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52 Blessings
March 30, 2008
Like many eight and nine year old little girls, I played and day-dreamed of being Laura Ingalls or Caddie Woodlawn—any pioneer, really. I’d have made a decent pioneer (other than those petticoats, I detest slips), but every morning when I step in a hot shower, I think, “Ahhhhh, now this is luxury. This is enough to make me thankful I am not a pioneer.”
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I have been enjoying your blog since Shelly told be about it. I really liked your commentary on the play and about talents. As I had a back ground part in the play and was able to witness first hand that wonderful talent on stage, I had to to keep reminding myself that I was also very talented in my own way. It is nice to think of our talents and to be grateful for those wonderful people around us who are able to share their talents with us in a spectacular way. The way you are able to share yours. Thank you. Kathy Perrins
When our hot water heater went out a while back, that was one thing I was SO glad that was restored. I love this blessing. We definitely take so many things for granted. I too wanted to be just like Laura!! Jenny :)
Ahhh, the hot shower! Yes, what a blessing it is. I love that you share the "52 Blessings" with all of us. I love reading what you think of, then ponder how I am grateful for those things too. Thanks! ~Tina
Thanks so much for your blessings posts – they are a blessing to me! Whether or not I am excited about your blessing of the week, I always come away with a more thankful heart. And running water? Oh yes, a “fountain” of blessing indeed! -Heather
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Calvin retrieving gum for me
because I didn't want my hairspray to melt in the snow
Luck of the Draw
March 29, 2008
This is what a knight looks like--complete with a wool, plaid vest, levi's and a baseball cap.
Yesterday the weather threw a tantrum and started to snow. I had to drive 75 miles to another town for a speaking assignment and got notice that the road leading into (and hence out of) the town would close at 9:00 pm for FIVE days so that they could fix the side of the mountain that keeps throwing boulders down at the passing cars. The Washington State Department of Transportation said “Routes adding 90 minutes or more are the only alternatives available during the closure” and include a mountain pass.
I was using a power point presentation for part of my speaking assignment and was worried about technical difficulties, I was dreading the drive in the snow and felt the stress of getting back out of the town before the road closed, and because I get up so darn early I was not looking forward to fighting sleep on the drive home when Calvin called and said, “I’ll be home in a few minutes and I’ll drive you over.”
He just waited in the car while I spoke and then drove us home—even missing most of the ASU baseball game. Now that’s chivalry.
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What a great guy you have...such a gentleman! We're in Washington right now and the weather has been unbelievable. Lots of rain and snow. Yes, ASU!...my daughter is a freshman there and loves it. Linda
Yes, you married a keeper. How did the presentation go? what was your subject? I have to speak in a few weeks about preparedness-- oil in the lamps, etc. Any ideas to share? Lynn
We too had to be in E. Wenatchee for a wedding reception on Saturday and were in rush to get back through before they closed the road. My hubby had to be the emcee or "Master of Ceremonies" as they called it on the program. Not a typical LDS reception, but it was nice to see all of our old friends from our old ward. I CAN'T believe the stinkin' snow! Glad today is back to sunny - although windy, it's sunny and you can sit inside and be happy! Glad you made it back and you had a driver! Tina
Chivalry is dead to the younger generations! You are soooo lucky like some of us out here who founds treasures and have a man willing to do these things for us! Enjoy the snow today! We have quite a bit too! Seems odd for the first day of "Spring" Break. Michelle Rogge
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March 28, 2008
The blog Creative Holiday Gift Ideas has such fun and creative ideas--the photograph in the header is proof! Scroll down a few posts for cute child-friendly sushi.
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Gift Giving Idea
March 27, 2008
Last night I attended our stake’s production of “Joseph, and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”. It was inspiring watching local people use their talents to make an incredibly entertaining evening come about for the rest of us.
Others’ talents that have been a great gift to me the last couple of days are:
· a wonderful haircut
· the ditch rider came and burned our ditches—and there is definitely skill in burning ditches well without leaving any weeds behind
· Calvin started us a new batch of chicks
· I heard funny things that made me laugh
· I ate a great chicken salad croissant
· A friend, who can sniff out good books, steered me to one I really enjoyed
I doubt anyone that gave me these gifts this week thought they were giving me a present, but they were. Just doing the things they do best made my life better this week--and that is a real gift. I think this quote by Gordon B. Hinckley sums it up best, “I have discovered that life is not a series of great heroic acts. Life at its best is a matter of consistent goodness and decency, doing without fanfare that which needed to be done when it needed to be done. I have observed that it is not the geniuses that make the difference in this world. I have observed that the work of the world is done largely by men and women of ordinary talent who have worked in an extraordinary manner."
Gift tip of the week: Share your ordinary talent with someone.
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Baby chicks are so sweet. I need to head out to a petting farm and get my hands on one, just for a little while. So, what good read did you friend steer you towards? Barb
Hiya! I am really glad to be part of one of your gifts this week. That play was so much fun to be in, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Those chicks that Calvin started are adorable! Too bad they don’t stay that cute….Beka
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Life in My World-SPT-Homemaking Tip
March 24, 2008
We had the greatest family reunion this weekend. It was hectic getting out the door, but Calvin had planned everything so well and made all the reservations so that once we got everything done here at home and left, it was just plain relaxing and wonderful.
We left here Thursday afternoon and drove for seven hours and spent the night with our friends, Lyle and Mary, who moved away from here five years ago. Mary and I use to help each other on merchandizing jobs (we counted razor blades and reset foot cream and bunion pad displays at drug stores) and traded stitchery patterns. Mary introduced me to snack size plastic bags. She actually eats petite amounts like that. She would bring us a little bag of grapes or carrots for our merchandizing jobs and think one little bag would feed both of us. Obviously, as you can see in the picture, I am used to full-size sandwich bags, but I started buying those half-size bags for lots of things following Mary’s example.
Mary is also a great cook. I use several of her recipes and have never tasted finer key lime pie than hers. She fixed us strawberry shortcake when we arrived and eggs, bacon, cinnamon raisin toast and orange juice the next morning for breakfast. And besides all that? She gave me a cute stamp set for card making AND two make up bags with free samples. We miss Lyle and Mary.
Mary and me
Next we picked Abe and Ande up on our way to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Abe was on spring break and flew out to spend the week with Ande, friends and cousins.
We stayed in the quaintest house. It had a newly remodeled kitchen with a $7,000 range, two bedrooms up a hidden staircase in the attic and a walk-in shower with old fashioned glass tile.
We hadn’t been there long when the rest of the family came. Trevor and Michelle brought supper—enchiladas, fresh salsa, chips and cake. Yum. It was good and the table was big enough we could all eat and visit together at each meal—another good perk of the house.
The hot soak pools were relaxing. The place where we went had four different pools varying in degrees with the hottest one 112. The pools were lined in rock with gravel on the bottom. People scum gets lost in rocks and so they were very clean. We went to the pools three times within 24 hours and two of the times it was dark, with the steam rising and the full moon out—it was simply soothing to sit, soak and shoot the breeze.
A few of the highlights of the week were:
- Breña always saying, “That’s my gwampa. My gwampa is in the kitchen. I love my gwampa.” She was so darned pleased to have a grandpa. I made her a book when she was a baby entitled “Grandpa, What Does the Buffalo Say?” and each page has a picture of one of us holding her with a story line (the idea came from Deb and I’ve been begging her to market it . . . the idea is worth it’s weight in gold). I knew because of the number of grandparents in Breña's life and the distance between us that we wouldn’t get to see her often, so this book has been a way for her to feel connected to us. She kept hugging me and telling me I was her gwamma. She would say to anyone who would listen, “This is my gwampa’s and gwama’s house.” She’s going to be real confused someday when she comes to Moses Lake and can’t find the upstairs, but thanks to that book she feels comfortable with us immediately.
- Sitting in the hot soak pools and visiting and visiting and visiting and sweating and sweating and sweating and then getting a cold drink of water.
Ande
- Hearing Ande’s laugh and Trevor quizzing her about her future and who was in it. He was really protective and kept reminding her about her finances; it was funny to hear him interrogate her.
- Watching Calvin and Trevor drawing quail pen plans. Trevor got an order for 2,000 birds a week ago and needs to expand.
- Eating the prime rib dinner that Calvin cooked. It was done to perfection.
holding an Easter egg for Cortney so she could two-tone paint it
- Walking down to the ice cream shop holding Cortney’s hand in my pocket to keep it warm.
picture taken of Michelle a few weeks ago
- Constantly being inspired by Michelle’s calm and content personality. She’s amazing.
- Watching Abe tease and play with Breña.
- Seeing Trevor and Trent being great dads to their kids.
This was our first official Calvin Payne Family reunion and we had a great time. We missed Ty (who is on a mission in Taiwan) and Cali (who had to work) and Lacie and Niki (Trevor and Michelle's daughters) who were gone to a competition for most of the weekend, but it was a great start and I'm so glad I'm a part of the Calvin Payne Family.
Homemaking tip of the week: I’ve canned lots of salsa or made it with fresh tomatoes, but Trevor makes his fresh salsa with canned tomatoes and has tried to get me to do it for quite awhile, but I haven’t--I guess thinking I knew more. I’m now a humbled believer. Fresh tomato salsa is good, but it tastes old by the next day. Canned tomatoes keep that great flavor. After tasting Trevor’s I came home and made a batch. If you were here, I’d pull out the chips and share some with you, but since you aren't here’s the recipe:
Canned tomatoes (I used diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Cilantro (to taste)
Chopped onion (to taste. I used green, Trevor used red and both were good)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Canned chopped green chilies and/or jalapeños (you guessed it . . . to taste)
Stir. Eat.
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I almost emailed you today to remind you that it's Wednesday (NOT Monday) but decided I would get the details when you were good and ready to blog. I'm glad you had a good time. How fun to see Mary and Lyle. Really they've been gone that long? I love her cooking too and always knew it was safe at ward functions, ha! (Mary if you're reading this...I miss you and the food!) That picture of Ande is hilarious. During my first year at Ricks, I pronounced Lava Hot Springs the wrong way and from all the Idaho natives, I was teased relentlessly. I loved the one trip we made down there. Yeah for fun family reunions! Love, Mel
That wasn't the first egg you held for Cortney, that was quite the kaleidescope finger you had going there!
You are a good example of creating new traditions as your family grows. I am currently in need of retooling both Christmas and Easter for my children with older tastes. Happy Easter! Barb
Family reunions are the best...sounds like all of you had a beautiful time together! Linda
I'm glad you had so much fun with your family. Nothing better! Elizabeth
I have been checking and checking your blog to see when you would get home! I've missed my neighbour. Sounds like you had a great time, and the pictures are adorable. Welcome home, friend. Marie
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful get away. I just recently started making salsa with fresh tomatoes but have done canned for years. It really just depends on the taste you want. And a $7000 range. Impressive! Hope you guys had a great Easter! Jenny :)
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Happy Easter
March 20, 2008
We'll be gone for a few days, so I'll wish you a Happy Easter today and hope you have a wonderful day. Here's my post. I'll be back Monday Wednesday.
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Clean Sweep
March 19, 2008
Life in My World
Darn, I’m out of balance again. 
I didn’t organize very well and I’m getting squished.
newsletter
sugar cookies
Easter baskets
behind on blog
thank you gifts
church service
family reunion
church activities
last institute class
birthday shopping
behind on e-mails
projects I want to do
take a mid-term final
read a new book by next week
speaking assignment in another town
Self-Portrait Tuesday
I’m still thinking on this one . . .
Homemaking Tip
Easter cookies
This tip is most helpful to those who live on the Wasatch front in Utah, but even for those of us who only travel there on occasion or who internet shop, The Peppermint Place is a fun place to get cupcake/cookie decorations and suckers. With their help you can make a simple, round, frosted, sugar cookie into something that looks like you put lots of time into it.
If you go to the shop you can even pick through the "seconds" bins. My sister loves this store and a few weeks ago when she was there she picked me up a new supply of spring cupcake toppers. I imagine the ladies who work at the store love to see her coming—she doesn’t even weigh 100 pounds and she always walks out with at least half her weight in sugar.
How are you doing on your word choice for the year?
How's your balance? Is Spring bowling you over, too?
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Jane, You have so much going on! I hope you are no longer squished soon! You look cute in your hat! :) Mandy
(Thanks Mandy...I know I don't have any more going on than anyone else...I'm just not good at distributing it for the next week+. This word is going to take me all year to improve on!)
Wait...what exactly is a "seconds" bin at a candy shop?!?! Tiffany
(One of the cupcake toppers in the package [out of 40] may be cracked or broken. Odds and ends suckers that have really cute decorations on them, that may be left over from a special order or a past holiday. Last time I was there they had a ten pound box of chocolate covered nuts [can't remember if it was almonds, peanuts or cashews]....oh, oh! it was tempting but even wondering how much ten pounds of chocolates would convert to in real pounds gained made me steer away from them THAT trip :)
Happy Easter, I hope you enjoyed your time away. Your out of balance photo and thinking on a self portrait photo are both so funny. You made my week with those two! Love, Barb
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last night's supper of bread and milk
52 Blessings—Comfort Foods
March 16, 2008
I like all kinds of food, but to me these spell c-o-m-f-o-r-t:
- Bread and milk with honey on top (the bread needs to be baked that day to be very comforting)
- Stew
- Popcorn
- Mashed potatoes and gravy (I’m partial to white gravy, but brown is consoling, too.)
- American tacos (Chadwick family non-authentic version of a taco)
- Chicken fried steak
- Frozen corn
- Meat loaf and baked potatoes
- Chocolate milkshake
I doubt it’s the flavors that I’m attached to as much as the pleasant memories that are associated with them. No matter the reasoning, I’m fond of them.
What’re your comfort foods? I’d be fascinated to hear what they are.
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I don't know how I read all of this and forgot to comment, but I did. I have been keeping up with your world (I guess secretly) That lesson about ironing was so great. I need to remember that next time! And Lucy does have a way of writing doesn't she. She is one of my favorite links to click on. I love the idea of using comfort food as a blessing. So true! That milk and bread reminds me of my grandparents meals growing up. We would eat that ALL the time. Hope you are having a great Sunday!! Take Care. Love, Jenny :)
Aunt Jane, That is soooo funny! One of my most favorite comfort foods, ESPECIALLY when I'm pregnant, are tacos the way my mom makes them, which I'm assuming is the Chadwick version--no seasoning and in deep fried corn tortillas. Oh yum. Bo can't believe that I like them with no taco seasoning. Another comfort food, surprisingly, is homeade bread and milk. Can you tell that my mom and you are sisters??? Same food. I think you're right, it's more on the fact of the memories. My last comfort food, again no shock to you, is soup. Chowders and stews. You know me. I love my soups. Cassidy
I have many comfort foods: meatloaf and mashed potatoes, chocolate pudding, homemade chicken noodle soup, warm chocolate chip cookies, tuna noodle casserole, cheesecake, peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Oh, I'm hungry now. I'm grateful for comfort foods too! Susan
Your previous post about your grand entrance down the staircase with your zipper down made me laugh out loud! The funny addition to that story is that the first time I actually remember "speaking" to Calvin was to let him know that his own zipper was flying low! I'm not sure whose face was redder. I kept waiting for someone else to save him, heaven knows I didn't want it to have to be me, but nobody else spoke up! Now, my own top three comfort foods are probably: caramel corn (not the crunchy kind), pancakes with apricot jam and cream, and freshly baked bread with butter! Thank you for the reminder of these much loved blessings! Camery ps- I think you are amazing!
Jane – My comfort foods always go to my mom’s cooking. Basic stuff, but so, so good for the soul. Chili, scalloped potatoes, lasagna, oatmeal cake, chicken enchiladas, strawberry/pretzel salad, banana bread, ski hill hoagies, and any cookie she felt like baking that week. She is the most fantastic cook! Thanks for triggering the thoughts – I might just make a post out of them! -Heather
(Heather, what is a ski hoagie?)
My mom used to get a loaf of French bread, and make this HUGE sandwich for us to take to the ski hill – to save money on the lunch at the lodge. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t usually exercise that hard, the circular fireplaces at the lodge, or the snow falling outside the windows, but I have never, Never, NEVER been able to make a hoagie taste that good – and believe me, I’ve tried!!! Heather
Homemade bread is my comfort food, happy food, sad food...basically the food for any & all occasions. Amy
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Links
March 14, 2008
Melanie at in another week … posted a great, quick, easy and low-fat treat recipe
Cali at Blog-ography makes me laugh. I love her Humor in Uniform post this week.
Lucy at Life is a spasm who flow has an incredible ability to breathe life into inanimate objects
If you have any links you'd like to share, please leave them in your comments!
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This (today's newsletter) touched my lumpy heart, Jane. And ended with a reminder I need today...and a bonus of tears. Thank you! Amy
I loved the newsletter today. I thought it was great and I had never heard the dog bite story. I new it was a dog bite and that was it. Actually I've never even noticed a scar and thought, "I'll have to LOOK next time I see her", I just knew you had been bitten and were scared of dogs. Rachel
Dear Jane, Thank you for the wonderful, inspirational message in your newsletter! I thought you were amazingly clever. Lora
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Deb and me
Gift-Giving Idea
March 13, 2008
I forgot to download the picture of this gift idea before Calvin took the camera this morning, so you get a picture of the gracious giver instead. The picture was of a white tea rose bush that Deb gave us as a “Sincere Sympathy” gift for the passing of Calvin’s dad. I thought it was such a kind gesture and one that will give every year.
Deb’s gift reminded me of another rose gift I once received. It was an “I’m sorry” gift. I unknowingly offended two friends when I referred to them as older. (I really thought that when you are in your 80’s you could be considered older.) I was clueless I’d hurt these women’s feelings until one showed up on my doorstep with a peace rose in a vase that she’d picked from her garden and with it a very sweet card telling me she was sorry that she had held a grudge against me for my comment.
Here are some symbolic meanings of flowers
- Anemone Expectation
- Apple Blossom Hope, Good Fortune
- Baby's Breath Innocence
- Blue Periwinkle Friendship
- Blue Violet Modesty, Faithfulness
- Bluebells Constancy
- Buttercup Cheerfulness, Desire for riches
- Camellia Loveliness, Fascination
- Carnation Engagement
- Chrysanthemum Wealth, Truth
- Daffodil Regard
- Daisy Share your feelings
- Edelweiss Daring, Noble Courage
- Foxglove Insincerity
- Freesia Innocence
- Gardenia Purity, Joy
- Iris Message of Faith, Wisdom
- Jasmine Wealth, Grace
- Lavender Distrust
- Lilac First emotions of Love
- Lily Majesty, Truth, Honor
- Marigold Grief
- Narcissus Egotism, Formality
- Orange Blossom Purity, Fertility
- Orchid Love, Beauty
- Peach Blossom Captive
- Peony Bashfulness
- Pink Rose Grace
- Red Poppy Consolation
- Red Rose Passion
- Rose Love, Joy, Beauty
- Sunflower Adoration
- Sweet Pea Pleasure
- Tulip Love, Passion
- White Poppy Sleep
- White Rose Worthiness
The friend who gave me the peace rose has now passed on, but I’ll never forget receiving that sweet gift from her. She taught me two great lessons: be careful how you refer to people and a rose is a great way to say “I’m sorry.” __________________________________________________________________________________________
Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
Interesting story. I wouldn't have that that comment as offensive either. I'll be more careful myself. I used to hate getting flowers. I thought it was a waste of money and they usually came with strings attached. I told that to my husband while we were dating, and you can imagine the non-stop barrage of sweet scents that have come through my door since. Yup...none. My 21 year old self needed to
think big picture because 32 year old self wouldn't mind a flower! Lucy
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Homemaking Tip
March 12, 2008
Ironing is a part of my world whether I like it or not, and at first I didn’t like it, but then I read a story of Marjorie Hinckley. Her granddaughter was choosing college courses so she encouraged her to take classes that would give her something interesting to think about when she was home doing the ironing. Later when that granddaughter got married Marjorie gave her an iron for a wedding shower gift with a note that said,
“Happy ironing! The most enjoyable of all household duties. Love, Grandma H.”
Realizing that someone I admired thought ironing was “the most enjoyable of all household duties” I was determined to at least not loathe it. Then, I set the ironing board up so I could watch the kids play outside; now I either listen to a book on tape or watch a movie. Yesterday I had a most fascinating time ironing:
Dear Rachel,
Oh my goodness. Today I had 24 things to iron with an option of it being 26. I realize that's a drop in the ironing basket compared to your ironing load, but ten minutes a shirt meant I had 4 hours worth of ironing if I didn't get sidetracked once.
I turned the TV on and guess what I saw?
You will NEVER guess, so I will tell you. Marcia told me when we were in Idaho over the weekend that Lauri Johnson(she was a year older than me, but we were on the same volleyball and basketball teams all through junior high and high school) was on Real Housewives of Orange County. Well, when I was ironing, as karma would have it, that show was on and I watched it and...oh my, Lauri IS on it. I watched four hours of it (I would like to say I finished the ironing during the show, but I had to keep stopping and sitting down on the couch to stare at the situation). Use your best imagination and think of seeing one of your teammates on a show like that. She doesn’t look exactly the same, but her laugh and voice are the same. She mentioned a couple of times that she was an Idaho farm girl. It was interesting to see her in her new glamour world. Her boyfriend-now husband appears very wealthy and it showed them going on trips, planning their wedding and the wedding. It was fun to see shots of people like her folks and sister at the wedding.
It was odd to see myself suddenly older. I saw Lauri’s hands and her face work and thought, "Man, she's an older woman now" just to realize that meant I was older, too. It was the ODDEST thing to see it, I can’t really explain it. The contrast was really funny, too--I was standing there doing my own laundry and ironing watching a former teammate in her five-star-luxury living a world I didn't even know existed in real people’s lives. It was nice to be able to escape her life with a push of the remote, however.
Love,
Jane
So my tip for this week is multi-faceted:
- attach something you do enjoy (watching a movie, listening to a book on tape) to something you don’t enjoy (ironing)
- put an old towel (like the blue one in the picture) under your ironing board cover when your ironing pad is shot
- prepare to be surprised if you watch a reality TV show with relatively no reality in it and a former teammate is in it
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I too enjoy ironing. I learned from my foster mom to sit down when ironing and watch a movie or video. So I pull up a chair, lower my ironing board and iron away. This is great when there's a ton to iron. It takes only 1 time of doing it this way and then you're hooked. It doesn't seem to matter that there's a lot to do because you're comfortable AND entertained. ~Cynthia °Ü°
Jane-I cannot imagine one of my teammates in that situation! I guess there are a few that would be more likely than others, but it would completely blow my mind to see one of my basketball buddies living the high life! What a fun discovery for you! I think I’ll take up your suggestion for the ironing—the pile just seems to increase, as I wait for my desire to do the job to catch up with the actual volume of the job – it rarely happens J -Heather
I actually like ironing, but never seem to have the time to do it. I almost always watch the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice while ironing. 6 hours of pure bliss. Love It! Susan
Wow! I love that show (not sure why--maybe because I was raised in Orange County myself, but in a FAR different world from theirs), but Lauri has always been my favorite. She seems like she has a good heart. I would've never guessed, though, that you two were the same age; to me, because of the plastic surgery, she looks so much older. I think all that work these ladies have done actually makes them look like they're trying to be someone they no longer are--and instantly ages them. She might be glamorous, but I think you have a far more appealing lifestyle (and kids who've accomplished a million times more). As the saying goes--money can't buy happiness! But I'm just preaching to the choir, right?! Love, Susan
Over the years, I have done ALOT of ironing...lots of men's long sleeve shirts just like you have hanging up above your ironing board. Truthfully, I never really minded it all that much and kinda even liked it. Ironing was and is a time that I don't have to really think. I can turn on the TV (usually Dr. Phil) and just forget about things. The bad thing about ironing though is that it can really get away from you if you don't keep up with it. Mine is way out of control right now...piled up on the chair in my bedroom. Guess you can tell I haven't watched much TV lately. My goal is to get it all caught up...soon! Linda
Crazy! I love the line "a reality TV show with relatively no reality"...and the pleasure at escaping such with the simple push of a button. I just heard a former student of mine has a part on a t.v. show this Sunday. I'm both interested & cringing as I debate watching him on a show I wouldn't typically choose to see. Hm... Amy
Wow. I have never liked ironing and for the last few years, gave it up. My husband irons all his own clothes and I rarely wear the kind of clothes that need it. My mom always liked it though, for much the same reason as Sister Hinckley. Maybe I should give it another whirl. Lucy
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SPT-Welcome Home
March 11, 2008
Our home was built by a police officer and his buddies in their spare time back in 1979. The layout is simple and it appears little thought was given to the doors. As you pull off the gravel road into our yard, the garage is front and center. It’s not aesthetically pleasing, but it is practical in more ways than one. You have to search to find our front and back door, so my SPT is of the first door you see, the one by the garage, you could say it's a landmark of sorts.
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I've never seen a sign like this before, that's funny. Now I want to see the whole house so I figure out the door situation. --Jill
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Life in My World
March 10, 2008
This past weekend Calvin and I drove 1,363.4 miles in 48 hours, but we saw more than road:
Dan Mayer saddle
We stopped at a former student of Calvin’s in Montana. Dan is a saddle maker and his craftsmanship is superior. Going to his shop was like walking back in time. They live in a small town (one school holds all twelve grades with about five or six students per grade). Dan’s shop is a converted log barn heated with a wood stove and many of his tools are hand chiseled. His electric drills and leather sewing machines are antiques. It was inspiring seeing his work and watching the process he uses to create beautiful saddles. Dan is methodical and deliberate and it was refreshing (after being on whirlwind trips the past two weekends) to visit him at his pace of life.
Levi and Abe Levi and Emily
My nephew, Levi, got married a week ago. We lived next door to Levi for the first decade of his life. Abe and Levi are only two months apart and have been good buddies since long before Abe could ever pronounce “l” or “v” and instead, called him Bobby for the first year or two. Abe and Levi were fairly inseparable at school, church and home playing in one or the other's backyard. When we moved to Washington, it took Abe a good couple of years to quit missing Levi on a daily basis.
Since we were in Arizona for Bob's funeral, we missed Levi’s wedding, so we drove to Idaho for his reception. It was fun to meet Levi’s wife, Emily. It’s easy to see why she makes him so happy. What a great pair. They had such a pretty reception, too. My sister, Lynn, had organized everything so nicely. She broke her foot a few weeks ago and even got her cast in black so it would match. Now that’s décor.
my sister, Chris, working the cows on their ranch
We stayed with my sister, Chris, and her family. They are such gracious hosts—she even fills the gumball machine with fresh gum when she knows company is coming. They had a prime rib dinner waiting for us when we got there. She also gave me a sugar Easter egg and spring candy decorations for cupcakes. We slept in new beds with new sheets. Ahhhh…. they are hospitality at its finest.
Ande's latest coil pot
We drove the long way to Idaho so that we could pick Ande up at college so she could go with us to Levi and Emily’s reception. It was fun and revitalizing to spend time with her as she filled us in on her social life, books she’s reading and art projects she’s making. She has the best laugh chuckle chortle. I wish I could bottle it. It’s fun to be with her.
modern Swiss Family Robinson tree house
I also read some interesting things this weekend. My sister, Marcia, sent me home with reading material on brain research. Did you know that Aristotle thought that our heart stored our memory and the brain cooled our blood? I must have missed that in Health 101.
I thought the picture above was funny when I saw it, too.
Calvin and I had a great time this weekend and that's life in my world. __________________________________________________________________________________________
Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
Hi Jane-Welcome Home! Isn't great to be home again! Man those are some miles you put on this weekend. It sounds like you had a great time. We are going to be having one of those type of weekends next month. Donna
Those are fun pictures on the blog. Please email me pictures of the wedding, and also the one of Chris and Abe/Levi. I'd love to have those. Thanks for coming. It was a great sacrifice and I want you to know we know that, and we appreciate it. I'll bet you'll be glad to spend some weekends at home now. Wish we could have visited. Maybe another time. Lynn
I'm trying to count them up, but I'm not sure - how many sisters do you have? Several have popped up in this post! Barb
(Six sisters, Barb and three brothers!)
What a lovely trip! Montana, Idaho are on my upcoming agenda. It's fun seeing pictures of your family and how much they mean to you. Lucy
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Robin Hood
March 7, 2008
He did it! Calvin’s first Robin Hood—shooting an arrow straight into another arrow. Gauging by the grin on his face when he brought it in to show me, I’m thinking it’s like a hole-in-one. He's been making and selling longbows for six years and he shot this with one that he made.
Robin Hood and I are off to Idaho for my nephew’s wedding reception. __________________________________________________________________________________________
Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
I guess that makes you Maid Marian! (watch out for Prince Jon) Barb
I thought that was just so exciting about Robin Hood. I've always wanted to try that and never really thought it could be done. That's just awesome. Rachel
Well done Calvin aka Robin Hood. Have a fabulous week. Jenny. :)
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Calvin warning me not to post a picture
of him "scrapbooking" on the blog
Gift Idea
March 6, 2008
Several months before my mom died I put together “You know you’re a Chadwick if . . .” books for all of my siblings. I was going to give them for Christmas gifts, but didn’t. I was going to give them as birthday gifts, but didn’t. Instead, they became a funeral gift. I gave them to my siblings when we gathered for mom’s memorial service.
After Bob died last week I suggested we put something similar together for Calvin's siblings. We quickly notified family members asking for pictures and distinctive “Bob” traits they remembered and then assembled “You know you're Bob Payne's child if . . .” books. When we arrived in Arizona, Calvin’s niece, Cathy, his sister, Caren, and Cali helped us finish the books. (Cathy and Caren are a virtual TREASURE TROVE of family pictures.)
These books are something tangible to not only remember your loved one by, but to remind everyone of the big family circle to which they belong. And though, so far we’ve only given them at funerals, I still think they’d make a great Christmas, anniversary or birthday present . . . or reunion project.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
Jane, It was soooo good to see all of your family this past weekend! It is amazing how you can instantly connect to the family that you have not seen in a LONG time. That just shows you that the bond between family members is something that we just quite cannot grasp the enormity of it. I miss all of you tons! Tell Ande to keep up the work on getting you to move down here. It sure was fun putting the books together with you and Cali and my mom. We could have many a fun nights scrappin' if Ande does her homework and gets your family down here! Thanks again for staying with my mom and keeping her spirits up while you were there. She sure has mentioned a lot how much she LOVED you and Calvin and the kids staying with her. Keep in touch.......Love and hugs, Cathy
Jane, what a great way to remember your family! When my grandmother died, one of my aunts compiled a book of photos, letters, geneology, etc. for everyone. It has been a lot of fun to read a love letter from my grandfather to my grandmother or a journal entry of an aunt in her younger years. I have been able to get to know them a little better! Mindy
Jane, I thought the picture of Calvin telling you not to post his picture scrapping was pretty funny. I could HEAR him through the monitor. Rachel
Jane – this book is such a good idea. And, what a bright spot in what can be a dreary time. The recipients will be blessed for years to come. You’re a special, special gal. Love, Heather
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Homemaking Tip
March 5, 2008
Like most LDS people, we have extra food stored in case of inclement weather, natural disaster, job loss, etc. One item I make sure we have plenty of is popcorn. I do not want to imagine life without it.
On Sunday we spent all day at the Las Vegas airport waiting for a connecting flight. Walking past rows and rows of slot machines, we finally found food. Popcorn, no less. I was so happy until I saw it was $3.99 a box. I just couldn’t do it. Neither can I spend $4 for Kettle Corn at the Farmer’s Market or Springfest. Knowing that it costs less than twenty cents to make just takes the taste right out of a $4 bag.
I often pop popcorn with only a teaspoon of oil (per ½ cup popcorn) and then salt it (but add no butter) for a low fat and filling snack, but here’s the recipe we use for Kettle Corn.
Kettle Corn
In heavy bottomed 4 quart kettle, heat 3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil on medium high heat. Put two kernels of popcorn in the oil—when they pop, the oil is hot enough to continue. To hot oil, add ½ cup of popcorn and shake popcorn and oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle 2 ½ Tbsp. of sugar over the popcorn and place lid on kettle. Vigorously shake the pan over the burner until all popping action stops. Quickly pour popcorn into a bowl and salt to taste. (We just use our electric popcorn popper using the same amounts.)
Liking popcorn runs in the family, this letter from my sister made me laugh:
Dear Jane,
Jesse babysat last night while Bert and I went to sew up a horse and go out to dinner. The kids were watching a movie when a client came to pay for something. The lady said, "Oh you're eating popcorn and watching a movie, how fun."
The kids had big plastic bowls that say "Popcorn" on them. Calder and Maddie looked up from the TV and said, "No, we're just PRETENDING we have popcorn while we watch the movie. We don't want to make a mess."
Love,
Rachel
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
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SPT—Extra, Extra!
March 4, 2008
This may be my most embarrassing self-portrait ever as the challenge this week is to spotlight something extra about ourselves.
When I was growing up we measured a man’s worth by the callouses on his hands. On the playground, callouses meant you were tough, that you could cross the blister bars, swing a baseball bat or were good at pushing the merry-go-round. In our farming community, callouses meant work and if a man’s hands were calloused it meant he’d been lifting hay bales, digging corrugates, roping calves, swinging a hammer or changing water. And though I later realized it was to my comfort that the doctor and dentist didn’t have calloused hands and that not all work requires callouses, I still notice when I shake a man’s hands whether or not he has callouses.
Imagine my embarrassment this week when I noticed this EXTRA callous on my hand. It is at the bottom of my right palm. This is not where callouses were meant to be. It might as well be on my rear-end for all it says about me—it says I use a computer mouse, a lot . . . an awful lot.
Do you have a computer callous? Please, please, say you do.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
No computer callouses, but I have (frequently) lost circulation to my hands while clothes shopping--from carrying so much STUFF! Does that count?! Really, I'm surprised I don't have some sort of "shopping" callouses by now…Susan W.
Loved the spt- very funny-We just moved our computer to a spot that I have to stand up to use it-Hopefully that will help my "callouses" Alisa
Umm . . . I work all day at a computer (I feel) and I don't have calluses. OK, I am not a data entry operator or anything, but I do spend a lot of time at a computer! I believe that is extra special about you and only you! :-) ~ Tina
Oh...this made me laugh! It means you're on your computer inspiring us all!! Amy
What a great post. I have not got callouses yet, but I do have to use a pad under my wrist to keep it from getting sore. I think we will all some day hear about a desease known as computer shoulder. We hunch up or shoulders and hold them stiff as we type and it causes pain in the shoulderblade. Love your post. --Sandi Grandberry
You must be the toughest blogger out there, those kids on the playground have nothing on you! Barb
If I had a computer callous, I would be banned from blogging any more by my husband! That is very funny, though! You go, blogger girl! Deb
My first thought was, "Oh, no-- ringworm!!" I'm just relieved it's a computer callous and not ringworm. Lynn
I can't say that I have a "computer" callous, but I do get TERRIBLE carpal tunnel syndrome from sitting her hours at a time. Ouch! Hope it heals soon. (That was a pretty cleaver extra, extra, I must say) Jenny :)
Mom, I just think you need to know what a wonderful writer you are. I love checking your blog. It always amazes me how you can find a new way to tell a story. Even though we’ve already talked about and experienced all these things, it was so refreshing to read your perspective. I don’t think this comment makes much sense… hopefully YOU understand what I’m trying to say. I love you mom, Cali
Oh Jane, what a funny SPT! I have a strange callous too, but mine is on my fourth finger at the joint by the fingertip. I hold my pencils and pens 'wrong' and despite frustrated efforts by my elementary school teachers, I never changed it. I have a large, raised, callous right there. I thought when I finished my education and stopped writing for 8 hours a day I would lose it, but it seems it is with me forever now! Love, Marie
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Life in My World
March 3, 2008
What a great trip we had to Arizona. Here are a few highlights:
- The funeral was really good. There was such obvious love shown to Bob, especially by the grandchildren. Each one of those grandkids had steady tears running down their face. It was evident their grandpa had made a personal impact on them.
Ande and cousin, Cathy
- Laughing and visiting with cousins, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces, brothers and sisters and staying with Calvin's sister.
- Calvin wanted to eat at a couple of old restaurants he loved when he lived in Arizona. The first night we went looking for El Charro’s. Gone. Demolished. Flattened. Been closed for FIFTEEN years. But his second choice, Pete’s Fish and Chips, with tailless butterfly shrimp, was a great substitution.
- The desert was gorgeous and the yellow poppies were in bloom.
Abe and Grandma at the cemetery
- Calvin got a call from Abe saying that his flight had been delayed and that he would then miss his connecting flight and so he probably wouldn’t make it in time for the funeral. Calvin was sick about it. It took an act of the Red Cross to even get permission for him to attend the funeral and then to miss it by a few hours—well, it was a sad prospect. However, a few prayers later, Abe arrived as scheduled and it was fun to be with Cali, Abe, Ande, Trevor and Michelle for the three days. We visited till 4:00 am, which was horrible for the head, but it was just so great to be together.
Calvin and Abe
- The Virden, New Mexico cemetery is up on the top of a rocky hill where there is neither grass nor trees—just a nice chain-link fence around dirt, rocks and headstones. Families bury their own in Virden, so the men bring a shovel to the graveside service and after the pallbearers lower the casket into the ground the sons and grandsons shovel the dirt back into place. It is a very special tradition.
Uncle Ed and Calvin
- While we waited for the men to finish, we walked around the cemetery looking at other family members’ graves. There are lots and lots of babies in the cemetery and it’s quite sobering. One of Calvin's relatives, Uncle Ed, has four little babies buried there and after the graveside service we went down the hill to the community center for a dinner that Uncle Ed and Aunt Jean had organized. Ed and Jean are 85 years old and they had another son die just last week. Can you imagine how humbling it was to be served by people who were mourning just a few days earlier? It was such a generous gesture for them to feed us.
This trip will definitely be a highlight of our year. We have missed not being closer to the Payne family and it felt so good to reconnect.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
Oh, Jane, seems that every, single relative in your family is just as amazing as you are. Wow. You have been in my thoughts and prayers this past week. Am so glad you were able to have a nice visit with family members, despite the circumstances, of course, and that Abe was able to make it just in the nick of time! I'm sure Calvin's father was/is smiling down on all of you. Love, Susan W.
Hi Jane, I enjoyed reading about your trip to Arizona and also to Virden--- all places I'm familiar with! We have eaten at El Charo and I didn't realize either that they were no longer in Mesa. I'm so glad Abe was able to make it in time for the funeral. My parents, grandparents and a brother are all buried in that cemetery in Virden so I have special feelings for it. My father as a young man was with his father, Grandpa Harry Payne when he measured and layed out that land for a cemetery. My father's funeral was the last one to be held in the old church in Virden (which is now the Community Center). Ed and Jean are really something aren't they? I haven't seen them for a long time but I remember when they lost one baby after another and I remember seeing their little graves. It had something to do with the RH factor? or some blood problem when they were born. They have something to take care of that problem now and you seldom hear of it. I'm glad you're home safely and it's fun to read your blog.........Love, Ruth
I am glad you had such a wonderful time in AZ. I hate to break the news to you, but El Charro is actually still there. It is on Country Club Drive. Perhaps you drove the wrong road? I know that Mattas is now closed downtown on Main St. Ah, yes good old Pete's I have fond memories going there ALL the time. My dance studio (Jeanne's) was literally one block South of it. Sounds like the funeral went well, lovely photos! Jenny
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52 Blessings—Gifts
March 2, 2008
I’ve read that gift giving is part of every culture and this week, I’m extremely grateful it’s a part of ours. Last week after Calvin’s father passed away, one of Calvin’s sisters called and said her husband, who is an airline company employee, was getting us tickets and she wondered how many of us were coming to the funeral and from which airports we needed to fly. Offering to fly five of us was incredibly generous, but we weren’t the only ones, she offered tickets to all of the family members who needed to fly home, too. Her husband, who I had never met, procured eleven flights in all, but since his benefits didn’t cover all of the flights, other airline employees donated theirs for us, too. Calvin and I and the kids were very humbled that people we’d never met would be willing to give us such a generous gift.
After hearing us blather on and on about how wonderful the oranges were (Wal-Mart oranges, nonetheless) in Arizona this week, another sister of Calvin’s asked her friend to drive out to the orange groves to get us a box. We emptied the things from my suitcase into Calvin’s and filled the empty one with fresh oranges. Again, a thoughtful gift from his sister, fulfilled by a stranger made our week sweet. What a blessing gifts have been to us this week.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks! They’re always appreciated.
Wow how generous. I am glad you guys were able to all make the funeral. I wish I would have known you were headed to AZ I seriously would have sent you to Lehi to pick my grandparents trees. They have TONS of oranges and long to give them away. Jenny :)
We seem to only hear of the bad and the ugliness in the world...but there are truly so many generous, thoughtful, and sincere people out there. It sounds like you have 2 of the truly generous and thoughtful ones in your family! Linda
Very generous. Thank you for sharing the stories of good people everywhere. Lucy
Jane - what wonderful generous people. I love hearing about people's generosity. It always reminds me how I need to be more generous. Before we moved to Oregon, I got a couple of wonderfully generous gifts and I keep thinking of ways to "pay it forward". I know that the people who gave gifts to me don't "need" a return gift, but they would appreciate a gift to someone else in need. Anyway, it's so nice to hear about kindness in the world. Thanks for sharing! I am glad you had a good trip. By the way, your post from the plane was so funny. I was laughing out loud! You're a crack up, Ms. Jane!
