~Sound of the Goings in Top of the Mulberry Trees~

2012-02-09T02:50:00.006-05:00

Well, it just figures, I get in this great Spring cleaning mode, (don't know why, it's still winter), and it snows and ices today. So I decided to make chocolate chip cookies and the eggs were only good till the 10th, so I made egg salad. I can't wait to eat some egg salad on toast in the morning with my coffee.

I was thinking all crazy like I wanted potato salad and coleslaw today and was thinking about canning in May. Well, I tell you, I want one more big snow, because we've been robbed of a winter this season, it's been too warm. I'm thinking Spring already, because we've had days in the 50's and 60's. Anyway, I decided to wash up my canning jars, just because and now I'm craving strawberry jam. I love canning jars, but I'm wierd. I can just see jam, peaches and applesauce in them now,mm.

It's not right, I tell you, I want to put a scarf and hat on a snowman and a carrot nose, watch my daughter play snow angel and Molly try to figure out what the heck that white cold stuff is out there and bark at it from inside the window. :D I want Joseph and Sarah to have fun playing in the snow, (I don't stay long), and have hot cocoa with Sarah when she comes in. I want to snuggle up in bed, read a book while it's snowing outside and we're all home together, because noone can go anywhere for the day.

I took all my copper cookie cutters out of the copper chicken and all my old tea things with the biscuit cutters out of the copper basket and washed it all up. It's amazed how things can get all dusty and such in the winter, maybe it's because we cook more or from the heater, I don't know. Then I took all the things around the stove and washed all of that up, it's amazing how much better you feel about the kitchen being clean when you clean all these things up. Joseph said the copper chicken sounds like a restaurant, so we checked google to see if there was already, sure enough there's one in Arizona. :) Yeah, I'm a googlette, I love using it.

I don't know why they say eggs only take ten minutes to boil, I always have to cook them longer. I hardly ever use the dishwasher, I love washing dishes, told ya I was wierd, anyway you're suppose to just plop them in, walk away and be done with it. Well I wasn't sure how it would do, since it's hardly been used, so I sat down and watched it for awhile. LOL I just imagined a whole dishwasher full of water flooding out of it all over the floor, well it worked fine. But it's pretty useless putting on the heating to dry feature, because when you open it up, there's water in some things and when you take them out everything gets wet anyway. ~sigh~

Groundhog Day...

2012-02-02T08:06:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPCrp7qW0SY&feature=player_embedded

Awhile ago I was watching the news and saw it was almost time for Punxatawney Phil to make his Groundhog Day appearance. I ran upstairs and got Sarah and we laughed at the men in the tophats and all the people there to see Phil. We had just watched Groundhog Day a couple of weeks ago and this made it funnier. Phil was pulled out and held up as the people cheered and Phil looked at them like they were crazy,"It's cold out here, put me back in the box.", kind of look. LOL But he did his thing and let the people know it's six more weeks of winter, like it or not. :D I know he thinks humans are nuts and what is all the hub bub about. It cracked us up, the man leaned down to a reporter with Phil and he held the microphone up to Phil, he actually looked like he was talking. LOL

Dariy Queen birthday cake...

2012-01-29T19:10:00.004-05:00

My daughter picked out her birthday ice cream cake, she gets a DQ one every year. Usually it's with pink border and red letters, this year she picked out a strawberry shortcake cake. When I first saw it, I wondered why in the heck they had croutons on a cake. LOL They are little squares of cheese cake, yum. Then ofcourse she had Pizza Hut pizza. :P

There's a number of ice cream cake recipes online, but I want to experiment with graham crackers, oreos, ice cream toppings, things like that. I know that you can mix oreo crumbs with hot fudge ice cream topping for the middle and whipped cream for the frosting. They take the middle out of the oreos, I wouldn't, or maybe I would and eat the middle myself. LOL You can line 2 round pan in plastic wrap, spread ice cream in it and freeze overnight, put the oreo/fudge mixture on top of one,(I'd freeze that before putting the top layer of ice cream on it), then put the other pan of ice cream on top and melt some ice cream just enough to spread over the whole thing. But I'd like to experiment with caramel ice cream topping and sprinkle the sides with graham cracker crumbs, just play around with different things.

Here's the link to a birthday cake I made one year for Sarah... http://soundinthemulberrytrees.blogspot.com/2008/05/recipe-for-birthday-cake.html

2012-01-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

I'm busy crocheting and trying to work on the different projects I need to finish. Anywayyyyy, I just wanted to say I post when I feel like I have something to share , sometimes alot, sometimes it will be awhile in between. What I do see often is some decide to go into this long post of why they need to delete their a/c, or stop posting but every once awhile, and how others shouldn't post everyday. Why? If someone wants to post on thier blog everyday or once every blue moon, it's thier blog. Just post when you want, or keep the blog up because others will still enjoy it. I don't know if it's for dramatic effect or for whatever reason, the world still goes on. LOL Stepping off soapbox...

The holidays...

2012-01-21T04:00:00.006-05:00

In the grocery store tonight I passed the rolls I use for Thanksgiving and walked past a cart of Christmas items on sale. I started missing the scents and cooking of the holidays. It went by so quickly this year for some reason, it was summer, Fall flew by and Christmas felt like it was over before it began. I don't know why, but other people said that, also.

What I do like is not worrying about how many presents I need, what would be the main perfect present or what else do I have to get ready for Christmas Day. Now I love it, don't get me wrong, it's my favorite time of year and we always have a wonderful time. But what I absolutely loved tonight was having the extra money, it was so cool going into Target and buying some baking items, just because.

I always buy some things throughout the year and every year say I'm going to be mostly done by Christmas, which I never am. There's always birthdays to do, things to plant,apple and strawberry picking, things like that to take up money. But I'm determined to grab some things thru clearances and coupons this year, like Michaels,Joannes, Toys R Us, the Disney Store, Bath n Body, these places have some good sales in a year, and by gosh and by golly I'm taking advantage of them this year.

I love the internet, I really do, but I think we buy too much online and making it harder on stores, because these old businesses are folding left and right. If you get on mailing lists you can get great coupons and deals in your inbox. I really need to get back into food coupons again, gives me more Christmas money. :D Lists are great, menu planning really helps, bulk is the way to go, I love Costco.

Christmas is the biggest family event of the year,(unless it's a baby or wedding),which makes it the most stressful because it's expensive. I have peace at that time, but stress also when it comes to the gifts. I want more peace through most of it. We bake, listen to Christmas music, the movies, Yankee candles, decorating the house and the beautiful tree. I want to have more of that time, than stressing on how much money do I have this paycheck for presents. I also want to have some afghans made to send to a ministry during Christmas, and some baskets,everytime I watch the Preachers Wife, I want to make up some baskets for people.

So I feel if I had more things already finished and made by Christmas, it wouldn't all pass by so fast, it would be a planning here and there through the year. I'll let you know how that works, because it's easier said than done, but how cool would it be to actually see this work.

Kaleidoscopes

2012-01-19T02:05:00.005-05:00

Do you remember kaleidoscopes we had as kids, they were cheap, but the best little toy. It wasn't these cheap plastic ones they have now, I swear I believe the end of it was glass, not plastic, but you could turn the end around. I remember being mesmerized with that little toy.

I found this one at Borders before, (I'm still not ever getting over them closing Borders), please bring Borders back. Anywayyyyy, the outside is pretty, the color is mainly when you turn it on something, but it does look pretty when you turn it around, good effects. I'm sure I've seen them sold somewhere else, will post it if I see them. They're bringing all these vintage toys back, because they were the best and the kids love them, (that would include me). ;D

Brownies

2012-01-16T22:02:00.005-05:00

Sarah and I made our old brownie recipe, that's my little powdered sugar shaker next to the plate. I've had this recipe forever, it's more cake like, I like a fudgy, so I'll post both.

Cakelike Brownie

4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate
(if you don't have that, use 3 TBSP cocoa and 1 Tbsp crisco per ounce of unsweetened chocolate)

2/3 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt( I never use that much salt, only a dash)

Heat the unsweetened chocolate and shortening, (or the cocoa and shortening with the shortening ) over low heat, best to use a double boiler just till it's melted and remove from heat. I don't get it too hot so it doesn't cook the eggs.

Mix sugar, eggs and vanilla in with the chocolate mix, then stir the remaining ingredients. Spread in a greased 13x9x2 and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, don't overcook. You can sprinkle powdered sugar over when cooled, but frosting is better.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Fudgy Brownies

Bake at 350 degrees and in a 13x9x2 pan.

Melt 12 oz of semi sweet chocolate chips over low heat, stirring so it doesn't scorch;

When almost fully melted, add 2 sticks of butter and melt those;

Turn off heat;

Add 1/2 cup of Hershey’s Syrup, a teaspoon of vanilla, and 4 eggs, just slightly beaten and stir well;

Stir in 1 cup of flour and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar;

Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x13 pan;

Bake at 350 for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

So how many have old recipe cards like this one below? This is my old brownie recipe, which I need to rewrite into another book.

Peaceful Sundays

2012-01-15T16:45:00.006-05:00

I love Sundays, my favorite day of the week. I remember growing up and being at my Grandma's house, I can still smell the fireplace wood burning and her cooking. Grandma made everything special, a true Southern woman from Tennessee and made the best biscuits and gravy you ever tasted, (most southern gals say that).

She made the biscuits in a bowl, with some shortening, like the size of a walnut dropped in the middle of a ditch in the flour and then the buttermilk, she knew exactly how to mix it with just the right texture for the biscuits. It was always the same bowl and she'd put the flour up for the next meal. She'd cut and pat the big biscuits and put a little saved grease from the sausage on top of each one.Oh my gosh, I've not tasted anyone or restaurant that could make them as good and the gravy,mm, I could live off those. I'd be a bajillion pounds, but love it. LOL

Her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, Carrot cake and just about everything was fried, I can taste the cornbread now. I love my old iron pans and use them everyday, because of her. She'd make cream potatoes,cream corn, and cobblers on top of the stove burner. The best blackberry or peach cobbler with the dropped biscuits on top. She also had a cornbread pan where you can cook the cornbread on top of the burner, I have one, also.

I loved going blackberry pickin' with her, despite the fear of seeing a mountain bear, eek. I never did see a bear, but imagined I heard them everytime. :D So much fun to walk on the dirt roads barefoot, with the smell of the honeysucles along the roadside, and it was so beautiful. I would never walk barefoot now, because I'm terrified of snakes, kids aren't afraid of anything, except me with bears.

Sundays, with the peaceful feelings and special Sunday meals, always reminds me of her and the hours I spent watching her cook and sitting at the table with her eating. I know she watches over us and still prays for us as she did everyday of her life here. There's a special place with the Lord for Grandmas that are so much loved.

Blondie...

2012-01-15T16:40:00.002-05:00

Blondie has got to be the sweetest girl online, she does fantastic work.

Here's her site...
http://vintageprims.blogspot.com/

Love her site...

2012-01-15T16:15:00.006-05:00

http://countryrusticprimitives.blogspot.com/ I just saw her Christmas ones last night, they are adorable. How do I keep missing all these wonderful things?

She also has an Etsy Shoppe...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/countryrustic

I appreciate these so much, I know how much work it takes to do them.

My Granny Bobbles...

2012-01-15T15:36:00.017-05:00

When I posted this Granny bobble blanket yesterday, I just fell in love with it. I definitely had to try it, I know, I know, I have other projects going. ;D Above is what I worked on last night and here's her pattern again and her granny bobble, so pretty...

http://colourinasimplelife.blogspot.com/2011/11/granny-bobble-blanket.html

I've done a couple of baby ripple bobbles, but because I love the bobbles I wanted to do this one. Can you imagine how heavy and warm it will be. Anyway, I'm using a Red Heart Really Red and Vanna's Choice Dusty Green. I can't seem to get the green right on the camera, it's prettier than what it's showing up here. Green and red are my two favorite colors together.

*UPDATE* Okay, here's the lowdown on the pattern after working on it more. I love it, but it seems the middle makes it not lay flat, somehow if the first row wasn't there, it would lay flat. I'm thinking about gathering the first row up and putting a rose over top of it, to mask the gather. The next one I make I'll go straight to putting the second row as the first row and see how that works. See below in this photo I've bunched up the first row and it lays good.

Update again... The bunching in the middle was making me crazy. I tried taking it all out, using a smaller hook for the first four rows, that didn't help. So now I'm doing ch 5 in between every bubble, seems the problem is the corners need to be in a better corner position, wanted to see if this gives more room to lay flat. So far it's working and I've worked 9 rows. Still the same pattern, just 5 chs between each bubble now and 5 chs in between the corner bubbles. I'm also using a one size smaller hook, instead of my favortite G hook, since the 5 ch is making the holes bigger. I use that hook for just about everything, it's in the background on my blog, it's so worn, I love it.

Here's the baby granny popcorn afghan I did with the bobbles,(they're actually popcorn stitches), but bobbles sounds cute...

http://soundinthemulberrytrees.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-ripple-baby-blanket-size-47-x.html

I actually made a bigger one than this by just increasing the chain at the beginning, didn't get a photo, just was bigger, because I love working it.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup...

2012-01-15T14:23:00.007-05:00

Here's the recipe I found...

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Yield: About 2 1/4 cups syrup Serving Size: 1/4 cup syrup

* 1 1/2 cups water
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 4 cinnamon sticks
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree

Heat the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Use a whisk to stir in the remaining ingredients. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Try not to let the mixture come to a boil. Place two thick paper towels on top of each other into a fine mesh strainer set over a large measuring cup. Strain the syrup through the paper towel lined strainer. (Cheesecloth and coffee filters work well here, too.) Pour the strained syrup into a storage bottle with a lid and keep in the refrigerator.

To make a hot pumpkin spice latte: Stir together 1 1/2 tablespoons of syrup to each shot of espresso. Add frothed milk and stir to combine. To make an iced pumpkin spice latte: Stir together 1 1/2 tablespoons of syrup for each shot of espresso, then add desired amount of cold milk. Serve over ice cubes.

To make a pumpkin spice iced coffee: Stir together 1/2 cup of milk to 1/2 cup toddy (iced coffee), then mix in 1/4 cup syrup. Serve over ice. To make a pumpkin spice blended coffee: Stir together 1/2 cup of milk to 1/2 cup toddy (iced coffee), then mix in 1/4 cup syrup. Pour into a blender, add 2 cups ice and mix until well blended. Optional: Add a teaspoon of white chocolate powder when blending.

I tweaked it, because I've ran out of nutmeg,so I put the same amount of water, sugar and pumpkin, but for the spices, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of cloves, 1/2 tsp ginger and a tsp of pumpkin pie spice, whoa, this made it really spicy, love it. I also cooked it 10 minutes on medium heat, but didn't boil and I didn't strain it. I love it, used enough today to not use sugar and just put french vanilla creamor in my coffee. I always keep jars of things I like to use over again, so I put the syrup in a Strawberry syrup jar and a honey jar.

It's also great in tea, makes it tastes like Christmas Tea. I keep the syrup in the refrig, so I heat what I'm going to use for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. You don't have to, but it will cool down your drink a bit if you're using creamor, also.

Cracker Barrel...

2012-01-14T22:38:00.004-05:00

We went to Cracker Barrel for our anniversary, because I love it. I love the restaurant and the store in it. It's so much fun to see the things from our childhood. I saw Clove gum, can you believe it? Anyway, the food is great, the atmosphere is so country, I feel at home. I want to pull out my oil lamp and set it on the table.

2012-01-14T18:25:00.012-05:00

I'm going to add some links to this post, because there's alot of women who offer free patterns for their beautiful patterns.

Here's a really pretty leaf tealight holder...
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showpost.php?p=2153994&postcount=1

Here's a sunburst hotpad...
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/lorettasstarbursthotpad.html

Dyeing yarn with Easter egg dye, never tried that, it's pretty...
http://wouldyoulikeyarnwiththat.blogspot.com/

A hexagon Tote...
The Hex Tote Video Crochet-A-Long

Granny bobble blanket, really thick, and will keep you warm...
http://colourinasimplelife.blogspot.com/2011/11/granny-bobble-blanket.html

Puffed Daisy Hexagons
http://colourinasimplelife.blogspot.com/search/label/Crochet

Snowflake

2012-01-11T23:32:00.006-05:00

http://www.snowcatcher.net/2010/05/snowflake-monday.html Snowcatcher has awesome snowflakes, but she asks they're not sold or the pattern reproduced on another page. So,here's her snowflake on the link that I think is the most beautiful one I've ever seen. I love her site. Here's a pic above of the one I've done, but haven't stiffened it yet. Here's three I've completed unstiffened, the beautiful one is to your left...

Hot Spiced Apple Cider...

2012-01-11T17:01:00.004-05:00

Here's three Hot Apple Cider recipes. My daughter went to Fredericksburg for the New Year's Eve function downtown and had spiced apple cider. I've been craving it and haven't made it in forever, so I found three good recipes, going to test to see which one I like. They all sound wonderful...

HOT SPICED APPLE CIDER

1/2 gallon apple cider
12 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 c. orange juice
1/2 c. lemon juice

Heat apple cider. Add all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for half hour or more.
Makes 12 servings

SPICED HOT APPLE CIDER

2 qts. apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
1 tsp. whole all spice
1/4 c. brown sugar
8 orange slices

Combine all ingredients except oranges in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve into mugs or glass pitcher. Garnish with orange slices.

Hot Spice Apple Cider

Mix 2 quarts of apple cider with 1/2 cup of light brown sugar. Put 2 whole nutmegs,4 crushed up cinnamon sticks, 16 whole allspice, 16 whole cloves in a cheesecloth piece, tie it off with string and crush it just a little being careful not to tear cheesecloth. Put the cheesecloth spice ball in the apple cider and tie the string on the handle so it doesn't hang down and catch on fire on the burner. Bring it to a boil and simmer on low for 30 minutes. You can keep the spice ball and use again, put it in refrigerator, it's also great to put in simmering potpourri. I love oranges in the potpourri, also.

Caramel Apple Spice drink

2012-01-11T16:48:00.003-05:00

Caramel Apple Spice drink

Apple juice steamed with cinnamon dulce syrup. Then the drink is topped off with whipped cream and caramel sauce. I just use the ice cream caramel syrup. Starbucks sells cinnamon dulce syrup, if you don't want to make it, but I'd also check at Target's coffee area, they might sell it. Then you can sprinkle a little cinnamon, if you like. Starbucks uses Treetop Apple juice...

Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

Ingredients

1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions
In saucepan mix both sugars, flour and cinnamon together. Then add the water and vanilla extract. Heat on medium heat until a rolling boil. Boil a few minutes until it thickens to syrup consistency. Cool and serve.

Number of Servings: 35

Friend Connect...

2012-01-11T02:45:00.005-05:00

Somehow I don't think I get the hang of this thing. I was going through a list to follow people on my follow list and wound up following myself. LOL I don't quite know how I did that, but had to delete myself from my own list. :D

And I have to tell you, it was sad putting our Christmas tree down and putting alot of things away. I've kept my Christmas village out and some things, but I love Christmas decorating. Oh my gosh, I went to Target the day after Christmas and got some things on sale, mostly wrapping paper.

I decided to go back last week, just to see what they had.The day I was going someone left a heatgun on a bench in the work room area, it set a fire. My favorite Target, no way !!! Luckily they found the problem and it cost them about $15,000 worth of damage, someone better do some explaining, yikes. Thankfully they got it back open by the weekend. I was able to get more wrapping paper 90% off, Sweet!!!

Snowflakes, Cloves and other such stuff...

2012-01-11T02:07:00.007-05:00

I'm working on a snowflake afghan,started some in pink and red and then white and red. I'm using Deborah Norville, I love her pink and red yarn.

Snowflake Afghan

Hexagon (make 59)

Rnd 1: With light color ch 2, 6 sc in second chain from hook, sl st in beg sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), dc in first sc, *(dc, ch 2, dc) in next sc, repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 3rd ch of ch-5.

Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc on this and following rnds), (dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in first ch-2 sp, *(2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp, repeat from * 4 times; sl st in top of ch-3.

Rnd 4: Sl st in each st to ch-3 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) in first ch-3 sp, *(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch-3 sp, repeat from * 4 times; sl st in top of ch-3.

Rnd 5: Sl st in each st to ch-3 sp, (ch 3, 3 dc, ch 2, 4 dc, ch 3) in first ch-3 sp, *(4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc, ch 3) in next ch-3 sp, repeat from * 4 times; sl st in top of ch-3. Cut yarn and fasten. [6 pointed snowflake]

Rnd 6: Join dark colored yarn by making a slip knot on hook and joining with an sc in ch-2 sp, (ch 1, sc) in same sp, *working in sps between dc, hdc in each of next 2 sps, dc in next sp, 2 dc in next ch-3 sp, trc in ch-1 sp on rnd 4 (below), 2 dc in same ch-3 sp on rnd 5, dc in next sp (between dc), hdc in each of next 2 sps, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch-2 sp, repeat from * 4 times; working in sps between dc, hdc in each of next 2 sps, dc in next sp, 2 dc in next ch-3 sp, trc in ch-1 sp on rnd 4 (below), 2 dc in same ch-3 sp on rnd 5, dc in next sp (between dc), hdc in each of next 2 sps, sl st in beg sc.

Rnd 7: Ch 3 (first dc), *(dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in each of next 13 sts, repeat from * 4 times; (dc, ch 3, dc) in last ch-1 sp, dc in each of next 12 sts, sl st in top of ch-3.

Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next st, *3 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in each of next 15 sts, repeat from * 4 times; 3 sc in last ch-3 sp, sc in each of next 13 sts, sl st in beg sc. Cut yarn and fasten.

Assembly

Using dark color, whipstitch hexagons together forming 5 strips of 7 hexagons each and 4 strips of 6 hexagons each. Whipstitch strips together (7,6,7,6,7,6,7,6,7).

Edging

Row 1: With right side facing join light color with an sc, sc in each st around; sl st in beg sc, ch 1 and turn.

Row 2: Sc in first st, *trc in next st, sc in next st, repeat from * around; sl st in beg sc. Cut yarn and fasten.

Finishing: Weave in all loose ends.

My daughter got me this little Nutcracker at Joannes for Christmas, I love nutcrackers, but he's beautiful. :D I also have my collection I've started of the Peter Pan books. I really love reading, but whenever I get free time, I can't stop picking up the crochet hook.

It snowed yesterday, we didn't expect it, wasn't in the forecast, so it was a great surprise. It just covered the ground some, but was so beautiful. I love snow, we're having a warm winter, I don't like it, because I like at least some snowstorms to keep us in the house all bundled up, so peaceful. It's like everything stops, they go play in the snow, you know I didn't mention me, I'm not crazy, it's cold out there in a snowstorm. :D It can still happen,though, but it's almost the middle of January.

Sarah and I did our clove oranges again,we do them every year, it makes the house smell wonderful. Put the cloves in, you can buy cheap cloves, squeeze it some around to get the orange juice out a little and sprinkle with all over with cinnamon. Anything left over in the tray makes good simmering potpourri.

Starbucks Christmas Blend

2012-01-01T18:08:00.004-05:00

My daughter gave me a Starbucks giftcard as a Christmas present and I got two more bags of the Christmas Blend with it. I always get one for myself as a present, but I'm in Christmas Blend Heaven when I found more at our Starbucks. They're usually gone before Christmas.

Starbuck's Spiced Holiday Coffee

2/3 C. ground Starbucks Christmas Blend or other dark roast coffee
4 cinnamon sticks, crushed or broken into small pieces
6 C. water
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
2/3 C. honey
Half-and-half or milk

Mix together the coffee and cinnamon sticks. Using the coffee-cinnamon mixture and the water, brew coffee by your customary brewing method. Add the cardamom and honey to the hot coffee and stir until the honey dissolves. Serve warm. Pour about 2/3 cup coffee into each glass. Pass the half-and-half or milk.

Christmas Blend and Keurig Reusable basket

2012-01-01T17:28:00.007-05:00

First of all let me say I love my Keurig coffeemaker, but their reusuable basket is the biggest waste of $20 I've ever spent. I've read all the comments online and most agree. I've tried all the suggestions to try and get the flawed gadget to work, nope. Still grounds everywhere, all in the whole basket area, all over the bottom of the tray. I don't know why they haven't made a replacement for it knowing it doesn't work and still ripping people off who think it will.

Sooooo, my husband suggested putting some grounds in a coffee filter, tied it off with a bread tie and sit in the gray basket you get with the reusable basket. But it didn't work, the water doesn't go thru to the inside grounds and it's just water in the cup. I said forget it, I just plopped the coffee filter with the bread tie on it in the hot cup of water and let it sit, to seep it and kind of dunked it some. LOL It actually worked, because the thing worked as like a tea seeper.

I should have kept my old coffee maker I gave away when I got my Keurig just for my coffee beans with my scrumpdiliuptious Starbucks Christmas Blend. I was pouring the hot water thru a coffee filter into the cup, but seeping the little coffee filter ball in the cup made the coffee taste better. I'm getting another little coffee maker for use when not using my Kcups , but it was fun playing with our little experiment.

Christmas Decorating..

2012-01-01T16:27:00.015-05:00

Every Christmas morning we have french toast and beef sausage. For the french toast, I just put some milk in about four eggs, cinnamon sugar, orange extract(usually use vanilla extract, except for special occassions),and another dash of cinnamon, mix it up. I have a long electric pan they sell at Walmart or Target, so much faster, just melt some butter and it will cook six pieces at one time.

Red Heart crochet patterns...

2011-10-31T01:58:00.001-04:00

http://www.redheart.com/finder/pattern?filters=tid%3A78&amp%3Bretain-filters=1

Here's some Holiday crochet patterns.

Going to another not Borders Store...

2011-10-14T18:52:00.004-04:00

Well,we spent the day going to the Mall,to the bookstore and Bath n Body.It was pretty depressing for my daughter and I not having Borders to browse.They didn't have a series of my daughter's favorite and the whole atmosphere we loved at Borders was gone.So we had to order what she wanted,luckily it was available. Pretty sad,and it ticks me off the head of Borders mismanaged the stores to bring it to closing. Our Borders was busy all the time and long lines,so obviously there must have been greed at the top and mismanaging where the stores were located to close them.Okay,now that I got that off my chest,I don't like malls,but love Bath n Body and actually was able to get a bit of Christmas shopping done with a good sale there.

Peppermint Rug...

2011-10-14T03:43:00.004-04:00

I wanted a little Christmas rug,so I just started playing around with white and red together.I'm using a J hook,because of the two strands of yarn and I'm not sure if I'll have to have a backing,the motifs are thicker,so it will be heavier.It's just granny squares and I'll sew them together.I'm not sure how big I'll make it yet.

Love old books..

2011-09-19T13:54:00.003-04:00

I have this song in my head from the Sound of Music,mainly because Sar and I just watched it,"These are a few of my favorite things". I love old books and these are some of them.I'm getting ready to paint my old bookshelf,because it's been a bajillion years since I started it and never finished it. Now don't tell me you all don't have projects like that. LOL

Rosehips and Roses...

2011-09-19T13:46:00.008-04:00

I've decided I'm going to start a business back up,it's been forever.People keep harping on me,LOL. It's called Rosehips and Roses and I'm starting to make things again for it. I make things and give them away,but after hearing at the babyshower a bajillion times,then someone came over last week and said it that wasn't even there,I think it might be a sign. Sooooo,that's what I'm doing,but probably won't have it up till later in the winter.

Update January...
I've still not started on this, I'm enjoying the break and just crocheting.

Busy,Busy,Busy...

2011-09-10T12:47:00.004-04:00

I've been very busy,crocheting for a baby shower and have a birthday party today.Whew,between an earthquake,Hurricane Irene and now all this flooding,I feel like these last few weeks are biblical in proportion.An earthquake that I've never experienced till last month,less than a month ago,then Irene that I thought was equally going to tumble trees on our roof or car,now this flooding.I never thought I'd hear of mandatory evacuations and rescue by boats in our county.

I listened to the scanner as people were on top of their vehicles waiting to be rescued as bridges washed away,homes flooded,cars instantly overran and stalled,stranded people.Basements flooded with water up to the tops of stairs,roads closed stranding people in their homes,trains stopped running,people stranded on the interstates in their vehicles with no way to get home.

It's been like a disaster movie in the making lately,people are in temporary shelters still,homes and businesses ruined,cracks in walls,structural damage and all this with school starting,which yesterday schools were closed. Many schools had damage,roads were still closed,bridges gone,roads unstable and buckled,this is all along the East Coast,once again. Okay,so I'm ready for pumpkins and apple picking now,back to getting ready for Fall.

I thank the Lord we are safe and I pray for all those affected by these circumstances and will do all I can to help. Support your local Red Cross,because the Govt is running out of money,or have to help victims in disasters now.Red Cross is always coming in to help and need financial support,it's the best way to help others. And they do come in,I listen to scanner feed when things happen and know authorities call them when someone has lost thier homes due to fire or circumstances like with the flooding.They always come and always do what they can,but depend on communities to bring the support so they can keep helping others.

Virginia Earthquake

2011-08-25T00:34:00.005-04:00

Okay,so we experienced a 5.8 or 5.9 earthquake yesterday in Virginia.Many of us for the very first time and I don't like it,no. First I thought my daughter was jumping with Molly and shaking the floor for about a second or two.Then I realized this was something more.I grabbed her hand,told her to pick up Molly,we ran downstairs to run out the door.We froze,(sorry,it was the first time and we were pretty freaked out),anyway we froze between our front and back doors,because they were shaking so hard it was like a freaky movie. I thought they were coming off the hinges and the house was going to fall in.

It was only about 30 seconds or so,but seemed like ten minutes. I knew there would be aftershocks,so had a little time to gather some things.My husband came home and I was thinking,where would we go,the earth is shaking under you and there isn't a safe place. I don't do planerides,because I like my feet on the ground,but this was a whole new ballgame,no place is safe if the earth's shaking. I don't see how people live like this everyday,not knowing when one's coming and get used to it.

Last night I was putting something on a shelf and realized my little knick knacks were misplaced,especially on the window sill. Now for the first time,I'll be careful where and what I put on shelves.My favorite pieces will not be on the wall.I possibly won't ever experience another one and if I don't,I'll tell you,it was rather exciting in a scary sort of way and I'm almost glad I got to experience one,but not. LOL

It's very odd,I don't like them,but now we can tell the story and it's humbling to know you're not really in charge of anything. It's like an awakening that we don't know when something will happen and we're in situations in which we're not in control.Thank goodness for God,because if I had to live life where it's just in my hands,my rude awakening would have been yesterday when the ground I walked on wasn't supporting me. Anyway,that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :D

Okay UPDATE ,it's 2:24 am,the next day and about an hour ago,we just had a 4.5 aftershock,had two smaller ones last night.I'm hearing Carole king in my head... ♪I feel the earth move under my feet♪... Alright enough of that,so hurricane coming,earthquakes and guess this is a hurriquake week,oh my.I'm ready to wake up now,I know this is a dream.

Quiche

2011-08-21T03:40:00.005-04:00

QUICHE:
Cook chicken or turkey in onion,1/2 tsp.thyme and rosemary(I use Italian seasoning,usually use leftover meat and broth).Take 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken and place in greased pan( I use iron frying pan) pour 1/2 cup of the broth on top chicken.

Combine 1 cup flour, 3 beaten eggs,2 cups milk,1/4 cup of melted butter,dash salt.Beat till smooth,stir in the 1 cup shredded cheese,pour mix over top chicken.Bake 1 hour.

P.S. I sometimes use cooked ground beef instead of chicken.

Candy Baby 8 pointed Round Ripple Afghan...

2011-08-16T13:21:00.005-04:00

I love this yarn,it's Bernat Softee Baby,got it at Joannes and it is so soft.Pretty color,it's called Candy Baby. This is the 8 point round ripple I'm starting.

8-pointed Round Ripple Afghan

Materials needed:
Worsted weight 4-ply yarn
Size G hook

Pattern
Ch5, slip stitch into beginning chain to form a ring

Row 1: Ch2, 12 hdc into ring, slip stitch to top of first ch2 to join

Row 2: Ch3, dc into same stitch, 2dc into next stitch and each stitch around, slip stitch to first ch3 to join a ring - 24 dc

Row 3: Ch5, skip next 2 dc, sc into next dc, ch5, skip next 2 dc,sc into next dc, around and slip stitch to first chain of ch5 to join - 8 ch5 spaces

Row 4: Slip stitch into first ch5 space, ch3, 2dc into space, ch2, 3dc into same space, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) into next ch5 space repeating around to first ch3, slip stitch to join - 8 (3dc, ch2, 3dc) points

Row 5: Slip stitch into next dc, ch3, dc next dc, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) into first ch2 space, dc into next 2 dc, skip next 2 dc, dc into next 2 dc, slip stitch to top of first ch3 to join

Row 6: Slip stitch into next dc, ch3, dc into next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch2, 2dc) into next ch2 space, dc into next 4 dc, skip next 2 dc, dc into next 4 dc, (2dc, ch2, 2dc) into next ch2 space,skip 2 dc repeating around, slip stitch into top of first ch3

Continue on with the pattern in this way until it's as large as you want it. Make sure that once you've slip stitched to join the rows that you then slip stitch into the next stitch. As you go, be sure to alternate the number of double crochets in your "shells" (the "shells" are the series of stitches places into the chain 2 spaces on the points). The pattern begins with 3dc, ch2, 3dc, then switches to 2dc, ch2, 2dc, and then should switch back to 3dc, ch2, 3dc on the next row, and so on. This will ensure that you don't get any an uneven puckering effect in your blanket.

***(I'm doing the 2dc ch2 2dc as in Row 6,for each row right now,because I'm trying to get it to lay more flat.But I'm used to pulling out rows and rows if something doesn't go as I want.I'll let you know how that goes,maybe I'll try both and see the difference.)

UPDATE..This is what happens when you don't get enough of the color yarn when you're working on something.I can't find it on Joanne's,so hopefully they'll restock or I'll have to order it to finish this project. :D The 2dc ch2 2dc has worked fine,up till I ran out of the yarn. LOL

Little Gnome sleeping...

2011-08-16T09:07:00.004-04:00

Look what I found sleeping tucked in a little corner,I love these little gnomes. They're adorable and love the colors. Found this little guy at Joannes.

I got an email that this little site is closing in September,it has free patterns.It's the first time I saw it,so I wanted to share in case anyone wanted to save any of the patterns there. http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/crochet.html

Flower dishcloth...

2011-08-14T19:52:00.006-04:00

I needed some dishclothes,so decided to work one up last night.It's simple and made out of cotton yarn.

Pink Flower Dishcloth

Ch 10. Join with sl st.

1st rnd: Ch 1, 18 sc in ring. Sl st in 1st sc made.

2nd rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 5, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc. Repeat from * 5 more times; ch 5, join with sl st in 1st sc.

3rd rnd: Ch 1, in each loop around make sc, half dc, 5 dc, half dc and sc (6 petals). Join.

4th rnd: *Ch 7,sl st into each 1st sc.Cont around

5th rnd: sc,hdc,7 dc,hdc,sc in each loop around,join.

6th rnd: *ch 8,sl st in 1st sc,Cont around

7th rnd: Ch 3,9 dc,10 dc in next loop and Cont around.

8th rnd: Ch 3,dc in 4 dc,ch 1,dc in next 5 dc,*dc in 5,ch 1,dc in next 5 dc Cont * around

9th rnd: Ch 3,dc in 4 dc,in ch 1 space,1 dc,ch 1,1 dc,dc in next 5 dc. *dc in 5 dc,1 dc,ch 1,1dc in ch 1 space,dc in 5 dc.*Cont around

10th rnd: Ch 3,dc in 5 dc,in ch 1 space,1 dc,ch 1,1 dc,dc in 6. *dc in 6 dc,in ch 1 space,1 dc,ch 1,1 dc,dc in 6 dc * Cont around.

11th rnd: Ch 3,dc in 6 dc,in ch 1 space,1 dc,ch 1,1 dc,dc in 7 *dc in 7 dc,in ch 1 space,1 dc,ch 1,1 dc,dc in 7 dc * Cont around.

Pink Flower Dishcloth or Warmpad

I got two out of the one roll of yarn,this one is smaller by a couple of rows,but can be used as another dishcloth or a warmpad.I wouldn't use it as a hotpad,because it doesn't have a back to it,though.

Ch 10. Join with sl st.

1st rnd: Ch 1, 18 sc in ring. Sl st in 1st sc made.

2nd rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 5, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc. Repeat from * 5 more times; ch 5, join with sl st in 1st sc.

3rd rnd: Ch 1, in each loop around make sc, half dc, 5 dc, half dc and sc (6 petals). Join.

4th rnd: *Ch 7,sl st into each 1st sc.Cont around

5th rnd: sc,hdc,7 dc,hdc,sc in each loop around,join.

6th rnd: *ch 8,sl st in 1st sc,Cont around

7th rnd: Ch 3,9 dc,10 dc in next loop and Cont around.

8th rnd: Ch 3,dc in 4 dc,ch 1,dc in next 5 dc,*dc in 5,ch 1,dc in next 5 dc Cont * around

9th rnd: Ch 3,dc in 4 dc,in ch 1 space,1 dc,ch 1,1 dc,dc in next 5 dc. *dc in 5 dc,1 dc,ch 1,1dc in ch 1 space,dc in 5 dc.*Cont around

I did sc all around the 9th rnd and before joining it at the end I chained 10 to hang it up.

Sun Dishtowel

2011-08-13T18:21:00.003-04:00

This crocheted sun dishtowel or whatever you want to use it for is made out of cotton yarn,easy to wash up.I was playing around with a sun motif look and came up with this.I kind of over explain directions,so I hope you can understand it.

Sun Dishtowel

Use Cotton yarn for dishcloths

Chain 8,join
Rnd 1: Ch3 for 1st dc,15 dc around,(16 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 4 for first dc and a ch 1,dc,ch 1, 15 more times (16 dc)
Rnd 3: In 1st ch 1 space,ch 3 for 1st dc,2 more dc in same space.Cont around with 3 dc in each ch 1 space.(48 dc)
Rnd 4: Sc in 1st dc,ch 4 sc in 3rd dc and next dc, ch 4...Cont in pattern,around
Rnd 5: Sc in 4 ch space,hdc,2 dc,hdc,sc in each 4 chain space around

To join motifs if you look at the close up,motifs will meet at two points.Work last row(Rnd 5) around in the working motif,but to

join,sc,hdc,dc, sl st in between the two dc of adjoining motif,cont as normal in working motif,dc,hdc,sc and cont

around.(sc,hdc,2 dc,hdc,sc in each 4 chain space)The last motif will join at two points with two other motifs.

The middle
Ch 8,Ch3 for 1st dc,15 dc around,(16 dc)
Ch 2,sl st between the 2 dc of motif point,ch 2 and sl st in next dc of middle. Sl st into next dc,ch 2 and sl st into the next point

of motif,ch 2 and sl st into next dc of middle. Cont until you've joined each point of the motifs.

Sc around the whole edge of the dishtowel.

2011-08-11T20:50:00.010-04:00

This tablecloth motif above is Virginia Reel,(actually this is four motifs worked together)...

Virginia Reel

J. & P. COATS BIG BALL BEST SIX CORD MERCERIZED CROCHET,

Art. A. 104, Size 30, 48 balls of White, Ecru or No. 42 Cream, or 69 balls of any color, or

CLARK'S BIG BALL MERCERIZED CROCHET, Art. B. 34, Size 30, 35 balls of White, No. 61 Ecru or No. 42 Cream, or 48 balls of

any color, or

CLARK'S BIG BALL MERCERIZED CROCHET, Art. B. 345, Size 30, 20 balls of White or Ecru only.

Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No. 10.

Tablecloth 60 x 80 inches

Each motif measures 2 inches square.

FIRST MOTIF . . . Starting at center, ch 10. Join with sl st to form a ring.

1st rnd: Ch 1, 24 sc in ring. Join with sl st.

2nd rnd: Sc in same place as sl st, (ch 9, skip 5 sc, sc in next sc) 3 times; ch 9, sl st in first sc.

3rd rnd: In each ch-9 loop around make s c, half dc, 12 dc, half dc and sc. Join.

4th rnd: Sl st in next half dc, sc in same place, * (ch 5, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc) 4 times; ch 5, sc in first half dc of next loop.

Repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, dc in first sc.

5th rnd: * Ch 5, sc in next loop. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, dc in dc.

6th rnd: * Ch 9, sc in next loop, (ch 5, sc in next loop) 4 times. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, dc in dc.

7th rnd: Sc in loop just formed, * in next ch-9 loop make sc, half dc, 6 dc, ch 5, sl st in last dc made (picot), in same loop make

6 dc, half dc and sc; sc in next loop, (ch 5, sc in next loop) 3 times. Repeat from * around. Join and break off.

SECOND MOTIF ... 1st to 6th rnds incl work as for First Motif.

7th rnd: Sc in loop just formed, in next ch-9 loop make sc, half dc and 6 dc; then ch 2, sl st in corner picot of First Motif, ch 2, sl

st in last dc made on Second Motif; in same loop on Second Motif make 6 dc, half dc and sc; sc in next loop, (ch 2, sc in next

loop of First Motif, ch 2, sc in next loop of Second Motif) 3 times; in next ch-9 loop make sc, half dc and 6 dc, join picot as

before and complete as for First Motif (no more joinings).

Make 30 rows of 40 motifs, joining adjacent sides as Second Motif was joined to First Motif. Block to measurements.

This motif above is for the Carnation tablecloth...

The Carnation Tablecloth

This tablecloth measures about 50 x 68 inches. Each motif is about 3 ½ inches square. For this size cloth, you will need approximately 34 (200-yard) balls of size 30 Star Crochet Cotton; use a number 12 steel crochet hook. This motif could be made into various other articles.

Abbreviations: Ch (chain); st (stitch); sk (skip); sl st (slip stitch); sc (single crochet); rnd (round); lp (loop); sp (space); p (picot); tr treble(-thread over twice, work off 2 lps at a time; do double crochet); to make a cluster-hold last lp of each tr or dc on hook, thread over and pull through all lps at once.

Ch 8, join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 4 (for a tr), 2 tr cluster in ring, * ch 5, a 3 tr cluster in ring, repeat from * 6 times, ch 5, join in top of first cluster st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same sp, * 5 sc over ch lp, sc in top of next cluster, repeat from * 6 times, 5 sc over ch lp, join.

Rnd 3: * Ch 6, sk 2 sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, ending with a ch 3, dc in same place as beginning this brings thread in position to begin next rnd (16 lps).

Rnd 4: * Ch 6, sc in next lp, repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 5 : Sl st in lp, ch 4, 7 tr in same lp, ch 3, Sc in next lp, ch 3, 8 tr in next lp, ch 3, sc in next lp, ch 3, repeat from * around, join in 4th st of ch.

Rnd 6: Ch 4, dc in each of next 7 tr with a ch 1 between each dc, * ch 2, tr in next sc, ch 2, dc in each of the next 8 tr with a ch 1 between, ch 2, (tr, ch 5, tr) in next sc corner), ch 2, dc in each of next 8 tr with a ch 1 between each dc, repeat from * twice, ch 2, tr in sc, ch 2, dc in each of next 8 tr with a ch 1 between each dc, ch 2, (tr, ch 5, tr) in next sc, ch 2, join with sl st in third st of ch.

Rnd 7: Sl st in next dc, ch 4, dc in each of the next 5 dc with a ch 1 between each dc, * ch 4, sc in next tr, ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in each of the next 6 dc with ch 1 between each dc, ch 4, sk 1 lp, tr, ch 5, tr in next lp (corner), ch 4, sk lp and 1 dc, dc in each of the next 6 dc with a ch 1 between, repeat from * twice, ch 4, sc in next tr, ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in each of the next 6 dc with a ch 1 between, ch 4, sk 1 lp, (tr, ch 5, tr) in next lp, ch 4, join in third ch of ch 4 first made.

Rnd 8: Sl st in next dc, ch 4, dc in each of the next 3 dc with a ch 1 between each, * ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 5, sc in next lp, ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in each of the next 4 dc with a ch 1 between each dc, ch 4, sk 1 lp, 4 tr with ch 3 between each tr in next lp corner), ch 4, sk 1 dc, do in each of the next 4 dc with ch 1 between each dc, repeat from * twice, ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 5, sc in next lp, ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in each of the next 4 dc with ch 1 between each dc, ch 4, sk 1 lp, 4 tr with ch 3 between each tr in next lp, ch 4, join in third st of ch.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in each of the next 3 dc keeping last lp of each dc on hook, thread over and pull through all lps at once-a cluster made, * (ch 5, dc in next lp) 3 times, ch 5, dc in each of the next 4 dc for a cluster, (ch 5, tr in next tr) twice, ch 5, make two 3 tr clusters with a ch 7 between in next lp (corner), (ch 5, tr in next tr twice, ch 5, dc in each of the next 4 dc for a cluster, repeat from * around, join, cut thread.

Work a second motif in same manner joining it to the first motif in last rnd as follows: ch 3, dc in each of next 3 dc for a cluster, (ch 5, dc in next lp) 3 times, ch 5, dc in each of the next 4 dc for a cluster, (ch 5, tr in next tr) twice, ch 5, a 3 tr cluster in next lp, ch 3, join to corresponding lp of first motif, ch 3, a 3 tr cluster in same sp of second motif, ch 5, tr in next tr, ch 2, sk 1 lp of first motif, sc in next lp, ch 2, tr in next tr of second motif, ch 5, dc in each of the next 4 dc for a cluster, ch 2, sk 1 lp of first motif, SC in next lp, ch 2, dc in next lp of second motif, * ch 2, sc in next lp of first motif, ch 2, dc in next lp of second motif, repeat from * once, ch 2, sc in next lp of first motif, ch 2, dc in each of the next 4 dc of second motif for a cluster, ch 5, tr in next tr of second motif, ch 2, sk 1 lp of first motif, sc in next lp, ch 2, tr in next tr of second motif, ch 5, a 3 tr cluster in next lp, ch 3, join to corner lp of first motif, ch 3, 3 tr cluster in same sp of second motif, ch 5, tr in next tr and complete rnd same as first motif.

Join all motifs in same manner.

Edge-Join thread at corner, ch 4, cluster st in same sp, (ch 6, sl st in 4th st from hook for a p, ch 2, cluster st in same sp) twice, ** ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 4, M cluster st in next lp, ch 6, sl st in 4th st from hook for a p, ch 2, cluster st in same sp, ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 4, repeat from * 3 times, cluster st in next lp, ch 2, ch 4 for a p, ch 2, cluster st in same lp, ch 4, sc in joining of motifs, ch 4, sk remainder of corner lp of next motif, cluster st in next lp, ch 6, sl st in 4th st from hook for a p, ch 2, cluster st in same lp, repeat from ** around working 3 cluster sts with ch 2, ch 4 for a p, ch 2 between each cluster st at corners.

The WORKBASKET 1955

My Mom used to get these books and I don't know what happened to all of them.When you're young you can't always see the value of things like you can when you're older. I wish I had all those now.

Above is the Grandma's Popcorn motif for a bedspread.I have the details on this post...

http://soundinthemulberrytrees.blogspot.com/2011/01/grandmas-crocheted-popcorn-pinwheel.html

I went ahead and put the pattern and the link to Frances' video,love that woman. :)

Finished the babyblue afghan...

2011-08-11T01:19:00.004-04:00

I finished this one and here's some I've worked on and a couple I've started. Granny squares, African flower motifs, ripples...

Primitive Pines Yo Yo Afghan

2011-08-08T17:46:00.005-04:00

Years ago I did a pine tree yoyo afghan called Primitive Pines Yo Yo Afghan.Here's the old site where I got it and it tells how to crochet yoyos. Here's the photo of my afghan,sorry the quality isn't so wonderful,had to take pics with my little computer camera back then. :) I gave it away,but I'm going to make another one,because it was so much fun.

http://web.archive.org/web/20020224122307/http://www.priscillascrochet.com/patterns.html

Saturday Morning

2011-08-07T03:33:00.004-04:00

Pancakes on Saturday mornings around here is a given. :)

I crocheted my daughter these fingerless gloves and made up my own pattern,because I like them a tighter fit and not bulgy.

Fingerless Gloves

Remember to count the rows each time,because it's so easy to pick up an extra stitch in each round. I used a H hook and Deborah Norville yarn from Joannes.

Left Hand glove...

ch 28, join with a sl st...

Rnds 1-12: ch 1, work 1 sc into each ch to end of rnd, join with a sl st.(28)

Rnd 13-17:2 sc in 1st sc and one sc in each sc around.You end up with (33sc)

Rnds 18-23:ch 1, work 1 sc into each st to end of rnd, join with a sl st. (33sc)

Rnds 24:Ch 9,skip 6 sc and sc in the 6th sc,sc around (35 sc)

Rnds 25:Sc around (35 sc)

rnds 26:Sc 8 dec 9th and 10th sc and sc around (34)

rnds 27: Dec 1st 2 sc and dec last 2 sc(32 sc)

rnds 28: Dec 1st and 2nd sc,Dec last 2 sc after Sc around (30)

rnds 29-30: Sc around (30)

Right Hand glove...

ch 28,join with a sl st

Rnds 1-12: ch 1,work 1 sc into each ch to end of rnd,join with a sl st. (28)

Rnd 13-17: Sc around and 2 sc in last sc You'll end up with (33sc)

Rnds 18-23: ch 1,work sc around (33sc)

Rnds 24:Sc to last 6 sc,chain 9,skip to 6th sc(last sc of rnd and sc in it) (35)

Rnd 25:Sc around (35 sc)

Rnd 26:Sc around until you get to the last 7th and 8th sc before end of the row and Dec these two scs,cont sc till end of row. (34)

Rnd 27:Dec 1st and 2nd sc of row,sc thru to the last two sc of row and Dec.(32)

Rnd 28:Dec 1st and 2nd sc of row,sc thru to the last two sc of row and Dec (30)

Rnd 29 and Rnd 30: Sc around (30)

Molly and daughter with painted nails... :D

The End of the Manassas Battle Re-enactment

2011-07-25T14:18:00.005-04:00

Article from InovaInside...

MANASSAS, Va. --

They came to remember, to witness and to be a part.Roughly 17,000 people, including 8,700 re-enactors, gathered under the sweltering sun on Pageland Farm near Gainesville Saturday morning for a re-enactment of the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run.

The blasts from 50 cannons were enough to make those standing nearby jump and the ground shudder.“As loud as the cannons are today, [during the battle] it was said by southern citizens of Alexandria and Washington that they could hear the Battle of Manassas as a distant summer storm,” said the commentator.

As the re-enactment got into gear, the air was thick with smoke from the muskets and from the dust kicked up by the 350 Cavalry horses and marching soldiers.“The noise was tremendous. That’s why signal flags were used and were so critical,” the commentator said. “There was so much smoke that visibility was very limited on occasion.”

And there was confusion.The soldiers had only joined up for the armies for 90 days, expecting the war to be over by the fall harvest season.“These were citizen soldiers in uniform. Ninety-eight percent of them had never seen combat. This was a whole new life experience and very terrifying,” he said.

A total of 143 people were evaluated and 11 were taken to the hospital.

About 80 emergency personnel were on hand from Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Stafford, Arlington counties along with Montgomery County, Maryland.The medical tent was equipped with IVs if patients needed them and was air conditioned.“We were busy but the operation went smoothly. We saw a steady flow of patients but had the capacity and resources to handle,” Robertson said. “Heat was the primary cause of illness."

Most spectators wore hats and every one of them was drinking water – lots of it. They also sought shelter from the sun. While the bleachers were the best location to view the re-enactment and lots of people stayed in them, others stood behind them, crouching down to watch.If there was a tree or a tent, there were people underneath. The cooling tents with their large fans were packed with spectators and re-enactors.

During the re-enactment those who were “injured” fell to the ground. But, because of the extreme heat, they didn’t remain there for the entire two and a half hours that the battle raged on.

The place to find the most re-enactors in the prone position was in the cooling tents where they laid on the ground and stayed a good long time.

______________

They wore wool uniforms and I was just trying to picture how it must have been back then,the heat,the noise,the fighting,screaming,wounded and dead.How horrible a sight to even try to imagine.Our summers in Virginia are very hot,the temperatures for this event was 100 degrees and above with up to 115 degrees heat index.

War is hell,but these men were brother against brother and I feel as many,it was the saddest time in our history.Remembering these events in history is remembering what these men fought and died for,in what they believed.As a southerner,I've heard others say we fought for slavery,but the truth of the matter is most who fought never had slaves.They fought for many reasons,honor,pride of being southern,fighting for what they were told by others,or whatever the reason,both sides fought for what they believed.

It makes us look at our flag and be thankful we are one nation under God and we are together now.A land that's healed from this time in history and remembered in battlefield sites,events and books now. Americans are strong,they fight for what they believe till the end and today we still have warriors that fight for our country in far away lands.Thank goodness we don't have war in our land and I pray for peace to rule and one day it will as Jesus reigns on Earth.

A July Sunday...

2011-07-24T23:43:00.003-04:00

Now Captain America is a really good movie and we're going to see it again.So refreshing to not have a bunch of bad language and there's a beautiful woman that's actually dressed. :) Why can't they make more movies like this?I think Captain America is the best family action movie of the year.

150th Civil War Commemoration-Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run

2011-07-23T16:09:00.013-04:00

Manassas Courthouse

150th Civil War Commemoration-Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run,July 21 through July 24, 2011 commemorates the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War and the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) in Old Town Manassas, Virginia.

Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) speaking at the opening ceremonies of the 150th Civil War Sesquicentennial at the Manassas National Battlefield Park on Thursday morning.

MANASSAS, Va. A blast of cannon fire from the Manassas Museum lawn Friday morning set off some car alarms and marked the start of the Civil War military parade.

A few hundred Civil War reenactors, including cavalry members on horseback, bands playing Civil War era tunes, and ladies wearing hoop skirts and carrying parasols, marched through Old Town Manassas Friday morning, from Osbourn High School, to Liberia Plantation.

Yesterday,cannon fire and the rumble of horses filled Pageland Farm near Gainesville as the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run re-enactment got under way.

The Battle of Bull Run (1st Manassas) (July 21, 1861) On July 21, 1861, 35,000 Union troops led by Brigadier General Irvin McDowell faced off against more than 20,000 Confederates under Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard near a railroad junction at Manassas, Virginia, 25 miles from Washington, D.C.

The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as Manassas, was the first major land battle of the American Civil War.The Union and Confederate forces met at Manassas, Virginia. Both sides planned to attack the other’s left flank with the majority of their armies. However, the confederates realized quickly the Union army’s plan and moved forces to meet the attack upon their left flank. At the same time, they were able to build up enough troops on the Union right side to overrun that flank leading to a disorderly retreat to the North.

The Confederate army did not pursue the fleeing troops. Outcome: Victory for the Confederate forces. However, approximately 5,000 men died. Of those, 3,000 were Union soldiers. Significance of the First Battle of Bull Run: This was the first major land battle of the Civil War. It was also the battle that made the war become real to many. Before the First Battle of Bull Run, many in the north and the south had romanticized the war. However, with the deaths of troops and civilians, the reality of war was brought home.

The Stone House in Manassas National Battlefield Park, which served as a field hospital during the First and Second Battles of Bull Run.

The Stone House remains one of only three intact pre-Civil War buildings within Manassas National Battlefield Park.Henry P. and Jane Matthews owned the Stone House from 1850 until 1865. The Matthews apparently attempted to remain in their home as the fighting swirled around them. Like most available structures in the area, the house was taken over as a refuge for the battle casualties. After the Second Battle of Manassas, Confederate officers used the Stone House to parole Union prisoners. In 1865 the Matthews sold their property and moved away.

THORNTON'S HOUSE—BULL RUN—JULY 21, 1861 This house, which stood some three miles north of the battlefield of the afternoon, marked the northern point of the detour of the divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman. The Confederate Colonel Evans, who held the extreme left of Beauregard's line, and whose suspicions had been aroused, marched upstream with half a brigade and confronted the turning column beyond the turnpike. Instead of deploying a line of battle, Hunter sent successive detached regiments and brigades against it. Evans, heavily reinforced, took up a new position in the rear.

Confederate fortifications Bull Run, Virginia

Manassas Sudley Church—July 21, 1861.—This Methodist Episcopal church stood a half mile south of the ford by which Hunter and Heintzelman crossed Bull Run.

These troops crossed Cat Harpin Run, seen in the foreground, by the ford at the left, and marched southward past the church. A mile farther south Burnside's brigade engaged the Confederate troops led by Colonel Evans. As Evans' men fell back, Johnston deemed the situation "critical."

Confederate eastern range defenses

Virginia Ruins of Mrs. Judith Henry's house

Stone Bridge crosses Bull Run at the eastern entrance of the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas, Virginia. The original bridge was destroyed during the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) on July 21, 1861, the first major land battle of the American Civil War. Some years later, a new bridge, apparently similar to the original design, was built on the site of the old bridge.

Sutlers sell thier wares on the battlefield.

Dedication of the battle monument and Bull Run Monument on battlefield Bull Run

So far...

2011-07-19T19:34:00.001-04:00

Working on it,Molly's loving it. :)

Molly Dress Up

2011-07-17T15:24:00.002-04:00

New Afghan

2011-07-15T03:18:00.004-04:00

Yes,I'm crocheting on another one and this will be granny squares,which I love.I'm just using Simply Soft yarn,I actually use that more than anything,it really is very soft.The dark yarn is not brown,kind of looks like it in the pic,but it's actually a plum and the dark color around the yellow center is a deep red. This is what I've done so far.

Starbucks and Michaels Day...

2011-07-15T02:59:00.006-04:00

I so love Starbucks,Michaels and Party City,my daughters and I had a great time hanging out today.First a stop at Starbucks for a Caramel frap and Double Chocolate Chip,I love the caramel.mm Then we ran over to Michaels,because we're obsessed with crafts and Michaels is awesome.I'll try to grab some pics this weekend.Last but not least,we went to Party City,it's our favorite little party store.

I got Mocha Powder,because I want to make some hot cocoa mix and add it.I'm testing some different kinds to make this Fall.

Popcorn Ripple Afghan Finished...

2011-07-07T02:36:00.004-04:00

Popcorn Ripple Baby Blanket

2011-06-19T21:03:00.007-04:00

Popcorn Ripple Baby Blanket

Size: 47" x 70"
Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 54 oz.
Crochet Hook Size G

Abbreviations: Ch, chain; sc, single crochet; dc, double crochet; sts, stitches; rep, repeat; beg, begin or beginning; ", inches; cm, centimeters.

Additional Abbreviations: 3 dc cl; 3 Double crochet cluster: Keeping last loop of each double crochet on hook, double crochet in each of 3 stitches indicated, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook. 5 dc cl; 5 Double crochet cluster: Keeping last loop of each double crochet on hook, double crochet in each of 5 stitches indicated, yarn over and draw through all 6 loops on hook. Popcorn: 5 dc in next st, drop loop from hook, insert hook from front to back in first of the 5 dc made, draw dropped loop through loop on hook. Please follow washing instructions printed on yarn label.

AFGHAN Ch 173.
Row 1: (right side) 3 dc cl over 4th, 5th and 6th ch from hook, dc in each of next 9 ch, 5 dc in next ch, dc in each of next 9 ch, *5 dc cl over next 5 ch, dc in each of next 9 ch, 5 dc in next ch, dc in each of next 9 ch; rep from * to last 4 ch, 3 dc cl over next 3 ch, dc in last ch, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: Skip first st, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, dc in each of next 9 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, *5 dc cl over next 5 dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 9 dc; rep from * to last 4 sts, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, dc in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, ch 3, turn.

Row 3: Skip first st, 3 dc cl over next 3 dc, ch 1, [skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, skip next dc, 5 dc in next dc; ch 1, [skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, *skip next dc, 5 dc cl over next 5 dc, ch 1, [skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, skip next dc, 5 dc in next dc; ch 1, [skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times; rep from * to last 5 sts, skip next dc, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, dc in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, ch 3, turn.

Row 4: Skip first st, now working in each st and in each ch, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, dc in each of next 9 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 9 sts, *5 dc cl over next 5 sts, dc in each of next 9 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 9 sts; rep from * to last 4 sts, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, dc in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, ch 3, turn.

Row 5: Skip first st, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, [ch 2, skip next dc, popcorn in next dc] 4 times, ch 2, skip next dc, (in next dc work popcorn, ch 3, popcorn), [ch 2, skip next dc, popcorn in next st] 4 times, *skip next dc, ch 1, 5 dc cl over next 5 sts, ch 1, [skip next dc, popcorn in next dc, ch 2] 4 times, (popcorn, ch 3, popcorn in next st) [ch 2, skip next dc, popcorn in next dc] 4 times; rep from * to last 5 sts, ch 2, skip next dc, 3 dc cl over next 3 sts, dc in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, ch 3, turn.

Row 6: Skip first cl, 2 dc in each of next 5 ch-2 spaces, 5 dc in next ch-3 space, 2 dc in each of next 4 ch-2 spaces, *dc in next ch-1 space, in next cl and in next ch-1 space, 2 dc in each of next 4 ch-2 spaces, 5 dc in next ch-3 space, 2 dc in each of next 4 ch-2 spaces; rep from * to last ch-2 space, 2 dc in last ch-2 space, skip next 3 dc cl, dc in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, ch 3, turn. Rep rows 3-6 until afghan measures about 70" [177.5 cm], ending after a row 4. Rep row 2 once. Break yarn and fasten off.

PS I'm using offwhite Caron Simply Soft and I can't remember the brand of the light aqua color baby yarn,but Joanne's has it's in the baby yarn section.I'm pretty sure it was Lion Brand Pound of Love.

June Ramblings

2011-06-19T17:51:00.004-04:00

Hey,been awhile since I've been on,homeschooling,birthday parties,babysitting and crocheting has kept me busy.Just wanted to share some pics I've taken recently.I got a hydrangea for Mother's Day.I've always wanted one,found out to get it light blue I need more acid in the soil,that's why it's purplish pink,instead of light blue.I've heard you can put a pine needle mulch to help with that,which I'll try. My son and daughter got me a beautiful teaset,I love the box.My little one got me a Joannes giftcard and ofcourse that went to yarn. :)

We've had three birthdays since May,a 16 year old,she chose purple and black as colors and a character theme,with alot of different characters for her table.Then a six year old Ironman party and a nine year old Chuck E Cheese party with the most beautiful fairy cake,I've ever seen.Fun,fun,fun,it's been a really good Spring,my roses have been blooming,and I'll post the baby blanket I've been working on.

Spring is coming...

2011-03-21T03:19:00.008-04:00

My flowers started coming up this last week and my trees are budding.Can't wait till the Cherry Tree blooms,but my little yellow tree has already.Spring is coming,YAY!I love the winter,but Fall best,after January I start wanting Spring.

I got mustard and ketchup bottles,along with yellow and red trays at the Party Store,I felt all nostalgic and they reminded me of old diners. :) Somewhere I'm going to find little paper frenchfry holders and little ketchup cups,Costco didn't have them,think I'll try BJ's.I know restaurants still use those things.

My daughter got me a bag of Sixlets candy at the Party Store,actually it's Party City.They come in little sizes,but these were so colorful.She also got me a Remember When Book for your birthday year,that was fun,this Koolaid advertisement for back then was funny.Here's what it said...

"Koolaid sure comes to the aid of the party."
"Oh boy,is this Koolaid good."
"That's because the flavor's locked in.And it has the Parent's magazine seal."
"We can have a party anytime,because Mom always has Koolaid in the icebox."
"My Mom gets all 6 flavors." :)

Afghans

2011-02-06T14:27:00.006-05:00

I made this afghan for a Christmas present. Here is the motif pattern I used...

motif
Ch 6,join 1.ch 3,2 dc,ch 1,3 dc 5x's,total of 6 groups of 3 dc and ch 1 and join 2.sl st to ch 1,(3 dc,ch 1,3 dc,ch 1) around,join and sl st to ch 1 3.3 dc ch 1 in each ch 1 around,join sl st to ch 1 sl st to ch 1 4.(3 dc,ch 3,3 dc),ch 1,(3 sc in ch 1 space),ch 1,(3 sc in ch 1 space),ch 1,(3 dc,3 ch,3 dc),ch 1 around sl st to ch 1 5. (3 dc,ch 3,3 dc,)ch 1,3 dc,ch 1,3 dc,ch 1,3 dc,ch 1,3 dc,3 ch,3 dc,ch 1 around finish

Here's the pattern for the ripple blanket in the above pics I made for a Christmas present and didn't get a photo of it finished.But since it's a simple ripple afghan you get the idea.

Easy Ripple Afghan

Special Stitches: 3 st dec: *yo, insert hook through next stitch, yo and pull loop through stitch, yo and pull through first 2 loops on hook; Repeat from * twice. Yo and pull through remaining 4 loops on hook. 2 st dec: *yo, insert hook through next stitch, yo and pull loop through stitch, yo and pull through first 2 loops on hook; Repeat from * once. Yo and pull through remaining 3 loops on hook.

Instructions: Chain a multiple of 16 stitches plus 2 stitches. For a 40 inch wide afghan, chain 130. For a 55 inch wide afghan, chain 178. Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook; dc in next 6 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 6 ch; *work 3 st dec in next 3 ch, dc in next 6 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 6 ch; Repeat from * across. End by working 2 st dec in last 2 ch. Ch 2 and turn.

Note: The valleys will probably be shallower than the peaks at this point. Work another row or two and they should even up. Row 2: Skip first dc; dc in next 7 dc, 3 dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc; *work 3 st dec in next 3 stitches, dc in next 6 dc, 3 dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc; Repeat from * across. End by working 2 st dec in last 2 dc. Ch 2 and turn. Repeat Row 2 until afghan is desired length changing, colors as desired.

If you are using more than one color of yarn, I suggest changing colors every 2 rows. Changing colors At end of row, when working the 2 st dec, drop the current color of yarn when you have the last 3 loops left on your hook to finish the stitch. Yarn over with new color of yarn and pull through 3 loops on hook. Ch 2 and turn. Leave 5 or 6 inch ends of each color of yarn to weave in.

Finishing... Weave all yarn ends in securely.

Variation 1 - Ribbed Ripple: Begining with Row 2, work all stitches in the back loop only to create a ribbed effect.*This is how I always work my ripples,it's a fancier look.

Grandma's Crocheted Popcorn Pinwheel Bedspread...

2011-01-30T19:46:00.012-05:00

I started a Popcorn Pinwheel Bedspread... Frances Johnson is a hero among many crocheting women,her bedspread will be remembered for years.It took her 67 years to finish it and it's beautiful.Here's the video link to her showing it...

Here's the pattern...

MOTIF . . . Starting at center, ch 12, join with sl st.

1st rnd: Ch 3, 23 dc in ring. Join to 3rd st of ch-3.

2nd rnd: Ch 3, 4 dc in same place as sl st; drop st from hook, insert hook back in 3rd st of ch-3 first made and draw loop through the one on hook (a pc st). * Ch 5, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 3, 5 dc in next dc; drop st from hook, insert hook back in last ch made and draw loop through the one on hook (a pc st). Repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, sl st at tip of first pc st made.

3rd rnd: Sl st in ch-5 sp, ch 3 and complete a pc st; * ch 2, a pc st, ch 5, dc in next sp, ch 2, a pc st. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, sl st at tip of 1st pc st made.

4th rnd: Sl st in next sp (between pc sts), ch 3 and complete a pc st; * ch 2, in next ch-5 sp make 2 pc sts with ch-2 between; ch 5, dc in next sp, ch 2, pc st in sp between 2 pc sts. Repeat from * around, ending as before.

5th and 6th rnds: Same as 4th rnd, making pc sts between pc sts of previous rnd and 2 pc sts in ch-5 sp, always making ch-2 between pc sts (4 pc sts in each group on 5th rnd; 5 pc sts in each group on 6th rnd).

7th rnd: Sl st in next sp (between 1st 2 pc sts), ch 3 and complete a pc st; * (ch 2, pc st between next 2 pc sts) 3 times; ch 3, dc at tip of next pc st, ch 3, dc in ch-5 sp, ch 3, dc in next sp, ch 2, pc st between next 2 pc sts. Repeat from * around. Join.

8th rnd: * 3 pc sts between pc sts of previous rnd, with ch-2 between; ch 3, dc at tip of next pc st; (ch 3, dc in next sp) 4 times; ch 2 and repeat from * around. Join.

9th rnd: * 2 pc sts between pc sts of previous rnd, with ch-2 between; ch 3, dc at tip of next pc st; (ch 3, dc in next sp) 6 times, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join.

10th rnd: Sl st in sp (between pc sts), ch 3 and complete a pc st; * (ch 3, dc in next sp) 3 times; ch 3, skip next dc and sp; in next dc make 3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr, ch 3, skip next sp and dc; dc in next sp; (ch 3, dc in next sp) twice, ch 2, pc st between pc sts of previous rnd. Repeat from * around. Join and fasten off.

Frances Johnson...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYVQ1dsRqfE

Here's a stillshot of her's, looks like sc to join the motifs.

Holidays are Over...

2011-01-30T18:22:00.071-05:00

Well the holidays are over and I've been so busy making presents,decorating,cooking and spending with family,so I want to put some pics from the holidays.

Fall Festival...

2010-10-25T21:25:00.011-04:00

We went to an awesome Fall Festival Saturday called Cox Farm and I wanted to share some photos.It's a ways from us in Centreville,Va,but if you ever get a chance to go,you'll love it.

Your children's textbooks...

2010-09-18T21:58:00.003-04:00

I just watched this program on tv about how school textbooks have been changed.All I can say is,have you looked through your kids textbooks?Are you keeping track of what your child is being taught in the classroom everyday?I believe parents should have the option to have live video feed of the classroom.They have it in daycares,homecare and most schools have computers,cameras and tv,so why can't there be the livefeed?If they're not willing,ask them why,what is it that causes the school to not allow parents access?

What I heard tonight of how history and reading books have been changed is very disturbing.There is a movement that has already been implimented in many states to teach tolerance,supposedly against bullying,but what has been attached to it is a "lifestyle" tolerance agenda.You need to become involved with your child's school and especially know the teacher's views and what they are teaching.Read through those books,have them bring all thier books home,if some are not allowed out of the classroom,go in and insist on reading through it.

crafting pics...

2010-09-15T23:24:00.013-04:00

Put scrapbook paper or giftwrap paper,glue a Christmas or Birthday card and frame.

I got this box from Joannes,filled it w/sewing things,open shelf that fabric,it inspires.

Box came from Target Christmas dishes,teacup cracked,use it for putting things in,primmed up tags in a jar.

I love Michaels boxes and also different color threads I get from Joannes.

I filled the box with some stamping items from Michaels and old Valentine cards.

This is an old tin,I fill them with anything,and at holidays I collect tins,like the Mrs Fields from Valentines Day.

Boxes from Michaels like at Easter,the best,pretty and cheap,the tall blue box has knitting needles in it.

I love rusting bells and safety pins.I get the keys from Michaels in scrapbook sections.Use them to throw in something or on tags.The jar is tied with primmed up candle wick from Walmart where oil lamps are sold.

Oh,I love mica,I've had this for years,got tons from Diana from Splinters and Rags and I use it esp at Christmas.She's so sweet and she still sells it.I need to get some more.

I love to oven dry oranges and sprinkle with cinnamon,mm mm. :)

This little potholder has faded alot,it was an iron on I made into a potholder and crocheted around it.

I love crocheting little doilies for cup mats and prim them up,do white ones also and crochet tons of snowflakes at Christmas.

I've been getting into this really big crafting mood.Maybe it's the Fall nesting time,but wanted to take some pics of a little this and a little of that.I'm thinking about starting to sell again,but I don't know it's been fun just playing with it.Anyway,I'll share some "getting myself inspired pics" I took today of some of my things.I keep tins and boxes and fill them up with yarn,thread,material,patterns,etc.

Finished Beach Afghan...

2010-09-14T17:06:00.003-04:00

I know the motifs aren't uniform,but that's just me,all uniform and tidy is sometimes boring.This has alot of the ocean colors in it and the rest just beachy colors.It has colors of the Florida sunset,sunrise and ocean,surrounded by sand. :)

2010-09-14T16:02:00.003-04:00

I was just playing around with some Fall decorating for my table.Did I say I love Fall? :)

My Colonial Box...

2010-09-09T10:03:00.001-04:00

Raggedy Buddies...

2010-09-08T08:29:00.004-04:00

I love the doll in the middle,you can tell the one different from mine. :) Andi of Tanner Creations made that for me,it is very special to me.I wish she'd start making dolls again,she's awesome.The two on the end are my first two dolls,yep you can tell,I am not a doll maker,but it was fun.Actually I think mine are kind of scary.LOL

These two dolls are from the 80's,got them for my daughter when she was a baby,I love them.

Pumpkin Delight...

2010-09-06T23:25:00.006-04:00

Oh,I am in Heaven,my daughter bought me a box of Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights. So,I just had to make my pumpkin spice syrup for my coffee.

Caramel syrup
Honey
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ground Cloves
Cinnamon

I just season to taste,go easy on the spices,especially the cloves,a little tad.I get my Morning Joe coffee from Target,best price I've found.I can't wait for the Pumpkin Spice creamora to come out.I always get little bear honeys,because I wash them up and reuse them.

Finishing on projects...

2010-09-06T00:35:00.006-04:00

I always have bits and pieces of fabric and old pieces given to me.I love the colonial blue look and had this paper mache box from Michaels for a long time.Don't you love it when you've been planning on doing something in like forever and you get inspired and actually do it?LOL Anyway I was in one of those moods tonight,as I actually got my schoolroom straight.I've been planning on doing that in August,school starts Tuesday,so about time,huh? Yep,one of those days I love when you feel like you've really accomplished something.I threw in a couple of pics of my colonial look jars,also. :)

Don't care what anyone says...it's Fall to me...

2010-09-04T16:11:00.005-04:00

This is my banana bread recipe,kitchen smells awesome with my apple cinnamon yankee candle burning.When it hits September,my Fall stuff comes out,I love the Fall.I don't care what the calendar says. :)

Banana Bread

4 mashed bananas
2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup(1 stick)butter
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
nuts is optional

Mix the flour,baking soda and baking powder.In seperate bowl mix eggs,sugars,vanilla and softened butter,mix together with flour and then mix in the bananas.Add nuts last. Bake at 350 degrees in 2 loaf(bread pans) approx 30 minutes,depending on your oven,could go 25,or longer.When brown on top and test by putting knife in,it will come out clean.

Here is my...
Sour Cream Banana Cake

And this was our dinner,husband's burgers,mm...

Tiramisu Brownie Squares

2010-09-02T03:49:00.002-04:00

One Christmas my friend made me this awesome rich,very rich brownie/coffee cake.It's addicting once you start eating it.I'll make it this Fall,but wanted to share the recipe with you...

Tiramisu Brownie Squares

1 package (19-21 ounces) brownie mix (plus ingredients to make cake-like brownies)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup instant coffee granules
1 container (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) cheesecake instant pudding and pie filling
20 chocolate crème-filled sandwich cookies, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels, grated
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray rectangular baker with oil. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cake-like brownies; pour into baker, spreading evenly. Bake 25-30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove to cooling rack; cool completely.

2. In a bowl, combine milk and instant coffee granules; stir until dissolved. Add half of the whipped topping and pudding mix; whisk until smooth. Coarsely chop cookies; fold into pudding mixture. Spread filling evenly over cooled brownie.

3. Attach open star tip to a decorator; fill with remaining whipped topping. Pipe diagonal rows, 1/4 inch apart, over entire surface of filling. Grate chocolate morsels over whipped topping. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Chill 30 minutes. Slice& Serve .

Yield: 20 servings or 30 sample servings

Labor Day Weekend...

2010-09-02T03:38:00.003-04:00

I'm excited,Saturday we'll be going back to Striblings Orchard in the mountains.Apples,jams,honey,pies,bread and the beautiful mountains.Here's my entry from last year of some beautiful pics I took...

http://soundinthemulberrytrees.blogspot.com/2009/09/back-to-shenandoah.html

I can't believe it's September already and school is starting this next week,I love homeschooling.Oh,and there's this little thing of a hurricane coming up the coast,Earl,yikes!I don't think it will effect us much,but we'll see.

Beach Afghan...

2010-08-24T15:11:00.005-04:00

This is what I'm finishing up now,sewing motifs together,all done with Caron Simply Soft yarn.I only have four across in the photos,but have six across now.Will post a photo when done. From the light blue out to the offwhite,is the colors of the ocean in vacation pics I took,the offwhite is ofcourse sand.The inner colors are photos of the sunrise and sunset with a few beach colors thrown in.

Beauty at the Pond...

2010-08-22T00:39:00.020-04:00

I wanted share some photos of a beautiful place in Virginia,it's a private pond that the owners keep like it was a Wonderland.They have a pavillion with a little kitchen,bathroom,picnic tables overlooking a handmade pond.Chairs are set out overlooking the pond with a waterfall on a big rock formation and a water fountain in the middle as to keep the pond moving,so it won't become stagnant.Around the pond are little wooden walkways and bridges with biblical sayings on stones and concrete animals.There is a ropeswing and paddleboats.It's amazing,you'd think it would be a place for tourists and pay to get in,but no,they share it with friends and churches in the area,baptisms and birthday parties.

Sonic and Krispy Kreme Day...

2010-08-07T22:03:00.005-04:00

Today was Sonic and Krispy Kreme Day.It was beautiful outside and a great day for driving around.Look for the picture where you can see the roller skates of the waitress that delivers our food.I love Sonic,it's so nostalgic as it reminds me of when I was a kid.You park in a drive up,press the red button when you're ready to order and a waitress roller skates your order to your car window.On another post I have pics of one of our Krispy Kreme trips.These are big deals to us since we have to drive quite a ways on 95 on a weekend,which is a feat in itself. :) So,we try to do it every couple of months and more often in the summer.

Sour Cream Banana Cake...

2010-07-19T00:07:00.007-04:00

Now,the best recipes are the ones passed down and you can always tell the best ones used over and over when the page is spotted with stains of ingredients.This recipe page was one that my mother in law used from a book she had for a long time.You can start your own traditions even in a new book,anything your kids remember you making as a special food and years later,they'll look at that recipe and it goes on and on.I as I usually do have altered a couple of things,so I'll add the alterations under the original cake recipe.

Sour Cream Banana Cake

1/4 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt(I never use full amt.)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed bananas(I use 3 really ripe ones)
1/2 cup chopped pecans(optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.Add eggs and vanilla,blend thoroughly.Combine flour,baking powder,soda and salt.Add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream,beginning and ending with dry ingredients.Add bananas and pecans,mixing until just blended.

Spoon batter into a greased and floured 13x9x2 inch pan.Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.Mine gets done around 35.Cool and frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Alterations of my recipe...
I use 1 cup of white sugar and 1/3 cup of brown sugar,instead of 1 1/3 cup of white sugar and I add 1 tsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 oz) box of powdered sugar
1 (4 oz) cream cheese (recipe calls for the whole 8 oz)
1 stick of softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 -3 tablespoons milk

You can use half a stick of butter,but I add the whole thing and after it's mixed up I add a little powdered sugar to thicken it up.Just a little bit at a time,though.

The photo above is telling you why I got inspired to cook an old recipe today,just seeing the ginger,cocoa,sugars,cloves,molasses and corn syrup.I had to do it,I had to pull out an old recipe for the day.I am going to make some gingerbread this week,the banana bread aroma filled the house,but that gingerbread is so so so my favorite smell.

July Morning and Weekend...

2010-07-18T23:40:00.004-04:00

COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE

I love our Little Molly...

I had to redo some of my plants today,as they are growing so well in the summer,they needed to be in bigger flowerpots.You can tell some I did,because the clay is still wet.

I was rummaging around and found my little ladybug twinklelights,so they had to come up.

Okay,can you Find The Little Bunny...hee hee

Click on the photos to enlarge...

2010-06-21T13:38:00.002-04:00

June Things...

2010-06-17T03:15:00.005-04:00

I've been making some July 4th things for around the house,finished one americana washcloth and started the other.Plus a little colorful afghan I've started,I'm just all about color lately.
As usual Molly is loving my yarn and wherever there's yarn,she'll be laying on it or next to it. :)

The baby bunnies are running around and we caught one of them peeping at us from within the flower bed in front yard.

I needed a couch cover and goodness they are expensive.I started looking around,found this King Size Egyptian Cotton bedspread,$25 at Target...Yay!!!

Yarn Yarn Yarn

2010-06-03T18:58:00.005-04:00

I went to Joanne's today to pick up some yarn and saw that a container I've wanted for some time,but was too much,was on sale.Yay!!!So,I got my daughter one for her writings and me one for what I'm working on and can just carry it around with me. I wanted to also show you a pic of a 9 point afghan I've started,just testing to see how I'd like it.I like it,it reminds me of ice cream,a great summer afghan.

9 point afghan round Ripple

Beg:
CH 4 and join with a SL ST to form a loop.
Row 1:
CH4 (to stand as 1DC and CH1) *1DC into loop, CH1*, Repeat * to * 7 times more. Join
with a SL ST into 3rd CH.
Row 2:
SL ST into first SP, CH3, 1DC into same SP, *CH2, 2DC into next CH SP*, Repeat * to *
7 times more, CH2, Join with a SL ST as before.
Row 3:
SL ST into next DC and into next SP, CH3, 1DC, CH2, 2DC into the same SP, [2DC, CH2,
2DC] (Shell made) into each SP to end of the row. Join as before.
Row 4:
SL ST into next DC, CH3, Shell into next SP, 1DC into next DC, *SK next 2DC, 1DC into
next DC, Shell into next SP, 1DC into next DC* repeat * to * to end of row. Join as
before.
Row 4 forms pattern so repeat this row as many times as you need to,if it starts to not lay flat, then do a round with just 1DC, CH2, 1DC into the point.I use my trusty old G size hook,but you can use whatever size hook you want.

June Things to do..

2010-06-03T02:34:00.002-04:00

Johnny Rockets...

2010-06-01T20:24:00.007-04:00

We went to eat at a really neat restaurant today,Johnny Rockets.It's decked out in a 50's style decor.We caught it at a good time,weekday,between lunch and dinner.On the weekends,it's packed.It was such a novelty to go there,but the thing is,it was clean with good food.It was fun,reminded me of the old fountains where when I was a kid would get a grilled cheese sandwich,fries and hot fudge sundae.Today I got the same thing,except a chocolate malt,mm.I had to take pictures of it,so when some customers had left,I quickly grabbed some pics. :) It made me want to start collecting 50's red chairs,appliances and some more kitchen accessories,fun.

http://www.johnnyrockets.com/index2.php

Baby Rabbits Eyes Are Open...

2010-06-01T20:22:00.003-04:00

2010-05-30T17:59:00.007-04:00

Guess what my husband found in the backyard in the grass...So adorable,five little bunnies in a little fur made nest.I couldn't get a pic of all five,just a quick pic of the inside,because my husband wanted to make sure he hadn't stepped on them before he knew they were even there.They're fine and you can see them jumping like jumping beans under the fur nest,so cute.Maybe when they're a little older I can take some pics.Right now we don't want the mother to become frightened and not come back to take care of them.He put more things around the top to give more cover for them.Later the mother came and we could see her eye peeking out of the brush at us.LOL

Crochet Working...

2010-05-26T20:17:00.010-04:00

I'm working on two different afghans,ofcourse,it's just me.First a six point round ripple blanket,it's all pink and I'll crochet some roses around it.Then mini granny squares into an afghan,I'm just all about afghans lately.

Yay!Finished Another Afghan...

2010-05-21T05:46:00.004-04:00

I finished this afghan and am on to doing a Hexagon One.I'll show progress on the new one as I work it.

Busy week...

2010-05-16T03:04:00.006-04:00

I've been putting my motifs together for my afghan so I can crochet the border around.Always the exciting part,because I know it's the near finish. :)

I've been doing spring cleaning,so off came the curtains.It sure made the room brighter,almost hated putting them back up.So,after I washed them,I just put up my white sheers.

I love my blue jars,fill them up with my dried flowers and roses and buttons.

My son got me a Iceberg Tea Rose plant for Mother's Day,I've since put on back deck.It needs full sun,but it makes so many roses and so beautiful,I hated to take it out.