SHINING GIFT

This morning -
early -
very early,
as I lay dozing in my warm bed, wondering why my husband was up earlier that usual and ... (what ??? did I just hear the outside door????) - I heard the pitter, pitter, patter of not so tiny feet on my roof top! I promptly jumped out of my bed to see what was the matter!

I admit I did not move to any sash (either of door or window) in a flash, but I was certainly there at the door for re-entry. Thank goodness it has been raining all week and most of the roof is bare, but at that time of the morning I was extremely relieved to hear footsteps on the gravel drive and see him when I looked out the front door as he rounded the corner . I don't know what I thought I might see from under the porch in my nightie - maybe his broken body on the ground? It was frosty - he says the ice was only in a few places!

Hubby knows I love the lights.  

He went up top
and replaced that green light bulb that was burned out!

Now that is a SHINING gift! don't you think?  

I do! 

I tried to take a picture to show you but I am kind of wiggly jiggly today.  Here is that version.

I hope he knows I love him too.
More than colored lights.

And not just because he climbed up on a frosty roof and changed a light bulb (don't surprise me - I hate surprises) or that he went out and took the picture for me - without knowing or asking why!

He is a talented person with unique insights.  I really enjoy the things he shares - like this picture ...

The house lights are reflecting on the top of the car. He likes photography and gets some pretty cool shots at times.

He is a light in my life - 

right up near the peak.

QUESTIONS

I ask a lot of questions:

always have.

Why?

Because I do want to know.

I don't do it to bug people
or to give them advice.

I ask because I would like to understand.

If you don't know I don't expect you to -
I might even be just thinking outloud.

If I expect you to know there are reasons why -
Do you want me to explain why I think so?
I am sure I would ask more questions as I tried.

Can you wait while I search for answers?
Can we search and find together?

Will you share my life of looking?
never stopping ...

I am amazed at the questions people never ask. They not only seem to not want to know but also seem to avoid enlightenment.  I think all our lives would be easier if we ask good questions and find appropriate answers. Being able to think and reason is such a tremendous gift!

To know me is to be asked. I remember asking my mom and my dad and my siblings questions lots.  I think they asked me a lot of questions too.  Every family has their 'culture'.  I think that might be ours. Ask ...

I considered naming this blog 'Qwestions' but decided I might not ask a question (or even cause you to ask one) every time I write a post.  'Time In A 'Blogtelle' expresses and documents some of my answers (as well questions) for me if not for you.

My husband thinks I ask him questions to pick on him.
Honey - I just want to know ...
I think he feels picked on because he wishes he knew everything.

He is a smart man but we have learned that (so far) he can't answer all the questions that can be asked. I should apologize to him.

David I'm sorry.
I don't mean to make you squirm.
Just so you know, I wince if I know you do.
Do you know I didn't mean to?
(Usually)

Do you all know that?

See, there I am doing it again!
It is like a reflex.

IDENTIFICATION PLEASE

Almost every time I need to make a business transaction, or visit a doctor or other personal service provider,  I am asked for at least part of my Social Security Number. I am told that it is for security and identification purposes.

If I offer my Customer ID number or my account number I am informed those aren’t secure enough - even if I have given all the other identifying information ever requested for the account such as the password, my name and /or the names of family members, and my address/phone numbers I am still asked for this government assigned number.

Why is that?

You, as a company or business entity, expect my complete trust that you will vigilantly keep my information and privacy secure.  Are you telling me that your own account and customer numbers are not as ‘secure’? 

Are you telling me that your own account and customer numbers are less ‘valid’ than a government number almost universally requested?

 REALLY?

That inspires my trust - NOT!

Hmmm – so why would I give YOU this ‘top secret’ number?

Frankly I do so regularly.

Because it isn’t - very secure or secret. 

And it makes my life less stressful.

And yours also, apparently.

Sometimes I refuse.  

It's just the way I feel that day - 

or maybe something you said or did.

You seem a little stressed.  


Isn't the ability and right to make choice like a wonderful gift? I can choose to give it to you or not - and you can choose to want my business or not.

Welcome to reality. 

Our family is really sorry to inconvenience you in this way. 

Really sorry. 

Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Have I satisfied all your concerns today?

How would you rate me as a customer today?


Wait I forgot - I am no longer your customer!


We sincerely hope you are satisfied. 
Is there anything else I can cancel from our lives? 
Oh, and btw,  thank you so much for waiving the termination of service fee. I will be sure to remember you charge one if I am ever tempted or compelled to use your business again. 

You may want to think about this - 
Have a nice day!

ONE LITTLE LIGHT

Christmas lights went up just in a nick of time.

The very weekend before winter blew in with a vengeance

David spent most of his free time that Saturday making connections work, checking bulbs, and climbing the ladder. We don't put many up - we try to keep it simple - but I love the lights.

I hope David knows how much it means to me to see them every single morning and evening - every time we leave the house or come home my heart does that little lurch flip that precedes a giggle. It's one of the best gifts I get each year they're up!

They make me smile.

Did I mention I love Christmas lights?

I prefer old fashioned multicolored lights.

Especially when they are neat and even. Even when one bulb quits I still love them anyway. (And why is it always the one nearest the peak and just out of reach of the tallest ladder? the one you have to get on the roof to change? errhhgggg!!)

I am a little disappointed about that light that is not shining. I wish it were. I wish I could fix it (not enough to jeopardize life or limb, however).

It's only one but I feel a twinge of sadness to see the dark empty spot
in the shining row of color.
It feels like when someone I love is gone.

The lyrics to a childhood song with a catchy melody sings about "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..."

I notice things you do to light my world. There are so many that do so much - I can't begin to express how I feel. All your lights - all shining for me - thanks! You're all so beautiful!

Each of us has a marvelous amount to contribute to the world around us. When I feel like I am only one light that doesn't matter and that no one will notice if my light goes out, I think of that small dark spot along my roof where a light could be shining. Most passers-by don't notice but I see it every day.

What if someone sees me (when my light is out)?

I am sure I could do something every day to make light,

I hope I can.

I try to.

Blue lights are my favorites.

(I hope I shine blue.)

BUYER BEWARE

aka DEFECTIVE PRE-LIT TREE

"Christmas is a-comin'..."

Would you put these lights on your tree? Look carefully -

Yes there are 2 places that the wires coming out of sockets end as loose open wires.

 Yes there is also a loop of about 5 lights that are on a 3rd single wire running out of one of the sockets and back in another socket further down the line - in 2 different places.

Have you looked at the lights on your pre-lit tree?

Closely?

Are they safe?



I don't think mine were.
I wasn't comfortable with what I found.
No wonder there are so many fires!

Last year we wanted a new tree but decided we couldn't afford one.  We don't want big trees anymore and often only put up 4.5' trees.  [That is easy - just use the top two sections in the stand.  Leave the largest bottom section in the box. The top 2 sections are fuller and nicer than smaller trees on the market. Leaving the bottom section in the box doesn't affect the tree or its stability at all.]


After Christmas we saw a great sale on a small 6.5' pre-lit green tree and decided again - we bought it at the terrific price.

There were lots more - maybe you got one too. We even plugged it in at the store to be sure the lights worked.

We stowed it in the attic and just opened it today.
My husband unbaled it - funny - it was tied in a bundle just like the real trees you can get this time of the year.

As I began to 'fluff' it up I noticed a wire that looked like part of the light set had pulled apart - but it also looked like it was being used to secure the lights - that didn't seem very safe. I don't know much about electricity but maybe one of you does and can look closely at the pictures.

I looked more carefully and began tracing its source.  It was twisted around the branch and appeared to tie the lights to the branches - that would make sense I suppose - just use the same wire easily available to put things together with. I especially thought that might be the case when I found the next 2 wires - but it didn't make good sense either - why so much wire twisted and balled up all together in one spot?

Sloppy? - yes!

Cheap? - yes!

Safe? - ah that is the question.

I had been debating in my mind if I wanted to use colored lights or clear this year.  If I used colored I decided  they would be green.  Clear, colored, sigh, clear - it is too much trouble to replace them, green - I will put the green on and not plug in the clear - no that is just too much wire ...

Green, clear, green, clear, ....  this is where I was at when I saw the wire and began to investigate.  I unraveled it about a foot until I was certain one end fed directly into the set of lights on the top half the tree.

I had found meanwhile the next miscellaneous 2 wires - I started undoing them next. Those 2 wires turned out to be loose wires also that were twisted and then knotted around that light socket together.

GREEN - my decision came together rather quickly then.  My lights will be green this year. I had a genuine mess and I couldn't for the life of me see how it could possibly be safe.  We stripped those clear lights off the tree and will have a diy green pre-lit tree on hand for the future.  I will let you know how it turns out.

All the light sets we removed from the tree had miscellaneous wires with uncapped ends and extra loops of single wired lights looking like a third wheel on a date.  Common sense tells me that is not OK.

Am I just being paranoid?

NOPE - better paranoid than on fire.

Isn't common sense a gift in its own right?

And I wanted green lights anyway. [The basic tree is a decent enough little tree that was so inexpensive I will keep it and use it as is.]

Meanwhile - check your tree.
 Is it a fire hazard?

FROZEN FROST FORMATIONS

Winter arrived with several inches of snow.  It sifted down light and dry until a stiff north wind drove the dust like particles into icy temperatures lower than any November on record.

Then the real storm came: a few days later. Again that snow began dry and light but the sheer amount of it became heavy as sculpted drifts sank and packed, and as temperatures warmed that day the snow became large wet swirling flakes and many more inches even on level ground. 

After cleaning 4 or 5 " off the car I became brave enough to shovel and was amazed at the process.  Each narrow pass I made along the driveway felt wonderful as I breathed deeply of cool air, felt the work muscles can do and watched the continuing snow cover the car again before I returned indoors - at least David did not have as much to shovel nor was it as heavy for him.

My jacket and toque were soaked but it felt so incredibly good to do simple work that I almost cried - not quite though - I was too busy breathing and working, marveling at the wondrous gift I have of life and of my physical body. 

Hoar frost has decorated nature with a beautiful coat of white for several days so that we are living now in a winter wonderland .  

Today was a sight to see. The white furry coat has become 'hairy' - that's right hairy.

This is not on the evergreen - it is a normal thin stick twig. The frost has grown like sugar crystals in a child's experiment and narrow needles protrude everywhere. 

This morning it was very slippery and cold.

 The world outside

( including porch posts,

cars

and sidewalks)

 was completely cocooned in an icy crust

with needles of frozen crystals growing.

The car was amazing.

Then it began to rain - except it wasn't really rain - it was a super fine mist.  The mist froze instantly as it touched down and the crystals became shiny sheer and almost dripping - but not quite -

at 28 degrees Fahrenheit they continued to freeze. If you click these pictures larger you can see the tiny drips on the tips.

I am really glad I learned to skate as a child.  I never knew though that I could skate in Sorel Pac boots. Never mind - I didn't know I could still skate at all.  I am as proud of myself today after that adventure of leaving the house as I was the first time I laced on blades and did not fall down, thump!

 [I never enjoyed skating because I don't like falling - frankly it hurts! The thrill of sliding and gliding couldn't quite outweigh the unthrill of not.  Ask me about skiing, though - what's to hate? If you fall down it is into a soft pile of snow - I LOVE it. ]

I took some pictures out there today.  

I just had to.

The sunflowers were amazing.  

birds have eaten almost all this one

In the fall we leave them standing as 'birdseed'

and love to watch
the busy little birds flit

and sit digging the seeds out of the heads.

Plain chain link fences were -

 incredible

 unrecognizable!

The trees were astounding.

I specifically noticed the forming buds

on our young trees.

 Sometimes it is best to resist silly rhymes - one never knows how silly silliness may become ...

PERFECT PANCAKES

David likes pancakes for breakfast.

I think what he likes most is all the 'stuff' that can be varied and used as toppings: syrup - of many flavors [that,
need I say, usually accompanies most other toppings], peanut butter [it is just fun to make trenches in with a fork to channel the syrup], apple butter [a true old time favorite], honey, jam - often blackberry but any berry will do, jelly,  fresh fruit in season, and many other tidbits and tantalizing tastes.

What do you like on pancakes?

Myself I prefer waffles (not often for breakfast) - the kind with little holes not big ones - but just try to find that kind of waffle iron.  And yes let me know if you do.

I learned to make pancakes as a child.  Even a very young child knows a bubble when they see it.  I remember standing on a chair at a safe distance watching for bubbles.  My job was to call dad or mom when the bubbles started to pop. Mornings were a very busy time at the Forsyth house and I suppose this helped them get other things done while the batter cooked.  (Later, when we got big enough we were taught to flip the pancakes over.)

We had a large, heavy aluminum griddle that spanned two burners and could cook 8 four inch pancakes at one time.  Dad often made them for breakfast - for the 13 of us!

One of the first lessons was to flick water at the griddle to be sure it was hot enough.  I bet I said, "Why" enough to drive my parents insane (and still do). The tiny drops of water would hiss and dance before quickly evaporating.  I have a cast iron griddle and test it the same way.  Dad would turn on the electric burners at a medium setting before he started mixing the batter.

He said that the griddle temperature is the most important thing for good pancakes - too hot and it smokes and will burn the pancake outside before it is done in the middle, too cool and they stick and do not brown well - they tend to be creamy in color. He said it works out better if the griddle heats a bit more slowly.

My personal peeve is doughy middles - YUCCKY - not a lot worse than raw in the middle pancakes!  He said it is caused by a griddle that is heated too hot or too fast and that a pan that isn't heavy enough to hold the heat might as well be thrown out. In my mind I can still see where those burner settings should be adjusted - it was a very specific place - different for each burner.

Although temperature settings will be different for every stove usually it is slightly below half - experiment with your range to determine the ideal place. Batters can influence the settings.  Check a small spoonful first - it will allow you to check and adjust flavor too - or maybe only keep baby happy while s/he waits.

The next thing dad taught is how much batter to put on the pan - a specific amount for a specific size. Yes he did get creative.  I think that was something he liked about pancakes - he might make a face or an animal - all free form art.  We never knew when he would get all creative and cook fancy ones - dad just cooked what he cooked.  Sometimes he dropped chopped apples into the batter, or fresh berries in summer.  We loved Dad's pancakes!

Besides - I not only hated mush but in the mornings food often looked back at me and pancakes could be buttered, sugared, and eaten later on the bus like a sandwich.

When the pan was ready and not until - and after the batter was poured out onto it then we watched for the bubbles. When they begin to rise in the middle and pop, it is time to turn the pancake over.  It will be nicely brown. Don't wait until the all the middle ones are popping because the edges will be drying out and the pancake may be overdone and dry (or burned even, if the griddle is too hot).

Flipping pancakes is an art in and of itself.  I am not great and still miss at times but I can do it well enough to get it done - especially on my griddle - I do one at a time.On the big griddle the pancakes sometimes ran into each other and had to be cut apart before turning.  And at times when they were flipped they landed on other pancakes or even off the edge of the pan.

 FUN stuff learning to flip flapjacks!!

The second side is done when a crisp brown edge is visible (like a thin line against the pan) - if in doubt I just slide the pancake turner under them and peek.

Sometimes we made dollar pancakes with a Tablespoon of batter at a time - 15 or 20 at once. Often the first ones were ready to turn by the time you got them all poured. They must have been a bit of a nuisance because we didn't have them often.  I did love them.  My idea of a nice pancake is still that size, smothered in butter and dusted with granulated sugar.

 I never was a syrup fan.
I liked my sugar straight!

And btw - one of us likes to butter them and eat them right (1st) side up (and can't imagine anyone so silly as to turn them over) and the other thinks they taste better bottom (2nd) side up.

 Can you guess who likes them which way?

GIFTS - Why didn't I think of that?

On a recent Saturday night, a girl was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She has one small child. Her husband attended the small gathering.

My husband was responsible for arranging music, speakers, a program, witnesses etc.

I have been thinking on that baptismal service.  A friend, Denice, pointed out a helpful perspective that I had never really considered previously - or have I just forgot it since she told me some other time? Denice told me about a lesson in Relief Society (RS) about baptism.

Our RS course of study in 2010 is 'Gospel Principles'. I attended church the Sunday before with my daughter and her family. Their lesson was about repentance. Anywhere you go, anywhere in the world the course of study is the same even though that particular area may have a slightly different schedule.

The course of 47 core principles (available on lds.org) systematically discusses and studies the 47 core principles in a simple but comprehensive way.

Baptism is for every person that is 8 years of age and that is accountable (responsible) for their actions.   Satan cannot tempt babies and young children until that age and they are not able to sin. When they develop normally there comes a time when they are accountable and can sin.

Dalin H Oaks has taught that "... the missionaries' purpose ... is to save souls, to baptize converts, which is to to open the doors of the Celestial Kingdom to the sons and daughters of God."

Think on that! Opens the doors - we are not forced to enter but the door is unlocked or open and we may choose to.

Once we have received that ordinance, even if we never again obey Heavenly Father's commandments, attend church or make additional covenants - that door is open for us to make the choice to do so at any time.

What a glorious thing - baptism -
the key to open the very door to God's kingdom!

In April 2009 Quentin L Cook, a member of the 12 apostles, again taught us and reminded us that "... because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all spirits blessed by birth will ultimately be resurrected, spirit and body reunited, and inherit kingdoms of glory that are superior to our existence here on earth."

Elder Cook's talk was entitled Our Father's Plan - Big Enough For All His Children.  Truly all people (except a very very few) will receive this gift of joyous life from Jesus Christ.  We all die but we all will live again and will live in conditions "superior to our existence here on earth."

Those conditions will be mostly of our own choosing. We make choices here on earth about that happiness and what we desire and there we will live with all the joy we truly desire. Even those that are NOT obedient to God will eventually have a place of glory there greater than this earth!

Amazing!!

 I witness to the validity and veracity of this promise. I know each of us will live after death as the scriptures and prophets teach. There is hope and happiness for every one of us. And the humble and obedient can not begin to comprehend the greater happiness and exceeding joy that they will receive. The Doctrine and Covenants (Section 76 among others) specifies and outlines some detail.

Too many of us, perhaps, do not realize the hope for the reality of great happiness.

If even the disobedient - but never mind - I digress ...I love the gospel - the 'good news' and thrill to think about these things.

Now back to the insight my friend shared -

When we become accountable we face many temptations. Each of us needs to be baptized so that we may be blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. As in all things we follow the example of the Savior and are immersed in water and then receive the spirit - the gift of the Holy Ghost, a comforter and guide.  As we struggle to be more perfect, more like our Father in Heaven and face temptations and trials the Holy Ghost can and will guide us.

There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  When we receive the latter we can have that guidance with us at all times.  What an incredible thing - would you not desire such a gift? especially knowing that Satan and those that follow him desire your misery and constantly seek to ensure it?

We pass over this thing too lightly.  After the age of accountability Satan can tempt young children. Some individuals want their children to be 'older' and make their own choice about baptism but that child will not have the Gift of the Holy Ghost to guide them at all times unless and until they are baptized at (or beyond) the age of accountability.

To me that is chilling.  I would not allow my child to face a freezing blizzard or a scorching summer day unprotected and without resources. As a parent I am responsible to also ensure their spiritual protection and well being yet I would not force, coerce, or compel them to be baptized.  I would though be very diligent and concerned in teaching them truth and confidence in their ability to recognize it and make their own choices about the truths they can understand - that, after all, IS being accountable or responsible.

Denice shared with me the insight that when we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost it is a critical shield and protection - I know that but I just haven't thought about it in this specific way regarding children and temptation before.

I think of this girl that received this marvelous gift the Sunday after her baptism. She is an adult. There are so many good people that might rejoice as she is and truly desire such a gift and cherish it.

Am I willing to help them find  and have such a gift?

EAT A CHRISTMAS TREE

This 'tree' looks festive and tastes terrific for school snacks,
 holiday buffets and potlucks or even as a table center.
(This one looks better.)

I am so glad there are creative people that think up things like this - I learned how to make it many years back and wish I could thank them for their talent.

TIP: If prepared the day before mist lightly and cover to maintain moisture. Keep in a cool place that will not freeze. (I just place on the top shelf in the frig.)

[I did not particularly care for the shape of this tree.  The tomatoes were too oval for my taste and I was a bit short of nice long stems to complete a more 'pointy' top.]

TIP: Buy lots of broccoli - you can always use left over broccoli - right?

Last year a grandson's kindergarten teacher said it was amazing to watch the kids eat the vegetables - they ALL wanted to eat the 'Christmas Tree'.  Children must be carefully supervised to not ingest toothpicks.

You will need the following supplies:

cherry tomatoes - round are preferable to oval

fresh cauliflower - 1 head that is not marked or yellowed

fresh broccoli - equal to (or a bit more than) the head of cauliflower
at least 4 or 5 large bunches for an 8" cone

toothpicks

pliers (or multipurpose scissors)

a foam cone form [covering with foil keeps foam from contact with food - colored foil looks very pretty as the pieces are removed or eaten]

support (disposable paper/foam plate - at home a tray or serving dish/plate)

Using pliers or sturdy scissors (or a craft knife)
 cut toothpicks in half.

Wash vegetables and pat dry (drain on paper towel). Keep nice and cool  so they don't go rubbery - no one will like to eat that.

Cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite size pieces. Some stems need to be longer and some shorter - the sizes needed will vary.

Cover foam base with foil (plastic wrap is fine but is a bit harder to 'poke')

Insert a toothpick into the bottom of a piece of cauliflower or broccoli .

Next inset the toothpick into the foam (through the foil).



Starting at the wide end of the base,  cover the cone with vegetables.

Keep the peices proportinate, larger and longer pieces near the bottom and smaller / shorter near the top or to fill in.

Work your way around the cone and gradually fill all areas so the foam is completely covered.  On larger pieces I tend to imagine thirds and start by placing a piece of cauliflower at each of the imaginary 3 points along the perimeter of the base and fill in-between with broccoli on that first round.

The cauliflower may be placed randomly or it may be placed in a spiral pattern that resembles a 'garland' on the tree.  Continue placing vegetables evenly around working up toward the top.

Tomatoes may also be placed at random on the cone where they 'decorate' the tree - I tend to just step back a bit and think - 'put one there' or 'it needs a bit of red over here'.  If I have already placed broccoli or cauliflower there I push the tomato or my finger between or if it is too snug I remove a piece.

TIP: tomatoes are too soft to effectively be used to 'push' a toothpick into the foam so I prick the end with the point and then place the toothpick into the cone.

  Next I  push the tomato onto the toothpick I have poked into the cone.

TIP: As the top becomes narrowed it may be necessary to use pieces with longer stems or smaller heads. This strategy 'adjusts' the cone's shape. By using longer (or shorter) stems on individual pieces, a more 'triangular' shape can be maintained.

After the cone is completely covered top with a perfect cherry tomato.

Serve with ranch salad dressing or a variety of dips.

If placed in the center of a large platter of tray, other vegetables, crackers, and snack foods may be arranged on the plate. Olives, celery, carrots, peppers and any extra tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower are great 'plate' fillers.

NB: secure cone to plate with florist putty or a stiff paste of icing that will set.

NOTE: This is a LOT of food! One 8" cone typically will serve a classroom of 25-30 students with some left over. Be careful to think small and use this size of cone for all except the very largest gatherings.

Here is a larger tree on a 10" cone. This one served a mixed crowd of about 50 adults and children (for about 2.5 hours of random snacking) with about two rows left near the base after the party. A small bowl of the same vegetables placed near the tree helps allow guests  'break the ice' - to begin snacking and not feel obligated to be the first to pull pieces off the tree - this also allows most guests to arrive in time to see the presentation.