Helping Global Warming

Global warming is such an issue these days that I decided to make my own contribution and cut down the cherry tree.

Ok, it wasn't a cherry tree, but we did cut down the front-yard locust tree. It was there when we bought the house 18 years ago, and it's been interesting to watch in grow over the years.

In truth, I didn't want to take it down, but it had been planted too close to the street and its roots were lifting the sidewalk and running fingers above the grass. And for a neurotic gardener that means the kiss of death.

It was my first time with a chain saw, but we handled it. Although there was one incident . . . But I'm not worried because I have a birthday coming up and what better time to ask for a new pair of Levis . . . the leg was fine.

So with Bert's help, WE CUT `ER DOWN. "Another one bites the dust." That boy sure knows how to run a saw, except that when he took over the thing only had two speeds, full throttle or idling.

Reminds you of the deforestation in the Amazon; well maybe not, but the tree did give some good, much-appreciated, open shade in the summer while washing the cars.

With the clock ticking on the chainsaw rental and the project not completed, I called upon the Browns for some help trimming branches away. Being the gracious and loving neighbors they are, down came Aaron and Mike and provided some much appreciated help. Thanks Guys!

Later, the short kids came out to see what dad was doing. Nothing like a stick in the hands of a young boy.

Suddenly, grandma had tricki-bars in the front yard. There hasn't been so much fun with grandma since Twister last month.

In its place I intend to plant the same thing . . . only a miniature version locust that will not grow as high, and a little farther way from the sidewalk. In a few years who will know.

For now, there's a tall stump awaiting to be extradited. But discussions are already being made with Bruce. The decision is whether to "rip it out" with his tractor or cut it off and grind out the roots. Which is better for the neurotic gardener?

Smileys

Today I gave the lesson in priesthood at church. In addition to preparing for the lesson, the question was; what about a "take away" for the class members. It's best if you can give something that will help the student remember the lesson. The lesson was on adversity, and living with what life gives you, lemons or cookies, so to speak.

I hit upon an idea about two weeks. While reading the newspaper, there on the front page was a small "smiley face" from the late 60's or early 70's. Who designed it? Was it Andy Worhal? I can't remember, but it's a rather famous icon. Several email sites have these smileys available to insert in your text.

Cookies are Sparky's thing in the household and I try not to tread on her territory. So I asked her to do them, which she obliged. (So don't give me credit for them.) She did a great job, especially since she used my mothers recipe for sugar cookies. How do they look?

I think they turned out great. Thanks Sparky!

We designed them so that they could be both smileys and frowns. The point of the lesson was to take the lemons (adversity) and make lemonade (opportunities) out them. At the end of the lesson I sang the "if you chance to meet a frown" song.

The guys seamed to enjoy they cookies at the end with several stating that it was the first time they had been given treats in class. (The sisters in the ward are always doing this type of thing, but not guys.)

The lesson went well over all. It can be very intimidating with some of the class members as scholarly and versed as they are. But it's done and over with, and hopefully my "opportunity" won't arise for a long while.

"Only 5 Burners?"

"I need another burner," said Wart, a few years ago. She was cooking breakfast for my extended family. (I had a couple brothers and a wife in from out of town and we had everyone over for breakfast. As usual when I turn the cooking over to her she makes as much of an elaborate meal as she can, with the ingredients we have on hand. And presentation is always the name of the game.)

I said, "Geez, I'm glad we have 5 burners on this new gas stove. What would you do with the old electric stove with its 4 burners." She gave me a dirty look and continued stirring the eggs.

So tonight, Sparky and I had breakfast for dinner: omelets with fresh asparagus and hollandaise sauce, and hashbrowns. I had just enough burners, but I didn't cook the bacon I was originally planning, which would have put me over the top. Sure, I could have planned better, but I really enjoy my gas stove and its 5 burners. The control of gas can't be beat. I must admit also, that the simmer burner was used to heat up the dinner plates, but heating the dinner plates on the simmer burner helps keep the food warm as it's served.

For Sparky it was the best dinner in a long time; she always enjoys eggs. I think she should have been born on a farm other than the chores that would have been associated with it. Good `ol home cooking, and/or what do they call it, `slow cooking?'

Pears & Cheese

While growing up my mother would make the best Thanksgiving meal. We had turkey and all the trimmings. Her "feather" rolls became famous, and it was only later in life that I learned the secret to her cooking was all the butter she would use in many of her recipes. Butter seemed to make everything taste better.

But one thing that always seemed odd to me was her appetizer of placing a lettuce leaf on a plate and then a half home-canned pear, topped with whipping cream and then grated cheddar cheese. This always seemed odd to me, but what a wonderful combination it was.

Well, a fews years ago my brother Jan sent us a Harry & David Christmas gift of pears and cheese. Boy was it good to cut up a piece of pear and pop it in your mouth with a piece of cheese. It brought back memories of mom's cooking and the "crazy" appetizer she would serve.

Well lately Sparky and I have been having this same combination of fresh pear and cheddar cheese for desert. If you haven't tried it I would suggest you expand your horizon. Bosc pears are probably the best, but any variety will do. I have also recently learned that to properly ripen a pear is to place it in a small brown paper bag for a couple days. When the stem end flesh gives way under gentle pressure it is ripe.

This little desert is great and the calories are better for you than ice cream or cookies. Enjoy!

Short People

The short people came over last night while their mom and dad went to a family party in Wallsburg. What an active night!

The kids played outside while Sparky and I ate dinner, coming in only to tell a new story once during each course.

While Sparky did the dishes and started brownies, the kids and I walked over to the park. They rolled down the hill (even though they were in the pajamas; shhhhhhh!) and then we made for the swings and did a few jumps. I prayed for no broken bones and no grass stains.

Next they played on the playground equipment. With the brownies under control, Sparky joined us and helped play blind-man tag game, until Kate ran into a bar and her attitude towards life changed. Two minutes later she was back with a smile.

As the temperature dropped we walked back home in the crisp air and started sorting quarters for "Lou's" and Sparky's collections. Tyler and I started a video while dozens of quarters were sorted. In the mean time, Kate brought up Who's Who from the basement and wanted to play anyone and everyone. She and I played more times than I can count.

With warm brownies and vanilla bean ice cream consumed, and Jason And The Argonaut's safely back home (we did a little fast forwarding), we were on to Twister.



There were lots of giggles and twisting, especially as Kate started letting a few "toots" during the contusions.


I was surprised how well Sparky did twisting against the shorter people. She held her own!

Sometimes all I could see was elbows and *&#)@ . . .

What a fun night, with lots of activities and treats. Hopefully those short people will be back for another round. Hopefully Sparky will be up to the contortions!