Farewell to 2014, Hello to Fiesty Fifteen

Goodbye 2014 and thanks for the good times. We enjoyed many blessings. Here are the top ten. 1: 1st grandson born with the name of Schmidt and son of Jory and Sarah, Max on February 20, 2014. 2: I had major surgery w/cancer-free diagnosis. 3: Three trips we took from coast to coast visiting - California, Washington, New Jersey, New York, Idaho, Montana and Pennsylvania. 4: Awesome family reunion at Fairview cabin.

Our three youngest grandsons met for the first time.

5: Allan got hearing aids & a sleep machine. 6: We bought a 2012 Honda Civic & Electra bike 7: I flew a plane over Davis County -what a thrill to be in control of the joy stick and look out over the valley.

8: Continuous work all year for Allan. 9: Jory officially hired as a Vice Principal. 10: Camille & James moved into our apartment. It has been a super year of many firsts with family and blessed all year long. Thank you, Lord! WE welcome you 2015. May you be feisty but not too much for us to handle.

Christmas Came Calling

When Christmas comes calling with its demands of gifts, goodies, and gaggles of other things, I get overwhelmed. My 'Scrooginess' sets in, and a 'Bah Humbug' feeling takes over. Like the winter solstice the time grows shorter with December 25th looming closer. The beautiful Christmas lights, musical programs and the radio's constant carols, forces you to take action.

There is no running away from gift giving unless you want to look foolish when the swapping begins. It can all be so stressful that the season is difficult to enjoy. The secret is to "Do It" early, take the gifts out, relieve yourself of the pressure that waiting too long brings.

Enter Allan, my husband, to the rescue. In October, he began cutting out wooden nativities and ornate 3-d trees. He worked on them every minute he had as he calculated how many we would need. It was fifty. He worked and worked, we planned and wrapped. Then began giving, and giving and more giving. Soon the relief came, knowing we had given all we had and then some. We were done and it was still a week before Christmas.

People loved Allan's creations. I loved not having the pressure hanging over my head. Allan got a taste of what getting the gifts for giving entails. He has become more involved the past several years. The last week before Christmas was enjoyed thoroughly because everything was done. Yeah! and thank you Allan for being prepared when Christmas came calling. We survived!

Goodies Galore & More

Every Christmas I haul out my favorite recipes to psych myself up for making goodies. It's not that I don't like to make them, but who is going to eat it all? Me!! No way! My tongue is already craving soft veggies & such. A family favorite from my youth is Cereal Candy. My mom was an expert at making it and we gobbled it up. To this day, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Munchie Crunchies is a fairly new cereal treat. I bought a bag at a boutique. My sister-in-laws sister had made it. The combination of lots of butter, Golden Grahams, Rice Chex, coconut and slivered almonds makes the flavor addicting. Everyone I know I have made this for raves about it. Who doesn't like to have a recipe like that? I make a batch and take it to work a few times a year. Here's to leaving two large platters in the lunch room and front desk a week early, before peoples tongues and tasters were maxed out.

I love fudge, but mine never turns out because it turns hard. Consequently, I rely on creamy, nutty pieces by others given as gifts and at parties to chow down on.

Chocolate covered pretzels are easy to make, but so convenient to buy. I found some Christmas ones at Winco for $2.98lb. Online stores wanted $4.99lb with $7 for shipping.

Now that your mouth is watering and you want some, I better stop. Five more days til Christmas and the goodies are at high tide.

Ten Years on the Job

I made it to the ten year mark at work. I was laid off at my last job when I reached the decade date. They out-sourced all the work to elsewhere in the world. The last gal worked here six years. When she left, I didn't imagine staying a long as she did.

I was honored in our company Christmas party. A man I work with quite a bit, has been here forty years this month. He has been around the block a lot. It's a good place to work for and benefits are a dream. Only a half dozen more years or less and I'm calling it quits. Retirement just looks too good.

$50 Lost and Recovered!

I was out shopping last week carrying a $50 bill in my pocket, because I didn't want to pack a purse around. I was going to treat my daughter's family to some fun. I had placed it in a pocket that I wouldn't be putting my hands in and out of, so as not to loose it. My son-in-law was too fast with his credit card, before I could offer to pay at the bounce house, lunch and such. At one time I put my phone in the same pocket the money was in. I got a phone call from my husband and pulled the phone out forgetting about the money.

Over an hour later we walked into an ice cream shop for a treat. This was my chance to pay up. When I reached for the $50, it was gone!! Oh no! I checked my six pockets each three times and came up empty. Thinking back of where I could have lost the money, into my mind, as clear as day came the thought that it had fallen out of my pocket when I answered my phone. I had been in a busy bookstore. Distinctly another thought came to me, It said to call the store. I asked my son to look up the number. We called and to my surprise and relief the money had been turned in. Thank you to the honest soul that returned my $50.

Great Things to Do With Grandkids

The grandkids are in town from Washington for their semi-annual visit. I love to find fun things for them to do. This trampoline, climbing wall and circus gym was perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Emma made it all the way across this tight rope several times. It took a few suggestions and tries to master the footing and remember to smile.

It didn't take long for Jacob to scale the climbing wall. He even jumped off the high jump with the big boys. He is very brave and a real athlete. Next up, the zoo, Bean Museum, swimming and much more. I will be exhausted before the week is out.

Terrific Trifle Take-Down

I tell people, I like to 'wring a dollar to death'. Sometimes that is hard to do when you want to cook or make a delicious dish. If the stars a-line correctly (just teasing), you may be fortunate to find great deals at the grocery store. This 'Trifle' was made for $4 the minimum amount with several 'Dollar Finds'. Be sure to buy the deals when you find them and freeze for when you need them. I found some frozen premade red velvet cakes for $1 as well as Wilderness strawberry filling at the same price. $1 fresh 1 lb. strawberries and $1 32 oz. yogurt. Yes, I put yogurt in my whipped cream. Which was only $.25 for 1/2 pint. You may substitute 8 oz whipped topping this time of year for $1 and cream cheese, too.

Jello pudding and 2 cups milk were $.50 each. TO PREPARE: Cut cake into 1/2"-1" squares. Whip cream (or use whipped topping), 1/2 package cream cheese and 1/2 cup yogurt together adding 1/3 cup sugar & 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix 3 oz package chocolate pudding with 2 1/2 cups milk. Cut up 1/2 carton of strawberries (reserve four slices for garnish) and add to 1/2 can of Wilderness filling. Gently stir to mix. TO ASSEMBLE: In a fancy bowl add 1/3 of cake cubes, 1/3 whipped cream mixture, 1/3 pudding & 1/3 fruit making layers. Continue doing 1/3 of each until your bowl is full. On top layer, be careful not to spread the items (they look smeared and messy), but gently spoon them on top of or amongst each other in small blobs. Garnish with sliced strawberries. For pennies you have made an amazing dessert everyone will be fighting over to get a taste of. Yeah!! Success and simple. TERRIFIC TRIFLE TAKE-DOWN!!

Calling for De-Clutter Courage

I need to get rid of my long ignored JUNK. That’s hanging out on a spare BUNK. It cost me quite a large money CHUNK,

When I purchased it new and full of SPUNK. But now, I’ll put it in the TRUNK. And haul it off!

It takes courage and lots of energy to get on a de-clutter kick. I do best if I'm mad. Yeah! Stuff flies out of the house when Mama is angry. Come make me furious to give me a reason to get rid of all my surplus. Train me to look the other way when at the store. Just like color-blindness, except not see or want for more.

Opportunity to Open Your Mouth

I have been praying for a missionary opportunity to share the gospel. There are a few friends I have in mind. I put their names on the prayer rolls of the temple and pray for them. What would I say and how as I prepare for the chance to share and show my love of and to the Lord. Today it happened!

My dear friend, Lori, who is our letter carrier at work, said she was looking for a new church to go to. She wanted one closer to home. Instantly the Spirit began whispering, "Open your mouth. Tell her about it! Now!" "I know one right by your house, I said." "What is that?" she asked. "The L.D.S church, and you could walk there." 'I'm going a different direction," she replied. "That is okay, but know I love you and will be happy to show you the way, if you would like." That was it, but it happened! Now I am really praying that she will think about what I said, and want to give it a try. What can it hurt? Thank you for helping me to 'open my mouth'. It wont happen today or tomorrow, but maybe soon. Lori, please consider the great blessing in your life the Gospel will give you.

Hey, Happy Halloween, from Colleen

Yeah, I love Halloween because of all the decorations everywhere. I have a few, but nothing to brag about. That doesn't stop me from taking pictures of and driving around admiring others great talents. Usually I decide to snap a photo after its too late, then ask myself, "Is it worth it to go back?"

The orange lights on this horse statue at my neighbor's that sells hay, also has a Christmas wreath. It is great to see at dark. The skeleton rider is a great addition. I spotted this house with ghosts all over the windows and a big spider at the front door.

I actually had a black widow spider in my garage. I kept an eye on him for a few weeks. He liked to come out during the day to get warm. At night he was tucked inside the boxes. One day I smashed him with a 2x4. Goodbye, to you spider.

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Washington Irving's home in Sleepy Hollow, New York was a stop we took at a recent trip. He wrote the Legend of Sleepy Hollow here and the graveyard is a pretty happenin' place, too. Happy Halloween to you, from Colleen.

A Fancy For Flying

Aren't Groupon's absolutely the best? You can eat, play and take a vacation rest. I flew a plane! What an adventurous test, Over the valley & along a mountain crest! Life is great and we are blessed.

Why not, I said while contemplating a plane ride. I signed up and paid the price to fly a plane at Bountiful Flight. Arriving at the airport I was given some instructions in the flight room, then I met the plane. After going over the flight safety list, more instructions and putting on head phones, we buckled up and started to taxi out to the runway. Pushing the left rudder turns the plane left and so on with the right rudder. Pressing forward applies the brakes. Turning to face the runway, we were ready to take off. My instructor radioed our location and intention and we took off.

He was in charge until we were air borne, at which time he turned it over to me to pull the joystick/wheel back until the horizon was even with the cockpit window. Up, Up we went and down below the earth dropped away as we sailed into the sky. A few times I felt like a detached autumn leaf in the wind as we rocked a bit and flitted about. Flying at 130 mph we were at Lagoon in minutes then along the mountains to see the wondrous fall colors. All too soon, it was time to land and my flying experience was over. Roger that!!

Poetry Pounding in My Peritoneum

Lately I have been on a rhyming kick. Every thing I look at immediately my mind starts composing a poem. Usually when I do this, it means a happy time of life. Here are a few of them: YOUR SHIN SPLINTS ARE AT THE DOOR It feels like my leg’s been hit by a two by four. How much it hurts when I step upon the floor. My inflamed right shin is injured and extremely sore. All because I went running, good exercise for the core. After two miles with old shoes, I couldn’t stop and wanted more. Web MD says Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), it’s pretty sure. I should have used my new shoes, bought recently at the running store.

In The Way The neighbor’s branch was in the way, When I passed by the other day. I’ll help him out, trim it away Won’t take a second in the early dawn gray. But what of my own branches, you say. Oh, yes, much more in the path are they! With loppers in hand, it felt like play. Now no more sprigs have gone astray. Next check my own or come what may Cast out my beam and think to pray.

The Six C's of My Job

C - Customers - The customer always comes first. Greet each one with a smile and make them feel like they are valued (which they are!) Learn their names. We need them. This is my favorite task, being front and center when someone walks through the door.

C - Collections - Collections will always be there. Someone is always going to owe a bill. These jobs are what keep us calling and reminding for tomorrow's payment. Ten years of experience came in handy when the need arrived. Now I am doing it again.

C - Cash (Petty) - Unexpected small expenses for batteries, ice, supplies, flowers and so on is a Petty Cash Box must. Making change for employees and keeping everyone happy with small expenses is enjoyable. C - Copy Paper - Ordering and keeping plenty of copy paper in stock for our many machines is not too difficult. So I get bids, order, email the warehouse and have paper shipped when needed. Although most of our work is with online invoices, there has to be a paper back-up. Paper will always be important in business.

C - Calendar - Birthday and break calendars have to be kept current, so everyone knows who has what coverage and birthday when. Making up the calendars with lots of pictures and color doesn't seem like a job. Missing someone's birthday isn't fun and neither is missing coverage for a break.

C - Coke/Candy/Cookie Machine - Even though I never use vending machines (too frugal), many people do. It is a big industry. Many cravings are met with the pop/candy and goodie machines. I keep our vendor informed if we need more or there is a jammed machine.

These are the six C's of my position. There may be more down the road and some jobs that I have missed. They keep me employed and I like it.

The Purple Turtle Tempted Me

There are some places you just want to visit. It may be their name, building, food, popularity, or many other reasons. The Purple Turtle is a Pleasant Grove tradition and one more place I can check off my list of 'must visits'.

After a disappointing night at the Storytelling Festival, we stopped for a hot fudge sundae at the newly restored eatery. I expected it to be more purple and turtle infested. It did have purple benches and walls. Thanks Purple Turtle for making me feel better. I'll be baaacck!!!

The A E I O & U of Office Managing

When our great and efficient office manager left six months ago, some of her jobs came to me. Many of them immediately and other just recently. My new job duties consist of A, E, I, O and U tasks. A - Answer the phone. The goal is to get it on the first ring and not make our customer wait. I have a console of three phones with sixty lines, but this blackie seemed appropriate to post.

E - E-pays. These are companies we do work for that want us to submit our invoices through their online payment system. They've been piling up for six months (100+ now) until we're sending collection letters, even though an invoice was never submitted. Enter - ME! My boss told me two weeks ago, it was 'my baby'. What seemed like a monumental job of 'cracking the code' to each company, and many phone calls/emails later has now been tamed to a few.

I - Itemizing. Scrutinizing the freight, uniforms & office supplies bills to make sure all items are correctly priced. also, I keep track, of the paper supply and the vending machine man, not too hard.

O - Office Supplies. The workroom always was stocked magically, until I was in charge, now many of the cubicles are nearly empty. The product seems to disappear overnight. My keener eye takes notice to add a few pens, sticky notes and such whenever there's a need. It's not a good idea to empty the whole box at once on the shelf but to let them think, we are low and maybe they won't take as many.

U - Uniforms. We changed vendors in July. What a challenge to keep everyone happy. First they brought 40 of the X, XX, XXX sizes and no XS & S. We had chemists without coats and others with five each. Today our supplier finally dropped of some new anti-fatigue mats, after six weeks of going the rounds with them. They blamed it on their shipper. I am learning to count the product myself and not trust the other guy with all his promises. Change is always a challenge.

Now I know more of what it's like to manage an office. What an eye opener! And those are just a few things that make me think I'm going crazy.

Soaking Up in Sunflowers

I love, love, love sunflowers, all kinds especially the hybrid hand-sized blossom ones you can plant for show. My favorite is the brownish to gold petaled ones. I like to get the seed packet that has several kinds, then they all grow. I feel like a green-thumb gardener.

I get jealous of the early bird planters that have a happy row of them bobbing their big heads over the fence smiling at passers-by before the end of June. Their bright color and round faces warm me up. We can't forget about the wild yellow ones popping up wherever they can get a root hold. Also the big, sunflower seed producing giants with heads bent low from their nearly plump full fruit.

It's time to pull out my sunflower arrangements, tins and door wreath to enjoy looking at every day. Before we know it, fall will be here and our great warm weather gone along with the sunflowers. No more soaking up in sun and sunflowers. Boohoo.

Electra is Energizing

I finally got my new birthday bike. The last time I had a new bike was for my tenth birthday. It was a bold, blue Schwinn with a rack over the back wheel. My only ride to friends homes, Primary, farm fields to help bale hay and many more places it went. I left it behind years ago when I married. When my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday this year, "A bike", I said. After using my son-in-laws old red one for years, now with a flat tire and worn gears,

it was time to get my own. Test driving all styles, prices and colors was exciting. Choosing was a bit harder, because you have to narrow it down to one. Lime green, my favorite Jello and a Townie, just felt right. We have taken many excursions by now and it feels as good after ten miles as the first one. Electra sounds pretty energizing so I chose it for the slick name. Now to try riding it to work and back.

Been to the Bard

With a world premiere play, Sense and Sensibility, I had to go. Plus, catching a play in the soon to be mothballed Adams Memorial Outdoor Theater was also on my bucket list. Both are must see theater. Sandy, had a birthday coming up, so what better thing to do than take a road trip with the girls. We were glad to be under the awning at the outdoor building, but it didn't take long to declare a 'rain-out'. Everyone moved indoors. It's a bit of a disappointment, if that is what you go for. Luckily the rain stopped and we were able to enjoy the outdoor theater after intermission. Thank you USF for going above and beyond the call of duty, making it possible to be outside. The plays were wonderful. Take a weekend trip to enjoy this great art. P.S. If you have relatives in Cedar City, they get 1/2 off tickets.

A Mouse in the House

Imagine a mouse in the house this time of year. It's expected in the winter, but summer? Camille & James our basement apartment, renters told us about it and set up barricades. Shortly after I noticed the telltale signs of him in our pantry. Why not stay indoors when you have an unopened bag of Reese's Peanut Butter cups to feast on. The varmint is dead after taking one too many chances at the trap.

I tore into the shelves too long ignored, finding he'd had quite the batchelor pad. It was satisfying tossing, scrubbing, boxing and rearranging 'stuff' until it was clean enough to be posted on Facebook, although I didn't want to bother everyone with the gritty details. Everything is locked up in tight fitting, see-thru containers. Photo is similar picture from internet, but mine isn't quite as lovely.

Full of motivation I also cleaned the basement food storage, as he had terrorized things there, too. Oh, how good it feels to get those jobs done. Now I can sip cool drinks on the patio, knowing my shelves are clean. Thank you very much, Mr. 'Now a Memory' Mouse.