5-30-09 chucking brain
I received this in an email yesterday. Thanks to my friend Karen in Arizona. There was no mention of an author or where it originated, but it sure sounds like something from David Letterman. I wouldn't know because I'm usually in bed by then.
The top twelve indicators that the economy is bad--
12. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
11. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
10. I went to buy a toaster oven and they gave me a bank.
9. Hotwheels and Matchbox car companies are now trading higher than GM in the stock market.
8. Obama met with small businesses - GE, Pfizer, Chrysler, Citigroup
and GM-to discuss the Stimulus Package.
7. McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
6. People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and are learning their
children's names.
5. The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.
4. People in Africa are donating money to Americans. Mothers in Ethiopia are telling their kids, "Finish your plate; do you know how many kids are starving in America?"
3. Motel Six won't leave the lights on.
2. The Mafia is laying off judges.
And my most favorite indicator of all:
1. If the bank returns your check marked as "insufficient funds," you
have to call them and ask if they meant you or them.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
More Rhubarb
5-29-09 Happy taste-bud brain
Although it doesn’t seem like it since Memorial Day has passed, but it’s STILL May and I am STILL eating rhubarb.
When I was visiting my parent’s last weekend, Mom had some rhubarb from her garden to use and she asked me if I wanted a Rhubarb Crisp. I had to tell her that this didn’t sound appealing since I had been making and eating Rhubarb Crisp for the last 4 weeks. I think she was surprised and I myself couldn’t believe I was turning down one of my favorite desserts.
Instead, I asked her about another recipe of hers which I liked growing up, but had never have made myself- Rhubarb Cake. Mom being pretty organized, unlike me, was able to locate this recipe fairly quickly and I volunteered to bake this Friday evening.
I guarantee that this recipe is easy, since I was able to execute successfully.
Rhubarb Cake
9 x 13 pan (lightly sprayed with oil)
Bake 350 degree oven for 40 minutes
Mix together by hand:
½ Cup shortening (I used Veg Oil)
1 ½ Cup brown sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 Cup buttermilk
Mix the above together, then add the flour, soda, and last the rhubarb.
2 Cups flour
1 tsp soda
3 Cups rhubarb (cut into cubes)
Topping to sprinkle on top of cake before put into oven.
½ Cup white sugar
2 to 4 tsp Cinnamon (to your taste)
1/3 Cup chopped nuts (pecan or walnuts)
This cake was so delicious, we devoured it all within 24 hours, and I ended up making another cake on Sunday, which was gone by the time I left town on Monday afternoon.
Although it doesn’t seem like it since Memorial Day has passed, but it’s STILL May and I am STILL eating rhubarb.
When I was visiting my parent’s last weekend, Mom had some rhubarb from her garden to use and she asked me if I wanted a Rhubarb Crisp. I had to tell her that this didn’t sound appealing since I had been making and eating Rhubarb Crisp for the last 4 weeks. I think she was surprised and I myself couldn’t believe I was turning down one of my favorite desserts.
Instead, I asked her about another recipe of hers which I liked growing up, but had never have made myself- Rhubarb Cake. Mom being pretty organized, unlike me, was able to locate this recipe fairly quickly and I volunteered to bake this Friday evening.
I guarantee that this recipe is easy, since I was able to execute successfully.
Rhubarb Cake
9 x 13 pan (lightly sprayed with oil)
Bake 350 degree oven for 40 minutes
Mix together by hand:
½ Cup shortening (I used Veg Oil)
1 ½ Cup brown sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 Cup buttermilk
Mix the above together, then add the flour, soda, and last the rhubarb.
2 Cups flour
1 tsp soda
3 Cups rhubarb (cut into cubes)
Topping to sprinkle on top of cake before put into oven.
½ Cup white sugar
2 to 4 tsp Cinnamon (to your taste)
1/3 Cup chopped nuts (pecan or walnuts)
This cake was so delicious, we devoured it all within 24 hours, and I ended up making another cake on Sunday, which was gone by the time I left town on Monday afternoon.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Cemetery visit
5-28-09 reverent brain
Memorial Day Weekend part III: Cemetery visit
Saturday morning I woke to the sounds of rolling thunder off in the distance and gentle rain. It was a lazy morning in which the plans to visit the Farmers Market and Cemetery were put on hold until the rain passed. This occurred late morning, so my sister and I both laid in bed giving our sore bodies, from yesterday’s work, a chance to recuperate.
Mother had prepared the list of flowers arrangements needed since we were to visit all three cemeteries in town: Riverside, Sunny Side, and the Catholic Cemetery, and we didn’t want to forget anyone. Our list actually only included two family plots and the rest were family friends. I also came prepared with a few of my polished Alaskan rocks which I like placing on the graves. I’m not sure where I first learned of this tradition (Jewish, I believe), but I thought it was a cool idea and I have done this now for a few years.
Since the grass was still wet, we mostly drove around in the car and didn’t do much walking around this year. But I was able to take in the sights and enjoy the lovely song birds, especially at Riverside Cemetery. This is my favorite Cemetery in town. My first experience going there was as a child when Dad took my sister and I there to fish, because as the name states, it is next to the river. This is the oldest cemetery in town and has beautiful old trees and some interesting old monuments.
Here is a sampling of the older monuments along with a few of the interesting new monuments which have odd items placed along side.
Memorial Day Weekend part III: Cemetery visit
Saturday morning I woke to the sounds of rolling thunder off in the distance and gentle rain. It was a lazy morning in which the plans to visit the Farmers Market and Cemetery were put on hold until the rain passed. This occurred late morning, so my sister and I both laid in bed giving our sore bodies, from yesterday’s work, a chance to recuperate.
Mother had prepared the list of flowers arrangements needed since we were to visit all three cemeteries in town: Riverside, Sunny Side, and the Catholic Cemetery, and we didn’t want to forget anyone. Our list actually only included two family plots and the rest were family friends. I also came prepared with a few of my polished Alaskan rocks which I like placing on the graves. I’m not sure where I first learned of this tradition (Jewish, I believe), but I thought it was a cool idea and I have done this now for a few years.
Since the grass was still wet, we mostly drove around in the car and didn’t do much walking around this year. But I was able to take in the sights and enjoy the lovely song birds, especially at Riverside Cemetery. This is my favorite Cemetery in town. My first experience going there was as a child when Dad took my sister and I there to fish, because as the name states, it is next to the river. This is the oldest cemetery in town and has beautiful old trees and some interesting old monuments.
Here is a sampling of the older monuments along with a few of the interesting new monuments which have odd items placed along side.
This grave below is of a 19 year old man. There is a can of Pepsi, some hot sauce bottles and what we decided looked like containers with paint balls. Notice the monument in the background has the etching of a farm.
The next picture is of a motorcycle engine. This is the grave of my distant cousin who was my age and died about 15 years ago.
My all these souls Rest in Peace!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
My missing husband
5-27-09 zoom zoom brain
Memorial Day Weekend part II: My missing husband
I’ve been asked where Greg was over the long weekend, since he was not with me up in northern Iowa at my parent’s home. For those of you who know Greg well, I’m sure you can guess (in general) what activity might occupy him on a long weekend. If it was in the fall, yes, it would have been a Brown’s Football game, but this time of year his weekend trip dealt with CARS!
My husband has a passion for cars, which I find ironic, since his father’s family side (Beachy) comes from an Amish/Mennonite background in Ohio and they didn’t drive cars. However when we first met, Greg was telling me about an Amish saying which describes any Amish family that takes on more modern living styles is called “going Beachy”, since the Beachy family at some point became the first family that would drive a car (basic black car). So supposedly the “Beachy” family tends to be a more progress family as far as Amish go… but not every Beachy family is the same, so I probably should not try to make generalities like this.
Greg’s father Bert, in his lifetime owned a gas station and was a mechanic, and later drove a truck. Thus Bert first had this love of cars and I believe passed it on to Greg. It was a standing joke in my family to expect Greg to buy a different car every year we were married early on. This went on for at least the first 10 years- Greg would be selling and buying some different car. I told Greg that I didn’t mind (too much) that he changes cars yearly, as long as he didn’t change wives. Currently he has settled on 4 cars that he loves, so we have been stable for a few years.
So over the Memorial Day Weekend, Greg drove his Miata down to Texas to participate in the National Miata Meet which included driving time on a race track. Greg was in heaven and I was happy that he was happy, even if it meant that we will be apart for 11 days until we see each other again this coming weekend. In these pictures he sent me, I see that Greg has shaved his winter beard. Yeah! I can't wait to smooch that face!
Memorial Day Weekend part II: My missing husband
I’ve been asked where Greg was over the long weekend, since he was not with me up in northern Iowa at my parent’s home. For those of you who know Greg well, I’m sure you can guess (in general) what activity might occupy him on a long weekend. If it was in the fall, yes, it would have been a Brown’s Football game, but this time of year his weekend trip dealt with CARS!
My husband has a passion for cars, which I find ironic, since his father’s family side (Beachy) comes from an Amish/Mennonite background in Ohio and they didn’t drive cars. However when we first met, Greg was telling me about an Amish saying which describes any Amish family that takes on more modern living styles is called “going Beachy”, since the Beachy family at some point became the first family that would drive a car (basic black car). So supposedly the “Beachy” family tends to be a more progress family as far as Amish go… but not every Beachy family is the same, so I probably should not try to make generalities like this.
Greg’s father Bert, in his lifetime owned a gas station and was a mechanic, and later drove a truck. Thus Bert first had this love of cars and I believe passed it on to Greg. It was a standing joke in my family to expect Greg to buy a different car every year we were married early on. This went on for at least the first 10 years- Greg would be selling and buying some different car. I told Greg that I didn’t mind (too much) that he changes cars yearly, as long as he didn’t change wives. Currently he has settled on 4 cars that he loves, so we have been stable for a few years.
So over the Memorial Day Weekend, Greg drove his Miata down to Texas to participate in the National Miata Meet which included driving time on a race track. Greg was in heaven and I was happy that he was happy, even if it meant that we will be apart for 11 days until we see each other again this coming weekend. In these pictures he sent me, I see that Greg has shaved his winter beard. Yeah! I can't wait to smooch that face!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
My sister
5-26-08 sibling brain
Memorial Weekend Part I: My Sister
Memorial Weekend Part I: My Sister
A few hours after my arrival at my parents on Thursday evening, my sister came walking through the front door about 9:00 PM to surprise Mom and Dad. I knew she was planning to drive in from her home in Chattanooga TN, but I had not said anything to Mom and Dad. I wanted to maintain my skill at keeping a secret. I did try to leave a hint by pulling out the bottom part of the trundle bed, but Mom just thought I preferred the bottom mattress.
As we went to bed that night, I couldn’t help but think about how special this weekend would be with just us four souls together under one roof. No husbands, no grandkids…. This hasn’t happened in at least two decades I’m guessing.
My sister Jan and I shared my old bedroom since Dad has taken over her old bedroom for his office. I must say it didn’t take long for Jan and I to fall into old habits. We both were notorious for messy rooms at teenagers. We easily destroyed the room in less than the first 24 hours. My Dad’s famous words were always…. “This room is a pigsty”… however, I think the pigs here in Iowa would be offended by that comparison- they are much cleaner.
Even at the kitchen table, our old habits took hold. We sat in our usual seating arrangements which meant that I, as the youngest and low man on the totem pole, had the chair with my back to the TV….. AND I didn’t even mind. In a world of change, the familiar routines of the weekend were comforting to me.
Friday morning Jan and I started in the “Honey Do List” that Mom and Dad had made for me. I was happy that my sister was now here to work with me. It doesn’t happen often when I do chores, but I was actually feeling very joyful while we all were outside in the garden working together.
The first project was weeding, laying down 14 bags of mulch, and pulling dandelions. My Dad had his camera out and he is notorious for his many unflattering pictures of my Mom’s rear end over the years. I became aware of one such photo-op, thus I jumped in the picture and encourage Dad to shoot us working! As my Dad would laugh…. “hee, hee, hee”….
I often call my sister a “helicopter mother” since she is constantly in contact with her two children via phone or texting. Sara and Christopher are in their early 20’s…. but Jan just can’t seem to cut the apron stings. If caring about her family TOO MUCH is a crime, well then she is guilty. However, during this weekend time together I have to admit I have come to appreciate more this “helicopter quality” in Jan, since this is the same love and dedication she brings to Mom, Dad and me.
Maybe she can be a controlling, bossy big sister at times, but I feel lucky to have someone like her who is fiercely dedicated and willing to help with our aging parents. She has great passion towards us all.
My big sister is more of a blessing than a curse, since I know when things get tough, she will be there to help..... and hold my hand when I'm nervous.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Blog limitations
5-25-09 Vacation brain
I arrived in my hometown for the long weekend on Thursday evening around 7:00PM to find my parents, age 84 & 81 watching Comedy Central. They were sitting there at the kitchen table laughing out loud. It seems that they have given up watching CNN news and now are in the habit of watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Both my sister and I enjoy watching these shows, so sometime along the way Mom and Dad picked up the habit.
One of the funniest Quotes from Stephen Colbert was when he was addressing the importance of newspapers….. “when moving, you can’t wrap your dishes in a blog.”
(or something close to that!)
Stephen Colbert can always but a smile on my face! I AM in LOVE with him! The funny guys could always get under my sweater! (Unfortunately there wasn't much there to be had)
I arrived in my hometown for the long weekend on Thursday evening around 7:00PM to find my parents, age 84 & 81 watching Comedy Central. They were sitting there at the kitchen table laughing out loud. It seems that they have given up watching CNN news and now are in the habit of watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Both my sister and I enjoy watching these shows, so sometime along the way Mom and Dad picked up the habit.
One of the funniest Quotes from Stephen Colbert was when he was addressing the importance of newspapers….. “when moving, you can’t wrap your dishes in a blog.”
(or something close to that!)
Stephen Colbert can always but a smile on my face! I AM in LOVE with him! The funny guys could always get under my sweater! (Unfortunately there wasn't much there to be had)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Happy Memorial Day
5-22-09 respectful brain
I was looking through the “family history book” my Mom has created for my sister and I. I came upon this picture of my relatives in the cemetery.
I too will be in this same cemetery this weekend. Maybe I will take my camera and have my Mom, sister and I pose for a picture so the future generations can compare us. My Mom still follows the traditions of placing flowers on graves on Memorial Day.
In my youth, I begrudgingly would accompany her most years. However, I never admitted it at the time, but I did find our hometown cemetery to be a very beautiful place in springtime. I loved the geraniums, peonies and lilacs that would be there. Now as an adult, I will admit I actually look forward going with my Mother. I’m slowly starting to learn where each grave is located. I enjoy looking at the old-old stones, but also am fascinated my some newer monuments. Sad to say, we mostly take artificial flowers with us now.
I’ll have to post more pictures next week from my trip home.
Thus, I will be taking the long weekend off, so no blogs to read from me… Instead, I urge you to spend your time walking through a cemetery and see what interesting things you might discover there when you take a closer look.
I was looking through the “family history book” my Mom has created for my sister and I. I came upon this picture of my relatives in the cemetery.
I too will be in this same cemetery this weekend. Maybe I will take my camera and have my Mom, sister and I pose for a picture so the future generations can compare us. My Mom still follows the traditions of placing flowers on graves on Memorial Day.
In my youth, I begrudgingly would accompany her most years. However, I never admitted it at the time, but I did find our hometown cemetery to be a very beautiful place in springtime. I loved the geraniums, peonies and lilacs that would be there. Now as an adult, I will admit I actually look forward going with my Mother. I’m slowly starting to learn where each grave is located. I enjoy looking at the old-old stones, but also am fascinated my some newer monuments. Sad to say, we mostly take artificial flowers with us now.
I’ll have to post more pictures next week from my trip home.
Thus, I will be taking the long weekend off, so no blogs to read from me… Instead, I urge you to spend your time walking through a cemetery and see what interesting things you might discover there when you take a closer look.
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