Before September slips away…
“The breezes taste
Of apple peel.
The air is full
Of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well-honeyed hum,
And Mother cuts
Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze.”
– John Updike, September
So here we are at the end of Fall and it’s time for true confessions. I did read some of the books on my list.
Holy Bible ~ year long ~ I’m moving along in my yearly reading. I’m in Ephesians right now and I’m being blown away!
Hood ~ Stephen Lawhead ~ This is going on my Spring List
The Documents in the Case ~ Dorothy Sayers ~ Fabulous! I highly recommend it.
The Dean’s Watch~ Elizabeth Goudge ~ I thoroughly enjoyed this and Goudge is on my new favorite author list! Here’s something I wrote about it when I finished it.
“I just finished the last page of this book and I’m so sad that the story has come to an end. Elizabeth Goudge is fast becoming my new favorite author. She has a great descriptive style. The same appreciation I have for George MacDonald and how he weaves a true loving relationship with God contrasted against a cold religious relationship is growing as deep for Goudge’s fiction. I love MacDonald’s Scottish Countryside settings and I love Goudge’s English countryside settings”
Faithfulness and Holiness ~ J. I. Packer ~ Meaty and I will be reading this one again.
Peace Like a River~ Leif Enger ~ This is going on my Winter list…
Taste and See ~ John Piper ~ I’ve just started this…
The Tale of Beatrix Potter ~ Margaret Lane ~ As usual the real story is different from what you saw in the movie. I’m looking forward to going back to Lake Country in England to check out some of the inspirations for her stories.
Pierced by the Word ~ John Piper ~ I really have a huge appreciation for Piper but this one isn’t one of my favorites…
Books added along the way…
The Scent of Water~ Elizabeth Goudge ~ I’ll be trying to get my hands on more of Goudge’s books. I am thoroughly enthralled by her writing…
What I learned this time around is that there are authors out there that I still need to discover. I’m so happy that the bloggy world has introduced me to some of my new favorites.
Thank you so much Katrina for hosting this great challenge! To see more wrap ups head over to Callipidder Days on Friday.
I’m joining BooMama and others in the bloggy world for Soup-Tacular. If you’d like to see more soup recipes click here and enjoy the carnival…
I found this wonderful recipe in the Better Home and Gardens Hometown Cooking February 2000 edition. I tweaked a couple things.
Mexican Corn Soup (prep: 15 min. Cooking: 10 min.)
1 – 16 ounce pkg. frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 – Cup chicken broth (I used the whole can of chicken broth and just 1 cup of milk instead of two so I wouldn’t have a half a can of broth left.
2 – Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 – 4-1/2 ounce can diced green chili peppers
1 – clove garlic, minced
1 – Tablespoon snipped fresh oregano or l tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1/4 – tsp. salt
1/4 – tsp. ground black pepper
2 – cups milk (I used one cup see chicken broth above)
1 – cup chopped, cooked chicken
1 – cup chopped tomatoes (I used a can of diced tomatoes w/jalapeno, med/hot)
1 – cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (4 oz.)
cilantro as garnish if you like it
[The soup is great with the full can of broth and tomatoes. I do not like half cans left over. ]
In a blender container combine half of the corn and the chicken broth. Cover; blend until nearly smooth.
In a large saucepan, combine corn puree, remaining corn, butter, chili peppers, garlic, dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in milk, chicken, tomatoes, and fresh oregano (if using); heat through. remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired (this is where I substitute cilantro instead)
Enjoy
If you’d like my mother’s recipe for a great pot of Russian Borsch click here.
Today is our 33rd Wedding Anniversary!
December – When December’s snows fall fast, marry and your love will last.
Here are 33 things about Dear and Myself since we’ve been married…
1. Dear was 21 and I was 23 when we got married.
2. My engagement ring was an opal ring. We had matching wedding bands. When I was pregnant with our third (Katie) Dear bought me my first diamond ring.
3. We honeymooned up the coast of California .
4. Our first home was a 1 bedroom apartment in West Los Angeles.
5. We bought our first house in Huntington Beach in 1975 for $45,000. We lived in Huntington Beach until 1984.
6. In 1977 we took a road-trip to visit extended family and to see some sights. We first stopped in Denver to see Dear’s mothers side of the family. Then we went to Peoria, Illinois to meet Dear’s fathers side of the family. We headed north to the Detroit area. We took a ferry to Canada and headed to Toronto where we found my china from England and added to my set so we would have 12 place settings. Then we headed to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Fun carefree times in a little yellow 1976 Honda Civic.
7. We have three children. Josh was born on Friday, January 19, 1979. Dan was born on Friday, January 16, 1981. Katie was born on Friday, December 27, 1985. (Katie came early she was due in January also!) “Friday’s child is loving and giving”
8. Dear’s professions while we’ve been married were, a Painting Contractor, a Conveyorman at Cal-Mat, A Loader/Operator at Cal-Mat, A hospital Pharmacist, Professional Services at a Biotech company, Medical Information at a Biotech Company.
9. My professions since we’ve been married were, a File Clerk, an Elementary School Teacher, a SAHM, a Playground Teacher, House Cleaning business, Substitute Teacher, SAHM, and now I’m a SAH wife…
10. Churches we attended the last 33 years earliest to present: Grace Community Church in Panorama City, Huntington Beach Evangelical Free Church, Bible Fellowship Church in Ventura, Sunrise Christian Fellowship in Seattle, and Evangelical Free Church Conejo Valley.
11. We took our first 2 camping trips with our boys and some of their cousins before Katie was born. We camped at Refugio State Beach, north of Santa Barbara. Fun times in a tent in 1983 and 1984!
12. While living in Ventura we met our good buddies the Spiros who are like family to us. Dr. Spiro delivered our daughter Katie in Ventura while he was doing his residency. Their 3 daughters and our 3 kids got along well and are still great friends. After the residency they moved to Washington where Dave joined a family practice. When we moved to Washington for Pharmacy school they adopted us into their family since we were so far from ours. We share many holidays together.
13. Dear’s Father Rex died in 1985 a couple months before our daughter Katie was born.
14. In 1986 we went on a bicycle touring trip in the Wine Country with our friends Dave and Jody and we met our dear friends Bob and Jan for the first time on this trip. (Geyserville to Mendocino, down the coast to Gualala and inland to Monte Rio then back to Geiserville) Oh the tales we can tell. We did not have a support vehicle.
15. We moved to the state of Washington in 1988 so that Dear could attend the University of Washington and then apply to Pharmacy School there.
16. While Dear attended the University of Washington the Husky football team had some glory years and we were able to get student season tickets along with tickets to a Rose Bowl game where the Huskies beat Michigan in 1992.
17. While in Washington Dear’s mother Verna lived with us for 9 years.
18. Our first home in Washington was a 4600 square foot home where we finished a 650 square foot self contained apartment in the daylight basement for Dear’s mother.
19. After moving to Washington in 1988 we made several road trips to California. I was tempted to write a book about driving I-5 from border to border.
20. I started a home cleaning business while Dear was in school full-time. I’ve cleaned a lot of toilets!
21. In 1994 we took the family to Los Angeles and San Jose to experience the World Cup. This was a wonderful experience especially for Josh and Dan (and ELLEN, too)
22. In 1996 we gave our home back to the bank when a serious landslide came right to our foundation and threatened the stability of the home. The costs for shoring up and saving the home ended up being more than we could ever afford. We lost all of our California equity and started over by first renting homes till we were able to purchase a home again. Moving yearly with all of our stuff and all of my MIL’s stuff was quite the challenge.
23. Dear’s Mother Verna died in 1997.
24. One of our memorable family trips was to Hawaii in 1997 after Josh graduated from high school.
25. We rented 3 different homes in 3 years after giving our house back to the bank. We bought our 3rd rental house when they tried to sell it out from under us after only being in the house for a month. We couldn’t face the trauma of moving all our stuff again in such a short time. We didn’t think a bank would give us a loan after we had given a house back to the bank. God intervened for us and the bank did not fault us in their records for defaulting on our loan.
26. Our son Josh was married to Laura on August 25, 2001. We had some wonderful days celebrating with family and friends.
27. Dear and I have had some great trips since our kids have become adults. Our favorites are our trips to London in 2003, Great Britain with our daughter in 2004 and a Walking tour of Great Britain with our best friends in 2006.
28. We took a few trips to Chicago area before and during our daughter Katie’s 3 semesters at Wheaton College.
29. Cars we’ve owned while married: ’71 Datsun, ’70 Volkswagon, ’75 Courier Pick up, ’76 Honda, Buick Station Wagon, ’81 Honda, ’84 Nissan Pick-up, ’86 Toyota van, ’92 Toyota Corolla Wagon, ’74 GMC pick-up, ’99 Camry, ’73 Chevy Pick-up. ’07 Camry.
30. I’m the sports fan in the family and Dear is gracious to put up with me since he is not a big fan of watching sports.
31. Dear is the handiest guy to have around. He has always tackled any hard job around the house and completed it well. He’s an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, a mechanic, a painter. He’s helped other people out with their projects, too.
32. Dear is a learner and is blessed with lots of knowledge. He is a very wise man and he’s a great teacher.
33. We made a pact when we got married that whoever decided to make the stupid choice to leave, the other of us would shoot them in the back with our 357 Magnum as they walked out the door! We always said to each other and to others that death would be easier to deal with than divorce. Harsh, yes, but after 33 years neither of us has ever thought about walking away from this marriage.
Whew! That wasn’t easy. Thank you Lord for 33 years of mercy and grace in our marriage. And thank you for so many blessings we have received all from your hand. We are especially thankful for a family that loves you and loves us and for dear friends who do the same.
Photobucket has blacked out all my photos I was storing on their site and they are holding them hostage. I am working on updating my more than 4000 posts.
Here’s what’s happening at my house…
Landscape in Snow
Snowflakes are drifting from heaven
That frost the landscape today;
Myriad scenes of real enchantment
Border long stretches of highway.
Cozy house are wood blocked in white
While woodsmoke ascends like prayer;
The rugged hills wear lacy shawls
As if in an etching rare.
Old red barns are now magical,
Tall, bare oaks stand in filigree;
Pines and hemlocks wearing fine lace
Are, oh, so beautiful to see.
Cold streams are shining ribbons
Beneath a pewter-gray sky,
And the countryside is inspiring
Now that Christmas snowflakes fly!
(Earle J. Grant)
Oh boy does my apple tree need pruning!
We’re all snug and warm inside by the fire enjoying the snow as the flakes pile higher!
Blessings…
Photobucket has blacked out all my photos I was storing on their site and they are holding them hostage. I am working on updating my more than 4000 posts.
Some images from our Thanksgiving Day in Washington…
Laura, Katie and Dear
Our son Josh and Laura
Our lovely daughter in law Laura
My sister Lana G. (who took some great photos of our day here) and Steve
Our daughter Katie
Jamie, Ben, and Katie
Our son Dan
The lovely Bridget
Finn who belongs to Bridget and Beau
Dear carving the turkey!
Our beautiful Thanksgiving setting overlooking the Puget Sound in Washington. 2nd row Jeremy L., The Mighty Finn, Josh and Beau (Finn’s daddy)
As of June 2017 Photobucket has blacked out all my photos that I had stored there and are holding them hostage. Hopefully I can update my photos on all the posts they have ruined, over 4000 of them.
Over the River and
Through the Woods
Over the river and thru the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh,
Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!
Over the river and thru the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.
Over the river and thru the wood,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bell ring,
“Ting-a-ling-ling!”
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!
Over the river and thru the wood,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.
To all my blogging friends in the U.S.A. a very Happy Thanksgiving Day to you. For those of you outside the U.S. blessings on the rest of your week! We are headed over the freeways and through the streeted woods to our dear friends for a large gathering of family, food, fun, and fellowship. We’ll be rolling home stuffed to the gills later this evening.
Soon I’ll feel the cold
Hear my potbelly stove come on
Sleep in a Kingsize bed
Climb stairs everyday
Run from my garage to the house in the rain
Drive a stick shift
Stock up at Fred Meyer
See my children face to face
Happy Happy
Joy Joy
Happy Birthday to Jamie S. and to Christina B.!
GIVE THANKS
WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS
TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS
FOR HE’S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON (X2)
AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY
I AM STRONG
LET THE POOR SAY
I AM RICH
BECAUSE OF WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE
FOR US
(X2)
GIVE THANKS…
I thought this was perfect for the Sunday hymn/worship song post this week. My sister Kathy was singing it with her grandson Jack (who knew all the words) and I remember singing this simple wonderful song. Have a wonderful Sunday worshipping together.
Thanksgiving
The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway~
Thanksgiving comes again!
~Old Rhyme
I’m so looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. Dear and I will be traveling to Seattle a week from today to celebrate there with our children and close friends. I’m really thankful for this. Blessings on all your plans.
For Thanksgiving posts with recipes, plans, poems etc. head over to There’s No Place Like Home this week.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 