Christmas is Here, Bringing Good Cheer

So much is happening right now. Our area has been hit with the worst snow in years; I canned half a ton of wheat and beans in an effort to be prepared for a possible "time of economic uncertainty;" and Silas hurt his thumb, which necessitated a trip to the emergency room and resultant activity-limiting recovery.

The snow is beautiful, and makes the place quiet. We see our neighbors again, who have pretty much been indoors since summer. They are spending some time shoveling out their cars and creating walkways to the street. After a couple days without much activity I dusted off my XC skis and zoomed up and down our semi-flat street, only falling twice. I even created a track from our backyard to the street. There is over a foot of snow in our yard, not counting what was thrown up when Allan cleared out part of the driveway. The snow should be gone by the end of the weekend, when we shall again happily enjoy rain and 40 degree weather.

I had requested the home sealer from our local dry pack cannery a month or two ago, and as my luck would have it it came available Saturday, the 20th. What a time to have 200 cans to buy and fill, all by Christmas! The senior missionary informed me that we could only have it for 5 days. When I think about the last days before Christmas, hanging out in the garage canning bags of wheat and beans isn't my idea of pumping up the holiday spirit! It all worked out great, however, since we were snowed in and it was no longer freezing in the garage. I spent about 7 hours listening to Christmas carols and filling and sealing the cans, just how I wanted to and at my own pace. It turned out to be one of the best things I did this season, and I feel better prepared and tidier.

Later the day of the canning Silas had a few friends over to earn some money splitting and stacking wood. All was going well until Si came in muttering and writhing with blood dripping from his left thumb. "Apply direct pressure!" He was in quite a bit of pain, which is uncharacteristic of him. He is usually mellow and straight faced. After taking a walk to his friend's house and periodically immersing his thumb in a bag of snow, he called and said his thumb was unnaturally swollen and that it was still hurting like crazy. He suggested, uneasily, that we should probably get it looked at. Off we went on the crazy icy-snowy roads I had avoided, to wend our way past the prompt care clinic, closed due to weather, to the Silverdale ER. This was definitely the quickest trip through the emergency room I have ever experienced through the years. The staff administered some type of numbing with shots right away, which was extremely painful, I am told, but brought quick relief. Si was diagnosed with a crush fracture, which happened when he missed the wood with his hatchet but did meet his gloved thumb, just below the nailbed. He is doing better now, with pain meds doing a pretty good job of holding his grumpiness to a minimum.

Tomorrow morning will be Christmas. Each year is so different, with children living/not living here, coming from all corners of the earth, or from just the other side of town. Silas spent this evening in his room, not feeling very well. We all opted out of going to see "the worst movie ever made" and stayed in. We built a fire and watched a little movie, after which Allan went over and got Chloe and Justin to celebrate the rest of the holiday with us.

What a year we have had. We are so blessed to spend time with each other, to have good relationships, and to celebrate together. God has blessed us so much, with wonderful prosperity and the ability to meet our needs. May you have a sweet and blessed Christmas, and may 2009 bring you the joy and peace you are seeking.

Snowy Sunday Morning

It's funny what snow can do for a Sunday morning. It creates hope that church or school tomorrow may be cancelled. The world is somewhat hushed into a sort of reverence. It's cold, of course, as well as being so wintry and foreign. Plus, as an added bonus, it makes home seem somehow more cozy and inviting than at other times.

We had our first snow last night. It's the perfect Northwest type, the streets aren't covered, but the grass is. It's rather charming in its temporariness. I love it!

Stepping Away from Sugar

I knew I was in trouble. I could think of nothing but treats! I was at Costco with my friend, Margaret, and needed to purchase Halloween candy for the Trunk or Treat. I grabbed the candy I love best, gooey and chocolatey and oh-so-satisfying. And I knew that if I made the mistake of opening that bag before I gave it to Allan I would be truly sorry--and so would he.

So I made a decision. It was time to stop eating candy and cookies and cake and doughnuts and pie and ice cream and anything else that would feed my addiction to sugar. I have done this in the past around the Christmas holidays, but never as early as this. But it's something that I have needed to do to get my eating back in control.

I haven't missed the junk that much. I have had a few difficult times, including manning the desserts (cake, cheesecake, brownies, shortcake cookies, etc.) at a funeral luncheon. I have withstood it all, and had the wonderful added benefit of daily nasty headaches and sinus problems disappearing. What a testimony of staying away from all that sugar and junk! So far I have gone 9 days without treats, and I am doing just fine, thanks to sugar-free Swiss Miss.

So, come January, when the holidays are over, and the last of the wonderful fudge and See's candy and peanut brittle and shortbread cookies and caramel corn and toffee are eaten up, maybe I will slip back into my old habits. Or maybe, hopefully, I will have found joy in the people I am with and the wholesome food that actually nourishes my body.

It could happen.

Election Time

I have always loved autumn and this time of year, because it brings me home a bit and gives me the opportunity for reflection. Autumn has traditionally been election time, too. This year I have taken the time to contemplate the issues, candidates, and future of my world and THE world. I have an opinion on everything, although it sometimes feels like my opinion isn't very valuable as far as the big picture goes. After the vote on the big bank bailout, I reassessed my feelings and commitment to the values I have developed and espouse.

I believe in freedom. I believe that our founding fathers desired to create a country where men were free to make the choices that would guide their lives. I did some reading of political party platforms, studied the actual constitution and ammendments to it, and pondered and meditated on the issues and candidates. I have also been doing some reading of history, the non-traditional type that brings forth the familiar stories with information, writings, and perspectives that I had not heard of in my traditional American education.

My vote is in. Those children of mine who are voters have their votes in as well. I am happy to live in a country that gives us that chance to cast our ballots for the leaders of our choice, even if the choices aren't the greatest. I am grateful for our ability to gain information and knowledge, and for the power we have to educate ourselves, ponder the matters that have meaning for us, and then follow our consciences and vote accordingly.

Is our system perfect? Certainly not. Do we really know who runs the government? I do not believe so. Are the citizens of this country capable of creating better leadership than we have right now, or may have this next 4 years? Definitely. Are we able to discover and uncover the truth better than we do with the polluted media on all sides of the issues and candidates? Resoundingly, yes. My hope and prayer is that all who are able to make a difference through personal study and education within the family and society do so. Future generations will be blessed because of it.

Fall is in the Air

Well, summer is winding down. This summer has been one-of-a-kind, with Silas being here full time for the first time in years and years. My garden is flailing, but my membership subscription to my local farm is going strong. I need to set a goal around making compost and building my soil better for next year.

My creative projects are growing. I found some sinks on craigslist to replace our old ones in the bathrooms, and I am totally looking forward to swapping those out tomorrow. I am beginning to make Christmas gifts, starting with some sewing and crochet ventures. My health goals continue to be on my priority list, including training for next year's STP and taking off a few more pounds. The surface of our small deck is refinished, and before November I am hoping to restain the rails as well. My walking partners are steady and true, so my mornings have an early, energetic start.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. The fresh crispness in the air and the feeling of a brand new start are always encouraging to me. So forward I go into the new season.

Rainy Day, Rockin' Night

I am enjoying the cool summer rains we have had the past few days. My garden is finally growing with the help of mother nature, and I am watching the progress of some zucchinis and pumpkin plants. This wonderful rain is also helping with the farm where I receive most of my family's veggie needs as well. What a blessing.

Yesterday began the Kitsap County Fair, and I had a lovely evening enjoying the food, art, and children's displays. Contemplating the wonderful food was great, too. I ended up sharing a roasted ear of corn with my hubby. I even enjoyed more rain last night, when I attended the the Three Dog Night concert. It was so fun! My husband Allan and son Silas went. I haven't had so much fun in my town in a long time. There was one man who danced the night away as the band commented on how we must enjoy the weather here, because we live here. Though we were good and soggy by the time we got to our car, the time at the fair was well worth it.

The cooler weather continues today, robbing some of us of our motivation to do anything, including chores and eating right. But the blessed relief of clouds and rain are my favorite part of living in the Northwest, and the unique (at least to me) opportunities we have on the Kitsap Peninsula because of that have made the summer beautiful and enjoyable.

Creative Bursts

Our Artist's Way group completed its journey early this month at a final meeting at our local experimental garden park. It was a lovely night, and I was not bothered by the mosquitos at all. One friend shared work she completed on a book that included photos of my daughter, in her cap and gown, and me! Another artist shared the music she was working on to play for us on her harp. The painter in the group brought her first painting and illustration for a children's book she is planning. The lady who spends many hours supporting her children on the sidelines of the hockey rink brought her beautiful handmade green and lilac afghan.

I, on the other hand, didn't bring anything. I have completed quite a few previously unfinished projects and am putting a slide show together of photos that present the things I have done during our Artist's Way journey. Most of the projects have been small and not too significant, and rarely artistic at all. But finishing things is a great way to fill home and life with feelings of cheer, accomplishment, and pleasure at the beauty offered to self, family, and others.

I finished the quilt I began a year or two for my husband, the one for which he chose the colors and fabric. It graces our bed now. Some chairs from early in my parents' marriage have finally been painted by Chloe and me and are on our outside patio beside the one Cecilie completed long ago. I have even had some visits from lovely people when we enjoyed those chairs! Our front door received a much-needed coat of fresh bright paint, to liven up the outside and keep the moisture out of the lovely wood. I began a drawing project, and will continue. I have done some gardening, both in pots and in my homemade raised beds. I finally chose fabric and completed a valance for our little kitchen. I entered untested waters and began this blog and a website, as well. And last but certainly not least, I learned how to use my digital camera, finally.

So, out of the joys and difficulties that life inevitably presents to me, I have been able to get lots done, learn some new skills, find joy in the oddest places, and contribute part of myself to make the world a more beautiful place. And along the way I had the chance to share with and gain from some sisters who were doing the same. Thanks, girls!

Note: If my slide show is not available, stay tuned. It's coming. I am working out the kinks and figuring out how to do it.

Summer Vacation

My vacation options are limited this summer, and I haven't been able to do much traveling. Yesterday, though, I had the chance to ferry to Seattle with my parents, who are visiting from sunny southern California, and my daughter who made a special detour to be with us. We spent a couple hours at Pike Place Market, enjoying the crowds of good-natured tourists and shops and sights there. Since I used to work in the city, and even had desk space at the market, I showed them some of my favorite places, and learned some new things along the way.

One thing I learned was that the famous pig, where I meet people (and I am not the only one!) is named Rachel the Pig. Another new thing was that the office I left in January on Western is no longer part of Pike Market Medical Clinic. My sweet memories of and experiences with colleagues, clients, and coworkers there are all that are left. One last thing I re-learned was that Pike Market is still terrific, a fun place to visit, shop, people-watch, eat, listen, breathe in, and enjoy live music. It was a feast for the senses, a breezy lovely day to be a tourist.

I savored a cheesy onion roll from the wonderful Russian bakery. We all passed the Creamery and pointed out the wide variety of fresh eggs I used to hand-pick to bring home after work. My very favorite place to visit at Pike, though, is the little rummage sale just past the kitchen shop. I don't know what drives that corner of the market, or who runs it, or how it comes to be where it is, but it's really my sweet spot. And it didn't let me down! I am, after all, a recycling junkie, and can't pass up tables of others' wares without taking a peek.

I wasn't planning to buy anything, as I really never am, but I couldn't resist a little quilt top, backing, and fabric for binding. Cecilie paid for it and pronounced us good. I think it will be my grandma quilt, and it will wait for a little one to come over and use it. I will always remember the pleasant time I had with my folks there, and that precious visit to the market.

Parenting Unruly Teens

This summer has been a challenge. After the disaster of my sprained ankle I had the opportunity to spend more time pondering the mysteries of life, including the mystery of teenagers. Since we have 5 of those between my husband and me, this wasn't too difficult to do. We have the lovely added bonus of having our daughter's homeless teenage friend staying with us, too.

When my children were young it was somewhat infuriating when things were tough and my mentors and friends would chuckle at my parenting challenges and warn me about what was ahead. One friend, to whom I confided, "I'm afraid to raise teenage girls," gave me the comforting comment, "You should be!" And here I am in the throes of it all.

Actually, I made the mistake, since my own youngest is a boy, of thinking recently, "Thank goodness, I am almost through with these difficult teen years. He hasn't been nearly as hard as those girls...." He has always been an easy, enjoyable child.

Why do children turn to unhealthy activities (sex, addiction, piercing, tattoos, and heaven knows what else)? What can we as parents do to prevent these from going on to our precious but defiant offspring? My son has been cut off from most of his friends and regular activities because of some poor choices. This has been most difficult on him and all of us who care about him.

I simply keep telling myself a few things, such as, "This isn't about me." "Don't take his behavior personally." "The others are enjoyable adults; he is getting there, too." "He is only growing up." And, thankfully, he is.

Therapy

I love my therapist, whom I will call Lily. Lily has helped me through a terrible time when I was out of my mind with grief and despair. She is there whenever I have the need for some clarity on issues in my life, whether I know I have these issues or not when I sit down with her. Sometimes I get assigned therapy for other therapy I am involved in, and Lily makes herself available to listen. For example, when I was in family counseling with my ex, it was suggested I "see someone" because of the obvious anger still in play concerning the former husband. I was happy to re-re-re-engage with Lily and gladly set up an appointment to see my best fan (whom I pay to be such).

One great thing about Lily is that whenever I need her and have either insurance to pay or fee for service, she comes to my aid with listening ears and insightful responses. She's not exactly a mother figure, she's not that old, nor does she have the trappings and biases of a mother (my mother!). She is more of an aunt figure, without the complication of me having to remember her birthday. It's a totally one-sided relationship, since she has to ask how I am but I don't have to ask how she is, even though I totally wonder how she is. Actually, it's not a very healthy friendship relationship, but a great therapeutic one.

The beauty of therapy, which I appreciate so much, is that for once in my life it gets to be all about me. With friends, well, they like it to be sometimes about me and sometimes about them. I get really hungry for people in my life who not only know me, my history, and my quirkiness (and still like me), but who also are actually interested in what I am doing. Lily does this for me. She's like my priest, but without the dark anonymity of the confessional and the ongoing Catholic guilt!

Locally Grown Food

I have always loved to vegetable garden, but I'm not too good at it. I'm not sure why. I love fresh food, especially when I've grown it myself. But, although I say I love to garden and eat the produce, I don't think I am a very good gardener, and I don't have much success.

Sometimes I don't have a real great area to sow and reap. Deep down I don't believe that, because I feel like if you have a little piece of land, you can create miracles. Other times I think I'm just lazy, or lose interest. For instance, this year the weather wasn't cooperative during spring and even early summer. I planted my seeds, which had been ordered in January, and waited for something to happen. The radishes did come up. (I have decided I don't like radishes, home grown or otherwise.) One little planter with bush beans, pumpkins, and zucchini looks great, but the rest of the "garden" is pathetic. I really should put pictures up as proof, and I may.

Yesterday I did some cleanup and planted more seeds, and hopefully I will reap what I have sown, if the weather cooperates. These long sunny days should be just the thing. If I water. And feed. And weed. And keep it up.

I have made a wonderful discovery, however. I profess to buy food locally, and invested in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which is a subscription to a local farm. My CSA farm is just 4 miles away from my home. For our investment our family receives a bag of locally produced farm fresh organic vegetables each week for 20 weeks. Because of the weather, the startup was slow, but now we have more beautiful green food in the fridge than even my best gardening attempts have delivered in the past.

And although my veggie garden is important to me, I am grateful to actually be able to enjoy the locally grown food I say I want to purchase and eat.

To find out about the farm I subscribe to, click here.

Disappointment

I have been training since the end of December for the STP, a 2-day, 204 mile bicycle ride from Seattle to Portland. As a Christmas gift to myself I had my bike tuned up and assessed for fitness for the long ride. I had lost a bunch of weight and really toned up through riding and walking. I had hundreds of miles behind me in training rides, with friends from my old job and by myself. Hills weren't my friends yet or anything, but I was learning to face them with faith in my ability to make it to the tops. And, although things didn't go too well on the last big ride I went on 2 weeks before the big event, I was looking forward to the 2 days of getting myself, under my own power, to Portland, no matter how slowly I paced myself compared to my friends or other riders.

Sadly, this year the STP is not in the cards for me. Twelve days before the ride I sustained an injury to my ankle while smelling the roses on my way to the first walk of the day. Smelling the roses! As I fell in the gutter in front of the beautiful display of various sweet-fragranced flowers in my neighborhood, my dream of riding slipped away. Along with the big ride, my hopes for continuing my 2 daily walks, possibly training for shorter triathlons, and continuing the fitness and weight loss pursuits evaporated.

After I spent a couple hours crying and feeling sorry for myself, I decided that this is an opportunity to do some different things this summer than I had planned, and that's not all bad. The main thing would be to do my very best at allowing the ankle to heal properly. This would involve staying off the foot, taking it easy, and staying away from the stresses of fitness activities that had been so enjoyable.

Another decision was to continue strengthening exercises and counting calories so that the weight loss and muscle building would continue. Time with Silas, who is with me through the summer, would be easier to come by with my body on the couch full time. And, since a 15-year-old kid really doesn't want to spend every minute of the day bonding with his mother, I knew there would be time now for doing some reading and home projects that have been neglected since I have been training so much.

So, this blog is my attempt to connect with myself and others, and to log my progress in making lemonade out of this sprained ankle.