Hilma Orabell Beesley

My grandmother passed away a couple of weeks ago. I was with her when she left this life and moved on to the next, to my grandpa and her parents, and others who loved her. She was a lovely grandmother who always wanted to teach something and laughed with her grandchildren. I often felt like her favorite as I sat on her sofa and neatly made my rows of X's on the pillowcases. She taught me to crosstitch, make apple pies (I wish I'd paid better attention) and always think "waste not, want not." I loved Grandma Beesley and often think of the fun times I had with her at her East Millcreek home. I learned to wash windows with vinegar water and newspaper, make fresh brussel sprouts, and keep a tidy house. Her funeral was a celebration of her life and I was happy to hear so many people talk of the wonderful time spent with Orabell. She is missed and I'm so grateful I am a part of her and she of me.

What the heck?

Sunday night was an interesting turning point for the Hoopes-Smith-Carr-Walker family. Chad, my older and sometimes wiser brother, proposed a new challenge...biggest loser. I had no idea he even watched reality tv. Of course Challey, my younger and sometimes wiser sister, instantly latched onto the idea and promoted it fiercely to the rest of us. It's kind of a joke to look at Amy (Chad's wife) and Spencer (Challey's husband) and imagine them being any lighter, but they were game for the challenge too. Supposedly everyone is kicking in $25 and the person with the greatest weight loss percentage gets the pot January 1st. Generally I try to maintain my weight and be somewhat healthy. Actually, I've never really tried to lose weight and I kind of sabotage any kind of efforts of it. I figure if I work out at the gym then I'm entitled to eat whatever I want, aka, rocky road brownies. But, now the brownies are gone and I really could make a conscious effort to work out more regularly and cut back on the sugar intake. Any suggestions to get your mind and body off the stuff? This should be an interesting 3 months and many of you may have little gifts on your doorsteps of fancy Halloween cupcakes and glorious pumpkin treats or apple creations. Lately I've been in the mood to bake and create.