Thrift Store Finds and My Crafts

Box of Blocks and other wooden items.

Old Tobacco Road Mystery Quilt

Nine-Patch Quilt. My Grandmother's favorite quilt pattern. This quilt is all sewn by hand.

Tiger Square Within Square quilt I made for Rich's Birthday. He loves big cats and I found this fabric at Joann's and knew exactly what I wanted to make with it.

This was my first Mystery quilt of Bonnie Hunter's.....Orange Crush.

This quilt is made using the Disappearing Nine-Patch pattern. It has 9 blocks within each big block......so I call it Rich's Suduko Quilt.

This is a Primitive American Flag I painted years ago.

No Crows Allowed....this is a cross-stitch piece that I made into a wall hanging by adding quilting around it.

I thought this cross-stitch was so Country....fits right in with my Country Kitchen.

Americana Sampler.

The display case is actually Rich's RC Cola crate. I thought it would look cute with my collection of mini's. I made the Sheep and Cow Pull Toys.....I plan on making some more out of my Thrift Store blocks. Rich made the little birdhouses out of walnuts. We had a heck of a time finding birds and eggs small enough for the birdhouses. He used some of my dried Queen Anne's Lace to embellish his birdhouses.

I thought I would upload some photos of a few of my crafts. As you can see I love to quilt, cross-stitch and paint. Those are just a few of my crafts. I also like to sew dolls and animals, clothes (I make Rich's Western shirts), crochet, knit, make Dotee dolls, Artist Trading Cards, Scrapbooking, jewelry making, salt dough, etc.

I went to my favorite thrift store on Friday. I found a few items in housewares to add to my collections......cobalt blue shot glass from Atlanta Olympics, Beer stein shaped like a boot from Harvey's in Lake Tahoe (Rich and I both worked there when we lived in Tahoe), pair of wolf pups on a plaque of wood, Tupperware strainer to replace the one that broke, a set of 4 plastic baskets that they served burgers and fries at 50's drive-ups and a 50's peanut butter glass. I went over to the craft section and sitting on the floor was a plastic bag of wooden blocks, wheels, beads, doll heads, finials, etc. I checked the price and it was $2. I headed for the check out with my treasures. All in all I only spent $4.45. What is nice is all the money from the thrift store goes to spaying and neutering unwanted cats and then finding forever homes for them.

I was so excited about my wooden pieces. Rich looked at them and asked what in the world was I going to do with all those pieces of wood. I showed him my little animal pull toys that I made and he changed his mind about the blocks. He still has doubts about the other pieces.

Busy Sewing!

I've been busy sewing on my various quilts the last few days. I'm trying to finish a couple of camping quilts before we leave to go camping with Dad and Mae on May 15th. I'm just sewing together bits and pieces of leftover fabric to make crazy tops. I'll post photos when I get them finished.

Speaking of photos.....I like to take photos of all my quilts that I make. I had several photos on my computer when it crashed one day. I hadn't had a chance to back up the photos........now I have to go back and retake the photos so I can have them printed out for a Quilt Brag Book. I wanted to get this project done so I can have it to show my 2 younger sisters, Nancy and Sandra when we are camping.

Oh, did I tell you that my 2 younger sisters and families will be camping with Dad and Mae the same weekend as we will in May. Now if I could just convince Bobbie and Mike to come for the weekend. All 4 of us girls would be together for the first time since our mother's funeral.

I'm off to work on my Camping Quilts some more today and maybe take some photos.

Save The Frogs Day

When I saw that today was Save The Frogs day I instantly thought of my sister, Nancy. She loves frogs.....has them all over her home. I found the cutest frog material and made her a quilted table runner for Christmas. I found her a pair of cute glass frog candle holders and placed battery operated mini votives in them. She said now she can have candles burning in her bedroom and not worry about fire.

Not all frogs are cute like Kermit........some can be deadly! But each and everyone of them deserves a full life. We all need to do what we can to protect and save the creatures of our planet.

Recipe of the Week

Before we know it Zucchini Season will be upon us. We will be searching for ways to use all of those zucchini that keep multiplying even if you rip out the plants by the roots. When my Grandfather was living and was able to garden he always planted enough zucchini for the family, friends, neighbors and those unsuspecting people that might stop by to visit. I swear even if you locked your car up while visiting.....those pesky zucchini found a way to get into the car. We would go home with a backseat full of them each and every time we visited during Zucchini season. I didn't want to waste any of the zucchini so I found various ways to use them.

ZUCCHINI BREAD

2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups shredded zucchini (if using frozen....be sure and drain well)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 loaf pans. Sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl whisk together oil, eggs, vanilla and sugar. Stir in flour mixture and remaining ingredients. Divide into prepared pans. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool on wire racks to room temperature.

Book Review: The Noticer

The Noticer by Andy Andrews
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Noticer is a small book compared to others. It only has 156 pages. However, within those pages are some powerful messages about life.

The story takes place in Orange Beach, Alabama. Folks are feeling unsure about their futures. An old drifter, named Jones, mysteriously makes his way through the town giving simple wisdom and sound hope. He doesn't tell people what they need to do to improve their lives. He helps them see the options. Then he lets them make the choices that are right for their lives.

The Noticer is not a book to pick up and read straight through in one sitting. You need to stop at the end of each chapter and absorb the message that is being learned by the people.

At the end of the book is a Reader's Guide for each chapter. This not only helps understand the book. It helps you place yourself in situations like the folks in Orange Beach, Alabama.

I would highly recommend this book for everyone. It will make you stop and think about the choices you have made in your life. It will help you realize that you, yourself are in charge of your destiny.

Andy Andrew's "The Noticer" is a must have book for your library.

Shirley
Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger

Earth Day Fair

Rich and I attended the Earth Day Fair this morning. It wasn't as nice as last year. There wasn't as many vendors or giveaways. They didn't have the people there that was giving away trees last year. We was looking forward to getting a couple of free trees to plant. We did get a couple more bird feeders (unassembled) and a bird house (unassembled)from US Wildlife. There was so many people building the bird feeders and bird houses that we just brought ours home unassembled. They had all the parts taped together, wires and nails were in boxes on the table. There was also free bags of bird seed for the feeders.

There was a lot of vendors there promoting solar heating and electricity, $300 compost machines and a lot of high priced gadgets. I wanted to see more practical and inexpensive ways of recycling, reusing and reducing waste.

Pepper Plants

I transplanted my sweet and chili pepper starts into larger pots yesterday. They look pretty good today. I also planted my small basil plants in a large planter bowl where I had some chives growing. I had to replant tomatoes as they got to tall and spindly. I might have to buy some tomato plants. I like the Roma tomatoes because they are meatier and make great pasta sauce. They also have fewer seeds......which I always wash out of regular tomatoes along with the slimy juice. Just don't like that part of tomatoes.

I hope to grow enough tomatoes and peppers to make pizza sauce, pasta sauce, relishes, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, vegetable soup and dehydrate some for cooking. If not I hope to be able to buy some at one of the local farms in our area.

Rich and I took inventory of what we have left of our home canned foods over the weekend. We got all the empty canning jars located together in one area. I've been purchasing jar lids since last canning season. I buy 2-4 dozen each time I do my bi-weekly grocery shopping. I have also purchased other items that I will need for canning along the way.

I wanted to can some asparagus but could not find it at an affordable price. It's not a savings if you have to pay over $2 a pound for it......by the time you clean and discard the tough ends it would be too expensive. I did buy a little and put it up in the freezer. It's not as good as canned......but still tasty.

Feeling Sad and Angry

Yesterday Rich and I drove around the countryside of our hometown, Medford Oregon. During the spring when we were growing up our families would drive around the countryside and see and smell the beautiful pear orchards. There was thousands and thousands of pear trees dotted all around the Rogue Valley. The smell was at times overpowering and could cause you to sneeze. We always knew that after the spring blossoms we would soon see the small pears forming. Then in late August and early September the harvest would start. Our families always canned Bartlett pears that would find there way to our tables during the cold, damp winter.

Yesterday, when we drove through the countryside around Medford........gone was our beloved pear orchards. Now there are vineyards where once the mighty pear trees grew. Or even worse........the subdivisions that cover the acreage where the mighty pear trees grew. Rich and I was both saddened and angry over what so-called progress has done to our beloved hometown.

Earth Day 2009

Happy Earth Day to all my family and friends. Today is a day to celebrate our wonderful Earth and to learn more about taking care of it.

Rich and I have been busy this morning getting ready to go to the dump. We only have approximately 1 trash can of garbage every 6 - 8 weeks....sometimes it isn't full. We try to recycle as much as possible. Today is recycling day......tin cans, plastics, milk jugs, newspaper, etc. We usually only take items for recycling every other month.

The Earth Day Fair will be this Saturday at the fairgrounds. Last year we attended and had a lot of fun. We got lots of information, free samples, 2 trees to plant and we got to build birdhouses, bird feeders and suet feeders.

Rich's Vacation

Photo is Rich and I celebrating our 10th Wedding anniversary at my parent's home.

Today is officially Rich's first day of vacation. Can you believe that we got to sleep in this morning. Rich got up at 2:30am and fed Misty and she didn't wake us up at 4am and we slept until 6:30am before waking up.

Rich went and washed the van and vacuumed it out this morning at the local car wash. I've been out puttering in the garden. Everything is looking good so far. I did have to get some Snail and Slug killer the other day and put on the garden. I hate using the stuff but it is the only way to get rid of the snails and slugs. They can devour a whole area in the garden before you can see the buggers.

We've been eating green onions already and soon should have radishes to eat. The garlic and multiplying onions are doing good. I have 28 garlic plants that I will harvest later this summer. I dry most of the heads and then grind into powder to use for cooking. I will use some in dill pickles and cooking. It sure tastes better than the store bought stuff.

My basil is growing like crazy!!!!!!!! I had received 3 small packages of seeds free and I planted them a couple of weeks ago. There is lemon, Genovese and Dark Purple Opal varieties. I would have to say the Dark Purple Opal variety is growing the best so far.

I also have tomato, green pepper and chili pepper plants that are doing good. I need to transplant the tomatoes into bigger pots. The pepper plants will probably need transplanted next week. It's still not warm enough to plant the tomatoes and peppers out in the garden yet.

I would love to have a greenhouse for my seedlings. I keep wishing and dreaming for one.

Well, I better go see what Rich wants to do today! Tomorrow we are going into Medford as I have to go see my rheumotologist for my fibromyalgia. It's a 6 month checkup. Then we are going to visit Rich's parents, my sister Bobbie and my brother-in-law Mike and several friends that we don't get to see often.

Trying to Prepare Food Menu

You would think that preparing a 2 week menu for 2 adults would be easy! Right? NOT!!!!

The trouble is not with me......I'm fairly easy to please. I can do without meat, love most fruits and veggies, brown rice and other grains and will willingly try new recipes.

The problem lies with my other half.......he has to have meat - preferably beef and ground, his idea of veggies is potatoes, carrots, corn and green beans, his idea of fruits is cantaloupe, apples, bananas, canned pears, applesauce and occasionally canned peaches, white rice and no other grains, pasta.....but not whole wheat or no yolks, eggs, milk and cheese....as long as it is Cheddar, Pepper Jack and occasionally Mozzarella on his pizza, pepperoni, salami and bologna, white flour.....no wheat or other funny flours as he calls them, chocolate and plenty of it and of course his beloved Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Syrup and is worse than a child when introduced to a new recipe.

I am trying to develop healthier recipes because Rich was diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic. He now has to take oral medication daily as I do. We both need to lose weight and the only way we are going to do that is Healthier Eating and Exercise.

It is so hard to introduce new recipes to Rich. As I said he is worse than a child. He tells me that he doesn't like the food before he will even take a bite. If the recipe looks healthy or has an ingredient he doesn't like at times he won't even try it. I consider myself a good cook......I cook home-style and don't do a lot of fancy dishes.

My moaning and groaning are not going to help me prepare my menu and shopping list for tomorrow. I'm off to try again and see what I can find......and maybe some tricks to hid some healthy ingredients into our foods so Rich can't see them!!!!!!

Win a Panasonic Inverter Micowave

Over at The Mom Buzz blog she is having a giveaway for a Panasonic Inverter Microwave. Let me tell you this is a top of the line microwave that can do everything except for the shopping.

Check it out!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Been Snowing This Morning

Around 7am I looked out the kitchen window and it was SNOWING!!!!!!!! It was coming down in big huge flakes. The porch and pickup was covered with snow. Not much but still covered. The snow lasted for about 30 minutes and then stopped. The snow has all melted. I did take photos this morning but I'm having technical difficulties downloading them onto computer.

Snow today........wonder what Tax Day tomorrow will bring with the weather??????

Misty's Favorite Place to Sleep

At night Misty loves to sleep in our bedroom in front of the dresser. She will stick her little paws under the edge to get the warmth from the heater vent. We have to be careful in the middle of the night if we get up so we don't step on her.

Recipe of the Week

ZESTY TOMATOES

These pints of spicy tomatoes are ready for casseroles and skillet suppers, or any recipe calling for stewed tomatoes with green chilies.

12 medium tomatoes
3 green peppers, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
1 cup water
3 garlic cloves, minced
2-4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon salt

Scald, peel and chop tomatoes; place in a kettle. Add remaining ingredients. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 45 minutes, stirring often. Cool slightly; pack into freezer containers. Yield: 3 pints.

Note: I freeze my Zesty Tomatoes in Zip-Lock bags. They lay flat in the freezer for easier storage.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all my family and friends.

Tornado hits Mena, Arkansas

This morning I was shocked when I saw that Mena, Arkansas had been hit by a tornado. My Dad grew up in and around Mena. In fact, Dad and Mae are back in that area on vacation right now.

Dad and Mae was supposed to visit my Aunt Velma who lives in Arkansas. I called her this morning and asked if she had seen Dad and Mae. She said that they had spent the night at her house and then on Thursday they left for Branson, Missouri. They were going to spend a couple of days in that area. That made me feel better to know that they was in Missouri.

Dad and Mae are supposed to be attending a family reunion in the Mena area on the 18th. We have several cousins in that area. I pray that they are all okay!

UPDATE: I TALKED TO MAE'S SON THIS MORNING AND HE HAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM DAD AND MAE LAST NIGHT FROM THEIR MOTEL IN MISSOURI! They were miles away from the area. I'm still praying that my cousins that live in that area are safe. No word from anybody yet!

SATURDAY UPDATE: Dad called me last night. He said he knew that I would be worried and wouldn't rest until I heard from him. Yep.......he was right. They are headed back to my Aunt Velma's and then they well be headed down to Mena and surrounding area.

Have you finished those Easter projects????

Have you finished those Easter projects yet? I know I haven't finished Rich's Easter basket yet? Still trying to decide what to put all his Easter goodies into this year. Do I do a decorated bucket........A decorated cloth bag........A decorated basket.....decisions, decisions.

I had to find the perfect Chocolate Bunny for Rich. He doesn't like the solid chocolate bunny so I had to find a hollow bunny. I was shopping at Walgreen's and found the perfect bunny and peanut butter eggs. I then found packages of small peanut butter eggs, jelly beans and some filled Sports ball eggs at the Dollar Tree.
I made a cute crocheted bunny to go with the goodies. I will make a batch of Soft Rolled Sugar Cookies in Easter shapes tomorrow.

I know that I have to get busy and decide what type of container I'm going to use for Rich's Easter Goodies.

Recipe of the Week

SLOPPY JOES

See note below.

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup catsup
1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
6 Hamburger buns, split and toasted

Cook and stir gournd beef and onion in 10-inch skillet until beef is brown; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients except buns.

Cover and cook over low heat just until vegetables are tender, 10-15 minutes. Fill buns with beef mixture. Serves 4-6.

Note: I add 1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning to mixture. I also serve open-face with grated cheese, chopped green onions and sliced olives.

Book Review: His Name Is Jesus by Max Lucado

When I first received the book I was in awe of the beautiful slipcover covering the book. When I pulled out the book it was just as beautiful inside and out. The pages are beautifully illustrated. The book covers the life of Jesus from birth to His resurrection and beyond. It is written in layman's words and easily understood by all.

I was impressed how this book was written. Each chapter is like a short story. At the end of each chapter you need to stop and reflect upon what you have read. It is not a book that you read from cover to cover in one sitting. The more I read about Jesus' life I found myself thirsting for more. Throughout the book there are references to the Bible for further in depth reading.

As you follow Jesus through his life you find out that Jesus struggled in his life just as we do in our daily lives. I feel that the book followed along with the Bible teachings that I have learned over the years.

I would recommend this book to both people that are just learning about Jesus and to those who need to be reminded of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. After reading this book you will find that it has touched your heart.

Shirley Bishop
Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger

Update on Van

I do believe that we should go back to riding a horse for transportation!!!!!!!!

After doing more research on problem with van starting yesterday......Rich decided that it was the starter.

This morning Rich was ready for work and tried and tried to get van started.....no way....Jose!!!!!! So Rich called in and told them he wouldn't be in today.

As soon as our favorite auto repair shop opened Rich got the van started finally and drove down to the shop.

Diagnosis: Starter needs replaced. Cost: $215 Ready: Today at noon!

The cost may sound terrible to some.......some might think that we should just buy a new car.......fact is the van was paid for with cash at the time we bought it. In the 5 years we have owned it we have only spent $854 for repairs. Broken down over 5 years thats $178 per year or $15 a month........I don't think we could buy a new car for $15 a month.

In a few hours Kermie will be back on the road. Yep........we call the van Kermie.....like Kermit the Frog.

UPDATE: Kermie is back on the road and running like a charm!

Potatoes, Onion Sets, Lettuce and Our Van

We own a 94 Plmouth Voyager Le van like the one in the photo. Ours is the same color. You might wonder why I tittled my post as I did.

Yesterday I told Rich that I was going to go to Canyonville.....small community about 9 miles south of where we live. I was going to Commonwealth nursery to see if they had any seed potatoes left. I'm a little late planting them and hadn't been able to find any when I shopped last week.

They had a nice selection of seed potatoes. They had Yukon Gold, Red Pontiacs and Russets. I decided to get Yukon Gold and Red Pontiacs. I grow my potatoes in potato sacks so I only needed 3 pounds. They were 80 cents per pound.

Then I found some yellow onion sets.....we harvest some as green and leave the rest to mature.

I loved the look of the mixed lettuce starts so I bought a 6- pack of them to plant for salads.

By now you are probably wondering about the van. You see I don't drive it more than 3-5 times per month. Rich drives it to work 5 days a week. When I got in the van it didn't want to start. Rich came out and told me to pop the hood. He jiggled the positive battery cable and the van started. He told me that it okay now and I shouldn't have any problems. Yeah right!!!!!!!!!!

The van started fine when I left the nursery. I needed to stop at the small store and pick up a couple of items. When I came out the van wouldn't start no matter what I tried. I had to call Rich. Our pickup is currently running so he had to ask a neighbor to drive him to Canyonville where I was waiting.

When they got there they tried everything to get it started. They thought that the starter might have went out. I panicked when our neighbor said that he could tow it back to our house with his vehicle. My Dad taught me to never tow a vehicle that was an automatic. So, I told Rich and our neighbor that I would rather the van be towed home. I went to call a tow truck and they got the van started before I could call. That was a relief as we don't have towing on the van.......we will have as soon as I can get signed up for AAA.

When we got home the van started up just fine.

Somehow, I don't think the van likes me.......because if it is going to act up it does it when I'm driving it.

This morning we decided to go get the newspapers. It wouldn't start again. Finally Rick dropped the gear shift down into neutral and it started. So Rich thinks it something in the ignition switch area that needs replaced.

Tomorrow Rich will be checking to see where he can get it fixed.

I'll be scrunching the budget to get it repaired.

Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger

I'm so excited a few weeks ago I applied to become a Book Reviewer with Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was accepted and could order a new book to review. I ordered my book, "His Name is Jesus" by Max Lucado. Today my book was delivered by UPS.

Now I get to read the book and then post a review of at least 200 words here on my blog and also on a commercial site......such as Amazon.com, etc. Then I will be able to order another book to review.

Being a book reviewer is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

Stay tuned in a few days for my review of "His Name is Jesus" by Max Lucado.

Research on Lap Band Surgery

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion about Lap Band Surgery. If you have had this procedure done......I salute you because you have more gumption than me!

As some of you know I struggle with my weight. I will admit I'm addicted to food.....especially carbohydrates.

I've been considering Lap Band Surgery. My insurance will cover the expenses....I've checked on that already. I know where to find the doctors in my area that will do the surgery. I've been reading how you eat after having the procedure done.........I JUST DON'T THINK I CAN LIVE THAT WAY.......no matter how much I want to lose weight.

I found the following information on About.com Women's Health

The first 3 to 4 days following Adjustable Gastric Lap-Band surgery patients must follow a clear liquid diet. Failure to follow the prescribed diet can cause complications such as band erosion or slippage that require additional surgery.

If you are a regular coffee, tea, or soda drinker you should be aware that no caffeine is permitted for the first three months after surgery. Carbonated beverages; both diet and regular may cause gas, bloating, and an increase in stomach size due to the carbonation and are not recommended at any time for Lap-Band patients. HOW CAN I GO 3 MONTHS WITHOUT TEA?????? LET'S FACE IT.....I'M ADDICTED TO DIET DR. PEPPER.

The second phase of the Lap-Band diet consists of 5 to 6 weeks of a modified full liquid diet; the key component of this phase is consuming two ounces of a protein shake every hour for ten to twelve hours a day with two ounces of other liquids such as soup, baby food, or sugar-free gelatin three times a day. I'D DROWN DRINKING THAT MUCH LIQUID......WOULDN'T I?????????

During the second six weeks following Lap-Band surgery patients may eat food that is shredded in a food processor prior to eating. The basic foods on the Lap-Band diet include meats or other forms of protein, vegetables, and salads. The Lap-Band diet does not include most bread, potatoes and other starchy vegetables. The length of these phases may be altered according a patient’s personal weight and weight loss goals – my first phase is five weeks, followed by a two week second phase. NO BREAD, POTATOES......WHAT WOULD I LIVE ON????????

Eating after Adjustable Gastric Lap-Band surgery means taking tiny bites, and eating very slowly. You should think of your new stomach as a “baby” stomach. You’ll be drinking protein shakes and relearning eating skills much the same way as a new baby eats formula (or breast milk), and slowly adds new foods from blended baby foods to chunkier baby foods.

Certain foods may never be well tolerated by Lap-Band patients. These foods include:

* Meats that are especially tough such as steak and pork chops. Some Lap-Band patients have difficulty digesting other meats that contain gristle such as hamburger.
* Oranges and grapefruits may not be tolerated unless the membrane is removed before eating.
* The seeds and/or skins of all fruits and vegetables.
* High fiber vegetables such as celery and sweet potatoes.
* Spicy foods.
* Fried foods.
* Certain spices including cinnamon, pepper, or onion or garlic salt.
* If you are unable to tolerate milk, it’s important to add other calcium and protein rich foods such as cottage cheese. Dry milk can be added to foods for added protein. I JUST DON'T THINK I COULD GIVE UP EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST!!!!

Any medicine you take may need to be adjusted following Lap-Band surgery since you will not be able to swallow pills that are aspirin-size or larger, or capsules or irregular-shaped pills. THIS WOULD BE A MAJOR PAIN FOR ME.....AS I TAKE SEVERAL LARGE PILLS.....SOME THAT SAY DO NOT SPLIT OR CRUSH.

So, in conclusion........I'm just going to go back on a low carb eating plan and start walking 1 hour 5 days a week. I lost 85 pounds before........and I can do it again.

Whenever I feel sorry for myself and feel deprived......I'LL REMEMBER WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT HOW YOU HAVE TO EAT AFTER LAP BAND SURGERY....and be thankful that bread, potatoes, etc. are not FORBIDDEN......just limited!

Recipe of the Week

CLASSIC PEAR CRISP

This recipe is one of Rich's favorites. Rich and I both grew up in Southern Oregon....famous for Pears. We can several dozen quarts of pears each year. We never seem to have enough to last from season to season. I found this recipe on the side of a Western Family Crisp Rice cereal box. Rich rated it 5-Star.

Pear Mixture

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cans - 15 oz. sliced pears, drained

Topping

1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup Crispy Rice cereal.....Rice Krispies
1 1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9 x 9 - inch glass Pyrex pan combine the pear mixture ingredients and toss gently until combined. Spread evenly in the pan.

In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the topping. Using your fingers break up the margarine into very smal pieces and blend it into the other ingredients.

Spread the topping mixture evenly over the pear mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

Serves 4-6.

Miscellaneousfinds4u Giveaway

Check out the Miscellaneousfind4u website!!!!!!!!!! They are a Seattle-based product review team. It's nice to have someone on the West Coast doing reviews.

They not only do reviews.....they have community services, contests and giveaways, discounts and freebies, and freezer cooking.

Right now they are having a giveaway for bloggers. You can win a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate.

Hurry on over and check them out. Giveaway ends 3/30/09.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

Recipe of the Week

Photo is my home canned Mandarin Oranges. They were on sale for $2.99 for a 5 pound box so I bought 3 boxes. Rich loves them so he took them in his lunch and ate them for snacks. I had canned regular oranges before so I thought I would try my luck with the Mandarins. I used a very light syrup to enhance the sweetness of the Mandarins. They turned out tasty. I'll can more next winter when they are on sale again.

POPPY SEEDED LEMON DROP COOKIES

These are my Dad's favorite cookies. He always looks for them in his Goodie bag that I make for him for his birthday and holidays.

3/4 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 t. lemon extract
1 3/4 c. flour
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
2 T. poppy seeds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets, or use non-stick sheets.

Beat together the butter and sugar until soft and creamy. Add the egg and lemon extract and blend well. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds; blend into the creamed mixture.

Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheets, leaving 2-inches between the drops. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Makes 3 1/2 dozen 2 1/2-inch cookies.

The Ultimate Blog Party 2009

Hey Everybody, check out The Ultimate Blog Party 2009. There's lots of friendships and prizes going on out there in Blogland. You'll find the button on the right side of my blog. So, hit the button and start having fun and meet some new friends. Maybe you'll get lucky and win a prize.

A little about me: I'm Shirley. I've been married to Rich for almost 36 years. We have no children.....just a very spoilt furbaby, Misty. Rich and I are both native Oregonians. We live within 80 miles of where we were both born. As you probably already noticed.......I have a passion for wolves. My website is dedicated to my wonderful hubby, Rich and my best friend, Danny who lost his battle with ALS on December 26, 2004. You will find that I blog about a lot of different things. I love to quilt, scrapbook, garden, and cook. You will also notice that I love animals and Mother Nature.

I have recently started back using coupons to stretch my grocery budget. I used to do it years ago. When I went to work full time I stopped using coupons.....in fact we ate out a lot and I didn't prepare meals the way I do now. Rich and I usually worked different shifts and different days off. Now that I'm unable to work and we only have Rich's income I have found my way back to being frugal and using coupons. I basically cook from scratch and buy very little packaged foods.

There are so many cool prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party, but my top three picks would be:

58 Kitchen Aide Artisan Stand Mixer
89 $100 Gift Card to Home Goods
19 $50 Gift Card to Target

And if my top three picks are already chosen, I’d love any of the following (in order of preference):

21, 22, 26, 68, 86, 91, 113, 109, 72, 114, 20, 43, 51, 103, 95, 55, 64, 17, 12, 11, 6, 2, 13, 65, 80 and 85.

New Quilting Blog

You Can Make This is starting a new blog......You Can Quilt This! They are having a drawing for a sewing machine. So, join the fun and maybe you might be a winner!

Request From The Rainbow Bridge

I found this poem today and thought it might be a comfort to my friend, Gina at CaT Paw inN PriMiTiveS that lost her beloved.....Otto Biscuit. My friend, may you find comfort when you read this poem.


REQUEST FROM THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Weep not for me though I am gone,
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long,
Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest,
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife,
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

Author Constance Jenkins

Happy Birthday, Bobbie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shirley and Bobbie....1964

Shirley and Bobbie....1964

Bobbie and her future husband, Michael Gray....Prom 1982

Bobbie....Senior Photo 1982

Bobbie and Mike celebrating their 25th anniversary in Maui....2008

Bobbie....2009


Happy, Happy Birthday to my sister, Bobbie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You were a cute little baby and you have grown into a beautiful woman.

Love, Shirley

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's only fitting that I post today on St. Patrick's Day.....after all my Irish ancestors can be traced back to 16th century Ireland. I get this part of my ancestry from my maternal grandfather........Jack Everett McGuire, Sr.

Grandpa had a sense of humor and he loved to laugh. He loved fishing, gardening, traveling, professional wrestling and most of all his family. Grandpa and Grandma did a lot of traveling during their life. Grandpa always said that nothing made him happier than to have a chunk of cheese, a chunk of bologna and soda pop while traveling. I guess that is where I get my junk food cravings while traveling. Yes, I always have a box of goodies and an ice chest with my cold drinks in the van when we travel.

Grandpa and Grandma always had a huge garden with lots of veggies and flowers. At times gardening was hard for Grandpa because he was disabled and had to use a crutch to get around. He had polio when he was a child and that weakened his legs. Then as a young man his back was injured in a accident. Grandpa and Grandma preserved hundreds of jars of fruit, meat and veggies each year for their family. They had 11 children........2 died in childhood. They had 9 boys and 2 girls. There was always somebody around to help Grandpa with the heavy stuff.

My favorite food that Grandma canned was Green Beans with Tiny New Potatoes. I could eat a quart of them by myself. I've never tasted any as good as Grandma's. I'm going to try canning some myself this year. She also canned Strawberries that could be used on Strawberry Shortcake. Mom said that she just thickened the juice with a little bit of cornstarch......I tried once to can them that way and mine didn't turn out like Grandma's. I found a recipe for canning Strawberries that are not supposed to float. You are supposed to be able to use them for Strawberry Shortcake. I thought I would try one batch and see how they turn out. Now I just have to wait for Strawberries!

Grandpa raised a lot of the meat the family needed. Each fall there would be 1 -2 hogs, 1 - 2 steers and lots of chickens to butcher. Grandpa had a cow or 2 for years. Yep, Grandpa was right out there milking both morning and evening. He would bring the buckets of milk in the house and Grandma would take care of it. She always skimmed off the cream. She used the cream for whipping and most important of all.......butter. I loved it when we got to take home cream to make butter. I used to get in trouble all the time because I would shake the jar of cream on the way home and Mom would have to finish off the butter. She would tell me not to shake it up......and I did it anyway. Oh, how beautiful and tasty that butter was on Mom's biscuits.

All of my grandparents are gone now. I cherish all the memories and the skills I learned from each of them.

To Thong or not to Thong?

On Wednesday Bridgette at The Not-So-Blog Blog posts Wordless Wednesday's. Check out the one for this week at this link

Enough said!!

Recipe of the Week

ONE-STEP POUND CAKE

I thought I would share a easy recipe for pound cake. I use slices of this cake as a base for Strawberry Shortcake.....add sweetened, sliced strawberries and whipped cream. Yummy!!!!!!!! Rich would eat Strawberry Shortcake every day if I would let him. During Strawberry season you will find us busy freezing sliced, slightly sweetened bags of berries to enjoy all year around.

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
4 large eggs
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 9" fluted tube pan...I usually bake in 9-inch loaf pan. In bowl beat all ingredients except powdered sugar and lemon juice, 3 minutes. Pour into pan. Bake 55-60 minutes, until cake tests done. Cool, 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan; cool. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice; drizzle over cake. Serves 12.

Check out Craft Critique

Craft Critique is having a awesome Giveaway! Go over and check it out! You won't be disappointed.

Fibromyalgia and Me

Most of you know that I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in February 2005. At first there was a lot of days that I could hardly function. Getting out of bed was even hard at times. I've learned over the years to pace myself so I can accomplish most of my housecleaning, cooking, shopping, etc.

Saturday morning I didn't pace myself and since around noon yesterday I have been paying the price. I had to go to bed around noon yesterday and slept until almost 4pm. When I got up I felt as if a semi-truck had ran over me and then backed up and ran over me again. I could barely move......every inch of my body was in pain. I ended up going back to bed around 5:30pm and spent a very painful night of tossing and turning, moaning and groaning. Poor Rich, I don't know how he got any rest last night.

This morning I tried to get ready to attend church services. I ended up sitting on the side of the bed in tears because I hurt so bad. Rich tried to give me a comforting hug this morning........I screamed out in pain......even him touching my skin today is painful.

I've spent most of the day in bed resting. I just got up a little while ago and thought I would check my emails and post on my blog. Just sitting here in the computer chair is painful for me today.

You are probably wondering what I did yesterday morning to cause all my discomfort. I moved a few books, dusted the headboard of our bed and helped Rich change the sheets on the bed. Rich did most of the heavy cleaning in our bedroom yesterday. I did not feel that I was doing too much until the pain began.

I would not wish Fibromyalgia on my worst enemy!!!!!!!!

Giveaway at Quilting Ranny's

Quilting Ranny is having a fantastic March Spring Giveaway on her site. There will be 3 prizes.......3 winners.

She is giving away a Sewing Machine Caddy, Quarter Yard Spring Tulip fabric and a Set of 4 magnetic grocery shopping lists.

Check out her site and be sure and post on one of your comments that you heard about her contest on my blog. We'll both get extra entries in the giveaway!!!

Good Luck!!

Coupons, Dotte Dolls, Quilt Blocks........Busy, Busy, Busy

I've been busy trying to organize my coupons and make out my shopping list for tomorrow. I stocked my pantry a couple of weeks ago so I don't need much in the line of groceries.........just a few things I forgot. I have all my coupons clipped and organized into a binder and ready for shopping.

I have my list of things I want to purchase at Walgreen's tomorrow. I've only shopped there a couple of times but I'm addicted to their bargains. I'm working on stocking my household products for the pantry. Walgreen's offers some great buys on shampoos, soaps, ect.

I love Dotee Dolls.........I have several in my collection. I mostly swap with other ladies on Swapbot.com I'm signed up for 7 swaps......each swap I will make 1 Dotee doll. I always make 2 of each Dotee Doll that I swap.......Rich insists that I keep 1 for collection. I have my collection of Dotee Dolls hanging between my kitchen/dining area and living area. I have a vaulted ceiling in the living area and there is a small wall above the entrance into the kitchen/dining area. Misty loves to sit and watch the Dotee dolls.....as the sunlight shines on the sparkles, beads and when the window is open or furnace is running they will twirl. Thank Goodness they are hanging up high or she would have them down playing with them.......especially the red ones. She loves to grab my red yarn and take off through the house with it dragging behind her.

I just finished a St. Patty's Day Dotee and a Spring Garden Tea Dotee. They will be leaving here tomorrow for their new homes in Arkansas and Wisconsin. Of course, my 2 Dotee dolls will join their sisters in my collection.

The Spring Garden Tea Dotee was a lot of fun to make. I used a pretty floral with pink roses for the body. I crocheted a light brown straw hat and threaded pink ribbon around the crown and then tied in bow. For the hair I braided a darker brown yarn and tied with matching pink bows. I added pink silk roses across the top of her hair. I found the cutest miniature wooden teapots at Michael's. I glued one to the front of the doll. I added pink and crystal beads for the tail and a gold hanger.

The St. Patty's Dotee turned out cute. I used St. Patty's Day fabric for the body, Dark Green yarn for the hair, crocheted a light brown straw hat and threaded green ribbon around the crown and tied in bow. I glued Dark Green buttons to the front of the dress. I used green and crystal beads for the tail and a gold hanger.

I will post a photo this weekend of the Dotee Dolls.......need new batteries....which are on sale at Walgreen's......for my camera.

I'm a member of the Quilt N' Friends Yahoo group. Each month we have a Block of the Month swap. There are 6 ladies in each group and we exchange 1 quilt block. This month we have 3 choices for blocks.......Shoofly, Sarah's Choice, Spinner. They are all pretty! I haven't decided which one that I will make for the ladies in my groups.......yes, I'm in 2 different groups. That means that I will be making 10 blocks for the ladies and 2 blocks for myself. Good thing that Joann's is having a big sale soon on quilting fabric. I'm getting low on some of my colors and need to replenish. I believe that they are going to have quilting fabric for $1.99 yard. I'll have to double check my new flyer that I just got yesterday.

So, as you can see I'm always busy doing something around the house.

Did I mention that soon it will be time to start working out in the garden. According to my Irish Grandfather.........potatoes need to be planted on March 17th. I better get shopping for my potato seed soon!!!!!!!!!!!

Recipe of the Week

VEGETARIAN ENCHILADAS***

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups frozen ground beef substitute crumbles
10 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
4 ounce can chopped green chilies, undrained
10 ounce can enchilada sauce
8 ounce can tomato sauce
10 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Cojack cheese

In large skillet, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add beef crumbles, soup, milk, and chilies. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes.

Spray 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine enchilada sauce and tomato sauce. Pour 1 cup of this sauce into bottom of prepared pan. Soften corn tortillas by wrapping them in foil and placing in a 350 degree oven for 5-8 minutes.

Fill corn tortillas with crumbles mixture and roll up. Place on top of sauce in pan. Pour remaining sauce over filled enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 309-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5-10 minutes longer, until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly. Serves 6.

*** You can substitute 2 cups of cooked, crumbled ground beef instead of using the vegetarian ground beef. I have made this recipe both ways and it is very tasty.

March........already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seems like March has arrived before I knew it! Soon it will be time to plant potatoes......according to my Irish heritage!!!!!! March is also time to celebrate St. Patty's Day. But the most important happening to me in the month of March is my sister, Bobbie's birthday on March 18th.

Some of you know that I was an only child until I was almost 12 years old. I was shocked to say the least when my mother told me that I was going to be getting a little brother or sister in March. I had always wanted a sibling or two. I was so envious when my friends would talk about their brothers and sisters. I never thought I would ever get a brother or sister of my own.

We was living in Fort Dick, CA just outside Crescent City, CA at the time that Bobbie was born. She was born at the hospital in Crescent City. The hospital sat right next to the Pacific Ocean. I could see the seals playing in the ocean from the waiting room. Bobbie was born on March 18th and we got to bring her and Mom home 2 days before the 1964 Tidal Wave hit Crescent City. Several floors of the hospital was flooded. The maternity ward and nursery were located in the basement and they ended up totally under the water.

Bobbie was a good baby......she only cryed when she was hungry, thirsty, sleepy, wet or messy diapers or when she wanted attention. After a while I was beginning to think that maybe we should take her back and bring home one of the seals..........after all they were cute and didn't seem to require too much care.

Finally I got used to not being the center of attention and I started helping with Bobbie's daily care........giving her a bath was a lot of fun......not sure who had more water on them.......Bobbie or me!!!!!!!!!!

Hard to believe that my little sister is all grown up with a family of her own. She and Mike celebrated their 25th anniversary last year and they have a beautiful daughter who is in college.

Bobbie, is one of my best friends and I love her dearly. I wish that we lived closer so we could get together more often. We both love photography, cooking, sewing, scrapbooking, flowers and all kinds of crafts.

Well, I better get going and finish my list of seeds and plants for the garden that I have been working on this morning.