Pumpkin Patch weekend

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RS Opening Social: Best of Boston

What's not to love about clam chowder, corn bread, salad and Boston Cream Pie? Dinner was very Boston-y and delicious. We had someone speak about the church history in Boston; both people and places--she did a fantastic job. And we wrapped things up with a slide show of some favorite day trips. Everyone got to take home our own "Arlington Ward Best of Boston" book filled with lots of great ideas (best bakery, best park, best grocery store, best eye doctor, best Relief Society President--hahaha!).

Robes and his Red Vines

Today marks 13 years since my brother Robes died. I try to do something in his honor on this day so today I'm eating some Red Vines, one of his favorite treats.

When my sister-in-law Kim and their kids went to the mortuary after Robes died they each put something in his casket. Kim put some French chocolate and Red Vines in a ziploc bag near Robes' hands. The day of his funeral we were all in the R.S. Room getting ready to close the casket and have the family prayer. Kim lifted Adrienne up (she wasn't quite three and a half) to say goodbye to her dad. Adrienne noticed the Red Vines and started yelling, "RED VINES! I WANT RED VINES!" Kim knew there was no way Adrienne would stop until she got some Red Vines so with Adrienne on her hip, Kim reached into the casket, opened the ziploc bag and pulled off a piece of Red Vines for Robes' little girl.

I smile when I think of Robes and his Red Vines.

A Sad Anniversary

In Memory

Ten Years Gone

Eleven Years Ago Today

May 21, 1959 - September 28, 1998

Hey guy in the black Mercedes...

...that was my pregnant friend in the car you hit this morning. And then you drove away. You're a jerk.

Season 1: Disc 1

I've heard really good things about it so watched a few episodes for FHE tonight.

Sister Johnston

This is Annie, I mean Sister Johnston. She's going to Taiwan on a mission in a few weeks. Her (non) farewell was last Sunday--she gave a great talk about conversion--but I didn't get a picture of her until today. She's going to be an amazing missionary. Annie is a strong, funny, and genuine gal.

A window

This morning while visiting a friend she mentioned that she found some windows on the street and would give me one. I just cleaned the window up and put it on top of the red pie holder in my living room. I'm starting to think that mustard might be my new favorite color...

It's Fall...and I love New England

Moneyball

I saw Moneyball tonight. It was good. A bit slow at times but still good. And it's a true story.

I have questions about this house...

Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

There has been a request for the recipe (not to be confused with The Recipe on The Waltons).

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Alecia Williams

Blend: 4 eggs, 3 cups sugar, 2 cups pumpkin (good luck with that), 1 cup oil, 2/3 cup water

Sift together and add to mixture: 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 T baking soda, 1 1/4 t. salt, 1 t cinnamon

Stir in: 1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 bag mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Bake at 325 degrees for 45-50 minutes

This recipe makes 7 small loaf pans (bake for about 35-40 minutes)

Bread in a can

I tried something new last night; got the idea here.

My pumpkin stash (NFS)

Happy Birthday to Ian!

Click here to see Ian's birth announcement and/or to read an excerpt of this article Robes wrote that includes Ian's birth story (if it's too small to see here).

Pumpkin shortage - giveaway! AMY DUKE is the winner!

Apparently canned pumpkin is hard to find. Good thing I've got some stashed away.

Leave a comment here to win an 8x10 of this photo. Deadline is 5:00pm tomorrow (9/20).

Dinner party

My friend Leah invited me over for dinner tonight. The food was delicious--black bean and sweet potato enchiladas, chips and guacamole, green salad and this peach and blueberry galette for dessert. The food was delicious and the eclectic group of people kept the conversation fun and interesting. It was a nice evening.

Tis the season

When I saw this post and this post I made a mental note to find that farm stand (when I did, it was off season). I can't believe I had never noticed it; I passed it numerous times on my way to the Boston Stake Center in Weston. So today (it's Fall!) I went again and bought an apple and a spaghetti squash.

Little entrepreneurs

Pass the hand sanitizer

I just saw Contagion. It'll scare you into getting your food storage and 72 hour kits in order. And be sure you have Purell.

Bake somebody happy

Christmas at Costco

I made a quick trip to Costco tonight to pick up some reprints and they are selling Christmas trees. Can't they at least wait until September is half over?

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Hale!

I wish Alicia still lived here and we'd for sure be celebrating her birthday today with some fun adventures. But she's in OK with Mr. Hale. Happy Birthday, bestie!

More photos from her wedding here.

Patriotic hack

This huge flag in Killian Court was in honor of 9/11.

9/11

Photo taken today in Medford Square.

My 9/11 story.

Chalkboard note

A perfect day for a Clambake

Beautiful weather, $7 lobsters, lots of Arlington Ward members (and alumni!), a gorgeous beach, apple cider donuts, good memories.

The Ures

The Jersey Ures came to town for Conor's baptism and they stayed with me last night. The girls have matching pj's, dresses and swimsuits (and sleeping bags!). It was so much fun to see them and meet baby Madeline.

Conor's baptism

Brimfield Fair - again

My friend and I went to the Brimfield Fair today. I bought some old magazine ads, a "cake" tin (from England) and a cool metal shelf. My friend bought an anvil. I didn't even know what an anvil was until today. We had a great day; we ran into a good friend, made a new friend, enjoyed a delicious BBQ sandwich, and saw lots of treasures.

Jamel: 21

I don't remember how old he was in this photo but I know that he's 21 today. Happy Birthday, Jamel!

Jaywalking

Soon after I moved to Boston, I found myself on a downtown street corner waiting for a WALK signal. Everyone else was jaywalking and I quickly realized that life would pass me by if I waited for a green light/walk signal...unlike California where they give tickets for such shenanigans.

Sheets and towels

Every last sheet and towel in my condo is clean. Not folded, but clean.

Border Cafe lunch buddies