Inauguration Parade

Thanks to C-Span, I was able to watch portions of the Inauguration festivities yesterday while I worked. I had printed out a list of the parade entrants, so I was able to watch those I was most interested in -- like the representatives from the Crow Tribe, who live near my home in Montana. Obama had visited their tribe during his campaign, and was adopted into the tribe with the name "One who helps people throughout the land." The picture above shows the group practicing for the parade -- note the snow and the not-Washington DC-background...

Although separated from the Crow representatives, our Montana delegation (Senators Baucus and Tester; Representative Rehberg; and Governor Schweitzer also rode horseback and carried our state flag.

I especially enjoyed the Obama's smiles and waves to the delegation, as they appeared before the viewing stand about halfway through a l-o-n-g parade. Here is a link to that portion of the parade...

Welcome 2009!!!

Well, my blogging hiatus is officially over. I have enjoyed seeing others take a break from their blogs over the Thanksgiving and Christmas season -- to know that I'm not alone. Saying that, I really enjoy those friends who regularly blog and look forward to what they share. My muse was defitinitely quiet for awhile ;)

This time has been contemplative and prayerful for me. My blog may reflect some of those 'aha' moments for just a time, or may be a lasting change for my life.

One example of this thought, is that I've felt that my blog writing follows my photographs, so there must be an event or I must take photos before I write. It has felt great to release that order -- saying the first of many good 'nays' to routine things.

Another example, is, although I live a pretty simple life by today's standard, I've noticed that I no longer cope with even regular stress well lately -- and have found continuing peace and contentment important to maintain - again saying 'nay' to invitations to events, people's requests for help, etc....it became clearer that I am more of a 'people pleaser' than I admitted to myself or others, which always puts additional pressure to perform.

One blogger friend says that for the past two years, she has begun the new year with a word or phrase - e.g. 'God is faithful' her first year, and 'purposeful' for this year; and then, to be mindful of those terms and their life impact throughout her year.

So, for 2009, my hope is that I will 'Wait upon God's grace'....through the years I have learned a lot about the blessings of obedience to 'wait', but I would like to be able to be mindful of those instances or happenings, and then to rejoice -- even through the waiting time...Thanks, Karen! You are an inspiration to me.

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 17th

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

For this day......

Outside My Window......an eerie, white-gray fog resting over the valley, giving the illusion of quiet and closeness.

I am thinking......that the Lord continuously surprises me by answered prayers for our families' temporal needs -- and I'm pleased that after many years I can still be surprised -- hopefully that means I don't take His goodness for granted all the time...

I am thankful for.... a specific answered prayer for a new tenant -- someone I've known for years, and that this new home will be a blessing for him, and bring peace to his extended family...and for the current tenant's weekend cleaning of the apartment - whew!! I did not want to have to take that on over the Thanksgiving holiday :)

From the kitchen... Bertoli for guests this evening, orange rolls, an iced, butter cake for dessert that I made on Saturday....

I am wearing... Red shirt with khaki pants, tan sweater -- just the right outfit for a cold Monday.

I am creating...budding friendships with co-workers and visitors at our ministry...

I am reading... How People Change by Paul Tripp and Tim Lane.

I am hoping... to make sense of a co-worker's bank reconciliation spreadsheet this week, and complete at least a month or two before training part deux on Friday....and to be productive in getting this year's records ready for the auditors :)

I am hearing... keyboard tapping, CPU humming, -- another nice, quiet Monday morning...

Around the house... A few stacks of books calling my name to complete reading them...the never-ending organization and culling of memorabilia and paper stuff...

One of my favorite things... Seeing the learning growth of a special young boy named Ryan, and watching the world through his eyes this past Saturday - having his help with the bird feeder and leaf collection....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Making reservations for our annual Christmas ladies brunch -- a state football playoff game on Saturday for my alma mater Rams...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Friends from a mission in Uganda - during a recent visit to our church and the U.S. - helping us sing a praise song in Karamajong: “Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon ŋikaru ka ŋikaru
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, forever,]
Aiokini, aiokini
[I will sing, I will sing]
Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon ŋikaru ka ŋikaru
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, forever]
Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.]”

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 10th

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

For this day......

Outside My Window... rain-filled clouds in the east - with a hopeful tinge of blue sky in the west, wet pavement and streets from this morning's rain.

I am thinking......that I will need the Lord's strength and wisdom this week to accomplish all my tasks -- that 'crunch time' awareness when my plate is already full...

I am thankful for.... a tasty Sunday lunch and visit with my niece, Anna...

From the kitchen... More homegrown tomatoes, Gala apples, red grapes, Bertoli Chicken Parmiagiana leftovers....

I am wearing... Black and white striped shirt, black pants and shoes - and white sweater....

I am creating... ... a rental agreement :)

I am reading... Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley.

I am hoping... to be faithful in all the details at work and at home....

I am hearing... keyboard tapping, CPU humming, -- a nice, quiet morning...

Around the house... Clean, clean, clean because I've been showing my apartment for those interested in my duplex apartment...New furnace!!!!!

One of my favorite things... Sunday's sermon by Pastor Jason on Galatians 4....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Continuing to do all the fun landlady things to get my duplex rented by December 1st -- emailing some motherly advice for an upcoming baby shower...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Janice and Danielle - the first place winners in a recent office competition....

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 3rd

For this day......

Outside My Window... a beautiful blue, and sunny Montana sky.

I am thinking... that the time change and I are friends; only two days into it, but I'm rising earlier and getting a jump on my work...

I am thankful for.... a friend who wants to help me clean and organize our church's food pantry...

From the kitchen... More homegrown tomatoes, Gala apples, red grapes, the remainder of the Harvest bundt cake from Saturday, teriyaki chicken.

I am wearing... Magenta blouse, black pants and shoes (I think this is a repeat from a past Monday post -- how funny!!!)

I am creating... less piles of paper on my desk -- or maybe they're just getting rearranged...

I am reading... Running Scared (Fear, Worry, and the God of rest) by Edward T. Welch...

I am hoping... to mow and rake the lawn this afternoon, as I should be able to leave work earlier than dusk....

I am hearing... conversations, keyboard tapping, CPU humming, and whatever slight ringing is affecting my ears today :)

Around the house... Piano sheet music that is sorted and ready for one or more new homes...

One of my favorite things... An audio clip of my grandson's voice on my cell phone - taken while he was standing on their living room chair and looking out the window. I swear he says grandma....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Furnace installers on Thursday - WOO HOO!!! Doing all the fun landlady things to get my duplex rented by December 1st -- looking forward to my next Netflix arriving tomorrow -- it may be my choice over election returns :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:David's youngest brother, Will, actually won my Harvest Cake, during Friday evening's Cake Walk, but it was too heavy for him to carry :)

John Wayne's Delight

So, a recent blog post here, mentioned me enjoying "John Wayne's Delight," and I received a comment regarding the recipe's title. I know that I asked the same question of the lady who brought it to a friend's baby shower (over 20 years ago...)so my secondhand knowledge may be faulty here...

What I recall, is that this book had recently been published. The book was on stereotypes of masculinity...and John Wayne epitomized masculinity in many people's minds. At this point, I'll leave it to the reader to either follow that train of thought, or provide their own knowledge or conjecture on why this quiche has this name:)

Anyway, I loved this quiche from the first time I tasted it, and it has been enjoyed by family and friends for the past 20+ years.

Did I mention it is very easy to make? Here is the recipe if you are interested:

John Wayne's Delight

2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies (I prefer mild ones)
1 lb. grated cheddar cheese*
1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese*
4 eggs, separated
1 Tablespoon flour
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 diced tomatoes

(* this last time, I used a bagged mixture of grated colby and M Jack cheeses)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl mix grated cheese and chilies together, put in a buttered 9x13 inch pan. Separate eggs. Mix yolks, evaporated milk, flour, salt and pepper. Beat egg whites until peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture. Put over cheese mixture, and fold egg mixture into cheese. Bake 30 minutes. Put diced tomatoes on top and bake another 30 minutes.TAAAA DAHHHHH!!!! Especially for you, Karen :)

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 27th

Outside My Window... It is dark -- I think this is the latest I've ever posted this meme.

I am thinking... How beautiful the autumn season is -- changing colors, cooler temps...

I am thankful for.... Family reconciliation -- or, at least, the seeds of such --

From the kitchen... More Dirty dishes....an empty bottle of wine -- leftovers to be used for tomorrow's lunch...

I am wearing... My blue Denver pullover with pajama bottoms...a real fashion statement.

I am creating... frienships and fellowships that last...

I am reading... More of When Women and Mountains Meet: Adverntures in the White Mountains by Julie Boardman, and marveling at bold and courageous women of the past.

I am hoping... to find a tenant by December 1st.

I am hearing... intermittent traffic outside my home -- and the hum of the CPU inside -- general, late-night house creaks.

Around the house... The quiet before the storm ????

One of my favorite things... Raking my maple autumn leaves -- the second of many times until the city comes to clear them away :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ...A friend is in town -- hopefully some visiting with him...One last mowing, as we have several days in the 60s... Reformation Party at church on Friday -- look forward to introducing a new friend to that tradition -- finishing one or more of the books I've been reading...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:My grandfather, Theodore and his cousin, Casper circa 1910....

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 20th

Outside My Window... Cloudy sky -- with the morning fog or haze finally lifting over the valley.

I am thinking... How blessed I am to be in generally good physical health -- lately there have been many stories of cancer, brain and spine trauma that I have been praying for...

I am thankful for.... The generosity of the body of Christ in times of need...

From the kitchen... Dirty dishes....homemade food depleted over the weekend -- leftover pizza :)

I am wearing... Brown pants, blue blouse and tan sweater -- nylon knee highs with black shoes...

I am creating... a notebook of my photo CDs....

I am reading... Snippets of Red State Rebels, edited by Joshua Frank and Jeffrey St. Clair...

I am hoping... to receive an estimate for my tenant's furnace problem this week....

I am hearing... the voices of my accounting cohorts -- keyboard tapping...

Around the house... Trask's toys in the kitchen -- ongoing culling of stuff -- quiet and calm...

One of my favorite things... Driving to and from church with special lady friends from church..

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Meeting with the heating installer tomorrow -- also a bridal shower that evening - Wednesday ladies' brown bag lunch with a peacemaking friend from Kenya... Yark clean up from last week's snowstorm -- raking maple leaves :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Yes, he does have that look in his eye :)


Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 13th

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Outside My Window... Snow! Lots and lots of snow...drooping maple tree branches -- cloudy sky -- windy weather.

I am thinking... that this was the largest snowfall for an October weekend in recent history...

I am thankful for.... Gas heat, warm wool socks, Netflix selections....HBO's John Adams (part one) and lots of Good Earth tea -- link sausage and bagels - and an SUV with 4 wheel drive....

From the kitchen... John Wayne's Delight tonight with fresh tomatoes and white wine...

I am wearing... Black pants, raspberry-magenta blouse and white sweater -- blue wool socks with black shoes...

I am creating...very little lately I'm sorry to admit :)

I am reading... Still enjoying slices of Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer...

I am hoping... and praying that my tenant's furnace problem can be solved this week....

I am hearing... the voices from a downstairs office -- keyboard tapping...

Around the house... Housekeeping took a back seat this past weekend to snow removal and the furnace problem...so things are in disarray :)

One of my favorite things... Friends on furlough from Uganda -- sharing stories, introducing us to another family at the medical mission -- along with a wonderful church potluck....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working on details and help for the furnace problem -- anyone notice a theme here???

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunday morning snowfall - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 6th

(I have been very remiss in linking to Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog each week.... Please visit, and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Outside My Window... Maple leaves with a rusted edge - telling me they are ready to change from emerald to gold.

I am thinking... that parenting adult children takes wisdom, grace, patience, mercy and love --- from God.

I am thankful for.... Salvation, the Word, new babies in the church, health, my home, and my family and friends....

From the kitchen... Clean and light, but needing some paint and patch-up work...

I am wearing... Capri Jeans, blue top and white sweater

I am creating...a set of piano selections to play for friends, neighbors, or just myself...

I am reading... A River Runs Through It, and other stories by Norman Maclean.

I am hoping... my daughter finds some suitable work this week, that still allows her time with her son at home...

I am hearing... the hum of the CPU, file cabinets closing and a dear friend's voice on the phone...

Around the house... Several projects that need completion, like cross stitch and photo or scrapbook album..

One of my favorite things... More Table Fellowship with new friends following yesterday's worship.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Preparing a meal for a family from my church --- having lunch with a special friend -- on Sunday, hearing about the Ugandan mission work and meeting a new missionary family.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunset over the Anaconda smokestack...