Happy New Year.....Journal #1-1/2/2011

I love hats and wish they were still made in sizes. One size fits all does not fit little me. Still looking for the perfect head gear. Something like this for gardening is exactly my number. Or maybe the one below for winter.

On My Mind...after 29 years of driving through Pendleton, OR, we finally stopped at the factory....I restrained myself and only bought enough US wool yardage to make two skirts, a summer weight light blue plaid and a winter weight textured fabric. It cost less than $8. Now that's a bargain for two Pendleton skirts...

Celebration...the joys of tree house living...

Praying For...Those that serve the Prince of Peace all over the world. The leaders of nations that their hearts will be softened and will desire to do right. Our Princess Gracie...a little ball of fire, grandchild #8 and 1st child of daughter #4. She is talking up a storm and very inquisitive. I pray for her protection, safety, joy, and health and the same for all children everywhere. Our son, Jason, is son #1 and child #5. He is a kind-hearted, friendly, hard working man. We pray for his health, joy, inspiration, security, and happiness. Praying for charity to inhabit the hearts of mankind. Praying for our missionary--safety, health,  humility, joy, success, contentment.

Homemaking...setting up house at The Treehouse, a third floor walk up apartment in WA

Commitment to Health...Deliciousness...Frijoles de la Olla CON Ensalada de Col Picante...It must come out, since I can't keep it secret anymore. Even during childhood I loved beans. No, not those nasty tasteless pebbles from a can, but long soaked, slow cooked deliciousness. Pinto beans are a family tradition. My grandmother served them to her children, because they were filling and inexpensive. Interestingly, the children loved them more than her SAD creations. It was true, when my mother cooked for me, and when I cooked for my children.

Soak 2 cups of dry beans for 24-48 hours in distilled water. Drain and rinse. Put the beans in a slow cooker or soup pot with an onion and garlic clove. Cover with distilled water. Without boiling, heat on low for 4-8 hours.

Eat pintos with Pico de Galo and Mexican slaw on the side (finely shredded green and purple cabbage, minced fresh jalapenos, diced tomatoes, minced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, sliced green onions, pressed garlic, and chopped cilantro--amounts depend on how many you want to feed, how spicy you like your food, and how much each person eats. This is visually delightful and tasty even the next day.) Save left over beans in the fridge to use within a week or divide and freeze in individual portions.

Commitment to Health...Movement...this year's commitment is just a continuation of last year's goal. Cardio/Strength/Flexibility-mwf, Walk or Hike-tths, Stairs up and down every day m-s.....Jan-May. I'd like to try Yoga and Swimming this year. Summer and Fall will hopefully find me using hand tools and dirt as exercise equipment m-s.

Appearance...mid-calf A-line, black, grey, and white fair isle sweater, and coordinating blouse with a touch of plum, and my ever present black birkies...


Scripture Meditations..."I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things." Alma 26:11-12 After the adventure God sent me on these last several weeks, my physical strength is much depleted. I trust He will lead my paths and restore my health and give me strength, as He sees fit. I rejoice in the journey.

Towards a Real Education...I actually got to study, I mean really study for several hours this week. While I only got through my anatomy/physiology goal, it's still something. What a blessing. Simple Food for the Good Life: Random Acts of Cooking and Pithy Quotations was delightful and gave me a lot to think about concerning my attitudes toward food. I cannot wait to try the carrot croaker and carrot relish recipes that might use up some of the shredded carrot pulp I create making carrot juice each morning. I got one of those cast iron pans shaped like little ears of corn just for this pleasure. And it'll make a cute decoration for my micro-kitchen....

What's Coming...nothing new on the horizon, which I'm truly thankful for.

Simple Pleasure...sunshine in Seattle

Natural World...planning to walk on Redondo Board Walk one day this week. While there I may draw a seagull....

Garden Gate...arm chair gardening...

Bee News...giving a pint of our girl's finest to Princess Gracie, since her pediatrician prefers honey for medicine for all but the most serious illnesses...maybe we're on to something ...

From the Apothecary...designing a special blend for Joseph as a preventative (dementia, arthritis, prostate health, circulation, heart health). After caring for his parents, we are determined not to go down that road if we can help it...

Commitment to Loveliness...loving living an orderly life...order and loveliness go hand in hand...will continue to smile through confusing times and take the bad with the good....difficulties make us grow...