Wednesday, November 24, 2010

From My Kitchen Window

Waiting......

Friday, November 19, 2010

When Accidents Affect Us

The news is full of tragic accidents daily.  I usually offer up a quick prayer for the family when I hear of one....and then go about my day.  But on Tuesday, when the accident involved family, it was almost impossible to just go about my day....my week.  There is such a feeling of helplessness when you are not able to be there in person.  I will go next week for the Memorial service....sooner if I am needed.
The previous music video was meant for my family blog, but ended up here by accident....but I chose to leave it....it is comforting.
I have included a link to one of the many news stories about the accident for any of you who may be wondering about the situation.  And I thank those of you who have said a prayer for the family.


http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/108529909.html?video=pop&t=a&bctid=CLIP_ID_395625

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Give-A-Way Delay

It is that time of year when there is more attention given to being "thankful".
I try to focus on the blessings around me each day.....and there are many.
But somedays it is just hard.....somedays it is almost impossible....
somedays the tragedy of life overshadows everything else.

This morning a relative died.
He was only 9 years old.
His mom and 4 year old brother were with him.
A drunk driver took him from us.
Jesus holds him now.

Please pray for Carter's family.
My next give-a-way will be after the funeral.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Friendie's Winner Announcement



Friendie got "caught" being a rascal....and what does this Grammie do?  Take a picture!!!.....hmmm....I might need to work on my disciplining skills.  :)
(He can play the piano whenever he wants....as long as he uses his fingers and not his toys.)
Gotta love that "guilty" look.
Friendie would have liked to pick a handful of winners for the Bits and Pieces give-a-way, but since I only have one book to share, he picked Melissa's name.
I want to thank each of you for stopping by and for leaving such nice comments.  I have enjoyed meeting new blog friends and reading some fun blogs!
I will be posting another give-a-way in the middle of the week....maybe it will be something that interests you.

I thought I would post a picture of these adorable candle holders that I found at the Goodwill last month.  They are old, but must not have had much use over the years. 

How could I pass them up....for .99 cents each?

Have a wonderful week!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Swedish

I am part Swedish....my husband is part Norwegian....I have a "thing" for Scandinavian decorations.
It started in my kitchen, but has spread....but don't worry...I have it "under control"!
I thought maybe I would randomly post some of those decorations....umm...for lack of any finished projects to blog about.
Tonight I will show you a corner in my kitchen....that sometimes becomes the umm....well....the "junk counter".
I am happy to report it is junk free and shedding warmth in that corner tonight.
I have admired this Christmas light for a long time in our Scandinavian Galleri.  I was totally ecstatic when I found this one....new in the box...you know where.....the Goodwill!!!!
I don't mean to boast....but I got it for $4.99...OK...so I am boasting....but in a good way...really!
I know it is suppose to be a Christmas light, but I think it is so sweet....and the Christmas season is so short.

Besides, my little Dala horse looks so cute sitting under the arch!
Are there any other Scandinavian readers out there?

There is still time to get in on the Bit's and Pieces give-a-way!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Bread Pudding with Warm Butter Sauce

Friendie and I made up a triple batch of Bread Pudding the other day.  He is a lover of the bread....before it is baked....afterwards...not so much.

Bread Pudding can be made from any bread, but I have discovered THE BEST  I have ever made comes from my Honey Oatmeal bread.

(I was SO SURE that I had posted my recipe for Heavenly Honey Oatmeal Bread....but I have just searched my blog....nope...I didn't...so I will post it at the end of this blog entry.)

Bread Pudding

2 large eggs, beaten
2 1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Beat above ingredients together.  Pour over 2-3 cups diced bread cubes in greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.
Stir in 1/2 cup raisins (my family prefers I omit raisins)

Set casserole in pan with 1" boiling water.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until knife inserted 1/3 way to center comes out clean.


Butter Sauce

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cream
1 tsp vanilla

Stir together -- boil -- reduce heat and stir for 3 minutes.


Heavenly Honey Oatmeal Bread

1 cup quick cooking oats
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/3 cup honey
1 Tbsp oil
2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
5 1/2 cups flour

Place oats in large bowl and pour boiling water over....let stand 15 min.
Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water...add honey, oil, salt, yeast and egg to oat mixture.  Stir in flour - knead dough 2 minutes (I use my mixer).
Cover and let rise 10 min. then knead 12-15 strokes.
Place in a greased bowl - cover and let rise until doubled.
Punch down.
Divide dough.
Shape loaves.
Put in greased pans.
Cover.
Let rise until doubled.
Brush with milk and sprinkle with oats.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.
Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.

This bread has become a favorite for me because my Kitchenaid mixer does all of the work.....a real time saver....and really great results!

There is still time to get in on my quilting book give-a-way....just scroll down to the give-a-way post and sign up!
Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Firkin Find!!

I had 5 extra minutes....I made one quick walk around the store...and look what I found!!!!  It is a wooden bucket with a lid....Basketville   Putney Vermont is stamped on the bottom. 
I have a smaller Firkin on my fireplace mantel and I am not sure where I will put this bigger bucket, but I am sure I will be inspired soon.  :)
How could I leave it behind????
You know I found it at the Goodwill....but did you know it was only $4.99?  I am still excited....and that was last week!
If you are interested in the great book, Bit's and Pieces, check out my give-a-way in the previous post.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

A Primitive Sampler, Some Purple Yarn.....and A "Bits and Pieces" Give-A-Way!!

I had a GREAT time at my retreat!  I didn't take a camera, but I did take a couple pictures of two of the projects I actually finished.

I bought the greatest book at the end of the summer, Autumn Gatherings by Lisa Bongean.  I want to make every single project in the book!  Of course I needed to be realistic so I chose a sweet embroidery and wool sampler:
'THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT IS KNOWING HOW TO ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE.'
I admit, I had a little problem just tracing the writing the way it showed on the pattern....I just wanted to make it nice and uniform....but I am glad I gave in and gave it that primitive look after all.


 I also took along some great purple cotton yarn that I had purchased a while ago.  I made my first ever crocheted baby sweater.  The pattern came from the book, 24 Hour Crochet Projects.  I am very pleased with how simple the pattern was (although it did take me much longer than 24 hours!)  Now I just need to find a baby to try it on for size!


And now for my give-a-way book.
Bits and Pieces by Karen Costello Soltys is a wonderful book with projects for 18 small quilts from fat quarters and scraps.
Click on the photos to enlarge them and get a better look at the sweet little projects that are offered inside.
I have only made one project so far, but I still have many more in the planning stages (I am not giving up my own personal copy of the book).
If you like small quilts and want an evening project....this book is for you!

The "rules" for this give-a-way are:
1 entry for your comment
2 entries if you are a Follower and leave a comment
3 entries if you are a Follower and leave a comment and mention it on your Blog



I really enjoy linking back to each one of you through your comments and seeing what is going on in your world.  I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.....so I am planning to have a give-a-way each week for the rest of the month....not all "quilting" related....so please stop by again!

I will post a randomly drawn winner on Monday morning.  International friends welcome.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Yarn Along

I am joining along with Ginny from the blog Small Things to share the book I am currently reading and what is on my needles.
I just started reading A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.
I have a gift on my needles.....so not too much information will be shared about this project.  :)

I am getting my projects together and will be packing my car in the morning to head off for a much anticipated Quilt Retreat!!!!
I have a fun give-a-way planned for when I return....so check back next week for the details!
Thank you for stopping by....I appreciate each one of you....and if you leave a comment...I will be sure to stop by and visit with you also!

Monday, November 1, 2010

MoNkEy Buisness

The cutest little monkey came to our door yesterday.
We love him to pieces!
Another cute little critter spent the day.
Our love for him....not so much.