Happy Flowers!

Today I bought sunflowers at the farmer's market. I brought them home and had a lovely time arranging them for my table using things from around my house (meaning, of course, things from Marquie and Patrick's wedding . . .)

I didn't have any greens for fill, so I improvised a little. It was the most fun I've had in a while. Here, I'll point it out for you:

Happy hot, summer day to you all!

It's Raining Ash At My House!

So, if you didn't know already, the West is pretty much on fire. We are surrounded by fire. I don't know how it is for the other Utahns.  We had a little pool party today. We had to cover our Watermelon so it wasn't doused in ash but it was in vain. Before we could get it in our mouths. . . more ash.  There is ash on our cars, in our noses, and on our hair. We are all starting to reek like camp fire and we were just on the back patio. Pray for us. Pray that the wind stops blowing, that rain will come and that our fire fighters will be safe. The kids keep asking me, what if the fire gets to our house? I told them, we'll leave and our house will burn up and it will be okay. Sometimes, it's a nice reminder that stuff is merely that, just stuff. They closed our beautiful canyon last week because the fires are to close for comfort. I'm not feeling like we are in any immediate danger as we cannot yet see the fire, only lots of smoke and ash, but if it comes there is good news. We will be heading for family. See what I mean, good news. Love you all.

VACATION

Yes, I really did, well mostly did, take a vacation the past two days.  What did we do?  Well basically nothing we didn't want to.  Did some shopping, tried a new place for breakfast.  Did some shopping.  Oh, did I say that already?  I did go to girl's camp.  Didn't feel I could completely ignore all my bishop responsibilities.  Have to tell you, the concerted effort to just focus on the two of us has been a true joy.  Oh, today, more of the same except for a bit of bishop preparation for tomorrow.  Can you believe it?  Tonight will be another dinner movie night, just relaxing together.

So here is the evidence of attending Young Women Camp.  It was a great experience.  The bishop (yea me) did what I will call a Black Forest cobbler in the Dutch Oven, served hot with Vanilla Ice Cream.  Oh, was it good.  Even had some to bring home and share with mom.  (Recipe:  Cherry Pie filling and Dark Chocolate Cake)

Distress in my Soul

After posting last evening I started to think and realized that message you gave me means the world but it also reminds me of the need I have to continue to be a "good dad" and just how much I am struggling with that at this particular point in my life.  I suffer from the "all things to all" syndrome and therefore continually "fail" in my own mind because I can not be that even to my own children and grandchildren.  Finding the time and energy is proving to be more difficult than I wanted it to be at this point in my life. 

But is it really "good dad" or "good patriarch" that I need to be?  Seems that is part of the learning I am going through as well.  I ask that you please be patient with me as I continue this process of learning on how to be a "good whatever" to each of you.  I love you all very deeply and wish I could do more.  Love Dad/Grandpa

Sole or Soul and What is Really Important

Michelle asked about the basis of my misuse of "sole" in my post yesterday.  Here is the history.  When I joined the United Passenger Sales staff I set myself a goal to be recognized as the salesman of the year.  At that time the company recognized the "of the year" individuals from all the departments.  Gave them recognition, money and actually made a permanent imprint on the service pins.  With the closing of the automation sale with the LDS Church I was in line for this recognition but alas, the company felt it was too expensive to recognize their employees in this manner and instead just got a whole bunch of people together, made them feel good and gave them a clock.  I never used the clock and in fact have thrown it away because it brings such sadness.  Mom sensed my hurt and rallied the family, went to Deseret Industries, bought an old trophy, put an aluminum foil name plate on it and had all the kids do something special for me.

When I walked in the door mom took me directly to the sofa and told me to sit down.

All of you presented your "gifts" or recognition to me.  I still remember fighting back the tears.  Michelle's was a poem that I have kept and actually transcribed exactly how she wrote it (I have added the emphasis on sole for this: post)

---DAD---

We hope this poem is comforting to your mind, heart and sole!

We know that this has been a rough and tough, but we want you to know, you’re the greatest person we’ve ever know!

Not many people can be a bishop like you, who hear the problems of old and new.

Your great heart and patience is a great quality of you!

We know this week has had a disappointment or two.

We know how hard you worked to get here.

But now your the best salesman United has ever seen!

So don’t feel bad about that one little thing!

Now other person on earth is as good a father as you!

Your always there no-matter what we do,

through the yelling, shouting, and sprained ankles to,

You’ve always stayed cool!

We want you to know,

no-matter how things go!

WE LOVE YOU,

AND ALWAYS WILL!

For all these things you’ve done,

Like being a Salesman, Bishop and Daddy to,

we have a little token for you!

We Love You

From Us to You

That night I knew that it really didn't matter if United thought I was good enough to be the salesman of the year, my family did and I came to understand, that was all that really mattered.

A Lonely Father's Day

It has been interesting to spend father's day alone this year.  Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful that we have the ability to have mom get to family when needed and it has been a delight to received a day by day update on the new arrival.  Doesn't mean I don't miss her...

Today has been only slightly different from other Sundays.  Instead of going to meetings at 06:15 I went at 08:15 because of father's day.  And, instead of arriving home at 16:00 to have a wonderful dinner with mom, I just kept visiting people and arrived home sometime before 18:00 to have pot pie.

It has however been a blessed day, to talk with our children and understand better what is happening in your lives and feel the tenderness of family.  Thank you for your calls, your time, who you are and who you all make us collectively as a family.  Just wanted to say thanks and share a couple of pictures.

 This is my fathers official Mayor Portrait.  I feel it captures the depth of his sole.  (Spelling?  Ask Michelle.)

 Michelle, here is one for your blog...

 Only six grandchildren?  What happened in so short a time?

Free

Now that I have your attention, (because who doesn't love free), I shall share with you a wonderful find.  kidsbowlfree.com  Just register your kids and they receive coupons every week for two free games a day all summer long.  This does not include shoe rental.  There is a deal for parents too if you are with them.  $24.95 for a family pass.  This is for 4 adults, which you register at the time of purchase.  Enter FOX15 and get another 15% off.  Our closest participating alley is 30 minutes away, but I am good with that.  I don't know if there are any close to you guys, but I thought I would let you know anyway.  James, I think your closest is Peoria.  Hey, I know you head there every once in a while.  You could also check your local ones not on the list and see if they offer any summer program.  Hope it works out for someone.  Also, check your local theaters.  We have two near us offering $1-$2 movies all summer long.  All children's of course and not new releases, but fun!  

Rosemary/Olive Oil Bread

I couldn't buy Costco's Rosemary/Olive Oil Bread for our reception in Virginia, so I found this recipe and used it.  It was delicious.  I would have posted it on the recipe blog, but I couldn't figure out how.  I doubled the recipe and it made 4 pretty nice size loaves. I baked two on a cookie sheet or 1 on my pizza stone.

 

Almost-Famous Rosemary Bread

Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine

Serves:

4 small loaves

Ingredients

• 1 1/4-ounce packet active dry yeast  (doubled this is 4 1/2 teaspoons.)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing and serving
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Stir the yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup warm water in a large bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer). Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons rosemary, the fine salt and 3/4 cup warm water; stir with a wooden spoon (or with the dough hook if using a mixer) until a dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead, dusting lightly with flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. (Or knead with the dough hook on medium-high speed, adding a little flour if the dough sticks to the bowl, about 8 minutes.)

Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Add the dough, cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature until more than doubled, about 2 hours.

Brush 2 baking sheets with olive oil. Generously flour a work surface; turn the dough out onto the flour and divide into 4 pieces. Working with one piece at a time, sprinkle some flour on the dough, then fold the top and bottom portions into the middle. Fold in the sides to make a free-form square. Use a spatula to turn the dough over, then tuck the corners under to form a ball. Place seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, putting 2 balls on each baking sheet. Let stand, uncovered, until more than doubled, about 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake the loaves 10 minutes; brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with the kosher salt and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon rosemary. Continue baking until golden brown, about 10 more minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool. Serve with olive oil seasoned with pepper.

Photograph by Lisa Shin