Spirituality

"The spiritual instinct is to relax into the mystery of life as it's happening." 
                                           --- Elizabeth Lesser 

When I heard this comment from Elizabeth Lesser, the author of "Broken Open," I thought how similar it sounds to the traditional religious teaching of "Trust God."

People often get very caught up in terminology.

I have very traditional religious beliefs in many ways. But I also believe in the teachings of other religions considered less traditional in the United States. I see more similarity than difference in various faiths. We can get worked up about what something is called or how it's practiced, when the underlying belief is essentially the same.

Over the years, I've learned to think of this as "spiritual" as opposed to "religious" because it is something far too intimate and personal to be labeled as being part of a religious group. I honor that approach, and at times I wish for it, but there is not a group that believes as I do, so it is not an option for me. I also do not want to be considered a representative of any group and held up as a model of how a person who believes that way should act, speak or engage with the world. I am far too fallible for that life.

I find tremendous comfort in my faith and I wish that for others. But I believe people have to find their own paths. It is not my place to interfere with that, or impose my own structure on it. It will be far more meaningful and central to a person's life if it's something they come to on their own. At least that's how it has been for me, and I have only my own experience to base that on. I'm always open to discussing my beliefs with people who are seeking, but only if they ask.

In the past six months, more people have asked me point-blank questions about my beliefs than has happened in probably the last decade. I'm not sure if something has shifted or if it's pure coincidence. In one case it was a friend who had been in my life for a long time. He was surprised I had not "preached" to him over the years. I responded that while I honor that approach for others, I'm certain it's not what was intended for me. I believe doors opened with gentleness and kindness are more productive than those forced open. Of course, everyone is different, and people respond to different things.

To me it seems if we could all focus on the similarities instead of the differences, we'd be better off. But, alas, that does not seem to be the path for many either. And I know people find faith in a million different ways, and people do not have to approach it exactly as I do it in order for it to be valid.
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Skydiving to Grandma's House

This is part of a Christmas display at the home of Dale Hankins in Hutchinson. Each year he adds another figure who's "Going to Grandma's House." When I interviewed him for "Hutchinson Magazine" earlier this year, he showed me this figure he was working on who would be skydiving. Obviously, it came together!

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Celtic Tenors in Salina Kansas at Stiefel Theatre

So, I kinda fell in love Friday night.

Not with one guy, but four. (Get your mind out of the gutter. It wasn't like that.)

There were roses, music, soft lights, a crowded room - pretty much all the elements one needs. It was sweet, it was funny, it was memorable.

How did this all happen? We went to see the Celtic Tenors in Salina at the Stiefel Theatre.



And a girl can't help but fall in love with men who can play and sing like that! Especially when they smile at you from the stage, give you a rose during a rendition of "Lay Down Sally" that is unlike any you've heard before, and come to the lobby afterwards to meet the fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures.



I hope their significant others don't mind that I fell in love with them all. I just couldn't help myself. Surely they will understand. Thank you to the wives, children, and other loved ones who share them by letting them go on the road and entertain.

Now the Highlights Magazine test - what is different about Matthew in the following two photos - one from the first half, one from after the show?





Yes, he shaved his beard at intermission. Apparently his wife called yesterday morning and told him to "lose the beard." He dutifully did. That is a good husband!

By the way, if you want to be chosen for such honors, here's a hint: Sit close and smile. I'm starting to notice that people are sometimes not very engaged at concerts. Let loose. Have some fun. Smile, for goodness sake. It's fun! When you go to something like this, you're a participant, not just a viewer. It's not TV. It's live. Enjoy!



If you get a chance to see The Celtic Tenors, do. You will not regret it. I can't imagine another show in which you can hear "Silent Night" sung in three different languages, mixed in with some Bob Dylan, ancient carols, and the best rendition of "O Holy Night" I have ever heard. Up until now, Johnny Mathis held that title, with Mahalia Jackson coming in a close second. And I love them both - just went to see Johnny last month - but this was a goose bump moment. I'm a girl who has heard some renditions of "O Holy Night," my nickname is "Miss Christmas," after all - and this one is my number one now.

Great show. Really fun. A fabulous way to spend a holiday season night.

My friend, Greg, took these photos, and was also responsible for our evening of fun. He is a master of fun. Thank you, Greg!

Both Sharon and I were gifted with roses from the stage. A night of good fun and amazing music.



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Minding My Own Business

I am learning. At least trying to. To mind my own business.

There's a part of my brain that just automatically jumps ahead to the logical conclusion of various situations. So, I do the equivalent of saying, "Hey! There's a train headed for you. Get out of the way." Because if I saw someone about to get hit by a train I would tell them, assuming that for whatever reason they didn't see it, hear it, perceive it, or whatever. I believe no one would want to get hit by the train. So, as a fellow human being, it's my duty to say, "Hey! Train! Look out!"

But metaphorical trains are not the same as real trains. People do not want to be warned about the train coming 'round the bend that I can already hear in the distance. They want to see it for themselves and they may have a plan to lay a new track before it reaches them. So, I need to mind my own business. As I'm fond of saying to myself these days, "Busy yourself with your own doins'."

Unfortunately, this seems far easier said than done.

But, as Scarlett famously pointed out, "Tomorrow is another day."
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Christmas Past 9

A vintage ornament from the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum.
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Organization

I haven't been writing as much here lately. People will sometimes ask if I'm okay when that happens. I am. I'm fine. Just very busy with that real life stuff. It does sometimes cut into my time at the keyboard. I know - it's an awful thing - but true. Just joking, of course...

I just returned from a couple of weeks in Kentucky with my family. I went to offer some help for loved ones who were recuperating from medical procedures. I'm not sure I accomplished a whole lot along those lines - I'm not much of a nurse - but I did provide some "support services" while others did those things. I cooked quite a bit and cleaned just a little bit. It was great to be with my family, and hopefully I was at least not a hindrance!



Only on this trip did I realize I have never been responsible for making three meals a day before. I'm not sure I'm up to the task. That whole fantasy I've had of being a domestic goddess is feeling a little less realistic. However, I'd like to say in my defense, that I'm sure I would get much better at it over time. I'd get more organized, which seems to be the key.

I was mighty proud of myself that I managed to get an entire Thanksgiving dinner's worth of groceries purchased in only ONE grocery store trip. I expected I would have to go out for something else, but my copious notes did me well. I had a whole cart full of items - not sure I've ever gathered up that many groceries at one time before.

It was kind of fun to make a big Thanksgiving dinner. I cooked for about a day and a half to get it all done. But, it all turned out well. At least I think so. Perhaps those who were present for dinner would have other things to say about it.




While I was making my lists for the various grocery store aisles, I realized organization is a real key to so many things. I think I'm horribly unorganized, but other people constantly tell me I'm very, very organized. I guess organized is in the eye of the beholder.

But as I was thinking about this later, it occurred to me that I do have some natural organizational skills and, like most things we do without much effort, I take them for granted. It is something I need to appreciate more about myself.

Those organizational skills are the things that allow me to divide a grocery list out by the categories and recipes. And they're the same skills that make it possible for me to take a notepad out and plan a project from start to finish. Not that you don't make some adjustments as you go, but you have to develop a framework so you have a place to start and a direction to head.

Moments of self-realization can come from the oddest things. Who would have thought I would have learned I really am organized by making pumpkin pie? (And, yes, the crust was homemade!)
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Christmas Past 8

One of my favorite trees from a Christmas past...

Perceptions

I've had two experiences lately that have pointed out how perceptions can vary tremendously.

I was speaking with a highly educated person recently and in the course of the conversation I mentioned an article in Scientific American Mind I had read about the topic we were discussing. The look on his face was obvious shock. I gathered he thought I was not someone who would be reading anything more thoughtful than a supermarket tabloid. There was no malice about the interaction, just surprise on his part.

A few weeks earlier, I was speaking with someone about HCC, and with disdain they said, "those college students," as if being in college was an awful thing. It was clear they thought seeking higher education was a waste of time. The sneer said "those college students" could use a little come uppance because they thought they were better than this person who had no college education. Of course, no interaction had occurred that would logically lead to that assessment, but this woman assumed they would look down on her.

So, someone with a Ph.D. is surprised we can have intelligent conversation because I have less education than he does. And someone who didn't seek college feels antagonistic toward people doing so.

I'm not sure I would have noted either of these things if they hadn't happened in close proximity to each other. And I'm not sure what it means except that perceptions are odd. We're all being affected by them every day and may not even recognize they exist - in others or ourselves. Much to think about.

Christmas Past 7

A view from Christmas past... the gold and copper tree I love.
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Christmas Past 6

A view from a Christmas past...

An ornament from a friend who I've shared tea with... Lovely!


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Divinity Recipe

It is officially the Christmas season. No one can argue with me about that anymore. It's after Thanksgiving. It's December. It's official. One of things we love at Christmas - and other times - is divinity candy.

While I was in Kentucky visiting my family, I made a couple of batches of divinity. They were a big hit. My brother even bestowed the ultimate compliment on me:

"The divinity is good. It's as good as Mama's." 

Like me, and Mama, my brother doesn't hand out compliments casually, so I knew he meant it.

We shared some with the nurses at the hospital and one of them said it was the best he had ever eaten. So, I was feeling quite proud of myself. I will just not mention the number of batches I had to make until I kind of got the hang of it. Some things are best left in the past. Nor will I mention that every once in awhile I have to throw out a batch and start over. If things don't go well, you can't fix it. Just toss it and start over. It's cheap until you add the nuts.

If you didn't know my mom and her penchant for divinity making, suffice it to say she won the purple grand champion ribbon at the fair for her divinity.

It has taken me awhile to get the hang of it and, frankly, every time I start a batch there's an element of mystery to how it will turn out. But, I keep making it. Miss Joy has provided me with ample opportunity to practice this past year, which has been nice.

Anyway, I'm sharing the recipe with you in case you want to make some for the holidays. My mom heard this on the radio in the 1930s and wrote it down.

Mary Lea's Divinity

2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites, beaten
pecans to taste

Mix sugar, syrup and water. Stir together and then cook over medium heat without stirring. Beat the egg whites so they hold their shape. I go toward the "stiffly beaten" side as opposed to the "soft peak" side. When the cooked mixture spins a nice thread, pour it slowly into the beaten egg whites and continue to beat until it starts to "fudge." When it will hold its shape you can spoon it out onto waxed paper to cool. I don't add the nuts until I know it's going to "fudge," but if you're confident you can put them in earlier.

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Christmas Past 5

A view from a Christmas past... I do love stars!

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Photography

Lately people have been complimenting the photos on  my blog a lot. It's very kind and I'm most appreciative of their comments. It has made me think about some of my favorite photos here over the years. They appeal to me for different reasons.

I never feel particularly confident of my own photos, probably because my best friend is a professional photographer so I have that to compare my own work to. However, I suppose for someone who's never had any training and has never owned a camera that costs more than a couple of hundred dollars, they're not bad. Here are a couple I especially enjoy:



http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2007/06/home.html



http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2009/02/quivira-national-wildlife-refuge.html



http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2009/08/being-thankful.html



http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2011/08/perceptions.html



http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2011/07/30000-days.html

There are others, but these are some I've run across recently that I like. I posted links to the blogs so you can go back and read if you wish. I certainly understand if you only want to look at the pretty pictures!

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Christmas Past 4

A scene from Christmases past...


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Christmas Past 3

A scene from Christmases past... It's one way I'm celebrating this year... I hope you enjoy...


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Who We Are

I'm continually fascinated by how people communicate to the world who they are. We do it through thousands of things - from the clothes we wear and the cars we drive to the way we speak. What we choose to do for a living and how we spend our free time all give clues to who we are. Then there are a million more subtle clues. Of course, none of those tells the whole story - they're just a little bit of the picture.

Sometimes it occurrs to me that I barely know myself, so I'm not sure what I am communicating at any given moment. And, almost immediately, I think of all the time I've spent discovering one thing or another about myself and am astonished I don't know more. But it seems foolish to expect anyone else to know much about me when I'm a mystery to myself in many ways.

It's quite amazing how much we tell about ourselves by things we never even think about. For example, if you didn't know me at all and saw me wearing a vintage pin, you might assume:
1. Either I spend a lot of time hunting for it or I inherited it. (It's the former.)
2. I don't pay much attention to fashion - at least not current fashion. (Although there was a brief few months a couple of years ago when sparkly pins were the "in" thing. But by and large they are not.)
3. I am probably more of a girly-girl than a tom-boy girl. (Most tom boys don't care much for sparkly pins of any sort.)
4. It's likely I have other vintage things in my home because it would be unlikely I'd go to antique stores for only one thing. (I've never bought a new piece of furniture in my life.)

Multiply that over dozens of little things like that and you get a good idea of who someone is.

In fact, in communication theory classes, a common trick of teachers is to ask students twenty questions about the teacher on the first day. Although they're just meeting, the number of questions students can answer correctly is quite high.

Even when we think we're being impersonal, we're broadcasting to the world who we are in a hundred different ways. I suppose the bigger question is how we got to be who we are. That one, I'm afraid, takes far more contemplation.

Christmas Past 2

I'm going to be revisiting some Christmas joys of Christmases past over the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy...
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Teens and Tweets - Emma Sullivan and Governor Brownback and #heblowsalot

So... there's been a little ruckus lately because an 18 year old said something on Twitter about Governor Brownback that his staff didn't like. Her principal demanded she write an apology letter. She has refused.

Regardless of your politics, you should be glad 18 year-old Emma Sullivan understands she has the right of free speech. Her parents or her teachers or someone has done a good job on that one.

Only because people like her have stood up and demanded to exercise their civil rights do we have any. It should not be the role of the Governor's office to try and silence anyone through fear or other coercion, which I can only assume was their intent when they contacted the Youth in Government program about it. Thomas Jefferson said, "Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory."

As citizens, we should be questioning why the Governor's staff felt a need to call the organization involved. I think it's great that they are monitoring Twitter - very smart - but their actions indicate they have little understanding of social media. A little knowledge can be more dangerous than none it seems. They made a very poor decision to take something out of that realm and bring it into another one.

Ms. Sullivan had 65 followers when she sent the infamous tweet with the hashtag "#heblowsalot." Now she has thousands of followers. In addition, her comments are a topic on multiple high-profile sites and national news organizations. People are tweeting their support for her views by using the same hashtag. If the Governor's staff had just left it alone, a few of her friends might have gotten a chuckle and that would have been it.

If I were a parent at Ms. Sullivan's school, I would be mighty, mighty, mighty unhappy with the principal. He instructed her to write an apology letter, providing her with talking points. She has refused, saying it would be insincere. It seems the principal missed an amazing "teaching moment" about civil rights and how best to exercise them. It seems Ms. Sullivan understands how to be appropriate in this circumstance.

Might Ms. Sullivan have said something less intense? Yes. Might the Governor's office have kept it in perspective? Yes. Her comments were not kind, but they were not yelling "fire" in a crowded theater either. She is allowed to express her opinion. Others are allowed to express theirs. Someone could have tweeted back that they were loving the Governor's presentation. They would have had the same right to express that opinion. (The fact that no one did is a little "market research" the Governor's staff might pay attention to instead of being upset about a tweet going out to 65 people.)

We cannot have democracy without free speech. It is part of the constitution. It is a right each of us has. We are allowed to disagree. We are even allowed to do so without respect. That might not be the most productive approach, but it is our right.

I can't help but think about the Pastor Martin Niemöller quote made famous by others in recent years:
First they came for the communists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Read more:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/69196.html http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/69175.html

UPDATE:
The Governor apologized for the overreaction of his staff. He should hire people who understand freedom of speech. And so should the school board.
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Train Case Travel - Vintage Style Updated

Remember these?

There was a time when everyone's Aunt had one. My Aunt Audrey did, although hers was a pearl-colored Samsonite one that I was totally in love with. So much in love that my Aunt Eva found me a child's version and sent it to me at Christmas one year. I still have it. I still love it.

When Aunt Audrey would visit, her Train Case, which, by the way, is what these were officially called, would sit in the bathroom, beckoning me to look inside it, but I didn't dare.

I don't know why they're called a Train Case, but I'm guessing because they were great for use on trains. Back when people actually traveled by train. Back when you couldn't go by air for the same amount of money and days less time. Back when travel wasn't miserable. I remember hearing people talk about that time. I just didn't get to experience it. The TV show, "Pan Am," makes it look so pleasant. They apparently haven't been on a nine hour flight to Paris with their knees digging into the metal of the seat in front of them and their own seat being hammered by a restless five-year-old behind them. Of course, maybe people were just always drunk when you didn't have to buy drinks and people remember travel through the haze of a good buzz. Maybe it was always awful but we just don't have our senses dulled sufficiently now. I think I've hit on a genius idea for the airlines. But, I digress.

Back to train cases... Just the mere phrase conjures pleasant images...

Aunties carried their toiletries in them - even if they were going by car, not train. Maybe by plane, as well. Train cases had a lift-out tray for cosmetics and plenty of space underneath for lotions, potions, hair curlers, and what not. I have to say "what not" because I don't use very many of the things the ladies of that generation did for their daily preparations to meet the world. (Anyone have a hair receiver lying about? On their dressing table? Exactly.)

Well, at one of my favorite thrift stores recently I spotted this gem. It still had the tray inside in pristine condition and the little brown envelope with "key" written on it taped inside one of the tray compartments. I'll let you do the mental math on that one.

I snapped it up for a mere $2.

My initial thought was to put my own makeup in it. But, I quickly determined that wasn't workable for me. Besides, if I gathered up every bit of makeup I've owned in my entire life, this case still wouldn't be full. But, I knew I would find other uses for it and its first foray into the world with me was a few days ago for our trip to see the Johnny Mathis Christmas show.

Are you wondering what I put in it?

Hair spray? No - don't own any.

Shampoo? No - it might leak on this beauty that still has the faint scent of dusting powder in it. I love that smell. Takes me right back to 1953 - even though I wasn't alive them. But, you know what I mean. Do they even make anything called, "dusting powder" anymore. It came in wonderful scents with big, soft, poofy bits you dusted the powder with. (Hence, the name, obviously.)

Delicates? No - I'm not sure what all that encompasses, but suffice it to say there aren't a lot of clothes in my world that are not "wash and wear" and pret a porter. (That's French for ready to wear - and it doesn't really fit here - but I just wanted to demonstrate that I remembered at least one phrase from the multiple semesters of French I took. Maybe I don't remember it from that but from the movies. But lets just say it's from class, shall we?)

Anyway... My train case has...



Computer and electronic widgets and gadgets. It will hold an external hard drive, my digital recorder and microphone, a pair of headphones with a mic for skyping, chargers, cables, pens, notebook, model releases, extra batteries, a tiny tripod, jump drives, and even the camera if I don't want to carry it. I have used one of those organizers for a purse to containerize some of the items, and small bags for others. Although I haven't yet tested this theory, I think it could also hold a tablet, mp3 player, and other similar goodies.

It worked great for this trip, but I haven't tested it on a longer one yet. Obviously, it's something you want to keep up with since it has all those sorts of goodies in it. But, it does offer some protection to them instead of them just bumping around in other bags. And it has the ease of everything being in one place instead of having to hunt for one thing or another.

I'm continually looking for the convenient way to store and access my computer/electronic things. This is the latest permutation. We'll see how it goes long-term.

Regardless, I now own this ultra cool, vintage train case. It's not as cool as Aunt Audrey's was - gosh, I loved that thing - but Aunt Audrey would be proud.


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Christmas Past 1

I'm going to be revisiting some Christmas joys of Christmases past over the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy...

Last Christmas was such a picture postcard perfect day...

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Love it - a tree of books

Go here and see something fun!

http://bookshelfporn.com/post/2323500590

Theme Song for the Day...

In a nostalgic mood today... this song has been running through my head for a few hours. Funny how things like that just get "stuck" and add to whatever feeling you're already having.

"Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days
Oh, yes, those were the days"

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Xmas is Not Leaving Christ Out of Christmas

Xmas is not leaving Christ out of Christmas. In fact, it is the exact opposite. "X" is an abbreviation for "Christ" because it was the first Greek letter of Christ's name.

Constantine's vision that resulted in his conversion to Christianity included the intertwining of the Greek letters, "Chi" and "Rho." We would see them written as an "X" and "P." Because they are the first two letters of the Greek word "Christ," the abbreviation of "X" for Christ, or sometimes "XP," has been used for many centuries.

How this modern idea that it was leaving Christ out of Christmas came along, I don't know. But it is a falsehood that upsets people greatly so every year I persist in pointing out the facts. People have enough stress in their lives. Please don't pass that along and add to it. Instead, take a moment to share the truth with those who do.

Instead of wasting energy being upset about something that is nothing to be upset about, we could do something Christ might do if he were still walking the Earth. We are commanded to take care of those less fortunate. Here are some organizations that I think do a great job of that:
kiva.org
heifer.org
habitat.org

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Traveling with Greg

This past weekend Greg, his mom and I went to Branson to see the Johnny Mathis Christmas show. I took this photo of Greg in the hotel room shortly after arrival. He is a master at making a place his own. Travelling with Greg - and Ace - is always fun.

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Happy Thanksgiving

It's the time of year when Americans pause to give thanks. I love the idea of an entire day devoted to gratitude.

As you enjoy the holiday, whether alone or with family or friends, I hope you find much to be thankful for. Sometimes the struggle is to be appreciative, even if we see things we don't perceive as positive. This year I will practice.

I hope you find much love in your life, and much to be grateful for on this day of Thanksgiving. And I hope you carry the spirit of it into the days beyond this one.

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My Day in Pictures

Can you guess what I'm preparing to do?



Yes... roll out pie crust!



The tricky part is getting it in the pan. Let it gently find its way into the curves.



You can do something decorative with the edges. I'm afraid this isn't my strong suit. I can make pretty pie crusts, but they're not very good if I work them enough that they're pretty. I think the secret is lard. And I'm not using lard.



There was enough left over to do something decorative on the top, but I didn't.



Mmmmmm... pumpkin pie!

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Joplin Tornado Six Month Anniversary

Today was the six month anniversary of the Joplin Tornado that hit in May. I took this photo a few days ago of the remains of St. John with the cross of St. Mary's. Before the tornado I don't think you would have seen them at the same time because other structures would have prevented that vantage point.

It's amazing how much has been accomplished, but it will be a long time before Joplin is back to normal. Heavy equipment is a mainstay at the moment.

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Wisdom

I was going through some notes recently and found a page where I'd written the following comment:

"Wisdom is not just an accumulation of knowledge. It's a genius. A different sort."

I'm certain I heard someone say this in an interview but unfortunately, I didn't note who. I apologize for not being able to give credit.

I think it is true that wisdom goes beyond just knowledge. And it is truly genius. When I hear true wisdom it always gives me reason to pause, to consider, to think. I know it's something I need to contemplate more fully.

That moment stands apart. It's clear. It's as if the universe is giving you a little space before and after, separating it from the clutter of daily life, so you can recall the moment again and again.

Wisdom is a gift, given freely by those around you. I'm grateful.

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Kinda Cool

I have to confess that I kinda like looking at my tumblr page occasionally. It is where I try to send everything I do online - photos I post from my phone to Facebook, Tweets, and blog posts. Unfortunately, it doesn't import all the blog posts so there is no where that has a complete picture of "Patsy Online." But, it's kind of fun to look at the snapshots of daily life in that format sometimes.

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Lemon Curd and Scones for Creative Sisterhood

Monday night was Creative Sisterhood and I decided to make lemon curd and scones. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect recipe for both.

I have a lemon curd recipe I like that you make in the microwave. However, I find it really inconvenient. You have to take it out every minute to whisk and it's messy and time consuming.

So, I decided to look for a recipe I could make on top of the stove. I made a few modifications and this is what I came up with:

Lemon Curd Recipe

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Cook in top of a double boiler, whisking occasionally as it cooks. Obviously, don't dump hot butter into your eggs or you'll cook them and your lemon curd will be lumpy. You can strain it, but I always consider that a failure if I have to do that. I prefer the taste of it when it is cooked gently. Sometimes people will only use the egg yolks to avoid that problem.

Cook until done - about 12-15 minutes.

I realized I didn't have a double boiler, so I made do with a couple of pans I inherited from my mother's kitchen. It worked just fine.



I love the taste of these scones. I'm a fan of the plain scone - no fruit - just the basic scone. Of course, you could add something to this recipe if you wish.

Scones

1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Cream butter and sugar. Add sour cream and egg and mix. Add dry ingredients and blend only until mixed for a flaky scone. If you want a more traditional, cake-like texture, mix until totally blended.

Place by small hand fulls onto cookie sheet and mash down slightly into disks about 3/4 inch thick.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes until done.

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