Corn Pop Goodness?

 

In every child's life there are memories.  My childhood is etched with so many.  Today reminded me of one that is so silly yet is still a memory that can made me smile in 2.8 seconds.  I remember eating cereal as a kid.  We had a cabinet above the refrigerator that was full of cereal boxes.  My mom never bought just one or two cereals and made us eat those before we opened another.  Nope.  We were probably 6 or 7 partial cereal boxes deep.  Yep.  We were spoiled. 

 

Remember the prize?  It was always at the bottom of the box.  I can so vividly remember someone (I'm sure me, on occasion) taking out their bowlful and tilting the box to look for the prize.  If it was unreachable, you could always take out more cereal and return it to the box after the prize was secured.

 

Today my "fine figure of a man" was eating Corn Pops.  I bought them.  Why?  Not really sure.  Maybe because they were a family favorite and sometimes while shopping I get the urge to be someone's favorite mom because I would buy the sugary cereal.  So, hubby was enjoying a bowl of sugary goodness after lunch today.  He said "we can get a collectors wristband".  I leaned out of the bathroom and smiled because I knew what he was talking about.  The prize that isn't a prize any more unless you purchase it.  So they call it "collectors" because collecting things is much more appealing for kids.

 

I'm sure if you quizzed my boys about cereal, they could share a story or two.

Kidder Creek Summers

 

As I look outside from my favorite living room chair, the colors are so storm like.  The greens are so green, almost translucent.  The storm clouds have been building all week.  Some areas of the valley have experienced the summer time reward--rain.  My dad said "the North wind is blowing and has been every day in the afternoon" after a shot pause he continued "as long as the North wind blows, we won't get much out of this storm".  Experience. Awareness.  Longevity.  That's what my dad has.....all of those traits.  As dad sits in his chair mostly all day long, napping, praying, thinking, healing, I pray for healing, strength, and even further longevity for him.  I'm not ready to give him up.  A few years ago I read in the Bible about a man by the name of Caleb.  Caleb was one of two Israelites who made it into the Promise Land.  Caleb was positive, hardworking and lived a Godly life.  His finer qualities and his love for the Lord gained him favor.  He was strong because his work ethic was so refined.  At 80 years old, he was as strong as a 40 year old.  This is who I liken my dad to.

My baby sister and I took dad to the doctor today.  So funny.  Here we are, making sure all facts were put out there, talked about.  Everyone on the same page?  Yep. Tests scheduled.  Appointments made.  I'm thinking our parents will be well cared for in their latter years. 

Von was driving.  We'd pass a place that held a childhood memory for her.  She'd tell her boys.  "Yep, went to grammar school here", "yep, used to climb in that tree with cousin Ashley and throw apples at the passing cars".  She stopped at a large three story house in town "yep, that was the Lloyd's house.  You used to have to ask to swim there.  They'd look you up and down to decide if you were clean enough".  It was good to hear her share her memories with her boys.  The funniest one was when we were driving through the field, following the cut-off road dad has created for us to get to his house quicker.  Von said "hey, we used to play with that pipe thing over there."  The boys wanted to know what in the world she used to do with it.  "We used to stand it on it's end, roll it around.  Oh yeah, and start a fire in it."  At that, I looked at her in amazement.  Really?  You'd really tell your boys you started a fire in something?  Probably not a good thing to divulge.  I'll have to remind her that she's the one who planted that seed.  LOL.

Over the years, when the nieces and nephews come for a summer time visit, there are certain things they must experience.  One is a dip in Kidder Creek.  Most years KC is very cold and it takes a certain amount of grit to go in past your thighs.  But once you've conquered the cold and submerged, the feeling you get from this cold mountain creek is not something you ever forget.  Many memories have been made at the creek.  When I was a little girl, we used to go to the creek as often as possible.  Watermelon consumed at Kidder Creek is unsurpassed by none.  When you wash your hair in the creek, it is squeaky clean.  When you jump from a rock you labored to climb to the top of, the feeling is rushing and frightening at the same time.  When that late summer time snake pops up next to you as you swim around, the quickness you suddenly have to get out of the water is one that makes you laugh...while shuttering. 

As we watched the thunder heads gather together overhead, we didn't have much of a thought for the storm.  The boys had discovered a game my boys used to play at the same swimming hole in Kidder Creek.  Sink the stick.  Rock after rock, pummeling.  Laughter, competiveness, teamwork.  That's what it's all about.  Well, not all but it helps~

A Thursday Hike

As I stood at the top of the world overlooking the mountains and valleys that hold so many memories...so sweet and yet can feel so painful, I was so overwhelmingly happy to have the memories that flood this momma's heart. 

 

A friend texted me last night.  "How are you?" She asked.  "I've been thinking about you.  Wanna go hiking?"  As a matter of fact, my "fine figure of a man" and I had already decided that today would be a good day for a hike.  So we took my friend to the BCT and walked to the PCT.

 

Headed out this morning in search of sweat, sore muscles and a feeling of satisfaction that we had seen beautiful country, had great conversations and felt fulfillment on this very warm summer day.  Once again, my "fine figure of a man" was a great tour guide, explaining all the different mountain peaks, ridges, valleys and meadows. 

 

The day was very hot in the high mountains.  It seems as though I have never been in the Marble Mountains on a 95 degree day, so that was a first.  There were still areas dotted by wildflowers and tall grass.  The views were amazing.

 

 

 

Hiking for Fun

Some days just contain a dull feeling.  The coffee seemed to lack luster, the sky was overcast, dinner was something I'd never experienced before.  Actually that just made me laugh.  Dinner consisted of Hebrew Nationals and Costco pre-made red potatoes.  Now I'm really laughing.  No wonder. 

No agenda today.  Just hung out for the most part.  We had some plans but we did something that happens frequently, nothing seemed too exciting.  We did, however, take a little walk on a really nice trail at the top of Etna Summit.  On our way to the top of the mountain, it was raining.  The rain was constant and smelled like summertime freshness.  Nothing like rain on a hot summer day to cool off pavement, freshen up dirt roads and make the trees sing. 

We went about a mile and stopped and sat on a rock outcropping.  Sitting on what seemed like the edge of the world, the wind coming into us, pushing back our hair, biting at our rain stained shirts, felt exhilarating.  Every time I glanced down the hill, my stomach would flip as if to keep me off the edge.  We talked of plans we think we'd like to make happen, of things we wish had not happened, and of the vastness of the mountains and a God that is so much bigger then all of it.

On our way back to the car, we jogged.  The trail was a perfect jogging trail.  It felt better then anything else we had done on this day. 

So turns out, my "fine figure of a man" had a confession to make.  Yep.  He likes hiking with me.  No agenda, nothing to accomplish, just hike to see the beauty, to spend time together.  His confession left me with a warm feeling in my heart and a smile on my face.  There you go again God, filling me up!

Forever Cornstarch

What a day~  The smell of coffee got me out of bed early.  There was a boy in the house.  When I went to fill my cup with the hot smell of goodness, he was reading his Bible.  Makes an auntie smile.  The day started a little slower for my "fine figure of a man".  He was alarmed that he had a short 1/2 hour before he had to head to work.  Rustling around....breakfast, check.  lunch, check.  kiss, check.  Have a good day! 

Braden and I had devised a plan for the first part of the day.  Take a run.  Run.  There's a word for ya.  Not sure I actually "run".  We headed out.  Lucy dog in the lead.  Jessie girl running behind.  Jessie is our old dog.  She runs as if her front legs and back legs are bound together so her front feet hit at the same time, followed by her back paws.  She pants constantly and running is quite a workout for her.  I'm pretty sure she calls it "running".  The amazing thing is, she ran the whole way, while I had to walk some. 

While I was jogging and breathing and placing one foot in front of the other I am pretty sure that running is a lot like grieving.  One foot in front of the other, every day, every breath important, keep moving.  Really....I don't want to do this.  Any of this.  Asking.  Do I really have to do this?  Where are you in all of this Lord?

We all arrived home after a couple of miles (okay, some of us arrived a little earlier than others). We had a quick bowl of oatmeal and headed out the door to go to the berry patch on the Eastside. We hunted for raspberries....found a few.  Strawberries....they were large and plentiful.  On our way to The Patch, we took a little side trip to a sweet little place under the oaks on the Eastside.  An armful of sunflowers for a friend, we spoke of sweet memories but, at times, fell silent in our thoughts.. 

So, during one of the hottest days of the year, Braden and I made a plethora of items.  Let's see, 3 loaves of whole wheat bread, 4 fresh strawberry pies, 2 Raspberry Triamisu, bbq'd a roast for my parents for dinner (along with  roasted potatoes), all from scratch, lady fingers and all.  Needless to say, the air conditioning worked overtime today.  And so did my legs.

My "fine figure of a man" got home, we had a yummy dinner.  He and Braden went to the granary to get a fan.  Braden packed it back to the house.  I smiled at my "fine figure of a man", looked at Braden and said "can we keep him"?  Hearts filled with the love of a boy.  So fortunate to not have to give him back fully because a piece of him is always with us.  <3

So in the midst of the daily grieving thoughts, my blessings are so apparent. 

And baby makes six....

Growing up in a household of six girls was an adventure.  All the different personalities, desires, perspectives.  When "the baby" was born, my oldest sister was 16.  I was directly in the middle; 8 years older, 8 years younger.  I can't say I was all that excited about the new baby of the family.  I had been "the baby" for 8 years and I do believe my nose was a little disjointed over the whole ordeal.  Thankfully my baby sister and I have hearts that are closely knitted.  Having a common thread in so many ways. 

This morning in church I sat behind the Pastor's daughters.  Young ladies.  Hair color of various shades of brown to blonde.  Sun kissed by summer activities.  Smiling.  Not like, walk around with a euphoric smile pasted to their face but smiles that light up a room and frame their beautiful faces.  Love permeates from their countenance.  Delightful.  Okay, I know....that's enough.  As I sat behind them I was struck with a thought that has crossed in front of me a couple of times.  I have at times thought about what it was like to have all those daughters in one household.  What it was like for my mom to take us to town and to be in public with us.   All the attitude, laughter, and words spoken in a day. 

As a mother of 3 boys, I remember what it was like to be in the presence of them and their dad.  All tall, handsome, striking, playful young men.  Seriousness.  Gruffness.  Sparks.  Smiles.  Sadness.  So many memories to be thankful for. 

As the family gathers around my parents at various days and times during this time of healing, it is just a simple reminder that life is not always fair, but it is good.  Pastor Drew said this of God recently.  He said "God is not always safe, but He is good".   It struck me in the deepest part of this momma's heart.

This afternoon I went swimming with my sister Joan and her son, Adam.  After a moment of hesitation, I said I'd go but didn't think I'd swim because I didn't have my swim suit.  We went to the first hole on Kidder Creek and endeavored to find a place that was not so crowded.  Getting to the hole, I slipped and fell in the water.  So much for that.  I figured I might as well enjoy the water and embrace the summertime tradition handed down from the last generation.  After a bit, two ladies showed up with two little girls.  Zoe and Willow were their names.  They were both seven but Zoe pointed out she would be 8 soon.  These little girls took to me instantly.  They asked me to jump off the rocks with them, throw them in the air, and just play with them.  What a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.  God filled this humble vessel again today. 

Hearts Knitted Together

Sometimes life swirls around you so fast that it seems as though people, trees, houses, roads, and cars all are in perpetual motion.   Life so boldly places you on the merry-go-round and spins it until your hair flows in the quickness of the wind while you grip the cold steel bars and your back and head arch to the momentum.  I think I've had a couple of days like that. 

Some things are so difficult to watch.  I was thinking today that watching nurses poke and prod at my dad was so difficult.  But when I really thought about it, I realized that there are worst things that can happen than watching the natural aging process of a parent.  What a joy it has been to watch my parents grow old together, celebrate anniversary milestones, still make eyes at each other while holding hands.  The many years and the trials that cause hearts to be so closely knitted together are nothing short of amazing to watch. 

The Bible says that as our bodies decay, our souls become more vibrant while we stand on the brink of eternity with God.  Amazing.  Spine chilling.  So in looking back on this medical emergency, feeling sad is not my primary emotion.  Raw hope for a bright eternity is what I choose.

Worship His Holy Name

On my way to church early this morning, I started singing "Holy is The Lord".  This song speaks of the joy of the Lord being our strength.  I really do believe that the joy I have comes only from God himself because there are days I don't feel like being joyful.  So here I was on my way, early, to church because I was part of the worship team for today.

Being a member of one of the worship teams at church is something I didn't ever expect to do.  Don't get me wrong.  I love to sing, worship His holy name and have always been okay in front of a crowd.  Even in high school, I loved being part of the drama club because I had an affection for  "acting".  So here I am.  Standing and singing with a bunch of talented musicians, of which I feel I am so strangely under qualified. 

As I stood in my assigned spot, I couldn't help but replay in my mind the events of not so long ago.  Packed.  Hundreds.  Children.  Wet faces, hot breath of sorrow, tissues too numerous to count.  I relived the moment when the funeral home director asked if we were ready.  I recall nodding my head as I looked around to the rest of my family for acknowledgement that we were pulled together enough to go in.  Then he said "okay.  I'm going to clear a path and then I'll come back and get you".  Wonderment.  Exactly what did that mean?  I was unprepared for what it meant.  Upon his return he said all was set.  As we entered the sanctuary, there was a blur of people from the front to the standing room only back, countless people.  On the floor in front of the pews were children.  Sitting cross legged on the floor, on the stairs, tucked up next to each other with faces filled with emotion they were having a hard time grasping.  I remembered this verse, written in the King James version:

Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,

 to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

 

At the time I also remember thinking "wow, my boy was loved by so many kids".  And today  I know that in his short years, Sawyer impacted many.  I was so pleased that so many had come to say a healthy good bye to a dear friend. 

 

So here I was this morning.  With all these thoughts in my head....singing His praises.  Knowing that my memories of that unimaginable day will never be forgotten.

 

Oh, and yes, "Holy Is the Lord" was one of our songs.

 

 

So True

Blueberries for Memories

Today was a day for a first.  Yep.  First time I've ever picked blueberries.  I washed my bucket and headed to Grants Pass to enjoy a day in the blueberry laden green bushes with my sister and her three boys.  On the way, I dropped my "fine figure of a man" at work, a call was made to our oldest boy, Tanner.  When our boys were little, I read to them, a lot.  Blueberries for Sal was a favorite.  I asked Tanner if he remembered the book.  He replied "Of course I do, it was about fruit!"  More than any other one of our boys, Tanner has always had an affection for fruit.  Not just any fruit--good fruit.  When we went grocery shopping, Tanner always wanted to pick out the fruit.  When we bought lugs of peaches or apricots, Tanner always had his share right from the counter they were ripening on. 

 

 

Going to my sister's house is always fun.  Always lots to see and hear about.  Had to take a trip to the pig pen where her oldest, Braden, houses two swine for the upcoming fair.  This is his first year with this endeavor and I think dedicated, exuberant and informed are good words for this 4-H project. 

 

 Nice pig.  Great kid! 

  

Our two oldest boys raised swine for the Siskiyou Golden Fair.  It was fun, challenging, and we made so many memories making pens, walking, loading them for the fair, and of course the whole fair experience.  Wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

Okay, back to blueberry picking.  We loaded the kids in the van and headed north.  Off the freeway, down, around and by an old abandoned house, turn left on the corner of that house that is vacant and for sale, passed a beautiful place where the people are re-tired and raise a beautiful garden, take another left to go up a steepish road, make a right deeper into a canyon where you go past two ponds with a house on the right.  Oh...there it is!  So don't expect me to return next year without sis and her fam because, believe it or not, I'd never find it.  Then my sister said "I sure hope they are open".  LOL.  Thankfully it is Fridays they are closed.

 

The blueberry grower was pleasant and helpful with her direction to pick down low.  "The blueberries are getting short" she said.  Despite her pessimistic attitude, we found lots before we all became so toasty warm we had to bail. 

 

While we picked we shared stories of our departed friend.  One story went like this:

  

 Keaton was 5 or so when they were visiting.  It was orange season.  Keaton asked Sawyer (who was 13 or 14) if he could peel an orange for him.  Sawyer said he could not because he just didn't want to peel an orange.  Keaton said "you are a teenager and you don't know how to peel an orange?"  We all got a hearty laugh. 

   

 The other was:

 

One Christmas we bought an indoor basketball hoop for Sawyer.  The Pennington boys were visiting.  Sawyer slam dunked on the indoor hoop and the hoop fell forward and he caught it before it hit the floor and he looked at the boys and said "yeah, don't do that". 

 

It's always fun to share "we loved him so much and miss him even more" stories with those who share our affection for our wonderful boy.  Thank you~

 

After a lunch at "Larry's"...no that's not right....that's the music store I was told.  It was Jimmy's.  A quick frosty burger type lunch, it was time for the return to pick my "a fine figure of a man" from his long day at work.  (I had to switch from Hubby to "a fine figure of a man" at his request, LOL)

 

 

 

 

It was a great day for blueberries for the Pennington and Eastlick Families and a perfect day for building and recalling memories.

 

 

My daily bouquet to fill my vessel--home grown basil!  :)

 



Rockside

We spent today with three young men from the Rockside Ranch.  Hiking, fishing, smiles and miles.  We headed to Trail Gulch Lake.  Great walk.  Not too long, not too steep, just right.  The 6 a.m. air was fresh and a little cool.

Hubby was the guide, the teacher, The Man.  So comfortable in a setting of dusty trails, meadows, tall timber and the high mountain air, he has such a wealth of information to share.  Fishing and life.  After arriving at the lake, he rigged the guys up with the most successful recipe for catching a fish in a high mountain lake.  Eager to learn, quick to catch on, the fishing was fun to watch and profitable. 

Our dogs, Lucy and Jessie, enjoyed the fishing as much as these three young men, as they hopped from rock to rock and rock to log to follow and keep an eye on these young men.  An occasional bark of encouragement made us jump and smile. 

For these young men, the day might have been a day to awaken a life passion untapped; to experience the slow, summer day to the fullest or to say they had been there, done that.  For us, the day might have been one of healing moments when the feeling of salve being slathered on the wounds of sorrow gave a measure of healing.  Sweet memories of fishing with our boys and all that went into teaching them the art and love of fishing.  Memories of daddy making sure they had a pole, correctly rigged.  Memories of dad shaking his head when one boy was tangled in a tree while another complained of being hooked on a submerged log.

These days, fishing takes on a different flavor.  Redefined.  But enjoyable because of the wonderful memories we have of fishing and fun with boys.

As we drove down the dusty road, one of the guys said that we were okay to hang with.  In fact, I believe he gave us a high compliment saying "I'd give you my shirt".

We sealed the day with an ice cream from Dotty's.  Pretty sure we'd give them our shirt too.  Thanks guys~