Fair Fever and the Polar Vortex

It occurred to me tonight, as I was walking around my yard tending to my flowers that the Heart of Illinois Fair is on this week. We were exhibitors from my first year in 4-H until our 20s. I even remember our family was given an award for the longest continuous exhibitor many, many years later (I wonder if our record has been broken).

Anyway, it is fair week.

I remember the years of drought. I remember the year a tornado went over our heads as we were hanging out in the barn (kids not thinking things through?). I remember many, many years of so much rain it would rush down the middle of the aisle and we would have to clean out the pens to the floor and start all over with bedding. Big mess, huge! Sheep blankets soaked. Yuck! I remember it being very, very hot; so hot that we didn't feed until 9:00 or 10:00 at night.

I have been getting the fair bug. I have a childhood girlfriend who has been posting grandchildren 4-H pictures on Facebook; ribbons, trophies, accomplishments. It is so fun. I have been following a couple agriculture bloggers who exhibit and report their family accomplishments. I have the bug.


So as I walked around at 7:00 at night in warmups, t-shirt, hooded sweat shirt, and sox that in all my fair year I do not remember it ever being this chilly. It would have been wonderful. The sheep would have loved it. Our family would have loved it; show day without giant drips of sweat rolling down your face, back, arms....

I have the nostalgia bug.

I haven’t shown since August 2008. It was the state fair. Conrad had died that summer and I was helping Nichole. I was overcome with grief. It was not fun.

Following these kids, who I really don't know, is fun. I am very happy for their parents and the animals that it is not the "sweat down ever crevice of your body" hot and humid out.

The world's best chocolate chip cookies

When I was a little girl my mother bought a Pillsbury Bakeoff Cookbook that had a recipe for chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal. She made them and our family suddenly wanted them all the time.

I developed and changed the recipe for a college assignment. Through the years the recipe has been used to teach kids the art of baking. It was my introduction to junior high foods class and the kids got to bake and eat the cookies; what kid wouldn't like that the first day of class!

They are expected at family and work gatherings. 

Now titled the "worlds best chocolate chip cookies" by my niece and her friends, they have been requested and been tucked into tux jackets at prom, robes at graduation, sports bags for basketball, and foot lockers at 4-H county fairs.

Tonight I made them for a wedding shower. We are to bring a recipe to the shower. I got over zealous and thought not only should I share the recipe but make sampling. I wrapped them in glass jars and satin ribbon. Very pretty if I do say so myself.

Nichole and her childhood friend are over here tonight so of course some were packaged and sent back with them when they return to their dorm rooms.

It is so fun to share my cherished recipe with friends. I hope the recipe will be passed around for years to come!

It's the little things in life....

I have had the flu for the last two days....and in true "Susan" form, I couldn't stand laying around any more so I worked from home awhile this afternoon. It is so wonderful that technology and my boss allow me to be able to work remotely from home. I love it. Our office is set up so I can easily work here as if I was there, at work. I can set my hours, when I am not feeling well, to get something done without infecting everyone at work. It is comfortable, my Keurig is close, and I can quickly throw a load of laundry in the washer and/or dryer. 

The simple things.....


Tonight, I absolutely needed to go pick up a few things from Target. Yes, Steve would have gone for me but I really wanted to pick the items out myself. He drove me, dropped me off and the door, and was waiting for me when emerged. 

The simple things.....


When we got home Steve made a fire. He tended to it as he was also puttering in the garage. He just would come in, stoke the fire, check on me, give me a kiss, and off again.

The simple things......

I am feeling very blessed right now.

Its Windy and Cold Outside and Water Everywhere

We went to Fairview Sunday to prepare to get the grain out of the bins. It was quite orchestrated event. I had church and we wanted to eat in Fairview (the best breakfasts ever!) where it stops serving breakfast at 11:00. So...we had a short 75 minutes (if our minister doesn't go over) to grab Starbucks and drive to 40 miles west. No talking after church (not always easy to do). Just head to the car. 

Well we made it with time to spare and the breakfast held up to our expectations. We always order the same thing: A giant pancake with a bigger than normal patty of sausage and a 3 egg ham and cheese omelet and toast. I want it right now just thinking about it.

That cafe has been around since I was a little girl. As a child my brother and I were allowed to walk from either Grandma's or the ball park to get an ice cream. Then the ceilings weren't dropped and they had fans that intrigued me. It is arranged differently, though I could tell you how it was arranged. But they serve wonderful food and always have several home make pies to choose from.

After breakfast we headed to the farm. We have to go over the Spoon River in Ellisville and it is high. The overflow had been taken over from the river and Mt Pisgah road was completely flooded. 

Central Illinois is thawing out. It was in the mid 50s on Thursday and the foot of snow is melting with no place to go.

On the way to work last Friday, we drive by a dry creek that feeds to the Illinois River when it rains. When it is really wet it floods the road. Friday this road was closed and the water was raging over the road and the ditch surrounding it were very full. 

Now they say it is getting cold again. The upside is the ground won't be mushy when they try to get the corn into the semi truck. And we did get the auger in place and the tractor that we use for the PTO has a block heater.

Side note: I didn't get this posted and tomorrow another storm is coming in....will this winter every stop?

Valentines Day was so wonderful!!!

Thursday I worked from home.

Friday I went to work (though I could have easily worked from home again) but booked a hair appointment in the afternoon. It was snowing pretty hard and driving to the salon was tricky; it didn't seem that the snow plows had even been out. Two hours later the snow stopped and the plows had been through so returning to work was much better. To my surprise Steve's bosses boss sent him home....OK you don't have to tell us twice!

I came home to twelve beautiful yellow roses. Steve headed outside to clear the drive while I started dinner:

NY cut steak
twice baked potatoes with homemade bacon bits and cheddar cheese
broccoli with cheese sauce
garlic bread
chocolate ganache tart

Steve made a fire and we decided to just talk; no TV. We discussed our future ski trip and some dreams. I love the fact we really do enjoy each other's company.

Then yesterday I was sick! I slept all day and didn't see the light of day until around noon today. Looking back, my first clue I was getting sick was the fact I didn't eat much of my dinner, including most of my tart. Lucky Steve...he ate leftovers Saturday.

Today he headed to the farm to dig out the sheds. Corn is to be delivered March so he wanted to dig out to hopefully avoid a muddy mess later (and be able to get the equipment out). Hopefully his effort helped. Beside nothing makes him happier than driving one of his tractors!

News just said 3-5 more inches tomorrow. Lucky us!!

Creative (and completely frustrating) challenges of grandchildren

We have two grand children. Boys; ages 4 and 7. Usually they are well behaved and cooperative. We do fun things (go to the farm, ride the 4-wheeler, sled, etc) so you always have good choices of "if you want to do <something fun> you have to <eat your dinner, pick up your toys, etc>

Last night was not one of those nights. The four year old had been up all night sick to his stomach. We heard the 7 year old did not think he should have to go to school since the 4 year old "got" to stay home with Mom. Thus the beginning of his day. Mom asked us to pick him up after school, take him to our house, feed him, give him a bath, and bring him home in time for bed (trying to keep the germs contained).

So we picked him up, told him the plans, and plotted out our evening. First, snack. Second, play a bit. Third, start homework. Homework was to read a eight page story. Yes it was big print with lots of pictures, but eight pages. WOW. 

First page in, he started to grab his stomach, and made himself hyperventilate to get himself to cry. It was quite the drama. No, mean Nana didn't by it with a statement like "how could you suddenly feel bad when two minutes ago you were bouncing around?" Blank stare. Then we did the "I just miss my Mom." Answer, "I thought you were going to Dad's for awhile tonight." Blank stare. We read a page through gulping breaths (very dramatic and almost funny if I wasn't just put out he would act like this). We got some juice. Page by page we read and then took a break to work on supper. Suddenly he was laughing and bouncing around again. Assignment read. No more drama. 

Then supper was ready (we made homemade stew with carrot and red potatoes). He knew he had to eat one carrot. He agreed. Just one. He picked out eat piece of meat he wanted, each piece of potato, the carrot. Well, first it was too hot; later it was too cold. He saw me put salt in it so he said it was too spicy (right, actually it needed more salt and there wasn't even pepper in it). Than this was wrong with it and that was wrong with it. He tried saying he wanted something else (Steve already told him this was the menu). Suddenly the hyperventilation, crying, and stomach ache came back. So much of a challenge. 

We sat there and sat there and sat there. 

Steve reminded him he got to take a bath in the big tub. Suddenly he was full - right. As Steve filled the tub I caved. I hated doing it, but I took the potatoes out and said if he ate the meat and sauce he would be done. He downed it (I caught him several times licking the sauce off his spoon it when I walked away so I couldn't figure out the fight - maybe just because he wanted a grilled cheese and we said no to him?).

So it ended on a high note cause he played, and laughed, and told storied in the tub. 

Hopefully he learned something. I learned that his will is strong and he uses tears as a means to get his own way. Oh the life of parenting; even part time as a grandmother.

ILLINI finally won!

I am a huge Fighting Illinois fan, especially basketball!

I sat in Block I for three of my four years at Illinois (my senior year I sat in my big brother's fraternity section). I had season tickets all four years for basketball, which included being an Orange Krush (that year they spelled it with a "C") the very first year of its existance - a small claim to fame. So, though I had high hopes during pre-season, their poor BIG TEN showing has been hard to stomach.

A fun fact - my niece is an Orange Krush member (for those who don't know about this student cheering section, they now raise funds for each 3pt basket made for a variety of charities).

Well today was the day. They played Penn State at Penn State. The Orange Krush, Nichole included, traveled the 12 hours <story> by bus ride to cheer them on. AND THEY DID IT!!! They won after a 8 game losing streak.

So I am having a happy moment and hope the Freshman continue to start :-)

Let them eat cake....or bread...or cookies

I love to bake. I get the love from my Nana. As a little girl she lived across the pasture and took care of our family. 

My mother was a teacher so Nana got our meals, cleaned the house, and did our laundry. She was at our house every morning through the week and made breakfast: eggs, bacon, toast. Now I wasn't big on breakfast so didn't care, but Conrad got up every morning and "helped." I can remember she would call up the stairs "putting the eggs on." That would be our cue to get downstairs.

As a preschooler, I followed her through the house as she did her chores. I "helped" when allowed. She made homemade yeast bread every week and we put homemade butter and homemade strawberry jam on it (and we thought we were put upon because we wanted it from the store - kids!) and it was the norm. We always had a homemade treat waiting for us when we got off the bus and then off to play. We were not allowed in the kitchen when Mother got home from school; that was their time.

When I started 4-H she helped me with my early projects. I would win so many awards and it was from her careful instructions. There was only one way to measure, one way to mix, really one way to do anything. No exceptions.

So today as I decided to bake a couple quick breads ( banana with cream cheese and cranberry orange) I am thinking of her. It would be so much fun to have her here checking them out over a cup of tea of coffee (I don't know what she prefers because I was not drinking either when she left us).

So my bread is going to work for the gang. That is where my baking binges go. 

Bon Appetit!

Marriage contracts.

When my husband and I were getting married we decided we wanted to sell both our houses and buy one that was ours and make it our own. We took the house and yard plans and with pink and blue highlighters we divided responsibilities. Pretty much the entire inside of the house was mine (except for the utilities rooms in the basement and a square where his chair would be) and one wall in the garage for my workbench. His was the rest: yard, garage, utility rooms, etc.

I had been single for over a decade and had to learn to do everything myself. My father was a "teach a person to fish..." kind of Dad so he showed no mercy when it came to "guy" jobs. I learned to change my mower oil, replace my own furnace filter in a timely manner, clear my own snow, and mow my yard. I knew how to do general wiring. I can use a hammer, drill, and wretch like a seasoned veteran. So when we were getting married, I had trouble letting go of being in charge of everything. 

An example of my independence was: We were not engaged but serious about each other. I wanted a snow blower because my driveway was so long and narrow. Steve said that was not necessary and he would be happy to help me so I could save my money. Well he did as promised, then we had a huge dump and where was he? In Myrtle Beach golfing. I called up my brother, told him I wanted a snow blower. I asked what should I look for in one. The next day he had to come into Peoria for parts and being a farmer, stopped at every implement dealer from Fairview to Peoria checking out snow blowers. By the time he got to my house he said "I think you need this one and here is why." OK. We got in his truck and drove to Yates City. They let me try it out to see if I could handle it (I think I cleared most of the back of the store) and bought it. Yes Conrad helped me but that was his personality. He researched everything so why reinvent the wheel? What a surprise for Steve when he got home. And let it be said that every time it snowed he was at my house "borrowing" my snow blower. So much for the shovel. Man have I digressed!

So back to division of jobs...

After a few years of marriage I finally learned that helping each other was what a marriage was; you know, divide and conker. 

So he mows our lawn (I help mow the farm) and clears snow (though I did the sidewalks tonight). He also cleans out the gutters (though I did do it a couple times last summer) and chops wood. I keep all the books, deal with flexible spending (which is a huge pain), and do the laundry (my choice!). He also drinks the bottom half of my beer. Don't go awwwww...he hated, when we were dating, I left some in the bottom so this is our compromise. 

I generally clean our home but he does run the vacuum in the middle of the floor when I am crazy busy and he usually empties the dishwasher when I am dressing in the morning. He is also in charge of getting me out of bed; I hate alarms!

So as my husband is now vacuuming the water out of the garage from melted snow and dumping down our toilet, I say good night!

It is snowing!!!!

For those of you who are not from central Illinois, you may not understand Illinois winters are unpredictable. Last year we had one signification snow the end of February maybe one super cold spell and that was it. So this year with many snows and three super cold spells, people are whining. 

IT IS ILLINOIS PEOPLE!

I love the snow. It is pretty (who wants to look at brown grass), it protects my perennials from the weather, and hopefully puts water back into our water table. I have had several snows in the country memory lane, so I won't go there. But, our grandchildren love, love, love coming over and playing in the snow.

My sweet hubby spent the afternoon cleaning us out, most of the neighbors (he plows the cul-de-sac even though there is someone who is suppose to do it, but he loves is), and his two girl's houses (how he loves to spoil). He was one happy guy. 

I grew up in a rural community. My Dad's rule was if you don't need to go someone don't just venture out. It is harder for snow plows and other emergency vehicles to do their job when cars are on the road. I have always followed those rules. We got groceries on Thursday and I totally loved my day making snickerdoodle cookies and drinking coffee while the world turned white.

So I hope you are safe and warm where ever you are...and enjoy this weather!

So tired of this artic vortex...going to think spring!

We love to work outside. When we were looking for a house I don't think we saw any of the flaws in the house. All we saw was the double lot of yard with the lack of landscaping (even though the real estate papers said "professional landscaped"). So we had a blank canvas and were so excited.

Every warm day we have brought tons of dirt (31 tons to be exact) onto our lawn. Created flower bed and berms. We planted trees. We laid sod. My husband watered loyally to have a plush green lawn.

We saved every poorly planted shrub planted by moving it and giving it life. Right now I look forward to the hundreds of bulbs bursting at the first sign of spring. We have 15 varieties of hosta and over 200 day lilies. Last year I potted 56 pots around the yard.

So with it sub-zero outside, I will have warm thoughts of getting in my garden and digging in the dirt.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Holy Cow, it is windy! 

Today we had a lovely day. After church my husband got out the 4-wheeler out and cleared the sidewalks and driveway. They were almost dry then around 6:00 p.m....icy snow started falling and the wind went crazy. Welcome to Illinois in January. Most of the area school have cancelled class. I love snow days and sadly there won't be one for us tomorrow. Steve said the roads will be fine so we are going in. :-(

I love snow. It is pretty. It is apart of central Illinois. But this crazy sub-zero temperature; no thank you!

Friends that live in Washington are having issues keeping their kids calm. This has been the first heavy winds since the tornado swept through the area November 17, 2013.

Well if our trellis that is on the west side of our house survives, I will be happy. 

Have a great last week of January, and remember February is a short month!!!

Witness Protection...

Growing up, our sheep were a family project that consumed so much of our time. It was a 4-H project for my brother, sister, and me. I had allergies. I love to cook. So it began at a very young age of 12 that my mother would go to the barn in the summers and help with the sheep and leave me to tend to the laundry, cleaning, and cooking of family meals. I loved to cook, I was good at cleaning, so it made sense. As a small child I would follow maternal grandmother around as she tended to her chores. She taught me how to be a homemaker, I knew what to do.

Forward a zillion years. I am dating a wonderful man who was a city boy but spent summers, weekends, and after school working at his local park/zoo in Indiana. He would bail hay. He feed the zoo animals. He did a lot of "farm" things. So when I started talking about our family farm, often I didn't know the answer.

One day Steve (my now husband) and I were at my parent's home. We were all there; my parents, my brother and his wife, and my niece. We hadn't even been dating a year. Well anyway, we were talking farming. Steve piped up, "Is Susan part of a witness protection program, because she knows nothing about farming?" 

Yes, I admit it I knew nothing about farming. My dad owed a Lennox business that was growing so fast he had to stopped farming our ground when I was about 6 or 7. In my defense, I knew more than Conrad (my brother) would admit but that is another story, another day.

Conrad burst out laughing. He loved it. I think his response was "yes she is, but don't tell anyone!" HA!

Day off from work and snow days

I work in a top 100 company where there are times of the year when I work 14+ hour days for days and days and days. The bonus to all the craziness is when work suddenly stops (end of a software release) I can "work from home," which means I am on call. But for all practical purposes I have the day off with just a few strings. I love these days. Today is one of those days. I had plans to really tackle my house, which is beyond dirty from those 14+ hour days. I was looking forward to it; a day all about me.

My sweet hubby had different plans. He is home sick. He is not so sick he is comatose in his chair. He is "under foot" sick; bit of a fever. I love him here but it seems like I am easily distracted, which is really my problem not his. So here I sit trying to get back to my well planned cleaning day, a fresh 3" of snow lay on the ground, and my thoughts are about snow days as a child.

We lived in the country. As a kid in grade school and junior high, my brother and I would be so excited about snow days. My mother taught in Canton school district and they never had snow days so we were on our own at  home from about 4th/5th grade on (we were a year apart).

Back then the hard road that ran by our house was not as busy as it is now. Conrad and I loved to play in the deep ditches by the road. They would be completely filled in by the blowing winds so tunneling forts was awesome! We would play outside 'till our toes were numb and then go in to warm up and then back out again. What a glorious life. Funny I don't remember the responsibility of checking the animal waterer's, the ewes close to lambing, or even supplementing new lambs with milk. Though, I am sure we did. I just remember playing in the snow with my best friend. 

Let's Get Started

I have been thinking of starting a blog for some time. I am not sure I will even tell anyone I am doing this (though since my name is in the title someone may find me) little blog. I just want to capture thoughts of memories from my family growing up and a diary of my life now. Boring huh? Well not to me, and I guess that is all that is important.

For the last few days I have been cleaning. Really cleaning. I have removed everything from above the kitchen cabinets: washing, polishing, admiring. Everything up there has a memory. It is a vase that Mother had in her cupboard and rarely used when I was a kid, to a piece of a collection I carefully pondered and decided to start, to a rare piece from my husband's family. I want Nichole and her future family to know and love the treasures from my side of the family. The stories. The history. So, I decided as they come to me I should write them down.

I don't consider myself a writer. Struggled with writing while in school. But through the years I have improved. So hopefully this little blog will hold someones interest someday.

So for now while my husband is off to the farm to "check on things" and I am cleaning for the bug man (yes four times a year I clean for him - probably better than I do other days) I will decided what memory I will add to this post. Kind of exciting!!!