More soccer pics

A few more memorable photos that didn't make it into any other post:

Did I really not include this one already? There was one coach (not this team's) who was convinced that Holly was elbowing everyone. He made it his mission to get the ref to stop her (it didn't work). While we don't think she uses her elbows illegally, and certainly no more than anyone else, we appreciated that his team felt threatened enough by her to complain.

Maybe she can start grabbing clothing inconspicuously instead . . .
(and in the interest of full disclosure, it just LOOKS like she's touching his shirt)

If I haven't been quite so bold this season, here it is. We discovered in the spring that Trevor had been terribly underutilized and untrained in his then-soccer team. He'd played with the team for six seasons. It was usually a winning team, and the efforts all focused on offense and not defense. At the end of last season, Robert worked with Trevor just twice--and his skills exploded. The praise finally heaped on him by his then-coach and teammates was well deserved.

By moving into the new age group, he brought a new energy to our 13+ team's defense. He saw more action each game than he saw in entire seasons before. He was reliable and aggressive, and therefore played almost every minute of every game. As he has nine more seasons of play, he's clearly a force to be reckoned with.


Holly's little team's silly photo.


And I can breathe a sigh of relief that my soccer pictures have all been posted!

Green Bank

I'd recently heard about the Green Bank Radio Telescope located just a short drive away in West Virginia. ("Short" being relative: It was 2.5 hours each way, easily doable.) It's currently free to get in, but that changes next month, so it seemed the perfect time to make the trip.



And we couldn't have chosen a more spectacular time of year. There was no "easy" drive, once we left our county, it was two lane highways all the way, with the exception of I-64 that we hopped on for a bit to get into West Virginia.


The Visitor's Center at Green Bank is quite new, about ten years old, and not large. There was a wonderful hands on exhibit hall that was very informative for older teens and adults. We also saw a short presentation given by an employee, watched a small movie, and were taken on a shuttle bus tour of the facility.

Radio telescopes measure radio frequency energy from stars, galaxies and other objects in space. The telescope at Green Bank is HUGE, the size of two football fields, and is the world's largest land-based movable structure. For more info, see here and here.

Look closely to see how small the cars appear next to the telescope.

It was a quiet day. While there were more than a dozen visitors, we were the only people on the bus tour. I was amused by the driver going through his pre-rehearsed and well-practice spiel over the intercom just for us, as we sat at the front of the bus!

Due to the telescope's sensitivity to radio frequencies, the facility is in the middle of a 13,000 square mile National Radio Quiet Zone. While area residents can receive radio and satellite transmissions, there are tight restrictions on what can emit a radio signal. This means NO cell phone service, NO remote garage door openers, NO wireless internet, NO walkie talkies. All of the facility-owned vehicles are diesel; even digital cameras are not permitted within a certain distance of the telescopes.

Fascinating.

We also had registered for a Sky Lab presentation. Inside this balloon room. I eagerly crawled inside (second person even!), but once there, with the lights turned off and the projector simulating a sky, I couldn't take it and had to leave. I'm too motion sensitive and even get queasy writing about it here. I was so glad that Holly and Trevor decided to stay inside and not bail with me.



It was our first very cold day of the year, and as we headed for home, we saw snow. Quite a bit of it! It didn't make for bad driving, thankfully, as the temps hovered just above freezing, and the snow wouldn't stick.



I decided to drive home a slightly different way.


That was not the best idea, for although it was a scenic route, it was very curvy, and we got stuck behind two logging trucks. UGH!! Holly and Trevor were understandably less than thrilled.

We passed through picturesque towns, including Warm Springs, Virginia.



And oohed and aahed (okay, at least I did) from the earliest glimpses of The Homestead Resort at Hot Springs. (Can I just say, this was founded in 1766 and makes me rethink how impressive The Broadmoor seemed?!)


We were impressed by the sheer size of the MWV Chemical Plant in Covington.


It was an impromptu trip, a great day out with the kids, full of surprises, and a little bit of weather thrown in for fun. I was also a destination trip that gave us a chance to explore our area more closely. Nice day!

Special thanks to Holly for ALL of the scenery/car photos! We wouldn't have had these pictures without you!

End of another season

Another fast season, another great season.

This was Trevor's first time playing on the 13+ team. Other parents even commented on how well he held his own playing defense.



Holly made her mark in several offensive positions.



We believed last season was a time for team building; during the spring, we didn't win a single game and came in dead last out of eight teams. With Trevor as our only new player, everyone had a chance to meld together, giving us the opportunity to play a "consolation" game on Championship Night. We came in third overall for the season!


Great night, great team, great time.

GO RAMS!!

Miss Joyce

I got a phone call from our library director a week ago to tell me that my immediate supervisor, our beloved children's librarian, had suddenly and unexpectedly passed an hour before. She'd been suffering seasonal allergies (as usual) for two weeks, had been feeling poorly for the past week and was diagnosed Friday with "walking" pneumonia. She stopped at the library to finish some work on Sunday and spent time in town running errands. She went home, and while she was on the phone with her sister, had a massive heart attack, gone before the paramedics arrived. She was 58.


While I declined an offer to work in the children's department at my interview three years ago, I began my library computer training there and quickly decided to stay. Joyce was a true sister in Christ, a wonderful encouragement to me as I juggled family life, homeschooling, and working part time. It was a blessing from God to be able to work so closely with another believer. Many of our discussions stemmed from our shared faith, and one of our first questions to each other at the beginning of each week was, "How was church?!"

The one thing she would want most to be remembered for is her love for Jesus, that all she did, and all of her joy, was because of Him, what He'd done for her, and where she held her eternal hope. What a gift she's left, for us to know she's with our Savior!



Robert and I went to the funeral on Wednesday. The funeral home was packed to standing-room only, showing the impact she's had in our county for more than 30 years that she's headed up the children's department. Several of our teen volunteers missed school to be there.

It's been a crazy week. I'm glad for her, but I'm missing my friend at work. It's been hardest to see the little kids come in and write their sweet sentiments in books we've made to later give to Joyce's family.

One of our staff hosted a small gathering at her house last night. After the crowds at the visitations and funeral, it was a welcome chance for just our library family to bond together and remember Joyce in only ways that we could remember. It was pleasant and low-key, a comfortable time with friends. I know Joyce would have liked that.



Franklin-News Post article. Funeral home Guest Book. Legacy.com Guest Book.

Trevor's creations

Trevor's been spending countless hours creating customized Lego figures.


He watches youtube video clips for tips.



His creations include characters from Dragon Ball Z, Star Wars, and Nintendo.


He uses heads and bodies that he already owns, along with sharpie, wite-out, printed decals, folk art paint and sculpey.


It's a cool hobby!

Holly's birthday recipes

A wonderful friend made this for us a few weeks ago. Our mutual soccer teams were supposed to be playing each other, and they were going to come for dinner after the game. The game was rained out, just giving us more time to enjoy our company. It's worth noting that our team color is blue; their team color is green.



Holly requested this same cake for her birthday.

JELLO POKE CAKE

2 (8 or 9 inch) white cake layers, baked and cooled
1 small box green jello
1 small box blue jello
2 cups boiling water*

Place cake layers, top side up, in two clean round cake pans. Poke each cake with a fork at 1/2 inch intervals, being sure to go all the way down to the bottom of the pan.

Open each box of jello and put into its own bowl. Dissolve in boiling water (1 cup per bowl), stirring well.

Carefully spoon one bowl over each cake. The jello will overflow and run down the edges of the cake (inside the pan). That's okay, just go slowly, and cover the entire cake with the jello.

Chill in fridge for 3 or more hours. (I didn't have this much time, one hour was sufficient.)

Dip one cake pan in water for 10 seconds, then unmold onto a serving plate. Top with frosting. Dip other cake pan in warm water for 10 seconds, unmold and place carefully on top of frosted cake; frost over all.

*I used a can of Diet 7-Up that we had on hand for 12 oz. of the water.

This is a fun recipe to play with. Pair up different jello flavors, and different pop flavors for variety, or to suit your purpose: red and green for Christmas; pink and red for Valentine's Day; orange and grape for Halloween, etc.


WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened (I always use the reduced calorie)
1 c. sugar
1/8 t. salt
1 t. vanilla extract
1-1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

In a small bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth; fold in whipping cream. After frosting cake, chill in fridge to set frosting.

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We've had my long loved fajita recipe for many years. This one beats my old one hands down. This was fabulous tasting and easy, easy to make.

BETTER STEAK FAJITAS

1/4 c. lime juice
1/3 c. water
2 T. oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 t. soy sauce
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. liquid smoke flavoring (I don't have, so I skipped)
1/2 t. cayenne pepper (gives a small kick and won't harm even small children!)
1/2 t. black pepper
2 lbs. your choice of fajita meat (I used flat iron steak)

Mix marinade ingredients together in large heavy duty plastic bag. Add meat, press out air to seal, place bag in fridge for several hours or overnight.

Bbq meat to desired doneness; let rest 5 mins., and slice thinly to serve.

Hiking

We have long wanted to hike on the Appalachian Trail. Four years ago, shortly after moving here, we even searched for it--unsuccessfully. We live a short distance from it, in fact, it crosses the main road just two miles away, and we drive past it at least a dozen times a week.

After endlessly researching on the internet, I had our spot all picked out. We drove to the parking lot in Catawba in the late morning, crossed the road, and began. Our destination was McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots along the trail.

We knew to expect that the trail would be very narrow, not wide enough for walking side by side. We were very much reminded of our back woods at our old house. The trail was narrow but easy to follow, with white blazes painted on the trees as markings. I loved that both of the kids jockeyed for the lead. I was happy to hang back--not that I had much choice. They were both much quicker than I, waiting for me to catch up every few minutes.

Trevor--always looking for entertainment, or to entertain

It quickly became apparent to me that we didn't have enough water to easily last us through the trip. I began worrying a lot about this, even after being blessed by instantly spotting a walking stick (I took that as a sweet sign from God!). While I was loving spending time like this with my kids, I let my worrying about water rob me of a lot of my joy. Not good.



It was level for the most part, although we had to scramble up and down several wooden "rock" bridges (made of wood, they covered sheer rocky areas that would have been much more difficult to navigate). We saw a couple of other groups of people, some with obviously more hiking experience, some just like us, wearing regular clothes and tennis shoes.

Easy part of the trail--I could pull out my camera!

We stopped often to drink, snack, and check our map. After crossing under the power lines, we realized we still had another mile of walking--uphill. It would have been easy for a goat, but it had already taken us over two hours to go about 2.5 miles. We made the awful decision to not go any further.

I felt so guilty, that it was my fault, my poor planning, and my old lady body that couldn't go on. Holly and Trevor were initially disappointed. I don't think it would have been such a big deal if we hadn't had THAT specific destination in mind.

We had already planned to walk back on the old fire road, an easier hike which also cut off a half mile of walking.



Much more relaxing, and no more worries about water.


Especially since I ended up drinking most of Holly's, and she didn't realize it until we got back to the car!


Other things to note: Trevor barely missed stepping on a snake, and Holly's reaction. :)


By the time we reached the car, we were exhausted, but in a good way. We'd been going for more than four straight hours. We came home and did absolutely nothing else for the rest of the day. Although we were all expecting to be sore the next day, we weren't at all.

The hiking was completely addicting. I'm ready to take advantage of this beautiful weather and get out to do it again. I already have the new hike planned out--no fabulous "destination" for now, just to see how far we can go. And we're planning to bring a lot more water!

Holly turns 17

How strange it is to write that!

After staying up reading too late the night before, I woke up late, threw on jeans and a sweatshirt, stopped at the donut store for fancy donuts, and then ran into the grocery store for a balloon.

When I got home, I saw myself in the mirror and realized my oversized pajama t-shirt was sticking out from under my sweatshirt like a big dress. I guess I wasn't fooling anyone (blush).



Adding insult to injury, after Trevor woke up, he went and told Holly, "Dad already went out and got you something!" I'm apparently not known for doing nice things around here.

We had a great day. The kids slept in and had the day off from school. We reminisced over every detail of Holly's day of birth. Holly had planned for lunch at the Chinese buffet. Trevor is amazing adept at handling chopsticks.



At her little kids' soccer practice, the team sang Happy Birthday to her.



She also had her own team practice.



It was a long day, and we made fajitas for dinner when we got home.

Pajama bottoms birthday present

She'd already opened her gifts: Korean and Icelandic language instructional programs, pajama bottoms, Macy's gift card, and the always-appreciated checks from relatives.

She'd requested a Poke Cake for her birthday and was pleased with the results.


It was a lovely, relaxing birthday. I enjoy her so much; she's loving and compassionate, intelligent and interesting, talented and focused, refreshingly candid and wickedly funny. As desperately as I want to hold on to her, hold on to this time, I am excited to see what her future holds. This past year has been amazing for her, a year of growth and really stepping out. She's listened, followed God's calls in her life, and been so blessed. I couldn't want anything more for my child.

Happy birthday, Holly!

Yesterday morning . . .

This morning.

Recipe: Cucumber tomato salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A simple, pretty, and delicious addition to any meal, and it's very forgiving--use whatever ingredients you have on hand, in whatever proportions appeal to you.

2 medium tomatoes, sliced and quartered (takes me a few seconds to picture that)
1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
4 green onions, chopped
1 T. sugar
1 t. salt
3/4 c. cider vinegar*
1/4 c. water*

In a bowl, combine the tomato, cucumber, onions. Combine the dressing ingredients, whisking well to blend in sugar. Pour over tomato mixture and chill.

I mix this in a big ziplock bag, turning occasionally. I find that it's best served ICE cold, so I will set the bag in a bowl of ice for a while before serving.

Tonight's soccer stars

Trevor. Steals balls from little boys.



Mows down little girls.



Wins.

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(If he'd really knocked this girl down, I wouldn't have joked. She slid, probably to avoid a collision, as they both went for the ball, and he was trying to avoid her.)

Weekly menu

veal patties, spinach salad, ?
macaroni and cheese, cornbread, cucumber/tomato salad
omelet, fried potatoes (yes, again), smoothies
hot dogs, baked beans, ?
Robert's choice
crispy parmesan chicken, couscous salad

On the back burner:
pork loin
pot roast, potatoes, carrots

Book Reviews: The Not-So-Good (But Not Necessarily Bad)

The Tattooed Lady: A History by Amelia Klem Osterud

I admit it, this caught my eye as I was checking it in at work. Heavily tattooed women often performed in circus sideshows during the late 19th/early 20th century. This slightly oversized book gives a detailed account of the lives of many of them and includes plenty of pictures. Interesting reading and a lot of writing on a narrow topic. Part way through the book, I realized the same information was given over and over, and I easily skimmed the remainder of the book.

Beneath the Night Tree by Nicole Baart

This is the third book of the trilogy I've been reading, which picks up about five years after the second book. Julia continues to live with her grandmother, work, and raise her son and half-brother. Michael is still in the picture, and Julia thinks all is well--until she is contacted by Parker.

An okay ending to a good series that ran out of steam part way through.

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson

No, this is not Stieg Larsson who wrote The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo books. It's narrative non-fiction detailing the family life of William Dodd, the U.S. ambassador to Germany from 1933-37.

I guess this book is very popular. It was interesting, but not interesting enough for me to pay attention to the names and details of the many political figures woven throughout the book. Mediocre.

The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie by Wendy McClure

Oh dear. I wanted to love this book, I really did. The author struggled to be funny but was boring and whiney (and insulting toward homeschooling, but we won't go there!). Her "research" was non-existent (please, I've read more Little House-related trivia than she has). I had high hopes and ended up disappointed. But I promise I won't be writing a book about it.

Book Reviews: The Good

I've read several very good books lately and am breaking this post into the good and the bad. These are not in any order, although it seems like the better books are at the end of the post.

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

I ordered this book earlier this year for our library. As I've been reading a few books from the Mao era, it caught my eye. It wasn't until I'd finished reading that I realized it was a "young reader's edition." Humph. I wonder what's so different with the original book?

At the age of 11, Li was taken from his family's peasant commune to study ballet in Beijing. He had no prior experience nor desire to dance; he passed several fitness tests and was chosen by the government. After studying at the school for seven years, he became the first official exchange artist to the U.S. since Mao's 1949 takeover. Long-wary of the impoverished "capitalist American pigs" who mistreated blacks, after arriving in the country, Li was convinced that the wealth he saw was an act to impress his government.

Following a second visit in 1981, Li defected to the U.S. He is now a stockbroker in Australia. (Seriously.)

This was a very interesting read. Most of the story centers around Li's childhood and years at the ballet school. It would be totally appropriate for a middle or high schooler; I keep hoping one of my kids will pick it up, but that doesn't seem to be happening.

To Destroy You Is No Loss: The Odyssey of a Cambodian Family by Teeda Butt Mam

Teeda was the daughter of a government official in Cambodia. When the Khmer Rouge took over in 1975, Teeda and her extended family fled their city, hide their true identities, and work in rural farm camps. About one-third of the population died, mostly from execution, disease and starvation. Three years later, the Vietnamese invaded, and hundreds of thousands of people sought refuge by way of Thailand.

This book follows Teeda's family's story of incredible will and determination as they ultimately escaped Cambodia. The epilogue oh-too-briefly mentions that most of the family ended up in Silicon Valley in the 1980s.

As I grew up in the SF Bay Area in the 1960-1970s, I am ashamed to say that we usually made fun of refugees. Behind their backs, we called them names, and just generally were unwelcoming, indifferent, even hateful. As a teenager, I had no idea what others had gone through and felt that I was somehow better than they. This book was not an eye-opener to me, as I've been aware of the many struggles now for years. I wish that we'd known back then. I wish that THIS was what we'd been taught in school, current, relevant history. These people have a strength and character that I cannot possibly imagine.

This was a book that makes me think, far more than I could relate here on a keyboard.

Becoming Odyssa: Adventures of the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Pharr Davis

This is surely my favorite book on a favorite subject. What an enjoyable read and fresh perspective offered by an inexperienced hiker and recent college grad who decides to tackle the 2175 mile long trail. In many ways, her determination and independence reminded me a lot of Holly. When I was done reading, I made Holly read this book, and she was surprised to find that she liked it too. Literally less than two miles away, we cross the trail a dozen or more times a week (it crosses our main road). There's no excuse for not braving up and walking on it one afternoon.

The Triple Agent: The Al-Qaeda Mole Who Infiltrated the CIA by Joby Warrick

Gripping, fascinating spy thriller recounting the events leading to the tragic deaths of seven CIA agents in Afghanistan two years ago by a triple/redoubled agent/suicide bomber. The story itself was enough. Combined with tidbits of U.S. surveillance and weaponry capabilities kept me reading the book at all possible opportunities. It was a little difficult to keep some of the names straight but not enough to detract from the book.

Another unforgettable read.

A Stolen Life: A Memoir by Jaycee Dugard

Jaycee Dugard was the 11 year old girl kidnapped from a bus stop in South Lake Tahoe in 1991. She was found 18 years later, still under the control of her captors.

Holly and I watched an ABC interview with Dugard earlier this year. I was struck by her poise. It continued throughout her book. It's an amazing story of a young woman with amazing courage and determination to not live in the past. Horrible subject matter, so I wouldn't recommend the book; but it was another that I couldn't put down.

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Yes, I defaced my computer, but it really doesn't have much to do with Facebook. Just a bit though.

Are you listening?

Bible study first thing in the morning.

Holly finds it a fair way to start the day.



And Lucky is all ears. Or ear, anyway.

Fake Coffeemate--or is it real?

I love my coffee, and I especially love it with lots of creamer. Two bad things about creamer:

The ever-increasing price.

All of the nasty ingredients.

I figured I could do at least as well at home.

HOMEMADE CREAMER

14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk; I use the no fat and pay $1.50 a can at Walmart
1.5 c. skim milk
2 t. vanilla
1/3 c. vanilla flavoring syrup, optional, found in the coffee aisle (adds more not-so-great ingredients though)

Mix all together well. Cover and refrigerate. Stir before using, as the condensed milk will settle on the bottom. Keeps for a week or so.

It might not be much less expensive, but at least it doesn't kill me when my kids use it. And I'm still good with buying the Coffeemate when it goes on a good sale.

Morning

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psa. 143:8

And first soccer game of the season

FUN to have both kids on the same team!

Trevor held up quite well for his first game on the 13+ team. He gave up a camping trip to be here tonight.


Holly still going up against the big boys. And yes, that young man does have a full beard.



Holly loves her little 6-8 year old that she's assistant coaching.



I don't think we'll ever stop being thrilled by the LifeGuard helicopter.



We came home to find the power was out. GOOD THING we'd stopped and picked up Taco Bell!! I think we would have starved otherwise. Or had to go back out.



Robert pulled out so many lanterns, flashlights, and candles that one neighbor later asked how we had power when no one else did. LOL. It came back on sometime in the middle of the night.

A fun way to kick off the season. (That really was unintentional.)