The east is not like the west

We enjoyed a week in North Carolina in March with Dave, Courtney and their darling family.  It was so beautiful to be there is the springtime.  The weather was perfect and I continue to be amazed by how beautiful and GREEN the east coast states are.  Trees everywhere!
We spent many hours playing with the Charlie, Margaret and Sam.  They are such sweet, funny, enjoyable little kids and we had a lot of fun with them.  We visited Dave at his work, went out to eat southern food (trying fried pickles for the first time) went on long walks, I finished Sam's baby quilt, went shopping, babysat while Dave and Courtney had a date night, went to a children's activity museum, washed all the windows, had many long talks and just enjoyed this little family.  We love them so much!  Can't wait to go again.  They are such wonderful hosts and we enjoy our time with them.

Pioneer Theater 2016-2017

Rick and I enjoyed another great season at Pioneer Theater.  The acting is top drawer and the sets and music are amazing. We have season tickets and go to a play about every six weeks. This year some of our friends also got season tickets and went with us and that has been even more enjoyable.  Rick and I love good theater!  This year we saw most of the plays on their season roster which were:
The Last Ship

The Glass Menagerie

Oliver!

 Fences

King Charles III

And the Will Rogers Follies

We learned, we laughed, we cried, we had more understanding for people in other times and places, we enjoyed, we escaped to another time and place and we were entertained.  What more could we expect from a good theater experience?? Can't wait until next year!

100% Fuhriman wheat

So, yesterday I had a hankering to make some whole wheat bread.  I haven't made it for awhile since I could eat a whole loaf myself and I don't need the calories.  Anyway, I used a recipe my sister Lee shared with me.  It is so easy and so good!  The bread turns out great every time and it is moist and light, not like normal 100% whole wheat bread.  I gave three loaves away and Rick and I are enjoying the 4th.  The wheat came from my cousin's dry farm in Idaho, which makes it especially good bread! Here's the recipe:

5 cups very warm water
2 T. SAF instant yeast
1/4 c. oil
1/4 c. dough conditioner or 3T dough enhancer (1 used the enhancer)
1/2 c. gluten
1/4 c. honey
1 T. salt
8 (approximate) cups whole wheat flour

Mix water, yeast, oil, dough conditioner or enhancer, gluten, honey and 6 cups of flour in Bosch mixer for 1 minute on speed 1.  While mixer is still running, add salt and remaining flour gradually until the dough pulls away from the sides of the mixer.  Be careful to not add too much flour. Turn speed up to 2 for an additional 6 minutes.  After mixing, shape into 4 loaves and put into greased pans and let raise until double, about 1-1 1/2 hours.  Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Take out of pans and place on cooling rack and brush the top of the warm bread with butter.

Dough enhancer and gluten can be found in most grocery stores by the flours or in speciality baking stores.  I found mine locally at Bosch Kitchen Center.

Aunt Gayla & Uncle Bill

 Over the winter, my Uncle Bill (married to Aunt Rhonda) and later my Aunt Gayla (widowed 20 years ago) passed away.  They both lived such full, fulfilling, worthwhile lives.  I was impacted by their examples, their cheerfulness, their love of life, of the gospel of Jesus Christ, of their families and of our great country.  It was an honor to attend their services and join with my aunts, uncles and cousins in celebrating their accomplishments and legacies.  Aunt Gayla had suffered a debilitating stroke five years ago and she lost her speech and the use of the right side of her body.  Even in her extremity, she had a smile on her face and did the best she could under very difficult circumstances.We visited her many times at the care center where she lived and it was a honor to be in her presence.  Her motto, which actually came from my grandpa Lavon was, Always Be Happy! She and uncle Bill were happy people even though they weathered many storms in life.  I'm so grateful for their sterling examples.

My 90 year old mother came to town for her sister
Gayla's funeral.  It was good to have her in our
home again after several years.

At Uncle Bill's funeral.
 Just several weeks later, Aunt Gayla was gone.
 Mom, Aunt Gayla, my sister Carol  and me.

Aunt Gayla in her motorize chair.
  There's that smile.  Look out!

Always full of fun.

The beautiful flowers on Gayla's casket designed
 by her talented daughter May.  Purple, my favorite!

Handiwork made by my Grandma Mamie.
 This type of hand work is a lost art.
 I'm so impressed by the intricate patterns and
skill involved in making such creations.

I helped to sort out Gayla's seasonal decor so that
 her family could each take something as a keepsake.

My Grandma Mamie's jewelry box.
While organizing Gayla's things I found $500 cash
in an envelope and her diamond wedding ring that
had been lost for over 20 years. 
 My cousins were ecstatic!

Vintage jewelry of Gayla's and grandma's

A photo history quilt of Gayla's

Displays at her funeral

Many hand made items Gayla made over the years.
 Look at the vintage mirror and hair brush!

Uncle Bill's family.
  His eight awesome children and their spouses
 along with my sweet Aunt Rhonda.  They are an amazing family!

WW II vet, buried with full honors

Red, white and blue proud!