Legacy

Ruthy is one of the finest women I know. She loves dancing, Agatha Christie novels, Shirley Temple, I Love Lucy, and sweets. And especially she loves her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

I have hundreds of memories with this beautiful, wonderful woman. People like her deserve to have a legacy. And that is why I'm learning how to make her dinner rolls. It's a small thing, but our family can think of her every time we eat them. Also, I try to imitate her puttering and humming around the kitchen. Picturing that always makes me smile.

I have her delicious recipe but am struggling with the execution of it. Any tips for handling doughs and breads? I need to make my grandma proud.

"A room without books is like a body without a soul" - Cicero

One of my earliest memories is of a trip to California when I was three. I remember having lots of fun but getting very homesick toward the end. When we walked into the house I remember being so excited. I said hello to everything (you know how clever little kids think they are--"hello TV! hello couch! hello kitchen!"). But these were only on my way to saying hello to my most prized possession--my books. I opened my book cabinet and pulled out an armful. My books!

Funny how things have changed so much. And yet they haven't. But it's been a few months since I've read something that really captivates me. I always struggle to pick out new books because they may be boring or racy or violent or too sappy. How can I know without taking a risk? I don't like risks. So I try to work purely off recommendations. Any ideas?

Cousin Love

My cousin came to dinner tonight and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. It reminded me of this gem:



This was taken on our stairs our last Christmas before we left Albuquerque. We LOVED getting together and I'm so glad that we still do.

Here's a more recent (and less dorky) one of just the girls minus Jill (not sure where she is?):



I think this one was taken our last Thanksgiving with Grandma and Grandpa. I miss our old house in Abq. I really miss my grandparents' house in Abq. And I miss my grandpa terribly. And I'm so glad my cousins are around to talk about him with me.

Remember when Grandpa and Jill decided to sew Grandma a swimming suit out of Kleenex? Glad they didn't follow through on that one.

A Fave and Anticipated Fave

99 times out of 100 I recommend homemade snacks/treats over store-bought. One exception is this:


Heaven on earth. No joke. I love most dark chocolate, but nothing I've ever tried is like Ghiradelli. Definitely one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

Nestle chocolate chips and Bakers chocolate squares are great and I use them regularly. But if I want/can afford to splurge, I use Ghiradelli.

Another soon-to-be favorite is Julie and Julia. I am so excited to see this movie! From the trailer I can tell Meryl Streep will make an EXCELLENT Julia Child. And I fully expect to see all kinds of delicious foods I can make, and not buy (like the above). Mmmm . . . I only wish the movie was in 3D . . .

How He Looks to Me

I am not a fan of overly lovey-dovey posts. Don't get me wrong; I'm glad to hear that people (especially married people) like each other. I just don't need to hear about it dripping in mushiness. Hopefully I will avoid that here. If not, please promptly bring it to my attention.

Pioneer Woman (one of the few blogs I follow without a personal connection to the blogger) posted about a picture that she felt exemplified her husband. Ryan has many traits I appreciate, but what I love most is his silliness. When we met, he tried hard to act cool. But he soon realized he didn't need to. I know nothing of being "cool" and thus wouldn't be impressed by it. He will probably leave me if he sees this picture. Luckily for me, I don't think he reads my blog.