Hey, Diddle Diddle

Close to Famous

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If the beautiful, delicious-looking cupcakes on the cover don’t pull you in, the first page of the story will. Bauer has a gift for creating young, talented, flawed and likable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this young adult novel about a young girl who is a talented baker, but who has problems that she needs help overcoming. Any young reader will relate with her and be inspired by her as she perfects what she’s good at and faces her obstacles and challenges. I loved Bauer’s Hope Was Here, and liked this one almost as much.



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Johnny Tremain

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Esther Forbes captures the excitement and danger, the commitment and courage it took to free this country from English rule. This historical fiction story won the Newberry Award. I recently read the book for the third time and enjoyed it. Johnny Tremain, a gifted silversmith’s apprentice has the world by the tail until he is badly burned. The story is told from his perspective. Though he is a fictional character, the leaders of the revolution are characters in the story. The story makes that period of history come to life and gives the reader an appreciation for all who helped establish our freedom.



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Calico Joe

Calico Joe by John Grisham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


What? A Grisham novel without a single lawyer in it? That’s Calico Joe. It’s a story of baseball, intermingling fictional characters with those that really played in the 1970’s. But more than that, it’s a story of abuse and forgiveness and transformation. A departure for Grisham, not only because it’s not a law story, but also because it’s short, this is a deeply moving story of forgiveness and repentance. Baseball fans and non -sports fans alike will like this moving book. I only wish my dad was still alive to read it. He loved Grisham’s other non-lawyer story- A Painted House. Being a big Cubs fan, he would have loved this one. I fully expect to watch this story on the big screen someday. It would make a great movie.



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Grandpa Ken Comes for a Visit

Ken came to Logan for a visit last weekend.  Our nephew, Kyler got married in the Rexburg temple, so Ken drove to Logan on Friday and he and I drove to Rexburg on Saturday to attend the wedding and luncheon.  It was so fun to be there.  Kyler and Ashley looked so happy.  I didn't get a great picture, but this is the happy couple emerging from the temple:

Have you ever seen the wind?  I know they say you can't see wind, but, in Rexburg, you can see the wind.  I swear.  All of my pictures outside the Rexburg temple are blurry and I swear it's the wind.  

It was so fun to visit with the Rick Hinton cousins who made the trek en mass to be at the wedding.  Here Ken is telling his Grand Canyon adventures to Travis, Brett, Bryan, and Stacy.  Love these people.  What a great group!

It was so fun to see and enter the Rexburg temple.  I attended school in Rexburg for two years, but, of course, the temple wasn't there then.

After the wedding, Ken drove me around Rexburg so I could see the old stomping grounds.  I hardly recognized a thing.  I did find the apartment building where I lived.  But that was about all.  

It used to be called Village Apartments, but now it's called Rockland and it's now housing for men.  How dare they mess it up?  I swear they shrunk the hill I had to climb from there to get to campus.  It just didn't seem as steep and long as I remember it!!!  Maybe it's because there was no ice being blown in my face.

Sunday was Ken's 60th birthday.  After church, I made him his favorite lemon meringue pie.  It always has fissures.  Oh well, it still tasted wonderful.  

Wishing for another 60 years!

When I was making the pie, I let Caleb lick the filling spoon.  He didn't like the sour taste.  When I asked him what he'd like instead of lemon pie for a treat, he said he'd like a pear.  So he ate his pear while we ate lemon pie.  This kid is THE best eater in the world.  He loves healthy foods.

Lily is also a very good eater, but she LOVED the lemon pie.  

It was plate-lickin' good!!!

The kids were thrilled that Grandpa got lots of yummy treats for his birthday and that Grandpa is a good share boy.

Happy birthday, Ken!  I love you more than that!!!!

Need a Good Laugh?

If you're over 50 and need a good laugh, click here.

The House on Willow Street

The House on Willow Street: A novel by Cathy Kelly

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I picked this book up at Costco, hoping it would be an enjoyable, easy read. It turned out to be just that. The setting is a quaint , now touristy village in Ireland. This is the story of four of the women of that village. I found it a bit difficult at first to keep track of the characters, but once “into” the book, I found them to be quite distinct from one another, and people I enjoyed spending time with. Though maybe a bit predictable, I loved the happy ending.



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Austenland

Austenland by Shannon Hale





This book is certainly a departure from other Shannon Hale books I’ve read. I picked it up at the library thinking, “I’ve heard of this.” But I couldn’t remember what I’d heard and had no idea what it was about. Though I admire Hale’s writing, I’m not much of a fantasy fan, so this somewhat “real-life” play was refreshing and I was pleasantly surprised at the setting and the premise. It’s a must- read for Austen fans (which I reticently admit I am not.) You can’t help but like the main character, Jane and enjoy her immersion in the English world of yesteryear. It may not be the best book I have ever read, but it kept me entertained and turning the pages. I look forward to the movie, though I’m not sure I should subject my husband to it. He’s a pretty good sport, but this one might be a little much. I just saw on goodreads that there is a sequel to this book. Now I know more what to expect, I just may pursue that.


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Sacred Gifts

I had the privilege of attending the BYU Museum of Art's Exhibition: Sacred Gifts last Saturday.  It was a sacred privilege to view these most beautiful, priceless paintings.  As one of the lenders said in essence- These paintings have never been loaned before and I don't think they ever will be again.  We feel a connection with the people of Utah because they love Christ.

 The app for iphone or ipad is wonderful if you didn't get to go to the exhibit.  It is free and can be found in the itunes store. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sacred-gifts-brigham-young/id723165787?mt=8.  I recommend you download it and listen to the beautiful summaries of each painting and enjoy the exhibit.

Here are some of the famous paintings I got to view:

This one by Hoffman was probably my favorite.  It is President Monson's favorite and he has it hanging on his wall.  I have one by another painter on my wall that my sister, Patty found. Jesus' face looks very similar to this one in that painting.  Hoffman said he didn't want to sell it.  He liked it above his bed where each day he would give an accounting of his actions of the day.

This painting just IS the Sermon on the Mount.  Ever since I was young, this is the picture the teacher would hold up when teaching the sermon on the mount.  I got to see it in real life!!!  Yes, you can touch me.

This is also one I grew up seeing . . . and feeling.

This picture doesn't do it justice, but this was a powerful grouping of actually five paintings.  In the center is Jesus Christ in the red robe with a crown of thorns.  The mobs are represented on the left and right of him.  On the far left is the young virgin Mary.  On the far right, the saddened, older Mary, mother of Jesus.  I wept when I thought what she went through as I viewed her sad eyes and line-worn face.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  This one is worth at least that.  It teaches so powerfully "pride."

Another of Hoffman's- the young Jesus teaching in the temple.  Hoffman's face of Jesus is consistent.  When asked who he used for a model of the Savior, he said he closed his eyes and could just see Him and painted from that image.  

I took with me to this exhibit a young, teen-aged friend who is struggling right now.  I wanted her to feel the love of the Savior by viewing these paintings.  I don't know if it did that for her (I continue to pray for her), but it certainly did that for me.  He is my Joy, my Exampler, my Healer, my Comforter, my Leader, my Redeemer, my Savior, and my Friend. In His name, I testify that He lives.  Amen.

Let It Go!

One word:  WOW!

My Favorite Things- Pickled Beets

Sweet pickled beets have long been one of my favorite things on a salad bar.  I was excited to find these at Costco.  Now I can have them any time I want at home!   They are really yummy on salads or just as a little enhancement to any dinner.
Sweet pickled beets- one of my favorite things.

To see other of my favorite things, click here.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I just listened to this powerful book on a road trip. I first read it years ago, and couldn't remember the details- only the emotions I felt when I read it. For a girl from Idaho, it was eye-opening to first read the stink of racial prejudice. Hearing it again brought back those feelings and sadness. At the end of the book on the recorded version, Mildred Taylor speaks to the reader, explaining that the stories told in the book were true- That the Logan family was her grandparents' family. She heard all of the stories from her father- one of the children in the book. That makes it even more powerful to me. Though the book deservedly won the Newberry Award for being the most distinguished contribution to children's literature in 1977, I think it's more appropriate reading for a young adult or adult. It may be too much for a sensitive and protected child.



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Commuter Grandma

Hangin' with these folks these days

Shonna's baby girl is due May 20th, but she's already- it started at week 24- having contractions and signs that may mean that little girl is trying to come too early.  So Shonna has been put on modified bed rest.  And I've become a commuter Grandma.  I spent 10 days up in Logan helping and I'm now home for a few days to teach my voice lessons.  I will head back up on Sunday.  I'll be doing this back and forth  until the baby is born or until the doctor says Shonna can get off bed- well, really couch- rest.  The kids play around her on the floor by the couch and lots of times right up there with her and even on her.  They think it's pretty fun to have an always- attentive mom.  And I try to keep the wheels on in the house and keep them fed and I wipe a lot of little bums and read a lot of stories, too.  I miss Ken a lot, but it's fun to spend time with the Cameron family.  I am so grateful I am in a position that I can help.  Prayers that Baby Girl Cameron stays put for a good while will be much appreciated!!!!

Messenger

Messenger by Lois Lowry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a companion book with "Gathering Blue." The main character, Matty is Kira's good friend in "Gathering Blue." It also starts to tie loose ends from "The Giver." I have enjoyed reading this series and feel that my beliefs in why we are here on this earth have been strengthened by reading these four "The Giver" series of books.



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Gathering Blue

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If you're looking for a sequel to "The Giver," you'll be disappointed in this book. I think this book is the author's imagination of another controlled society- an alternative to the one in The Giver. I'm going to display my imagination now. Here's what I think happens: I think Mrs. Lowry ponders and then writes a list of the characteristics she values in herself and in a society. Then, she writes a book, creating a society in which those values are void. In so doing, she helps us recognize how important those characteristics are. At least that's what reading her books did for me. The characteristics lacking in this society that I now value more highly: Charity, Kindness, Valuing people for who they are and not for what they look like or for what they can contribute to a society, and maybe most important- the value of education. Is that the author's thought process? I have no idea. But she seems to encourage the reader to use their imaginations, so I did. I used mine on her. To really get the conclusion to this book, you should read "Messenger".



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More Stars in the Family

"Good genes, I guess . . . Dorothy genes!"  That's what my dad would always say when he'd hear about one of our family doing good things- he'd always give credit to mom- Dorothy Gene.   Well, first Brielle, and now Joan and Tom are famous.  Joan and Tom recently won the "Spirit of the Y" award at the BYU alumni meeting.  They were very surprised and even more surprised to hear about themselves (they hadn't received their BYU  magazine yet) featured in the BYU magazine.  But they shouldn't be surprised.  They work very hard at promoting BYU in their area and hosting many fun events. They've made thousands of blue pancakes for the BYU fun runs, and hosted tail gate parties and helped lots of students and held lots of meetings in their home (and made lots of treats for those) and hosted firesides and found homes for BYU performing groups and traveled to Provo for meetings and . . . .  I know I'm only scratching the surface.  But they really do work hard.  And besides, no one texts Wahoos!  better than Joan during the BYU games.  I don't think she ever misses one!  If you cut Joan and Tom, blue comes out instead of red.  They are true blue!   Here's the link to the article about them.  Congratulations, Tom and Joan!!!!!

Ken and His Brothers Hike the Grand Canyon

Yes, again.  Ken was invited to hike the Grand Canyon in January clear last June and has been excited about it.  Our friend, Kurtis made reservations to stay at Phantom's Ranch at the bottom and to eat dinner there and breakfast the next morning.  It's great because you don't have to carry bedding or cooking equipment- just day packs.  But you have to schedule far ahead and often people's plans change.    At the last minute, everyone in the group cancelled (poor Kurtis' toe "blew up" and Dave had to work, etc) and Ken was given the opportunity to invite three others to fill the three other slots.  So he got on the phone and called his brothers. This was last Saturday night- late.  They would have to be at the south rim on Wednesday evening. Four of them were really interested and three signed on immediately.  No preparation time- just three days.  And these guys aren't spring chickens- one of them is 70 years old.  But, like Ken, they are in great physical shape and always up for an adventure. One is retired, but the other two made arrangements to take off work and away they went.  So, Jim (from Prescott) and Clark (from Phoenix) and Rick (from Gilbert) met Ken at the motel on Wednesday evening.  They ate at the cafeteria there on the south rim that night and then played the true blue Hinton game- Rook, into the night.
The next morning, they ate at the cafeteria and then began their descent.  They got a kick out of the signs on the way down: Down is optional; up is mandatory.   Ken is now going to choose the pictures and put captions on them:

All "pumped" and ready to hit the trail--32 degrees F
Clark, Jim, and Rick

An ice waterfall on the trail

Snacking at the 3-mile rest station

Beautiful jet's con-trail against that gorgeous blue winter sky

Cleaning up after a "ten-rated" picnic at Indian Gardens

A member of the Indian Garden's visitor friendly deer herd

Looking down into the "Devil's Corkscrew" as we prepare to drop into the inner canyon

Another cute, friendly "wild" animal near the bottom of the canyon

Recovering at the final rest station just as we reached the Colorado River

Oops. This one is out of order. Near the start of the hike down the Bright Angel Trail.

Yay! We reached the river. Now just another 1.5 miles to Phantom's Ranch.

Preparing to cross the Colorado River on the Silver Bridge

Yoshi!! We made it!! Tired, but very happy to be at the Phantom Ranch Cantina.

An early morning shot of the full moon as it is setting over Phantom's Ranch (Notice the 2 lights of the ranger's cabin)

Another shot of the incredibly gorgeous setting full moon

A relatively tame 3-point buck we met as we reached the Tonto Plateau on the South Kaibab Trail

A result of the "photo shoot"  with an unbelievably tame raven (I was within arm's reach of him!)

Near the top (end of the trail) of the South Kaibab Trail. What an Adventure!!!

It was incredibly wonderful adventure with dear loved ones!!!