The Red and Black Buffalo Plaid Blanket

When Everett first was moved to Kootenai Health on October 31, 2020 he tested positive for Covid. That meant isolation for ten days. Thankfully he never showed any symptoms. I was devastated when I learned I couldn't see him. I drove over to the Hallmark shop across the street to purchase cards that could be delivered to him. 

I saw a display of beautiful blankets. The red and black buffalo plaid blanket caught my eye. Surely they would allow a blanket in his room. When we talked later I asked him if he liked his gift. He said, "Nice pajamas!". I explained it was a blanket, which he was excited about.

When he was moved to a regular room the blanket came with him. When he was transferred to Shoshone Medical Center the blanket traveled with him in the ambulance. The blanket is a symbol of Everett's last month of life. He fought hard to get better. He would snuggle with the blanket when he sat in a chair by the window waiting for Riley to visit at the window. 

It was part of the display honoring Everett at his celebration of life.

It is Riley's favorite blanket also when he lays at my feet.

It was part of our Christmas card last year. 

It will soon be part of our new Christmas card.

If you drive by my house you see this same red and black buffalo plaid as part of the decor outside to honor Everett. I think red and black buffalo plaid is my new favorite color!

The Shed Notebook: Remembering Mom and The Smallest Things

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."- Winnie the Pooh

My mother died one year ago today. Mom also loved Winnie the Pooh. The quote I found today seems fitting as I reflect on Mom's life a year later.   I learned when Mom was ill and after she died she did the smallest things for others. When I would run into someone at the store, or a friend of hers  would come into the library, or family members would read another card sent in memory of Mom, there were always the smallest things people we remembered. We knew the big things. Her former students shared stories of her creative classroom, her animals in her classroom, her Valentine post office, and reading "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle." Her friends remembered her dedication to her teacher association, PTA, the Library Board, and her friendship. Her family will never forget the meals she prepared, the strong hand to reassure in time of need, her love for television shows and soaps,the vegetables and flowers from the garden, and the fruit cake, popcorn balls, and cookies at Christmas.

 I learned of the little things. She came home and brought a heater up to a cold building when the librarian was selling books at the annual book sale. Her and dad found extra money so a friend could get out of jail and be home for Christmas with his family. There was a story of how she stood in the sweltering sun selling sloppy joes at Frontier Days to support the Silver King School PTA. Mom volunteered at my own Chili Feed in the evening at my school since she couldn't volunteer during the day. She remembered her former students that were staff at Kindred during her last months even though she taught them over fifty years ago. When she was tired, couldn't remember things, hurt all over, and was confused in her last months of life she always thanked the workers, had a smile on her face when people came to visit, and listened to others tell their sad stories. She held my hand while I cried over the death of my dog Annie.
Those smallest things filled up my mother's heart. That is another part of her I love and miss a year later.

Sibling Assignment #173: Land of Counterpane, Precision Cuts, Where I'm From

I gave the sibling assignment this week.
"Three favorites". Review the archives of our sibling assignments and choose a favorite written by each of us. Link the post and share why it is a favorite.  Brother Bill's choices are here. Sister Carol's will be linked soon.
The three of us have written 519 sibling assignments as a trio. Like brother Bill I didn't read every one, but I first did thinking about ones that stood out to me.  Each of these posts I chose were memoir pieces that captured vivid details, strong emotion, and lasting words for us to reflect on.
In January of 2011 Silver Valley Girl gave us an assignment to write something about Mom. I chose one from my archives entitled "The Land of Counterpane". This is the third time I am posting this. You can find it here. It is one of my favorites because it is timeless. No matter when I read this post it continues to remind me of the comfort my mom has provided me. I remember reading it aloud to her. I think she was a bit surprised. I think it is hard for a mother to reflect on her own acts of comfort as she is living them. Having moved next door to her now the comfort may be working both ways. I have tucked her in a few times in the last year , but didn't read Stevenson's poem.
The writing of brother Bill's I chose went way back to our early blog posts to Sibling Assignment #4 in November of 2006. Silver Valley Girl gave the prompt which was to remember Mom and special Christmas treats. Bill wrote a beautiful tribute to our mom intertwining all she did while we were growing up and how many traditions such as fruitcake, pumpkin bread, and popcorn balls still continue. You can find his post here. Last month while Bill made a visit he was able to participate in the making of the fruitcake. I smiled yesterday while in the kitchen with Mom when she said "I think your brother does a very good job with fruitcake. " I agreed with her. Again, we are watching the traditions we hold dear with Mom doing role switching.
The choice from sister Carol's blog came from an assignment I gave during National Poetry Month in 2008. She composed her version of "Where I'm From" . You can find it here. Images of her childhood are woven into a memoir tapestry that caused me to also return and read all of our poems from this assignment. Again, now that I am spending more time at Mom's house next door, many of these pieces of childhood are still there. I liked this post because even though we have an eight year age difference, many of our images were the same.

(The photo at the top was taken about fifty-five years ago when we traveled to Orofino for Christmas.)

Sibling Writing Assignment #151: What Leaves and What Remains

My sister, brother, and I agreed to bring our Sibling Writing Assignment feature back to our blogs. One of us gives an assignment each week, we individually post on the topic, then link the others. You can find Carol's here and Bill's here. Here is the topic for this week: 
" As we wind down from another holiday season with family reflect on how the celebrating has changed over the years." 

When I arrived to my childhood home before Christmas this year I what had left and what surely remains. Even with my brother doing a long term visit at my mother's house, one tradition that couldn't be pulled off this year, because of time and man/woman power was the hanging of the outside lights. I still loved the way the lights inside glowed warmly as they beckoned me to my Mom's house, but the outside lights were missing. I noticed it, but it didn't concern me.

When I entered the house there were many things that still remained. The angels and nativity scene were on TV console. The holiday cards were hanging on the mirror. the tree was filled with so many traditional ornaments that carried stories and memories. Santas and elves were everywhere. Homemade popcorn balls were wrapped and waiting in gift bags, the cookies were stored on the table, my favorite fruitcake nestled in the refrigerator.  

The frenzy, anxiety, and stress of the holiday season had mostly left the house. Our goal was to make Christmas a bit simpler, more relaxed, low key. Mom had worked for weeks preparing food, baking sweets, arranging traditional food gifts, decorating, and cleaning. She had a good helper with my brother,but when I arrived we wanted everything to slow down. Mom was worn out, Her spirit and drive were alive and well, but some new pain was keeping her from doing all that she loves to do.

It was much better slowing things down. We focused on relaxing and doing less. We moved the family meals to my sister's house to take stress off of Mom. We still began each day with coffee and the news, we scrambled on our smartphones and laptops to answer burning questions Mom had about news, famous people, and things she wanted to purchase. We ended each day with Christmas drinks like eggnog and Brandy Alexanders. 

Here is the reality. Our family is aging. We are learning our limits. Some of these lessons are slow to be learned, but that is okay. This holiday season went down as one of the best ever.

1935

A significant year? Not today. I have done 1935 posts on this blog. When I have some extra time, it is  always a pleasure to relive my last seven years of blogging. If a teacher chose to use my blog to teach universal themes to a group of students they would get it.  Themes that reoccur over and over are love for family, simplicity, hope,humor,growing up,memories, change, and love.

As I prepare to return to my childhood home tomorrow there will be subtle changes. As we have grown older the tempo of Christmas has slowed down and it is more about quality time in conversations than ripping and tearing presents. It is more about a simple meal than an elaborate feast. Fewer visitors will stop and bring goodies or raise a glass of cheer.

Tomorrow I will also see rituals that have stood the test of time at 516 W. Cameron. Brandy soaked fruitcake, Nuts and Bolts, popcorn balls, spritz, Seven Layer cookies, hot buttered rum, eggnog, elves on the kitchen shelf, angels attached to house plants, Christmas sweatshirts, traditional ornaments, and angel chimes.

This year I want to hit the pause button. I want to take it all in slowly, savoring the smells, tastes, and sounds. I want to have cherished conversations, belly laughs, and as always... the anticipation of some Christmas disaster to occur.

One Word Essay: Contemplation

A friend of mine sent an email today with a title "One Word Essays" With the post were a long list of words with a photo for each that exemplified that word. I loved the words and the photos. Of course, I could never just chose one photo for any them or one word essay. Today I chose contemplation The one above is my mother listening to my sister present information on Scottish Christmas traditions. She was really contemplating.

 Will I get some?

 Is there an extra hand on my body now?

Will we be BFFs forever?

2013 Favorite Images: Month by Month

 I have spent time recently reorganizing photos, rereading posts, revisiting calendars, and reflecting on the last year. I saw some beautiful places in 2013. I captured some favorite photos in 2013. We spent quiet time close to home also which I really enjoyed. It was hard to do, but here are some of the favorite images of the year. The one above is a lovely flower at the Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park last January.

 February found us around the fire in the gazebo.

 I love this image in March. Two of my students Stan and Kobe competed in a three-legged race. The weather was warm and I loved how the students enjoyed simple fun outside on the field.

 Nothing lovelier in April then the flowering plum tree.

  I love this image of my student Hannah Blackcrow before our school pow wow.

 A visit to a friend Jane's house provided this lovely blooming tree image.

 Our class reunion was a high point of the year. I was so pleased to capure an image of two of my oldest friends Kathy and Gail at Mom's deck on Saturday.

 August took us on a beautiful trip to the Clark Fork River.

 I love this photo of my niece Cosette playing soccer in September. She is a energetic, spirited player.

 The middle school undefeated girls team before a game.

 The undefeated middle school boys team before a game.

 The year ended with a holiday gathering in Kellogg that included a Scottish Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day dinner. and brother Bill's birthday dinner. I got to spend all of it with my siblings above. This picture is brimming with happiness and good cheer. Happy New Year!

Remember December: Favorite Images

My brother has arrived at our childhood home and is helping our mother prepare for the Christmas holiday. As he describes the preparing of food, decorating of the tree, and all the busyness that goes on at 516 W. Cameron, it reminded me of images I have collected of holidays in the past. He texted me to reassure me that this favorite ornament of ours has been placed on the tree for one more year.

 I love this image of my sister preparing a holiday dinner at her house. Below is a priceless image of brother Bill with his dear dog Snug looking through the window at Mom's house. The last image depicts a favorite ornament of mine I place on the tree each year. Christmas is full of images that remind me of times back in childhood, and better times in adulthood.

Remember December: White Christmas

This month I hope to share a post each day that brings to light memories of the Christmas season. So many parts of the celebration of Christmas hold dear memories: family gatherings, foods, music, traditions, gifts, and friends. December is always a time to remember for me. The images seem more vivid, the smells more fragrant, the sounds more full and harmonious.

There are so many songs that conjure up memories of Christmas. In our house it was Bing Crosby and his rendition of "White Christmas". I don't know why. I am sure Dad loved him because he was local to Spokane. He was Dad's kind of guy. I have never seen "Holiday Inn", but  I know there were so many times we saw the second film "White Christmas" when Bing performed this song. I grew up believing that Christmas just couldn't be right without snow. How would Santa pull his sleigh?

Joy

The songs of the holiday season has always been a big part of the memories I hold dear of Christmas. I remember hearing songs on Christmas specials at a very young age. Our first record albums contained Christmas songs. Until I was an adult, most of my experiences with holiday music had been listening to classical or traditional songs.

Then I discovered the album December by George Winston. I believe my brother introduced me to this album. First owning the cassette tape, then moving on to a CD, the arrangements by George Winston take me back to decorating my first home in Kennewick, driving through the snow to arrive to Kellogg for Christmas, and songs I could play in the background at school.

I really love songs from all the albums, but since joy became of them of my recent photos, here is Joy. Enjoy.

Christmas Cookie Exchange and a Keeper from the Recipe Box

I first posted this December 8th, 2007 on this blog. It is about memories of a cookie exchange. I will make these yummy cookies again this year.

Christmas Cookie Exchange

Years ago when I was teaching at Cascade Elementary in Kennewick our librarian organized a Christmas cookie exchange. The idea was greeted with enthusiasm, particularly since our staff was mostly women.  This was how it worked. Each participant chose a favorite cookie recipe, then brought an assigned amount to the exchange. Each staff member then collected a mixture of new cookies to take home. The first year we did the exchange our kindergarten teacher Joy brought these incredible cookies. It was hard to tell the exact ingredients. They were soft and buttery with hints of other flavors. I had to have that recipe. To this day I don’t know the real name for this cookie recipe. After baking them for more than twenty years I still call them Joy’s Cookies. My mom has since added the recipe to her Christmas repertoire. She refers to them as “Those Sesame Seed Cookies.”

I still have the 4x6 note card that Joy, using her perfect kindergarten teacher printing, carefully wrote out for me. At the top of the card it says “Here are those yummy cookies- Joy”.  My gift to you- those yummy cookies!

Joy’s Cookies

2 cups softened butter

1 ½ cups sugar

3 cups flour

½ cup finely sliced almonds

1 cup sesame seeds

Cream the butter and sugar. Add flour until mixed. Add sesame seeds and almonds. Divide dough into thirds. Roll and wrap in waxed paper. Chill. Cut into slices and bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen.

Tips: Buy the sesame seeds in bulk or the cookies will cost you a fortune.

          Splurge on the almonds already sliced. If there is a way to slice them by hand, it escapes me.                                                   

          Watch the time. They burn easily depending on how thin you slice them.       

       

 I can’t say how many the recipe actually makes because Everett usually samples the first warm cookies from the oven and somebody usually samples the dough. If some burn, dogs do love them as a treat. These are perfect any time of year. For some reason I always make them at Christmas.

Christmas Memories: Look Alike Nightgowns

As I prepare for the Christmas season I am flooded with memories of holiday seasons past. This month I am going to reflect on those memories and capture the moments I remember so well in celebration of Christmas.
It is funny the little things that stick in your memory long after the event has happened. Some days I can't remember what I wore the day before, but can remember the matching pajamas from years ago.

One Christmas I think Grandma Woolum gave the whole family matching pajamas. This was before my sister was born and we lived on 14 E. Portland. I don't have any pictures of those pajamas, but I remember how special I thought it was to have matching pajamas. Grandma Woolum pulled through again a few years later after Carol was born. As you can see from the picture above only the sisters had the matching nightgowns. I guess the Crescent didn't have sets that included brothers.

I think one thing I loved about having the matching pajamas was opening them on Christmas Eve. We hardly ever got to open presents on Christmas Eve, but I guess grandma thought we needed to wear them to bed while we waited for Santa to come, so she trumped Dad when it came to present rules on Christmas Eve.

Our family never again had matching shirts, sweatshirts, or pajamas for any occasion. Perhaps we start up the tradition again!

Sibling Assignment #144: The Land of Counterpane

 This photo was taken the same year while spending Christmas with relatives in Orofino. I had my own baby daughter (doll) and probably getting tips from my mom.

Silver Valley Girl assigned us another sibling assignment remembering something about Mom. I am reposting this from my blog archives. I first posted this in February of 2007. I will link my siblings' posts when they are done. This post falls under my top ten favorite posts I have written.

 Mom was there to comfort me numerous times during illness or injury. When I got a bloody nose rolling in the garbage can, she was there to help wipe up the blood. Before my surgery she sat there talking to me as if everything was normal and we did this once a week. When I cut my arm she used her “for guests only” white towels with the pink tulips to wrap my bleeding gash. When I had the bike wreck by the little park she put ice on my eye and put salve on my road rash.

I have a strong memory of being sick at 14 E. Portland in Kellogg. I was about five years old. Mom stayed home from teaching that day. For part of that year Dad was home babysitting me because Bunker Hill was on strike. I still remember feeling special having Mom all to myself for the day. I got to lie in Mom and Dad’s “big bed”. Mom arranged pillows behind my head to help me sit up. She had to give me a yellow liquid medicine that tasted awful, but was there with a glass of water. I spit some of the medicine back in the glass with the water. I think I was concerned about doing something wrong. Mom comforted me and went on as if nothing happened. I also have a memory of Mom reading A Child’s Garden of Verses . “The Land of Counterpane” and Stevenson’s words are still etched in my memory.
When I was sick and lay a-bed,
I had two pillows at my head,
And all my toys beside me lay,
To keep me happy all the day.
Actually that day the toys were oranges, scotch tape and a box of Kleenex. I must have become restless as the afternoon wore on. Mom allowed me to wrap the oranges like little gifts with Kleenex and scotch tape. I thought it was a marvelous way to spend an afternoon in bed. I think I even gave Dad a gift of wrapped oranges when he got home from work.

Looking back on my sick day I remember the softness of the pillows and bedspread in that big bed. I also remember the warm light from a lamp glowing on my tissue paper gifts. The most important part of that day was the gift of time spent with my mom. Touching my forehead with her cool hand helped erase my fears. Listening to her voice recite the words of “The Swing” and “The Land of Counterpane” as she sat by the bed made me feel better. Holding the little blue book of poems and recited poems she seemed to help take me to another time, a sunnier day.

That was an early experience with comfort. Mom provided a safe haven in that Land of Counterpane. I didn’t understand it as a young child. My life continued to be peppered with numerous illnesses, heartbreaks, and injuries. In different ways Mom has always provided that comfort and safe haven for me. I understand its significance now.

Variations on a Theme: Yellow

Yellow is a color that pops out amid others and makes a statement next to cold, gray subtle colors of winter. Above the yellow of the afternoon sun warms this image.

 The bubbling cheese and the glow of the oven warmed this image as we anticipated another taste of our cousin's signature potato dish, this time prepared by me.

I love the way yellow pops from this label. Pear wine is not something I would have chosen, but it was a perfect compliment for the savory and sweet flavors of the holiday fare.

 When I hear the word yellow I think of lemons. With the fresh lemons, lemon zest, and lemon juice this dessert is one of my favorites to serve for a refreshing ending to a meal. 

Returning to the house in the dark the warm, yellow glow of the greehouse lights 

beckon us home.

Scary Santas and More Scary Santas

 A couple of years ago I got this Santa that was an ornament or he was hanging on a gift. After having him watch me that holiday season he creeped me out. My nieces felt the same way I did and we named him Scary Santa. Scary Santa showed up all the time. He was found it somebody's bed when they came to stay, hanging in a tent at a reunion, grinning from the sparkling cider on Christmas Eve, and just being where you least expected him. Even though he creeped us out he always made us laugh. This is him above. He just looks happy.
On Christmas Eve I got the surprise of my life. Two of my nieces The Princess and Z2 went on a shopping adventure in seach of Scary Santas. You can imagine my surprise when I opened all of these:

You can imagine how scary it could be when we put them all together with Sharp Pointed Santa:

 Oh dear.......look out for falling Santa.

They are a bit like clowns...they look happy until you look closer. When they are hanging out as a group it is a bit creepy. They have all found a nice shelf above my head to greet people. Thanks again P and Z. Great gifts and great laughs.