Ten Things I Love about Early Autumn!

Picture by Oana M.

Ten Things I Love About Early Autumn

1.  It is warm, but not hot; cool but not cold.  Perfect weather.

2.  I look up towards the mountains, searching, and finally see autumn rusts here and there.

3.  Cornstalks and Pumpkins for sale, everywhere

4.  Re-aquainting myself with my recipes for soups, stews and chilis.

5.  Leaving the windows open and airing out the house with cool breezes.

6.  Fall cleaning and decorating.

7.  Sunflowers brightening up roadsides.

8.  Corn Mazes and hayrides

9.  Fresh apple cider from local farms.

10. Bringing out the quilts and blankets, we will need them soon!

Stop and savor the season, my friends.  It is fleeting!

Elizabeth

Beef Stew for Fall Evenings

This picture does not do it justice!  I made stew last night, making up my own recipe as I went along and it was the best stew that I've ever made.  It all began with a Sunday roast which I slow cooked in my crockpot after adding a can of Mushroon soup and some pepper - that was it!  After Sunday dinner much of the roast was left over so I stored it in the fridge.  Last evening, I got it out and cut it into cubes, then I made the following recipe...

BEEF STEW

1 lb. cubed cooked beef roast
2 large carrots, sliced
4 medium potatoes, cubed
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 can of green beans
1 c. leftover sauce from crock pot roast
1 c. water
1 heaping Tablespoon of Better Than Boullion Beef Base.
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

That's it!  The secret ingredient in this whole recipe is wonderful Better Than Boullion Beef Base.

I get this at Costco (there is a chicken base, too).  It is a little pricey, but it doesn't have all the chemicals and artificial ingredients of most boullions and it tastes MUCH better.

Anyway, with busy Fall evenings ahead, how wonderful it is to sit down to a steaming bowl of stew which only took minutes to makes.  Truly, make your Sunday roast and then, chop the leftovers to use later in the week.  If you do that, then come stew night, food prep will literally take a few minutes.

And check out Better than Boullion.  It is scrumptious!
Have a great one!
Elizabeth

Utah Healing Field 9/11 Memorial

"This nation will remain the land of the free as long as it is the home of the brave."

~~ Elmer Davis

Every September 11th since 2011, my town erects a Healing Field where flags are displayed, representing every person who lost their life in the terrorist attacks.  Walking through row after row of these flags, one gains a keener perspective of just how many people died that day.

Today, marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  Yesterday,  my town held a huge memorial service to mark the day.

Thousands turned out at City Hall, across from the Healing Field, for this commemoration.

Patriotism was greatly on display.

Fire Departments and Law Enforcement personnel turned out in large numbers.

Two huge bubbles filled with hundreds of balloons were anchored to the ground just north of the flag field, to be released during the service.

Two fire trucks had backed up towards each other with ladders raised, to hold up an American Flag.  In front was the obscured commemorative statue that was to be unveiled during the ceremony.

People quietly wandered through the flag field, full of contemplation.

These T Shirts were worn by 2,000 bikers who made the trek together to the Healing Fields.

During the service, there were many wonderful talks.  Senator Matheson read a letter from President Bush, reminiscing about the day of the attacks when people rose to their finest hour.

A local policeman sang the National Anthem.

A severly injured war hero, wounded in Afghanistan, shared his feelings about our country.

Then, we all turned to see the ballons released, the same number as the souls lost that day.

The family member of a lost loved one silently watched as the balloons made their ascent into the sky.

Major General Busch, from nearby Hill Air Force Base, said a few words about bravery and sacrifice.

Then came the unveiling of the statue...

a herioc-size bronze sculpture of...

...the three fire fighters who raised the American Flag over the WTC rubble.

"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “

- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

Wit & Determination: The Story of Johnny Compton

 One of the funnest evenings we spent while in California was our visit with my late father-in-law's cousin, Johnny Compton.  He entertained us with many stories about his youth, a few of which I am going to share with you today.
                                                             *            *           *
Johnny Compton was a country boy from a small town in Tennessee.  In 1937, he hitchhiked across the country to come to Hollywood, California.  He was determined that he was going to become a famous actor.  As soon as he made it to his destination, he had to find a job, so went around asking shopkeepers if they needed extra help, all to no avail.  Then he came to one shop and saw that in the back of this place there were some terribly dirty trash cans.  He asked the shop owner if he had any openings for help and was once again turned down.  Then he mentioned the dirty trash cans in back on the store and offered to wash them.  They were disgusting.  The shop owner said,

"You would do that?"

To which Johnny replied that he would and that is how he ended up getting his first job.

The first Sunday that he had off from work, he decided he was going to meet some movie stars to try and get into the movie business.  So, he went down on Hollywood Blvd, where even then they were selling maps to stars homes.  He bought a map, looked down the list and saw Shirley Temple's name.  He told himself, "I am going to introduce myself to Shirley Temple today."

So, he took a trolley or bus down to Beverly Hills and found Shirley Temple's home.  Frustrated, he saw that the Temple's home was surrounded by a high wrought iron fence with a massive gate in front.  He was too intimiated to ring the buzzer and wasn't sure what to do.

Right about this time, a lady came out of the house next door to go over to her mailbox.  Johnny saw an opening and went over speak to this lady.  He introduced himself as Johnny Compton from Tennessee and asked about Shirley Temple.  The lady said her name was Lillian Gish, the silent movie era star.

 She went on and on about what a lovely person Shirley Temple was, which bolstered Johnny Compton's confidence about meeting her.  So after he said good-bye to Miss Gish, he went back over to the Temple's, rang the buzzer and said,

"I am Johnny Compton of Tennessee.  My friend, Miss Gish, said that I should come over and introduce myself."

At this, the big iron gate swung open and Johnny was admitted to the Temple's home, where he spent a lovely afternoon visiting with Shirley and her mother.

This is a picture of Shirley Temple taken the same year she met Johnny.   They were around the same age and enjoyed talking to each other, so she began inviting him to spend Sundays with her and her friends.  One such Sunday, another neighbor stopped by,

Joan Crawford. Of course, Johnny was quite enamored with this famous star, but that didn't stop him

from introducing himself to her and proclaiming that he was going to be a movie star.  Miss Crawford said that he was a very good looking young man and could do well in the movies.  Then she mentioned that her studio was in the process of casting a new movie for her, called Mildred Pierce.  She said he would do nicely playing her son.  It wasn't a large speaking role, but he would be on-camera a lot.  So...

The next day, Johnny got himself to Warner Brothers studios.  He buzzed the gate and said,

"I am Johnny Compton from Tennessee.  I was talking to my friend, Joan Crawford, yesterday and she suggested I audition for the role of her son in Mildred Pierce."

The gate swung open and he was admitted for a screen test.  Eventually, he was given the role of the son in Mildred Pierce and a seven year contract with Warner Brothers.

Johnny did not go on to have a big movie career.  As it turned out and as he now concedes, he wasn't that good of an actor.  But that didn't stop his resolve to make something great out of himself.

Back in those days, what is now known as the Hollywood Hills was undeveloped land for sale for $1/acre.  Thrifty Johnny had saved up his money that the studio had paid him and, along with a partner, began to buy up land in the Hollywood Hills.  That land was eventually developed into homes...Johnny now owns 40 (!) properties in the Hollywood Hills and is a wealthy landowner.

Johnny Compton from Tennesse now lives on one of his properties.  He is 88 years old and kept in touch with Shirley Temple for many years.

How do you like that, for a story of wit, determination and a fair share of pluck!

Thanks, Johnny and Angela for a wonderful evening.

Have a great one!
Elizabeth

The Hour of the Sunflower

Well, I guess I don't know if these are sunflowers or not, but they are springing up everywhere as they always do during late August/September.  Their stems can grow as much as 6 feet high (Some tall ones  are in in my vegetable plot) and one stalk can grow several of these sunny faces.  Their appearance in vacant lots, along roadsides and at the edge of the Nature Preserve reminds me that Summer is drawing to a close and that soon beautiful Fall colors will begin on the mountains.

The end to this Summer is bittersweet.  So much of our vacation days were spent in California which greatly shortened what we have come to know and love about Summer here in Utah.  But then again, we have many memories of sand and waves to look back on...Sunsets on the beach, watching my son body surf and play in the waves, exciting times in the city, poignant moments of packing away family valuables...longing to go back home.  Coming back home to a re-modeling MESS, which still has not been resolved.  But home is home, right?

Soon I will be decorating for Fall!

Have a great one!
Elizabeth

Happy Labor Day!

For those of you who are stopping here for Menu Planning Monday, you will find my menu below.

But first, a few words about Labor Day.

According to Wikipedia, Labor Day was instituted as a celebration of "the economic and social contributions of workers."  Labor is something that we all partake of throughout our lives and many of us think of it in a negative light - that which is hard or difficult.  I use to look at it that way.  Instead, I prefer to now think of it as the opportunity of working with our hands and the sacrifice of our time for the greater good.  I know that is very idealistic thinking, but labor is not a burdon, it can be for the betterment of our lives, our family, our communities and even all of mankind.  It is a blessing.

Partaking of meaningful work is a challenge, because sometimes all we are able to obtain for ourselves is a job of questionable benefit and we do it to earn a paycheck.  The goal, though, should be to find something to do that is really useful to others which can bless and help.  That makes all of our hard work fulfilling and "worth it".

Work can be through a professional vocation, a volunteer position and at home with our families.  In fact, I think that the truly difficult and most rewarding work of all is within the walls of our homes.

Whatever our circumstances, even if we have a professional job that leaves a lot to be desired, we should look for and find ways to contribute in a way where we feel our efforts have mattered to someone.  Making a real difference is what allows us to go to bed at night and to rest in peace, even as our bodies and minds are fatigued from the challenges of the day.

In fact, I think that using our God-given gifts and talents to uplift and help others is the crowning achievement of this life, in whatever way we find to do that.  This should be the goal of every single one of us.

It is my prayer that the Lord will bless our efforts and help us to be focused on the blessings of our labors and help us to always consecrate our time, efforts and energies to blessing his children and furthering His purposes.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Elizabeth

Menus for This Week:

Monday - Grilled Hot Doggies, Potato Salad, Fruit

Tuesday - Chicken Lo Mein, Steamed Broccoli

Wednesday - Salmon Cakes, Zippy Rice Pilaf and Thai Cucumber Salad

Thursday - Brown Rice and Lentil Salad, Tossed Salad, Bread & Butter

Friday - Homemade Pizza and Fruit Salad

Saturday - Tacos and Crudities

Sunday - Grilled Steak, Potato Salad, Tossed Salad & Fruit Pizza

For more Menu Planning Monday posts, Please visit I Am An Organizing Junkie!

Enjoy!

Snapshot of My Day

Coming back from California was such a relief - at least until we got inside the front door! The contractor hired by our landlord to do re-modeling work had begun a big project and then left the place in shambles. Plus, our kitties had been bad while we were away. So, our homecoming was a shock to our systems. Our house felt unliveable. It has taken quite awhile to get back on track, but I think we are there now (the contractor hasn't been back to finish the project...).

So, it was the first day of school Monday in our area. My firstborn began High School. My son began his first day with Utah Virtual Academy, an online charter school alternative to regular public school. It is an excellent program but requires many hours of work on my part. So, my Monday went something like this...

Early rising.
Stretching and weight training
Breakfast preparation for husband and daughter.
Kitchen clean up.
Get dressed.
Curry the kitties.
Clean the litterbox.
First load of laundry.
Wake the son.
Breakfast preparation.
Kitchen Clean up.
Start the son on UTVA, Welcome Assembly online
What the heck?! Computer problems, audio not working!
Troubleshoot with Tech Department, takes 1 1/2 hours!
Calm the troubled son.
Problem finally resolved.
Start the son on Orientation videos.
Put on make-up, fix hair.
Watch rest of Orientation videos myself.
Balance mentoring my son with family business phone calls.
Hang 1st load of laundry out to dry.
Begin 2nd load of laundry.
More schooling of son.
More phonecalls.
Before we know it, it is 2 p.m.
Husband comes home for short interim to conduct personal business on phone.
Prepare lunch
Eat lunch.
Clean Kitchen.
Put chicken in oven to roast.
More schooling with son.
Calm his troubled nerves about missing Assembly.
More troubleshooting with Tech/can't log attendance.
More important phone calls.
School is over for the day.
Bring in 1st load of laundry, folded.
Hang out 2nd load.
Begin 3rd.
More running up and downstairs.
Sarah comes home. Tells me all about High School.
Son's friend comes over.
Run an errand.
More important phone calls.
Sit down for first time and do nothing for 15 minutes.
Watch news while preparing supper.
Bring in 2nd load of laundry/hang 3rd.
Hand scrub kitchen floor/scour counters.
Eat supper/family scriptures
Make and pour brownies with daughter/two kinds, one gluten free
Try to convince son to take a walk for PE
Crying session/doesn't like how he looks
Finally leave for walk by myself
Talk to the Lord.
Return home for brownies with children.
Stretch.
Husband comes home.
Feed husband and discuss day.
Take quiet bath.
Pray.
Bed (10:30).
Forgot to read the scriptures on my own..

Whew! Hope I can keep up the pace today!

What does your day look like?

Make it a good one!
Elizabeth

Our Day in Hollywood

Dear Friends and Visitors,

Hello! and Whew!! We are finally more back to normal after returning from our trip to California to a contractor nightmare. It was awful. I would give you the details about that fiasco, but I am tired of talking about it. So, on to fun stuf...

Before we left for our trip, our family decided to take the motto: "Stay close to the Lord and open to the day," meaning that we would put aside our preconcieved notions about what we thought should happen on the trip and just go with the flo, believing the Lord would bring good things to us. Of course, this was to be a working trip, with us packing up much of my mother-in-law's house and preparing it for sale. But we did take some afternoons for fun.

One of the first places we took the children to visit was Hollywood Blvd, in downtown Hollywood.

This was one of my favorite stomping grounds when I was living out there as a single adult. I love history and in those days I loved the history of Hollywood during the Golden Era of the studio system. However, by the time I got there in the 80's, Hollywood Blvd had deteriorated to a kind of seedy place. I prepared the children for this before we got there. However...

There has been much revitalization done there now that the Oscars are held at the new Kodak Theater right next to the famous Grauman's Chinese. It is jam-packed with tourists, food carts, tour busses, street musicians...

and something else new to me, ordinary citizens all dressed up like famous characters from movies or famous stars (both old and new), there to have you take pictures with them...all for a nice tip of a dollar or more.

This interesting character sidled up to Robert...

Sarah also had her picture taken with this little cutie...







And this little cutie...

While we were on Hollywood Blvd, we saw a man handing out free tickets to the taping of a game show, Family Game Night. Hey, it was free, my favorite price! So, we accepted the tickets, which were for the very next day.

The next day, we arrived for the game show and I kept having this funny feeling that my Sarah was going to sing on it. I know that this makes no sense at all, because why would my Sarah sing on this game show that we had never heard of before, especially because we were to only be audience members, not contestants. However, half-way through the taping, which turned out to be loooooong and boring, the dear MC (God bless that man for having to keep the audience up and happy for 5 hours) opened up the stage, during a set change, for audience members to showcase their talents. Two cute little kids came up to sing funny songs and to dance and everyone clapped. Then, my Sarah raised her hand. She was called up to the stage and sang this song a cappella...

She brought down the entire house! I couldn't believe it.

After the show, the head of sound for the studio, gave us his phone number to call him about her. We haven't done that yet. Life got more complicated in California as we took care of our responsibilities there. But he was interested and Sarah still sings and we will see...

Love,
Elizabeth