Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

I love your story and photos, Marv.  Think I have shown stitchery projects before,  but the biggest project for our a guild was an eleven piece set of gold vestments and paraments for a Lutheran Church here in Seattle.  I have three photos showing some of the pieces.  The two men are the Lutheran pastor and deacon wearing their new ceremonial chasuble and dalmatic.  They both also are wearing stoles.  The deacon has his on over the dalmatic.  The pastor has his on under the chasuble.

James (Jim) Rookus

Those pictures prove it ..... Boys will be Boys ... always digging in the dirt .... girls are much more refined and working on the finer things ... beautiful work Wendy !!!

James (Jim) Rookus

Dinkels Bakery on N. Lincoln Ave in Chicago ... less than a mile from Wrigley Field...  take in a game ... eat some great Chicago dogs ... and then Dinkels cake to top it off !

Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

I forgot to say this project fills two categories.  Something I did with someone else, as there were two of us on the project, and also, something I am proud of.

David Brock

Probably one of my finer moments was serving with the Boy Scouts.  I worked with the Training Committee, primarily working to train adult leaders.  I led sessions on a variety of topics covering all aspects of operating a good unit.  However, one of my favorite classes was Outdoor Cooking--mostly open fire and Dutch Oven.  I had a team (depnding on the year) from 5 to 8 helpers.  I led the class for over 20 years.  One of the highlights was 1 unit leader who took one of the recipes home, then his unit entered that item (Sweet n Sour Chicken) in a Scout cooking contest--They won.  I was active in the Scouting program for over 50 years before retiring earlier this year.

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Yesterday was an extraordinary day with Marv and Judy. And yes, Judy provided a birthday cake but forgot the candles. She improvised and we got through it, wishes and all. And no Dave, the cake did not sink. And yes Max, I made it all the way home with no problems. It is exactly 150 miles from my place to Marv's. For anyone interested, I did get my filet mignon, tomatoes, peaches, corn, and a jar of pickled herring to top it off.

Since Marv changed the topic to SHARED PROJECTS and Wendy responded aptly to that and my suggestion for THINGS I'M PROUD OF, I'm torn. But this is what I originally had in mind, which was inspired by Jim's grandson. So it is a mixed metaphor. Wendy's vestments meet both criteria. They are fabulous Wendy. She is a true custodian of her gifts. Dave B., I love your story. Would love to try your Sweet n Sour Chicken. One of my favorites.

In 2012, I was the only American artist in an international exhibition titled "The Power of Water" held in honor of the United Nations World Water Day at the Polytechnical Museum in Moscow, Russia. Artists from Japan, Italy, Qutar, Germany and many other countries were invited. For some reason, the television station Russia Today invited me to be the spokesperson for the exhibit. This is what aired around the world the night of the interview and opening. It is something I'm very proud of as an American and as an artist.

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

Everytime I look at that cake-it makes me want a piece.  Avanti's has a cake that looks similiar and is really good.  I'm sure not as good as the one in the picture, but I may just have to go get me a piece of that.

I forgot  the theme yesterday was, "what I'm most proud of"   so here goes, a day late.   In 1987-1988 I was Presdient of the McLean County chapter of Medical Assistants.  We had several members from Gailey Eye Clinic, and had  about 60 members in our local chapter. that were made up of other gals that worked in Doctor's offices.   Several of us worked on a scrapbook.   As one of my duties, I did a monthly newsletter that was sent to the people in our local chapter.

At the annual state convention there were awards given for best scrapbook and best newsletter.   The scrapbook came in 3rd place.   I won 1st place for my newsletter.  I don't remember how many chapters there were, but there were a lot of them.  I felt very proud of my chapter for getting 3rd place for the scrapbook and was even more proud of myself for getting 1st place for the newsletter, out of all the chapters in Illinois.

I'm not a speaker by any means, and actually, the first thing I said when I was elected President was, "oh no,I have to do Bosses Night!"   All the girls in the chapter invited their Doctor's to a big dinner.  That year it was held at Crestwick Country Club.  The President is the announcer at the annual Bosses Night.  Wecoming everyone, introducing all the Doctor's and the guest speaker, who was Bill Flick.   I also sat at the head table, with Bill Flick and had to make him feel welcome.   I don't remember being exceptionally nervous, although, I'm sure I was.  I did just fine.   And I'm proud of myself for that accomplishment, also.

James (Jim) Rookus

Congrats to Sandy, Dave & Mel on accomplishments....  I must say, I didn't realize we were in the presence of such greatness and person of such universal accompishments and importance... imagine MEL was on TV interview in Russia!  Very impressed by his interview....!!!

Regina (Sue) Petersen (Koppenhoefer)

Wendy -the gold vestments and paraments are just amazing!  Your church is very fortunate to have you as a member.

Dave B. - I love sweet and sour chicken too... maybe you will consider sharing your recipe.

Mel - if we had a category about meeting a celebrity...we could all chime in.  Very impressive to be a contributor and especially to be interviewed on tv.  

For the SHARED PROJECTS (and like Wendy doubling up with Things I’m Proud of) — I started the embroidery work on this quilt, and quickly decided I didn’t enjoy doing hand work.  My dear friend offered to do the embroidery for me.  I told her I couldn’t let her do that.  However, if she wanted a quilt like it, I would make both quilts if she would do the embroidery for both.  We both love our quilts!  I hang my quilt on our living room wall at Christmas time.

Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

Your quilts are wonderful, Sue.  Would love to see more.  Do you have a favorite?

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Sue, that quilt is gorgeous. What amazes me is the typography and linear images. That is not easy to do. How do you transfer that to sewing and embroidery? Thank you for sharing.

Good night everyone. I'm tired and going to bed. See you tomorrow.

James (Jim) Rookus

Re-reading recent posts .... take my hat off to Dave for him 50 year commitment to the Boy Scouts ... I wish I could say I did something that important and rewarding !  Ans Sue ... each time I see a photo of one of your quilting projects ... I'm in awe of your talent !  Have you gotten involved in any "national" quilting organizations or clubs and conventions.?  A close friend of my wife's who is single has developed quite a "family" of quilting friends who she now travels all over to visit and enjoy their crafts together.  Don't hesitate to keep us supplied with more photos of you amazing quilts!

David Brock

A couple of you had expessed interest in my Sweet n Sour chicken recipe.  I will try to post it here.  Sometimes the confuser has a mind of its own.  I will list the ingredients as they are in the original recipe, and will try to add an approximate quantity (for 2) in parenthesis.  I have served this both 'bone-in and deboned.

Keep in mind that this recipe is designed as 'camp food' and active youth--and prepared by young people.

Sweet n Sour Chicken

5 lbs. ( 1 lb.)  cooked chicken

1  snall bottle  6-8 oz. (2 Tbsp +/-) Worcestershire Sauce

1 small jar--6-8 oz. (2 Tbsp.) Apple jelly

2 tsp. Garlic (1/2  tsp) or to taste

2 Chopped medium Onion  (1/2 onion)

1 small bottle - 6-9 oz. French (preferrably red/California or Catlina style) dressing  (2 Tbsp)

Put Chicken in Dutch oven (or other suitable cooking pan)

Mix all other ingredients, then pour over the chicken.Bake covered at 350* for 40 minutes

Serve over  rice

Serves 8-10

Enjoy

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Dave, thanks for the recipe. I need a few more ingredients, but will give it a try soon.

I almost forgot that today is FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY, so I'm going to post the last issue of the Aegis our class produced. Cathy Quiett and Holly Rust were the editors. With a lot of help from Marv and Mary Giermann Brucker, I've been able to reproduce every issue from the fall of 1961 to May 28, 1964. This was the last issue minus the 4 page literary supplement. It's a trip down memory lane. (If your are having a hard time reading it, you can download the pages and enlarge them.)

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Joan Pease (Clark)

A Silly Saturday submission - Years ago, I surprised Bailey and Lucy with a special treat in their food dish. They were not amused.

Julie Hart

silly saturday - my cat kodak who lived to be 19.  she never had much fur on her stomach and was quite plump so she was pretty ungraceful when licking her stomach.

wow!  at sandy's hamburgers were 15 cents and french fries 10 cents!  i do remember their food being good -or perhaps just a fast food novelty.

thought i'd throw in the 50th class reunion pic in case there are folks on here that weren't there.

Julie Hart

thing i'm most proud of - when my son got married in el paso i decided to drive to carlsbad.  made reservations to explore spider cave.  at that time you had to sign a release saying you will tell nobody where it is, you drive a mile or so to it, then walk a ways to the opening.  only 2 tours a week. since it was december there was only one other young couple with me and the two rangers. it was the scariest experience of my life and i found out you actually can involuntarily shake with fear.

before entering

one of the small areas we crawled through - not claustrophobic so those didn't scare me

it was the chimneying (i think that 's the word) that was so scary.  pitch black except for head lamps and photo flashes

to be continuued....

Julie Hart

notice how clean they all were after.

and how filthy dirty i am. i had to throw away my clothes the grit was so embedded.  even with knee pads my knees were all bruised the next day and i was sorer than i've ever been in my life. i'm still traumatized 

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Joan, cats are not my thing, but their reaction to your treat if very funny. Julie, you are a brave soul. Not only would I not attempt such a feat, I probably wouldn't make it through the first hole. It would be like putting a cork in a bottle.

For SILLY SATURDAY, this is a 2016 photograph of my granddaughter the first time her mother took her to work. She got into everything, including this glass door. I love it.

David Brock

David Brock

Above is a pictire of a doe and twin fawns that were in our yard a few  days ago.  Since they are never here all at once, we think there are 5 or 6 fawns coming on a regular basis.

Marvin Theobald

I have fallen a few days behind so will try to get caught up.

Wendy - You blow me away with the stitchery you have done. Your church must be as amazing a show place of craftwork as any church in the country.

Sandy -  Your experience as a leader of the MC Medical Assistants and your newsletter accomplishments is a great tribute to your many hidden talents. I totally share your reservations regarding public speaking. I have never been comfortable or very self-confident when I had to speak at an event. While I have done it at our last three class reunions it has only been because no one else was willing to do it which makes me feel I am not alone in my reservation. I think we need to tap your experience and draft you do the honors at out next reunion.

Sue - Your quilting is also fantastic. It is always nice when you can share in a project with someone where you can both do what you enjoy most while the other one does the part you are less inclined to do. Nice work!

Julie - You are without a doubt the most adventurous person I know. Was there anything worth seeing in the cave or was it just the challenge that made it seem worth doing?

Dave - Love the fawn photo. I see them occasionally where I live and it always such a treat.

Marvin Theobald

And now for SILLY SATURDAY!

One of my granddaughters was bonding with these Oscars in 2010. I am not sure whether she or the fish was the most curious. You might say they saw eye-to-eye.

David Brock

Did you hear about the new Senior GPS?  It gives you the directions, but then remids you of why you were going.