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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Lost Week????

I feel like I lost the week last week -- or at least a couple of days. I turned around and it has already been over a week since I posted.

So, I little  catch up.

I finished the Elf Wall hanging I was working on. I was able to have it hanging for the family Christmas Eve gathering.


And . . . I was able to finish 12 of these for family Christmas gifts. I love the smell of freshly cut wood. I'm not sure why I quit working with it, but I think I need to start again. It has an easel on the back of it so it sits on a counter top.


I started on Bonnie Hunter's latest mystery quilt. Grand Illusion.  I am using the color pallet that Bonnie used. I don't have anything in this color range so I thought it would be something new for me.



The first Bonnie Hunter Mystery I made was the Orange Crush. If you look back at hers, you will see that I used a very different color scheme and I love how it came out. I get compliments on it a lot.


The next Bonnie Hunter Mystery quilt I made was Orca Bay. I used the red, white, blue color scheme that she suggested. This quilt pattern is available in her String Fling book.

So, I have been busy and it's no wonder the week flew by.

I enjoyed a wonderful relaxing Christmas with family. I count my blessings each day.

So, until next time . . .

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Sunday almost gone!

Goodness, I thought yesterday went by fast. Today flew by even faster.

I got an early start to do a little cleaning and then start sewing. My goal was to get this wall hanging quilted. It is 9:30 p.m. and I am only a little over half way through it. But I do like how it is turning out.


I haven't been working on it all day. I had to make a quick run to town and I did some laundry. We left at about 2:15 to go to Fort Smith (an hour away) to get a few things. We attended Mass and dropped by Craig and Becca's and spent too much money for nothing. Isn't it amazing how stuff adds up these days.

So, I plan to stay up this evening tonight until I get this wall hanging finished. Tomorrow I hope to get the two pillow cases completed, make 2 stockings (Zak and Aiden), and make gifts for my brother and sisters. Every year I wait until the last week to make something . . .  and every year I say I won't do that again next year.  This is my project for this year  . . .


I am adjusting it a little to make it a little more simple because I don't have much time.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Where did Saturday go?

Saturday . . .

I planned to clean to house for a couple of hours and then get back to work on the applique for the 2nd snowflake pillow. But, it took me a lot longer to clean my sewing room than I thought it would. After all, it was quite a mess.

I finally got to turn on Christmas movies (on You Tube) and sew around 5 p.m. After an hour, I have only made it about half way around the block.


I forgot to get some red backing fabric when I went to Wal-mart today. So I'll have to do that tomorrow so I can finish them and put them on the couch.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Yippee!!!!

That was the text I sent Larry around 1 p.m. today. In other words, school is out for 2 weeks. And a much needed break it is. Teaching 6th grade is much more tiring than 3rd or 4th grade. It's the age thing I guess -- and hormones.

I quickly built a fire in the wood stove and sat up a work area in the den. It make the room look a mess, but that is ok. I love being warmed by wood heat.

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a couple of large red snowflakes on clearance at Pier 1. When I first saw them, I thought they would be great on a white pillow.


So tonight, I am machine appliqueing them on a pillow top. It is taking quite awhile.  Of course, I am watching Netflix as I sew.

Maybe I'll have a finished pillow to show tomorrow.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://signsbyandrea.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_full/IMG_2073.JPG



Hope you are spending the day with loved ones or exactly as your heart wishes.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Happy Birthday, Kelsey!!!!



Hope you had a great day!!!!


Monday, October 20, 2014

A Lazy Weekend -- Maybe

My dad and mom have a pear tree  that usually produces quite a bit of fruit. When I visited on Monday, my brother had a bucket of pears picked and ready for me. So this morning, I made pear sauce. This is my second batch for the season. I made 5 1/2 pints.

I put away quit a few jars of applesauce also. I will use most of it when making applesauce cake. I also put quite a few bags of sliced apples in the freezer.

My mom had a recipe for applesauce cake that has always been a big hit. We grew up with it so we were used to it. But it became a favorite of several of the Grandkids.  For some reason, mine doesn't seem to taste near as good.

As always the weekend was busy. I spent Saturday and Sunday morning cleaning some. Didn't get as much done as I needed to.  We attended Mass in Fort Smith (about 40 miles away) Sunday evening, then had a nice dinner with the kids at the Outback Steak House.

I still haven't made it to the sewing room.

What did you do this weekend?

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Welcome to the family

The wedding was beautiful Saturday.

Welcome to the family, Zak and Aiden!



 I don't have pictures yet but will post more when I get them.


I need to get back in the groove. I have a baby quilt to make.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Countdown

Four more days until the wedding!




Sunday, September 7, 2014

Life is Good!

My journal entry this morning!



You Remain.
                            Hebrews 1:11


Now, I sit outside drinking my morning coffee with a view like none other. It is early morning. The birds are singing. A dog is barking in the distance. The temperatures are cool enough that I had to put on a sweatshirt to be comfortable. I hear a hummingbird buzzing around searching for its morning nectar. The cats think they are sneaking up on me, but I can hear them munching on their food. A hunting season must have opened because I can hear gun shots in the distance. I heard  them yesterday, also. A cool breeze in blowing through the tree leaves causing them to rattle. Yes, indeed, You remain.

Have a Blessed Day!

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Saying Goodbye

to summer. This is my last weekend off and it's back to work.

The summer has flown by and I stayed so busy. I can't complain because I feel really good with lots of energy. Last year at this time, I discovered I was anemic, had thyroid issues, and a UTI. I spent most of the summer on the patio reading and napping. Not complaining about that either. It was a great summer.

I canned 22 pints of salsa last week from homegrown tomatoes from my brother's garden. It turned out so good, I am trying to get my hands on some more tomatoes before they quit producing for the summer. I also put 12 quarts of peaches in the freezer from my parent's trees. I also helped my sister put up I don't know how many more.

The basil needs to be harvested again but I am waiting to see if I can get some more tomatoes. I would love to can some spaghetti sauce.

We painted the outside of our home. I worked on it off and on for the entire month of July. Our home is two levels and really, really high. I was able to paint to whole back uing ladders and  standing on the roof for part of it. Then I painted what I could on the front using a ladder. We ended up renting a lift to finish up the front and ends of the house.


As you can see from the grass on the concrete, I have also kept up with the mowing. I am amazed at how thick and grass is after push mowing and keeping it mowed frequently.

I have been working in the sewing room; but, on surprises so I cannot post pictures yet.

This top is now a flimsy.


I don't even have a picture of it. I will try to post one soon.

I think tomorrow will be a day of catching up on mowing, reading, sewing. I guess a little of this and a little of that.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

A busy day planned

I tried my hand at canning some tomatoes. My mom always made tomato juice. I don't think I ever remember seeing her make whole or diced tomatoes. We really don't use tomato juice. We do use diced tomatoes when we make Gnocchi, Tomato Florentine and chili, etc.

So, I searched the internet and found I don't know how many ways to do it. Some say, "Raw pack!" Others say, "No, hot pack." So many different opinions and ways to do things. I finally got out my Ball Canning Book and used it. I did use the pressure canner instead of the boiling water pack.


They look pretty good. I have more to do today. I would really like to try my hand at spaghetti sauce. If I had a garden and could grow all of my tomatoes, I would make all kinds of things. Salsa, juice, sauce.

I also have about 1/2 bushel of peaches to do something with. I would love to jar them but they are not freestone and they were seconds so I got a really good price on them. So, I'm not sure if I could get a pretty jar of fruit. We will just have to see when I get them started today. I will probably just put them in the freezer and see if I can locate some Freestone peaches later on. I absolutely love cottage cheese and peaches and eat it for lunch quite a bit during the school year.

I think this method is interesting and I think I will try it and use the peaches to make smoothies.

I finished my last block last night. Now on to the border.


Well, going to get an early start. Peaches and tomatoes are calling.

Happy snipping, stitching, and sewing.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July

We actually celebrated a day early. Larry and Kelsey are both working tonight. We invited both sides of our family over for a cook out and swimming.

Larry counted around 60 people total throughout the evening. Lots of swimming, laughter, playing, and fireworks.


Crazy kids. I guess they were having fun.


We had a blast. Hope you enjoyed yours.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

New Project

Crazy because I really need to get 3 or 4 tops quilted. But sometimes I just cannot resist fabric. I saw this quilt in a Fons and Porter quilt book.


I absolutely loved the color scheme. Then I found this fabric. And couldn't resist.


I have all of the pieces cut out. Good project for when I was sitting with my dad. I was close by at the kitchen counter while he napped in the recliner.


Anytime I cut fabric, I just bite at the bit until I can put some blocks together. I do not think I am going to be disappointed with the results. 

But, I am making myself plug away at this quilt and now only need 5 blocks and the border, which is appliqued also.


And then the other day I was at Hancock Fabrics and quilter's cotton was 40% off. This came home with me.


You'll have to wait to see what I have planned.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Friday, June 27, 2014

On the homefront . . .

I tried gardening in a small raised bed two summers and can't get anything to grow. We live on top of a ridge with layers and layers of rock underneath a very thin layer of soil.  Even when we added bags and bags of soil, do luck

I have a little flowerbed spot right outside my kitchen door that I decided to plant a few items. Two tomato plants, 2 pepper plants, and basil.

I added some miracle grow to the soil and am trying my luck. This tomato plant is huge with not a one tomato on it. Anyone know why?


This is a plant that requires less water and does not get very big. It has some tomatoes on it when I purchased it. The tomatoes are growing some but not sure if they are going to do anything.


The pepper plants do not seem to be growing much. The green bell pepper plant has a couple peppers growing but not sure if the plant is going to support their weight. The red pepper plant doesn't seem to be doing anything.  Can you tell I do not have a clue about gardening? We had a garden growing up and it just magically produced. lol


But the basil is doing well. I harvested some yesterday.


After reading how to harvest and how to preserve, I washed the leaves and stuffed as many as possible in a half pint jar and put it in the freezer. I am supposed to be able to just take out a few leaves at a time to use.


The rest I put under a plastic bag. It is supposed to stay fresh longer.


Experiments, experiments, experiments.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

A Missed Opportunity & A Second Chance

I drown to Ft. Smith and had dinner with my kiddos this evening. As I was driving home down highway 22 I looked in my rear view window and saw a beautiful sunset.  I thought about pulling over and taking a picture. But I hesitated.  After rounding a slight curve, I looked again and it was gone.  My thought was, "Well, that was a missed opportunity."

Which got me to thinking. How many missed opportunities have I had in my life because of my lack of making quick decisions?

Then, as I got near my home and turned to start up the ridge, I glanced up and once again I could see the beautiful sunset. Made even more beautiful by the elevation and surroundings.

Then, I realized that I had a second chance to see that glorious sunset and I did not hesitate to stop and get some photos.  How many times in life do we get second chances and fail to take them? How many times do we get second chances and make the same mistakes again?

Just something to think about on this beautiful day.




Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

New Quilt Started

I have wanted a yellow and blue quilt for a few years now. I never made one because I didn't have very many yellow or blue fabrics.

I found an applique quilt that uses a neutral background and blue and yellow applique. Although I had to purchase the background fabric, I have enough scraps to do all the applique.



When I purchased my first applique pattern, the lady I bought it from told me she used paper towels as the stabalizer on the back. And that is what I used for that project and most of the time since then.


I used two layers. Then I tear all of the paper towel off when I finish.  Works like a charm.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!






Thursday, June 12, 2014

Finally Finished

It's been a long drawn out process. Only because I made a mess and had to pick out a 2 by 12 inch place where I stitched pebbles and did not like it at all.


But, it is all washed and ready to use now. My plan was to have 2 or 3 fall color quilts made before the fall. And I would have two completed; but, I this one gave away.


Now, let's see if I can finish another one I have started.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Pattern for Arkansas Block

I have put a page at the top for Patterns. If you click there you should find the pattern for the Arkansas Block.


This is the first pattern I have scanned so I hope it works for all of you.  When I saved the image as a PDF file, the pattern pieces came out smaller than the scanned images. So I was not able to give it to you as a pdf file. 

If anyone knows how to fix this problem, please let me know.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Black Bean Brownies

Well, I tried a different recipe for black bean brownies. This one was approved by the American Diabetis Association. Well, it was on their website.



Ingredients

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup Domino® Light Sugar  & Stevia Blend
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Grease top of parchment. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl, beat black beans using an electric mixer until smooth. Add Domino® Light Sugar and Stevia Blend and remaining ingredients, except for the chocolate chips. (Do not over mix.) Scrape down sides of the bowl. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into the pan and bake 30 – 35 minutes until the brownies begin to pull away from the side of the pan. Cool and cut into 16 squares.
I made mine in muffin pans and only baked them for 20 minutes. They were very moist and really good. I used olive oil instead of canola oil. Not sure if that made any difference or not. I did not add the semi-sweet chocolate chips because I didin't have any. I probably will the next time just to give Larry an extra treat. But they definitely were not really needed.   I will definitely use this recipe again.


I would really like to use butter instead of oil but I will have to research how much that would effect the sugar and carb numbers.

So if you have been thinking of trying a Black Bean Brownies recipe, this one is a winner.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Winners, where are you?

Thank you giddy99  for contacting me with you mailing address.
 
  Jen Beatty  winner of the fat quarter bundle 
 
and  
 
AuntTC winner of the block kit, 
 
I need you to email me with your address so I can get those in the mail to you.  I do not have an email address to contact you.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

And the winners are . . .

Good Morning Folks!!!

I got up early this morning and while enjoying my morning coffee (and getting ready to watch a quilting show, which wasn't on this week for some reason), I used a random number generator to choose the winners.


image001

 The winner of the fat quarter bundle from AMB is Jen Beatty who said:

I think I now want to the see the glass bridges you highlighted.



 The winner of the fabric rectangles is Giddy99 who said:

So generous to share; thanks! Please count me in! 



And the winner of the fabric block kit is AuntTC who said:

I'd also like to be in the drawing for the kit. Thanks for the chances.

If you three ladies will email me with your mailing address we can get those prizes mailed out to you.

Have a great weekend!

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Second Giveaway

Each blogger who agreed to participate in the AMB Blog Tour was sent a 6 x 12 inch rectangle of each pieces of fabric in this new line. I have bundled up all of the left over pieces to give away to one of the readers of my blog.



I also have a kit made up of my block. All pieces are cut out and have steam a seam already attached. So if you are making the entire quilt, you might appreciate this kit.



So leave a comment if you would like a chance to win the fabric. Leave an additional comment if you would like the kit. All will be included in the fabric drawing. But only those who would like the kit will be included in the second drawing. Be sure your email address is available to me so I can email you for an address. Sorry, but only residents of the US are eligible.

Winners will be announced June 7.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

A New Form of Exercise

Craftsman 21" 159cc OHV Craftsman Engine, My Stride Rear Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower at Sears.com



Yep, a new self propelled lawn mower. I decided that since I walk almost every day, I cold mow the lawn at the same time.  I mowed for over an hour this morning starting at 7 a.m. I started to go out at 6 am and then realized the neighbors were home and probably wouldn't appreciate that. But, I can't believe how hot it was at that hour.  Once again, we seemed to have skipped spring.

What else did I accomplish today? I canned 9 pints of Orange Chicken.


I used this recipe from Creative Canning Blog.  Yesterday, I canned 3 pints and tasted one today. I decided it was good, so I tripled the recipe today. I think tomorrow I am going to try some Cranberry Chicken.  But I also see a Marsala Chicken that looks pretty good.  I still have 10 pounds of chicken breast to put up.

Hopefully, I'll make it back to the sewing room for a little bit tomorrow.  Working in the sun wears me out. I don't know how my dad did it for so many years. And at this age. I do believer our parents are way tougher than we are.


Happy snipping, stiching, and quilting. And now canning.

Welcome to the sights of ARKANSAS . . .





Today is my day. You can see the Arkansas block at the end of this post. But first,  a tour of some of the interesting places to visit in Arkansas.


First stop, my current home place,  Paris. Yes, many times I get kidded about being from Paris, France. Maybe some day I will get to visit there. 

 



















A few years ago, an area business man decided to take on the task of lighting up the square during the Christmas holidays. All it took was one man, dedicated to our city, to boost morale and bring a community together.


Next stop . . .

About 13 miles south of Paris on the highest peak in Arkansas is Mount Magazine State Park.

 The Lodge at Mount Magazine, the park's mountain resort lodge, offers first-class accommodations, classic Southern cuisine, and sweeping views from the south bluff of Arkansas's high point, 2,753-foot Mount Magazine.

Back in 1939, there was a small lodge and cabins located on the top of the mountain. But in 1971, a fire  destroyed everything. Locals continued to visit the mountain for the views it offered. In 1988, the mountain was declared a state park.   Years later, a lodge was built, cabins constructed, camping sites added and numerous trails built. It was officially opened in 2006. A visitors center also sits on the outer edge of the park. Frank Willems, a state representative from Subiaco (5 miles to the east of Paris), played an instrumental part in developing the mountain top. Unfortunately, Mr. Willems died in 2000 and never saw his work completed.

On to . . .

My hometown, Subiaco, Arkansas.  It is a very small town about 5 miles east of Paris.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/SubiacoAbbeyAcademyArkansasUSA.JPG

It is the home of Subiaco Abbey and Academy.  I grew up about a half a mile down the road from this beautiful monastery and school. It was my home church and the church where Larry and I were married. This is where Craig attended high school and Craig and Becca were married there. It will always be home.

My dad did some of the rock work on this beautiful church. My mom tells the story of my dad working on the top of the bell tower and his mother became ill. She says the wait for him to climb down so she could tell him seemed to be an eternity.

Next stop . . .


Shoal Bay.  It is a Corp of Engineer Park.  Arkansas has many Recreational Areas for swimming, picnicking, and camping. This one is within 20 miles of my home and our favorite. 

On down the road about 90 miles, we visit Little Rock, the state capital. Also, home of the Clinton Library.




I'm embarrassed to say that I have never been inside it. I do believe that may have to be a day trip this summer.

Looking for a girl's best friend? Then visit the  Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfeesboro. 

 
It is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. And the policy here is "finders, keepers," meaning the diamonds you find are yours to keep. Sad to say, I haven't been here either. But this is another place I plan to visit this summer. Maybe I'll even find a diamond.

Next stop is



Blanchard Springs Caverns   These caves are located near Mountain View (which is a lazy little town known for the Ozark Folk Center and its' love of folk music). I have actually been to these caverns but it was when I was a tween. I vaguely remember my dad doing some work here before it was opened in 1973.  I don't remember if he worked on some of the walkways and railings inside the caves or on the visitors center.  I will have to ask him.

Our next stop will be the eclectic town of

Town Shop

Eureka Springs.  It is well-known for the hilly downtown area of cobblestone roads lined with shops of every type you can imagine. It is also considered a wedding town because of the Thorncrown Chapel.  This chapel is made almost entirely of glass. Just beautiful.



http://host.newspin360.net/thorncrown/pano.html

Our last stop will be Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas

Annual Report

to visit Crystal Bridges. This is a fairly new museum built in November, 2011.  It was funded by Alice Walton and the admission is sponsored by Walmart. It is truly a unique art museum with some changing exhibits.

Now we have traveled all through the state and have come full swing. A beautiful 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive will bring you back to Paris.

If you read through the whole post, you will know why I chose the trees and diamonds to add to the block. The block with the large diamond is actually modeled after our state flag.



AMB is giving away a pack of eight fat quarters to a blogger who comments on this blog. And . . .  a pack for each state,  so go check out the other states'  plates

image001

To win here, just leave a comment on this post telling me which place you would like to visit in Arkansas.   (You must live in the US to enter.) A winner will be announced June 7th.  Then drop by tomorrow and enter to win another giveaway.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.



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