Happy Birthday to Steve

Steve was still a little twerp when I left home and could no longer tell him to keep quiet and not disturb me.  So I've had a lifetime to get acquainted with him.  He and Ann were my prime photo models when they were little since they were compliant and did everything I asked them to do.  As a result, there are more photos of them than of any other family member. Top photo, the John Wayne era in Jackson.  Middle photo, how to survey for a new milk barn.  Bottom photo self explanatory.  When Steve was born we were hustled off to Cindy's to kill time.  I remember Dr. Coulston, that urbane, gentlemanly, kindly doctor who delivered you commenting on Mother's wonderful homemade bread.  Then our house got noisier since Ann wasn't making a lot of racket by then.  We all remain in awe of your artistic and creative skills, of which I have none.  Dad would especially be proud of your accomplishments, as are we all.  Now if you would just take up quilt making to compete with your sisters.  We all hope you have a memorable and happy birthday.  We just wish we could see you more often.  From your former kindly roommate.

TODAY IS A SPECIAL DAY!!!!!

A GOOD DAY INDEED!

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth May 28 2013

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth (Liz), my childhood pal, my beet hoeing partner, and my lifelong friend.  The memories of your handle on the pitchfork, to which you were not entitled, Mrs. Tumsey, nose-in-the-book syndrome (which got you out of an awful lot of work), the baby buggy that I stole from you to haul the white cat around in--all of these come to mind today.  Since Louise taught me how to read, I figured it would be no big deal to teach you how.  But I just wasn't the teacher Louise was.  You never could understand what "ditto, dummy, ditto" meant and so I gave up.  Somehow you made up for my lack of tutorial ability as you read your way through the Powell library.  I keep trying to insult you and make you angry just to stir things up but all you do is cheerfully reply, "I know it."  We know you have been through the depths of trials this past year and we are all so thankful for your recovery and cheerful disposition.  We all value your advice, wisdom, guidance, and lovely disposition.  You are so important to all of us as each of us continues to confront challenges.  But the most important thing is, we all stick together.  There is no animosity.  Only love.

Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day 2013.  I always remember that when we were still home, Mother cut a bouquet of lilacs and iris, if either were blooming and took them to the cemetery.  I don't ever remember going with them.  One of the difficulties for us in honoring our parents on Memorial Day is that we all live so far away and some of us aren't quite as mobile as we used to be.  So, much as we would like to go to the cemetery and have a moment of solitude and thankfulness for their lives, the best we can do is to offer these photos so we can all remember.  

We also honor all who have served and those who have lost their lives in the service of our country on this Memorial Day.  We give special thanks to those in our extended families who have served or who are now serving in the military.  We all welcome Ross back to civilian life, we thank Cliff (Kim's husband) for his various tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we pray for Aaron's (Kim and Cliff's son) safety (Afghanistan) while he is gone.  Please add others in your comments I have omitted.

And so we pause these brief moments and look to the distant clouds and the tiny sliver of Heart Mountain in the distance and we remember the good life and the good years we had in Penrose with our parents.  We forever remain grateful to them for learning how to work, how to survive, and how to persevere just by following their example.  We were, and are, truly blessed.

We remember the Wasdens: Cindy, Minnie (Mother) Grandpa Wasden, Grandma Wasden, Orvil, and Elna (who became our stepmother in Dad's last years).

To Mom and Dad, we say thank you once again for your hard work, exemplary lives, and for the love that still binds those of us who are left together.  We may not all have too long left in mortality, but not a day goes by that I don't think of home, of Dad, of Mom, of my Wasden grandparents.  We honor all of you on this Memorial Day of 2013.  

Lilac Time!

Ahh - it's that time of year - Memorial Day, Steve's birthday and my birthday.  Time for the lilacs over at Emmy's to be in full bloom, so we can go cut big bunches, and fill the two-quart bottles with water and add the fragrant bouquets.  The whole house would smell wonderful.  There was a feeling that summer was coming, and that we would have beautiful days with blue skies, fluffy clouds, and green fields.  As you can see, Preston isn't too much different than Penrose in the time that flowers bloom.  These came from our friend's yard - their bushes must be ten feet tall, and they are loaded with lilacs.  I filled vases, and before placing them around the house, put some on the patio table to take a picture or two, and where the dancing frogs who reside on the table can lift their arms in jubilation that spring is finally here and there are lilacs to bloom.

Ruminations from Riverton

We have successfully migrated, thanks to our two helpful sons.  There are few visible changes here.  The Arctic Circle is still where it used to be.  The two gas stations on the corner keep changing their prices to match the other one.  Yesterday they both had prices down to $3.17 or so, today, back up to $3.39.  Hurray for the free-enterprise system.  A new McDonald's has sprouted at the Costco turnoff, along with a buffalo wing outfit.  Who knew buffalos had wings? The guy who draws smiley faces on the receipts at the Costco checkout line was back in business.  The toilet paper (Costco no.#1 selling item) managed to be relocated on the opposite side of the store from the Kleenex.  I walked 20 miles before I got both of them.  I spent $5 bucks on a rotisserie chicken which saved 2 hours of cleaning the set-it-or-forget it piece of junk reposing in the store room.  This chicken does not lay eggs.  The new garage door opener installed a couple of years for 450 (I have to interrupt this to say that Judy just called to explain how wonderful the piece I mailed on how wonderful fabric is was, etc.) bucks does not work.  Two toilet flappers need replaced.  The garage is full of leaves.  I was out of pancake flour so could not make Velna a mother's day breakfast.  She had a piece of toaster strudel instead.

I have checked the Ambsbaugh Gardens blog every day two or three times to see if the moth myth stuff has finally been replaced.  So far there is no indication that the proprietress of this blog has any intention of diverting our attention from the moth myth.

I went to the ear nose and throat folks this morning convinced that my hearing was doomed.  Turns out my hearing aids were damaged when I wore them in the shower a few weeks ago.  Velna hopes I will shut up now.  For the moment I am in a better humor until I find the next thing to worry about.  We are happy Steve has a new dog.  I know you will all be anxious for me to bring you up to date as soon as possible.  Have a nice day.

New Family Member

Meet Oliver, He's our new rescue Airedale that's supposed to be coming to our house if all goes well in about a week or so.  Some may think that we are nuts but we look at it as therapy.

(does not lay eggs)

Fun Stuff In The Mail

About the first of the week I received a large brown envelope from Dwight.  I was somewhat apprehensive as I pondered what could be inside.  It wasn't my birthday and I hadn't asked him for any photos, but I did know their move north from St. George was either to take place soon or had already taken place, so was he just cleaning out his office and getting rid of stuff or what?

To my surprise, when I opened the envelope, therein was a magazine titled Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series.  Beneath that title is the subtitle(I guess that is what you call it) "Guide to Growing Your Own Food" with 5 Keys to a Weed-Free Garden as a featured article.  I was so excited because this just seemed like such a thoughtful thing to do.  I carefully read the different articles and did learn some new stuff to add to the old stuff I had forgotten about.

Now, here comes the kicker.  I don't mean to attribute anything untowards (that is a Downton Abbey word, I am sure) to Mother Earth News, but I think they have a centerfold photo in this magazine.  When I hit page 54-55 there it was.  The title of that article is "Backyard Chickens For The Best Eggs Ever".   The photo is of a very contented looking mother hen with baby chicks running around her.  (I would have copied it and posted it here, but was concerned about copyright issues and I didn't want to wait to receive a written ok to use their photo.)  In my mind it suddenly became more obvious why Dwight sent this very informative magazine to me.  The first sentence in this article written by Cheryl Long states:  "The minute you crack open a homegrown egg from a hen that's been able to eat grass, seeds and bugs,you'll never settle for pale, tasteless factory-farm eggs again."  She is so right.

So, I am now thinking, in spite of Dwight's class in college about the economics of raising a few healthy, happy chickens, there is a longing on his part to come down and sit on the back porch and listen to "chicken talk" and enjoy the world of real eggs.  We must get together sometime soon!

Wedding Day

While I am waiting for the photos that were taken of the Tanner group at Kelsey's wedding, I thought I would share a few from the day.  It was a beautiful day in Manti.  After the ceremony, one of the temple workers gave us a brief tour of the incredible stairway.  All I could think of was the story of Grandma Wasden polishing the railing a gazillion years ago.

                                                      Wedding Day, April 26, 2013
Kelsey is our first grandchild to get married.  We are thankful for her example to the 21 others who are to come along a similar path, in their own time.  Kelsey has been the pied piper of all of our grandchildren.

Trying to get this "herd of kids" to cooperate wasn't going to be easy.  This is as good as it got!  I think there are about 10 grandchildren standing on the curb.

This is a little better controlled group.  From left to right, Brooks and Savannah (Kristen), Shea and Shane (Greg), Jack and Jonah (Nathan).

This is taken just outside the front door to the Temple. I think Kelsey and Braden were really happy to finally get to this point.

This is taken on the west side of the Temple.  Happy Day!

This is taken in front of the really tall west doors of the Manti Temple.  Seriously?  How many photos are you guys going to take?

Nathan drove down to Manti for the wedding and then Bridget brought Gwen to Orem for the evening craziness.  The smiles on their faces are great indicators as to how things are going these days.

When other photos become available I will share.

Judy's Day

Judy's day has almost come and gone.  All of a sudden there was this memory jolt that said there was one more thing I wanted to do today, so here it is.

The photos below are typical of photos taken of Judy, Steve and me during those early days in Penrose.  If you will note, Judy is holding on to Steve's hand and my hand in the first photo, or sitting in the middle of us, probably to "help" us sit still for the photo.  That tells the story of Judy's role in our lives.

 Thankfully she held on tight and tried to help us be good. I am thankful for Judy and on her special day I just want to tell her how much I love her.  Happy Birthday, sister dear.

Pansies and Purple Iris and Deep Thoughts for April 20 2013

After I did some spring redecorating of our blog, I just sat and looked at the incredible beauty of the multi-colored pansies and the purple iris for a long time.  When I remember Penrose, I tend to think mainly of Penrose in the summer--the smells and sounds of the river, the smells of the green fields and the miracle of the irrigation water that made the crops and gardens grow.  We were gone to the protective custody of the schools all winter, away from the daily activities of home, and arriving home just before dark from the long bus ride twelve miles from town, a ride lengthened into more like 20 miles or more by the time we went up and down all the side roads to take everyone safely home.  Then when summer came we were turned loose in our little protected corner of the world to roam the fields, hoe the beets, go get the cows, stack the hay, watch mother grow incredibly beautiful dahlias and gladiolus, eat fresh corn and peas and beans all summer long, go to sleep to the sounds of orchestras of legions of crickets and frogs.   But I often remember the iris growing along the path to the barn.  I always called them the orchids of the desert--proud and regal and not a bit humble in their beauty.  The iris always were supposed to bloom by Memorial Day to provide some remembrances at the Penrose cemetery, along with a few sprays of purple lilacs.

We have all been through a few challenges this winter.  Ann had to get patched up and put back together again, Liz had to get her twitterpations under control, Judy had to watch 300 hours of BBC videos and get her 200 acre garden ready for spring, Steve was working on his Saigon photo show which we all wish we could see but Buffalo is a long way off, Louise has been doing quilting marathons. We have all been trying to remember how to walk, how to stay optimistic in the face of somewhat terrifying challenges, how to keep the Bosch mixer from dancing to the floor, how to cope with and keep in touch with all of our far flung families and offspring, how to keep our hearing aids from blasting our heads off in the noise, checking our pacemakers, listening to the some times terrifying news and trying to cope with the evils of the world, and waking up each day to new challenges and opportunities.  "Weeping endureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Proverbs 30).

The greatest blessing of all is that we six Blood children are all still here.  We know that as our lives lengthen and the days shorten, this blessing will not always be realized.  Despite our myriad fraying at the edges and dimming of eyes and loss of petals here and there, we are still here.  And I am thankful every day for this fact and for the conversations we have and the thoughts that we share and the nonsense that we use to gloss over the weariness and aches and pains of father time.  We may not talk to everyone all the time, but we are each in the others thoughts and prayers constantly.  Let each of us cherish the time that we have left to share our lives and love with each other.

Graduation

I suppose there should be a photo to go with this, but - oh, well.

Today is a monumental day.  No more wheelchair, no more knee scooter, no more crutches, just a walker to rescue me and to help build up the strength in my left leg.  Today I fixed lunch, and have dinner in the slow cooker.  Paul isn't quite sure how to handle the situation, but I suspect he will quickly, and thankfully, readjust to the world of just being a professor, chicken handler, egg gatherer, garden preparer, lawn mower and major bill payer.  I am so thankful for him.

I just want to tell all of you thank you for keeping such good tabs on me.  Most days have included a phone call from someone wanting to know how I "really am".  There has been lots of laughter, wonderful sharing of Pickles and gramma elbows, discussions about genealogy, and weather forecasts between here, New York, Olympia and Preston, just to name a few topics that have been covered.  I suspect Dwight is anxiously waiting for me to go to Costco and let him know what he can't do without.  However, I probably won't bother him because he doesn't seem to be responding real well these days. There have been phone calls from each one of you that have meant so much to me.  Then there was a bouquet of beautiful flowers that came from the "Blood Family", for which I am so appreciative.  They have long since departed, but they were beautiful and did lift my spirits on a somewhat gray day.  Please forgive me for not posting a photo - just know they were perfect.

 I hope Steve and Mary Lynn's Vietnam photos have been well received this weekend, that Dwight and Velna will soon come north, that Louise can keep up her cheerful spirits, that Elizabeth can continue going through her stuff and finding treasures she didn't even know she had and that Judy can get our genealogy all straightened out.

Conference has been wonderful - I want to be a better me.  May your Sabbath be a wonderful one.
Love to all,
Ann

What Was Easter Without Easter Eggs?

It seems as if we  dyed Easter eggs every year that I can remember.  Fortunately, on the farm, eggs were usually to be had in abundance.  Mother would hard boil the eggs in her big aluminum kettle, and we would drop the little colored pills into a variety of cups, along with a little vinegar and water, count out the eggs, and then the fun would begin.  I suppose we were not always in harmony in our activities, but I just remember the fun of  it all.  There were little transfers that you could put on the egg before coloring it, or use the little holder that came with the kit for dyeing eggs to dip one end in one color and the other end with another color.  Then, when the eggs were all completed, we would have Easter egg hunts, where one person would hide the eggs, and the rest would hunt for them.  We never needed a prize for the most eggs - it was just the fun of the whole thing.  The picture of Judy and Ann, intently at work, is one of the few Easter-egg dyeing pictures that I have.   You can see the old kettle at the edge of the picture.  But the important thing is that Ann is patiently waiting her turn as Judy contemplates how to do the egg.  Where was Steve?  I do look at the old kitchen table, which had such a hard life.  Mother was confronted with the question of the best finish to resist the depredations of eight people sitting down together to each meal. One time, she glued down vinyl place mats, and then varnished the whole thing so that we could wash the table easily.

Where is Everybody?

The blossoms in the big photo above are truly springlike and lovely - gives the rest of us who may be in a climate that is slower to have anything budding out,  hope that spring will come.  I'm missing the give and take or the little postings with news - are you all on vacation?  (I must have been, too)  However, I'll give you a tidbit of information.  We get many e-mails (I know you do, too), about the unusual use of common things. Ron called my attention to one that said that a gatorade helps cure headaches.  I've been having lots of the blasted things, and am restricted as to what pain meds I can take - an ibiprofin (sp?) once a week doesn't cut it.  I tried the gatorade cure, and nine times out of ten, it works.  Must mean there's something missing in my diet, but I'll take any solution that's out there.  Now, it's your turn!  ;-)

Stop the World From Spinning

This sheet of paper has become very important to me.  Judy tried to explain these exercises to me over the phone, but due to diminished brain capacity, I couldn't quite picture them.  She kindly sent this to me, and it has been a lifesaver.  We have enough problems as we live longer, so we don't need to complicate them with extra spins in our world.  Thank  you, Judy!  Your art work is efficient, and I do love the constant smile on the face of the vertigo sufferer - Keep smiling!

Miracle Baby

Because you have called and asked about an update, I can't resist posting this photo taken today.  I suspect this was a moment of great joy for everyone concerned.  Today is a good day!

The Rest of March 1941 Letters

I know that we have posted these previously, but now you have everything close together.

Praying For Our Miracle

The hands belong to Nathan.  The little tiny body belongs to Gwen Alaina Tanner who decided she needed to come into this world two months early.  She weighs 3# 3oz. and is 17 inches long.

Needless to say it has been a very exhausting day for Nathan's little family.  He woke up this morning, caught a quick flight from Salt Lake City to Oakland but just as he was getting on the plane he received the news that this little tiny baby was born, was driven to Petaluma, got the car at their house, drove to the hospital where Bridget had really been struggling all day, and spent the rest of the day feeling very overwhelmed, but grateful for the day they have had.  Bridget seems to be doing better tonight but will stay in the hospital for the next two to three days.

The Drs. are cautiously optimistic.  Gwen was on a ventilator for the first hour and although she can breath on her own they are taking measures to protect her lungs.

I just wanted to share our miracle of the day and ask for your prayers that in the days ahead she will be able to gain the strength she needs.

Elizabeth's Letter to Mother 1941

 There is so much to be read between the lines here.  Who wants to start?

Dwight's Letter to Mother -- 1941

 

Dwight (and everyone else) wrote letters to cheer Mother while she was in the hospital at Billings.  It was perhaps due to a possible miscarriage.  The story, and illustration, of Dwight's shiner, I'm sure brightened her day.

Rescan of Elizabeth and Louise's Letters- 1943

Elizabeth has previously posted both of these letters, but she asked if I would do a rescan of them to see if we could get a more readable copy.  I am happy to say........mission accomplished!

Another letter from 1943

Dad gave this letter to me when Ron and I lived on Tumwater hill.  I wish I could find the original - it's here in my papers somewhere.  However, I made a very bad copy of it, and with enlarging the letter, it is readable.  As you can tell, my second grade excursion with cursive writing wasn't as successful as it might.  The writing just wouldn't slant in the right direction.  Please remember that there are four years between neat Louise, and myself.  Dad was tickled at the salutation - a little cheeky?  And now we know what we had to do between going to school.  Dumping the ashes was my eternal chore for years. I hated the hot, dry ashy smell as they were added to the ash pile.  Louise, did I help you that much?

Louise's letter from the past

You must click on this letter to enlarge it.  I apologize for the dark parts - when I copied this about 20 years ago, my printer wasn't very good.  Ann may have put this on the CD she gave us last year, but I confess that I haven't checked it for all letters on it.  Dad was gone to Edmonton, Canada with his carpenter's tools to work in a plant to aid in the war effort.  His stay was short-lived - he contracted pneumonia, and came home to recuperate.  We wrote letters - I can only find one page of Dwight's, where he talks about trading off his comic books - hope he has the rest of it.

CHICKEN POWER

In light of Ann's misfortune I think there are questions that need to be asked.

1: Why would she venture out to the barnyard, although small, without spiked shoes.

2: Blue tarps are a hazard to walk on under any circumstance, why was there a blue tarp there?

3:  Do the chickens have any sympathy at all for her?

4:  Were the chickens involved in the plot?

5:  Were they seeking free Carnival cruise tickets knowing that nothing was being cooked?

6:  Was Rod Sterling involved?

Here are some haunting words, "you should eat them."

Not to diminish the trials and tribulations that Liz and Ron have gone through this week for which we are thrilled that they are making a recovery, but we know that our sister Ann when asked, will answer with a smile, "I'm fine."

Welcome Home Liz, Ron, Ann, and All Others Who are Ailing

We have had a rash of ailments lately.  Maybe a purple lilac is just the ticket after the latest tragedy on Downton Abbey.  We wish you all a speedy recovery.

In Your Dreams

Remember when Ron and Elizabeth left the snow shoveling and spent the winters in Arizona?  This is such a good picture of our sister basking in the sunshine.  Note the sunglasses hiding by her hat.  Ahh.........

Ann and Paul Tanner

This is my all time favorite photo of Ann and Paul.  I think this is how they will look in the resurrection.....to perfection with their winning smiles.

Penrose Snowy Winter 1968

 

I just found these photos dated 1968.  Perhaps they are appropriate to post now while many family members have struggled with unusal amounts of snow this winter. Without the aid of snow blowers, Dad cleared the  road  south of the house so the milk truck could reach the milk barn. What a great view across the field to Grandma's house.  How many times did you follow the path there to ginger snaps, apples,  funny papers and Grandma's fun stories? 

The view toward the west, the haystack and the corrals.  The sun shining after the storm!

In front of the shop extension window was the most popular place for icicles to grow.  I think Ann, Steve and I ate plenty of these.  I don't remember the fancy door to the cellar showing on the right of the picture.