Moving on...past the "challenge" and back to Bread

I am not going to say I am a quitter I am just going to say I am moving on without further blog challenges.
Blogging challenges are wonderful and a very good thing but if I try to catch up I will not keep up with my recent diversions.

So, I am going to share some of my recent exploits in the world of Bread.
It's not rocket science or nuclear physics or even brain surgery...just bread.

Tell me truly are there many scents out there as comforting as baked bread or the crunch through to the soft center of a loaf of bread?
I would have to say no!

I've been making bread for more than 40 years. You see during a quick trip to Idaho, my great aunt discovered that I had not been taught how to make bread by the ripe old age of 11. I was immediately escorted into her Idaho farm kitchen to start my bread making education. For the rest of that summer it was my job to make the bread each week with under the supervision of my mother for out family of 9.

Ever since then I have loved making breads of all kinds. It's all about fermentation you know; grains, grinds flours. see what they can do when you mix them up with water and yeast. I love to try new recipes, tweek them a bit and make the my own.

Challenge #16 - a song that makes me cry...or almost

While serving in our Stake YW and making plans for the Seminary Graduation of 2000 I suggested this musical selection to our Youth Council. The truth about our young men and women written in these songs will always touch my heart. As time progressed these youth were concerned that they were not going to have enough participation to their satisfaction. 

That night I was blown away as 16 youth performed this medley. 

Little did I know I was listening and watching my son perform with his future wife.

Challenge #15 - A role model

My first reaction is to say the Lord, Jesus Christ as my ultimate role model.
but...there are so many ordinary people, both young and old, that I've looked up as examples it would be difficult to name just one.

1- My hubby, good, grounded, hard working, get it done.
2- My mom - hard working, optimistic, the eternal Cougar fan.
3- My dad - a believer and mentor.
4- My kids & my loving kid in-laws - giving, determined and oh so loving.
5- My grandchildren - living life with enthusiasm!
5- My brothers & sisters (including in-laws) - support, encouragement, and a good laugh!
6- Neighbors and friends - serving and sharing
7- Teachers who taught and cultivated my curiosity

I am forever grateful for others who have lit the way, make it bright and carry me on.

Challenge #14 - a non-fictional book

Yikes! The most recent non-fiction books I've been reading have to do with "classroom management" which should be listed under Lion taming and other dangerous occupations...

I am not so much into self-help books as much as I once was; what this says about me I do not care too much. There is one "self-help" book that has impacted me in the past few years called "A Heart Like His" by Virginia H. Pearce

I would have to say I do like gardening books, decorating books, big beautiful art books and interesting cookbooks.

Challenge #13 - a fictional book

What just one! ...a fictional book that I like. I don't think I could list just one so I won't.

I love a good mystery...The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I can get into a historical novel...The Book Thief by Markus Zusack
I really like a bit of fantasy...Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie or The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
I think clever word usage is fun...The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Sometimes a good book of fiction is at least a diversion if not a bit of a "vacation."

Challenge #12 - something I am OCD about.

You know I think there are more things I do or like to have done in a certain manner.
Oooh that must mean I am getting older than I want to admit.

There is one thing that I really have a problem with...labels.
Price Stickers and product labels make me a bit nuts.
I do not like the price sticker left on anything I am going to use.
Unnecessary Package labels are in the same category.
I take them off plastic storage bins, canisters and random containers.
If I don't like the label or sticker on a product and don't need it for
identification of the item it will be coming off.
I will not be a billboard for unattractive labels.
I will do whatever I need to remove that label, sticker and it's residue.

Challenge #11 - a photo taken of me recently

Boating on Lake Powell...red nose, sunshine, water and waves.