Susannah

Some time ago the online food company Seamless put together an advertising tweet that said, “Important: today is National Guacamole Day. Nothing else matters.” Then they set it to air around lunchtime on Monday, September 16. There’s nothing remarkable about that. September 16 was, in fact, National Guacamole Day. But the tweet arrived just as most of us were trying to digest the news that another seriously unbalanced person had shot several innocent people who were simply going about their daily lives. Something else really does matter, and we’re struggling to make sense of it all. There are people who say it’s proof that we need tighter gun controls. It’s hard to see how that would help when the person responsible broke laws we already have in place. I think it has more to do with how we treat the mentally ill. I wish I had an answer. All I can say is I could really use some guacamole right now.

September Barn

Apple Brown Betty

1 1/2 sticks butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing

8 slices dense whole wheat bread, diced

5 tart, firm apples (I used Granny Smith) peeled, cored and diced

1 1/2 packed cups brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch rectangular baking dish. Place half the diced bread in the baking dish, and then sprinkle on half the diced apples, half the brown sugar and half the butter. Repeat with another layer of bread, apples, brown sugar and butter. End by sprinkling 1/2 cup water all over the surface, a spoonful at a time. Bake, covered in foil, until the apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Makes 12 to 15 generous servings.

Sunny Days

When our third son was big enough to escape from his crib, he’d creep into our room and wake us with a loud and cheerful, “Mom! Dad! Sun’s up!” Since he frequently did this several hours before dawn, we decided he really meant “son’s up.” Parenting this particular young man has been a real rollercoaster ride; one we wouldn’t have missed for the world. This week our third son’s wife gave birth to our third grandson. We couldn’t be more pleased. Every single baby is a miracle; a reason for rejoicing. But when a baby everyone knew wasn’t coming comes anyway, it’s beyond a blessed event. We’re so happy for the new mom and dad, who are getting acquainted with the most beautiful, talented baby on the planet (just like his two cousins). And we’re so happy for the new arrival, who, like our two other grandsons, has the most amazing mom and dad you’re ever likely to meet.

Star of the West

In 1989 Donna Sue Groves and her mother, Nina Maxine Groves purchased a farm in Adams County, Ohio. On the farm was old tobacco barn. Donna Sue promised her mother, a master quilter, that someday she would paint a quilt square on the barn for her. In 2001 Donna Sue, with help from the Nature Conservancy, decided to paint blocks on several barns to encourage tourism, stimulate business and boost pride in the community. Today there are thousands of painted quilt blocks on barns all over the country. This year the block-of-the-month theme at Quilts Etc. in Sandy is “Every Barn Tells a Story.” They’re calling this first simple block “Ohio Star,” in honor of the state where the first barn quilt block appeared. But Ohio Star is a two-color block, and this one has four prints. Like Ohio Star, this block has several names, including Henry of the West and Lone Star.

Heart's Seal

Jake Probert was studying in the Sorenson building at SUU when he heard a body drop. He looked over the balcony to the floor below and saw Joe Baker, a managerial economics professor, having a heart attack. He rushed to Joe’s side and began CPR along with Ryan Fowles, a student who had been passing by on his way to class. Jared Wenn, who lives nearby, was at home having lunch when he suddenly felt he might be needed. He switched on his radio, heard about the commotion at the Sorenson building, and rushed there with his EMT kit. Joe, who made it to the hospital and through quadruple heart bypass surgery, can’t praise these three young men enough. “I was just extremely fortunate that they were there,” he said. “I literally owe them my life.” What a pity none of them were in his class. Can you think of a more certain way to earn an A?

Autumn Tints

My husband and I grew up in upstate New York. I remember New York having four seasons: snow, mud, mosquitoes and autumn. Autumn seldom lasted more than a few weeks, but somehow made up for the rest of the miserable year. The sky was delft blue. Everywhere you looked it seemed like God had invented new colors just for the occasion. In Utah you have to work harder to find the colors of autumn, but they’re there. If you only have an hour, take a walk through the campus at the University of Utah. President’s Circle has some of the oldest buildings and most mature trees. If you have an afternoon, drive between Payson and Nephi along the Nebo Loop Road. Bring a camera and a picnic basket. Another good leaf-peeping spot is Millcreek Canyon Road (3800 South). You can find several picnic areas and family-friendly hiking trails. Best of all you can bring the family dog.