Grandma Emma's Days

Today I will tell more of Grandma Emma's special story. It has been seven years since her passing. Can't quite believe that, but the years have gone. I am Emma's oldest grandchild, the first of many. Twelve of us , and many more great grandchildren. She gave a piece of her life to all of us. Even one who is named after her. Grandma was a remarkable woman. A woman of history. She lived in a time when life was sometimes hard and cruel. Yet, she lived till ninety eight years of age. Her journey began in Norway, born into a family of six children. Leaving there as a young adult and immigrating to the United States. It was not an easy decision, but she and our grandfather, made a life in the new world, just as so many did before them. Learning a new language and living in a new unfamiliar place was challenging. But she made the best of life wherever she was. She cooked, cleaned, grew a garden, sewed, tended her children and even milked cows on the farm in Mukilteo. She was a survivor. Her attitude is what saved her so many times. She was my Grandmother and also my mentor. When I had a problem large or small, she usually had the answer. I'm glad that I spent time with her over the years, she made a difference in my life. I miss her and will never forget the sound of her voice and her saying " Uff Da"(smile) She was a teacher, but did not know it.... She always enjoyed the simple things that life had to offer... a beautiful sunset on her last day.....Sandra

Grandma's kitchen drawer

All through the years Grandma Emma had a special place in her kitchen where she kept all those needed little treasures. We called it her junk drawer, it wasn't junk, just didn't have a better name for it. It was a small drawer on the right side of the kitchen sink. On any given day you would find some basic items that were used often. Always a pair of scissors, usually a pair that she brought with her from Norway and took such very good care of. A needle, thread, string, thumbtacks, rubber bands, paper clips, some assorted yarn from knitting projects, tape, crochet hook, small bits of other recycled items that had been saved in case someone needed them. It was organized and never removed from the drawer and used without properly returning it to its home. Grandma Emma was really good at recycling so many items. Even though we didn't have that word yet. She was saving and careful, she had a saying that she lived by " Waste not, want not" and it still works till this day. I think of those words often, especially when I'm at the grocery store. Do we need it or just want it... will we use it or waste it. A careful way of life is in so many ways is a simpler way of life... Truly simple living through the years that I practice now.

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Grandma's Original Applegoodies

Grandma Emma made a wonderful special dessert when we were growing up. It is called "Applegoodie". It is plain and simple but so very tasty. Sometimes served warm of chilled, doesn't matter. Good and sweet! She acquired the recipe while living in Northwood Iowa. In the 1930's natural gas oven and stoves were starting to arrive in the marketplace. And as with anything new, a person had to learn to use the new product. A company called Pacific Gas and Electric offered cooking classes in the neighborhoods to increase sales, etc. Grandma attended. The class was held at a school one summer. The children played outdoors while their mothers attended cooking classes. PGE also gave out recipes , and Grandma's applegoodies were discovered! One of her favorites and mine also... Applegoodie recipe: Cut enough apples ( She always used Transparent or Gravenstein) into wedges after being peeled and washed to fill up the pan to the top, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar, than set aside. In another bowl mix ingredients for topping. One cup brown sugar, one cup flour, one cup quickcooking oatmeal and one half cup butter. (that gives a golden color) Mix all together and pat into patties and lay on top of the apples to form a crust. Then put in a 350 oven ( might have to adjust the heat according to your own oven) and bake approximately 35 minutes till the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool or serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream or plain... Always delicious and welcomed by all that shared this special dessert with her... good dessert and good memories! Simple living at its best! Enjoy!

Grandma's Story

I wanted to let all of you know how much your stories and comments meant to me. Thank you! As we all travel this journey of life there will be special people who direct us and influence our way of thinking. Grandma Emma did just that, as did everyone else that has gone before us. Each in their own way. Strength, wisdom, kindness, love, and of course chocolate chip cookies and wine. These common threads are what bind us together as families and friends for our own special journey. So as today emerges, let us remember the past, but also look forward to the future knowing that something we do today in our journey will be remembered or perhaps make a positive difference in someones life. Whatever you do on this monday.... Enjoy the time.

Living Frugal

Yes, it is time for me to write this. I've been thinking of different people who influenced my life for many reasons. One special person is my Grandma Emma. I always referred to her as grandma. She was a person with many special talents and gifts. I learned so many lessons in life from her. How to trim fruit trees, freeze produce, recycle just about everything but mostly how to be frugal. She had grown up in a time without having the convenience of shopping at every store. The stores didn't exist. Doctors and dentists were far between. Even when the pandemic flu of 1918 arrived, she made it with little more than hot strong coffee with some liquor in it. As did her brother Halvard and sister Agnes. They grew up in a time where recycling wasn't fashionable, it was a necessity. She carried these ideas with her when she left Norway for the USA. A big challenge to arrive in a new country and not able to speak the language, she learned. She was brave and met the challenges of the new world. She could do almost anything she had to. She cooked, raised a lovely garden, sewed, took care of the cows and chickens, helped neighbors, but never did drive a car. Can't quite figure that out, but she worked around that. She was a quiet and kind person one could always depend on. She loved all of us reading this today. I miss her and the old fashioned way she lived her life. I would love to hear her voice again, saying Uff da....... She made my life better. I have a good life because she cared.