Snowflake Cookies

It's cold outside and predictions of snowflakes are filling the airwaves.

I've been wanting to bake cookies for Christmas but since I'd been subbing, and preparing for Christmas there was no time. Today, I made time. I love snow and snowflakes. Like each of us, every snowflake is a unique, wonderful design from the hands of our Creator. These didn't turn out very unique or as pretty as I'd hoped. They did pass the Travers Taste Test with an ear to ear smile and thumbs up. This is a guy who doesn't care for sweets. :)

marshmallows

I know. Too0 much time on my hands. :-)
I've read about people who make homemade marshmallows and how wonderful they are. People flavor them, cut them with cookie cutters and even use a pastry bag to shape them into things like skeletons for Halloween. I had to try them and feeling a need to be creative, that's what I did last night.
I used Alton Brown's recipe from The Food Network (just google it). Powered sugar, water cornstarch, corn syrup, gelatin and vanilla. You also need a good, heavy duty mixer. I boiled, beat and poured it into the pan, letting it set overnight. This morning before church I inverted it onto the table and began cutting with a pizza cutter. Look at all the air pockets! I didn't get it patted down in the pan very well. Oh well, no one likes flat smooshed marshmallows.

While I was waiting for dinner to cook, I finished cutting. This is a gallon size baggie. The recipe made almost 2 pounds. I admit to enjoying one bite. SOOOOO good!!!

Next time I want to try cherry flavored to give away with hot chocolate for Christmas! I've read on-line they make delicious s'mores.

Subbing

This is a picture of The Guardians. They stand outside Zia Elementary school, overseeing - protecting the children. This is a school I worked at about 9 years ago. When I left the school system and began subbing, my most frequent (and loved) calls were from Zia library. A voracious reader and book lover, it was perfect for me.

A result of budget shortfalls and cutbacks, the present librarian will move to Ranchvale Elementary School to teach kindg on Wed. She was/is WONDERFUL!! A certified teacher with her master's in Library Science, she has been a treasure. The position will now become an E.A. (educational assistant) position to save $$$. Until a new librarian is hired, I've been asked to fill in for the next few weeks.

When the priccipal called me about subbing, I was telling her to be careful and hire someone who loves the children and books. She laughed, telling me she would. Then I found myself apologizing for telling her, the principal, how to do her job.


This is all bittersweet for me. While I don't want to work full-time, I will enjoy being in this position for short term. Last spring when the librarian was in a car accident, I filled in for a couple months. It was hard work but I loved every moment of it. On the other-hand, I feel bad about taking my friend's job. Even if it is short-term.


I begin on Wednesday and no, I do not want it full time. Technically, I don't have enough credits.
Besides, Bill and I are going to the Carribean in Feb. We're trying to focus more on us and our marriage as our children have gotten older.

I'll keep you posted.... pmb

Snow!

I don't know how well you can see it but this morning we had SNOW!! I left for the mall at 6:20 a.m.. It was chilly but no windshield to scrape. Okay morning. By the time I left at 7:50 a.m. it was snowing!!! We had about an inch. It was all history by 10:00 a.m. but was nice while it lasted. A beautiful, chilly morning!!!!

Halloween Perspective

I've been subbing a lot lately. I hear a lot of "Happy Halloween" and talk of scary stories, dressing up, etc. It's not our thing. It's not my thing. Bill is into scary, gross stuff. My idea of scary is reading a book and the pages that tie the story line together are missing. Now THAT'S scary!

Josephine and Travers didn't dress up once they entered elementary school. They had a great principal at Ranchvale. He was from our church, Bill Pyle. Bill insisted Halloween festivities become "Fall Parties." No costumes. No skeletons. Just a fall celebration. It was great from this parent's perspective.

At home, we didn't go trick or treating. Instead of dressing Josephine & Travers in cheap costumes and dragging them to base housing or a packed mall for Halloween, Bill always said "I'll buy them a bag of candy. They don't need to go begging for it."

Jo informed me last week, almost apologetically, that Richard "did Halloween" when he was growing up. Still not sure what that meant... I do know they plan on greeting trick or treaters, with jack- o- lanterns by their front door and candy. I told her that was fine. I have no problem with it. I'm not sure what their views will be when they have children of their own. It's always interesting to watch these things evolve.

I do know our door will be locked. The lights in the front of the house will be turned off. We will buy candy. We always do. Bill will take it across the street to the neighbor's kids before trick or treating officially begins.

I have no Biblical perspective on this. I don't need one. Celebration or commeration of "Halloween" is stupid. I don't even need an "alternative" as so many churches offer. I'd rather spend my days celebrating Jesus.

Richly Blessed!

My heart is overflowing with praise today. God has blessed Jo and Richard. To not recognize Him for what he has done in their lives would be wrong on my part. (BTW, it's NOT grandchildren. I know. I'm disappointed, too. Later. In God's time.)

When Richard was hired at Target it was as a "seasonal" employee. Translation: when they were done with him, "good-bye." He walked in Sat morning and found out his name was on that good-bye list with several other employees. Management said they were taking his name off. He would be permanent AND would receive a $1 an hour raise.

Saturday Josephine was proding Richard to give us his good news about school. He was supposed to start South Plains College this past Sept in their Paramedic program. Richard's paperwork didn't get through and he didn't make it. Richard's news? He's ready now! To top it all of, because of the G.I. Bill he will receive $1,500 a month. One check will cover his tuition for the semester. He can still continue with his job at Target because his classes will be on-line for at least this semester. Right now, the plan is for Richard to attend school year-round until he's finished.

In the Army, Richard can start I.V.'s and all kinds of things a paramedic in the civilian world would be qualified to do. In the civilian sector, Richard is an entry level EMT. He needs to become a paramedic.

Another concern of mine has been answered. Richard's been working 3:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and they've been unable to attend church. They've been looking for a church that had a Sunday morning service atmosphere on Sunday night. Richard's hours have been changed to 10:30 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.. They can begin attending church together again.

Jo is still subbing for now. There is no shortage of teachers in Lubbock so she's content with subbing. Yesterday she was getting sick with a cold and sore throat. We were texting today. She's not feeling any better. She's doing a lot of sleeping. Please hold her in your prayers... She's always catching these bugs in the winter.

Sorry. No pics today.

A few pics from the cruise

Bill and I at dinner onboard one night.

Our ship, The Norwegian Star

A beautiful sunset at sea!

A small iceberg we saw from aboard ship.

Bill and I at Prince Rupert, BC

It was a great trip. I'd make very few changes. We arrived home last night about 10 p.m., exhausted from traveling. Bill had brought back a fresh salmon he had frozen and stashed in his suitcase. It was still frozen when he pulled it from his suitcase in Lubbock. The man must be nuts! :-)

Mount Rainier, Washington state

We spent today hiking the trails at Mount Rainier. Great time and a LOT of great pics!

The top pics include a shot of the glacier. Can't help but thinkk how much my son would love this trip. Next time, he's coming!

In Seattle

I'm afraid this will be short. Time is at a premium!

We've been to Pike's Market, The Glass Museum(see pic) the Locks and botanical gardens(see pic). Having a great time with Bill's cousin Glen and his wife Pam!

We went to an Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Sunday. Different format of service and doctrinw. Bill was happy - we sang all hymns! :-) Good to be in church again. Seemed like an eternity since I was in church.

We get into Lubbock about 6 p.m. Wed. Details to follow!

Arrive Seattle

I'm in Seattle!

It was a long day yesterday, leaving Clovis about 9 a.m. local and finally landing in Seattle about 9:15 p.m. local. The flight from Clovis to Dallas and the leg from Dallas to Albq was rough. Lots of turbulence. I've attached a few pics of the clouds. The pilots all did a great job of flying above the storms! (I think there's a scripture lesson in there somewhere :-))

The motel is okay. Older but clean. We have a sofa, small kitchen and king size bed. Clean was my concern and clean it is!

Haven't seen much of Seattle yet. Walked outside a little this morning. Green and very pretty. Hilly terain like my home.

All the shuttles are full this morning. We can't get a ride to the pier until 1 p.m.. Still plenty of time.

The chess set is something I saw in Lubbock airport. My dear son loves chess. It's something I can send him a picture of that he will enjoy.

Impending Cruise

We leave tomorrow morning for Seattle, Wa. People are asking me if I'm excited or nervous. I'm not sure. Maybe I am a little. The reality hasn't set in, yet. Maybe when I give my daughter and son a tearful good-bye at the airport. Maybe when I realize I can't just pick up the phone and call my sister or send an email. Tonight, I'm just normal.

My internet and phone use will be limited at best. When we return, we're spending a few days with Bill's cousin Glen near Seattle. From there, I can update this blog, send pictures and emails.

Please, as God brings us to mind, pray for us. Okay? Don't forget my son, favorite daughter and equally favorite son-in-law. Pray that we're all safe and I enjoy my trip without worrying about them too much. :-) It's a mom thing. :-)

I'll miss you guys!
Patricia

If you'd like an idea of our schedule, here it is:

Day Date Port or Activity Arrive Depart


Sat Sep 12 Seattle, WA 4:00pm
Sun Sep 13 Inside Passage (Cruising)
Mon Sep 14 Ketchikan, AK 7:00am 3:00pm
Tue Sep 15 Juneau, AK 7:00am 1:30pm
Tue Sep 15 Sawyer Glacier (Cruising)
Wed Sep 16 Skagway, AK 7:00am 5:00pm
Thu Sep 17 Prince Rupert, BC, Canada 4:00pm 10:00pm
Fri Sep 18 At Sea
Sat Sep 19 Seattle, WA 8:00am
Wed Sept 23 Leave Seattle for Lubbock,tx. Arrive Lubbock 6:10 p.m. MST

laptop skin

I guess I'm back in kindg and it's time for Show & Tell. When I had my "old' Dell computer it came with a clear piece of plastic covering the top. I kept that on permanently, despite Jo's taunts and threats to remove it. When I bought my HP it was covered with a piece of protective plastic across the top. A piece of proctive plastic that was determined NOT to stay on. So began my quest for a "skin."

Office Max had printable ones, 3/pkg for $20. My mind started racking up the price of ink, paper jams, etc. I also wondered about the quality/weight of the plastic.

Pictured above is what I found and I LOVE IT!!!! I went to a site called www.skinit.com. There I was able to choose from a variety of backgrounds (I chose black) as the canvas for my masterpiece. I could have chosen from a variety of fonts and added words or even graphics. I decided not to. The downside.... $40

You can do one pic or as many as you want. I included wedding pics of Bill and I as well as Jo and Richard. There's Travers and his new car and even a family pic from MANY MANY years ago.

It arrived in 5 business days, regular ground delivery. It's a good, heavier weight vinyl. Easy to apply, it gives my laptop a classy, unique look when I'm traveling AND I get to show off my family!!!! A great conversation starter when you're around strangers. :-)

The holidays are a coming! If you decide to get one, call me for how-to-hints!

Nancy Boeshaar

Bill's sister, Nancy, passed away yesterday afternoon. She was visiting in-laws in NJ (I believe) and curled up on the couch with a stomach ache. She rolled over, complaining about her back then she was gone. She just turned 60. They believe it was an aneurysm. No funeral date has been set. The body has to be transported from NJ to SC.

We do not plan on attending the funeral. If it is early in the week, I may try applying my thumb to Bill's back. Don't know that it would even work... He and Nancy are not close and haven't seen each other in over 20 years. His sister Helena is the one who called and he is close to her.

Bill is the baby of the family. Helena was the first born. I THINK she's 63. Then there's Nancy and finally Bill, who turned 55 in Feb. Helena is taking it hard. Bill will be doing what he can in the years ahead to be there for her.

I am reminded of John 14:1-3 Jesus has prepared a place for her! I can just imagine Him whisking her up in his arms and carrying Nancy to her new home with Him! It's a celebration of life. Not as we know it but different and infinitely better. The fairy tale of being taken away by Price Charming has finally come true for Nancy - only His name is "Jesus"

Final glimpse of Ft Worth

We leave Ft Worth this morning. Here's a few more pics before we leave.

The first one is Bill, Donna and I on the Tarantula-the train at the Ft Worth Stockyards. Yes, it's a pic of a pic.

The second is a pic of Bill's friends from aboout 30 years, Jess and Jenny Richter and our friend Donna. We had gone to a VERY high end restaurant, Texas De Brazil.

Time to pack up the camper. Bill went for gas. It's 5 hours from here to Lubbock and an additional 2 hours to Clovis. We were hoping to get out by 8 a.m. I think it will be more like 9. That's okay. No big rush.

Ft Worth vacation

We have been in Ft Worth for about 5 days. It's been non-stop run, run, run. Today, it was the Ft. Worth Stockyards. Along with our friend Donna, we rode the local train, called the Tarantula. We also visited Bill's favorite store in Ft Woth, The Candy Barrel. Enjoy the pics!

Bill, Hunnie and I are leaving tomorrow night, Saturday evening, for Ft. Worth. We always stay at Cowtown RV Park, just west of Ft. Worth. It's kind of a deluxe style camping. :-) Paved roads, a pool, cable, and internet. I don't have cable or satellite at home so this really is a step up for us! We will be driving back sometime Sunday the 16th. I'm packing my camera and card reader so I hope to post pics while we're there. I think Hunnie is looking forward to the break from Miss Tess. Poor dog. At 14, she has never really adjusted to having another dog in the house.

"Texas"

We went to Palo Duro Canyon last Thursday night and saw the musical production of "Texas".

It's the history of Texas with a little fictional romance woven into the tapestry. The musical is in it's 44th year of production. Richard and Jo went with us. Richard's parents met us in Amarillo for dinner then joined us for the show. Richard's dad is a proud, native Texan. Dickie and Ginger had gone to see it once before when Robin (who is Jo's age) was a baby. She cried at the fireworks. A lot has changed since then. :-)

my birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. It was spent quietly and perfectly with my family. Bill woke me up with, "Good morning. I love you. Happy Birthday!" Travers, Bill and I met Jo and Richard in Littlefield, TX for lunch. We had my fav-Mexican food at a small rather non-descript Mexican restaurant!

While on vacation in June, I met a dear friend from the Air Force. We were in sister flights and assigned to Cannon. As always, Cande' remembered my birthday. She invited us to her home in Hebron, KY where we feasted on steaks, corn-on-the-cob, baked potatoes, salad and.... what am I missing? Birthday cake! We celebrated together and only a few weeks early. I've always believed everyone needs a cake with their name on it. Special thanks to Cande'. SINCERELY!

my mom

Here's my mom! Ruth Sparks Wensel Zahner. For years I sent her Father's Day cards because of the dual role she filled in my life.
She fell down in the nursing home and broke her hip. Since then, she's maneuvered herself out of that chair on several ocassions just to fall again. One sharp old lady/escape artist. :-)
When I went to see her over vacation she had no idea who I was, Bill or my dear sister. Physically, she's my mom. I think her mind has already taken residence in Hallelujah Square.
I owe her so much!

Pennsylvania

We've been back from our vacation almost 3 weeks. It was all fun but much too short. I've lived in NM since Aug 21, 1980 but there's still a part of me that will always call PA. "home."

We traveled from NM to Ohio, then to my home in PA. While in PA we stayed with an old friend Rich Eakin. He lives out in the country and we loved it!! We parked our camper next to his garage - adjacent to the woods. Mornings we would wake up, go outside and just soak in the scenery! We have been so fortunate to have a friend like Rich who opens his yard to us each year!

I'm also including a pic of Bill with Rich's daughter, Ann. I took this picture because of the parking meter. You don't see too many of those in Clovis! :-) BTW, the lap is Travers, sitting on the suburban. There's also a pic of my precious niece, Miss Isabella with our dog, Miss Tess. We had packed up, preparing to leave town. Miss Isabella and my sister had come down to say, "good-bye." at age 5, Miss Isabella has no idea how far it is from NM to PA. I told her I had bought her a new dress and she wanted to know if I was going to take it to her. I wish! :-)

Now that I have pics downloaded. More will follow. Have a wonderful day!

pmb

Piatt Castles

There were once 2 brothers with the last name Piatt. The first brother retired from the civil war as a general and moved to central Ohio and built himself a castle (second pic, small castle) big enough for him, his family and assorted maids and laborers. Brother number 2 was a bit of a scholar and had been on the east coast, New Jersey, I believe. He went to Ohio and about 7 miles from his brother built his own castle. The smaller castle has remained in the family all these years. The larger, more grand castle, exchanged hands several times before returning to the Piatt family.

Enough history. We are still at the family farm visiting Bill's sister and brother-in-law. The family dynamics here are so interesting.... Anyway, tomorrow, we leave for PA. That will be a 7 hr. drive, not including a meal break. IGH!

Ohio

Still in Ohio! Last Friday we spent at Wright-Patterson AF Museum, near Dayton. A former youth pastor/music minister joined us for the day.

We spent 5 hours a the museum but could have easily spent an additional 4. Itt's THAT big, that much to see. We completely skipped one wing.

Today we go to West Mansfield, Ohio. About Thursday or Friday we'll go from there to Oil City/Franklin, PA.

FYI gas is costing about $2.85. I wasn't planning on that much. My big fear is that it will be over $3 before we return. Bill has this habit of letting the gas gauge drop and drop and drop, confident that it will be cheaper at the next exit. So far, it's cost him more. Not less.

Traveling

We made it. We are in Brookville, Ohio. It took one day of driving 15 hours and the second day driving 12 hours but here we are! Along the way we had to change a low camper tire and we made a wrong turn at the Arch. Maybe it was because I was too busy snapping pics instead of echoing the gps instructions to Bill. Who knows??!!

I'll take more pics later and update you.

Graduation Dinner

It was a full day today. Along with a trip to The Riverwalk, we had Richard's graduation dinner. We were under the impression it was military formal (Mess Dress). It was't. WHEW! It was nice. We enjoyed it. Jo and Richard sat immediately across the table from us but all we saw was the sides of their heads as they leaned in, whispering to each other. Richard will be assigned to University Medical Center in Lubbock for his Army National Guard Reserve assignments. That's one week-end a month ans 2 weeks in the summer. Yes, he could still go to Afghanistan or Iraq but.... well, we'll keep praying.