The Karen Chronicles

Dreadful Dinner Dilemmas Dissolved

2012-01-09T11:02:00.001-07:00

Astronerd LOVES dinner! Eating is a small portion of it, what matters to her is the ritual of gathering together at the end of the day, seeing each other and talking. Oh, and eating.Sometimes I get into my meal planning groove and life is good. I wish it happened more often. In an effort to be more consistent and after reading lots of reviews, we are trying this. So far, so good. The food has been good, the meals easy to fix and the grocery budget is low.

Cleaning up my life

2012-01-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

So many blogs talk about organization, but what if one has too much stuff? I look around my home and think it isn't necessarily a problem organizing than owning too much stuff. It would kill me to only pare my possessions to 100, but I don't have to have 10 shelf feet of cookbooks or VHS tapes that will never be watched. So, I have decided to get rid of five things per day and am chronicling it at www.fivebegone.blogspot.com
I wonder how on earth some of it got into my home to begin with. I must remember 1. I am not the only one living here and 2. Tastes and interests change. I don't know how many times I have picked up an item and said "What was I (or other family member) thinking when this came to live at our home?"

Anyway, if you want an inside look at what is departing our home, stop over there.

Eternal Perspective

2010-03-09T09:34:00.003-07:00

I really like this quote by Brigham Young:

"We talk about our trials and troubles here in this life; but suppose that you could see yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to your religion during the few short years in this time, and have obtained eternal salvation and a crown of glory in the presence of God? Then look back upon your lives here, and see the losses, crosses, and disappointments, the sorrows. . .; you would be constrained to exclaim, 'but what of all that? Those things were but for a moment, and we are now here. We have been faithful during a few moments in our mortality, and now we enjoy eternal life and glory, with power to progress in all the boundless knowledge and through the countless stages of progression, enjoying the smiles and approbation of our Father and God, and of Jesus Christ our elder brother.'"

This Explains It

2010-03-02T18:01:00.001-07:00

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

2010-02-21T10:28:00.001-07:00

My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,
In paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death
Thy presence is my stay;
One word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.

-Isaac Watts

Purple Power!

2010-01-14T09:15:00.004-07:00

My kitchen floor is a white vinyl made to look like tile. While I mop it regularly, it does need a really super-duper cleaning a few times a year. After trying lots of products to cut through the dirt, gunk and floor cleaner, I found the best and easiest product was the Clean Team's Red Juice Concentrate. Full strength, straight out of the bottle and onto the floor. While I love Clean Team products, $15 a bottle for the concentrate was a very expensive way to clean a floor. So I went on the hunt for a replacement floor stipper/degreaser/cleaner.

First I went online to see if others had done what I was doing. I did learn I was going to need to look for the product in a store's automotive section. Then I started buying products to see what worked. I am happy to say I found one, but not without some trade-offs.

The winner is: Purple Power by Aiken Chemical Company. I bought a 40 oz. spray bottle of this industrial degreaser for about $4 at Pep Boys. It is even cheaper if you buy it by the gallon. I sprayed it, undiluted, on the floor, waited a few minutes and then wiped off. Then rinsed and put a finish coat on the floor. It worked really well.

Trade offs: Red Juice is non-toxic and approved for use around food. I didn't see that on the Purple Power labels. Purple Power does suggest ventilation while using and says not to use it on certain products-do read the label. There weren't strong smelling fumes, but I did ventilate because I did cough a little-but I cough with Red Juice Concentrate as well.

My Bread Adventure Begins

2010-01-07T11:20:00.002-07:00

Last summer I told myself if I survived my re-election campaign, I wanted to learn how to make artisan bread during the winter months. My goal: a tasty sourdough made without commercial yeast. Today, my adventure began.

I got this book from the library and have started my starter. The starter contains water, flour and cheesecloth-bagged grapes, all sitting in a large jar on top of my refrigerator. From what I understand, it will bubble, burble, stink and may grow mold over the next two weeks as it becomes a living creature. Then there are the feedings: 3x a day for the last five days of its growth. Sounds like having another person in the house.

I am learning what proofing baskets and cloths are, how to hand knead and the importance of temperature. It is all very interesting.

When I am done, I should have a sturdy, sour starter. Yay!

Christmas Time!

2009-12-17T20:34:00.002-07:00

"Christmas time! The man must be a misanthrope indeed, in whose breast something like a jovial feeling is not roused-in whose mind some pleasant associations are not awakened-by the recurrence of Christmas. There are people who will tell you that Christmas is not to them what it used to be....Never heed such dismal reminiscences. There are few men who have lived long enough in the world, who cannot call up such thoughts any day in the year. Then do not select the merriest of the three hundred and sixty-five, for your doleful recollections, but draw your chair nearer the blazing fire-fill the glass and send round the song...and thank God it's no worse....Reflect upon your present blessings-of which every man has many-not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Fill your glass again, with a merry face and contented heart. Our life on it, but your Christmas shall be merry, and your new year a happy one!" -Charles Dickens

Jr. High Time

2009-08-20T22:42:00.002-06:00

Astronerd started junior high! The locker worked, school lunch was "good",and no students were trampled in the fray. A good day.

A Most Excellent Loaf

2009-06-19T17:24:00.010-06:00

I have been on a bread making binge lately. Buns, regular white bread, self-ground whole wheat bread and most recently, this no-knead bread recipe. It is SUPER easy to make. I made four changes to the recipe though: 1. I use 1.5 cups of water; 2. I don't use a towel under the bread, but piece of wax paper with a tiny bit of Pam sprayed on it and then cover the Pam with some flour (I was having trouble with dough sticking to the towel); 3. I don't bake it for an additional 15-30 minutes with the lid off, but about 10 and 4. I put the pan on a heavy cookie sheet to help moderate the bottom temperature. Also, the bread is better if you let it rise more toward 18 hours rather than 12. I cooked mine in a Le Creuset 3.5 quart risotto pan (looks like a wider, shallower dutch oven) and it worked perfectly.

I am known for many things and cooking isn't one of them. But I do think the loaf above does look yummy.

Did They Forget They Could Fly?

2009-06-17T12:43:00.003-06:00

Thanks C for the link!

Kelly Clarkson Concert

2009-06-12T09:45:00.004-06:00

I took B, Astronerd and Astronerd's friend to a Kelly Clarkson concert. The line to get in was I would estimate a half-mile long. I thought I would be hard pressed to recognize any of her songs when in fact, I was familiar with many of them. It started raining at the beginning of her performance and I took these pictures of the rainbows behind the stage.

Unwanted Laundry Aide

2009-06-10T09:52:00.003-06:00

I hate folding laundry and always appreciate any help I can get in folding clothes. But when the above critter showed up in my clean laundry yesterday, I felt more comfortable folding clothes without its help. Besides, its limbs are too short to help me fold sheets.

I have no idea what type of bug this is, but it is cool looking with its rough, sandy colored flat shell. I just don't like it in my clothes basket. It did have the sense to hang around in the clean clothes rather than the dirty ones.

I took its picture to a meeting I attended, hoping someone could ID the bug. One person said it looks like what he calls a type of June bug. Another said he had no idea what it is, but he bet they don't travel alone (yikes!). So its picture is being sent to an entomologist for identification.

Sittin' Susan

2009-06-09T12:16:00.005-06:00

See the bird in the picture? That is Susan, a nesting robin that has taken up residence in one of our trees. Astronerd first noticed Susan and thus named her. I understand a baby shower is in the works.

We have two apple trees and each is beloved to FHA. Every spring he carefully prunes the branches and faithfully sprays the trees through the summer. In the fall, we always get lots of yummy red and golden delicious apples and FHA starts cranking out the apple crisp. I am getting hungry just typing this.

Susan presents a problem. The problem is Susan is sitting in the middle of our golden delicious tree, much to FHA's dismay. If you look carefully, she has almost incorporated an apple into her nest. Eviction was out of the question, according to Astronerd. FHA agreed to let Susan stay through this clutch of babies. He is carefully spraying (far away from Susan-it is a wide tree) so we will get some worm-free apples.

Astronerd is excited to see the baby birds, but I am pretty sure she isn't any more excited than FHA. Different reasons, of course.

Watching Out For The Wolf (and this Little Red)

2009-06-05T09:15:00.004-06:00

Today I am heading out for the Bonneville Cycling Club's Little Red Riding Hood ride. Me and 2599 other women will be pedaling through Cache Valley tomorrow. Should be lots of fun and I hope it doesn't hail on we riders like it did last year. While I am glad I always wear a helmet while riding, I was really glad to be wearing one when it hailed. Nothing like the "tat tat tat" of the hailstones on one's head.

The picture above is the Little Red Riding Hood that usually shows up for the event. I wonder if she has shaved her beard this year.

Heber Valley Ride

2009-06-04T17:28:00.003-06:00

My friend, E, invited me to ride the bike course she will be taking when she competes in the Battle At Midway triathlon on the 13th. I have always wanted to ride around Heber Valley and E is good company, so I took her up on it. We decided to start at Soldier Hollow, site of some of the 2002 Winter Olympic events. As we drove up the hill to the lodge, E said how nice it will be "warm up" going downhill. All I could think about is how I was going to have to go back up the hill on the return trip. Remember, what goes down, must go up.

We rode for 20 miles and had a fun time. We accidentally ended up in downtown Heber-but don't blame our navigational skills, but blame the missing street sign. My favorite part was the hilliest part of the ride. Not because it was hilly, but it took us to the base of the mountains. I saw some feeding deer and lots of birds. I also like riding through the country, looking at the feeding horses, cows and sheep. Drivers were courteous, traffic was light and dogs were leashed. That makes for a very good ride.

By the way, I did suffer going back up to Soldier Hollow, but not nearly as badly as I thought I would.

Tri Tri Tri

2009-05-12T12:40:00.002-06:00

My one and only triathlon of the season is this Saturday. I am running for re-election so all my time and competitive juices are being temporarily refocused, except for this tri. Anyway, it is a really fun, women only tri. I like the fact it is located 15 minutes away so I can get up at 6 rather than 4 am. I've got the bike and swim part down, but know I will suffer on the run. But I will have fun while I suffer!

This tri is particularly fun because for many of the participants, it is their very first tri. There is an energy there that's hard to find anywhere else. Bikes racked, running and bike shoes in little rows, towels and water bottles to clean feet after getting to transition after the swim, etc. One year I stored my sunglasses in my bike shoes and forgot they were there when I went to put on my shoes. Don't do that. Another time, at a run-bike-swim tri, I forgot to take my bike helmet off. Fortunately, I caught the error before getting in the water.

Tri participants have one's age is written on the back of one's calf. I love it when I see a "6" or "7" as the first digit on someone's calf, even if they are passing me. I want to be participating in tris when I am that age.

Flower Power

2009-05-09T09:52:00.003-06:00

Yay! A beautiful Saturday morning. While I am thankful for all rain/snow my community has received, it is nice to have good weather.

Planting time. I bought window boxes for Astronerd and B and we are going to get them planted today! Our family decided to plant flower boxes but hasn't decided on the exact location. They will either be on the brick ledge abutting the windows or on a shelf installed below the windows. Maybe if we get them all ready FHA (who is away on a scout campout) will be convinced to install window box shelves below the windows (he doesn't want to drill brick). A cunning plan. Or we may end up with low, flat planters on the ground. . .

Farewell, School Lunch

2009-05-02T13:48:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe it, but my youngest is about finished with the elementary school experience. Hello junior high! I approach this with mixed feelings and so does my youngest.

One of my favorite things to do over all my kids' elementary school years is to meet them for school lunch once each week. I would pick "pizza day", the day when a pizza business would supply the day's lunch. I would get lunch and eat it with my kids. Lately, I have foregone purchasing an actual lunch but show up at lunchtime and visit. I meet their friends and we laugh, tease and talk. I have loved it. My kids' friends all know me and greet me when I see them. I learn about their lives too. I know my kids have loved it because I see how their faces would light up when we met up in the lunchroom. I have been doing this for twelve years.

At the end of elementary school, I have asked each of my kids if they would like me to continue to come for lunch, but at the junior high. Each has thought that maybe it is time for solo lunch eating. I wonder why? I am sure junior high lunchrooms are packed with mothers eating lunch with their children. If they are not, they should be. However, I will honor my growing kid's request, not attend junior high lunch and quietly mourn the passing of school lunch day. But I still reserve the right to show up if I am bringing lunch from a cool restaurant.

Lord of the Dance

2009-04-26T20:59:00.003-06:00

I just got back from a wonderful Utah Baroque Ensemble concert at my church. A lot of the concert was in Latin and German (with translations). There is nothing like live music to lift the soul. UBE also sang one of my favorites: Lord of the Dance.

Lord of the Dance

I danced in the morning when the world was young
I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun
I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth
At Bethlehem I had my birth

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees
They wouldn't dance, they wouldn't follow me
I danced for the fishermen James and John
They came with me so the dance went on

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame
The holy people said it was a shame
They ripped, they stripped, they hung me high
Left me there on the cross to die

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on a Friday when the world turned black
It's hard to dance with the devil on your back
They buried my body, they thought I was gone
But I am the dance, and the dance goes on

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

They cut me down and I leapt up high
I am the life that will never, never die
I'll live in you if you'll live in me
I am the Lord of the dance, said he

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

My Grandmother's Sewing Machine

2009-04-25T17:18:00.006-06:00

Today my cousin dropped off a sewing machine that has sat unused for the last 25 years. It belonged to my grandmother, who was an expert seamstress. The little, plucky Singer 401a circa 1960 looked a little dusty, but not too bad for its age. Its cabinet top looks a little bit rougher. The button holer's case looks like a pink spaceship. I saw on eBay I could sell the accessory case and owner's manual for as much as the machine. Hmmmm.

Ebay is not in this machine's future. I am going to try and find a good home for it so it can continue its life's journey. I realize the machine isn't alive, but the memories I have of its use are. My mother (an expert seamstress in her own right) hemming music camp clothes for me while on vacation at Grandmother's. My grandmother making my sister and I lined bathrobes for Christmas. In the middle of summer, while visiting, I would have to close my eyes and try on the "present". Grandmother would fit the robe to me, take it off and tell me to open my eyes. While I don't fit in it anymore, I still have that robe. My cousin remembers the Christmas Eve pajamas Grandmother would make for her and her siblings. They, too, would have to keep eyes closed. My cousin had to wear gloves the one time Grandmother made a velvet dress for her, so she wouldn't know the type of dress fabric being used.

Grandmother has been gone for 25 years, B and I each have our own machines and so it is time for this machine to find a new, loving home. Maybe I ought to include a blindfold.

UPDATE: The machine has found a new home. Its new owner is a dear friend, an excellent seamstress and is very excited to have a new vintage Singer.

Mooning Ducks and Little Streams

2009-04-24T22:27:00.004-06:00

It is that time of year to finally get Fatty Lumpkin out and on the road. Here are a couple of pictures from yesterday's ride.

Hometown Hero

2009-03-28T10:42:00.005-06:00

I don't get to a movie theater too often, maybe twice a year. I am going to go see Monsters vs Aliens . Today I read that my hometown is featured in the movie as the hometown of one of the "Monsters". It is my understanding from an article in the Modesto Bee while the above scene isn't in the movie, it does feature Modesto's beloved arch.

Music Appreciation

2009-03-22T12:42:00.007-06:00

I play the piano for our church congregation's children's "Sunday school". I was getting ready to play when a 3 year old boy, E, came and stood right next to the piano bench. "Why do you play the piano?" he asked. "To help you have a nice time in here." I replied. E then ran back to his seat. I played a song then looked to my right. E was standing next to me again. "That was good" he said and he ran back to his seat. I played a couple of other songs and looked to my right and there was E, yet again. "That was really good." he said and ran back to his seat. This happened a few more times. It made my day.

An Obituary and a Memory

2009-03-20T10:40:00.003-06:00

This past week, I read the obituary section of the newspaper. Like my father-in-law says, one reads it to make sure one isn't in it. I came across an obituary of someone from our family's past.

Years ago, FHA and I were looking for student housing. We wanted to live in the same neighborhood we were in before housesitting for the summer. We found the perfect apartment: 2 bedroom, clean, well-maintained, upstairs with a washer and dryer in the apartment. The rent was affordable, but the trouble was we were so broke we didn't have enough money for a deposit and lacked significant steady work. The only money we had was from FHA's part time job (even though he wasn't supposed to be working while in law school) and a relatively small student loan. I had just lost my paid internship in the organization's budget cuts.

J was a smart, astute woman. And shrewd, in a good way, though. She would collect the rent in person on the first. This way, she could see how things were with each renter. She had been a widow and I believe she owned the apartment complex before marrying her second husband, A, who was a kind, quiet man. A would always accompany J on her monthly visits and would work hard maintaining the apartments.

We told her we really wanted to live there, but had one part-time job. We were anticipating another small student loan and told her if she rented to us we always pay rent.

J could have said no because we didn't have a significant income source. She could have said no because we didn't have money for a deposit. But she said yes. She said since FHA was studying law, she knew FHA had to have integrity to be in law school and we would be people who would be honest in our dealings with her. She took a leap of faith with us and we didn't let her down. We rented that terrific apartment for five years, never missing a payment or having to ask for help. J appreciated those we referred to her as well.

J died several years ago and I thought about this story then, but recently it was my reading A's obituary that made me think again about taking a leap of faith in trusting another's character.

What would YOU say to cancer?

2009-03-19T14:55:00.002-06:00

I found the following video on Fat Cyclist's site.

It is very powerful. I have friends battling cancer and I have a few words to say to it too.

The Ultimate Bonk!

2009-03-18T16:22:00.000-06:00

I have bonked. I was riding my bike when it happened and it was awful. To use a Bob Roll term, I was glued to the ground. No matter how hard I pedaled, I hardly moved.

What is bonking? It is slang for hypoglycemia and happens when one doesn't continue to fuel while riding. Therefore, the blood sugar tank is very empty. Muscle and brain function can be impaired. This last week in the Paris-Nice race, yellow jersey leader Alberto Contador bonked on the next to last day and it cost him the race.

Other creatures bonk too, I have learned. I read about a little guy today and his was a life or death bonk. Fortunately, it all works out for him. Read about him here.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

2009-02-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who hath fearfully, wondrously, made thee;
Health hath vouchsafed and, when heedlessly falling, hath stayed thee.
What need or grief ever hath failed of relief?
Wings of His mercy did shade thee.

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,
Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,
Biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.

Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,
Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,
Sheddeth His light, chaseth the horrors of night,
Saints with His mercy surrounding.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Words: Joachim Neander, in A und Ω Glaub- und Liebesübung (Straslund: 1680); translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, 1863.

Family, Rain, Blossoms and Cycling!

2009-02-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a trip to CA to visit family. We coincided our visit with the Amgen Tour of California. FHA and I went to the Prologue in Sacramento and then Astronerd joined us for Stage 3. It rained. And rained. And rained some more. Then the weather became sunny and warm when we left. I don't know how to watch a bike race in good weather! It was a lot of fun and I hope to post pictures soon.

How Firm A Foundation

2009-02-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

From A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, by John Rippon, 1787; attributed variously to John Keene, Kirkham, and John Keith

Near Disaster

2009-02-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

If I Only Had a Brain
I could while away the hours, conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain.
And my head I'd be scratchin' while
my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.
I'd unravel every riddle for any individ'le,
In trouble or in pain.
With the thoughts you'll be thinkin'
you could be another Lincoln
If you only had a brain.
Oh, I could tell you why The ocean's near the shore.
I could think of things I never thunk before.
And then I'd sit, and think some more.
I would not be just a nothin' my head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry,
If I only had a brain.
-From The Movie: The Wizard of Oz

I nearly had a meltdown today. Late last night, I discovered my beloved Moleskine weekly notebook had gone AWOL. How was I going to remember all my appointments? What about all the notes I have taken? What about the ideas and funny family quotes? I was very worried. I turned my car inside out as well as parts of the house. I found the papers that were with the Moleskine, but not the Moleskine. Ah, PTA meeting at the school library, it was with me then. I left the meeting and bought a Val-O-Gram from the student council. Maybe I set it there amongst all the kids? Yikes! Hordes of students with my beloved book, reading my busy, strange, sometimes silly schedule! But I thought I left the school with it. Why hadn't I written my name in it, not just phone numbers? After asking God for some help and looking a little more, I had a good night's sleep.

When I took Astronerd to school this morning, I stopped by the office. Nope, no Moleskine there. Uh oh. I went to help AN and whined to AN's teacher about my missing "brain". He said "Oh, I think it is in the library. The librarian had it and asked me if I knew whose it was, but I didn't." I literally jumped for joy. There it was, sitting on the librarian's desk. I cannot describe the relief I felt. It is so pathetic to be dependent on a book that can be misplaced.

My brain and I have been reunited and I am thankful I was blessed with peace and with finding it. By the way, I don't believe it was a coincidence Astronerd's teacher was the one who knew its location. :)

Thou Gracious God

2009-02-08T13:21:00.001-07:00

Thou gracious God, whose mercy lends
the light of home, the smile of friends,
our gathered flock thine arms enfold
as in the peaceful days of old.

Wilt thou not hear us while we raise
in sweet accord of solemn praise
the voices that have mingled long
in joyous flow of mirth and song?

For all the blessings life has brought,
for all its sorrowing hours have taught,
for all we mourn, for all we keep,
the hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.

The noontide sunshine of the past,
these brief, bright moments fading fast,
the stars that gild our darkening years,
the twilight ray from holier spheres.

We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
our loving circle still embrace,
thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
thy peace be with us evermore.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Words: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., 1869

Midwinter Storytelling

2009-02-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite annual activities is the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. I laugh, cry and have tons of fun each year.

Well, the festival has had for the past three years, a midwinter conference. People come to attend workshops, swap stories and to hear some of the nation's best tellers. Tonight Astornerd and I attended a performance by Elizabeth Ellis, whose "Meddlin' At The Walmart" is one of my very favorite stories, Syd Lieberman, whose stories I haven't heard before and am now a new fan, and one of my family's favorites, grammy winner Bill Harley. Astonerd and I were singing "Zanzibar" today, to get in the spirit of the event.

Karen Facts

2009-01-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from a list I put together, by request, for some friends:

My favorite color is blue.
I grew up in California.
I remember number patterns very well.
I play the piano.
I love to nap.
I talk to our family's pet guinea pig.
I write things I have already done on my lists so I can cross them off.
I am a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I love cycling, but can't keep up with my friends. They are kind and wait for me, though.
I started participating in triathlons when I turned 40.
I have played the flute kind of regularly for the last 35 years.
I am an avid reader but very rarely read fiction. If I do, it is Jane Austen.
I am a nerd.
I could eat pizza every day for the rest of my life.
I am tall, but can't play basketball. Everyone assumes if a girl is tall, she can play basketball.
I cannot dance.
I want to travel to Italy.
I love classical music.

Warning: Virus Ahead

2009-01-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

You know what that picture is? It and a gazillion of its clones have been making life miserable for the last week. While I think I am finally gaining the upper hand, I will decide for sure after taking a nap.

Clueless Musician or How Did I Get Here And Why Am I Sitting In Front Of A Piano?

2009-01-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

I volunteer as a pianist for my church's children's group, ages 3-12. I LOVE volunteering with the children. I enjoy listening to their thoughts, comments and questions as they learn about Jesus. Some comments make me wonder if there are old people in those little bodies, other comments cause me to hide behind the upright piano and laugh.

Which brings me to my post's title. There is a lot of music each Sunday, I would guess 45-50 minutes. While I am very comfortable playing nearly all the songs in the youth music book, sometimes something terrible happens.

I have spoken with other musicians and know it happens to them as well. I will be sitting at the piano, playing along and then my brain starts asking questions. What song am I playing? I know how to play the piano?? When did that happen? What is a key signature? What is an accidental? I read music?

Then as quickly as it came, the feeling departs, leaving an auditory scorched earth with snickering children, sympathetic adults and a stunned pianist.

This Picture Made Me Laugh

2009-01-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Follow the Threadless Kids link-I don't want to mess with copyright issues.

Thanks B, for sharing. It is from Threadless Kids. I would buy one if it came in my size.

What's Your Favorite Disneyland Ride?

2009-01-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

While trying to track down a photo for an upcoming post, I thought of the question: what is your favorite Disneyland ride? The picture shows mine.

Grown Up Sippy Cups

2009-01-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

These water bottles appeared under the Christmas tree this year, addressed to Astronerd and B. They have CamelBak's bite valve and a straw so you bite the top and then suck the liquid out. FHA and I's outdoor mantra is "hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE" and we thought these bottles would be fun and handy. We were right. The bottles were a hit and we don't have spillage issues like we have had with other bottles. They looked so fun, I bought one for myself.

Go to CamelBak's site by clicking here.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

FHA and I had the opportunity to tour the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Draper Utah Temple today. What a beautiful building. It has arts and crafts influences, sego lily motifs and lots of wood. Two of the rooms have beautiful painted murals covering all the walls. Even the outlets, thermostats and other equipment were painted to blend in with the murals. I think they were my favorite rooms.

Not only was the physical building beautiful, there was peaceful, nice feeling there too. I wonder if they would notice if I just sat in there for a few hours?

The open house starts January 15th and ends March 14th. Since our invitation was for two, we are going back with Astronerd and B on a later date.

Go here for open house reservation information.

The Purge

2009-01-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Closet cleaning gurus say to get rid of clothes that don't fit or haven't been worn in a year. So tonight I decided to follow the gurus and commenced purging my half of the 6 1/2 foot wide closet I share with FHA. Part of the purging was a weird Christmas. I found forgotten cute things that probably fit! Part of the purging was a guilt trip. High hopes for fitting in clothes purchased 10 years ago and still can't button or snap. The sadness that while I am successful in other areas of my life, maintaining a permanent goal weight isn't one of them. Other clothes need hemming-will I actually do it? Who can I hire? Ha! Some of this stuff still has its tags on it. The salve was the knowledge that I bought this stuff at true outlet stores or 80% off sales. Finally, part of the purging was embarrassment. I was going to wear THAT in public?? Well I suppose it was in style when I bought it, but it certainly isn't now. I guess Rio's Rider could have worn it to her party last Saturday night. I still have a bit to do in the morning, but now I can comfortably fit all the clothes I own in my half of the closet and my half of the dresser. Except for cycling jerseys. And parkas. And snowpants. And wetsuit (for triathlons). But wait-all that other stuff is "sports equipment".

Snowshoeing

2009-01-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

Today, Rio's Rider and I spent two hours snowshoeing in the canyon. It was an absolutely beautiful day. It was snowing and misty with ice forming on the sides of the river. I was thankful for the fact we weren't climbing a mountainside so I could actually converse with Rio's Rider rather than pant my way up the hill. You see, Rio's Rider races Rio and is in MUCH better physical condition than I am. To top it off, I came home and had a nice bowl of soup.

Channelling Grandma Rita

2009-01-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

I don't follow any teams other than BYU, but I sure like watching the college bowl games. I watched a gazillion hours of them yesterday and did it for my grandma (cough, cough). When I was little, Grandma Rita occasionally visited us for the holidays. On New Year's Day, she would park herself in front of our TV and not move all day. I could hear her cheering and yelling from anywhere in the house. Currently, I am not cheering for Utah, but cheering against Alabama. By the way, my grandfather is in this picture.

Hello 2009!

2009-01-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

The new year always excites me. I think of that fat, little Baby New Year bounding into my life and wonder what she has in store for me and I for her in the coming year.

But it's on the way . . .

2008-12-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

I did some reconnaissance for airfares to the West Coast. My favorite was the airline that would charge me about $500 for the following route: SLC to JFK (New York), connect with another flight that would take me to my West Coast destination. A 14 hour trip. I could drive there faster.

A New Neighbor

2008-12-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have a foot of snow in my back yard, so it was inevitable this little guy would appear.

A Cold Poem For A Cold Day

2008-12-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Dr. Rex Ellis recited the following poem at his "The Big Read: To Kill A Mockingbird" visit to Orem.
It really made me think about how we all need to work together. Remember to STAY WARM!

The Cold Within

Six humans trapped by happenstance
In dark and bitter cold
Each possessed a stick of wood--
Or so the story's told.
Their dying fire in need of logs,
But the first one held hers back,
For, of the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.
The next one looked cross the way
Saw one not of his church,
And could not bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.
The third one sat in tattered clothes
He gave his coat a hitch,
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?
The rich man just sat back and thought
Of wealth he had in store,
And keeping all that he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.
The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For he saw in his stick of wood
A chance to spite the white.
And the last man of this forlorn group
Did nought except for gain,
Giving just to those who gave
Was how he played the game,
Their sticks held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof enough of sin;
They did not die from cold without--
They died from cold within.

-- James Patrick Kinney

A New Feel Good Internet Hangout-try Freecycle.org!

2008-12-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

OK, I have a new place to hang out, one that makes me feel good. I am trying break the bands of packrat-dom and am using the link in the title and D.I. as my helpers.

I have yet to acquire anything at Freecycle (there has been good stuff, but I am trying to downsize), but have given a number of things away. I can't believe the stuff that is given away. Appliances, clothes, plants, craft items, decor, beds, cribs, books, spaghetti-os and soup! One can request items too.

The rules are simple and the feeling is good. Go try Freecycle.org

I Hope To Be Like Her When I Grow Up

2008-12-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

I was in the City Manager's office today and an elderly woman came to the front desk asking for assistance. She was going out of town and wasn't sure where to put her donation for the Food and Care Coalition. It was a gift card for a substantial dollar amount. "It is for the Food and Care Coalition to purchase perishables." Our Assistant City Manager, not wanting to put the gift card in the foyer sleigh, assured her the donation would get to its destination. Thank you, mysterious resident! How cool is that? The true spirit of Christmas.

Cemeteries are not dog parks

2008-08-19T10:14:00.000-06:00

Dear neighbors of East Lawn Cemetery in Provo,

I almost stopped to talk to you as you walked up the hillside, returning to your home. You just finished walking your dog through the East Lawn Cemetery. While it slightly bothered me your leashed dog was in a cemetery, I became very unhappy when you turned it loose to run over graves and do dog-like things.

My family and I came to East Lawn to remember my deceased brother on his birthday. My grandparents and uncle are buried there too. There were other people there, honoring their dead. It was very disrespectful to have your dog running through the cemetery. You should know better.

Sincerely,

Karen

Tour of Utah Stage 3

2008-08-16T15:56:00.000-06:00

D and I went to watch Stage 3 of the Tour of Utah. We got to SLC about 6 so we were able to get a good, free parking space and watched the Rock Racing entourage pull up. There was a huge motorhome, a semi cab and some Cadillacs.

We went through the vender area and scored some water bottles and a Toyota United bell. Those puppies are LOUD! It was fun seeing all the cycling stuff and drooling over bikes I will never own.

We went through the team areas. Garmin-Chipotle had the most private area, completely blocked off with building and vehicles. They were the only ones with fans milling about.

After getting take-out, we went back to the seats we brought and watched the race. "Here they come. There they go." about a bazillion times. Since it was about a 65 minute race on a little over a mile circuit, they came by a lot. We were on one side of a metal barricade and they rode about 10 inches away from us. Very close and very fast. A Toyota United guy was so far off the front I didn't know if he was last or first. (He was first for a while).

We didn't see the end of the race as we were located about 75 yards past the finish line. Fortunately, the winner still had his arms up when he passed us so we could see who won.

My New Life

2008-08-09T21:21:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my DVR and my computer, I have become an Olympics Couch Potato.

Men's Olympic Road Race

2008-08-08T23:30:00.000-06:00

Here I am, hanging out in my house watching a live feed of an event that is happening across the world from me. Fourteen hours ahead of where I am . Technology is too cool.

China is beautiful. Smoggy but beautiful.

This race has a surreal feel to it. There isn't the wild, crazy, circus feel of a Tour de France stage. Since this is live feed, there is no commentary. I miss Phil and Paul. There is white gloved security everywhere. The spectators are far away from the side of the road. But it is neat they are riding through the Great Wall. This course is blowing the peloton apart. A LOT of climbing. I don't think I will stay up to watch it live, got a lot to do tomorrow.

No ULCER for me

2008-08-07T22:05:00.000-06:00

For the first time since I started seriously cycling, I will not be doing the ULCER ride. I like the ride, the route (even though a stupid move on my part nearly cost me my life last year), and enjoying hanging out with my cycling friends. The problem? My bike budget didn't have enough room for the registration fee. I don't fault the Bonneville Cycling Club for charging what it did, it costs money to put on the well-run, professional events they do each year. I just ran out of registration funds before I ran out events. I did Little Red Riding Hood, had a fabulous time and am planning to ride it next year. Good luck to all who are riding, be careful and look twice before crossing any five lane highways!

Rock Racing

2008-08-05T13:03:00.000-06:00

Fat Cyclist is musing about Rock Racing's pricey jerseys. The ensuing comments have prompted me to post this picture I took at this year's Tour of California start in Modesto. 'Nuf said, except to click on photo to enlarge.

Little Red Riding Hood

2008-07-30T09:20:00.000-06:00

What fun! Seriously, it was.

It was on the first Saturday in June, but Mother Nature didn't realize it was June. Hail, rain, headwinds all directions.

I rode the metric century and got done about same time as my imperial century friends. That's ok.

An Anachrid of Unusual Size

2007-10-11T17:01:00.000-06:00

Today's ride took me the vicinity of central Orem.

Saw: In addition to the aforementioned spider (someone really knows how to work with metal), some cool and creepy Halloween decorations, a missionary welcome home sign, people removing annual flowers for the season, red geraniums (reminder: plant some next year) and a plethora of yard gnomes.

Heard: The crunch of dry leaves as I intentionally rode over them. Also the crack of the occasional walnut I ran over as well (though not intentionally). Lots of dogs barking.

Felt: The cool air-it was 45 degrees when I started on today's ride.

Smelled: More dryer sheets.

I LOVE fences

2007-10-10T11:54:00.000-06:00

Five reasons why I like fences:
1. Rottweiler
2. Rottweiler
3. Great Dane
4. Border Collie
5. Goose

Woo Hoo! A perfect day for riding! I could not ask for better weather.

Where: Roughly Orem's Cascade neighborhood, plus getting there from here.

Saw: THE GOOSE (see other post)-it is so cute!, Orem police officers helping a woman unlock her car, red geraniums, someone getting a traffic ticket, a young man and his family leaving for the MTC so he can serve a mission in Puerto Rico, a loose dog which altered my travel plans.

Smelled: Garbage Cans. It was garbage day and I rode past a lot of cans.

Felt: A swarm of clueless bugs.

Heard: Kids on the playground, my financial institution teller calling me "sir" when I was at the drive-through. He was REALLY embarrassed. I told him I hoped he said that because I have short hair and was wearing a helmet.

Tuesday's Ride

2007-10-10T09:40:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful fall morning as I set out on my daily jaunt around an Orem neighborhood.

Where: Orem 400-800 East and 400-800 South, plus getting there and SCERA Park. What a cute, well-kept neighborhood!

Saw: Several yards with piles of pumpkins for sale, seniors in cute windbreakers mowing lawns, Horton's tree from Seussical, a VERY large Great Dane behind two sets of fences, the sun shining through bright yellow leaves.

Felt: Bugs hitting me in the face.

Heard: The squeaking of a backyard swingset being used by two kids (with an adult pushing), dogs, a bulldozer making a fingernail on chalkboard sound as it worked on Midtown Village.

Smelled: Chili powder (?), dryer sheets, that pollutiony smell Utah Valley sometimes gets.

2007-10-06T13:30:00.000-06:00

I can ride 5 more miles, BUT NOT IN THIS SNOW!!!!

Bumper Sticker Wisdom

2007-10-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

Who's afraid of the big bad . . . goose??

2007-10-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

ME! ME! ME! Fortunately, it was behind a fence. Just sitting there, honking and squawking at me. I was in the road on my bike. I was so amused to see a goose, I stopped. My stopping triggered its guard response. Those little, squatty orange legs moved that "cute" goose to the fence at warp speed. HONK! SQUAWK! repeat, repeat. It kept making tons of noise until I was far from its house. I am afraid of loose dogs while cycling, but I can't imagine meeting up with a loose goose!

Where I rode today: Orem

Sounds: mad goose, kids at school playground, man in yard telling me my bright yellow jacket will keep me from getting hit by a car

Smells: breakfast being cooked-yum!

Sights: gargoyles, a large trash bag spider with red plastic cup eyes, a wonderful Gary Price bronze in an otherwise unlandscaped front yard, a couple enjoying breakfast on their side patio, a soda pop machine built as part of a fence (put your fence to work!), changing leaves, beautiful yards

Felt: The south wind picking up with an approaching storm.

Wednesday Ride

2007-10-03T11:35:00.000-06:00

This morning I rode around west-central Orem. As a councilmember, I like to ride through Orem's neighborhoods. In a car, I can only see the neighborhood. On a bicycle, I can hear, smell, touch and see it. Little kids were on front porches. A lunchbox carrying man appeared to be returning home from the graveyard shift. One lady was decking out her yard in Halloween attire. On the way home, I saw she had the inflatables going. There are pumpkins, straw, corn stalks, gourds and scarecrows on front porches. I heard the dogs parking and could smell someone's good cooking.

Today's neighborhoods had a lot of housing built for those who came to Orem to work at Geneva Steel. These homes are 50+ years old and are in a variety of conditions. Just a block away are new single family homes and a block away are condos. I like seeing the variety. In my own neighborhood, I live in a 30 year old home, but next door and across the street are homes built within the last 15 years. There are condos just a couple of blocks away too.

Tuesday's Ride

2007-10-03T07:50:00.000-06:00

Fall has arrived! I had a nice ride up Provo Canyon. The leaves are finally turning at the mouth of the canyon and I just love riding through the leaf canopy.

Chocolate cake for my brain-yum!

2007-09-28T11:01:00.000-06:00

As part of Orem's Big Read, I have begun reading My Antonia by Willa Cather. I am embarrassed to admit this is the first Willa Cather book I have read.

I am used to reading books rather quickly, but this one is a slower read for me and that is OK. I feel like it is literary double super duper chocolate cake. Cather's descriptions of the landscape and people are so good that it takes time for me to read and digest it all. Like cake, it is rich and I can only read 15-20 pages at a time before my brain says "Let's take a break so I can digest what was just read." My brain is happy and full, and as with chocolate cake, it will be ready for more in a little while.

Thankfully, calories aren't involved :)

Fatcyclist.com

2007-09-26T16:33:00.000-06:00

I like going to Fatcyclist . Not only am I old, but I have a few extra pounds. (Side note, it takes true courage for a woman who needs to lose 30 lbs to wear a wetsuit with the word ORCA on it. . . ) I have no idea if the site owner truly is fat. I have never met them, but I understand the site owner and his wife, Susan, are fellow Utahns. Susan is battling breast cancer (Go Susan!). Twin Six came out with a VERY cool jersey in support of Susan. I have been eyeing the jersey for a few months and finally ordered one. My husband will give it to me for Christmas (don't tell me I am the only wife in the world who buys some of her own Christmas presents). Support the cause and buy a jersey or some socks from Twin Six. These jerseys were featured in the October (on the cover) and November (Page 22 "With the Editor") issues of Bicycling Magazine.

Old Lady is out to lunch

2007-09-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

I went out to lunch today with my cycling friends. The Spinster just got a new Orbea, like she needs to go faster. Now I REALLY won't be able to catch her. She did really well in her solo LOTOJA effort. Elbow Gash continues to improve in her triathlon times and AuntieK's coach has grounded her from her bike for a few more weeks and HATES being off her bike. Elbow Gash and AuntieK also did well in their LOTOJA relay.

I wanna do LOTOJA! Do they have an old lady division?

Ironman World Championships

2005-10-15T14:05:00.000-06:00

Not exactly Orem related, but if you are a triathlete (as I am), your eyes are on Kona today. Heath Thurston, who I know from the SBR tri shop on State Street, is racing there today. Go Heath! He seems to be doing well. Go to www.ironmanlive.com and get the latest.

Go Orem Owlz!

2005-07-06T13:45:00.000-06:00

Me, a baseball fan?? I never caught the vision of watching eighteen overpaid men try and hit and catch a little ball. My dear husband has said "Karen, you need to understand the strategies involved and then you will appreciate the game." Understanding strategies didn't help. But now I have found something that makes me want to go to ball games. The Orem Owlz.

The Mayor and some of my fellow councilmembers chipped in on four season tickets to the Orem Owlz . It is a ten minute drive to the stadium; two dollars to park, but one gets $2 in concession credit; a two minute walk from the parking lot to the stadium and there I can have a great time with my family. I do watch the game, but I sure have a lot of fun soaking in the atmosphere.

I am so glad alcohol isn't allowed at the stadium. That policy (which I hope remains in place) really brings out the "family friendliness" of the organization. I see young families on the $3 berm with their Wheat Thins and sippy cups. I see grandmas and grandpas watching the game with the grandkids. The Pacific States playground looks like an anthill with all the little kids playing on it. My 8 year old always spends the sixth inning there.

There are young baseball fans running around with mitts that are too big, hoping to catch a fly ball. Then there is the Owlz' mascot, Hootz, the mecca of all under the age of 9. He is constantly hugged, poked and patted by the kids. I heard one little girl excitedly yell "There's the big chicken! Here, chicken, chicken". Then there are contests, such as the caped baby dolls being launched into laundry baskets and fans racing Hootz around the bases. All this happens while the air is filled with the smell of grilled hamburgers and bratworst.

The crowd cheers and jeers the teams. It doesn't matter that it is rookie league ball, they could be MLB for all my family and I care. We cheer just as loudly for them as we did for the Atlanta Braves at a MLB game earlier this year. I would rather see baseball at this level of play anyway.

After the game, the top of the dugout is lined with kids laying on their tummies, dangling autograph balls and pens into the dugout, each hoping to get their ball signed. The players are kind enough to sign the balls. Last night, my 8 year old was in heaven because a player reached up and put into her hand the ball used on the last out of the game.

I am disappointed my turn in the season ticket rotation isn't more often. I find myself standing at the ticket window, buying admission to games for which I don't hold season tickets. I want to look at our beautiful mountains from those stadium seats more often. Thank you Orem Owlz for teaching me what America's pastime is all about.