do you much good to call Kerry on his cell phone while he's at work. Unless it's me or one of the kids, he probably wouldn't answer. He believes if he's at work, he's at work.
This has been a hard decision for me. There are days when I feel no pain at all, and I wonder if I've made the right decision. Then, there are days when I am yelping in my sleep. Just today, during the closing song, my leg totally went numb and pain shot up through the top part of my hip. I was having trouble hitting the right pedals on the organ, for my feet can't feel them anymore. I thought I was going to flip over backwards with the pain, but carried on through the end of the song. Kerry always comes up to the organ to see if I need any help. This time, he didn't have to ask. He could see my face. He began working on my leg to try to get some of the pain out of the hip and the numbness out of the rest of it. We were trying to not let anyone see it. For the rest of the day, I was on a cane.
After that episode, I have no doubt at all.
But, back to Christmas. No matter what kind of a year y'all have had, I hope that the sweet spirit of this season can permeate your hearts. Just about everyone I know has had it rough in one way or another. Perhaps these things are allowed to happen so that we'll focus on the things that have real meaning - our homes, our families, our Lord.
Some newsies:
Little Miss Vanessa, granddaughter of my sister Betty, was blessed by her daddy today. (Similar to a christening. Babies are not baptized in our church. They must be at least 8 years old). What a special opportunity for a young father.
Niece Sarah, daughter of David and Martha, has received her mission call to the New Zealand Auckland Mission and will leave in March. She is such a dear, sweet girl. I know her parents are so proud of her.
Thank you for all of your well wishes. I'll be fine, for I have a good doctor. He's the same one that put Peter back together after his accident 12 years ago. I have no doubt in his ability, for by all textbook accounts, Peter should not have lived.
But, he did.
Merry Christmas to all of you. Think of Him more than thinking of me. He won't leave me alone...
Love...
Miss P
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Oh, deer!
It was a cold and beautiful week.
Just about every day and every evening we had things to do. One day, as I was driving in the country on a very cold, crisp, sunny day I saw two deer in a field just running, leaping, and playing with all their might. I literally had to stop the car and watch. They were having so much fun! I wish I could gallop.
Tuesday was a busy day spent in preparation at the hospital. For those that aren't aware yet, I am having back surgery on Dec 22. Yes, Dec 22.
This back of mine has plagued me for at least seven years. My feet are numb. When I Play the organ, I can't feel the pedals - I just have to guess I'm hitting the right ones. When I drive, I have to glance down to make sure I've lifted my foot up high enough to put on the brake. My entire left leg will go numb and burn clear up to the hip. Kerry will pull on it, bring it up clear over my head, etc. I did find one thing that would help - I sit with my legs apart and curl my body forward.
Even that doesn't help anymore.
The MRI's that were taken show lumbar/sacral spondylopathy. My spinal cord is encompassed with arthritis, and I have one disc that has bulged forward and one that has bulged backward.
Physical therapy, pain management, and shots of cortisone have not helped. Hence - it's time for surgery. And, I'm scared.
I went for pre-op testing on Tuesday while Mr. Kerry waited on me. It took two hours. I met with Occupational Therapy, the anesthesiologist, had blood drawn, had an EKG taken, and answered a myriad of questions. I had three people ask me if I could possibly have or have been exposed to HIV, aids, or hepatitis. Thank goodness I have not - at least since earlier this year.
Some have asked why I'm having it during the week of Christmas. Well, first of all - our deductible is met. Second - none of my kids will be home for Christmas. Third - if I have to wear a back brace, I'd rather wear it in the middle of winter than in the middle of summer.
I will also be fitted with a bone growth stimulator, which I will wear for 30 min. a day for nine months.
This is pretty major. There may be blood transfusions. There will be bone grafting. It will hurt.
And I'm scared.
Next week will be my last missive of the year, I think. I promise to keep y'all posted.
My feet are also giving me fits. I went to the foot doctor, who gave me cortisone in my foot. He feels the surgery may help the pain in my feet. He watched me walk and just wagged his head.
That evening, I went to a lovely meeting in Clear Fork Ward concerning the temple. They wanted me there to answer any questions that may come up. I had Mr. Kerry drive me - even though it was a women's meeting. It was just beautiful - and SO uplifting!
Friday at the temple was a bit moderate. I was in quite a bit of pain - even having trouble getting up from my chair at lunch. Immediately, two of my workers which are nurses came to me and knew just how to get me up. I did leave a bit early that day. I came home, took a pain pill, and laid down before going to our Ward Christmas Party.
This week finds me in the final preparations before my surgery. Kerry switched the beds so I have the queen sized one to sleep on and recuperate on. Fern brought me a WONDERFUL feather bed to lay on top of our mattress. Oh, I can't even begin to describe. I'm trying to anticipate everything I may need to have moved to the first floor. Two women at church will be taking turns coming here to help me out. Meals will be brought in. Others have offered to help wherever I may need them.
Yes, I'll try to keep everyone posted. But, just as we pray for others that have asked for our prayers, we have prayed for my doctor, too. God answers our prayers. He's always been at my side.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
Just about every day and every evening we had things to do. One day, as I was driving in the country on a very cold, crisp, sunny day I saw two deer in a field just running, leaping, and playing with all their might. I literally had to stop the car and watch. They were having so much fun! I wish I could gallop.
Tuesday was a busy day spent in preparation at the hospital. For those that aren't aware yet, I am having back surgery on Dec 22. Yes, Dec 22.
This back of mine has plagued me for at least seven years. My feet are numb. When I Play the organ, I can't feel the pedals - I just have to guess I'm hitting the right ones. When I drive, I have to glance down to make sure I've lifted my foot up high enough to put on the brake. My entire left leg will go numb and burn clear up to the hip. Kerry will pull on it, bring it up clear over my head, etc. I did find one thing that would help - I sit with my legs apart and curl my body forward.
Even that doesn't help anymore.
The MRI's that were taken show lumbar/sacral spondylopathy. My spinal cord is encompassed with arthritis, and I have one disc that has bulged forward and one that has bulged backward.
Physical therapy, pain management, and shots of cortisone have not helped. Hence - it's time for surgery. And, I'm scared.
I went for pre-op testing on Tuesday while Mr. Kerry waited on me. It took two hours. I met with Occupational Therapy, the anesthesiologist, had blood drawn, had an EKG taken, and answered a myriad of questions. I had three people ask me if I could possibly have or have been exposed to HIV, aids, or hepatitis. Thank goodness I have not - at least since earlier this year.
Some have asked why I'm having it during the week of Christmas. Well, first of all - our deductible is met. Second - none of my kids will be home for Christmas. Third - if I have to wear a back brace, I'd rather wear it in the middle of winter than in the middle of summer.
I will also be fitted with a bone growth stimulator, which I will wear for 30 min. a day for nine months.
This is pretty major. There may be blood transfusions. There will be bone grafting. It will hurt.
And I'm scared.
Next week will be my last missive of the year, I think. I promise to keep y'all posted.
My feet are also giving me fits. I went to the foot doctor, who gave me cortisone in my foot. He feels the surgery may help the pain in my feet. He watched me walk and just wagged his head.
That evening, I went to a lovely meeting in Clear Fork Ward concerning the temple. They wanted me there to answer any questions that may come up. I had Mr. Kerry drive me - even though it was a women's meeting. It was just beautiful - and SO uplifting!
Friday at the temple was a bit moderate. I was in quite a bit of pain - even having trouble getting up from my chair at lunch. Immediately, two of my workers which are nurses came to me and knew just how to get me up. I did leave a bit early that day. I came home, took a pain pill, and laid down before going to our Ward Christmas Party.
This week finds me in the final preparations before my surgery. Kerry switched the beds so I have the queen sized one to sleep on and recuperate on. Fern brought me a WONDERFUL feather bed to lay on top of our mattress. Oh, I can't even begin to describe. I'm trying to anticipate everything I may need to have moved to the first floor. Two women at church will be taking turns coming here to help me out. Meals will be brought in. Others have offered to help wherever I may need them.
Yes, I'll try to keep everyone posted. But, just as we pray for others that have asked for our prayers, we have prayed for my doctor, too. God answers our prayers. He's always been at my side.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
Sunday, December 6, 2009
An eye for an eye
I guess I am getting older. Well, at least parts of me are.
I had my annual eye exam on Tuesday, and I couldn't believe the change in my vision. Neither could my eye doctor! I had been having a lot of trouble with both distance and close up. I figure it had to be aging, for I really hadn't had any changes in a few years. This year made up for it.
I also knew part of it was what I used to clean my glasses with - a Kleenex that has Vick's VapoRub built into them. They are great at relieving some congestion, but are really lousy for cleaning eyeglasses. I wouldn't recommend it, for I ended up using vinegar to get the film off.
I celebrated getting my new stove this week! But, I have to admit that it has a feature I've never heard of. The delivery men were putting it into place and even installed an anti-tip device. I thought that was kind of remarkable. But, I was glancing through the manual and noticed a page entitled "Sabbath Day Cooking".
I was intrigued.
I haven't entirely read it through, but apparently it has a feature for Jewish Sabbath cooking. A fellow genealogist informed me that "A sabbath day setting I imagine would be one where the stove is not completely turned off. I remember my great grandmother telling me that in the "old days" as a gentile she was often asked to go and relight stoves or gas lamps that went out on the sabbath".
My sister-in-law teased me by saying it was a Kosher stove.
Friday at the temple was busy, but moderate in attendance. It was a good day for getting caught up on some things. My friend, Miss Dani, was there as a worker for the first time. She did a fine job! Later, she and I went to dinner at Perkins for potato pancakes. Some other temple workers heard us talking about them and decided they would taste good, too! There they were in the restaurant, eating potato pancakes just like us...
Saturday morning was a wonderful entrance into the Christmas season. The Relief Society (women's organization) held a Christmas brunch at the church. The presidency prepared muffins, quiche, strata, yogurt w/granola, and little loaves of quick breads for all of us. There was an ornament exchange, along with beautiful testimonies of the Savior and the Christmas season. It was just wonderful, and I'm so glad I went.
Tonight, Mr. Kerry and I cuddled up on the couch, turned on the computer to www.lds.org and watched The First Presidency and the Tabernacle Choir bring beautiful Christmas messages to the world. And, to us. You can probably see it repeated if you log on.
Now, as we have officially begun our entrance into this marvelous holiday season, I have many things on my mind. It's so easy to get frazzled and frenzied by all that is going on in the world and how we're going to "get through" the holidays. I'm just not going to let that happen. I'm going to look at what I can do for my fellow man and do my best to help the world to become better.
And there's no better place to start than with myself.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
I had my annual eye exam on Tuesday, and I couldn't believe the change in my vision. Neither could my eye doctor! I had been having a lot of trouble with both distance and close up. I figure it had to be aging, for I really hadn't had any changes in a few years. This year made up for it.
I also knew part of it was what I used to clean my glasses with - a Kleenex that has Vick's VapoRub built into them. They are great at relieving some congestion, but are really lousy for cleaning eyeglasses. I wouldn't recommend it, for I ended up using vinegar to get the film off.
I celebrated getting my new stove this week! But, I have to admit that it has a feature I've never heard of. The delivery men were putting it into place and even installed an anti-tip device. I thought that was kind of remarkable. But, I was glancing through the manual and noticed a page entitled "Sabbath Day Cooking".
I was intrigued.
I haven't entirely read it through, but apparently it has a feature for Jewish Sabbath cooking. A fellow genealogist informed me that "A sabbath day setting I imagine would be one where the stove is not completely turned off. I remember my great grandmother telling me that in the "old days" as a gentile she was often asked to go and relight stoves or gas lamps that went out on the sabbath".
My sister-in-law teased me by saying it was a Kosher stove.
Friday at the temple was busy, but moderate in attendance. It was a good day for getting caught up on some things. My friend, Miss Dani, was there as a worker for the first time. She did a fine job! Later, she and I went to dinner at Perkins for potato pancakes. Some other temple workers heard us talking about them and decided they would taste good, too! There they were in the restaurant, eating potato pancakes just like us...
Saturday morning was a wonderful entrance into the Christmas season. The Relief Society (women's organization) held a Christmas brunch at the church. The presidency prepared muffins, quiche, strata, yogurt w/granola, and little loaves of quick breads for all of us. There was an ornament exchange, along with beautiful testimonies of the Savior and the Christmas season. It was just wonderful, and I'm so glad I went.
Tonight, Mr. Kerry and I cuddled up on the couch, turned on the computer to www.lds.org and watched The First Presidency and the Tabernacle Choir bring beautiful Christmas messages to the world. And, to us. You can probably see it repeated if you log on.
Now, as we have officially begun our entrance into this marvelous holiday season, I have many things on my mind. It's so easy to get frazzled and frenzied by all that is going on in the world and how we're going to "get through" the holidays. I'm just not going to let that happen. I'm going to look at what I can do for my fellow man and do my best to help the world to become better.
And there's no better place to start than with myself.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
Sunday, November 29, 2009
First the blade and then the ear
And what a wondrous Thanksgiving week this has been!
I'm telling you, I absolutely love this holiday. And, our family has never been one to push it out of the way to get ready for Christmas. We certainly need to remember to give thanks for every single part of our lives - the trials as well as the blessings.
The best part of this week was that Mr. Kerry had every day of it off!
It began with a bit of disheartening news on Monday. It looks as though I will have to have surgery on this back of mine. It is not healing - it is getting worse. There are times that my leg just absolutely gives out on me. I cannot feel the pedals when I play the organ. If I am pitched forward brushing my teeth or washing dishes, it is all I can do to straighten myself back up when I'm finished.
My surgery is scheduled for Dec 22 - the Tuesday before Christmas. I will be in a back brace for three months and will not be able to lift anything over 5 lbs. There are a lot more details I don't want to bore you with - but rest assured, I will be fine.
And...if I'm going to be in a back brace for all that time, I'd rather it be in the middle of winter than in the middle of summer!
I've been without a stove/oven for two weeks now, and it's driving me nuts. So, Tuesday, Mr. Kerry and I went out and bought a stove that will be delivered next week. It will be nice to bake again! After running a few more errands, we spent the rest of the day attacking our basement.
And what a delightful time we had on Wednesday! Since Jordan would be working on Thanksgiving, they had to celebrate a day early. We arrived at their house about noon and walked into the most wonderful smells of Thanksgiving. Kerry and I enjoyed the grandboys - we played cars with them, read to them, laid on their beds and listened to them talk and show us their treasures, and rolled footballs and basketballs back and forth. So precious!
Jordan and Melissa
Erik and Jordan and Mr. Kerry
Erik and Jayden, Jordan, Me, Kerry, JJ, Justin
To avoid some of the heavy traffic on the interstate, we came home through some country roads and enjoyed Christmas lights and dodging deer.
The very next morning, we left with Jean and Earl to travel to Akron. We have enjoyed Thanksgiving Day with Steve and Keri (son and d-i-l) for several years, and this year was no different. We had such a nice time with them and their two children, Spenser and Sydnee.
Earl, Jean, Spenser, Steve and Sydnee
This year, they fixed a turkey like I learned to a few years ago from an article written by Trisha Yearwood. I used one of those blue granite roasters (with a good fitting lid - doesn't have to "seal"). Put the turkey in the oven after adding 2 cups of water. Cook for 500 degrees for one hour. Turn it off and don't open the oven door. I said don't open the oven door.
When I go to church, I put it in at 7:30 am, turn it off at 8:30 am, and when we return at about 1:15 pm, it's falling off the bone.
I will never fix it any other way.
After two wonderfully relaxing days, it was time to go to work at the temple on Friday. Julia Hoffman joined us, and we were all glad we weren't out there shopping like. I used to be one of "those". It was busy, but tender at the temple. Kerry returned again on Saturday to work.
Church was good today, but I was a wee bit tired. I laid down for a bit and seemed to get myself recharged.
I had Harmony on my mind today. It was just 28 years ago today that she entered this world. My feelings are always tender on the days representing the births of each of my children. It was no different today.
Little Miss Harmony - just a few days old!
When she was about six years old at Christmastime.
In the back yard eating a roasted donut.
When she was in the Hill Cumorah Pageant at age 18.
Yeah, she's on my mind today.
There's someone else on my mind for this coming week. On Tuesday, it will be 32 years ago that Mr. Kerry and I were married!! We were both working in the Washington Temple. Kerry had served his mission in the Delaware/Maryland Mission, was one of the first ones to be hired on at the temple, and his mission president was also the temple president. He married us, too.
Washington DC Temple
This is the guy I fell in love with. This was taken in Aug 1977 in Bryce Canyon. His parents took us there for the day so we could all get to know each other better.
This is us on our wedding day - Dec 1, 1977. We were smitten. We still are!
And this is us - 32 years later. I'm telling you, he is truly the best person I've ever known. I'm a better each day because of him.
Now we are truly entering the Christmas season - and it's a bit different for all of us this year. Perhaps it will help us all remember the Savior, whose birth we celebrate.
This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Chris - Kerry's brother - Dec 8
Sydnee - Jean's granddaughter - Dec 8
And a happy anniversary to:
US - Dec 1
Steve & Keri - Jean's son and d-i-l - Dec 7
Love to y'all...........
Miss P
I'm telling you, I absolutely love this holiday. And, our family has never been one to push it out of the way to get ready for Christmas. We certainly need to remember to give thanks for every single part of our lives - the trials as well as the blessings.
The best part of this week was that Mr. Kerry had every day of it off!
It began with a bit of disheartening news on Monday. It looks as though I will have to have surgery on this back of mine. It is not healing - it is getting worse. There are times that my leg just absolutely gives out on me. I cannot feel the pedals when I play the organ. If I am pitched forward brushing my teeth or washing dishes, it is all I can do to straighten myself back up when I'm finished.
My surgery is scheduled for Dec 22 - the Tuesday before Christmas. I will be in a back brace for three months and will not be able to lift anything over 5 lbs. There are a lot more details I don't want to bore you with - but rest assured, I will be fine.
And...if I'm going to be in a back brace for all that time, I'd rather it be in the middle of winter than in the middle of summer!
I've been without a stove/oven for two weeks now, and it's driving me nuts. So, Tuesday, Mr. Kerry and I went out and bought a stove that will be delivered next week. It will be nice to bake again! After running a few more errands, we spent the rest of the day attacking our basement.
And what a delightful time we had on Wednesday! Since Jordan would be working on Thanksgiving, they had to celebrate a day early. We arrived at their house about noon and walked into the most wonderful smells of Thanksgiving. Kerry and I enjoyed the grandboys - we played cars with them, read to them, laid on their beds and listened to them talk and show us their treasures, and rolled footballs and basketballs back and forth. So precious!
Jordan and Melissa
Erik and Jordan and Mr. Kerry
Erik and Jayden, Jordan, Me, Kerry, JJ, Justin
To avoid some of the heavy traffic on the interstate, we came home through some country roads and enjoyed Christmas lights and dodging deer.
The very next morning, we left with Jean and Earl to travel to Akron. We have enjoyed Thanksgiving Day with Steve and Keri (son and d-i-l) for several years, and this year was no different. We had such a nice time with them and their two children, Spenser and Sydnee.
Earl, Jean, Spenser, Steve and Sydnee
This year, they fixed a turkey like I learned to a few years ago from an article written by Trisha Yearwood. I used one of those blue granite roasters (with a good fitting lid - doesn't have to "seal"). Put the turkey in the oven after adding 2 cups of water. Cook for 500 degrees for one hour. Turn it off and don't open the oven door. I said don't open the oven door.
When I go to church, I put it in at 7:30 am, turn it off at 8:30 am, and when we return at about 1:15 pm, it's falling off the bone.
I will never fix it any other way.
After two wonderfully relaxing days, it was time to go to work at the temple on Friday. Julia Hoffman joined us, and we were all glad we weren't out there shopping like. I used to be one of "those". It was busy, but tender at the temple. Kerry returned again on Saturday to work.
Church was good today, but I was a wee bit tired. I laid down for a bit and seemed to get myself recharged.
I had Harmony on my mind today. It was just 28 years ago today that she entered this world. My feelings are always tender on the days representing the births of each of my children. It was no different today.
Little Miss Harmony - just a few days old!
When she was about six years old at Christmastime.
In the back yard eating a roasted donut.
When she was in the Hill Cumorah Pageant at age 18.
Yeah, she's on my mind today.
There's someone else on my mind for this coming week. On Tuesday, it will be 32 years ago that Mr. Kerry and I were married!! We were both working in the Washington Temple. Kerry had served his mission in the Delaware/Maryland Mission, was one of the first ones to be hired on at the temple, and his mission president was also the temple president. He married us, too.
Washington DC Temple
This is the guy I fell in love with. This was taken in Aug 1977 in Bryce Canyon. His parents took us there for the day so we could all get to know each other better.
This is us on our wedding day - Dec 1, 1977. We were smitten. We still are!
And this is us - 32 years later. I'm telling you, he is truly the best person I've ever known. I'm a better each day because of him.
Now we are truly entering the Christmas season - and it's a bit different for all of us this year. Perhaps it will help us all remember the Savior, whose birth we celebrate.
This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Chris - Kerry's brother - Dec 8
Sydnee - Jean's granddaughter - Dec 8
And a happy anniversary to:
US - Dec 1
Steve & Keri - Jean's son and d-i-l - Dec 7
Love to y'all...........
Miss P
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanks and Giving
Well, it's my favorite week of the year, and I don't even know where to begin.
Thanksgiving has always been my very favorite holiday - even when I was just a young girl. It's probably one of the few holidays we can all agree on. What one of us doesn't have a whole list of things to be grateful for?
About a year and a half ago, I began keeping a "gratitude journal". Each week, during the passing of the Sacrament (communion for non-LDS), I write one entire page of something I am thankful for, then I elaborate a bit on it. Through the past few months, I have listed many, many things - some of which may seem a bit inconsequential - but I am grateful for them, nonetheless. These would include:
My family
My home
Mr. Kerry!
My health
The change of seasons
Modern medicine and doctors
My parents
My extended family
Good, trustworthy cars
Safe food and water
Modern conveniences - electric, heat, stoves, running water, etc.
Windshields and windshield wipers
Air conditioning
Holidays
Friends
A good bed
The Weather Channel
Prayer
Church
The Post Office
Clothing I didn't have to make
Nature
My five senses
Tears
Rain
My teeth
Laughter
History
Peace
Technology
Talents - both mine and others
Sunglasses
Brakes
Trials and afflictions
My country
Growing older
The temple
The Savior
I think you get the idea. If I were to write in this little book every single day of my life and fill volumes more, I would still never run out of things to be thankful for. Shame on me if I refuse to recognize all that I have been blessed with.
I had the last of a series of injections into my back this week, following two days of pretty intense pain. I will probably find out tomorrow if surgery is in the near future.
Now for a wonderful week. Mr. Kerry is off all of this week, and I am grateful for that. The Post Office has been very good to us through the years. We have a couple of things we have to get done - first and foremost is a stove. Mine has now bit the dust. I've been cooking on one little tiny burner. But, I'm grateful I have crockpots, an electric skillet, a George Foreman grill, a gas grill, Dutch ovens, a backyard to build a fire in if I have to, a toaster, a breadmaker, etc. I think you get the idea...
Try to take a few moments this week to reflect on your own blessings. Even in the middle of hard times, you will find exactly what you're looking for...
AND, a big congratulations to my nephew, David Lauritzen, who passed the third audition for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and will be singing with them by April General Conference! So, so happy for you, and so, so proud of you, David! And, I'll bet your parents are pleased, too! We loved always watching for your mom in the choir - we'll look for you now...
Love to y'all
Miss P
http://www.cpmsglife2.org/MSG/Pres/td/td1.html
“My brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.”
Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 113
- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, or What the Pilgrims Really Ate at
Thanksgiving
Millions of American families will sit down to dine together in this
month's annual Thanksgiving Day celebration. Menus will vary a bit but
most will feature turkey along with stuffing, gravy, squash,
cranberries, and other vegetables. Pumpkin pie has always been popular
with my family as well. Did you ever wonder what the Pilgrims and their
Wampanoag Indian guests ate during their first Thanksgiving in 1621?
Unfortunately, we cannot be certain. The Pilgrims did not print menus
for their guests. After all, none of their Indian guests could read, nor
could very many of the Pilgrims themselves. Most were illiterate.
Luckily, several colonists who were literate wrote personal accounts of
the 1621 feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and those accounts have
survived. These accounts give a few hints as to the menu.
While 103 people landed at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, about
half of them died during the first winter. Those who survived managed to
plant crops the following spring and reaped a good harvest during the
summer and fall. The first Thanksgiving at Plimoth Colony was held to
celebrate that harvest.
William Bradford wrote,
“They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit
up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered
in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some
were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing,
about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of
which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want;
and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which
this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by
degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys,
of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a
peck a meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to the
proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty
here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true
reports."
Edward Winslow wrote,
“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling,
that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had
gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much
fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At
which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of
the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king
Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and
feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the
plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and
others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this
time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that
we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
The Thanksgiving feast lasted three whole days, providing enough food
for 53 pilgrims and 90 Indians. While we do not know the exact menu,
historians have studied the food supply of the time and have been able
to guess the items that likely appeared on the menu those three days.
The Pilgrims and the Indians obviously dined on venison. Winslow wrote,
"They went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the
plantation." Turkey also was on the menu. As Winslow stated, "They four
in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the
company almost a week." The word "fowl" probably included turkeys
although there may have been ducks, geese, swans, and other birds as
well.
The turkeys probably were a bit skinnier than today's Butterball
turkeys, and probably had a stronger flavor as well. I live about 70
miles from Plymouth and can tell you that today's descendants of the
wild turkeys that escaped the Pilgrims certainly look big and fat. They
are also plentiful in this area. We can guess that the same was true in
1621.
The turkeys and most other meat dishes undoubtedly were roasted on a
spit over an open fire. Someone must have been assigned to turn the spit
frequently to make sure the food was not burnt on one side. Gravy was
unknown.
The other foods at the table probably included fish, clams, berries,
apples, dried fruit, pumpkin, squash, turnips, peas, onions, beans and
other vegetables.
Some accounts state that lobster was on the menu, although I have my
doubts. It seems unlikely when so many other items were already on the
menu. In 1621, lobster was considered to be a "trash fish" and typically
was eaten only by the poor, the starving, or by indentured servants.
This makes it unlikely that lobster would be served at a feast
celebrating a plentiful harvest.
Indeed, lobsters were used as fertilizer to help grow corn; the Pilgrims
and the Indians would plant a few corn seeds and then throw a lobster
into the ground beside the seeds before covering all of that with soil.
What a change we have nearly 400 years later! Lobster is now a major
export of the Plymouth area with prices that are far too high for the
poorer citizens of today.
Pumpkin pie wasn't on the menu in 1621 because there were no ovens for
baking, but the pilgrims probably did eat boiled pumpkin. Due to the
diminishing supply of flour, there was no bread of any kind.
Cranberries existed as wild plants in the Plymouth area at the time, and
it is possible that the Pilgrims were aware of the food value of these
plants. However, cranberries were largely ignored until American
Revolutionary War veteran Henry Hall became the first to farm
cranberries in the nearby Cape Cod town of Dennis around 1816. Aside
from their food value, the Pilgrims would have been eating unsweetened
cranberries, a less than tasty sensation without benefit of sugar.
Salt was readily available in Plimoth Colony with the ocean being only a
few yards away. Pepper was commonly used in England but probably not
available in Plimoth Colony at the time.
Some sugar was transported on the Mayflower but probably had been
consumed before the feast of 1621. Sugar could have been made from maple
syrup but it is doubtful that the Pilgrims learned these skills the
first year. Maple sap has to be collected early in the spring when there
is still snow on the ground. In the spring of 1621, the Pilgrims were
too weak from disease and starvation to organize efforts to tap maple
trees and collect the sap.
The list of beverages served at the three-day feast was not recorded.
The Pilgrims had no tea or coffee, as those imported items were missing
due to a lack of trade routes at the time.
Beer undoubtedly was served. As the Pilgrims set out for America the
previous year, they brought a considerable amount of this beverage with
them for the voyage (reportedly more than 28,617 liters = 7,560
gallons). An entry in the diary of a Mayflower passenger explains the
unplanned landing at Plymouth Rock: "We could not now take time for
further search...our victuals being much spent, especially our beer..."
Once settled, the Pilgrims undoubtedly followed the English customs of
the time with most families brewing beer in large quantities. They
served it at virtually all functions, including ordinations, funerals,
and regular Sabbath meals.
Plenty of clear water was available in the New World but the Pilgrims
were largely ignorant of the need for sanitation. As a result, it is
believed that many of the wells in Plimoth Colony were polluted.
Admittedly, this is all conjecture, since no one today knows for sure.
Serving meals in the seventeenth century was very different from serving
today. People weren't served their meals individually. Foods were placed
on the table and then people took the food from the table and ate it. In
fact, this "family style" of dining was similar to what most families do
today.
Pilgrims didn't eat in courses as we do today. All of the different
types of foods were placed on the table at the same time, and people ate
in any order they chose. Meat dishes, puddings, and sweets were all
served at the same time. Desserts were eaten at the same time as the
meats and other dishes.
Canning and freezing had not yet been invented. With no method of
preserving food, other than salting food for preservation, the Pilgrims
ate whatever was fresh. It is unlikely that they ate corn, other than
perhaps dried corn. The corn crop had come and gone before the autumn
feast. Late season vegetables, such as turnips, onions, pumpkin and
squash, certainly would have been available. However, the meal was
probably mostly meat, fish, and fowl, with few vegetables.
We can also imagine the table manners of those who dined. The Pilgrims
did not use silverware nicely arranged on linen napkins. Napkins were in
use although they were usually simple pieces of cloth, often rags. The
Pilgrims wiped their hands on the cloth napkins, which they also used to
pick up hot morsels of food. Linen was unknown. We can imagine that the
Indian guests probably wiped their hands and mouths on whatever was
available, such as on the back of the hand or on clothing.
The Pilgrims also did not use forks at the table. As Englishmen and
Englishwomen, they had no knowledge of forks. The fork was first
described in English by Thomas Coryat in a volume of writings about his
Italian travels only ten years earlier (1611). Very few English people
had even heard of a fork by 1621. For many years the fork was viewed as
an unmanly Italian affectation and was never seen in English homes. Some
writers of the Roman Catholic Church expressly disapproved of its use:
"God in his wisdom has provided man with natural forks — his fingers.
Therefore it is an insult to Him to substitute artificial metallic forks
for them when eating."
While the Pilgrims were not Catholics, we can assume they used the same
eating customs as most everyone else in England at the time: they
scooped up meat, fish, and boiled peas alike with their fingers. It was
not until the 18th century that the fork became commonly used in Great
Britain, with the United States following soon after.
Knives were used at the table but were not the same knives that we think
of as silverware. The knives of 1621 were multi-purpose tools: any one
knife might be used to cut a tree limb, to dissect a deer, or to cut
meat at the table.
In short, the Pilgrims had a great meal by their standards. They and
their Indian guests ate well for three days. That must have been a great
joy for the 53 hardy souls who had watched half of their group die of
malnourishment and disease only a few months earlier.
Their table manners didn't match today's standards, but they undoubtedly
didn't mind. Their diet was high in protein, especially red meats. They
undoubtedly had high cholesterol meals, especially in the months when
fresh fruits and vegetables were not available. However, their diet
probably met the needs of these people who led rugged, outdoor
lifestyles. They had little fear of heart attacks; the more common cause
of death was malnutrition and disease.
The Pilgrims of 1621 undoubtedly were delighted with their feast but I
don't think I would want to join them.
Thanksgiving has always been my very favorite holiday - even when I was just a young girl. It's probably one of the few holidays we can all agree on. What one of us doesn't have a whole list of things to be grateful for?
About a year and a half ago, I began keeping a "gratitude journal". Each week, during the passing of the Sacrament (communion for non-LDS), I write one entire page of something I am thankful for, then I elaborate a bit on it. Through the past few months, I have listed many, many things - some of which may seem a bit inconsequential - but I am grateful for them, nonetheless. These would include:
My family
My home
Mr. Kerry!
My health
The change of seasons
Modern medicine and doctors
My parents
My extended family
Good, trustworthy cars
Safe food and water
Modern conveniences - electric, heat, stoves, running water, etc.
Windshields and windshield wipers
Air conditioning
Holidays
Friends
A good bed
The Weather Channel
Prayer
Church
The Post Office
Clothing I didn't have to make
Nature
My five senses
Tears
Rain
My teeth
Laughter
History
Peace
Technology
Talents - both mine and others
Sunglasses
Brakes
Trials and afflictions
My country
Growing older
The temple
The Savior
I think you get the idea. If I were to write in this little book every single day of my life and fill volumes more, I would still never run out of things to be thankful for. Shame on me if I refuse to recognize all that I have been blessed with.
I had the last of a series of injections into my back this week, following two days of pretty intense pain. I will probably find out tomorrow if surgery is in the near future.
Now for a wonderful week. Mr. Kerry is off all of this week, and I am grateful for that. The Post Office has been very good to us through the years. We have a couple of things we have to get done - first and foremost is a stove. Mine has now bit the dust. I've been cooking on one little tiny burner. But, I'm grateful I have crockpots, an electric skillet, a George Foreman grill, a gas grill, Dutch ovens, a backyard to build a fire in if I have to, a toaster, a breadmaker, etc. I think you get the idea...
Try to take a few moments this week to reflect on your own blessings. Even in the middle of hard times, you will find exactly what you're looking for...
AND, a big congratulations to my nephew, David Lauritzen, who passed the third audition for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and will be singing with them by April General Conference! So, so happy for you, and so, so proud of you, David! And, I'll bet your parents are pleased, too! We loved always watching for your mom in the choir - we'll look for you now...
Love to y'all
Miss P
http://www.cpmsglife2.org/MSG/Pres/td/td1.html
“My brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.”
Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 113
- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, or What the Pilgrims Really Ate at
Thanksgiving
Millions of American families will sit down to dine together in this
month's annual Thanksgiving Day celebration. Menus will vary a bit but
most will feature turkey along with stuffing, gravy, squash,
cranberries, and other vegetables. Pumpkin pie has always been popular
with my family as well. Did you ever wonder what the Pilgrims and their
Wampanoag Indian guests ate during their first Thanksgiving in 1621?
Unfortunately, we cannot be certain. The Pilgrims did not print menus
for their guests. After all, none of their Indian guests could read, nor
could very many of the Pilgrims themselves. Most were illiterate.
Luckily, several colonists who were literate wrote personal accounts of
the 1621 feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and those accounts have
survived. These accounts give a few hints as to the menu.
While 103 people landed at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, about
half of them died during the first winter. Those who survived managed to
plant crops the following spring and reaped a good harvest during the
summer and fall. The first Thanksgiving at Plimoth Colony was held to
celebrate that harvest.
William Bradford wrote,
“They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit
up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered
in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some
were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing,
about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of
which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want;
and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which
this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by
degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys,
of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a
peck a meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to the
proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty
here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true
reports."
Edward Winslow wrote,
“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling,
that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had
gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much
fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At
which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of
the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king
Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and
feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the
plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and
others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this
time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that
we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
The Thanksgiving feast lasted three whole days, providing enough food
for 53 pilgrims and 90 Indians. While we do not know the exact menu,
historians have studied the food supply of the time and have been able
to guess the items that likely appeared on the menu those three days.
The Pilgrims and the Indians obviously dined on venison. Winslow wrote,
"They went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the
plantation." Turkey also was on the menu. As Winslow stated, "They four
in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the
company almost a week." The word "fowl" probably included turkeys
although there may have been ducks, geese, swans, and other birds as
well.
The turkeys probably were a bit skinnier than today's Butterball
turkeys, and probably had a stronger flavor as well. I live about 70
miles from Plymouth and can tell you that today's descendants of the
wild turkeys that escaped the Pilgrims certainly look big and fat. They
are also plentiful in this area. We can guess that the same was true in
1621.
The turkeys and most other meat dishes undoubtedly were roasted on a
spit over an open fire. Someone must have been assigned to turn the spit
frequently to make sure the food was not burnt on one side. Gravy was
unknown.
The other foods at the table probably included fish, clams, berries,
apples, dried fruit, pumpkin, squash, turnips, peas, onions, beans and
other vegetables.
Some accounts state that lobster was on the menu, although I have my
doubts. It seems unlikely when so many other items were already on the
menu. In 1621, lobster was considered to be a "trash fish" and typically
was eaten only by the poor, the starving, or by indentured servants.
This makes it unlikely that lobster would be served at a feast
celebrating a plentiful harvest.
Indeed, lobsters were used as fertilizer to help grow corn; the Pilgrims
and the Indians would plant a few corn seeds and then throw a lobster
into the ground beside the seeds before covering all of that with soil.
What a change we have nearly 400 years later! Lobster is now a major
export of the Plymouth area with prices that are far too high for the
poorer citizens of today.
Pumpkin pie wasn't on the menu in 1621 because there were no ovens for
baking, but the pilgrims probably did eat boiled pumpkin. Due to the
diminishing supply of flour, there was no bread of any kind.
Cranberries existed as wild plants in the Plymouth area at the time, and
it is possible that the Pilgrims were aware of the food value of these
plants. However, cranberries were largely ignored until American
Revolutionary War veteran Henry Hall became the first to farm
cranberries in the nearby Cape Cod town of Dennis around 1816. Aside
from their food value, the Pilgrims would have been eating unsweetened
cranberries, a less than tasty sensation without benefit of sugar.
Salt was readily available in Plimoth Colony with the ocean being only a
few yards away. Pepper was commonly used in England but probably not
available in Plimoth Colony at the time.
Some sugar was transported on the Mayflower but probably had been
consumed before the feast of 1621. Sugar could have been made from maple
syrup but it is doubtful that the Pilgrims learned these skills the
first year. Maple sap has to be collected early in the spring when there
is still snow on the ground. In the spring of 1621, the Pilgrims were
too weak from disease and starvation to organize efforts to tap maple
trees and collect the sap.
The list of beverages served at the three-day feast was not recorded.
The Pilgrims had no tea or coffee, as those imported items were missing
due to a lack of trade routes at the time.
Beer undoubtedly was served. As the Pilgrims set out for America the
previous year, they brought a considerable amount of this beverage with
them for the voyage (reportedly more than 28,617 liters = 7,560
gallons). An entry in the diary of a Mayflower passenger explains the
unplanned landing at Plymouth Rock: "We could not now take time for
further search...our victuals being much spent, especially our beer..."
Once settled, the Pilgrims undoubtedly followed the English customs of
the time with most families brewing beer in large quantities. They
served it at virtually all functions, including ordinations, funerals,
and regular Sabbath meals.
Plenty of clear water was available in the New World but the Pilgrims
were largely ignorant of the need for sanitation. As a result, it is
believed that many of the wells in Plimoth Colony were polluted.
Admittedly, this is all conjecture, since no one today knows for sure.
Serving meals in the seventeenth century was very different from serving
today. People weren't served their meals individually. Foods were placed
on the table and then people took the food from the table and ate it. In
fact, this "family style" of dining was similar to what most families do
today.
Pilgrims didn't eat in courses as we do today. All of the different
types of foods were placed on the table at the same time, and people ate
in any order they chose. Meat dishes, puddings, and sweets were all
served at the same time. Desserts were eaten at the same time as the
meats and other dishes.
Canning and freezing had not yet been invented. With no method of
preserving food, other than salting food for preservation, the Pilgrims
ate whatever was fresh. It is unlikely that they ate corn, other than
perhaps dried corn. The corn crop had come and gone before the autumn
feast. Late season vegetables, such as turnips, onions, pumpkin and
squash, certainly would have been available. However, the meal was
probably mostly meat, fish, and fowl, with few vegetables.
We can also imagine the table manners of those who dined. The Pilgrims
did not use silverware nicely arranged on linen napkins. Napkins were in
use although they were usually simple pieces of cloth, often rags. The
Pilgrims wiped their hands on the cloth napkins, which they also used to
pick up hot morsels of food. Linen was unknown. We can imagine that the
Indian guests probably wiped their hands and mouths on whatever was
available, such as on the back of the hand or on clothing.
The Pilgrims also did not use forks at the table. As Englishmen and
Englishwomen, they had no knowledge of forks. The fork was first
described in English by Thomas Coryat in a volume of writings about his
Italian travels only ten years earlier (1611). Very few English people
had even heard of a fork by 1621. For many years the fork was viewed as
an unmanly Italian affectation and was never seen in English homes. Some
writers of the Roman Catholic Church expressly disapproved of its use:
"God in his wisdom has provided man with natural forks — his fingers.
Therefore it is an insult to Him to substitute artificial metallic forks
for them when eating."
While the Pilgrims were not Catholics, we can assume they used the same
eating customs as most everyone else in England at the time: they
scooped up meat, fish, and boiled peas alike with their fingers. It was
not until the 18th century that the fork became commonly used in Great
Britain, with the United States following soon after.
Knives were used at the table but were not the same knives that we think
of as silverware. The knives of 1621 were multi-purpose tools: any one
knife might be used to cut a tree limb, to dissect a deer, or to cut
meat at the table.
In short, the Pilgrims had a great meal by their standards. They and
their Indian guests ate well for three days. That must have been a great
joy for the 53 hardy souls who had watched half of their group die of
malnourishment and disease only a few months earlier.
Their table manners didn't match today's standards, but they undoubtedly
didn't mind. Their diet was high in protein, especially red meats. They
undoubtedly had high cholesterol meals, especially in the months when
fresh fruits and vegetables were not available. However, their diet
probably met the needs of these people who led rugged, outdoor
lifestyles. They had little fear of heart attacks; the more common cause
of death was malnutrition and disease.
The Pilgrims of 1621 undoubtedly were delighted with their feast but I
don't think I would want to join them.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Happy, happy, Joy, joy
Oh, it's been such a beautiful week! This is not like our usual Novembers, for by now we would have had much colder weather. It was just about a year ago when Kerry and I returned from taking Betty and Callie-dog down to Florida. We landed in Akron with all kinds of snow to clean off our car, plus several white-outs to drive in all the way home.
I'll take this weather anyday!
I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Pat on Monday. It was a great way to begin the week. She brought me a wonderful gift of pumpkin spice cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting - plus the recipe! She's always been a good friend.
Tuesday brought Jean to my door to take me for my second set of injections into my back. They really do not hurt, and may even prevent me from having back surgery sooner than I had expected. That evening I was a bit queasy and rubber-legged, so I could not go to church to help with the pie-baking. They baked 90 pies to help with the various food pantries here in town.
The next day was Veteran's Day, so I planned on another great day with Mr. Kerry. We almost always have a glorious breakfast together. I was in the process of scrambling eggs, frying bacon, and making toast from my homemade bread with the fire alarm going off and Mr. Eddie going nuts when the phone rang. It was Kerry's sister, Joy! She was in Cleveland on business and wanted to know if it were possible to get together for dinner.
Of course! When family is close by, we make every effort to clear our schedule and see our family...
I called both Jordan and Erik to see if they would like join us, too. They both said yes, even though it would be a three-hour drive for Jordan and Melissa, with him having to get up at 4:30 am for work. They all rode together in Jordan's van and met us in Cleveland for dinner. We decided to eat at Applebee's, for all veterans could eat free. And what an honor to walk in with two of my three veteran children!
Joy and Kerry
Peggy, Joy and Kerry
Kerry, Joy, Jayden, Jordan, Justin, Erik, JJ (Melissa and I are taking pictures)
It was especially eventful for us, for we got to see Joy's new engagement ring!!! After 19 years of being single, she has met a wonderful man who adores her, and she adores him. Her face lit up each time she talked about him. We are so happy for her. Kerry and Joy and Gay (sister who died in 2000) were always especially close, being the middle children. He fondly refers to all of the times they played together.
Kerry worked at the temple Thursday night. After he left, I ran a couple of errands, returning after dark. I haven't been out after dark by myself in a long time - and I decided I just didn't like it. Who knows what is out there - especially playing pole position with the deer that are out there going wild at this time of the year.
Friday was an especially busy day at the temple for me. I'm going to call it Mother's Day, for many people were there in honor of their mothers. Without going into great detail, I will say that there were a lot of tender hearts that day.
Saturday found me running a lot of errands. It was beautiful - almost too warm for my jacket! I was on my way to a craft show (where jewelry dominated) when I saw a church rummage sale. I LOVE rummage sales! I had been to one at this church before, where they lay everything out on the pews. But this day was different. The most beautiful music met me at the doors. Inside was a young boy that looked to be about 15 years old playing the pipe organ. I was mesmerized at his music! I had to sit down and listen for a bit, and almost begged him not to stop. It truly stopped me in my tracks. I look at those things as small blessings in my life.
It was a good day at church today, but I was a bit disheartened when I came home to discover that my stove has died. I have only had one small burner working on it for awhile. Last week, the heating element in the oven caught on fire. I guess it has now bit the dust. So, I will probably be stove shopping this week.
And, when I was resting this afternoon, my leg and back began to hurt worse than ever - in spite of the injections! I yelped so loud Kerry came running up from the basement. It was some of the worst pain I have ever experienced, and it lasted nearly 20 minutes. Oh, my...
Kerry is off the whole week of Thanksgiving - yippee! We had originally planned to go to Orlando to spend just about a day and a half with Peter, but we have now decided not go to at this time.
Have a good week!
Love to y'all...
Miss P
As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday the Lord has stated through our prophet Thomas S Monson: “If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.
Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.
Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”
“Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics? “As parents and leaders exemplify and teach respect for others, we confirm in the hearts of our children that each of us is truly a child of God and all are brothers and sisters through eternity. We will focus on the things we have in common—on the qualities of heart that bind the family of God together, rather than on our differences.”
Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 11
I'll take this weather anyday!
I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Pat on Monday. It was a great way to begin the week. She brought me a wonderful gift of pumpkin spice cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting - plus the recipe! She's always been a good friend.
Tuesday brought Jean to my door to take me for my second set of injections into my back. They really do not hurt, and may even prevent me from having back surgery sooner than I had expected. That evening I was a bit queasy and rubber-legged, so I could not go to church to help with the pie-baking. They baked 90 pies to help with the various food pantries here in town.
The next day was Veteran's Day, so I planned on another great day with Mr. Kerry. We almost always have a glorious breakfast together. I was in the process of scrambling eggs, frying bacon, and making toast from my homemade bread with the fire alarm going off and Mr. Eddie going nuts when the phone rang. It was Kerry's sister, Joy! She was in Cleveland on business and wanted to know if it were possible to get together for dinner.
Of course! When family is close by, we make every effort to clear our schedule and see our family...
I called both Jordan and Erik to see if they would like join us, too. They both said yes, even though it would be a three-hour drive for Jordan and Melissa, with him having to get up at 4:30 am for work. They all rode together in Jordan's van and met us in Cleveland for dinner. We decided to eat at Applebee's, for all veterans could eat free. And what an honor to walk in with two of my three veteran children!
Joy and Kerry
Peggy, Joy and Kerry
Kerry, Joy, Jayden, Jordan, Justin, Erik, JJ (Melissa and I are taking pictures)
It was especially eventful for us, for we got to see Joy's new engagement ring!!! After 19 years of being single, she has met a wonderful man who adores her, and she adores him. Her face lit up each time she talked about him. We are so happy for her. Kerry and Joy and Gay (sister who died in 2000) were always especially close, being the middle children. He fondly refers to all of the times they played together.
Kerry worked at the temple Thursday night. After he left, I ran a couple of errands, returning after dark. I haven't been out after dark by myself in a long time - and I decided I just didn't like it. Who knows what is out there - especially playing pole position with the deer that are out there going wild at this time of the year.
Friday was an especially busy day at the temple for me. I'm going to call it Mother's Day, for many people were there in honor of their mothers. Without going into great detail, I will say that there were a lot of tender hearts that day.
Saturday found me running a lot of errands. It was beautiful - almost too warm for my jacket! I was on my way to a craft show (where jewelry dominated) when I saw a church rummage sale. I LOVE rummage sales! I had been to one at this church before, where they lay everything out on the pews. But this day was different. The most beautiful music met me at the doors. Inside was a young boy that looked to be about 15 years old playing the pipe organ. I was mesmerized at his music! I had to sit down and listen for a bit, and almost begged him not to stop. It truly stopped me in my tracks. I look at those things as small blessings in my life.
It was a good day at church today, but I was a bit disheartened when I came home to discover that my stove has died. I have only had one small burner working on it for awhile. Last week, the heating element in the oven caught on fire. I guess it has now bit the dust. So, I will probably be stove shopping this week.
And, when I was resting this afternoon, my leg and back began to hurt worse than ever - in spite of the injections! I yelped so loud Kerry came running up from the basement. It was some of the worst pain I have ever experienced, and it lasted nearly 20 minutes. Oh, my...
Kerry is off the whole week of Thanksgiving - yippee! We had originally planned to go to Orlando to spend just about a day and a half with Peter, but we have now decided not go to at this time.
Have a good week!
Love to y'all...
Miss P
As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday the Lord has stated through our prophet Thomas S Monson: “If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.
Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.
Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”
“Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics? “As parents and leaders exemplify and teach respect for others, we confirm in the hearts of our children that each of us is truly a child of God and all are brothers and sisters through eternity. We will focus on the things we have in common—on the qualities of heart that bind the family of God together, rather than on our differences.”
Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 11
Sunday, November 8, 2009
No Pain No Gain...
It was a busy week, and a good week.
Tuesday began with a series of injections from a Pain Management Doctor that I have been referred to. An x-ray machine is used to find the exact spot they need to go into. Someone asked me if it was painful - and it really isn't. A warm shower the next day was very soothing. He said I would notice a difference by the end of the week - and I did!
That evening was a treat for us! Kerry's brother, Chris, was in Dayton for a few days at the Air Force Base. He is a Col. and Clinical Flight Commander of the Dental Squadron. He had contacted us awhile back and wanted to know if we would be free for dinner. We met in Columbus, where Jordan and Melissa and the grandboys joined us. Erik had exams, but joined us a bit later. It was wonderful.
His wife, Kristy, had originally planned on joining us, but was in Utah for the birth of a new baby they're adopting!
Chris and Kristy and Miss Elena!
Earlier in the day, we had our jeep towed to get it fixed. When Jordan asked what was wrong, the only thing I could think of was harmonious baklava. Jordan looked at me and said, "Do you think you might mean harmonic balancer?" Probably. But, he knew what I meant.
Kerry was off on Wednesday, and we got lots of errands accomplished - one of which was his yearly doctor appointment with a neurologist. He had Parkinson-like symptoms awhile back, but it appears not to be the case. They are controlling the tremors with medication.
I picked up Eddie from the spa after shelling out a bunch of money for the harmonious baklava.
Friday was wonderful at the temple, but I was pretty tired when I got home. I slept pretty good through the night until Kerry was thrashing around in his sleep and knocked me in the nose and my right eye. I was cattywampus the rest of the day. But, we thoroughly enjoyed our Stake Conference Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Imagine my joy when I received many comments on a newspaper column I had been chosen to write! http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20091108/OPINION/911080305/Opinion-Shapers--Make-your-home-and-family-top-priorities
And now, I feel I must include my gratitude for the many veterans we will be honoring this week. I have many in my family and in Kerry's - some of which are still actively serving. This section will include lots of pictures, so here we go with a salute to them all:
Kerry's family is first...
His father, Orson (mother Shirley), who was mostly in the Pacific Ocean around a lot of Japanese ships. He prayed mightily that he would always be safe. The ship ahead of his hit a mine. He always felt his life was preserved.
Kerry's oldest brother, Bill, who was killed in a jeep accident in Germany when he was just 19 years old. Kerry was 13 years old at the time.
Kerry's brother, Steve (I don't have a picture of him in uniform). He served in the Army in Vietnam.
Kerry's brothers, Kelly (and wife, Marion) and Chris. Kelly is a Major in the Army, Chris is a Colonel in the Air Force.
Kerry's sister, Charm, was in the National Guard.
Kerry's nephews, Brendan and Paul (sons of Chris).
Kerry's uncle Jack Monihan, married to his father's sister, Olive.
Kerry's uncle Vaughn Kent Lauritzen, brother of his father, Orson.
Kerry's uncle Wilson and brother of his father, Orson.
An interesting story from our Young Women's Manual concerning Wilson:
“We were fighting in the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ near the town of Ammonius, Belgium. By that time the Germans were on the defensive. We had just succeeded in cutting off or surrounding a sector of the German line. They were surrendering in large numbers. As we were disarming the soldiers, one of them said to me in broken English: ‘Would you know if there are any Mormon soldiers in your unit?’ I replied, ‘Yes, I am a Mormon.’ He asked, ‘Do you hold the priesthood?’ ‘Yes, I do,’ I answered. ‘I was married in the temple.’ ‘Would you be so kind as to come with me to that shell hole over there and administer to my buddy? He is pretty well shaken up, and pretty badly wounded.’ Of course I consented to go. We found that his buddy was in a bad condition and was suffering much pain. Then the two of us, who a few short hours before had been on opposite sides in the bitter struggle, knelt down and administered to the wounded lad. And as we did so, I felt the spirit of the Lord very strongly. I know that that feeling was shared by them, too. As we finished, the litter-bearers were there. We lifted the broken body to the stretcher. Then our ways parted: the wounded boy was taken to the hospital; the German soldier was sent back with the other prisoners, and I went on with my other duties” (as quoted by Spencer W. Kimball, in Albert L. Zobell, Jr., Storyteller’s Scrapbook [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1948], pp. 112–13).
And now for my family:
My father, Chester, who served in Pearl Harbor, HI.
Harmony and Jordan, at Jordan graduation from Fort Benning, GA.
Erik, at his graduation from Fort Jackson, SC.
My mom's brother,Thearl Stevens, (and Bertha, his wife).
My dad's brother, Charles.
My dad's great-uncle, Edd Walker.
Edd's son, Will.
One of my grandfathers, Levi Wheeler Cline.
Dr. Thomas Walker, a shirttail relative of mine from the mid-1750's.
I hold these men and women in great esteem, for they put their lives on the line on a daily basis for the freedoms we enjoy today. As an honor to them, I have turned one of my bedrooms into a "military bedroom", and have their pictures, as well as a few more, hanging there. I would love to be able to find more pre-Civil War photos or depictions, and am constantly on the prowl for them.
Bless their good hearts.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
Tuesday began with a series of injections from a Pain Management Doctor that I have been referred to. An x-ray machine is used to find the exact spot they need to go into. Someone asked me if it was painful - and it really isn't. A warm shower the next day was very soothing. He said I would notice a difference by the end of the week - and I did!
That evening was a treat for us! Kerry's brother, Chris, was in Dayton for a few days at the Air Force Base. He is a Col. and Clinical Flight Commander of the Dental Squadron. He had contacted us awhile back and wanted to know if we would be free for dinner. We met in Columbus, where Jordan and Melissa and the grandboys joined us. Erik had exams, but joined us a bit later. It was wonderful.
His wife, Kristy, had originally planned on joining us, but was in Utah for the birth of a new baby they're adopting!
Chris and Kristy and Miss Elena!
Earlier in the day, we had our jeep towed to get it fixed. When Jordan asked what was wrong, the only thing I could think of was harmonious baklava. Jordan looked at me and said, "Do you think you might mean harmonic balancer?" Probably. But, he knew what I meant.
Kerry was off on Wednesday, and we got lots of errands accomplished - one of which was his yearly doctor appointment with a neurologist. He had Parkinson-like symptoms awhile back, but it appears not to be the case. They are controlling the tremors with medication.
I picked up Eddie from the spa after shelling out a bunch of money for the harmonious baklava.
Friday was wonderful at the temple, but I was pretty tired when I got home. I slept pretty good through the night until Kerry was thrashing around in his sleep and knocked me in the nose and my right eye. I was cattywampus the rest of the day. But, we thoroughly enjoyed our Stake Conference Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Imagine my joy when I received many comments on a newspaper column I had been chosen to write! http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20091108/OPINION/911080305/Opinion-Shapers--Make-your-home-and-family-top-priorities
And now, I feel I must include my gratitude for the many veterans we will be honoring this week. I have many in my family and in Kerry's - some of which are still actively serving. This section will include lots of pictures, so here we go with a salute to them all:
Kerry's family is first...
His father, Orson (mother Shirley), who was mostly in the Pacific Ocean around a lot of Japanese ships. He prayed mightily that he would always be safe. The ship ahead of his hit a mine. He always felt his life was preserved.
Kerry's oldest brother, Bill, who was killed in a jeep accident in Germany when he was just 19 years old. Kerry was 13 years old at the time.
Kerry's brother, Steve (I don't have a picture of him in uniform). He served in the Army in Vietnam.
Kerry's brothers, Kelly (and wife, Marion) and Chris. Kelly is a Major in the Army, Chris is a Colonel in the Air Force.
Kerry's sister, Charm, was in the National Guard.
Kerry's nephews, Brendan and Paul (sons of Chris).
Kerry's uncle Jack Monihan, married to his father's sister, Olive.
Kerry's uncle Vaughn Kent Lauritzen, brother of his father, Orson.
Kerry's uncle Wilson and brother of his father, Orson.
An interesting story from our Young Women's Manual concerning Wilson:
“We were fighting in the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ near the town of Ammonius, Belgium. By that time the Germans were on the defensive. We had just succeeded in cutting off or surrounding a sector of the German line. They were surrendering in large numbers. As we were disarming the soldiers, one of them said to me in broken English: ‘Would you know if there are any Mormon soldiers in your unit?’ I replied, ‘Yes, I am a Mormon.’ He asked, ‘Do you hold the priesthood?’ ‘Yes, I do,’ I answered. ‘I was married in the temple.’ ‘Would you be so kind as to come with me to that shell hole over there and administer to my buddy? He is pretty well shaken up, and pretty badly wounded.’ Of course I consented to go. We found that his buddy was in a bad condition and was suffering much pain. Then the two of us, who a few short hours before had been on opposite sides in the bitter struggle, knelt down and administered to the wounded lad. And as we did so, I felt the spirit of the Lord very strongly. I know that that feeling was shared by them, too. As we finished, the litter-bearers were there. We lifted the broken body to the stretcher. Then our ways parted: the wounded boy was taken to the hospital; the German soldier was sent back with the other prisoners, and I went on with my other duties” (as quoted by Spencer W. Kimball, in Albert L. Zobell, Jr., Storyteller’s Scrapbook [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1948], pp. 112–13).
And now for my family:
My father, Chester, who served in Pearl Harbor, HI.
Harmony and Jordan, at Jordan graduation from Fort Benning, GA.
Erik, at his graduation from Fort Jackson, SC.
My mom's brother,Thearl Stevens, (and Bertha, his wife).
My dad's brother, Charles.
My dad's great-uncle, Edd Walker.
Edd's son, Will.
One of my grandfathers, Levi Wheeler Cline.
Dr. Thomas Walker, a shirttail relative of mine from the mid-1750's.
I hold these men and women in great esteem, for they put their lives on the line on a daily basis for the freedoms we enjoy today. As an honor to them, I have turned one of my bedrooms into a "military bedroom", and have their pictures, as well as a few more, hanging there. I would love to be able to find more pre-Civil War photos or depictions, and am constantly on the prowl for them.
Bless their good hearts.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
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