Like A Chickadee?

... and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son... " -Luke 3:22

 Some of you may remember that we've been involved this year in a church start-up; it's been some of the most joy-filled hard work we've ever done; but, there has been absolutely no doubt whatsoever that we've been Spirit-led every step of the way!  We have certainly been blessed. We are a small church of 34 members. This past Saturday evening we welcomed everyone to our home for a Christmas Open House, hopefully the first of many for Grace Lutheran Church! I had planned, organized, dusted, vacuumed and cooked (and cooked and cooked!) ahead of time in preparation. We eagerly opened the front door to our first guests in the late afternoon, right after I had carefully placed all the food offerings on, and around, the dining room table. Hannes started in barking and carrying on like we'd never seen before. He was dancing on his hind legs in circles on the rug in our foyer, all the while intermittently crying and yelping. Now, if this sort of behavior had gone on where I had just placed the goodies that would have been one thing, but he wasn't there at all, it just didn't make any sense. Mr. Goodneedle quickly scooped him up and banished him to his crate in the back of our home. We would analyze his state of mind later; after our guests departed.  More guests filled our home in the next few minutes; filing in, hanging up their coats and visiting with each other. The fellowship was wonderful. I swiftly stepped to the front door again, in response to the doorbell, just in time to be dive-bombed by... A CHICKADEE! The bird swooped down close to my head after leaving our front hall chandelier, hovered a second and flitted to the top of the grandfather clock! I was dumbfounded. I called to my husband, he grabbed a towel and followed the bird to a silk Ficus tree at the top of the second floor landing. He was unsuccessful in capturing it at that point, our friends continued to arrive, and I decided right then and there to station myself at the entrance to the dining room at avert any aerial assaults around the food stations. For quite some time after that the unwelcome flying guest went missing. My husband put a Christmas movie on for the children to watch in our converted attic space theater room. This is where the bird was located. Two men armed with an extended handle squeegee and a towel managed a humane capture and subsequent release. The party continued without a hitch after that. The next day I noticed "guess who" sitting in the wreath on our front door! The puzzle pieces began to fall together; that poor Chickadee didn't intend to crash our party, when the door opened he startled and took off-- he just happened to be inside at the time! Hannes was not losing his mind, he was trying to tell us that a bird was in the house. Poor pup, wrongfully accused. The bird is still seeking refuge in the wreath, I knock on the door before I cautiously open it now and our fledgling congregation has a great story to tell about our first Christmas party together. Our pastor's wife offered this thought:  "We may have the bird thing all wrong. He may have been the Holy Spirit descending on Grace!" I like that. Yes indeed, this time though that bodily form may have just been a Chickadee. 

Life is Good!

I'm B-a-a-a-a-ck!

Did anyone guess New Hampshire as an answer to the question posed yesterday? If you did, you were right. Here's another shot of that wonderfully picturesque farm stand where we stopped while visiting my parents last week. This stand is Moulton Farms in Meredith, we had to (yes, we had to!) swing by there to buy some cider donuts (Cider Bellies) for breakfast the next morning... they're made, fresh as they're ordered, right back there in that little building. Oh. My. Goodness! Suffice it to say they didn't all make it 'til the next day! Now that I've tasted one I believe every word from the website that brags about their #1 ranking and the fact that folks drive from all over New England around to buy them. Yum doesn't even begin to describe their deliciousness.

On Wednesday last week we drove to The Busy Thimble in Litchfield, ME. Mom and I had a great time, this precious little cottage is filled to overflowing with Civil War reproduction fabrics and owned by the warm and welcoming, Cyndi.  Surprisingly, Cyndi and Mom have a mutual friend from my hometown... small world! Cyndi's full size Log Cabin quilt (made from miniscule 1/4" logs) is on display in her shop (you can see it as her blog banner by clicking the above link), it's utterly amazing!

These two miniature quilts of Cyndi's hang near the check out. The Log Cabin blocks measure in at three inches and the Nine Patch blocks finish to one and half inches! Proof again that here's no such thing as scraps too small to save!

Mom loved her Bull's Eye Quilt!  She's ready to sit and add the button embellishments now.

The texture that developed after washing and tumble-drying was completely wonderful.

I'm going to leave you with this parting shot: autumn in New England; it just doesn't get any prettier than this!

Life is Good!

Making Adjustments...

... for a better life. It's a new year, what better time to change things up? Let me back up and give you some history as to what precipitated the adjustments that I am making in my daily life. On the 26th of October last year I woke up with such terrific chest pressure and pain, plus shortness of breath; I was absolutely convinced that I was having a heart attack! The next few hours saw no relief after taking some aspirin; I was scared (okay, petrified!) and after a short discussion with my husband I agreed to a quick trip to the emergency department of our local hospital. I was seen immediately. After four hours on a heart monitor and a barrage of tests I was sent home with the reassurance that my heart and lungs were just fine. I was given two recommendations ( Prilosec in case I was suffering from GERD and Motrin for the chest pain) along with strict advice to see my own primary care physician as soon as possible. It was a relief to know that I wasn't having a heart attack, but I still didn't really understand what was happening. I went on a 14 day regimen of Prilosec and took Motrin as needed for pain, and over those next few weeks I began to feel better. I hoped that might be the end of the symptoms. I saw my family doctor in the meantime and he concluded a few things: 1. I did the exact right thing in going to the E.D., scary things always need to be eliminated first. 2.  he explained that the recommendations of Prilosec and Motrin were broad strokes to cover my symptoms without really getting to the bottom of the situation. He felt that I might be suffering from stress-induced Costochondritis; a harmless condition with acute  chest wall pain that could be recurring. We talked about that and the symptoms for awhile and he suggested that I go home and do some research on the condition; especially looking for the triggers associated with flare-ups. By this time I had had a second bout and was willing to figure out what I could do, if anything, to change things and get back to normal.

My father has cautioned me for years about burning the candles at both ends. I knew he was right and  I gave up a few responsibilites where I could and learned to say "no"; albeit weakly and half-heartedly. I read everything that I could about Costochondritis and absorbed every associated fact, like a sponge. Still, I had two more attacks, the most recent one coming on December 20th in the car on the way back from lunch with friends. The only thing that works to treat the pain is rest, Motrin and a heat pack on my chest. I spent a full two days in bed this time. It was clear the time had come, once and for all, to take more drastic action. That evening I told my husband that I was giving up coffee from now on. That may seem trivial to you, but if you know me you would realize that this is a HUGE step. (Think: giving up quilting or sewing!) Coffee and I have been inseperable for years; actually, my entire adult life. Both of the last two attacks came after two cups of coffee. It was a start. I was worried about the inevitable caffiene withdrawal headache and decided to switch to tea, at a third the caffiene level per cup it seemed like a logical step-down. I haven't looked back and I never had even one headache as a result. Again, if you knew me you would realize this is a major lifestyle change. I told my husband that we needed to start walking for exercise again, ever since that first attack at the end of October we hadn't been walking at all; the Costochondritis was promoting a viscious cycle of inactivity that was working against me. I began sleeping in later in the mornings, an additional hour to an hour and a half... another MAJOR adjustment for me! These were three triggers that I had stumbled upon, all ones that I was guilty of pulling every single day, like a loaded gun pointed straight at my own head. Too much caffiene through coffee, not enough exercise and not enough sleep; all risk factors contributing to stress and my condition. I still needed to do something about conscious relaxation. My sister-in-law pointed me in the direction of breathwork techniques by Dr. Andrew Weil. She happened to have a copy of his CD and loaned it to me; in it there is a lecture about breathing correctly and exercises to practice relaxation through breathwork. This is a practice known by yoga experts, but it was all new to me.What did I have to lose? Breathing is free and I have to do it anyway; so, I began dedicating a few minutes each day to relaxation breathing and practicing the techniques prescribed by Dr. Weil to make every breath a more conscious and deliberate action that improves focus, general overall health and well-being. Each one of these steps is a small one (yet, some just seem very large to me!) but, combined, they do seem to be making a positive difference. I feel good, very good; this isn't something that I would have (or could have) said over the last few months. You may have noticed periods of blog absence from me and a marked reduction of comments and visits to your blogs, for that I apologize; I simply haven't been up to it. As of today, I seem to have turned a corner. I am keeping a journal now on what I eat/drink and jotting down any activity or emotional stress that could possibly promote more of the symptoms, I am quite familiar with the early onset twinges and so far being aware of those and taking corrective action ( relaxation breathing) by  has worked in averting another full-fleged attack. Keep your fingers crossed along with me. I don't know if this is the end of all of this for me or not, but one thing that I do know is that I am working to effect change and I've never felt better with the adjustments that I have made. Time will tell. I know this has been a long post, if you've hung in for all of this you're to be commended; or, maybe, you've been suffering from something similar and are interested in practicing your own preventative cure. I do firmly believe that we can be our own best health advocates by taking better care of ourselves, reading the signs posted by our own bodies and paying attention to them. After all it's our life and our life alone... and, as I keep telling you:

Life is Good!

...it really, really, is!

Happy Surprises (On The Road, Chapter 2)

While we were gone this past week, visiting my parents in New Hampshire, we had the privilege of riding along on one of the only U.S. Mail boats in the country.  This is the Sophie C., moored    and ready to take on passengers for a two hour cruise. Lake Winnepasaukee is dotted with islands, 365 to be exact. Only 264 of those islands are inhabited; they are served daily by the U.S. Mail boats at seven ports all summer long.

This is a wider shot, just look at those pretty fluffy clouds
and the lake and mountains beyond; it was a beautiful day.

The shoreline is dotted with beautiful year-round homes and seasonal summer cottages.
I chose this one as the one I would like to own, just a simple place with a nice view. 

This was the first mail stop, there was no one there. Our cruise happened to be the premier
trip of the season, the full complement of summer guests will begin arriving in the next few weeks
and the mail service will pick up. Apparently, during the "high season", children bearing coins line up to board the Sophie C. when she ports, buying ice cream from her freezer. As the boat pulls away the
children typically crawl up on these pilings and dive into the lake as a way of seeing her off.

The next stop was Bear Island, the Sophie C. had a welcoming committee there.
Mail was dropped off at this Post Office and letters were carried away in return.

For one of the many islands to be inhabited there need only be a single home.
This island boasts a single, lovely, log cabin and boat docks; this summer home
 was once owned by the daughter of U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

Dad and me supervising one of the mail "drops". In this port there is a swing arm
mounted for the mail bag to be left hanging after the waiting mail bag was retrieved.

I don't have many requirements while traveling, but... a fried clam roll at this little
seafood stand in Winnesquam is one of them. It's worth waiting a year for.
Here Mr. Goodneedle is learning that the Fryolater is out of commission and there won't
be a clam roll on my plate today; I'll have to settle for a lobster roll.

Tables for eating are all outside, some under cover; each with a lake view!

Here's close up of my lunch. The way I look at it is this:
any day that a lobster roll is a consolation prize for your first choice
is a VERY GOOD DAY!! It was absolutely delicious.

This little seafood stand welcomes diners from the water side...

...as well as from the street side!

One of the nicest surprises was this one... my Mom and Dad and their new car!
They were excited to show it to us, and we couldn't be happier for them!

And now... for the biggest surprise of all. The one I promised you and told you that
you wouldn't believe. Well, am I right?     (Laura P. this is for you!)
 

Life is Good!

 

The Best Part

What's the best part of being a mature adult with grown children who now have families of their own and live elsewhere? Eating this for dinner on a Sunday evening! They'll never know...

Life is Good!

Prayers and Chicken Salad...

I flipped on the light over the kitchen sink in the predawn darkness and poured myself a cup of coffee. Retrieving the chicken from the refrigerator that I had cooked before I went to bed, I began chopping it up for salad. There was a funeral today and I was asked to bring a platter of sandwiches for the reception after the service. As I prepared sandwiches I prayed for his family and thought about our beloved Pastor T. He moved here in 1993, after he was retired, and became our Volunteer Pastor of Visitation. He was always cheerful and spry; and oh, how he loved to visit... he loved people, and they loved him! When my father-in-law died almost nine years ago he was the first one to the house to be with Mom, he was the face of Christ to her in those hours. He visited me after my surgery in May, 2005; he stood at the window of the hospital room and pointed out all the landmarks and gave me an impromptu history/geography lesson that morning. He died in the early morning hours of December 23, in his sleep. I learned today that it's precisely what he'd hoped for, what a blessing for him! I cut the crusts from the bread and layered the little sandwiches onto a platter. I prayed for peace and comfort for his immediate and extended family. I prayed too for my dear friend who instructed me in the fine art of finger-sandwich preparation for funeral receptions. She doesn't get out much anymore, the food-preparing torch has been passed from her generation, now, to mine. She told me, one day, which bread to buy and how it needed to be frozen so that the bread could be de-crusted and cut just so without falling apart. I did it exactly as she had taught me. (This isn't my platter pictured; it came from Google images.) I gathered up all the bread trimmings, cubed them, and tossed them with a little butter and seasoned salt and baked them in a slow oven; et voila, croutons! (She never told me to do that, I thought it up on my own, but I believe she'd think it's a clever idea.) The funeral was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended, the Chrismon trees were still in the chancel and poinsettias lined the steps. The aisle candles were lit as well as the Advent wreath and Christ candle. What a glorious time of year to be called Home, thanks be to God! I came back to our house today filled with mixed emotions, both sad (for the earthly loss) and happy (for Heaven's gain) at the same time. What a day, one that began (and most likely will conclude!) with prayers and chicken salad (I had a LOT left over...).

Life is Good!

A Full House

Yesterday was the annual Quilt Ministry tea and luncheon, we've been at it for ten years; making quilts for those in need and enjoying each other's company through food, fun and fellowship. The turn out was a record, counting myself there were twenty here at the house for lunch; what a terrific way to kick off the next ten years. More dedicated hearts and hands means more quilts, thanks be to God!


Chicken Spaghetti (serves a crowd!*):
2 T butter
1 C chopped onion
1 C chopped celery
1 (14 oz. can) chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz.) chopped tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel mild)
1 can (4.25 oz.) chopped black olives
1 jar (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms
1/2 C sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 C chopped, cooked chicken
2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 box (16 oz.) angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
3/4 C Panko bread crumbs
1 T melted butter

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 13" X 9" pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and add onion and celery, cook until tender (4-5 minutes).
In a large bowl combine onion mixture, broth soups, tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, sour cream and salt. Stir in chicken and cheese. Add pasta, stirring gently to coat. Spoon into prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over top of casserole. Bake for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.

* 10-12 servings, (although I can serve 15-16 women from one dish)... there is a LOT of food in this! I think that the indicated number of servings would be more accurate when men are eating too.

Life is Good!

It's Bagel Time!

It's October and you know what that means, it's Breast Cancer awareness month. At Panera Bread the month of October means it's Pink Ribbon bagel time! I'm a little bit late in posting this as the month is winding down, but there's still over a week left to stop by and pick up a Pink Ribbon bagel or two, (or a dozen and a half*)! They're made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to benefit breast cancer charities. It's sweet in every way, a real win-win. Hurry... they're only available until the 31st; you know you want one!

Life is Good!

*That's what we did, I wrap them up and freeze them!

It's Fair Time!

It's officially fall now: the Fair is in town! I hear that the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger is the Fair food that everyone is buzzing about this year. I'm all about some KK doughnuts, and certainly fond of burgers, but you're not going to see me combining the two like this any time soon! Even if it did look somewhat appetizing, I've heard that this sandwich boasts a calorie count somewhere north of 1,000 (that's without the bacon)! Speaking of calories, my daughter and her husband are chasing all over the Capital City looking for a high calorie supplement in an effort to put some ozs. on little Lucy Ann. Well, here you go; too bad she doesn't have any teeth!

That's just not Fair.

Life is Good!

Preschool Pot-Luck?

When my daughter picked Mason up from Preschool earlier this week she was informed that one thing that he was going to need to work on was eating only HIS OWN lunch! My daughter was surprised by this information but assured the teacher that they would discuss this at home. Mason chatted on about "Casey's lunch" as they drove home, wearing some other child's (probably Casey's!) tell-tale strawberry jelly on his face! He now understands that he is to eat only what mommy puts in MASON'S lunchbox. I believe when they all sat down to eat that he thought it was a Preschool Pot-luck; hey, he is Lutheran after all!

Life is Good!

Alaska, A Quick Recap

It's taken a while to upload the adventure and make sense of the photos from our trip. This collage is a random sampling of places visited and sights seen. I'd go back again in the blink of an eye, it was truly the trip of a lifetime; but it's so good to be home again, too. If you choose to click on the photo collage you can see that I found a few quilts shops along the way; oh, yes I did!
Top row, l-r: Alaska RR- McKinley to Whittier, totem pole in Ketchikan, Chulitna River (McKinley), Chena River (Fairbanks), a moose and me (Fairbanks)
Row 2: Mt. McKinley, quilt shop in Skagway, Chena River (Fairbanks), quilt shop (Juneau), ship view leaving Glacier Bay
Row 3: PO at Chena Indian Reservation, Ketchikan, quilt shop in Talkeetna (small town where opening shots for "Northern Exposure" were shot), Chena River (again), Mt. Mckinley
Row 4: Glacier Bay, our stateroom on the ship, Seattle WA, Mt. McKinley (view from Denali Nat'l Park), Alaska sign (reentering AK from Canada)
Row 5: Humpback whale's tail (outside Glacier Bay), Ketchikan, riverboat on the Chena River, Mt. McKinley, Glacier Bay
Row 6: Mt McKinley, waterfall in Skagway, glacier ice, Seattle sunset, Coast Guard boat escort into port
Row 7: Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, our ship, Mt. McKinley from the Chulitna River, Glacier Bay
Row 8: Moose in Denali N.P., Mt. McKinley in all it's majesty, quilt shop in Talkeetna, Creek. St. (Ketchikan), raft trip on the Chulitna into Talkeetna.

We traveled a week on land before we boarded the ship. Our land portion took us from Fairbanks to Whittier with stops along the way in Denali and Mt. McKinley. The weather cooperated and we had crystal clear views of the mountain. Mt. McKinley is also known as Denali (Athabaskan Indian for "The Great One"). While traveling in shuttle buses, motor coaches and river rafting we saw bear, moose, bald eagles, salmon, river otters, beavers and a few caribou, too. Our week on the ship began with two sea days in College Fjord and Glacier Bay; there we spotted humpback whales, more eagles and a few seals hanging out on an piece of floating ice. We ported in three cities: Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Our last day was a sea day and we concluded our journey in Vancouver, BC. We flew home from Seattle, (also where we began our adventure) it was a perfect vacation in every way. And yes, the food was incredible on the ship, most meals (lunch and dinner!!) ended on a sweet note! Now, I ask you, what could be better than this? Oh, by the way, did I mention the BAKED Alaska? ;)

Life is Good!
... I keep tellin' ya...