My Daybook . . .

 

Today . . .  October 19, 2020

From my playlist . . .  Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Cows on the Hill.

 

Outside my back door . . . It's a blustery day, not too cold, the last time I checked the thermometer it was about 59 degrees, but the wind makes it feel much colder than it really is.  It's partly cloudy, so off and on sunshine.   Bob will be out to gather up leaves with the sweeper soon.

My thoughts today . . . I'm tired of thinking about covid.  I have been criticized for not going out and about, for doing grocery pick-ups, for not going back to church yet and for wearing a mask and trying to stay safe.   I'm not afraid of covid, but I am cautious.  I liken it to guns.  I'm not afraid of guns, I know that they can kill you if you don't handle them correctly so I respect them...my exact feelings with covid, I respect it.  We each need to do what we feel is best for us.  Judging others is what we should not be doing right now, we need to be very respectful and non-judgmental of others decisions.  Right now the world is in such chaos, with hatred, judgement and opposition on the rampage...we just need to be kind and respect others opinions and decisions.  We're all in this together, let's just be kind. 

Thankful . . . Thankful for my warm house, food in my pantry, family, friends who love me despite our differences, my faith, my husband, the change of seasons, cooler weather, music, and so much more!  

I'm reading . . . Always reading the scriptures, but also reading, Fire of the Covenant, by Gerald Lund.  I've read it before, but it's worth reading twice!

In the summer of 1856, three companies of handcarts were outfitted and sent west from Iowa to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. All went well, and they arrived without undue incident. But two additional companies — one captained by James G. Willie, and the other by Edward Martin — left England late in the season. When they arrived at Iowa City, they were long past the time for safe departure across the plains. By the time they left Florence, Nebraska, with still more than a thousand miles to go, it was near the end of August. As if that were not serious enough, President Brigham Young thought that the arrival of the third company ended the migration for that season and ordered the resupply wagons back to Salt Lake.

Fire of the Covenant is the story of those handcart pioneers and their exodus to the Salt Lake Valley. Author Gerald N. Lund has used the same techniques present in The Work and the Glory series to blend fictional characters into the tapestry of actual historical events, making this a story filled with all the elements of great drama — tragedy, triumph, pathos, courage, sacrifice, surrender and faith. 

I have many relatives, including great-grandparents who crossed the plains as pioneers, some even lost their lives.  This is a heartwarming, heart wrenching story of some of those brave pioneers.  

This is a photo of my great grandparents.  They endured many hardships and suffered greatly coming across the plains.  They did it because they wanted religious freedom and a better life for themselves, and their posterity. 

From the kitchen . . . Tonight we are having left-overs.  Yesterday, we had our son and his family over for diner.  We had pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, green beans and homemade rolls.  It was delicious!  I sent the left over rolls home with my son, so I might make rolls or biscuits to go with dinner tonight.  I always use my daughters recipe for rolls they are so delicious and very easy.

Jessica's rolls

1 1/2 cup warm water

1 Tbls. yeast

1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup oil

1 tsp. salt

3-4 1/2 cups flour

Put warm water in a large bowl or mixer.  Add the yeast and sugar and let it sit for a few minutes.  Then add the oil and the beaten eggs and a cup or two of the flour, mix it up for a few minutes before adding the salt and the rest of the flour.  Add the flour a little at a time so you don't add too much.  The dough should be soft and barely sticky.  Turn into an oiled bowl and let sit until doubled.  Shape into rolls and let raise in a warm place.  Bake at 350 degrees until light golden brown, about 20 minutes or so.  These are delicious!

Around the house . . . A few cozy corners in my house.

 

Just Say'in . . . 

 Be safe, Hugs and Love,

Barb