Remembering With Gratitude

This past Friday was Veterans Day. It brought to mind our second trip to Rome while we were living in Sicily. We decided to visit the World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial site. It is located 38 miles south of Rome on the northern edge of Nettuno. 

Dan & Vivian (DJ's mom and dad), Dani, Ben, Heather and DJ at the entrance

It was an incredible experience. We were the only ones there ~ 77 acres of a somber yet peaceful atmosphere. The quiet compelled me to think of all the brave, young men and women who sacrificed everything. The majority of these lives were lost during the liberation of Sicily, at the landings in the Salerno Area and Anzio Beach or those involved with air and naval support in those regions.

The Star of David was seen randomly among the beautiful rows of white crosses.

There are 7,861 buried here

The chapel dedicated to the 3,095 missing military members in that region

The dedication plaque outside the chapel in English and Italian

Jobs & home states of MIA's ~ I cried as I ran my hand over these etchings

I'm really glad we were able to visit this cemetery and memorial site. I'm grateful for all our veterans ~ those  who are currently serving, have served in the past and especially those who gave the greatest sacrifice ~ their life.

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We went to the Veterans Day Parade here in Ogden Saturday morning and to a small ceremony they had afterwards.

Today I'm grateful for:

~the priviledge of living in such a wonderful country because of so many dedicated and courageous men and women
~the love of a Savior who is ever faithful
~winter slowly making its presence known :)

~JanMarie

College Trip to Oregon :)

This past week DJ, Danielle and I took a 4 day road trip to Oregon. Our purpose was to visit a college Dani is looking into.
It was a wonderful trip ~ We were able to stay with my brother and sister-in-law, the college has alot to offer and we got a dose of the incredible Pacific Northwest! I grew up in the greater Portland area and really miss certain things. Like: endless forests of evergreens, moss, Mt. Hood, wispy fog and so many places to drink coffee :)
DJ helped my brother, Dave, put in a new dishwasher and kitchen faucet. It was an enjoyable 4 days.

Driving through the Columbia Gorge ~ one of my favorite places.
Sorry for the specks on the picture. I seem to be having a hard time keeping my lens clean even using a lens cover.

We stopped at this vineyard ~ the people there were so friendly.  

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The following pictures were taken as we drove around the greater Yamhill area. They were taken as we were driving so they aren't high quality. It gives you an idea of the area though.

One of the things I really miss about living in Oregon is the logging trucks. I've loved them since I was a kid. 
Why do I love them? Hmmm...I don't know. I love to stack firewood. Maybe there's a connection. Maybe I need therapy!?

Me and my brother, Dave. He's fun to spend time with :) Great cook too!

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Saturday we went to McMinnville for breakfast and to go to Lowes. What a beautiful town! Of course I have to share pictures with you! These following pictures are taken on 3rd St.

Where we ate breakfast ~ It was such a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The omelettes were amazing!
Jack cheese, onions sauteed in balsamic vinegar and  hmmm I can't remember what else.

I love that little alcove with a table and chairs ~ Oh, that moss is so pretty :)

David and Kristijana's "new" old house ~ 1901 and it's full of charm

We hit this bit of snow on the way home ~ This is not far from Emigrant Springs State Park in Oregon.
It was a fun road trip ~  just DJ & I sharing this time with Dani. She drove all the way home! 14 hours. She had to prove to herself that she could do it.

Counting My Blessings,
JanMarie

Our Own Secret Stash :)

Last year we fell in love.......


With Jalapeno Jelly! 
We blame our friends, Steve & Cathy. They made some and gave us a jar. All very innocent I'm sure but that one jar left us wanting more :)
This year I told Steve we wanted to help them make jalapeno jelly so we could have our own secret stash!
Steve and Cathy have a great outdoor area that we worked in.

The outdoor kitchen we used ~ Ben is washing jars

What a great space to have in your yard!

Getting things lined up and ready to go :)

Much better than canning inside!

Great view while working.......

Jalapenos ~ The star of  the recipe! These were picked at a local farm.

These peppers were also grown locally ~ We added them to the jalapeno jelly for color.

DJ didn't use gloves when he cut up jalapenos but I had to. Even with gloves my hands got red and were irritated so DJ took that job over.

Jalapenos & vinegar

Jalapeno mixture, sugar, pectin and more vinegar cooked on the stove ~ Then DJ ladled it into jars

Canning takes a little patience but it's so worth it!


I don't have a picture of the end result but we were happy to bring 60 pint jars of jalapeno jelly home :) Altogether I think we made around 200 jars that day.
Jalapeno jelly is so good with cream cheese and crackers. 
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Can you believe it's November 1st?
Today I'm grateful for:
*beautiful, lingering fall colors
*a husband who is faithful and hardworking
*blackberry jam
*coffee in early morning hours
*a Savior who is my hope


Blessings,
JanMarie

The City Library

Fascinating ~ Interesting ~ Worth Seeing. ~ The City Library down in Salt Lake City.

Heather and I took Dan & Vivian down to SLC last week when they were here. There was just enough clouds that I was able to get some decent pictures.

Isn't it beautiful with the sunlight gently making its presence known?
There are several little shops down on the main floor ~ a deli, gift store, book store,  etc.
Each level on the left side of this picture is a study area with tables and chairs.
The library is on the right side.

Each level has this oddly unique set of fireplaces ~ hmmm

This mobile made of little books and butterflies hangs from the ceiling

Outside the library. There are stairs on that curved part of the building so we decided to check out the views.

Looking back to where we came out of the library.

The view as we started up the stairs ~ looking east.

At the top! Looking west at the City Hall building.

Looking southwest.

Looking back at the stairs we came up.

Instead of taking the stairs back down we went inside and took the glass elevator.

What an artsy bike rack outside the library!

Dan, Vivian and Heather leaving the library.

The City Library is definitely worth visiting if you live in the area or happen to be passing through!

Have a beautiful day!
~JanMarie