Up In The Attic ...

We started off the new year involved in a much needed project. After settling in our home for nearly 17 years it was time to go through the “treasures” we have stored in the attic. The boxes are falling apart and it’s time to decide what to keep and what to part with.
Today I’m going through a box containing things we brought home from my dad’s “estate” after he passed away in 1988. He died at age 54 of a massive heart attack at work … there were no opportunities for a “last visit” or “goodbyes.”
It looks as if the box includes things from his parents so it was filled with many yellowed books, old newspapers and car magazines, a stack of old 78’s and an old box camera – the only possessions I have that remind me of my dad and grandparents.
I started by going through the old 78’s. I tend to think most of them may have belonged to his parents … music I don’t remember my dad listening to when I was young … artists I’ve near heard of. Some include a few familiar names … Gene Autry, Mitch Miller, Fat’s Domino, Dorothy Lamour. A few have his name written on them … some are priced at 29 cents … most are worn and scratched showing their age. We no longer have a turntable to play them but for some reason it’s hard to part with them.
It’s fun to go through some of the old “Hop Up,” Your Car,” and “Hop Up and Motor Life” magazines from 1953. One magazine featured a column titled, New Products and featured the new Saf-Tee Belt. Barbara Hale from Perry Mason is modeling the latest in automotive safety. One incentive to invest in this product …. “even the strongest man can’t brace himself well enough to escape sometimes fatal injury.” Today’s generation would find it hard to imagine any car without this safety feature!
There were several old hymnbooks from the 1930’s. As I flipped through the yellowed pages I recognized some of the old hymns … Love Lifted Me … When the Roll is Called Up Yonder … Near the Cross … Since Jesus Came Into My Heart … In My Heart There Rings a Melody … songs we haven’t heard in quite awhile … songs my kids have never heard or don’t remember. One thing that came to mind as I scanned through the books – many songs are about Heaven and going “Home.” It made we wonder if that generation thought about it more then than we do today.
One thing that brought back special memories from my childhood – a red bowtie from the Oregon Centennial in 1959. Our family attended this event on the grounds that are now the Portland Expo Center. I remember meeting someone famous there … the star of the TV program, Romper Room. (see picture above) It first aired in Portland on KGW (8) on May 26, 1958, with Miss Patty as teacher. It ran for an hour and featured six children in the classroom. Miss Dorothy starred in the show in the fall of’59. I’m not sure which of these women I met but it left an impression on me. I remember at the end of each show she would look through a magic mirror and say she could see Johnny, Suzie, Linda etc. You would wait in anticipation to see if she would mention your name thinking she could actually see you! Television was quite a magical thing to a preschooler in the 50’s.
There are very few things stored in this box and I doubt that it contains anything of monetary value but I do know it’s a connection to past generations of those I loved and looked up to.
I will continue to share “attic stories” …. each box holds some treasure or memory!

Mmmmmmm ....

I found a new treat at Trader Joes .... Fruit Floes. Only 80 calories and 1 point if your doing Weight Watchers. What a delicious, healthy treat! If you head over to Trader Joes, make sure you leave a box for me. I need to stock up!

Remembering Bob

Christmas Eve 1978 -- a birthday party for Jesus with dear friends










In Memory of Our Friend, Bob
April 23, 1947 - January 9, 2006
Yesterday we attended the memorial service for our friend Bob who after a 7-month battle with lung cancer had his "homecoming" Monday morning. The service brought back so many memories ... some that were tucked in the corners of my heart and mind.
I remember the first time I met Bob. It was a Sunday Evening service at Englewood. He was there with 3 Emanuel Nursing School students .... one would later become his wife. Dorral introduced us after the service and we easily became acquainted -- we were all college age kids back then -- with free time to meet for coffee etc. at a local restaurant and just hang out. In 1974 the weddings started ... we got married in June; they married in November. Not long after that we became neighbors and lived nearby for 12 years. Pregnancies and babies followed. We shared each others sorrows and joys. No matter how many changes took place over the last 17 years .... moving, new churches, etc. .... the bond remained.
Yesterday our Englewood group filled 4 pews at his service. This is the second time in a year that we have met to say "goodbye" to one of our dear friends. I remember Dorral saying that in all the churches where he ministered over the years, none compare to the bond and community at Englewood. All of us are now scattered all over the Portland/Vancouver area and attend other churches but whenever we get together we are instantly transported back to that deep level of love and friendship. I am so thankful for how they have journeyed with me over the years.
I think at a memorial service you learn something about the person that you hadn't realized before. I didn't know Bob had lived in a houseboat on the Willamette as a child or that he spent a lot of time in New Orleans visiting family as a young boy. But I also think we learn a lot about ourselves at these services. There was an "open mike" to share memories of Bob during the service and we found it impossible to go up front even though we had so much to share. I realized then that in life you can't wait for an "open mike" opportunity to let someone know how they have impacted your life ... work at doing it now.
When we left the service and said our "goodbyes" there were more hugs, more "I love you-s", and tears this time.
Thank you, Bob for reminding us to "live like there's no tomorrow."
If you stop by and knew Bob, feel free to post a memory .....

Starting Off 2006 -- Sick : (

Not how I planned starting off my new year …. sick in bed for 3 days … and with my least favorite kind of illness : ( It isn’t exactly how I like to take off those holiday pounds! Yet during it all …. I felt blessed. My family checked in on me, my Ladies Bible study group was praying for me, Walt did a great job of keeping me and the house in order …
AND I had a crockpot of Kim’s turkey soup. The medical field should put a patent on this as a cure for colds/flu. I make soup but it tastes nothing like this! I feel so much better. Thank you, Kim for your kindness and thoughtfulness. I feel like a different person this evening : )
My other cure was spending a few hours with Colin (and Brian & Michelle too) this evening. How could anyone not feel better with such a cute little guy! What good medicine!

Season 4

"I'm federal agent Jack Bauer, and today is the longest day of my life." If you've watched any of the the "24" series, you know what this means ...........
We are more than half way through "24" Season 4 and have not been disappointed yet ... thrills, spills and cliff hangers. We have been "addicted" since starting this series after Christmas. We're trying to get caught up before season 5 starts in a few weeks. So if you try to call us, we may not even hear the phone ring!

New Year ... New Thoughts ... New Goals

The new year gives an opportunity to set new goals, new attitudes. Something we want to work together on is: eating healthier . I think we would be great at holding each other accountable. We found this book after Christmas. It includes weekly support, eating suggestions and recipes. I especially like the idea of recording each day -- what I ate, what I wish I hadn't, what I did for exercise. I think it's a common sense year long approach to healthier living.
Check in with us off and on to see how we're doing ... we could use the encouragement : )

About the Author
Chef Kathleen Daelemans is the host of Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen, a nationally broadcast weekly show on the Food Network. She is a regular contributor to The Today Show. Her weekly newspaper column, "Ask Chef Kathleen," is syndicated across the Gannett Wire Service.

Book Description
Like a combination personal trainer and nutrition coach, this engaging, dateless weekly planner is designed to help create a new eating and exercise plan that can be embraced for life. For each week, Kathleen offers quick meal ideas and streamlined recipes, nutrition facts, and motivational quotes. There"s space for a diet and exercise log and plenty of room to record goals, setbacks, solutions, and triumphs.

Other books by the author
Getting Thin and Loving Food : 200 Easy Recipes to Take You Where You Want to Be
Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen: 200 Easy Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss

Winter Wonderland

As I was driving to work one Friday morning I tuned my radio to 106.9, an all-Christmas radio station. It was still dark outside, the sky was clear, stars sparkling and it was so cold you could see your breath. While waiting for the traffic light to change the song "Winter Wonderland" came on and as I heard the lyrics, "Sleigh bells ring are you listening" ... in my mind I was right back on stage at Kennedy Grade School for the Christmas program ... probably in the 4th grade.
If you attended this school you are probably familiar with the math teacher who walked with a yardstick as a symbol of authority and threw chalk and erasers at students in his class. Most of us were terrified around him. He told us before the program started that ANYONE caught goofing off during the performance would be immediately removed from the stage.
Now ... if you attended Kennedy school or grew up in the neighborhood ... you'll recognize who I'm talking about in my flashback to the past. From kindergarten on this guy (I will not mention names!) was always in trouble and everyone was afraid of him as he got older. Several years ago we attended a church in a small community. One of my fellow grade school classmates was the pastor of one of the churches in town. His sermon was on David & Goliath and in his illustration he used this guy as an example of being afraid of someone bigger than you .... you see, he is a Legend in our school and in the NE community.
Well, as you can probably guess, this young student couldn't control himself during the program. He was on the back riser in the row behind me and all I remember is a hand coming through the back curtain pulling him by the neck off the stage. We knew the "math teacher" had him. We continued singing the rest of the song in perfect obedience ...
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland ....
Hearing this song that morning brought a smile to my face as I continued my commute to work ... at an elementary school. How times have changed!

NaCl + H20 + Flour = Lasting Memories

This year we needed a "Christmas Decor" update that complemented our new furniture and wall color. I spent some time looking through catalogs, newspaper ads and various stores for a more sophisticated, uncluttered look. I am very pleased with the new look and simplicity. But ...
I have one priceless set that will always have a place in our home ... our Dough People Nativity. It didn't cost much ... some flour, water and wire brush rollers but it will always remind me of the fun and friendship that went into creating them.
In 1982 Nancy & I were both in our first trimester of our third pregnancies. With four preschool boys between us we spent a day in my kitchen molding and shaping each piece of our sets. It took a lot of creativity and problem-solving skills to get the set just right. Nancy developed a drinking straw-hinge for the camels legs and the palm tree had to be shaped over a foil base. Our "wooly" sheep looked like they had rolled in Cheerios and the kings were decked out in royal garb and jewels. The finishing touch was the "googley" eyes. I not only remember a lot of laughter that day but just the fun and fellowship of doing something together. And there was a bonus ... we actually sold a few sets which gave us some added Christmas funds in those lean years.
If you're ever cleaning out an old attic or see those old wire brush rollers at an estate sale, let me know. It would be fun to create another set for "old time sake."

Sunriver Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving ... our first attempt at celebrating in Sunriver. What a wonderful time ... turkey and the works, making our traditional fudge, playing games, watching movies, putting puzzles together .... and the added bonus -- SNOW! I think it was the best family holiday I can remember -- our whole family together. Usually I am so busy on Thanksgiving and feel exhausted when it's over but this year we slept in and had homemade pumpkin waffles for breakfast. Since dinner wasn't until 4:00, I stayed in my pajamas most of the day ... very laid back. Most of our meal was "convenience" foods so we didn't have a lot of mess and preparation. We just enjoyed being together.
I'm so thankful for family & fun times at our favorite vacation destination.

P.S. It was very freeing to avoid all the Friday Holiday sales. I really didn't miss getting up in the pre-dawn hours to buy socks 1/2 price ... hahaha!

First Haircut

Grandma got to give Colin his first haircut last week ..... trimmed off those wispy baby hairs in the back and on the sides. He now looks so much older! We gave him a new Christmas book just before I started cutting. When you push a button "Jingle Bells" plays and this kept him distracted while Grandma snipped away. Several times he tried to look back to see what I was doing but all in all he did such a good job of sitting still. Of course, this event was a photo moment .... cameras flashing, film rolling!

Snowman Chair

Last Saturday we enjoyed a visit with Brian, Michelle, and Colin. It was fun showing Colin all the Christmas decorations and tree ornaments. One thing he especially enjoyed ... his own snowman chair ... a gift to us from Gearsdad and Gearsmom last Christmas. Thanks you guys ... Colin loves it!

Thanksgiving - Colin Turns One

Colin turned one on Thanksgiving Day. It's hard to think back to the previous Thanksgiving where we spent the 4-day weekend visiting at the hospital while Colin was in the NICU. Those were difficult days but what joy we have experienced as we've viewed life through Colin's eyes this year ... everything is new and exciting. I love being a grandma and spoiling this sweet baby boy!

25th Anniversary

While many are remembering the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death my heart and mind have been on the life changing event that took place that same day in our lives ... Timmy was 3 weeks old and was taken by ambulance to Emanuel Hospital for Aspirated Pneumonia. For those who walked through that with us, you will remember what a difficult day that was -- to see such a tiny baby hooked up to so many machines, wires and tubes. I think I earned all my gray hair that day.
Last Christmas I typed a journal about the week we spent in the hospital and gave it to Tim as a gift .... so he'll always be reminded of the miracle. It was very difficult to go through the process of journeying through it again on paper but it was also very healing. I was reminded of the prayer, support and love of our friends and family. The one word that flows through the entire story ... MIRACLE ... Dr. Olsen said there was no medical explanation for why he was able to go home after one week. He should have been in the hospital for at least a month. BUT we know why!
Each December 8th I am a little sad as I mentally walk through that day so many years ago but one thing it does give me ... a thankful heart for Tim's healing.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

We finally went to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire tonight at Bridgeport Village. It was almost like a private showing … less than 20 in the audience in a huge auditorium … nearly like being in our own living room!
I was naughty and had popcorn for the first time in 8 months. It tasted soooooo good. There are so many foods I have missed while on this “eating plan” and every time I go to a theater the aroma calls to me. We’ll see how I do in the next few days!

O Christmas Tree

Like many of you, we put up our Christmas tree this weekend. No designer tree for us … no special theme or color … it wouldn’t be allowed as an entry at the “Festival of Trees” … but this year I realized our tree is a travelogue of our lives.
As I hung each ornament in just the right spot I was reminded of those who have crossed my path on the journey. There were ornaments from: our moms, our children, our friends – the Petersons, Myers, Bisbees, Gearharts, Kusses, Dehazes, from the Bunco ladies, those I’ve worked with over the years – Rosetta at the D.O., co-workers in Food Service, Kitty & Michelle plus parents at Archer Glen, Nancy my Library co-worker and those in our church family.
Each ornament tells a story … a little about each of us … where we’ve traveled for vacation over the years, our interests and hobbies, a family celebration or accomplishment. But there are yearly traditions … Coca-Cola for Walt and Barbie for Karen. Gearsdad would be jealous because I have a Harley ornament hanging on our tree! I’ll have to remember to put that one up high and out of reach! And I definitely have to keep the snowmen away from Byron … just a warning to all you snowmen collectors!
A new change for our ornament placement this year was the addition of grandbaby Colin. We’ve left soft ornaments within his reach … our tree is “Colin-ized.” We want him to enjoy grandpa & grandma’s tree and the fun and beauty of the ornaments and lights.
I think I’ll sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy all the memories of those who have journeyed with us and the joy we’ve shared as a family represented by the ornaments on our Christmas tree.

Memories from Jergens

Have you ever thought about how scents can trigger a childhood memory?
Each time I pick my car up from an automotive shop I am reminded of my dad who worked as an auto mechanic for more than 35 years. The fumes and noises take me right back to when I would occasionally spend time with him at the shop on Saturdays as a child. I usually leave a little sad realizing how much I miss him.
On a recent trip to Target I stood in the cosmetic aisle trying to decide which brand of hand cream to buy ...
Will it make my skin feel smooth and silky? ...
Does it help with dry skin? ...
Which brand is the most economical? ...
Women have so many decisions to make!!
What did I end up purchasing?!?! ... Jergens Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer ... WHY? ... because it reminded me of my mom. It takes me back to a childhood memory of shopping downtown Portland with her on a sunny day, waiting for the bus in front of a jewelry store. There were amethyst-colored squares in the sidewalk that reminded me of jewels ... good memories.
The bottle advertises "This timeless formula leaves dry skin feeling touchable soft and smooth and wraps you in the cherished memories of our classic Cherry-Almond scent. Use it to provide your family with the same care and comfort your mother gave you."
Is this the best lotion on the market today?!?!? hmmmmmm .... I don't know .... but the Cherry-Almond scent fills my mind with good childhood memories!

"Jewels" on the Journey

In the last week I feel like I’ve been living in a Carnival … one minute on the Scrambler getting bumped around, the next on a Roller Coaster with many twists and turns, and at other times like I’m on a Ferris Wheel with all ups and downs. I know – not many details – but trust me … the “Fun House” hasn’t been part of the midway attractions!
While the week has been stressful and draining I felt so uplifted by my Tuesday Bible Study group. I am so thankful for this group. I’ve learned so much from them as they each share their “walk” -- gives me the encouragement to get through my week. Yesterday they gave me a beautiful spoon wrapped with colorful “jewels” … if you read the “Spoon Theory” you’ll understand the meaning behind this. Of all the days – I really needed that yesterday. I am so thankful for how they have taken the time to read the story and understand the symbolism behind the spoons with my lifestyle and health. I have it on display in my home as a reminder to consider how I will “spend my spoons” each day. It is also a reminder of those who will hold me accountable, give support, love, and prayer. They are truly “jewels” in my life! Thank you ladies for lifting me up! My burden felt much lighter today.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. 4 And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. 5 And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 NLT

A Quarter-Century Memory ... Tim

Rewind back to November 14, 1980 ……
Our second baby was due on the 22nd but I had a feeling that day, maybe this little one would be coming early. After dinner we went to Fred Meyer to do a little shopping with Brian. I felt some cramping so we stopped by Walt’s parents’ house to warn them that “this may be the big night.” That’s where this picture was taken – 3 hours and 45 minutes before you were born. Shortly after arriving home my water broke and we made a frenzied trip to Woodland Park Hospital. I didn’t know our VW Bus was capable of moving so fast!
Just ahead of us a couple was walking in … her baby was already crowning and the emergency room Dr. had to deliver their baby. There was already excitement in the air when we checked in. Things were moving along but the nurses didn’t believe me when I told them I go from 5cm to 10cm in a matter of minutes. So, Tim, you added more excitement that night in the emergency room. Dr. Eigner came in to deliver his second baby in less than 2 ½ hours. I remember him commenting that it was a good thing he wasn’t an optometrist! He actually had been a missionary Dr. in Africa and had just returned to the States. He basically allowed us to participate in the birth …. it was amazing! At 1:19am, November 15th you were born weighing 6lbs, 7oz.
Dr. Neilsen arrived about 15 minutes later. What a surprise Dr.-- Eigner had been his college roommate and they hadn’t seen each other in years. They had a little “reunion” until 4am. Another unbelievable thing about Dr. Eigner …. In August my mom, Brian and I went to visit some of her former co-workers at a clinic downtown and one of the staff members I met that day was Dr. Eigner. Didn’t realize then that we would cross paths again in November for such a special occasion.
Tim, for our 30th anniversary you gave me a framed photo that listed several things I had taught you over the years. Now it’s my turn … Tim you have taught me to have a sense of humor, to laugh more often and lighten-up. When you were a little guy you had this twinkle in your blue eyes. Many times when I would try to discipline you I would have to turn my head away so you couldn’t see me laughing! You have brought us 25 years of love, joy and laughter ….Happy 25th Birthday, Timmy!

Healthy Holidays

Here I go again …. promoting something good for you. If you’re watching your cholesterol and/or waistline this holiday season you might want to give this a try. A ½ c. serving = 90 calories, total fat = 2g, cholesterol = 0mg. Walt has already been the taste tester for this product since he is an Egg Nog fan. He gives it two-thumbs up!
If you’re not into Egg Nog, we’ve also tried Silk Chai and Silk Mocha – both great products.
Here’s to healthier holidays …..

Mission Impossible ... Mission Complete

I first learned to knit in elementary school through a 4-H group that met once a week at Ginger Navarro’s house. Her mother taught us a new way to cast-on and introduced us to several beginner projects.
It’s funny how my memory connects an event from my past to knitting. I remember when we got the call that my Grandpa Smith had died at age 54 from kidney disease. I was sitting in the dining area of our apartment knitting a project from our 4-H group using light blue yarn. I believe I was 9 years old. So many years ago …
During my teens and early twenties I picked up my knitting needles again and even learned to crochet. It wasn’t until I found out I was going to be a grandma that the desire to knit again came to mind. One of my co-workers, Pam helped refresh my skills and get me started again.
Since then I have completed several dishcloths, scarves, an afghan and a baby blanket. The baby blanket brought the most tears and grief but I struggled through it. September 2004 I bought some chenille cotton yarn with the intention of making a reverse-bloom flower washcloth. The humorous side to this story is that the pattern was from a knitting book titled, “Weekend Knitting “ … I laugh just thinking about it.
After failing to even get the project started Pam took the pattern to a knit shop in Lake Oswego and they told her it was an intermediate pattern (aha!) She knit one so she could help me get started – but it never happened.
During our annual Sunriver Memorial Day weekend getaway Heather decided we were going to conquer this project. She dictated the instructions and I knit. We even met at Starbucks after we got home when it was time to start the flower center – with Loree observing.
Well, as projects go … when it was time to transfer it to double-pointed needles and only 10 rows to go … it went back to the bottom of my knitting bag. I didn’t think I could finish it on my own. Then ever so often over the next several months Loree would bring it up … “have you finished the round thingy yet?” Finally last Thursday when I was home sick I made a decision to finish it. I’m glad there were no hidden cameras recording my first use of double-pointed needles. It was quite the comedy … stitches dropping off one end, trying to keep track of the beginning of a row. But much to my amazement I finished it and it turned out like it was supposed to! Yeah!
It’s always so rewarding to accomplish something we didn’t know we were capable of, to be stretched to learn a new skill. But the biggest lesson I learned in finishing this is how far we can go with the help and encouragement of others.
Thank you Pam, Heather and Loree for helping me finish this difficult project.
I still chuckle … Weekend Project ?!?!?! Maybe the next one won’t be so hard.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.
Ecclesiastes 4:9