Living Life ZESTFULLY

Friday's FIVE!

2009-04-17T21:42:00.001-04:00

My friend Esther and I went to the Wagon Wheel Theater this weekend to see Sawyer Brown...

a group that has been performing for over 27 years. Iwas a fan of of the TV show, Star Search... and Sawyer Brown won that competition in 1983 and have continued with a long and successful run. Esther and I always have a good time together, and our husbands don't enjoy country music... so we make it a girls night to go to these concerts. It was a fun concert - and it reminded me of several other concerts that I have attended. I've been to many concerts - and many different types of music - from Arrowsmith and Kiss to Clint Black and Martina McBride to James Taylor... Hootie and the Blowfish, Dave Matthews Band...Sara McLaughlin, Elton John and Billy Joel - but this weeks Friday's FIVE! is Five of the 'stand-out' concerts I've attended...

1. Diana Ross - Steve and I went to Roselawn in 1982 to see Diana Ross and it was an AMAZING performance... it was truly chilling to see such a superstar!

2. Bette Midler - I have been a Bette Midler fan since 1972...before many people had even heard of Bette Midler. I've had the chance to see her a few times and I've never been disappointed by the show she puts on... The costumes...the music... the performances.... the stage.

3. Jimmy Buffett - FINS TO THE LEFT! What else can you say... ???? There is nothing like a Jimmy Buffett concert... Bruce and I saw Jimmy Buffett in Sept. 2001 - with Roger and Colleen. It was right after Bruce and I had started dating...and it was the first concert Buffett had performed since 9/11. He was scheduled to play at Deercreek on 9/11 and this was the re-scheduled event. It was a show I'll never forget.... We've seen him a few times since... but nothing has compared to that concert.

4. Ringo Star and his All Starr Band - with Ringo Starr - drums, vocals
Joe Walsh - guitar, vocals , Nils Lofgren - guitar, vocals , Todd Rundgren - guitar, vocals
Dave Edmunds - guitar, vocals Burton Cummings - keyboards, vocals , Timothy B. Schmit - bass, vocals , Zak Starkey - drums , Timmy Cappello - saxaphone.

We went to this concert with Laura and Jeff Farber...Laura was working for a radio company that had the security contract with Sunshine promotions. Because of Laura's connections...we had backstage passes...and we were able to meet Ringo Starr and all of the rest of the All Starr band - Ringo shook our hands and said - "very nice to meet you"... it was something I'll never forget!

5. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill - The concert was fantastic...and the couple put on a great show - but the best part of this concert was that this was a girls night. Mom, Katie and Betsy and I went to Indianapolis to see the concert at Conseco Fieldhouse. We had dinner in the Varsity Club and sat on the rail while were served dinner and beer and wine throughout the concert. It was such a wonderful evening...and a memory that we all hold very close and dear to our hearts...

Friday's FIVE!

2009-04-10T19:48:00.003-04:00

Priest Bargaining Scene - Daddy played the Priest in the black and white stripe...

Palm and Garland Girls

Jerusalem Maidens

Katie...as Claudia
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This weekend we celebrate Easter... Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is a blessed time for the faithful to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of the Savior... This weekend we celebrate Easter by attending our local Church ~ Center United Methodist in Silver Lake, IN...and we took Mom to lunch and we gathered at Bruce's Mom's to celebrate in the late afternoon with the Lankenau family. This weeks Friday's FIVE! I am remembering Easters past...

1. Marion had been home to the Marion Easter Pageant founded in 1937. In the year 2003 the pageant was suspended due to issues with the building's plumbing system. The Marion Easter Pageant is unique in that no spoken words, lines from any cast members is ever used. The pantomime story of the last week of the life of Christ on earth is told entirely with song, dance and of great anthems and familiar hymns

As a child, my family was involved in the Marion Easter Pageant. My Pence Grandparents were involved in the first pageant and the tradition continued until the pageant ended a few years ago. My mother and my father were both involved in the pageant in high school.

As a child, I was a Palm and Garland girl - and can remember practicing at the YWCA. Little did I know then how deep of a traditions this would become for my own daughters. I was a Palm and Garland girl for a few years...and then later sang in the choir for a few years while in Jr. and High School. My mother was in the Ave Maria choir and Daddy was begger in the early days and later a Priest. My Grandma Alexander did make-up - Grandpa Alexander was a pilgrim on the floor for a few years and also built props. Katie and Betsy were both Palm and Garland Girls and Members of the Cross. Betsy was a pilgrim on the floor with me ~ while their Dad was Moneychanger and a Priest. Katie was also a Jerusalem Maiden. She carried the tradition into her own adulthood by being a member of Claudia Retinue and later played Claudia. It was deep strong community tradition that I am proud to have been a participant.

2. Our girls were raised in the First United Methodist Church in Marion. As a child growing up - my family were members of the church, but we did not attend regularly. It was different for my daughters - We didn't miss a Sunday ~ and we were often there several nights a week for many different commitees and activities ~ but the preparation for Easter and Christmas were the highlights of our Christian faith. Easter Sunday services at First United Methodist Church in Marion in that beautiful sanctuary - with the pipe organ made for a truly spiritual experience.

3. As a stay at home daughter of two daughters - I knew I would have to make their dresses myself if I wanted then to have the ruffled... crinoline dresses that I dreamed for them to wear.

The "Martha's Minatures" were too expensive for me to buy - so I would just learn how to make them... So- I took to the machine and with a McCalls/Simplicity pattern in hand...I would lovingly sew the girls Easter Sunday dresses. Mother would often make one - and I would make the other. We would carefully plan the colors and patterns to coordinate. We would spend hours and hours and hours with gathered ruffles and piping to make beautiful dresses that (If I do say so myself) put Martha's Minatures to shame....

4. Easter Brunches... We would gather with Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa Alexander for Easter Brunch after Church. In the early days, we would go to the Sheraton ... the downtown hotel in Marion for the brunch. Later, Mom and Dad joined the country club where we would go for our Sunday Brunch. The brunches were always a fun time - and at the country club, the Easter Bunny was present and often a clown or a magician. It was a special family time and I treasure the memories.

5. I've already mentioned the pageant... but it was such a huge part of the celebration ... and there are so many memories included with that tradition. Weeks and weeks of practice - the smell of the old Marion Coliseum... I still refer to that terrible tired feeling as 'Easter Pageant' tired...when we stayed up all night, or got only 2 or 3 hours of sleep to be able to arrive for the make-up call by 3:00AM - so we could be prepared for the one hour Sunrise presentation that began at 6AM. The smell of the make-up ... and the traces left behind... The hunt for sandals without buckles... the last minute run for panty hose - The quick, hurried change from the make-up covered faces... to our Easter Sunday best ... so we could make it to church on time at 9:30..... But the best memory of all...was the joyous sound of CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY ~ followed by the Hallejulah Chorus...with the sun peaking through the windows of the Coliseum. We arrived in the dark ~ and left with the Sun shining down on us reminding us...

HE IS RISEN....HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!!

Firday's FIVE!

2009-04-04T19:12:00.001-04:00

This weekend we are celebrating Betsy and Debbie...

My daughter Betsy and her partner Debbie, were joined in a ceremony in Maui, Hawaii...

on November 11, 2008. This weekend on April 4, 2009 - we celebrated with a reception.

This weeks Friday FIVE! is a celebration of Betsy and Debbie!

1. Betsy and Debbie met in Muncie, Indiana... Betsy was working at her Dad's restaurant and Debbie was working at a local downtown store. Betsy was a student at Ivy Tech and Debbie was working on her graduate degree at Ball State. We knew when Betsy introduced to us to Debbie...that this was something special and she was going to be around forever!

2. Betsy and Debbie moved to Chicago... in the Lakeview East area ~ near the lake. The culture in the area was true match for them. They are able to walk most places... they have the lake nearby to satisfy their love of nature...and they have the city with all of the concerts, shows, arts and restaurants. The city is a perfect place for them to start their life together.

3. Betsy and Debbie love nature... They love to hike... to backpack...and to enjoy the outdoors.

The have enjoyed many backpacking trips...including a dangerous adventure to the Smokies one spring break that nearly left them stranded in the mountains with a heavy lake spring snowfall.

4. Betsy and Debbie love their kitty - Djembe. They have a beautiful, healthy...'handsome' kitty that enjoys the window in their apartment. He is a sleek, athletic cat ~ and he brings joy and harmony to their home.

5. Betsy and Debbie are a perfect match... They balance each other - they intuitively pick up on each others strengths and weaknesses...They bring out the best in each other. I am blessed with such wonderful children ~ and even more, that my children have partners that make them happy...and make them whole. I'm so blessed that I am the natural mother of two beautiful daughters ~ and because they have blessed me with their partners...I now am proud to have four wonderful children....We are so thankful to have Debbie in our family!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-03-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

I am so fortunate to have a career I love... I work for the best rehab company in the country, Paragon Rehab....and I am so fortunate to have co-workers that I love to work with... I respect my team-mates... and am so blessed to be a part of the team! One of the advantages of my position - is the travel that I have the opportunity to do... While I get lonely on the road, and I miss being home with Bruce and Millie - I do get see so many wonderful places around the country. This weeks Friday's FIVE! is a look at the five places I have been in the last few weeks!

1. Louisville, Kentucky - The location of our home office...I love Louisville. I love the feeling I have when I drive across the Ohio River and see the cityscape... there are so many wonderful things to do in Louisville...and as a road warrior, I'm always happy to spend some time with my team-mates! http://www.gotolouisville.com/

2. Lima, Ohio - A quick drive to our westward neighbor... My drivetime always give me time to enjoy my Sirius Radio - sing... pray... chat on the phone a little - and organize my thoughts.
http://www.limaohio.com/

3. Birmingham, Alabama - It is true what they say about southern hospitality. Everyone is so thoughtful, courteous and pleasant. We drove from Birmingham to Montgomery and stopped at a gas station to fill up the tank - I ran in to get a cup of coffee - and had a friendly conversation with the salesclerk as I poured my coffee. When I made my way to the counter to pay for the coffee - the salesclerk said to me, "Oh Ma'am, there is no charge for coffee here... enjoy your coffee and have a great day!" It made me smile the rest of the way to Montgomery! http://www.alabama.travel/

4. Hendersonville, Tennessee - Outside of Indiana, Tennessee is truly my favorite state. I love Nashville, home of our Paragon Office...I love Memphis - the BEST BBQ ever...and Eastern Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains is one of my favorite places in the world! I was reminded this weekend how much I love Tennessee. This wasn't a work related trip - This trip was a quick 24 hour trip with Bruce to go to Hendersonville, TN to pick up a new boat. We had a good time together - and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Tennessse and a taste of the Tennessee spring weather! http://www.tnvacation.com/

5. Claypool, Indiana - Sweet HOME Indiana! While I see wonderful places...and I enjoy so many different climates, scenery and friendly faces...there aren't any places I love as much as my own home. When the planes land...and I'm on the ground Indiana ~ I know I have arrived in my favorite place in the world. The place where my husband and my home are - the place where my grandsons live... where my mother and my oldest daughter reside. Oh, the wonderful, blessed comforts of home. http://www.kcgov.com/

Friday's FIVE!

2009-03-21T22:37:00.000-04:00

March 22, 1955 ... Bruce was born in Grand Rapids, MI...

This weeks Friday FIVE! is a celebration of Bruce.... and a few things that I love about him ~

1. His School-boy Heart ~ Bruce is a true boy at heart ~ he is the epitome of "Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails"... He likes to get dirty, he likes to play hard, he likes to shoot his guns ~ and sail his boats...His school boy heart makes a perfect playmate for his two grandsons!When it comes to buying Bruce gifts - most who know him well, know that a squirt gun, a nerf ball or some water balloons will make him just as happy as any costly gift.

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2. His Tender Heart ~ Bruce is peaceful and gentle...rarely gets mad or participates in angry conflict. His peacefulness has been such a blessed gift to me. His calm demeanor is evident with his youngest grandson, Trevor. From the time Trevor was a tiny infant - he would be calmed by sitting on Grandpa's lap. He still is... Bruce insists it is because the rest of us have to play with him and pick at him... and he just lets him 'sit'... Now that Trevor is getting bigger - if Grandpa is around, he is content to find a place close to Grandpa where he can sit and play.

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3. His Love for the Outdoors ~ We both love to be outside... playing in the sun ... in the water... in the woods... in the mountains... in the snow - if it is outside, we love it! Bruce has an innate need to be outside. He is a red-head...and a few minutes in the sun and his cheeks show the evidence of outside play. It is his place of solace... I will often find him outside sitting on the porch eating peanuts...or chopping wood or just walking around the yard. During the warm weather months - we are outside until bedtime - often cruising the lake in our pontoon, paddling our kayaks, pedaling our bikes or taking a walk.

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4. His is a Handyman! ~ Bruce can 'fix' almost anything.... If something is broke - he can usually fix it. If a coffee pot or hairdryer breaks - my response is to go buy a new one, he will usually 'fix' the item before I have the chance. Our boats and cars are always running in top-notch condition because he knows by the sound they make, the repair that might need done. He likes to 'fix' things - and is often found under the hood of his Volkswagen bus - or tearing apart a boat engine.

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5. His Essential Lifestyle ~ Bruce is more comfortable in his blue jeans and sweatshirts over fine dress apparel in most any situation. Essential living is far more important to him than the traditional 'finer things' such as fine leather shoes, fine wine and upscale restaurants. Of course, there are fine things he enjoys, and he is always willing to accomodate me if I want to enjoy a fine dining experience or a glass of wine, but the true essentials in life are what make him thrive. He prefers comfortable living with his family ... a cold beer at a local bar with close friends... his best worn jeans ... and classic rock and roll. Bruce's father passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 - and because of that, Bruce is dedicated to taking care of his body - it is essential to him that he is faithful to his cardio and strength training routines. So, essential to Bruce... is family, friends, happiness and health.... and to me, that is his most endearing quality.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRUCE... I love you!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-03-14T23:17:00.002-04:00

Springtime at Yellow Creek Lake!!! Spring is not my favorite season... I'm a true lover of summer of fall.... but there is something magical about Spring - This week's Friday's FIVE! is a focus of five signs I've noticed this week that remind me that spring is just around the corner....
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1. HIGH WATER - We've had High Water since we've been residents at YCL, but this season is the record. The Tippecanoe River reached well over 15 feet causing flooding in the area. Standing in our living room was like standing on a boat = we had water all around us!!!
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2. LOONS and other migratory waterfowl.... I've seen hooded mergansers and wood ducks - I've seen Sand hill cranes... the robins are back and the Martin house goes up this week. We had dinner this week at El Arriero and saw a loon on Center lake....but we haven't seen or heard our resident loon yet. We anxiously await the call!

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3. CROCUS and other perennials are starting to pop up. I've got little buds of Rhubarb coming up ... it won't be long and the trees will be budding.

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4. FISHERMAN on the lake... this weekend we saw the first Fisherman of the season... it's time for all the lakers to return.

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5. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!!!! I LOVE Daylight Savings time!!!! It gives us an extra hour to enjoy the great outdoors!!!! The days are getting longer and the time has changed!!! While Spring is not my favorite season....it is the season that ushers in Summer... So - bring on the sunscreen, the hats, the coolers of beer and fun in the sun!!!! I LOVE SUMMER!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-03-06T21:56:00.001-05:00

My California Cousins, Mark and Bob

Bruce and his brother Matt, first time together in 15 years!

Temecula ~ Wine Country

Kayaking in the Pacific

Humpback Whale ~ Splash after breaching 4 times!

Bruce and I have just experienced a wonderful trip to San Diego, California... We did so many wonderful things - and this Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to five of the highlights of our trip!

We enjoy so many of the same things...and have such a wonderful time together. The objective of this trip was to see whales while kayaking in the pacific as it is whale migration season...

The highlights of our trip include:

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1. A visit with my California Cousins... I stayed in Ocean Beach in 1973 with my cousin, Mark...and this time, Bruce and I rented a cottage in Ocean Beach...it was a wonderful little cottage less than a block from the ocean. It was so good to see my cousins again.... We were able to have dinner with them two times during our visit. I'm so fortunate to have a relationship with my cousins that live 2000 miles away.

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2. A visit with Bruce's brother, Matt, his wife Maria and his girls, Lauren and Angela. It was wonderful to meet Matt and his family...and it was wonderful to see Bruce visiting with his brother. It was the first time they had seen each other in 15 years!! We were able to have dinner together at Downtown Disney ~ it was a great visit.

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3. The vineyards in Temecula were a pleasant suprize and not something we had orginally planned to do - however, the weather on that day was too cool for kayaking....so we make the drive to the beautiful country and had such a great time tasting wine!! Our favorite winery was a friendly place family oriented place, Wilson Creek http://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/

Winery. We enjoyed all the wines ~ and are looking forward to the deliveries of our wine purchases....including Wilson Wineries famous Almond Champagne!

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4. Our objective for the trip was to paddle during whale watching season... We paddled for about 4 hours with a guide all around LaJolla. We saw many, many sea lions, harbor seals and leopard sharks. The kelp forests were amazing... it was a an eventful paddle and we had a great time! All of the sights significantly reduced the disappointed fo the no-show of the whales.

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5. Because the whales were a no-show during the LaJolla paddle - we decided to take a harbor cruise ... a 'whale-watching' cruise. It was such an exciting event! We were several miles off shore when we saw a huge humpback whale breach ... FOUR times!!! After witnessing the humpback - we were treating to glimpes of 4 gray whales.... it was a wonderful.... truly awesome experience. I was thrilled to be able to check off a box on my 'bucket-list' by seeing the whales in the pacific!

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Honorable Mention

We also went to Disneyland, We toured the Midway, a retired Aircraft Carrier, We went to the San Diego zoo and saw the Panda Bears and we visited San Diego Wild Animal park. The evenings were spent at sunset cliffs watching the sun go down over Ocean Beach...and eating fish tacos and enjoying each other at many of the shops in Ocean Beach before settling in for the night in our bungalow... it was a great trip!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-02-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

We are looking forward to Kayaking in San Diego during whale migration soon.. Bruce and I enjoy each other ... and we both enjoy paddling and have planned several vacations around paddling... This weeks Friday's FIVE! focuses on some of paddling adventures.

1. Key West/2002

Getting married off the coast of Key West was certainly the highlight of this trip - but the paddle was definately a runner up! We rented a tandem kayak - and paddled all over the shallow water of the Keys for several hours and saw wildlife, nurse sharks and one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. It was truly an amazing paddle!

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2. Canaveral National Seashore/2005 http://www.nps.gov/cana/

We put in at JBs Fish Camp http://jbsfishcamp.com/ and paddled all over the Canaveral National Seashore - It was an amazing paddle - we saw so many wonderful migratory birds.

It was quiet and peaceful and a perfect day for a paddle. When we were done, we ended up at JBs Fishcamp for dinner and cold beer - I had a basket of Rock Shrimp... It was a great local spot...and a perfect place to make a wonderful memory!

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3. The Great Calusa Blueway/2006 http://calusablueway.com/

We rented a great little cottage in Matlacha on Pine Island http://www.pineislandchamber.org/

and spent everyday paddling. Some days we paddled for more than 8 hours. It was an amazing trip and we logged a lot of miles... paddling through the solitude of the mangroves. We saw dolphins and sting rays - birds - and other wildlife. There was still alot of hurricane damage from Hurricane Charley in 2004 - and abandoned boats were found in many of the still waters of the mangroves. It was wonderful trip... one of those that was so good, I hope we return someday. Pine Island/Matlacha is someplace we would like to think about spending a few winter months once we retire.

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4. Fontana Lake/Great Smoky Mountains/2007 http://www.greatsmokies.com/fontana.asp

Bruce and I typically take a fall hiking trip to Great Smoky Mountains ... and we usually stay near the Gatlinburg area - but in 2007, we rented a cabin near Bryson City and brought our kayaks. We kayaked Fontana Lake and had a wonderful trip. We saw bald eagles - and other wildlife. The water levels were very low due to the summer drought - but the views were truly amazing. We spent the entire day in our kayaks and paddled miles and miles and miles along the shore of Fontana lake. We also took our bikes and pedaled the trails of the Tsali. In the evenings we refueled and enjoyed carbo loading at the Nantahala Outdoor Center http://www.noc.com/http://www.noc.com/ where we saw many other paddlers and bicyclers.

It was truly and event made for Bruce and Mindy!

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5. Kosciusko County ... right where we live!!!

http://indiana.hometownlocator.com/features/physical,class,lake,scfips,18085.cfm

While we love to pack the kayaks up/or rent kayaks at an exciting... exotic out of state location - the very, very best kayaking we have ever experienced is right here in our own backyard. We love to get our kayaks out and paddle around the lake about any evening of the week. Often on summer weekends, we like to pack the kayaks up and head to another one of the 100+ lakes in the county. Some of the other enjoyed paddles we've enjoyed include the backwaters of Webster, Pike Lake area and the Barbee Chain. We love to load up our kayaks - fill the cooler full of beer, make a few sandwiches and grab a few apples ... we pack the sunscreen and bug spray and head out for a day full of kayaking. Life is so good!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-02-17T20:33:00.015-05:00

February 14Th is Valentines Day.... However, it is MORE than Valentines Day to me - Valentines Day has always been a special day to me... On February 14, 1958... I came into this world weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz and 19 inches long. I've always enjoyed my birthday on Valentine's Day ~ so this weeks Friday's Five! is dedicated to five of my most memorable birthdays.

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2/14/1967 ~ I was 9 years old. As a child, our birthday family tradition was Mom's favorite dinner of your choice (My Mom has always been an amazing cook)... Grandma and Grandpa Alexander would usually come over.... of course there were gifts and cake and ice cream. My favorite birthday dinner request was always Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Applesauce Jello and Cherry Chip Cake for dessert. Grandma Alexander would usually make the applesauce jello. In 1967 ~ my dream was a piano. My friend, Teena had a piano...and I always admired the music she was able to make with that piano. I dreamed of playing the piano. After dinner that evening - I was escorted to the living room...and much to my surprise...my parents had given me a piano for birthday. I was ecstatic! I didn't become a concert pianist, but I did learn enough to be able to play Christmas songs... Unfortunately, I lost that piano in a fire in 2003...but it brought many happy memories to my life.

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2/14/1974 ~ I was 16 years old. I had a small party at my house on 52ND street with a few friends. The significance of my 16Th birthday though is a gift that I received... The year before I was born, my Grandpa Alexander had given my Grandmother a heart shaped amethyst ring with six small diamonds for Valentines Day. My grandma had early onset osteoarthritis and her hands were very knobby and deformed from the disease. However, I can remember holding her hand and admiring that ring on her knobby fingers. I was about 4 years old, and she promised that the ring would be mine on my 16Th birthday. She didn't realize how fast those 12 years would pass...but she kept good on her promise and she gave me the ring. To this day, it is one of my most prized possessions.

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2/14/1998 ~ I was 40 years old... How did I ever get to be 40 years old??? Several of our Sunday School friends were a little older than we were... and I would get great joy giving those friends a hard time about still being in my 30's... They really let me have it when I turned 40.

My dear friends had fabricated a 20' tombstone for our yard that said "Here dies the youth of Mindy"... There was a horror commercial on the radio about the death of my youth... and my family had planned a surprise party for me that included the grim reaper delivering my birthday cake. It was a fun party that included music by the Posse... and many friends and family. I was completely surprised and happy that my friends could revel in the death of my youth.

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2/14/2002 ~ I have always shared my birthday with Valentines Day... and in 2002 it became my day. Bruce and I married off the coast of Key West on Valentines Day. It was an incredibly romantic day. We were married on a catamaran, The Dream chaser ... at sunset.

The day was absolutely perfect... and the absolute perfect day to marry my soul mate.

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2/14/2008 ~ My 50Th birthday was such a wonderful, special day. My girls and my mother planned a fabulous fiftieth birthday party for me. It was such a special day, because the party included old friends, new friends and my family. Everything detail was perfectly planned. It was a homecoming of sorts...as there were many friends I had not seen or spent time with for many years. While the 40Th gave my friends the opportunity to celebrate the death of my youth... my 50Th gave me the chance to celebrate the unconditional gift of family and friendships and truly celebrate the happiness in my life!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-02-07T22:22:00.009-05:00

Bruce and I have just watched Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon and Gary Sinese. The movie has a clip of Apollo 11 crew walking on the moon - and I remembered vividly where I was when that moon walk occurred. This Friday's FIVE! is a recap of 5 historical events that have happened in my lifetime, and my memory of those events.

I have already mentioned this event in a previous Friday's FIVE! but it is one of those events that also must be included in this Friday's FIVE! On Friday, November 22, 1963 I was a 5 year old kindergarten student already home from school. We were close friends with our neighbors, The Blaughers - and my Mom and Charlotte Blaugher carpooled for the 1/2 day school schedule and would often trade off caring for child care. On this day, Kim Blaugher was at my house. We had a deal with each other - if we were at my house, we played house and dolls... if we were at his house, we would play airplanes and war games and 12 O'Clock High. We were playing house in the family room of my home when the Special News Report came on our black and white TV. I remember the event was significant because mother sat in her rocker with her face in her hands and cried. It was the first of many assignations that would have an impact our lives. I also remember the assignation of Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Lee Harvey Oswald and John Lennon.

On July 20, 1969 - I was 11 years old and my family was gathered around a small black and white TV with rabbit ears and poor reception... right here where I live now, at Yellow Creek Lake. Apollo 11 had landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong had actually walked on the surface of the moon -

"The Eagle has Landed" "One Small Step for (a) Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind" .

I remember my parents being glued to the TV - which rarely happened at the lake. We didn't use the TV at the lake much. Most of our summer evenings were spent with our friends, The Ward family. Daddy and Don Ward would hold "Hootenany's" with their banjo and guitar and entertain all of us - but this evening, the entertainment was world history. I can remember being able to see the clear evening sky at the lake - the moon always seems brighter, the sky seems more clear than in other places... I had a new perspective of the clear moon that night...

a man had walked on the moon.

July 29, 1981 - I was a young stay at home mother. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning just to see the television coverage of the fairytale wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I remember that she would not 'obey' in her vows... and I remember her amazing 25 foot train. I was 23 years old - and had a 14 month old baby...and the fairytale event was mesmerizing to this young, hoosier mother. August 21. 1997 - the day Princess Diana was killed in a car crash is also a vivid memory. Steve and I were at the home of Ronnie and Marsha Vermillion and we thought it was a joke. We soon learned that it was the truth... and although the Prince and Princess had long since divorced - the fascination with Princess Diana had continued... but her untimely death was the ultimate end of the fairy tale.

January 28, 1986... was a Tuesday. I was a 28 year old mother working for part time for Weight Watchers - I had two Weight Watcher classes....a Tuesday AM and a Tuesday PM. I had returned from my Tuesday AM class just in time to watch the coverage of the Space Shuttle Challenger lift off. This was an especially exciting space shuttle because crew member Christa McAulliffe was the first member of the Teacher in Space Program. Seventy Three seconds into the Space Shuttle Challenger flight, the space shuttle exploded leading to the deaths of its seven crew members. The spacecraft disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of central Florida. Disintegration of the shuttle stack began after an O-ring seal in its right solid rocket booster (SRB) failed at liftoff. The live coverage was intense and the plume of white smoke was evidence of the tragedy we had all witnessed. I can remember praying for a miracle with the rest of the nation... however - the entire country would grieve over the deaths that happened before our eyes.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001... I was a 43 year old recently divorced, career oriented mother. I was in Orlando, Florida at a CARF conference. I had been at attending the conference in the morning - and it was on one of the conference 'breaks' between classes that we learned of the attacks.
The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda. The hijackers intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and many others working in the building. Both buildings collapsed within two hours, destroying at least two nearby buildings and damaging others. The hijackers crashed a third airliner into the Pentagon and a fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania.

It was a day that changed the entire United States -

My life was changed... I was in Florida - and the airspace had been declared closed by the President for the rest of the week. I was not able to return home to my family until early Sunday morning It was during that time in Florida that I knew I needed to make life changing decisions. Life was too short and the reality of our imortality was a lesson we all learned at that time. I had been dating someone else and I knew at that time - my heart and my love was truly with Bruce Lankenau and I needed to be with him. We began seeing each other after I was finally able to return to Indiana... and by Christmas we were engaged and by February 14, 2002 - we were married.

These events are certainly memorable for all of us - and each of us has a story for where we were... and what we remembered.... Still to this day - I think of these days on the anniversary of the events and the memories of where I was and what I was doing lingers on....

Friday's FIVE!

2009-01-30T19:57:00.009-05:00

I was raised in First United Methodist Church in Marion, Indiana... and my daughters were raised in the same church. Our family was very involved - the girls were raised spending several nights a week at the church... for some meeting or activity. It was a huge part of our life.

We sat on every board in the church - include Ad Council, Pastor Parrish Committee, Board of Trustees, UMW - you name it... we were there. We cooked dinners, we participated in programs and Bible school... United Methodist Men dinners/United Methodist Women programs...Sunday school events and childrens programs.... but participating as a youth group sponsor was probably the most rewarding of all. We were recruited by Rev. David Byrum - just before he left to accept his new appointment. We had the pleasure of being sponsors under the leadership of the 'new' associate who became a very dear, lifetime friend, Rev. Byron Kaiser. We developed relationships with the youth group kids that is still special and strong.... During 1987 -1990, we spent every Sunday night working with the Youth - we went to camp and retreats... but the most significant event was Appalachian Service Project -where we were sent to work on homes in Iaeger, West Virginia. We were separated into small groups - and our lives were changed... http://asphome.org/index.html

This weeks Friday Five is a focus of five of the most significant memories I have of that hot summer in West Virginia...

1. We took vans an carpooled to West Virginia... but our Associate Pastor, Youth Group leader and dear friend, Byron Kaiser was an avid kayaker and he was determined that we would add a little fun to this trip... so we made a side trip to Fayetteville, WV to rafter the Lower New River Gorge. It was quite a trip - and not an easy paddle.... but we made memories - and the day is something that I still talk about frequently.

~~~~~~~~~~~

2. We had to sleep in a school - a very, very old elementary school... We were told the school had showers - but we didn't know the showers were intended for elementary school children. In order to wash your hair... you had to get on your knees to let water run over your head. I also remember there were wild 'ferrets' in the building... it was not a 5 star hotel - but it was humbling...and we were there to serve.

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3. We broke up into small groups - and each group had a project. Byron and I led our group of kids... and our project was to roof a shack on the side of the mountain. This shack was home to a family and the roof was falling down, our mission to replace the roof - while we demonstrated God's unconditional love. Everyday we would make the trek to the mountain. The shack was across a river/stream and we had to 'raft' the bundles of shingles and wade across the polluted stream or walk across the scariest foot bridge you have ever seen. I was terribly afraid of heights - and early in the trip, I stepped on a nail. I had to be seen by a physician - and there was not more wading for me, so I had to cross the bridge. It was true lesson in faith for me - my friend Byron encouraged me... That bridge has been very symbolic to my faith. It was grueling hard, hot work. The look of appreciation on the face of the family made it worth every minute.

~~~~~~~~~

4. We gathered with a group from the community to attend a local church... It was very different from our traditional 'First United Methodist Church'... I'm not sure what denomination it was... but all the women had on big hats - and I remember that they worshiped with their hands in the air and they sang and sang...and they said AMEN! They brought the scriptures to life...

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:21

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5. Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a Christian ministry that addresses the housing needs of Central Appalachia. The goal of the ministry is to make homes warmer, safer and drier for families in need, while offering transformational experiences for families, volunteers and staff alike. It was a transformational experience for me... a song that we sang ever night still lingers in mind.... "Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary Pure and Holy, tried and true....with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for You"... I left ASP - tired and weary and anxious to get home to my own children... but I also left with strengthened faith and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

I was forever changed.

Friday's FIVE!

2009-01-27T21:44:00.005-05:00

January in Indiana... Snow days and school delays, bad roads and snow plows and the cold weather... these are a few of the things that are the grocery line topics in Indiana. The appeal of Indiana for me is living in an state where we are able to truly enjoy four seasons. We experience spring, fall, summer and even winter at it's best. My Friday's FIVE! this week is a focus of five things I keep warm during our cold January winter....

1. Movie dates with my husband - We both love to go to the Movie theater... and share a bucket of popcorn and a good movie. We aren't frequent movie goers... but we do tend to go at least once or twice in January. This year, we have seen Marley and Me and Benjamin Button... Our first date was in December, 1974 - and we went to see "Airport '75"... we also went to see several movies together in January of 1975...

2. Birdwatching against white, new fallen snow... The vivid colors of a cardinal against the bright, white snow is a beautiful sight! Our Pastor mentioned seeing a an eagle just a few miles from us last week...it is a great time for birdwatching!

3. The moan and groan of the frozen lake ... it is such an eerie, haunting sound... Typically, when the temperatures change at about sunset - it really roars. I love that sound - the sound is usually associated with cozy evenings at the cottage with a fire in the fireplace and a pot of soup of the stove!

4. White sales - I love new sheets... I love high thread count sheets when the temperatures are warm, but I especially love flannel sheets when the temperatures dip below freezing. Janyce Ward loved flannel sheets and when I would spend winter weekends in Indy with Laura, I remember flannel sheets. I love the cozy feeling of flannel sheets on a cold, January evening!

5. Tall-Quad-Nonfat-Upside Down-Extra Hot Latte from Starbucks. MMMmmmmm - a Hot Latte on a cold January day... We don't have a Starbucks in Warsaw (yet)... but there are plenty of them along the way of my work travels and airports - When I'm not traveling, we have a fine reasonable facsimile - "Courthouse Coffee" - where I can find a latte to keep to me warm right here at home!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-01-18T21:19:00.004-05:00

In 1976 - my Grandmother gave me a wedding shower gift ... it was a little plaque that had a prayer on it.... the last sentence of the prayer was... "and grant them with the love of their children's children".... Nine years ago today ... January 18. 2000 - The good Lord answered that prayer....and I was given the greatest blessing of my life... I became a Grandmother! This week's Friday's FIVE! is a birthday tribute to Tyler and five happy thoughts/memories I have about Tyler.

1. I was so excited the day Tyler was born... a few weeks premature - his entry was a little scary and he was a little vulnerable - He spent a few days in the NICU at Marion General Hospital before his heart rate and O2 levels regulated. He was also jaundiced and the Drs. told Katie that he had to begin eating good before he could go home....We were two Moms on a Mission! I stayed the entire night at the hospital with her - and we worked together to get that beautiful baby to nurse successfully ... and it worked! Not long after that long night...Tyler came home and the joyous journey of being a grandparent had begun!!!

2. Tyler was only 2 1/2 years old when we moved to the lake full time. That first winter - he spent a snowy weekend with us. I wil never forget the sight of Bruce (on Cross Country Skiis) pulling him on a sled. We came in and warmed up our hands and enjoyed hot chocolate. The new snow at Yellow Creek Lake was a new winter wonderland that none of us had ever experienced...and it was a wonderful day that I'll never forget!

3. Tyler loves hot hot hot food... I remember when he was barely able to sit in a high chair... feeding him beans from Flores Mexican Restaurant in Gas City and he LOVED it! He has grown to love Louisianna Hot Sauce - hot wings - hot salsa.... you name it, he loves it HOT HOT HOT!! We were invited to share his birthday dinner tonight.... and his request was ENCHILADAS...

4. We spend a lot of hours watching Tyler spin around the lake on a tube... teeth chattering...lips blue - but he continues to point his thumb up..."Faster, Grandpa Bruce, Faster...." He loves to spend summer days at the lake... swimming, tubing, paddling, hunting for tadpoles and crawdaddies... Sometimes - Bruce and Tyler will take off on the pontoon... or paddleboat or kayak and I won't see them for hours... Tyler is the 5th generation to spend time at Yellow Creek Lake and we love to have him visit!

5. Tyler is a such a loving child - and his Mom and Dad have done a wonderful job raising such a smart, thoughtful boy. My heart melts when he wraps his long lanky arms around me and gives me big hugs and tells me he loves me or when I see him snuggled in the chair on Bruce's lap - eating popcorn and watching a movie. He has been on Bruce's lap since he was two years old...and at 9 years old, he is now all arms and legs - but he still loves to spend evenings on Grandpa's lap. I love that he is not too big to love his MeMe and Grandpa!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-01-11T21:06:00.006-05:00

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

This weeks Friday's FIVE! is a focus to my 2009 Mission... Bringing harmony to my life!

Balance - Harmony... a blend of all that is essential, in equal parts. The focus of this - is true harmony as I have experienced it in my life...

1. The marriage of my mother and father ... truly a love story. I'm so thankful for the gift of my parents love... not just the love they gave me - but the love they gave each other. My parents gave me the greatest gift a child can recieve... the love for each other - their love is true example of harmony.

2. Several years ago, Bruce and I hiked Andrews Bald - We made that hike late in the day... with the intention of seeing the sunset at the end of the hike at Clingmans Dome. The background of that sunset - behind those awesome mountains ... the vivid blues and mauves and reds... the scene was truly a harmony of color and views...

3. The look on the faces of my grandsons when they looked at each other for the first time... it was harmony at it's best. Tyler was over 8 years old when Trevor was born...and he was very ready for a sibling. Tyler has always been a positive, loving sibling and has not demonstrated any sibling rivalry. Trevor is now almost 9 months old and they still express that harmony toward each other...

4. I wait every year ... for the sound of the loon that arrives around the first day of spring.

The call of the loon has been the sound to ring in spring every year that we have been here. There is something so intriguing about the loons call - and we have such a short period of time to enjoy the wonderful sound as he only stays a few short weeks. When he calls, the 'lakers' have usually not returned...the lake is still peaceful and quiet - the call of the loon is the harmonious reminder of new life and awaking of the world!

5. Bruce and I live our lives in harmony... My life is peaceful now and I appreciate the harmony between us. We live our lives as true partners... we enjoy many of the same activities... and we enjoy spending time with each other... sitting across from each other at local hot spots carrying on a conversation about our day - or we enjoy just sitting in our chairs quietly.... no talking necessary. He is truly my soulmate - the harmony in my life....and I'm forever grateful!

Friday's FIVE!

2009-01-02T20:04:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2009!

Celebrating the New Year... a time for new beginnings - a time to reflect on the year that has past. My focus for 2008 was to focus on the things that are ESSENTIAL...
ESSENTIAL to me....not necessarily 'simple' - but essential. I focus on "mission statements" rather than 'resolutions'. It is my 'focus' for the year... so I don't necessarily have 'goals' to achieve... but a focus on my life. I try every day to think about my mission... and how I can focus my life toward that mission on that day.... Living 'Essential' in 2008... It is interesting to me that I chose to focus on the essential things when our economy bottoms out and at the end of the year - the focus for everyone becomes the essential things - focusing on what truly matters most.

This weeks Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to the essentials in my life....

1. My husband, Bruce... My soulmate, my best friend. I am so thankful for this peaceful man...for my partner. I love my life - and I tell him that every day. We enjoy every day together of our life together - Essential for Bruce this year was the hard work he invested to earn his Associates Degree...I'm proud of you - I LOVE YOU BRUCE!

2. My amazing daughters... These women are such a strong, amazing essential force in my life.
In their relatively short life, they have both faced many challenges...and they always rise above every situation. It has been an essential year for both of them... as Katie and Phil welcomed their second son, Trevor...and Betsy married her soulmate - Debbie. I am so blessed to have such wonderful daughters... my friends. I love you KATIE and BETSY - and PHIL and DEBBIE!

3. My Mother - My mother has always been an amazing, essential force in my life... and this year has not been any different. This has been an essential year for Mother. We have faced challenges together this year that have changing effects on our lives... We are facing transitions and adversity - and I will be there for my mother every step of the essential way...
I love you MOM!!! (I love you heaps and heaps and heaps and....)

4. My Grandsons... My legacy - these boys bring soooo much essential joy to my life...Unconditional - JOY. The hugs and kisses that Tyler gives me and the smile that beams across Trevors face when he greets me... are the essential things in life that truly gives breath to my day. These are truly the essential things!!! I love you TYLER and TREVOR!

5. My Brother - We are five years and 1300 miles apart. We have had other essential years - but this one has been one of the defining years. We are a team... and we work together well. I'm thankful that we are positively focused for the essentials in our lives... I love you ROGER and COLLEEN!

As always - this is NOT an all inclusive list... there are so many 'essentials' in my life... Of course all of my extended family is essential to me. All of Bruce's family... my cousins and my neices and nephews...my Aunts and my Uncle and all of my essential friends that have stood by throughout this year...

The essential things in my life aren't 'things'... it isn't crystal or keepsakes... or the house in which I live - it isn't the mountains I climb or the waters I paddle. It isn't a pair of earrings or the car I drive. It isn't the size of jeans that I wear or the style of my hair... The true essentials in our lives are those that we love... and those that love us. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful 'essentials' in my life!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-12-26T10:35:00.009-05:00

We had another wonderful Christmas Day - Celebrating the birth of our Savior... gathering together with family... eating and laughing - and exchanging gifts. I'm so thankful for all of my family - and the love we have for each other. This was a wonderful Christmas with many fun celebrations and services. Decking the halls kicked off the season - with parties hosted by friends, family and employers. We especially enjoyed seeing Tyler in the entertaining CSA Christmas program. We enjoyed the Candlight Christmas Eve service at Center United Methodist Church. We enjoyed fellowship and food and fun with the Lankenau family on Christmas day at 12:00PM and at 3PM we were back at Yellow Creek for a celebration with Katie, Phil, Tyler and Trevor...Betsy and Debbie...Mom and our nephew and niece, Jack and Allie. We were blessed with our newest grandson, Trevor this year...it was fun celebrating his first Christmas - and the blessing of Debbie as an official member of our family following their marriage in Hawaii in November. There is something special about every Christmas...

however, we all have those that stand out in our memory. This is certainly not all of my memories of wonderful Christmas celebrations, however, this weeks Friday's FIVE! is a collection of five of very memorable Christmases....

1. Approx. 1962 - I was about 4 years old, and I can remember waking up to a childs Christmas wonderland.... Santa had certainly come! We had hand knit stockings with our names on them...filled so full the items were falling from the stockings. Santa brought me a Betsy Wetsy doll and a stacking bunk bed and a baby carriage....all left under the tree that was adorned with those big lights that get too hot to even touch. Roger had a a big Bazooka gun ... and I think I remember a football helmet. It was the kind of Christmas a child remembers forever. We always would celebrate our Christmas mornings at home - Christmas Eve's were at Grandma and Grandpa Pences - We went to Grandma and Grandpa Alexanders later on Christmas morning until 1968... after that, they would come to our house. Grandma would wear her Christmas 'smock' and bring the coffee cake. Those are happy Christmas Memories at 52nd street...

2. Christmas 1973 - I was 15 years old...and it was the first Christmas that my Grandma and Grandpa Pence were not in Indiana to celebrate with us...They were snowbirds and had decided to stay in Sunny Florida rather than make the trek back to our hoosier winter wonderland. That year on Christmas Eve, instead of Grandma and Grandpa's house, we gathered at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Wildwood for a Pence family celebration. I can remember talking to my Grandma on the phone and being very sad that I wasn't with her. She made Wildwood Christmases special with red knit stockings hanging from the mantel - and the envelopes that were placed on the Christmas tree. I can remember Wildwood Christmas Eves vividly - I remember the ambulance that would bring my great Aunt Vera from her nursing home to celebrate with us...and I can remember playing in the basement with my brother and my cousins - those were happy days in Wildwood.... Later we had many, many happy memories at my parents home in Wildwood...a very special place to the Pence family!

3. Christmas of 1986 and we lived on Koldyke Drive - Steve and I had an especially good year at the Christmas tree lot. (We sold Christmas trees at the lumber yard in Wabash for Christmas spending money)... Santa Claus brought the girls desks filled with many desk and school supplies - the living room was full of toys and Santa brought the family a computer. We always spent Christmas morning at home with egg casserole and coffee cake. We would leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the Reindeer... Santa would often leave footprints for the girls to see.

We would go to Steve's Mom and Dad's on Christmas eve - Candlelight Church at 11PM and then we went to my Mom and Dads in the afternoon on Christmas day. Memories of my children in that big living room on Koldyke drive at Christmas are happy memories!

4. Christmas of 2000 - The first Christmas with our grandson. The first year we celebrated with him was a reminder to me that life goes on... and that this child was my legacy, that I would not live forever, but that a part of me would. Our 1888 Victorian home on Spencer Avenue in Marion was the perfect setting for wonderful Christmas celebrations with our family and our friends and neighbors. It was a beautiful home and we would spend weeks decorating and preparing for the holiday - we put up 5 Christmas trees in that house. Candles would illuminate every window. I believe there were 53 window candles in that house. Steve and I hosted a big Christmas party every year in that home and I loved the days of preparing for that party... however, that year... the focus was on this beautiful child. There wasn't a Christmas party that year or any year after that...but the gift of my grandchild, Tyler gave me hope for happy days ahead of me!

5. Christmas of 2001 - the year of change! I lived on Nelson street after my divorce. It was a hard year - the kids went to Steve's family on Christmas Eve, and I was in the house alone that day - but we all met together at Church that night. It was a night of heavy snow, and Betsy and Bruce went sledding after church! Bruce and I were getting pretty serious ... and I suspected an engagement was forthcoming, however - he was struggling with his business and he told me he would have to 'make' my engagement ring. Christmas morning he presented me with a hand whittled, wooden ring with a fake diamond glued to it. It looked like something right out of a Flintstone cartoon - but the real message of the gift is what mattered - my soulmate wanted to spend the rest of his life with me...we were engaged to be married! Bruce also gave me a bicycle backpack that year...and buried deep in one of the pockets of the backpack was my 'real' engagement ring - a beautiful solitare diamond. We celebrated that Christmas morning with Betsy, Katie, Phil and Tyler. It was my first Christmas celebration with the Lankenau family and Bruce's first celebration at Wildwood with the Pence family. Christmas is special for Bruce and I because our first 'real' date was on Christmas night ... 1974. I was 16 and he was 19 and we saw the movie, Airport '75 after our family celebrations were complete... We met each other again at Charmayne and Danny's Christmas Eve Eve party...and later, we were engaged in 2001 on Christmas Day! A difficult transitional year that ended up bringing many happy years ahead of us!

~~~~As I indicated earlier - this is not an all inclusive list....I've been blessed to have so many happy wonderful Christmas memories... Another significant Christmas was Christmas of 2007.

That is the first year that we celebrated Christmas Day at Yellow Creek Lake - and I loved every minute... I love that my Grandsons are able to build memories of Christmas in a place that is so special to so many generations for me. Ironically - our family has been coming to Yellow Creek Lake since the early 1930's and 2007 was the first year that there was ever a Christmas Day celebration at Yellow Creek... the first of many more to come!!!

Here's hoping this was a joyous Christmas that brought many happy memories for everyone!

White Christmas

2008-12-22T10:22:00.002-05:00

It looks like it is going to be a White Christmas...We've had subzero temps and snow flurries all weekend and the forecast indicates that the there will be snow on the ground and the lake will be frozen at Yellow Creek Lake for Christmas Day!

Baby, it's COLD outside!

2008-12-20T08:18:00.005-05:00

We had an ice storm yesterday that left us without power and cable for almost 12 hours...

I was thankful for my iPod and my battery operated speakers, my Blackberry and my fireplace!

Schools were cancelled, giving kids and extra day of Christmas break! Many of our campuses at work were running on generators - and many roads were not passable with 1/2" of accumulated ice and fallen power lines and trees everywhere. My weeping willow trees along the lakefront are covered in ice... frozen in time...begging for warmer days!

I simply must go (It’s cold outside)
The answer is no (Baby, it’s cold outside)

The welcome has been (So lucky that you dropped in)

So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)

Friday's FIVE!

2008-12-19T20:47:00.010-05:00

Christmas traditions are a part of the excitement and anticipation of the season... Those special things you look forward to during this blessed season. I'm a rich traditionalist - so our Christmas traditions are many. While we participate in the typical Christmas traditions such as Christmas dinners, Gift Exchanges, gatherings with family and friends and Christmas eve services at church- this weeks Friday FIVE! are five of a our families special Christmas traditions...

1. Red and Green Foil Paper

Santa Claus doesn't have time to put ribbons or bows on packages - so he wraps all presents in foil paper. Red foil paper for girls, Green foil paper for the boys. At our house - Santa Claus didn't bring all of the packages - he brought each child just one present.... usually the 'big' item on the Christmas list. This was the way Santa brought gifts to my house when I was a child, it is the way he brought gifts to my children...and it is the way he brings gifts to my grandsons at their home.

I remember Santa bringing Betsy "Talking Big Bird" - and the joy on that childs face still warms my heart. I remember the look on Katie's face when she got her Cabbage Patch Dolls - and I remember Teddy Ruxpin. The reflection of the Christmas tree lights on the shiny foil paper emits a warm glow on Christmas morning that says "Santa Claus has been here!!".... Let the fun begin!

2. Recycled Gifts

Christmas of 1976 - Steve and I had just married, and we didn't have much money. I taught myself to macrame' and made gifts for everyone. I made plant hangers and wall hangings and key chains. When Christmas came, I still had one item left to make - a Belt for my brother, Roger. That Christmas, I packed up his buckle and the beads and the jute that would become his belt - and wrote a note as an IOU - a promise that I would make the belt after the holiday.

The belt didn't get done - and he wrapped it up and gave it back to me the following year. We passed the belt back and forth for 25 years. The box would hold poems or some creative way to pass the gift back and forth.... On the 25th anniversary, we decided to retire the tradition. Roger put a few of the beads on his key chain... and I hang the buckle and a few of the beads on my Christmas tree each year. Sometime when the girls were in high school - they began passing back and forth a stinky strawberry candle that came from a Cross Country Team Christmas exchange. The smell of that horrible candle has not waned with years... it still smells as bad now as it did over 10 years ago.

3. Christmas Jammies

When the girls were really small, they would get Christmas Jammies for Christmas at Grandma Dubie's house on Christmas Eve. They would put them on at Grandma's house so they would have their jammies on and be ready for bed as soon as we got home (often falling asleep in the car) When the girls got a little older I started buying the Christmas jammies - I would carefully choose pajamas that fit personalities or the 'theme' for the season. When we would get home from Grandma Dubie and Grandpa George's house on late on Christmas eve, they would have one present to open ... and of course, that present would be the jammies. This tradition has continued throughout the years...and while I haven't bought Christmas jammies for two years, I'm sure Tyler and Trevor will be in new Christmas jammies this year!

4. Coffee Cake and "Grandma' Salad"

When I was a child - we always went to Grandma and Grandpa Pence's house on Christmas eve - and Grandma and Grandpa Alexander came to our house on Christmas morning. We always had "Grandma's Salad" at Grandma Pence's house - it was a recipe passed down from my Great Grandma Ballard - and my Grandma Alexander always brought a coffee cake to our house on Christmas day. We still eat "Grandma's Salad" at Christmas....and I know my cousins, Nancy and Amy continue this tradition... and we still have Grandma's Coffee cake for breakfast on Christmas morning!

Grandma's Coffee Cake

2 C Sugar

1 C Melted Butter

2 Eggs

1 C Sour Cream

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 C all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2/3 C chopped pecans

2 T brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine sugar and butter. Beat in eggs, add sour cream and vanilla until combined.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt - gradually mix into sugar/butter mixture.

Pour 1/2 of the batter into greased/floured 10" bundt or tube pan. Combine the pecans, sugar and cinnamon - sprinkle on top of the batter in the 10" pan. Add remaining batter.

Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes - invert cake onto serving plate and dust with confectioners sugar.

"Grandma's Salad"

2 Large cans of Pineapple chunks

2 Eggs

3/4 C Sugar

2 heaping T flour

pinch of salt

chopped pecans

2 C mini-marshmallows

Drain pineapple and reserve 1 1/2 C juice, add sugar, wisk flour and salt into juice, add 2 beaten eggs - cook over medium heat stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, cover with wax paper and allow to cool. When cool - Fold in chopped pecans and marshmallows. Garnish with Maraschino cherries and pecan halves.

5. Special Christmas items

When I was growing up - we had three angels with red feather dresses...I don't know whatever happened to those angels - but I loved them so much. They always sat on our fireplace mantel.

When Katie was a baby, my mother gave me a little ceramic frozen pond winter scene with a snowman iceskating on it. The kids have always loved it - and it is one item they still expect to see when the Christmas decorations come out. One of my mothers most treasured items is her Nativity Scene that she had as a child....a primitive little creche now at least 75 years old, that she still puts out. She doesn't do much decorating for Christmas anymore - but the Creche is still the central theme of this blessed Christmas holiday....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-12-12T21:03:00.004-05:00

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!! I love Christmas...I love the entire Christmas season!!!! This weeks Friday's FIVE is Five of my favorite 'Christmas Season' activities...The fun things that help to build the anticipation for the Blessed Day of Christmas!

1. One of my favorite things about the Holiday Season... is the Walkway of Lights in our hometown of Marion... I miss the Riverwalk - and the Walkway of Lights. When we lived on Spencer and on Nelson in Marion - the Walkway was within walking distance...and I loved walking that Riverwalk. It was especially enchanting during the holiday season when the lights were lit - and the gift shop was open.... a cup of Cappuccino at the gift shop would warm you up for the walk back home.

http://www.walkwayoflights.org/ http://www.walkwayoflights.com/

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2. Christmas Eve and Advent Services at church.... I love to sing the traditional hymns and participate in Christmas worship services. My home church, First United Methodist Church in Marion always had a Christmas eve service... and the entire advent season was a festival. We rehearsed Christmas programs, Bell Choir and Chancel Choir songs... There was always so much going on. Bruce and I are now attending Center United Methodist Church, a very small church in Silver Lake - and with a congregation of just 20, there isn't the Pomp that was always present at First United Methodist Church during advent - but there is no less reverence... Advent is advent... big or small, it is a time to prepare - to celebrate the birth of Christ.

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3. Saylors Christmas Eve Eve Party is a wonderful tradition... I have been attending this party for many, many years - and am now thrilled to be a part of the family - to attend this party with Bruce as my husband. Because we live out of town, this is an exciting party for us - because we often get to see friends and family that we don't see very often. It is a true holiday homecoming for us.

**********

4. Holiday celebrations with neighbors and friends ... Now that this is our home, after nearly seven years - we have established deep friendships in this community. I love the celebrations we have with each other. We share many festive dinners with Allen and Esther - we often get together with Janet and Steve, we recently had dinner with Johnsons, Pattersons and Schlemmers and enjoyed a wonderful holiday dessert at Schlemmers home in Wabash....

Pattersons host an annual party on the Sunday before Christmas. It is a nice time to celebrate with friends so close to us - that also have families that aren't so near....

**********

5. Children's Christmas Programs always bring tears to my eyes. I can remember my own children in Sunday School Christmas programs. I remember one year - Betsy didn't like her costume so she just pulled up her little lady bug costume and exposed her leotards... She was sooo funny. Katie LOVED wearing her sparkley/Crystal-ly 'fire-fly' costume... "ANGELS AND LAMBS...LADY BUGS AND FIREFLIES told everybody in sight...that Jesus was born in Bethlehem... on the Christmas night!" School programs with children singing "I'm getting Nuttin' for Christmas" and "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" bring smiles to my face.

My mother was such a wonderful grandmother to my children and she would always attend these school programs with me. Tyler is now in CSA (Community School of the Arts) and will be performing in his second CSA Holiday program this year. There is truly something magical about Christmas in a childs eye.

MERRY BLISSEN ALL BODIES!!!!

Still, Still, Still!

2008-12-11T21:59:00.002-05:00

The lake is so much fun in the summer... Long summer days bring swimming, skiing, sailing and boating and neighbors and family are always around. The beer is always on ice, the salsa is always in the fridge... and the adirondacks beg for a tentant to come along and read a book on a lazy sunny weekend.
However, winter brings a different scene. It is soooo peaceful and quiet - our evenings are usually spent in our jammies in front of a fire - at an hour that usually sees us still out on the lake laughing and playing in the summer.
Today is a long awaited day for us... the day the lake freezes over. We woke up today to a skim of ice...to the peaceful, quiet of winter! Especially timely - during this Blessed Christmas Season!

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

For all is hushed,

The world is sleeping,

Holy Star its vigil keeping.

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

The night is peaceful all around you,

Close your eyes, Let sleep surround you.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

While guardian angels without number,

Watch you as you sweetly slumber.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

Friday's FIVE!

2008-12-05T21:10:00.002-05:00

I love Christmas... I love everything about it - and I especially love Christmas Music! During this Holiday Season many radio stations begin playing Christmas music nonstop the weekend after Thanksgiving - and I am constantly listening to the familiar tunes on the radio, on my iPod, streaming through my computer or on the TV. This week I will focus on five special songs of the season. Five songs that I love -
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1. While Shepherds Watched Their Flock -
A tradition hymn - dating back to the 1700's, based on the Gospel of Luke - 2:8-14. I can remember singing this song in church choir when I was about 7 years old...and I can remember both of my girls singing this song in Childrens Choir in church - We sang this hymn in church today and I still feel like Martha Daugherty is directing me when I hear this song.
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2. Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts
by Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz. We had this song on an album - a real record album... and we played this album over and over again when the girls were small. I can remember singing this song and baking cookies with the girls when they were very little. I remember one time baking cookies and decorating them - Betsy piled all the sprinkles and decorations in one small cookie. It was beautiful! We still sing this song to each other at Christmas time! "Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts... thats the way - the Holiday Starts! Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts...Goody Goody YUM YUM YUM!!!!
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3. Where are you, Christmas? Written by James Horner and performed by Faith Hill. The song was written for the 2000 version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" - I remember sitting at the movie theater listening to this song in tears....My personal life was in the midst of emotional upheaval - but this was a reminder that the blessed season was going to come - even without ...The ribbons! The wrappings! The tags! And the tinsel! The trimmings! The trappings! I had the true blessing of a new Grandson - and the promise of the Christ child... for
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all!
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4. Joy to the World - Mannheim Steamroller. I also love Coventry Carol, Carol of the Birds, Good King Wenceslas and all of the wonderful Christmas songs by Mannheim Steamroller. These songs bring back many fond memories of wonderful Christmas days spent in our beautiful 1888 Victorian home on Spencer Avenue in Marion... the parties, the festivities and the friends. I still laugh when I think of the girls referring to them as "Mannheim Rollerblade" - and two years ago, I had a wonderful , festive holiday evening with my Mother... we had a wonderful dinner at Eddie Merlot's and then we enjoyed a fantastic concert at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. We had a front row table and enjoyed wine and cheese - while Mannheim Steamroller palyed all of the Christmas favorites. It was a special holiday evening I will never forget.
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5. Silent Night - Of course, Silent Night would be the Favorite. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas Eve services at First United Methodist Church, singing out the candle-light service to Silent Night... I remember many different versions... and many different times.
The services always end in silence... as the congregation walks silently out of the church.... into the "Silent Night"....
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Honorable Mention
Still Still Still ... is a beautiful carol and I love the peacefulness of this song. We sang this in Church choir more than once - and I have several different versions on my iPod.
Fum Fum Fum - I can remember singing this song in the Church choir directed by JoAnn Rediger - and standing in the alto section next to my dear, dear friend, Sandy Steele. I also have many of renditions of this on my iPod.
Hot Chocolate - and all the rest of the music from Polar Express

Friday's FIVE!

2008-11-28T20:36:00.002-05:00

The Magic Elf!!!

First Christmas Shoes

Baby's First Christmas

From my childhood Christmas Tree

Bruce's First ornaments

Katie, Phil, Tyler and Trevor... and Betsy and Debbie gathered with Bruce and I this weekend... for an evening of laughing and Holiday cheer. We had a wonderful time together eating snacks and drinking Asti and Beer... and decorating the tree together. It is the first time since Christmas of 2001 that the girls have helped decorate the tree - and we had so much fun looking at all of the ornaments and remembering the special events or memory that each ornament holds. Our tree is full of memento's - items from vacations and special events. The tree has Baby shoes, the pin to my first sailboat, handmade ornaments and school and sunday school projects, items from vacations and travels ... if it is a trinket - and it is special to me....it usually goes on our Christmas tree. This weeks Friday FIVE! is a tribute to five of my FAVORITE ornaments that are on the tree -

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1. The Magic Elf - This was on my mothers Christmas Tree when she was a child. It is kept in a special glass case when it is not on the tree. It is a magic elf...that watches all children and reports to Santa Claus... the elf comes to life when he is placed on the tree... "tinkle, tinkle, tinkle ...IT's MAGIC".... The elf is always the last ornament to be placed on the tree...and the story is told while sitting around the tree every year. My adult daughters humored me... with their spouses this weekend...and let me tell the story the of the 'Magic Elf' once again. We laughed and laughed and they told stories of the times that they would be arguing in the living room - in front of the Christmas tree... and they would suddenly stop and say... "Wait, we better take this argument to the dining room because we don't want the magic elf to 'see' us fight"... It's a fun tradition...

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2. Baby's First Christmas Shoes - I have both of the girls first Christmas Shoes tied with red ribbons on the tree. Katie's are white patent leather and Betsy's are black patent leather and they were both bought at 'Resnecks' in downtown Marion.

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3. Baby's First Christmas - that carefully hold newborn photos of the girls. Tyler was especially tickled to look at those photos and compare them to his new brother. He laughed and teased his mother and his aunt about their 'chubby' cheeks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4. Glitter Bird - This is an ornment that was on my childhood Christmas tree - we had several of them and they were purchased at the 'Ayres Glittershop' in Downtown Indianapolis. I loved these birds when I was a little a girl - and I love that I still have one on my tree.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5. Bruce's First Ornament - The first Christmas Bruce and I spent together was 2001 - it was the Christmas we became engaged. It was an exciting Christmas - but the transitions were difficult for all of us. I felt bad for Bruce because the Christmas tree was full of memories... of our family....he didn't have any ornaments on the tree. We remedied that by getting him a 'personalized' snowman and bicycle ornament for the tree. Eight Christmases later, and now he also has eight years of memories on the tree ... including a Hilly Hundred wristband, paper umbrellas from our wedding in Key West, a Fishing boat from Matlacha - and many other mementos from our travels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Honorable Mention -

"The Heavenly Host' ... the top of our tree doesn't have a single angel ... there are many angels on our tree and they all gather at the top ... the last three angels to go on the tree belong to Katie, Betsy and me. Katie's is a handmade angel ornament from a Church Bazaar, Betsy's is from her babyshower flower arrangement and mine is another ornament that was on my childhood tree - it is a little angel with a wax head that was 'my' angel as a child - and it was also an Ayres Glittershop purchase.

Our Christmas tree holds many, many memories...and many, many ornaments... and while it isn't a 'designer' tree or a 'theme' tree... and the ornaments aren't all perfect, store bought treasures....but home-made items, mementos and trinkets that mean something to all of us. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful tree in the whole world!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!!!!

Trimming the Tree!

2008-11-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

Reading a Christmas tag with childhood writing ... that stays on my tree

Hanging the magic elf

Telling the story of the magic elf... 'tinkle, tinkle, tinkle....IT'S MAGIC!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-11-25T20:14:00.005-05:00

Its Thanksgiving week! This week I'll focus on five of my favorite things about Thanksgiving ... Over the years - I've celebrated Thanksgiving in many different ways and many different places. This year -the girls are going to their in-laws.., and my brother lives in San Antonio - so Bruce and I are going to pick up dinner at Meshingomesia Country Club and take it to Moms. Bruce and Mom and I will gather together and give thanks for all the wonderful things in our life!

Bruce and I will then travel to Carmel to gather with his family in the late afternoon. While I keep a gratitude journal - and I do try to focus on gratitude ... I also enjoy the tradition of the holiday!!! Five of my Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions...

1.PUMPKIN PIE!!! My Mom's Pumpkin Mom is the best Pumpkin Pie in the world - and I LOVE Pumkin Pie!!!!

2. I can still hear my Daddy saying... "My, my, my, my, my" ... and that means "OH MAN...this is really good food and I'm so full I can't hardly stand it..." I miss my Daddy.

3. Bruce is one of 7 siblings... and getting a word (or an elbow) in edgewise is always challenge. The excitement - and the closeness of his large family is a lot of fun. A large family is something I always wanted to be a part of...and now, I am!

4. I love doing the cooking - and hosting the dinner. When the kids were young - we would alternate years with George and Dubie and Mom and Dad.... and when it was the Fennimore year, I would often cook. I have hosted once since Bruce and I have married - and I'm looking forward to many more! I love to get out my china and my crytal ... I love to cook the traditional turkey and the trimmings...and I love to see my kids satisfied faces at the end of the meal!

5. What would Thanksgiving be without .... The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!!! I love it...

The bands - the floats... the Broadway musicals, the Rockettes and SANTA CLAUS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU!!!

Winter on the way...

2008-11-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Fall migration brought a flock of chubby Bufflehead to enjoy the foggy quiet of the lake this morning. The stillness of the lake after a new fallen snow is such a peaceful place! This week, we had our first snow... and this morning the snow on the adirondacks and the paddle boat are reminders of the season ahead of us...with memories of the seaon behind us. I do enjoy the snow... and the season that it brings. I love the holidays and the time spent with family and friends at warm winter gatherings. It won't be long, and we'll be trimming the tree!!!

Batten Down the Hatches!

2008-11-15T22:33:00.006-05:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.... and I do enjoy a cozy winter evening with a fire in the fireplace...wearing sweaters and fuzzy slippers - but it is the warm weather and summer fun that warms my veins - the season I truly look forward to during the entire cold winter months. Today we put the mast down on the Hobie and Bruce put it on the trailer for winter. Sail on Sailor - Summer will be back soon!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-11-13T22:15:00.009-05:00

Job's Daughters is an organization of young women between the ages of 10 and 20 who are related to a Master Mason - My mother was a past Honored Queen for Jobs Daughters - and her father was Master Mason, so it was only natural for me to consider Jobs Daughters as a pre-teen. It was customary for an officer of Jobs Daughters and a Guardian to visit your home when you expressed an interest in joining the Bethel. It was Nicki Ball and her mother that visted my house that day. Nicki was a pretty, popular high school cheerleader - and I wanted to be just like her. Little did I know at that time, that Nicki would be one of the closest friends I have ever had - my 'Best Bud' , my "BB" as we have referred to each other.

Nicki and I have kids close to the same age - and we were involved in several organizations together, it was only natural that we would be connected. We became very close though when we also became neighbors - we were neighbors in Marion and neighbors at the lake. My kids call her "Aunt Nicki" - Our families spent a lot of time together.., and Nicki and I shared recipes and entertaining ideas ... and Saturday afternoons. When my 25 year marriage ended, Nicki was my true, unconditional... stand beside me...listen to me cry, hold my hand friend. When I moved from my family home - she understood my grief... When I married Bruce, she shared my happiness...and when I moved from Marion - other than my family, it was Nicki I missed the most.

Today - Nicki still lives in Marion ... but we have remained BB's in spite of the distance.... Nicki and I spend hours painting or working glass at the Pottery Bayou - we email ... we talk... we text... We share laughs...we share tears ... and we share joy...Nicki is my forever friend!

This week on November 12th, Nicki celebrated her birthday...it was also Kent, her husbands birthday...and their wedding anniversary - So - in honor of my BB, who is also an amazing cook -

This weeks Friday FIVE! is five of "Aunt Nicki's" recipes that have become family favorites!

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1. AUNT NICKI'S PASTA SALAD

12-16 Oz cooked and drained Pasta

1 8oz bottle Italian Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing

3 oz pkg. sliced Pepperoni

1 1/4 C Sliced black olives

1 small sliced red onion

1C chopped green, red and yellow pepper

1/4C chopped fresh parsley

1/2 - 3/4 C shredded parmesan cheese

Combine ingredients and refrigerate

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2.HOT ARTICHOKE DIP

A Family Holiday Favorite!

1C grated fresh parmesan cheese

3/4 C Mayonnaise

1 C Chopped/Drained Artichoke Hearts

Bake in a shallow pan - 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

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3. NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ROLLS

2 Loaves frozen bread, slightly thawed

Chopped Pecans

1 Pkg instant Butterscotch Pudding

1 C Melted Butter

1 C Brown Sugar

Slice bread into 1" thick rounds. Sprinkle pecans into a lightly greased 13X9 pan

Place bread on top of Pecans

Stir melted butter and brown sugar over low heat until sugar melts

Pour over bread and cover with wax paper and towel over night

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool 15 minutes and invert on platter to serve

Sprinkle with dry pudding over bread

(Bruce LOVES this recipe!)

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4. NICKI'S SUMMER SALAD

Known to us now as (Katie's Wedding Salad)

1-2 Bunches Romaine

1 pt. sliced strawberries

1/2 med sweet onion, thinly sliced rings

1/2 c slivered almonds

1/3 C Sugar

1 T Butter

Melt Sugar and butter until carmelized over med heat, stir in almonds until coated.

Pour onto wax paper and crush when cooled

DRESSING

3/4 C Hellmans Mayo

1/4 C Milk

2 T poppy seed

1/3 C white sugar

2T Raspberry Vinegar

Combine Romaine, strawberries & onions. Top with crushed almond candy and toss with dressing.

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5. CHRISTMAS MORNING HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

Combine 1 C Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp salt

Cook 1/4 finely chopped onion in 1 T butter until translucent

Add to cheese mixture

Fold in 1/2 C Sour Cream and 1 Can Cream of Chicken soup

Combine mixture with 4 1/2 C frozen O'Brien Potatoes with red and green pepper

Top with 3 C crushed potatoe chips tossed in 1/4C butter

Place into 9X13 pan and bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 50-55minutes

(I had to call Katie for this recipe, and she said to me "This recipe is on one of my most treasured pieces of paper - Aunt Nicki gave me this paper with her handwritten Christmas morning recipes and a Christmas morning timeline...I truly cherish it")

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Honorable Mention -

GRADUATION APRICOT SALAD

2 3oz pkg Orange Jello

1 C boiling water

1 16 oz can apricots, peeled, drained and mashed

2 jars baby food apricots

1 pint sour cream

Disolve jello in boiling water, add baby food and apricots to jello.

Whip sourcream until smooth, spray mold with PAM. Pour into mold and chill overnight.

Nicki made this for Katie's High School graduation open-house and Katie wanted to make sure this recipe was included, as it is one of her very favorites!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-11-07T19:46:00.004-05:00

President-elect, Barack Obama - November 4, 2008

Grant Park - Chicago ... very near Betsy's neighborhood

Barack Obama Rally in Marion, IN April 2008 -

(Mike Morgan on the bottom left, Katie's father-in-law. Katie's head in the left bottom corner....)

Katie clapping just under Barack Obama's right hand at the Barack Obama rally in Marion, IN

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This week, in a historic election.... Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois - is the first African American to be elected President of our nation. It was a fierce battle from the Primary election - as Barack Obama beat Hillary Clinton for the democrat nomination - and then on to the general election where Barack Obama/Joe Biden beat the John McCain/Sara Palin Republican ticket with 365 electoral votes. It was an exciting election with a strong focus on 'Change'...

Below are 5 other significant Presidential elections in my lifetime...

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1960 - I was only 2 years old and I don't remember the election - however, it was the election of John F. Kennedy (D) against Richard Kennedy (R) It was significant because I do remember vividly where I was when the beloved "camelot" president was assissinated in Dallas, TX on Nov. 22, 1963. I was in my family room just home from Kindergarten - playing with Kim Blaugher - my lifetime friend and schoolmate...when the Special News Bulletin came on the TV. I remember my Mom crying... I knew it was significant... and it remains one of the pivotal historical events that Baby Boomers still remember and discuss... along with the first man on the moon, the space shuttle disaster and 9/11.

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1968 - I was 10 years old... and the 1968 Presidential election included the assissination of demoncratic candidate Robert F. Kennedy - the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Demonstrations against the Vietnam War and race riots across the nation - that hit home when our family lumber business burned to the ground as a result of racial tension and arsonists.

Richard Nixon (R) won over Hubert H. Humprey (D) and Gov. George Wallace (I).

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1976 -The United States presidential election of 1976 followed the resignation of President Richard Nixon in the wake of the Watergate Scandal. Gerald Ford, the republican candidate -was appointed Vice President in 1973 when Vice President Spiro Agnew was forced to resign following conspiracy charges. Vice President Ford became President in 1974 when Richard Nixon resigned after the Watergate Scandal. It was my first election - I was 18 and I voted for Gerald Ford to be elected president - however, he remains the only president to serve without ever being elected. Jimmy Carter won the election over Gerald Ford by a narrow margin.

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1984 - Incumbent President Ronald Reagan/Vice President George Bush won with 525 electoral votes, the highest ever recieved by a presidential candidate, following a strong economic recovery from the recession of the early 80's. The election is memorable for me though, because Walter Mondale the democrate nominee appointed the first female Vice Presidential nominee - Geraldine Ferrara. As a young adult woman, I was baby boomer raised in a home with a stay at home mother... with most of my friends working full time - it was truly a time when it seemed equality for women was making strides!

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2000 - Vice-President Al Gore (D) vs. George W. Bush, son of the former president George H.W.Bush. This is memorable for all of us because of the now famous 'hanging chads'...

Chad were made infamous in the highly contentious during this election where a majority of Florida votes used punch card ballots. Incompletely-punched holes resulted in partially-punched chad, where all corners were still attached, but an indentation appears to have been made. These votes were not counted by the tabulating machines, resulting in a Florida recount.

The outcome of the election was not known for more than a month after the balloting ended because of the extended process of counting and then recounting Florida's presidential ballots.

On January 6, 2001 - George Bush was declared the narrow winner of the electoral vote - although Al Gore carried the popular vote.

Happy Birthday, Charmayne!

2008-11-06T22:19:00.004-05:00

I believe it was the summer of 1973...Epworth Forest, North Webster ... Senior High Institute -
I was a member of First United Methodist Church, but I attended New Hope United Methodist Youth Group with my neighbor and my friend, Teena... New Hope was a small Methodist Church, so we had to share our camp cabin with kids from another small church. Charmayne Lankenau was a member of Hanfield youth group. We became fast friends that week - and embarked on a friendship that would last a lifetime.
Fast forward to December of 1974 - Charmayne and I had gone to a favorite gathering place for teens/young adults. She introduced me to her brother, Bruce. Bruce and I were both very attracted to each other - and less than a week later, on Christmas night... we went out on our first date. We dated on and off for almost a year... and then we each went our own directions - but my friendship with Charn didn't waiver. We remained very close friends....
Charmayne was in my wedding party when I married Steve. When Charmayne began her career as a Realtor - her first home sale was to Steve to I... our house on Koldyke Drive.
Life went forward... we both had children...busy careers... grandchildren.... etc. etc. etc.
Charmayne was always one of my dearest friends... a confidant that I trust completely....
I always knew she would be a friend for life - but at that time, I never dreamed that we would also one day become family. Today Charmayne is still one of my dearest - closest friends....my lifetime friend....and now she is also my sister-in-law!
I'm so thankful for her - and the entire Lankenau family...
My family, the Lankenau family!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARMAYNE!
I love you!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-10-31T20:24:00.008-04:00

Margaritas in Chicago!

Betsy "Erckle"

Aunt B

Been in the dress up box at Grandma's

Kermit and Miss Piggy

Rock Stars!

Bruce and I enjoyed a day in Chicago with Betsy and Debbie yesterday. We had such a wonderful time - celebrating Betsy's (and Debbie's August) birthday...and wishing them a farewell before they head off for their Hawaiian commitment ceremony. We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, enjoyed great Margaritas and dinner at a Mexican place and then packed up in a cab and enjoyed the view from the Sears Tower - we always have fun with Betsy and Debbie.

Betsy has been the life of the party since she was a child - she is natural born comedienne...

She has always had the ability to make all of us laugh... Betsy was born 26 years ago, on Oct. 31st at 9:33AM weighing in at 9# 9oz - with a head full of dark hair on her petite 19" frame...Betsy has brought joy to my life since the day she was born... I'm the luckiest mother in the world to have two wonderful daughters. In honor of Betsy's birthday - this weeks Friday FIVE! is a celebration of five things about Betsy that make me smile!

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1. When Betsy was about two years old, Katie was in preschool... Betsy and I would spend a few morning hours with Grandma Isabel and Grandpa Pete. Betsy loved her Grandpa Pete - and she would go back to the bathroom to 'shave' with him in the mornings. The look on her face and the determination in her walk walking back to the bathroom with Grandpa still makes me smile! She would proudly walk out with shaving cream on her nose ... knowing she would get a laugh from Mom and I. Her toddler and childhood antics were just a glimpse into the joy this child would bring to me...

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2. Betsy has always loved hats... When she was child - she always had some kind of hat on her head. A railroad hat, a baseball hat = you name it... she had a hat a on her head. She would wear the hat as part of her 'costume' - as a prop... or just to keep her long pony tail out of her eyes. She had a huge collection of hats and most childhood photos of Betsy are those with something on her head. I still laugh thinking about Betsy in all of her hats and head-dresses.

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3. Betsy has an incredible sense of rhythm...and she is a very physical comedienne. Her body movements - head movements and facial expressions are often enough to just send me over the edge. It doesn't matter if she is 'dropping it like it's hot'... or singing Talking Heads "Once in a Lifetime" or... Barenaked Ladies "One Week"...I just start laughing. She is so funny - and she has so much rhythm and she moves her head and body with so much energy... that it usually has all of us laughing to the point of tears.

~~~~~

4. Betsy loves movies - any movies...she always has. She knows the dialogue to many movies - line by line...and she can flip through a movie and edit the bloopers for all of us to see. Betsy has extremely high level perceptual skills and she has the ability to 'see' things most of us cannot - it always amazes me the detail she is able to percieve that most of us would never even recognize. Some of Betsy's favorites (that I remember)... are Fried Green Tomatoes, My Girl, Sandlot, Late for Dinner and many, many more. She has a collection of movies that rivals the local rental shop.

~~~~~

5. Betsy has a compassionate heart - and a deep love for animals. She had so many little 'critters' in her room when she was growing up. She had siberian dwarf hamsters, fuzzy hamsters, guinea pigs and geckos. Our dogs were usually 'Betsy's' dogs... she was Prissy's forever companion... she loved her pets - but her ability to love isn't limited to animals. Betsy is warm and loving and has the ability to bring us all together. She and her sister have a very close - deep love for each other... and she is Aunt B to her nephews and I'm certain that Trevor will grow to love her as much as Tyler does. I'm so thankful for the love of both of my daughters...and for the love they have for each other... and the love they each have for our family and their partners.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETSY - I LOVE YOU!

Betsy's Birthday Week!

2008-10-26T19:20:00.011-04:00

It's Betsy's Birthday week!!! This Friday - on October 31, my Betsy will be 26 years old! She was born on Halloween making it a pretty hectic fun filled day. It involved careful planning to get the trick or treating, the birthday presents, the cake and the favorite birthday dinner scheduled. Birthday dinner menus in our family traditionally involved the birthday persons favorite foods...and Betsy always chose her Mama's baked MACARONI AND CHEESE.

I would usually add Hamburgers and a vegetable to the menu... but I think Betsy would have been satisfied with just the Macaroni and Cheese! HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK, BETSY!

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BETSY'S FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE

3 C Milk

6 T Butter

6T Flour

3/4 tsp salt

1 and 1/2 Pound Velveeta Cheese, cubed

1 16oz pkg elbow Macaroni

6-8 slices dark toast

1/2 C melted butter

Prepare macaroni - undercooked, rinsed with cool water, drain thoroughly and set aside. Wisk flour with 2 C milk - Pour into large saucepan, add remaining milk, 6 T butter, salt and cheese cubes. Stir constantly over med heat until thickened and cheese is melted. Toss macaroni into cheese mixture. Pour into 9X13 baking pan. Cut toast into small squares and toss with 1/3 cup melted butter Top macaroni and cheese with butter toast cubes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

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MACARONI AND CHEESE -NEW VERSION

8 oz uncooked Elbow Macaroni

1/2 C Butter

1/3 C Flour

2 tsp dry mustard

2 tsp salt

5 C Milk

4 C (1 pound) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional - Buttered Bread Crumbs

Cook pasta according to directions. Preheat over to 375 degrees. In large saucepan, over med heat, melt butter, stir in flour, mustard and salt. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Add 2C cheese, stir until melted. In larw bowl, combine sauce and cooked macaroni. Spoon into PAM sprayed 13X9 baking dish. Top with remaining 2 C cheese. Top with Buttered bread crumbs if desired.

Bake 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly - let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Friday's FIVE!

2008-10-24T18:41:00.007-04:00

We've had white caps on the lake all day today - the wind has really been blowing hard. The season is winding down - the leaves are turning...and there is a fire in the fireplace. Most of the boats are out of the water, piers are out and the 'lakers' have packed up and gone home for the winter. Since we have made YCL our full time residence...we have made many wonderful friends - and one of our favorite end of summer events is "Bethy's Fish Fry"... Bethy is a dear friend and neighbor that lives on nearby Loon Lake. She loves to fish - and then when the season is over...she loves to feed us the fish that she has caught. This week's Friday FIVE! is a nod to those 'residents' of YCL (and close surrounding area) that will keep us company during the cold lonely winter!

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1. Allen and Esther - our cold winter friends as well as our summertime fair weather friends. We spend our summer days together out in the boat...and our winter days shopping, eating out or just sharing a pot of soup.

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2. Beth - Our friend Bethy... however, Bethy will be snowbirding to Florida for several weeks later in December...but she will be here for the next few months. We always enjoy the Friday evenings that Bethy meets us at the Silver Inn for a beer and a burger!

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3. Debbi and Kevin - Kevin grew up on YCL and they now live a few miles east of us. Debbi makes the BEST sugar cookies you have ever tasted. Good friends - good neighbors.

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4. Hal and Aimee - I grew up on YCL with Hal. He grew up on a farm just south of the trailer court on the lake. He now lives on the south of the lake. We don't see a lot of Hal and Aimee - they still have kids at home with busy sport and school schedules...but they are good neighbors that we know we could count on if we needed something.

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5. Jim - My neighbor ... for three generations. Jim is a full time resident... and our nearest neighbor in the winter months. Jim is like a brother to me - and we argue like siblings...and will watch out for each other like siblings. When I am working in my home office ... and it is quiet and lonely - it is good to know, Jim is just a few feet away...if I needed something.

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Other neighbors and friends that we will keep us company this winter...

Janet and Steve - who are our favorite GDL's... XOXOXOX

however, they spend alot of winter weekends here...and we are always happy to see them!!!!

Dave and Brenda - Brenda also grew up on the lake - however, they recently became full time residents of YCL - we are happy to have become aquainted with them.

Gary and Cathy - our closest eastern winter neighbors. It's always nice to know there are people close and watching out for each other!

Roger - the local crusty 'boat' guy... keeps a watch out over all of us. Roger is always concerned when my porch light is left on - neighbors watching out for neighbors....

Weigh-In

2008-10-22T22:12:00.003-04:00

Because of my busy travel schedule - my last weigh-in was three weeks ago, 9/29/08. I've traveled to Nashville, Indy, Gatlinburg and Memphis since that date... I've had ... beer... Memphis Ribs...Gatlinburg fudge...Smoky Mountain Brewery beer...hot wings, convention food...breakfasts...beer...trailmix...fudge...etc. etc. etc. Until tonight, my weigh-in attire has been khaki shorts and T-shirts...dropping Indiana temps mean it is time to pull out the jeans and sweaters. I'm not making excuses - I've NOT been following the program - but a weigh-in in heavy clothing is also going to make a difference. I was not suprised ... that my weigh-in resulted in a 3.2 gain. After the schedule I've had - and the restaurants I've been to... I was not disappointed - but now it is time to get back to business. I might get back to CORE, but I have tossed around following the flex program for a few months. CORE is wonderful whole foods - and I feel so good while I'm following the CORE program - but FLEX would give me a little more 'flexibility' throughout the Holidays. Whatever I do - I have to get myself back in the mindset of following program again! I enjoyed my Weight Watchers class Monday night. I have made new friends - and it is good to see them when I get there. We encourage each other and cheer each other on... which is truly the foundation of the Weight Watcher program. I'll be in Louisville next week - and won't get to weigh-in Monday night...but my travel schedule is starting to slow down a little ... and I'll be able to weigh in November 4th...just in time to get fired up for the Holidays!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-10-17T22:40:00.010-04:00

It's been a busy few weeks... Last week I flew from Fort Wayne to Nashville, TN for a business meeting for a few days- From Nashville, TN to Indianapolis for two day meeting ... Bruce picked me up in Indy and we drove to Gatlinburg and the GSMNP for a long weekend siesta... This week on Tuesday I flew back to Memphis - and yesterday... my return flight from Memphis was late, so I missed my connection in Detroit to Fort Wayne. I was rerouted from Detroit to Cleveland...and then from Cleveland to Fort Wayne. I love my job - and the opportunity to travel and see places and meet people that I otherwise wouldn't meet... but as I sit in my own comfy chair tonight - with my husband next to me...and the dog curled at our feet - I am reminded how much I love my home and my comfortable surroundings...This weeks Friday's Five! is dedicated to five things that I love about being at home...

1. My own comfy chair with my computer in my lap - and my google browser pointed toward day dreams on Travelocity ... and window shopping on Ebay - with a fire in the fireplace.

2. My dog - next to me all day long.

3. A weeknight beer and a bowl of soup at the local watering hole with our friends, Allen and Esther....(Friday night is always good too - but I'm usually home by Friday night anyway)...

so it is the weeknight 'meeting' that I'm especially appreciative tonight.

4. The Solitude of the lake on a fall weekday... piers are out - most boats are out... and most of the lakers have closed up for the winter. Peace.

5. Having my husband to talk with... or to just be silent with... my partner, my friend.

There's NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-10-12T22:29:00.010-04:00

Cades Cove

Alum Cave Bluffs
Alum Cave Bluffs
Charlie's Bunion Trail - Appalachian Trail
Charlie's Bunion

We have just returned from our trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park - We had a wonderful time! This is a late entry for Friday's FIVE! and lists five highlights of our trip!

1. FIVE BEARS! After unpacking, we had time to go into town for dinner on Wed. night... just as we were leaving our cabin - we nearly hit a very, very large Black Bear! Then... on Thursday we saw a small cub running across Newfound Gap road - and then, Friday we made a trip out to Cades Cove and saw a mother and two large cubs. It was a record trip for Bear watching - We also saw a Coyote while we were horseback riding, several deer, a box turtle, a shrew, and group of turkeys... it was an eventful trip for wildlife!

2. CHARLIE'S BUNION - I have been hiking the Smokies since 1993 - and I introduced Bruce to the park in 2001. Bruce has now hiked every trail that I have ever hiked! Charlie's Bunion is a beautiful 8 mile round trip hike that follows a length of the Appalachian Trail. http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/charliesbunion.htm The trail reaches elevations over 6100 feet - and involves some technical climbing - but it ends in spectacular views.

3. ALUM CAVE BLUFFS - I think I mentioned this in a previous Friday's FIVE! This is one of my very, very favorite trails ... and I think this was my 7th trip to the Bluffs. Spectacular Vistas, interesting geology and amazing demonstrations of the biodiversity of the GSMNP make this a favorite for many GSMNP hikers.

4. SMOKY MOUNTAIN HORSE BACK RIDING - This was a first for us - Bruce grew up with horses of his own, however this was the first time we have been riding together - and the first time we enjoyed trails in the Smoky's while on horseback. The views were beautiful - and it was a wonderful way to enjoy the park while resting a day between hiking Charlies Bunion and Alum Cave bluff.

5. CADES COVE - The weather was perfect for enjoying Cades Cove 11 mile loop in the VW with the top down. As I indicated above - we saw 3 bears at Cades Cove - and a lot of deer. Traffic wasn't too bad and the color was beautiful - there are many 'pull off spots' to enjoy the scenery or get out and walk... or just sit and contemplate the beauty of the mountain. We brought along a growler of Velas Hellus from the Smoky Mountain Brewery - It really doesn't get much better than that! http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

Friday's FIVE!

2008-10-03T22:27:00.005-04:00

In anticipation of our upcoming hiking trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park - last week's Friday's FIVE! was a tribute to five of my favorite GSMNP hiking trails... This week I will highlight 5 of our families favorite "Parkway" hotspots. We truly do travel to GSMNP for the beauty of the National Park - the hiking and the amazing views...but after a hard day hiking, it is fun to stroll the Gatlinburg strip and experience some of the touristy schmaltz. There are some people that never make it south of Stop light #10 - and actually come to this area just for the downtown attractions - we are not those people... but I'm not ashamed to admit that we have fun while we are there...

1. The Big Floating Marble Ball at Ripley's Believe It or Not! http://www.ripleys.com/ I think we only visited the attraction one time... but a stroll down the Gatlinburg strip isn't the same without a quick push on the big floating ball.

2. The Fudge Shoppe - I LOVE Chocolate Pecan or Chocolate Walnut!!! Such a well deserved snack after an 8 mile hike!!! http://www.fudgeshoppeofthesmokies.com/

3. Smoky Mountain Brewery http://www.smoky-mtn-brewery.com/ Bruce and I love the Smoky Mountain Brewery - and the micro-brews.... We like to get a sampler and discuss and compare the attributes of the Black Bear Ale or the Cherokee Red ... We are usually visiting during the seasonal tap of Octoberfest...one we both really enjoy!!

4. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Aquarium http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com/ Yes - it's true... this is one of the 'attractions' on the strip we really do enjoy. It is a wonderful aquarium ... and worth the price of admission.

5. Beneath the Smoke http://thegreatsmokeymountainsparkway.com/_shoppi/gsbensmo.htm I love this shop on the Parkway. It has wonderful prints - and paintings of the hiking trails and falls in the GSMNP ... there are wonderful wildlife photos and prints - a great collection of Big Sky Bears and various other interesting mountain collectibles, books and 'kadooies'....

Honorable Mention

The Happy Hiker - http://www.happyhiker.com/ This is a great Outfitter that isn't directly on Parkway... but it is a great place to browse and find supplies and accessories for hiking or kayaking.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

2008-10-01T19:32:00.010-04:00

OCTOBER is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.
Domestic Violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender.

Domestic Violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
Often - Violence is happening in a home where you least expect it... it is generally the victims pattern to 'hide' the fact that abuse is occurring... Don't close your eyes to abuse - stay aware and offer help. If you are in an abusive relationship - Save your life - and GET OUT...

if you know someone in an abusive relationship - encourage her/him to get help and to GET OUT! Help is available...TOGETHER we can END the LEGACY of ABUSE!!!

BREAK THE SILENCE - MAKE THE CALL! 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE http://ndvh.org/

1 out of 3 women ... in all of the world have been victims of Domestic Violence
At least 3 women are murdered everyday by their partners
75% of those murders, occur in the home

Violence against women costs companies approx. $75 million a year in lost productivity

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

1. Attend upcoming events around the country.
2. Spread the word that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
3. Show your PURPLE POWER! Wear Purple and pass out Purple Ribbons!
4. Help a service provider in your area. Call the Hotline to find out local organizations that support Domestic Violence 1-800-799-7233
5. Encourage others to join the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America.

PLEASE JOIN THE MILLION VOICES CAMPAIGN
The Million Voices Campaign is a group of people and organizations in America willing to educate, inform, and raise awareness about the problems of domestic violence and sources to help. Joining is easy and free of charge. Help us achieve the goal of ONE MILLION members by joining the Million Voices Campaign and give America a million reasons to END Domestic Violence! http://www.ndvh.org/support-ndvh/join

Weigh-In

2008-09-29T22:16:00.003-04:00

I finally reached the -30 tonight... I'm down 30 with 20 to go to reach my goal - 50 pounds in my 50th year.... I'm enjoying increased endurance - and decreased joint pain... and smaller clothes!!!
I can't wait to go hiking with -30 pounds and two new feet!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-09-26T22:00:00.006-04:00

When I graduated from OT school in 1993 - Steve and I took the girls on a much needed family vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. That Smokies trip led to a tradition and a location that we all hold close to our hearts... We have all traveled back to the park many, many times since that first trip in 1993 - and Bruce and I have continued the tradition since our first visit together in November, 2001. In June, 2006 we made a family trip with all the kids... and at that time introduced Tyler to this place that we love so much. Hiking has become a favorite activity for all of us - and it is an activity that the girls have carried on with thier own families. This November when Betsy and Debbie commit to each other in Hawaii, they will be hiking amazing trails in the islands - and later this month, Bruce and I will be making our annual fall trip to GSMNP for hiking and leaf peeping. This weeks Friday FIVE! is a collection of five wonderful hikes that I have done in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park....

1. Alum Cave Bluffs is my favorite hike in the park. It offers so many spectacular moutain vistas as well as geological features. This is a 4.4 mile hike that climbs 1125 feet and reaches a heights of 4955 feet. I have made my way to Alum Cave six times - two of those times included hikes beyone Alum Cave and on to the top of Mt. LeConte in 1999 and again in 2001. In 1998 - we celebrated Betsy's 16th Birthday at Alum Cave. It is a wonderful hike - and if I had to choose one.... this would be my favorite!!! http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/alumcave.htm

2. Abrams Falls is another favorite hike. I have hiked this trail three times. We celebrated Katie's 16th birthday on this trail in 1996 - and Bruce and I made this hike together in 2003 and again with all the kids and Tyler in 2006. Getting to the trailhead is part of the excitement of this hike as the trailhead is found in beautiful Cades Cove. Abrams Falls is a 4.2 mile hike that ends at a beautiful 20' falls that flows over a bluff into a broad pool more than 100 feet across.

http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/abrams-falls.html

3. Andrews Bald - is a 3.5 mile roundtrip to a beautiful bald that offers picnic areas surrounded by rhododendron and azaleas and offer plenty of spectacular panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and Fontana Lake. We have made this trip in 2005 and again in 2006 with the kids and Tyler. It is a beautiful hike - one of my very favorites - one I will probably do again! Because of the views on this hiking trip - we decided to journey to the Fontana Lake area in 2007. http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/andrewsbald.htm

4, Chimney Tops is a 4-mile strenous steep hike that ends in spectacular views at the top of a treacherous rocky trail at elevations of 4800. I have hiked this trail three times. We made this trip the first time in Spring 1995 - we weren't prepared for this difficult hike - I hiked in jeans and tennis shoes ... and I was about 100# overweight and thought it was physically one of the hardest things I had ever done. We hiked this trip again in 1998 after I had lost the 100# and I can vividly remember the triumphant feeling getting to the top of that mountain with ease during that trip. This is also the first hike that Bruce and I did together in GSMNP in Nov. 2001 shortly after we had just started dating. Bruce has a fear of heights - and it was on top of this mountains that he reminded me... "I'd climb mountains for you". http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/chimney_tops.html

5 . Rich Mountain Loop is a strenous 8.5 mile loop that climbs a total of 1736 feet and reaches heights of 3691 feet. The trailhead for this loop hike is also in Cades Cove - and begins at the entrance of Cades Cove and passes John Olivers cabin. This is a long, peaceful hike because the trail is long and strenuous, it isn't one of the more popular hikes in the hike. The trail offers beautiful elevated views of Cades Cove and Townsend. It was on this trail that I first added a Pileated Woodpecker to my birding lifelist. Bruce and I have hiked this trail one time, in October of 2005. http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/richmountain.htm

HONORABLE MENTION:
Grotto Falls is an easy 2.6 mile roundtrip to a 20+ foot straight falls that you can walk behind. It is a fun hike because it is also a route to Mount LeConte http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/mtleconte.html 8-10 Llamas trek to two times a week to deliver supplies to LeConte Lodge. http://www.lecontelodge.com/ The trailhead to Grotto Falls is found on Roaring Fork Motor Trail - a beautiful motor route that offers beautiful leaf peeping in the fall. I have hiked this trail two times - Oct. 1996 and October 2005.

http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/public-lands/national-parks/smoky-mountains/grotto-falls.html

In the 16 years that I have been traveling to GSMNP, we have hiked many, many trails - and many trails we have hiked more than once. Bruce and I have hiked trails on the Tennessee side of the park - and the North Carolina side of the park. We have visited Fontana lake - and Tsali for mountain bike riding....more of the honorable mention trails include:

Charlies Bunion - I'm anxious to hike this trail with Bruce someday - I've hiked this part of the Appalachian trail one time - in March 1999.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlies_Bunion

Indian Creek Loop - Includes Indian Creek, Deep Creek, Tom Abrams and Juney Whank falls in the North Carolina side of GSMNP http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/deepcreek.htm

Laurel Falls - an easy, very popular paved hike to a beautiful falls. The first trail in the Smokies that we ever hiked! http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm

Rainbow Falls - a beautiful, difficult falls hike that offers boths falls and views. http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/rainbow_falls.html

Friday's FIVE!

2008-09-19T20:44:00.004-04:00

As we enjoy the last weekend of summer and prepare for autumn... the warm days and cool evenings make for perfect weather. Schedules become more routine - and a little less full without the busy days of summer fun as the days grow shorter. It's a time to curl up and read - enjoy a fire in the fireplace...eat a crisp fresh apple and enjoy a plethora of festivals. I love fall in Indiana! This week's Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to five of my favortie things to do in Indiana in Sept.

1. APPLES... Apples and more Apples.... I love fall fruit markets and Apples in September! Bruce and I made a road trip to Grovertown Fruit Farm for a bushel of Honeycrisp Apples.

We both enjoyed an apple straight from the bushel as we drove home with the VW top down with the warm sun on our faces! http://www.allaboutapples.com/orchard/in01.htm

2. James Dean Festival ... James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana and raised in Grant County - where I also grew up. Fairmount was the hometown of James Dean, and every September thousands of people gather in Fairmount, Indiana to pay homage to the local rebel whos untimely death, in a high-speed car crash on Sept. 30, 1955 guaranteed his legend as a true American idol. The weekend is filled with classic cars, oldies music and endless opportunities to view Jame Dean in his movies, The Giant, East of Eden and Rebel without a Cause. http://www.jamesdean.com/community/festival/index.htm

3. Estate Auctions - where you find table after table of well worn, well loved items that once belonged to someone....now up on the table for bidding. I love to browse the items ... walk around the items - drink a cup of hot cider and anticipate the sound of the auctioneer.

The days usually begin cool in the morning and end up very warm in the afternoon. The thrill of bidding on an item - and being the winning bidder reminds me of betting on a horse race! I haven't been to an estate auction for a long time, but it will always be one of my favorite early fall activities.

4. Blueberry Festival Bicycle Cruise http://www.blueberryfestival.org/pg/bike_cruise.html

and Apple Pedalers Bike Ride in http://brinin.org/content/view/393/162/.

Both rides are wonderful rides! The Blueberry ride begins in Plymouth during the Blueberry Festival and pedals around beautiful Lake Maxinkuckie and the Apple Pedalers Ride begins in Nappanee and pedals through northern Indiana and Amish country. Several years ago, we rented a 'trailer' for Bruce's bike and rode with Tyler on the Apple Pedalers ride. It was one of those memory making days that we won't ever forget - we had a great time!

5. Bonfires, Sweater and Chili.... I love to wrap up in a sweater in front of a bonfire by the lake. I love to cook a pot of chili over the fire in my cast iron kettles. Summer is over - Winter is on the way ... and Life is Good!

Weigh-In

2008-09-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted a weigh-in lately... On Tuesday, 9/2 - I weighed-in at North Manchester (not my regular Monday night in Warsaw)...because 9/1 was Labor and our Warsaw meeting was closed. During Labor Day weekend - I didn't follow program as close as I should, knowing I wasn't weighing in on Monday. I didn't make up my mind to weigh-in on Tuesday until I woke up and faced Tuesday. I knew I also had to face the scales or disaster would be ahead of me. I knew weighing in during the week of 9/8 would be difficult because I would be in Memphis, which would result in missing toooo may meetings if I didn't weigh in following the holiday. The 9/2 weigh-in resulted in a +2.8 gain. ARGHHHHhh!!!! I was glad to get back to my normal routine tonight and get back to my regular class tonight. I was also happy to see that i was down exactly -2.8 tonight - my total current loss = 28.2# I am truly trying to make this a lifestyle change... and if it takes me a year or two to lose the 50-60# I want to lose, then so be it. I'm just happy that the recent schedule glitches didn't sabotage me completely. I weighed in at a Carmel meeting and a North Manchester meeting following a holiday. These are big behavioral changes for me! Historically, I wouldn't go out of my way to find a meeting (out of town) just to make sure I got weighed.

So - onward... this week starts with a good loss and a clean slate!

Panda Bears!

2008-09-13T23:53:00.003-04:00

I have always loved Giant Panda's and in the 1970's - I collected Panda's - plush, figurines - you name it...if it had a Panda, I would collect it. Last week I was in Memphis for a business trip and I had a little bit of time early one evening and decided to make a quick trip to the zoo so I could see the Panda exhibit. There are only 4 zoo's in the US that have a Panda exhibit - and Memphis is one of those zoos. Panda's can be seen in San Diego, CA, Washington DC, Atlanta, GA and Memphis, TN. It was a wonderful experience...

Friday's FIVE!

2008-09-12T21:02:00.008-04:00

Aunt Barbara is my Daddy's only sister ... and I remember the day we gathered at Grandma and Grandpa Pence's to wish them farewell - as they embarked on a new phase of their life... and moved west to California. I was only four years old - but I can remember being very sad. This weekend, my California Cousins....Mark and Bob and their wives.... Lynne and Diane came to Indiana for a Hoosier visit. This week's Friday FIVE! is a tribute to my California Cousins and five wonderful memories I've shared with them!!

1. Because they lived so far away, every year we would all gather at Grandma and Grandpa Pence's house before December 10th and fill a large plywood (what else?, we owned lumber

yards) box with Christmas gifts, stockings and suprises. Once the box was filled, Grandpa would nail it shut - and we would use crayons and markers and write all over the box before shipping it off to our Palo Alto, California family. I can remember looking forward to that special day. We would share a light meal together and it would be the 'kick off' for the holiday season!

2. I'm not sure how old I was - but Grandma and Grandma's house had to be fairly new... because the 'extra' bedroom wasn't in the basement yet and you could run complete circles around the basement staircase...There was always a wheel-chair at Grandma's house for my Great Aunt Vera - and I can remember sitting in that wheel chair while Bobby pushed me around and around and around that staircase in that wheel-chair. That day may have even been the farewell cook-out we had at Grandma and Grandpa's house when we all gathered to say goodbye to the Overmans. I don't remember for sure if it was the same day - but the memory I have was that I was having fun... and this was family. We were a part of each other... and these were my cousins and my brother - and this is the way family was supposed to be.

3. At 16 years old - I was given the amazing opportunity to go to California for a summer visit. I was able to spend time in Palo Alto with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ovie and Bob. I spent most of that visit with Bob and his girlfriend at the time. We went to Balboa Park http://www.balboapark.org/ and to the Beach and Standford University - We had a GREAT time and i didn't want the time to end. I then flew to San Diego to spend the rest of my California visit with my older cousin Mark and his wife. They lived in a small beach cottage with a front yard garden and a picket fence. http://gothere.com/sandiego/OceanBeach/homes.htm They took me to Disney Land and Sea World and to see Cheech and Chong - They lived in "Ocean Beach" http://gothere.com/sandiego/OceanBeach/beach.htm and to this 16 year old Hoosier girl... it seemed like an oasis. I ate pita bread and bean sprouts with avocados and artichokes. I had the time of my life - and I've never forgotten the experience. http://www.oceanbeach.com/

4. In 1998 - Mom and Dad and Steve and I went to San Diego for annual National Lumber Convention. We went to dinner one evening with Mark and Lynne and Bob and his wife.

The next day, Bob and his wife took Steve and I hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. http://www.torreypine.org/ It was a beautiful hike - with amazing views. We had a great time together - and I can remember I didn't want the day to end. Once again, I was reminded of the distance between my cousin and I. I will always wish we could spend more time together.

5. When Daddy died in 2002 - We were standing at the funeral home ... and a very familar face walked in. If I knew Mark was planning to attend, I don't remember it. I just remember seeing his wonderful familiar face...and how connected I felt to my Daddy when I saw him. Mark resembles my Dad... and it was very comforting to see him. It meant so much that he would make the trip to Indiana and represent the entire Overman family at Daddy's funeral. I will certainly never forget that!

It was wondeful to visit with my cousins... and to catch up with them for a brief visit.

I hope that someday soon... we can visit them in their California homes.

Friday's FIVE!

2008-09-05T23:18:00.005-04:00

We had a lazy Labor Day Weekend - which is unusual for us...however, we sure did enjoy the R&R and the relaxing 3 day weekend. Sunday we decided to paddle Grassy Creek and the lakes of the Barbee Chain....it was a great paddle and we ended the day with a late lunch and cold beer at the Landing on the channel between Little Barbee and Big Barbee lakes. I've blogged about it before - but we love living in Kosciusko County. Sometimes it seems this county was made just for us! There is so much to do that appeals to our lifestyle! This Friday's FIVE! recognizes just five of the things we LOVE about Kosciusko County!

1. GREAT Paddling - wherever you go.... We love a good paddle on our own, Yellow Creek Lake and Diamond Lake - but have also enjoyed paddling Pike Lake area, Backwaters of Webster Lake and the Barbee Chain.

2. Cold Beer and a bite to eat - about anywhere you go. From local taverns to finer restaurants...
We enjoyed The Landing this weekend, but there is someplace to go in about any area of the county. We also enjoyed breakfast with neighbors at the Beehive on Beaver Dam...

3. Winona Mountain Bike Trails - http://www.villageatwinona.com/village-bike-trails.asp
The trails are wonderful for mountain biking and hiking! While riding the mountain bike trails... a quick jump onto the Lake City Greenway, offers a paved route for easier riding, walking and jogging. http://www.indianatrails.org/Warsaw.htm

4. The wonderful country roads that are great for a road bike ride...and the country fields that are later great for Cross country skiing in the winter!

5. The deep Friendships we have developed in the 6 years that we have lived here!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE ANN!

2008-08-31T21:36:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DEBBIE ANN!!!!

My daughter's partner - Debbie celebrates her birthday today ... I'm very, very excited that very soon Debbie will officially be my Daughter-in-law as Betsy and Debbie travel to Hawaii in November for a formal commitment to each other. I'm so thankful to have Debbie in our lives. There isn't anything in the world that makes a mother more happy than knowing that her children are happy...and I'm blessed to have such happy, peaceful adjusted children....

Happy Birthday Debbie - I love you!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-08-29T20:43:00.004-04:00

I had a business event in Indianapolis this week and enjoyed a few days in The Circle City! As an Alumni of IUPUI/Indiana University School of Medicine - I have a strong affection for our capitol city. Indianapolis is a great city with so much to do! This week's Friday's FIVE! is a few of my favorite Indianapolis activities - places and events.

1. St. Elmo Steak House -

I love St. Elmo's... not just for the delicious steaks, signature shrimp cocktail - excellent service and the atmosphere... but also because it has been a part of downtown Indy history since 1902.

http://www.stelmos.com/

2. Arts and Theater District -

From concerts to broadway plays... A show in downtown Indy is always exciting!

http://www.discovermassave.com/home.cfm

3. Shopping, Shopping and more Shopping!

The shopping is always good in Indy... Downtown Indy - at Circle Center or Northern Indy at the Fashion Mall - http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=163

http://fashion-at-keystone.mallsite.us/

4. Indiana University Pudue University Indianapolis -

My Alma Mater

I drove to downtown Indianapolis from north Marion everyday for 2 1/2 years while I was completing my degree in Occupational Therapy. The thrill of the sunrise hitting the downtown buildings every morning never ceased to excited me! http://www.iupui.edu/

5. Indianapolis City Market

I love the fresh foods and the atmosphere of City Market - I can remember vividly making myself sick on a too many grapes when I was pregnant with Katie after a trip to Indianapolis City Market. http://indycm.com/

Honorable Mention

While Verizon Wireless Music Center is really in Noblesville - most musicians consider it Indy - and I love any concert at Verizon - http://www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/338
Indianapolis Zoo - http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
I'm not a big football fan - but to discuss Indianapolis, without mentioning the Colts would be close to blasphemous - http://www.colts.com/ now playing in the new Lucas Oil Stadium http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/

and a few other places of interest...

Indianapolis Motor Speedway http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/
White River State Park http://www.in.gov/whiteriver/
Indiana State Fair http://www.in.gov/statefair/
Soldiers and Sailors Monument http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_Circle

Weigh-In

2008-08-26T22:51:00.003-04:00

I wasn't able to Weigh-In at my own WW class this week because of a business trip to Indianapolis - however, I found a class in Carmel - and the timing was perfect for a quick

Weigh-In before I checked in at the downtown Indy hotel. I had a gain this week of .2 lbs. That is 2/10ths of a pound - I'm not happy with a gain - however, I do understand that long term weight loss is a result of long term weight gain. I also understand that slow weight loss results in a higher success rate of maintenance. I don't like a gain - but I know why I had the gain. I made some good choices this week - but I also made a few not so good choices.... but it was my choice - and I recognized that in the process. Smelt is not CORE - and I chose to eat SMELT!

There is a Smelt Fry at the Silver Inn one time a year... and I made the choice to eat the SMELT...and that choice resulted in 2/10th of pound...the important part for me though - is that I'm okay with that. I made that choice, and I expected the result - without giving up the whole CORE program. While I didn't have a 'scale' loss... I do have a NSV to report...(Non-Scale Victory) - While shopping in Indy during this convention... I was able to buy (and wear) a pair of jeans... significantly smaller than I have been wearing!!! WWHhhooo HHHoooooo!!!!!!

Yellow Creek Sunsets!

2008-08-23T22:18:00.003-04:00

I LOVE Sunsets on Yellow Creek Lake...and as the season winds down - there isn't much that I enjoy more than a few cold beers with Bruce at the helm and Millie on the bow of the pontoon as we make our way around the quiet lake enjoying the view of the YCL sunset! Life is Good!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-08-22T21:46:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a wonderful day! Our youngest grandson, Trevor was baptized at First United Methodist Church in Marion, Indiana. It was a wonderful service - with a wonderful message delivered by Pastor Kaye Patton - Family surrounding Trevor at the alter included his Great Grandmother Isabel ... and his Great Grandparents, George and Dubie .... His GREAT Great Grandma, Mildred Myers, Trevors Grandfather, Steve and his partner, Kent... Trevors Paternal Grandparents, Mike and Michelle Morgan - His Paternal Great Aunt and Uncle ... and his MeMe and Grandpa Bruce and of course, his Mother and Dad and his brother Tyler! Following the service - we all gathered at a local restaurant for a Sunday dinner to celebrate the day!
Trevor was baptized at our family church where I was raised and baptized, the same church my mother was raised... and the same church Trevor's mother and Aunt Betsy were raised and the same church where his brother, Tyler was baptized. So in honor of his baptism - this Friday's FIVE! recognizes five significant events that have occurred at First United Methodist Church in Marion.

1. Our family has been a part of First United Methodist Church for five generations. My mother was confirmed as a member of the "First Methodist Church" in Marion in 1949 under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Benedict. My Mother and Dad were married at "First Methodist Church" May 5, 1951 by Dr. Graham.

2. Although Steve and I are no longer married... We are the parents of Katie and Betsy - and we are the reason our legacy continues in these beautiful grandchildren. Steve and I were married at First United Methodist Church in Marion on July 31, 1976.

3. Katherine Marie Fennimore was baptized in August, 1980 by Rev. Phil Stephens

4. Elizabeth Jean Fennimore was baptized in January, 1983 by Rev. David Byrum

5. Tyler was baptized at First United Methodist Church in 2000.

More than Corn in Indiana!!

2008-08-20T16:10:00.008-04:00

Marion, Indiana is not a big city... however - it is still a 'city' and it is where I was raised. When I was growing up as a 'laker' - a childhood friend of mine that lived on a farm near the lake used to call me a 'city kid'. I never really thought of myself as a 'city-kid'.... however, that is what I was. My children were also raised as 'city-kids'. Living in the city meant - the library was within walking distance, Taco Bell was less than 5 minutes from our house, our mailman walked from house to house with a mailbag on his shoulder - our house was next to the hospital and sirens were frequently heard... ingredients for a recipe was easily obtained within minutes if it wasn't in the pantry.... and a neighbor was less than 200 steps from the front door. Living in the county is different than living in the 'city'. The same childhood friend that called me a 'city kid' is now my neighbor (although his house is across the lake - if I were to walk, it would be about a mile and a half to his front door).... If we hear a siren - we check on everyone because we don't hear them often. We don't eat Taco Bell anymore because it would be cold by the time we arrived home from the 15 mile trip. A recipe isn't prepared without checking for every ingredient and putting it on a grocery list days in advance. Every trip to 'town' is thought out - because 'running' in to to pick up milk or a dozen eggs doesn't take just a few minutes. Life is definately different for the country mouse and the city mouse - but both has it's benefits...
One of the things I love about living in the 'country' is watching corn fields that surround me...watching the fields be plowed and planted - watching the corn grow up in rows - and watching the harvest of the corn... while the sea gulls flock behind the combine to catch a loose morsel of corn. The childhood friend that is now my neighbor that called me a 'city kid' is also the same farmer that farms all the fields for miles around us....and those fields are usually full of popcorn! There is a lot of corn in Indiana around us - but the corn that grows in our backyard is Popcorn - and it won't be long before it is ready for harvest. Our neighbor shares a few ears of the popcorn with us - and there isn't any better popcorn ... than the corn that comes straight from the field!! I love living in the country - and I'm looking forward to the harvest of the popcorn, I've been enjoying the harvest of the delictable Indiana Sweet Corn and I've certainly enjoyed watching it grow!

Weigh-In

2008-08-18T16:53:00.002-04:00

Another good week! -1.2 pounds this week! Total today -28.4 pounds! I now have 21.6 to go to reach 50 pounds in my 50th year!
One pound at a time ... Living life HEALTHY!!!!

Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band!

2008-08-16T22:11:00.004-04:00

We had a great evening last night!
Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band
http://www.milemarker24.com played at Spikes Beach Grill http://www.myspace.com/spikesbeachgrill in Warsaw.
Howard Livingston is a Marion High School graduate - and some of his band members also have Marion roots. He now lives in Key West - and lives on "Key West Time"...
The group is an all orginal tropical island band... that plays at Tiki Bars in Key West in the winter - and tours the midwest area in the summer. We were married in Key West so the island sound is special to us - and we are also from Marion - so the hometown connection makes us big fans!
They frequently play at Schooners Wharf in Key West http://www.schoonerwharf.com/ - which is the local Key West spot where we celebrated after we said our wedding vows. We are planning a trip to Key West this winter - and hope that we can find Howard Livingston and the MM24 Band playing in a Tiki Bar!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-08-15T00:01:00.006-04:00

I grew up at Yellow Creek Lake as "Laker"... I lived for summer and my summer friends. Our 'lake' season usually started on Memorial Day weekend - We would usually close up around Labor Day weekend. I can vividly remember the trip home after closing up for the summer... I would be tearful thinking about my friends that I had to say goodbye to for another year ... and at the same time, it was the longest trip home of the season.... It was long because Daddy was on the hunt, we had to take the long route, the back roads - because the search was ON for the ever elusive... highly desired....ELDERBERRY!! My Daddy grew up eating Elderberry pie - his Grandma Ballard made Elderberry pies! Now my Grandsons are growing up with Elderberry pies!!! While I dreaded the long trip home hunting for Elderberries... I also enjoyed the reward of the dark purple berry pie. When Bruce and I became 'residents' rather than lakers, I had the opportunity to spot many of the wild shrubs that grow along the fence rows along quiet country roads where we live. I still love Elderberry Pie - and I look forward to picking them and gently rubbing the berry off the spray. So - while the Elderberries are still green right now, they will ripen to a dark purple color quickly and be a delicacy for the birds - so it's time to start looking for the shrubs and keeping an eye on them for the perfect, short lived picking time! This week's Friday FIVE! is a collection of Elderberry related recipes, including my Great Grandma Ballard's handed down recipe for ElderberryPie!

1. Grandma Ballards Elderberry Pie

3 Cups Elderberries

3 Tablespoons of Flour

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

1 Cup Sugar

Few 'dots' of butter

Pastry for a 9" 2-crust pie

Combine ingredients and and fold into a 9" Pie shell. Top with second crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes with edges covered with foil. Remove foil and bake 25 more minutes. Cool and serve.

(This is the traditional family recipe that has been passed on for generations)

2. My Favorite Elderberry Pie

1 quart Elderberries

1 Cup of Sugar

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

2 T lemon juice

2 T Minute Tapioca

1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 stick butter

Pastry for a 9", 2 Crust Pie

Combine ingredients and let stand for 10 minutes. Fold into pie shell, dot with butter and add second crust. Vent the top of the pie. Bake for 15 minutes at pre-heated 425 degree oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 30 more minutes.

(I like the nutmeg in this pie - and the tapioca thickens the filling more than flour and is a nice balance to the crunchy seeds of the elderberry)

3. Mom's Pie Crust

2/3 Cup Crisco

2 C Gold Medal Flour

5-7 T Cold Water

1 tsp salt

Divide and rest for 1-2 hours before rolling

(My mother has always made the most beautiful pie crust ever - so perfect that they appeared mass manufactured - I've never been able to replicate her tasty crust!)

4. "Aunt Nicki's" Pie Crust

3 C Flour

1 C Shortening

1/2 tsp salt

3 T water

1 T vinegar

1 egg

Stir together water, vinegar and egg. Allow to chill while measuring other ingredients. Sift together salt and flour. Cut in 1/2 C mixture until it resembles course meal. Cut in 1/2 /C shortening until resembles peas. Toss with cold liquid until mixture sticks together. Dive into 2 balls, flatten slightly. Roll between two sheets of wax paper.

(While I love my Mom's crust - this recipe of Nicki's was always easier for me to perfect. This is a great, no-fail, flaky pie crust - but I still can't make it as pretty as Mom's!!!)

5. Elderberry Jelly

3 1/2 lbs. fully ripe elderberries

3 1/2 c. juice

1/2 fresh lemon, juiced, strained

7 1/2 c. sugar

1 box powdered fruit pectin

Remove stems from elderberries, wash and place in a large kettle with 1 cup water. Crush berries. Cover and simmer 25 minutes. Place in jelly bag and strain. Do no squeeze. Discard pulp. Pour elderberry and lemon juice in large kettle. Add sugar and stir to mix. Place over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin, bring to full rolling boil and boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Ladle into sterilized hot jelly jars allowing 1/4" head space. Follow manufacturer's instructions for preparing 2 piece lid. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Start timing when water returns to a boil.

(I LOVE to can and 'put food up'... Elderberry jelly is a great way to enjoy the rich flavor of the late summer berry when the snow is flying in February!)

Weigh-In

2008-08-11T23:01:00.004-04:00

It's been a tough week - but I managed to lose 1# this week...
I'm now down 27.2 with 22.8 to reach my goal of 50# in my 50th year.
I made a few - "not so CORE" choices this week - but overall....my habits have significantly changed to include healthy lifestyle choices - and that is ULTIMATE goal!!!

Fall is in the air!

2008-08-10T22:45:00.004-04:00

The temps are starting to dip in the evenings a little -we have two red trees on the lake that turn very early and they are beginning their fall display... the geese are practicing the "V" formation - and....my Purple Martin's have gone... I miss them. I miss the songs... and the activity.

We enjoyed them so much this year - we had at least 3 nests this year - and the antics of the birds was certainly entertaining. There is a roost that has been seen on Nexrad Radar near Wabash - and I wonder if that is where they went! I'll certainly look forward to their return next spring!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-08-08T21:57:00.004-04:00

I love my Mama! I've always been a Mama's little girl - I loved my Daddy ... but my heart belonged to my Mother. Mom and I have always spent a lot of time together - and I love that I have so many wonderful memories with her. We have laughed and we have cried - and I have shared all my secrets with my Mom. My mother celebrated her 76th birthday on Sunday this week and today's Friday FIVE! is a celebration of five things I think of when I think of my Mama! Happy Birthday, Mama - I love you heaps and heaps and heaps and heaps and....

1. When the girls were little, Mom and I went out to lunch every Tuesday! We would often go to Mr. Steak in Marion or MCL in Muncie. Mom was always watching her weight and she would get a salad or fish for lunch - but there was always room for a little cinnamon roll or date bread with cream cheese!!! What fun memories those days are!!! We still enjoy lunches out together - but my work schedule makes it a less frequent event than it was when I was a 'stay at home' Mom. Because we don't do it very often - we cherish the minutes we have together when we do have the chance to be together for lunch.

2. My Mother is an avid reader - and she has been all of my life. My mother always has a book in progress. I can remember when we were children - Roger and I would get her books for her birthday and we would pick out any book with a woman in a negligee running frantically away from a castle. Books have always been - and still are a very significant part of her life.

3. Neatly manicured - long fingernails. My mothers fingernails have been a trademark for her.
They used to be very, very, very long - but she always kept them neat and painted. Even during summer gardening or holiday cooking - her fingernails would be pretty and neatly manicured. My Mother still has long manicured nails - not nearly as long as those really, really long nails of the early 1980's - but she usually has a nail file in every room in the house!

4. COOKIES - COOKIES - AND MORE COOKIES!!! My Mom has to be one of the best cookie makers in the whole wide world - I can remember Christmas cookie platters that would put Martha Stewart and Good Housekeeping to shame. There would be chocolate chunk, oatmeal carmelitas, a very rich dark chocolate with a coconut filling, a smal rolled cookie with nuts on the outside and a dollop of frosting in the center - and powder sugar covered Mexican wedding cakes.... oh yum... yum... those cookies were wonderful!

5. My mother loves clothes and she has has always loved to shop! We used to shop after our lunches on Tuesdays - we would shop for clothes or we would shop for fabric to make clothes. I can remember shopping in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Chicago - When I see brightly colored scarves and red and pink or gold colored clothes...I think of my Mother!

Happy Happy Birthday Mom - I love you so much!!! XOXOXOXOXOX

Weigh-In

2008-08-04T20:58:00.001-04:00

I was down 1.8# this week - for a total of 26.2. I love the WW CORE program. I love the challenge of 'whole' foods - and just really getting in the habit of making healthy decisions. Weight Watchers rewards you with a key chain when you have achieved a 10% Weight Loss - and then you recieve 'charms' for the key chain for specific milestones thereafter. This week - I recieved the a silver 'medallion' for my keychain to recognize my greater than 25 pound loss!!! I'm extremely proud of this weight loss - as this is has been done by good, old fashioned healthy living - and my goal is to truly learn habits that I will live with forever!! I'm wearing clothes now that I haven't worn for quite sometime...and that is certainly rewarding, but not nearly as rewarding as the energy I feel!!! I'm now down 26.2 with 23.8 to go to achieve my 50 pounds in my 50th year!!!

Millie!

2008-07-31T10:27:00.000-04:00

When Bruce and I made Kosciusko County our full time home, we considered a pet. We wanted a dog that would enjoy the lake with us - a dog that would swim, jump off the pier with the kids and enjoy the water. We adopted a large lab mix from the local 'No-Kill' Shelter. HOBIE was a large, black dog with a long coat and beautiful feathers from his tail. He looked like a Flat Coat Retriever and the vet thought he might even be a Newfoundland/Lab mix.

Between us, Bruce and I had both had Basset Hounds. Bruce had Sam and Max and I had Lucy and Charlie. We both loved Basset Hounds - but the physics of a Basset hound is just not conducive to swimming and frolicking in the lake.

Our yard and small home and our busy work schedules were not a good fit for the large good natured watch dog that loved kids. I ran an ad on http://www.petfinder.com/ and found a family in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was looking for a dog that matched Hobie's description. The patriarch worked for a railroad and was gone for a days at time. They wanted a good watch dog - that enjoyed children. Hobie was the perfect match for them. Ironically - the same family owned a Basset hound, who wasn't such a good watch dog. The family also shared our love for Basset hounds and had presented a Basset to their best friends when they were struggling with infertility. That Basset must have brought good luck to that family - as the woman became pregnant after they recieved the Basset. The family didn't want to keep the Basset after the baby was born. How sad for this Basset - and it was the second time a family had given this Basset up because they didn't want her around thier children.

The family from Fort Wayne that wanted Hobie retrieved the Basset hound from their friends... We loaded Hobie in the back of Bruce's Tracker one Sept. Sunday afternoon in 2003. The Family loaded, Millie - the Basset in thier car and we met 'half-way' in South Whitley, IN
We traded dogs in the parking lot of Gas Station in South Whitley, Indiana.

I haven't heard from the Fort Wayne family in well over 4 years... but I know that Millie has brought so much joy to our lives. She is the best dog in the world. She doesn't swim or frolick in the water - but she LOVES to go for Pontoon rides and she sure enjoys the breeze that comes from the lake as she lays out under the weeping willow trees. Lankenau's Luau is a favorite event for her - as she is treated to ALOT of Hog during the event!!!!!!

We sure do love her alot - and have NO regrets or question that our Petfinder.com experience resulted in a very happy exchange for all of us. We couldn't ask for a better dog than Millie - and she is wonderful with our Grandsons. The families that gave her up because they didn't want her around children resulted in our gain. Our lives are richer because of Millie!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY, MILLIE!!

Weigh-In

2008-07-28T23:12:00.001-04:00

This was a big week - and I'm not sure why. I lost 5.4# this week!!! My goal is to lose 50 pounds in my 50th year... I'm now down 24.4 with 25.6 to go - almost halfway there!!! I LOVE the Weight Watcher CORE program. My first WW leader used to say "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels"... now that I'm FIFTY... I really like the idea of just being healthy - so my new motto is... "NOTHING tastes as good as being HEALTHY feels"!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-07-25T22:47:00.002-04:00

My son-in-law celebrates his magic birthday this week - Phil Morgan is 28 on the 28th of this month. In honor of the father of my grandsons... this week's Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to my son-in-law, Phil and five things that I appreciate about him....

1. Phil is a wonderful father to his two sons... I'm so proud of my grandsons and I will be proud of the men they become because of the father they have in their lives.... Phil spends time with his boys - when they visit us at the lake... Phil ALWAYS spends time with Tyler throwing a ball around in the front yard. I appreciate the time he gives to his boys, Tyler and Trevor!

2. Phil is a wonderful balance to Katie - she can talk (a lot)... and he lets her. He just smiles at her - and lets her talk (and talk)...

3, Phil loves his sister-in-law. Katie and Betsy are very close, and Phil has always appreciated that. He loves his little sister-in-law, Betsy and I love to watch them together.

4. Phil enjoys beer - and we like to drink beer with him. This Friday's FIVE! was almost a list of my favorite micro-brews as a tribute to Phil - but I wanted to say more about him than... Bells, Sierra Nevada, Pacifico etc. etc. etc.

4. Phil is just fun to be with - Bruce and I both enjoy his company... We enjoy having him around. We enjoy laughing with him.... and watching the wonderful father and husband he has become. He is helpful - and will assist with family projects (you should have seen him wrestle a 164# pig at our hog roast) - We enjoy him and are proud he is our son-in-law.

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY, Phil!!!!

Weigh-In

2008-07-21T23:19:00.000-04:00

Since beginning the Weight Watcher CORE program, I have noticed a pattern of big loss/little loss.... last week was a big loss. This week, I was down only 0.4 pounds for a total of 19#. I haven't really done anything different - it just seems to be the pattern of my body. The weight is coming off, no drugs, no purging...no unhealthy patterns...just good, healthy habits. I've been able to add some exercise...and finally have been released to walk. It feels good to sweat after a 2 or 3 mile walk!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-07-18T23:59:00.004-04:00

I have always considered myself lucky to share my life with my cousins... I have a total of seven cousins - 4 on my Dad's side of the family - Mark, Bob, Nancy and Amy.... and three on my Mother's side - Rex, Angie and Elizabeth. My cousin Angie and I are 18 months apart ...
(I need to make it very clear here that Angie is 18 months OLDER than I am).... and while I will forever tease her about being older than me... the age between us has never been significant. We have always been very, very close - and while time can pass without much contact - the love and bond we share is deep. I was thrilled to see her at our Luau this year... and was able to have a short visit with her this week. We have shared our deepest secrets... and our greatest fears... we have shared happy days - and we have shared days filled with sorrow. This Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to Angie just because I love her and I've enjoyed reconnecting with her this month!!! This Friday's FIVE! will highlight five of my best memories with my close cousin... my lifetime friend- Angie Alexander Moon

1. Chickens, Crayons & Tabasco Sauce - It must have been around Easter - because the Lumber Yard was having a promotion and giving away little chicks. The chicks were in a wooden bottle case- the kind glass soda pop used to come in... and each chick was in its own little space in the case. They were being safely stored in the shower at our house. Mom and Dad's house on 52nd street in Marion had a large shower - the depth of a regular bathtub with a large ledge to sit on. The chicks were in the case sitting on the ledge. Angie and I decided we needed to 'feed' the Chicks... and for some reason, we decided that Crayons and Tabasco Sauce would be a delictable treat for the tiny yellow chicks. I'm not sure what Dad ended up doing for the promotion ... but those chicks didn't live to see that Spring Promotion at the Lumber Yard.

2. Sleep overs at her "D" Street House - we spent the night together a lot. When we were little and when we were teenagers. I can remember spending a lot of time upstairs at her house on "D" street listening to albums and talking forever ... I loved staying all night with her - because she lived in town and had so many friends within walking distance. I grew up in a 'neighborhood' on the far south side of town... and it was a completely different environment. We could walk to a Shroats market... and we could walk to her friends homes. I loved it!!!

3. BOYS BOYS BOYS Angie was pretty and Angie was blonde. I was the chubby brunette. Whenever with Angie - wherever we were.... there were BOYS BOYS BOYS. Angie would come to the lake with me = and we would meet new boys. Jimmy Heltzle was a friend of my brothers, and a very cute rebel boy on the lake. Jimmy Heltzle was around, only if Roger or Angie were here....

4. GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS Angie and I grew up together - and it was our dream to have children at the same time. Our dream came true - My oldest daughter, Katie is just 2 months older than Angie's twins, Laura and Tara....and 2 1/2 years later, my Betsy was born.
The girls were also raised together - we went to the Elks pool together, we shopped together, we sat in our yards together with inflatable pools, we went to rummage sales together, we would come to the lake together.... If we weren't together, we were on the phone. We would spend hours and hours and hours on the phone - we would look through Christmas Wish Books and talk about Christmas gifts....we would talk about Dr. appts, menu's, soap operas, child development, husbands, family, and our lives.

5. Empty Nests and other Mid-life crises - Angie and I have shared so much, our own weddings, our daughters school days and graduations, fledgling daughters moving on...our empty nests, my divorce, the loss of grandparents, fathers and her mother and sister-in-law, tragedy and joy... new babies and new homes - jobs and life. Ahhh - the circle of life - here we are ... How did we become our mother's age so fast??? The joy I've shared with my cousin - softens the growing pains of aging and I'm so thankful to have her in my life!

PS: HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY LAURA AND TARA - JULY 24, 1980!!!

and... Happy Birthday to Rex, too!!!

Weigh-In

2008-07-14T22:47:00.009-04:00

Weigh-In Report -

I'm now down a total of 18.6 after a 4 pound loss tonight!!!

I'm on my way to my goal of 50 pounds in my 50th year -

19# Down - 31# to go!!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-07-11T23:13:00.007-04:00

Bruce and I have had the last three days off together... a little bit of a Yellow Creek Lake vacation. We've had a wonderful time... I wish we could retire!!! We enjoy each other so much... and enjoy the same things and the time we have together... This weeks Friday's FIVE! highlights five of the fun things I have enjoyed during this short - but relaxing siesta!

1. KOSCIUSKO COUNTY FAIR with Allen and Esther... We walked through every animal barn and the community barn... I love the animals and 4H exhibits at the Kosc. county fair. We also all the love the Taco's at Gapo's Tacos. Bruce and Allen were good sports and went along with us - but they always enjoy browsing the antique tractors on the way out.

2. LUNCH AT GORDITAS - There are many Hispanic businesses on Winona Ave. in Warsaw. Gorditas Aguas Caliente is a very, very authentic Mexican restaurant. We stopped for lunch ... Steak Tacos with onions and cilantro.... and very, very Cold Coronas & Modelas.... It truly feels like you are in Mexico! I LOVE IT!!!

3. DINNER AT SPIKES - Spikes is a seasonal/outside restaurant. There are ongoing sand volleyball and corn hole tournaments... and live music several nights a week. The beer is cold - the crowd is fun and the food is good - but mostly - the company of each other and the time together makes this one of our our favorite places.

4. MIMOSA'S AND COFFEE CAKE at Betsy Schlemmers. Bruce had some school work to catch up on ... and Esther and I were invited to Betsy's this morning. We had a great time - it is wonderful to make new friends....and to enjoy our neighbors. Betsy's daughter was there - and Esther's daughter, Katie was here this week for a few days. The only thing that would have made this day better would have been to have my own daughters with me as we shared Mimosa's, friendship and mother-daughter stories....

5. SOAKING WET SPLASH BOAT RIDES - Yellow Creek Lake is a 1-4PM lake, which means we can exceed 10MPH from 1-4 only. We love this... because it gives us 'cut-up' time - and it keeps the lake peaceful and quiet. Everyday around 2-3 PM we have been going out in our Jet boat, "The Ditto Babe" for several laps in the boat. Bruce tries real hard to get me wet with 360s and nose dives. The afternoons usually conclude with several rounds in Allen and Esthers pontoon....

Honorable Mention - I really, really do try to keep this down to FIVE... staying with the "Friday's FIVE!" concept.... but every now and then.... an honorable mention needs to be added...
This week - every evening we have ended the day with a late night pontoon ride in our very old 'classic' Harris Flote Boat Pontoon, affectionately called "The Happy Hour". Millie loves to sit at the front the of the boat as we make our lap around the lake, waving to neighbors and searching for BigFoot (or just racoons, deer and beaver) in the cove with the spotlight

Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake

2008-07-08T21:11:00.034-04:00

Lankenau's Lodge on Yellow Creek Lake

Patterson's

The Blue Moon Crew

Boat Parade on Yellow Creek Lake!

Aloha Yellow Creek - Schlemmers!!!

Pulling Pig!! YUMMY!!!

Waiting to eat!

Neighbors Max & Katherine

164# pounds of Hog will feed them all!!!!

Millie wants a longer rope!

Plenty of Food!

Debbie and her Mom, Carol

Enjoying the Sun

Old Lake friends, Renee', Larry and wife, Mary

Neighbor Johnsons & Domenico's

School/Childhood friends - Harold & Cheryl Mathias

Alexander Cousins, Liz, Me, Angie & Rex

Some of the Alexander Cousins & Kids with Aunt Izzy!

Yeah Rah Yellow Creek! Neighbor - Hammonds

Tyler decked out in Luau Leis

What a wonderful time we had at the 6th Annual Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake.
This started out as a party for our family and close neighbors and has expanded to a large party with many family and friends! I grew up as a 'laker' on YCL, spending long weekends throughout the summer. It was a seasonal place (and for most, it still is) - and many of my friends came from many different places. It was a homogenous place - no-one knew what each others 'real' homes looked like - no-one cared. We all dressed in lake grubs so there wasn't any clothing competition ... we just liked each other, no matter what our backgrounds were.
The party has evolved into a YCL reunion of sorts with over 100 in attendance. Several of my old lake friends that no longer have cottages return to visit the Luau each year to see many of our friends that are still on the lake!!! It is a fun time - We also have lots of family and friends join us and the kids invite friends and their families too. It is a wonderful day - filled with fun, sun, good food, good time and good friends old friends, new friends and our wonderful family!

It is our intent, in the midst of all the excitement and fun - to share with our family and friends... a little piece of this place that we love so much. If our guests can take a minute to breathe - and enjoy a little of the lake life - on lake time, as we do everyday - then our goal is accomplished.

We look forward to this event every year....

Weigh-In

2008-07-07T22:59:00.002-04:00

Weigh-In Report
I gained 1.4# this week - Honestly, it was my hope to keep it under 2# with the HOG ROAST and July 4th festivities....
I'm very motivated - and while it is a gain, I've made good choices. It will be better next week.

Friday's FIVE!

2008-07-06T21:58:00.007-04:00

We have had a wondeful weekend celebrating Independence Day - and enjoying Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake! It's been a busy few weeks preparing for the Hog Roast - and we are pretty tired....but we had a WONDERFUL time and enjoyed our children and our guests.

It is our hope that in the midst of the chaos - we are able to share with our loved ones a little piece of this place that we love so much! Today's Friday FIVE! will focus on highlights of FIVE memories of Independence Day celebrations.

1. Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake (since 2003). 2008 Luau will go down as one of the most memorable because I attempted to roast the hog myself. The hog came from the butcher at 164# and there is no way I could have put that sow on a spit. Thank goodness we were rescued by Steve Sands - Big Boss BBQ http://bigbossbbq.com/ The weather was perfect - and the hog was delicious and a great time was had by all!! (Stay tuned.... more photos from 2008 Lankenau's Luau to come)

2. Childhood at Yellow Creek Lake I remember being about 10 years old - and 'parading' around Yellow Creek Lake with Laura Ward and Jenny and Jeri Hammond with flags in our our hands singing patriotic songs! Laura is still like family - and I still see Jenny and Jeri now and then. Their cousins, Jason, Christy and Nicki attend Lankenau's Luau every year.

3. Ward Family - Many, many July 4th's have been spent with the Ward family. I remember many holidays around bonfires - watching fire works and putting small children to bed after roasted marshmallows. The holiday doesnt seem complete without representation from the Knotts/Ward/Farber/Kuckartz families.

4. Party at Forest Ridge - Most of my life - I have been right here at Yellow Creek Lake on July 4th... but a few were spent at other locations, especially when the holiday fell midweek. I remember one year having a party for friends at our house in Forest Ridge in Marion. Someone had a string of firecrackers that boomed for over 15 minutes. It made a huge, loud mess in the middle of the street. We cooked hamburgers on the grill - and I had 'hamburger' lessons from the Pros - Karen and Greg Robinsons - second generation McDonalds franchise owners. It was a fun party - and especially memorable as one of the few that was not spent on Yellow Creek Lake.

5. Ed and Dee Wiley's party on Lake Tippecanoe - with our kids and close friends and neighbors. This was fun - we would often go to Wiley's from our cottage on Yellow Creek. It was a fun event and truth be told - probably what inspired Lankenau's Luau.

Weigh-In

2008-06-30T22:16:00.006-04:00

Monday night Weight Watchers Weigh In....
I'm now 28 days into Weight Watcher CORE program without a binge....
I'm now down 16 pounds and I recieved my 16 week charm.
My goal is 50 pounds in my 50th year!!! 16# Down - 34 to go!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-06-28T22:51:00.006-04:00

Summer is officially here!!!!

Five of my Favorite Summer things~~~~

1. Visits from my kids for fun summer weekends.

2. Boat rides with our friends... cold beer - oldies radio... frozen Boone's Farm and Good friends..

3. Indiana Tomatoes and Indiana Corn on the Cob!!!! Local Farmer's Markets...

4. Kosciusko County 4H Fair - and other Summer Festivals....

5. Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake!!! The highlight of my summer!!!!

This year - July 5th, marks the 6th annual Lankenau's Luau - we're busy with last minute details... getting ready to cook the HOG - and set up the tents. It will be a busy a week!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-06-20T22:24:00.013-04:00

I've been hesitant to bring this up - I'm not sure if I thought it might jinx it - or I'm afraid of being held accountable or I'm afraid that I might not succeed and none of us really like to make our weaknesses public.....

I've lived my life battling my weight with a flurry of eating disorders. My weight has fluctuated at least 70 pounds and as much as 100 pounds at a time. I've lost and gained weight more times than I can count. Many people fluctuate 10-20 pounds...but I truly fluctuate 50-80...Its hard on my body, I know it is.
I don't like being overweight - and I love being fit and thin. I know both extremes. I've worn clothing as large as a size 40 jeans - and I've worn a size 3. I've been extremely fit and I've been extremely obese.
I've struggled with bulemic behaviors -and I've been on every diet in the world. I was just 9 years old when I experienced my first episode of 'diet' pills. My pediatrician actually prescribed diet pills!!! I had the cleanest bedroom in my class! Mom also had me on the diet candy 'Aydes' when I was a child.
I was 15 when I went to Weight Watchers for the first time. That was my first big loss - I lost about 70 pounds that time. By the time I married when I was 18, I had to order a size 20 wedding dress. In 1977, I was 19-20 years old I started a diet on my own, counting calories... 600-700 a day. I lost weight pretty fast ... about 85# that time. I have done the Adkins diet, I have done the cabbage diet, I've taken Redux, Adipex, Didrex, Phen Fen, Xenical - you name....I've done it.
In 1980 - after Katie was born I went back to Weight Watchers and lost 77#.... I became a leader for Weight Watchers and kept the weight off for over 10 years. After I was accepted into the OT program in Indy - I had to leave my job as a Weight Watcher leader....and it all (and more) came back on again.
I graduated from OT school in 1993 - and by 1996 I had acheived my all time high of 246#. I was miserable. I went to a Weight Loss Dr. and started taking diet pills with monthly Dr. visits, cardio checks, blood pressure checks and weight/body fat measurements. I lost about 100# and took up weight lifting. I became very thin and extremely fit....it was my obsession. I worked hard on my body - and my body became hard. I also learned at that time that there was a little bit of an athlete in me. It was at this time that I took up my bike riding and my routine work-outs.

After Bruce and I married in 2002 - my weight gradually increased about 30#. I've fluctuated about 15 -20 pounds over the last 5 years. The recent foot surgeries have kept me from being able to go to the YMCA or ride my bike. More weight has crept on.... so......

In February I went back to Weight Watchers... and followed the Flex plan without much success. Three weeks ago - I decided to start following the Weight Watchers CORE program.
The Core Program consists of foods that are low in energy density, meaning they contain a small number of calories per ounce. CORE foods are whole foods- and very few foods are processed... measuring and tracking is not a part of this program. Just healthy eating to satisfaction from CORE foods! Its a balanced, highly nutritious lifestyle ... with healthy whole foods high in antioxidants.
I have been enjoying enjoying cooking and trying new recipes - we've been eating at home more and we will both be healthier because of it. I'm proud to be doing this without diet pills or purging of some kind. I've decided that even if I don't lose weight (I'm down 10# so far) - at least I'm eating healthy and focusing on a better lifestyle for Bruce and I.

So - with a focus on my current Weight Watcher CORE program... this weeks Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to five of my favorite things about the CORE program.

1. FRESH fruits and vegetables - especially fruit. I have really enjoyed Honey-Dew, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Nectarines... etc. etc. etc.

2. Skim Milk ...I have always loved milk - but didn't drink it very often because it seemed a 'waste' of my calories. Focusing on nutrition - I enjoy a cold glass of skim milk everynight before I go to bed.

3. Steel Cut Oats ... I've mentioned this more than once in this blog - but I just love Steel Cut Oats! 1/4 C Steel Cut Oats/1 Cup Water/1/4tsp salt and a dash of cinnamon in a 1.5 qt crockpot before bed - and hot and steamy oats are ready for breaksfast when I wake up in the morning!

4. Weightwatchers.com - I love the Weight Watchers website ... the recipes, the message boards and the e-tools. http://www.weightwatchers.com/

5. Weekly Weigh-In - Monday nights....my weekly weigh-in. I look forward to weighing in and sitting through the meetings in a must for me. I need the accountability of getting on the scales routinely...

Okay - I did it. I made it public....I'm trying to lose weight, again. I'm not ready to post my official 'before' pictures yet....but I have had the guts to have Bruce take some photos. I'll be posting occassional updates on my progress.... My goal = 50# in my 50th year!

I think it is realistic to see my goal by my birthday - February, 2009 when I turn 51.

Friday's FIVE!

2008-06-13T20:22:00.001-04:00

Father's Day weekend - a time to celebrate Fathers. While my own Daddy is in heaven, and I'm no longer married to the father of my daughters - I have a lot to celebrate. I have memories of my own father, I have two beautiful daughters that I shared with their own father, and I had two wonderful grandfathers that I loved... and my own husband - who is a wonderful Step-Father to my daughters - and an amazing grandfather to our two grandsons...
My own Daddy taught me many, many lessons in life - so, in honor of Fathers Day... and my own Father - today's Friday's FIVE! is a focus on five valuable lesson I learned from my Daddy.

1. Never go to bed mad.
This was a life law we lived in our home. You can get as mad as you want- and you can even still be upset when you go to bed, but when you lay your head down... you need to let go of the anger and say "I love you"...

2. You don't have to talk dirty to have a good time
I rarely heard my Dad swear - He had very little tolerance for swearing or harsh talk ... and he didn't want to hear it from us. I'm sure that when he was with his fishing buddies or the guys at work, he could spit a few harsh words.... but at home and in the presence of his wife and children, it just wasn't heard - or tolerated.

3. Never bet on a grey horse
Daddy loved Churchill Downs and he loved to take us to the races. It was a wonderful time sitting in the clubhouse - drinking Bloody Mary's and betting on the horses. He taught me how to read a racing form - he taught me how to bet on the horses. While his lessons were good, I still work for a living... however, the joy and entertainment he taught me is enough. He always said - "Don't ever bet on a grey horse, they will run every way but forward"... and for that reason... I have never bet on a grey horse.

4. Spend Some and Save Some
Daddy would offer a little extra cash sometimes - for no reason. He would just hand me a little windfall, maybe a $20. or maybe $100. but it always seemed to be timed perfect when I was running a little low. He would always say "Spend some and save some".... a valuable lesson for all of us.

5. You have a debt to pay
Whenever he would help us out - in anyway ... I was always so thankful, but his response to me was "you have debt to pay"... and he didn't mean, to re-pay him. He meant it in the 'pay it forward' kind of way. He meant it in that - he had been helped, and he was repaying that debt to me... he expected me to pay it forward to generations a head of me. I hope I can follow his footsteps.

My Daddy was loving man... and I learned many valuable lessons from him. I'm proud to have been raised by such a generous, wise man..... and I miss him everyday.
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-06-06T23:59:00.000-04:00

I
Bruce and I married in February of 2002 - beginning a new life together later than most.
The first summer we were married, we continued the tradition of weekends at Yellow Creek Lake. One hot July Sunday afternoon, we were sitting on the front porch... thinking about our life together. I was working in Richmond, IN as Director of OT at Ried Hospital. It was a two hour drive from Marion - and I was making the commute daily to a postion that just wasn't a good fit for me. I wasn't happy with my job and Bruce was also struggling with his business.
We loved our escapes to Yellow Creek - and we dreaded Sunday nights when we had to go home.
I really don't remember all of the conversation... but I remember in the discussion of our future saying "Well, we can't live here (at YCL)".... and his response was "Why NOT?" - I couldn't answer that. We weren't that far away from family here - and they enjoyed being here anyway.
In our mid-forty's - we were starting fresh with friends and lifestyles.... and we both had careers that could be found in any location....Why not just live here and start over with my peaceful husband in a peaceful place that is so dear to my heart? So - the first weekend in August, we came to the lake for the weekend.... and never went back 'home'. We both found jobs in this area and made friends and established our 'community'. Yellow Creek Lake is now our full time residence - and we love living here.
The first year or so that we lived here - I worked as an independent "First Steps" Occupational Therapist. First Steps is an Indiana early intervention program for infants and children 0-3 years old. I traveled to homes throughout the county holding babies, teaching them to eat, roll and sit. Another benefit of the position - was that I traveled all over the Kosciusko-Marshall county area. I learned to appreciate and love the Amish homes - gardens and lifestyle as many of the children I treated were in Northern Indiana Amish homes.
I would drive down country roads and observing farmers with an 8 horse hitch plowing fields, see drab laundry hanging clothes lines, gorgeous gardens filled the front yards and there were several Amish country stores that offered fresh produce, fresh baked goods and bulk dry goods.
I gained a lot of weight that first year as the Amish cookies were just too hard to resist.
I don't do First Steps services and that kind of traveling anymore - but we are lucky enough to have two Menonite bulk stores near our home. The bakery items are delicious and continue to be difficult to resist - however, because of these stores.... I have learned to enjoy a whole new variety of foods that I might not have ever tried. This weeks Friday's FIVE! is a focus of some of my favorite items that I buy at Maple Lane Bakery in Silver Lake, IN just a few miles down the road.

1. Steel Cut Oats (and many other grains and cereals) 1/2 C Steel Cut Oats in 2 Cups of Water cooked overnight in a 1.5 qt crockpot and a hot and steamy, good for you breakfast available when you wake up in the morning...
YUMMY!!!!!!

2. BULK Cumin and other spices. We love home-made salsa... and mexican food. Kosc. County also has a large hispanic community and many of these items are available to us. I'm sure that will be the topic of another Friday's FIVE! someday!

3. Jams and Jellies and Butters - Elderberry Jelly is a favorite - as is Pumpkin Butter!!
Elderberries are a Pence family favorite and I love the savoring the flavor of Elderberry jelly - remincent of Pence family Elderberry Pies.

4. Amish Style Rolled butter - So delicious ... especially on the soft homemade Amish rolls and bread!!! I also love the cheese you find in many of these stores.

5. Buttermilk Cookies...I can hardly resist the soft cake like cookies with the confectioner sugar glaze. Bruce likes Peanut Butter and Chocolate chip - and the kids love the Amish Monster Cookies and Whoopie Pies.

Living the Legacy at Yellow Creek Lake!

2008-06-02T08:01:00.016-04:00

In the summer of 1927 - my Grandma and Grandpa Pence rented a "clean, but simple little cottage" on Yellow Creek Lake for a week. Married just 8 months, Grandpa was recovering from an adverse reaction to rabies inoculations and my Grandma was pregnant with their first child, my Aunt Barbara - they called this vacation at Yellow Creek Lake, their "Honeymoon".

The "Honeymoon" began a legacy of family fun that has spanned 5 generations.

Following this "honeymoon" my grandparents spent several summers renting and camping on the lake - and in the early 1930's built a cabin on the same lakefront property where we live today. My grandma's memories indicate that in the summer of 1929 - "something must have happened during our week at Yellow Creek Lake" = that 'something' was my father, born the following spring on April 4, 1930...

My Grandpa writes in is personal memories:

"We built a small cabin on the lot (most of the material was scrap from the lumber yard), drove a water well, and put a pitcher-pump in the kitchen. We had a pot-bellied coal stove in the front room so we could extend our seasons a bit. The cooking was done on a coal-oil stove and we had a wooden ice-box. Each time we went to the lake, the first thing I did was take the tongs and a small wagon and walk to the little store to get a 50lb. block of ice for the ice-box. It would last all weekend. We enjoyed many years at Yellow Creek Lake as our family grew up around us"

When my father and my aunt were children at Yellow Creek Lake - they became friends with a neighbor, Janyce Knotts. The Knott's continued the same Yellow Creek legacy with their own family. In 1958 I was born - and late in 1959 - Janyce Knotts Ward gave birth to Laura Ellen Ward. Laura and I grew up together at Yellow Creek Lake and in the spring of 1980 we both gave birth to daughters , Katie and Amanda. This spring- our daughters both gave birth to sons. Wyatt Kucartz and Trevor Morgan are now the 4th generation of family friends to grow up together in the fun and the sun at Yellow Creek Lake.

Friday's FIVE!

2008-05-30T23:09:00.015-04:00

My brother, Roger celebrates his birthday next week - on June 3rd. He lives in San Antonio with is wife and two youngest children, Delaney- (3) and Waylon (5 mo.). His oldest children, Jack (almost 20) and Allie (18) live in Indiana. While my brother cannot carry a tune in a bucket - he has never (successfully) played a musical instrument - and he certainly isn't known for his amazing rhythm... however, when it comes to music - pop - rock - current or early ... he knows it. If I ever have a music trivia question - I know I can call on him to come up with the answer.
I love this about my brother - he appreciates music as much as any musician with a major in the fine art. So - this week, in honor of my brother - as he celebrates his birthday...
my Friday FIVE! is a collection of songs or artists that make me think of him everytime I hear them played. There are so many songs and artists that he loves... and yet, for some reason... the following are the first few that come to mind....

1. Van Morrison - Real, Real Gone .... I'm really not sure why I think of him when I hear Van Morrison, I know he likes him... but I don't know how or why I remember that...
I just know that when I hear Van Morrison sing - I think of my brother. I do remember when we could first record on Casssette tapes - he recorded several of his albums for me... and a lot of them were Van Morrison albums. After all, I am brown eyed girl! http://www.vanmorrison.co.uk/

2. Mama's and the Papa's - My first "real" album... it was one of his... and I don't know if he had two of them or if he really didn't like it - but he gave me a Mama's and Papa's album from his collection of albums. I was probably 9 or 10 years old and he is 5 years older than me..... I thought it was just the coolest thing ever that my 'teenage' brother would give me one of his albums. I love the harmony of the group - and Mama Cass's beautiful alto voice.
Creeque Alley is still one of my all time favorite songs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mamas_and_the_Papas

3. Del Amitri - Roll to Me
A 1995 song that is one of my favorites... and during our 'divorce' days, I learned that it was also one of his. Roger and I were never real 'close' in the way that some siblings can be - I always loved him and looked up to him, after all, he was my big brother - but to share a close emotional sibling relationship eluded us because of the distance between us. I don't mean to imply there was animosity or competition or uneasiness between us - because there wasn't that either... we just weren't, glued at the hip - tell each other all of our secrets siblings. However, during our divorces in 2001 - we had each other.... and we became closer than we had ever been. Although it was a very difficult time, I cherish that time that I had with him. When the world was crumbling... we had each other. I will never forget that. It was during that time... that I learned he also loved Del Amitri - Roll to Me! It was a time when I learned I had more in common with my brother than I ever knew. http://www.delamitri.com/

4. Country Joe and the Fish
He was a teenager - he had friends in Viet Nam. I was afraid he would have to go. He had peace signs in his room, he had long hair and a bunch of non-conformist friends that made us laugh everyday. Roger would have his albums playing on his complex stereo system that he built himself... and while the Woodstock album was played often enough for me to remember the words...I can still hear my mother's voice calling to him down the hall...
"Roger - turn that OFF" as Country Joe bellowed..."GIMME AN 'F'".... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_Joe_and_the_Fish

5. Neil Young
I think Roger wanted to be Neil Young when he grew up - I remember hearing Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash and Crosby Stills Nash and Young the most - "After the Goldrush" with Tell Me Why and Southern Man. De'ja Vu with Helpless and Everybody I Love You!.
That is good stuff!!!! He loved it - I bet he still loves it... and I love it still... I love the sound of Neil Young and the rest of the CCNY voices but I also love the memories that it brings back... as I think of my brother. http://www.neilyoung.com/

Honorable mention... (this list could go on and on and on and on....)
Eddie Vetter - Last Kiss
Four Seasons - Big Girls Don't Cry
Jimi Hendrix

I love my brother - and I love to share music with him.
I hope this has your iPod spinnin' tonight Roger -

Have a GREAT week Big Bro!

Happy Birthday, I love you!

At the Bayou!

2008-05-29T23:01:00.002-04:00

Painting at the Bayou.... silence - laughter - joy - friendship - happiness - concern - anxiety -
silence - love - creativity - saddness - tears - support - nostalgic - frustrated - hungry -
satisfied - accomplished - silence - love ... Painting at the Bayou with Nicki!

Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake

2008-05-27T21:20:00.005-04:00

We are in the process of planning our 6th annual

"Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake".

This is such a fun day - neighbors and friends.... near and far gather for food, drink and fun in the sun. It has become somewhat of a "reunion" for old lake friends that no longer come to YCL - and it is a time for our neighbors to gather and our family and out of town friends to enjoy a day at the lake. The festivities are planned for

Saturday - July 5th ... and as always... we are looking very forward to this highlight of the summer!

Trevor's first weekend at YCL!

2008-05-25T09:41:00.010-04:00

We are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend at Yellow Creek Lake! Katie and Tyler and Trevor have come to visit. We miss Phil, because he works Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights... however, it is Phil's work schedule that gives us this precious time to spend with our grandsons and Katie....So, while we do miss Phil, it is wonderful to have this time with Katie and the boys.

Tyler and Trevor are the 5th generation of my family to enjoy Yellow Creek Lake... the joy of family, friends, fun in the sun, and evenings around camp fires - roasting hot dogs and Marshmallows.

We had a great visit with Grandma today - and we enjoyed KFC and an assortments of salads - and Grandma's homebaked pies!

I'm so blessed - I love living at the lake with my peaceful husband- it often feels like we are on vacation all the time. I love sharing the lake with my children and my grandchildren. I love it when Mom comes up - and we all share this legacy that Grandpa and Grandma Pence started for us in the early 1930's....

PS: Betsy & Debbie - We hope you had a great time at Summer Camp... We Miss You -

Friday's FIVE!

2008-05-23T07:26:00.002-04:00

I have been a strong supporter of Victims of Domestic Abuse for several years - I have lived abuse and I've loved other victims who have lived domestic abuse... and in honor of my friend, Lisa Mora - who died at the hands of her abusive husband one year ago today, this week's Friday's FIVE! is a simple focus of my favorite references and websites that support victims of domestic abuse.

I encourage any person involved in an abusive situation to GET OUT - GET HELP! There IS life after abuse. You can be peaceful and happy!

1. http://www.ndvh.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE

This website - and this telephone number can direct you to your local agencies that support victims of domestic violence.

2. http://www.ncadv.org/

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

This is another National organization that offers a lot of valuable information - and support.

3. "The Verbally Abusive Relationship"

Patricia Evans

http://www.amazon.com/Verbally-Abusive-Relationship-Recognize-Respond/dp/1558505822/ref=pd_bbs_7_s9_rk?ie=UTF8&s=books&s9r=8afd079f0ea9078e010eba7fd5df0136&itemPosition=7&qid=1211331830&sr=8-7

Patricia Evans has several books on Verbal Abuse - Domestic violence usually begins with Verbal abuse, but ends in more physical violence. A search on Amazon or at your public library on"Domestic Abuse" will direct you to many good resources.

4. "Life Strategies"

Dr. Phil McGraw

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Strategies-Doing-Works-Matters/dp/0786884592

While this book isn't directly written for survivors of domestic violence - it was many of these 'Life Strategies' that helped me find my own way out of my own domestic abuse. Dr. Phil's "Life Laws" teach you principles necessary for being treated with dignity and respect.

5. Dr. Irene's Verbal Abuse Website

http://www.drirene.com/

This site is created, owned, operated, and funded by Dr. Irene Matiatos. I believe the site has been up and running since at least 1996 - and during the worst of my roller coaster, this website gave me an avenue to voice my pain. I had personal correspondence with Dr. Irene - before and after I divorced - and her support was so eye opening and valuable to me.

PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN DO TO END THE LEGACY OF ABUSE...!!!!!!!!!

In Memory of Lisa Mora

2008-05-23T07:25:00.002-04:00

One year ago today, my friend, Lisa Mora was murdered by her husband, Omar Mora - with her mother and two young sons (7 & 2) witnessing the violent murder. Lisa lived in an abusive relationship - and was controlled by her abusive husband for years. Sadly, many people were not aware of the abuse that was going on in their home, and were suprised that Omar could do such a thing. This is the pattern for abusers ... convincing everyone else they are charming people, while they emotionally, verbally, physically and sexually abuse their partners. Isolation is their goal, while attempting to convince their victims that they are responsible for the behavior. Abuse leaves a terrible legacy that is passed down from generation to generation. Abuse can be emotional, physical, verbal, substance or sexual, but the same patterns and behaviors develop in the victim - and the children that are witness to abuse live a life that examples the abuse as normal and acceptable behavior, thus resulting in a destiny of a lifetime of abuse.

The legacy must be stopped -
Break the Silence .... Make a Call.
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
http://www.ndvh.org/

HELP FIND OMAR MORA
OMAR MORA fled the scene and has not been seen since. In July 2007, his truck was found in Chicago. He is suspected to be in Mexico.

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=45464
AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
1-800-CRIME-TV

REST IN PEACE LISA,
WE MISS YOU!

My New Shoes!!!

2008-05-21T20:45:00.009-04:00

Here are my new shoes and Wally, the walker, my new walking buddy for the next few weeks. I went to the Dr. yesterday - and everything seems to be going well. I believe I'm in less pain this time than I was 1 week post surgery with the other two surgeries (Sept 2007 & Dec 2007) on my left foot. I return to have the sutures removed next week - and then consult with the physician on June 20th to see if the pin is ready to be removed. If it is not - I will have to wait until the week of July 7th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that June 20th is sufficient - while I certainly want to make sure the fusion is successful this time. For those of you facing removal of a Morton's Neuroma or Metatarsophalangeal fusion... having been through both surgeries twice... I recommend following Dr. orders - and avoid cortizone injections and leave pins in as long as possible. I believe the two cortizone injections in my left foot to 'stave' off surgery to remove the neuroma - probably compromised the volar plate in my foot - resulting in the hammertoe and the necessity of the Metatrsophalangeal fusion and tendon transfers. The first attempt to fuse resulted in a 'non-union' and required a second fusion surgery. In the mean time... all the weight bearing and compression on my right foot resulted in another Mortons Neuroma in my RIGHT foot. This time - the neuroma was removed without prior cortizone injections. The neuroma on my left foot was in the less common location between the 2nd and 3rd toe - the neuroma on my right foot was between my 3rd and 4th toe, the location of 80% of all neuromas.

Here is my disclaimer - If you are squeamish - the photos below are not pleasant....
If not ... and you have done a blog search for Morton's Neuroma or Hammertoe repair.... the following will help with your expectation of incision locations and results 1 week Post Op.

PS: For my family and friends have that enjoyed my party trick... looks like my unique ability to 'flip the toe' will remain intact!!!!

Spring Planting

2008-05-18T14:06:00.003-04:00

My Spring planting is done - I have fertilized for the first time.... and now - I can recover from my surgery among a beautiful canvas of color.... I love taking care of my flowers, preening, and plucking and picking.... and I love that every boat that passes enjoys my flowers as much as I do!

I bought 'sap' buckets on ebay this year.... I've used a lot of dichondria in these pots...so it will vine and hang well below these pots by the end of the summer. Some of the pots are filled with impatients - others have petunias.

another 'sap' bucket with dichondria and brachyscome -
most of my goods were purchased at Anderson's in Warsaw...but I'll stop at any greenhouse along the road!!!

http://angelo-bernacchi.com/
I bought these BRIGHT ORANGE geraniums at Bernacchi's in LaPorte, IN. I love them!!!! The front porch is planted in HOT colors to inspire the Margarativille atmosphere that we enjoy....Living on Lake time!

Lots of purple, hot pinks and oranges...in clay pots.
In a few weeks - the pots won't even be visable. I love Osteospermum - in Lemon Symphony, Melon Symphony and Soprano, a dark purple daisy like flower. I love the Cherry Blossom superbells and new this season, Dreamsicle.

Spiral rush, geraniums, superbells and Margarita Sweet potato vine will cover the steps.

Pink Verbena, brachyscome, bacopa, sweet potato vine and geraniums fill watering cans,
pails and minnow buckets.

More geraniums, brachyscome and a heart Ivy Topiary, sweet potato vine and Osteospermum.

I love this galvanized container - It was a gift from my brother and sister-in-law and it has
"Lankenau" embossed on the front. It is packed full of a purple assortment of annuals including Osteospermum and trailing purple Superbells with some bacopa hanging on the outside of the steps.

The front planter boxes filled with superbells, lobelia, dichondria, bacopa and Peters Gold Carpet (Bidens)

The side porch has many supertunias.... raspberry blast, vists bubblegum and vista cotton candy. I've used a lot of licorice and marguarite daisies with Diamond Frost Eurphorbia.

My wrought iron antique container filled with "hot" impatients and coleus

A basket of purple osteospermum, bacopa and bordeaux petunias on a stump under the arch.
The Archway is covered with Akebia and Sweet Autumn clematis that was a start from my mother-in-law, Jan. They vines have been established for about 5 years and are really beginning to take off. I enjoy the archway as it is where my bird feeder is and the house wren nests each year. It is just outside the window from our dining table and I enjoy watching the perennials come up. The iris is a Pink iris that Janet Kirkwood shared with me. I treated Janets grand-daughter and Janet became a very good friend. I think of her everytime the pink iris blooms.
Its early, and the plants have just been planted - I will post more photos as they mature.

Addendum....

2008-05-17T15:03:00.005-04:00

In honor of Katie's 28th birthday - my Friday FIVE! this week focused on the things that Katie and I enjoy doing together... however, there is one thing that I didn't include in the Friday FIVE! that is certainly worth an addendum - and possibly could have been top on the list of the Friday FIVE! When Katie was just 13 years old - we took our first family trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Little did we know, that it would become a family favorite vacation spot. We have since returned many, many times - and hiked many, many different trails in the National Park. Katie celebrated her 16th birthday on the Abrams Falls trail - and Betsy celebrated her 16th birthday on the Alum Cave Bluff trail. Two years ago - we took Tyler, the next generation to hike Andrews Bald. Discussing this with Katie today - we realized that there are so many things that we love about hiking in the smokies - packing the sandwiches for lunch on the trail, the sights and smells and vistas to enjoy on the trail, the time together, the silence, the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg and the taste of the cold beer after the hike - just to mention a few. There is just so much to enjoy - together as a group ... or just with our partners. We have passed this love on to a new generation....and before long, we'll be planning a trip to introduce Trevor to the Smokies.....

Homemade Noodles!

2008-05-16T20:38:00.001-04:00

One of Katie's favorite meals is her Momma's Homemade Noodles...

When I would make noodles when Katie and Betsy were little - I had to shoo them out of the kitchen area or they would eat the noodles raw before they had a chance to cook. So, for Katie... in honor of her birthday month - I am posting my Homemade Noodle Recipe -

Mindy's Homemade Egg Noodles

1 Cup Bread Flour

1 T Vegetable Oil

3/4 tsp. salt

3 T Water

1 Egg

Bread flour for rolling and dusting

Place four in a medium bowl - make a well in the center and add the rest of the ingredients. With a fork, stir to combine until a ball of dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured space and knead until a smooth dough is achieved - about 5 minutes. Cover dough with tea towel and allow to rest for 45 minutes.

Cut dough in half. Roll out one-half to approx. 14X8inch rectangle, not quite paper thin. Sprinkle dough surface lightly with a bit more flour, flip over, and sprinkle more flour on the other side. Transfer to a tea towel and repeat with remaining dough. Allow the rolled out dough to stand 20-30 minutes.

Roll dough up like a jelly roll, starting from the short side. Use a very sharp knife, cut the noodles about 3/8" wide. Unroll each slice onto the tea towel, sprinkle with a bit more flour and allow to stand until noodles are completely dry - this may take several hours, depending on the humidity in the air or the amount of moisture in the flour.

We like to cook our noodles in a very rich, chicken broth seasoned with clove.

I love the satisfied look on the faces of my family as they enjoy the taste of the rich homemade noodles!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-05-16T00:01:00.007-04:00

My oldest child celebrates her 28th birthday tomorrow... I cannot believe it has been 28 years since the day she was born. She came into this world with a head full of dark hair...weighing in at 9 pounds 12 1/2 oz. She was a beautiful baby... and she was everything I wanted!! She has grown to be an amazing mother - an incredible wife....and a devoted daughter. Katie is also my friend. I cherish the love of my daughters and the relationship I have with both of them. I'm so grateful to have two daughters that I love and enjoy so much... and also to have two daughters that love each other so much. There isn't anything that brings as much joy to a mothers heart - as seeing her children enjoy each other! This Friday's FIVE! is a celebration of Katie's Birthday Week!!! This Friday's FIVE! is all about Katie and the things we enjoy together!

1. Katie has always wanted to be "Amish" ... she is fascinated by the Amish lifestyle - and has been since she was a young girl. We love to make long road trips to Amish Country - and see clothes hanging on lines, gardens in full bloom, foals in the fields and Amish children in carts and buggies. We love to stop at local bakeries lighted by gas lanterns - we love to have lunch at a family style Amish restaurant and we love to shop the furniture and quilt stores. These are wonderful days!

2. Katie and I love to eat lunch at Flores in Gas City. We both love Mexican Cuisine - and Flores is a local family that began by selling tacos from a stand at local festivals. Tyler loves hot sauce and was been eating refried beans and hot sauses before he could sit up by himself. Keeping with the Mexican theme, we also enjoy a cold Corona or a pitcher of Margarita's. We all love to be together in front of a bowl of homemade Salsa and Guacamole with a cold Corona on a lazy lake Sunday.

3. Katie appreciates the joy of cooking. Since she was a child, she has stood across the counter from me while I cooked and observed my techniques ... she adopted many of those cooking techniques, but has also learned many of them on her own as she has been watching Food TV since she was in middle school. This Christmas, we enjoyed a 'candy clinic' together...and many lake mornings start with Katie's YUMMY sausage gravy and biscuits. She still calls me frequently to discuss a technique or a favorite family recipes. She is an amazing cook and yet, she still loves her Mama's cooking!

4. Katie and I both love country music....and we love to listen to it together. We are both married to men that would rather lose a nights sleep than listen to country music, so when we are together (and the guys aren't with us), we take advantage of the mutual admiration of the Nashville sound and crank up the CMT! We have enjoyed several country concerts together....including Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

5. Katie and I both love antiques - and love to spend hours perusing antique stores and malls together. We generate a lot of discussion about family heirlooms and personal favorites. We linger over the pink depression glass, cut glass and hand painted chintz. We look at the pottery and we look at primitives. We also enjoy Art Fairs and Flea Markets. We enjoy these things because of the items we like to look at - but mostly because we enjoy the company of each other.

As always - this is not an all inclusive list ... this is just the top five that come to my mind this evening. I'm so thankful for my Daughter, my friend. This celebrates you, Katie!!!! The day you were born was one of the best days of my life!!!! The Lilacs are blooming!!! The Robins are nesting.... Enjoy YOUR birthday month!!! Enjoy your Birthday Week!!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Katie!!!!

Coffee and Pain Pills!

2008-05-14T09:17:00.002-04:00

My surgery went well and we returned home by 9:20PM last night. While I'm in some pain this morning, I'm appreciative of being home...in my own chair - with my favorite red-headed, bearded nurse at my side. I'm comfortable right now, with ice on my feet - a little cloudy from the pain pills... but certainly enjoying my coffee this morning! Now it's time to heal!

Boys Boys Boys!!!

2008-05-11T20:25:00.002-04:00

I love these boys ... all of them!!! As the mother of two daughters - it is soooo exciting to be the MeMe to two amazing Grandsons... but also to share these boys with my husband.

Bruce did not have children before we married... and Tyler was 2 years old when we married.

A new baby in the family is always exciting - but it is especially exciting to share this baby with my dear husband... who has never experienced a new baby so close to his heart. Although my daughters were adults when we married... he has always considered Katie and Betsy - his girls. He loves them and is protective of them as if they were his own. Tyler loves his Grandpa because, as Tyler says... "he plays like a kid". They are two peas in a pod - and enjoy the company of each other. When Tyler spends the night - he still likes to try to climb in Grandpa's lap and share a bowl of popcorn while watching a movie. I love his gentleness with these boys - and I love his love for these boys. I am so blessed ... to have wonderful daughters that love thier stepdad... and a wonderful husband that loves my children.... and we are blessed to share these wonderful Grandsons!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-05-09T23:55:00.001-04:00

(This photo was taken in 1962... My Grandma Alexander is in the pink bathing suit...and my beloved Mother is the hot babe in the Blue bathing suit.... The cute little girl in the middle is ME!)

This is Mother's Day weekend.... and while I am about to celebrate my 28th year as a mother...

I also celebrate the love and devotion of my own wonderful mother. This weeks Friday FIVE! is a celebration of all the things she has done for all of us... but especially 5 of the favorite memories I have of my own mother. I will have a very, very difficult time limiting this to just 5 memories as my mother has always been so special in my life. I'm sure I will come up with many, many more than five - and I'm sure that after I have posted the 5 favorite memories....I will think of many more - but for now, these are the top five that I'm thinking of tonight.

1. Mom used to stay up very late - sewing dresses for me. She is the ultimate seamstress and I had the prettiest dresses in school to prove it. She would sew miles and miles and miles of piping on my dresses. I shared her love for sewing and I remember many telephone conversations and fabric store visits where we would share the experience and sew these dresses for my own daughters. She taught me so much about a needle and thread - she taught me the appreciation for fabric and colors - patterns and detail. I love that she passed this on to me - and that we shared our love of sewing together.

2. I have always struggled with my weight. The mother of friend of mine had lost weight going to Weight Watchers. In 1973 - I was 15 years old and tired of the battle of the buldge. I wanted to join Weight Watchers too. As a minor - Mother was able to come with me ... even though she was very thin and didn't need to lose an ounce. She came along as my support. She took the time to come - just for me. She also would prepare all of the food that was required on the Weight Watchers program at the time - which included fish 5 times a week ... and liver once a week. Mom prepared the liver in every way possible. She made Tuna burgers - and egg salad. She had frozen blueberries ready for me every day after school. The program worked - and I lost over 70#. It was a very exciting time and she was so devoted - and I couldn't have done it without her. I think fondly of those days....

3. After I married and had children of my own - I continued Weight Watchers, and later went to work for Weight Watchers. I was the discussion leader for a Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening class. My Mother and I would go to lunch every Tuesday between the classes. Sometimes we took the girls with us - sometimes a neighbor watched them. The time together with my mother was priceless. It was a much needed day out as a young mother needed to connect with her own mother. I cherish that time... I have so many happy memories with my Mom and my young daughters during that time.

4. My mother did a wonderful job caring for her own parents and she was a very, very devoted daughter. After Grandpa died, when it was time to sell my Grandparents home - Mother and I went to their house to begin the 'clean out' process. It was a sad time - but we rolled up our sleeves and dug into it with open minds. We laughed alot that day - and we cried a lot that day as we poured over items in their home that brought memories to both of us. Mother was in the bathroom cleaning out drawers - and I was in the living room going through books. Suddenly, I was startled to hear her scream from the bathroom... Her scream though, was because she was finding cash in bandaid boxes stashed away in Grandpa's drawers in the bathroom. At the end of the day, we had found several hundreds of dollars hidden in many obscure places. My grandparents lived the depression - and Grandpa wasn't going to be without money. Mom and I laughed and laughed and laughed over this ... and the laughter helped us put away the tears.

It was a sad day that turned out to be a wonderful happy memory.

5. A few years ago we had a wonderful girls night out! Mom, Katie, Betsy and I all went to Indianapolis to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at Conseco Fieldhouse. We ate at at the Restaurant in the balcony of the fieldhouse and had a wonderful time (and lots of beers and wine) We were right on the railing - and had an absolutely wonderful view of the concert.

We decided to give up our seats for the great view from the restaurant - it was just too much fun being served our drinks and staying right where we were. It was an enchanted evening of three generations of women enjoying an evening of great music and food and drink together.

These are just FIVE of my favorite memories - certainly not my only memories - and not necessarily the very, very best memories - just 5 very happy, very happy wonderful memories I have of my wonderful mother this Mothers Day weekend. I have many, many, many wonderful memories with my mother - and I'm so blessed that she is still a very active part of my life.

I'm so lucky to have been influenced by my mother. I am also lucky enough to have been influenced by many positive women in my life including both of my grandmothers, Grandma Alexander and Grandma Pence as well as many other women in my life - including all of my Aunts, Aunt Barbara, Aunt Ginger and Aunt Margaret. I'm also thankful to have been influenced by my former Mother-in-Law, Dubie and my current Mother-in-Law, Jan. Janyce Ward, a close family friend was also a very positive maternal figure in my life.

So - I raise a toast this Mother's Day weekend ... to all of the Mother's in my life....

and especially - to my own dear Mother - that I cherish with all of my heart!

Happy Mother's Day Mom - I love you heaps and heaps and heaps and.....

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Hydrangeas!

2008-05-05T22:31:00.005-04:00

I planted two beautiful 'Big Daddy' Hydrangeas last year on either side of my steps and they produced beautiful, huge blooms. I enjoyed them all summer long!!! I carefully mulched and covered with styrofoam cones last fall. They were supposed to be hardy with 'winter covering'. So far... the southwest has not presented any growth. The southeast has new growth, but there aren't any buds on the 'old' growth, which is where the blooms comes from.

I'm giving up on the Big Daddy's and planting Endless Summer - "Orginal" this year...

I love the beautiful blooms of these macrophyllas... and I won't give up completely.

I've got some Annabelle's that I've had for years... very, very hardy in Northern Indiana (Zone 5B) Annabelle is a large white bloom that is very forgiving. It will bloom if you cut it back... it will bloom if you don't cut it. It doesn't require 'wintering' and it dries beautifully! The arborescens is a taller shrub - not as compact as the macrophyllas and the blooms aren't quite as a big. Annabelle's are white - and the color isn't manipulated by the pH of the soil, as macrophyllas are.

So, here's to dirty fingernails and mud between my toes!!! I love my garden ..... and I love my hydrangeas! I love the smell of dirt and watching night crawlers scurry as I dig holes for plants.

I love summer!!!

http://endlesssummerblooms.com/

Here I go again!

2008-05-04T22:59:00.002-04:00

Next week - on May 13th - I'm having surgery on my left foot - my third surgery on this foot in less than 8 months. I'm also having a surgery on my right foot at the same time...
I have a lot of anxiety about the whole process....
I've been living in constant pain for about a year though - and I'm praying for good results this time.
I'm scared.... and I'm sure not looking forward to the pain and the recovery.
My last surgery required a pin - and it was very painful.... I'll be pinned again - and I dread spending the month of June with my foot elevated on ice - as I'm bleary eyed from pain meds.
I'm praying the results are good and I'm able to get back to the activities I love... my biking, hiking, walking and YMCA work outs. I'm also hoping that while I'm dreading the summer in recovery....that at least the next Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season will be pain free this year.
What a long, strange trip this has been.....

Friday's FIVE!

2008-05-02T00:01:00.008-04:00

April 30, 2008 - at 3:15PM ... I am now a MeMe X 2!!!!

When Tyler was born 8 years ago - I learned quickly that being a Grandparent was truly one of the greatest joys ... and one of the best life rewards. In honor of both of my blessed grandsons,

TYLER AND TREVOR

This weeks Friday's FIVE! will focus on 5 wonderful things about being a MeMe!

1. Having Grandchildren to love - unconditionally... no expectations - just love....

Endless, endless love....that is also reciprocated by the grandchildren in the most precious... heartfilled way.

2. Watching your child become one of the greatest mothers of all time. What a testimony to motherhood ... to see my own child become a mother that I admire and respect.

3. Sharing the things I love to do with my Grandsons - like a bicycle event, a hike in the smokey mountains, a kayak tour...

4. Enjoying things with my Grandsons that I wouldn't do if it weren't for them... things like - watching animated videos, eating Lego waffles, shopping for dinosaurs and playing with nerf toys.

5. Spending wonderful, blessed time with my blessed Grandsons....having them spend the night - buying them junk and candy - watching the same Shrek movie over and over again instead of my favorite TV show - taking them to the movie - digging for worms and catching crawdads in the creek, packing picnics and playing outside - and sending them home to the capable hands of their parents as I enjoy the peacefulness of our empty nest!

Life is good - and Grandchildren are Gods way of saying 'Life goes on'...

When I married my daughters' father - my own grandmother gave me a little plaque with a prayer that said....

"Look down with favor, Oh Lord on these thine servants..... and bless them with the love of their children's children"...

Dear Lord - Thank you for hearing her prayer....and granting me the love of my own children's children!

TREVOR JAMES MORGAN!

2008-04-30T22:57:00.003-04:00

I am now MeMe to two beautiful boys - TREVOR JAMES MORGAN joined his brother, Tyler today at 3:15PM - weighing in at 7 pounds, 13.2 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.
He is beautiful... and we are delighted to finally meet him.
It was a tough delivery - and his mother and father both were amazing!
Babies are such a blessed gift - What a wonderful day it has been!!!!

Friday's FIVE!

2008-04-25T22:14:00.011-04:00

April 22 Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. I was just 12 years old when the first Earth Day occurred.... It was a time of focus on our earth - I remember vividly "Keep America Beautiful" and the commercial with the American Indian - that shed the tear when someone threw trash from a car window - I remember the commercials "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute"... The focus was on the environment... and it had a huge effect on me. More than 35 years later- we are still focusing on the environment by reducing our carbon footprint and 'going green' - I did not plant a tree this year (yet) - but I have made an effort to focus on reducing plastic bags -buying reusable shopping bags. I have made an effort to reduce the amount of plastic water bottles that I buy. Spring is upon us - and I've started my flower shopping - while I've perused the nursery aisles this week, I've taken careful notice of trees in respect for "Earth Day" - and taken time to appreciate the trees around me. This weeks Friday Five - focuses on 5 of my favorite TREEs.

Keep America Beautiful...

if you can't plant a tree ... take some time to appreciate a tree near you.

1. Weeping Willow Trees -

The east side of the lake used to be completely lined with weeping willow trees... and they looked like a waterfall when the wind would blow. In 2003, Bruce and I planted a Weeping willow on the east corner of our lakefront - and in 2005 we planted another weeping willow on the West side. I love my willow trees and enjoy the shade they bring on a hot summer day.

2. Sycamore Trees -

I grew up in Marion, Indiana... and during the 1970's ... Western Avenue/South bypass area was lined with Sycamore trees - and there was a big one in our front yard. Sadly, most of those trees have now been cut down - but I still remember the huge leaves that would blow around the yard - and I can still hear David Gates/Bread on my radio as I sat under that Sycamore tree writing teenage poetry.

3. Gingko Trees -

Easily recognized and always a part of our high school leaf collection as the Mississinewa High School parking lot was lined with Gingko trees. Everytime I see a gingko tree - I am taken back to the early 1970's and my high school days.

4. Oak Trees -

My grandparents had a huge oak tree in the front yard of their wildwood home in Marion - I can remember gathering with my cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's home and raking leaves all around that huge Oak Tree in Marion. There are also several tall oak trees behind our cottage at the road - and I can remember many fall weekends raking leaves at the lake when my daughters were young. Good memories of a hot pot of chili on a cold fall day ... and tall oak trees that have been standing for more than 5 generations.

5. Tree Tunnel on Tree Road -

There is a road in Kosciusko county - just a few miles from our cottage. Tree road is legendary to all of us that have traveled these roads. The excitement in my belly as we would travel to the lake when I was a little girl would only escalate as we drove down 'Tree Road' and I know my daughters share the same experience.... The Tree Tunnel on Tree Road was (and still is) a gateway to fun and sun and good times - before "I spying" and smelling the lake!