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

Frugal Tips to make doll dresses, by Grandma Emma...

Have you ever had a shirt or blouse that the sleeves are too long? You can make the most beautiful doll dresses...Plain and simple, and requires so little fabric and time. Simply sew lace, ribbon and bows on the cuff, hem the other side and you'll have a wonderful smaller doll dress. ( Recycling at its best!)  We still have a couple of these dresses that Grandma Emma made so many years ago...we treasure them everyday...Thank you Grandma!

Webbed lawn chairs.

Oh, do you remember this style of lawn chair?  no these are not the originals, but a close sample of her favorite summer garden chairs.

Krumkaker Recipe for the holidays...

This is a wonderful Norwegian cookie for the Holidays or any day...
                                            Krumkaker:    1 cup sugar, one half cup melted butter, 3 eggs, one half cup of cream or canned milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, three quarters of a cup of cornstarch, three quarters of a cup of flour.  Bake on a Krumkaker iron as per instructions... roll or leave flat. These are a great tea and coffee cookie. Grandma always baked these around Christmas...lots of hours. This recipe was used by Grandma and Mrs. Carlsen..  Happy baking.

Krumkaker Recipe

Krumkaker recipe:  From Grandma Emma and Mrs. Carlsen.       1 cup of sugar, one half cup melted butter, 3 eggs, one half cup of cream or canned milk, l teaspoon of vanilla, three quarters cup of cornstarch, three quarters cup of flour.  Mix all together and fry on a Krumkaker iron until golden brown. Roll to shape and store in a container in a cool place. A holiday treat... and some memories also.  Happy Holidays....S.                                                         

Grandmas thoughts on March

Grandma Emma's thoughts on the month of March...

Grandma Emma had a favorite saying for the month of March....On March 1st, she would say, "In like a Lion, out like a lamb" or "In like a Lamb, out like a Lion" and most years she was always right!  March is the transition time from winter to spring. She could always predict how the spring would be... Yes, she was a "Wise Woman of the World" in so many ways...

Grandma Emma's kitchen...

Thinking about how Grandma Emma would put a chair in front of the oven when she baked cookies. I often wondered why?  She wanted those cookies not to burn...she felt if she walked away , they might not be any good.  However, each and every cookie was delicious! A large silver canister was always waiting for who ever stopped by for a visit. She so liked the visits....S.