Fridays with Jim and Ginger and family

This week it was a short drive to Valley Center to Bates Brothers Nut Farm!

Yes it is an old family favorite, especially this time of year. Lauri and family and Susann and family joined us. That made it lots of fun! It was about 90 degrees so it didn't really feel like autumn but that didn't stop us. We loved resting on the picnic tables in the shade when we needed a break.

Bates has been here ever since I can remember and just gets better each year. The highlight of the trip was the pumpkin patch where each kid found their ideal pumpkin. The little ones just wanted to play and it wasn't easy getting them out of there. I should have gotten a giant pumpkin for the front door, but didn't.

From there we went to the animals and bought 10 bags of food so everyone could feed the animals. Ducks, chickens, geese, goats, lambs, llama and horses were there for the feeding. Of course, everyone loved it and when the food was gone the kids picked up spilled corn from the dirt to continue the fun.

We stopped by the country store and controlled ourselves by just buying trail mix and nuts - leaving the fabulous candy alone. I don't think that was a good choice, but I will get another chance since we are going back to buy the stuff for my world famous fruitcake. I might even share that recipe this year (It is a family secret given to me by my Aunt Dorothy). They also had some wonderful decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Definitely will be going back.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger and Lynda

Yes, that's right this Friday we shared it with my sister, Lynda. Lynda came from Santa Rosa to spend the weekend with me. Actually it was to attend our niece Bethany's wedding. But I know it was really an excuse to see me. It was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. It is wonderful to get together again. It is interesting that no matter how much time passes we just pick up where we left off as if only a few days had passed rather than a whole year. We spent a lot of time together when our kids were growing up so we both love each others children. We love to hear what is going on with everyone. So what do sisters do when they get together? -----They Shop! Where do they Shop? You got it! So for our Friday adventure we headed to our favorite store.

The shopping was great, a perfect way to spend an afternoon. It was particularly funny, don't know why; it just was. Even the sales lady was having fun. We both got new tops for the wedding and then let Jim join us at the Brigatine for a yummy dinner. We all licked our plates clean and of course saved room for dessert.

And the wedding was beautiful, Bethany was a knockout. See Lynda's blog for more photos.


Next time we are going to buy twin outfits and have 2 desserts!

Laura is back!

Laura's blog is back up. She is in my blog list, Land of the Lost. She has a very funny clip from Martha Stewart. Don't miss it.

Gonna Be A Bear

In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake up to partially grown cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup, gonna be a bear!


Thanks Roye.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

Delicious and Beautiful! For this Friday we decided to take a short drive down to San Diego Harbor. It only took about 20 minutes to get there. Of course the main reason was to stop by Anthony's and have a delicious shrimp boat. For years this has been a family favorite. They have lots of things to choose from but we always come back to the shrimp boat. When the kids were little the containers actually looked like boats, now they just look like they taste - delicious!

Even though you can sit out front or on the side patio, we always go the far back and sit on the outside deck where we can see the water lapping beneath our feet. I love the smell of the ocean, the sounds of the gentle water and the seagulls squawking. The view is unobstructed and amazing. A gentle ocean breeze lifts your hair and cools you off. I think I have found heaven!

We talk and linger until the sun starts to set. A few sailboats drift by. We gaze at the large ships docked across the harbor. A naval carrier is there tonight as well as a luxury yacht. We watch the airplanes land and take off at Lindbergh Field. A helicopter Flies overhead. We enjoy the setting of the sun. It won't be going into the ocean today, there is a fog bank in the distant so the sun slips behind it and the fog bank is rimed with gold. I never forget why I love San Diego when I am here. It really is paradise.

Just for fun.

The Perfect Homecoming

I love rainbows!

This week I am grateful for rainbows!

I awoke early this morning to the wonderful rumblings of thunder. I opened one eye and smiled at Jim. It was going to be a good day. For some thunder may be ordinary, but for us it is an unexpected treat. We laid in bed just listening to the boom for a while, the dawn is approaching, the room is starting to get lighter, kind of a pink glow. I don't see to many sunrises. My niteowl personality misses most of them. I dozed for awhile amid the symphony of sizzling lightning and rounds of thunder claps. Now the room was a soft light and I crawled out of bed to see the beginnings of a gentle rain.

As I looked out my bedroom window I was delighted with a full and complete rainbow. I could see it from end to end. Brilliant and perfect. I remember the promise the Lord made to Noah as he placed this priceless gift in the skies. I was overcome with gratitude for this magnificent and glorious world we live in. It's beauty is indescribable.


Today will be muggy, the heat and the tiny amount of rain will make bring about the humidity. So my hair will curl. Oh, yes! It's going to be a great day!

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we decided to do something a little different. The new Sprinter, a fast rail transit system, just opened up in Escondido. It goes from Escondido to Oceanside. It is only a very short drive from our house. So we decided to take the Sprinter and go to Oceanside to walk out on the pier.




For only $2.00 we were able to purchase a round trip ticket. As we were boarding I noticed that some of the passengers were a little iffy. One was obviously a homeless woman and a couple of others looked like they had been working in the fields for a day. I don't think I would like to ride it during rush hour. But for the most part, it wasn't too busy and we had good seats going forward not backwards (important for me). It was fun seeing the backside of buildings. Boy, do some people have a mess behind their houses! It did take an hour with all the stops compared to the half hour it would have taken to drive. But it was very relaxing and gave me a chance to talk with Jim.

When we got to Oceanside we were just a few blocks from the pier so we walked to the pier. If was a beautiful day, warm but with billowy clouds and the sun starting to set. I love the smell of the ocean and the cool breeze. As we started walking out the pier we realized that there was a surfing competition going on. So we stopped and watched the surfers for awhile. We you are on the pier you are even with them on the water and can really get a good look.

There was quite a few people fishing. It looked like a good day, most were catching fish. I think I would have thrown some of the small ones back, but all the fishermen seemed to be keeping them. Not worth the cleaning to me.

At the end of the pier is Ruby's Diner. We had cheeseburgers, onion rings and old fashioned milk shakes. It was soooooo good! Probably the best cheeseburger I have had in a long time (yes, it was better than In-n-Out) and the shake was it's equal. As we were finishing up the waitress kept walking by with banana splits, hot fudge sundaes and all kinds of fantastic goodies. But we decided to be good, since we already blew 2 days calorie allowance and decline. So we are going to have to go back just for dessert.

The trip home was after dark so not as much fun. I think the first seat I sat in had a previous problem since there was sawdust on the floor. We moved to new seating and the rest of the trip was fine. A fun trip, we'll do it again.

Weiners!

Today I drove by Talones. Talones is a meat market near the railroad tracks in an industrial area of Escondido. Talones has been there ever since I can remember. It doesn't smell the same. When I was a child Talones was also a slaughter house. Obviously they had the freshest meat, so it was a popular place to shop. Now it is just a meat market with signs in the window in Spanish. I didn't go in.

My grandfather, John Ulrich was a butcher. He started at the Piggly Wiggly and when they went out of business he moved to Talones. My mother never had to make a decision about which piece of meat to select, she just told Gramps what she wanted. "Round steak today and a beef roast, along with a 3 lbs of hamburger." He would then put the round steak through the tenderizer (did you know you can have the butcher at the meat counter do this today?) which would eliminate the need to pound the round steak. He would select the very best cut of roast, guaranteed to be tender and flavorful. And the hamburger was always pink and wrapped up carefully.

She always took the kids with her to Talones. It was always on a Saturday. We loved to go to Talones. As we got out of the car you could hear the cows mooing. What fun! Sometimes they were in their pens outside and we got to see them, even better. And the smell......oh, I loved the smell. It smelled just like wieners! Yep, that's right wieners!

After Gramps had finished wrapping up Mother's purchase he would reach into the chilled meat display and from the large tray of stacked wieners grab a few. He would then turn to us and hand each one of us a raw wiener. You would have thought it was a Popsicle we were so excited. We would stand looking at the other customers with pride, no one else was munching on a wiener! Obviously we were very special. With boisterous goodbys I would clutch my treasure and munch my way back to the car. I loved Talones. I still like raw weiners.

Friday Fun with Jim and Ginger

Well, this Friday was a little off track. But it couldn't have been more enjoyable! We had a visit from Tony, Lauri, Hannah, Bailey, Grace, Ethan. Tony and Lauri went to see Eric in a play so I had a slumber party with the kids. Hannah called Anneli to come join her. Eberly was at a soccer game and couldn't make it (we missed you). Kyara drove Anneli here and when she came in asked, "room for two more?" Of course, so Kyara and Rommers stayed for the night as well.

We had a great time eating, watching TV and swimming. I thought it was cold but that didn't stop them from having a ball. Of course, Bailey was absolutely perfect the entire weekend. Lots of laughter and lots of fun.

Then the best time of all: Lauri taught me how to do blogs! I think I can make the backgrounds and headers now. We'll see, I haven't had time to practice but soon I will do it. So Fridays can be fun even at home.

Grammy's Slumber Party

My Friend Jack

Years ago I became acquainted with what I would call a great man. There are many things that make him great, but the one that stands out the most is his service during the Vietnam war. Jack Rollins was a POW for 6 years. His suffering was unimaginable and yet he has been able to forgive his oppressors. Having close contact with him over the years has taught me many lessons; one of the most important is not to obsess over little things that don't really matter. Jack has little tolerance for petty things. He has more integrity than anyone I know and you will never wonder where he stands on an issue. His honesty is complete and total. I marvel that instead of becoming bitter and resentful of his experiences he sees them as a valuable step to becoming the person he is today. You will never hear the words, "Why me?" come out of his mouth. He considers trials as stepping stones to personal progress. He is currently serving as a sealer (performs marriages) at the San Diego Temple. Most interesting of all, he was John McCain's roommate. He did an interview with 2 other POW's on Channel 8 TV today. Take a few minutes and watch the video. It will make you grateful for the sacrifice of others for our country. My life has been blessed because I know Jack.

Click here to watch http://video.nbcsandiego.com/player/?fid=35603#videoid=654082

What's New!

Just thought I would point out the new recipe on the sidebar. This is a great recipe that brings back memories of my childhood. My sister Terry sent it. It is kind of like a lava cake when served warm, but also yummy when cold. You can't go wrong with it.

Also I have put together a new blog for our Relief Society. Lauri did the cute design for it. I am quite excited about it and think it will be a good way to stay in touch with all the Relief Society sisters. Check it out at www.societystuff.blogspot.com it really is good (even if I do say so myself).

We had a fun weekend with Tony and Lauri. They brought Hannah, Grace, Bailey and Ethan. Ethan is a real tank. He is both tall and solid. I don't know how Lauri carries him all day. I think I would have to put him on a blanket and drag him from room to room. The girls were great and it was fun to spend some time with Lauri. She taught me how to do blog backgrounds so I am going to try to change mine to a different theme. Hopefully I can remember what's what.

Jim talked to Julie today. The hurricane went right over her house, but it is OK. At least that is the report she got. Reed is in Virginia at school for the Coast Guard and can't come home. She had to do the evacuation all by herself. Fortunately, Conrad is a lot like his Dad and was able to organize the evacuation. This is the second time they had to evacuate, the last time it was Reed and Conrad (Julie was in Utah), this time it was Julianne and Conrad. The damage to the town, roads etc. is so bad she will have to stay at the hotel in Tyler, TX for about 30 more days. How would you like that? Fun the first day, but a little too cozy after a short while. Her life is completely upside down. But at least the house is safe and most of all they are out of harm's way. Let's all pray for an end to Texas hurricanes.

Friday Fun with Jim and Ginger

This is a new addition to the blog. We decided to discover and do all the fun things San Diego County has to offer. We will then share it with you. Kind of like a personal travel log. Then when you come here, you will have great things to do also. This is the first thing we decided to do.

OK! OK! I know this is a cop-out but really....it is still in the 90's here and it still feels like summer. Why hike, sweat or drive when you can just do this? My idea of a perfect Friday!

The big gulp is waiting by my towel!

Betty Boop

It is amazing and kind of funny but one of my favorite blessings is Betty Boop. As much as I like her, it is nothing compared to Jim. It was his job to train her, well she still won't come when you call her unless she wants to. Instead of sitting to get a treat, he encourages her to "dance". And worst of all, she spends a large amount of time in his lap when he is watching TV. As you can see she brings him 'Woodstock' her favorite toy. It is funny but she knows not to try all that with me.

However, untrained as she is, she is the sweetest dog we have ever had. She is so gentle with the babies and loves the older kids. She is also very sensitive to my moods. After my surgery she just laid at my feet and was there to comfort me. When I am upset she tries and succeeds in making me laugh. Always the clown but never the fool. Overall, she has added a great amount of joy to our lives.

One of Jim's favorite TV shows is the Dog Whisperer. He was watching a show that used the swimming pool to train the dog. He would hold the dog in his arms and support the dog until it relaxed and grew comfortable in the water. So Jim took Betty Boop to the pool. She was fine as long as he held her, but panicked when he let go. Mostly he just held her and she had a good time. Then he set her on the deck, she shook off the water a few times and started running all over the yard. By the time we came up to the house she was full of dirt and who knows what else. The biggest problem was her beautiful long hair was now full of mats. We tried to get them out, but no luck. She had to go to the groomer and get a hair cut. So sad, they had to cut her underhair but left the upper so she still has her long hair, it is just not as thick.

Crazy Week!

Oh what a crazy week! I didn't even have time to read the blogs, so I am just getting caught up. First, I have work again!!! Yeah, that is the good news! I have an offer on the house that fell out of escrow. This one looks good. We have inspections today so I am hoping all is well. So I have been spending days on paperwork and putting this deal together. It took 4 counters but I did it. Then I had a buyer who wanted not one but two investment properties. Very nice! But of course that takes up all your time. Looking at really ugly houses that stink is not too glamorous.

It was time to turn my car back in, the lease was up. I would have bought it but they wanted way more than it was worth. So we had to go car shopping. I bought a Lexus ES350. Then I had to get to know all about the new car. I actually spent 3 hours just getting my phonebook set up. But it is worth it. Now I just punch the button on the steering wheel and can call anyone I want. It also has the navigation system like my last car, but this is better because it is voice activated. Gone are the days when I drove with a big gulp in one hand, my phone tucked under chin and taking notes on a pad with the other hand. Sometimes that made my clients nervous. Wimps!

This is my favorite part on the car ...............

And of course my nights were captivated by the convention. I watched every minute I could of both the Democrat and Republican conventions. I just loved this one! Stupid reporters! Never underestimate a woman! I love a good gotcha and with the idiotic questions they asked Sarah Palin, I thought it was perfect she turned out to be such a great speaker. When all the debate was going on about how she would ever be able to speak at such an important event, I told Jim; I could do it! No problem! When you raise children, you can do anything!

Take Your Turn!

I came across an old poem and thought I might like to share it with you. It was written by Carol Lynn Pearson. She is the author of 'Day Old Child', one of my very favs. Anyway it got me to thinking about how important it is that you take time to do something for yourself. I know Sept. is for the kids going back to school, but Oct. should be for you. Whether it is a new dress, shoes or just a lipstick it will make a difference in how you feel.

Some of the best advise I ever received as a new married was from a friend about Christmas. Her husband grew up in a very poor family and didn't celebrate Christmas and he just ignored it. Instead of getting her feelings hurt, she took him shopping to buy her presents. It became a cherished tradition for the two of them. I wouldn't like that; I like the surprise, but the principle is correct. If you only have $10.00, spend $5.00 on him and give him $5.00 to spend on you. Once a year isn't enough. You need to make sure you sometimes; not always, but sometimes put yourself first. It is good for your children, your spouse and you. The advise is good for both sexes.

The poem is long, but read it anyway.

Millie's Mother's Red Dress


It hung there in the closet
While she was dying, Mother's red dress,
Like a gash in the row
Of dark, old clothes
She had worn away her life in.

They had called me home,
And I knew when I saw her
She wasn't going to last.
When I saw the dress, I said,
"Why, Mother - how beautiful!
I've never seen it on you."


"I've never worn it. she slowly said.

Sit down, Millie - I'd like to undo
A lesson or two before I go, if I can."
I sat by her bed,

And she sighed a bigger breath
Than I thought she could hold.
"Now that I'll soon be gone,
I can see some things.
Oh, I taught you good - but I taught you wrong."

What do you mean, Mother?"

"Well - I always thought
That a good woman never takes her turn.
That she's just for doing for somebody else.
Do here, do there, always keep
Everybody else's wants tended and make sure
Yours are at the bottom of the heap.

Maybe someday you'll get to them,
But of course you never do.
My life was like that - doing for your dad,
Doing for the boys, for your sisters, for you."

"You did - everything a mother could."

"Oh, Millie, Millie, it was no good -
For you - for him. Don't you see?
I did you the worst of wrongs.
I asked nothing - for me!


Your father in the other room,
All stirred up and staring at the walls-
When the doctor told him, he took
It bad - came to my bed and all but shook
The life right out of me. 'You can't die,
Do you hear? What'll become of me?

What'll become of me?'

It'll be hard, all right, when I go.
He can't even find the frying pan, you know.
And you children.

I was a free ride for everybody, everywhere.
I was the first one up and the last one down
Seven days out of the week.I always took the toast that got burned.
And the very smallest piece of pie.
I look at how some of your brothers treat their
wives now,
And it makes me sick, 'cause it was me
That taught it to them. And they learned.

They learned that a woman doesn't

Even exist except to give.
Why, every single penny that I could save
Went for your clothes, or your books,
Even when it wasn't necessary.
Can't even remember once when I took
Myself downtown to buy something beautiful-
For me.

'Except last year when I got that red dress.

I found I had twenty dollars
That wasn't especially spoke for.
I was on my way to pay it extra on the washer.
But somehow - I came home with this big box.
Your father really gave it to me then.

'Where you going to wear a thing like that to -
Some opera or something?

And he was right, I guess
I've never, except in the store,
Put on that dress."


"Oh, Millie - I always thought if you take
Nothing for yourself in this world,
You'd have it all in the next somehow.
I don't believe that anymore.
I think the Lord wants us to have something-
Here - and now."

"And I'm telling you, Millie, if some miracle

Could get me off this bed, you could look
For a different mother, 'cause I would be one.
Oh, I passed up my turn so long
I would hardly know how to take it.
But I'd learn, Millie.
I would learn!"


It hung there in the closet
While she was dying, Mother's red dress,
Like a gash in the row
Of dark, old clothes
She had worn away her life in.

Her last words to me were these:

"Do me the honor, Millie,
Of not following in my footsteps.
Promise me that."

I promised.

She caught her breath.
Then Mother took her turn
In death.

The High Country

So.... I have procrastinated long enough in telling of our backpacking trip. Michael and I had a grand experience over 2 miles high in the Sierras. We started at the highest trail head in the Eastern Sierras, 10,250 ft. high. (Can't breathe!!) Click on photos to make larger.

This is "Little Lakes Valley". A spectacular series of lakes, all over 10,000 feet high. An incredible opportunity to appreciate the wonders of God's creations, and I move slow enough that we were able to take it all in.

As we carried backpacks that were too heavy, it dawned on me that if I did this often enough, I would be in great physical condition! Good goal.

Sleeping under the stars at that elevation is a totally different experience. You can't really make out the constellations because of the blanket of stars. The Milky Way was close enough to touch.

The granite peaks make you feel incredibly small.

You never get tired of looking at them.



Notice the snow pack still on the ground. I took this picture from one of our campsites.




Mike and I bathed in this creek just above where he is standing. We will never be the same, if you know what I mean (refreshing...Not!)







This is Rock creek that connects all of the lakes (Marsh Lake, Mark Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake And (finally!) Chicken Foot Lake on our trip up Little Lakes Valley.

Now my goal is to hike the John Muir Trail before I get to old (should keep me young, don't you think?!!). 216 miles, from Yosemite to Whitney Portal.Some of the most spectacular country this side of Alaska.

So..... Who's going to get in shape and go with me???

Garden of Innocence

These are the results of our Enrichment Night which included making coffins for the Garden of Innocence. They are an organization that provides a dignified burial for abandoned babies. In addition the the caskets, complete with 2 homemake blankets, toy and poem, they give the baby a name and hold a memorial service. It was a wonderful feeling to know you were doing something that counts.

We made 8 in all. This is Elissa, the founder of the organization, Nick, it was his eagle scout project; he built the caskets and Katherine who organized the rest for her Laurel project

I thought mine turned out great.

Believing

I have been thinking about a comment on Lauri's blog for a few days and decided to share my thoughts on the subject here. On Lauri's blog she said, "My mother in law has brought this up. Turn it over to Christ she tells me. Allow the atonement to work. Do we Suffer needlessly because we don't turn our hearts over to the healing power of the Lord? So, what exactly does that mean? Christ died for us. He has felt my suffering and pain. He atoned for it. He has promised us “I will … ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that … you cannot feel them … ; and this will I do … that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.” While this is a comforting thought I ask what does it mean exactly to allow the atonement to work for me? Is it faith?"

I think this is one of the great questions of life. It is so hard to comprehend how this can be possible. I read a book a while ago from Stephen Robinson called, "Believing Christ". His premise was, yes we believe in Christ, but do we believe Christ. It's easy to say, he is our Savior, he died for our sins, we believe in the atonement...but do we really believe Christ. Do we believe him when he says he paid the price for our sins? If so when we repent of our sins, are we able to let go of them and see ourselves as pure and worthy of all the blessings he has to offer or do we compare ourselves to others. So often not measuring up. To be able to actually turn our pain and problems over to Christ takes some practice. Again do you believe he will accept them? It takes time to establish that level of faith and trust.

To do so you begin with prayer, daily personal prayer. I like to start my prayers with , "Father are you there" and wait to speak until I feel his presence. It is amazing to me, but I have never not felt his presence when I begin a prayer this way. Sometimes it takes a few minutes but it always happens.

The next step is scripture reading. I know studying is better, but it is amazing how beneficial just one verse of scripture a day can be. If you are having a hard time reading try just a little bit and build on.

The last thing that helps me is to attend the temple. The temple is such a peaceful place and it is so nice to have a place that is away from the hustle and bustle of regular life. I am always renewed after I go.

Last of all, this is a line upon line, step by step process that continues throughout your life. It doesn't matter if you have perfected your relationship with Christ. The question should be, are you closer this month than you were last month?