Monday Memory - Ching Ching

As I was searching for something a few weeks ago (and at this point I have no idea what that was), I came across a drawer in a jewelry box. In the drawer I found . . .

I have had these since elementary school. My grandfather always gave my brother and me $2 bills- for what? I am not sure now, probably along with birthday gifts. Maybe just because moments.

I never spent them. I have always known that they weren’t worth anything more than face value, at least as the value of money goes, but sentimentally? Well, I still have them…

So, the bills will go back into a special place, to be somewhat forgotten again all to be discovered and touch on that spot inside that smiles at the small reminders of someone special.

Last Wednesday night at church, as Will and I gathered and emptied the Meals on Wheels collection cans, there in one can was a $2 bill. Again, a smile at the memory . . .

Smiles!

Monday Memories hosted by Gayle at Planet M Files.

You gonna eat that pickle?

My Grandmother made pickles every year.

Now, I did not like her pickles, for that matter, I did not like any pickles except those on McDonald’s hamburgers. So glad our taste buds change over time!

My dislike for them is not what comes to mind, though. What comes to mind was the comfort and the wonderful smell of the fruit cellar where her hard work was stored.

My Grandparents had a wonderful basement. On the right side were two twin beds and dressers and shelves holding books, where my uncles had slept and spent their time. Windows up high opening up to the ground outside – At that young age, it reminded my The Wind in the Willows. On the left was a partial wall and huge safe, dividing the room from a work area for my Grandpa. A closet was on that side that stored old fur coats – not the real expensive ones, money was not a commodity. Maybe they were hand me downs…

But the fruit room, it was on the back wall. As you opened the door, the floor dipped down a few inches and you entered, what I thought was a room, but was probably only a closet. It was lined with shelves where scrap paper for coloring was stored. Miscellaneous items were there, I honestly can’t remember what all else was on the shelves, but one area was covered with jars of pickles.

Some pickle jars had blue liquid, some not. All contained what I was not going to eat. But all were fun to look at. Those cucumber slices soaking in various states of pickling.

The smell though. I loved the scent of that level of the house. Somehow all that was kept there brought its own scent in and the combination would surely have been labeled “comfort.”

A decade or so ago, my grandparents moved from that house. A house they lived in for 40 years. My mom received a clock that did not go with my grandparents in their move. As I walked in my parent’s house the first time after the package arrived, past that clock, I was transported back to playing in my grandparent’s basement and was thankful that memory held on to that great feeling that could be sparked by a simple scent.

Thanks Mary for asking for us to share childhood food memories (Go check out her site, great recipes!), even though it might not have actually been the enjoyment of the food itself. It gave me a chance to travel down memory lane with Gayle and with You!

Smiles!

Gayle is the host at Planet M Files Memory Monday (another great spot to visit - check out her photography)

Monday Memories Blocked

I like playing along with Gayle's Monday Memories, but there just have not been any ahh-ha memories for the past couple days.

I think my mind has a block built of the here and now. In the present, with all its small, nagging, trivial annoyances. With personal introspection.

Life will not pull the skateboard from beneath me and I will not fall on the rail. But I do think it is saying, every so quietly, shhhhhhhh...

To find a little quiet. To quiet the mind from running in its circles. To take a moment here and there and get lost in the simple pleasures of the world around me. To close out those things that I cannot change. And then, in a new moment, or maybe a new day ...



I will speed forward with a renewed strength. Light and energetic... but today, I am going to be quiet, find peaceful moments and smile.

Update: As I published this post and headed over to an online devotion,

this is the verse for today:

And I say, ‘Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest." Psalm 55:6-8 (ESV)

I am a dove today :)

Memory Monday: Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner

I did not have a stand out memory until a few minutes ago when I saw the headline that Patrick Swayze had passed away.

While there are many more movies that he is known for, I remember going to see Dirty Dancing in high school and leaving wanting to do nothing more than to learn to dance.

I wanted to don a pair of pedal pushers and my K-Mart knock off Keds and dance on a log crossing a creek, having more rhythm than the nail on my pinky possesses .

I wanted strong hands to hold me gracefully (haha!) in the air like I was flying. He added to that bad boy image, didn't he?

I did not do any of those, but everytime I hear a song from that movie, that urge to throw on a dancing dress with billowy netting and heels creeps in and then I feel rising up a longing to twist and turn and fly . . . and laugh.

I hope his family has peace and comfort in this time.

Monday Memories

Actually, my memories on Mondays are usually memories I had on Sunday. I am not sure why Sundays seem to be more nostalgic than other days, but for me they are. Maybe it is the usually slower pace of the day. Fewer interuptions.



So on to the memories...



Yesterday stirred up a major hankering for comfort food. Oh I was craving creamy or cheesy or, well just not good for your arteries kind of food, but I did not care! I had to feed that craving!



So after a dinner of really cheesy burgers and tots, I was craving a Peanut Buster Parfait. I did not really want to go out, so I mentally inventoried what I knew we had: vanilla ice cream, check; spanish peanuts, no; cocktail peanuts, check; chocolate syrup, check.



As I gathered the goodies to concoct my own version of Dairy Queens sundae to feed my craving, I noticed a jar of caramel topping. And that is where the memories took off.



As a child, we lived just a few blocks from my grandparents, so visits were frequent. Spend the night trips, not too frequent. But whether the visits were just an early evening or the infrequent over night trip, there was ice cream.



And always the same: vanilla with caramel syrup.



No exceptions. They never changed it up. Never any chocolate or peach or chocolate chip mint cookie dough with brownie chunks (ok, so that flavor is kind of made up;)). I think this was more to my grandfathers liking.



It is funny how one item can bring back a slew of memories. Not deep long events, but the little things that comfort: the way he made that silly noise when we (the kids) came by. A noise that just cannot be described with words. That scent of the wrigly spearmint gum he always chewed. The way he teased the cat. Sitting in his lap, playing with the hair on his arms that he called his feathers.



He passed away Thanksgiving Day 1995. I had not seen him in a couple years - their living in Colorado, us in Georgia. Phone conversations had become next to impossible - he could not hear well and the calls just seemed to frustrate all involved. But aren't the good memories great?



Now, as for me and ice cream: I like to change it up. I very seldom have just vanilla. I love ice cream- year round, and I love all kinds of flavors.



But one thing I always have - even if I do not use it, is a jar in the cupboard or fridge of caramel syrup.





Memory Mondays hosted by Gayle at PlanetMFiles . . .



Smiles!

Memories Monday

Demolition D being in Savannah reminded me how much I miss my trips to the east side of the state.

My bother has lived in and around Savannah for about 15 years. For awhile, the boys were at an age that traveling there frequently was easy. Time marches on though and the trips have become very seldom. With having worked Saturdays for the the past 3 years, Demolition D's sports, Traveler's plays and The Man and Scouts, there just has not been enough time.

Sometimes, it was just myself going on the trips. Others the rest of the family.

This trip was around Thanksgiving eight years ago. It does not seem that long ago, but the date and the pictures of the boys do not lie.

It was a great trip. After a ride through a section called Isle of Hope we headed to Wormslow, the remnants of a colonial estate built in the early 1700's



A working plantation, it was unique in that it had also had an experimental garden. The garden was known to be host to a centure plant with a 27 foot blossom. Also unique to the area, grown in this garden - figs, apricots, pomegranate.

None of that is present any more. Just the tabby ruins. And a small site with a guide to teach visitors the trials of living in such an area during that time. I think I will stick to modern times, no tabby making for me!







But the trails were, actually probably still are, fantastic nature spots.

The trees twisted by the winds make it a wonderland.










Memories, what memories do you have today? Take a walk back and have a good time.

Monday Memories hosted by Gayle at Planet M Files

Monday Memories - Memories and Memorial

I came across these pictures in a box from Betsy's. The picture above and the picture below, (l-r) is Betsy, Cindy, Ann. These are Will's sisters. I love these photos!

I had to include one with the four of them . . .

And I could not exclude the wedding shot she had . . .

(I wonder, in hindsight, if there could be do over, would those flowers on those

dresses be so big? hehe)

Betsy, Nephew C, and Cindy - early 2006

This year Memorial Day seems to bring more to mind the Memorial Day weekend three years ago. I honestly could not tell you the date, I just know it was the morning of the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, 2006 when we received the call that Betsy was no longer with us.

So today, for Memory Monday's with Gayle, I am remembering siblings, Will, Betsy, Ann, and Cindy. There are actually some great stories they share, but the stories just aren't flowing today. BUT, for another time, another memory day, I will share some of them then. For now, I am glad that they have fun memories.

It saddens me for them that no new memories with Betsy are being made, that there is that void. But maybe days, moments like these should be the reminder of how precious those interactions are with each other. How pleasant, loving times feed us emotionally for longer than that one moment. So smile and go make a memory today . . . laugh :)



And before any thoughts can arise that I might be leaving others out, I am not. . .

A great big thank you!!

Monday Memories

Playing along with Planet M's Monday Memories has been fun. Life has been a little too busy, over the past several years, to actually scrapbook or organize memories. This has been a great way to visit past fun times and go ahead and get something written about it.

March 2006, as we were researching to start this business venture, we did take a break for spring break and went camping with friends.

Are you shocked? Another post about camping? What can I say, we really have a good time going. This was probably the last time we have made it camping with our friends.

About an hour and a half south of us is Marianna Florida. We weren't sure about the campground, but we figured it would be fine for a couple of nights. Also in this area are the Florida Caverns.

So on this trip, no bear caves were dug, but trails were hiked . . .

Cavern's explored...

Dead fish heads were found by kids, brought back to be played with by bigger kids . . .

Sparkler's lit the night . . . .

Fireside breakfasts were enjoyed . . .

Canoeing . . .

But most of all, fun with friends and family . . .


I think we need to go camping again soon!

Memory Monday - Those We Meet Along The Way

Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin

Memory Monday, and what might bacon wrapped tenderloin have to do with that? Well, I made this wonderful dish last week, we ate, and we ate the leftovers. And now it is a memory, that needs to be repeated - and you should try it.

It was delicious!! Demolition D commented a couple times on how much he liked the flavor . . .

. . . February 2006, I noticed a link, in a magazine, to a great website for a meal assembly business. A meal replacement concept. A way to have dinners and variety with all the mental work of making list, time in the grocery store, mess in the kitchen, etc. removed.

It excited me ever so much. I could not get it off mind. A few months earlier, in a conversation with a co-worker, he had said "do what excites you."

This excited me. This nagged at me. I prayed about it. We prayed about. And we took the first step towards opening a business. We researched. We visited a similar store to the concept I had read about, in another state. It was great. Real food. Real meats. More research.

As I looked up independent stores across the country, one in particular caught my eye. I decided to cold call that store in Illinois.

That is when I met Mary. We have never met face to face, but have spoken on the phone and through emails. She helped me with the steps needed to move forward. She sent me information to help me through the process from inventory to food suppliers. So much kindness.

Doors opened, everything flowed so well. We opened the doors to In A Pinch Of Thyme easy meal assembly on July 12, 2006.

I have so enjoyed the work over the last couple years! The work and so many folks I have met has been amazing. I have loved preparing meals for people, meals they shared with family, friends, those sick, those celebrating, those who may have lost a love one or welcoming a new baby to the world.

Thinking of Mary and her willingness to help, reminds me of how we never know the impact we might have on another's life.

Something so simple can create long lasting opportunities. One day, Mary sent me a link to blog. I really did not know much about blogs, but I went and visited and fell in love with the stories and pictures of the Pioneer Woman. I was slow. I noticed the neat names in the comments and that some were highlighted.

Thus began my journey through bloggyland. Clicking and reading and moving onto the next one.

One day last fall, I thought, why not? And I stepped into, to me, this new land. It has been a great land with wonderful people and new friends. A great way to record memories, find support and plenty of laughter. You are all so great!!

So meeting Mary is my memory this Memory Monday and that circles back to the Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin.

Mary has set out on her own blogadventure. In doing so, I see she has ventured to many places beyond this land and is kindly sharing her discovered delectable treats.

So for the recipe, check out her and her friends at Food 'o del mundo try a dish or two, or just say hello, welcome her to the blogging . . . (this week I am going to try to get to making the carmelized chicken). Check out her photos! She is a great photographer too!

And for more memories, Gayle is the happy host at Planet M Files.

Monday Memories: Smack Down

The gentle breeze this spring has brought has been truly a blessing, because when it dies down, there is a buzz in the air. All the rain received earlier this year left a breeding ground for skeeters.

So last night our neighbors walked over to say hello and visit for a few minutes. As we stood outside talking, the buzzing began. And while talking, Sue's look quickly changed and the expression said big skeeter on your face and before I could react and get my own hand up to swat away the pest . . .

S M A C K

Sue smacked the skeeter - which was still on my face . . .

It was quite funny and so appropriate for this post. A memory . . .

My MIL has a home a block or so off the beach - Gulf Coast and it has been the spot for many a spring break trip.

In 2004 Ocho invited several friends to go with us, so we had a house full of boys. The evenings were filled with cards, spoons and Taboo.

This particular memory involved the game Taboo.



Traveler got the game started and the rounds were made. Two of the boys were twins. When it came around for their turn again, one of the twins drew the card.

The word created immediate frustration and a rush to send clues of the word. But no words came. His hands flapped in the air at his inability to find synonyms or any word at that.

When suddenly his hand flew out across his brothers face. His twin looked at him, his hand holding his red cheek and in a split second hollered

S M A C K


Everyone of us wide eyed, busted out laughing. I did catch a picture, and even though to anyone who was not there, this picture means nothing, but to those of us who were there, we know the reason for the hand on the cheek and that Will was laughing so hard, to the point of tears, and that one word "smack" made a picture worth a thousand words.

The twins are now in college, one stayed here to go to the local community college, the other is across the state. I asked the one who stayed, the one who smacked his brother, if he remembered that game, he had to think for a second and then a smile came across his face and he laughed again.

Play along with Memory Monday at Gayle's . . .

Monday Memories - Scent of Rain

As a play Monday Memories with Gayle, I don't have any old photos of my memories that these current photos stir up . . .

It has been several years since we have seen standing water in our area, and especially a week after the last falling rain.

But, these picture of water still standing reminds me of being young.

It brings a feeling.

A desire.

To kick off my shoes

Roll up my pant legs

Walk along the edge where the water was always warmer.

Maybe grab a cup and scoop up some tadpoles.

Watch them grow.

Did you know that tadpoles in a washtub do not need to be put in the open sun? Nope they don't need that much sun - it cooks them! Really!! I know - an act of kindness gone wrong.

Do certain days and particular elements of nature take you back in time?

Take you too childhood memories?

I hope so, they feel so good . . .

I loved setting my kids free in puddles after a heavy rain.

I hope they remember the simple fun and pleasures life offers.

I hope the fresh smell of approaching rain fills them with the desire to stop everything and take in those moments of life.

And maybe one day they will again dance in the rain.

Well, the skys are dark and the falling rain has just begun to fall again. The breeze coming in the open windows is delightful . . .

Share a memory today - enjoy it!

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein

:then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice—

Psalms 96.11-12

and when the clouds cleared

what did we do? We made memories

Well, we managed to fit in a quick (overnight) spring break camping trip. It has been a year since Will and I have been able to get one in, and that one was without the boys. So this year Demolition D and The Man were along. The Man camps alot with the Boy Scouts, so there was no concern there - he IS a happy camper. Demolition D, well we were not so sure.

Ahhh how wonderful it is when all is well.

Demolition D was happy from the start -he drove us to the campsite, about 70 miles away (loaded down with canoe and pulling the pop-up)

The smiles he had as he took on this new stage of driving was great. Smiles are always great, but smiles of accomplishment are even better.

So as we entered the land of no video games, no tv, how did the boys fair?

Well, great! All you need is

A stump

An axe

And boys!!!

A neighbor camper in need . . .

A beautiful lake with perfect weather

Alligators

Ok, not really, we did not see any. Although a neighboring camper said he spotted a lake placid size mother gator on a bank while fishing. Ok not lake placid size, but he said she was bigger than our canoe.

But there was a catch made while out fishing . . .

Yup! A shoe . . . Will did catch one catfish, but I did not have the camera close by.

With all the rain earlier in the week, our spot was perfect - no campers between us and the lake.

The next morning dawned a foggy morning

. . . with some huge mosquitos (that is that spect)

The fog burned off and another gorgeous day was had. But not before breakfast . . .

The town home to the campground was having its yearly pligrimage. Does your town have one? Mine does not, so I was not sure what it was, and I will share. But not until tomorrow.

More pictures to follow . . . tomorrow . . .

Until then know that more memories can be found at Planet M files.