Thursday, January 31, 2008

Blackberry Creek Stuffed French Toast

French_toastI'm getting ready to compile a cookbook for my church, using recipes from people in the congregation. The money we make will go into a fund to remodel the kitchen adjacent to our old fellowship hall. I think I'll include this one. We had it for breakfast this morning and it was good.

I'll include the recipe here. If you decide to try it, you might let me know what you think. Is it worthy of publication?

INGREDIENTS

4 large eggs
1/4 cup Half & Half
1/2 teaspoon sugar
12 slices (about 1/2" thick) of French breadEggs
blackberry jam
spreadable cream cheese
margarine
Ingredietns
Break eggs into a deep plate or pie plate. Add sugar and Half & Half and beat lightly.

Spread about 2 tablespoons of blackberry jam on one side of one slice of bread. Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese on one side of another slice of bread. Place the two slices together.

Place the sandwich in the egg mixture. After about 30 seconds, turn sandwich over and soak other side.

Place on a medium hot buttered griddle or frying pan. Cook on each side until lightly browned. Repeat with remainder of bread. Makes 6 stuff toast sandwiches.

Note to Lori: Thanks for the idea.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/31/2008, mom2fur said ...

Wow, that looks good! I'm thinking it would be extra good with my mom's homemade strawberry jam.


On 01/31/2008, Gayle said ...

Oh boy...now I'm hungry for French Toast! :-)


On 01/31/2008, Karla said ...

It certainly sounds quite yummy. I'll have to try this when I have the week off from work in a few weeks.
Karla


On 01/31/2008, Sherri said ...

Yummy, Susan I recieved the lovely gift you sent me the other day. Ive been down with the flu and just know starting to feel human again. Thanks I love the material. Sherri


On 01/31/2008, Terri said ...

You always show the most yummy food. French toast is one of my absolute favorites.


On 01/31/2008, Molly said ...

How could you not include that?? Oh my heavens that looks(and sounds) good, not to mention easy!!


On 01/31/2008, Nicole said ...

It certainly sounds good!


On 01/31/2008, Sue said ...

This all looks sooo good. WE just had dinner and yet I am thinking how much I would love a bite of this! : )

Hugs,
Sue


On 01/31/2008, redgeraniumcottage said ...

That sounds and looks so yummy!!!!! Looks like a winning recipe to me. can I come over and have you whip me up some??
Glad you got the fat quarters. Enjoy!!


On 02/01/2008, Rian said ...

Wow, that looks great! I'll have to make some right now!


On 02/01/2008, bj said ...

OH, GREAT SCOTT...I can't wait to try these. If you've seen my posting today, French toast is one of my favorites. Thanks for the recipe....
bj


On 02/01/2008, Patti Koosed said ...

How did you know I have been craving French Toast?! This sounds just delicious! I will denfinately try it this Sunday.
Thanks for sharing, it looks so good!
Hugs
Patti
-----


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Do You Feel Lucky? Well, do ya?

PhotobucketWant to go to a Blog Giveaway Carnival? I bet you do. Just go on over to Rocks in My Dryer and see what's happening at the Winter '08 Bloggy Giveaway Carnival. There are literally hundreds of prize drawings you can sign up for. I'm participating, and my giveaway is a box (11.75" x 8" x 4.75") full of sewing and crafting goodies. If you'd like a chance to win, just leave a comment here. I'll draw for a winner on Friday, Feb. 1.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/29/2008, LadySnow said ...

Please add me!


On 01/29/2008, Momala said ...

OOOOh, I love sewing and crafting goodies! I'e love to win! Thanks for the great giveaway!!!


On 01/29/2008, Randi said ...

That sounds fun! Thanks for hosting!


On 01/29/2008, Cindi Hoppes said ...

I love a good surprise box of goodies! Please enter me in your giveaway drawing. I appreciate it! Thanks, Cindi


On 01/29/2008, Lynne said ...

Sewing and crafting goodies?!! Count me in! Thanks for your hard work on the blog. Love it.


On 01/29/2008, Katy said ...

oh this sounds great!!! I would love to win!!! Please enter me! Thanks!


On 01/29/2008, Knittinchick said ...

I am already dreaming about what might be in that fabulous box. Please pick me!


On 01/29/2008, Deborah said ...

I'd love to win a box full of sewing and crafting goodies! Wonderful!


On 01/29/2008, Kim said ...

I love craft supplies!!! PLease enter my name as well!

~ Kim


On 01/29/2008, Jeni said ...

Please pick me! I love having a stash of sewing/crafting stuff for embellishing cards & clothes!


On 01/29/2008, Amy said ...

I sure would use this!


On 01/29/2008, phyllis king said ...

My Lord, woman! How do you have time to do all the fun stuff you get into?!
Thanks for sharing this new place; and for your goody box! Yummm........


On 01/29/2008, Amity said ...

I love craft and sewing stuff!!!

amitymatthia at hotmail.com


On 01/29/2008, Melinda Fulkerson said ...

I don't want to win but I have neglected my blog reading for almost a week and love visiting your blog. I love the altered playing cards.


On 01/29/2008, Hestial said ...

This would be wonderful to win! Please count me in :)


On 01/29/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Hi Susan! Please enter me in your drawing. Bad weather here, had tornadoes tonight and lost power...so I may be flying by like Dorothy and toto....temp has dropped from 52 to 12 and wind right now is 56mph. I knitted by kerosene lantern tonight...thank goodness for our fireplace. Take good care.


On 01/29/2008, Laurie Lozier said ...

Whoo Hoo! I'd love a chance to win some goodies! Thanks!


On 01/30/2008, Deb said ...

Susan ~ you know I always love your giveaways, and I'm sure you'll fill the box with lots of goodies! I "met" you for the first time last year when you participated in the Bloggy Giveaway...and that was a good thing! Thanks!


On 01/30/2008, Karla said ...

I'll have to check this out!
Karla


On 01/30/2008, Linda Tenhage said ...

What a great giveaway! I wonder what could be in the box...

Thanks, Linda


On 01/30/2008, Kat said ...

What a nice package...hope it comes to me! :)


On 01/30/2008, May Kristin said ...

Exciting! I'd love to win, but never have the luck! May be this time?


On 01/30/2008, Sue Cahill said ...

I'd love to win some goodies, what fun!!!


On 01/30/2008, Dj said ...

I'm just getting started in quilting and found your blog today. I'd forgotten all about the carnival, so now I have a lot more commenting to do!


On 01/31/2008, Amanda said ...

Awesome giveaway! Please enter me!


On 01/31/2008, Stefanie said ...

Count me in! Thanks!


On 01/31/2008, Lisa said ...

Thank you for you having such a generous giveaway! I would LOVE to win sewing and crafting goodies!

Thanks again!


On 01/31/2008, Laura Graham said ...

Fun! Please enter me!

laurabethgraham1@gmail.com


On 01/31/2008, xashee said ...

WOOOHOOO! i am having so much fun with this giveaway! lol Thank you for the chance to win this GOOODIE!!! Have a WONDERFUL day! ;D


On 01/31/2008, Katie said ...

What a GREAT giveaway!! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Katie
http://bimw.wordpress.com


On 01/31/2008, Heather said ...

OH craft goodies! Count me in!!


On 01/31/2008, Courtney said ...

oh, oh - me, me, me!!! :-) I want a box of goodness :-)

Thanks for the great opportunity to win! Very kind of you! Good luck to all!


On 01/31/2008, Chelsea said ...

ooh! I love materials and notions and everything sewing, lately.

I'd love to receive your box of goodies.

Thanks!


On 01/31/2008, Susan said ...

Thanks for the giveaway.


On 01/31/2008, Jessica said ...

This would be great to win! Thank you.


On 01/31/2008, heather said ...

Please enter me!!!! Thanks!!!


On 01/31/2008, karma said ...

Thanks for the great giveaway!!


On 01/31/2008, Jes said ...

that sounds great! please add me! thanks


On 01/31/2008, rachie s said ...

Enter me! (If I win thins my hubby will die, I have so much stuff)


On 01/31/2008, Christy said ...

Thanks for a great giveaway! Please enter me.


On 01/31/2008, Connie said ...

Great!! I love to craft. Count me in!! Connie


On 01/31/2008, Robin said ...

Wonderful! Please enter me.


On 01/31/2008, Gretchen said ...

Wow, what a great idea. Please count me in.


On 01/31/2008, Elisarose said ...

I love quilting as well! Count me in!
elisarosehilliard at gmail dot com


On 01/31/2008, Melanie said ...

Count me in, please! I love to sew.


On 01/31/2008, Whitney said ...

I totally want a box full of sewing goodies! Sounds so fun! :)


On 01/31/2008, Gourmet Mom said ...

Woo hoo!! I loooooove crafting supplies. Thank you for such a fun giveaway!:)


On 01/31/2008, Rachel Ramey said ...

Another Ramey here. :)

Please enter me; thanks!


On 01/31/2008, Maggie said ...

Wow! A full box of sewing and crafting goodies ! Please count me in cause I love to so. My first time to paticipate in the Bloggy Giveaways but I'm lovin' it and Yeah, I feel lucky.


On 01/31/2008, Ann-Margret said ...

What a great give-away! I'm in Canada, so please let me know if I'm not eligible. Thanks! :D


On 01/31/2008, Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings said ...

Count me in please.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Stop by my place to win a bath set & candles or one of two copies of a book I'm giving away. Don't miss the daily edition of contests galore that I post on my blog.

Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings

email is in my profile or you can contact me via the contact form on my blog.


On 01/31/2008, Lisa E said ...

I have starting learning how to quilt and sew in the last year and I am hooked. Who knew I had a fabric addiction? I love crafting in general so this giveaway is speaking to me heart, mind, body and soul! Thank you for sharing so generously.


On 01/31/2008, Heather S. said ...

Ooooh, crafty stuff, gotta love that1


On 01/31/2008, Reeva said ...

GREAT giveaway! I hope I’m the lucky winner :)


On 01/31/2008, Bree said ...

Great giveaway! Please enter me! Thanks!


On 01/31/2008, Erica G said ...

This would be the perfect thing to get me back into sewing. I used to love it.


On 01/31/2008, Kimberly said ...

Please enter me in your drawing!


On 01/31/2008, Marcia said ...

Would love to win!


On 01/31/2008, Jennifer said ...

Please count me in.
Smiles!


On 01/31/2008, Chantelle Sabino said ...

Awesome! Thank you!


On 01/31/2008, Donna said ...

A mystery box, what fun! I'm in, please!


On 01/31/2008, Bebemiqui said ...

Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com


On 01/31/2008, Barbara said ...

I LOVE boxes full of good stuff!!!


On 01/31/2008, Beth said ...

Wonderful idea for a giveaway, thanks so much for entering my name!


On 01/31/2008, Amy P said ...

I'd love to win some goodies! Thanks


On 01/31/2008, SoulsforChrist7 said ...

Please enter me. I love to sew.


On 01/31/2008, Peggie said ...

I love sewing and crafts! Thanks for counting me in!


On 01/31/2008, Emily said ...

I love crafting goodies, please count me in! Thank you!

princesslimey(at)gmail(dot)com


On 01/31/2008, Tami Parker said ...

Please enter me! Thanks!
tparker002@centurytel.net


On 01/31/2008, Rebecca said ...

Please enter me in!


On 01/31/2008, monica said ...

I would love to win this! monk5@charter.net


On 01/31/2008, Susan Smith said ...

please enter me


On 01/31/2008, Tracy D said ...

Oh, I love crafting and sewing! Please enter me!


On 01/31/2008, stacey said ...

truly my favorite kind of surprise box!


On 01/31/2008, Shannon said ...

Your giveaway is great!
Enter me please
palmersf@comcast.net


On 01/31/2008, peggy said ...

sounds great! Sign me up


On 01/31/2008, Jackie said ...

This is a great giveaway. Please enter me in it! Thank you so much.


On 01/31/2008, natasha said ...

YEAH for sewing anc craft goodies!! I wanna get into beadwork sometime in the near future too!


On 01/31/2008, you da mom! said ...

i just started sewing again, so yes, please put my name in the hat! thanks!


On 01/31/2008, sara l. said ...

My little man is just getting old enough for us to enjoy crafts together! This would be great! Thanks for such a generous giveaway!


On 01/31/2008, PLO said ...

Oh, this is my kind of giveaway! Please enter me!


On 01/31/2008, Leigh @General Ramblings said ...

Hope I win! Cool!!! Thanks!


On 01/31/2008, New England Quilter said ...

Love Clint Eastwood and love to sew!! I would be very lucky to be the winner of your giveaway!

Check out my blog for a handmade Easter Basket giveaway.

PS Great Blog!


On 01/31/2008, Nicole said ...

Count me in, please, if this is open to Canadians!


On 01/31/2008, Samantha Rawson said ...

Please enter me! I love crafts!


On 01/31/2008, Diane said ...

I'd love to have some for me and some to share. Thanks!


On 01/31/2008, tonsofsons said ...

Thanks for giving me a chance to win such a fun prize. I love to sew!

http://tonsofsons.wordpress.com/


On 01/31/2008, Miscellany Mom said ...

fun prize! count me in!


On 01/31/2008, Ashley said ...

Wow!! Please enter me!


On 01/31/2008, Janice J said ...

What a nice giveaway, please count me in!


On 01/31/2008, Jana said ...

That's a fun giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.


On 01/31/2008, Heather L. said ...

A box full of crafting goodies sounds lovely!


On 01/31/2008, Carolynn said ...

Thanks for the great giveaway! I love to do crafts and would really enjoy it!


On 01/31/2008, Bailey's Leaf said ...

I would love to win this! Thank you!


On 01/31/2008, Sarah said ...

please add my name to the list :)


On 01/31/2008, Tara said ...

Would love to win!

Tara
tforsburg at yahoo dot com


On 01/31/2008, gail said ...

This is a great prize! Thanks for participating!


On 01/31/2008, Margaret Smith said ...

Great giveaway. Please enter me. Thanks.


On 01/31/2008, Tara said ...

Oh, I would love this! I'm such a crafty girl.


On 01/31/2008, Andrea said ...

Thank you! This is so nice of you.


On 01/31/2008, Christine said ...

Please enter me. What an awesome prize. Thanks


On 01/31/2008, Brittany said ...

I love crafting goodies! I'm working on a few projects right now that I could use these on - my favorite one is a Quiet Book for my boys! Thanks! prettybritty425@gmail.com


On 01/31/2008, kelly said ...

Please choose me!


On 01/31/2008, Susanne said ...

My girls love to craft..THanks!!


On 01/31/2008, Sue said ...

Your quilts are just too beautiful!
My daughter made her first one last Summer. I was so proud of her.

What a sweet giveaway! Thank you for being a part of this. I am meeting all sorts of new people and reading new blogs and loving it! I have everyone new bookmarked so I can return easily! : ) I was away from the computer last week so have missed out having my own giveaway.
: ( I will have one for Valentine's Day though!

Hugs,
Sue


On 01/31/2008, Kari said ...

Great idea! Count me in.


On 01/31/2008, Fizz said ...

Oooh, please enter me - I'd love this!


On 01/31/2008, Sue said ...

Well I'm feeling lucky :) I think sewing and craft mystery prize is exciting! I'm a sewing junkie!


On 01/31/2008, Piseco said ...

Thanks for the contest!


On 01/31/2008, Danai said ...

This is great and would be very useful!


On 01/31/2008, jennifer said ...

Yes!!! My favorite thing right now, all things sewing! What a treat, please throw my name into the sewing basket for a chance to win :) Thanks!!! (This would further my sewing extravaganza I have planned for Valentine's day prizes!)


On 01/31/2008, Paula said ...

This is great.
I would love to win.

paulajane1@sbcglobal.net


On 01/31/2008, Ginny said ...

Please count me in


On 01/31/2008, jen said ...

Please enter me in your contest
Jen


On 01/31/2008, Tanya said ...

Sewing stuff! I would love to be entered.


On 01/31/2008, gail said ...

i would love a stash of crafty goodies! count me in.


On 01/31/2008, Stacey said ...

Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks.

Stacey

slmpckins@comcast.net


On 01/31/2008, Dara said ...

count me in!
dara00@gmail.com


On 01/31/2008, Jeanette Jackson said ...

I'd like to enter if you allow Canadians


On 01/31/2008, Smellyann said ...

Ooh, I love crafty stuff! thanks and please visit mine, too!


On 01/31/2008, Lori said ...

My 11 yr old dd says we "have" to enter for this one!
Thanks for offering it!


On 01/31/2008, mamazyd said ...

What a fun giveaway!
Great for us beginner crafters.
KZ


On 01/31/2008, The Chatty Housewife said ...

Cool! I love sewing. Thanks for the great giveaway. nw_wife(at)hotmail(dot)com


On 02/01/2008, Camille said ...

So I've almost made it to the end of this HUMONGOUS carnival, and the idea that keeps popping into my mind is "wouldn't this be fun to do, in the handmade, handcrafted style of giveaways??!!" I LOVE your offering - I'm a new sewer and love crafting, and would be thrilled to receive your box full of goodies!

Thank you for the giveaway!

Camille
www.snaphappymama.com


On 02/01/2008, Tobi said ...

I love surprises. Thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Linda said ...

Enter me, please. ernestsgirl82@aol.com


On 02/01/2008, Infinity Goods said ...

An interesting surprise box? I'll play! Thanks.


On 02/01/2008, Nancy @ Homemade Blessings said ...

I would love to win this! Please enter me! Thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Lesha said ...

Thanks for the giveaway :)


On 02/01/2008, Dot said ...

I NEED more supplies....just ask my hubby! LOL


On 02/01/2008, Mo (Un-Mainstream Mom) said ...

Sewing & crafting goodies would be wonderful! I'd love to be entered.

BTW, I have two giveaways at my blog:
http://unmainstreammom.blogspot.com

Thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Tina Jett said ...

Sounds like fun in a box!


On 02/01/2008, Elliemae said ...

Sounds fun! Please count me in. Thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Terra Heck said ...

I'd love to win these goodies.


On 02/01/2008, Noreen said ...

wonderful!!


On 02/01/2008, Angela said ...

Oh, the fun I could have! I loved looking at pictures of things you've made. You are very talented.


On 02/01/2008, Michelle C said ...

Wow what a neat giveaway. You can never have to much craft stuff to help get your imagination working.


On 02/01/2008, Shana said ...

Thanks for a great giveaway! Please enter me. I would have to pass this one on to my mom! She is the seamstress in the family! :o)


On 02/01/2008, Erin said ...

What a fun surprise! Thanks for a great giveaway.


On 02/01/2008, Shannon said ...

I love to craft...this is right up my alley...count me in!


On 02/01/2008, Frances said ...

I'm just starting to sew and would love to add to my collection of materials/supplies.


On 02/01/2008, Meredith A. said ...

How fun! Count me in!


On 02/01/2008, Tisa said ...

Please count me in! Thanks! ~ :)


On 02/01/2008, Julie Crafton said ...

I like your blog, we have a lot in common. I'll be back to read more later. Thanks for doing the giveaway.


On 02/01/2008, D'Rae said ...

I hope I am not to late for the giveaway


On 02/01/2008, amy a said ...

I have NO sewing supplies, but I find myself wanting to learn. Seriously, I don't even have a needle and thread. Thanks for the chance to get started!


On 02/01/2008, Wendy said ...

I need more sewing and crafting goodies! :)


On 02/01/2008, Londa said ...

I WOULD LOVE SOME SEWING AND CRAFT GOODIES! What a fun giveaway... please enter me! I'd love to win!

ljbs3 (at) juno (dot) com


On 02/01/2008, Jessica said ...

yay!! CRAFT things! Please enter me :)


On 02/01/2008, Liz said ...

What a great giveaway! Please sign me up! Thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Deborah said ...

Wonderful gift! I'm an avid quilter, so this sounds right down my lane. And I guess since you've got crafting supplies in there, I'll have yet another habit that will get started. If I win, you can contact me at dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com


On 02/01/2008, Jendi said ...

Sounds like fun. Please enter me!


On 02/01/2008, Killlashandra said ...

Sewing and crafting goodies sound great! I love getting a lot of differente stuff and figuring out what projects to make out of it. Thanks for hosting. : )


On 02/01/2008, Britni said ...

Please pick me!!


On 02/01/2008, JavaMama said ...

Oooh I would love this!!!! thanks.

JOYfully in Him,
Kelli


On 02/01/2008, Sara said ...

I love crafts! Please enter me, thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Lura said ...

I've been feeling crafty lately!


On 02/01/2008, Angela said ...

sounds good! thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Paige said ...

Yes, I do feel lucky.


On 02/01/2008, Crystal B. said ...

I would love this. :)


On 02/01/2008, Tabitha said ...

I'd like to win!


On 02/01/2008, Wendy said ...

Awesome giveaway! I'm interested in learning to sew, so I love to see what experienced people like to use!


On 02/01/2008, chinamama4 said ...

Sounds neat - please enter me!


On 02/01/2008, Angela James said ...

As it happens, the past 6 months have seen me doing more crafting and sewing than ever before. I needed a new hobby because my old one (reading) was too closely related to my job. So I'm always looking to expand my sewing and crafting paraphernalia, since I've not been doing it long.


On 02/01/2008, PEA said ...

Such a fabulous giveaway! Love anything to do with crafting supplies:-) Please enter my name in your draw:-) Thank you!!


On 02/01/2008, kathie said ...

Count me in please. and be sure to stop by my giveaway


On 02/01/2008, Cory said ...

I am a fellow quilter. I always love a surprise box of fabric and goodies. Thank you, Cory


On 02/01/2008, Shannon said ...

Oh, I feel lucky! I love sewing and crafting goodies! For real! (See my blog. :)) Thanks for giving me a chance to be a winner. :)


On 02/01/2008, KJ said ...

OH WHAT FUN! THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND PLEASE INCLUDE ME...

KJ
CALIFORNIA


On 02/01/2008, KJ said ...

OH WHAT FUN! THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND PLEASE INCLUDE ME...

KJ
CALIFORNIA


On 02/01/2008, Cathi said ...

I love surprises!!


On 02/01/2008, Katie said ...

What a cool idea.


On 02/01/2008, Jennifer said ...

I love quilting and crafts. This would be a wonderful prize to win.


On 02/01/2008, summer said ...

please enter me!


On 02/01/2008, Susan Chester said ...

I would love to win some sewing and crafting goodies! Please enter me.


On 02/01/2008, Christine said ...

Wow! I would love, love to win this prize. cmj818(at)hotmail(dot)com


On 02/01/2008, Sarah A. said ...

Awesome giveaway! I hope I win.


On 02/01/2008, Beth said ...

Wow! What a treat it would be to win this! Please sign me up!


On 02/01/2008, Heather said ...

What a fun prize!


On 02/01/2008, Sara said ...

I love craft stuff. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sara


On 02/01/2008, Theresa Shafer said ...

I am lucky. So I do feel lucky. I make my own luck by faith.

Thank you for the supplies, always need more to make more.

Thank you for providing.


On 02/01/2008, Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings said ...

Count me in please!

Thanks!


On 02/01/2008, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio said ...

Oh! Pick ME~~~~
Hugs,
Penny


On 02/01/2008, Kim said ...

Ooh! I hope I'm not too late!!! I love sewing and crafting! :D


On 02/01/2008, Pam said ...

Oh, lovely giveaway. Can I win, please?


On 02/01/2008, Brittany said ...

Box of goodies sounds good to me!!! Thanks!
-----


A Treasure-Filled Monday

PitcherI had a doctor's appointment yesterday just up the road from my favorite thrift store--so naturally, I stopped in to see what I could find. My best find was the ivy pitcher in the photo at left ($4). I love ivy, and I love pitchers. Won't this be pretty this summer filled with daisies?

While we're on this photo, I'll also tell you that the high chair belonged to my husband's grandfather (who was born in 1893) when he was a baby. Is that neat or what? And my mother made the crocheted doily that's hanging over the back of the chair.

I also like candlesticks, and I found these pretty wooden ones for $1 each.Candlesticks













But the best treasure of all that came into my possession yesterday is this bundle of polka dot fat quarters. I won them in a giveaway over at Sharon's Red Geranium Cottage.
Polka_dots I'm not sure what I'll do with them. I have a couple of idea. Idea One is to make teddy bears. The children's group at my church is going to collect teddy bears for police officers to carry in their cars for children who are victims of accidents or crimes. Idea Two is a Heart Quilt. I want one to hang in my foyer after Christmas and until spring. I could do both--or neither. We'll see. Anyway, thank you so much Sharon for your generosity. I love the fabrics.

RECIPES: For those who requested them, the recipes for the Chicken Corn Chowder and the Brunswick Stew can be found in the sidebar at right under "My Web Pages."
ALTERED PLAYING CARDS: I have fallen a bit behind in my altered playiing card challenge. I'm working on catching up and should have something posted today or tomorrow.

Suzie Q's Brunswick Stew

StewIngredients:

4-5 Chicken Breasts
1 large onion (chopped)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen yellow corn*
2 cups frozen baby limas*
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. hot sauce
4 large potatoes (diced)

*You can substitute canned for frozen.

In a large stew pot, place chicken breasts and cover them with water. Cook on medium low heat for about an hour till chicken is tender. Remove chicken from stock and cool to touch. If chicken is not boneless, remove bones at this time. Shred or chop chicken and return to stock.

Add next 9 ingredients and return to a slow simmer. Cover and cook for at least an hour.**

Add potatoes and return to slow simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes.**

**These are minimum cooking times. You really can't cook this stew too long, just so you have it on a slow simmer.

I have also made this stew with a combination of meat: chicken, pork, and beef. It's good either way.


Monday, January 28, 2008

Why I Quilt

Quilts_3May at Krisp Quilt is responsible for this post. She has challenged us blogging quilters to tell her about how we started quilting and why we keep doing it. There's a giveaway at stake, too. May promises a prize to the person whose name is drawn from those who leave a comment on her blog or a link to her own blog with the answers to these questions. So go on over to Krisp Quilt and leave a note for May about why you quilt.

I'm not sure I know exactly why I started quilting or why I continue. But here are some thoughts. My mama quilted. Some of my childhood memories involve quilts. To help explain, I'm lifting an excerpt from the first quilting book I wrote, Quick Quilts (Oxmoor House, 1991).

It is July--a hot, barefoot July. Across the road from our house, wild primroses litter a bank with their party colors. Their heady scent hitches a ride on the transient summer air, riding as far as our long, shady front porch where Mama's quilting frame is set up. At the frame sit Mama and an elderly lady named Mrs. Patmon, a friend who often serves as our baby-sitter, my sister's and mine. Leisurely, but nimbly, their fingers work, taking dozens of stitches a minute through layers of calico print, cotton batting, and muslin backing.

Underneath the frame (four long beams supported by ladder-back chairs) my sister and I play out our childhood fantasies. We are cowboys, hiding here behind a mesquite bush from a war party of Cheyenne Indians. I am Tarzan and she is Jane, and this is our tree house, high above the African jungle. I am Cinderella and she is my fairy godmother, come to rescue me from the wicked stepsisters chattering above us. She will send me to the ball in a watermelon coach pulled by a team of barn cats and yard dogs.

The quilt., a scrap-bag profusion called Double Wedding Ring, will be finished before July has gone. It will adorn one of the beds in our house and warm us throughout the winter, now impossibly far away in the midsummer minds of childhood.

And for all the years to come, our memories of times shared in our playhouse world under Mama's quilting frame will come to us when bidden, to warm and comfort weary adult spirits.

I can't imagine a life without quilts. Like a life without books, that kind of life sounds pretty dreary to me. Quilts and quilting are part of the comforts of my life. The fact that this skill came to me by way of my Mama makes it even more valuable, more comforting. Thank you, Mama, for the legacy of bright fabrics, needle and thread, and patterns that inspire us and let us play.

Note: I no longer have the first quilt I made (or the second). The above photo shows some of my earliest efforts.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/28/2008, May Kristin said ...

Hi Susan! Thank you for sharing this! I do in some way envy you americans for your early memories of quilts and quiltmaking! I didn't know much about this art until I got started myself in the 80th'ies. But I've learned that we have old quilts in Norway to!
Take care!
Ps. I'll put you in both my drawings!


On 01/29/2008, Gayle said ...

I enjoyed this post so much...such a pleasure to read. :-)Gayle


On 01/29/2008, Deb said ...

Thanks, Susan, for the link. I intend to post a picture of my first quilt tomorrow and enter May's contest. :)
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Saturday, January 26, 2008

What the Well Dressed Candidate Should Wear

PjsI saw these at Target yesterday and couldn't help myself. I had to buy them. I counted my pajamas when I got home because I knew I had more than enough, and didn't need the Nick 'n' Nora piggy pair. I counted 16 pairs of pajamas. That's not including night shirts and nightgowns and spare pj pants.

If one of the presidential candidates would promise to make pajamas the national attire, I would vote for her/him in a blue-eyed minute. Wouldn't matter what party he belonged to. Wouldn't matter how she felt about health care or Iraq or border fences or inflation. Just let him/her espouse the wearing of soft comfy pajamas and that's the candidate for me. Pig

Night or day, I'd rather wear pajamas than anything else in the world. I love my PJs. So why can't we wear them all the time? They cover up more than do the clothes that most women wear on TV cop shows. They aren't obscene. And there are pajamas for all occasions, it seems. Mine are all casual but there are very fancy formal styles of pajamas too. There are cold weather and hot weather pajamas, pajamas for all ages, pajamas for men and women, even pajamas for doggies.

So what do you say? Are you with me on this? Can I write to my congressmen and tell them that we all want a bill passed that lets us wear our PJs 24/7? OK, then.
********************************************************************************************************
A word of warning that was passed on to me by a friend. I had no idea this kind of thing could happen to a person. So take heed, all the gum chewers:
DO NOT SWALLOW YOUR BUBBLE GUM!
Do_not_swallow_gum


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/26/2008, nita said ...

That picture is hilarious!! Love it. I adore PJ's too. Can't get enough of them. xoxo Nita


On 01/26/2008, redgeraniumcottage said ...

OMG that is so funny!!!!!!! It took me a minute. LOL!!! But I got it!!! I'm getting rid of the gum. ASAP!!!
Love those jammies and I'm with you I'd vote for that person in a flash!!


On 01/27/2008, Georgina said ...

Loved your new piggy pink pajamas, they look so comfy.


On 01/27/2008, Quilting Fitzy said ...

Hmmm, I think I need to make some jammies! I love them and only one pair just isn't enough.

The picture was hilarious!


On 01/27/2008, mom2fur said ...

Yep, the candidate from the Flannel Party would get my vote, too!
And, omg...I knew those damned aerobics classes were bad for us!! I just knew it!


On 01/27/2008, phyllis king said ...

I love the pink p.j.'s.......are you partial to piggies? Wow, they look soft and comfy...I've begun these cold mornings to hang out in my pajamas until lunchtime...and YES!Let's get that bill passed soon..!I also received the bubble gum email from a friend...thanks for sharing it here.


On 01/28/2008, May Kristin said ...

Oops, I better be more careful with that bubblegum........... I almost swallowed it! LOL


On 01/28/2008, Karla said ...

I love these pjs! They look so soft and comfy. I've seen this line at Target but have thus far resisted though it is so hard! I love Old Navy pjs as well - their fleece pants are the best!
Karla


On 01/29/2008, Lynne said ...

The picture made me laugh out loud. We all need that more. If we can't have PJ's 24/7, we certainly should have a weekly PJ day! Thanks for sharing.
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Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe

ChowderChicken Corn Chowder

Ingredients:
32 oz. carton chicken broth
2 (13 oz) cans chicken breast
1 (14 oz) can corn
1 large onion (chopped)
3-4 large potatoes (cubed)
1 stick margarine or butter
1/2 cup Half and Half
1 tsp. black pepper

In a large pot or dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Cook covered on low heat for about an hour until potatoes are tender and flavors have married.

Using a potato masher, mash some of the cubed potatoes in pot to add some thickness.  (But leave lots of potatoes unmashed.) Cook covered on low heat another 30 minutes or so.




Friday, January 25, 2008

A Stew Thing and Stephen King

StewLast night, my second-born and her feller came for supper. He had taken a liking to my Brunswick Stew at our soup supper on Christmas Eve and wanted more, so I made a huge pot of the stuff so I could send some home with everyone. I also made a big pan of cornbread to go with it.

After supper we had a nice visit. Steve (the feller) showed us photos of his good looking boys (11 and 13) and played us some silly songs off his computer.

After they left, I finished reading March.  Now I'm I'm ready to begin reading what the postman brought yesterday--which I promised to tell you about. It's this--Stephen King's latest offering which hit the book store shelves yesterday. I had preordered my copy from Amazon.
Stephen
To say I'm a Stephen King fan would be an understatement. I hesitate to say I'm his "No. 1 Fan" (and if you've read Misery or seen the movie, you'll understand why), but I'm certainly a fan. in fact, when he addresses "Constant Reader" in his forewards, introductions, and the like, I'm sure he's writing directly to me.

I anxiously await his newest books; and every time there's a rumor that he's not going to write anymore, I go into mourning. Fortunately for me, none of the rumors so far have been true.

When he almost died after being run over by that van a few years ago, my first thought wasn't Poor Guy, I hope it makes it. Oh no; my first thought was Well, that's it. No more Stephen King books. He didn't die, thank goodness, and he even started back writing after quite a long recupueration period. It's my theory that Stephen King can't not write. I think it's an addiction with him, just like reading his books is an addiction to me.

Stephen_2 But then let's not analyze it too closely. Let's just enjoy the read. Thanks, Stephen, for many hours of entertainment over the past 35 years or so.  When I read Carrie way back then, I didn't realized I'd found a friend for life.

SISTER UPDATE:  Here's the latest news (in her own words) about my sister Joanne's mugging:
"A guy called me yesterday evening and said he found my billfold, and I asked him to take it to the police station. Then I called the P.D. and they said for me not to go over there, that they would take care of it. Sounded like all my important stuff was still in it except money and credit cards. She bought gas at BP with my card before I got it cancelled, for about the amount I would have given her if she had acted like a gentleman."


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/25/2008, Nicole said ...

We have such similar taste in books Susan. I enjoyed March also, and have read many of Steven King's books. The book I have just started for my book club is "Triangle", about a terrible fire in a shirt making factory in 1911. It is one of those books with a secret!


On 01/25/2008, Rian said ...

Can't wait to hear how the book is. I used to be a huge King fan, but then his books got to be so huge--long and longer--and I would lose interest before the tome was finished. I think I stopped reading him around the time of "It." Hopefully he's gotten more concise in his later years. I would be hard-pressed to pick just one, but my favorite King book is still "The Shining." Brilliant.


On 01/25/2008, redgeraniumcottage said ...

I am so glad everything is ok with your sister. It's just awful that people have to do such mean things. Glad your enjoying your books. You are funny. Lucky thing for YOU that he lived huh??


On 01/25/2008, LizW said ...

Susan, I've heard (although I don't know for sure if this is true) that Steven King is such a prolific writer, and writes so fast, that he actually publishes books under pseudonyms along with his regular books. The publishers want to build anticipation in the audience, so they only let him publish under his own name every year or two.

The Stand is still my favorite King book. I need to read it again.


On 01/28/2008, Natalie said ...

Your stew looks great. My in-laws are from NC and they have brought their tradition of a Stew up to DE. They have a day long "Stew" in the fall. We all take turn stirring the big pot of stew. YUM. She cans most of it so we can enjoy all year long.


On 01/29/2008, Amy said ...

Care to share your recipe?
(I used to read S.K. - when I could stay up late scaring myself half to death!)


On 02/26/2008, Kim said ...

SO how was the book? I too am a big King fan - but decided to wait and get this one from the library, which means I will have to wait about 6 months :)

I was a bit disappointed with Lisey's story - it just seemed too weird - even for King. Cell I did like.

I am actually trying to sell all my SK books now as I have quite the collection and have reread all the ones that I want to (Gunslinger, The Stand) about a million times. I need the space.


On 02/26/2008, Kim said ...

SO how was the book? I too am a big King fan - but decided to wait and get this one from the library, which means I will have to wait about 6 months :)

I was a bit disappointed with Lisey's story - it just seemed too weird - even for King. Cell I did like.

I am actually trying to sell all my SK books now as I have quite the collection and have reread all the ones that I want to (Gunslinger, The Stand) about a million times. I need the space.
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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Let's Go Surfing Now; Everybody's Learning How!

Sexy_meThere's no telling what you'll find surfing blogs. Look what I discovered on my niece Buffy's site. It's me in a Hollywood pose. I think I was a junior in high school when this was taken in one of those photo booths we used to love to visit. Remember those? Do they still have them?

6a00cdf39e12d0cb8f00e398d1d74a00_2 When I first started this blogging adventure a little more than a year ago, I had no idea it would lead to a whole new passel of good friends. Nita is one of those friends. Nita just awarded me the "You Make My Day" blog award. Thanks, Nita. Nita lives with her daughter Elizabeth. Her husband John is away at physical rehab after suffering a devastating tractor accident several months ago.

So many of you have found places in my heart, just as Nita has. I won't list you because I'd be sure to forget somebody. You know who you are anyway. You are all very important to me.

The first thing I do most mornings is pour myself a big coffeehouse-size cup of coffee, doctor it with International Coffee's French Vanilla creamer, and go blogging. I can't wait to read the comments you've left for me and also visit your blogs and see what you've been doing. The new quilting and needlework projects, the yummy recipes, the family stories, the photos of your four-footed buddies, the prayer requests--so much of your selves go into your blogs. I cherish my morning coffee klatches with you. But most of all, I cherish you.

FAMILY UPDATE
Vann saw Dr. M yesterday and was diagnosed with bronchitis. He still has a persistent cough, but I think he's feeling a little better.
Joanne's mugger, I learned, is known by the local police. So maybe they'll get her off the streets and into rehab soon.
Ramey is back at work, but I'm not sure she's feeling a lot better.
The mailman brought me something wonderful just now. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/24/2008, mom2fur said ...

Great picture! I don't think they do have those booths. Or if they do, they take one picture and charge you five bucks.
Glad to read the updates. It sounds like things are improving. I hope they do find that girl and get her off the streets. And I hope Vann stops coughing!


On 01/24/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

Oh Gosh, I thought that was a picture of a child movie star!


On 01/24/2008, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio said ...

Congrats on the award! I love that picture of you!
Penny


On 01/24/2008, redgeraniumcottage said ...

What a pretty photo of you. Sorry to hear bout your sister getting mugged. That's terrible. You just can't be too safe these days.
Love that little hat for the baby. Adorable!!!
Hope hubby is better real soon.


On 01/25/2008, Pam said ...

Good to hear that Vann is feeling better. It is so terrible about your sister getting mugged - it sounds like the woman who mugged her really needs help, she probably is desperate with a terrible drug problem.

That sure is a lovely picture of you - it does look like you are posing for a movie star poster! Boy doesn't time fly by??


On 01/25/2008, bj said ...

congrats on your award.
the picture is priceless! how we used to love getting all those poses for 25 cents. now, just one pose is 5.00, i think. i saw a booth the other day at our mall and thought about how much fun my cousins and i used to have, posing in all those silly but soooo fun poses. thanks for the memories!
hugs, bj
o, and about that first picture of a bedroom on my posts...yes, i remember that you love fall colors.


On 01/25/2008, Rian said ...

Awwwww. I still see photo booths from time to time. What an interesting icon of history.
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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Family Matters

HatSome weeks I'm reminded just how much family means to me. This week, so far, has been full of "the good, the bad, and the ugly" in my family.

First, some good. Look here what Toni at Rabbit Hill made for Lori's grandbaby, Miss Lily. Lily is going to look so precious in the little hat. And the bunny toy will just fit her little hand. Can't wait till we get a picture of Lily wearing her hat.  Thanks, Toni. You are not only talented, but very very generous to share that talent.

Vann has been sick with some kind of respiratory ailment since returning from hunting camp. Poor dear was up all last night coughing. He's going to see Dr. M. today, so I hope he'll be better soon.

My sister, Ramey, has also been sick with the crud for  a couple of weeks now. Then she had a racing heart episode (it runs in the family) on Monday, which scared her half to death.

My sister Joanne was mugged yesterday in the parking lot of CVS. Right there in broad open daylight in public. Some skinny girl in a red jacket approached her and asked for a handout. Before Joanne could respond, the girl grabbed Joanne's wallet out of her hand (breaking two of Joanne's fingernails, I might add) and hauled butt. By the time the police arrived, she was long gone. I'm just so grateful that my sister wasn't hurt badly. But it all makes me so mad that we can't feel safe even in the CVS parking lot, in our own hometown, on a rainy day. The really sad thing is that Joanne would have probably given the skinny girl all the money she had if the girl had just been patient.

Today is ironing day, so I can't dilly dally here long. I also have a bunch of packages and stuff to mail out. And an altered book spread to finish and get in the mail. I'm just so far behind with everything. Not sure I'll ever catch up.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/23/2008, Molly(in east Texas) said ...

Oh NO Susan! Sounds like more of the ugly than the good. I hope Vann and your sister get well soon, that crud is NOT fun. Coughing(my own) makes me have anxiety problems, ugh!

People have certainly gotten more brazen lately. A few months ago one of the moms in my homeschool group said her elderly mom had her car window smashed in at 10am at a IHOP near our mall(a very good part of town no less!). Just today there was a young girl(19-20ish) parked on my row when I pulled in at Wal-Mart. She had either been mugged or had her car broken into. There were 3 squad cars there and they were getting a statement from her. I'm glad your sister wasn't hurt worse, she could have been punched or bitten or something!!


On 01/23/2008, Mom2fur said ...

OMG!!! Wow, but it sure has been too exciting around by you! I'm so sorry about your sister, but thank God she wasn't seriously hurt. I hope that girl gets caught soon.
And I hope everyone gets well fast!
The gifties from Toni are just precious!


On 01/23/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Well you are having a time. Not a good way to start the first month of the new year. I hope everyone feels better soon and that your sister is ok. I will pray for all, even the offender, who needs it very much from the sounds of it. The baby hat is darling , btw. Take good care.


On 01/23/2008, Toni said ...

Oh Susan, how awful that all these things are happening all at once. Prayers going out your way! I'm so glad you like Lil Miss Lilys hat & bunnie, I enjoyed making it. Hope all gets better for you & your family soon. Big Hugs, T


On 01/23/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

Bad news is running in droves. Have you read the post on Knitstory?


On 01/25/2008, Nicole said ...

Yikes! Your poor sister! Glad she wasn't seriously hurt.
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Legacy

Mlk"We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."
--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
from "Letter from a Birmingham Jail"

We in and near Birmingham, Alabama have a pet peeve: Every now and then somebody revives the old film footage of the civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham during the 60s, and invariably they show those scenes where Bull Connor's henchmen  are attacking people with dogs, fire hoses, and clubs. We just hate that!

For a long time, I've thought, like many others, that those films, those memories, are Birmingham's legacy from the Civil Rights movement. But I've come to realize that while maybe that's part of it, it's not all--not all by a long shot.

I don't believe Dr. King, if he were here today, would say that police dogs and fire hoses are what he remembers of Birmingham in the 50s and 60s. I think he would say he remembers the brave people who shouted for freedom and demanded justice in the face of white-sheeted threats from cowardly terrorists, the heart-breaking heresy of burning crosses, and the danger of shotgun blasts in the night. I think Dr. King might consider Birmingham almost a mecca of the Civil Rights movement--a place where Freedom, once awakened, would never lapse back into its coma.

We in the BIrmingham area should feel proud, I think, when CNN or ABC or FOX pulls out those dusty old films. Let's not hang our heads in shame anymore. Let's not complain that that's all people see when they think of Birmingham. Maybe that's all we see. Maybe others see the martyrs and heroes that Dr. King saw. I see them now. Thank you, Martin, for showing them to us.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/22/2008, nita said ...

Wonderful post! I really enjoyed it.
Martin Luther King Jr. Has always been one of my hereos. Ever since I learned about him when I was in 3rd grade.
You have been awarded! xoxo Nita


On 01/22/2008, Rian said ...

That is a beautiful photo of Dr. King. Our lives are enriched by him walking in this world.


On 01/22/2008, LizW said ...

How beautiful, Susan.


On 01/23/2008, isay said ...

great post.


On 01/23/2008, Gayle said ...

This was very insightful. I appreciate what you wrote about Birmingham.
Furthermore, it applies universally to many situations involving change/growth. Thank you for sharing this.
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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Red, White, and Brrrrrrrrrrrrr

Flag_2We finally got our snow--about an inch of it. It started snowing yesterday morning and snowed for about four hours. Just when everything was turning all white and pretty, the snow stopped. Within no time, half of it had melted away--and within an hour or so you could hardly tell it had snowed at all.

Today it's cold. No, I mean IT'S COLD!!!!! The low was in the teens last night and is supposed to be again tonight. The sun's all shining so the dogs and I took a walk. We almost froze before we got back home. I told them we'd walk again in July.

Vann is home from hunting camp. While he was gone, I finally got my sewing room straightened up and cleaned enough so that it's possible to work in there again. And I have work to that I need to do, but I just want to sit in the living room bundled up in my fleece blanket visiting with Vann and the dogs.

I finished reading The Pillars of the Earth this weekend. That book has to go on my list of Top 10 Best Books (which now numbers about 20 books, I think).

I'm going to warm up the chili that I cooked yesterday , and we'll have that for lunch, with maybe grilled cheese sandwiches. Y'all keep warm.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/20/2008, bj said ...

Oh, Susan...I just love that picture of your flag with the snow on it. You should put that on your sidebar...it is beautiful !!
Now, not being a snow person, that is the kind of snow I like...where it comes down pretty, looks fabulous for a little while and then is all gone!!! :)
Thanks for stopping by...pls. come back.
hugs, bj


On 01/20/2008, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio said ...

Hi!
It is cold here too. We are in the low teens and brrrrrr!
Penny


On 01/20/2008, Karla said ...

Mmmm chili - send some up here please :) That is a beautiful photo. I thought the same thing walking Margot this morning - we took a much abbreviated walk! BRRRRR
Karla


On 01/20/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

It's even cold here in Houston!

Love your Flag Picture!


On 01/21/2008, Mom2fur said ...

It's cold here, too, but the sun is shining so it doesn't feel that bad. I was watching the playoffs yesterday (go, Giants!) and boy, was I glad to be inside where it is warm. The windchill was 24 below zero. Ouch!


On 01/21/2008, Georgina said ...

When you talked about this book a couple of days ago, I inmediately looked in my library and found it. My husband read it some months ago and loved it too. Now is in my "waiting to be read"books, but with the trip to Paris I didn't want to carry such a huge book with me. Perhaps I can begin reading it tonight. Chilli...mmmm...and from yesterday....even more delicious!


On 01/21/2008, nita from red tin heart said ...

It has been terribly cold here. I am getting ready to make chicken stew tommorow. Have a lovely evening...xoxo Nita
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Friday, January 18, 2008

The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow

SunWhat a dark, grey day yesterday was. Sophie and I went outside to do a little squirrel-treeing and I snapped this shot of the sun trying to come out. But it got even darker and greyer after that.

Today, though, the sun is out, the birds are singing, the dogs are barking, and it's just a beautiful day. Daisy is here for a visit while her mom goes to North Carolina. The three of us took a long walk this morning. Daisy was on her leash, Sophie was free-range as usual. But Soph stayed close and Daisy kept up, and it was a good walk.

The weather people are talking about snow again. We're forecast to get 1-3 inches of it tomorrow. I'll believe it when I see it. But I think I will make up another pot of soup--just in case.

Still working in the sewing room. I've made quite a bit of progress, but I'm not quite ready for show-'n'-tell yet.

Below is a shot I snapped of Sophie keeping an eye on the squirrel she had just treed.

Soph_treeing


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/18/2008, Kay said ...

That black and grey tree silhouette is lovely. I often think I like bare trees better than summer ones, but in summer I change my mind...


On 01/18/2008, Andy said ...

I love the pictures you are taking. You are becoming a professional. I want some of that corn and chicken chowder.


On 01/18/2008, Jed said ...

Wow! That is an amazing picture!


On 01/19/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

You should mat and frame this one, Susan....wonderful shot. I see Soph looks like she had a haircut?????


On 01/19/2008, Rian said ...

If Sophie is as tenacious as Riley, you will be hard-pressed to drag her away from being riveted on that squirrel. There is a cat in the neighborhood that likes to walk the fence between our house and the next. If Riley sees it he will fly off his perch, awakened from his nap into heightened awareness, all senses sharp, and will yelp and yowl like he is seriously hurt (even bringing dad running). And, long after Kitty has blithely walked away, he will sit there, fixed on that spot, waiting for her to return.
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Thursday, January 17, 2008

MacGremlin is Gone, So Let's Eat Soup

ChowderI don't know. This morning Mac is working just fine. When I turned it on, a message popped up telling me that my system couldn't find an internet connection and did I want to connect to Linksys. Well yeah, I said. So ever since, things have been running just fine. I wish the damn thing had asked me that two days ago.

What do you like to do during cold weather? I like to make soup--and eat it. This week it was Chicken Corn Chowder, which I've just about finished off since Vann's been gone to hunting camp. I sent him and his buddies off with big pots of Chili and Rainbow Stew, as I mentioned earlier.

The rain, sleet, and snow have stopped. There's still a tiny bit of white stuff on the roofs in the neighborhood, and the sky is still as grey as steel, and it's cold--and supposed to get colder. Lows will be in the 20s later this week. But that's downright balmy compared with weather conditions some of you will be facing. I understand that some of my friends farther north and west are expecting temps in the negative double digits. Y'all bundle up now.

Sophie and I are missing Vann a LOT! I tried to explain to her that it's too cold to ride the 4-wheeler even if he was here, but she's not buying that.

I really have to kick my tush into gear today. I have dilly-dallied about getting my sewing room straightened up ever since I finished the banners. Now I have to make myself do it. I also have to make two dozen stuffed eggs for a church dinner this evening. So now I have to get up from here and get busy.

Card_3 Altered Playing Card #3/52

Here's card #3 in my altered playing card series. It's called "Lady Bug." Duh!


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/17/2008, Karla said ...

Lovely card! I'm enjoying your postings of these!
Karla


On 01/17/2008, phyllis king said ...

I love this ATC, Susan! What country/nationality is that beautiful postage stamp from?!!The tole painted floral tray is SO pretty......thanks for sharing your days with us on your great blog!


On 01/17/2008, Rian said ...

I am so enjoying these cards!


On 01/17/2008, Terri said ...

Huh? No. 3? When did I miss no. 2? It looks great. Now I'm off to find the no. 2.


On 01/17/2008, Terri said ...

Huh? No. 3? When did I miss no. 2? It looks great. Now I'm off to find the no. 2.


On 01/17/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

A very attractive card, Susan. I think I am having a hard time deciding which I like best out of the three. What a nice way to remember your mom.


On 01/17/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

Very nice, indeed; althought I like the ones where a bit of the original card shows through with the numbers or symbols. Just my opinion.


On 01/17/2008, Quilting Fitzy said ...

..so when you say "stuffed" eggs, are you talking deviled eggs?

Inquiring minds, etc. The soup looks delicious!


On 01/17/2008, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio said ...

What a sweet card! And that chowder looks yummy!
Penny


On 01/17/2008, Gayle said ...

You used a ladybug!:-) The card is wonderful. Is that sand paper on the card? That soup looks delicious.


On 01/17/2008, Perry said ...

I just love these playing cards. They aren't from the same deck, right? I guess I better start digging in your blog some to find the answers; seems like I have already been back, but I can't remember if I know this info or not, lol...oh well, just think, every day is a new adventure when you have no short term memory, lol.


On 01/18/2008, Georgina said ...

Oh, so yummy soup today!!! I just love eating soup and that's a really one one. Your card in pink is very sweet. Today I'm visiting a scrap shop for the very first time. I'm so excited, seems like a toy store....


On 01/18/2008, sherry said ...

Thanks so much for sharing your cards, I'm really enjoying them. That chicken corn chowder looks sooooo yummy!
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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Rainy Days and Wednesdays

Wilsonrainycard06_03a_2

No, I didn't get lost in the clutter of the sewing room. I'm having computer problems. I haven't been able to enter a blog post from my Mac for two days. I'm now using Vann's laptop. I don't know if it's my computer, my internet connection, or what. I can sign onto the internet, I can open my blog homepage, but I can't get to the member's page from which I can post.

The sewing room cleaning is going slowly. That's all I have to say about that.

We got that wintry mix this morning. It started out as sleet, then turned to a mixture of rain, sleet, and wet snow. Now it's just cold rain. The temperature is hovering about 36 degrees, and it's nasty outside.

Sophie and I had to go out in the middle of the sleet/snow/rain phase. I have to make stuffed eggs for a church dinner tomorrow, and I didn't have any eggs. It was sort of fun, watching the white stuff come down. It was accumulating on the roofs. Sophie seemed a little nervous, but she perked up when we saw a squirrel gathering nest material.

Vann is at hunting camp until Saturday, and we miss him. Sophie woke me up in the middle of the night last night barking. She never does that if Vann's home. But when he's away, the Soph takes her job as guard dog very seriously. If anything moves outside, she barks.

When I went to the grocery store for the eggs, they had some very nice looking collard greens. I decided to get a bag, cook them, and put them in the freezer until Vann gets home. So now the house is awash in the strong aromas of collard greens and hamhock. We love collards around here.

I have my third Altered Playing Card finished, but the photo is on my Mac so I'll show it to you whenever I get the Mac straightened out.

Last night, I crocheted a little, then watched the second episode of the "Commanche Moon"  miniseries, the prequel to "Lonesome Dove." It's not as good as "Lonesome Dove". Vann saw the first five minutes of the first episode and deemed it too awful to watch. But I'm really enjoying it. I think Vann's expectations were too high due to the excellence of "LD." But "LD" was one of those books and movies that comes along once in a blue moon. And nobody will ever play Call and Gus like Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall.

I'm almost 800 pages into The Pillars of the Earth, a very good book. If you haven't read it and you enjoy a good, highly readable (very long) story set in England in the Middle Ages, I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Well now, Sophie is bugging me to go out in the rain again. I hope everyone is warm and dry. I hope my Mac is working again soon.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/16/2008, Gayle said ...

Lonesome Dove is one of my all-time absolute favorite books. I've read most of Larry McMurtry's books...such a wonderful author! I didn't realize there was a Commanche Moon miniseries. It's such a good book as well.


On 01/16/2008, Molly said ...

Oh I LOVE Lonesome Dove, what a story and amen about Gus and Call. Nobody else could do them.

Pillars of the Earth sounds intriguing. Will go check it out.

Keep warm!! What the heck is Vann thinking? I hope he has his wool skivvies on! My mom says they're going to get the nasty stuff starting tonight in Burnsville, NC. My brother's boss has already said that is she can't make it to work then he is to stay home as well. We just had mist that sort of looked like snow if you squinted. Sigh.


On 01/16/2008, thetatteredrose said ...

I can so relate to having computer problems and you heartfelt sympathy. My business partner makes fun of me because I think a demon lives in ours who likes to make mischief when he can. Good luck with diagnosing your problems. :Trish


On 01/16/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Glad to know you are alright, have missed your blog. Getting ready for an artic blast here starting tomorrow thru Sunday....tv says -30 with the wind chill. I am already preparing...have over a cord of wood chopped/split ready on the front porch...going to put a kerosene heater in root cellar also. Ready to restraw chicken house and check the heat lamps there. Dog kennels will get a going over tomorrow as well. Winter on the prairie can be a challenge. Stay warm and dry!


On 01/17/2008, Karla said ...

I saw that book recommended on Oprah but I just haven't had a chance to pick it up yet. MMM, I smell the collards way up North! I love them too. Hope you are able to post your playing card soon.
Karla


On 01/17/2008, phyllis king said ...

Love the red cardinal in your photo today!!! I have the very same view from my windows...all kinds of birds are feeding heavily on the ground and also the two feeders. We are getting 34 degrees and icy rain now; missed the ice storm we usually get, tho.Tell Susu "belated happy birthday", and thanks for the Ken Follet book notice!
And thanks for visiting my blog...


On 01/17/2008, Rian said ...

Is that a real photo? The cardinal is so bright!


On 01/18/2008, Granny Fran said ...

I've really enjoyed Comanche Moon because it answered some of my questions about parts of Lonesome Dove. Of course, no one can take the place of Tommie Lee Jones but I liked these guys as the younger Call and McCrae. They sure were dumb about women, however.

Keep warm, as I'm trying to do here in the snow. We usually get a false spring in January and I'm ready for it.
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Monday, January 14, 2008

Getting Ready for Snow

BlanketOur local tv meteorologists have been  uttering the "S" word for the past couple of days. They say it tentatively and with plenty of qualifications and ifs, ands, and buts--but still, they're uttering it. They say maybe Wednesday night or Thursday morning or Friday or sometime we might see some of the white stuff. Some of them call it a "wintry mix" (which sounds more like fruits and nuts than precipitation), but I heard at least one weatherman come right out and say "SNOW." I have plenty of milk and bread, so I says let 'er snow!

And even if no snow falls on Alabama this week, we are sure to be in for some very cold weather. So I have my nest all feathered--i.e., my big chair and ottoman, my fleece blanket, and my current reading material. What better thing can you think of to do during cold weather than stay inside all bundled up with a good book? Make a pot of soup maybe. I'll probably do that too.

I've made a start at cleaning up my sewing room. I removed the dining room table extension leaves that someone had put in there during the holidays. Maybe that doesn't sound like much; but I'll do more. I just had to take a break. It's scary in there.

Yesterday we attended my Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Chester's 60th Wedding Anniversary party.Chester_evelyn They aren't really my aunt and uncle; they are actually my first husband's aunt and uncle. But they've never kicked me out of the family so I still think of them and refer to them as aunt and uncle. They're two phenomenal people with tons of energy even though they're pushing 80 now. They do more work for our church than most of the rest of us put together. They're what we in the South refer to as "Good People."

I'm going back to that sewing room now. If you don't hear from me in a couple of days, please send out a search party.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/14/2008, Pesky Patti said ...

Hey Susan...

What happened to the 2nd playing card transformation????

I know you just forgot to show it to us, huh?


On 01/15/2008, mom2fur said ...

They told us to expect 1-3 inches here yesterday. We got a light dusting, after all. But you'd have thought it was the storm of the century for all the empty shelves at the grocery store!
Congratulations to Evelyn and Chester! Heck, in this day and age, 6 years is saying something, let alone 60!


On 01/15/2008, redgeraniumcottage said ...

YOU WON!!!!! Over at my blog you won the polka dot fabs. I need your info so I can send to you. It'll be next week before I can get them out but YOU WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOOO HOOOOOOO

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

It Was All About Sophie

Sophie_cardLook at this beautiful scrapbook page that Georgina, a sweet blogging friend from Spain, and her doggies sent Sophie. If you've never visited Georgina's blog, you're in for a treat. The blog is beautiful and so is Georgina's quilting and needlework. If, like me and Sophie, you aren't very proficient in Spanish, she has a Babel Fish button so you can translate the blog into English. So go on over to El Blog de Georginia. Tell her Sophie and Susan sent you.

Sophie had a great birthday. She received e-cards, e-mails, and blog comments from a lot of you (including her Aunt Sister), and she asked me to thank you for them. She's too busy right now resting up from yesterday.

My book club met yesterday at my house, and of course Sophie thought everyone was here to celebrate her birthday, so she joined right in. She even got her own dish of Cranberry/Pear Crisp with a little Ranch Dressing and a crumbled almond cookie on the side. Then she jumped up on the back of the sofa (one of her favorite perches) and listened to the book discussion with interest.

Next week, I really have to get busy straightening up and organizing in my sewing room. All during the carpet installation phase and the holiday phase of our lives, stuff got tossed in there "for the time being" to get it out of the way. Now I can hardly get into the room. My quilt guild's annual retreat at Camp McDowell is coming up in February, and I have to get organized before I can decide what I'll take to work on. If you don't see a photo of an orderly sewing room by this time next week, remind me that I vowed to straighten it up.

Thanks again to everyone who wished our Sophie a happy birthday. We hope everyone is having a fine weekend.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/12/2008, mom2fur said ...

Thanks for visiting me, and the good wishes. I continue to improve.
And a Happy Belated Birthday to Miss Sophie! What a pretty girl. That layout is just perfect for her!


On 01/12/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

What a lucky dog that Sophie!


On 01/13/2008, Rian said ...

I just love how her beard matches her eyes.


On 01/14/2008, Karla said ...

That is a fun page! Happy to hear Sophie had a great birthday. I just used Babel Fish to leave a comment on a Portugese blog - I hope it translated correctly!
Karla
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Friday, January 11, 2008

Soph Turns Six

                        

                                                                                                                                           SuSu says tell everyone she doesn't know how to use the Comic program very well, but this is the best she can do. Thanks to everyone who guessed this is my birthday. I've already had one good squirrel hunt with PopPop today. I don't know what else I'm going to do today, but it's all going to be fun. A 4-wheeler ride for sure, and some treats.

SuSu said to tell you that this is also her 400th blog post. But the really special thing about the day is that it's my birthday. --Sophie B. Patterpaw                                         

               

                            

                            

                                                                              


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/11/2008, Rian said ...

Oh, very happy birthday, Miss Sophie! Riley sez it's a blast being six, he turned six last August. His mommy forgot to bake him a cake on his special day. Again. Grrrr.


On 01/11/2008, Deb said ...

Happy 6th Birthday, Sophie! Enjoy your 4-wheeler rides today! And Happy 400th blog post to SuSu. :)


On 01/11/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

Elmo sends Birthday Greetings to you, Sophie! You've beat him by a year.


On 01/11/2008, Karla said ...

Happy birthday Sophie! Margot sends big licks your way.
Karla


On 01/11/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

Miss Sophie, all the critters from Windemere Farm hope you have a wonderful day!


On 01/11/2008, Georgina said ...

400 posts!!! Congratulations Susan!

My present to Sophie is on the way....(via email...):-)


On 01/11/2008, Molly said ...

Happy Birthday Sophie!!!! It is my dad's birthday today too and mine was yesterday! January is such a great month to have a birthday in, I love it!! Enjoy your special day!


On 01/11/2008, Melinda Fulkerson said ...

400 blog posts and a birthday too! Sophie is looking quite good at six years old.


On 01/11/2008, Pam said ...

Woof woof, bow wow, barrrrkkk.

Thats a big Happy Birthday from Jenny!!! (and Pam)


On 01/12/2008, sandi @ the whistlestop cafe said ...

Happy Birthday Sophie~ Queen for the day!
(but that could be every day couldn't it?)


On 01/15/2008, Nicole said ...

Happy Birthday Miss Sophie! And many more.
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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Rainbow Stew, Sodie Crackers, and Other Phenomena

Rainbow_stewVann is heading off to hunting camp next week for several days with his friends Al and Bill. He asked me to make him a pot of chili and a pot of what he calls "rainbow stew." This is simply a meat and vegetable stew, consisting of stew meat, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and whatever other veggies I have on hand. I made enough that we were able to have a bowl of it last night. Rainbow stew is best served with cornbread or "sodie crackers."

I also made enough chili for us, and we'll have that tomorrow night.

MORE TREASURES ARRIVE
Export
Look at this beautiful vintage quilt top that I received in the mail today from my sweet blogging friend Nita. Isn't that just unbelievable? I've had so much fun looking at all the wonderful fabrics. The top is very well pieced. I think this is one to hand quilt.

I believe the pattern is called "Kansas Dugout." I seem to remember Mama making one by this design years ago. I think my daughter has it now.















BUT WAIT! That's not all. Nita also included all these wonderful goodies in the box with the quilt top. Two great vintage booklets full of antique quilt patterns, button cards, a packet of needles, fat quarters, binding, and a little wooden embroidery hoop.Notions

Thanks so so much, Nita. You are so sweet and generous. I love everything so much.

Nita has also tagged me to list SEVEN MORE THINGS ABOUT ME!! Let's see if I can think of seven more. Hmmmmm. Well, now....

1. I have a collection of turkeys. Not the real ones, but ceramic, wooden, glass, etc.

2. I love to do jigsaw puzzles.

3. I pick up pennies in parking lots. In fact, I have a mason jar full of parking lot pennies.

4. When I was a child, I had a rabbit named Pierre.

5.  While in high school, I wrote a teenage gossip column for our local newspaper (The Leeds News) under the pseudonym of Lucy Leeds. When I was finally outed, all my friends got mad at me for telling their secrets. My friend, J.A., still won't let me forget it.

6. I have never ridden on a train.

7. I hate the circus.
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It was cloudy and rainy most of today, and tonight we had storms, wind, and and tornado warnings. I think the threat of tornadoes has finally passed, but it's raining like crazy outside.  I hope the rain stops by tomorrow--because TOMORROW IS A SPECIAL DAY AT OUR HOUSE. Can you guess what it is? If not, tune in tomorrow for a peak at our celebration.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/10/2008, redgeraniumcottage said ...

WOW I just got caught up on your blogging. You've been busy. Love your goodies you just got. What a cute card you altered. The soup looks yummy. I'm freezing tonight. Brrrr. I'm making lobster bisque for dinner.


On 01/11/2008, Diane said ...

You are getting so much done, all I see is a blur as you run circles around me. Good job on the card project and I like the start on the latest journal quilt.
Go, Susan, Go.


On 01/11/2008, Deb said ...

How could someone part with that beautiful vintage quilt?? Send your generous friends my way, huh? LOL!

I'll guess that tomorrow might be Queen Sophie's birthday celebration (according to her doggie page she was born on Jan 11!).

p.s. I like to pick up coins, too. How can anyone see money and not retrieve it? I haven't kept them in a separate jar though; that would have been neat!


On 01/12/2008, nita said ...

Susan, I am glad you loved everything. That makes me happy. I can't believe you have a jar of parking lot pennies!! That is so cool. Have a great week-end. Love Nita
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Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Street Legal Again

Drivers_licenseSo about a week ago, Vann mentioned that his driver's license was up for renewal in February. Hmmmmm, thought I, maybe I'd better check and see if mine expires this year. So I dug around in my wallet and found my license and guess what? It had expired last March. I've been grounded ever since the discovery. But yesterday, Vann had time to drive me to the DMV so I could renew. I'm now able to drive again--legally.

Alabama doesn't send out renewal notices for drivers license. And since they come due only every four years, how do they expect me to remember to have them renewed? How does anybody remember?

Lace_2
Last year, I was involved in a Journal Quilt Challenge in which I was supposed to make a quilt each month for the whole year. I only got five made, and I plan to finish the challenge this year.

I found these notescards in the Winter 2008 Somerset Studio Gallery and went crazy for the one with lace. I've decided to use the idea to make a journal quilt as the seventh in the challenge. I have lots and lots and lots of laces and trims. Here's what I have laid out so far.
Lace_3 I hope to work on it this afternoon.

We had thunderstorms last night and about and inch of rain, which we need desperately. I stayed up until about midnight reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It was nice listening to the rain and thunder while reading and exciting book. That has always been one of my favorite times to read--during rain and storms.

Playing Card #2/52
Card_1
This is the second card in my weekly altered playing card challenge.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/09/2008, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

It is good to know you are "legal" again, Susan. Here in Indiana they have now made it every 6 years to renew. The lace project looks interesting...lovely selection you have. We had terrible storms here last night which resulted in mass flooding. I could paddle a boat all the way around the farm...in fact, it was up to 3' in some areas. Today it has gone down nicely, but sure is a muddy mess. My dogs feet are a challenge to be sure. Just wanted to say hi and look forwar to your new projects!


On 01/09/2008, Debra Spincic said ...

Love this playing card!


On 01/09/2008, Sister Cage said ...

Re: Pillars of the Earth - Don't you love that book? I read it over again every few years.


On 01/09/2008, Fitzy said ...

Oh, get this...my Arizona license is good until I'm 65. Do you suppose I'll look the same? Glad you checked yours!


On 01/09/2008, phyllis king said ...

Wow! Glad you didn't get ticketed for the license...ours is 5 yrs. here and I'm sure I won't remember when that's up! LOVE the lace projects.....you're gonna make me dig out some and start sewing or felting or whatever!Thanks for sharing......
Phyl in N.C.


On 01/09/2008, Susan Tuttle said ...

You have been a busy, creative bee Susan! I love your journal quilt--the colors and textures are so appealing! Great atc--love the colors.

Reading during a thunderstorm--that sounds so cozy--I love doing that too!

Susan


On 01/09/2008, nita said ...

Love the card!! The journal quilt is going to be marvelous. Sorry I have not visited for awhile. I have been so busy. Hopefully things will settle a bit now that the holidays are over.
I have missed visiting..
xoxo Nita


On 01/10/2008, nita said ...

By the way, you are tagged. xoxo Nita


On 01/10/2008, Perry said ...

I like your playing cards and your postcards. One of these days I am going to do postcards. I keep saying that, maybe someday I actually will, lol.


On 01/10/2008, Gayle said ...

I'm moving to Alabama. They take nicer DMV photos:-). So glad to hear you had rain. Your altered card turned out great. I can't wait to see what you do with the lace.


On 01/10/2008, Nicole said ...

Your photo on the license even looks good! I look like Humpty Dumpty in my picture. I would love to renew it, just to get a new picture taken.
Beautiful altered playing card!


On 01/10/2008, Sarah said ...

Oooo! The lace is lovely all laid out like that! Can't wait to see! Another beautiful card!


On 01/17/2008, Terri said ...

There's #2. I must be blind. I really like the soft pastels on this one and the postage stamp.
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