Author Archives: Ellen

Singing Apples and Leaves Hodgepodge

Wednesday Hodgepodge has rolled around again, thank you, Joyce!

1. ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ How does this saying ring true in your own family, either the one you grew up in or the one you made? 

In the family I grew up in, singing was something my parents enjoyed and that has been passed down to me and most of my siblings. Singing at church and singing when we had company over was a regular thing. Singing in choirs, singing in quartets, trios, duets, singing in Russian and in English, singing for recordings, and for me, singing in a Christian ‘rock’ band. Greg and I met because of that group.

The Russian Sacred Singers of Los Angeles are a group of California young people of Russian background. They sing in English and Russian under the inspiring leadership of director Leonard Wozniuk. The unique bi-lingual choir responded to our challenge to record their selections for radio use. Today, their joyful singing is heard world-wide over several short-wave radio stations and over local broadcasts in North and South America.

I’m on the bottom right, my sister, my cousins, and best friend complete the row.  Second row on the left are two more cousins. The director is my brother-in-law. The Russian Choir and the Rock band were active in the 70’s!

Greg and I are on the right end of this photo. The photo was from somewhere in England, possibly Liverpool.

2. Something you’re nuts about these days?

Time spent with family.

How about something that’s driving you nuts? 

Stink bugs are in abundance this year! This is a male stink bug. The females are rounder in the body.

Stink bugs, especially brown marmorated stink bugs or BMSB, are notorious for invading homes when the weather starts to cool. And while they aren’t interested in stealing your food or sucking your blood, their offensive odor is just as annoying to homeowners.

3. What does abundance mean to you? 

These words from Jesus from the Amplified Bible:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Jesus is my abundance and I thank God for his plan of salvation through Jesus and for the Holy Spirit who helps me have faith and belief in the triune God.

4. Caramel apple-caramel cake-caramel corn-caramel sundae-caramel macchiatto…what’s your caramel treat of choice? 

5. What’s a childhood memory that always comes to mind as the leaves start to fall? 

Growing up in southern California did not afford me many memories of fall, at all. We moved to Washington state in 1988 and that is when I became more familiar with fall color and having to rake leaves! Our children were young enough that they are now the ones with childhood memories of leaves!

6. Insert. your own random thought here. 

Our Grands are growing up with four seasons and lots of leaves! These photos were from a few years back while helping their Granny blow the leaves into a pile for the city to pick up.

‘

I’ll (leaf) leave you here. 🙂

Marcus Cider Fest 2025

Every October the little town of Marcus hosts a Cider Fest that is well attended. It starts with a parade on Saturday. This year the weather was so nice it seemed the attendees and cars in the parade doubled!

We spotted Dan, Jamie and our Grands arriving in Jamie’s 1964 T-bird. Jamie’s Granny bought the car for Jamie’s Grandfather. Jamie inherited the car.

All the usual suspects were lined up to enjoy the parade, Granny Great, Granny, Dan, Jamie, Gramps, Addy and JJ. Addy and JJ were ready to gather all the candy that the parade participants threw to the kids along the parade route.

The highway is shut down for the duration of the parade.

There was a clown this year.

Royalty came from nearby communities.

Batman was unexpected.

Our state representative and his family participated, too.

The sheriff was the caboose for the parade keeping the regular traffic at bay for the duration.

I took this photo of our kids/grands in front of the t-bird. I asked Auntie Lolo if she could clean up the photo and the photo below is the result.

Isn’t that cool? Are you able to do that with your photos?

Me and my Grands!

This year one of the choices at the food stalls was smoked turkey legs. We decided on this treat.

I snapped this shot on the way home and you can see part of the area across the Columbia that was burned.

We enjoyed our caramel apple when we got home from the Fest, delicious. We also brought home a half gallon of fresh apple cider.

Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands ~ Hymn

Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands

Amidst us our Be­lov­èd stands,
And bids us view His pierc­èd hands;
Points to the wound­ed feet and side,
Blest em­blems of the Cru­ci­fied.

What food lu­xu­ri­ous loads the board,
When at His ta­ble sits the Lord!
The wine how rich, the bread how sweet,
When Je­sus deigns the guests to meet!

If now, with eyes de­filed and dim,
We see the signs, but see not Him;
O may His love the scales dis­place,
And bid us see Him face to face!

Our for­mer trans­ports we re­count,
When with Him in the ho­ly mount,
These cause our souls to thirst anew,
His marred but love­ly face to view.

Thou glo­ri­ous Bride­groom of our hearts,
Thy pre­sent smile a heav’n im­parts!
Oh lift the veil, if veil there be,
Let ev­ery saint Thy beau­ties see!

Words: Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.

Time for Fall Decor

On Friday I pulled out a few Fall accents.

Enjoying a change to some Fall colors.

I’m still on the lookout for something for the porch besides my ‘Happy Fall Y’all’ sign.

I came across this next photo that makes this Baba smile. Probably taken in 2019.

 

There are so many things to be thankful for in this season and in all the seasons.

How is Fall/Autumn shaping up in your corner of the world or if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, how is Spring shaping up?

Late Color

A couple years ago we had a hanging plant with a variety of petunias and all of a sudden this year these popped up on the ground under the spot where the plant was hanging. Fun.

Some real late comers popped up this past week, too, on plants we thought were done producing blooms.

We’ve had crisp Fall weather in the morning and summer temps in the afternoon.

Looks like we’ll have nice weather for the Cider Festival tomorrow.

Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Truth for Today #163

Thursday October 2nd

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

Matthew 13:24-30

 “He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.  So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’  He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’  But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

From Dianna:

“The fear of man brings a snare: but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.”

Proverbs 29:25 NASB

From Vera:

“The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From Karen:

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

From Maristella:

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.

John 20:29

Hello October Hodgepodge

Speaking of Southern Charm and September…

The Rhett House Inn, Beaufort S.C.

Hello October Hodgepodge. Thank you, Joyce!

1. What’s your favorite fall scent?

Vanilla with just a hint of cinnamon.

Would we find this in or around your home right now? 

No

2. October is Country Music Month…are you a fan of country music? Do you have a favorite country artist? Ever been to Nashville?

I enjoy country music but I do not have a favorite artist and I’ve never been to Nashville.

In terms of lifestyle are you more country mouse or city mouse? 

I was raised and lived the city mouse lifestyle for 67 out of my 74 years but I’m adjusting to the country mouse lifestyle. We moved to the country in 2018 and we are enjoying the country life. I have bonded with Wal-Mart. 🙂

3. How about ‘country cooking’? (loosely defined as rich flavors, familiar foods, large portions, often fried, and often associated with the southern region of the US of A)? 

Fried Green Tomatoes were delicious at a restaurant called Wren in South Carolina. Katie and I were in South Carolina in 2010 staying in Beaufort to attend Andrew’s graduation from Marine Boot Camp at Parris Island.

chicken and dumplings-fried chicken-shrimp and grits-biscuits and gravy-mac and cheese-fried green tomatoes-cornbread-collard or turnip greens-deviled eggs-‘barbecue’-gumbo-banana pudding 

Which of the foods listed is your favorite? 

I would say that barbecue, deviled eggs, cornbread, biscuits and gravy are favorites.

Any on the list you haven’t tried or would say a firm no thank you to if offered? 

I would be fine with eating any of the items on the list once in a while.

4. What’s something that always has a positive impact on your mood? 

Good Christian Worship Music and Hymns. Music speaks to my heart.

“May I be singing when the evening comes.”

5. As we say so long to September share a noun, a verb, and an adjective that tells us something about how that month looked for you.

September had some fun travel and joyful events but the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk hit me hard. His Memorial service reaffirmed my great hope in God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

noun: assassination ~~verb: travel ~~adjective: horrific

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

September of 2010 was a memorable one in our family.

The photo above is from the Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort, S.C.

This wonderful old church and graveyard were around the corner from our lodgings in Beaufort. (Photo at the top of this post) I took several photos here of the grounds and of the fresh in love couple!

Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands. It’s known for its antebellum mansions, especially in the downtown historic district.

Being at Parris Island and experiencing all the ceremonies involved with Andrew officially becoming a Marine were amazing and unforgettable.

Katie and I stayed in Beaufort while we attended Andrew’s graduation from Parris Island Marine Bootcamp in September of 2010. Later that month on September 29, 2010, Katie said yes to Andrew’s proposal of marriage. The photo below was taken on that evening.

We are looking forward to some special times in October starting this Saturday with Marcus Cider Fest! It was fun to turn the calendar page this morning.

Caramel Pecan Cookies

Caramel Pecan Cookies
These might seem a little involved to make, but they are worth it.

Basic Butter Cookies for Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
    Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer (preferably fitted with paddle attachment) or 6 minutes with a hand held mixer. 
  2. Beat in egg and vanilla. 
  3. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
  4. Grease a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan, then line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both ends, and grease foil.
  5. Press dough evenly onto bottom of baking pan, using plastic wrap on top to prevent dough from sticking to your fingers. 
  6. Chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
    While crust chills, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
    Bake crust until golden brown, about 30 minutes. 
  7. Cool in pan on a rack 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)

Caramel pecan topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into bits
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecans (1/2 pound), toasted, cooled, and coarsely chopped

To make topping while crust cools:

  1. Cook sugar in a 2 1/2 to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, undisturbed, until it begins to melt.
  2. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally with a fork, until sugar is melted to a deep golden caramel. Tilt pan and carefully pour in cream (caramel will harden and steam vigorously).
  3. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until caramel is dissolved.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, salt, and pecans.
  5. Immediately spread topping over cooled crust and bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes.
  6. Cool completely in pan on rack, about 2 hours.
  8. Run a heavy knife under hot water, then wipe dry and cut confection into 2-inch triangles, diamonds, or squares.
  9. Caramel pecan cookies keep, layered between sheets of waxed paper or parchment, in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week.

Sunday Drive

After church and lunch out we decided to take a drive north from our home towards where the fires had been burning.

We only stayed on the main roads and we did not drive onto smaller roads up into the fire areas. We could see some of the trees that were scorched. It was a nice drive and we were encouraged that it wasn’t smoky.

Meanwhile in the state of Texas!

Josh had business in Dallas and extended his time there to spend time with his uncles, aunts, cousins, and childhood friend. Laura flew in after Joshua’s conference was over to join him for the ‘family’ time. An early round of golf happened on Saturday with his uncles and cousin.

Later on Saturday my sister, Lana and her hubby Steve, arranged for this get together, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends!

Laura with cousin, Hope (who is in her senior year of high school!). Josh with Nikki, my best friend’s daughter who lives in Texas now with her family. My brother and sister, the twins, who both live in the Dallas area. Nikki and her brother grew up with our kids in southern California. Nikki’s mom, me, Lana and Leonard were all part of the Russian Baptist church in L.A. growing up and into our college years.

Before Josh and Laura flew home on Sunday Steve and Lana treated them to a trip to the Dallas Arboretum.

It’s Fall y’all!

Thank you to Josh and Laura for sharing their time in Dallas with us through their photos! Thank you, to my sister and hubby, who opened up their home to them!

Hope y’all had a good Fall weekend, too.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds ~ Hymn

country scenes 024

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.

Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!

By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled;
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am owned a child.

Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
O Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath,
And may the music of Thy Name
Refresh my soul in death!

Words: John Newton, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779).