Grandma Faye

I woke up early this morning, made a cup of coffee, opened up the windows and decided to take a stab at making Grandma Faye's famous Banana Nut Bread.

She would have been 101 on Thursday—can you believe that?—so I thought I would try and channel some of her baking prowess by attempting one of her best-loved recipes.

I didn't make it exactly like Grandma would have. I used a microwave to soften the butter. I used my Kitchen-Aid to mix it all together. Plus, at 6:15 a.m. I'm sure she would have already been up for 2 hours and have moved on to other chores by then. But with the cool breeze blowing in the windows, the birds singing outside, a quiet house with Diggs and the dogs still snoozing, I couldn't help but wonder, "I bet this is the way Grandma Faye would have spent an early autumn morning."

The aroma of banana bread finally woke Diggs up. Although it was a little on the dry side (any ideas on why, Crough fam?) I was so proud of my morning accomplishment, I had to call Mom and let her know that her grandmother's legacy lives on...and smells delicious.

Birthday Duo

The oldest and youngest of Grandma Faye's kids both have reason to celebrate today.

Happy Birthday to Mike Crough and Barbara Sorrentino!

Back row: Mike, Jim, Bud, Jerry

Front Row: Grandma Faye, Mary, Bobby, Barbara, Grandpa Vince

Get to Know a Crough: Jeff Shriver

I know you've all been wondering..."What happened to Get to Know the Croughs?"

Well, wonder no more. The blog will resume the highly-touted feature profiles of various family members, starting today!

Each month, The Crough's Nest will profile a different member of our family. Each person gets the same 20 questions. Their answers will surprise you...entertain you...take you back...and make you smile.

Name: Jeffrey David Shriver

Nickname(s): "Big Guy"

Age: 58 (for exactly one more month)

Crough Connection:

Husband of Cindy, son-in-law of Jim

Family (spouse/kids/pets/etc.):

Wife: Cindy
Children: Alyssa (30) and Ryan (28) and their spouses, Digger and Lindsey
Grandchildren: 1 on the way!

Pets:

Greta and Sophie, our Boxers

**It's worth noting that originally Jeff had listed Greta and Sophie under "Family"**

Profession:

Retired educator. Taught 5 years in Ivanhoe, Minnesota and 28 years at South Middle School in Salina.

How do you spend your spare time:

Surfing the Internet. Watching TV. Listening to the police scanner.

Best book you've ever read:

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Favorite movie of all time:

Hoosiers and Old Yeller.

Favorite song of all time (click on the blue links to listen!):

"My Father's Eyes" and "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton.

Favorite hour of the day and why:

Early morning (with a good cup of coffee!)

Favorite quote:

"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."

If you had to be an animal, which one and why?

American Bald Eagle

Which actor/actress should play you in the story of your life:

Gene Hackman

If you were on Death Row, what would you choose as your last meal:

My mom's pork chops and mashed potatoes & gravy.

What was your first car:

1955 Chevy

What was your very first memory:

I've blocked out my early childhood.

Favorite Crough Family memory:

When I first met Jim: "Get ya a Michelob and whack ya off some ham!"

What sound do you love to hear:

The sound of Cottonwood leaves in a light breeze.

What sound do you hate to hear:

Kids crying or animals in pain.

Jeff & Cindy

August 1976

4 generations:

Marlene (Jeff's mom), Jeff, Baby Alyssa and Elsie (Jeff's maternal grandmother)

Taking nephew Mason for a ride @

"Shoes with the Shrivers"

2009

Alyssa's wedding

June 2010