A family tree is an imaginary tree on which very special people you love, like or sometimes even just tolerate exists. Sometimes the tree has only those people who are your direct ancestors, like Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles, and Cousins. My family tree has much more. It is my belief that a Divine Power that I call “The Great Horticulturist” helps form our family trees. So many of the branches on my tree are “grafted”. They are not from the original tree, but have a beauty of their own because they are chosen. All my branches are precious and all my branches make my tree beautiful. I like to think that the leaves are all the good memories and times that my family produces. Each fall, these leaves turn bright colors and fall to the ground. All winter they lay on the ground and keep my tree warm and alive. Each spring, new green buds appear and they are the promises of love and splendor that my family brings.

My tree stands in a forest. It is surrounded by other family trees. These are the trees of my friends. Without their love and support, their wisdom and joy, I would be very lonely for they support and care for me in so many wonderful ways.

That is why this Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for all of you that are a part of my Family Tree and part of my forest. May the sun nourish you, the winds bless you, and may we continue to grow in God’s love..

Have I never told you how to shop for a church? First off, choose a church and go to one of their potlucks. It has been my experience that here in Ridgecrest, the Methodists have the best potlucks. The Baptists are not far behind, but philosophically so right of my beliefs, that good food or not, they are out of the running.

Like all churches, the Methodists have very conservative folks and some very liberal ones. I think it often depends on the minister as to how good a church truly is. Pastor Ed is very open, very forward thinking, and has gone way out on a limb for PFLAG. (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). He compassionately offered us a meeting place and often drops in for conversation and cookies. Actually because of this kindness on his part, some “good” members left and joined other churches. As to the Methodists, I find they sing great songs and have rather short sermons. (I am my father’s daughter. He used to choose the Mass that got out the earliest.)

Anyway last Sunday, I went to my church of choice after a very long hiatus. During services, an invitation to a luncheon in the fellowship hall immediately after church, was extended to all. It was a wonderful sit down Lasagna dinner complete with salad and a dessert to die for. I sat at the same table as Pastor Ed. Actually, I sat right across from him and enjoyed making small talk. Which brings me to my other theory on going to church. Don’t go too often. Then, everyone is really glad to see you come back. Kind of the prodigal Son routine.

Well, if God doesn’t strike me silly for sending this advice out over the internet, please take it as it is given…..tongue in cheek. And remember, I am looking forward to seeing you at the next potluck.

View more...

This morning I was thinking about kitchens and the role they play in our lives. My first memories of a kitchen is lying under the table listening to adult conversations while playing with the dog. I also remember from about that same time, sitting in my youth chair which my father had made from the old high chair, and sneaking food off my plate to feed the ever present dog. How grateful I must have been for a dog that would eat broccoli and cauliflower and all those other “good for you” foods.

I don’t really remember the actual kitchen of my school years. The house was a duplex and the kitchen was in the back of the house. It connected to the back porch and the scary, dark, and old stairs to the basement and the even scarier well tread stairs to the upstairs duplex, a place I was not allowed to go. This was where Mrs. H. a widow and her grown son lived. They were pretty much recluses and we never shared that friendly neighbor feeling that is so prevalent in the Midwest. What I do remember about that kitchen is waking up to the smell of bacon frying and the voices of my parents and brother.

Those were the large kitchens of my memory. The ones from then on until I landed in Woodland Hills were tiny. Our home in Woodland hills had a cozy kitchen that opened onto a big family room. That was my favorite. It was sunny and filled with the noises of young boys and small puppies. If I could go back, it would be to that time and that kitchen.

I remember kitchen times when the boys were teenagers and the kitchen always seemed filled with hungry people all going their own ways. Everyone cooked in that kitchen and it seemed like a whirl of food, dishes, and orderly chaos.

Now, I have a small kitchen, compact and well-designed and for the most part I am content with it. Now that I am retired, cooking is more fun and I enjoy pouring over cook books and surprising Bob with new culinary adventures. Just every once in awhile, I yearn for a big kitchen with children and dogs underfoot.

This has warmed my heart and tickled my funny bone. How lucky I am to have this completely wacky daughter-in-law. Thanks Kym. You made both Bob and my day complete. I moved this up from Blogs, Blues etc. because it is so priceless and I want the world to see it.

Check out her other comments in Blogs, Blues etc. What a gal!

Ode to Mother Maria

Sung to the Tune of Camp Granada
Holiday Season 2004

Mother Maria – She was a teach-a
Father Bob – Ex-Commander & so tall
I’m so thankful – they’re together
Keeps my Mother-in-law out of my ha-ir.

Mother Maria – Father Bob
They go places - & Hob-nob
They love to travel – What a pair!
Keeps my Mother-in-law out of my ha-ir.

Mother Maria – Father Bob
Pictures-Pictures – They love to share
I’m so thankful – they’re together
Keeps my Mother-in-law out of my ha-ir.

Mother Maria – Father Bob
They’re into cool stuff – Like Web Blogs
Family photos – are posted there
Keeps my Mother-in-law out of my ha-ir.

Mother Maria – Father Bob
Tweety-Joe – Annie-Samie
I love their animals – Oh really, why?
Keeps my Mother-in-law out of my ha-ir!

Mother Maria – Father Bob
Kym can’t sing – So she posts on the Web Blog
What is it really? – Doesn’t matter!
It really keeps my Mother-in-law out of my ha-ir!

View more...

Good Morning,

A very rushed and busy time, but I wanted to share Bob’s birthday morning with you. We woke up early and headed for the kitchen. I fixed a special breakfast of French toast (a new adventure for me which will not surprise those who know my lack of cooking experience.)

Bob got new luggage for his birthday and in the photo he is holding up one of the four tigger key chains that he received. There is one from each of our pets. They are to go on his luggage for quick identification. I have Winnie the Pooh ones on mine and can spot my luggage on the circling carousels right away.

Now we are off to Pahrump to celebrate our third wedding anniversary with Terry and Laura. We will be staying at the Lakeside RV Park and Casino. I plan to spend sometime on the computer working on the blog albums.