Please forgive me but I just have to give it up for my mother-in-law, Astrid Johnson who turned 87 yesterday.
I am going to make her my Superhero of the Month in Sept (in my coaching website newsletter for those of you who don't know the reference). Her Superhero-ness is something I will reveal later but this is such a cool tidbit I have to brag on her.
When we called to wish her a Happy Birthday, she told me that she had entered, count 'em, FIFTEEN categories at the Carlton County Fair in MN with her baking and got THIRTEEN ribbons, the majority of which were blue.
Blue ribbons for blueberry muffins, whole wheat bread, filled cookies and I don't know what else.
I've seen her bake...not a single recipe...purely by instinct.
"I don't do it for the money. I just
am proud that I can do it at all!"
With a whopping cash prize totally $26 for all 13 ribbons I'm glad she's not been seduced by the easy riches and has maintained her purist outlook.
So, forgive the indulgence but I just thought this was cool and I don't know that enough mothers-in-law or octogenarians get bragged on in cyberspace. Honestly, when I'm 87, God willing, I hope something I do makes someone as proud of me as I am of her.
Astrid, you rock!
Article comments
1 - Mark Sahm
More new categories at Blogcritics:
As local as local news gets.
-or-
Give a shoutout to Gran-Maw-Maw, yo!
2 - Teri In Cali
I absolutely love this post. You have touched my heart. Give Astrid a hug for me, will ya? Teri
3 - DrPat
Good thing you included Grandma's philosophic motivations - otherwise this might qualify as a cat blog! [grin]
Add my congratulations to yours, please.
4 - Laura Young
I'm such a newbie...what's a cat blog, Dr. Pat?
5 - DrPat
Surely you've seen posts mostly consist of a discussion (maybe a photo) of the blogger's darling little kitty?
For "kitty," substitute child, dog, pet iguana, parakeet, Volkswagon... really, anything that "only a mother could love."
Without your reflection on Astrid's attitude and gumption, this would qualify as a cat blog -- with it, it's a legitimate post with something to say.
6 - Laura Young
I had an inkling that's what you meant.
You know what REALLY cracks me up about this is the comments with everyone refering to her as some variation of "grandma"...last year, at 86, she told me she was thinking of going grey! She was then an interesting shade of strawberryish pink.
And let's not even get started on how hard it was for my sister-in-law to get her to give up her high heels.
And then, there is the story my husband tells of when she and my now deceased father-in-law got pulled over by the cops when they were in their late 50s because they were sitting too close and the young cop assumed they were young lovers and wanted to caution the driver to "keep both hands on the wheel". My husband, a teenager at the time was slumping down in the backseat, mortified on more levels than he could even begin to count.
I have hard evidence that Garrison Keilor is not making a lot of stuff up. I may have to bring Astrid and Esko, MN up from time to time here just because the stories of that small town really are too funny and precious. It's Americana, baby. And it won't last forever...
7 - Patti-Nan
Hey everyone! Astrid is my mom too and I am also proud of her.. I am happy to say that as her 5th child of 8 I happened to be born on her birthday. I'm hoping her genes will flow down. You go Mom! We love you. Thanks, Laura & Scott.
8 - Dave Johnson
Astrids' #1 son here........
As the oldest of her 8 kids, I cannot be any prouder of her than my siblings,
but I probably was the most referenced
testing vehicle for her recipes. (Being 1st has some definite advantages). Although her baking may have improved over the years, even 60 years ago it was fantastic.
9 - Marilyn Johnson
Not only can my mother-in-law bake wonderful goodies,she was more than willing to pass along a long standing family favorite receipe and helped me perfect it for my husband, her 2nd son Mike. The all time favorite receipe...baked beans! Kudos to you, mom!!
10 - Donna Brownell
My name is Donna and I am Astrid's child #6. My MOM is the best MOM any girl could ask for. She has displayed nothing less than a kind and giving heart ever since I can remember. If it wasn't for her prayer's......I'd probably be dead. (my brothers and sisters would agree) She sent me a recipe for her home-made swedish meatballs and I belive that's what made my husand fall MORE in love with me.
Astrid (MOM) should be commended for always following the old-fashion way of thinking. All it is.... is to be kind; think the best of everyone; expect the best but be prepared for the worst and the #1 rule is to "Count your blessings, Donna Gail." I realize that this may be hard for many people to understand..... but it has worked for me and I am proud to be one of the daughters of Astrid Johnson!
Thank you Laura and Scott!
11 - Astrid Johnson!
I just have to say anyone with the name Astrid Johnson is destined for great things. Props to you for recognizing your mother in law.:)