MARCH 2024 - Easter Blessings, Temples, Family and all things Spring

Last of Winter Sunsets

 

March decided it was still Winter and it was going to give us as much Winter as it could teasing us with a few days of 60 degrees only to end the month with another round of snow, sleet and rain.  We came out of Church on Easter Sunday with it snowing and ending the day with the sun shining.  Wish I was still skiing- they say it is great this year!

After 48 years of marriage I finally found Bedroom furniture that I love and was able to purchase.  Our friends, The Woodruff's gave us a piece of furniture 40 years ago that was the only real piece of furniture that we had in our bedroom.  We painted it a few years ago and it served us well.  It was time for an update and a little nicer look.  I like antiques and have been looking for the right pieces that I could also afford.  These two pieces were found and I spent a few days refinishing the piece on the left to match the other piece.  It turned out so beautiful and totally changed the look of our room.  We both really like how it fits with our other pieces, especially our 130 year old chair from Charles C. Rich (early Pioneer and church leader).  

Always a special day when we have friends over for dinner.  Kaja and Jesse will be graduating from BYU in April and moving to the Seattle, WA area.  We wanted to have them over before they leave.  What a wonderful surprise when they also announced to us that they will be having a baby boy in August.  We are so excited for them and like to think we are adopted grandparents.  Our missionaries are growing up and moving on in their lives.  We will miss them being so close.

March 8 is International Day of Women.  I really did not know much about this day until last year when I was living in the Czech Republic at Cumorah Academy with women from all over the World and it was a big day for them.  I did some research, but did not realize it is also their Mother's Day and a day to recognize the contributions of Women to family, community and the World.  We had an amazing celebration last year with those special Young Women as we also celebrated the organization of the Relief Society - one of the oldest Women's organizations in the World with over 10 million women as members.

For the first time in Salt Lake City, the International Day of Women sponsored a gathering at the Pioneer Museum.  My Sister, Pam invited me to attend with her.  I was not sure what to expect and it was such a special day.  This is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  

Rebekah Clark, Historical Director of Better Days was the first speaker.  We heard from women's historians about unique ways Utah woman have shaped our state and our world.  The very first women to VOTE in the United States was from Utah.  Her picture is above.  Martha Hughes  cannon was the first women State Senator in the USA.  It was fascinating learning about obscure women who historians are trying to bring to light their accomplishments.

Lisa Olsen Tait, from LDS Church History Department spoke on the women form 1900 to 1950.  She is one of the researchers and writers for The Saints series of Books published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She was enlightening and opened my understanding of so many women and their contributions ahead of their times.

A very special speaker was a Young Adult from Afghanistan who is currently attending BYU.  Her story was so touching and beyond comprehension of the terror, devastation, fear when the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021.  She led women's rights rallies and fought for women to be recognized and allowed to have choices.  53 women lost their lives at the hands of the Taliban and she was more determined to protect women.  She was injured and could not walk for two weeks.  Her photo was posted on Twitter and other Social Media by the Taliban group and their efforts to arrest and silence her voice and accused her of spying for Western Countries which led her to fleeing her country ultimately her coming to Utah for protection.  I spoke with her afterwards and found out one of her Mentors is a former missionary we served with in Vienna Austria who is a Persian speaker.  We shared a few experiences - what a wonderful day.  I am so grateful for my experiences that have helped me know and learn about people from many different parts of the world.  I am richly blessed.  

IBU WORLD CUP BIATHLON 2024

Another benefit of living in Lindon, UT is being so close to the Olympic event venues.  They have been offering free tickets to many of the World Cup events and we have been able to go to some of them.  This month we were able to see the World Cup Biathlon.  

WOW!  It is amazing and so much more fun than watching on TV.  I have always liked watching it and seeing it live was amazing.  It was a beautiful 60 day - almost too warm for the athletes.  We walked up the mountain a little ways to be on the course.  

There were athletes from Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, France, Germany, USA, Austria, Canada, Japan and others.  We cheered for all of them.  We enjoyed talking with the people around us who were avid followers of the sport and knew the athletes and helped us understand more about it.  They are the hardest working athletes as the ski UP the hill, ski down and then shoot 1 round standing and 1 round laying down.  We were next to the parents of one of the USA competitors.  

Unfortunately, the USA is not as competitive in the alpine sports and were lapped about 3/4 of the course and were eliminated.  We felt an allegiance to the Austrian, German and Czech athletes and almost felt we were in Germany with all of the Bauhaus banners as sponsors of the event.

This event was only 20 miles from our home and it was a beautiful drive to the Soldier Hollow venue.  Looking forward to more events in the coming years.  

JENNA'S HOMECOMING

My niece, Jenna Chariton completed her 18 mission in Southern California and reported her mission on March 17.  Her family moved to Arkansas while she was gone and so they all came for her homecoming in Utah.  My Sister and her husband came and stayed with us and we had a great weekend together.  It was also their 12th Anniversary - great way to celebrate with family!  They asked me to cater the luncheon that afternoon and I could not say "NO" to Gabe and Amy.  So we got busy and planned to feed 100 people.  I made homemade slider buns for the ham and cheese sandwiches and I was happy with how they turned out.  

It has been awhile since I catered a buffet like this and it was actually fun doing it again.  Ham and Cheese sliders, Tortilla Roll Ups - recipe below - meat and cheese skewers, chips with homemade Salsa, Chicken Salad on Croissants, fruit tray with strawberry dip and of course Apples with caramel dip, vegetables and finished off with homemade granola bars and brownies.  

With Emily, my sister Pam and Russ we were able to set up, serve and take down and present a wonderful lunch.  It was really nice for them to see old friends and family and enjoy welcoming Jenna home.  

Linda, Pam & Brooke

  Always special to spend time with my Sisters!

 We had planned an Irish Corned Beef Dinner

 that evening but we were all too tired from the days activities and just settled for

 leftovers and an evening of card games.  

MANTI UTAH TEMPLE

Linda & Pam

The Manti Temple was the 3rd dedicated temple in operation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  It was dedicated by Wilford Woodruff 17 May 1888.  It was closed for major renovations In 2021 and was opened to the public for three weeks through April 5 and then will be re-dedicated on April 21, 2024.  

It is built from cream-colored oolite limestone obtained from quarries in the hill upon which it stands.  It was a rattlesnake-infested stone Quarry and once Brigham Young designated the sire for a temple it became known as Temple Hill.  It is 74,792 square feet sitting on a hill with total elevation of 5,657 feet.  The twin self-supporting, open-centered spiral staircases wind five stories up each of the octagonal towers.  The dramatic stairways are considered an engineering marvel of the pioneer Latter-day Saints.  The Temple features beautiful hand-painted murals on the walls of its progressive-style ordinance rooms:  Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room and Celestial Room.  The murals were repainted in 1940's due to deterioration of the original wall plaster.  The World Room was painted by Minerva Teichert with scenes depicting Biblical stories of the Tower of Babel, Abraham, Joseph in Egypt, Moses and Esau; worldwide expansion of the Pilgrims, oriental traders, European crusaders, and Christopher Columbus; and the North American continent with a Native American, fur trapper, pilgrim and city of Zion.  It was one of the most beautiful interiors I have ever seen in a Temple.  The antique furniture was exquisite .  Truly a Mountain of the Lord.  

YOUTH MISSIONARY MONTH

We were invited to host 4 Young Women from our Ward for a Missionary Meal.  For a month the youth learn about being missionaries and learning how to teach a missionary lesson.  They end the month with a dinner in homes with foods from around the world.  We served our traditional Schnitzel with spaetzle (noodles), potatoes and salad.  We served sparkling mineral water with flavors - they loved it and different European chocolates - Lindor Truffles being their favorites.  We dressed in our German clothes and had an enjoyable evening with these special Young Women.  They taught us a lesson and just enjoyed being in our home.  They did not want to leave and I finally took them home around 9:00.  We always love telling about our mission and time in the Alpine German Mission.  

GENTRY EASTER CONCERT

Another highlight this month.  What a way to begin Holy Week than to be in Salt Lake City at the Eccles Theatre to hear Gentry with a full orchestra and Luke Choir.  WONDERFUL!  We invited my sister, Pam and had an enjoyable evening of dinner and concert.  So fun having her close by and getting to share in these special experiences.  We have been able to spend a lot of time together this month.  

Pam, Emily, Linda & Russ

EASTER

What a fun time with nieces, nephews and granddaughter for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday.  We were so happy to open our home and yard for this family gathering.  The rain held out until the eggs were collected and then it rained the rest of the night.  

The Hunt

Desserts

We had 22 people with great food - Taco bar with all of the fixins - everyone brought food and it was delicious.  The Youngs family really knows how to have great gatherings.  

Love my family.  Wish I had pictures of each family for Easter.  Grateful for the ones I have.  

Logan even let us take his picture - he was happy with his Easter Basket and was willing to have a picture.  

Brian, Beth, William and Nora.  Wichita Kansas is having a much warmer Easter than we are.  

Pam spent the night with us and went to Easter Sunday Church.  We continue creating memories together.  

This is my new look - No glasses.  The past 6 weeks have been an adventure for me.  I went for my routine yearly eye exam and found out I have a condition known as Keratoconus.  The treatment for me is to wear hard gas permeable contacts.  I have had to have new fittings every two weeks for them to get the correct fitting and lens correction.  I finally got a good fit last week and have been wearing them every day.  I still have to have readers - NOT FUN - and I am getting used to this new way of seeing.  I said for the past 35 years, I would never wear contacts - Don't ever say never.  Interesting what we are willing to do when it is the only option.  I have prayed very earnestly that I would be able to do this.  I have been blessed as I have seen it get easier and more natural.  There have been some tender mercies for which I am most grateful.  I am still getting used to the new look.  

This month has also been a new journey for Russ as he began a Holistic approach to his diabetes.  It is a 6 month program with the first 3 weeks a very specific diet for inflammation in the body and gut health.  He can only eat Vegetables, except potatoes, corn and tomatoes; fruit, quinoa, buckwheat, turkey and chicken.  That's it!  I have chopped so many vegetables.  He has to have a protein, carb and vegetable at every meal.  Breakfast is the hardest but we are making it work.  He is lucky to have a private chef that makes all of his meals!  I have to say I have not been real nice about it some days, but if it will help him, it will be worth it.  He has lost 25 pounds - too many and so we are working on adding calories - very hard when your diet is mostly vegetables.  

I have found some really good recipes and we will get through this.  

RECIPES

TURKEY BURGER WITH AVOCADO MAYO

This is one of our favorites.  Full of flavor!

1 - 12 oz. pkg. Turkey Bacon

1 lb. Ground Turkey

2 cloves Garlic, minced

3/4 cup Red Onion, diced

2 Tbl. chopped fresh Thyme leaves (or 1 tsp. dried thyme)

2 Tbl. chopped Cilantro leaves

1/2 Bell Pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded, deveined and finely chopped

2 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp Tabasco hot sauce or to taste

Olive Oil for drizzling

Chop the garlic and veggies.  Cook the bacon until mostly crisp.  While the bacon is cooking, combine the ground turkey, garlic, onion, thyme, cilantro, bell peppers, jalapeno pepper, cumin and Tabasco sauce.  Divide mixture into four equal portions.  Flatten into patties and drizzle lightly with olive oil.  Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 4-6 min. on each side.  Use lettuce as a bun substitute.

Avocado Mayonnaise

1 avocado, peeled, pitted

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 tsp. salt or to taste

Pinch of Cayenne pepper

1/4 cup Olive Oil

Blend avocado, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper until smooth. With blender running, add olive oil slowly.  Puree until smooth and creamy.  Use as a sandwich spread or salad dressing.  Makes 3/4 cup.

SUCCUTASH CHICKEN

3-5 Chicken breasts, frozen

2 Red Bell peppers, diced

1 Zucchini, diced

1 Yellow Crookneck Squash, diced

1 Onion, diced

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

1/4 cup Olive Oil

Sea Salt to taste

Arrange frozen chicken breasts (without overlapping) in the bottom of a greased baking dish.  I cut mine into chunks and spread out in pan.  Layer vegetables over the top.  Add the garlic to the olive oil, stir, and pour over chicken and vegetables.  Sprinkle with sea salt, then cover with foil.  Bake at 375 degrees for 45 min., or until chicken is cooked through - 165*.  The broth left in the baking dish is excellent when served over quinoa.  

STUFFED CABBAGE

10 Cabbage leaves

1 lb. ground Turkey

2 Tbl. Ginger, grated

3 Garlic Cloves, minced

1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped

1 Bell Pepper, finely chopped

1 Tbl. Cilantro, chopped

1 large Zucchini, finely chopped

3 cups Vegetable Broth

In a large pot, cook cabbage in boiling water until soft enough to be used as wrapping.  When softened, remove cabbage from boiling water and place in a large bowl of cold water.  

In a large skillet, saute' the ground turkey, ginger, garlic, onion, bell pepper, cilantro and zucchini until the turkey is cooked thoroughly.  

Spoon the mixture into a cabbage leaf and roll tightly, securing with a toothpick.

Arrange cabbage rolls in a baking dish.  Pour vegetable broth over rolls and Bake for 20 min. at 350 degrees.

Serve with Quinoa

We eat lots of Green Salad.  A favorite Salad Dressing is:

STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE

1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar

1 cup Light Olive Oil or Avocado Oil

6-8 Red seedless Grapes

5 Strawberries

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

Blend vinegar, grapes, strawberries and salt luntil smooth.  Reduce blender speed and slowly add oil to incorporate.  Shake immediately before serving.  Refrigerate any used portion.  

Our Go to Lunch even if we are away from home we can take this with us.  One batch makes enough for at least 3 servings.  

ALMOST PASTA SALAD

1 cup Quinoa, cooked, cooled

2 Chicken Breasts, cooked, shredded, cooled (I use Costco canned Chicken - 1 can works well)

1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped

2 Green Onions, Chopped

1/4 cup Italian Salad Dressing

Pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, combine quinoa, shredded chicken, bell pepper and green onion.  Pour dresssing over mixture and stir to combine.  Add pepper to taste.

ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING

Dry Mix:

1 Tbl. garlic powder

1 Tbl. onion powder

2 Tbl. oregano

1 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. basil

1 Tbl. parsley

1 tsp. sea salt

Add 2 Tbl. of dry mix to the following:

1/4 cup vinegar

2/3 cup extra virgin Olive Oil

Shake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.  Shake again immediately prior to using.  Refrigerate unused portion.

Dry mix can be used as a rub/seasoning on almost any meat.  

One of the Tortilla Rolls Ups I did for the Open House was the Costco Copycat

TURKEY ROLL UPS

8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup whole berry Cranberry Sauce

8 (10 inch) four tortillas

1/2 head Romaine, torn into 4 inch pieces

16 slices Deli Turkey

16 slices Swiss Cheese, halved

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese with cranberry sauce until uniformly combined.  

Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board and spread a thick layer of cream cheese all the way to the edges.  Layer 3 lettuce leaves down the middle of the tortilla.

Layer two slices of turkey and 4 pieces of Swiss Cheese on top of the lettuce.  

Starting at one end of the tortilla, roll tightly towards the filling.  Countinue rolling until the filling is tightly wrapped and the cream cheese holds the rollup together.

Continue with the remaining tortillas until all have been assembled.

Wrap each tortilla rollup tightly in plastic wrap.

Chill the wrapped rollups in the refrigerator  until serving time.  I like to have them sit overnight.  To serve, trim any unfilled ends away.  Slice each tortilla into 8 equal pieces.  

Notes:  You can add sliced tomatoes before rolling.  If you use tomatoes they will only last for 24 hours.  Without the tomatoes they will store for several days in the refrigerator.  

I spent many days this month going through about 5,000 slides of pictures from my Mother and Father.  What an adventure that has been - so many memories.  I saved about 800 of them to my computer and also separated them into sibling families to give them the originals.  I am just about finished and then I will begin the work of cataloging them on the computer so everyone can receive a digital copy.  I saw pictures of my grandparents that I had never seen before.  Some of the photos are 80 years old and what a story they tell.  I am so grateful for my family and my parents who gave us an adventure filled life in Idaho.  It has been fun to share this part of my life with Russ as we have gone through all of the photos of my childhood and our early marriage years.  I have felt especially close to my parents this month.  I know they are grateful for the work we are doing to preserve our family memories.  

With Easter early this year in March, we are leaving up our Easter decorations through April as we welcome in Spring.  We have enjoyed studying the scriptures especially of Holy Week and following the story each day.  The Bible account is a witness that Jesus is the Christ - He Lives - He was resurrected and made it possible for us to live and die and return to our Father in Heaven.  We too will be resurrected and be reunited body and spirit.  It's not about the Bunny, It's about the Lamb - the Son of God, who sacrificed His life so we can overcome our sins and afflictions.  How grateful I am for the Love, Grace and Mercy He offers me.  I invite everyone to have a renewal of commitment and dedication to drawing closer to Jesus Christ this year and serving others as He has so lovingly shown us how to do it in his life and teachings.  

So far I have harvested and separated out the seeds from last years crop into 2 five gallon buckets of Zinnia seeds to be replanted in a few weeks.   I will be sharing with others so they too can enjoy the beauty of the flowers in their own yards.  Oh how I love watching the new plants appear in the fresh dirt and see what Spring will bring.  

Happy Spring!

Russ and Linda