Books and Beaches

booksandbeaches asked: What are you reading now?

Thanks for asking!  I just finished reading One of Ours by Willa Cather.  I am part of a Willa Cather study group, and will find out on Wednesday which of her books we will read next.  I hope it is Death Comes to the Archbishop, because I have not yet read it.  I love Willa Cather’s works.  One of Ours is about a Nebraska farm boy who yearns for a better life but believes that he keeps making mistakes and bad decisions.  He finally finds himself when he enlists for the American Expeditionary Force and is sent to France.  I am fascinated by this period of history and the Lost Generation.

Remembering Kim

Today was the Race for the Cure and I always think of my friend Kim, who died from breast cancer too young after fighting so hard and so well.  I think of her often, especially when I am feeling that I have too much to do.  I try to remember the days when Kim was so sick and how she would have liked to have the energy to do just a few of the things I do everyday without even thinking about it.  She reminds me to be grateful for busyness and good health.

And on race day, I alway remember her last race when she was so sick and was all bundled up in blankets in front of one of the Metro Centre stores.  I still visualize her there every year. And I remember the year that I skipped the race because it was Prom, and I did not want to add the race to my busy day.  I disappointed Kim by not being at the race.  Oh, how I wish I had a do over so that I would not be so lazy and could be there for Kim.  I know Kim is in heaven, and I think she is taking care of the babies who have died, because she told us that she had that vision of her afterlife.  And I know she loves me and forgives me.

I miss her funny stories and her joy in life.  And for the rest of today, I am going to stop thinking about her death and remember her life, and I will visualize the first time we met, at our house on Willow Street in Pekin.  She had just moved to Pekin so that Mark could work with Jeff’s Dad.  Her Jason and our Betsy were about the same age, and that gave us something to connect over.  I remember us laying those babies on the dining room floor, head to head.  I don’t know why we did that, but I can picture it clearly.  And we were friends until she left us…for awhile…until we meet again. Kimmie…love you, miss you. 

Sunday, sweet Sunday, with nothing to do…

Does anyone remember that song from “Flower Drum Song?”  Here they are part of them in case you have forgotten.  I had a lovely Sunday even though I had plenty to do.  Jeff and I treasure our weekend time with the newspaper and coffee and music on the iPod dock.  We picked up Shirley and went to church, where we heard a good sermon by Pastor Kristie and a beautiful song by the choir, “My Eye is on the Sparrow.”  Home then for brunch with the family, followed by a viewing of the wonderful, funny, and tender video that my brother Chris shot of Jason and Betsy’s wedding.  I am trying not to refer to them as “the kids” because it makes me feel old.  Silly, I know.  Jason and Betsy, AKA “the kids” left and I cleaned up the kitchen and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine in my living room and kitchen.  I love being in my open space when the sun is shining.  A little laundry, a little time watching TV with Jeff, and then I came upstairs to try my hand a making meringues.

I had egg whites left from my creme brulee experiment and needed to use them or lose them.  I found a recipe on allrecipes.com and made about 6 dozen.  The last batch is baking as I write.  They are not perfect.  I think I over beat them and over baked them, but they taste delicious!  I will post a photo tomorrow. 

Robby was sound asleep by 7:00 after two sleepovers this weekend.  He has a holiday tomorrow.  I expect he will spent most of the day studying the heroic story of Casimir Pulaski.

This was a really nice weekend, beginning with dinner Friday night (following a visitation in Delavan) at Gil’s with Cheryl and Lou, and including a productive day on Saturday with returning some purchases from the wedding at Hobby Lobby and Deals, and splurging on a new Easter decoration (Photos to come), followed by grocery shopping, and pizza and game night with Mary and Scott at Nancy and Rich’s.  We played a new game, Tripoli, which was a lot of fun.  We played with pennies, and Jeff and I lost most of the $1.10 that we brought.  In fact, I think we owe the Kriegsmans about 89 cents.

I am about to head to bed, and I am going with feelings of happiness and gratitude for the little things…a new recipe, a new Easter bunny, and a good book (The Space Between Us)…and the big things, family, finding that Aleve actually relieves my hip pain (where have you been all my life?), and reading Barb’s blog for the first time.  Barb, I am so glad you shared it with us in your Valentine.  You inspire me.  I love you and wish we could spend more time together.  Good night blogsphere!

Sunday, sweet Sunday,
With nothing to do,
Lazy and lovely,
My one day with you.

Hazy and happy,
We’ll drift through the day,
Dreaming the hours away.

While all the funny papers lie or fly around the place
I will try my kisses on your funny face.

Dozing, then waking,
On Sunday you’ll see…
On…ly… me!

Sunday Brunch…another favorite thing

I am hosting my Dad and Sally, Shirley, Betsy and Jason, and of course Jeff and Robby for a Sunday brunch.  This is one of my favorite ways to entertain because when it’s over, I still have some of the day left to relax or work or read. 

Today’s Menu

Champagne Chambord

Berries Romanoff Parfaits

Strawberry Creek Inn’s Baked Sour Cream Omelet

Lemon Butter Asparagus

Coffee Cake and Coffee

Yummy!  Can’t wait to seat my family at my pretty Easter table.  Yes, I know it is a little early for Easter decor, but it sure brightens my house.  Happy Sunday!