Remembering Gladys Lael

This Saturday, I received word that my cousin Jimmy's lovely wife, Gladys, had passed over.

Gladys was one of my all-time favorite people, a true class act and a genuine Southern Belle, in the finest sense of the term. Gladys always had a warm and ready smile to offer. She was beyond generous, beyond kind, and her hospitality was truly amazing. She and Jim showed me museums and plantation houses during two different visits--I was there with my brother, Jerry, and then with cousin Doris. Gladys and Jim took us to Colonial Williamsburg, to museums and plantation houses and battlefields. They knew my penchant for the Civil War and shared it.

I loved Gladys very much. My heart goes out to Jimmy, Alisa, Melody and Stevie, and all the extended family. Knowing Gladys Lael was a privilege I will always be grateful for.

Godspeed, good and faithful servant.

Lasagna Report

My slow cooker lasagna turned out beautifully--I tasted it last night, but this dish, like many others, is always better the second day. I followed the recipe in my 'Fix It and Forget It Big Cookbook', but I did give it a few little tweaks---I added a carton of ricotta cheese and an extra pound of hamburger, browned with onions, even though they weren't on the ingredient list. I never cook anything savory without onions. :) Anyway, you know how I love to experiment and, to be honest, it doesn't always work. It's gratifying when it does.


After today, I will have four more chapters to write to complete "The Creed Legacy". The project has been a tremendous challenge--and, at the same time, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I'll be working through the weekend, but pacing myself. I'm definitely on the mend, but that last bout of flu took a toll for sure. Unless we get another blizzard, I'll take a few walks around the pasture.

If you're a football fan, unlike me, enjoy the big game. :)

I hope you're warm and safe as you read this. This has been a tough winter, I know, and seems it will never end. (Trust me, I've been there.) Remember that Spring is well on its way--the days have been getting longer since December 21.

This too shall pass.

Lasagna Day

After I write this blog, and before I sit down to my computer to get my characters out of the fine mess I've already gotten them into, I'll get a batch of slow-cooker lasagna going. This is a fun and easy process--except that the beagle begs, big-time, whenever I brown hamburger. :) (Or any other kind of meat). And a begging beagle is a hard critter to refuse.

What about all those new planets they've just discovered? How have we managed to miss them for all this time? :) And while I'm asking all these questions, does this mean I'm not a Gemini anymore? :) So much for checking my horoscope on a regular basis. For all I know, I have a whole new astrological sign.

We don't have as much sunshine today as yesterday, but there's no snow and I think it's a bit warmer. Seeing what other folks are enduring all across this great country, I certainly have no complaints. We're blessed with clear roads and visible grass, at least for now.

Finally, on a comical note, I have become a fan of a podcast called the Onion. One recent headline: Titanic Re-enactment Group Loses 1,300 Members.

Keep smiling.

Is It Spring????

Nope. It's February 2, Groundhog Day, but it sure looks like spring here in Spokane. It's cold, but bright as can be. Makes me want to jump up in the air and click my heels together!

The animals love nice weather, too, of course. I'll bet the horses practically trampled the Canadian Wrangler this morning when he went to turn them out of their stalls. Sadie is off getting her exercise today, and Bernice and the kitties have been outside dozens of times already. (We need a revolving door around here--whichever side Bernice happens to be on, she'd rather be on the other one.)

I'll be writing today, and if I finish in time, I'll make a few ATCs, too. I've got a new background started for a collage, but it needs twenty-four hours to dry before another layer can go on.

I'm fixing to make my crockpot lasagna again soon--delicious stuff. My crockpot has really been getting a workout lately--now, for ME to workout...

That's the news from my kitchen table.

Be strong, be brave, and be kind.

Not Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go

Confession time: much as I love gallivanting around the country--okay, the world--I'm really a homebody at heart.

We all had a great time celebrating the joint Mom/Jerry birthday yesterday, at Mom's retirement place. Music, cake, presents and, best of all, each other--what more could anyone ask?

Today is my stepmother's birthday--have a happy one, Edith. If it's as sunny and bright in Grand Coulee as it is here in Spokane today, that's just about guaranteed.

My plans for the day? Guess. :) WRITING, of course. I can hardly wait to get back to that book. I don't even have to cook today, because I whipped up a crockpot stew yesterday, when I got home from the party. Turned out pretty tasty, as it happens, and of course things like that always taste better the second day.

That's the news.

Be safe, be warm, and be kind. Let's all hang together, so we don't hang separately. :)