Remembering Uncle Charles

My dear Uncle Charles passed away on August 7, 2017.  He died on my Daddy's 82nd birthday.  It caused me think about how often these important dates get intermingled...

My Grandma Jewel (mother to Daddy, Charles, Marjorie, Carolyn, and Mitch) passed away on my 16th birthday.  We spent Jonathan's 1st birthday at the visitation for Marvin's dear Mama.  We buried Marvin's Dad on Mary Ann's birthday (his granddaughter/Marvin's niece).  I think it just reinforces a deep connection.  Certainly, I never celebrate a birthday without thinking about my Grandma Jewel.  There is perhaps something sacred about the sharing of these days - the blending of joy and sorrow.

Below are some photos of Uncle Charles.  Each one brings to mind a family story or a special memory of a very special man.

I love this photo of the 3 brothers - Mitch, Jack, and Charles

Here they are again a few years later.  :)
Mitch, Jack, and Charles

Grandma Jewel with her children
Mitch, Marjorie, Jack, Charles, and Carolyn

Ilene & Charles, Sue & Jack, Carolyn, Marjorie & Ernest, Janice & Mitch

The 5 siblings at the dedication of Magruder Hall
Jack, Carolyn, Marjoie, Charles, and Mitch

Uncle Charles making music with his oldest son, Charles III

Known far and wide for his fish frying skills!
He made the best funnel cake, too! 

Charles and his bride of almost 64 years, Ilene

Funny story about the picture below that I just have to share here.  This was during the family reunion of 2002.  We were gathered at Truman in the Georgian Room having dinner and family 'entertainment'.  These three had planned this performance from 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' as a surprise and slipped out to a downstairs bathroom to get into costume.  Someone unrelated must have seen them and got concerned, calling campus police.  When the police arrived, they called to Daddy from the door of the Georgian Room, not satisfied that all was truly okay until Daddy actually walked out of the room to confirm it.  (He was President at that time and they had to be absolutely certain there was no threat.)   Nope - it was just Uncle Charles, Cousin Ernie, and Uncle Mitch doing anything for the benefit of entertaining the family!  And their performance was hilarious!!  I have it on video somewhere and need to dig that up and put it online....  :)

Charles, Ernie, and Mitch preforming 'I Am a Man
of Constant Sorrow' at the family reunion in 2002.  :D  

Presenting Mama with one of his prize cabbages from his garden.

Charles, Mitch, and Jack had many fun 'Guys Weekends'.
This particular year they met cousin Jane for dinner and she fit right in.  ;) 

Jackson sure enjoyed spending a day at the Iowa State Fair with Uncle Charles in 2003.
Finishing off with all the corn on the cob he could eat was pretty impressive!

Charles, Jackson, and Ilene at the Iowa State Fair

I love this photo of Charles

Charles and Ilene  

We were all proudly in attendance when Charles gave the
Memorial Day 2006 speech at the courthouse in Milan.
Wanda is also pictured on the right. 

The 5 siblings in front of their home church - Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Lentner, MO
Mitch, Carolyn, Jack, Marjorie, Charles

Charles, Carolyn, Mitch, Marjorie, and Jack at the Lentner post office
(just before it was torn down to widen the highway)

Elaine, Glen, and Charles
Charles and Glen grew up together and sustained
that close friendship throughout the years.

Uncle Charles and Marvin had a special connection from the very beginning.  I remember taking Marvin to a family reunion before we were married.  Uncle Charles immediately befriended Marvin and when the reunion was over he just flat out asked when we were getting married!  :)  He was already welcoming Marvin into the family with open arms.

When our wedding came around we found ourselves in a potential dilemma... there was an ice storm sweeping through the southeast and both our maid of honor and our best man were trying to navigate the storm and drive up to be in the wedding with us.  We didn't know if they would make it through.  Uncle Charles came to Marvin and offered to stand in as his best man as a backup.  That meant the world to Marvin.  As it was, both Sandra and Bob were able to make it up and the wedding went on as planned.  But how special to know that once again, Uncle Charles was welcoming Marvin into the family with such open arms.

When we built our house Uncle Charles came down to help Marvin do all the plumbing.  What a generous act of kindness.  And I do believe they had a terrific time together.  :)

Charles and Marvin installing plumbing in our house

For many years, the three brothers (Charles, Jack, and Mitch) would go on a 'Guys Weekend' once or twice a year.  They took the horses and spent a long weekend relaxing, riding, and cooking/eating.  It was a much anticipated event.  Eventually, Marvin, the boys, and others were invited to join in - an honor they won't forget.  

Charles with Dick & Bob, the Haflinger team,
in front of Lowman Chapel in Shelbina during a 'Guys Weekend'

Charles cooking ribs for 'Guys Weekend' dinner.  :)

Marvin, Mitch, and Charles on one of the 'Guys Weekends'

In front of Lowman Chapel during a 'Guys Weekend'
(Daddy taking the photo)

Charles wouldn't let Marvin sit on the sidelines
during the Veterans ceremony at Silver Dollar City.  :)

Charles was serenading Ilene at Silver Dollar City -
singing 'Ain't She Sweet'  :)  

Charles and Jack at Chris & Wanda's 4th of July celebration

There are so many more that I could have shared, but I had to just make myself stop.  All of these photos make me smile remembering wonderful times.  Charles lived a rich and full life and our hearts are full of precious memories.  Please keep my dear Aunt Ilene and all the family in your prayers.  

Here are more good memories...

One of my favorites, for sure - 

https://lifeatwilliscreekrancharchive.blogspot.com/2008/02/trust-me-this-is-cool.html

Many 'Guys Weekends' over the years.  I was able to document several of them, at least partially. 

https://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2011/05/guys-weekend.html

https://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2011/10/guys-weekend.html

https://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2012/10/guys-weekend.html

https://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2013/09/guys-weekend.html

https://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2014/09/guys-weekend.html

Italian Joes on Texas Toast (IP)

Italian Joes on Texas Toast in the Instant Pot
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (I used diced tomatoes with garlic and onion)
1 can condensed tomato soup
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 package frozen garlic Texas toast
shredded Parmesan or Italian blend cheese

Heat olive oil in Instant Pot on Sauce.  Brown the ground beef; drain if necessary.  Add the green pepper, onion, and garlic to the Instant pot and lightly brown.  Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato soup and stir.  Add all seasonings and stir to combine.  Cancel Saute.  Place lid on Instant Pot and set to Seal.  Cook on Manual High pressure for 8 minutes.  Allow for quick release (but watch for spewing - turn release off and wait if it spews too much).

While the meat mixture is cooking in the Instant Pot, cook the frozen garlic Texas toast as directed on the package, baking until lightly browned.  When the meat mixture is finished, ladle it onto the Texas toast and then top with shredded cheese.  You may serve immediately or put back in oven for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.

Bella

Marvin and Jonathan are working hard with Bella.  I have not yet gotten out to the barn to document their efforts (will work on that ASAP!).  But I did get a few photos the other day when Marvin had Bella in the outdoor arena, saddled up, while Marvin was mowing.  I got tickled watching Bella's reaction to wearing the saddle and also her response to Marvin whenever he got within sight of her.

She was sort of stalking around the arena with the saddle on her back...

Periodically she would gaze toward Marvin, who was mowing the yard.  

then stalk around some more...

then look longingly for Marvin again...  :) 

She got excited when he started heading her way...

He was talking to her and she tried to give him a bit of a cold shoulder at first...  ;)

... but he sat there 'with her' for awhile and she responded.  :) 

Bella is doing well with the training and I'll try to do a better job of keeping up with it all.  :)

Cheeseburger Macaroni (IP)

Ugly photo, but tasty meal.  :)  I have made this three times so far and it has been a winner each time. Thanks to Shonda for sharing this great recipe!

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot
1 pound lean ground beef
16 oz. pasta (I have used macaroni, rotini, and rigatoni)
2 cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp. Franks Red Hot (I omitted the first time)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. oregano (I used Italian seasoning)
1 tsp. parsley
28 oz. diced tomatoes (I used Italian diced tomatoes)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (I have also used an Italian cheese blend)

Press Saute and add ground beef.  Brown beef to crumbly stage.  Rinse and drain any grease if needed.  Add all other ingredients EXCEPT cheese.  Press Cancel/Keep Warm then cook on Manual High for 4 minutes.  Do a quick release of pressure then remove lid and add cheese, stirring to melt throughout.  Ready to serve.

Applesauce (IP)

I have made applesauce in my Instant Pot twice now.  It has been so good each time.  The first time I used just 8 medium sized apples and did a quick puree (after cooking) with my immersion blender.  It turned out chunky and delicious.  The second time I loaded my 8 quart pot about ¾ full of apples and after I used my immersion blender, it was more smooth - almost like apple butter.  (next on my list to make...)  So, I think if you want a chunkier applesauce, make a smaller batch.  If you like extra smooth then load the pot full.  Either way the taste is fresh and wonderful!

Applesauce in the Instant Pot (basic recipe)
8-10 medium sized apples
¼ cup water or apple cider vinegar (or mix of both)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Note - you don't need a full cup of water to make applesauce because the apples release so much moisture during the cooking process.

Cut apples into similar size pieces.  (I cut my apples into eight wedges using an apple wedger.)  Place in the Instant Pot.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Add the ¼ cup liquid (I used half Braggs apple cider vinegar/half water).  Put lid on and set vent to Seal.  Cook at Manual High pressure for 4 minutes.  Do a quick release of pressure then remove lid and blend with immersion blender to desired consistency.

The first time I made this I 'half' peeled the apples.  The second time (pictured above) I left all the skins on.  They pureed well with my immersion blender and gave the nice rosy color.  So I would say you can go either way.

I have determined that the only difference for making this second batch into apple butter will be to add more spices before cooking next time.  So next time I'll use a spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger and perhaps a little sweetener - like molasses.

Random September

Snippets  from September...

Proud of this guy!  Jackson got hired to help set up the new Hobby Lobby store and was then hired to work in the framing department.  He is loving his job!  So, if you have any framing needs, be sure to go find Jackson at Hobby Lobby and he will get you set up!  :)

Shonda was at Hobby Lobby on opening day and sent me this photo.  :D
Moms United!!!  

I swiped this one off of Facebook... can you find the 'floppy mohawk' over toward the right?  :D  :D  

Daddy has been hard at work making bookshelves for Mama.  This is the first one...

'in process' in the garage...

Finished and in the office.

So, we had a leak in the upstairs shower.  It came down into Jonathan's ceiling.  Thankfully, it wasn't a huge leak and Jonathan alerted us pretty quickly.  He decided he doesn't want to keep the opening... :)

Dear Karen brought this to Marvin.  It is the coolest hot/cold pad and is shaped to hold a bowl.
Perfect for keeping Marvin's hand from getting cold when he eats his ice cream!  

Sojourners Sisters

Last year I was unable to participate in Sojourners Club, and missed it, so was glad to be back for the first meeting this year.

I've been wanting to get this photo for awhile - so was glad to have the opportunity this day.
2 sets of sisters - Julie & Laura and Donna & Nancy.  :)

I liked this little prayer card that was on each table.  

The program this day was on the history of Sojourners Club.  The theme for the year is community history to coincide with the celebrations of the city of Kirksville, Truman, and ATSU. (175, 150, and 125 years respectively)

A special treat was having friends Deb and Anne join me at Sojourners.  But, I missed getting a photo of us!

Tortellini Alfredo in the Instant Pot

Marvin, especially, loved this!

Tortellini Alfredo in the Instant Pot
3 cups water (I used chicken broth)
2 tsp. salt
9 oz. fresh tortellini
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 Tbsp. butter (I think I will omit or cut down next time)
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggian, grated (about 3/4 cup)  (I used shredded Parmesan)
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup frozen peas, slightly thawed (I served those on the side instead)
1/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon

Place the water/broth, salt, and tortellini in the Instant Pot.  Put the lid on and set vent to Seal.  Cook on Manual High for 3 minutes.  Allow for Quick Release of pressure.  When pressure is fully released, open lid and press Cancel/Keep Warm.  Add the heavy cream, butter, pepper, cheese, and nutmeg and press Saute.  Bring to a boil, stirring to thicken the sauce.  Add bacon when sauce is thickened.  (Add peas with bacon if not serving them on the side.)

This was really good!  I am going to make it again using chicken breast tenders instead of the tortellini.  I will saute the chicken first then cook in 1 cup of broth.  The rest of the recipe will stay the same.

Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds

I was inspired by the incredibly yummy green beans with hazelnuts that you can get at Take Root Cafe.  (You DO want to go there and try them; trust me!)  But, I didn't have any hazelnuts on hand.  So I substituted sliced almonds.  Quick and easy and oh so good.

Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds
1 Tbsp. olive oil
5 or 6 cloves of garlic, minced
⅓ cup sliced almonds
1 pound fresh green beans
salt, pepper, and onion powder (optional)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.  Add the minced garlic and start to brown.  Add the sliced almonds when the garlic is about halfway browned.  Allow the garlic and almonds to brown well.  Then add in the green beans (trim the ends, but leave them whole).  Add some salt, pepper, and onion powder if you like.  Put the lid on and allow the whole thing to cook on medium to medium high heat for a few minutes.  Periodically remove lid and stir to mix it all up.  It will take about 8-10 minutes to cook the green beans through.  (I like them crisp tender)  If needed, add a dollop of butter :) for flavor and to keep things from sticking.