Recipes for Cooking Chicken

Chicken Recipes

Recipes for Chicken - Chicken Recipes from many sources. Chicken recipes of all kinds.

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Chicken Recipes from Perdue Chicken Cookbook by Mitzi Perdue are used with permission.

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8/31/2006

Chicken Recipes - CHICKEN AND NOODLES (crockpot)

Chicken Recipes - CHICKEN AND NOODLES (crockpot)
2 ea celery stalks, cut up
2 ea carrots, cut up
1 ea onion, sliced
2 ts salt
1/2 ts pepper
1 ts dried basil
4 c noodles, uncooked
1 ea whole chicken

Place the vegetables on the bottom of the pot, put the chicken on top, followed by the seasonings.
Pour 3 cups of water over. Set it on low and cook for 8-10 hrs.
Take chicken out (carefully, because it will come off the bones) and put noodles in the broth, turning it up to high.
Let the noodles cook for 45 minutes, while you take the meat off the bones.
Mix the meat in. This is like a very thick chicken soup and the basil makes this delicious!


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Chicken Recipes - Chicken Crockpot Recipes - CHICKEN STROGENOFF in a crockpot

Chicken Crockpot Recipes - CHICKEN STROGENOFF in a crockpot

6 ea chicken breasts, boneless
16 oz sour cream
1 cn cream of mushroom soup
1 pk onion soup mix

Mix all together and put into crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Or until chicken is tender. Serve over cooked noodles or rice.

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8/30/2006

Chicken Recipes - CHEESY MEXICAN CHICKEN

Chicken Recipes - CHEESY MEXICAN CHICKEN
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 6.4 ounce package mexican style rice and pasta mix
1 medium size green bell pepper chopped
1 small onion chopped
2 1/4 cups water
2 14 1/2 ounce cans mexican style stewed tomatoes undrained
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese

Melt butter in a large oven proof skillet over medium heat. Add rice mix reserving seasoning packet. Stir in bell pepper and onion and cook 6 minutes or until rice mix is lightly browned. Stir in 2 1/2 cups water and seasoning
packet. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Let stand 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake 5
more minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with shredded lettuce and guacamole

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8/29/2006

Chicken BLT Tortellini Salad Recipes

Chicken BLT Tortellini Salad

8 3/4 ounces package American Beauty Three Cheese
Tortellini -- uncooked
2 cups fully cooked chicken breast pieces
1 cup grape tomatoes -- sliced lengthwise
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 slices cooked bacon -- chopped
3/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
lettuce leaves

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, stir together cooked pasta and remaining ingredients; serve immediately on lettuce leaves.

Chicken Salad Recipes Chicken Recipes

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Chicken BLT Tortellini Salad Recipes

Chicken BLT Tortellini Salad

8 3/4 ounces package American Beauty Three Cheese
Tortellini -- uncooked
2 cups fully cooked chicken breast pieces
1 cup grape tomatoes -- sliced lengthwise
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 slices cooked bacon -- chopped
3/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
lettuce leaves

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, stir together cooked pasta and remaining ingredients; serve immediately on lettuce leaves.

Chicken Salad Recipes Chicken Recipes

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8/25/2006

Drummettes with Lime-Pepper Mayonnaise



Drummettes with Lime-Pepper Mayonnaise

Lime-Pepper Mayonnaise:
1/3 cup good-quality mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 tablespoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 pounds chicken wing drummettes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 lemon, cut into quarters

To make dressing:
Mix all ingredients well. Adjust seasonings.

To make drummettes:
Wash and dry the drummettes and season them with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with oregano and rub it into the skin. Place the drummettes
on a rack in the refrigerator to air dry, with a paper towel
underneath to absorb the drippings. Allow to dry for about 8 hours.

Prepare a barbecue grill or preheat the oven broiler. Grill or broil
the drummettes over medium-high heat for 15 to 18 minutes, turning
frequently until wings are an even golden-brown (do not let them
char).

Squeze the lemon quarters over the drummettes. Makes 4 to 5 servings.

Per serving: 311 calories; 19 grams protein; 1 gram carbohydrate; 0
fiber; 25 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 67 milligrams
cholesterol; 722 milligrams sodium.

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8/23/2006

Chicken Salad Filling

Chicken Salad Filling

Ingredients
1 1/2 c Chopped cooked chicken or
-Turkey
1/2 c Mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 md Stalk celery, chopped
1 sm Onion, chopped
1/4 Teaspoon Sage or Poultry
Seasoning
Fresh Ground Pepper

Directions
Mix all ingredients

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8/19/2006

Chicken Recipes - CHICKEN TACO FILLING

Chicken Recipes - CHICKEN TACO FILLING

This very popular recipe is all over the Internet with good reason. It is
simple (three ingredients), easy (5 minutes of your time), delicious and
versatile. Use this flavorful meat in soft tacos, hard tacos, nachos,
burritos, salads, or almost anywhere.
1 packet (4 tablespoons) taco seasoning (make your own)
1 cup chicken broth
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dissolve taco seasoning into chicken broth. Place chicken breasts in
crockpot and pour chicken broth over. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
With two forks, shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Use in soft
tacos, hard tacos, burritos, nachos, etc.To freeze, place shredded meat
into freezer bags with the juices. Press out all the air and seal

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Chicken Recipes - OVEN-FRIED CORN FLAKE CHICKEN RECIPE

Famous Recipes - OVEN-FRIED CORN FLAKE CHICKEN


3 lb Chicken; Cut Up, Fryer
2 Eggs; Large, Slightly Beaten
4 T Milk
2 1/2 c Corn Flakes; Crushed *
2 t Salt
1/2 t Pepper
5 T Butter; Melted

* Crush but do not pulverize the corn flakes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Wash chicken and pat dry. Mix together eggs and
milk. Separately mix corn flake crumbs, salt, and
pepper. Dip chicken into milk and egg mixture then
into the crumb mixture coating each piece evenly. Set
in well-greased baking pan. Drizzle with melted
butter. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour.

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8/17/2006

Chicken Recipes - FIESTA CHICKEN CROCKPOT

Chicken Recipes - FIESTA CHICKEN CROCKPOT
2 tablespoons oil
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 small jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 1/2 ounce) Mexican style diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Heat oil in skillet. Cook chicken pieces until browned. Remove and drain.
Place onion, green bell pepper, garlic and jalapeno pepper in skillet and
saute until slightly cooked. Add all ingredients to stoneware and stir to
combine. Cover; cook on LOW 8 hours (HIGH 4 hours).Serve on flour
tortillas.

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Chicken Recipes - Souper Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Recipes - Souper Chicken Tetrazzini

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion -- chopped
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) campbell's condensed
cream of chicken soup
1 soup can milk
2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

In 6-quart Dutch oven, cook spaghetti according to package directions;
drain.

Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, in hot margarine, cook
mushrooms and onion until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in soup,
milk and sherry; heat through.

Return cooked spaghetti to Dutch oven. Add soup mixture, chicken, cheese
and parsley. Toss lightly until spaghetti is coated. Over medium heat,
heat through. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Makes
about 6 cups.

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8/14/2006

CHICKEN WINGS IN MARINADE

CHICKEN WINGS IN MARINADE

1lb chicken wings
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons dry sherry
salt & pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon, honey.
Mix all ingredients and marinate chicken wings
overnight [ or several hours]
Place all in baking dish and bake until cooked.

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Easy Chicken and Rice

Easy Chicken and Rice
4 chicken breast boneless and skinless
1 cup rice, cooked
1 can cream mushroom soup or can use cream of chicken
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped

Spray a 9"x13" pan. Cut up chicken breast, add 1 cup cooked rice,
soup
milk chopped onion and celery and mix well. Add to the pan and over.
Cook at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour and the last 15 minutes leave
partially covered. The last few minutes you can add 1/2 to 1 cup
cheese.


Chicken and Rice Recipes

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Chicken Recipes - Cheesy Crockpot Chicken

Chicken Recipes - Cheesy Crockpot Chicken

1 Pound chicken breast -- boned and skinned
10 3/4 Ounces cream of chicken soup, lowfat
10 3/4 Ounces cheese soup
1/4 Teaspoon garlic powder

Place chicken in crockpot. Mix soups and garlic together and spread
over chicken. Cook on low for 8 hours.

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Broccoli And Rice Casserole

Broccoli And Rice Casserole

2 pkg. frozen chopped broccoli, cooked

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 1/2 c. cooked rice

1 c. grated sharp cheese

1/4 c. minced onion

1/4 c. celery, diced

1/8 c. cooking oil

1 can water chestnuts, sliced

1/4 c. mayonnaise

bread crumbs

Saute onion in oil and add broccoli that has been cooked.

Let mixture cool. Then add rice and cream of mushroom soup.

Put in baking dish; cover with bread crumbs

and grated cheese.

Bake in a moderate oven for about 20 minutes.



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Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

Broccoli and Chicken Casserole



Source: Better Homes and Gardens



Prep: 30 min



Bake: 40 min



Ingredients



. 4 ounces dried medium noodles



. 2-1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey



. 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed



. 1/2 cup sliced green onions



. 1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup



. 1/2 cup skim milk



. 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (2 ounces)



. 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed



. 1/8 teaspoon pepper



. Paprika



Directions



1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well.



2. In a 2-quart casserole stir together noodles, chicken or turkey, broccoli, and green onions.



3. In a medium mixing bowl stir together soup, milk, cheese, basil, and pepper. Stir into noodle mixture.



4. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with paprika. Makes 6 servings.



Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare casserole; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Bake as above.


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Bess's Chicken Casserole

Bess's Chicken Casserole



3 - leg and thigh combinations ( dark meat is more flavor in cooked dishes )

1 - cup rice

1/2 - cup chopped celery

1/4 - cup mayonnaise

1 - can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 - small onion , chopped

2 - teaspoons paprika

1 - teaspoon salt

1/4 - teaspoon black pepper

Reserve 2 1/2 - cups chicken broth



Boil chicken 30 min. covered , until tender . Remove chicken from broth with a slotted spoon onto a plate . After chicken is cool enough pull chicken

off bones . In the same pot , use the 2 1/2 cups of broth , add rice , onion, and celery , when this is done , add the chicken pieces and other ingredients

. Pour into a 2 or 3 quart casserole dish and bake for 15 min . in a preheated 375 degree oven .


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8/09/2006

Herbed Chicken Casserole Recipe with Wild Rice

Herbed Chicken Casserole Recipe with Wild Rice


1 to 1 1/2 pound chicken tenders or chicken breasts
6 to 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 to 3 slices crumbled bacon, or 2 tablespoons real bacon bits
1 teaspoon butter
1 (6 oz.) box Uncle Bens (chicken flavor) long grain wild rice
1 can herbed cream of of chicken soup
1 cup water
1 teaspoon herb mixture, such as fine herbes or a mixture of your
favorites; parsley, thyme, tarragon, etc.
Saute chicken pieces and mushrooms in oil and butter until chicken is
lightly browned. Place bacon on bottom of 3 1/2-quart (or larger)
slow cooker/Crock Pot. Place rice over bacon. Reserve package of
seasonings. Place chicken tenders over rice - if using chicken
breasts, cut in strips or cubes. Pour soup over chicken, then add
water. Top with seasonings and sprinkle with herb mixture. Cover and
cook on LOW for 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours, or until rice is tender (not
mushy).

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Chicken Recipes - Chicken in Wine Recipe

Chicken Recipes - Chicken in Wine Recipe

Cut up 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in about 1 inch pieces.
Lightly flour and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup white
cooking wine into Crock Pot, add chicken. Pour one can cream of
mushroom soup and 1/2 cup chopped onions. Mix. Do not add water as it
makes its own gravy. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Serve over egg noodles or anything else you want.
Serves 4.

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Creamy Broccoli Chicken

Creamy Broccoli Chicken

1 Can Cream of Broccoli Soup
Boneless Breasts of Chicken (as many as you need)
1 C. milk
Extra bag of frozen broccoli if desired
Place chicken in the crock. Cover with frozen veggies, cream of
broccoli soup and milk. Salt & Pepper to taste. Cook on LOW all day
[8-10 hrs] long or HIGH 4-6 hours. Serve poured over rice

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Chicken Recipes - Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

(3 1/2 quart crock)
2-4 skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion roughly chopped
2 bell peppers roughly chopped (one green, one red)
2/3-1 cup of broccoli florettes
1/2 cup of carrot chunks
1 large can of chunk pineapple (drain and SAVE the juice)
1/4-1/2 cup of brown sugar(can use reg. sugar)
1/4-1/2 cup of vinegar(I use white)
Water/wine/white grape juice/orange juice etc. as needed for extra
liquid
1 Tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of liquid you end up with
hot sauce to taste (optional)
salt and pepper to taste (optional)
cinnamon(optional)
allspice (optional)
cloves (optional)
curry powder (optional)

Put chicken breasts in slow cooker or crockpot. Add the onion,
peppers, broccoli, and carrots Whisk together until blended well, no
lumps in sugar, liquids, spices, and cornstarch, and sugar. Pour over
chicken. If there is not enough juice, add whichever liquid you
prefer to bring up to the desired level. (REMEMBER THOUGH: For each
extra cup of liquid, stir in another Tablespoon of cornstarch before
you pour it in the slow cooker/Crock Pot) . Cook 8-10 hours on Med or
10-12 on low. I sometimes vary the recipe...using fruit cocktail and
a bit less sugar, Pineapple, or apricot preserves or orange
marmalade. works too. (no cornstarch needed when you used
preserves...nor sugar of course. Use your imagination. Remember sweet
and sour is basically a fruit juice and vinegar.

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8/07/2006

CHICKEN RECIPES - TGI FRIDAY'S SIZZLING CHICKEN AND CHEESE RECIPE

CHICKEN RECIPES - TGI FRIDAY'S SIZZLING CHICKEN AND CHEESE RECIPE

2 (4 ounce) chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 cup shredded Chihuahua white cheese
2 slices American cheese
Mashed potatoes

Marinade
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 ounces olive oil
1 teaspoon crushed red chiles
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Pepper and Onion Medley
1 green pepper, julienne
1 red pepper, julienne
1 yellow onion, julienne

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.

Combine all marinade ingredients. Place chicken breasts in marinade and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

Slice peppers and onions and sauté in olive oil until al dente. Season with salt and pepper.

Saute chicken breasts in olive oil over medium heat; cook evenly on both sides to a golden brown color.

Heat cast iron skillet on burner over medium heat until very hot. Place mashed potatoes on top portion of skillet. Place cheeses on bottom portion of skillet and cover with pepper and onion medley. Add chicken to top of pepper and onion medley, resting on potatoes. Top with chopped parsley. Serve "sizzling."

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Chicken Recipes - Chicken Bean Soup

Chicken Recipes - Chicken Bean Soup

Makes 6 hearty servings


6 cups chicken stock
2 pounds chicken thigh, uncooked
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup corn, frozen
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon rosemary, dried
1 teaspoon basil, dried
1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
1 28 ounce can tomatoes, whole, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound Polish sausages
2 cups ham, cut into cubes
1 24 ounce jar Randall Great Northern Beans
1 24 ounce jar Randall Pinto Beans

Pour chicken stock into a large kettle. Add chicken, onions,
celery, corn, garlic, parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano,
tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer
and cook for 45 minutes or until chicken is tender. Skim the broth if foam appears.

Remove from heat. Remove the chicken from the broth to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the bones and cut the meat into small
pieces. Reserve.

While the broth is simmering, place the sausage into a heavy skillet and cover it with water. Simmer the sausage for 15 minutes and
drain. Once the sausage is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and slice into 1/2 inch pieces.

Add the deboned chicken, sausage slices, and the cubed ham to the broth and return to a simmer for 15 minutes. Add the Randall Beans and
continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve in large warm bowls with fresh baked bread and soft butter.

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Chicken Recipes - Lemony Greek Chicken Recipe

Chicken Recipes - Lemony Greek Chicken Recipe

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
3 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 whole small chicken (about 2 1/2 pounds), quartered 1 1/3 cups orzo
pasta
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
In small bowl, stir together 4 tablespoons of the butter, garlic, mint,
1 1/2 teaspoons of the lemon zest, oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and
1/8 teaspoon of the pepper.
2. With fingers, gently make a pocket between skin and meat on the
breast, thighs and legs. Insert 1 tablespoon butter mixture under skin
of each piece of chicken.
3. Place chicken on broiler pan. Roast in 400 oven for 45 minutes or
until internal temperature of chicken registers 180 on an instant- read
thermometer inserted into the thigh.
4. Meanwhile, prepare orzo as package label directs, adding peas during
the last 3 minutes. Drain; toss with remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 1
1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Serve with chicken and salad, if desired.

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Chicken Recipes - Peppery Horseradish Chicken

Chicken Recipes - Peppery Horseradish Chicken Recipe

1/4 cup prepared horseradish
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds cut-up broiler-fryer chicken -- (3 to 3 1/2 pounds)

Brush grill rack with vegetable oil. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat

Mix horseradish, sour cream and pepper.

Place chicken, skin sides up, on grill; brush with horseradish mixture.

Cover and grill 5 to 6 inches from MEDIUM heat 15 minutes. Turn chicken; brush with horseradish mixture. Cover and grill 20 to 40 minutes longer, turning and brushing with horseradish mixture occasionally, until juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut.

Discard any remaining horseradish mixture.

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Quick, Easy -N- Fast Chicken with Cherry Sauce Recipe

Quick, Easy -N- Fast Chicken with Cherry Sauce Recipe

1 - 8 3/4 oz. can pitted dark cherries
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 t. cornstarch
1/2 t. chicken bouillon
dash pepper
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 8 oz. total)
1 T. cooking oil

Drain the cherries, reserving 1/3 C. of the juice. Place the juice in a 1/2 C. measuring cup and fill with water until filled. Combine cherry juice mixture, green onion, cornstarch, bouillon, and pepper. Set mixture and cherries aside.

Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then pound with the flat side of a meat mallet to 1/4 inch thickness. In a large skillet, cook the chicken in hot oil over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until it is tender and no longer pink. Transfer the chicken to individual plates and keep warm.

Stir the sauce and add to the skillet. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Add cherries and heat through.

To serve, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

Serves: 2

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8/05/2006

Fourth Time by Thelly Reahm © Tidbits of Time

1992

It was our regular winter trip to Arizona. We hadn't hit the front door before Christen was announcing her good news. We'd only been on the road seven and a half hours, so I was not really up to her excitement.

"Gramma...tomorrow I get my driver's permit...wanna come with us?"

I cringed inside. There were three generation's standing here in the entry hall. My daughter, my granddaughter and me. It made me feel old suddenly. Can Chrissy be old enough to drive already? It seemed just like yesterday that we were pushing her in a stroller. Where did the years go? We hugged our hello's, brought in our usual bags of goodies for the grandchildren and settled in.

All the conversation that evening was about defensive driving. Speed limits. Signals. Parking zones. All those questions from the Arizona DMV manual that Chrissy would have to answer tomorrow.

"Don't trust turn signals....ever....especially if you're planning a left turn. That person blinking at you may not turn at all....proceed with caution," Grampa said.

There were a lot of 'I remember when' stories about early driving days that made for a happy evening. Kathee groaned over her travails with our old Volkswagen Bug and it's four speeds forward and a really weird reverse gear position. She complimented Dick and me on our patience with her back then. I hadn't remembered being patient at all. That was the period in the '60's when I had three additional children to tend to. All I recalled was wanting driver ed to be over with. Fast. All this talk about old times caused me to flash back to La Jolla and when I got my drivers permit.

Of course there were no automatic transmissions back then, nor turning signals or freeways that would blow your mind on your first day out. I did most of my practice runs in a beat up beige 1934 Willys Knight, complete with a windshield that cranked open for ventilation. We drove on a seldom used street behind La Jolla High School where students worked on old hot rods in the Machine Shop. My brother was the one who practiced with me most of the time, as my Mother did not have the stomach for this kind of torture and my Dad worked late.

One day Leo suggested we drive up to the Muirlands. There was very little traffic in that area, but I will never forget my consternation when he told me to stop right in the middle of the road on a rather steep incline.

"Kill the engine and set your brake," he said.

I complied.

"Now start it up again, put it in gear, step on the gas, don't roll back and go on up the hill."

I was scared to death, but I did it....exactly. Well, except for the rolling back part.

"O.K. stop again, you rolled back too much," he said with his big superior brother attitude. I was glad to have him help me, but this was ridiculous.

I went through the routine again. Stop. Kill the engine. Set the break. Start up again. Don't roll back. This was really frightening.

"It's going to be on the driving test, so you'd better get it right now while you're not under pressure." Not under pressure? Guess again!

Stop. Kill the engine. Set the break. Start again. Don't roll back. I got it after eleven tries. After that many trial and error routines, you begin to get a feel for it. It becomes you and you never forget. More trivia I don't need now that both our cars have automatic transmissions.

Chrissy was still sleeping when I came in the house the next morning from the motorhome.

I saw Kathee go in to Christen's room as I came down the hallway.

"Chrissy Pie, wake up....wake up....we all over slept and there's only 20 minutes to get to the DMV," she said pulling back her covers.

"Oh, No!" Chrissy groaned, leaping out of bed and heading for the bathroom.

"Just kidding," Kathee said following her and hugging her, "I just wanted to tease you....lighten up!"

"Mom! How could you? I'm nervous enough as it is!" she did her fake pout which all of us call the phoney smile.

Gramma, Mom and Chrissy piled into their family mini-van and headed for the freeway and the DMV of Phoenix.

"Do I have my I.D.?" Chrissy asked for the third time.


"Yes, honey, don't be nervous....you're going to do just fine," her Mom said looking back over her shoulder. I wished she would keep her eyes on the road. I was beginning to get nervous myself....a trait that was carried down from one generation to the next....basically on the female side.

We parked and I let Kathee and Christen go on ahead so I could take a picture of them going in the door marked DMV. Then I followed them inside to the examination room. When Chrissy sat down to take the exam I poised the camera for another shot.

"Oh, Gramma!" Chrissy said looking like she wished I hadn't followed her in there.

"You know Gramma, I've gotta document everything on film for posterity!" I said. "This is the fourth generation of female automobile drivers in this family. My Mother's Mom had to conquer a horse and buggy!"

Kathee motioned for me to go to the outside waiting room until Chrissy got through this major ordeal of her life.

Later, as we left the foyer, they both looked as though she hadn't passed the exam. Either that, or they were both just really blase about the whole thing. Then Chrissy flipped out the piece of paper that proclaimed her as a learning driver and waved it at me as I took another picture of her leaving the building.

I flashed back again to a sunny afternoon in Pacific Beach. A dirt road that was extremely wide and seldom traveled. That day my brother was to teach me to park. I was prepared for a grueling session of 'do it again' or 'it's gonna be on the test' coming from him. I just gritted my teeth and started to practice. That seldom used dirt road is now busy Grand Avenue....all four lanes of it and as for parking or stopping on hills without rolling back, I am a super whiz.

"Gramma, ya wanna go with us to practice driving this afternoon?" Chrissy asked when we got home.

"No thanks, Sweetie, I don't think my nerves are up to it this time around. I'll just take a picture as you leave!"

I got out the camera and watched through the view finder as she climbed into the mini-van. I could feel the adrenalin start to course through my veins. This was as close to being in the car with another teenaged driver as I wanted to be!

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Old Dogs, by Thelly Reahm © Tidbits of Time

1991


I was raised on sage sayings from the south like, ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’ or ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ and ‘You can’t teach old dogs new tricks’.

Well, this ‘old dog’ knows different!

“Why in the world do you want a computer?” my husband asked me. I understood his dismay...we had just retired and were ready to kick back and travel.

“I tried one and I like the sound of the clicking keyboard!” I said.

“What?” he looked at me like I was ready for the funny farm.

“You heard correctly. If I never do anything with it, I like the sound it makes. It comforts me!”

That was just the beginning of an age old battle at our house...the left-brainer (him) versus the right-brainer (me). I thought that he might like one for bookkeeping and income taxes. I wanted one for writing stories. We jawed back and forth about the pros and cons of jumping onto the Super-Information Highway.

“Do we really need it?” he asked.

“No...it’s a ‘want’ not a ‘need’.”

As children of The Great Depression, it was more difficult for us to justify such a large outlay of ready cash for a ‘want’, but finally frivolity (me) won over frugality (him).

After that was all settled, we made lists of what we wanted in a computer, and what programs would be a necessary add-on. Then we checked prices all over town, consulted a guru friend who already had a lavish computer set-up, and finally we made the plunge.


“You probably won’t have to add to this for ten years!” our friend advised us.

We bought a 386 IBM clone with WordPerfect, Quicken, Quattro Pro, PC Tools and an ever increasing pile of books...some of which I needed a commputer dictionary to understand.

This was just the beginning.

At sixty-one years of age, I embarked on learning a new language and a new way of doing things. By writing the story of my life, my whole world opened up for me. I didn’t know a Cursor (the blinking signal that marks your location on a page) from a Mouse (the point and click mechanism that guides you to all the icons that perform functions). ASCII (a standard code for representing characters as binary numbers) was as much Greek to me as WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). However, one Saturday spent learning WordPerfect in a Day at the local college convinced me that this new medium was a must. We had to jump on the Super-Information Highway or be left in the dust of archaic methods of the past.

Things that had taken a week at secretarial jobs of my youth were done now in minutes. Errors were backspaced out or deleted. A click of the Mouse would mark whole passages to be moved elsewhere. And delete took care of most of the cliches I carelessly dumped into all my stories. Amazing that a click on a little trash can icon made them disappear!

I remembered working at Traveler’s Indemnity in Los Angeles in the sixties when my supervisor insisted that errors on insurance policies be hand scraped with an Exacto Knife. Or further back to the forties, when I worked for an attorney in La Jolla where no erasures were allowed at all. I didn’t last long there!

I really got comfortable with the computer class in a hurry. The idea that changes could be made so readily...and with so little effort totally fascinated me. And Spell Check was another dream come true, because writing stories off the top of my head I often spelled phonetically. Grammar Check was another option that just blessed my soul. It checked punctuation and caught all my passive verbs. It even told me what grade level I was writing to and how my material held up against Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address! I couldn’t believe a computer could compensate for my lack of literary lucidity, but it did!

In 1944, when I was a high school sophomore, I took typing. At that time, a small bell on the typewriter rang to alert you that it was time to grasp a lever and pull it to the right of the carriage to drop your work down a line and return your typing position to the left margin.

Word processing, however, has WordWrap. Words print from margin to margin automatically without the need to return the carriage by hand. Now that was another process relegated to the archaic past. What a joy to write a rough draft and then go back and fill in or move paragraphs around without physically cutting and pasting with paper and sticky glue.

I admit there were moments when the ‘old dog’ saying crept into my head, but I learned to trust the PC’s RAM (random access memory) when my own personal short term memory let me down. I changed type fonts in the middle of a stream of thought, and underlined and italicized the characters just by clicking an icon. And I’d thought icons were only found in churches! What did I know?

There were lots of terms that confused me for a while, but once I absorbed the fact that each segment of a clear screen must be given instructions on what to do, I understood better the acronym GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) and it became my watchword. I was responsible. It was not going to write for me but it would help in every way possible!

Soon the PC became my friend, I was writing a story a week for my Life Story class and learning to design greeting cards on Announcements in my spare time. Life was fun! This retirement thing was a blast, and I was just beginning my ‘seasoned citizen’ years.

I had written a hundred and twenty stories and with the aid of desktop publishing programs I had created a lovely book of memories for my family and friends.

At this time, I am convinced that I have only begun to realize the vast potential of the computer. I have miles to go, but I am on my way. I don’t think they make ‘old dogs’ like they used to!

It all came about because of a curious mind that wanted to learn a new medium...just for the fun of it. A little white-haired lady (now sixty-two) didn’t want the Super-Information Highway to pass her by. Why?

Just because I liked that soft clicking sound of a computer keyboard.

One thing naturally led to another!

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Who Am I? by Thelly Reahm © Tidbits of Time

1990

I am Thelma Lucille (Hyder, Gorden) Reahm

Physically:

From my drivers license age of sixteen until I was forty-five, my physical description remained the same. Female. White. 5'5". 120 pounds. Green eyes. Brown hair.

There were variations during those years for pregnancy, when my weight shot up to 135 and down as low as 105 after, but for the most part, I was size 7 or 8 depending on the designer.

Then menopause happened. Partially by hysterectomy in 1960. The remainder about 1970. My hair turned white (during the years that I was bleaching it blonde) and my waist thickened and I gradually lost height and gained weight. That was a double whammy....plus the fact that I am large boned anyway. I'm now size 12 to 14, and I exercise rigorously walking and waterobics to maintain my weight at 140.

Although my hair was brown, I have had a stint at being a redhead (during the early 60's) and a blonde (during the 70's). By age forty-five my hair was pretty well snow white.

Occupation:

I have lived the role of Girl, Wife, Mother, Writer, Optometric Assistant (San Diego City College 1959), Writer (I sold some short stories and a trashy novel during this hiatus). Copy Boy co-owner, Real Estate Entrepreneur, Gramma, Writer, Body and Soul leader (I wrote the Body and Soul Diet Book) Drug and Alcohol Facilitator, and Writer again (my life story period).

Writing seems to be my most favorite thing to do and the thing that I have enjoyed doing with my talents the most. From days with a shorthand notebook on my beach towel at the foot of Sea Lane in La Jolla to the fast track of computer word processor in my golden years at Summit House. Writing is the most rewarding and soul satisfying.

Writing is what I do best.

Gramma is what I am best!

I suppose that is part and parcel of being a parent first, but of all my vocations or avocations, I hold The Grands most dear. Maybe that is the child still in me....or they give me the excuse to relive my own childhood. I wish that I could have experienced the closeness, and the TIME with my own children that I have had during the summers at Summit House.

All I can do is thank my children for providing me with such treasures. You done good!

Spiritually:

I was raised Baptist for the most part at La Jolla Baptist Church on the corner of Genter and Draper Street. I was married there in 1947 (to Ben), my children were on the Nursery Roll and were dedicated to God there by Pastor Earl Reeves. I still belong to Forget-me-nots, a group of the girls from that church that I grew up with. We meet annually for lunch and reminiscing.

I had a brief time of membership at Christ Lutheran in Pacific Beach. At that time Quentin Garman was pastor. This is during the period that Ben 'dropped out' spiritually. Bruce was confirmed there and served as Altar Boy. Kathy sang in the youth choir.

In 1964 I 'dropped out' spiritually speaking, got a divorce and re-married. Dick and I spasmodically attended the Reformed Church in Clairemont where we were married. Within our first year of marriage, RCA transferred us to Hollywood Regional Office and we lived in Canoga Park. We 'dropped out' totally from attending church as a family at that time.

My spiritual awakening came in 1973 at Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa. I had never stopped believing, but I had stopped living what I believed. I learned there that God loved me unconditionally and that the Holy Spirit was my healer, helper and comforter.

Since that time I have been living in sobriety a serene life in the midst of the same strife that life had presented me before. I had always thought that knowing Jesus kept you from perils. I have learned that He goes through the peril with you and brings you out the other side a saner more serene person than if he had protected you from it.

I am a facilitator of Overcomer's Outreach, a Christian 12-step group at Carlsbad Community Church, where Dick and I have been active members since 1986.

Characteristically:

My life has probably been close to the Boy Scout model of Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient and Cheerful (except for my delayed adolescent rebellion period in the '60's). I was an obedient, compliant, only child. My parents were also raising my half-brother who was eight years older than me. My Grandma Talbert lived with us, too. I lived in a household of adults and lived like a miniature adult. Children were to be seen and not heard in those days.

Because of that attitude, I read voraciously. I took piano lessons, and elocution lessons (learning to read poetry expressively). I was painfully shy until my teen years when I served as president of the youth group at La Jolla Baptist Church.

In boyfriends I looked most for a sense of humor and then for black hair and blue eyes. I didn't find all of these qualities in the same person. I came close a few times. That's about all you can ask when you're young.



Post Script:

I still love a good joke, I still love to read and most of all I lose myself in writing.

Up until 1991 I did not think I had any memories of my childhood, but due to the LIFE STORY WRITING CLASS and Mac Hartley, the teacher who taught me to write off the top of my head, I was able me to accomplish this project.

This book TIDBITS OF TIME proves that I was wrong once! I did have memories. And they were worth writing about. I will continue to add stories as the Lord recalls them to my mind, proving the old saying "Come grow old with me....the best is yet to be."

This is my best love gift to my family. Treasure it always, because you are all a part of it.

The story's changed somewhat over the years as older generations of the family tell it to newer ones. But somehow no one ever gets too tired to tell it, or too bored to listen.

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Spiritually Speaking, by Thelly Reahm © Tidbits of Time

1990

My Beliefs:

I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

I believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God given to us for inspiration, direction, education and guidance.

I believe in the Apostles Creed read on Communion Sunday in church.

I believe in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.

I believe in family.

I believe in keeping it simple....similar to a Mother's instruction to her child: Wash your hands. Brush your teeth. Comb your hair. Clip your nails. Take a bath. Use deodorant. Get a haircut. Polish your shoes. Change your clothes. Button your shirt. Don't pick it. Shut the door. Clean your room. Make your bed. Do your homework. Flush the toilet. Do your chores. Stop that noise. Save your money. Write to Grandma. Phone home first. Beware of strangers. No more TV. Wait until Christmas. And smile!

While acknowledging the depth of the wisdom of Christ, my favorite apostle Paul emphasized the simplicity of his approach to spirtual parenting. He proclaimed a message of simple sentences: Jesus loves you. He was crucified. He is risen. He is Lord. We have sinned. We need forgiveness. Don't trust yourself. Believe in Him. Let Him lead. Depart from sin. Love and help one another. Spread the Word....Jesus has come. He's coming again!

When I dedicated my children to the Lord when they were babies, Pastor Reeves of La Jolla Baptist Church wrote a letter to them to be opened on their 12th birthday. It explained the way of salvation to them in the simplest of terms. The people of the church promised to live an exemplary life before them. The parents promised to teach their children in the ways of the Lord.

In turn, I have written to each of my grandchildren when they were born. At this point in time, Christen and Krishell have opened their letters of instruction from Grandma. For those still waiting to reach the age of accountability, and for the ancestors to come, I have also added my daily prayers for their salvation, sobriety and serenity. I have also prayed for Christian mates for them.


They say that leaves don't fall far from the tree. I hope that your life is a straight path, because angels are guarding you and sweeping that path clear for you. They are also behind you whispering THIS IS THE WAY....WALK IN IT!

I want you to know that when a loved one dies in the security of their salvation, there is great comfort in the fact that "to be absent from the body" is "to be present with the Lord." Death for us is not a dark journey into the unknown. It is not a lonely walk into a strange and friendless place. It is a glorious transition from the trials of earth into the joys of heaven, where we will be reunited with our loved ones in Christ who have gone before. Best of all, we will enjoy the presence of our Lord forever. My memorial service should be one of joy and jubilation because I will be in Heaven waiting for you!

See you there!



APOSTLE'S CREED

I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;

He descended into Hell;

The third day he arose from the dead;

He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty: From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Holy Christian Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen!

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Reflections, by Thelly Reahm, ©Tidbits of Time

1990

Part of the blessing of photography classes is that you forever look at pictures differently. Not just your own, but the photographs of others.

You ask yourself such questions as what time of day was this picture taken? What season of the year? What is the light source? Were they using a tele-photo lens? What F-stop were they using?

I will never forget the first time I saw a picture of the Princess Hotel on Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. The reflection of the glacier was just magnificent. I remembered what the teacher said about focusing on the reflection rather than the thing reflected, for a sharper than normal image. I studied that picture long and hard and after much scrutiny knew that someday, some way I would be sitting beside that lake to make my imprint on the chemistry of film running through my camera.

At first I thought I would get to see that famous resort when we went to Expo-86, but three weeks wasn't long enough to cover the World's Fair, Vancouver Island's famed Victoria and also scoot across the miles to Alberta. It was not the resort itself or the village of Banff that drew me magnetically. It was that haunting reflection I had seen in camera class.

Finally, in 1990 we started off on this much awaited trip to Alberta, Canada.

We left from Phoenix, as we often do because of the need to go to Montara before leaving town for any length of time, and travelled North through Utah. Our first photo-rama was at The Grand Tetons. I sympathize with professional photographers who get to the site of their object of desire and the weather is not cooperating. It could take months to get those perfect pictures. I never did see the top of the Teton's because it was snowing so hard. Although we went back and camped at Jackson Hole to wait for the weather to change, it didn't so we headed on North.

We parallelled the Rockies on the East side up through Wyoming and Montana. They were magnificent. If I had known that the Rockies were going to look so wondrous in their snow drenched brilliance, I probably would have passed on the Tetons. They certainly made up for any disappointment I felt being snowed on in Jackson.

Yellowstone had been totaled by the fierce fires that had been allowed to burn out uncontrolled, so photography there was not of aspen groves dappled with spring leaves as I pictured in my minds eye, but stark mountains populated with black, grotesque monuments to the horror of pyrotechnics.

Motorhoming is peculiar, in that while drawing yellow tour lines on maps, the distance looks less than it actually is. Pretty soon you become jaded by all the mountains, trees, lakes, farms, and hamlets. Things have to be mighty spectacular for you to even stop the car and get out to photograph something.

Not so when you get to Banff. Glacier National Park totally surrounds you with beauty so spectacular it's hard to know where to point the camera.

When we got to Lake Louise the first thing we noticed from the parking lot was there was a lot of snow piled up here. Mounds of it. Also, mounds of building materials. The hotel was being remodeled! What a revolting development that was. Scaffolding was peaking over the green copper roofs and construction crews were everywhere.

Dick took charge of the Video equipment, while I was getting my
camera loaded for my moment of triumph at the lake. We arrived for the early morning reflections which are always best. I was cold and stopped to put on another pair of pants over the ones I had on. I really hadn't expected so much snow on the ground at the beginning of June, but what do native Californian's know about such things.

I started out on the path made by a snow plow toward the lake. This was the moment all those photography classes had been for...all those thousands of grueling miles in the Motorhome. Everything had led up to the moment of triumph when I would see that magnificent cerulean blue lake with the crystal reflection of the glacier. Not a ripple on the lake to disrupt the beauty of the early morning.

A few more feet and I would be there. I checked my camera. I had turned it on. I had tentatively set the f-stop for what I was pretty sure it would be. The adrenalin was pumping through my veins.

One more turn of the path and I would see that magnificent curve of lake surrounded by snow and the glacier, and the darling hotel nestled by the water.

I raised my camera in anticipation and adjusted the view finder. Somehow I couldn't adjust it to clear...all I could see was white. Was it malfunctioning now at my special moment in time?

I lowered the camera to see what was wrong. I looked out towards the lake, at least where it was supposed to be in relationship to the hotel, and there was nothing but snow.

"What's going on?" I said to Lake Louise...to anyone who would listen.

"I've seen people talking to their video camera," a lady said passing me on the path, "but that's the first time I've heard someone talk to a still camera."

"The lake is frozen...it's covered with snow!" I screamed. "I can't believe it...where's that wonderful blue I came to photograph?"

Dick caught up with me, the video poised for the first view of Lake Louise.

"Don't bother," I said, "the only reflection is in my head!"

It has been said that the original photograph is in the mind, what we take with camera's are only reprints.

Lake Louise was forever etched on the planes of my mind from a dream that almost became reality. Sometimes those reflections are the very best. The beauty of the lake was not dependent on film, f-stops or focusing. It hinged only on my memory of the dream and that picture I could carry with me always.

That's why they call amateur photoprapher's amateur I guess. I have loads of pictures in my mind, but I have more reprints of reality in my photograph albums. Cloud topped Tetons, burned out Yellowstone, and my now famous picture of frozen Lake Louise. That's what my memories are made of...reflections of life as it really is.

But I can still trip out on the perfect reflections in my head.

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Photograph Albums, by Thelly Reahm, Tidbits of Time

Photograph Albums








1990

I orchestrate each moment of today for the memories of tomorrow. I'm a photographer of family festivities.

I can be racked with the pain of arthritis or the tension of stress, but our wearing apparel must be color-co-ordinated for the pictures. Two rolls of film. One in the camera....one in the pocket. Hair freshly washed, blown and curled just right. Looking the part that we want future photo album viewers to see.

Can they never know that life for us was less than perfect? Will it show in some half-conscious gesture or frown or tone of voice that comes somehow through our genes? Will we give it away by a glance at the clock hoping the event will soon be over or that the children will stay another day?

February birthdays come with the mushy cards and gifts we hope will fit and suit the honorees. And most of all will they say "Thank you, it was just what I wanted" with a hug hard enough to break brittle old bones? "Get a picture of that, somebody! Here, we'll do it again!" Will they do their 'social graces' later reminding you that your long search for that much loved item was truly appreciated? Will it be worth the walk to the Post Office that day?

Easter finery is a thing of the past. The church doesn't even turn up one Easter bonnet on a carefully coiffed head. Well....it's just as well....you couldn't see over them anyway. Another picnic with Baked Ham, Potato Salad and Carrot Jello sogging through the paper plates. And enough deviled eggs to clog up the veins of any red blooded American family. The pictures won't likely be very good....it's the gloom time of year.

It's harder to get a parking place in La Jolla now. Ellen Browning Scripps park is overrun with Snowbirds from Canada, Minnesota and Maine. The lump still arrives in the throat at remembered picnics during World War II.

"Get the whole family together for a snapshot before we leave...." It's harder to carry the picnic basket back to the car. Even though it's empty now. A hand reaches out to lighten the load, but the custody of the camera is mine. Always mine. Sometimes a kid-laden departing car makes a cute shot....especially if there's a red surf board on top....even if it never touched the water!

Fourth of July starts the day before, with cooking of chili beans....made from scratch of course. They simmer all day and get hotter as each taster says, "More chili powder!"

"Have we got enough buns?" The basket has gotten bigger over the years. More grandchildren come along, some suddenly like two sets of twins.

"Who's bringing the ketchup and mayo?" Tuck in another stack of napkins. Grand-children are messy, especially if all the nifty nine are here at once. Outdoor reunions are best and the beach makes for the happiest bathtub around....spilled anything or anyone can be dunked and hugged back to a sunshiny smile.

"That was the best chili you've ever made!"

Part of the reward of making it from scratch is hearing that, but that's not admitted. With a wave of a towel, it's dismissed with "You say that every year!" For sure it will be written down in the annals of family history.

Tired little buckaroos lay down for naps on the splashy beach towels....umbrellas stretch their loving shade around them protecting them from dangers our generation did not know existed.

Then there's parents starting to make coffee over the bonfire. There's a long evening ahead as we wait patiently for the fireworks to begin. Grandparents stretching out on their lounges, pretending not to be one bit tired, but soon nodding off with the younger children.

Hot, hungry, sticky, sleepy, cold, comfortable, exciting, exulting.

Red, white and blue and sometimes a yellow ribbon.

Autumn color does not come along with California Thanksgiving, but we wear it in our clothes. We look like Fall....with turtle necks, and darker colors, but the pictures won't tell it's all cotton because November is still warm. Oh...perhaps cool enough in the evening for a sweater. Maybe not. Usually the house is all opened up because of the heat of a turkey roasting all day. You can smell them up and down the block....spices, pumpkin and the seaweed-smells and sound of surf. The inevitable surfboard parade is passing the front window....a wetsuit telling the weather better than a barometer.

And then they come. If it's 'our year' to do the honors, noisy, bustling adult children bearing trays of portable side dishes. The dessert, the pickles and olives we never seem to have room for. The men setting up extra tables. The children secretly sampling early hors d'oeuvres. The women tasting and basting, approving the latest recipe from Gourmet Magazine and everyone wanting the dinner to taste the same as they remembered it before.

"Yes, I ground up fresh cranberries for the compote!"

"Yes, you may have one deviled egg before dinner."

"Yes, that's Kona coffee you smell."

The pictures never show if the bird was tough or juicy. We have to remember that ourselves and the 'cook of the year' usually does, punishing herself into the next decade. The girls are teenagers now....my how tall they're getting. As their pictures are placed into the album with care, we remember that we don't have many babies anymore. Where did they go? And so fast!

The good dishes are hardly put away before it's Christmas. We pray for the weather to cool down and be a little more crisp. A Torrey Pine bough is brought in from out front to lay on the mantle.

The tree is decorated with all the beachy things collected over the years and Santa, big old ceramic Santa is sitting by the hearth. There's way too many presents under the tree. We've forgotten how to 'make do' the way we did in our youth. The carols are playing on the stereo, the fireplace is crackling and Wassail is brewing on the back burner of the stove. We do all the things from our childhood memories and traditions to make this a blessed time for all.

And then they come. Noisy, full of joy, laden with gifts and Dad carrying a tradition of their own. The Happy Birthday, Jesus cake. We remember Him in prayer around the tree and sing this special carol of Christmas with little child voices being taught the special meaning of this day.

Maybe we didn't cook too much food or waste too many hours shopping or wrapping or preparing for this moment.

When each gift is opened, and each hug is felt, and each tired child goes home, we'll take a picture of the 'mess; that was family togetherness and rejoice that we have a family who believes. Our gifts may soon be forgotten, but God's gift to us means we will have eternity together. That's worth any price.

As I close this album after placing the last cute holiday pose, the February birthdays are looming just a few days ahead. If you want to know what that's like, go back to the beginning of this story or one of fifty-something photograph albums. You'll be a year younger, but the memories will be forever imprinted on your mind and you'll know, year by passing year, just who and what you looked like when.

You'll know that you belonged to a loving, caring family who enjoyed being together for all the special occasions of their lives.

That's what memories are made of.

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Name-calling, by Thelly Reahm, ©Tidbits of Time

1990

A Smelly Rose told of the origin on my name and some of the feelings that went along with it. What that story didn't tell was the amount of names I've had through the years.

Johnny: 1932 - 1944
Thelma: In school only
Heidi: By my mother, trying to get a nickname going besides Johnny
Posey: By a short-lived boy-girl relationship. He gave me a friendship bracelet with that name on it. Maybe he found the bracelet. I don't know.
Baby: By my first husband when he was happy with me.
Bucky: By my first husband when he was not happy with me. From a joke "Slip me a kiss, Bucky, I'm thirsty.
Mommy: By Bruce and Kathy
Mrs. G: By Dr. Malin, my first Optometry job.
Tilg: By Dr. Kuntz and later, Tiller. From my initials TLG and later he called me Tiller, from my new initials TLR, as I worked for him briefly after Dick and I were married.
Pee Wee-2: By Richie, who is Pee Wee-I. Meaning we are a small, PeeWee family now that all the children are grown and gone.
Gramma: By Christen, Krishell, Jon Mark, Clinton, Kelly and Kathy, and later by Linda's children, Jamie, John and Jeff.
Ann: Self inflicted by me during early A.A. days. I truly wanted anonymity I did not divulge my real name until I took my first birthday cake at the Ebell Club in Newport Beach.
Thelly: By Richie, and picked up by Body & Soul and Overcomer’s Groups and Seaside Church.
Great: When my first great-grandchild Taysia Ann arrived I said just call me 'Great'. She calls me Great-Reahm

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I'm a Survivor, by Thelly Reahm, Tidbits of Time

1990

In the 60's when Dragnet was in its heyday, it was a comic thing to mimic the deadpan quips of Sgt. Joe Friday.

"Just the facts Ma'am," or when he was taking down the facts, he would say "Any identifying scars, birthmarks or tattoos?" He never seemed to blink his eyes, and he never, ever smiled.

I used to think if I were the victim, that I had plenty of identifying marks. If someone were describing me I was a roadmap of incisions, or keloids from non-invasive type traumas.

My birthmarks were freckles. All over my body...nobody could mistake me. My Gramma told me there was a pound of sugar under each freckle! But still I thought them to be ugly until boys thought a freckled pug nose was cute. Then I warmed up to the idea of freckles a little a bit. However, I never wore orange...it only made me look like I had thousands more freckles than I had. For sure, more than when I wore blue.

I've already written a story about my ordeal with the washing machine wringer (see Wash Day). The area below my left elbow keloided even though the wringer didn't split my skin open. Our old family doctor placed my arm in a sling for a long time. My bones weren't broken, but he felt it was the thing to do because of the mass of scar tissue forming in the weeks that followed the accident. I lost the use of my left arm for about six months just due to inactivity. Over the years, the keloid lost some of it's puffiness and the angry red color, so in later years hardly anyone ever asked about it. I survived!

A couple of years after that incident, I took up doing tricks on the clothes line pole. Skin the cat. Chin ups. What kid hasn't? At least in our day. There weren't any gyms to go to and everyone had a clothesline in their backyard. I was warned innumerable times that it was not safe to swing on it, but I fearlessly continued until one day I forgot to push myself back from it as I swung backward to dismount. I was tall, skinny and gangly. Not like the gymnasts of todays Olympic Games. I landed in some gravel below the clothesline and my teeth gashed my lower lip. There is a small ell-shaped scar there today. Mostly I cover that one up with make up. I survived!

Then I got acne in my teens. The method of treatment in the 1940's was to cut the blemish open and spray it with what smelled like rotten eggs, then zap it with X-Ray. X-Ray is no longer used that indiscriminately, due to the side effects of cancer. The ones that didn't 'do well are the small keloids on my chin and near my nose. I survived!

From teenaged acne I went off to Biola College. I slept on a top bunk in my little luggage closet of a bedroom. One night I fell off and hit a chair. Hence my 50 year old dent on the shin-bone of my left leg. And sure enough, I survived!

From teens to my thirties, I fared well. During my two pregnancies my acne cleared up and never came back much after that. Of course my stomach was covered with stretch marks...but who cares! I had two wonderful babies to show for it. I survived!

When I was thirty I had a total hysterectomy. I had multiple fibroid tumors and a pedunculated cyst wrapped around my appendix. When I saw that incision after surgery, I swore up and down to get a doctor with smaller hands. No more bikini style bathing suits. That incision angles from my left hip to where my appendix was. It came out too. At my six weeks check up the doctor said, "You can dive from the high dive now...you're all healed up." I didn't bother to tell him I couldn't swim. That incision was so sensitive from the keloid, I couldn't tell if it was healed or not. But I survived!

I had two hemorrhoidectomies in the next five years. No scars, marks or keloid's. Just a lot of pain. And I survived that!

In 1970 I had an exploratory surgery for possible gall stones. No gallstones. Big mistake. Too bad. No recourse. Big incision now down from the breast bone to my navel. It keloided so badly I couldn't stand to wear clothing over it. No more two piece bathing suits at all much less bikinis. Two years of miserable burning and twitching pain in the incision. Then I heard of a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach who was successful excising keloid's. He took many tiny, tiny stitches and then did radiation to stop the new incision from keloiding. It didn't work. The radiologist didn't zap it long enough. Too bad. No recourse. When the pain became really serious again, I had the new incision excised one more time. More radiation. This time it did work. No keloid! Success. I really survived!

In 1987 I participated in a government study of Retin-A to see if this medicine, which was primarily used for acne treatment, would also reduce facial wrinkling. Young beach bunnies are the wrinkled old ladies of today. I was happy to be chosen for the study. However, the study included two biopsies. They were done on the forehead at the hair line, but goofy me...instead of keloiding like I expected, it did the opposite and imploded. So I have a small hole in my forehead. It's very small and always covered by my bangs. No big deal. Besides, I think my skin looks smoother due to Retin-A, so again I survived!

During that program, I noticed a bump on my jaw-line. I don't think I would have noticed it at all if I hadn't been taking such meticulous care of my face, but the doctor was checking it with a magnifying glass every week, plus I was smoothing on Retin-A every day. I noticed that it was growing. He told me to see my Kaiser doctor, which I did immediately. She thought it was a cyst and gave me antibiotics to shrink it. Six weeks passed. It only got bigger. She sent me to an Ear, Nose and Throat man. He did a biopsy on it. It wasn't cancer, but it had growing cells. It must be operated on at once.


"We don't like growing things in the face," he said, "especially that close to your ear. The lump is small so the surgery won't be serious." He was really young. In his forties.

After surgery, for what I thought was a pea sized lump, they had done a parotidectomy and removed a tumor that was found to be cancer. It was a muco-epidermoid cancer, and thought to be contained. Now I have a rather major sized crater on the left side of my face and an incision that follows a neck wrinkle down my throat and up behind my ear. Did it keloid? Of course! Only behind my ear, but the left ear and jawline are numb.

"That's what we call a dead ear," the doctor said when I asked when I would get feeling back in it. "You may or you may not," he said shuffling the papers in my folder. He was way too young to be my doctor. We got into a rather low-key fight about keloids, which I had warned him about before surgery. Come to find out , he was the chief honcho for the ENT unit at Zion. Any recourse? Not after the way you sign away your rights before surgery. But I survived this too.

In fact...my distinctive white hairdo is a result of trying to cover up his destructive suturing method that left so much damage. I would still be wearing those kinky little old lady perm's had it not been for this keloid. And I survived it, too!

So, yes...I have identifying marks and scars, but no tattoos! Except the ones doctors have left on me from surgery. They are who I am. Every wrinkle, stretch mark, every scar, every keloid, every dent every white hair. These are the things that make me exclusively me. They tell me I am alive!

In the book of Psalms, The Word tells us that before we were knit in our mother's womb that God knew everything about us and everything that would happen to us. What that means to me is that the important thing in my life is how I react to what happens. My attitude is what makes life a tragedy or a treasure, and every morning it is my choice which way it goes.

I choose to call all these battle scars my badges of honor, because I am a survivor!

And you my grandchild, if you fall heir to my keloiding, or to my fibroids or freckles, can be encouraged by my life experiences. I did not give up and that, my dear, tells the tale!

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the Grand Vocation, by Thelly Reahm, Tidbits of Time

1990

Not since Bess Truman have we had a First Lady of the land who did not look vaguely anorexic or was face-lifted to distraction. Barbara Bush is a refreshing breath of reality in the White House She lets you know it's o.k. to be white haired, pleasantly plump and wear fake choker pearls, and look like somebody's grandmother.

She believes strongly in the importance of grandchildren. She calls hers The Grands. I like that.

It's been said that grandchildren are a parents' second chance...when they have more time! Allotting the time is the secret. Good grandparenting takes time. It is an art in itself.

It includes such mundane things as babysitting to give your own child a break, but there are so many sublime opportunities to bond with that new generation of your genes that it can become a game to see all the nooks and crannies where 'the Grands' can be included in your life. It can mean mini vacations at your house. It could be camping trips to teach them about the great outdoors. You can be pen-pals if you live at a great distance, they love to get mail. Being creative about grandparenting is as simple a thing as opening your mind to the possibilities.

PHOTO FACTS

Through The Eye Of A Camera

When our first grandchild was born, I volunteered to be the official photographer. I took pictures of the Hospital marquee, the family waiting room, the labor room, the nursery window before the arrival and after. I'd have been in the delivery room too, if I'd been allowed. Some hospitals do encourage this. Some allow a camcorder to record the entire event. Personal preference of the new parents to be should be the guideline.

Later I prepared a special photograph album with all the pictures and details and comments of the day. This is the time when it's nice to include in the album a weather report and the front page headlines of the baby's birth day. I realize you can get all those things computerized nowadays, but it's more cost effective and personal to do them at the time. In fact you might want to incorporate news items from the towns of the other grandparents too.

SOUND EFFECTS

Get To Know Your Tape-Recorder

Before the baby's birth, I tape record water sounds. The washing machine, the dishwasher, turning on and off the kitchen faucet, a shower running. These sounds played back later to a fussy baby can lull them back to sleep. It's kind of a 'back to the womb' experience and will only work for the first few months, but anything is worth a try when you've tried everything else! Of course you want to be sure that the baby has been fed, changed and comforted before using this method, but when nothing else works, the water sounds will. $100.00 teddy bears with a similar recording in it's tummy are available at department stores, but again...not nearly as thoughtful or as personal. This is just another 'one of a kind' thing a grandparent can do.

DEDICATION

Baby's First Letter

Sometime during a new grandchild's first week of life, when the excitement is fresh and feelings are bubbling from your heart, it's a good time to write the baby' first letter from you. I start my letters out with a description of what we were doing the day they came into this world. Then, like it is something to enclose in a time capsule, I enter facts about what World is like at this time. I tell the price of gasoline, what music is popular, the Oscar-winning movie of that year, who is President of our country and what clothing fads are popular.

Then I tell the child of our beliefs and explain that Christianity is not something that is handed down from generation to generation but that it is a personal belief...a relationship with Jesus Christ. I tell them that they have been prayed for and loved all their life and that we have tried to be role models. Now the choices are up to them.

This letter is to be opened on their 12th birthday. We have already celebrated two such "Openings" and I can't express the joy we feel inside when these children assure us of their love for us and the Lord, and thank us for thinking ahead and writing 'the letter'.

TUCK INS

When You Can't Be There

Goodnight stories from a loving grandparent are especially nice if you live at a distance. I recorded the entire Mother Goose book for my first grandchild. Example:

"Hi Chrissy. It's Gramma. I just came to tell you a goodnight story. Lay your head down on the pillow and listen quietly: (read a verse or two from Mother Goose)".

"Goodnight, Sweetie. Sleep tight. Gramma loves you. (Another option would be to end the session with a goodnight kiss and a child's prayer)".

Vary the script for each night of the week, so you don't sound stale or repetitious.

ABC RHYMES

Re-cycled Christmas Cards

Their first Christmas is a nice time to present a scrapbook of ABC's. You'll have to plan ahead for this one. Save your Christmas cards each year. Cut the front pictures off and discard the back. Then sort through them and find a suitable picture or design for each of the Alphabet verses (see Appendix A:)
The parent can establish a tradition of reading their Christmas ABC book each year. They will be the only child in their neighborhood with such a special book personalized with their grandparents greeting cards. It's environmentally smart to re-cycle, too.

WISH BOOK

Their Own Toy Catalog

As they grow, and become interested in toy catalogs, I tear out a children's toy section of the Sears or Penney's catalogs and make a construction paper cover with their name on it. You can name it something cute and special for that particular child, or just personalize it with a wide felt-tipped pen. Because we have ten grandchildren (and 13 Greats) and we shop after-Christmas sales in January for the following holiday, I always tell them in advance that Gramma has already done her shopping, so there are no great expectations from me. It does let the parents know what the child wants, and since 'wanting' a thing is part of the pure joy of receiving, it seems to stretch the enjoyment of Christmas.

OPEN HOUSE

The Grand Time of Year

All the grands know that August is the time to visit us. The weather is the best at the beach this time of year, and we don't choose to go on trips during the summer.

We postpone household projects and plan the month as 'play-time'. We keep 'cross-over' visits with other cousins to a minimum...enough time to bond with each other, but not long enough for chaos. Last summer was an exception due to a mix-up and we had all nine grands at once. Great for pictures which we cherish, but bad for Gramma, the chief cook and bottle washer. Bath time was totally un-real! The washer and dryer and dishwasher were on constantly. We don't recommend this as a regular thing.

DRESSING UP

Thrift Shop Style

Rather than discarding out of style clothing, I save some of it in a special box for "dress rehearsals'. All children love to dress up. If you don't have discards of your own, a trip to the Thrift Shop will be productive. Included in the 'prop box' are wigs, junk jewelry, old hats and high heeled shoes from the days I could still wear them! I take it a step or two further with the aid of electronics. We do a pretend play. They choose the setting, possibly from something they've seen on TV or read in a book. They practice it with their brother's, sister's or cousins and then when they are ready, Gramma appears with the Camcorder to record it for posterity.

One summer, two cousins were here from Arizona at the same time as the California cousins. It wasn't long before they had cooked up the idea of a 'blind date'. I decorated the kitchen table with placemats, and flowers, and they provided the imagination. It was especially hilarious since the boy cousins from each family were about three years younger than the girls. After their initial apprehension about 'dating' they caught on quickly and played along actually coming up with quite interesting dialogue. That time, I hid a tape recorder on the table, as well as doing the video, so each cousin got a copy of the tape to take home with them.

CRAFTS

Homemade Creativity

In our yard we have two gorgeous Torrey Pine trees. They are an endangered species that grow only two places in the world. I thought there must be something I could do with all the pine needles, and sure enough the local college offered a class in coiling Torrey Pine Needle Baskets. I took a couple of semesters and re-cycled all those falling needles into a craft. It wasn't long before The Grands became interested too. Most were too young to do the coiling, but they all got into helping to gather the healthiest five prong needles into the basket box. The collector's could range in age from two to ten...it didn't matter...it was a family project, and you could hear their voices all over the hillside "That ones too short!" "Lay it this way...don't just throw it in the box", "That's ones broken!" "Too short!" "Too long!". They had a job now at Gramma's, house and each time they came they asked if I needed more pine needles. It wasn't long before they wanted to help 'cook them' in the glycerine water to soften their shafts. Then we learned to dye them from onion leaves and beets. We dyed raffia too. Soon, the coiling lessons began, and simple hot plate mats were made. It won't be long before another generation will have learned Torrey Pines basketmaking from nuisance needles that kept falling on the circular drive. Children do what you do. It's still the same as with their parents generation.

I also enjoy crocheting. The girl-grands have taken to that craft very naturally, first crocheting with their fingers, and then with a hook, using up odds and ends of yarn leftover from sweaters I have made for them. Granny Squares are especially good projects for assorted and sundry colors because they take such small bits of yarn.. They like helping me with things I make for the church bazaar. Last Christmas one granddaughter made pot holders for their own craft sale. When they see you enjoy the crafts you're doing, they want to get in on the fun!

Since we live at the beach, collecting sea shells is a natural and visiting the tide pools is fun. Wherever you live, there is something special about that place to pique a child's interest. Even if it's bug-collecting. Let them hammer nails into jar lids to make air holes for a collection of critters to take home. You'd be surprised at how many parent's don't have the time today to explore these interests with your grandchildren. It's up to you to teach them the fun stuff! It's an old, old saying, but the best things in life are still free!

THE GRAND WALL

Who Do We Look Like?

We've all heard about the Great Wall of China and that it's the only manmade thing that can be seen from outer space, but did you know the unseen benefits of a Grand Wall to the inner space of a child? We have one wall in the house that is devoted to candid pictures of all The Grands. I did not realize how important it was until one of The Grands told me that her other grandparents didn't love her. When I asked her how she knew this her answer was "They don't have any pictures of me at their house." From then on I probably over did it with little framed pictures of them all over the house. I even have a handbag that has picture pockets all over the outside. It's called a Brag Bag. In case nobody asks to see pictures of your grandchildren, your purse says it all, a walking billboard of cute little faces. Self esteem soars when the grandchildren feel you care enough to show them off to your friends at all times. See Appendix B.

When I see The Grands pictures it is always a reminder for me to pray for them wherever they are. Each morning I surround them with prayer as they go off to sitters, nurseries or school. The enemy is everywhere and I count my opportunities of prayer a privilege.

READING

Turn The TV Off

We encourage reading in every way we can. We read to the Grands each night before we tuck them in bed and hear their prayers. We visit the library and choose some suitable books for them. We read the Bible in front of them as we have quiet time each morning. They want to hear "Thoughts for the Day" or "Daily Bread" because we read these on a regular basis. They always want to do what we do!

As they learn to read in school, we tape record them, so they can hear themselves read a book. They love it. It is especially nice when we can compare their improvement to last years tape. You should hear the and giggles over mistakes they made last year. "Remember when I couldn't even say spaghetti?" It can be fun when they know they are improving all the time.

JOURNALING

The Art Of Real Communication

As the children grow and learn to read and write, the fun begins. We encourage them to write down all their feelings at the end of the day. What we did...what we ate...how we inter-acted as an extended family. I happen to be in an on-going class at Adult-Ed called WRITING THE STORIES OF YOUR LIFE. I read to them from this book of memories about their parents, our child-hoods, the great depression, World War II. It encourages them to write their own memories. Plus it gives them a record of their summer vacations with us from year to year.

PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS

The Going Home Gift

I allot one roll of film to each visiting grandchild. We try to record field trips, visits to the Zoo, beach or amusement parks. Nothing is too trivial to record if the child is having fun doing it. At the end of their visit, we make a little trip to the store and purchase an inexpensive album in which to place the pictures of their summer vacation at the Grandparent's. That's what memories are made of!

TIME WELL SPENT

The Best Kind Of Tired You Can Be

Perhaps you're exhausted just reading all this. Grandparenting can be a big job, but it also helps you to relive your childhood and that special time when these children's parents were entrusted to you. A chance to see the similarities...the differences. What rewards! There's nothing more wonderful than hearing a small voice in the night saying "Gramma, this is the most fun I've had in my whole life!" and all we're doing is sleeping out in our motorhome in our own back yard.!

Between writing to them each month, remembering birthdays, Valentines Day, Easter and Christmas, the hours do add up. There's so much wonder to pass on to the next generation, that we just get caught up in the pure pleasure of it all. It's work, it's play, it's tiring and it's fun. It's the best kind of tired you can be.

We try to make our gift giving of a spiritual or educational nature and now that some of the children are old enough, we provide the funds to send them to the church camp of their choice, as well as coming to our home for a visit. What better way to show love to their parents than to give love to their children.

We make every effort not to cross over the boundaries set by their parents and not to spoil them rotten. But to love with an unconditional love, so that they know they are special in the eyes of their grandparents and that we have time for them. That they are as special to us as their parents were.

In a day when it seems to be more fashionable for grandparents to be globe-trotting or snow-birding for their own pleasure, we know that in the light of eternity it is the best choice to be the best grandparents we can be.

There's a good role model in the White House. And at our house. How about at your house?

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Dear Wanda

1990

Dear Wanda,

I don't know how to say goodbye, so I am doing the next best thing to it. I'm sending you one of my stories about saying goodbye to people I have loved my family that have gone on before me. Enclosed is my story Saying Goodbye.

Last week I could not get you off my mind. Each time I thought about you I breathed a prayer on your behalf. Then Saturday we went out to Alpine to Jon Mark’s Little League Game. He had been chosen from his Valley de Oro (Spring Valley) team to go on to the All Stars and he was going to be pitching. It was a big exciting day! First thing, Bruce told me that his dad had left a message on their answering machine that you had taken a turn for the worse and that he was going to Morro Bay. I hope that your visit with your brothers and sisters was a comfort to you.

I called you on Sunday and talked to Joyce. She brought me up to date on all the varied and sundry treatments you've had to go through. I am so proud of her for taking such good care of you. I recently lost my dear cousin in Escondido to cancer. Her struggle and yours are valiant and to be praised. Sometimes the treatment is as bad as what's wrong. I don't know how to equate you and Birdie both having this same kind of cancer and mine (nearly 6 years ago) was encapsulated and operable and I didn't have to have chemo. It makes me think I'd better spend more time writing what the Lord has for me to say to others, and less time goofing off. Time is of the essence.

I write a chapter a week of my life story for the class that I'm continuing in. I will be sending fifty-two more chapters to the children this Christmas, Lord willing. One day Chrissy (Kathee's oldest) was reading some of them (before I had put them in book form). She said, "You know what Gramma nearly all of your stories kind of have a moral to them near the end…did you know that?" Yes, I guess I did! I hope that the readers will learn from my mistakes, and that my kids and Grands will grow in the Lord and will walk in His way.

Our Pastor told of a couple who had just recently passed on and they were wandering around heaven looking at the wondrous colors, the streets paved of gold the fabulous homes, all the beauty God had provided. They marveled at how great they both felt no more arthritis no more osteoporosis no more cancer. Suddenly, the husband spoke: "You know sweetheart ifit hadn't been for Oat Bran we could have been here a lot sooner!"

It was only a joke... .just an illustration, but for Christians it is the blessed hope of glory! We will be re-united with our loved ones who have gone before what a glorious gathering that will be!

And for us left behind? We will grieve that we have lost a friend, a sister, (and ex-sister- in-law, in your case) an aunt, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grand aunt! You have been a role- model to our family. You were not a quitter. You fought the battle. You trusted the Lord for your strength and for your salvation. You valiantly battled the pain. We love you for all those things. I am so glad that we had those few hours together last Christmas at the coffee shop in Morro Bay you were the only sister-in-law I was ever close to. (Dick was an only child.). You were a good one, taking me under your wing and teaching me lots of homemaking tricks and parenting skills you'd already learned, so I will treasure the memory of you.

Until we meet again, either here or in Heaven, I remain one of your longest term old friends since I was your thirteen year old baby-sitter, your eighteen year old sister-in- law, and that white haired, sixty-five year old visitor last Christmas! What fun that was to talk about old times and to give each other long over-due hugs! God blessed us that day with time together!

With love in Christ our Saviour,

Thelly

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Book Larnin'

Book Larnin'
by Thelly Reahm, Tidbits of Time
1990

I've been going to *continuing education* all of my adult life. My only regret is that I never kept track of the classes for credit.

Just thinking about three Grands in college triggered this memory and with it my pride in them.

I didn't think...way back...that it was important to have a degree so I dropped out of college to get married and begin my family. That's what couples did after World War II…we replenished the earth.

Now, in my age of maturity I think differently. In fact, by the time my children were in school I began to go to Junior College or Adult Education Classes to further my knowledge.

Most things I took for *no credit* and I would not do it that way again. Some of it was my fear of not winning. I have always known more trivia about a subject and less about what was on the exam. I'm fun in a game of Trivial Pursuit…but I seldom hold my own in a conversation, with the exception of the Bible, Nutrition and 12 Step Recovery,and Lifestory Writing. Those three subjects I know like the tip of my own turned up nose!

Nine years of Life Story Writing...three years of Photography...two years of Real Estate related courses in Finance, Law, Appraisal, etc. and a year of Design Crochet, learning to design patterns and every intricate stitch that was ever conceived. I took every Journalism and Creative Writing class offered, plus a course at UCLA on Contemporary Moral Issues. Aunt Wanda and I took Accounting together at San Diego City College at the time we helped run a plumbing business in the 50's. Plus two years of San Diego School of the Bible in addition to the credits I
had from Biola way back in the 40's.

I have no credit for any of it, except that I know it's all in my noggin'.
I have the knowledge and that is important to me! I feel good about myself for having done it!

My grandmother and I used to sit on the front porch at night and look up at the stars and moon. I must have bombarded her with my curiosity questions because I can remember her putting her arm around my shoulders and saying "You'd best go to college…I think you might become an astronomer!" Of course that never happened, but my curiosity never stopped. I've mentioned before that I keep taking notes because I think people will ask questions later!

My personality pushes me to learn more and more, and as I age I see the benefits. It keeps me sharp and alert and interested in a variety of things. It gives me places to go. It gives me new friends who have like interests. And learning the computer, the world wide web and HTML programming at a late age has certainly given me a new interest in life. I love Cyberspace!

I'm curious about all the places we travel to. I read up on the country before we go and then take hundreds of pictures while I'm there. I also collect post cards of the area. Then I make great scrapbooks of our adventures when we return home, as well as typing up my travel journal for Tidbits of Time. I am preserving many things for the next Millenium...I'm leaving a roadmap!

I've also learned new crafts from time to time. I've painted ceramics, done macrame, textile painting on clothing and pillow slips, twined baskets of Torrey Pine Needles and coiled baskets out of rope, knit sweaters for all the Grands as they came into this world and crocheted afghans for everyone, as well as crocheting baby "Binkie Blankets" for Birth Choice (an alternative to abortion)and made Chemo Caps for Cancer patients at Scripps. When I was younger I made all of our clothing, even taking a Tailoring Class and making my suits and coats. My back doesn't take sewing machine work any more, but I did do fine work in my time.

From the time I was a child, I heard the age old proverbs that "Idle hands are the devil's workshop" and "A rolling stone gathers no moss" along with "A stitch in time saves nine" When you're taught productive thoughts like that at a young age, how can you possible waste your time? It makes book larnin' a lifetime pursuit!

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8/04/2006

Quick, Easy -N- Fast Pepper and Onion Smothered Chicken Recipe

Quick, Easy -N- Fast Pepper and Onion Smothered Chicken Recipe

6 T. balsamic vinegar
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 t. olive oil
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 C. canned chicken broth
1 T. refined all-purpose flour (such as Wondra)
1 carrot, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips

In a shallow glass or ceramic baking dish, pour vinegar over chicken breasts, turning to coat well. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 teaspoons of the oil. Add the onions, cook, stirring occasionally until onions begin to brown.

In a grill pan or skillet, warm the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Drain the chicken and add to the pan, cooking about 5 minutes per side. While chicken cooks, add broth to onions, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the flour, carrot, bell pepper, remaining 3 tablepoons vinegar, and cook until the pepper and onions are tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes.

Place the chicken on four plates. Spoon vegetables on top of chicken breasts.

Servings: 4.


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Creamy Chicken with Corn, Tarragon and Tomatoes

Creamy Chicken with Corn, Tarragon and Tomatoes

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup couscous
1 1/8 cups boiling chicken stock
water to cover
2 tablespoons butter
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sweet corn
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup fresh chopped tarragon
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lemon, juiced

DIRECTIONS:
Put the couscous in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 of the boiling chicken
stock and enough water to cover. Simmer for 3 minutes, remove from
heat and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the butter/margarine until it
sizzles. Add the chicken breasts and saute until lightly browned. Add
the other 1/2 of the chicken stock and the cream and heat gently
until just boiling. Mix in the corn, tomatoes and 1/2 of the fresh
tarragon. Heat through for 1 minute and season with salt and pepper
to taste.
With a fork fluff up reserved couscous. Add a handful of tarragon and
the lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the couscous and
chicken onto serving plates and garnish with the remaining tarragon.


Nutrition Info
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 506
Total Fat: 23.8g
** Cholesterol: 131mg
Sodium: 371mg
Total Carbs: 43.2g
** Dietary Fiber: 3.9g
Protein: 30.8g

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8/02/2006

Chicken Recipes - Olive Garden Chicken Recipe

Chicken Recipes - Olive Garden Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts
Soy sauce
Pineapple juice
Onion
Garlic

Marinate chicken for 24 hours and then grill.

Chicken Recipes

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Skillet Chicken With Black Beans and Tomatoes

Skillet Chicken With Black Beans and Tomatoes

(Serves 4)

For the SALSA
2 vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 small bunch cilantro, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the BEANS
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup orange juice
11/2 teaspoons ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the CHICKEN
4 8-ounce chicken breasts, cleaned
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 limes, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons sugar
To prepare the salsa
Combine the tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice in a bowl.
Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before use, to allow the flavors to blend.

To prepare the beans
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the garlic and onion and sauté
for about 3 minutes or until the onion is transparent.

Add the drained black beans, orange juice, and cumin. Cook until the liquid
mostly evaporates (about 5 minutes on medium heat).

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

To prepare the chicken
Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the chicken breasts and brown on
both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes each. Cover and continue cooking for
another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear.

While the chicken is cooking, combine the lime zest and juice and the sugar
in a small bowl and mix well.

Once the chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked, add the lime mixture to the
skillet. Cook for 5 more minutes or until the mixture becomes syrupy. Turn
the breasts to coat them well with this mixture. When finished, remove from
pan and set aside.
5. To serve, divide the beans among 4 plates and top with a chicken breast.
Garnish with the salsa.

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8/01/2006

Chicken Recipes - Delicious Chicken Casserole

Chicken Recipes - Delicious Chicken Casserole

4 skinless, bone-in chicken breast halves
2 stalks celery, cut into thirds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked rice
6 ounces sour cream
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring to a boil the chicken breasts,
celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and enough water to cover.
Cover, reduce heat to medium low; simmer for 35 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup liquid. Cool chicken, remove meat from bones, and cut into bite-size pieces.
In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, soup, broth, celery salt,
onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked rice and chicken.
Spoon mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish. In a resealable
bag, shake together crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle crackers over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

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Chicken Recipes - Lemon-Herb Marinated Chicken

Chicken Recipes - Lemon-Herb Marinated Chicken

Serves 2 to 4



One (2 1/2 to 3-pound) chicken, backbone removed and
butterflied

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Zest of 1/2 lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Place chicken in a shallow baking dish or a
resealable plastic bag. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, zest, juice,
garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour marinade over chicken; turn
to coat. Let marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours
and up to 24.

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