better homes

How cool is this?! It's a picture from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, revised edition, seventh printing (1965). It was my mom's cook book, which I just got my hands on yesterday. I decided to share this on my blog tonight, but I need daylight to photograph the cover. So . . . stay tuned!

joey

This is my favorite picture of my step-father, Joe. In this picture he looks more like "Joey," which is what his Malandruccolo family called him since he was a boy. Here he's a 17-year-old brand new Navy sailor in Honolulu, 1944. He served for two years and three months during World War II.

Joe passed away on July 19, while making a rare trip to Louisiana to visit his sister and her family. He had a wonderful time visiting them for two days, was treated like a king, and then he had a heart attack the day he was supposed to return home. His plan was to live until he was 120. He said that so often, we started to believe him. I think that's why so many people are shocked to hear of his passing.

Today he would have been 83 years old. Rest in peace, Joe. We'll miss you.

he's back!

Noah returned from his Philmont trip at around 4:30 this morning!
And here's the coveted Philmont belt.
So good to have him home!

first contact

Mt. Phillips, New Mexico

elevation 11,713 ft.

Today we received first contact from Noah's Boy Scout troop while on their hike at Philmont Scout Ranch. This is day eight of the ten day trek. Mr. Land called and left us a message from the top of Mt. Phillips. They reached that point around noon and then headed downhill to their campsite for tonight.

This photo was taken with a cell phone camera by one of the leaders. Mr. Land said that there hadn't been any injuries or accidents, and the scouts are all sleeping well, happy and having a wonderful time. All good news.

They've got two more days on the trail and will return to base camp on Tuesday. Can't wait to hear all the stories and see all the pictures when they get home!

this & that

First, let me say this is a completely random post - a bit of this & that.

My hubby loves to cook, and he's a really good cook! Once in a great while, we are lucky enough to have him make onion rings for us, which he did last Sunday evening. And these rings were delicious! Hot, crunchy and sweet, made with Texas 1015 onions.

Mmmmmm-mmmm!

Last night I finally made the table runner for Deb and Judy that I've been planning to make for over six months now. I get to give it to them tomorrow when we take a trip down south to visit our neice, Charlene. When I first saw the rose pattern fabric, I knew they would love it. The other side of it is linen left over from my latest handbag project.

And here's our Callie cat, purring away in the tub as she enjoys the dripping faucet. It's one of her favorite places to be. She's a silly kitty.

leap!

Wow, Emily! Great leap!

[May 2, 2009 ~ Art of Worship rehearsal]

Independence Day: America turns 233

Happy 4th of July! Last night hubby and I watched one of my all-time favorite movies, the musical 1776. It's funny, moving, and makes you think about the brave, honorable men who founded our country and the incredible personal sacrifices they made. And for your reading enjoyment :: the Declaration of Independence and my favorite article written about the signing of the Declaration, The Americans Who Risked Everything.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

to philmont

Noah's Boy Scout troop got the opportunity to go to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this summer. They'll be gone for two weeks during which they'll hike for 10 days in the mountains at 7,000-10,000 feet elevation, carrying 40+ pound backpacks. He's been training for the trip for the last couple of months, and for the last few weeks he got up early every morning to walk two miles, carrying his fully loaded backpack, at the local park walking trail. It was hot and humid every morning. In New Mexico, they'll experience highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s and NO HUMIDITY! That should make his backpack feel a little lighter. [Pictured: Dad and Noah making final adjustments to new backpack and hiking boots.]

Here he is before the haircut and sporting some facial hair. This picture was taken about a month ago after a very hot and humid weekend of hiking/camping/training (hence the "can we please go home now" look).
And here are best friends Noah and Kevin about to leave for Philmont yesterday afternoon. They both shaved that morning, and now the race is on to see who can grow the best beard over the next two weeks.

Nine scouts and three leaders are going on the trek. For two weeks! Their moms are going to miss them! But they are going to have an amazing high adventure trip. Gotta love the Boy Scouts!