Birthdays, Spelling Bee, and Sewing Machines

As I sit here trying to figure out where to start, the above are what come to mind. I had a birthday luncheon yesterday for 10 women for Elisabeth's birthday. All in all in was a success, even though I was aware of little things that didn't meet my expectations. It was a fun project, but I'm glad it is over.

Grandson Warren asked his family for pledges for a spelling bee in which he was competing. So in true grandparent, aunt and uncle, and mom and dad style, they all came through and he raised the most money for his school - $53. In turn, he received a $70 gift certificate from Toys R Us.!! I think there are several of us who would like that kind of a return on our money.

I-90 near Easton has had another major rock slide which has resulted in either no traffic or one lane of traffic for the last few days. We would like to drive to Spokane to look at a piece of property, but don't know that this is the best time to do it. This is the third rock slide this year, and it makes one wonder why all of a sudden. It tends to make me not to even want to drive it.

After several weeks of research, I made a decision about a new sewing machine, and picked it up last Thursday. Within 15 minutes, I realized it could not do one of the things I expected - straight stitch in a circle as small as two inches in diameter. So I returned it on Wednesday and looked at some other possibilities. Now I think I am ready to try again. Buying a sewing machine, even limiting oneself to one brand, is like buying a mattress. Every store has a different number, or color, or model for the same item. As I am sure it is intended, it makes it virtually impossible to comparison shop. More to follow.

You might recall my tale of woe about crunching the camera case behind the slide wall in the motor home? Ken took it in last week, and the repair cost $49; yes $49. And $3 of that was for parts - staples. I didn't think it was possible to have anything done at a vehicle or RV repair facility for less than several hundred dollars. I am just relieved that there does not appear to be any structural damage to the slide that would compromise its ability to keep water out. Of course in another month, we won't have that worry for a while as we bask in the sunshine of Arizona.

Here is the soup I served at the luncheon yesterday. I thought it very good. Plus it is easy, inexpensive, and can be made the day before.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

1 large onion, sliced
3/4 cup sliced green onions, white part only
1/4 cup butter
1 16-oz can pumpkin
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup Muscat Canelli (I used Lairds apple brandy)
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp curry powder (or to taste, I used more)
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Several parsley sprigs
2 cups half and half
Salt and pepper

Saute` onions and scallions in butter until golden brown. Stir in pumpkin, broth, bay leaf, sugar, curry powder, nutmeg and parsley. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer soup to food processor in batches and puree. Return to pan; add half and half, salt and pepper. Simmier 5 to 10 minutes. 6 servings. I garnished it with the green onion tops, minched.