Well here is is fall and I haven't written since the end of July. That just shows what a busy summer we had. In August we went to VanZandt to get in on the Northwest Washington Fall Fair and to see the kids (William and Kathryn) show their pigs. The Gaither Vocal Band was also one of the shows at the fair and we saw them. They were great... the bleachers were packed. It was nice to see a full house audience for their performance but having an engineer husband sitting next to me who kept muttering under his breath that he didn't think the stands were safe kind of distracted me!
We enjoyed our stay at 'the farm'.. John and Bruce kept busy doing some remodeling in the 'new barn' and Joann and I kept busy dealing with apples! They have a very prolific apple orchard and she seems compelled to use up every apple that grows... well not quite but almost! We made 20 apple pies which will be nice on cold winter days. I think she is still dealing with apples.. apple sauce, dehydrated apples, and more apple pies!
And of course the big buzz around there is the upcoming wedding of Victoria and Zach! I got in on weddin dress shopping and wedding planning... Joann is a great planner and I think within days of even a hint of wedding she had it all organized - at least in her mind.
The Victoria Zach love story is quite amazing and you will have to read Joann's blog to get the full story. A match arranged by Mom and God!
We are busy around our house these days. Janice and Barry are replacing the flooring in the kitchen and family room with tile. They are great DIY people and had it all figured out.. however, they did not realize that putting a base of MDF board is not the way to go for tile. So, after the MDF board was all nailed down - and well nailed I must say - we are now in the process of pulling it up! Hundreds and hundreds of nails to be pulled and that layer removed. In case you need to know this you lay tiles directly on the plywood floor! So, this little project is taking longer than they anticipated but they are taking it all in good humour ... renovations always come up with surprises!
Amazing how much stuff you can put in your living room if needed!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Whew... busy summer
I have not been blogging for weeks... we have just been so busy partying around here. Well, first daughter Lynda came from London, England so we had to have a Welcome Lynda party. Then there were a couple of birthdays in June (Jim and Jennifer) . Walt and Rochelle arrived for a five day stay.. there must have been a party while they were here! After they left Joann and Bruce and four of seven arrived for a week! Oh, yes.. another birthday party.. Anastasia turned eight! Then Janine and Dave moved into their new house and had a birthday party (Dave) house warming party. Another housewarming for Justine and Paul, a girl's night party that we let the men in on, Stephanie's birthday and finally a farewell picnic in the park to say goodbye to Lynda!
Whew.... that's a lot of eating!
We had a great summer .... and August is yet to come! The weather has been exceptional for Prince George! Hot, sunny days ... day after day. I love it.
We have not just been partying... Lynda was here to help her biological mother get settled in an assisted living place. Janice and I spent a fair amount of time running her in and out of town and helping her cope with the stress of dealing with her mom! I really didn't think it was all going to fall in to place in the time Lynda had before she would have to go back home to London. But, it happened... her mom is in a nice place and is reasonably happy there. She even likes the food!
Janice and I spent a week helping at Vacation Bible School at the church... I helped with registration and then helped in the craft area every day.
We have had some great family times and a lot of fun. But, life is not always fun.. Barry's mom is dying of cancer and in the last week it has become apparent that she does not have much time left. The doctor has said less than a month.. so they are spending as much time as they can with her. She is at home with lots of family around which is good for Don, Barry's dad.
So, I am learning to treasure every moment, count my blessings, and thank God for each day that He give us.
Whew.... that's a lot of eating!
We had a great summer .... and August is yet to come! The weather has been exceptional for Prince George! Hot, sunny days ... day after day. I love it.
We have not just been partying... Lynda was here to help her biological mother get settled in an assisted living place. Janice and I spent a fair amount of time running her in and out of town and helping her cope with the stress of dealing with her mom! I really didn't think it was all going to fall in to place in the time Lynda had before she would have to go back home to London. But, it happened... her mom is in a nice place and is reasonably happy there. She even likes the food!
Janice and I spent a week helping at Vacation Bible School at the church... I helped with registration and then helped in the craft area every day.
We have had some great family times and a lot of fun. But, life is not always fun.. Barry's mom is dying of cancer and in the last week it has become apparent that she does not have much time left. The doctor has said less than a month.. so they are spending as much time as they can with her. She is at home with lots of family around which is good for Don, Barry's dad.
So, I am learning to treasure every moment, count my blessings, and thank God for each day that He give us.
Friday, June 26, 2009
So many things have been happening in our family this last while. Many of these are just everyday things... new babies, buying a first home, finding the love of your life, and anticipating future exciting possibilities. Because our family is close - both in proximity and relationally - we tend to get involved in the lives of each other... our kids and grandchildren share freely with us their hopes and dreams as well as their frustrations and fears. We are so blessed by these family members.
I love that they want us to be involved in their lives... I love it when they all come out just to sit in the hot tub... I love it when they come out to use our place to fix things, store things, ask advice about things.... I love it when they come to eat our food....I love the babies and the prospect of more and more babies to come... I love seeing them do well in their jobs.... I love it when they excel at school... I love to watch them sing and perform... I love when I get a little note on Facebook Chat saying, "Hi Grammy or Hey Granny"... I love that our Washington people come often for visits... I love that we spend time at our other home in VanZandt.. I love when the VZ people wander up the path to our little house on the hill... I love when Anya comes for her second or third breakfast... I love that they all love God!
Even though this all seems like a perfect picture of family life... we are not without problems and concerns. Son, Jim is still suffering pain as a result of a car accident almost two years ago, Son-in-law Barry is waiting for the okay to go back to work after a stroke a year ago, Janine would love to be pregnant but isn't, Elaine is still not fully recovered from Ruthann's birth in March, and I could go on... these are all things that are part of life.. Ups and downs of daily living.
So, I am reminded over and over again of the importance of praying for our family. I think that is the most important thing a parent and grandparent can do. So, that is what I am committing to do... pray for them all, love them all, support and encourage them all, and have fun doing it.
I love that they want us to be involved in their lives... I love it when they all come out just to sit in the hot tub... I love it when they come out to use our place to fix things, store things, ask advice about things.... I love it when they come to eat our food....I love the babies and the prospect of more and more babies to come... I love seeing them do well in their jobs.... I love it when they excel at school... I love to watch them sing and perform... I love when I get a little note on Facebook Chat saying, "Hi Grammy or Hey Granny"... I love that our Washington people come often for visits... I love that we spend time at our other home in VanZandt.. I love when the VZ people wander up the path to our little house on the hill... I love when Anya comes for her second or third breakfast... I love that they all love God!
Even though this all seems like a perfect picture of family life... we are not without problems and concerns. Son, Jim is still suffering pain as a result of a car accident almost two years ago, Son-in-law Barry is waiting for the okay to go back to work after a stroke a year ago, Janine would love to be pregnant but isn't, Elaine is still not fully recovered from Ruthann's birth in March, and I could go on... these are all things that are part of life.. Ups and downs of daily living.
So, I am reminded over and over again of the importance of praying for our family. I think that is the most important thing a parent and grandparent can do. So, that is what I am committing to do... pray for them all, love them all, support and encourage them all, and have fun doing it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Old Trucks
Today is the annual Show and Shine in Prince George. For the last few years John has put a vehicle in with the other classic and antique cars and trucks. He alternates the Mustang and his antique '1951 GMC truck. This year it is the truck.... I don't have any sentimental feelings at all for the Mustang... in fact can take it or leave it. But, the truck is another story.
When John and I first started going together his dad was in the construction business with his partner Mr. Rempel (can't remember his first name... he was always Mr. Rempel to us). The business was Rempel and Paetkau Construction and John's dad had a '51 GMC truck for the business. Both Walt and John drove this truck when they were teens... why dad let them I'll never know! Anyhow there were many times Walt, Rochelle, John and I were all in the cab of that truck. Maybe even a couple of extras at times as well!
So, this truck of John's has some sentimental value... definitely for him... and I share those feelings. It is not nearly as comfortable to drive in as I remember, it is very noisy, and I know for a fact the four of us ... Walt, Rochelle, John and I would not fit in the cab! However, it brings back fond memories of a special time in our lives... it was the fifties... happy days and all that! And, we were so in love!
Now, I ride in the truck about once a year... remember the good days of the fifties and am thankful for our new 2009 Subaru Outback with it's smooth ride and all the other amenities of cars of today. The only thing that hasn't changed is we are still so in love!
Today is the annual Show and Shine in Prince George. For the last few years John has put a vehicle in with the other classic and antique cars and trucks. He alternates the Mustang and his antique '1951 GMC truck. This year it is the truck.... I don't have any sentimental feelings at all for the Mustang... in fact can take it or leave it. But, the truck is another story.
When John and I first started going together his dad was in the construction business with his partner Mr. Rempel (can't remember his first name... he was always Mr. Rempel to us). The business was Rempel and Paetkau Construction and John's dad had a '51 GMC truck for the business. Both Walt and John drove this truck when they were teens... why dad let them I'll never know! Anyhow there were many times Walt, Rochelle, John and I were all in the cab of that truck. Maybe even a couple of extras at times as well!
So, this truck of John's has some sentimental value... definitely for him... and I share those feelings. It is not nearly as comfortable to drive in as I remember, it is very noisy, and I know for a fact the four of us ... Walt, Rochelle, John and I would not fit in the cab! However, it brings back fond memories of a special time in our lives... it was the fifties... happy days and all that! And, we were so in love!
Now, I ride in the truck about once a year... remember the good days of the fifties and am thankful for our new 2009 Subaru Outback with it's smooth ride and all the other amenities of cars of today. The only thing that hasn't changed is we are still so in love!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Welsh Currant Cakes
Today I am going to make a big batch of Welsh Currant cakes... these are a favourite in our family. I guess they have been since my mother and aunt used to make then when I was a kid. I remember my aunt always saying it was okay to eat several as they really weren't all that sweet ...not like eating a cookie or piece of cake! Well, I think she was just trying to make herself feel better.. they do have quite a bit of sugar and are loaded with fat! However, I only make them for kind of special occasions or when someone really special requests them. Well, there are many reall special people in our family and requests are fairly frequent!
Sons-in-law Bruce and Barry were introduced to them at the men's annual hunt. I always make a big batch for the hunters and I think Barry and/or Bruce hide them under their beds so certain other people don't get the lion's share! Brother-in-law Walt also has a fondness for them and Rochelle won't make them for him at home as she doesn't think they are the best thing for someone watching cholesterol! Well, she is right but I still make them as a special treat.
Daughter Lynda is visiting from London, England and she has requested Welsh Currant Cakes, a fond memory of her childhood, Walt and Rochelle are coming for a visit and I haven't made them since hunting camp in October so I guess it is time for an indulgence.
Well, that's not quite true... I did make them this winter in California as friend Barb had fond memories of her Welsh mother making them. So we decided to make a batch. But, try and find currants in Palm Springs, California! Just not available.. must be something to do with California grape growers protesting the competition of those pesky little currants. However, it just happened Walt and Rochelle were coming for a visit so I had them bring currants from Delta, BC. We got the currants and then discovered we didn't have an electric fry pan to cook them on - this is the ONLY way to cook currant cakes! But friend Muriel to the rescue... she had a electric fry pan and so this became quite a group production. With so many involved in the making of the cakes they didn't go far!
Now, I guess having gone on about Welsh Currant Cakes I am obliged to share the Macbeth family secret recipe. So here goes:
Welsh Currant Cakes
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup white sugar
1 c. butter or margerine
2 eggs
1 cup currants
6 Tbsp. milk
Sift dry ingredients into bowl. Cut in margerine with pastry blender until crumbly. Add currants. Beat eggs and milk until just blended. Add to flour and fruit mixture, mix well. Cover, Chill for 2 hours or longer (I hardly ever do this!) Divide dough into 3 or 4 parts. Roll out on lightly floured board about 1/4 " thick. Cut with round cookie cutter. Heat skillet or griddle as for pancakes (I use electric fry pan). Bake cookies slowly until tops are puffed and turn shiny. Turn and bake on the other side until browned. Cool on wire rack. Store in tightly covered container... makes about 3 dozen.
Today I am going to make a big batch of Welsh Currant cakes... these are a favourite in our family. I guess they have been since my mother and aunt used to make then when I was a kid. I remember my aunt always saying it was okay to eat several as they really weren't all that sweet ...not like eating a cookie or piece of cake! Well, I think she was just trying to make herself feel better.. they do have quite a bit of sugar and are loaded with fat! However, I only make them for kind of special occasions or when someone really special requests them. Well, there are many reall special people in our family and requests are fairly frequent!
Sons-in-law Bruce and Barry were introduced to them at the men's annual hunt. I always make a big batch for the hunters and I think Barry and/or Bruce hide them under their beds so certain other people don't get the lion's share! Brother-in-law Walt also has a fondness for them and Rochelle won't make them for him at home as she doesn't think they are the best thing for someone watching cholesterol! Well, she is right but I still make them as a special treat.
Daughter Lynda is visiting from London, England and she has requested Welsh Currant Cakes, a fond memory of her childhood, Walt and Rochelle are coming for a visit and I haven't made them since hunting camp in October so I guess it is time for an indulgence.
Well, that's not quite true... I did make them this winter in California as friend Barb had fond memories of her Welsh mother making them. So we decided to make a batch. But, try and find currants in Palm Springs, California! Just not available.. must be something to do with California grape growers protesting the competition of those pesky little currants. However, it just happened Walt and Rochelle were coming for a visit so I had them bring currants from Delta, BC. We got the currants and then discovered we didn't have an electric fry pan to cook them on - this is the ONLY way to cook currant cakes! But friend Muriel to the rescue... she had a electric fry pan and so this became quite a group production. With so many involved in the making of the cakes they didn't go far!
Now, I guess having gone on about Welsh Currant Cakes I am obliged to share the Macbeth family secret recipe. So here goes:
Welsh Currant Cakes
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup white sugar
1 c. butter or margerine
2 eggs
1 cup currants
6 Tbsp. milk
Sift dry ingredients into bowl. Cut in margerine with pastry blender until crumbly. Add currants. Beat eggs and milk until just blended. Add to flour and fruit mixture, mix well. Cover, Chill for 2 hours or longer (I hardly ever do this!) Divide dough into 3 or 4 parts. Roll out on lightly floured board about 1/4 " thick. Cut with round cookie cutter. Heat skillet or griddle as for pancakes (I use electric fry pan). Bake cookies slowly until tops are puffed and turn shiny. Turn and bake on the other side until browned. Cool on wire rack. Store in tightly covered container... makes about 3 dozen.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Rhubarb
This morning John brought in this great bundle of rhubarb and put it on the kitchen counter. He also took out a bag of cut up apples out of the freezer. He just left them there... didn't say a thing. When you have been married as long as we have you pick up the meaning of subtle things like this. This one meant, "I would really like either a rhubarb pie or some rhubarb apple crisp". It really wasn't what I had planned to do this morning ... well actually I didn't really have any plans at all.. but I made the most delicious Apple Rhubarb Crisp. Not only did it make my kitchen smell wonderful it made the love of my life very happy!
How easy is that? I love making my husband happy!
How easy is that? I love making my husband happy!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
This year the mosquitoes in Prince George are horrendous... we have been going mad swatting and spraying! I can't think of another year where they have been this bad. John is the official 'killer' and he wanders around the house wielding the fly swatter until he is sure he has every one that somehow slipped through the door.... we have screens on all our windows. We have to scurry through the door or swarms come in in the brief second that the door is slightly ajar! This morning I need to vacuum corpses off the floor and window sills and spot wipe walls where there are splattered remains with tell tale blood stains that let you know they had a little feed before they died.
But, this too shall pass and we will forget about them for another year. Why did God make mosquitoes? I know, I know to feed the swallows! What do swallows eat when the mosquitoes are gone?
But, this too shall pass and we will forget about them for another year. Why did God make mosquitoes? I know, I know to feed the swallows! What do swallows eat when the mosquitoes are gone?
Monday, June 15, 2009
I am a frustrated crafter... well not really craft crafts but quilting, knitting, crocheting. My problem is I am a binge person.. I go on a quilting binge or a knitting binge and then put it all away until I get the urge again.
When we came home from our winter in California we were greeted with a flood in our bedroom. The big melt had happened and water ran into the carport and found a leak in the foundation and came into our lower level bedroom. It was a bit frustrating but the end result was a redecorated bedroom. My bedroom was my office and sewing room as well as sleeping room. After the room was all redone I decided I didn't want my sewing machine, fabric stash and UFO's in my bedroom. Ah, for those of you who are not quilters UFO's stands for Unfinished Objects which most quilters have plenty of! Anyhow, I had the bright idea to move all the quilting and sewing stuff up two levels to a bedroom that recently became the household guest room when grand daughter Alissa moved into an apartment in town close to the hospital. It was a great idea - the moving of the sewing stuff - but I just cannot get myself to go up there to sew!
So, now I am pondering bringing at least some of back down to my level... I may be more motivated to finish up some of those UFO's!
I love my uncluttered calm, serene bedroom but miss my sewing machine!!
When we came home from our winter in California we were greeted with a flood in our bedroom. The big melt had happened and water ran into the carport and found a leak in the foundation and came into our lower level bedroom. It was a bit frustrating but the end result was a redecorated bedroom. My bedroom was my office and sewing room as well as sleeping room. After the room was all redone I decided I didn't want my sewing machine, fabric stash and UFO's in my bedroom. Ah, for those of you who are not quilters UFO's stands for Unfinished Objects which most quilters have plenty of! Anyhow, I had the bright idea to move all the quilting and sewing stuff up two levels to a bedroom that recently became the household guest room when grand daughter Alissa moved into an apartment in town close to the hospital. It was a great idea - the moving of the sewing stuff - but I just cannot get myself to go up there to sew!
So, now I am pondering bringing at least some of back down to my level... I may be more motivated to finish up some of those UFO's!
I love my uncluttered calm, serene bedroom but miss my sewing machine!!
If Joann can do it so can I!
My daughter Joann just started a blog and that has inspired me to start blogging as well. I love reading other people's blogs... it is because I am naturally interested in people and their lives. I can't really imagine who will be interested in hearing about my life.. but here goes.
I was trying to think of a name and '"Grateful Great" just popped in to my head. The grateful is because I am grateful and Great ... not because I am great... but because I have recently become I Great Grandmother and isn't that something to be grateful for?
So.. there you go that's why I started this blogging thing..
I was trying to think of a name and '"Grateful Great" just popped in to my head. The grateful is because I am grateful and Great ... not because I am great... but because I have recently become I Great Grandmother and isn't that something to be grateful for?
So.. there you go that's why I started this blogging thing..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)