Memory Flowers

When I was a little girl we picked irises and took them to the cemetery on Memorial Day. I would carefully wrap the cut stems in wet paper towels so we could transport them in the car. They carry special meaning for me since my mother past away. I think of her when I see them. How I would love to cut some and carefully place them on her headstone. I would look at her name etched on rock and remember how she loved her babies. I'm her baby, only all grown up now, with little ones of my own. I think of how she loved to make handcrafted gifts and pick irises to remember her loved ones by. I was so elated to see that there were some irises growing here when we rented this house. In the fall I transplanted them to my flowerbed. I can't believe the blossoms this spring. I'm off to kiss my baby because they grow up way to fast.


Linking up with:

Kee Kee

For my everyday beauty shot this week I followed the cat around like the paparazzi follows a movie star. She was full of spunk and zest and tried to pounce on every moving blade of grass. Here she is in crouch mode...

50,000 Strong!

I did it! I entered my first race. I picked the Bloomsday Run, a 12K... call me ambitious or crazy, but I set a goal, worked at it, and ran the entire thing without stopping. I thought of my Mom at mile 4 and got choked up. She would have loved to run again. She passed away at the age of 37 from a rare form of heart disease. The closer I get to that age the more conscious I become of keeping my heart and mind strong. There were approximately 50,000 runners. My daughter wanted to know what place I got.

I bet you do too...

I was 11,159th!
Just to give you some perspective: I grew up in a town that had less than 8,000 people in it. It was amazing to be part of this group of runners. Amazing!
So get out and get fit! Find something that inspires you and run with it!
(Did I mention that I use to loathe running?)

Everyday Beauty #12

We drove to Ephrata Washington for another bike race. On the way we stopped at this scenic overlook. This is Dry Falls State Park. I had no idea we would pass this on our way. We just had to stop and soak in the view.

p.s. The man of the house placed 1st in his race!

Linking up to:

Brilliant

The weather has been so nice this week. Into the 70's yesterday and the 60's today. The tulips opened and to our surprise we have red and pink. Our neighbor gave us the bulbs and told us to wait until spring to find out what color we had. The flower garden looks pretty with the mixture of colors.

Blooming

The tulips have emerged and we are waiting for them to unfold and show their colors.

On the nightstand...

Currently reading Charles and Emma The Darwins' Leap of Faith. Written by Deborah Heiligman. On the jacket flap, the author is described as having majored in religious studies. She married a science writer and fell in love with science, too. In this book she combines her interests in science, religion, and her belief in the importance of human connection.

I am really enjoying reading about Charles Darwin and how thoughtful and kind he was to his wife and children. One of my favorite quotes from the book comes from something Charles wrote to Emma:

I wish you knew how I value you; and what an inexpressible blessing it is to have one whom one can always trust, one always the same, always ready to give comfort, sympathy and the best advice. God bless you, my dear, you are too good for me. ~1859

If only we could all show such love and respect to differing points of view like Charles and Emma did.

Off To The Races

Mountain bike racing looks really challenging. The steep climb, dusty single track, and flying downhill at breakneck speed. We went to Lewiston to cheer on the participants in the Devil's slide race. We are huge fans of one rider in particular... the man of our house! The girls and I love to climb up the hill and find a spot to cheer him on. It's kind of like our own mini version of the tour de France except they don't ride road bikes, and it only last a couple of hours. Maybe at the next race I should bring a bright colored sign to wave and a cow bell to ring, but I promise I won't be sporting any helmet with antlers.

Lewiston, ID

This was a spontaneous picture of my girls climbing on rocks during our recent trip to Lewiston Idaho. They love to explore together and are best friends. (Most of the time). They have their fair share of squabbles and arguments as I am sure all sisters do. I cherish my sisters, but it wasn't until I was off on my own that I appreciated them like I should.

Eat it up!

I have never loved cooking. I use to try when I was young, to make cookies... but my brothers seemed to have a cookie sonar and came running with spoons in hand to eat the dough. I tried cake, but managed to put in too much baking soda, or powder or too much of both. That stuff was discouraging. Then I heard a quote by Bob Hurley the basketball coach for St. Anthony High School in Jersey City. His 2007-08 team, which went 32-0, was featured in the documentary "The Street Stops Here" on PBS this week. He told his players, "Take something you can't do and turn it into a strength." I instantly thought about cooking. That is something I am turning into a strength. I thought I would occasionally share with you recipes that I come across. This feature will be titled, "Eat it up!"



Egg Salad Sandwich- (can be *chicken or tuna*)

• 5 large eggs

• something crunchy: celery, apple, radishes or 1/2 cup sweet or dill pickle

• something oniony: 1/4 small red onion, 2 scallions, or 1 large shallot

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• salt and pepper

• bread

*Boil eggs for fifteen minutes
*Cool and peel them
*Chop the eggs

*While the eggs cook, chop "something crunchy." Add 1/2 cup to a bowl. Chop whatever onion you choose and add to the mix. Add the mayo and salt and pepper.

*Add eggs to the bowl. Toss evenly to coat.

This should be enough for 4 sandwiches.