Cape Cod 2006 Memories and Seascape Artist Vernon H. Coleman

Karen, Nate, and Jennifer (Me)

Gramps and Grams Coleman

Cape Cod Massachusetts is my heritage and birthplace.  We moved to Utah in 1981 and I have never understood why my parents left the Cape in the first place other than wanting to be among other Latter Day Saint Mormons. My brother Nate, sister Karen, and I went to Cape Cod in July 2006 to see our Grandfather Vernon Ellsworth Coleman and step Grandmother Gloria Coleman of Marston Mills. We had a fantastic time with him and Gloria.  My step Grandmother is a gourmet cook!  She served us some delicious food!  Since my Grandfather is a local, he recommended a perfect list of fun things to do while visiting Cape Cod.

1. Eat a lot of fresh seafood! 
 We ate fresh shrimp, lobster, crab, clam chowder, etc at any local Cape Cod seafood restaurants.  I did not have a preference on the place because generally sea food is expensive where ever you go and it ALL tastes good to me!  My favorite place to have lunch was at the Box Lunch! As for some great places for dessert, we absolutely loved the ice cream from Cape Cod Creamery and Four Seas Ice Cream.

2.  Body surf and lounge at Long Beach and Sandy Neck!
My grandfather recommended those two beaches because they are less touristy.  There are few people on them compared to the public beaches.  The big bonus was the fact that he  dropped us off instead of us having to pay for parking which is around $15.00 a day.

3. Look at beautiful lighthouses!

Chatham Light House

4.  Sightseeing and Shopping in Hyannis and Provincetown.  
  I love the vintage shops such as the 1856 Country Store in Centerville and the quaint outdoor stores on Main Street Hyannis and colorful shops on Main Street Provincetown!  I picked up some yummy salt water taffy, a rope bracelet, Cape Cod clothing, Boston Red Sox stuff, cute souvenirs such as magnets, postcards, collectibles, shells, nautical themed decorations, jewelry,etc.  We loved looking at the harbor in Hyannis and was surprised how much we we could do and see in Hyannis and Provincetown.

Hyannis Port
Ferry boats to Nantucket, whale watching, and deep sea fishing boats are usually docked here.   Many years ago, I went with my father on a boat ride to see John F. Kennedy's Home from Hyannis Port. John F. Kennedy Museum is located in Hyannis as well.

 Pilgrim Monument, Provincetown

5.  Visit Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II at Pilmoth Plantation.

6.  Take a ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.

Around August 2010, Nate and Karen took a Ferry boat ride from Hyannis Port to Nantucket.  They had a lovely time visiting the beaches, walking to the lighthouse, and eating there.

7. Go to Museums, Town Hall, etc to see my Great Grandfather's seascape paintings!

To our surprise in 2006, we planned our trip while my Great Grandfather Vernon Herbert Coleman (1898 -1978) nautical paintings were being showcased at Centerville Historical Museum.  My Great Grandfather was a well known marine seascape muralist artist.  He was also an art teacher on the Cape.  He taught junior high, high school, as well as elementary school children.  I was able to get a couple prints of his famous pieces at the art exhibit and my father has given me a couple original seascape paintings, which I have hanging up in my home.  We were thrilled to see many of his work of arts!  What an incredibly talented artist! I am so lucky to have him as my Great Grandfather!

These were found at Auctions

Hyannisport Marsh with Dunes

 Sandy Neck Cape Cod 

Rocky Coastal Scene

Cape Cod Cove

Crosby's Boat Yard

Stan Dubeck's Cabin Cruiser

My Grandfather Vernon E. Coleman found this at a yard sale.

 These are some of my favorite paintings by my Great Grandfather 

He loved painting clipper ships!

I love the sand dunes in this one!

 
My Dad owns this painting

Some of his large murals are found in Barnstable Town Hall, Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, Center for Creative Arts in Hyannis, Centerville Recreation Building Senior Home, and Osterville Historical Society Boat House.  He has hundreds of paintings that are collected by art dealers, fans of his work, family, friends, etc. 

This large mural can be found at Barnstable Town Hall.

Lastly, there are several breathtaking murals that are found at the  Centerville Recreation Building Senior Home and Pope John Paul II Catholic High School.

Spanish Ship and Clipper Ship in the High School

Captain's Wife on Widow Walk, 19th Century Sailing Vessels, Whale Tail, and Neptune

This was his last clipper painting he did which he gave to my Grandfather Vernon E. Coleman 

There are endless things to do while vacationing on Cape Cod.  My brother Nate during a trip a couple years ago went Whale Watching with my Grandfather.  You can go sailing, deep sea fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, exploring dunes, etc.  Cape Cod will always be "my home" as well as have a special place in my heart!  

Summer Time Recipes, 2011

Every Summer it is our family tradition to eat layered jello and pasta salads since it is too hot for baking!  The following recipes are our most favorite summer dishes, which we take to BBQ's, picnics, and so forth!

  

Ice Cream Jello 

We have done all the colors of a rainbow.  You may do a 4th of July theme of red layer, cream red layer, blue layer, cream blue layer repeating over and over.  We then put a layer of white whipping cream or Cool Whip layer on the top.  We think doing a cranberry theme with ice cream and sparkling cider would be good for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  It is really an easy recipe, just time consuming, but definitely worth it because it tastes so good!

INGREDIENTS:
Jello boxes (suggestions: strawberry, cherry, cranberry, pineapple, blueberry, grape, mango, peach, apricot, orange, lime, watermelon, raspberry, lemon, strawberry/banana, strawberry/kiwi, tropical punch and so forth)
Water and ice
Gallon of ice cream (vanilla)

DIRECTIONS:
Follow the directions on the Jello box for the first layer (adding hot and cold water).  To speed the process up, we use ice with cold water.  Make sure you measure accurately on what the directions say on the Jello box.

Next is the cream layer.  Instead of measuring cold water we substitute ice cream in its place.  The cream layers usually set up quicker than the normal layers.

Then add another regular Jello layer (hot water, cold water with ice). Carefully ladle the next layers in so that you don't put holes in the previous Jello layers.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

We have an amazing refreshing summer pasta salad recipe. A couple years ago my brother Nate shared this recipe with me and I altered it to my liking! It is so good!

Ingredients:

1 bag of bow-tie pasta or your favorite pasta shape

1 bottle Italian dressing

1 of each green, yellow, red, and orange peppers, chopped (we used just red this time but it is good with all four peppers)

1 large tomato, chopped

1 large cucumber

1 small pkg. fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

pepperoni sliced in half (amount based on your preference)

Salad Supreme Seasoning (desired amount by taste)

Optional: Instead of pepperoni, you may grill some chicken breasts and cut them into cubes and add a can of small black olives.

Directions:

Boil pasta by following the directions on the package. In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, add Italian dressing, pepperoni slices, cheese, and sprinkle your desired amount of Salad Supreme Seasoning. Mix all ingredients together well. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a couple hours before serving. Enjoy!

Worthen Family Reunion, July 2011

On July 1-2, 2011, we attended a huge family reunion on my husband's side of the family in Beaver, Utah.  Our family was in charge of everything this year (food, games, activities, clean up assignments, etc).  There were a total of 29 Frees representing our side of the family.  That is surprisingly a small number this year; however, we enjoyed being among every single one of them as well as mingling with the extended family members!

We arrived early on Friday afternoon to set up camp and got ourselves organized.  John and I were in charge of preparing dinner that night.  So we spent a lot of time in the kitchen making frog eye salad, chopping veggies, warming chili, and later that evening John helped with frying yummy scones.

Friday Dinner Crew

Justin, Keli, John, Nita, Me, and Marilee

Friday Night Entertainment

The Friday night entertainment included the following: the Worthen siblings talking about their favorite memories growing up with Grandma and Grandpa Worthen, playing card games, getting into groups reading/doing skits about our ancestors, eating scones, while kids played on the see saw, trampoline, and playground. 

 We "roughed it" in a tent that night and slept comfortably listening to the sound of crickets in the dry desert among juniper and sage...  We woke up around 7:00 AM ready to do some service projects, eat amazing food, and play games later on!!!

Saturday Morning Service Projects

There were three service projects, which John's brother Matt set up.  John, Matt, Keli, Justin, extended cousins, and I picked the least popular one picking up garbage on the side of the road.  Our daughters helped paint a white fence with Dave, Kristin, Jessica, Madison, Jeremy, Elena, etc, while several other family members went to the rest home to perform a patriotic program (singing and musical instruments).

Fun Family Reunion Activities

My brother in-laws (Joe and Dave) thought it would be cool to engage in type of activities that were around when John's grandparents were married in 1927.  Many people played several card games, made some crafts, jump roped, played marbles, ping pong, golf, horse shoes, tether ball, had potato races, and ate cotton candy.   We had a lot of fun interacting with many cousins and doing many simple activities.

Crafts: Sling shots and Clothes Pin Dolls 

Let The Games Begin!!!

The Worthen siblings: Aunt Leola, Granny Free, Aunt Carlita, Aunt Shelia, Uncle Dick, and Uncle Claire!

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From left to right are Rich, Marilee, John, Jen, Grandpa, Matt, Grandma, Joe, Diana, Dave, and Kristin.

 

4th of July Paragonah, Utah

We decided to stay at Granny's house until 4th of July.  We spent a lot of great time with Joe and Dave's families.  There were 19 of us at Granny's small house.  We were outside in their trailer, while several bodies slept on the floor, couches, etc.  Joe set up a tent for his family in the back yard.  We went to church with all of them on Sunday.  We had a peaceful Sunday taking naps, reading scriptures, and taking a walk.  The next day a couple of us went jogging for 30 minutes (Jessica, Dave, Josh, Andrew, and myself).  I was the slowest but they were sure patient with me!  Next, we showered and ate breakfast.  Then headed over to Parowan to the 4th of July parade. It was a simple parade.  There were tons of candy tossed, loads of trackers, and farm animals.  What we liked best about the country folk parade is the fact that we were able to show up 15 minutes before it started, got great seats, and were home 10 minutes after the parade was over.  Now that is my kind of 4th of July parade! The Provo parade is over rated!!!  We left granny's house after lunch so that we could make it home in time to have a BBQ with Uncle Duane, Matt's family, Justin, and Keli.  Around this time frame, is when my dear sweet mother passed away and I was not notified until the next night.

 Although we had a wonderful 4th of July this year, this holiday will never be the same for me since my Mom passed away on Independence Day.  In the years to come, I will always remember the great memories of my mother.  May her spirit rest in peace.  I love you, Mom!  XOXOX

In Loving Memory of My Mother and Happy Birthday!

Today would have been your 61 birthday if you were still here.  What a wonderful privilege to know you, mother!   In 1980, my mother was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.  Although it was difficult growing up with her because we didn't understand her illness, we were so blessed to have her as our mother.  I always knew that she loved me and my siblings.  She was a lot of fun and did so many things for us!  Many other health problems occurred later in her life such as diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson disease. It was extremely difficult for me watching her body deteriorate during the last year of her life.  It was a sudden heart attack that took her life last week. Even though a piece of my heart is missing, I am very grateful that she is no longer suffering on this earth.   She never complained and truly endured to the end!  What an amazing reward she got in heaven!   Thank you for EVERYTHING and Happy Birthday, Mom!  I love you!  XOXOXO

Jill Dawn Hawley July 13, 1950-July 4, 2011.

This poem was found in my Mother's Book of Remembrance. I want to say that she wrote it but I am not certain of that fact.

Mothers

Mothers are our first love,

They give us much understanding,

No greater calling from above.

Most often they can be a friend,

A choice and noble teacher,

Striving patiently to attend.

A mother is one who cares,

She can be trusted with secrets,

Helping to repair human tares.

When I know she is there,

To help with special needs,

Her love is golden and fair.

As I walk my life's paths,

I reach for her guidance,

Finding joys and sore laughs.

With unconditional love so great,

Our eternal bond will never break,

Enduring trials in bending faith.

Author Unknown

One hundred years from now it will not matter how much money I had, the kind of house I lived in, or the kind of clothes that I wore, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. ~Unknown Author

Celebrating the Life of Jill Dawn Hawley by Jennifer Free

Jill Dawn Hawley was born on July 13, 1950 in Santa Monica, California. When she was two years old, she was adopted by Mary Ed Smith Killitz and George Fred Killitz. She had one brother Jeffery Killitz. She grew up in Reseda, California.

While attending school she enjoyed the following subjects: English, Spanish, and photography. Her favorite colors were pink and yellow. One of her favorite memories of growing up was receiving home made doll clothes from her grandmother and going to the movies with her Father. Although Jill had many challenges during her life, she was extremely intelligent and accomplished in many incredible things.

After high school graduation, Jill served four years as a Sargent in the United States Air Force in 1968-1972. She worked as a computer operator and in the base supply department for the military at Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In 1971, she received the George Washington Honor Medal Award at Valley Forge Pennsylvania for her outstanding essay titled “What Is An American?” How very symbolic that she peacefully died on the 4^th of July.

On February 13, 1971, she was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Becoming a member of the church changed her life! She absolutely loved the gospel and had a strong testimony through out her life. She enjoyed reading her scriptures faithfully, taking family history classes, doing genealogy, and attending the temple.

She graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a bachelor degree in communications/journalism. She had her own broadcasting news show at BYU. She was a talented writer. She enjoyed writing poems. She even wrote a book, which she never had a chance to publish. On November 28, 1980, a family home evening article written by her was published in The Cape Cod Times newspaper. Even with poor health the last few months while living at the nursing home, she continued sharing her talent of writing by submitting articles for Orem Nursing and Rehabilitation's monthly newsletter.

She served a stake mission in San Jose, California in 1975 and worked at General Electric. She also completed training and worked as a homemaker certified home heath aid in 1976.

She married Vernon Coleman on October 21, 1975, later divorced in 1989. They had three children Jennifer, Karen, and Nate. The privilege of motherhood was her most wonderful blessing from God. Her children were her masterpieces during her life. She found comfort being among her children. Some of our early childhood memories of her included: her reading bible stories to us, having family home evening, and making fun treats like mini cherry tarts, apple crisp, chocolate chip cookies, and tiny peanut butter and jam sandwiches after school for snacks. She found joy in taking us to the park, swimming, skating, shopping, and drove us around all over the place. She was an extremely patient Mother to us and loved us very much.

In 1981, she went back to school at BYU to fulfill her dream of teaching. She was interested in teaching special needs kids. She gave up her teaching career after doing a couple substitution teaching positions because she decided it was more important to be a full time Mom at home raising her children.

My mother absolutely loved music! I recall her singing as well as playing the piano and guitar. My mother also composed some of her own music many years ago. I was impressed that she learned how to play the piano by ear with few piano lessons. She loved listening to the church hymns and enjoyed serving as the ward chorister or piano player.

My mother loved to create many homemade things. My sister and I wore many dresses all sewn by her loving hands. She made us doll clothes too. Crocheting hooks and knitting needles as well as colorful yarn were always nearby her side. She made several blankets, slippers, baby items, out of her beautiful string.

When my sister and I were in girl scouts, she served as our leader. She also volunteered at our schools and worked part time as a crossing guard. She loved being among young children.

She married her sweetheart Dennis Errol Hawley on May 25, 1996, later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 26, 1998. She was happily married to Dennis and loved him very much. She enjoyed cooking for him. They spent a lot of time together watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Around this time, she was working at Wasatch Mental Health as a secretary.

In 2001, she was able to obtain the names of her Dutch descendent birth parents: Lucille Smith Pilgrim (1908) and Ford Pilgrim (1890) of California who are preceded in her death. It took several years for the State of California to finally release that important information to her since it was confidential and sealed records. What a great relief for her to finally know the names of her birth parents.

Jill was a wonderful grandmother to her four grandchildren Kyler, Audrey, Kanyen, and Savannah. She loved seeing her grandchildren, attending their special occasions, and spoiling them. They will continue to live on this earth knowing her wonderful legacy that she left behind.

Jill was always known for her gentle sensitive loving spirit, her warm beautiful smile, great example, and kind heart that touched many lives. Jill will be missed dearly by her family and many beloved friends. She always asked her children, “Was I a good mother to you kids?” We always assured her she was the best mother to us! We were so blessed to have her as our mother! We never doubted her love for us. On behalf of my brother, sister, and me, we honor and salute you, dear mother. You are now free to do what you loved best on this earth serving others and sharing the gospel. We love you mother and will never forget you.