French Twist

This top started out as an experiment. I used leftover scraps from over a dozen other quilts I’ve made, including Toujours Provence, Classic, Union Jack, Double Dutch Stars, Four Queens, and True Blue. The original pattern is called Shakespeare in the Park. It’s from Judy Martin’s book The Creative Pattern Book: Complete Patterns, Intriguing Ideas and Musings on the Creative Process. I don’t actually own this book. I got the idea from several quilting friends (and friends of friends) who DO have the book and who used the pattern with amazing results. The math seemed straightforward enough: make 48 small Sawtooth Star blocks, half with dark backgrounds and half with light. Mine are 6” finished. Turn twelve of those into large (12”) Northern Star blocks, and place them on point between twenty large Snail’s Trail blocks. Voilà!

Four Log Cabins

“You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that they left for you. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind and feel empty, or you can do what they would want: smile, open your heart, love, and go on.” – Elizabeth Ammons

Sixteen Crowns

Here are a few fun facts for National Pistachio Day: Pistachio trees are among the oldest flowering nut trees. Scientists think humans may have eaten pistachios for as many as 9,000 years. Growing pistachios requires patience, as it takes seven to ten years for a pistachio tree to mature. In the Middle East they’re known as “smiling nuts” and the Chinese call them “happy nuts,” possibly because when they ripen, the shells crack open like little smiles. The shells themselves might slow down consumption, partly because it takes time to open them, and partly because the empty shells serve as a reminder of how many nuts have been eaten. Studies suggest in-shell pistachio snackers consume 41% fewer calories, an effect known as the “pistachio principle.” These little green nuts are a good source of protein, fiber, magnesium, thiamine, and phosphorus. They're also an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper, and manganese. Happy cracking!

Log Cabin

“During a perilous period of war, an exchange of letters occurred between Moroni, captain of the Nephite armies, and Pahoran, chief judge and governor of the land. Moroni, whose army was suffering because of inadequate support from the government, wrote to Pahoran and accused him of thoughtlessness, slothfulness, and neglect. Pahoran might easily have resented this, but chose not to take offense. He responded compassionately and described a rebellion against the government about which Moroni was not aware. He added, ‘I do not joy in your afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.’ One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, inexperience, and potentially offensive actions of others. A thing may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended.” – David A. Bednar

Tomato Pincushion

For more than half of the last year there were two healthy plants in my kitchen, happily producing heirloom cherry tomatoes. A few weeks back they finally called it quits so I tossed them, disinfected their little hydroponic garden, and replanted. The seedlings are about two inches tall now, but they’re growing fast. It won’t be long before I’m picking my own tomatoes again. I’ve read that a few centuries ago people believed placing a ripe tomato on the mantel of a new home could ward off evil spirits and guarantee prosperity. It’s possible a superstition like that could explain why so many pin cushions look just like ripe tomatoes. Personally, I’m inclined to look at these little seedlings as a very good omen. Before you know it they’ll save me from having to buy cardboard-flavored store-bought fruit.

Tiny Valentine Heart

A few Valentine’s cards I wish I’d given this year. Or maybe received:

“There, their, they’re. I love you because you know the difference.”

“Will you be my valentine? That’s a rhetorical question. You don’t have a choice because we’re married.”

“My neural pathways have become accustomed to your sensory input.”

“Without ‘ME’ you’re just ‘AWSO.’”

“Love is in the air. So is the flu. Wash your hands.”

“I’d walk through fire for you. Well, not actual fire, because that’s dangerous. I’d walk through a humid room. But not very humid, because my hair.”

“I’m more excited about the day after Valentine’s, because I know there will be discounted chocolate.”

“I love you so much, I’d give you a kidney. Maybe even one of my own.”

Hope you had a happy Valentine’s Day, too.

Pork and Beans

Tuesday night we had an hour to kill between dinner and the start of our movie, so we headed to the pet store to visit the animals. There was an unhappy dog being groomed. We didn’t see him, but boy, did we hear him. Heather chatted with the parakeets while we searched the ferret cage in vain. Was there a run on ferrets? There was a gorgeous male orange tabby up for adoption who reminded me of the pet my dad used to call Red Cat. Ours was a male, too, and it’s not a coincidence. Nobody knows why, but 80% of orange tabbies are male. Orange tabbies are more likely to become overweight than most other cats, partly because eating is their favorite activity, and partly because their second favorite activity is lying around. Orange tabbies get their coloring from a predominance of a pigment known as pheomelanin – the same pigment that makes humans redheaded. No wonder we call them gingers.

Double Quartet

My mother taught second grade and Daddy was a chemistry professor. I’ve spent my life teaching in one capacity or another. Over the years I’ve known more than my fair share of teachers. They’ve impressed me as very generous, selfless people. So I wasn’t surprised to read about a preschool teacher who donated a kidney so her student’s dad would have a chance to see his little boy grow up. This week I wanted to revisit the article, so I Googled “teacher gives kidney.” Imagine my amazement when over a dozen different stories popped up. A Georgia technology teacher went under the knife for someone in his sixth-grade class. A woman filling in for a fourth-grade teacher on maternity leave gave a kidney to her student’s mom. Two science teachers – one in Louisiana, one in Florida – each made the sacrifice for someone in their class. Not everyone is called upon for this particular contribution, but if you need someone to go the extra mile, ask a teacher.

Six Ice Cream Cones

Twenty years ago this spring a schizophrenic seventy-year-old entered the Family History Library across the street from Temple Square with a handgun. He killed two people – a security guard and a library visitor – and wounded three others. Nellie Leighton, who manned the visitor’s desk, was the first one hit.  “I don’t even have a scar,” she says, turning her head to show where she was wounded. “He shot me right in the face but somehow, I wasn’t afraid. I just kept praying and asking Heavenly Father for help, and I guess when talking to Heavenly Father, you can’t be afraid.” A few years back the library was remodeled and the visitor’s desk was moved from the ground floor to the third floor. But you’ll still see Nellie there twice a week, greeting visitors and pointing them in the right direction. If you do, wish her a happy birthday. Nellie turned 100 years old yesterday.

Eighteen Trees

We must never let fear divert us from our faith and faithful living. Every person in every era has had to walk by faith into what has always been some uncertainty. This is the plan. Just be faithful. God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—that is the first principle of the gospel. God expects you to have enough faith, determination, and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you not simply to face the future; He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it, rejoice in it, and delight in your opportunities. God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe. - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Three Ice Cream Cones

Years ago I attended a workshop by Don Aslett, the author of "Clutter’s Last Stand." He handed us each a sheet of paper and a pencil, and asked us to write – with as much detail as possible – everything stored in our bedroom closets. I hadn’t been married very long, and we’d moved six times in as many years, but it wasn’t hard to fill the page. Mr. Aslett explained though these items were out of sight, they were clearly cluttering the space in our minds. He said we don’t need to buy clever new storage units, bins, hampers or shelves to organize our lives. Most of our homes already have plenty of storage space. We just need to make sure we’re not storing things we don’t need and will never use. I don’t know if I’m ready to attack my house ala KonMari, but Don Aslett’s advice still seems pretty sound.

Snowy Woods

A week or two ago I read a headline suggesting chocolate was a better cough suppressant than traditional medicines, and I got pretty excited. Who wouldn’t rather sip a mug of hot cocoa than force down a few vile ounces of Robitussin or Mucinex? It actually made perfect sense to me. After all, the active ingredient in most cough drops is sugar. They’re essentially honey-lemon flavored hard candy. I’d rather nibble on a bit of dark chocolate. Then I investigated further and discovered the article was referring to a cough syrup that contains cocoa. (I checked. It’s not available where I live.) It doesn’t really matter. I still intend to treat my cough with hot cocoa. I’ll also use herbal tea, juice, broth, and an occasional long, steamy shower. When everything is said and done, the only thing that really cures a cough is time. One way or another.

Be My Little Valentine

“A guy knows he's in love when he loses interest in his car for a couple of days.” – Tim Allen

“If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?” – Lily Tomlin

“Marry a man your age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.” – Phyllis Diller

“I love being married. It's great to find that one special person you want to annoy the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schultz

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.” – Will Ferrell

“Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell.” – Joan Crawford

“You’re never alone on Valentine's Day if you're near a lake and have bread.” – Mike Primavera

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dresden Plate

Last week we took a trek to southern Utah to escape – a few days at least – a grim Salt Lake valley winter. While there we visited the Jacob Hamblin home in Santa Clara. The house, like many others nearby, was built using stones from Fort Clara after it was washed away by a flood on New Year’s Day 1862. It consists of a parlor between two matching ground-floor bedrooms (one for each wife), cold storage in back where the house extends into the hillside, and a great room upstairs. The home belongs to Utah State Parks and Recreation, but tours are provided by missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The missionaries told us Hamblin was well known for his honesty. Professor A. H. Thompson of the U.S. Geological survey once said, “I would trust my money, my life and my honor in the keeping of Jacob Hamblin, knowing all would be safe.” I can’t think of a better epitaph.

Six Little Pigs

Hash Brown and Sausage Quiche

3 cups shredded hash browns

4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Salt and pepper

1 cup (about 8 ounces) pork sausage

6 large eggs

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 scallions, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl gently toss the hash browns with melted butter to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Press hash browns into bottom and up sides of pie plate to form a crust. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, sauté sausage until no pink remains. Set aside. In large bowl whisk together Remaining ingredients. Blend in cooked sausage. Pour mixture on top of the hash brown crust. Bake about 30 minutes or until set. Cool slightly, cut into wedges and serve.

Christmas Jig Jog

“I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! With the Apostle Paul, I testify that that which was sown in corruption will one day be raised in incorruption and that which was sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power. I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally free at last. Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show compassion one of another.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Jig Jog Puzzle

Here’s another fun gluten-free dinner for our casserole slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Taco Casserole

1 pound lean ground beef

1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped

2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped

5 cups collard greens, chopped

1 cup beef broth

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

18 ounces tomato sauce

3 tablespoons taco seasoning

10 corn tortillas

6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Brown beef until no longer pink; drain. Add onion and peppers and continue cooking until tender. Add greens and broth; continue cooking until greens are wilted and broth is reduced. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes, beans, sauce and seasoning. Cut tortillas into bite-size pieces and fold into beef mixture. Dump mixture into slow cooker. Top with shredded cheese. Cook on low six to eight hours. Serve with a green salad.

Eight Trees

When we’re on holiday, we love to stay in suites with a full kitchen. It gives us space to spread out, to enjoy breakfast in our pajamas, and to have dinner waiting for us when we’re done playing.

Slow Cooker Chicken Divan

2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

2 10.5 oz cans cream of chicken soup (We actually found a gluten-free variety)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons curry powder (More if you like it spicy, less if you don’t)

1/2 cup chicken stock

Place chicken in bottom of slow-cooker (we used our casserole-shaped Crock-pot, but the standard should work as well). In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients and blend with a wire whisk. Dump mixture into slow-cooker on top of chicken. Cover and cook on low six to eight hours. Serve on top of steamed broccoli and cooked brown rice.

Christmas Puzzle

When I share a quote, I like to give credit where it's due. But sometimes it's really, really hard - mostly because so many other people are perfectly happy to share without bothering to mention (or sometimes even to discover) the original source. I wasted a lot of time trying to determine whose quote this is, without ever coming to a satisfying conclusion. It frequently shows up without any name attached. Two of the most common sources cited are Angel Chernoff and Eugene Cho. If you know who wrote this, I'd love to hear about it.

"If the grass looks greener on the other side...Stop staring. Stop comparing. Stop complaining and start watering the grass you're standing on." - Source Obscure

Union Star

One of the things I miss most on a wheat-free diet is pasta. I know there are several non-wheat pastas available. I just haven’t had the nerve to try them yet. What if gluten-free noodles are as disappointing as gluten-free bread? This recipe, though, requires no intestinal fortitude.

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

4 cups cooked spaghetti squash

4 slices raw bacon, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 large eggs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan, over medium-low heat, cook bacon until it becomes crispy. Add garlic and cook, stirring about a minute. Add broth and continue cooking until liquid is reduced by half. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs together with cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the eggs with bacon mixture, warming eggs in the pan. (Don’t let eggs cook through.) Add squash and toss to thoroughly. Serve while still warm.

Four Little Pigs

Of the twelve signs of the zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, the pig is the last. There are five types of pigs, each named after one of the ancient Chinese elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. The new year that began in the middle of the night last night is called the year of the earth pig. The last time we had a year of this particular sign, I was born. You can probably do the math on your own. I’m told 2019 should be a good year to make our homes more tidy and pleasant, to extend the hand of friendship to those around us, and to carve out a little “me” time.  Among the people born in the last year of the earth pig are Magic Johnson, Marie Osmond, Mike Pence and Weird Al Yankovic. So I guess we can expect unusual things from this year’s crop.

True Blue

“Never in the history of the world has it been more important to learn how to correctly discern between truth and error. If you experience a moment of question or doubt, remember that in this age of information there are many who create doubt about anything and everything, at any time and every place. Sometimes untrue claims or information are presented in such a way that they appear quite credible. However, when you are confronted with information that is in conflict with the revealed word of God, remember the parable taught in this video. We simply don’t know all things—we can’t see everything. What may seem contradictory now may be perfectly understandable as we search for and receive more trustworthy. Because we see through a glass darkly, we have to trust the Lord, who sees all things clearly.” – Gordon B. Hinckley

Six Trees

I’ve been a piano teacher for three decades, which means some of my earlier students are probably old enough to be grandparents. One question I’m asked most often is, “How do I know my child is ready for piano lessons?” When I was new at this, the ability to tie shoes was a good sign of physical and mental readiness. But no one ties shoes anymore. Instead, I ask if the child can tell right from left. I ask them to count forwards and backwards. I ask them to recite the alphabet. I watch to see if they can sit still and pay attention for fifteen minutes, or if they’re distracted and fidgety. I ask why they want to learn to play. (Hint: “Because mom says I have to” isn’t a good sign.) Some kids are ready at five and others at eight. I’ve known several kids much older than that who may never be ready.

Four Kisses

“America represents something universal in the human spirit. I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, ‘You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France to live and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won’t become a German or a Turk.’ But then he added, ‘Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.’ This I believe is one of the most important sources of America’s greatness. We lead the world because unique among nations, we draw our people, our strength, from every country and every corner of the world … Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we’re a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge; always leading the world to the next frontier.” – Ronald Reagan