tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85000581570002971732024-03-19T00:36:36.867-04:00M'Lady's PonderingsMarianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-66626739063874141532011-04-12T14:44:00.010-04:002011-04-12T14:57:15.332-04:00And while I'm showing projects: This cutie KNITTED baby and pretty card, was sent to me from Daughter 2 right after we lost Midnight. She ~ daughter ~ knitted it with her own 2 hands/needles. She did a wonderful job on my "forever with me" kitty. I don't know where she got the card but it was just perfect and the head is shaped exactly like Midnights was. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXUllBVHIkqknrYRWNSfu8yD0OYYsXAD2rkXCH5wH7ZEXtFU8Pt0G51qcE1cxoR0NzJQ0E-SIz8B6VpYM36mjxQsqphVXn9jiGDlni2Ks0zIw0KZQ_TtwngvRwPPvgEV62lX5L1nRgf8/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594770759173355474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXUllBVHIkqknrYRWNSfu8yD0OYYsXAD2rkXCH5wH7ZEXtFU8Pt0G51qcE1cxoR0NzJQ0E-SIz8B6VpYM36mjxQsqphVXn9jiGDlni2Ks0zIw0KZQ_TtwngvRwPPvgEV62lX5L1nRgf8/s320/023.JPG" /></a> The back with M on the butt for Midnight. <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7UtMfhsiS2ZlsJIzoieHXv-cNggTamPjeDBjcoie0TI-xxk5hD7fROpLHYgEPFYVCAFomLUmuPhI5FnDD013esSA7Io1i7Vu7xRSr_bl-fVw-QG4_eJJl1NTZJtEzuIEUX4Grs7fSq8/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594770537316058898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7UtMfhsiS2ZlsJIzoieHXv-cNggTamPjeDBjcoie0TI-xxk5hD7fROpLHYgEPFYVCAFomLUmuPhI5FnDD013esSA7Io1i7Vu7xRSr_bl-fVw-QG4_eJJl1NTZJtEzuIEUX4Grs7fSq8/s320/017.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div>The side: (uhhh, that's an arm ya'll) <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRHt6wRTzvRnxvIF8EbAM_Xoi60_20_ltmg-UEqw9VFFWsemY1-Z0iJq2DTBv8Lsm-Jl0_32Hmf57vtb8adEO_HaiJ1VUXxZ74xpttDNFtW-kP8WZWB9Af1ITT2QR6sVHvNh5cHC7FhY/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594770419621897394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRHt6wRTzvRnxvIF8EbAM_Xoi60_20_ltmg-UEqw9VFFWsemY1-Z0iJq2DTBv8Lsm-Jl0_32Hmf57vtb8adEO_HaiJ1VUXxZ74xpttDNFtW-kP8WZWB9Af1ITT2QR6sVHvNh5cHC7FhY/s320/018.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div>And the entire kitty, sooo cute. I LOVE HER (and that's a tail ya'll, shame on you!) <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKhWBB1c2NvlrTYBN8OGcd5nzUCWC-wpv0dsiMjxm5lFuRgMNMTCy2L1qCuQqZQJOUFLmYdnTrti3cXVGZoEe7hl-1E_Y03uevDNN_Fxz8LqVwPck7W_-xOEyIU25_lgr5b5y6Kc7d10/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594770133633859026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKhWBB1c2NvlrTYBN8OGcd5nzUCWC-wpv0dsiMjxm5lFuRgMNMTCy2L1qCuQqZQJOUFLmYdnTrti3cXVGZoEe7hl-1E_Y03uevDNN_Fxz8LqVwPck7W_-xOEyIU25_lgr5b5y6Kc7d10/s320/019.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div>Strike a pose up against all those Girlscout cookies hubby couldn't turn away from buying. NO, I don't have any left!!! <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvpxknpvOmawhgVKUZhyzg5ViSmT22BVzt60qs50Vio27TmkFg9kA5mMlxK2HtBiC8NGnBEkK__GmirXE_vugt8QB3WdM6Qh4H7SeCwwHyp9_OApCWx73Tvnxq0bkx4eoKQcH1rl40EE/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769976818091762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvpxknpvOmawhgVKUZhyzg5ViSmT22BVzt60qs50Vio27TmkFg9kA5mMlxK2HtBiC8NGnBEkK__GmirXE_vugt8QB3WdM6Qh4H7SeCwwHyp9_OApCWx73Tvnxq0bkx4eoKQcH1rl40EE/s320/020.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Midnight sits with me every night in my sewing room while I watch tv, just like she used to do. She can now be with me forever. Thanks Sarah, you are a very special, thoughtful daughter. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-53992013902888845622011-04-12T14:37:00.003-04:002011-04-12T14:43:06.781-04:00Here's a (finally) finished blanket I started 2 years ago. Just finished last month. It's a strip blanket made for one of our new camping cots that are very long and very skinny. I loved using up all that (well most of) that acrylic that I had accumulated over the years. I probably still have enough to do another one. ~ Anyway, this blanket was originally from the Drum Afghan thread that was on Crochetville a few years ago. (Please excuse the mess of the bed). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUf9ZekfLrj0Q0ykH-8Xafs3PeQJo0w4S5cdTI-XA1_AzmX7qyzBAAXF_0cwPCQcWHzZRbNxsjjed24ZmVlqLiwiaR9MTS6O0Imu1MuIim5wH6l4aCHqj4hEXacdTnIxF38pDd8Zgw6Y/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594768412930028114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUf9ZekfLrj0Q0ykH-8Xafs3PeQJo0w4S5cdTI-XA1_AzmX7qyzBAAXF_0cwPCQcWHzZRbNxsjjed24ZmVlqLiwiaR9MTS6O0Imu1MuIim5wH6l4aCHqj4hEXacdTnIxF38pDd8Zgw6Y/s320/036.JPG" /></a> Here's the join section. Same pattern as the blanket but just worked sideways. <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3h6IuGtA9sIM6CrlD5OuNGdOZKNq7gfqeYcAsLi6gSmclAMeTsFULF-71sjDbVtpjVHZ3beGJPDbChS5RaWH3V3uJVEHQscuodMVim5TJhf8_J208gc2pJabCxjaEDeqmh5e8FqGPcg/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594768159979958626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3h6IuGtA9sIM6CrlD5OuNGdOZKNq7gfqeYcAsLi6gSmclAMeTsFULF-71sjDbVtpjVHZ3beGJPDbChS5RaWH3V3uJVEHQscuodMVim5TJhf8_J208gc2pJabCxjaEDeqmh5e8FqGPcg/s320/039.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-58337292980516540792011-04-05T18:27:00.003-04:002011-04-05T18:36:29.160-04:00I'm so far behind in posts! So, here's a quickie update of a Fat Bottom Bag I made myself for this past winter. I can't even remember now what the yarn was that I used but I really liked it. It's so soft and pet-able. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAP81KmC28luLfhnipOgN2045eUJ2qwpKf5_mSmol-VRWZoJ3YSJwhEeKEcir1mAqGO1ZhZk25yJu-4UEYYMMGE13MShaNgSvmComT8HtfeyySi-_ujREkLx2hBSXSCnQTZdJHUOOJ74/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592230440653350642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAP81KmC28luLfhnipOgN2045eUJ2qwpKf5_mSmol-VRWZoJ3YSJwhEeKEcir1mAqGO1ZhZk25yJu-4UEYYMMGE13MShaNgSvmComT8HtfeyySi-_ujREkLx2hBSXSCnQTZdJHUOOJ74/s320/026.JPG" /></a> Here's the finished bag. I bought braided handles at JoAnn's, rushed home and sewed them on. It was a great finish for me especially since I'm known to stuff FO's in the closet until I decide what to do with them. I got this one knocked out and ready to use a mere week after I finished the crocheting on it! AMAZING I didn't take a pic of the inside of the bag but it's just a common solid chocolate color in cotton with some pockets sewn on each side. <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGRz9TkcwmPn8JrAtdMrKYm8kCMTHepEuGDy_iCnP-MweCfBirLveDhQx-E9hBF6mV2fItFVG29b66YPqlrQoJIcYU83Mh_-kldWfC7tCv8WFsvpuW0-APjTLrVnAOSC5mM4FLlLqkjM/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592230229421590306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGRz9TkcwmPn8JrAtdMrKYm8kCMTHepEuGDy_iCnP-MweCfBirLveDhQx-E9hBF6mV2fItFVG29b66YPqlrQoJIcYU83Mh_-kldWfC7tCv8WFsvpuW0-APjTLrVnAOSC5mM4FLlLqkjM/s320/025.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-85536289303610985222011-03-21T13:50:00.003-04:002011-03-21T13:53:15.563-04:00My wonderful kitty - Midnight aka Ninny- (pic on the left side column) died if February of this year. She is missed greatly. I never realized how much of my time she was involved in and how she filled the hours when I was alone. She always knew when a bug/critter was in the house because she would go sit by whereever they were hiding. She always game me that heads up so I could get on my shoes! She was a good kitty. Rest In Peace sweet princess.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-33855370040211830972010-08-19T13:06:00.002-04:002010-08-19T13:12:57.448-04:00SHE DID IT!!! Finally, the Babette Blanket is finished! I got all the squares finished in July. When daughter #2 came home for a weekend, I proudly presented them to her. She started putting them together while she was here. She was sooooo excited too. I didn't get pictures of it but she has put some up on her blog. It's the second post down (at this writing). Go check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://fathippycrafts.wordpress.com/">http://fathippycrafts.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />She did a wonderful job getting it together, AND I got to see it in person when I was there visiting her last week. It looked FABULOUS. She is as proud of it as I am in having finished all those squares. And that's saying a lot after the fiasco with the Grandmother's Flower Garden 'ghan I did for daughter #1. <br /><br />Well, go see, go see and let me know what you think.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-25252659868464697892010-08-16T12:32:00.003-04:002010-08-16T12:46:53.710-04:00So, about 2 months ago now, I bought a Better Homes and Garden magazine. Yes, yes, I know, I don't usually waste money on magazines but I was just in the mood and got it. In there (I think it was the June issue) was an article by a baker for homemade chocolate pie. That brought back so many happy memories of Mom and all her cakes, cookies and pies that she made. My favorites that she made were her Lemon meringue, Chocolate meringue and her Coconut pie. I loved sitting in the kitchen watching her get out all the ingredients to whip one (usually more than that) up from scratch. She was a whiz at baking. The women of her era usually were.<br />Anyway, when I saw this article, I knew I just had to make one right then. So, I did. Mine, however, was made with Splenda because Mr. Man is diabetic. It turned out quite delicious even if it was a Splenda pie. He loved it and wants another soon. He isn't crazy about the meringue so I didn't completely cover the pie in it. But homemade it is!! From scratch, just like Mom used to make. I just wish she was here to have shared it with us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ3T3xdj8VmFqJsvALFQ8O2_cuZy5XKwffsVgChIff7FVOc2eUNDbnRpxx5z2cvO_e-rGP6kp-_AHBRTQ6ErulIQdLUiVSA5HRpFUaTxHk1qbKh5o8IGroYLrF25UghGnW48jvib68do/s1600/Lois'+camera+2010+034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506046978502864946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ3T3xdj8VmFqJsvALFQ8O2_cuZy5XKwffsVgChIff7FVOc2eUNDbnRpxx5z2cvO_e-rGP6kp-_AHBRTQ6ErulIQdLUiVSA5HRpFUaTxHk1qbKh5o8IGroYLrF25UghGnW48jvib68do/s320/Lois'+camera+2010+034.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>See how nice and thick that meringue is? That was so he could just pull it off and leave it on the side of his plate and wouldn't have to waste any of the chocolate trying to get it off! :) He's a pip.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mvx82p6bQv35BOf8CtEycjI-mOrM0XZ7H6lb6cDAoBSDtoWvJiN7sX2vrZVgVQaoTEcKbro_bma4Ut7hKUSV_lORbNGo9AeGzY6xgRjE5xUv6vZNjMDXHPaYYn-8XBTt_nMPn5PIt9o/s1600/Lois'+camera+2010+039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506046769068873154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mvx82p6bQv35BOf8CtEycjI-mOrM0XZ7H6lb6cDAoBSDtoWvJiN7sX2vrZVgVQaoTEcKbro_bma4Ut7hKUSV_lORbNGo9AeGzY6xgRjE5xUv6vZNjMDXHPaYYn-8XBTt_nMPn5PIt9o/s320/Lois'+camera+2010+039.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-60832878931208600292010-08-09T16:28:00.004-04:002010-08-09T16:34:36.126-04:00Today's work:<br /><br />Canned Cole Slaw from the Chickens In The Road site. It's pretty tasty!<br /><br /><a href="http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/coleslaw-to-can-or-freeze/print">http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/coleslaw-to-can-or-freeze/print</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTlXQU7lmeCCU8z0qPbe5i2n8C76pOu0zEhNuQNN5SBU6AR0h23jz-W8z0O62ASDu8aVmnJkT_ud_QoS1_2GH7HCfWW4sm6VkUVWZT_MX3w8Hj2zFB3rCwdeJ-RbEQ7QAq_zhrpe6uxY/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503510093711434130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTlXQU7lmeCCU8z0qPbe5i2n8C76pOu0zEhNuQNN5SBU6AR0h23jz-W8z0O62ASDu8aVmnJkT_ud_QoS1_2GH7HCfWW4sm6VkUVWZT_MX3w8Hj2zFB3rCwdeJ-RbEQ7QAq_zhrpe6uxY/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lk5Ry_yyEWUlfBHKO9XxH0ohR7NTrLtd8dzsC5B2B8KUVUSHpSBXi70dOG0D9DHTvtbkL4QCJbND5kVJjkDiYOi3XuTuUj-5JthWQgUjWAI1g5k5YDxQeLjmNEeMaHUkWr3wl0ZMQLk/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503509954345176530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lk5Ry_yyEWUlfBHKO9XxH0ohR7NTrLtd8dzsC5B2B8KUVUSHpSBXi70dOG0D9DHTvtbkL4QCJbND5kVJjkDiYOi3XuTuUj-5JthWQgUjWAI1g5k5YDxQeLjmNEeMaHUkWr3wl0ZMQLk/s320/002.JPG" /></a>Oh, and yes, I know I'm still using my Christmas dish towels!! (giggle)<br /><br /><div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-4962805757347958882010-08-09T16:17:00.003-04:002010-08-09T16:24:19.059-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWnLlsNHpO936hclwV9RhGF3ukuKEyvGgT3fC0AJ2_iY9zeykTchqIr4LFm7HrsrcjHzKX85cLSxEZ1u6U05NJ3M70pAXdaGEBw-vcTRl67jqHemnZlBxDreTraUxrGji3YXx7ORnS1E/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503508437840845874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWnLlsNHpO936hclwV9RhGF3ukuKEyvGgT3fC0AJ2_iY9zeykTchqIr4LFm7HrsrcjHzKX85cLSxEZ1u6U05NJ3M70pAXdaGEBw-vcTRl67jqHemnZlBxDreTraUxrGji3YXx7ORnS1E/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>The leaves clung dearly to the limbs of the cherry tree.</div><br /><div>In them, was life. </div><br /><div>But NO, they could not keep their hold and fell to the </div><br /><div>ground.</div><br /><div>The heat had reared it's ugly head once more </div><br /><div>and</div><br /><div>laughed</div><br /><div>at their passing. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9ki1od0lGc3iUwBLl75k3Gi1DlcVrQKMiGSbri-lZTmmnum79NIH_66vdzVWitQaQ2_sGFbZOEJkvllgPx8OuGYJhOMBNjV8ks66748yXvrio4LtWW9Xdtx0GmnL9s6RoVATLPj2elk/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503507417709421458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9ki1od0lGc3iUwBLl75k3Gi1DlcVrQKMiGSbri-lZTmmnum79NIH_66vdzVWitQaQ2_sGFbZOEJkvllgPx8OuGYJhOMBNjV8ks66748yXvrio4LtWW9Xdtx0GmnL9s6RoVATLPj2elk/s320/006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA5P4znILLdfpVyX_7AYZAqPPwJqhnNdBR0o-YI8tLcdSsKSQmYxJFQ-x7Umx66MtiGIFAeelCJciDLyR8rjsNST0dOa-xMuF_8A7sJLu0D_cAyqv6kd6Ev84CVg-svpfsvSFrPAfZ3g/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503507187487151826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA5P4znILLdfpVyX_7AYZAqPPwJqhnNdBR0o-YI8tLcdSsKSQmYxJFQ-x7Umx66MtiGIFAeelCJciDLyR8rjsNST0dOa-xMuF_8A7sJLu0D_cAyqv6kd6Ev84CVg-svpfsvSFrPAfZ3g/s320/010.JPG" /></a></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-11237308321992984692010-05-13T11:12:00.011-04:002010-05-13T11:21:23.991-04:00Sights of SpringLook what I found at the base of my Camellia... I've never seen such a color. Beautiful<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFPBW_hpH6XF4IlcwwfHjkgBBA2_PQEa2vb_R2obTXq3gJa9Hr1d70bic4plrtZGxuJqieGy91gk8hnsT-cU3asMIcvqTyT3lpj4Z91hmbAZDwUp524uWql5uJdAvvENUPCAmVQIoPbg/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773998324494178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFPBW_hpH6XF4IlcwwfHjkgBBA2_PQEa2vb_R2obTXq3gJa9Hr1d70bic4plrtZGxuJqieGy91gk8hnsT-cU3asMIcvqTyT3lpj4Z91hmbAZDwUp524uWql5uJdAvvENUPCAmVQIoPbg/s320/002.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfp4ukmiV54l5MwfmsPUwLX31zRMmhh3ndVxFXN8b3Lood3ql6nEbYOChJB9sBm06LmHIyNGfpEJPIiW3nXY4D15Y1o5L1TyosX55n2Tkua7NHoHjloDkrGlKcHirV2jZ0uaSF_ZQEjQ/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773887920172818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfp4ukmiV54l5MwfmsPUwLX31zRMmhh3ndVxFXN8b3Lood3ql6nEbYOChJB9sBm06LmHIyNGfpEJPIiW3nXY4D15Y1o5L1TyosX55n2Tkua7NHoHjloDkrGlKcHirV2jZ0uaSF_ZQEjQ/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISii_WFcRfRFSfchGGLGPGd9LGGZHE3slegqGIAMiAyoqjUkuQ8of8ABHa9XSu5MkGXAiboZ_CmZz7HhRnF20w80qvUqZ64xloX5ziQCKS780AHfAvtqP45EIJ1pTxMrENHiuemMpCXk/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773781231011026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISii_WFcRfRFSfchGGLGPGd9LGGZHE3slegqGIAMiAyoqjUkuQ8of8ABHa9XSu5MkGXAiboZ_CmZz7HhRnF20w80qvUqZ64xloX5ziQCKS780AHfAvtqP45EIJ1pTxMrENHiuemMpCXk/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0-YKPzyJmDjVSC0_hnu6kWyloNcGZTBcHWSoNftxw7rGIhJ2udNLl7IF69M8NfKOajPDQppQRGBIJmg2jBPC8C8SxedwvvEEWa3gQEnUSoCmC-a2-vGkJGNxJ8zxncViqAtm5STZF3w/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773639500834386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0-YKPzyJmDjVSC0_hnu6kWyloNcGZTBcHWSoNftxw7rGIhJ2udNLl7IF69M8NfKOajPDQppQRGBIJmg2jBPC8C8SxedwvvEEWa3gQEnUSoCmC-a2-vGkJGNxJ8zxncViqAtm5STZF3w/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbJGsZ60VZpapBs_A27fhyF9cHkyVTA1UVJYlD1j-y2Gn0xQhOySmMANwj9YJmJqZ_uZjD-7iJHegIIKfSnTt3yD4qIPeZwkwSCn7cqVeDvXBVqU9Xz9DCGkAS7YSnKnV94W7qYWgfuM/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773407997581362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbJGsZ60VZpapBs_A27fhyF9cHkyVTA1UVJYlD1j-y2Gn0xQhOySmMANwj9YJmJqZ_uZjD-7iJHegIIKfSnTt3yD4qIPeZwkwSCn7cqVeDvXBVqU9Xz9DCGkAS7YSnKnV94W7qYWgfuM/s320/028.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0PewbVYiHj6gjruSO3TP2cdS9xRARMzEU0W9NMaa-7ZzhpxUa0SPDCeCxDxXexOW4y_oZKRwaSqa2X0RaDqb6e4m7AsB3SeeCgNfzBXORERpPIeySb1ks9VzCmVt31kfV3X2t55-lP4/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773241097220578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0PewbVYiHj6gjruSO3TP2cdS9xRARMzEU0W9NMaa-7ZzhpxUa0SPDCeCxDxXexOW4y_oZKRwaSqa2X0RaDqb6e4m7AsB3SeeCgNfzBXORERpPIeySb1ks9VzCmVt31kfV3X2t55-lP4/s320/027.JPG" /></a><br />And finally, the ole Azaleas decided to give it one last try. First time they have bloomed in about 4 years! This was their last shot. They were going to be cut down and dug up this year for the trash pile. I guess they deciced they better get with the program. Looks like that "talking to" did some good after all. Maybe I'll give them another year. </div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_hkHXlXLtcY0R6WrSfgPivc21m5N55mfF8SVkdHQ7j1cJELovDMjiBGt9zzmptWqHx9dX_5DsdZr5-b5Imi3jUMtV2TtXo7Nn47gti2tyzc5vN93DrQ2Zyl24ot2pEdlEV60twWzxd4/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470773041518416674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_hkHXlXLtcY0R6WrSfgPivc21m5N55mfF8SVkdHQ7j1cJELovDMjiBGt9zzmptWqHx9dX_5DsdZr5-b5Imi3jUMtV2TtXo7Nn47gti2tyzc5vN93DrQ2Zyl24ot2pEdlEV60twWzxd4/s320/013.JPG" /></a><br />Next post will be the jam I made. Ya'll have a good weekend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-37769351251469926032010-03-29T11:10:00.007-04:002010-03-29T11:26:54.653-04:00Zucchini Pickles and SnacksHere are my zucchini pickles that I canned last week. Didn't they turn out so pretty? I haven't opened a jar to try them yet but I did taste the "juice" that I canned them in and it was pretty tasty. These are going on my emergency shelf. When the next sale on zucchini comes around, I'll be putting up some more of these babies. I mean, who doesn't like pickles of any kind?! I got 4 pints and 1 half pint from 2 1/2 lbs of zucchini.<br />I just wish I wasn't so limited in what I can put up. I really REALLY need to get a pressure canner - SOON.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9HGyRhiFY5m65rGHCDMP-mVpMMIMb7R6MkQez93Nibb-PWzWG0tMCqb7SxOmYsNolhdJriWmZ7QiT56N8xx1qz-6fpbj82I5XKgclm7q8hrSA8GA0N-SnFPW95thoi0vQ0a7O97GpFw/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454074138726874402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9HGyRhiFY5m65rGHCDMP-mVpMMIMb7R6MkQez93Nibb-PWzWG0tMCqb7SxOmYsNolhdJriWmZ7QiT56N8xx1qz-6fpbj82I5XKgclm7q8hrSA8GA0N-SnFPW95thoi0vQ0a7O97GpFw/s320/002.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdu4SEX5z2NC4gs1kXAxerpcjHVMLc3pWB1qS-a9mZDmZVtMroshCN72R5HxU3zemXHJsxluGVpGcJZhYwvmAJF78LhD2Xm40rKrjqw4NFEKgshi-KryjNsrD-ngsyyg-8W8xAIFEnY8/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454073978528817218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdu4SEX5z2NC4gs1kXAxerpcjHVMLc3pWB1qS-a9mZDmZVtMroshCN72R5HxU3zemXHJsxluGVpGcJZhYwvmAJF78LhD2Xm40rKrjqw4NFEKgshi-KryjNsrD-ngsyyg-8W8xAIFEnY8/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br />This is what I did this morning: SNACKS in BAGS!! Aren't I ever so clever. :)</div><div>I had some raisins, apricots, toasted pecans, banana chips and a very small box of tropical mix (these were pee-wee pieces that I won't buy again IF I do this again). I got about 8 bags out of the mixture I had with about 1/2 cup in each bag. I really just wanted to play with my new Seal A Meal. It was fun and I had the fruit, so why not! BUT all I had was the 11" roll that we bought extra so that's why they are so long and skinny. Certainly a smaller quart size bag would have been better to use and I'll eventually get some. For now, these will be just fine. These are also going on my emergency shelf, so it's safe to say that yes, I more than likely will make more of these.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9ln2tke0kZGYtIDjR0D02qpJS_OBOWx7lysJGIOF83BrhioADFcoX5sy-edbhLqTK2yuLfu5qpfBowCFygbMCENGaWoN8cS3PnmhbgHH7904tyw34nzFusP3Ud2evC0gRg_u4S0OYRY/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454073804640679282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9ln2tke0kZGYtIDjR0D02qpJS_OBOWx7lysJGIOF83BrhioADFcoX5sy-edbhLqTK2yuLfu5qpfBowCFygbMCENGaWoN8cS3PnmhbgHH7904tyw34nzFusP3Ud2evC0gRg_u4S0OYRY/s320/005.JPG" /></a> </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-OoR3779_S5YmxvvRLgf_eYjjQfIaLmotskbDYj-JK9KgXfbnpVQ85fhw8_R8bXWbcFchJSpLp8VJoPb3vbffUDywY2cpIqxMecfMPESWvxfledbDCDd3443CdGXjaOKdiAs_obTSJE/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454073665732656562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-OoR3779_S5YmxvvRLgf_eYjjQfIaLmotskbDYj-JK9KgXfbnpVQ85fhw8_R8bXWbcFchJSpLp8VJoPb3vbffUDywY2cpIqxMecfMPESWvxfledbDCDd3443CdGXjaOKdiAs_obTSJE/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><br />If you read my blog: write in and let me know what you've been up to lately to prepare for the future. </div><div>Later ya'll.<br /><div></div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-86439180872253385842010-03-22T14:08:00.004-04:002010-03-22T14:27:48.261-04:00Edit: OH Here's that second pic: Looks pretty rough doesn't it! See the beginning of this post after this pixie. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWQ9wd5TBcGpEZ7KJ6-x0jxqZ-lcxRSwTMY6OzPsPY_ayp2ZgZGDHwzR8qdc0u1_1aX9u2c_ty2Sf2AAv8k2Y82FCxiuk1A2zQrJUzj7wQ62WBJflfB8r6AvH08Jd85tpdFlLhiq05aA/s1600-h/334.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451526093687824594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWQ9wd5TBcGpEZ7KJ6-x0jxqZ-lcxRSwTMY6OzPsPY_ayp2ZgZGDHwzR8qdc0u1_1aX9u2c_ty2Sf2AAv8k2Y82FCxiuk1A2zQrJUzj7wQ62WBJflfB8r6AvH08Jd85tpdFlLhiq05aA/s320/334.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Remember that hardtack I made? Well, I finally tried it BUT I think I tried it with the wrong kind of stuff. I had some microwave chili that needed to be used. So, I thought that would be a good thing to test this hardtack out on...... Well, I don't think it was. I think I just needed some good ole fashion Chicken Noodle Soup with lots of broth.<br />Admittedly, this does look somewhat tasty but the hardtack was sooooo hard and there just wasn't enough juice to actually soften it up. LOL I tried to bite a piece off and thought my poor teeth would fall out of my mouth! At the end of the bowl, that real nice square of hardtack was still a real nice square of chili covered brick! I did take a pic of the "end of bowl" remains but it didn't turn out on my camera so you'll just have to look at this pic. See how nice it looks?<br />I'll just have to do another test run on these babies at a future date. Hubby doesn't eat a lot of soup so I don't make it too often.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIZU3gL0_ifvoDuNAK-NxCS-F5aKLysxvYWsLcAE8xsQ68Q6eZYj9QQUcUET3bTy3Efj2bU5KZlJDUAeMnjSUrttHxjau5iR4h75Sz2KOkeJ1uXC4q8ioIszLo9-PFgJFEDhUaUgbVQ4/s1600-h/333.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451521977905884290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIZU3gL0_ifvoDuNAK-NxCS-F5aKLysxvYWsLcAE8xsQ68Q6eZYj9QQUcUET3bTy3Efj2bU5KZlJDUAeMnjSUrttHxjau5iR4h75Sz2KOkeJ1uXC4q8ioIszLo9-PFgJFEDhUaUgbVQ4/s320/333.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-74648036793498516722010-03-04T22:05:00.008-05:002010-03-04T22:57:25.171-05:00Just here to add a few quickie pictures. It's late night but I'd been meaning to post these for awhile so here goes. These first two are of the squares for daughter 2's Babette Blanket that got started last summer (or before!) Aren't they every so pretty and colorful?! Yes, I'll have a ton of yarn ends to weave in before these babies every think of getting put together. I've only got about half of them done so there's still a ton left to make. :(<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcn3d4vNYMqt2YZQCuRmdC11jkwbxreofWNgPIyjrL671Y4wzAPyxC6K0r8nuINBZcDZgtcdHranGetkXzD38NNr4AZwdBpDkfSk3V0f7nI8FThJqIGjO8UtzwpH77Ruo5rXsAq_4ooY/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444981548454846978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcn3d4vNYMqt2YZQCuRmdC11jkwbxreofWNgPIyjrL671Y4wzAPyxC6K0r8nuINBZcDZgtcdHranGetkXzD38NNr4AZwdBpDkfSk3V0f7nI8FThJqIGjO8UtzwpH77Ruo5rXsAq_4ooY/s320/042.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Up close and personal.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwQ0C1p-KTTvA84UR8IcOJs6kg0qYCYt0ATtZl75V75aMU8q4Lvy_2orgD9l6owllp10m8JOfIWq2Vqa3jWEcTFGBw63K4OSDPVRJF3IlqxSXxWGZlmj76ENJgIcZuIcCXwcy1ABhbps/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444981380207406386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwQ0C1p-KTTvA84UR8IcOJs6kg0qYCYt0ATtZl75V75aMU8q4Lvy_2orgD9l6owllp10m8JOfIWq2Vqa3jWEcTFGBw63K4OSDPVRJF3IlqxSXxWGZlmj76ENJgIcZuIcCXwcy1ABhbps/s320/044.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>These are just two of the scarves I made this winter that are getting ready to be packed to send to daughter 2 along with some edging lace I had made several years ago and didn't use. They are sized for the edge of a standard pillow case. She had mentioned that she wanted some and SHE is the one that actually reminded me that I had made it! So, the least I can do is put it in the box for her. I had done several pieces of it in the past but the rest did get used on her pillows when she was so much younger. She was the princess way back then and had to have pretty cases. The old plain ones just wouldn't have worked. :)<br />Oh, the purple scarf is just folded and tied up so it won't get everywhere when I mail it. So, ignore that green yarn on it. It is one of the knitted scarves that I did at her apartment when I went down in Dec. to help her get ready for her move after graduation. Yes, I'm still a straight beginning knitter. The scarf on the right is the Luna Lovegood (crochet) scarf. That pattern is floating around on the net and you might be able to find it over at Crochet Pattern Central, at least I think you can find it there. I should have unfolded it so you can see the pattern on it. Well, you'll have to trust me, it is a pretty scarf. Both of these are my use it up: de-stash projects. Both made with some Simply Soft laying around. The knitted one is 3 strands and made a good heavy scarf.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3tybRJqDnnQNjrRDdARikz_beX6r690nzNd-HidgLwvJrrjKxaPtv2JCPr8cgLtp0dRrlWMLL_RC64Gcpu24MChM51hmIDQ1PboL9btk_zOICa-dSmetwKt6v6Ts86HB83df9mTnzrE/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444981176822581650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3tybRJqDnnQNjrRDdARikz_beX6r690nzNd-HidgLwvJrrjKxaPtv2JCPr8cgLtp0dRrlWMLL_RC64Gcpu24MChM51hmIDQ1PboL9btk_zOICa-dSmetwKt6v6Ts86HB83df9mTnzrE/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br />Here's the pic of my brand new spankin' clothes pin apron. I made it yesterday also out of left-over fabric that was in the stash pile. Pretty spiff, ain't it! No, I don't have a clothes line living in the heart of suburbia (sp- that doesn't look right) with stringent covenants set in place and it may be years before I do have one but when I need it- I'll have it. Anyway, I can still use it around the house and dream of the day that I'll have a clothesline and a garden and chickens and such. </div><div>That stripped part is one big ole giant pocket!!! Just think of all the stuff I can get in there! And just in case you're wondering, yes, I purposely made the ties short and small. I didn't want all that bulk on this particular apron. I'm gonna be making a few more aprons and will do them however I feel like doing them- and you can't stop me cause YOU'RE NOT THE APRON POLICE! muyaahahaha<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1QeYJa-B-HRUnzJvOXxNSUSfrttyvRP6KVH2scaZILkgWlCHhmNF3yClgWa8hoyiXTyEKzynCuh7W0OKVDLgaWHLBwSnPNxI49fhzmz5Kklp8_cVNpoo0xPwRuZjZ3TVHUdoFzcNVTg/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444980976117560466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1QeYJa-B-HRUnzJvOXxNSUSfrttyvRP6KVH2scaZILkgWlCHhmNF3yClgWa8hoyiXTyEKzynCuh7W0OKVDLgaWHLBwSnPNxI49fhzmz5Kklp8_cVNpoo0xPwRuZjZ3TVHUdoFzcNVTg/s320/045.JPG" /></a><br />And last but not least is my experiment in canning butter (left) or as they say in some circles: making Ghee (right). Super simple. Two different methods. I might have posted a pic of the one on the left recently. I don't remember for sure just right now but if you've seen it..... well, enjoy it again, why don't ya.</div><div>I don't know if either method will hold up to long term storage (which is the KEY thing to do right now in our household) but I'll let you know in a few months when I open one up, then again maybe in late Fall when I open the other one. If all goes as planned, I'll put up more of it this coming winter. I know, I know, we aren't even out of this winter yet but we will be soon. Spring has to come sometime soon. I know cause I've seen the marshmallow PEEPS in the stores already....<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrftaE7BRwPOmQFTkYU5zAnP7yAWkt_Q7SXZj2aIsa-8J1P-zAtx1YsqzcCl0vWKxsobRVXsHoZIaN09N555jr3XAbSk3GPyTK0XYpb3UgJt2BNdgFFgbeDGsTRbQ_08b7xU8L5yWasQ/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444980695584420002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrftaE7BRwPOmQFTkYU5zAnP7yAWkt_Q7SXZj2aIsa-8J1P-zAtx1YsqzcCl0vWKxsobRVXsHoZIaN09N555jr3XAbSk3GPyTK0XYpb3UgJt2BNdgFFgbeDGsTRbQ_08b7xU8L5yWasQ/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br />Until it does, I'm still hibernating but staying busy. This week-end I'll be making a pot of soup so I can try out that hardtack I made. It's hiding in that baseball tin behind the jars. I'll let you know how that works for me. Ya'll have a good night. </div><div> </div><div><br /><div>** Just stopping back in to edit: I looked at CPC for the Luna scarf and didn't see it there but I know it's over at Craftster's and also at the Leaky-Cauldron. If you're interested, you can just Google it and it'll pop right up. Night again. </div></div></div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-44144750072546990412010-02-24T14:21:00.006-05:002010-02-24T14:59:14.846-05:00HardtackTo pick up from my last post - let's get back to the Hardtack; but first....<br /><br />Setting aside for the future:<br />Has anyone else noticed how much food costs lately? My local W...mart keep getting more and more costly. 1 1/2 years ago, their brand of green beans was .50 (I save receits). Today, that same can is now .89. Rice, for a small bag was .59 and now it's $1.49! Forget trying to find other brand names on their shelves. They are now few and far between.<br />1 1/2 years ago my weekly food bill usually ran between $65 - $75; today buying mostly just their brand, my bill runs right about $145- $155 weekly!!<br />I don't know about you but for me, I'm tired of it. Tired of buying only what they think I should buy and how much I should spend in their store.<br />Folks, I haven't even mentioned the other items that have to be picked up weekly. Like the stuff in the pharmacy area, tolietries, cat litter and the other non food related stuff! Please, don't tell me to shop elsewhere. I have and I do and will continue to wean myself off of W...mart when I find the specific items I need elsewhere.<br />Thank goodness my local Sav A Lot and Dollar Tree are still in the business of catering to their customers! Too bad they just don't carry everything I need.<br />Anyway, getting off my band box now... I am determined to go back to the ways of my youth. No longer will I shop blindly "because I can". I'm going back to a budget, a weekly menu and canning, preserving, making my own mixes and cleansers AND making do! In a word- going back to a more frugal and less dependant lifestyle not only because of food prices soaring sky-high but because that's how we should live. We are an extremely spoiled people and nation. It's time to get back to basics and stop the waste. No, I'm no tree hugger. I'm just "stepping outside of the norm" so to speak. Getting back to being who I am that I forgot all about along the way of life. "Nuff said.<br />Harktack: I've been wanting to make it for quite awhile. Today was the day I got off my lazy rear and did it. It is the simplest thing in the world to bake - anyone can do it. You can find historical recipes all over the internet which is where I began my research. In midieval days they had a form of it called a treacher. It was used waaay back then as their actual plate or bowl. The food was placed in it to serve, the treacher sopped up the juices and they ate it all. It add more "filling" power to the meal. Later, the pioneers ate it to help fill out their meals on the trails as they pushed every onward West. It kept a very good long time and even the Civil War soldiers carried it and often it was the only thing they had to eat.<br />So, the first thing I did was choose a flour with nutritional value. I keep several kinds of flour and am very partial to whole wheat. So- duh- no brainer! I used King Authur's All Natural Traditional whole wheat flour mostly because the bag was open in the freezer from a recent baking and it needed to be used. Next time, I will probably use the stone ground wheat I got from a mill up North.<br />Here's the pics of the hardtack mixed, rolled, cut and poked and finally baked.<br />It's not quite ready to be eaten/tried yet. They are just out of the oven before I ran up here to post this. They say it gets harder and harder as it cools.<br />SO, that's my post on Hardtack. I'll let you know how it turned out taste-wise later.<br />Next time I'll tell you about my butter I canned or possibly the home-made laundry soap I made or maybe about the pickled cabbage I want to get around to trying.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zOmraWcgnXpipm0JMPqDs2m0OpKiloiiBn-R-368AHO_iqRmjE9cnrC-FQiN6KK1ojYj8Qk9U_eSjZCrrTxvvoUAC770t4aQ0Aq0dkKCfOlKSGVgtO1lNNFEdbFkZlrKjqpwebghjKs/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441893093877613394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zOmraWcgnXpipm0JMPqDs2m0OpKiloiiBn-R-368AHO_iqRmjE9cnrC-FQiN6KK1ojYj8Qk9U_eSjZCrrTxvvoUAC770t4aQ0Aq0dkKCfOlKSGVgtO1lNNFEdbFkZlrKjqpwebghjKs/s320/015.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideZKX66SuxPT608j20E42XljhWyXZasIa2Xo7cfm1fPaTlHIphp0mdd1lorDwtYoQ7TLpOeix6nHKgsEbyL6LnzdPeS2a-rDsKpcwN2A-0jxUHr8yDajXPTIGDMLJ_CGVBoBWqJO1R4E/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441892943105654338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideZKX66SuxPT608j20E42XljhWyXZasIa2Xo7cfm1fPaTlHIphp0mdd1lorDwtYoQ7TLpOeix6nHKgsEbyL6LnzdPeS2a-rDsKpcwN2A-0jxUHr8yDajXPTIGDMLJ_CGVBoBWqJO1R4E/s320/016.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFWuMzgyB2GsMCt7KYId_2c-i6TNFsRfhR37XYn7aB3YUYUmKD6xO4bNwNoK4PaOqXbTkdIYNi0VGOQstmW3094mzFfqt-_bK65U8lmLdsf8YPH3UJ719c8I8kq3aOv4pk27shyIlYkk/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441892789787610162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFWuMzgyB2GsMCt7KYId_2c-i6TNFsRfhR37XYn7aB3YUYUmKD6xO4bNwNoK4PaOqXbTkdIYNi0VGOQstmW3094mzFfqt-_bK65U8lmLdsf8YPH3UJ719c8I8kq3aOv4pk27shyIlYkk/s320/017.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5gyqj_dCQj_QPKzner4IZSpzF4zmOev6q6M1U41TpBzQycIxhgzFCUzYq5GwYl7DlwM63xoAu3RrvWB2w5Bx35hwQ9feC3zz3nBhqOWwtvevWiQ2Pt_uWj7URsZNouBbgcaxFWoD-Gc/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441892611128685426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5gyqj_dCQj_QPKzner4IZSpzF4zmOev6q6M1U41TpBzQycIxhgzFCUzYq5GwYl7DlwM63xoAu3RrvWB2w5Bx35hwQ9feC3zz3nBhqOWwtvevWiQ2Pt_uWj7URsZNouBbgcaxFWoD-Gc/s320/019.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-70203624783950332682010-02-24T12:19:00.004-05:002010-02-24T12:25:26.014-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_yA6b5t1YUTNeyEzMkRLuR2mvWFX7u0pmQadRdNirxtyUNYRSLiNx2WrhANVF_7ifjo4fLjTae4CID0riYa-NhJs-bMdupbX-vicCQ142n9kOvilLHCLfbucuuHnVf74OMt1P6E_5ig/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441861083462511266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_yA6b5t1YUTNeyEzMkRLuR2mvWFX7u0pmQadRdNirxtyUNYRSLiNx2WrhANVF_7ifjo4fLjTae4CID0riYa-NhJs-bMdupbX-vicCQ142n9kOvilLHCLfbucuuHnVf74OMt1P6E_5ig/s320/010.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Just posting a few pics of what I got for Valentine's Day cause they were just too beautiful not to. Chocolate covered strawberries from my Honey. They were truely YUM!</div><div> </div><div>I've been a bit busy lately with preparing for the future and it has taken up a lot of my time and mind. </div><div>Yesterday, I tried my hand at canning a jar of butter. I plan to open it up in a few months to see if it's still any good since it's on my pantry shelf and NOT in the fridge. We will see. </div><div>Today, I'm headed off downstairs to go try my hand at some hardtack. Yep, just like the pioneers had. This I'm trying only cause I WANT TO AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME !!! hahaha</div><div> </div><div>Crafty-wise: I'm still working on daughter 2's Babette blanket!! But have made several scarves and fingerless gloves this winter. Some I have pictures for and some I don't . So, on my next post, I'll get those pics up. </div><div> </div><div>But for now: off I go to the kitchen. Wish me luck! </div><br /><div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-28481900857176018002010-01-01T19:38:00.005-05:002010-01-01T20:03:45.070-05:00C'ville CALI joined a new CAL (crochet along for those of you non-crafters) at Crochetville. Yes, I know, I'm not much of a joiner but this one sounded like fun and I haven't been in a cal since the Grandmother's Flower Garden CAL which was waaayyy back when! Remember my old posts of that afghan?!! Thought I'd never finish it but finally did get it done. So, anyway, here I am again joining another one. This one, at least, is no specific project- just whatever we want to work on for each song that is given. Then by the end of this new year, we will have x number of projects finished for giftgiving or (heaven forbid!!) for US- yea, us, all our own! lol Now for those of you who aren't crafty-ish, that last sentence really is a joke because it is well known that crafters RARELY keep anything they make for themselves.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, if your interested, you can find the link to Crochetville on the left side of my blog posts under the places I go and blogs I read. It's clicky. When you get to C'ville, the cal is listed under, well..... CAL's and is called Christmas 2010- 12 months of crochet christmas caroling. Each month (I think) will have a new holiday song listed with the words and we get to pick out what we want to make according to something in the song that takes our fancy. It really does sound fun- doesn't it.<br /><br /><br />I chose to make some fingerless gloves (done to Winter Wonderland). Since I am forever trying to use stash: I made these in regular WW in white for snow and the "snowflake" was cross stitched on top using Needloft cord in a sparkly blue. Since the glove is worked in a spiral, the design looks a bit off. I didn't take that into consideration when I stitched it on. Doesn't matter to me though. I still like them and since I live in fingerless gloves all winter, this is just another pair to add to the group. (I've already made 3 pairs this fall, not counting the ones I still have from previous years.) I just love having warm-ish hands. So without further ado, here's the pic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/050.jpg" /></p><p> </p><p>Please let me know what you think of them.</p><p>I've got a few other projects I want to post but didn't get to take pics of them yet. I hope to do that over the next week when Hubby gets back to work after being off for 2 weeks break. </p><p>Until then, I'll see ya later.<br /></p>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-82808119251101662912010-01-01T10:53:00.002-05:002010-01-01T10:56:08.253-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE<br />Later today I'll be uploading some pictures of projects I've been working on. Some finished, some not. Until then, everyone stay safe, don't eat too much junk watching bowl games and may you and yours be blessed abundantly this year.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-19289346932263680942009-11-22T14:09:00.004-05:002009-11-22T14:14:22.740-05:00I just made an update-ish comment in that section from the last post. So, if you want to know what I've been doing to get ready for Christmas, you can go there and check. I hope to be posting again after next week. Until then...<br /><br />HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY<br /><br />May your lives, homes and families be blessed with the peace and provision we get from our heavenly Father and may we be forever grateful for all His mercies to us.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-9614843632835312012009-11-11T14:48:00.001-05:002009-11-11T14:48:21.329-05:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bHQ9MTI1Nzk2ODg1MDA1MyZwdD*xMjU3OTY4OTA*NDM1JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><a href="http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/?action=view¤t=066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-51985985846887657162009-11-10T11:57:00.001-05:002009-11-10T11:58:55.307-05:00I'm back. After having lost the computer and having to wait to buy a new one, we are finally back up and running.<br />Last night I uploaded new pics and today will be getting them into photobucket so I can make a proper post. Until then just wanted to let you know , I'm still alive and kicking.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-72780313873742197892009-06-15T20:41:00.003-04:002009-06-15T20:45:33.361-04:00Yes, I'm still alive. I've been really busy. Getting ready to leave Thursday to go get the grandkids for their week with the Grands.<br />I have some pictures to put up but it will have to wait till I get back. Not much. Just some pictures of the floor where they had to replace some of it and my new dishwasher. YES- that's why the floor had to be replaced. We had a leak that only the cat knew about! That right. She would sit in front of the dishwasher and just stare at it. She did it for MONTHS! This is not the first time she has found a leak in the house. She did the same thing then, so, you'd think we'd pay closer attention to her. Well, from now on we will.<br />Anyway, I'll get real chatty in a week or so when I get back from taking the GK's home. Later, ya'll.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-34305996069704512602009-05-07T10:19:00.004-04:002009-05-07T11:30:01.007-04:00I know this has been a long time coming but I've been busy. So, here's the month of Marchs'/Aprils' highlights.<br /><br />Ya'll remember that I went to MS to pick up my sister and bring here back to my house for a weeks visit? Well, here's Martha aka Moy....#4 sister. We are at the rest stop just getting into GA after a long days drive: about an hour from my home. Ain't she sweet! Yep, we were both looking a bit tired by that time, though the food helped.<br /><br /><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09020.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>While Moy was here we made jam from some of her juice that we brought back with us, cause.. well.... that's what Moy and I do when we get together. Doesn't matter what time of year it is...... we WILL make jam. This time it was Red Plum, Golden Plum, Blueberry and Mystery Plum (it was a batch made with the left over juice of all three juices listed above mixed together. It turned out quite tastey.)<br />So, here's Moy looking good and fresh at the start of the day. Doesn't she look excited to get started!! She's such a happy girl!<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09028.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09028.jpg" /></a><br />We got everything all measured out. It was SOOO much nicer to just already have the fruit juice ready to go and not have to prep all that fruit! Here's the first batch jammin. Red Plum, looks great, right?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09027.jpg" /></a><br /><br />HAHA "Fatty, fatty, two by four...." yep, this is me looking really sad and wayyyy to saucy! If I'd known that it was gonna be a picture day, I would have changed my shirt to something that hid all my..um...charms so you folks looking at this picture wouldn't have to suffer so much! But Hey, who cares, right? I was working HARD! I do however, really need to get to work on that gut!! DISSS gusting!</div><div>So, here's me taking my turn at stirring, not even bothering to suck that gut in OR pull those shoulders back! Mom would have been so ashamed of me. :)<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09026.jpg" /></a><br />And here's Moy, taking her turn at stirring. Did I happen to mention that we made about 7 or so batches of jam?!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09023.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>Here we go: Into the jars! This is the exciting part. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09033.jpg" /></a><br />We did this several times that day.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09031-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09031-1.jpg" /></a><br />But this is what we ended up with! LOTS AND LOTS OF GOOEY, SWEET JAM. Another jammin' session, well done. Way to go, Moy. We did good. What kind are we making this summer when I come down?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09024.jpg" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Then: </div><div>Martha and her church got involved with the Red Letter Envelope day where they got all these people to address red envelopes to the white house. They were printed with a saying about how each empty envelope represented an aborted baby who would never have a voice in this world. (So Sad - really!) But it was a big event for them. Here she is at her home getting all her stuff for this event ready to bring to my house so we can work on it there. Wait a minute! Maybe she's playing games.....either way, you can see the red envelopes there. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09007.jpg" /></a><br />They were going to have an outdoor event and a blood drive at the same time. So, they needed some little pick me ups to pass out for those that gave blood and they could sign their envelope at the same time. </div><div>We did the cupcakes while she was at my house. Here she's measuring the vanilla into the cupcakes. They were red velvet, btw. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09045.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09045.jpg" /></a><br />She mixed:<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09046.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09046.jpg" /></a><br />and mixed.....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09044.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09044.jpg" /></a><br />One batch is baking here.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09043.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09043.jpg" /></a><br />But before they baked, she had to get the batter into the cups. She did this about a 1000 times!!!</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09042.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09042.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And here's a bunch already made and (I think) the last batch getting ready to go in the oven! WHEW. </div><div><br /><div></div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09039.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09039.jpg" /></a> </div><div>At the end of a loong day, see how tired my poor sissy is. She can't even keep her eyes open! </div><div>Sleep good tonight Sis cause we're on the road tomorrow for home! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09037-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09037-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So at the end of a good busy week in which we did go to a movie cause she hasn't been to one in about a billion years, (don't even remember what we saw but the popcorn was good) we got on the road to take her home. I was so sad but she will return some day. </div><div></div><div>Well, when we got back to Quitman, I was suppose to go stay with my other sister for a few days but her husband got sick. So, I got to spend a few more days with Moy at her house, where we went and got her many plants to make her a pot garden. It was fun and I had a really wonderful time with my GREAT SISTER. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>A few weeks after that, Hubby and I took off for Florida to spend a few days with our very good friends. Hubby fished and K and I planted her garden too. K's Mom also adopted me into their family! <strong>ROCKIN ROCKETS! I feel honored!!</strong> BUT even with all this excitement, I came home from both places so jealous that I don't have my own garden! The only thing that made me feel better was this....<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09096.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/09096.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div>My white iris FINALLY was white this year, instead of yellow like the last 2 years! That's exciting stuff! </div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-12316662541951716392009-04-06T14:48:00.002-04:002009-04-06T14:50:24.444-04:00I'm finally home and today, trying to settle back down to business as usual. I've been in the laundry room most of today! So, in the next few days, I'll be doing an update on the stuff my sister and I did and on my other trip down to Florida that I just got back from.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-12312058515817544192009-02-26T09:36:00.003-05:002009-02-26T10:14:11.221-05:00Well, I haven't been doing too much lately. I did, as stated in my last post, get a bit caught up in facebook but that's leveled out now and I'm starting to get back into my projects and well, just the day to day living.<br />The last few weeks, I've started my Amish Friendship Bread Starter again, had my first baking round, got my hair cut again and did a really BAD dye job on it.<br />First things first (sorry no pics, it's all in the freezer) I took my AFB starter out of the freezer that I had put in there last summer and started it again. It was the first time I had frozen it and it did beautifully. I just brought it back to room temperature before adding the milk, sugar and flour and treating like day 1. This Monday was day 10 and I baked two cakes. One was a chocolate with peanut butter chips and the other was lemon poppyseed. They both turned out so pretty but I forgot to take pictures. I am bringing them down to my sisters for a special "Pastor's Appreciation Dinner" they are having for my other sister who is "the Pastor". So, I can't really give a critique on how those cakes tasted yet. I'll do that after the dinner in the next few weeks. I still had some starter but didn't feel like anymore baking on Monday so I put MY "next batch cup" to the side for the next go round and put the remainder of the starter in the fridge overnight. On Tuesday, I took the starter out of the fridge, let it come to room temp. and baked another cake. All I had left was chocolate pudding so it was another choco. one. I didn't feel really creative, so just added some choco. chips, white choco. chips and the few peanut butter chips I had left over from the Monday baking. I did that baking in 2 loaf pans. I did, however, forget from previous experience, that when I bake this particular bread in loaf pans, that they ALWAYS fall in the center. I don't know why that is! I don't do a thing differently, but that's what happens. I just need to remember to ONLY bake in my bundt pan. So, I'm counting on ya'll to remind me next time! Finally, this last round of "10 days then bake" will be the last time for months and months until I get the yen for some more of this stuff. So, after I get through this round, I'll be freezing another cup of starter for when I want to do that.<br />Next: BAD HAIR CUT AND DYE JOB As I sit here thinking of this, well there's just no one to blame but myself for either. I knew Linda couldn't cut hair anymore. That's why I quit going to her several years ago in the first place. But go to her I DID. I guess it was just insanity that day. I DO have days like that when the ole remember-er doesn't work!! The only thing that can be done now is to go get it ALL cut off (boy cut like my husbands) or just suffer through and let it grow out long again, which is a pain having it long.....<br />The dye job..... well, that's a cross between cherry red and I do mean CHERRY KOOLADE RED and some kind of PURPLE!!! What was I thinking? The box said: DARK AUBURN I have used this makers other dark auburn before but this blend was suppose to be with highlights!! Well I'm here to tell everyone: DON'T DO IT. STEP AWAY FROM THE BOX. RUN RUN RUN OUT OF THAT STORE <span style="font-size:180%;">NOW</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. There, I feel I have now done my part for humanity. I now breathe a sigh of relief that I've warned you all. Now, I'll crawl back into my dark closet and hide until all this mess goes away. It really is embarrasing!</span><br />Last but not least, I have finally gotten around to putting up that picture of my January ornament. I hate the picture but love the finished product.... the color of the fabric, the color of the yarns, just everything about it.<br />It looks SOOO much better in person and the colors really are vibrant and alive. Okay, maybe not your traditional christmas colors but I do like it!<br /><br /><a href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/Summer08528.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/lamofspam/Summer08528.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So, just to tell everyone early: "Have a Joyeux Noel" just in case my remember-er isn't working at the end of this year! Enjoy! </div>Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-12101925713244936032009-02-03T13:39:00.003-05:002009-02-03T13:54:01.859-05:00Not much of an update......but at least it's something.<br /><br />Haven't been doing too much lately. I've had a slew of headaches I've been fighting. Some days are better than others. On those "good-er" days, I signed up and have been having fun over at Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">http://www.facebook.com/</a> If you don't have anything to do or are already on and need an extra alliance member for your games, send me an invite to: La Mark. Oh, and don't forget to say that you read my blog so that I don't ignore or block you. <br /><br />On the craft front: I'm still working on my Jan. ornament for my SAL with fortheloveofstitching group at Yahoo. I'm almost finished with it though. It's of the Eiffel Tower and says Joyeux Noel from one of the JCS Christmas mags. Don't remember which one right now but am pretty sure it was within the last few years. I'm stitching it on a bright green Aida and it's looking really SPIFF. I'll post a pic when I'm done. Today seems to be a good day so far so I just might get it finished later tonight.<br /><br />Other than that there's nothing new. I'm looking forward to a visit to my sisters in early March. I'll be driving down to pick her up and bring her back here for a visit with me. It should be fun. We'll dollar shop, antique look, and probably find stuff- something that we can can. We both like preserving stuff so I'll be on the lookout at the markets for what would be a good choice to work with when she gets here. Just to mention- this will be her first real visit here. She came through with the other siblings last June and spent the night when we all took off for our first family vacation. This year- a family cruise has been mentioned. That would be fun but I do think we wouldn't have much family time together on board. On the other hand, could be that there would be no cruise ship large enough for us to all hide from each other on!!! hahahahaha. Just kidding.<br /><br />I'll update later when I get my ornament finished. I guess I'll just start another box for these new ones like I did last year. Then I'll sew and finish them all up in the early fall. Later ya'll.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8500058157000297173.post-4265714269267978982009-01-25T20:04:00.002-05:002009-01-25T20:27:06.391-05:00Sweet Potato RollsAfter battling migrains off and on for the last week and a half, I'm finally getting around to posting this recipe. I had planned to make a batch up and take pictures of each step so it would be a really nice presentation but sorry, I didn't get around to it. So, without further ado.....<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sweet Potatoe Rolls</strong><br /><br />3 3/4 to 4 1/4 cups all purpose Flour<br />1/3 cup sugar<br />1 tsp. salt<br />1 pkg. dry yeast- that's regular and not the quick yeast THOUGH you can use that if you want<br />1 cup milk<br />1/4 cup butter<br />3/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes<br />1 egg<br />melted butter for brushing tops after baking<br /><br />Grease some cookie sheets (I use cooking spray). Measure out 1 cup flour, sugar, salt and yeast and mix well. In a pan, heat the milk and 1/4 cup butter until it's very warm (about 120' to 125') Add this along with the sweet potatoes and the egg to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed of a mixer until it all moistened; then beat2 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in remaining flour to for a soft dough. It will be sticky. <br />On a floured board/counter top, knead dough until it's smooth and elastic, about 3-4 minutes. Put dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let it rise until doubled in size in a warm place. (about 45-55 min.)<br />Punch it down several time to get all the air bubbles out and move it to your well floured surface again. Toss it until it's not sticky. Divide dough into 15-18 pieces (I usually make different sizes cause that's how I like it). Shape pieces into balls and put the about 2" apart on the greased sheets. Cover; let rise in a warm place again until doubled in size, about 1/2 hour to 40 min. Heat oven to 375'. Bake about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and done inside. Melt some extra butter and immediately upon taking them out of the oven, brush them all over with the melted butter. Move to cooling racks.<br /><br />This recipe really does well with both the regular yeast AND the quick yeast. I do it both ways. It just depends on how much time I have as to which yeast I use....<br /><br />If you have any questions just jot me a note here and I'll do my best to answer them. AND if you don't have questions but make these...please post a note anyway and let me know how they turned out for you.Marianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070051932645068499noreply@blogger.com2