GIVING THANKS

Monday, November 25, 2013

I survived!  I drove Jonathan to Seminary in the ice and snow.  The major roads were fairly clear, and anything else, I just followed the tracks of cars before me.  Things are starting to melt, though, and there were many puddles in the road.  There aren't storm drains here like in California.  I'm not sure where the water goes...but I hope it goes where it's needed.

The kids shoveled the walks for me today.  I told them it was a service to the mailman, who was the most likely to walk down them.  They did a good job, too.  Jonathan takes to shoveling very well, it's the exercise his testosterone needs!

I took Jonathan to the airport today, so another foray into the ice and snow.  It's north of town, and we live in the south part of town, but it wasn't a problem, until we got to the school building.  That parking lot is a mess!  Part of the problem is the construction next door, which had them diverting the driveway, but that driveway isn't paved.  Also, it was full of snowy mush.  The parking lot is basically dirt with some gravel and isn't leveled, so I had to carefully maneouver in and around icy puddles to drop him off...and escape.

Coming back, I saw a truck with an eviserated deer in the back.  Ken says the proper term is "field dressed," but my way sounds so much more intelligent.  Still, it was interesting to see the inside of the deer's ribs.  I guess the guy wasn't worried about it spoiling, since the outside temperature was running between 30 and 33 degrees!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

I got up early again to take Jonathan to Seminary.  We were just about ready to go when - BAM!  The power went out.  And I mean pitch black out.  I was in the kitchen, which only has a small window (the sun wasn't up anyway), and I just sat there until Jonathan, who was at his desk, found his flashlight, and we could go around finding lights and lanterns.  I finally got to use that kerosene lantern I bought from the Corona Ward for my emergency preparedness.  Mind, I spilled kerosene on my hand, but got it up and running - it makes a BRIGHT light.  The biggest problem for us, really, was going to be the cold, since the furnace is run on electricity.  If we had to, we could have hung out all day in my bedroom with my gas space heater.  Yes, the den/dining room has one, too, but it can't be closed off by doors so isn't as efficient.  It didn't stay off for long, it was back in an hour and a half.  Good, cuz I really didn't want to have to run the generator and move the fridge, freezer and microwave.

And even though we could have had yoga, we didn't.  I went, but nobody showed.  So I finally gave in.  I called the chiropractor and got an afternoon appointment.  With all of the missed aerobics and yoga, I feel just awful in my neck and back.  I've avoided going since May, but I've had it.  Plus, the hand neuropathy really has me bugged.  I went to the chiropractor nearest my home (a couple blocks away) to see if he could straighten me out.

He certainly made me snap-crackle-pop!  I'm going back next week, too, to see if it'll help more.  But after a serious pretzel twisting and quarterback sacking, I also know that I have to go home and ice myself.  I'm going to be sore for a bit!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

I baked a pumpkin pie (well, took the store one out of the freezer and baked it) and made my spectacular cranberry cake for tomorrow.  I also brought out Mr. 21-lb. Tom to defrost in my ice chest with water, according to Saint Butterball.

Today was the local blood drive, so right after lunch, Jonathan, Analiese & I went to the Community Center to give (Analiese hangs out to talk to people).  I was a little nervous because my last donation had me dizzy and with ice packs on me and tons of liquid forced into me.  I scared them - and myself. I didn't do too bad this time.  I felt a slight dizziness during the process, but none at the end.  And I drank Gatorade afterward, just to make sure.  Jonathan did the aphoresis (sp?) machine, where they just took his red platelets.  It takes a little longer, but they really needed it.  They offered us t-shirts supporting local football (OU vs. OSU), but both of us just donated the cost of our shirts instead to the Global Blood Bank.  It seems silly and selfish to get a shirt when somebody needs blood.

The kids and I made cookie/chocolate turkeys for fun.  A fun mess, that is!  I am entirely sick of chocolate and the turkeys look...well...like they're in shell-shock.

The bread is out to dry for stuffing, the onion & celery is chopped, the sparkling juices are in the fridge, the house is cleaned and I picked up dessert plates today.  I don't feel stressed (well, for one, other people are brining other dishes) and think things are going on schedule.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Nothing smells like Thanksgiving like butter, sage, and onions.  I used to always awake to it at my parents' house on Thanksgiving.  And while at that time I didn't eat stuffing (it's the only thing I really want now!), the smell of it was a certain kind of heaven.  Thus, my home this morning smells the same.

However, I'm not stuffing my turkey; I'm going to cook the stuffing (I guess I should call it dressing, then) in the oven.  I need my oven for a bunch of things so I need to get that turkey done.  I am cooking my turkey in an oven bag - a first for me.  It's still basted with ginger and butter; Ken wouldn't have it any other way.  I also purchased a digital thermometer that has a probe that I insert into the turkey.  It has an alarm that goes off when the turkey reaches that temperature.  Cool.

The Fletcher family (Mom, Dad & 3 kids) and Ruth Thomas came around 1:30.  Kristi Fletcher had brought extra goodies to be heated in the oven along with other things for her family to eat.  They are on a special diet to help their autistic son, so they can't have everything I made.  Doesn't hurt my feelings; you do what you have to do for your family.  Still, her butternut squash dish was really good.  And she made a chocolate pie with AVOCADO in it - you couldn't tell.  If anything, it had a very strong cocoa taste, which connoseurs of dark chocolate (yours truly included) would appreciate.  There was plenty of food.  We were supposed to have three more people, but they had sickness in their home and declined.  I generally don't like to list food, but I have to admit, we had a bounty, so here goes:

Turkey, 21 lbs.  (turned out so juicy - yum!)

Mashed Potatoes, & Jonathan gravy (he seasoned it, not jumped into it)

Bread Dressing (mine - just like Mom makes - hoorah!)

Kristi's Dressing (no bread)

Cranberry Sauce (Kristi made it with honey, it was good!)

Cranberry Jelly (canned stuff, but I still like)

White, Wheat, & Pumpkin-Cranberry rolls (from Bountiful Baskets)

Butternut Squash

Green Bean Casserole (not like yours - with real onions)

Flour-Less Gravy (for Fletcher's)

Sparkling Cider & Grape Juice (several flavors)

Pumpkin Pie (store frozen kind)

Pumpkin Pie (Kristi made)

Chocolate pie (the wild one with avocado)

Cranberry Cake with Pecan topping

To top it all off...we had the men do the clean up!  Though the guys had to leave at the end of dinner and come back to do it because they had to help someone in our ward with a car break-in problem.  It was actually kind of funny, because the police came and both Ken & Casey Fletcher (who've served Spanish-speaking missions) translated for them.  The police wondered why these two grown white guys were at a Hispanic woman's house and why they spoke Spanish.  

Anyway, they cleaned up, Ken went to work at Wal-mart (on purpose, he wanted holiday pay), and we sat down and played games.  I think my company finally left around 9:30 at night.  Everyone had a good time, I think, though my kids were a little disgruntled about having to clean up their rooms after the Fletcher kids were done with them!  Oh, and Casey Fletcher, the dad, is so in love with Jonathan's rabbit - the rex.  He told his wife he wanted one when their dog died!

Friday, November 29, 2013

Today was Recuperate From Thanksgiving Day.  Other than laundry, I didn't exert myself to do much.  I am not a Black Friday shopper (it sucks the Spirit out of Christmas), but I did take Analiese to some of the local businesses to look at their Christmas decor.  One store was fun with different-themed trees.  Analiese liked the Peacock tree (blue) and I liked the Oklahoma tree, that had all sorts of animals, cowboys, horses, covered wagons, etc.

I even got in a nap!  Analiese said the day felt like Saturday.  I could have made them do some lessons, but I didn't feel like pushing anybody to do anything.  So sue me.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

There are still some small pockets of snow here and there, mainly where there's shadow and no sun.  The south fence in my back yard has a small ribbon, the planters in my front yard has some (the house shades is nearly all day) and Jonathan's snow fort still stands, though it is shrinking.

The elders are getting beef stew tonight with leftover rolls, pie, and cake from Thanksgiving.  Good thing Elder Vance told me he loves pie!

Jonathan & I went with Elder Vance & Elder Crosby to visit a woman they're teaching this afternoon.  She wasn't at home.  So we went a few houses down to visit someone else they'd been teaching.  She wasn't available.  Then we went to the home of the Spanish-speaking lady I had interpreted for in church a few weeks back.  We spoke to her and her husband (well, Elder Vance & I did, Jonathan & Elder Crosby dozed off) and found out that three of their nine children are members of the church.  They've had missionaries visiting them for years.  So the question is...why aren't they?

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Last Sunday was really like a vacation for me.  Why?  Because this Sunday:

1. Sacrament Meeting - Chorister, with the bishopric asking me about music changes.  I only did what the chorister, who's out for surgery, told me to do.  Ay!

2. Sunday School - SS Class Pres.  Got my prayers, no biggie.  But I also had to interpret for a Spanish-speaking sister, Rosa.  I can't really complain because we've been trying to get her to stay for all the meetings.

3. Relief Society - Pianist.  Again, it's my job, no biggie.  More interpreting for Rosa and her daughter, Nasly.  I am not sure what the Lord is trying to tell me.  A sister in our ward is amazed at what I can do.  I'm amazed I'm still standing.

After church, I went back with the elders to the Cruz's (see yesterday).  I invited Nasly, who is going to be baptized on Christmas, to come along.  Good thing, too.  Not only does she speak Spanish (not much English, though), but she's quickly gaining a testimony and was eager to bear it.  The discussion went well.  She wants to serve...well, we gave her the opportunity!

THE WEEK BETWEEN CRAZIES

Monday, November 18, 2013

I think the time has come for the Quest for the Cow's Clothes.  I feel fat today and my swimsuit is literally dying (I'm only in the pool three times every week!).  It's more than kind of embarrassing.  It's the Saggy Baggy Elephant suit and the pool chlorine is bleaching the color out of it.  Not to mention what I'm afraid is going to fall out of it one day in front of those teenage lifeguards.  It could scar them emotionally for life.  That being said, this is the wrong time to buy a suit, yet this can't wait.  So, for the first time ever, I will be looking online to buy a swimsuit.  It is a scary proposition; it has to be a boy-leg, or skirted, because I don't shave down there - too much irritation.  Also, I'd like this one to not be so...low cut.  I'm the bustiest gal in my swim class and I really feel conspicuous.

Enough of that horror show (sorry for any uncomfortable mental images).  Really, the fat despair comes from my doctor's visit today.  I have GAINED eight pounds.  I feel so gross.  I've been going to water aerobics three times a week, doing yoga three times a week, and eating more fruits and veggies.  I feel better, especially in my back, but really?  Couldn't I have gone down a little bit?  So today I do not feel very good about myself.  And here I thought last week that my face looked thinner!  Deception!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

I think I need to make a statement before proceeding with the day's events.  Things that I post, like yesterday's pity party, are not cause for alarm.  Also, Ken being sick, while sad and not pleasant for him, was not a catastrophic event.  He's better.  It was only a couple of days.  Some kind of bug.  If I have made these things seem like something to worry over, I apologize.  I am a drama queen (yes, I admitted it) and like all authors and journalists...I realize that drama sells (ROFL).  So...yes, I am tired a lot, but much of that is my own darn fault.  I stay up late reading or playing some stupid game, or doing the dishes (or whatever) that I procrastinated until the last minute with.  Ken also tells me I take an hour to get ready for bed.  I also overbook myself because for some reason I like to be in constant frenetic motion.  Then I don't feel so lazy, nor bad because my house is a wreak - hey, I'm busy!  It also makes me feel important and we know this Michele has an ego.  Thanks for the concern, I love you for worrying so about me, but if something is really wrong, maybe I'll put up a warning sign.  If I remember.  Otherwise, I'm just documenting the Bolton family version of normal, which is nothing like yours (or anyone elses).

So, having said that...can I safely say that I didn't have yoga today and I didn't have water aerobics yesterday or last Friday and that it's been several days without exercise or stretching and my neck, back, and possible hand neuropathy (don't panic!) are driving me crazy.  At least in my old age I've learned the value of exercise, if not diet (see Monday).   I look forward to water aerobics AND yoga tomorrow (please oh please).

Taking Jonathan to the airport for class today, I got to meet his instructor, Mr. Hall.  He was so nice and said Jonathan was a great contribution to the class.  He was very confident that Jonathan would be able to pass this class and next years and begin working on base.  He also invited me to come and visit the class at any time.  I should...if only to take pictures.

I tried a new dish out today to use up a spaghetti squash I'd received through Bountiful Baskets.  It was a casserole bake with lots of veggies, some cheese...and no meat.  That is a travesty as far as Jonathan is concerned.  He ate it, but said it needed beef!  That kid!  Analiese ate it and said it wasn't bad, even though it had tomatoes and bell peppers in it (but she didn't have seconds).  Ken didn't like it, but he told me not long ago that he really didn't like vegetables.  To which I did, and still do, reply, "Too bad."  I had seconds; it tasted good!

Jonathan went tonight to 4H Air Rifle and Pistol Shooting.  He got to do pistol shooting for the first time tonight (only kids over 12 can do it).  He and his friend David had a great time trying out guns and trying to hit targets.  It looks much harder to do it with one hand unsupported.  There's a competition this Saturday 95 miles north of here and then the next one will be in December here in Altus.  Whether he goes or not Saturday, I'm not sure.  They said he could catch a ride with them.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Our ward has it's own weatherman.  Really, he belongs to the Air Force Base, but, like I told his wife yesterday, he's handy to have around.  Because a big cold front is headed our way, accompanied by rain, sometime early Friday.  No, we are not expecting snow.  Apparently we get little of that here.  Instead, we get ice storms which can be much worse.  Lest you think I am panicking, I will tell you that for the most part we feel prepared.  We have our generator and gasoline for it, I'm getting extra water today, and I got a bunch of canned foods the last time I was at Sam's.  We have three gas heaters and a gas fireplace in the house, a kerosene lantern, a battery-powered lantern, a 100-hour candle, and flashlights in every room.  Oh, and lots of blankets, even for the bunnies.  Here you have to be prepared, year-round, not for eventualities, but near certainties.  But I don't think I'm going to be doing a lot of driving at first, if I can avoid it.  I've driven in snow a little, and don't like it.  Ice has me a bit nervous.  Luckily, if I need it, there's a grocery store across the street!

Did you know that coconuts can go bad?  I do!  I had an old one and a not-so-old one.  Went to open the old one and - ugh! - black fuzzy stuff!  Luckily the newer one was bigger (and not bad).  You wonder, how did I open that big boy?  A hammer.  Have you ever had to wash a hammer?  To wash coconut off of a hammer?  Lots of new experiences.  What am I doing with it?  Making coconut milk.  Luckily, Bountiful Baskets often posts on FB ideas for using your produce.  So I'm making coconut milk.  The humor of the experience has not escaped me - making coconut milk in my OK kitchen in November.  Thinking of using it instead of (or with) milk to make Coconut Horchata!  Jonathan agrees that that sounds scrumptious!  As a side note: rabbits are totally uninterested in coconut.  Just an observation.

As if tackling a coconut today wasn't enough, I decided I had time to deal with one of my Cinderella pumpkins.  If you saw the Halloween picture of my hearth, you saw two pumpkins on either side of the fireplace.  Those are Cinderella pumpkins - good for eating/baking.  So, not following in my mother's footsteps (she once tried to PEEL a pumpkin), I cut one open into four pieces, scraped out the seeds and gunk, and placed them face-down on a cookie sheet where I baked it for about an hour (it could have used a bit more time, it was a big pumpkin).  Then I let it cool a bit, scraped out the flesh and pureed it and bagged it into 2-cup bags (about the amount in a can).  Guess how many 2-cup bags of pumpkin I now have? SIX!!! And that's just the first pumpkin!  Guess what kind of bread everyone here is getting for Christmas?

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The morning was beautiful - sunshiny and warm with a few fringes of clouds ringing the sky.  Storm coming?  No way!

I drove Jonathan to class at mid-day and ran my storm preparations anyway.  In Wal-Mart I saw people just going about their regular shopping runs.  Only I was acting like a prepper.  California paranoia again?  Weather reports are constantly changing around here.  Maybe this was all for nothing.  But better prepared than not...

By the time I came out of the second store, the wind had picked up.  Seriously.  The birds were pretty much gone (and lately we've had scads of them sitting on buildings and power lines), and it was the leaves that were flying in whirls and gusts.  Still, it was warm.  Can't freeze anything in that!

Two-thirty came and I went to go pick up Jonathan with Analiese in tow.  It was still windy, but I left my jacket in the house thinking it was still nice outside in spite of everything.  Wrong...that wind was turning cold; arctic cold.  Maybe there was something in that weather report after all.

The rest of today was windy and cold, but none of that rain that was predicted came.  Just as well.  We had soup for dinner (good call!) and, after one foray into the wind (I told Analiese that I felt like I was auditioning for the part of Dorothy in the new Wizard of Oz) for tithing settlement, we settled down into blankets and covers to sleep warm & safe.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Pretty much all of the leaves are off of the trees.  The wind did a good job.  Still really cold.  Around devotional time, as we're sitting in the living room, I heard clicking on the window.  It was starting to rain, but it wasn't pure rain.  There was some ice in.  Before long, there's lots of clicking, and then our yards are covered with small ice particles.  Not snow, ice.  It drifts like sand, but doesn't stick.

And it kept coming and coming.  Ken came home from work early and just in time to take Jonathan to class.  Thank heavens!  I know nothing about driving in icy conditions and am not eager to start.  Luckily, too, a classmate brought him home so neither one of us had to go out and get him.  Plus the classmate has 4-wheel drive!

We had a free Redbox rental, so Ken wanted to get a movie.  The nearest Redbox is next to the United, only right around the corner from us.  We bundled up and walked out there, carefully picking our way around the ice.  Well, I was carefully picking; Ken was more confident.  I haven't had to walk through that stuff since Boston - nearly 20 years ago.  And I still don't like it!  I have slid and fell enough times on ice to last a lifetime; I am really not eager to repeat the past.  I slipped a little to and from the Redbox, holding tightly onto Ken's arm.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Storm is over, but ice and cold remain.  Everything is either crunchy or slippery.  The kids are fascinated with the icicles that rim the house.  Jonathan likes to crunch through the ice to the ground.  As we've had to go to the garage and back, I let him trailblaze and follow where he's opened the path for me.  He certainly bundles up, wearing the scarf I just crocheted for him in camo colors.  I wanted to wait until Christmas, but he needed it now, I guess.

All day today was drip, crack, drip.  I had one little errand to run so I HAD to go out in the car, but the roads are all free of ice, as are most of the sidewalks.  Even our front yard looked fairly ice-free late this afternoon.  But snow is expected tomorrow, so this won't last.

I am told by locals that this weather is a bit early this year.  Normally, they don't have ice and snow hit until December or January.  I hope it means more wet and water - we could sure use that!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

I awoke to a winter wonderland (for real - the kids didn't think the ice, but the snow definitely is!).  Quietly falling, the snow was already at least two inches on the ground.  Analiese is wondering...is there enough for snow angels (yes)...a snow fight (yes)...a snowman (yes).

Church has been cancelled.  I guess people here don't drive well on snow and ice (they panic like S. Californian's do with rain).  We were supposed to take an investigator to church and we notified the missionaries (they don't get Facebook, which is where I found out).  Also, I was supposed to be involved in all three meetings: Sacrament Meeting - chorister, Sunday School - teaching Analiese's class, Relief Society - playing piano.  I told the kids we would still have our own private devotional; it's still the Sabbath.

I let the kids play outside this morning, even though it was Sunday.  I hear that these snow storms are rare (and this early, too)!  They had so much fun, Jonathan building a snow fort and Analiese trying to make a snowman (snow wasn't sticking), but settling for a snowangel instead.  I took a lot of photos and a video, you'll have to look for it on Facebook.  But I'm including a couple of shots here.  They finished their snow fun with hot chocolate and spending the rest of the day cozy, watching movies and playing games.  Other than a little chill, I think they loved it!

OVERBOARD

Monday, November 11, 2013

Let me tell you about the great bench fiasco.  Great because it was a great idea to begin with; fiasco because it was enough trouble to make the Pope swear.  Here's my lovely old church bench, cut in two; I want to make it into a banquette for my kitchen.  Old, nice wood, hand craftsmanship, just lovely.  For a church bench, though, it has been surprisingly devilish.  And it wasn't even me who had to do this crazy dance with the devil, it was someone from my ward who was being nice and doing me a favor.  I have probably ruined all future opportunities for service for him.  Tongue-and-groove workmanship...glued together.  When you cut the bench in two, they all want to come apart.  The end pieces, nice and thick, so much so that no one sells wood cut like that anymore.  And the shape and curve of it were not exactly "piece of cake" work, either.  I am SO SORRY, Tim.  I'm not sure inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner is enough.  So much for trying to make friends in Altus.

Wal-Mart was almost a lonely disappointment, too.  No meeters and greeters, until in the produce when I saw my VT, who works there.  Good thing, too, because I couldn't find the fresh cranberries.  She knew!  I guess I can't say it's over till I'm in my van driving out of the parking lot.  And even then...I've seen people sit in their cars and talk to someone outside.

Thought you'd like to see a common scene driving through Altus.  These ladies were quite vociferous, too!  (This is for Dee & ME with bovine love!)

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The benches are finished!  Well, the construction is complete, I just need to do a little spackling, sanding and painting.  But it will have to wait.  Ugly or not, they need to be sit-able, and they are.  That's all that counts.  Tim isn't happy with the way they've turned out, but they're not bad.

I am one very proud, slightly emotional mommy tonight.  It's taken a lot of blood, sweat, toil & tears (literally), but my son now has his Eagle rank!  Tonight was his Board of Review, where a group of Scout leaders get together, review all of his accomplishments, focusing  A LOT on his Eagle project, and decide whether or not he's earned his rank.  I was a little nervous, since all of that stuff was done in California...but they accepted it!  They were so gracious and kind, too.  They said they couldn't get Jonathan to smile until after they said he'd earned his Eagle.  Well, that's him.  When he's nervous he gets deep-down serious solemn.  He WAS nervous.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

With the clock ticking, and me super-busy to get my house cleaned and ready for tomorrow, I lost my brain.  Literally.  Don't know where, don't know when.  But it's gone.  I had a doctor's appointment this morning (I should have scheduled it AFTER the RS shindig).  I didn't even realize I'd missed it until about noon. AWK!

I made my spectacular cranberry cake for tomorrow.  (If you want the recipe, let me know.)  I made it a few times last year during the holiday season because it was so good.  Highly recommended.  To be honest, I think it's the fresh cranberries and the almond extract that make it so superlative.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Today's the big day!  The morning was full of cleaning: Vaccuuming, dusting, picking up.  Plus, I had my cider to put together, the chairs to move to the living room, the table to set up.  I cancelled yoga in the morning so I could have the time I'd need.

I got everything done in time, so I could change and go to the other houses myself.  It was a really fun activity, going from house to house and chatting with all the ladies.  Good eats, too.  The roast was juicy and tender, the potato dish (sweet & white) was great - I want the recipe.  Then everyone came to our place.

One problem I have is that our porch light is motion activated.  It doesn't stay on unless someone walks up the stairs.  Well, I need the light to be on so people can walk up the stairs safely.  So I had to stand out on the portch, occasionally waving my arms to keep it on.  Luckily, the evening was not cold (in fact, I had taken my new coat, but never wore it) and once everyone was inside, I could stop.

I think they enjoyed it.  The cake and cider were popular, as was a chocolate dessert another sister made.  And the ladies complimented our benches.  Which became funny later, as Tim called, curious to know what they thought (he was as nervous about it as I was).  Now maybe I can rest a little.  Ha-ha

Friday, November 15, 2013

Well, it was a pretty normal day.  Laundry, lessons.  The day ended with Rabbit Club.  The kids played rabbit trivia (Analiese was on the winning team, Jonathan on the losing) while the leader spoke to the adults about getting sponsors for the February Rabbit Show.  You know, that was one reason why I was happy about homeschooling...no fundraising.  SIGH.

Also they discussed the December Christmas party.  If all the clubs do that, we'll have four to "look forward" to: Rabbits, Sewing, Legos, Shooting.  On top of all the other obligations and parties.  I guess I need to think and plan a little.

Ken took the night off from Wal-mart.  He's tired, but mainly tired of working all the time.  I can't blame him.  But it gives him extra rest and time to do other things tomorrow besides sleep.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Another early morning: up for my basket order.  But I was excited because I ordered rolls - wheat, white & cranberry-pumpkin - and I won't have to make rolls for Thanksgiving.  Anything to make it easier.  Lots of goodies, too.

Today's craziness: Lattice Cranberry Relish Pie.  I bought pie crust, that issue solved.  But the bigger, more pressing issue was the orange peel I needed.  United only had lemon, so I had to buy oranges and shred the peel myself.  Eight oranges - my hands are still cramping.  It baked nicely and (I thought) tasted great when we served it to the missionaries.

After working hard in the morning, I took a break to go to a craft show.  It was sponsored by the Altus Spouses Club, which supports the families on base.   It was fun to go look - but I'm a good window shopper and didn't buy.  Still, one booth was run by a gal in our ward, so I went and spoke with her for a bit, and I also spent some time looking at the Pampered Chef booth, because their stuff is so great.  I didn't get anything, though.  I recently purchased a new chopper (my 10 yo one died), so I didn't feel I could get anything more.  Besides, I have Christmas to think of.  I was tempted to get a cute new Christmas wreath made out of that mesh stuff that's so popular.  But I resisted - I am strong!

The elders came to dinner...about 8 o'clock tonight.  To be fair, they'd been in Lawton for Conference Sessions.  I had soup still warm on the stove for them...and the pie.  Which they loved, especially one elder.  Ken didn't like it - not sweet enough.  I think it could be better with less orange peel.  Ha!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Today was Stake Conference, and, unlike years past, the journey to the Stake Center does not take mere minutes.  In fact, it takes nearly an hour.  The Stake Center in Lawton is straight east from us (it's that easy straight-shot I've told you about).  We left at 8:30 so we'd be in time for a good seat...and so Analiese could practice with the 10-11 year-olds choir before the meeting.  

They were sweet, singing "I Am a Child of God" and "I Wonder When He Comes Again."  For the first song, the kids from our ward (all four) did sign language along with the first verse, and the chorus on all verses.  It certainly set the tone for the meeting.

I enjoyed it, though being tired, I did yawn a bit at the end (Sorry, President Petersen!).  I really enjoyed the Mission President's wife's talk, explaining how they got to be here, and the 1st Counselor of the Temple Presidency talking about the blessings of the temple.  He called the OKC temple, the "Little Jewel on the Prairie."  Even Analiese liked his talk, and she was restless!

I have to learn how to adjust for these kind of days and trips.  For one, I need to make sure we have snacks in the car.  By the time we got home, the kids were ready to eat the upholstery.  For another, I need to have more for Analiese to do.  What, I don't know.  She took markers and paper...what more could I do?

Ken didn't go because he was feeling nauseous.  There's not exactly anywhere to stop between Altus and Lawton.  Oh, yeah, there are a couple of towns but I don't know where anything is in them and it would be just our luck that he'd want to throw up with nothing around us but cotton fields and cow pastures.  But then, isn't that fertilizing, in a way?  Ugh!

WET NOVEMBER

Monday, November 4, 2013

It was Monday.  Normal stuff.  The end.

I guess you wouldn't want to read this, if that was all I wrote.  Mind, Mondays are really like that, but I'll make an effort to, well, not embellish, but elaborate.

The Wal-Mart Meet-and-Greet was on full blast today.  I ran into George again (he said he truly wasn't stalking me and I told him only if he purposely came on Monday afternoons), who wanted to know what he should get for my daughter for her birthday (from his daughter).  I couldn't help him - she's a toughie to buy for - and I still haven't fully figured out her Christmas.  I always feel like I'm gypping her in some way on her birthday a) because of Christmas following and b) because I always seem to know what to get for Jonathan and his birthdays are easy.  Later, I ran into my RS president and her 1st counselor.  They wanted to know if I needed any help for the dessert at my part of the progressive dinner next week.

Being the first Monday of the month, Ken took me to dinner.  The options for fine dining in Altus are limited.  We decided to try Val's - the outside looked promising and Ken figures that if there are a lot of cars in the parking lot, they must be pretty good.  Actually, I'm starting to think that people either are desperate and take what they can get here or they have terrible taste in cuisine.  The ambience was that cluttered, memorabilia look, dark and run-down looking.  While our waitress was fun and nice, the food came very late and wasn't that terrific.  I had excitedly ordered a monte cristo sandwich, but the dinner wasn't cooked well.  The manager did comp us half our meal and all of our drinks (a couple of sodas aren't that expensive), but still, neither Ken nor I have any great desires to return.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

To rain or not to rain, that is the question.  It smelled like it last night and this morning, the weathermen (false prophets!) kept say high chance of a strong storm.  We shall see.

After turning down an opportunity to work the concession stand at the basketball games last week, I get the desperation, guilty e-mail about this week.  So, dropping off the candy at the 4H office, I went to talk to Gary about it (it's a big money-raiser for 4H).  He really needed tonight and had no one for Saturday yet.  Well, Saturday is OUT - I am very busy that day.  So guess what I'm doing tonight.

Analiese had 4H sewing at 3:30, Jonathan had 4H shooting at 5:00, then I had to pick up Analiese (no, they weren't at the same place - sewing was at the 4H offices, shooting at the Expo Center).  I was supposed to pick up Jonathan at 7:00, bring him home and get out to the city gym by 7:30.  Jonathan walked in the door about a quarter till six.  Evidentally shooting had been cancelled - and he walked home (not too far).

But I couldn't get out of the concessions, so away I went, in the dark, to a part of town I've never been.  Yes, I found it, even without a GPS, I had an idea about where it was.  So for 2 1/2 hours, with another gal, I dispensed food (who wants to buy candy the week after Halloween?), cleaned and counted money.  And it rained outside during the games, so much so that I could hear it over the basketball games on both sides.  Thankfully it only drizzled a little when I left around 10, but the streets between it and my house (not far) are prone to flooding.  I had to be a little careful.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Happy birthday, Analiese!  I bought the kids doughnuts for breakfast (Walmart clearance - I am cheap), but still insisted (much to her disgust) that some lessons had to be done.

Which was harder than you think, considering the bunny brothel we had going on.  Somehow we ended up with all three rabbits out and Twilight was one randy buck!  He chased Fluffer around and around, so that she was LOUDLY growling at him.  He eventually gave up and went after Alice, who wasn't so vociferous, but did kick him in the face a time or two.  Not to be disuaded, this fluffy Don Juan kept coming back for more.  Eventually we had to put him away...though all those rabbits got lots of exercise chasing & being chased.

After dropping Jonathan off at the airport mid-day, Analiese & I went to have a little birthday fun.  We went to the jewelers to get her latest charm (in the shape of the state with the name on it) soldered on so it won't fall off.  Then we joined some friends at the Grapevine Cafe for lunch.  Finally!  A place in town that serves decent food.  I actually had a salad with a variety of greens - and no iceberg!  I also had a nice club sandwich, half of which I had to take home it was so big!  Then, in honor of her birthday, the waitress brought Analiese a piece of tres leches cake, which she very much enjoyed.  Our friends gave her a black wolf Webkins stuffed animal, which she was excited to add to her collection.

Following lunch, we went to get our pedicures.  I have to get one monthly because of my ingrown toenail problem, but I had promised her months back that on her birthday, she could have one.  She always chooses my colors, so she insisted with both had to have blue (her favorite), but different shades.  Hers was a light, irridescent blue while mine was a dark sparkly blue.  She loved it!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

I'm tired today, because I haven't caught up with Tuesday's sleep.  Also, last night coming home from picking up Jonathan from Scouts, two of the missionaries and one of our home teachers came to visit us.  They visited with us until nearly 9:30.  And Ken was asleep the whole time.  It takes careful planning to catch him home and awake.

To go along with my beautiful benches in my kitchen corner, I'm getting a pedestal table and two more chairs to go with it.  A brother in our ward is helping to finish the benches so they are "sit-able" by next Thursday when the RS is here (they may not be fully painted, but I can live with that).  But my table and chairs should be delivered today.

The weather report for next week says we may get a light snow come Thursday or Friday (we've been having a little frost).  I know a certain little girl here who is excited about that!

Ken took the family to see "Ender's Game" tonight.  Jonathan was dying to see it (well, I really wanted to, too).  We all enjoyed it and now Analiese is reading the book.  They did pretty well sticking to the story, considering.  But I knew Card wouldn't let it be made without it staying true.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Looooong day.  Normal morning stuff, lessons & laundry (oy - the story of my life!), but the afternoon had me and Analiese heading toward Lawton for a shopping jaunt.  She had received birthday money from grandparents and wanted/needed a new dress for church (the kid is growing - her legs are getting long!).  We tried the new TJ Maxx on the end of town, but no-go, they didn't have much in the way of girl dresses.  I agree with Analiese, the one she did try on was too big in the sleeves (size larger) and the skirt was nearly too short, and she'd outgrow it soon!

So we went to the Target in the same complex (we still love Target) and found a pretty dress, though it was sleeveless.  I found a red sparkly sweater to match that will cover the sleeve problem.  And she was happy with it, which is what counts most.  I also found a winter coat for me that will fit.  I've been eyeing pea coats - they look so tailored - so I found one in navy blue with a hood attached that also closes around the neck.  Very snug, looks nice.

After that, our marathon took us to Hobby Lobby.  Okay, I really like that store, but it can be pricey.  Even with the 50% off fall stuff, I didn't buy a wreath.  Originally $179.00 - that's still $90 for a wreath.  I think I'll make one next year.  We also looked for stuff for the kids' cousin Christmas crafts (say that 5x fast!) and some buttons for some crocheted neck warmers I made (very chic, ask me about them!)

I tried to linger, but Analiese was getting tired.  So we made our way to Sam's for gas, pizza, and shopping.  This was my big shop.  I had to first go and get incentive goodies for Ken for his work (they give him a card to spend on it, so at least I didn't have to worry about reimbursement), which filled nearly half the back of my van.  My shopping was big enough on it's own but...no turkey. :(  I really wanted to get one; I'd already priced out Wal-mart and United.  But, no, they don't get in turkeys until 2 weeks before Thanksgiving.  I was there NOW.  Irked.

This was funny, though.  This guy and his wife were walking around and saw me and Analiese with our shopping list.  He turned to his wife, "Why don't we have a list?"  To save her from embarassment, I remarked that it was only one of three lists I had for today and that was because when you have to drive for an hour to shop, you have to fit in all you can and carefully.  I told him we lived in Altus, and he contritely guessed I'd have to be more organized.  Inadvertant marriage saver! LOL

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Another busy day.  Jonathan had to be at the church by 9 a.m. to pick up canned goods for Harvest for the Hungry.  I've had to prep dinner and get things ready for tomorrow, plus Analiese has to be at church by noon for Primary Program Practice (tomorrow's the program).  They're having pizza, and I have to take some lemonade.  Then I'm going to the Garden Club at the Farmers' Bureau - do or die!  So many things and people have tried to get in the way of it, but I've been waiting months to go.  Too bad, other things, I really want to go, notebook in hand and ready to pick brains!

And the club was great! They have a potluck every time, and they had some great goodies, including garden bounty. I draw the line at jalepeno jelly, though. I am such a gringa!  But they were very welcoming, willing to answer questions and promising to email me more info. I learned quite a few things, including how to clean up the garden for winter (so bugs don't nest in trash). I even got a hug! They won't meet in December, but we have homework for January...bring in garden catalogs.

Tonight's feature entree for the missionaries was cashew chicken. I doubled it, but could have tripled it and they still would have eaten it all. We had another dinner guest, Bro. Tim Hudson of our ward - he's the one who drives Jonathan home from class - he's been helping me with my banquette benches, so I had him stay for dinner.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Busy Sunday!  Besides the normal stuff (SS class president, RS pianist), I talked with the ward chorister about music the next two months while she's out recovering from surgery.  Then I had to run around talking to people about playing music for the Sunday before Christmas.  During RS, I had to interpret for a Spanish-speaking sister.  

Oh!  And the RS presidency wanted to know if I would be on the Ward Christmas Party committee.  If I wasn't too busy.  To which we all threw back our heads and laughed!

Pray, pray, pray that my bench will be done before Thursday.  Yes, I have bitten off more than I can chew.  Ken asked how long it would be before I forgot this lesson.  I told him I hoped it would last through Christmas.

Guess what?  I have rose bushes - three of them!  One is pink, one I don't know yet, but these are the prettiest (they smell nice, too):