Happy New Year!

Well, Well a new year is here! Here in Utah in the valley we have gotten quite a bit of snow. Its not done yet! Our family had a enjoyable Christmas, Simon and I went over to Joe's on Christmas Eve and also on New Years Eve. We were missing Chad who is on assignment overseas. We were happy to get a email from him though. Gosh, what will 2009 bring? Its tough to say at the moment. Let's hope our new president will do some good for the country. I really don't know how things will go, but I dont think anyone does at this point. I have been in Utah a year. In my Grandpa's basement where I started when I came here. Of course I have been here several times all through out my life but this is the first time it was where I lived since I was really small. How long will Simon and I be here? I am not sure at this point. I didnt set any resolutions this year, I haven't sat down to think of any, I have heard some 'experts' say its not good for your health to do. I don't about that. There are things I would like to do better and I am keeping them in my head. My parents will be in Iowa for a bit to take care of a bit of problem but hopefully they won't be long. While they are gone Me, my husband and my brother Joe will be checking in and taking care of my Grandpa. He is still quite independant at 92 years old. This is good because he can still do many things for himself still but not everything so between the 3 of us we shall make sure he is well looked after. This will be the second time for a long time I have and about the 5th time total for me looking after him. I look forward to Spring, its a little ways off but still I look forward to it.

Happy New Year all!

My awesome brother Chad

My brother Chad is heading off with the Army to serve overseas ( those who know him know where, for security reasons I wont disclose too much) He will be gone for a year. Chad will be serving his country. Let's support our Chaddie boy- write to him while he is away- if you need his address please contact me or my Mom. Warrant Officer Everett - we salute you!


glitter-graphics.com



glitter-graphics.com

LIghts, Camera, Happy Kids!

For my nephew Adam's 4th birthday, Mom, Dad and I took my brother Joe's boys to Thanks giving Point to see the Christmas lights (Denny and his family were there also, in their car) With a $2 dollar off coupon we got to see them for $5 dollars ( per car) instead of $ 7. Brigham and Blake had a blast! They LOVED the lights. They were shouting Merry Christmas! as we drove past people, and looking at every single light display we went by. Blake kept saying " I wish Christmas Eve was tonight!"
Oh to be that young again! When lights dazzled us and we believed in Santa Claus.
After the lights, we went and saw some reindeer which were in a pen, the kids were interested in those also. Finally, we went back to Denny and Catherine's to open presents and have cake and icecream. Overall, it was a great activity. Everyone had a good time.

News.. Updates...

Since my last post, a few things have happened.. Thanksgiving for one. My husband and I and my parents went to my brother Joe's house for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely dinner, everyone did something for the meal. There was just the cosy bunch of us there. A competitive game of Scrabble was played afterwards. On Sunday was my Moms birthday. I won't reveal her age. Dad took her out to Red Lobster. They also went on a wonderful ride, around Goshen and Bursten Pond which I have actually swam in. The kitty in the picture thought my parents could not see it but as you can see they could! Joe had a nice Thanksgiving concert at the Provo Tabernacle last month also. It is a lovely building, I had never been inside. 4 choirs participated including a childeren's choir. The place was stuffed to the raffters, very well attended. My Mom told me that she used to go there for Stake Conference. I have a camera now, I just got to get the software for it ( as it was my Mom's and that Cd is in Iowa) but as soon as I do I can post some of the pictures I have taken so far. I have begun my Christmas shopping, infact 70% of it is already completed and I am quite happy about that.

New stuff I like

As you know I am quite a P.D James fan, and finally a new book has come out. I haven't had a new book written by her to read since 2005 when The Lighthouse came out. I am hoping they will make the movie to go along with that as most of her books have had a movie made from them. I shall have many hours of reading to look forward to wit this new novel. Her books are complex, multi - layered with characters who are anything but ordinary. P.D. James manages to bring in all the elements of mystery and murder, but refrains from excess gore. Detail is there, but not the excessive horror some writers put in their books. She is not afraid to put in some adult topics so if you want mysteries which don't broach anything close to that, stick to Agatha Christie type books where the stories and plot are more simple. However I find even with those themes, I can still enjoy the novels because they are tastefully written. I plan on doing a review of what I thought of the book after I have completed it.-Stay tuned for that..

This November one of my favorite music artists who is featured on this page brought out a new CD, like PD James Enya only produces a new work every few years so a new one from her is welcome too. And Winter Came is a Christmas themed CD, although not every song has a Christmas feel to it. I have listened to it a few times and find it very enjoyable. I plan to listen to it more during the Christmas season. If you like New Age, then you will like this CD. I am always on the lookout for things I like to have new editions or albums. Well I am off to tuck into my book. .

Transitions- a poem

The Summer's sun has flitted away fast
the leaves on the trees are falling,
First one, then the last
An election year has come and gone two men raced and one man won
A sprinkling of snow is on the mountain tops
All the farmers are rounding up their crops
Soon winter will be here, thoughts of cocoa, and Christmas, cookies, will be in our mind, transitions of seasons, of leaders and time all important, and none cost us a dime.

November's Recipe

Normally, I am not a fan of things made with pumpkin, but this
recipe sounded interesting...

Pumpkin Cheesecake


For the Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from 14 graham crackers)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
1 .25-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin
1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Make the Crust
Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan. Using a straight-sided dry measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.

Make and Chill the Filling
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup boiling water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until dissolved, about 5 minutes.

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin, sour cream, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix in the gelatin mixture until incorporated.

Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate, covered, until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Yield: Makes 8 servings