13 Gun Salute...

As I was wrapping bars and bars of soap this morning, I thought I should share an incredible, nearly spiritual experience we had yesterday.

Our long time neighbor, Johnny Lamb died earlier this week. He was in his 70's and had been ill for quite a while. Bob was asked to officiate at the funeral, along with grocery store owner, Leonard, yesterday. Chad and Scotty were asked to be Pall Bearers.

Since Johnny had been in the military, we think in the Korean War, he was to be buried with full military honors. We have a military cemetery about 15 minutes south of town which is his final resting place.

It was a foggy morning, and while we waited at the pavillion for the hearse, we saw, coming through the mist, a horse pulling a flat wagon with the flag draped coffin atop. It was led by a veteran in a Civil war uniform [Camp Nelson trained northern soldiers, predominently black soldiers during the Civil War]. Following came a horseless rider, led by another wool clad soldier. The slow clop, clop of horse's hooves were all we could hear as the caisson approached.

Once the casket was in the pavillion, four military men shot three rounds, for a total of 12 shots. Then one of the Civil War soldiers fired off a cannon, to make a 13 gun salute. The cannon smoke swirled around the mourners and on into the haze. Then the sound of taps could be heard floating through the pungent black powder mist, carrying through the haze the mournful notes of a soldier's farewell- a final tribute to a man who lived well and was loved much.

We all felt like Johnny would have love it!

Jill

*This picture is kind of like it, only there was one Civil War dressed soldier leading the horse pulling the caisson, and one leading the horseless rider.

Comics anyone?

I love a good comic, don't you? I currently have two favorites--Zits and Pickles. Zits makes me laugh right out loud much of the time. If you have ever had a teen son I think you will enjoy it. Since I had teen sons for 18+ years I find it hilarious most of the time.

Pickles is another great comic. It is focused on a Grandpa and Grandma and the interaction they have with each other, their daughter [and husband] and their grandson. Earl Pickles reminds me so much of my dad that sometimes it is bittersweet reading.

But, and this is the great thing, regardless of your favorite comic, you can subscribe to it [for free] on line and have it sent right to your email. I love this feature and the best part is every comic is in color, so everyday seems like Sunday!

Just go to:

http://www.arcamax.com/comics

and sign up to receive your favorite comics. There are ads on the page, but they don't send you and junk mail or anything like that. This ends my public service announcement for today.

Take care,
Jill

This is not my story...

This is my sister's story, but I can't resist telling it...

My little sister was always terrified of bears. Ever since I can remember she had an irrational fear of bears. I can relate, because I feel that way about snakes. But back to Joy.

When we were kids Mom and Dad used to take us camping a lot. I mean, I thought the National Parks were my summer home. And, that is not all--we hiked and back packed. Even the littlest of us hiked. I remember Dad fixing me up with an old army packpack when I was seven. There really weren't specific kid backpacks like there are now, so Dad had to shorten straps and make other adjustments.

When we were hiking, sometimes a couple of us kids would hike a bit faster and hike on ahead of Mom, Dad and Joy. Then Joy would start off on her own to catch up with us bigger kids. One time, and I think we were on a trail to Mt. Ranier in Washington State, Joy let out a blood-curdling scream--I think she was six at the time. We came running back down the path and Mom and Dad came running up the path to find Joy paralyzed by fear. She was hysterical because of the bear! But, it wasn't a bear-it was a stump. In all fairness it did look like a bear.

That night my dad slept with a pistol and we hung our gear from some trees because of the bears. Joy slept between Mom and Dad in their sleeping bag while I can remember scrunching down so far in my army-surplus mummy bag that I actually thought I was going to die from lack of oxygen. I had a mini-panic attack that night, but I talked my twelve-year-old self down, thought clearly, and found the face opening and breathed in the life giving cold mountain air.

At any rate, her fear of bears was well founded. Oh, and did I mention that we were sleeping on the floor in a rock camping-cave [not deep enough to harbor a bear-at least that is what my parents told me].

Later, when we moved to a house where I got my own bedroom--I was 15 and Joy was 9--{older Sister Gail was off to college-Bruce had his own room forever} many times Joy would climb into bed with me because she was afraid bears would get her [in her own room]! But, like I said, I have an irratiaonal fear of snakes, so I can sympathize.

So, imagine my surprise when I got these pictures from Joy, shot with her own camera. They were down in Tennessee, taking their stuff into a cabin for a nice vacation.

Joy took these pictures of a momma bear with three cubs ransacking their mini-van. Ken [her husband] was unloading and left the sliding door open. Can you imagine?

I would have thought Joy would have been crying and would have locked herself in the bathroom or something, but apparently, now that she is 40 something and has 4 children, I guess she has outgrown this fear. [Sure wish I could say the same about snakes!]


And what is up with this cub, taking up tennis?

As a note, black bear populations are on the rise because mother bears are having 3 cubs routinely and up to 5 cubs at a time. Years ago, they usually had twins, and sometimes triplets. Now, triplets and quadruplets are the norm. Naturalists are questioning and studying why this is, but I think it must be the increased nutrition-eating all those granola bars! [See top picture]


Take care,
Jill

Pumpkin Scones

I know it is not really fall yet, but with the unseasonably cool mornings I start to dream about Pumpkin Scones. So, for those of you who like spicy pumpkinny things, here you go. Maybe I will make some today and add pictures.

MAPLE PUMPKIN SCONES

Preheat oven to 425°. Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray or use parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine:
1 1/2C flour (white or fresh whole wheat)
1 C rolled oats [quick or old fashioned]
1 Tablespoon baking powder
7 Tablespoons sugar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger

Cut in till mixture resembles crumbs:
6T butter, chilled, cut into pieces

In a small bowl, whisk together, then add to flour mixture:
1 large egg
1/2 C pumpkin puree (or canned pumpkin)
3Tablespoons half and half (or you can use eggnog or even skim milk)

Mix gently just until dough is formed (less handling makes a lighter scone).

Shape into a ball, then pat into an 8” circle. With a sharp knife, cut into 8 wedges, separate them a little bit and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Pieces should not touch each other. Bake for 14-17 minutes at 425° until lightly browned, and a nice crust formed.


Cool a bit, but when scones are still warm, use a brush to paint a coating of the glaze over the top of each scone. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit of milk to thin down. Then, while that glaze firms up, prepare spiced icing. When glaze is set, drizzle spiced icing over scone and allow to set before serving.

Make a glaze by combining in a small bowl:
1 C powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons maple syrup (or milk or eggnog)
1/8 tsp cinnamon (omit if using the frosting below too)
Splash vanilla
.
(Optional) To make them a bit spicier and prettier, make the following:

Spiced Icing:
Use the frosting that is left over above and add:
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
Pinch of cloves.
Enough powdered sugar to make it thicker.

Take a fork and dip in the spiced icing and drizzle over the glazed scones.

These are incredible.
And if you want to really treat your tastebuds, you can serve with the following butter.

CHERRY or CRANBERRY SCONE BUTTER
Serve with any type of scone

Put together in a small heat-proof bowl:
2 Tablespoons dried cherries or cranberries
½ C boiling water

Let set 5 minutes, pour off water and chop berries. Add to berries and whip together:

½ C soft butter
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Serve with warm scones or biscuits.

Take care,
Jill

Oh, and I should mention, there is nothing better to drink with scones than English Breakfast or Darjeeling Tea. My favorite place to buy tea leaves can be found here.



Check out my post on my other blog--Chocolate Monkey--a great chocolate dessert.

The Right Tool for the Job...

I have mentioned before that my dad was a woodworker and general handyman--as well as a high school and college teacher. One thing he taught me early was that you need the right tool for the job. Don't use a screwdriver as a chisel or crowbar, don't use a limb saw to cut finished wood, and so on.

Use the right tool for the job.

And, if you have any experience with fixing things you know how true that is. Using the wrong tool sometimes doesn't work at all, and sometimes leads to you making a worse mess to fix than you started with. If you use the wrong screwdriver, for example, you might strip the screw and then you have to drill it out which is a bigger project than you originally planned.

When it comes to homeschool materials I can not believe how many people don't want to spend the money on the tools. I mean, what is more important to a homeschooler than making sure their child gets a good well rounded education? That is why I can 't figure out how come seemingly committed homeschoolers do not set aside much money to buy the right tools for the job.

Much more important than a screwdriver is having a cohesive and logical plan to teach your children what they need to know. Yet, I know folks who jumble together a curriculum under the guise of saying they are good stewards. Some are, but many times they really just don't want to invest in the right tool for the job.

Curriculum is not cheap, but nothing worth doing comes easy or cheap. I know when our children were young I baked and sold bread 2x a week to make the money to buy curriculum. In later years, I started representing Sonlight at state homeschool conventions to earn curriculum money. It was that important!

Getting the right tools in the form of a full curriculum can save many problems later on. You can be assured you child is getting a well rounded education and mom can save hours a week by not having to re-invent the wheel.

Whatever curriculum you use, or whether you get a collection of materials from various suppliers, I urge you to get the right tool for the job. Plan ahead, just as if you were doing a building project.

If you were going to build a dog house, you would get a plan, buy the wood, set aside the time required, have the proper tools and then make the dog house.

We are building children into adults so devise a plan, buy the materials, set aside the time, have all the proper tools, then begin. Do our kids deserve any less?

Let me know if I can help you figure out what tools you need for your homeschool.

Take care,
Jill

Photos: Top: Dad working on a cherry bed frame and Bottom: Kari and Scotty helping build a play house.

A Sonlight Quest...

Refer a Friend or Yourself to Sonlight and get my favorite book...

I hope your summer [the photo is a picture of summer in Kentucky] has been a great one and that you have had an opportunity to do something you love in the past few months.

I have been able to do two of my favorite things this summer:

* Encourage and talk with homeschooling parents
* Read great books

That is why I LOVE being a Sonlight Consultant—the parents and the books! As I was thinking about my favorite Sonlight book- The Great and Terrible Quest--which is one I never would have read [or even heard about] had I not been using Sonlight with my kids; I thought of you and all the other parents who love great books.

The Great and Terrible Quest is a wonderful book because while being mysterious, it conveys some important values that are missing in many books. It drives home the message of selflessness, honor, courage, looking out for others, sacrifice and so much more. The characters seem very real and symbolize the best and worst of society.

At any rate, because of my love for books and homeschooling parents I have decided to make this offer:

If you have any NEW-TO-SONLIGHT friends** that are interested in Sonlight, please refer them to me so I can be their personal consultant. You can either email me their names and addresses or they can contact me directly [via email or phone] and let me know that you referred them.

When they place a Sonlight order of $50 or more I will send you The Great and Terrible Quest* as a thank you gift and I will become their personal consultant so they can email or call me year round with questions and concerns. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help or encourage you. I have many helpful tips and suggestions regarding homeschooling and parenting on my Sonlight web page at www.sonlight.com/jillevely. Feel free to peruse it when you have a chance.

Thanks for using Sonlight and may you have a great school year.

If you are not yet a Sonlight customer and have never signed up with a consultant at a convention, and want to refer yourself that is allowed!
Just let me know your name and address and after you place a $50 or more order, I will send you either the Great and Terrible Quest or Homer Price with our 100 year old family doughnut recipe [at least I think it is that old!]


Take care,

Jill

This is a limited time offer.

*If you would rather have Homer Price along with a copy of our 100 year old family doughnut recipe, let me know. I will have to limit this to two books per person, no matter how many friends order.

**[A New to Sonlight Friend is one who has never ordered from Sonlight or signed up with another consultant. They are also new if they ordered only a catalog or if they ordered under $100 (total lifetime) worth of Sonlight materials]

A Sonlight Quest...

Refer a Friend or Yourself to Sonlight and get my favorite book...

I hope your summer [the photo is a picture of summer in Kentucky] has been a great one and that you have had an opportunity to do something you love in the past few months.

I have been able to do two of my favorite things this summer:

* Encourage and talk with homeschooling parents
* Read great books

That is why I LOVE being a Sonlight Consultant—the parents and the books! As I was thinking about my favorite Sonlight book- The Great and Terrible Quest--which is one I never would have read [or even heard about] had I not been using Sonlight with my kids; I thought of you and all the other parents who love great books.

The Great and Terrible Quest is a wonderful book because while being mysterious, it conveys some important values that are missing in many books. It drives home the message of selflessness, honor, courage, looking out for others, sacrifice and so much more. The characters seem very real and symbolize the best and worst of society.

At any rate, because of my love for books and homeschooling parents I have decided to make this offer:

If you have any NEW-TO-SONLIGHT friends** that are interested in Sonlight, please refer them to me so I can be their personal consultant. You can either email me their names and addresses or they can contact me directly [via email or phone] and let me know that you referred them.

When they place a Sonlight order of $50 or more I will send you The Great and Terrible Quest* as a thank you gift and I will become their personal consultant so they can email or call me year round with questions and concerns. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help or encourage you. I have many helpful tips and suggestions regarding homeschooling and parenting on my Sonlight web page at www.sonlight.com/jillevely. Feel free to peruse it when you have a chance.

Thanks for using Sonlight and may you have a great school year.

If you are not yet a Sonlight customer and have never signed up with a consultant at a convention, and want to refer yourself that is allowed!
Just let me know your name and address and after you place a $50 or more order, I will send you either the Great and Terrible Quest or Homer Price with our 100 year old family doughnut recipe [at least I think it is that old!]


Take care,

Jill

*If you would rather have Homer Price along with a copy of our 100 year old family doughnut recipe, let me know. I will have to limit this to two books per person, no matter how many friends order.

**[A New to Sonlight Friend is one who has never ordered from Sonlight or signed up with another consultant. They are also new if they ordered only a catalog or if they ordered under $100 (total lifetime) worth of Sonlight materials]