Author Archives: Ellen

Puff Pastry Treats

Here are some very easy recipes using puff pastry that I buy from the freezer aisle at the grocery store. These puff pastries come in handy when you need a fast and easy dessert or appetizer or even a breakfast treat.

I got this first idea from the Pioneer Woman and since apples are always in abundance I decided to start with an easy apple puff pastry treat.

4 apples cored cut in half and sliced.
1 cup brown sugar
Dash of salt
Juice of half a lemon
1 sheet of puff pastry thawed
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix brown sugar, salt and lemon juice together.
Prepare apples.
Gently mix in the apple slices with the brown sugar mixture.

Place sheet of puff pastry on parchment paper lined sheet pan.
Cut the pastry sheet in half
Arrange apple slices down the center of each sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden
Sprinkle the pecans over the apples on each half sheet of apple pastry.

For an extra treat drizzle with your favorite caramel sauce that has been heated.

Tomato, Tarragon & Cheese Puff

1 sheet puff pastry
2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced.
1-1/2 cups of your favorite cheese grated (I used Gruyere)
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 cup tarragon or basil leaves, roughly chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place sheet of puff pastry on parchment lined sheet pan.
Use a fork to punch holes all across the surface.
Scatter the tomatoes over the pastry.
Salt and pepper the tomatoes.
Top with your cheese choice.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake until pastry is golden brown, approx. 20 minutes or longer.
Let stand 5 minutes and then top with the roughly chopped tarragon or basil.
Slice and serve immediately.

This could be a meal for two or an appetizer selection for a small group.

This weekend is a full one and I’ll be away from my computer for a good spell of time. I’ll catch up with y’all next week!

9/11 Spirit of America

We are heartbroken that Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a college campus in Utah yesterday. Such a fine young man who loved free speech and loved his God, family and country. So senseless and evil. May God comfort and hold his wife, children and family.  Praying this senseless act causes change in the political rhetoric of hate. I don’t know what else to say.

 

“All death can do to a believer is deliver him to Jesus.” ~ John MacArthur

Today is 9/11 and one of the most moving memorials we’ve seen was in Cashmere, Washington and I wanted to share it again on this anniversary.

God Bless America, Land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam. God bless America, My home, sweet home.

This to date has been the most elaborate memorial we have seen in remembrance of all the lives lost on that tragic day in 2001, a day we all remember as 9/11. The Official County of Chelan Memorial of 9/11 called 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial and The Cashmere Veterans War Memorial are both on this site.

–

“We Must Never Forget”

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Hodgepodge

Our current views are smoke filled and our air is very unhealthy. When I was at the library yesterday they were handing out smoke rated masks.

Continuing with Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce From This Side of the Pond this historic week for our family and nation. 

1. What gives you energy?

Planning for a trip or an event gives me energy.

What takes it away?

Confrontation

2. How often do you shop for clothes?

Not often. If I’m going to shop for clothes it would be for a wedding or another special event.

What accessory do you always wear? 

My wedding ring and my watch.

3. What’s something free that you feel grateful for? 

The air we breathe. This is what came to mind because of the smoke filled skies and ash in the air. My throat is scratchy and my eyes are sore. Looking forward to our fires being put out and our skies clearing.

There are 5 fires burning in our area, maybe more. The two largest in our tri-county part of the state are within 15 miles from us. Agencies from across the state are camping in our little town as they help with the fires. I’ll have to get a photo of the camp sites to share.

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner…which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What’s your go-to comfort food? 

Any one of them is enjoyed when the food is tasty and good. I find soup to be very comforting. Russian foods that our mom made are high on the list for comfort, pirishky, lopsha, apricot filled pastry, Vareniki, Roolyet, blintzes.

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way?

A day we’ll never forget.

This was taken in 2001. In reaction to sitting and watching all the horror unfold on our television, the attacks on our country, I found the flag that was presented to Greg’s mom at his father, Rex’s, funeral. I slipped it out our daughter’s window on the street side of our home in support of our country.

On the 20 year anniversary we put out all the flags!

There is a 9/11 ride here in our town every year and when we can we go out and wave our flags somewhere along the route.

How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges?

In our travels in Oxford and in Scotland and interest in reading books about the reformation and reformers and all the history surrounding those who stood for truth and were martyred for their faith makes my personal challenges seem trivial in comparison.

Having a son-in-law who was deployed twice to Afghanistan and friends and a brother-in-law who served in Viet Nam and knowing all the challenges that they faced during and after their military service also gives me a different perspective on my aches and pains.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

In 2026 we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our Country and the 25th Anniversary of 2011. We’ll have to pull out all the stops with all of our red, white, and blue!

Happy Birthday, Dear!

Someone is another year older today.

While we were on the other side of the Cascades our Westside kids treated their Pops to an early birthday dinner out at the Keg in Lynnwood. We all enjoyed our food and time together.

On our way out we found another guest to take our photo. And…thanks to Laura for this next one!

Time will tell how we will celebrate today.

This post keeps expanding.

And just like that an interesting way of celebrating became necessary. Jamie shared this photo of Greg arriving on their property to deliver 200 gallons of water for their cistern and to help with encouragement to Dan in determining why their well is not pumping water.

For those of you who pray, we would appreciate prayers for a solution that yields water! Thank you!

I’m grateful to God for all these years we’ve had together. You are a faithful husband and father and grandfather. You were a faithful son, too.

I love you, I love you, I love you, then, now and forever. Happy Birthday! God bless you and keep you.

 

Cedar + Elm at The Lodge

Before I move on to today’s post I wanted to let you know that our home is safe and evacuation levels have stabilized but the fire is still burning.

On Friday September 5th Laura and Katie treated me to tea at Cedar + Elm at The Lodge at St. Edward Park.  

There was live music and the artist had a beautiful mellow voice which made for a pleasant background of music.

When we were done with our leisurely tea we walked about the Lodge.

Lady of the Lake of Arthurian legend.

Thank you to Laura and Katie for the nice treat and lovely afternoon together. Thank you, too, to Josh and Laura for always being so hospitable to us.

We spent last Thursday on the road to travel to Bothell then spent the next three full days on the Westside. We met up with friends on Thursday and Saturday.  On Saturday morning we attended a conference with Paul Tripp on Suffering. It was such a well spent 2-1/2 hours! On Sunday evening our westside kids treated us to dinner to celebrate Greg’s birthday a couple days early. More about those events at a later date.

It has been a relief to be out of the smoke filled air in Colville for these few days. We are on the road back to Colville today and hope the air quality improves each day to come.

Christus Victor (Amen) ~ Hymn

Christus Victor (Amen)
O Most High, King of the agesGreat I AM, God of wondersBy the blood You have redeemed usLed us through mighty watersOur strength, our song, our sure salvation
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujahAmen
~
O Most High, dwelling among usSon of Man sent for sinnersBy Your blood You have redeemed usSpotless Lamb, mighty SaviorWho lived, who died, who rose victorious
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujah
~
With every tribe and every tongueWe join the anthem of the angelsIn the triumph of the SonHallelujahAmen
~
O Most High, King of the nationsRobed in praise, crowned with splendorOn that day who will not tremble?When You stand, Christ the VictorWho was, and is, and is forever
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujah
~
With every tribe and every tongueWe join the anthem of the angelsIn the triumph of the SonHallelujahAmen
~
Amen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amen
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujah
~
With every tribe and every tongueWe join the anthem of the angelsIn the triumph of the SonHallelujahAmenSing the victory of the LambHallelujah
~Amen
~
Amen
~
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bryan Fowler / Keith Getty / Kristyn Lennox Getty / Matt Boswell Pub Designee Designee / Matt Papa
Christus Victor (Amen) lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing

Crown Creek Fire

Update on the Crown Creek Fire north of us.

This is a map of the Crown Creek Fire that is 0% contained in our area. Green means be ready, yellow means get set, red means GO!

Our home’s approximate location is the blue dot. We are not in eminent danger at this time.

For those of you who pray, please do add our firefighters and community to your prayer list. The work is exhausting, the air is unhealthy and the anxiety is high. Families from our church have been evacuated. Thank you for your prayers!

This isn’t the only fire burning in our state. The Katy Fire is another active fire across the Columbia river from us, in our neighboring county. The evacuation map for that fire has gotten larger this week, too.

I’m adding this map above to give you perspective of where Colville is located in the state of Washington. Canada is above the state. We are in the Northeast corner of the state.

Thank you friends for your prayers and concern. Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

From Spurgeon on Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:2
I will be with you.
Fear not I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God, I will still give you aid:
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow will not overflow,
for I will be with you, your trials to bless,
And sanctify to you your deepest distress.
When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be your supply
The flames shall not hurt you, I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

Banana Blueberry Bread

We had a blueberry bush on our property in Kenmore and while we lived there I decided to combine some of the fresh berries with banana to make this loaf.

Ingredients:

  • 2-1/2 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup soft butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 medium ripe bananas, cut up
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup fresh blueberries

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In medium bowl, sift together the flour baking powder and salt, set aside.
  3. Using a blender chop the walnuts and add them to the flour mixture.
  4. Put the sugar, butter, egg, bananas and milk in the same blender container that you chopped the walnuts in.
  5. Blend on medium for 15 seconds or so stopping the motor to push the bananas down if needed.
  6. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix for a few strokes then fold in the blueberries and mix carefully till well moistened.
  7. Pour batter into greased loaf pan, 9x5x3.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
  9. Cool on rack.
  10. Serve warm with butter or cream cheese.

Yield: 1 loaf

Truth for Today #160

Thursday September 4th

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! 

Note: This is a travel day for me so I’ll be late in adding your verses.

Revelation 2:1-5

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my names’ sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

From Dianna:

“Retain in the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14 NASB

From Jan C:

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him, God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see-such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:15-16 NLT

From Vera:

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭143‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV

 

Old and New History Hodgepodge

This photo was taken in Persia in the late 1940’s, after our mom and pop immigrated to the USA. My maternal grandparents are seated on the right lower side of the photo. Our cousin Alex is standing between them.

The photo above is of the paternal side of our family from the 1950’s. In the middle is our Babushka and Dzedushka. Our cousin Johnny is on our Babushka’s lap. I’m seated below our Dzedushka , just to the right.

Our Paternal and Maternal sides of the family are Russian.

It’s Wednesday and time for Hodgepodge. Thank you, Joyce!

1. Next Sunday is Grandparent’s Day. Share a favorite memory, photo, recipe, or something you learned from a grandparent. 

Our maternal grandmother was widowed young while she and our grandfather were living in Persia so our maternal grandfather never made it to the USA. He died shortly after our mom and pop immigrated and that was very hard for our mom being so far away and getting the news that her father was killed. Our little Babushka lost her left hand and arm up to her elbow when she was a child. She only had one hand but her embroidering skills were amazing. She was very patient in trying to teach me that skill but it wasn’t something I could excel at. She was a praying grandmother and she prayed for all her grandchildren. One thing she would tell us young people, “Don’t got out when it’s dark, nothing good happens in the dark.”

The collage shows one of her wedding gifts to Greg and me. It is an embroidered table cloth and 8 napkins. I cherish this gift from her hand.

I had a closer relationship with my maternal grandmother.

2. What’s a quote from a book (besides The Bible) that has stayed with you? 

‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to’ – Bilbo

by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is spoken by Bilbo Baggins in The Fellowship of the Ring. 

Truth be told, the quote I use more often is, “It comes in Pints?” (from the film)

3. What’s your number one food pet peeve? 

I’m not a fan of someone chewing with their mouth open.

4. What’s one thing about you that is still the same as it was when you were young? 

I’m still in the habit of smiling not to mention my hairdo!

5. September is National Preparedness Month…does your family have an emergency plan? Do you have some sort of preparedness kit you keep on hand? If so, tell us one thing that’s kept there. 

Our sons are prepared but we aren’t. My emergency plan is to get to one of our son’s homes in case of a major emergency. We do have our important papers, etc. in a quick grab container.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

On Sunday our own Seattle Sounders made history by winning the Leagues Cup Final against Inter-Miami. Josh and Laura were there to be part of the history.

We live too far from Lumen Field to participate in these games anymore so I love to live vicariously through Josh and Laura and their love of the game of soccer!

The Seattle Sounders’ quest to their first-ever Leagues Cup trophy is complete.

With Sunday night’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami, the Sounders were crowned champions of the tournament, becoming the only team in MLS to capture every major North American soccer trophy to date.

The game was not televised on any English speaking channel that we get on Dish so I had to watch it on a Mexican station. I was happy to be able to see it in real time and thankful for the Mexican station! I just set the volume low. 🙂

Lumen Field delivered an electric atmosphere, with a record crowd of 69,314  – surpassing the old mark of 69,274. And, in a rare sight, most of that support was for the home side rather than the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Seattle fed off it from the start.

The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956 to honour the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.

Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times and he was playing on the Miami team.