212- Beatrix

Tonight I went to the Ward picnic up at Kelly's Grove, driving up in my little car, Beatrix. As usually happens I was one of the last to leave. As I walked towards Beatrix I was filled with appreciation for this little car that has served me so faithfully for almost 10 years! She's become such a good friend.

We've worn out the road between Palmdale and Utah; first in one direction and now in the other. She's been a freight hauler (you'd be surprised how much junk I can get in her trunk!) I've camped in her. I've laughed and cried in her. We've listened to HOURS of Harry Potter together. "They" say that her engine is good for 250,000 miles, so we are only halfway through our journey together. I like to say, She's cute, red and gets 48 mpg... it's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.



I suppose it's silly how we get attached to inanimate objects, but there you are!

211- Fresh Tomato Pasta

Today is the first day that I've had enough tomatoes to do something with (other than eat as fast as they get ripe!) One of my favorite recipes is Fresh Tomato Pasta. Rather than a photo of the finished product, I wanted to share the beautiful sight of all these vine-ripened diced tomatoes. Can you smell them?


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Fresh Tomato Pasta
this is a fast and easy meal

1 lb penne pasta, cooked
1 TBS olive oil
10-12 medium tomatoes, diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp onion powder OR
1 bunch of green onions, sliced
1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2-1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet heat oil. Add garlic, tomatoes, Italian seasoning and onion. Cook just until heated through. Add salt and pepper. Pour tomato mixture over hot penne pasta. Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

210- Faerie Lights

This afternoon as I was leaving the Temple my attention was immediately caught by the dancing faerie lights on the lower fountain. Between the fountain itself and the wind there were more waves than normal and each little wave had its own little faerie sparkles.

I remember the first time I saw this phenomenon; it was 1991 and we were on a family vacation. Rebekah and I had taken an evening stroll down by Lake Almanor; the full moon had the same effect and there were thousands of tiny faerie lanterns just under the surface of the water. It was almost magical.


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209- A New Home

Almost 10 years ago Gordon bought me my little red Beetle, Beatrix (she's cute, red and gets 47 mpg... it's a tough job but somebody has to do it!) Shortly thereafter we got a California personalized plate for my funny little car. It read TURBONM- which people could never figure out. It comes from an old VW Turbo Beetle ad where they've created a new element... Turbonium. Most people wanted it to say Turbo-mom which would have been more fitting (wish I'd though of that!)

When we moved we had to get new Utah plates and the old CA plates went to live on a shelf in the garage. One day I was visiting my friend and she too had old CA personalized plates... but she'd turned it into the roof for a bird house. GREAT IDEA! So now my old CA plate has a new home living happily on my bird house in the garden.


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208- Summer Sunset

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207- Simba, hiding-out...

Simba is our 14.5-year old cat (aka old-man-cat)! That would make him, what,101.5 in human years? Yeah, old man cat! Even though I am the one who wanted to get Simba, all those years ago, we all know that you don't own a cat... the cat owns you. Sadly, Simba has never really been interested in me; he would much rather spend his time with Stuart or Gordon. The only time I can count on Simba is when I am sick then he will deign to come lay down by me.

We have our niece, Melodee, visiting for a couple of days with her 5 children, very nice children, in fact. But look who came to take refuge in Mama's workroom! First he hid out under the sewing machine table then he moved to under my computer table. Yep... just a little too much action for one old-man-cat!


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206- Summer Flowers

I'm wondering if anyone else out there in the creative-blog-o-sphere ever gets into a creative pattern (I don't like the word rut, that implies something negative and this isn't a negative). Anyway... I'm quite captured right now with watercolor filters. So don't be surprised if you see more of them in the next little while.

I love summer flowers, particularly petunias... they smell summer to me (bwahahaha... smell/spell) These are some of the flowers at the Provo Temple. I'd love to have gardens that looked like this!


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205- Gerbera Watercolor

Today in little spare moments between bathing and clipping Harley, laundry, changing sheets and cleaning I managed to find time to play with this Gerbera daisy photo that I took a couple of days ago. I captured it in the late evening and it has that wonderful bokeh background that I just love.

First I ran a new action (Orton Effect) that I got over at CoffeeShop (she has some lovely actions that are very useful), then I played with some filters (watercolor and stylized-find edges). You should have seen me. At one point I'd run 4 different actions on this photo trying to decide which ones I like the best. Then I just needed to make a different frame for my new creation so I dug into my digital files and pulled out these fun snap frames by Rhonna Farrar ( you can find her things here and here. But I couldn't find these particular frames) Wow, are there ever a lot of really talented people out there! I just love to play with all this digital goodness!


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204- Sewing Lessons

I've probably written before about Mary Greiner, my 4-H Sewing Teacher. She was a wonderful little country lady who had a knack for vexing a bunch of 8-year old girls with her terrible pickiness about *How to Sew Properly*. I used to think she was just torturing us but as the years have gone by I have blessed her name many times that she taught me the way to sew! I've learned lots of wonderful shortcuts and trick, but when the chips are down and I needed to get that zipper into a wedding dress (with fabric that was as slippery as snake skin) I knew how to hand baste that puppy and then sew it in like a charm.

So let's fast forward almost 50 years (yikes!) *Little* Ashton, who is nearly as tall as I am, has a hard time finding skirts that are long enough for her long legs. Jessica asked me if I could make her some skirts. And then I had the bright idea... SEWING LESSONS!

Ashton and her new sewing box.

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We got off to a slow start. We went shopping for fabric and a pattern about a month ago. I gave her the homework of washing her fabric before we did any cutting. But the pattern we chose was just too difficult for a beginner (what was I thinking?). After our first lesson I realized that we needed to back this sewing truck up a few feet. I offered to finish the *too-difficult* skirt for her and got some different fabric to make a S-I-M-P-L-E skirt (say it, Grammie... simple!)

Today when Ashton arrived for lesson #2 I surprised her with her very own sewing box and the cutest little pink and black sewing kit! I was amazed how much Ashton remembered from our first lesson and how quickly she learns (but I don't know WHY I should be surprised, she's always been so smart!)



I drew her some pictures of the different kinds of skirts we could make and she opted for the full skirt (it was the twirling-feature that got her!!) We took her measurements with her brandy-spankin'-new pink tape measure and got to work with measuring, marking, ciphering (do you know how much math & fractions are involved in sewing?) and cutting. Today's lesson got us as far as pinning the front to the back and sewing one seam. Then we folded it all carefully in her new sewing box to wait for our next lesson.

I wonder if Mary enjoyed teaching us as much as I'm enjoying teaching my sweet granddaughter? I doubt it... we were just kids and, well, Ash is family.

Oh, to the joys of being a grandparent! I love it!

203- Vine Ripened Tomatoes

The time has arrived! It is that special time of summer when my tomatoes are starting to get ripe. I've already eaten 4 (without a photo... can you believe that?) But here they are in all of their sweet-tomatoey-glory! My vines are just loaded this season; all those spring rains have really paid off.

I was talking to my Master Gardener friend about gardening and he asked, "How much do you think the gardener has to do with the success of growing plants? Five Percent!!" Isn't it a wonderful plan? You put seeds in the ground (or in my case, transplant healthy plant) and God does the rest... All they need is water and sunlight (and I am a smart gardener with weed cloth and a drip system. Perhaps I don't even put in my 5%!)

Vine ripened tomatoes are one of my favorite things about summer... it doesn't get much sweeter~


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202- Lagniappe

Bet you'll need to look that up in your Funk & Wagnall.

la·gniappe (lan-yap')
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a storeowner to a customer with the customer's purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit.


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Today is my friend, DeLoris', birthday. Her daughter, Shari, cooked up a plan to have a surprise birthday breakfast for her at the Model A Cafe. A few of her friends were there early so that we could sing Happy Birthday to her when she walked in the door.

There was an elderly gentleman there when she arrived. I can only assume that he watched us with our gaiety and photos of the birthday girl. When he got ready to leave he came over to our table and asked DeLoris if she'd made it to 90 yet (her answer was- almost!) Then he gave her a $20 bill and told her he wanted to buy her breakfast.

You know me... I got all choked up at his kindness to my sweet friend and then I thought, "I wonder if he is an old widower missing his wife?"

As we were packing up to leave Harold came out with a *Flat Tire* (an enormous pancake), to-go, just for the birthday girl, as that is her favorite.

So, this day, DeLoris was the recipient of both kinds of lagniaape!

201- Hamburgler

Sunday was our Big Family Dinner and we just NEEDED to BBQ hamburgers. Imagine my surprise when I say our little 2-year old, Roxie, tying into her very own big burger!

200- Happy 2nd Blog-day to Me

Yes, Happy blog-day to me! Happy blog-day to me! Happy 2nd Blog-day dear Joanie...
Happy blog-day to me!

I can hardly believe how much has changed in the last two years of blogging.

First I have to comment on the progression of my blog header. I started out with the standard Minima Stretch Template with no bells, no whistles... just my photo. Take your choice of whether you want a semi-sane Joanie or a *Don't drive angry!* Joanie. That lived on my blog for 6 months... scary thought! (I took these photos with my *new* Lumix aka Marsupial-pocket-camera while taking care of the Folks in July 2007)



But then I'd discovered Jessica Sprague and enrolled in my first class: Now We're Rockin' . I felt adventurous enough to try my hand at making my own blog header! Hmm... I suppose it is a good first attempt.



Fortunately I learned fast and in just 3 months I changed it out for a cool pink and brown header! Much better...



I stayed with that header for 9 months and then felt like I needed something krafty-er (pun intended, the papers all come from KPertiet_KraftyEleganceKit). I had such fun putting this header together.



Three months later I made some minor changes adding brads and another layer so it blended into the background paper better and changed my photo...



I really like the progression that it shows in my learning curve and artistic abilities. But beyond that it shows my 2 year struggle to let my hair grow. Yes, it takes my hair 2 years to grow the same length as most people do in a year. Oh well...

Then this spring I took a photo of my Bradford Pear in bloom. The minute I saw it on the computer monitor I knew it was my new blog header. I played with blending modes and filters to get just the look I wanted for the *paper* that stretches behind the actual header. It was a wonderful week of learning.



Fortunately there haven't been too many other changes along the way during the last two years. I'm grateful for that. I've used my blog as a journal of sorts. I hope you've enjoyed the journey with me.

199- Trampoline

Today is the last day of the JS class. It hasn't been nearly as intensive as some of the prior classes. I've enjoyed the diversion but I will be glad to just play on my own for a while.

The photos I decided to use for this Collage are of Rebekah and Tadhg jumping on the trampoline last spring. It was so fun to watch them play, interact and then compete with one another on the chin-ups. Happy times...


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198- Sunrays

I am always inspired when I see light like this. It makes me so aware of the beautiful world that God has created for us. It reminds me that the Lord loves me and knows my cares. I am grateful for that.


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197- Camille

Today's assignment was to selective recolor a photos (actually bring back color to a black and white by using a layer mask) As soon as I saw this photo of Camille I knew I had to focus in on her beautiful green-with gold-brown starburst eyes.


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I had fun adding texture layers as well. I left just a hint of color in the second layer. What fun on this photo of my beautiful daughter.

196- Raspberries

I've written before about my love of all-things raspberries! I love the color (it is just so lick-able), the tangy-tart-sweet taste, the look of them hiding on the bushes, the memories they evoke, the statement of elegance they make when they are included in any dessert, salad or candy. Yes... all things raspberries... yummy.


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This is day 10 of my class and when Jessica said we were going to pull out all the stops and apply everything we've learned so far I knew just the photo I wanted. I really enjoy adding textures to photos... the dimension they add and just their sheer funkiness.

BTW... did I mention Raspberry Crisp? How about Fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing?

195- Gerberas in a jug

This year I've planted a plethora of Gerbera daisies. I just love their happy little faces. But I've discovered another wonderful thing about Gerberas... they make a wonderful cut flower. I put some in this little milk jug that we used when I was a girl and they've stayed beautiful for a week.


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This is also one of my class assignments. I'm not even beginning to keep up, but that is ok, I'm having fun and that's the important part.

194- All Tuckered Out

Today's blog text and idea is courtesy of Gordon. To give you a little background- you remember that we Meg & Erik and family were here this weekend. The kids absolutely love Harley! They played with him every waking moment and Harley LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! He is happiest when his *babies* are here!

(this is an email he sent to Meg & Erik)...

Here's a tidbit in which I think you'll see the humor. I frequently stay up until the wee hours of the morning, and Harley falls asleep next to me on the couch, or on the back of the couch closest to my computer, if that's where I'm working. BUT, invariably he gets up the very second I move and follows me to bed. I've tried to sneak out without disturbing him, and have never been able to accomplish it. The only exception to this regimen is that sometimes, rarely, he'll give up on me and go join Joan, who goes to bed much earlier.

Last night, I got up from my computer and headed to bed, turning lights off as I went. I illuminated the kitchen just long enough to raid the fridge of a quick glass of milk, turned off that light and continued on. Upstairs, I turned on the hall light and stepped into the bedroom to undress. Hm-mm, no Harley. I scrutinized Joan's bed in the semi-darkness, but could not perceive him there. I ran my short-term memory back a minute or so to see if I could recollect hearing him go through the doggy door on our way up. I was pretty sure I hadn't. In the daytime, he loves to stare out the front window, so I checked the living room, just to be sure. No Harley. Checked the back yard clear to the gate on one side and the garage door on the other, even peering under the fruit trees. Still, no Harley. So, I decided to retrace my steps. I threw the light switch to the family room, lighting the place up like the 4th of July, and bounded down the stairs. There was Harley, lying across the back of the couch, out cold. As I approached, not a single feather on his ears or haunches so much as moved. I actually paused for a moment, just to assure myself that, in fact, he was still breathing. HE WAS! He awakened flat on his back, cradled in my arms. The look on his face clearly expressed, "....what the.....?" That poor baby was exhausted!

This morning he is still running at about 50% of speed and energy. I cupped his face in my hands, looked into his root-beer brown eyes, and told him to just take the day off.


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This is today's assignment for the JS.com class.

193- Precious Grandsons

We've enjoyed the wonderful visit we've had with Erik and his family. (Wish they didn't live so far away!)



Last night they spent the night at our house. Since the little boys need to go to bed earlier than everyone else Meg put them to bed in their room with the intention of moving them out to the family room when she and Erik went to bed.

I was upstairs brushing my teeth when Melissa came and got me, "Grammie, you need to come see something!" When I got downstairs this is what I found.



To me this typifies brotherly love... what precious little boys. What wonderful parents that have taught them to be kind and love one another.

EDIT- I just realized that I started the post with only the photo of the little boys. I don't want anyone to think I don't love and adore my grand daughters too!

192- The Little Red Hen Gets Help!

This morning the job of turning all those currants into jam was daunting. The Little Red Hen asked Hanky Spanky, "Will you help me make this jam?" Hanky Spanky happily replied, "Yes, I will help you make this jam!"

They worked happily together on the task until they finished with 38.5 pints of currant jam and 3 pints of currant syrup. Yummy!

The Little Red Hen was very happy to have company AND help this day!


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191- The Little Red Hen...

... wants a holiday! But seeing as how this is just the BEGINNING of the harvest season, that's not too likely!

My currants needed picking today. Every year I am surprised again at how time consuming this task is. In previous years I've called a neighbor to come pick what I didn't use (read ~ I got tired of picking!)


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But this year I invited Emma out into the garden with me to help. Well, we all know she is a sloth and only good as a match-maker. And true to form she only lasted about an hour (read~ the batteries died on my MP3 player).

So I hunted up my best buddy, Harry. Now there is a different story! He is tireless (read~ I had extra AA batteries). He flew through the air, he bested Malfoy, he narrowly escaped death TWICE in meetings with Voldemort, he saved the sorcerer's stone! Yes, now there is a friend I can always count on to help me with my mundane *Little Red Hen* duties.

He stayed with me to the very end of my 5-hour task! What a guy! Somehow when I have company the time just seems to go by faster and the task not quite so mundane.

We ended up with 4 large Tupperware bowls-full of currants... think that will make a lot of ruby-colored jelly!

190- What Is It?

Several weeks ago I noticed this *thing* in my garden shed. I don't know if it is a cocoon, a chrysalis or something entirely different, but here it is! Does anyone have any good guesses, or better yet, cold hard facts?

It is slightly smaller than a golf ball and attached to the stud by the same material used to construct the *cocoon*. At first I thought nothing had ever emerged. I wondered if it got too hot in the enclosed space of the shed for its occupant. But then I went out and took a closer look. (Yup, stopped in the middle of the post and went out for a closer look!) And look what I saw when I laid down on the floor of my garden shed and pointed my camera up!!


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It's beautiful! It looks like a snail or sea shell swirl! And I could see the hole in the bottom that shows that some THING emerged. Now I am even more curious!

This is the first photo I was going to post. It gives you an idea what it looks like from the side.



Let that be a lesson to me about looking carefully.

An aside~ Wouldn't it be interesting to have photographs of the photographer in all of the various positions I end up in to *get that shot*?

189- Damon

You know the old saying, "There's nothing like a good _______, in this case, photo? Well, today's POTD is NOTHING like a good photo!! Bwahahahahaha...

For some odd reason I took my *little-marsupial-pocket-camera* out of my purse! Big mistake! If ever I needed a camera that would take a decent picture this was the time! But all I had was my Razr Phone camera. Bah!

OK, so now for the story... Megan and the kids are still here visiting (they have lots of Utah family so they are spreading out the visiting). Grampy and the Texas family went to the zoo while I was working at the Temple. When I got finished there was a message from Grampy to meet them for dinner up in Sandy. I called Gordon's phone and *a man* answered the phone AND HE CALLED ME GRAMMIE in his deep voice! That kind of took me back! A man that calls me Grammie... a man that is 13.5 years old and nearly 6' tall. Ok, so I felt old!

But I digress... at dinner our server, Damon (a very nice young man), has this electronic gadget that looks like a large touchscreen cell phone. He puts in our order via this device! But the frosting on the cake came when it was time to pay the bill!!! I handed him my card, he swiped it through the bottom of his electronic device and the charge slip prints out of a little holster on his hip!!! I am NOT KIDDING! And me without a decent camera! (I should be ashamed!! I did take a photo with Megan's camera, so when she emails it to me I will update this grainy one!)



EDIT... Here is the clear shot of Damon.

188- Spider's Web

I've always been fascinated with spider webs. There is such intricacy in their design. I captured this one at Cascade Springs and the only thing it seems to have caught so far is fluff from the cottonwood trees and willows.


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On another subject-

I'm taking the free class over at Jessica Sprague. This is my project for today. This is my lovely granddaughter. I had on my zoom lens and caught her at a meditative moment.


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187- Dahlias

This spring I planted some Dahlia bulbs. I've been waiting patiently for them to sprout and bloom. I think the cool weather has retarded them a little. I just noticed that my first blossom is out! What a beauty!

I just love this time of year with all the happy little faces in my garden!


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186- Trusting Friends

I've only seen this kind of thing on the nature channel shows where the bird lights on the back of some animal. I was so excited when I saw it in real life. As you can see, the horse and bird are totally happy with this situation. It makes me wonder how long it took for them to learn to trust one another.


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That makes me think of a conversation I had with my daughter-in-law, Megan, that same day. We were talking about how when you move it takes a while to make friendships; how we are cautious and wonder who we can trust before we let them see our *little-scabby-spots* (aka inadequacies, fears, problems, etc) It is so hard when we don't have that support system yet that we all need so badly.

I reflected on that today as I sat in Relief Society and listened to the comments. As each sister spoke I no longer have to turn and see who is speaking, but I recognize her voice and I appreciate her comments with love and acceptance. I knew that if I made a comment they would reciprocate. I could feel that level of comfort in *belonging*; in feeling safe.

185- Fourth of July Traditions

I love traditions! I love how they bind a family together and give extra meaning to special days. Sometimes it feels as if the *day wouldn't be right* without that special tradition.

A Fourth of July tradition that we adopted almost 15 years ago is having carne asada and enjoying the day with family and friends. (Can you say YUMMY?)



This year was small; just Camille and Stuart with a friend each. What a great group of young people!



I've remembered other Fourth of July traditions today as well. As a girl we always attended the Taylorsville parade and rodeo. I LOVED IT! After I got Blue, my horse, I also participated in the events.

The first summer we were in Palmdale someone introduced us to the PHS fireworks display (actually it was sponsored by the City of Palmdale but they used the football stadium at PHS) Since the church was just across the street we took treats, a blanket and chairs and sat on the lawn and watched the display. 1983's display was somewhat pitiful; the finale was only about 10 rockest all set off at the same time. But as the city grew so did the fireworks displays until it became a 30-minute pyrotechnic display that anyone would be proud of! There were years we watched the fireworks sweating and years we needed to bring our coats (yup, that's Palmdale!)

Yes, I cherish traditions, even when all I have are the memories of traditions past.

184- A Little Slice of Heaven

Do you ever feel like you are seeing a little slice of heaven when you look through your view finder? I frequently do, especially when the light is as wonderful as it was today and I am looking at my family!

We have the treat of having our Texas kids here for a visit. They have grown up so much since we saw them the last time. What a wonderful family.

Included in our activities today was a trip down to Hobble Creek... going to the creek has always been a favorite past-time for me. I grew up playing in Wolf Creek, I used to take their Daddy to the creek to play in the summer. So here we were, full circle, back at the creek.

This is our oldest grandson, Brandon... I really look up to him now. He is real close to 6' and he is only 13. What a kind and handsome boy.



This little Bryan reminds me so much of his Uncle Stuart! 100% boy and always thinking! What a cutie!



I saw this one and I knew I had a winner. Look at the love and companionship between Melissa and Braden. These kids love each other... all four of them. What a blessing.



They are off to see other grandparents but will be back in a week before they head home. What a cherished visit!

183- At the Park

Today I had Grammie-duties with some of my favorite zoo animals (that is their name for them). After a healthy breakfast at Grammie's house we were off to one of our neighborhood parks. And can you believe it??? I forgot my camera? Ta-da-da-da! Grampy to the rescue! (Where was his cape? Harley has one!)

There really isn't anything more fun than photographing your kids, or in this case, grandkids at the park. I love the action and the smiles. I could have posted lots more... but I figured I won't push my luck too much!

This is definitely my favorite! There was a very nice *big boy* who spun them at just the right speed for a 2 year old. After Roxie got off, he gave Christian the royal treatment (you know... spin until your are sick, but Tian didn't get sick...)



Roxie spent about half an hour in the baby swings, "Push me high, Grammie!" But this one just won out for deep saturated color and darling smile.



Ashton showed my that, yes, she could still fit in the baby swings... what a funny girl. (This is the girl who has 40' legs!)



And aforementioned *big boy* gave Christian another push here so he could sail through the air with the greatest of ease! I love the running legs!



We topped off this morning with a trip to Mickey-Dee's for Happy Meals... even Grammie got a happy meal...

Happy day...


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182- Cherry Pickin' Time

Last week my neighbor asked if we'd like some cherries; their tree is loaded! I glad accepted the offer to pick cherries. I called the Fruit-Bats that live up north and asked if they'd like to come down and pick some as well.

Are these just the cutest, cherry-pickin' fruit-bats you've ever seen?