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.

PERFECT

I am NOT perfect.

Can I be? 

Now there is something to ponder!
And when?

As we look forward to the time Jesus Christ will return to earth - a time of prophesied peace - Paul counsels all that seek to obey the command to be perfect found in the New Testament (and as taught by Jesus in the Book of Mormon), regarding their choices and resources amid the extreme wickedness that will prevail.  In 1984 Ezra Taft Benson, taught that 'Paul also saw our day' and in 1995 Boyd K. Packer said that the time Paul is referring to is now.

I am contemplating what Paul taught.

He explains that "all scripture [instructions given by inspiration] ... is profitable ..." and lists 3 specific things it is 'profitable' for: doctrine, reproof for correction, and instruction for righteousness.

I can study and ponder the scriptures given long in the past and the words prophets are giving us today. They will teach me true doctrine, help me make course corrections AND comfort me when things are difficult or discouraging by helping me learn and understand what to do and when to do the things that I should do to be more like my Father - my Heavenly Father.

 Mathew 5:48 specifically commands us each to be perfect like our Father in Heaven is perfect. How is he perfect? In the footnotes the Greek meaning for perfect is to be complete, finished, fully developed.

[I am grateful for scriptures that are so readily available - words of both ancient and modern prophets in my home, or car, and even at my fingertips as searchable documents any time, any where.]

A footnote for 'perfect' in verse 48 directs me to revelation given to Joseph Smith,  Doctrine and Covenants 67: 13. I paraphrase in parts, "[I am] not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore [I must] continue in patience until [I am] are perfected."

I feel a sudden sadness, even despairing hopelessness but then I remember the word's of Paul. I think on scripture stories of men and women, girls and boys that were able to 'abide' seeing God and/or angels.  My ancestors knew Joseph Smith as a human being, like me. HE was able to 'abide' the presence of God and ministering angels ...

In Mathew chapter 5 verses 44 and 45 Jesus teaches us to love our enemies,  (blessing those that curse us, doing good to them that hate us, and praying for them that despitefully use us and persecute us) so that we, as children, can be more like our Father which is in Heaven.

A footnote on the words 'may be' in Verse 45 indicates that a Greek translation would be 'may become'.

I like that -
I may become like our Father in Heaven -
I am His child.

How am I like my dad?
What ways do I wish I were more like him or less like him?

My father here in this life is a good man and although not perfect nevertheless is an rather excellent example. He keeps working at being better every day.  That is one way I hope I am like my father: he tries to be the best he knows how to be; continuing to learn, gain knowledge of good things, and become better - changing to be better.   

Our Father in Heaven IS perfect.
He lives within the knowledge he has.

2 Timothy 3 enlightens me a little more as Paul warns those trying to perfect themselves, in this manner, about 'perilous times'.  I think if you were to read it you would understand it differently that I have.  I think it would warn and/ or comfort and teach you in things you need to know.  Romans 2 is the same.  Paul teaches me that it is not the outward appearance of my actions that will help me to be able to become like my father but rather the inward desires that are in my heart and mind. As a reformed and converted anti-Christian Paul should know!

Apparently I can become perfect -

it will be an ongoing process -

so can you -

IF we want to.

THAT

" ... for which I would spend money"

Today is sunny and beautiful outside.
This morning was snowing but the day warmed and cleared.

I was wishing I had a snowman.
I knew better than to build it myself.
I have spent my energy
(and much of David's too) on carpet cleaning.

While David ran an errand 3 young boys came by.

shoveled area and boys after being paid

They are the same ones I keep asking to stop using my yard as a shortcut.  They promise but eventually the temptation is too great and they cut through again.

(Don't worry I ask everyone to please go around - I don't pick on them.)

They seem nice enough - they did ASK if they could have apples.


(We made sure to give them a large bag full when the apples were ready.) We are so grateful to have enough to share.

But boys will be boys! These three are pretty fun.  They don't know I have informally adopted them.  I hope they can learn to stay out of trouble.  When I caught them picking the flowers I gave them a bouquet.  I told them to always ask - that was before the apples.  I was so pleased that they did ask! Many more things to be thankful for there.

They wanted to know if I would pay them to shovel my snow.
Ironic since David keeps it cleaned off but today the fresh snowfall, half an inch or so, was melting on the step and driveway.

snow left after they were done

I looked out, told them there is not very much snow, AND that I don't have very much money either but I would make them a deal (seriously I only have 5 one dollar bills and some change of my spending money until pay day). If they would clean off the snow - I would loan them our shovel so it would go twice as fast and 2 of the 3 could be shoveling - and if the 3rd boy, and youngest, would build me a snowman and sweep the front step then I would give them a dollar each.  They think they got a good deal! It took them less than half an hour including the snowman.

I think I got a good deal.

I bought myself a small snowman for $3.75 (he's out there looking at me through the window right now - it is looking at the house not the street) and as a bonus got my step swept and 'some' of the snow off my driveway - they shoveled the way most young boys shovel - a little here and a little there but I got a snowman! I even suggested a carrot for the nose and gave them one along with a .25 tip for being such good sports and so nice to a crazy old lady. Their shovel was pitifully little but the biggest boy asked me why ours was so big and heavy. *snorting laughter* David finished clearing the snow in a few swift passes when he returned.

snowman on lower right 

He noticed the snowman. It might have been missed but there was no way to miss the trompled snow replacing the pristine wind carved drifts he has been admiring all week.

I am sure I couldn't go to the local stores and buy a better yard decoration - especially not for the price.

2 satisfied parties for one deal -

and later I saw them cut through the yard with their older sister, - or a baby sitter, - or cousin or maybe their mother ... I can't tell - age is so hard to tell anymore.

[There are babies of course, and older toddlers; and younger and older children; teens and young adults; adults that must shoulder the cares of the world and think they know enough to do so; then those that have some grey in their hair and may not have a lot of 'sproing' in their gait or their attitude anymore; and lastly those with papery thin skin, failing eyesight or hearing, and frail shuffling steps.]

I know where I fit into those categories and where some of you fit in but you might not agree. My oldest daughter definitely is a youngish adult *giggle* but I think her 16 year old would place her into the beginning of the grey hair category.  I know she doesn't belong there because I am hardly there myself *snicker*- it is her birthday here at the end of November. Happy Birthday, deary!

This woman was younger than her.  (I think that is why I couldn't judge her age.) The 3 boys proudly pointed out the snowman that they built to her, as they cut through the yard!  I told them earlier that it is OK to come in the yard to build snowman anytime they want to.

I still think I got the deal.

Why didn't I think of kids earning their spending money that way when I had kids? They sure shoveled a lot of the white stuff!

Never mind - back then people would have thought they were crazy and told them to 'go fly a kite'. I bet that now many people would pay kids to build snowmen in their front yard.  Please let me know if any of your kids make it to college on these earnings - I'll be very surprised - but happy - I'd be happy for them.

And it would be a good service project for a group - don't you think that would be a blast?

So what if everyone thinks we're goofy - we are -
and lovin' every minute of it!

GREENER GRASS

Just so you know -

here is documented proof -

sometimes the grass IS greener on the other side of the fence! and no that is not snow - it is too much light - the grass was actually very yellow brown like hay but on a rainy day pictures were no easy trick.

The first time we saw this area while traveling through Oregon we thought it was fluke and wished for our camera.

When we saw it this last trip it was too late to snap the picture. On the way home we stopped first by the side of the road and then in another area at the lookout above the winding road up the hill. My adventuresome hubby trekked off over hill and dale and captured the shots.  He wanted the evidence. So did I.

Why is the grass (in at least 2 places in Oregon) greener on the other side of the fence?

I have no idea! I could make up some theories but so can you.
What are yours?

There are many ways we compare ourselves to others.
Sometimes their lives seem 'greener' than our own - better in some way.

I despised my frizzy mousy brown hair when I was growing up.  All the really 'cool' styles required smooth locks. And nice blonde was beyond my wildest dreams. I so wished I could only have hair that wasn't so frizzy that the other kids shouted, "Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Bear ... " and other taunts.

(I had to learn to NOT brush it 100 strokes a day.  That didn't make my hair shine - it made it fuzzier!)

Last time I visited a very young granddaughter, she asked me why my "hairs is all curled." She said hers isn't and 'curls is pretty'. Her mother's 'hairs are all curled' too - we both have naturally curly hair.

I am very grateful for naturally curly hair.

Once someone asked my daughter where she got her beautiful perm. She said her mother gave it to her.  They phoned me for an appointment! We all had a good laugh. I suppose that wasn't a lie. I do NOT 'do' hair - not even my own. I live on the wash and 'finger-comb-shake' method.

My poor little grandchild - I think she feels bad that her shiny blond hair is straight as a board.

I told her that when I was a little girl I thought only 'hairs' without curls were pretty.

I left her mulling that over as a seemingly new thought.
She is one lucky little girl to have straight blond hair!

In my life I have often just had to accept that I am not always on the greener side of the fence.  I do my very best to be my very best and be in the very best places I can be. That will have to be good enough.

But at times I come to realize 'all my hairs is curled'.  There are some who believe I live on the green side of that conundrum.

I will have to be sure I don't envy those that are in greener places and be grateful for what is on my side.

Perhaps you wish your grass wasn't so green because it needs to be mowed.

SPIDER

Yesterday started wrong.

 It is not that I didn't know the spider was there -

I tried to whack it before but it was too fast. And it is very hard to WHACK between the knife block, paper towel roll and the microwave mounted over the stove.  That is where it got away to - behind the microwave. 

I have been thinking on how to catch it for many minutes since. I know spiders are creatures of habit.  They build a web, make a nice cozy place to live and then live there - in other word I knew I would see it again in the same locale.  

And if you know me I did not forget it was lurking.  I have been watching, and thinking.

6:15 in the morning is not a good time to bother me.  

I am a bit, well, not awake really.  

That sounds nicer than groggy, cranky, testy, 

or other similar adjectives!

I decided oatmeal would be nice for breakfast.  

I decided to make some for hubby too. 

I was trying to be quiet so he could sleep in a bit. I am very grateful for all he has done for me while I recuperated this summer and fall. I rummaged for a pot, and lid, dropped several, made enough noise to wake the dead (but not David) and generally made myself testy and cranky by the time I filled it with water and turned to place it on the stove. 

(Thanks again to all my kids - 

it is so new and clean and shiny still).

THAT is when I saw it. Some small movement caught the corner of my eye and I must admit I absolutely froze.  There it was! hanging midway between a knife handle and the microwave. I was not about to repeat our previous encounter.  David does not kill most insects. I do - but usually only if they come in my house.  He captures them by inverting a glass over them, slides a paper under the glass and carries them outside to freedom.  I let him.

I have seen him do it many times.  It is very simple and effective.  Sly kicked up a notch as I set my pot of water on a burner, picked up a nice thick envelop from the pile of mail on the table, and a mostly empty glass from nearby.

It worked too.  

Now what was I supposed to do?

Here I was at dawn standing in my kitchen barefoot, in my nightgown, holding an envelop over a glass to keep the spider inside and all I wanted was a bowl of oatmeal - good hot oatmeal - the way I fix it - not gooey or slimey but light and flakey,with honey and fruit. 

I had told David about the spider and what I thought were unusual markings - I hadn't seen the striped back or the strange light tummy before. I wanted him to see those but it could be an hour before he was up if he got this chance to sleep in a little. I found a heavy bowl (do not try to imagine that process with my hands both occupied) and balanced it on top of the envelop on top of the glass on top of the counter.  I could look at it eyeball to eyeball that way.  I could also make sure it did not get away.

My parents were strict about not tormenting little creatures.  If they had to be killed so be it but without suffering.  I don't know what makes a spider suffer but I don't suppose the spoonful of water in the glass bottom was its most pleasant moments.  I almost felt sorry for it but not quite.  I also felt bad that one of its legs got caught under the edge of the glass as it tried to get away and now it was dragging that leg a little bit BUT too bad! it should not have been in my house!

I heated the oatmeal, turned the burner off and left it steaming under the lid and David got up. We messed around with the spider and he took some pictures of it - I put on my sandals in case it tried to get away (David likes to magnify the pictures on the computer - I admit that is interesting). After the pictures he went to get ready for work.  

WAIT a minute!

The spider was still in the kitchen!

I asked him what HE was going to do with it.

It had snowed over night and was very cold outside.  

He seemed to not hear me so I dumped it out and stepped on it.

As my foot came down I heard him suggest, from the other room, that I take it outside.  He felt like it might be able to crawl into some place and survive. 

I said nothing, put the glass in the dishwasher and the envelop in the trash, and off and on for much of the day thought about habits and patterns of living. 

I don't feel guilty.  I am NOT going to let a spider nest in my kitchen and I am not going to go outside in the cold, much less in my nightgown and sandals, to let the thing freeze to death slowly.  It did not die slowly. It looked way too much like the black widows that occasionally turn up around here - but then 'they' all look alike to me - generally speaking, ya know?

When we know little about people or creatures 'they' can all look alike and be categorized as good or bad with little thought.  David helps me think past categories and generalizations.  I like that. (It can also be irritating).

Speaking of irritating - I never did get my oatmeal.  The pot vacuum sealed itself shut while we were taking pictures (mostly I just hovered nervously). I almost made more oatmeal but then made a valiant attempt to reheat it and get it open. David ate toast and fruit and went to work meanwhile. The oatmeal burned - and stayed stuck. It was still stuck at 5:30 when he came home.  I tried ice and hot water and, and, and ... nothing worked.  He tried to take the lid apart - nope. He tried to get an opening, even tiny to let air or water in by prying - nope. He boiled it in a much larger pot of water for more than an hour.  It finally came loose and could be cleaned - smelled up the house like burnt oatmeal but could be cleaned.

My day went downhill from the dawn to dusk.
The rest of the day was a comedy of clumsiness and chaos
 - and although mostly uneventful just immensely irksome.

It was difficult to choose to be cheerful,
 and not say cranky things all day.

By bedtime blizzard warnings had become the reality and bitter temperatures froze blowing snow over both the front and the back door.

This morning drift sculptures that eddy around the car tempt me to get dressed and go out to take some photos.

I have become a pansy.  I only stay out long enough to document some strange snow around the car and decide not to move it.  

I knew I would catch that spider sooner or later.  

I knew where it had hidden. 

When I removed its webs I knew it would make more.

I knew I would be able to 'get' it there.  

It would be there. That is how spiders are.

I suppose I also knew I would kill it 

and that David wouldn't.

Sometimes I take them out ...

I am grateful for his example to me in this.

It helps me be a more compassionate, considerate being.

I am left wondering about habits, traps and webs.

Is there anyone or anything trying to catch me? or you?

Lying in wait?watching? waiting for our vulnerable times?

If so what do I (or you) need to do to foil that?

Surely we must at least consider and ask,
"Do I have habits that endanger my well being
or even my very soul?"