A Surprise in Sweden

The gang made it to Sweden with all their toys. They surprised Grandpa. He loved seeing the boys. With that many people, there's sure to be noise. But who cares when with loved ones they shout, "Ahoys!"

It was the eightieth birthday for Sven Stierstrom in Sundsvall, Sweden. Sarah, her brother, Jordan and their families along with mom, Ingela, made their way to his home and surprised him a few days before the big event.

Jordan has not been to Sweden for sixteen years. That is a long time to not see your grandparents. Mom, Ingela, was born there, but married an American. She has lived in the U.S. for almost thirty years. It is tough but she has gone back as often as possible.

What a blessing to be with Morfar (grandpa)!!

No More Bowl Blahs

I got some bright, brand new bowls They have lids to cover their holes. I wish my shoes had this bright of soles, But for now, I'm just happy to have goals.

My old ones are mostly white and boring, so when I saw these on sale at Costco, with lids, too. They flew into my basket. I'll be buying birthday gifts all month to please my palate. It's time to show my colors. Why don't you too?

Grumbling About Ground Cover

Do let your ground cover know, who’s the boss. Remember to yearly clean out and toss, All that new growth so you don’t become cross. It’s the same when we take the time to floss.

These two yards are examples of how ground cover and perennial plants are beautiful one week/year and out of control the next. Perennials grow back year after year and annuals are re-planted each year. When our home/yard was new, I begged for starts from friends and family. Slyly under their breath it was a way of thinning the pack.

Oh how pretty the plants were at first. Now after twenty-five plus years, I am cursing the day I asked for many of these. One is called Bishop's Weed, for good reason. Although pretty, it's like a weed. Another, Jupiter's Beard, sends seeds everywhere and the purple flowering plant is everywhere. Therefore, each year a good clean-out takes place. With twenty plus different plants it takes awhile to accomplish the task.

After lots of hard work, they have a smaller footprint and I am in control for a few weeks at least. Then it's on to the babying annuals to grow.

Roof Re-Shingling

A twenty-five year shingle was forever, it seemed. Wore out too soon as the sun beat and gleamed. Even the goose stopped to visit and reamed, About how we should get busy, so we tag teamed.

Aaron had the week off, so he helped Allan re-shingle the roof, which was in pretty bad shape after twenty-eight years. I was embarrassed every time I came home and looked at it. It isn't done yet. The east side needs a harness to get to and be safe, but we will 'Get 'er done!" To bid it out would have been $10,000 at least, because it is a 12x12 steep roof. We saved a lot and felt Aaron could pay back the many things we have done for him.

It looks so much better and no more leaks, either. Yeah!!

Rice & Raisin Rondevoux

Have you ever noticed how raisins multiply, And how a small amount becomes over supply? It's crazy! How do you objectify? I get tired of them and want to quantify.

I really don't know what I said, other than the words rhyme. It never fails raisins seem to expand and out number whatever they are added to. In this rice pudding I only added a small amount. The fruit seems to multiply like rabbits. I was tired of them way too soon. I sure love warm and creamy rice pudding, but I am too lazy to bake or cook it on the stove-top. My quick microwave recipe doesn't do justice to it.

Massages by Max

While tending our grandsons, Allan asked Max to give him a backrub. He started out pretty good, but then moved on to more adventurous techniques. Two year olds think that means jump on me and climb around as if you are in the jungle.

"Give me a good back rub", his grandpa said. Max massaged and patted, then fell on his head. It was vigorous and the aches were well fed. But after, the big guy hobbled up to his bed.

It was so cute to watch Max try to take care of his grandpa. He needs to work on his bedside manner a bit, but has plenty of time to do that.

Having the Savior Beside Us

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do? Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true? Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously, If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me? *** This sweet song written by Sally DeFord, says we need not ask---The Savior to let us stand beside Him. This great task--- Gives us hope to set down our own mask.--- And in His loving light may we joyfully bask.

If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray? Would I listen to the Spirit’s voice, and hasten to obey? Would I count my many blessings? Would I praise Him gratefully If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?*** The Savior will remind us to seek Him and to pray.--- He is close beside us when we ask and Him obey? --- The world’s cares crowd our minds both night and day.--- But with His constant love, we will know the way.

If the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need? Would I try to show the Savior’s love in every word and deed? Would I give to those who hunger? Would I serve more willingly If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?*** With Easter near, we desire the Savior beside us.--- This gift encourages us to try harder, thus;--- We feel and love Him more. He requires no fuss.--- For a few days let’s forget ourselves and climb upon His bus.

The true meaning of Easter, a sacred holiday, often gets swept under the rug due to celebrations of bunnies and egg hunts. This year is a good time to focus on songs and hymns that remind us of the Savior and His great gift. I am sharing this beloved children's song and hope it will help you have hope.