Twenty-five Butterflies

 

“Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth. Without priesthood keys, you could not be endowed with the power of God. Without priesthood keys, the Church could serve only as a significant teaching and humanitarian organization but not much more. Without priesthood keys, none of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants binding us to our loved ones eternally and allowing us eventually to live with God. Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Many other organizations can and do make your life better here in mortality. But no other organization can and will influence your life after death. Temple work makes these exquisite blessings available to all of God’s children, regardless of where or when they lived or now live. Let us rejoice that priesthood keys are once again on the earth!” – President Russell M. Nelson

Autumn Leaves

A year ago today, we closed on our “new” house. We went from a 1998 5-bedroom/4-bathroom home to 3 bedrooms and 2 baths from 1977. As with any move, there have been casualties. There’s a 2” gash in the arm of my living room sofa. I could buy an upholstery needle and matching thread, but I’d probably just make it worse. There are several bad scratches on the front of my dresser, and some dents on top of Heather’s chest of drawers. We’ve unpacked all the boxes, but there are some things we’re missing. I own two trifle bowls. Two! I should at least be able to find one of them. And the asparagus pot is still AWOL. Trifle bowls and asparagus pots aren’t a big deal. Neither are a few scars on the furniture. But I’m in no hurry to move again soon. In fact, I think I’d be happy to stay right here indefinitely. 

 

Pincushion Quilt with Borders

 

I love September. I love the Utah State Fair, the Salt Lake Greek festival, FanX, and the Garden of Quilts at Thanksgiving Point. I love September’s weather; a much-needed break from the high 90’s and low 100’s we’ve been dealing with for months. I love September for the colors: the trees that are wearing red, gold, orange and purple just now, and for the crystal-clear blue of the sky. One of the best things about September is the tomatoes. They’re beautiful right now – fat, deep red, flavorful and juicy. We’ve been eating them in salads, in soups and sauces, in sandwiches, and just as they are, straight from the garden. I even made a batch of tomato juice for our breakfast. I know in a few short weeks, I’ll be settling for the tasteless pink cardboard the grocer and restaurants will call tomatoes, and that I’ll be counting the days until I have REAL tomatoes again, next September.

Four Log Cabins

 

They caught the wild children and put them in zoos,

They made them do sums and wear sensible shoes.

They put them to bed at the wrong time of day,

And made them sit still when they wanted to play.

They scrubbed them with soap and they made them eat peas.

They made them behave and say pardon and please.

They took all their wisdom and wildness away.

That’s why there are none in the forests today. – Jeanne Willis

Hope of Hartford

 

Quesadillas might just be my grandkids’ favorite food. They’re definitely right up there with cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Given the choice, I think all five of them would happily live on carbs with melted cheese. When I’m making quesadillas, I offer a choice of toppings/fillings: shredded pork, chicken, or beef, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, sauteed mushrooms, and of course, cheese. Most of the time, cheese is the only topping the grandkids require. Almost any cheese will do, but the most popular varieties for quesadillas are Monterey jack, Colby and cheddar. These cheeses all have a higher melting point, making the finished quesadilla a bit less messy. We usually use whole wheat tortillas, but the grandkids like white. And, if you’re concerned about that sort of thing, corn tortillas are gluten-free and have less fat and fewer carbs. Have a happy National Quesadilla Day!

Prickly Pear

 

Astronomically speaking, autumn began Sunday, September 22. It’ll end on winter solstice, December 21. Heather and I have chosen several movies to watch between now and then. We’ve been enjoying the Harry Potter films on the big screen these past few weeks. The last – Deathly Hallows Part 2 – we’ll watch tonight. My car has a DVD player, and Heather has decreed we’ll watch The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as we run errands about town. Some movies we'll watch at home because of Halloween: Corpse Bride, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, A Haunting in Venice, See How They Run, The Sixth Sense, and Northanger Abbey. They’ll pair well with hot apple cider and buttered popped corn. We’ll watch October Sky some time in October, and Coco November 1. I have several quilts to bind while watching The Devil Wears Prada, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Jane Eyre, The Princess Diaries, Remember the Titans and You’ve Got Mail.

Two Dozen Butterflies

 

“When confronted with challenges, it’s easy to become engrossed in our difficulties. However, Jesus Christ exemplified the power of focusing on His Father, offering gratitude, and acknowledging solutions to our trials don’t always lie within ourselves but with God. When we encounter difficulties, we naturally tend to concentrate on the obstacles we face. Our challenges are tangible and command our attention, yet the principle of surmounting them is in our focus. By placing Christ at the core of our thoughts and deeds, we align ourselves with His outlook and strength. This adjustment doesn’t discount our struggles. Instead, it helps us navigate through them under divine guidance. As a result, we discover solutions and support arising from a higher wisdom. Adopting this Christ-centric perspective empowers us with the fortitude and insight to turn our trials into victories, reminding us that with the Savior, what seems like a major problem can become a pathway to greater spiritual progress.” – Elder Jose L. Alonso

Six Maple Leaves

One-Pan Goulash

 

1 pound lean ground beef

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 10.5 ounce can condensed tomato soup, plus 10 ounces water

1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon Worcestershire

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon instant minced onion

1 teaspoon garlic powder

 

In a non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid, brown and drain beef. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, put on the cover, and simmer about 20 minutes, until macaroni is tender. Remove lid and stir a few times to make sure it doesn’t stick. You may need to add a little water for the right consistancy.

Crabby Top

 

We discovered the kit – pattern included – for this quilt in the late spring/early summer this year. We’d gone into Pine Needles at Gardiner Village to look for something else entirely, but this funny, crabby design refused to be left behind. Of course, the thing we’d gone there for was nowhere to be found, so the crab kit was a nice consolation prize. I ended up finding the thing I needed online, so I ordered it and waited for it to arrive. More and more lately, that’s been my retail experience. If I go to a brick-and-mortar store for something specific, they won’t have it. I’ll ask an employee for help, and they’ll say, “I think we carry those. They should be here somewhere. Maybe we’re just out of stock. Have you tried online?” I like to support local small businesses, but it’s getting so hard. Thank goodness for the treasures we weren’t looking for. Like these charming crabs.

Log Cabin

 

“I was at an airport bathroom one day, and as I was washing my hands, the lady to my left got the paper towels, and after she dried off her hands, I remember she turned to the sink and began to wipe down the counters and the fixtures of the sink, and it just looked odd. She was dressed in this nice, classy outfit. She looked really sharp and so I just cracked a joke and I said, ‘You’ve been working here a long time?’ And she smiled and said, ‘You know, it’s not a bad idea to leave things a little better than how you found them.’ I remember the impact that had on me. And I turned and got my paper towels and I wiped down the sink of a public bathroom. Could you imagine what this world would look like if everything we did, we left a little better than when we found it?” – Source Unknown

Windblown Square

 

Reasons Why Reading Should Be Part of Your Life:

Books offer a vast reservoir of knowledge on any topic. Dive into history, science, philosophy, or explore new hobbies and interests.

Regular reading exposes you to a wider vocabulary, improving communication skills and comprehension.

Studies suggest reading sharpens memory and cognitive function, keeping your mind active and engaged.

Curling up with a good book can be a form of mental escape, offering a reprieve from daily anxieties and a chance to unwind.

Reading strengthens your ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods.

Stepping into the shoes of fictional characters allows you to develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives.

Reading introduces new ideas, potentially sparking creativity and problem-solving skills.

Immersing yourself in well-written prose can improve your writing style and overall communication clarity.

Swap screen time for a book before bed. The calming nature of reading can help you relax and unwind, promoting better sleep quality.

Cactus Flower

 Shelby Frederick Wooley was born in Oklahoma in 1921. His first job was as a cowboy on his daddy’s farm. He found more money (and prestige) in the rodeo. He tried to enlist when the U.S. entered World War II, but his many rodeo injuries labelled him 4-F. Wooley worked as a welder, and then he traveled with a band as a country-western singer. In the 50’s, Wooley began appearing as an actor in movies and TV shows. Sometimes he used the name Ben Colder, and sometimes his nickname, Sheb. He also continued his music career, recording his most popular song, “The Purple People Eater,” in 1958. While working on the movie “Distant Drums,” Sheb recorded a scream for his character, who was killed by an alligator. The sound was dubbed the “Wilhelm Scream” when it was reused in “The Charge at Feather River.” The “Wilhelm Scream” has been used in hundreds of movies and TV shows.

Twenty Butterflies

“Nephi’s trust in God was tested when he and his brothers were commanded to return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates. After initial attempts failed, his brothers gave up. But Nephi chose to place his trust in the Lord and was successful in obtaining the plates. That experience likely strengthened Nephi’s confidence in God when his bow broke and the family faced starvation. Again, Nephi chose to trust in God, and the family was saved. These successive experiences gave Nephi even stronger confidence for the enormous task he would soon face of building a ship. Nephi strengthened his relationship with God by consistently and continuously trusting Him. God uses the same pattern with us. He extends us personal invitations to strengthen and deepen our trust in Him. Each time we act on an invitation, our trust in God grows. If we ignore an invitation, our progress stops until we’re ready to act on a new invitation.” – Elder Paul B. Pieper

Four Maple Leaves

 

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cobbler

 

15 ounce can pumpkin puree

3 eggs

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

12 ounce can evaporated milk

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon until well combined. Add evaporated milk and stir. Pour mixture into large slow cooker that has been coated with cooking spray. In another bowl, whisk together cake mix with remaining cinnamon. Stir in melted butter (mixture will be crumbly). Sprinkle cake mixture all over pumpkin in slow cooker. Cook on low 4 hours. Sprinkle the nuts over the top about halfway through the cooking time. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Julia's Party

 

To quilters, UFO doesn’t just mean “unidentified flying object.” It can also refer to fabric objects you aren’t finishing. Most quilters, whether they’ve been at it months or decades, have a stash of UFOs hiding somewhere – in closets, under beds, in boxes and in sacks. Most quilters have a LOT more UFOs than they’re willing to admit, even to themselves. They start with the best of intentions: a pattern you just adore, prints you can’t leave the store without. Then something happens; some mistake you can’t sort out. Suddenly it isn’t as cute/easy/fun as you thought. So, you stash it and move to a more rewarding quilt. This was a UFO for nearly a year. It was too large for a lap quilt, too small for a bed. It wanted a border, but hated all my ideas. Then John found this pretty floral, on a shelf too high for me. I should definitely bring him shopping more often.

Four Sand Blocks

 

School started here a few weeks ago. Predictably, the kids picked up a bug and brought it home to share with us. It started with sneezing, post-nasal drip and a sore throat. Then it morphed into a headache, a low-grade fever and cough. For me, the worst symptom was nasal congestion. For two days I couldn’t eat and breathe at the same time. When I swallowed, my ears popped. Showers and the jacuzzi helped, but DayQuil and NyQuil made no difference at all. It turns out that both of these, along with Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain, Tylenol Cold + Head Congestion Severe, Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion & Pain Relief, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, Sudafed PE, Theraflu Severe Cold Relief Daytime, and Vicks Sinex Severe rely on a decongestant – phenylephrine – that doesn’t work when taken orally. So, how can all these medicines still claim to be decongestants? How are they all still for sale?

Balkan Puzzle

 

If you’re ever supremely bored and have Internet access, you can always entertain yourself by Googling the words, “Florida Man.” Yes, you can try this with any of the fifty states, but there’s just something special about Florida. Here’s just one of the stories I’ve found: in December, 2018, a man from Riviera Beach, Florida named Shane Anthony Mele stole some commemorative presidential coins and other items from an office in North Palm Beach. The collection was worth over $30,000. Shane was able to sell some of the coins to a pawn shop for a few thousand dollars, and then he did something that has everyone scratching their heads. He ran the rest of the coins through a Coinstar kiosk at the local grocery store. The machine gave him only the coins’ face value: less than $30. The Coinstar machine had a dedicated security camera, so police were quickly able to connect the dots.

Barrel Cacti

 

In the 1940’s, there were rumors of a hermit living in a cave under one of the Ls in the Hollywood sign. He mostly kept to himself, but in 1947, the hermit tried to get backstage at L.A.’s Lincoln Theater. He had something to give Nat King Cole, who was performing there. No one dared let him get anywhere near the singer, but the man handed his gift to Cole’s manager before leaving. The gift was a tattered song sheet for “Nature Boy,” which the hermit had written about himself. When Nat King Cole eventually saw the song, he liked it and wanted to record it, but first he had to track down the author and get written permission. “Nature Boy” became one of Nat King Cole’s biggest successes, topping charts for fifteen weeks. RKO Pictures reportedly paid the hermit $10,000 for permission to use the haunting song in the 1948 movie “The Boy with the Green Hair.”

Sixteen Butterfies

 

“A life of integrity is not a life of perfection; it is a life in which we strive every day to foremost be true to God and within that context to be true to others. President Oaks reminds us, ‘Our zeal to keep the second commandment must not cause us to forget the first.’ The world increasingly grapples with integrity by imposing codes of conduct or ethical rules that govern the relationships between people and institutions. While good, these rules are generally not anchored in absolute truth and tend to evolve based on cultural acceptance. Some organizations train employees to consider what their decisions would look like if published online or on the front page of a major newspaper. As the Church comes out of obscurity and darkness, we must rise above worldly expectations and become the face of the true and living God at all times and in all places.” – Elder Jack N. Gerard

Maple Leaf

 

More names for things you probably didn’t know:

The “na na na” or “la la la,” which don’t have any meaning in the lyrics of any song, are called vocables.

The armhole in your clothes where the sleeve is sewn in is called an armscye.

Finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning is called dysania.

Illegible handwriting is called griffonage.

The little dot over a lower case i or j is called a tittle.

The sick feeling you get after you’ve had too much to eat or drink is called crapulence.

The metal thing you use to measure the length and width of your feet at the shoe store is called a Bannock device.

The space between your thumb and your index finger is called a perlicue.

The white crescent-shaped part of your fingernail or toenail is called a lunule.

A tiny dab of toothpaste is called a nurdle.

2024 State Fair Challenge

 

It’s lucky I don’t judge the quilts at the state fair. If I’d been one of the judges, this quilt wouldn’t have done well at all. I pride myself on perfect piecing, and this is anything but. The skirts aren’t exactly the same size. Several bodices are a little off, and some of the waistbands are skew whiff. By the time I finished the top, it was too late to fix all my mistakes. Instead, I tried to hide them with a lot of quilting. Then when I stitched on the binding, one of the corners came out crooked. There’s no way to hide that. Of all the quilts I’ve submitted to the state fair over seventeen years, this was my least favorite. I told myself at least it was done in time, and promised myself to do better next year. But here’s my “ugly” quilt, wearing all these lovely ribbons. Maybe I should make another ugly quilt next year.

Sand Block

 

Names for things you probably didn’t know had names:

The space between your eyebrows is called a glabella.

The way it smells after it rains is called petrichor.

The plastic or metallic coating at the end of your shoelaces is called an aglet.

When your stomach rumbles, it’s called a wamble.

The cry of a newborn baby is called a vagitus.

The prongs of a fork are called tines.

The sheen of light you see when you close your eyes and press your hands on them is called phosphenes.

The tiny plastic thing placed in the middle of a pizza box is called a box tent.

The day after tomorrow is called overmorrow.

Your little toe or finger is called the minimus.

The wired cage that holds the cork on a bottle is called an agraffe.

A question mark combined with an exclamation is an interrobang.

The space between your nostrils is called columella nasi.

Split Sawtooth Star

 It’s hard to imagine cities without traffic circles, stop signs, one-way streets, zebra crossings, or pedestrian safety islands. It’s even harder to imagine all these innovations were created by a man who never learned to drive. William Phelps Eno was born in New York City in 1858. Though automobiles hadn’t been invented yet, congestion was already a big problem. When William was nine, he and his mother were involved in a traffic jam. “There were only about a dozen horses and carriages involved. All that was needed was a little order to keep traffic moving. Yet nobody knew what to do.” As an adult, William proposed “Concise, simple rules, easily understood, obeyed and enforced. These rules must be circulated, leaving no excuse for not knowing them. Police must be empowered to enforce these rules, and men trained for this purpose.” When “The Father of Traffic Safety” died in 1945, cities all over the world were using William’s ideas.

Two Delectable Mountains

 

In 1941, Billy Kane was a fourteen-year-old Red Sox fan living in Maine. His favorite player, Ted Williams, was having one of the greatest seasons in baseball history. Billy decided he needed to meet the Splendid Sprinter in person. He didn’t have a ride to Fenway Park, but he didn’t let that stop him. The resourceful teen hitchhiked 250 miles to meet his hero. Billy arrived in Boston September 2, and was crushed to learn there was no game that day. Later that evening, police officers discovered Billy fast asleep between the rows of seats. They took the trespasser to the local precinct, where he told the officers his sad tale. Billy got a police escort to the Sheraton Hotel, where Ted Williams was about bed down for the night. Not only did Billy Kane get to meet his favorite ball player, but the next day he attended a Yankees/Red Sox game as Ted Williams’ personal guest. 

Fifteen Butterflies

 

“You’ve had your own experiences—your own light-filled bursts of testimony. As we recognize, remember, and gather these rays, something wonderful and powerful begins to happen. The reality and power of one ray of testimony reinforces and combines with another, then another, and another. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a ray and there a ray—one small, treasured spiritual moment at a time—there grows up within us a core of light-filled, spiritual experiences. Perhaps no one ray is strong enough or bright enough to constitute a full testimony, but together they can become a light the darkness of doubt cannot overcome. That means in time and through great diligence, we too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time. In the midst of that pillar, we too will find a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name, pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and inviting us to Hear Him!” – Elder Alexander Dushku