The doorbell rang yesterday afternoon about 2:30. I was reading "The Book Thief" and was in a trans. Putting the book down I shook back into reality.
I had to pinch myself when I opened the door and saw a big policeman standing there. Black uniform from tall head to toe. I was intimidated. It's amazing how much anxiety can speed through your mind in a split second, when you aren't planning to see a policeman face to face! "Oh no! . . .What has happened?! . . .Where are my loved ones!? . . . I need to sit down!"
Before I could imagine the worst any longer, he said, "Did you call 911?"
Then in a flash, I recalled what I had been doing the last 30 minutes (reading)! And I knew both of our phones had been untouched for most of the morning.
Out of my mouth, as if on trial came, "No. I did not."
I was completely puzzled. (Does he believe me? Now what will he say?)
- a split second later -
About that time, in the open door, I could feel Hairy desperately trying to escape between our feet. No amount of tap dancing could keep her in. Believe me, I tried. But she was off. The policeman said, "Will she come back?"
Things seemed less tense after the escape. I could tell he wasn't worried about the emergency call anymore. So, I stepped outside and we both turned to walk out the driveway - him to his shiny police car parked in front of Kameron's to let all the neighbors know there is some excitementIwonderwhatsgoingon?! and me, to search for Hairy. I mentioned to him that it was kind of weird about the 911 call from our house. He said the dispatcher had identified it as ours, and all she heard was a "click, clicking sound".
Then I told him about our ongoing trouble with Quest. How the neighborhood is being torn up daily as they dig for faulty lines to repair.
As I clapped my hands like a hungry seal, and yelled like a loon for her to stop, running all the way up the street, the big policeman followed slowly behind in his shiny car, just in case of who knows what? I grabbed Hairy just like I always do and marched her back to the house.
Relieved, I decided it might be time to let the land line go and use only our cells.
Now, if I only knew how to handle Hairy!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Collections
I am HOOKED on pinterest! You would think that with all my wonderful abilities, I would be stuck on crafts or recipes or beauty (kidding!). But NO. I can't get enough of . . . quotes, signs, and sayings. From inspirational to humor. I repin other people's pins like a mad woman stealing free candy bars. More, more, more! Here are a couple that I stole (read) from other people. The rest are in a treasured collection on my pinterest board. These were off of facebook and I couldn't figure out how to pin them. I know . . . I'll blog them! Doesn't that sound like a crazy woman?
When life gives you
A hundred reasons to cry,
Show life that you have
A thousand reasons to smile.
and . . .
When something goes wrong,
It's more important to decide
Who is going to fix it,
Than who to blame.
When life gives you
A hundred reasons to cry,
Show life that you have
A thousand reasons to smile.
and . . .
When something goes wrong,
It's more important to decide
Who is going to fix it,
Than who to blame.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August 17, 1979
When Randy and I were planning our wedding reception, one of the fun parts was deciding what kind of cake to serve. We were referred to a few people, but the one we chose stood out because of her Italian Cream flavor. Many years ago, I ran across this recipe from Watkins vanilla. I've made it every year since. . . on our anniversary. It still brings back great memories!
Mrs. Dowells Italian Cream Cake
1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
2 c. sugar
5 eggs
2 c. flour (sifted 2 times)
1 tsp. soda
1 c. buttermilk
1 3 1/2 can coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans)
1 tsp. Watkins vanilla extract
1 tsp. Watkins coconut flavor (though I've never added this)
Separate eggs and beat whites until stiff. Set aside.
Cream margarine, vegetable shortening, and add sugar.
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Dissolve soda in buttermilk, add alternately with flour.
Beat well.Add coconut, nuts, and Watkins extract.
Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.
Pour into 3 greased and floured 9" cake pans, using 2 cups batter for each pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8 oz. package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 c. margarine
1 1 lb. box powdered sugar
1 tsp. Watkins Almond extract
Combine ingredients and beat well.
Spread between layers and on top of cooled cake.
Happy 32nd Anniversary, Randy! I Love You!
Mrs. Dowells Italian Cream Cake
1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
2 c. sugar
5 eggs
2 c. flour (sifted 2 times)
1 tsp. soda
1 c. buttermilk
1 3 1/2 can coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans)
1 tsp. Watkins vanilla extract
1 tsp. Watkins coconut flavor (though I've never added this)
Separate eggs and beat whites until stiff. Set aside.
Cream margarine, vegetable shortening, and add sugar.
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Dissolve soda in buttermilk, add alternately with flour.
Beat well.Add coconut, nuts, and Watkins extract.
Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.
Pour into 3 greased and floured 9" cake pans, using 2 cups batter for each pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8 oz. package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 c. margarine
1 1 lb. box powdered sugar
1 tsp. Watkins Almond extract
Combine ingredients and beat well.
Spread between layers and on top of cooled cake.
Happy 32nd Anniversary, Randy! I Love You!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sweet Memories
Sweet Memories
Potato head parts,
Chicken game pieces,
The rolling pin under the chair.
Dress up clothes bracelets,
Soft tool box toys,
The bands from her pigtailed hair.
Half eaten banana,
Crumbs on the bar,
The small jelly purse of pink.
Dry erase markers,
White board with designs,
The bottle brush tucked by the sink.
Oatmeal for toddlers,
Light and Fit yogurt,
The little black bow tie.
Big bubble wands,
Bib draped high chair,
The “Darburts” and “Gittles” up high.
Car seats we borrowed,
Sewing machines,
Yellow paint, and Mandy’s cello.
Towels with the smudges,
Pete's bib in my whites,
The remedy strawberry Jell-O.
The prelist of fun,
Animal crackers,
Rumpled sheets from climbs out of the sack,
Cheesecake remains,
A big princess ring,
The pacifier you failed to pack.
Please don’t touch a thing!
We’ll savor the time
Returning . . .and let’s make it clear,
It might take a while,
Since the treasures left out
Bring sweet memories that you were here.
With LOVE to Emmie, Peter, Julianne, and Brenden (July 14 – August 7, 2011)
From Grandma Jody and Grandpa Randy
Potato head parts,
Chicken game pieces,
The rolling pin under the chair.
Dress up clothes bracelets,
Soft tool box toys,
The bands from her pigtailed hair.
Half eaten banana,
Crumbs on the bar,
The small jelly purse of pink.
Dry erase markers,
White board with designs,
The bottle brush tucked by the sink.
Oatmeal for toddlers,
Light and Fit yogurt,
The little black bow tie.
Big bubble wands,
Bib draped high chair,
The “Darburts” and “Gittles” up high.
Car seats we borrowed,
Sewing machines,
Yellow paint, and Mandy’s cello.
Towels with the smudges,
Pete's bib in my whites,
The remedy strawberry Jell-O.
The prelist of fun,
Animal crackers,
Rumpled sheets from climbs out of the sack,
Cheesecake remains,
A big princess ring,
The pacifier you failed to pack.
Please don’t touch a thing!
We’ll savor the time
Returning . . .and let’s make it clear,
It might take a while,
Since the treasures left out
Bring sweet memories that you were here.
With LOVE to Emmie, Peter, Julianne, and Brenden (July 14 – August 7, 2011)
From Grandma Jody and Grandpa Randy
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monsoon Matchmaker
About 8 years ago this summer, we set off for the cabin in Macks - without Julianne. She had to work and also there was a cute new boyfriend in the works, which made her staying more bearable. As we left the house that day, we bid farewell to the both of them with the encouragement to BE GOOD. They would be. I was just hoping he would hang around long enough to still be there when we got back.
As we sat packed around the cabin table, playing cards one night, the telephone rang. Jim was the closest and reached to answer it. We all paused and took a break while we listened in to the conversation.
Jim: "Hello. . . . Oh, oh . . .You're kidding! . . ." We know Jim too well. He can make you laugh at a flat tire. So it was fun to hear him "joke" on the phone. But after a dramatic one sided exchange, he handed the phone to Randy, and with a tone of solemnity in his voice said, "It's really bad!" (Again, that Jim. What a card!) Randy's conversation lasted a little longer. And we pretty much stopped the game when he stood up and walked away from the table.
It turned out, that was a fun filled summer of big monsoons in AZ. Julianne and Brenden had just returned home with a pizza, ready to settle down in front of the TV. When they came downstairs, to their surprise,there was water everywhere. Especially in Carianne's middle bedroom as water filled the window well, caused by a broken sump pump. It looked like a water fall, filling the room with inches of water. There stood Julianne and Brenden. . . That's when Julianne went hysterical (a sight any new boyfriend should never have to behold). And that's also when Brenden ran upstairs and jumped into the filling window well from the back yard. Shoes, clothes and all (a sight any new girl friend would swoon over). He was able to clear and relieve the clogged drain. Now there was only a basement full of standing water. The home teacher was called. A rug man was called. Fans were placed everywhere. Our phones rang off the hook. And that all took place deep into the night and early morning.
I can't imagine the panic, when they saw the predicament. The story goes down in their history. But I learned a lot about Brenden that summer. He stuck around, instead of throwing his hands up. His evident love and devotion for Julianne was so apparent, and continues to be. Any one that can over look hysterics and still think about solutions gets my vote. I pretty much think he is a winner! I couldn't ask for more.
Happy Birth month, Brenden!
Love,
Your indebted mother in law
As we sat packed around the cabin table, playing cards one night, the telephone rang. Jim was the closest and reached to answer it. We all paused and took a break while we listened in to the conversation.
Jim: "Hello. . . . Oh, oh . . .You're kidding! . . ." We know Jim too well. He can make you laugh at a flat tire. So it was fun to hear him "joke" on the phone. But after a dramatic one sided exchange, he handed the phone to Randy, and with a tone of solemnity in his voice said, "It's really bad!" (Again, that Jim. What a card!) Randy's conversation lasted a little longer. And we pretty much stopped the game when he stood up and walked away from the table.
It turned out, that was a fun filled summer of big monsoons in AZ. Julianne and Brenden had just returned home with a pizza, ready to settle down in front of the TV. When they came downstairs, to their surprise,there was water everywhere. Especially in Carianne's middle bedroom as water filled the window well, caused by a broken sump pump. It looked like a water fall, filling the room with inches of water. There stood Julianne and Brenden. . . That's when Julianne went hysterical (a sight any new boyfriend should never have to behold). And that's also when Brenden ran upstairs and jumped into the filling window well from the back yard. Shoes, clothes and all (a sight any new girl friend would swoon over). He was able to clear and relieve the clogged drain. Now there was only a basement full of standing water. The home teacher was called. A rug man was called. Fans were placed everywhere. Our phones rang off the hook. And that all took place deep into the night and early morning.
I can't imagine the panic, when they saw the predicament. The story goes down in their history. But I learned a lot about Brenden that summer. He stuck around, instead of throwing his hands up. His evident love and devotion for Julianne was so apparent, and continues to be. Any one that can over look hysterics and still think about solutions gets my vote. I pretty much think he is a winner! I couldn't ask for more.
Happy Birth month, Brenden!
Love,
Your indebted mother in law
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Being Fully Present
be fully present
from an open [sketch]book by suzanne cabrera
newhands
A few years ago I thought I needed six hands...now it appears as though I need eight...or do I?
Shortly after writing yesterday's post, I stumbled upon this excerpt from Samantha Power's commencement speech at Occidental College. It really struck a chord--or perhaps more accurately, a nerve--with me, so I wanted to share it with you.
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
IN WHATEVER YOU do, try to be present, fully present. As Satchel Paige put it, “Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.” You gotta be all in. This means leaving your technology behind occasionally and listening to a friend without half of your brain preoccupied by its inner longing for the red light on the BlackBerry.
I have gotten some glimpses of modern learning: In many college classes, laptops depict split screens—notes from a class, and then a range of parallel stimulants: NBA playoff statistics on ESPN.com, a flight home on Expedia, and a new flirtation on Facebook....I know how good you are at multitasking. You have developed the modern muscle set. I know of what I speak because I, too, am a culprit.
You have never seen a U.S. government official and new mother so dexterous in her ability simultaneously to BlackBerry and breast-feed. But I promise you that over time this doesn’t cut it. Something or someone loses out. No more than a surgeon can operate while tweeting can you reach your potential with one ear in, one ear out. You actually have to reacquaint yourself with concentration. We all do. We should all become, as Henry James prescribed, a person “on whom nothing is lost.”
[via The Week]
Add star
from an open [sketch]book by suzanne cabrera
newhands
A few years ago I thought I needed six hands...now it appears as though I need eight...or do I?
Shortly after writing yesterday's post, I stumbled upon this excerpt from Samantha Power's commencement speech at Occidental College. It really struck a chord--or perhaps more accurately, a nerve--with me, so I wanted to share it with you.
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
IN WHATEVER YOU do, try to be present, fully present. As Satchel Paige put it, “Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.” You gotta be all in. This means leaving your technology behind occasionally and listening to a friend without half of your brain preoccupied by its inner longing for the red light on the BlackBerry.
I have gotten some glimpses of modern learning: In many college classes, laptops depict split screens—notes from a class, and then a range of parallel stimulants: NBA playoff statistics on ESPN.com, a flight home on Expedia, and a new flirtation on Facebook....I know how good you are at multitasking. You have developed the modern muscle set. I know of what I speak because I, too, am a culprit.
You have never seen a U.S. government official and new mother so dexterous in her ability simultaneously to BlackBerry and breast-feed. But I promise you that over time this doesn’t cut it. Something or someone loses out. No more than a surgeon can operate while tweeting can you reach your potential with one ear in, one ear out. You actually have to reacquaint yourself with concentration. We all do. We should all become, as Henry James prescribed, a person “on whom nothing is lost.”
[via The Week]
Add star
Monday, June 27, 2011
Candy Selecting
Children are a blessing. They are so cute when they're little. And even though you want the clock to stop, you try to look into their faces imagining the beautiful adults they'll be someday. And oh, the prayers!
Carianne was always anxiously engaged in good things. The typical interests were there. Playing, pleasing, sisterhood, collecting friends, being goofy. By high school, she had a fun collection of friends. Boys started popping up more and more and she fit right in. Not many week-ends went by that she didn't have a group to be with.
I remember trying to help her realize how important it was to choose her boy friends carefully. It was like she might be standing in front of a tall display of candy. The best pieces were on the top - the big chocolate covered cashew, caramel filled clusters. The Bit-o-Honeys and little tootsie rolls were at the bottom for a dime a dozen. She was deserving and could reach those chocolate beauties at the top, with a little stretch. Or she could take the easy way and settle for the ones below. If these boys were candy, where would they be placed on the big candy display? And which ones would she really rather have? (There were a couple that I could imagine not having to reach for at all :))
Rusty appeared while she was at ASU. He happened to be in her singles ward. There was a lot of "candy selecting" going on in those days. That's just what happens when you're a young adult. It was a delight to see them come together. He and Carianne make a perfect pair. I'll always be SO thankful Rusty was on that top shelf! Funny, that's where he found her, too!
You're the best, Rusty!
Happy Birthmonth!
Mom Clawson
Carianne was always anxiously engaged in good things. The typical interests were there. Playing, pleasing, sisterhood, collecting friends, being goofy. By high school, she had a fun collection of friends. Boys started popping up more and more and she fit right in. Not many week-ends went by that she didn't have a group to be with.
I remember trying to help her realize how important it was to choose her boy friends carefully. It was like she might be standing in front of a tall display of candy. The best pieces were on the top - the big chocolate covered cashew, caramel filled clusters. The Bit-o-Honeys and little tootsie rolls were at the bottom for a dime a dozen. She was deserving and could reach those chocolate beauties at the top, with a little stretch. Or she could take the easy way and settle for the ones below. If these boys were candy, where would they be placed on the big candy display? And which ones would she really rather have? (There were a couple that I could imagine not having to reach for at all :))
Rusty appeared while she was at ASU. He happened to be in her singles ward. There was a lot of "candy selecting" going on in those days. That's just what happens when you're a young adult. It was a delight to see them come together. He and Carianne make a perfect pair. I'll always be SO thankful Rusty was on that top shelf! Funny, that's where he found her, too!
You're the best, Rusty!
Happy Birthmonth!
Mom Clawson
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