Tradition

It's time to introduce a new generation to Worm Casserole.

Worm Casserole is an old favorite that we don't make as often anymore. It is not what you would call NC (nutritionally correct) these days. But every once in a while we still get a hankering for it. Tonight I asked Audrey what I should make for dinner. She suggested Worm Casserole. Ray seconded it.

As I began gathering the ingredients, Matthew asked what I was doing. I told him I was making dinner.

Matthew: What's for dinner?

Me: Worm Casserole

Matthew: Worm Casserole??

Me: Yes

--pause--

Matthew: Are there worms in it?

Me: Yes

--pause--

Matthew: Worms from the earth?

Me: No. Pretend worms.

--pause--

Matthew: Can I watch?

So we whipped up some Worm Casserole. I got the recipe originally from a Relief Society dinner about 25 years ago. It has cream of mushroom soup, cheese, noodles, and--wait for it--Spam. The original recipe called for ham, but one time I didn't have any, so used Spam. It became Worm Casserole one night when someone asked what was for dinner (the taboo question). I responded "Worm Casserole", and the name stuck.

Five of us nearly finished a 9X13 dish. I'd say it was a hit.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This time around I decided to skip the Jane Austen wannabe books, and went straight for the real thing. I've never read Persuasion before.

I liked it fine, but not as well as Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Emma. It wasn't quite as sharp and clever as those books. Perhaps because it was published after her death, and she never had the chance to really edit and refine it.

Several years ago I tried watching the movie version of this book. I never made it past the first 20 minutes - much too confusing. My girls tell me there is a much better version available now. I'll have to try it. Maybe having read the book will also help.

Work day

I started quilting about 17 years ago. My friend Michelle was a quilter, and I wanted to learn how. I've been sewing since I was about 10 years old, but quilting and sewing clothing are two different matters. Of course, quilting came a lot easier because I already knew how to sew.

Michelle, Trish, and I began quilting together. We started out making a small project together, then another. Our first big endeavor was a sampler quilt (some time I'll post some pictures of my older quilts). After that we were hooked. For several years we did our best to get together and sew once a week. One year it was on Wednesday, and the phrase "Wednesday work day" was coined. Ever since then my family has asked, "Was today a work day?" The joke being that they thought all we did was play when we were together, not work. All I have to say is I've produced a lot of quilts while playing with my friends.

Michelle is still in Washington, but Trish and I are both here together in Utah. We have resurrected the work day, and had so much fun getting stuff done! Mostly we work on our own projects, but once in a while we'll still do a project together (we each make the same quilt). We did that last year with these quilts.

Today we started another quilt together. We bought the kits for this quilt before I ever moved here. We both thought we'd have them long before now, but as usual we were a little too optimistic. So with our quilting resolution of 2010 to make up the quilts we already have the materials for, we started right in on this one. It is by Thimbleberries, and is called Hometown Christmas Quilt.

There are twelve total sections, plus sashing, and borders. The finished quilt will be 96 inches by 108 inches. Large and cozy, just right for wrapping up in on a cold winter day. The bonus is that I already have all the fabric to finish the quilt - even the backing. At this point the only expense will be my time.

Here are the first three sections that we finished today:

Final quilt project of 2009

After squeaking out Matthew's and Madeleine's birthday quilts just in the nick of time, I pushed the envelope too far, and did not get Trish's birthday present done in time for her birthday (the 29th). But I did finish it before the new year began.

It's a sewing machine cover - so that the machine doesn't get so dusty so quickly (well, at least my machine gets dusty quickly). I got the idea from something I saw on Moda Bake Shop, then tweaked it to fit what I wanted. Here's the cover I made for Trish:

I liked it so much that I made one for myself. We have the same machine, so it was easy to make sure hers would fit without having to sneak over and try it on her machine. Here's mine:

Where did that hair come from?

Elizabeth is my youngest grandchild. For a few weeks, anyway. Her hair has always had a mind of its own, and today is no exception. I love it.

I wonder if she will love it when she's a teenager. I hope so.

Love Letters

We met Anita and Ray when we first moved to Kirkland, Washington in the fall of 1985. They have been a fine example in all walks of life to us, but especially in love of family. We are pleased to count them as true friends.

It turns out Anita has cancer. Ray sent out some letters via email to let us and many others know about the cancer, and to keep us up on what is happening. I'm thankful for those letters; I want to know and keep them in my prayers. Each time I read a letter I am struck by the love of that family, and the love of Ray and Anita for one another. When she shaved her head because she was losing all her hair from the chemo, all the men (husband, sons, sons-in-law, and others) shaved their heads. They had a party for it, and invited everyone to come. Lot's of people do this, I know, but somehow I could feel the support of her family through the letter that told about it.

Another letter came this week. She is having surgery on Friday. Ray sent a letter requesting prayers for her and her surgeons. I'll be happy to send many their way.

He signed the letter, "Anita's loving (and albeit rough around the edges) devoted husband of 39 years, Ray."

Letters about and full of love. My favorite kind.

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert

This is the third in The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter collection. I liked it just as well as the first two.

There are now three more books in this series, and two additional ones are planned. I also discovered that Albert has a new mystery series coming out this summer. I can't wait! You can check out her website here.

Each of Susan Wittig Albert's mystery series are completely different from one another. I like the individual flavors.

Important health tip: Mysteries and bed rest go well together.

The Tale of Holly How by Susan Wittig Albert

I have yet to find a book of Susan Wittig Albert's that I didn't like. I think I've read all but 3 of her mystery books.

This book is second in The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series. I don't know why it took me so long to get to it, because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. I think it's one of the books that was perpetually in my traveling pile and I kept thinking that I'd get to it on my next trip.

Albert does a great job researching her historical facts, and mixes facts and fiction very well, which is what I loved about her series about Kate Ardleigh. (I talked about these series here.)

This Beatrix Potter mystery series is great for adult and young adult readers.