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May 2008
 
Luck of the Draw and Wouldn’t You Know, I Need to Make a Correction
May 31, 2008
Oh, gee. Remember when I warned you I was a fair-weathered friend on many products? Well, I forgot to inform you that I also get two catalogues mixed up all the time—L.L.Bean and Eddie Bauer. I meant to say Eddie Bauer jeans (natural fit) in the endorsement post below. Though I did buy one pair of L.L. Bean jeans twenty years ago and really liked them; it’s Eddie Bauer that hangs in my closet now and everything I said about the L.L. Bean jeans describes Eddie Bauer’s. Add this to my list of “Reasons why I am glad I am not the President”— I’d constantly be working backwards sending out retraction statements rather than forward.
Yesterday we drove Ande over to Seattle to the airport. I consciously left my camera home. Once again, I wish I had taken it. I missed a “before” picture of Ande as well as a picture of The Clock Shop in CleElum. CleElum is known to most Moses Lake-to-Seattle drivers as the town with the cute little bakery (and to Calvin as the town with the butcher shop with salami and jerky), but it also has the only place we know of that works on antique clocks. Our mantel clock quit ticking a few weeks ago and I miss it badly. The Clock Shop is no bigger than a bedroom, has old floors that creak and has dozens and dozens of old clocks whose ticks echo in the small space. One of the grandfather clocks in the corner of the shop is 170 years old and has the richest chime. The little Norwegian clock repairer moved the hands forward two minutes so that we could hear it strike five o’clock. His clipped, white mustache curved as he nodded his head and said, “When you hear that in the middle of the night, you know all is right in the world.” He described perfectly how I feel about our mantel clock’s ticks and chimes. He’s a sixth generation clock repairer and I hope he has someone in mind from the seventh generation to run The Clock Shop shop when he retires (he's been repairing clocks since he was seven years old).
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Life in My World—Endorsement Issue
May 30, 2008
Following Kristi’s lead, I thought I’d quickly blog about four things that I heartily endorse. I’m a fair-weather friend on many products and happily substitute, but I’m loyal to:
 
Saf-Yeast. For twenty years I’ve had great success with Saf because it has so much umph. I store it in a covered jar in the freezer and just scoop out the amount I need and return it to the freezer. I’ve used the other yeasts in emergencies, but am never as satisfied with them as I am with Saf.
 
brothers-in-law grilling ribs
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce. Oo-da-lolly. Once I found this, I haven’t gone back to Cattleman’s, Kraft, my own recipe or a store brand. It’s just perfect and makes everything edible.
L.L. Bean jeans. Why mess with a good thing? They are pricey, but to me they are worth the wait. They’re comfortable, generous in their sizing and well-made . . . and will flatter you the best they can. L.L. Bean is my friend (and my grandmother’s maiden name, too, maybe I have a subconscious loyalty . . . nah . . . on second thought, I’m not loyal to Chadwick jeans and that’s MY maiden name).
Tom Hanks. If there’s an article in a magazine about him, I’ll read it. If he’s in a clean movie, I’ll watch it. If he gives a speech, I’ll listen to it. I like Tom Hanks and he’s been around long enough he’s safe endorsing. (Please don’t fail me now, Mr. Hanks.)
What about you? What do you endorse?
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Oh, I have so many things to talk about! First, Terry loves "Bizarre Foods" too!! Yuck! I cannot even be in the same room, it grosses me out so much. In fact, Cindy and I considered going on the Amazing Race together, but then realized that it would never happen because neither one of us could eat something gross. It just isn't going to happen. Second, I have very(!) selective squeamishness. I do as Cali suggests and have latex gloves that make it possible for me to feel raw meat of any kind. I can't stand the feel of raw hamburger! But, I can clean up anyone's vomit. But, I can't stand the sight of blood. But, I can scrap the bottom of a gross garbage can. But, I can't stand the thought of having seafood around me. Totally selective. Third, I totally endorse the flat rate boxes from the post office. I have saved so much money, cramming everything I can in those boxes. One day, I saved $10 on shipping! Whew! I had some heavy candy in that box, I guess. I also endorse Aeropostale Jeans. If you watch for the sale, you can get them for around $25, they aren't low waisted so we don't have "crack" problems, and they have enough styles to fit each of the different body styles we have in our family. I'm sold! See you Jane, Susan
Jane, Your newsletter hit a nerve. I have some squeamishness examples to share with you that I obviously can't get over. First: I had poured cold cereal into bowls, clean, mind you, and when we later decided to have pancakes, my brother wouldn't allow me to pour the unused, untouched, un-milked cereal back into the box. He tossed it into the garbage! This is the same brother who wouldn't share a glass of water with his wife but would slobbery-kiss her continuously. Same brother: his kids weren't allowed to feed themselves because they got too sticky (it 'grossed him out') so consequently, they were still opening their mouths like little birds when they were past the age when utensil usage should have been perfected. The really irritating thing about this brother (I ADORE him) is that his kids and wife are perfect. Talk about irritating! I love "John Adams". And I hate 'Bizarre Foods'. Love, BRENDA PS Can you tell that I don't have any idea when to use correct quote marks? Maybe you could enlighten me.
Jane, I really enjoyed your newletter today and got a good chuckle about selective squeamishness. Having kids around has definitely taught me to not be as squeamish as I was years ago though I do have to say that I'm glad I discovered disposable gloves a couple of years ago - not so much for gross stuff, but I love them for cutting up acidic fruit. I also had to tell you I had a friend share with me once a few years ago that she couldn't bear to dress her kids in used clothing and that it bugged her when her mother-in-law sent her clothing for her kids that looked like it was from DI (Deseret Industries thrift store). I got a good little chuckle at that (well, when she wasn't around that is) because I'm in love with yard sale and thrift store shopping. I figure new clothing is USED once it is worn and washed just like the USED clothing I can find for a fraction of the price. The majority of my jeans I purchased for a dollar or two and the majority of my girls' clothing was purchased for under a dollar. I even found myself a dress for 50 cents a couple of weeks ago! That just means I have more money for other things later! Have a great weekend! And thanks for your fun newsletters! I read every single one of them and love them. Leslie
I buy the same bulk yeast, but don't freeze it. I will have to do that from now on! I fear my list of endorsements may be a book. Somethings, I really couldn't care about brands but others I MUST have it. Have a great weekend :) Jenny
Jane, did you know that if you soak liver in milk for maybe 30 min. or more before cooking it takes the strong liver flavor out. It is really good. Also I'm w/ Calvin on watching Bizarre Foods w/ Andrew Zimmerman. But! That program would go nowhere if I had to eat some of the things he does. Jerilyn
Dear Jane, I can relate to your newsletter about some strange tastes in food, etc. When we were in China we saw many strange foods that we considered inedible! Love ya, Lora
I love Saf-Yeast too! Right now I only have a few packages left in my freezer. I've bought the other stuff too in a pinch. But this brand is my absolute favorite. hmm... I never thought I was a yeast snob, but I guess I am. :) Today I was preparing a handful of bread-kits for the freezer and I thought about your salt jar with your ball in it. I decided that the next time I go to the commissary I'm going to buy a few canisters of salt and switch to a bigger Tupperware for it. Then I will get a cute little ball. Next family home evening lesson I will teach my kids that same lesson that I remember learning in seminary, and every time after that they help me make something with salt, they will remember the lesson! :) And I just scrolled down and noticed your lid for your salt jar. Aren't those the best? I just got some this year from my mom and I LOVE them. I really enjoyed your newsletter this week. It seems that I've heard so much of this Tightwad Gazette lately. It's like a gentle nudge to me to go get it and read it. Frankly, I'm surprised that I haven't yet. I love to read and I love to be frugal! But anyways about your newsletter, that's so funny about Cali and the dishwater. I think greasy cold dishwater is gross, but I've eliminated the worry in my home for the most part. We have a dishpan inside one of the sinks. If the water gets left in there and gets all cold and yucky and orange and well, you know, GROSS, I just lift it and dump it out. There is still the gross-factor in the washcloth if it was left inside. ;) I think that is far more gross than the dishwater-- which is silly since poopy cloth diapers are probably truly nastier. You know what I think is gross? When somebody who shall remain my eternal companion puts a can of food in the fridge with plastic wrap or foil over the top. EW. Gives me an icky-shiver just thinking about it. I'm intrigued with your liver recipe. To my knowledge I have only had liver once in my life. My friend's mom made me try it. It was a much stronger taste than I imagined-- but the name alone "liver" freaked me out probably more than the taste. But I'm going to try your recipe. It bugs me a little that Danny is slightly anti-nut. I think it was the way he was raised. I've learned to like nuts more and more as an adult and I think he should be more forgiving and try them more in things like granola, breads, cookies, brownies, etc. Anyways, I know my mom doesn't like liver, and I'm guessing that why I had such a strong aversion to it. So, I will try again. Who knows? My kids may end up loving it! So, I rambled. Thanks for a great blog and great newsletter! Nikki P.S. I love that story about the $500 milk cow. That's incredible. I would love to have known your mom. She has such amazing daughters.
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Teaching Idea—Rise Above It
May 29, 2008
This jar of salt with a ping-pong ball sits in my cupboard and I just scoop around the ball when I need salt. The jar and ball are left over from an object lesson, but because I like the reminder (and it’s a quick, easy devotional or family home evening lesson to grab) I leave it in the cupboard just like it is. The idea comes from the Old Testament Seminary Teacher Resource Manual.
“Fill a glass jar half-full of rice or wheat (or salt J). Place a small, lightweight ball (or ping-pong ballJ) in the jar and cover it with a lid. Ask students if they have ever felt like they were being buried by troubles or hardships. Hold up the jar and quickly turn it over so that the ball is on the bottom, covered by the grain. Tell them they are going to learn about a young man who might have felt ‘buried’.” Then, tell or read the Bible story of Joseph (and the coat of many colors, Genesis 37, 39-41) or Daniel (Daniel 1, 3). Turn the bottle over and shake the ball to the top as you discuss the story. Help them to see that through faith in the Lord and obedience to His commandments that they can continually rise to the top and conquer their challenges.
It’s a simple little object lesson, but I’ve yet to see kids that aren’t fascinated by the ball's ability to continually rise to the top and I like being reminded of that on a daily basis.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
I love that object lesson! I've never seen it before, and the message is clearand important. My mind is whirling with ways to encorporate this into a FamilyHome Evening lesson for my kids. Thanks! Marie
This is a fabulous lesson, Jane – my salt jar is about to get a face lift!! Thanks for sharing it. –Heather
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Happy 26th Anniversary to Us!
May 28, 2008
“Marriage is still very much a living institution, worth all the time and patience invested in it. Marriage is the stable structure that encircles and supports two clumsy individuals, learning to love and live with each other.” (Ronna Romney and Beppie Harrison, Giving Time a Chance, New York: Bantam Books, 1983, pgs. 287-88)
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Happy Anniversary, I am sure glad you got married 26 years ago and stayed married for that long. That is funny that your first date was to watch Indiana Jones. Have a great anniversary. Love Elder Payne
Happy Anniversary, Jane! Even though I know in my mind that all marriages have to have their own troubles, you seem to have such a happy, worry-free, fun marriage. I hope that you have a great anniversary celebration, you deserve it. Thank you for sharing your life with us (your readers). Thank you for being inspirational, down-to-earth, funny and . . . well, thanks for being you! Love~Tina PS - I love that Jr High-esque picture! That is awesome!
Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary a day late! I’m so sorry that I forgot to mention it last night. When you called, I had just found out about an extra detail I had today and waking up early. I’m sorry that I was distracted and didn’t mention it. I love you both. Abe
Happy Anniversary!! You are an amazing couple. Love, Deb
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SPT—Borrowed and Blue
May 27, 2008
You’re going to get to the end of this story before I do, but . . .
Two weeks ago Calvin found a blue robin egg on the lawn because someone didn’t make it to the nest before she delivered. He put the egg in the incubator with his quail eggs and I thought, “Perfect! It’s something borrowed and something blue. I’ll combine Lelly's last two Self Portrait Tuesday’s in May of 'something borrowed' and 'something blue'.”
After a day or two I asked Calvin what he was going to do with the egg once it hatched. The quail come out ready to peck, but robins need those regurgitated worms. He didn’t sound too concerned and said we’d worry about it later. I wondered if the egg might hatch before it was time to take a picture for SPT, but I didn’t want to disturb it. In the meantime Calvin had shown me a robin’s nest in a tree with four blue eggs so I figured they could be my back-up plan.
This morning I asked Calvin if the robin had hatched yet. (He’d candled it a week ago and found it was still alive.) I thought I’d follow him out to the incubator and snap a picture before I went to work, but he said, “I accidentally cracked it a few days ago and had to throw it out.” After work I went out to the Plan B blue eggs in the nest to get a picture and THEY HAD HATCHED. My only other idea was a blue picture, but I can’t cry on demand and I cry ugly.
After three strikes, I figured I’d sit this one out. But then I remembered I was wearing blue pearls—
my first non-required piece of jewelry from Calvin. He gave me the necklace when we went to Hawaii for Cali’s graduation a few years ago and my sister, Chris, who went with us with her family, bought me the matching earrings for my birthday a few months later.
So the moral of this story is . . . sometimes it's best to count your birds before they hatch.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Great photo of you today! I love pearls, they're probably my favorite gem. (Are they a gem?) You got the angle on your photo just right for the earing/necklace shot. I couldn't believe that you posted about milk - I wasn't expecting to see another blog with a photo of milk jugs! Barb
One word. Wow! Those are really pretty. I have a black pair similar, but really like those. The color is stunning on you. Jenny :)
Jane, I did not see the end of that story coming! Too bad about the robin eggs. But I do like your blue pearls! – michelle
What a great combination! I love pearls and I love jewelry! They're beautiful! Dacia
Too funny that you lost your chance at photographing your something blue...but I DO love the pearls, they are beautiful...better than any robin egg that is for sure! Courtney Milius
That is too funny that you strike out 3 times, when I cannot even come up with one. Melanie Nielson
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Memories
May 26, 2008
Subconsciously I often compare the cost of a gallon of milk to a gallon of gas. Usually milk is the more expensive of the two, but not this year. Today gas is $3.99 a gallon and milk is $3.19.
When everyone is home we have fat free, 1% and whole milk in the fridge to keep everybody happy, but for many years we all drank the same—fresh from the cow with the cream stripped off and stored in a jar.
For several years my sister, Lynn, and her family and my family shared a milk cow. Lynn wrote about it in “The Back and Forth Cow”, an article in the Ensign.
Milking that cow was good in lots of ways: squeezing the warm udder the first thing in the morning loosened the stiffness of my arthritic fingers; the quiet time in the barn was a nice break from our noisy, young house; all the milk and cream (I made lots of caramel in those days) was great and stretched the grocery budget; and best of all, sometimes Ande would join me on the spare milking stool. She would wander out to the barn in her bare feet and pull it up next to me. Since the cow’s legs were hobbled, there was no harm in her being kicked, so I let her hold the cow’s tail so it wouldn’t swish us in the face. Whenever the cow stomped her feet or tried to swing her tail free from Ande’s little hands, she’d holler, “Quit it, mama.”
Milk—it does the soul good (no matter how you get it or at what price).
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Jane, that photo is just priceless! -- michelle
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Arlington National Cemetery
52 Blessings
May 24, 2008
The military. Wherever Satan is there will be a battlefield for man’s freedom and allegiance. I’m grateful to our military for defending truth and protecting the freedoms for which our Founding Fathers established and fought. It takes courage to defend what you believe in and I’m blessed by those who “gave the last full measure of devotion.” (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)
I’ve stood at attention as both of our sons took the oath to protect America. My heart beat fast, goose bumps covered my body, my throat got very hot and my eyes filled with tears, both times. Pahoran described best how I felt at those moments, “The Spirit of God is also the spirit of freedom.” (Alma 61:15) I’ve felt that spirit of God/spirit of freedom hundreds of times as I’ve sung anthems and patriotic music, watched the flag enter a room, heard the drums beat as the military parades, read stories and biographies of brave men and women, walked among the graves at Arlington and West Point and watched veterans hand out crepe paper poppies in front of the grocery store. I just pray that I’ll live worthy of this blessing of the sacrifice of others.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
I enjoyed your newsletter this week. I haven't understood Veterans Day vs Memorial Day before you explained the difference (since they're not my own national holidays after all). Barb
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In-Between
May 23, 2008
It seems that we spend a lot of our life in-between. First we’re too little and then we’re too big. First we think we’re too skinny and then we think we’re too fat. First we’re too dumb and then we’re too smart (and then we realize we really aren't that smart). However, adaptable creatures that humans are, we adjust. We learn tricks to tide us over the in-betweens—donuts, naps, picture books, even a few snips across the bangs will hold us over in-between haircuts. Yes, if there is one thing we are, we humans are definitely adaptable.
Here are a few of my in-betweens this week.
Our garden is in-between—the flowers and vegetables are coming up, but so are the weeds and it’s in the ugly stage in-between freshly tilled rows and blossoming/producing rows.
The chicks are in-between. They are definitely out of the fuzzy, cute phase and in the unsightly stage that won’t lay eggs for several months.
The weather isn't hot and it isn't cold, sometimes it rains sometimes it doesn't. It's in-between.
Mine and Calvin’s anniversary is next week, but since it is in-between weekends we went to Big Town last night to celebrate. We went to Indiana Jones and realized that the first Indiana Jones movie was our first date. Whoa. That was almost 27 years ago (and after seeing this movie, I think they used some of the same sets and footage and just put an older Harrison Ford in to throw us off!) We also went out to seafood. (Calvin isn’t a very cooperative Self-Portrait taker however, and in the interest of marital bliss I didn’t take a picture. And though I would have liked to have taken a picture of the pretty butter pats with the sprig of rosemary at the restaurant, he’d have croaked if a flash had gone off at our table and no one really wants their date to croak at the dinner table.) There was no in-between about the evening however, we had fun.
Ande is in-between college and her summer job in Alaska, so we went to Spring Fest this afternoon. (There is a Milk Dud in-between my teeth.)
Remember I burned my legs last week? I broke my toe this afternoon. I am in-between pains.
In-between. It’s where I lived the bulk of my life this week.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Mamma, I love your newsletters. This week's was one of my favorites. You do such a good job. And I love Neighbor Jane (even if she is a bit overwhelming sometimes) not just Mom. I think you are the very greatest. Ande
Dear Jane, Thank you for the delightful newsletter! I love Memorial Day when we honor our past heros and loved ones! Cali's story was so fun to read! How important it is to listen and learn from this older generation! They have a lot to teach us! Love, Lora
Jane, Thanks for this newsletter. Unlike many, I have a daily appreciation for our soldiers, as I live with the threat of deployment all the time. I really appreciate it when others acknowledge their service, and it makes me feel good. I’ve had grandparents serve in the military, but none (to my knowledge) died in their service. Doane’s grandpa served in something akin to the CIA or special ops, and he’s a hoot (when he’s lucid) with the stories he tells. My brother is also in the National Guard, and both he and Doane have been over to Iraq already, and are waiting until they get notified to go again. As a side note, the group 3Doors Down just put out a new song, called “Citizen Soldier”, that honors the National Guard soldiers. It’s pretty good. You can go tohttp://www.1800goguard.com/movie/index2.php,and watch the music video. Anyway, have a great Memorial Weekend! Beka
Jane, Sounds like you have had a rough week! Hope you go on to a better one next! Michelle Rogge
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Life in My World
May 19, 2008
Life in my world is painful. I did a stupid, stupid thing. I sat in the sun too long at a ballgame on Saturday and fried my legs. If they were toast I’d throw them out. It makes me mad when I burn them like this. They’re so swollen I’ve had to keep them propped up the last two days. Darn stupidity. It’s a high price and I’m paying it.
Life in my world is beautiful. We’ve had a hundred yards of lilacs in heavy bloom all week and the air outside smells incredible (as well as inside, every time I walk by an open window I get a whiff and Ande picked a bouquet for the computer desk, my nightstand and the kitchen table. Overkill? Nope, not even a little). The frogs are croaking like crazy this time of year and the evenings and mornings are perfect.
Life in my world has a twitch. We’re down to the last three weeks of school and the kids are ready to be let free. Who am I fooling; I’m ready to be let free. I love teaching, but I love sunner summer.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Oh Jane! Your poor legs! I am a burner myself. I got the worst burn of my life on our honeymoon in California. We went to the beach, and I slathered on the sun block, but missed the back of my legs. The next day I had blisters the size of Canadian loonies. It was horrible. On the upside, how wonderful to have that many lilacs blooming all around you. I spent part of my day planting five lilac bushes in my backyard, and I just could not inhale deeply enough as I worked. They are wonderful! Love, Marie
Oh, your poor, poor legs! I am so sorry! I wish I were there to help you with housework or wait on you somehow… pick some more lilacs, if nothing else! Bless your heart! Love, Susan W.
I got burned myself this weekend. But my painful mistake was on my shoulders and neck (yeouch!) I'll be sporting an awesome neck farmers tan the rest of the summer. yee-haw! Lucy
Jane – our frogs are going crazy, too! Matt just cleaned up the pond for the spring, and they seem to be singing their “thank-you” chorus. My lilacs were a failure this year, so I am jealous of your 100 yards of sweet smells and pretty blooms. Take care of that sunburn!! -Heather
Jane, I'm so sorry for your burn. I feel your pain, (sort of). Megan got a really bad sunburn on Saturday from being at the pool for lifeguard training. She is in so much pain, and we are using
tons and tons of aloe on her. I hope your legs are get better soon! P.S. Thank you so much again for the bouquet of lilacs! I love the smell of lilacs and I get a whiff every time I go by them. Thanks again! Susan Pyle
I remember when I was young and silly burning my legs so many times. Along with my shoulders and nose. So sorry for your pain. Are you rubbing aloe vera on them? Elizabeth
The lilacs are beautiful. Growing up in Spokane I had a big lilac bush outside my bedroom window. Now living in the desert I really, really miss the flowers. Darlene
Oh, your poor poor legs. That is the worst, especially trying to sleep at night. Hopefully aloe is treating you good. Do you have one of those plants? I swear they do wonders. I bet those flowers smell divine! Jenny :)
The thing that makes me mad when I get a sunburn is that it's not my first sunburn. I'm always like, "How did I inflict this on myself yet again?" Thank goodness you have lilacs to comfort you! Love, Barb
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Gift-Craft Idea—On the Rocks
May 15, 2008
These are the rocks Ande stamped for me for Mother’s Day for the herb bed. She got the idea from a Martha Stewart magazine. They are simple and darling! (Use permanent ink.)
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Your daughter is brilliant (Martha, too!). I LOVE this idea. Amy
I came here to re-read some advice I read forever ago about lavender and this was a delight. SO cute- I want to do this for myself and then make a couple for two gardene friends of mine that share the passion. My girls are going to love rock hunting with me in the morning! -Hannah
Your mother's day post is my favorite. Yes, yes, and yes. And your gift was pretty awesome too. Lucy
What a great idea Jane! I love seeing projects I could totally pull off with such a great finished project. Elizabeth
What a wonderful Mother's Day idea! Thank you for sharing! Missy
What a great idea for visiting teaching! I'm stealing this idea...just so you know. Lynn
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Homemaking Tip—Go with the Flow
May 14, 2008
Back in my self-help phase (I seem to go through reading phases, now I’m in a biography one) I read a red-covered homemaking book by super woman. She was inspiring and incredible and I was in awe of her organizational skills and ability to raise twelve children. I loaned the book and have forgotten to whom and wouldn’t recognize it now if it was returned, but I have not forgotten a piece of advice the author gave. She said if you’re in a particular mood for a task, do it because you’ll be so much more efficient if you go with your mood rather than fight against it. Her example was if you are supposed to deep clean the living room one morning, but really don’t feel like cleaning but you do feel like baking, then by all means bake and use the natural energy flow and do the living room another day. (She went on to give an example of what she could do on a day when she felt like baking and it included éclairs along with a dozen other things.) The author didn’t give her readers permission to never accomplish the dreaded tasks, she just said that if you had a particular urge to do something on a certain day to not shut it off because of a routine, but rather to run with it.
One day recently I felt like working in the kitchen even though I should have been outside. I took the author’s advice and by noon had made ten loaves of bread (6 white/4 wheat), 8 ½ dozen cookies (5 peanut butter, 3 ½ chocolate peanut butter chip), 6 dozen frozen rolls (3 white/ 3 wheat) and a pot of chili--not bad for a few hours of work, but remember I have no small children at home anymore either. Most days I just do what needs to be done, but on those days when I have a predisposition for a task (like sorting, tossing, rearranging or cleaning or baking or crafting) and follow the author's advice, I'm seldom disappointed. How about you? Are you surprised how far the flow can take you when you go with it?__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
Ok, I know you are an over achiever, but really Jane, are you giving away all those carbohydrates and sugars or trying to put your husband in a diabetic coma. I'll start praying for Calvin. Mary
I'm fairly certain the scene in your kitchen would never happen in mine. So, does this count for blogging? Say, if you are really feeling like posting and reading, you should just go with it? I could
get a lot of blogging done this way if the guilt is taken away:) Lucy
Jane, you are stinkin' crazy!!! :) That is quite the bakery you have going on there! I do like that author's advice however! How productive you were - I love it! ~Tina
Oh, Jane, I can't say how relieved I am to hear that "go with the flow" can be homemaking advice (and from one so wise). That's one thing that I'm actually good at...probably to the extent that I SHOULD let "have to"'s rule a little more often. I can only imagine how good your house smelled when I look at the picture! Amy S.
I am so bad at going from my blog to my acct to email. I don't know how to use the email thing it let's you use when you click it, off your blog...So anyway. I just want you to know that I "Loved" last weeks SPT with you in your wedding dress & your comments. I was totally giggling along with you. Then your daughters comment cracked me up even more. I just love your sense of humor. I'm sorry I am completely drawing a blank to what was new yesterday, but remember how pretty you looked. You have very pretty features..And todays post with all the bread, Oh would I of loved to be at your house with the smell of fresh bread cooking & eating it.. I Love Bread!! And I liked your comment about go with your feelings on what you feel like doing. Can I go with the feeling to run down the street screaming - I'm free, when my girls are driving me crazy??? ha ha Love Bren
What fantastic advice! I think I do this somewhat naturally, but go overboard and don't get back to the orignal thing that I 'should' have done. I dream of the time when my girls are at school and I can have the day to bake to my hearts content. (although I am sure when it is here I will be longing for the days of them home and underfoot!) 10 loaves of bread??? That is an amazing feat- not to mention all the cookies and freezer rolls. How does your oven keep up? -Hannah
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SPT—Something New
May 13, 2008
The lilacs are finally here!
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What lovely lilacs. I wish I had some flowers in my yard! Dacia
I LOVE spring! Yeah for the lilacs! CourtneyMilius
OK Jane, you have made me laugh off and on all day over that bridal shot you took. Remind me to never go shopping with you, I would probably never survive ...I think the saying died laughing would apply. I miss Lilac's in bloom. My sister gave me a great chili recipe...I will give it to you. Mary Winterton
I love lilacs too! But we don't have any yet. :( We had a random May blizzardlast week and it melted a couple days ago. So, I think maybe Winter is over andwe can actually welcome Spring. Nikki
I LOVE lilacs! They are beautiful! Mine are still too young to have many blooms. Chris
I think I want a lilac bush for my back yard- those are beautiful! I love the sweet mother’s day gift- those are my favorite kind. No money exchanges hands but it sure takes some thought! Love it! Alisa Spear
Lilacs always remind me of my grandma. They are a sweet reminder of the great woman she was--Deidra
I love lilacs! My grandma has a whole row of them on the side of her house to remind her of my grandpa proposing to her under an arch of them. So whenever I walk on that side of the house, I think of them being young and how the smell of lilacs reminds her of their engagement. I come to your blog a lot, but haven't been in a while and I am loving catching up! This is so romantic and the thought of future generations being able to see and feel that sentiment is a heart warming thing.- Hannah
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Life in My World—The Balanced Report
May 12, 2008
Choosing a word for the year and then reporting on it monthly is great for accountability. Last month I was squished, this month I’ve been a little better balanced.
Physically: still riding the bike every morning and occasionally walking in the afternoon and eating lots of vegetables and . . . cake and cookies. Next up . . . tan the underside of my chin.
Socially: had a great lunch where I laughed and debated and came away invigorated and also went to a movie with Ande, just because.
Intellectually: plugging away on my physical science class. I took a test on it this week and felt really good that most of the sentences made sense. Mind you, I’m not thinking I knew which ones made the most sense, but at least a lot of the stuff sounded familiar.
Spiritually: had a bummer service project which humbled me and a good one. I made chili and delivered it before I tasted it. It was TERRIBLE . . . so bad I gave ours to the chickens. I’m still feeling stupid about it. The good service project was at the Single’s Ward Family Home Evening last night where we ironed hundreds of handkerchiefs for breast cancer awareness.
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Ty-Cali-me-Abe-Ande at my sister's wedding in 1996 . . . or so
52 Blessings—Mother’s Day
May 11, 2008
This morning I got up early and walked into the kitchen—we left it in a disaster last night—and as I put things away and swept the floor it just seemed right to start the day off with the duties of a mom. I love Mother’s Day. It doesn’t matter that I’m not a stellar mother and it doesn’t matter that the breakfasts I’ve been served in bed have been less than good. I love Mother’s Day because it’s a day the nation remembers how critical the role of mothers is. I love it because it’s a day I remember how lucky I am to be a mom. I love it because it’s a day when the kids’ personalities show so distinctly. I love it because it’s a day to be grateful to Calvin’s mother and my mother for the good things they taught us. I love it because it’s a day when Calvin comes up with a great way to say, “Happy Mother’s Day, I love you.”
Yesterday we got to call Ty who is on a mission to Taiwan. While missionaries are serving we only have access to them through e-mail, letters and two phone calls a year—one on Christmas and the other on Mother’s Day. It was so fun to hear Ty’s voice. He answered the phone in Chinese. From a little boy who stuttered and didn’t conquer his “r’s” for years, it was thrilling to hear him bear his testimony of the Savior in another language that he had mastered. Helping a boy grow into a man is a great privilege of motherhood. Happy Mother's Day to me.
Abe sent me this message from Mr. T. first thing this morning. It makes me laugh and cry because it reminds me of the 80’s when he was a little boy and also of when he was in high school and first sent this video to me. I can hardly wait for the rest of his gift which comes later today—a list of his 25 favorite memories. Abe’s memory is incredible and he is great at living the future with a dose of the past. I love being Abe’s mom. Happy Mother's Day to me.
Calvin and the girls gave me the gift of fixing the flower beds. I am so thrilled not to be responsible for them. I’m good at maintaining the yard and garden, but to make something better or prettier is hard for me to imagine. Hence, their gifts of vision and their ability to work hard are graciously and gratefully received. Cali and Ande also gave me a gift of rocks. I’ll post a picture of what they did with them on Thursday for a gift-giving tip. Our daughters are incredibly talented and smart and it’s been so rewarding watching them develop their gifts. Happy Mother's Day to me.
I want to show you Calvin’s Mother’s Day card to me. It is a real treasure. Literally. I had to find it with the clues he gave:
- It is Mother’s Day after all . . . so go to the bookcase at the end of the hall.
- You’re more fun than all of my guns . . . go to the mantle (where a couple of guns he’s made hang).
- You don’t do much b***** . . . so go to the window in the kitchen.
- You’re no slouch . . . so go where you spend lots of time in the family room on the couch.
- You’re not frail . . . so go to the garage and look for the quail (eggs).
- You’re no bore . . . so go to the outside door.
- Now open the door . . . then look to the quakie trees and I’m sure you’ll be pleased.
I looked and looked, but couldn't see anything. I thought maybe he'd added another rock to the pile. Nope. I thought maybe he'd added another tree to our grove. Nope. Finally, I saw this:
A Happy Mother's Day wish that will only improve with time. After I spotted it, Calvin said, "Some day even when I'm gone you'll have this and you'll be able to show it to our grandkids and they'll be able to trace our initials with their fingers." Someday. Happy Mother's Day to me.
Trevor will call today and even though I'm not his primary mother I'll remember that I don't have to give birth to be a mother nor to be loved like a mother. Happy Mother's Day to me.
Happy Mother's Day to all women everywhere as we help each other raise society.
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
I do love your Mother's Day gifts. How very special. It's going to be so cool when one of Cali or Ande's daughters dreamily traces her litltle finger through those initials someday. You've got quite a catch in that Calvin - but I think you already knew that! -Heather
I love your mother's day post. But my favorite part was the end..the carving on the tree. It made me tear up instantly. Such complete sweetness...so much better than roses or diamonds. Amy S.
How SWEET that Calvin did that -- wow!!! Even my kids were impressed when I showed them. Totally thoughtful, and what a great 'gift' to have for a lifetime!Love, Susan W.
That is the sweetest thing ever! Things of that nature melt my heart. Happy Mother's Day Jane! Love, Jenny
Happy Mother's Day Jane! Your yard is beautiful, and I love the new addition by Calvin. (The Bionic Man carved his and the Bionic Woman's initials in a tree with his bare finger - I'll never forget that episode.)
Barb
Oh Jane! That is the most romantic thing! I love that Calvin did something that you can see, your children can see, and your grandchildren can see for generations to come. How beautiful! You
are the sort of mother that I aspire to be! Thank you for setting that kind of example for me. Happy Mother's Day! Love, Susan
Jane- I just have to tell you how much I love your blog. It makes me so happy! :-) I've been a blog-stalker for a while now. I'm a Southern Idaho girl, too. (I'm from Burley.) My husband is from Declo and went to school with some Hoopes, I wonder if you're related? Your life reminds me so much of my mom's life. Thank you for the emotional and spiritual boosts, and the laughs! You are a great example of hard work, dedication and faithful living-- thanks for sharing that with so many. Deidra
Jane! What a fun way for Calvin to show you he loves you. A great gift, and the treasure hunt must have been very entertaining to do. Great. You are a stellar mother. Thanks for sharing yourself with us. Marie
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I Say Good-bye and You Say Hello
May 9, 2008
Today I drove out to the college to take a proctored test. I goofed. The library closes early on Friday. Good-bye one gallon of gas.
For Mother’s Day I told Calvin and the kids that I wanted help making over our flower beds. Calvin came up with the idea to put cobblestone down in the beds and then put the herbs and flowers in large pots. I REALLY like that idea. We went to Home Depot and priced the project. Good-bye idea.
Ande has been playing Scarlet from Gone with the Wind. Every time she thinks of something she needs to do she’ll airily say, “I’ll think about it tomorrow.” It’s quite funny. She leaves in a couple of weeks for her summer job in Alaska and I’m going to miss her, but I’ll think about that tomorrow. Hello denial.
Today is Cali’s birthday. She is incredible. Hello birthday girl.
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Happy Birthday Cali! I almost forgot that we are "May Girls" together. I'm the 10th :) I'd write this on your blog, but I'm not sure you're alive over there (JK), and I know your mom will pass this on. Where is Ande working this summer?? I have a friend heading up in a couple weeks as well. What an adventure!! But, you've prepared your kids well for adventure. I can't wait until she starts a blog to keep us all updated on her travels. -Heather
Hello Jane! Nothing worse than having plans thwarted when you are ready to move forward. I'm sorry you had to waste your gas and then not get your cobblestone and pots. Bummer. Cobblestone and pots would look great at your house too. *sigh* Oh, some days I want that time back with
my kids who have left home. I miss them terribly, but you know how it is. Time marches on and there is no going back. Bummer. Happy Birthday to Cali! A bright spot! (Time marches on.) Goodbye, Susan
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Homemaking Tip
May 7, 2008
I like clear kitchen counters more than I like convenience appliances. I can hardly wait for our microwave to die so that we can replace it with an over-the-stove model and free up 18 more inches of counter space. However, this week I made room for this:
This egg-mcmuffin maker is dandy! You can have a breakfast sandwich ready in 2+ minutes and the sandwich costs less than 40 cents to make, but a sausage mcmuffin sells for $2.69 at McDonald's. (I fried several thin sausage patties made from bulk sausage and froze them to cut the costs and if you used toast instead of English mufins it would be even less expensive.) That’s a savings of over $2.29 per sandwich. The egg-mcmuffin maker sells for about $40 so within 20 sandwiches the money is completely recouped.
I don’t know how practical this appliance would be for a large family, but for a college student, single person, couple or family of snackers, it is really nice. Happy Mother’s Day.
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Well, congrats Jane!! I got one of these two Christmas' ago and have loved it ever since! I also loved it because my toaster was dying and you can use this as just a toaster too. We had a bunch of kids over for breakfast muffins one day, and I just made a few in advanced, wrapped them in wax paper (just like McDonald's) and left it in the microwave. It worked pretty well. I can only say, what
took so long! I needed one of these! Susan
I keep my small appliances in my cupboards to free up counter space, but now that my cupboards are full I have to really weigh a new appliance against the square inches it would consume. However, the speed of the egg-mcmuffin maker is impressive. I wish it could do 6 at a time! I considered posting a wedding photo, I might still get to that, but I have not been brave enough to see how far I can squeeze into my wedding dress. Ah, the disadvatages of marrying young (there is no way I'll ever return to my 19 year old size). Barb
Jane - so sorry I've been so long without commenting. I've been catching your blog in snippets when I have a spare minute, but there is never an extra spare minute to type. So, I guess to be official, I've just been lurking :) I had to go into the April archives to find some things I wanted to comment about, and my absolute favorite was - "My mom and Cali started a blog and want me to, but the last time I followed them my haircut ended up looking stupid like a boys." I just love Ande - love her, love her, love her!! I know I've seen those pictures, too, at one scrap retreat or another. I'm sure she'll be reading, so let me throw my hat in the "please start a blog, oh clever Ande" ring. And while on that subject, Cali cannot get us all hooked and then tease us with these hit & miss entries (like I have room to talk). I don't care if she just reports on the lastest Americans game, she musn't keep us in suspense!! I also must put in my vote for the English muffin toaster - we love ours! Now that we've had it awhile, I'm torn between appreciating cheaper and healthier McMuffins, or being able to quickly hard boil 4 eggs to make macaroni salad when I haven't planned ahead - they are still tied. Keep up the good writing - I'm enjoying it every day! -Heather
Hi Jane! I was very excited when I saw this post as Egg McMuffins have been on my brain lately. How I love them! In fact, for Mother's Day this is the dinner that I have requested. Knowing there is a gadget out there that makes making these heavenly morsels easier to mass produce is very exciting. Thank you for this revelation! Lanita
That is fancy!! I have never seen something that cool. I may have to put that one on my list. My kids are HUGE breakfast goers. Sadly, I don't touch the stuff. Jenny :)
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Something Old
May 6, 2008
May reminds Lelly of marriage so the challenges this month are
- something old (May 6)
- something new (May 13)
- something borrowed (May 20)
- something blue (May 27)
If this wasn’t the funniest SPT ever! Oh ho. Taking photos of myself this afternoon reminded me of the scene in Miss Congeniality where Gracie Lou Freebush (Sandra Bullock) keeps laughing at the idiocy of her parading in a swim suit and heels. I really should have taken the time to fix my hair, but I had to hurry and take this SPT before Calvin and the girls came home because it was just too darn funny skinny-ing into this dress by myself, let alone if I'd have had to listen to their comments.
I’m certain you’ve noticed I didn’t do a back shot and it’s not because my arm won’t reach,
but rather because the zipper doesn't.
And trying to do one of those contemplative shots where the bride lovingly looks into the beads on her dress wasn’t going to happen either, I couldn't keep from laughing no matter how hard I tried to pretend to contemplate.
If the ditch rider had driven by when I was outside in this get-up I would have died of embarrassment . . . or lack of oxygen . . . but Happy Anniversary to Calvin and me on the 28th of this month. This dress is pretty dated--any guesses as to how old?
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Oh Mom...Good crap. You outdid yourself. That is hillarious. You are one of a kind Mamma. One. Of. A. Kind. ~Ande
This was just the smile that I needed after wrestling the kids to bed! Hmmm I don’t think I dare guess how old-Lovely dress and hat though- Lovely! You are so fun to put them on! Alisa Spear
Oh Sister Payne, I absolutly love your pictures. You look amazing! :D That is so much fun that you put your dress on, love it! Carolyn Hirz
The hat! Oh the hat! I am cracking up tonight, thanks for the laughs. I wish I could have seen you sitting there hurrying up before you were 'caught' taking this SP by the girls or the ditch rider. Ande's comment is the best!! Love, Mel
Holy Smokes! You kept the hat even!! That is amazing! I love your attempt at the contemplative look of the bride. Oh priceless! Great SPT Jane! Susan Pyle
That is awesome. The hat really makes the whole outfit. I am guessing 1979 because it looks an awful lot like my sister's dress. Darlene Bond
Love the pictures and the comment about the zipper. I wouldn't dare try and put mine on, that was some 35lbs. ago. Hilarous that you took your photo shoot outside! Dacia Alba
i am speechless. except for the giggles that i can't seem to get under control!! you are one-of-a-kind, for sure!! (where was the FedEx guy today, I wonder...) hmmm, 1976?? love, lelly
I LOVED your SPT...You're such a sport! And I can just imagine you hurrying to get it done before anyone got home. Amy
Oh Jane!! you are a hoot! I love, love, love that you donned the dress for our something old spt. and the backstory (Literally, the back-story) made me laugh out loud. spt does make one brave. or maybe it just gives us permission to be a little crazier than we might normally be in public. great job!!
and the rattlesnake pic-- yuck! i agree with you, no one needs that. grocery shopping can be stressful enough! loved the May Day pic. how sweet, a lovely tradition lost over the years for sure. I am catching up on blogs and yours was a delight! hugs, carlo
Good for you! I wish I could have been there. I'm sure I would have been dying laughing just because you were! Tilane Bishop
I can't believe you did those pictures. I can't believe it. That is just the funniest, funniest thing ever. I was embarrassed for you that you might get caught. I ducked as I read it. That was a good one. And then to POST them. Ho, ho, ho. Way too funny. Rachel
Oh Jane! I don't think I could love you more than I do at this moment! Marie
Jane, That was hilarious...what a beautiful bride...then AND now!!! Ha Ha...happy anniversary to you and your man! Courtney Milius
Now I am wishing I didn't "seal" my wedding dress in a box. Those photos are great. You definitely won the star award for the challenge this week! Jenny:)
You are fantastic. Someday, I hope to be back in my wedding dress. I'll do a contemplative pose in your honor. Lucy
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a piece of the yard
Life in My World
May 5, 2008
Saturday morning Ande and I went out to the garden spot to plant. She was a very good sport. I said, “Most families have pictures of Christmas or birthday parties, but us? We . . .”
Ande finished the sentence, “. . . have pictures of us planting the garden.” Since it seemed so routine, I didn't take pictures. I now wish I had.
Instead of doing short rows in the garden this year, we’re planting the opposite direction and doing long rows. Ande planted three rows of flowers--daisies, zinnias, marigolds, wildflowers, bachelor buttons--by August, I am so glad to have flowers instead of something that needs to be picked and cooked or bottled. Ande planted the seeds with great care, one by one, and kept telling me how much she loved planting flowers. We both agreed that the worst part of working outside was the actual getting out and starting. We talked about lots of things as we squatted there in the dirt.
I said, “I’ll bet your own gardens are artistically arranged.”
She replied, “I’m not having a garden, only flowers.”
I bet her that she would have a garden and she finally conceeded, “But my garden is going to be done in themes—a patch for salsa and then another little patch for the . . .”
Her gardens will be lovely. My gardens are far too practical to be considered beautiful, but I can’t wait to see Ande’s home and gardens someday. Everything will have a flair.
While we were planting, I was also tending two big fires of pruned apple tree branches. One of them got too big too fast and burned a big spot of deadness in the willow tree at the garden’s edge, but I optimistically thought, “Good, that tree was shading that spot too much anyway, so now we’ll just cut those big branches out.” We’ll see if optimism can overpower dead. We also let the fire burn up the ditch bank as far as it would go to burn tumbleweeds and dry grass.
Meanwhile, Calvin and Cali started the great big burn pit on fire that holds the rest of the 150 trees’ dead branches. They also cut up the bottom of the pine tree that is by the shop and fed those branches to the flames. That poor 100’ pine looks so exposed (I imagine he’d like to cross his legs if he could) but so much nicer.
(I can't help but think of poor Tom Hanks in Castaway)
Cali and Calvin found a dead basketball inside the lower branches as well as a tiny mouse nest with a perfect little fuzz ball perfectly dead. Calvin must have stepped on it while cutting the branches. They kept their big burn pile going and it made the whole yard smell like Christmas. While Ande and I were peacefully planting and visiting, you could hear them hollering instructions and teasing and bantering back and forth (over the roar of the fire and the vrrooooom of the 4-wheeler). I told Ande, “That is why we’re glad they’re a team today and why we’re glad we’re a team today.” (We have three in our family who like non-stop interaction and three who like solitude on occasion.)
At noon, even though it was chilly, we built yet another fire in the weenie roasting pit. I would have rather used one of the big fires, but Cali wanted a little contained one where we could sit on the grass. Can you believe I had to scrounge and scrounge and scrounge to find enough wood/branches for it? Just a few weeks earlier I could have had two cords of wood to choose from . . . just a few hours earlier I had at least three pick-up loads to choose from, but by the time I built the wiener roasting fire I felt like the widow of Zaraphath that Elijah asked to make him a cake and she said, “I’m gathering my last few sticks so that I might make a cake for myself and son and then we will die.” My quest for sticks took me down to the chicken coop where I saw a few little logs. I almost went for them but opted for the skinny sticks scattered by instead. And am I ever glad. After I got the fire going and while Ande was in the house getting all the ingredients (we didn’t have any chocolate for the s’mores so she had to melt chocolate chips and spread it on graham crackers and then freeze the crackers till the chocolate was solid.), I heard Cali scream and Calvin was hollering at her. I didn’t budge. I’d heard them all morning and it mostly sounded wolf. Ande came out of the house with the tray of food and then I heard her yell at Calvin. I turned around from the fire to see him chasing Ande with a snake with Cali right behind him running for the camera. Ande found refuge in me. I am a terrific base. Cali came out with the camera and we took pictures of Calvin teaching the girls hold to properly hold a snake, a few of Cali holding the snake and Ande petting him with one finger.
Calvin teaching the girls. I don't need to be taught
He was a pretty snake. He looked all fresh and new-shed-shiny. Cali said she was by the chicken coop and had bent over to lift a log to throw into the fire when he was right by her face looking at her. She screeched and dropped the log and Calvin came on the run to catch him. It was right where I’d been gathering my sticks a little earlier. After the snake photo shoot, Calvin and Cali took him back to his woodpile. Then I heard them yelp again and Cali hollered, “Bring the camera, we found his friend.” So, Calvin and Cali both had their very own pets for a little bit.
In the meantime, Ande squatted double-jointed in front of the fire with two hotdogs—hers and mine. Her little willow stick looked like a wet spaghetti noodle and had a hard time holding on to the hot dog. When I came back she grinned and said, “I hope you like ‘em black.” They were both charred solid, so we ate our hotdogs, peaceful and quiet like, in front of the fire. Then, since we only had miniature marshmallows we roasted them on the sticks and put them on our chocolate covered graham crackers. (Alas, no pictures, because we have weinie roast pictures like we have garden pictures, but I'm kicking myself now because we don't have this year's weenie roast pictures.)
After our wiener roast, Ande came in the house to do the house chores. Later when I came in to get a drink of water, there she sat on the floor with the dishwasher insides completely dismantled and surrounding her. She was scraping the dishwasher. It was disgusting. I’ve known it was disgusting. Ande has reminded me it’s disgusting. I just kept ignoring it. But she did not ignore it and began cleaning it even though she's been gone for seven months and it wasn’t her gunk. I imagine she dry-heaved doing it. Again, I missed a photo op. I should have taken a picture, but the thought of having a permanent memory of the gunk didn't interest me at the time. However, here’s the note she left with the bowl of goo—
To you who wondered why our dishes were not getting clean—
You have 3 options when it comes to doing your dishes:
- Rinse all dishes so there are no clumpies.
- Wash your dish in a sink of soapy water.
- Use paper/plastic dishes/utensil.
This pile of nasty rubbish was found IN our dishwasher (and I even vacuumed up half).
This crap comes from not rinsing our dishes and I have high expectations of never finding this again.
Period.
Ande
Later she watched over us doing our supper dishes like a hawk.
All afternoon, I mowed the lawn while Calvin and Cali made yet another huge fire to burn a big tree that had fallen by the chicken coop a few years ago. They moved it out and away from the other trees and started it on fire. However, they left the three little logs the snakes were by, their habitat for reptiles project I guess.
Calvin also put a slab of ribs on the grill and let them roast all afternoon while we were out working. They smelled so good as I passed them on the lawnmower. All we were missing from this being camping was the sleeping bags and flashlights. It was such a productive day.
I can't believe I had the blood and guts to ask someone to take a picture for me doing this.
I blame it all on SPT.
There’s a woman in our church who needs a bone marrow transplant and they’ve asked anybody who is willing to go to the hospital to be checked to see if they are a possible match. After work today, I went down to be tested and the blood donor man had his table set up not far away from the bone marrow donor table. I decided I might as well give blood while I was at it. It felt good to give. I just had one too many pints in my system.
I know rattlesnake tastes like chicken, but still it's not a good idea.
I saw the poorest advertising at the grocery store. Oh ho. It was not inviting. On the ledge between the meat freezers was a coiled, real-looking rattlesnake. What shopper innocently looking for corndogs or turkey breasts wants to stick her hand by a coiled rattlesnake? We housewives know our reptiles. I did not want to put my hand down into that freezer even though, technically speaking, the freezer should be the safest place in the world to display a rattler because he wouldn’t be able to bite you because his blood would be constipated from the cold, but still . . . I walked around that freezer again and again. Finally, I quickly reached into the freezer about 4 feet away from him because pork roasts were 88 cents a pound and round steaks were $1.59 a pound. This proves that even snakes won’t keep me from a good deal, albeit they will keep me from a mediocre one.
And last but not least. Wasn’t Eight Belle’s finish at the Kentucky Derby just sad? I don’t know who I feel saddest for: the trainer, the jockey, the vet who delivered the news, the owner or all the little girls in America rooting for her. Sad. Sad. Sad. And yet, what a way to go—with a near win and a cheering section. People will remember her for a loooong time.
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I loved your post today. I won't lie, It made me a bit homesick. Oh man I lovedthe summer bonfires and we would ALWAYS have a weinie roast after a day workingin the yard! And believe me it was alsways DAYS of yard work. My grandma is abit of a perfectionist when it comes to her yard, she worked us to the bone!!!You know the other best thing after a days worth of yard work, those deliciousitalian ice's from woody's! Grandma always treated us! Now as for the snakething, I don't think I would have even got close enough to take a picture. I amwith you, that grocery store advertisement seems a bit over the top. Where is itlocated? I may have to warn my mother before she goes shopping for some chicken.She WILL have a heart attack. Thanks for letting us have a peak into yourlife! Tiffany Fackrell
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Happy May Day
May 1, 2008
When I was a little girl we made May Baskets from plastic, green strawberry containers. We weaved some construction paper through the webbing, stapled a paper handle on top, put some Easter grass in the bottom and tucked in a few pansies along with muffins, cookies or candy and quickly delivered them to a few of our neighbors. Mind you, besides our next door neighbors, the rest of our neighbors lived a few miles away and it was a bit tricky to pull the car into their yards, drop the baskets off and get away all before being seen or the dog eating the baskets.
Until today I haven’t ever received a May Basket, but when I came home Ande met me at the door and said, “You’ve got to come look in your bedroom!”
I knew the bed fairy hadn’t come because I’d made the bed before I left, I knew Ande was too old to still be leaving a note with crackers and chocolate chips on my bed, but I did not know she remembered today was May Day. But there on my night stand was a lone tulip in a bud vase and when I saw it she said, “Happy May Day!”
I never cease to be surprised when a tradition comes around and (pardon the crudity, but I can’t think of another phrase that fits) bites me in the butt. It’s a fun pinch that says the little things make a difference.
Here are more NJP ideas for May Day (and really, these ideas are fun to do all spring and summer long).
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Please send your comments to jp@neighborjanepayne.com Thanks, they’re always appreciated!
We used doorbell ditch May Day baskets on the neighbors doorsteps. One of my favorite memories. Elizabeth
Dear Jane, How sweet of Ande! That was a lovely surprise. And thanks for the fun spring and summer ideas! Marie
What a fun surprise. I loved May Day baskets as a girl. And I dragged my kids from house to house but now that they're grown I find that's one tradition that "didn't stick". So this year I went alone. I just couldn't resist. I suppose I'll go until I can't get away fast enough with a walker! Lynn
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