Memories ~

12:28.24

My mind is full of memories from when I was a child. I suppose most people think of times past, around the Christmas season, though not all has to be related to Christmas. There are things you may hear or see that triggers a memory. You could say reflections and my recollection of memories.

One memory that has always been dear to me was practicing on my gram's piano the song Toyland written in 1903 by Victor Herbert, not that I'm that old I just grew-up with my gram. Well, Toyland has been played over the years around Christmas, and in the movie "Babes in Toyland" that usually aired that time for us classic buffs. Though I was learning to play I don't know if relatives and friends alike were aware that my Gram and dad played piano, actually my dad played many instruments,  I can't fully remember which one was teaching me how to play Toyland, maybe both, but I do remember I started with this song. I was very young, I imagine around seven or eight possibly younger.

My dad's brother would tell us stories of my dad sitting at the piano with me playing Toyland, he'd say darn if it didn't sound good!  Sadly, for me it didn't go anywhere. One year we traveled to Arizona staying a short few months only having to leave as my gram's brother was very ill. I don't remember if he passed away before returning or shortly after, that was tough for me - he and I were pals. I was also sad to find not only my grams piano gone with any future lessons, but my bike and little treasures I collected. 

I was heart broken especially not to be able to pal around with my Uncle Russ.

Which brings another memory to mind with Uncle Russ that was triggered recently while I was in a feed store. 

Aw - just a moment ~ it turned out to be a beautiful day so I'm outside for the first time - ever - possibly - enjoying this moment.  .  . now back to a memory, ;)

While in the feed store I happened to notice a tube of Veterinary Liniment Gel on the counter. I picked it up and inquired if this was for humans as well, since Veterinary was on the packaging. I also remembered the liquid was used for horses. Anyway, I answered my own question and shared this story with the clerk. When I was a young girl I was always hanging out with my Uncle Russ feeding and watching the chickens or checking out what the cow was doing. One day we finished up and headed in for our treat of molasses milk. but Uncle Russ went into the living room and sat down on an ottoman asking Aunt Millie to get the liniment for his lower back it was hurting bad. So she did. The Liniment wasn't in a gel but liquid and when she started to put in on his lower back it ran down through a spot you normally see on silly plumbers and he let out a yell, one I never heard before! I decided right then I'd never use the stuff! Well I bought it and thought my dad could try it. ha ha So bringing it home I said, "dad I saw this and thought it might work on your joints that have been hurting." He then said, what! I think I have some, sure enough a large bottle just sitting on the shelf behind him. So I kept the tube of liniment gel - I've been using it myself and it works pretty good, it's even better since it can't run away to places its not suppose to and shouldn't! 

It's still beautiful out I'm not sure how much I'll get to on this post ~ !2.31.24

Here it is day 6 into a new year and Happy New Year!

It's so true that memories can be triggered by things we see and hear, as stories and music whether happy or sad.  I hope the thoughts and memories you have are happy to visit once in awhile.

As a child I had the best times at this old farm house. It was my great grand parents, built by their son. He also built a house next door for him and his wife. There was also a cabin that some were born in that burnt down - I would've loved to have seen it or had picture. The big house was splint down the middle so to speak, where my Uncle Russ and Aunt Millie lived and after mom (great gram) passed away it was filled with another sib and family. This farm was a Childs paradise with places to hide, forts to build, grass to run, and hills to climb, woods to venture and hike, and even just past the pasture before hitting some woods a running creek. Even the field was spent playing ball and the dirt roads were our track to race cousins on our bikes. There were chickens to feed and a cow to milk, food and stories to tell around the table. I miss it! It seemed like simpler from a kids persecutive - as an adult I know the work was hard.  My Uncle Russ and I would venture out and discuss the animals and when done we'd go into the house to enjoy a glass of molasses milk and - believe it or not, since it's me, circus peanuts that I can't even look at anymore! lol The milk is another story, :)

My husband and I spent so much time traveling. When we finally got out of the CG we settled only to move to where we thought we'd stay. For the most part there our boys were able to do some of the things I did growing up. At least I hope they had enjoyed the times together with each other and good friends they made. Still I sure would have loved them to have had that old farm house. I think when moving around - yes, you might grow while seeing many new things that those who stay put don't, however, those who move around sometimes loose out on some things that those who stay put have. (I don't even know if that makes any sense!) I was always thankful for those I met at church we fellowshipped with. They were our family away from family. We were so blessed to have everyone of them in our lives.

One last memory to share since we just had Christmas. When I was young I so loved the wooded hollow this time of the year, frankly, any area where the trees are glistening with snow. OH so beautiful. Well, when looking across the hollow from the road you could see the house, since the trees were bare or dusted with snow, you could see all the way to my gramma's window. She had a big picture window where she placed her tree.  You could see the lights on the tree that looked so big and beautiful.  When reaching the house and entering only to find with surprise a 2 foot high Christmas tree! There it was, sitting on an end table front and center of the window, every year she used that tree. I loved it. I think my brother still has that tree. :) I sure wished I had a picture to share.

I believe, and this is my opinion, that memories can be good but you are not to stay, indefinably, for the Lord has a beautiful life planned for those who are His. Are you one?

From that kid in me, my memories I hold dear, however, I'm believing that the best is yet to come. "I know that God has the best yet to come" His word tells us so. It's important we move forward.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV 

Not only that - as His daughter through my relationship with Him, I have a story, a testimony (many) - which is something I share here. We all do. I'm sure if you take a look back throughout your life whether you were a 'believer' or not, honestly take a look how you got through what seemed to be impossible times and challenges. Through prayers of others, prayers you conveyed as if into the air through longings and all the while not recognizing God was listening and answering out of His love for you. As if a miracle happened. Maybe not all who are reading this post but many of you. He's waiting.

To hold on to the past as in never moving forward is a mistake. I love going to Dos Cabezas in Willcox, AZ, the owner has little quotes on the cup sleeves. A recent sleeve said, "Don't look back you're not going that way." (a wise quote I'd say) I always use this scripture verse for the New Year, Philippians 3:12-14 (I'll let you look it up today.) - in place of a resolution. I don't like making 'resolutions' though I always look to doing better with the Lord's help and guidance. 

In closing, I hope you're blessed who read and seek Him daily. Shalom ~

Long before I was even born, my gram and uncle Russ on the farm, they were best pals too. 

Just a favorite picture of mine.

A Happiest of New Years to You & Yours With All God's Good Blessings ~

And

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. 

2 Thessalonians 3:18 NLT

Pomegranates ~

Well all seasons do come to an end, and this year like most, wasn't lacking in any surprises for me. Take the pomegrantes for instances, as this is what the post is about, harvesting in Arizona can be anywhere from early October through late December - so I've read. I've not harvested any out that late.

Darby ~

I believe two years ago - and hard to believe - we had a freak freeze that killed off fruit from all my trees/bushes. Everything from peaches, nectarines, pomegranates, even all the grapes went! In fact it killed the vines with one barely having a few leaves this year. Last year no fruit. I took a possible odd look at it as a rest and hopefully fruit would show this year. And we did! 

As far as the poms go I've always had success with one bush. The one pictured had a couple the previous year nothin really to show. This year it produced many though to my surprise it wasn't the same variety of pomegranates. The labeling was not correct with the plant and said it was the same as my good producer.

As you can see the outer color is different from the common poms we see in stores that is reddish. This outer part (the epicure) or husk a hard layer that protects the fruit (arils) there is also a soft covering past the husk called mesocarp a softer inner layer that is easy to peel off the arils. The arils of this pom are white with a slight pinkish tone not ruby. (photo below)

The crazy thing was since I didn't know I planted one different I just keep thinking it wasn't ripening or maybe since summer had scorching temps they were just cooked! lol No bugs and birds weren't bothering, only going after the red poms.

Finn~

He likes fruit as well.

Darby - not so much~

Barely in my hand reddish most common and the "surprise" pom!

So what to do with all the arils? I eat them of course, juice , put them in a salad, make scones with pretty red dots, and don't forget to share ~ Here is a salad recipe I love and made a few times but haven't posted yet. Found on the Fox and Briar blog, Autumn Harvest Salad w Pomegranates I hope you check it out - a tasty blog with something for everyones diets and likes!

If I ever find out what variety this delicious pom is I'll let you know! 

The whiter arils are very sweet and the red sweet with a bit of tartness.

From my main bush and most common to everyone of course is the red. I planted a "purple" three years ago and it's been struggling with no show of fruit yet. I have to say I haven't been good about there care of recent it hasn't been a good couple seasons - overwhelming to say the least or until I post. :)

What do you know about pomegranates? Possibly more than I did so here are some interesting facts. 

I read where there are more than 500 pomegranate cultivars in the world! Here is a link if you are interested in Identifying The Different Types of Pomegranate Trees.

You can keep poms in the frig for up to 2 months as in whole fruit, once seeded 5-7 days. Mine have lasted longer. You can also freeze them and they will keep up to a year- even can them! Even can them - wow, that is fantastic news to

Have you ever made Pomegranate Syrup/Molasses? I made it around eight years ago it was delish I wished I had taken time to post it. The link is a very similar to the recipe I used - I'll be visiting this one soon I think there are so many excellent blog out there!

The fruit is low cal, high in fiber that has been said to promote a healthy heart and possibly help to prevent cancer. Packed full of good things healthy and tasty.

Now putting aside all the previous things that we may have known or thought of here's something  even read about in the Bible - here's something I didn't know:

It has been said that there are over or around 613 arils in a pom! that is amazing to me. It has been said it is a symbol of the 613 mitzvoth (commandment or religious duties of the Torah of the Jewish religion.) It also said it has also come to express an individual act of human kindness in keeping with the law. 

Can you just imagine trying to keep them all? God in He infinite wisdom knew we needed a Savior - JESUS ~ He said be perfect as He is perfect ~ As believers we are grafted into the promise of God as sons and daughters. 

I'm for one thankful Jesus rescued me - 

He paid the ransom and set me free.

I'm grafted in and made perfect,

THROUGH HIM~

VLB 11.1.24

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes the sun to rise one the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44-48

It's like a perfect fruit let's not over look the Pomegranate ~ Enjoy all that God has for you! Amen

2022 Harvest Pics and nothing 2023, this year was better and God is good!

Memories From a Rural Mail Carrier ~

For every route there were stories. I had a highway contract working from a Post Office in New Mexico. My route was no different from other rural routes and I’m certain all carriers have their memories with many stories to tell. On my route even mailboxes had a story ~ Such a long time ago I still have fond memories (mostly), not ever forgetting the stories.

 

Who doesn’t have a good story to share? I guess it depends on how the story is received from the one sharing the story. I have often heard; in telling a good story it should grab the reader’s attention in the first part. 

 

My husband traveled back and forth out of state with his job, one day he came home and said, “I got you a job!” “Doing what, I asked!?” Not that raising three teenage boys wasn’t enough – we also lived where some would consider out in the boonies, He preceded with, “I bid on a rural highway contract with the US Postal Service, and we got the bid!” He continued with letting me know the position wasn’t far from where we lived; adding – “How hard could it be?! You will be delivering the mail working out of the local Post Office. You start .  .  . when you get there, you will meet with the Postmaster (PM) who will give you all the details and whatever training. So, what do you think?!” Honestly, I can’t think of what I thought when asked, I can sure imagine a lot I might have! 

At the time I didn’t know anything about the job or what to expect. I did know it was working six days a week with the length of each day depending on how quickly you did your job and how much mail you had. I found out if the mail didn’t come presorted, I would be delayed waiting for those working within the PO sorting out all mail that wasn’t pre-sorted to flats that carriers get each morning. The carriers still had to take that mail and sort it into the case slots for each curbside customer they had. It really saved us out on the route and the waiting portion, when the regular PO crew sorted, they also were sorting theirs for delivery within the PO the carrier was never sure when to expect to get out.

 

This ‘bid’ was on a brand-new route.  The area was growing fast with new sub-divisions, as well as homes out with acreage, they needed to break up deliveries, expanding boundaries. I wasn’t the only one hired for new routes, before I left three others came in, originally there were only a few carriers. I learned quickly and was proficient at my job. I learned where all the addresses belonged (other routes) being able to jump in and help sort the missorted as well as magazines etc. to each carrier enabling me to get out early and shortening up my day. I must confess that when we first moved to the ‘boonies,’ I started learning all the names of the roads by making wrong turns and getting lost, it proved helpful on the job, so much so I could tell how to find places or which carrier they’d need to talk to from the name of the road.

On my first day with my “new job” the PM, gave me the low-down, walked me through the PO, sharing much of my training would be on the job and exactly where my route was. She told me that I needed specific things always in my car in case I was stranded. As you can see from the photo’s a bit of my route. I did have a Subaru (for city driving) 4wheel drive was important for all routes, though my car was low to the ground, I mostly ate dirt. So much so my car seemed to permanently have that floating dust look inside much like seeing pigpen on Charlie Brown! Every curbside box and cluster boxes were on dirt or just off paved onto dirt. I will say I had the nicest cluster boxes (I still regularly notice all mail ‘cluster’ boxes commenting how nice mine were). When I first started, I only had customers from curbside or is that ditch and berm side! The curbside group was broken off another route and the PM shared it would increase as time went on. Then she looked at me curiously asking, “Are you certain you want this job?” I politely said, “yes, why?”  “Well, you had the lowest bid.” I replied, “I didn’t know what others had bid, and wouldn’t have known, asking again why?” She said to me, “Well it’s so low, you are like volunteering.” nice~

Of course, I can’t remember the actual thoughts that were bouncing in my mind then; I know I probably had the look of stunned ~ 

 

As time went by, I enjoyed (mostly) my route especially the Oldtimers with curbside. I found I really liked the PM – we got along well. She just allowed the carriers to do their jobs as we were contracted to do. We followed postal regulations (mostly), worked hard and looked at it as those who were receiving mail were in fact our customers we were providing the service. Everyone working with us within the PO all seemed to get along, most disgruntled things from the regulars were directed towards the PM so they got along great! Until she retired, that’s the way it goes sometimes. One time the PM mentioned to me that for the route I needed to get something like cross extensions put on the car for driving on the other side of the road. By looking at the photos, it wasn’t like there was ever traffic to contend with – as none. I told her that I would deliver backwards – kind a sort of. She told me she didn’t care how I delivered the mail; she didn’t want problems. BTW all the regulation stuff I needed to have for my route, you know the standard safety stuff – traffic warning triangles or cones, etc., if I broke down and pulled to the ditch putting cones out, lol, who would see them? Cows, doggies and a passerby with an hour space time between each car or tractor. My husband, when brick mobile phones came out, brought one home for me to use on the route – for emergencies, you would think it was a great idea, I found out that I would have had to climb a hill – finding that perfect spot to get a connection like I did when at home! I knew God was always with me as well, I only had one tire problem on ‘that’ route the whole time I was a carrier. 

I wished I could find my cow pic ~

As time went by, I enjoyed (mostly) my route especially the Oldtimers with curbside. I found I really liked the PM – we got along well. She just allowed the carriers to do their jobs as we were contracted to do. We followed postal regulations (mostly), worked hard and looked at it as those who were receiving mail were in fact our customers we were providing the service. Everyone working with us within the PO all seemed to get along, most disgruntled things from the regulars were directed towards the PM so they got along great! Until she retired,  that’s the way it goes sometimes. One time the PM mentioned to me that for the route I needed to get something like cross extensions put on the car for driving on the other side of the road. By looking at the photos, it wasn’t like there was ever traffic to contend with – as none. I told her that I would deliver backwards – kind a sort of. She told me she didn’t care how I delivered the mail just deliver it; she didn’t want problems. BTW all the regulation stuff I needed to have for my route, you know the standard safety stuff – traffic warning triangles or cones, etc., if I broke down and pulled to the ditch putting cones out, lol, who would see them? Cows, doggies and a passerby with an hour space time between each car or tractor. One day my husband brought home a brick mobile phone when they came out for me to use on the route – you know for emergencies. You'd think it would've been a great idea, I soon found out that I would have had to climb a hill – finding that perfect spot to get a connection like I did when at home! I knew God was always with me as well, I only had one tire problem on ‘that’ route the whole time I was a carrier. 

 

I have many memories of my time as a carrier, the most memorial ‘favorite’ time was being outside with the most beautiful skies I’ve ever seen, the air had that light, fresh, airy feel. Always seeming to have a slight breeze on those kinds of days. I usually listened to KLYT 88.3 Albuquerque (all music at the time) or DC Talk’s album, Jesus Freak! I still do. I mostly listened to  “I’ve Got Something to Say,” that I could literally listen to over and over on my route. The start of the song seemed to capture the skies and how I felt in that fresh air of being outside. It always ministered to how I felt inside.  There were things going on in our lives with Jim being gone, the boys were busy with practice, cars and friends – being teenagers. The route provided a space where I was able to be alone with the Lord, so to speak, and out where I could in a way let things go enjoying the beauty of outside.

I surprised myself here only getting this far without sharing some memorable stories I liked from my first route. Yes, my first route. I used to joke – my husband loved me so much he got me a second route!

I think I'll stop here for the meantime. We've been busy on the farm as my son would say. We had a natural gas leak and having a new line put in. Say a prayer for me and while I wait until next week went it is hopefully up and running, I'll be listening to DC Talk. 

(to be continued)