Mom Days

Ooohh, I remember Saturdays when I was a youngster. Saturday was a busy busy day and that included mowing the yard, cleaning the house and shopping for groceries. I loved Saturdays. 

Ah yes, shopping for groceries. My dad would always drive Mom into town to shop for groceries at the Co-Op Saturday mornings about 9:00. Mom felt that it wasn't as busy in the morning and she wanted to beat the rush. I often tagged along to beg for treats. Sometimes I got what I wanted and sometimes I didn't.

Mom never took a list with her. She always knew what she needed. I can still hear and smell the brown paper bags that were packed by the young man standing behind the cashier. He would always pack them ever so carefully into a shopping cart and push it out to the vehicle and load them into the trunk for her. 

I always thought that when I grew up and would go grocery shopping, I too would have a young man take my groceries to my car. I think it happened to me once. Most grocery stores abolished the practice or thought I was in fine shape to take my own food to my car.

The smell of fresh-cut grass with oil and fuel is another fond memory. When I was 9 years old, my dad told me to jump on the tractor with the mower attachment on it. So I jumped into the seat of the running tractor, waiting for my first lesson. Dad, without a beat, put it into gear and off I was. Luckily I was smart enough, or lucky, to figure out how to stop and reverse the machine because clearly there wasn't enough time for another lesson. After that day, I was always expected to mow the grass after lunch every Saturday before I could go hang with friends or have any sort of fun. 

It really wasn't so bad. Sitting on a loud whirring tractor for two-and-half hours gave me lots of time to think. 

Mom would take the push mower and cut around buildings and trees and we'd always wave and smile when we'd pass each other. One time she was yelling something at me and waving her arms violently. I couldn't make out what she was saying so I stopped the tractor, turned it off and went running up to her and she calmly said "the tractor is on fire". I looked back and sure enough, flames were appearing from underneath the hood of the tractor. Luckily Dad or my brother fixed that situation and the lawn eventually got finished that day.

I'd always get sunburned when I mowed the yard. Skin cancer wasn't a concern back then I guess. The only thing I really hated about mowing the grass was the barn swallows that came swooping at me as I got closer to the chicken coop. Mom told me to wear a hat but I also carried a stick or broom with me too. I don't remember being scared of the birds as much as I was mad at them. I think they knew that.

Mom also reserved Saturdays for cleaning the house. It was a dusty old farmhouse so it always took quite some time to dust furniture and clean floors. Mom insisted on hand-washing floors until she got so old that she couldn't get up from off the floor. If anyone suggested she use a mop, they'd get the stink-eye. Mom was having none of that. It simply didn't do the job well enough. 

The smell of Pine Sol hit you like a brick wall if you walked into the house on a Saturday and I loved it.

Monday was laundry day. Mom filled her spinner/washer combo with piping hot water first thing in the morning. She usually liked to get laundry going by 8:00. We better have had all our dirty clothes in the bathroom hamper because if they weren't in there, you're not getting those clothes washed until the next Monday. She pulled all the laundry into the front room and built piles according to colors and fabrics. Starting with whites, she used Tide, bluing, and a little bit of Javex bleach. She'd then spin the clothes with the spinning part of the machine then go on to the next pile and work through the dirty, and sometimes quite smelly, mounds of clothes. In really cold winter months she hung most clothes indoors by the coal stove and in warmer months out on the line in the backyard they'd go. Her evening, and perhaps the next day, was often booked for all the ironing she had to do because she didn't own a clothes dryer that made the clothing fluffy and soft like we're used to now.

I loved the sound of her washing machine and the smell of detergent and bleach in the house. 

The wringer that sat in the pantry for as long as I can remember. I didn't see Mom ever use this one. She upgraded before I came along.

The actual iron that Mom used when I was growing up. It's very heavy.

I don't recall Mom using this washboard but it was always ready to go.

This iron was used before my time. Mom had two of these. 

My parents weren't well off by any means but I remember they didn't skimp on certain items. Tide, Palmolive, Pine Sol, Pledge and an Electrolux vacuum cleaner--top of the line in the day!--were always in our household. No off-brands, if there was such a thing back then, were allowed in our house. 

I can't remember what day was her baking day as that sometimes changed according to what needed to be done around the house and yard that week. Mom would always make several loaves of bread and several dozen buns. If she had time and was in the mood, there were pies, cinnamon buns, tarts or cookies too by the time I walked home from school. I could smell the baked goods long before I got near the house. 

Every single day was something to do. Mom had a big vegetable garden to tend to, she'd be feeding pigs, chickens or ducks or cleaning after them as Dad was at work during the day. Mom was always dealing with something. She would make time for a nap after lunch, then keep on going. 

I realize now that she drank an immense amount of coffee. Her drug of choice.

Sundays were her day of doing as little work as possible. Mom and Dad didn't do church services anymore so that also freed up some time on the Sabbath. She always made meals though and maybe worked on some mending. Mom liked to just sit outside or go for a stroll around the large property or play in her huge and beautiful flower bed. She liked to read when her eyesight was good. Mom was usually up for a game of cards with me or teaching me how to sew. Sunday was her most patient day. 

During the week, it was business at the Enns house.

Mom never worked out of the home but was always working. She'd get up at 5:00 most mornings to get the house warmed up. Breakfast consisted of cereal, bread and all the fixings on the table for us to make our own meal. She always listened to the local radio station, waiting for the weather and accident reports. Funeral announcements needed total silence in the room as the announcer reported the recent deaths in the area. It's almost like she was waiting to hear about her own death announcement but relieved when it didn't appear.

I remember my mom at my age. I always thought we'd never be the same in any way. But we are. It's funny how that works. 

Well, Anna, it's in my blood to work hard, have a nap then keep on working.  

I'm Feeling Quilty

Recently I caught the flu and recovering from it hasn't been fun. Mostly I feel sluggish and I don't like it. I need something to perk me up.

I'm going to start up quilting again. I get lots of thinking done when I have quilting projects on the go. Not sure why that is. And when I get a lot of thinking done I start to feel better and come up with new ideas and get creativity flowing. 

It's a place where I solve problems, big and small. 

On that thought, I haven't quite figured out what I will be doing with these quilts as I've got plenty kicking around the house right now. I'll probably give them away as gifts. I know some of my real estate and housekeeping clients would appreciate them. They make nice "homey" gifts. 

 

Above is the pattern I'm going to attempt next. It's an Amy Ellis pattern and I think I will be sewing it in black, pink and white. But we'll see what happens once I get to the fabric store.

The next couple are also Amy Ellis from a few years ago and they were so much fun to piece together. I went with suggested colours with these. The creators seem to like blue and I do too.

I was still feeling out the quilting habit at that time. I mean hobby. It can turn into an addiction if one is not careful.

Therapy.

It's one of those things that I normally don't work on for hours and hours at a time anyway, unless something is bothering me. I go to my quilt corner for a break or if I'm waiting for something....kinda like picking up a book whenever I have a few minutes to spare in between taking care of business. 

If someone knows a senior or anyone that would appreciate a homemade blankie, I would consider handing one of mine over to them. I just don't want to be giving it away for the sake of giving it away. Quilts are a lot of work and I want to see my quilts being used and loved. 

Books That I Couldn't Put Down

 I've had an urge to really get reading again. Here's a few that I enjoyed recently....

Menno Moto-A Journey Across the Americas in Search of my Mennonite Identity 

by Cameron Dueck

Received this book from a friend who knows I am of Mennonite stock.

What an adventure this guy takes! Cameron purchases a Kawasaki KLR650 and drives from Canada to Argentina in search of Mennonites and their history. He comes across many surprises along the way--some good, some not-so-good. Great read!

Growing Pains

by Emily Carr

In August of 2021, I visited The Emily Carr House in Victoria BC and picked up a couple of the artist's books while I was there. This biography tells us what shaped her as an artist and writer. Her work was inspired by the Indigenous of the Pacific Northwest Coast but she didn't get much recognition until she changed her paintings from Aboriginal to forest-type themes. Really good read as well!

The Warsaw Orphan

by Kelly Rimmer

This was an intense read for me but anything to do with 1940's Germany and the Nazi regime gets my blood boiling. The lives of a young girl on the "right" side of the wall, and a Jewish boy in the ghetto, entwine and this turns into a lovely but heart-breaking story. The story was inspired by a real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish children during World War 2. 

I have several books on my reading list and always adding more. My lists on Amazon, Kobo and my phone keep growing too. Not sure when or how I'm going to manage to read them all but I'm going to do my best! 

DYB DYB DYB DYB (Do Your Best!) as they say in Cub Scouts :)

Wud Up 2021?

 Okay, so that was a weird year.

I had a lot of good times anyway. 

In the beginning of the year I got on with MaxWell Devonshire Realty as a real estate associate. I learned so many new things, I can't believe that my head didn't explode. 

My daughter, our youngest, graduated from highschool in the spring. Grandma came out from Penticton, BC and big brother Brody (far left, next to Coleson) flew out from Sudbury, ON to help celebrate. I can't explain what a good time that was! Despite restrictions, although some had been loosened, we were able to have dinner in the Water Tower, friendly game of bowling and take pictures at Henderson Park. 

In the summer, Mike, Raelynn and I flew to Victoria, BC and stayed for five days. What a beautiful city! We went with the original intention to visit family but unfortunately that didn't quite work out the way we had planned. Left to our own devices most of the time, we still had a great little holiday and kept busy the entire time we were there. Thanks to Mike's Aunt Diana and Larry, we were able to stay where we had a great view ALL THE TIME!

We were able to visit Mike's Aunt Pauline and Uncle Norm in the nearby Cowichan Valley. I can't tell you what a good day that was!

I now cannot eat fish and chips anywhere else. 

I kept going with whatever I possibly could as a volunteer with the 14th Scouting Group, as restrictions held us back with many of our regular events and activities. Hopefully next year we can organize more events where we can invite families of the members again. 

14th McKillop's booth at Whoop-Up Days

I visited with my local friends whenever I could. One of my favourite things to do with them is trying out coffee shops...even the ones I've been to before. I like to make sure they still have good coffee. :)

When not working, local hikes, warm summer evenings, wine, propane campfires, and good books kept me content throughout the year.

We had old Tootles, the cat, for a few months. She was a feline who's original owner moved into a nursing home and after bouncing around to a few homes, finally found her place. Tootles didn't play well with others so needed to be an only pet. Daffodil and Wasabi have war wounds to back me up. Her name is Harley Quinn now and she's living her best life in Calgary with Allan.

We seem to both have a larger left eye

In the fall, Mike tearfully sold the quad and his motorcycle -- and THEN purchased an even better motorcycle! The neighbours were tearful anyway, as he used the quad mainly to clear the sidewalks on our court the last few winters. I was a little sad too as gifts of booze, preservatives and homemade treats came to a complete halt. ( "Thank you's" from our neighbours for not making them risk heart attacks.)

At Christmas time, Mike and I ventured through the snowy Rocky Mountains to visit with his mom, sister and her awesome family. It was a small gathering but it was so so fun! 

But wait! There were other motives! Mike had to pick up his new motorcycle as he had purchased it from someone in Kelowna. Mike's sister, Sue and her husband Lawrence were kind enough to pick it up and nestled it in their snuggly garage in Penticton until we arrived.  

So that explains my 2021. Now that I'm looking back at it, it's not as bad as I thought it was. Maybe it was all the wine I drank, but I had a really nice time and laughed a lot.

I can't wait to see what 2022 brings to the party!

I've Been Feeling Chili Lately

I have a few cookbooks that look like they've seen better days. I don't particularly enjoy doing the math, but I've had this one for about 30 years. 

Anyone else have cookbooks that look like this? I'm sure you do or at least know someone--Grandma maybe? 

Where'd the cover go? I also have no idea why I wrote my name and address on the inside. (You won't find me there) Did I think someone might steal it? or I'd lose it? Where would I bring it to lose it?

I started off writing my faves in the front so I could find them again. That was fine and dandy until I ran out of room. Now the book just opens to my favourite recipes. Weird.

This is the Winnipegosis 30th Anniversary Cookbook 1990. I puchased it for $10 from my sister who lived there at the time with her family. It was a fundraiser for the Village of Winnipegosis, Manitoba.

It has been one of my dearly loved cookbooks!

My first chili recipe was thee best! It has definitely evolved over the years. And I still whip it up to this day.

Oh my goodness...my notes! Haha!

My dear chili recipe has been doubled, tripled and quadupled and travelled to countless potlucks ranging from family and friend get-togethers to Scouting events. It has been paired with bakery dinner rolls, homemade buns as well as buttermilk biscuits. It has been put on hot dogs, french fries and covered in different varieties of cheese. 

This chili recipe has been, and can be, modified to suit many personal tastes. 

If you want it spicy, add hot more sauce or chili peppers. If you want it without meat, smash a can or two of beans in place of beef. Or use ground turkey or pork and mix it with prepared mac and cheese.

Do whatever you want with it! In my experience, there has been nothing that can ruin this chili recipe. (Unless you don't put any spices in. Then I can't help you.)

When I first made this recipe, I wasn't wearing reading glasses and I didn't have any children. I was driving a 1980 Chevrolet Chevette and I was 21 years old. I was married, working full-time at a hardware store, and owned a little old bungalow in southern Manitoba. My dog's name was Bugs and she was a standard-sized dachshund. 

In hindsight, perhaps I was prepping for the Mennonite wife life? (Shudder)

There are many great chili recipes out there and I've tried a few but I always go back to using this one. (I have found another one that's pretty good. It uses a can of beer. It makes a batch big enough to feed a Mennonite family of 20. But, you know, Mennonites don't drink.) 

Without further ado, I present to you....

Chili

1 lb of ground beef, pork, or turkey

Onion, chopped, optional

1 can beans, kidney, black or pork and beans

2 tablespoons sugar

1 large can tomatoes, diced or crushed

1 tablespoon chili powder, heaping

Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic, minced or powder

1-2 tablespoons mustard, yellow and/or dijon

1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, or to taste

Hot sauce, optional

1/4 cup chili sauce or to taste

Add chopped mushrooms or peppers if you like

Directions: Brown meat with onion. Drain. Add rest of ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

You can alter this recipe in so many ways. Add more spices and sauces you enjoy. Perhaps throw in shredded carrots or frozen peas. Leftovers freeze well for several months. 

Wait until I show you my Mennonite Cookbooks. Oba!

Book Review "Laughter Growing"

I haven't read a page-turner for long time. And then a childhood chum of mine posted this book on Instagram that her mother recently wrote. 

What have we here?! I LOVE stories like these!...particularly those surrounding the Mennonite culture.

This is such an interesting read! I couldn't wait to get my grimy hands on it. (Unfortunately I had other books on the go and didn't start reading it for another month!...what's wrong with me?!)

Being of Mennonite descent myself, I have some insight on the life of the subject of this book. I grew up in the southern Manitoba area where I knew many Mennonites and heard stories from those who came from Mexico. 

It follows the life of a man who was born in Mexico and lived in a Mennonite Village with his family. Eventually the family came to Canada but most of the story takes place before the trek north from when young Isaac Penner was about 5 years old up until about the time he was a pre-teen. 

No matter how hard of a life the family had, Isaac found the humour and the excitement in whatever was going on around him. 

If you like biographies, this is one you will enjoy. 

I bought mine in Kindle format as the "cheap Mennonite" in me decided that it was the best choice but it's available in paperback and hardcover. I love reading paper books or e-books...depends on my mood I guess!

Thanks to Renita for advertising her mom's book on Instagram!

Laughter Growing: a Mennonite-Mexican boyhood

by Esther Penner

is available on Amazon.ca in hardcover, paperback and Kindle format.

https://www.amazon.ca/Laughter-Growing-Mennonite-Mexican-Esther-Penner-ebook/dp/B09BTPMS23/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=#customerReviews

Ten-Four Good Buddy

This is truly an ominous time in our lives. The virus sweeping the world right now is something out of Hollywood.

It's making many panic, and to be honest, after reading too much social media, I too, panicked. But when I shut off the computer, phone and television, I feel a soothing calm. My family is doing well. We're eating well, thanks to simple, often Mennonite-inspired, meals that can be prepared with a little planning. We all still have our sense of humour and when I'm feeling a little too cabin-fevery, I head outside for a walk or go for a drive in the car.

I've only gone into public to do the grocery shopping once since the state of emergency was issued. We can make anything out of anything, so instead of making a menu before a shopping trip, I see what's left in the store first, then plan meals in my head. My parents taught me how to make do in a McGyvery-Mennonite way.

My 16 year old daughter is finishing up her grade 11 studies at home through an online system that her highschool set up, quite swiftly I might add! She played her cards right so she's only got two classes until the end of the school year and an optional distance learning course. My 19 year old has been told to stay home and his work as a security guard has been put on hold for a couple of weeks. (He phoned in for a day off because he wasn't feeling well and they told him to stay home.) My husband is still heading to work every day but he works with so very few people in the auto body shop right now and they have work in the shop to keep them busy for awhile.

Normalcy for me consists of studying for my real estate exam (which I won't be able to write until the college opens up), listening to the radio as I'm going about daily chores and routine, baking treats, and anything to make us feel like we're not stuck in a chicken coop.

There's desperation in the air as people are struggling to make ends meet. The unsung heroes are working so very very hard to keep this country afloat and keep our population alive. Often not thanked enough.

It's our trucking companies who get a big shout out from me. That is whom I can relate to. It takes a special kind of person to work in the trucking industry.

I have family members, distant and immediate, friends and acquaintances in the industry so I have seen first-hand how truck drivers worry about paying the bills, the mortgage, keeping their families fed and happy. I've seen the distraught faces of truck drivers whose trucks have broken down on the side of the road. Fixing the truck on the side of the road sometimes is their only option or they manage to "limp" home after a multi-day trip of deliveries while their truck is making noises as steam curls out from under the hood. The expense of keeping one of those rigs on the road isn't cheap! I've seen the anger, frustration and disappointment when they're laid over for a few days at a warehouse far away from home or far from their destination due to changes in schedule. They have an incredible need and desire to stay on schedule.

They can only drive for a certain amount of hours each day and sometimes their "off" time may be filled with other tasks other than rest or sleep so please, for the love of God, if you see a semi-truck parked on the side of the road, maybe with a driver slumped over the steering wheel, don't hold down your horn for the purpose of startling the driver as you drive by. Just slow down and move to the other lane if possible.

Right now our truck drivers can't even find a decent place to eat while they're on the road. The ones crossing the borders can't take their own food along so they must rely on convenience-store food and we all know how healthy that stuff is. You've all seen the hours-old hot dogs tumbling around on the rollers in 7-11. Yeah, that. How about those sandwiches that are vacuum sealed, with condensation dribbling around in the bag, and display an expiry date a few weeks from now? Yum. Was that mould I just tasted or am I just too damn hungry to care?

The people in the trucking industry, health-care workers, emergency responders, cleaning industry, food service and grocery stores/bakeries/butcher-shops/hardware store owners and employees are working on a day-to-day basis, praying to God that they don't catch this awful virus and worse yet, spread it to their families.

Oh sure, my generation got a kick out of many great movies involving the beloved highway tractors we know and love today. How about Smokey and The Bandit? Or even Stephen King's Maximum Overdrive? Weren't those movies a hoot!

Let's give a cheer for all those essential services that are being provided for the rest of us at this trying time!

We'll get through this! Let's KEEP ON TRUCKING!!