Whole Lotta Cookin' Goin On

"Cooking is like making love...you do it well or you do not do it at all"

~Harriet van Horne

Well, I don't know about that quote I chose for today's post : ) Yesterday I was able to get into the kitchen and do some cooking and it felt good. I started with a pot of cream of potato soup, followed by navy bean soup with ham...including a cornbread for good measure.

I didn't get a picture of the potato soup, but it was good.

My mom is holding her own for the moment, and looking forward to coming home on Thursday, the 12th. The plan is for her to go home and see how she fares. I plan to make daily visits, perhaps more than one a day....so I just finished polishing my running shoes.

I have picked up the needles so rarely lately there's no progress to share. Really, just sitting here writing is pure joy today, albeit short-lived. I'm off to a bridal shower and then to the hospital. The weather here is warmer and sunny, and I've even heard a chirp or two from the other side of the window.....another blessing.

Hope you are happy and feeling blessed today.

"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark."
~R. Tagore

"Into Each Life A Little Rain Must Fall"

Hello.

Missed you.

Where to begin? The easiest explanation is that while I was away, life just kept on happening. The most difficult part is that my mom has been in the hospital for 10 days. That sweet little thing began to bleed internally, wound up getting four units of blood and enduring a 2 hour procedure. Mom is currently on the Rehab floor, trying to build up her strength. She is much changed, but I am hoping she'll be more herself once she is home.

During the long days at the hospital I developed a cold that I can't seem to shake yet. I have returned to work for the time being......I am being conservatively optimistic as to whether I will stay working.

Not too much has gotten accomplished here at the 'Acre or on the craft front. I did, however, try something new to snack on and it's very easy.

Pop some lite popcorn (microwave is fine), shake out the unpopped kernels and set aside. Next, melt 12 oz. of good quality white chocolate over a double boiler. Pour over popcorn, mixing thoroughly. Spread popcorn out on waxed or parchment paper, sprinkle with fine colored "sprinkles" and allow to set. Store in an airtight container and enjoy. It's delicious!

Sweet Susan tagged me for a picture meme....but it was a while ago and I've forgotten all the particulars. So sorry to bungle this, Susan. Despite my ineptness, I want to participate....so here's a picture of my two favorite girls.

Emily Margaret with Grandma Margaret

I may have mentioned how much I enjoy Valentine's Day. Earlier plans had me making some sweet cards and delicate posies...you never know. I may surprise myself.

So, until next time, I'm going to be here keeping it real and saying my prayers...with a little rain here and there to remind me that life is rolling on......and I better keep up.

"They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more."
Jeremiah 31:13

Answered Prayers

Answered prayers sometimes escape me....or so I used to think. Early last year, a fervent prayer of mine was for patience. With a graduation approaching and my mom's health at a turning point, I needed a patient heart post-haste. The days turned to weeks and then months....and then the other day, after a *cough* very stressful day, I realized I was dealing with everything patiently. Alone in the car, I stopped right then and there and thanked God. My prayer had been answered, it just took me a little while to realize it.

As I've said before, I never was much for thrifting. Then along comes my daughter, Emily, who appreciates anything old and treasured. So, every now and then I accompany Emily on her treasure hunts. Last week we had good luck...

...a covered candy dish, cake stand and open candy dish, which I want to use for soap in my bathroom.
A few teacups to add to the collection...
...we found the saucer for this one at an estate sale a couple of months ago for ten cents. The cup was a "must have" for a dollar.
I love teacups with flowers...the little spoon is one from a whole slew that Emily collected as a little girl when we traveled, most found at Cracker Barrel.
And...the best find of the day...a Nikko cup and saucer with a matching bread and butter plate, all for $2.50. I am partial to the ivy design.
Em spied this little magazine table, so technically it's hers...but is staying cozy in my living room for now. Thanks for getting me interested in yet another way to spend money, Honey. I'm sure Daddy really appreciates it.
I didn't need to start another project, but I did. Timothy has asked for a sweater vest. I bought some yarn, and then came across this pattern in a book I've had for many moons. It is a 1930's pattern that calls for Patons Classic Wool. Guess what kind of yarn I had picked up?
I picked a charcoal color....and I'm looking forward to the cables. When I told Tim this is a slow knit, he said "that's ok, I'll have it for next winter, right?" My kinda guy...patient.
Not much news in these parts...I'm working every day next week and have several appointments scheduled for my mom the next. Before we know it, Valentines Day will be here! It's one of my favorite days...one in which I tend to spoil all the women in my life. I have a couple of simple gift ideas, but can't show them until after the *heart* day.

We are in the midst of a deep freeze here, complete with below zero temperatures and more snow. I'm thankful for a warm home and plenty of work & play to keep me busy. I hope you are all finding peace and, once in a while, an answered prayer.

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go."

~Abraham Lincoln

As The Snow Flies

"If I know what love is, it is because of you." ~ Herman Hesse

Another snowy day here in Michigan. I have been a little under the weather again with the same allergy problem I had last month. I have since been to the doctor and will undergo more testing to find some relief. It's funny, really....I never had one allergy problem until my early 40's. Go figure.

Anywho, here's a picture I just took looking out the back. It's still coming down....but I haven't paid attention to how much we are supposed to get. I guess when the snow stops, I'll know : )

I wanted to share a couple of special items I received for my birthday. My friend, Sherry, made me the cute cup and saucer pin cushion...

...and gifted me four fabulous books. One for everything, crochet, knitting, sewing and scrapbooking. Thanks for your love and friendship, Sherry.

My sweet Emily found this vintage key chain....she knows her mom pretty well.
It really opens!

Thank you Emily for your gift of love. I'm so blessed that you're my girl.
My son Timothy got me a favorite gift...the perfume and shower gel that I absolutely love. Tim's best gift was for Christmas....can you believe he and a buddy went to Joann Fabrics, got me a gift card, and actually picked out a knitting magazine for me? I wish I could have been a fly on the wall watching them pick out the magazine.

Emily and I did a little "thrifting" yesterday. I plan to post on that booty tomorrow. For now, I hope to get three pairs of pants cut out while the snow flies.

Busy Hands, Happy Heart

This New Year Bring Joy to Your Heart

Greetings and salutations. After enjoying the busy holiday season, it feels so good to get back here....it brings joy to my heart.

My hands have surely been busy. First, a hat I finished for the hubby. I used Patons Classic Wool held together with Patons Decor, which made for a very cushy, soft hat....he likes it.

One half of a pair of knitted slippers, part of the after-Christmas gifts I need to finish. The color on this picture isn't true, in real life it's a little brighter...this was also made holding two strands together.

The gang from work came up with the idea for a Progressive Party. Since that's happening this Saturday, I got busy with some inexpensive hostess gifts. My busom buddy Sherry gave me the idea. You use tumbled tiles, a paper image of your choosing, and decoupage glue. This was a very fun and easy project. I will be making more.

Here they are all wrapped in little checked bags...I made the cards, but I could use a class in cardmaking. The other little bags are filled with candy for placecard favors.

My heart is especially happy these days...it's heavenly to be home and tending to my loved ones. I haven't put my Christmas things away yet...I toyed with the idea of leaving them up until Epiphany, but I don't think I can hold out. Once the party is over on Saturday, I know I'll be eager to put away and organize. I have decided to move my sewing to the basement...it's too tight a squeeze in our bedroom. More on that later. For now, I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year, filled with much love, happiness, good health and blessings.

"Glory to God in highest heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given; While angels sing with tender mirth, A glad new year to all the earth." ~Martin Luther

Christmas Contentment

Christmas contentment? Not yet, but I think it's just around the corner. I'm not done shopping, still haven't baked, but I am done with the decorations. Here's a quick look around the acre.

The living room tree.

The family room, too dark but you get the idea.

A snowman that I made many years ago...he's got a bird's nest on his shoulder.

Some sweet things on a table Glen made me one year for my birthday.

The nativity...the most important addition to the Christmas decorations.

My little "village." Each piece is small and was given to me by the kids when they were wee ones.

A better view of the living room.

That's the highlights. I enjoy all my Christmas things....and still I think I could live without it all. The older I get the less I seem to need.

I have a couple of gifts planned for post-Christmas giving and one for Christmas day. I have a watchcap on the needles for the hubby that I think I can get done for Thursday. I want to make some pajamas for two good friends, but we won't be seeing each other until somtime in January, so that's a big "WHEW." I can start those after Sunday.

I'm hosting the in-laws for Christmas on the 27th. Then it's my birthday and New Year's Eve, which will probably find us at home again this year. My mom will be here and maybe I'll fix something different for dinner. Any ideas?

My post wouldn't be complete without my blessings list...

...vaseline, which is helping the chapped lips

...the patience God is bestowing on me as I get older, I couldn't manage without it

...knitting...it brings me so much joy and contentment

...my bread machine, rediscovered after a long exile, its hum is music to my ears

...my go-to pants pattern...so worn but so loved

...candlelight, which warms my heart in so many ways

...after Tuesday, no work until January 5th

I am looking forward to finishing up shopping tomorrow and doing some baking on Tuesday evening. Candlelight service on Christmas Eve and home for "breakfast." I make a version of the Bob Evans breakfast casserole, a cinnamon streusal cake and fresh fruit for our evening meal after church. What are your plans? Wherever you are and wherever you'll be, I hope you are finding peace and feeling contented.

"The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach." ~ Lin Yu-t'ang

Plum Pudding And The Bread of Life

We've been down with colds here, but hopefully we're all on the mend. I'm behind, but looking to make up for lost time. Once the decorating is complete, I'll turn my attention to baking (a real joy for me). The picture above is all about plum pudding. My mom tells me my great-grandma made plum pudding with "hard sauce." Anybody know of a recipe? I have come across one or two, but haven't tried it yet. A few years ago I made fruitcake by request (Mom's), and it was pretty good....moist and sweet. This year Mom has talked of nothing but date bars. That will be first on my baking list.

When I first encountered the blogging world, I came across so many interesting blogs to read. I'm not sure how I found Yaya (or she found me), but I have been so blessed since I did. Since first "meeting," we have enjoyed a lovely friendship. A couple days ago, I was uplifted by a wonderful surprise from Idalia.
A package filled to the brim with several lovely items, many handmade. Thank you, Idalia, for your thoughtful kindness to me. Feast your eyes on this....

A sweet banner, machine embroidered by Idalia. This will stay up all year....I have to find just the right spot.Some delicious carmel sauce from Mexico....it's made with goat's milk. Ice cream is going on the grocery list...
A machine-embroidered towel, in the softest terry I've ever felt.

Handmade ornaments and two....yes TWO...lavendar sachets. Oh, if you could only smell the sweet fragrance.

Idalia also included several handmade yo-yo's and some Earl Grey cream tea, from the English Tea Store. I know I'm ringing the same 'ole bell, but I am so blessed these last months, I can hardly believe it.

The only certain thing about life these days is that it's very uncertain. My days don't seem to be my own anymore, and I'm trying to take it all in stride. Jesus told us not to heed earthly cares, for He is our bread of life.....we have all we need as long as we have Him. As you know, my blessings are abundant, and here's a few of them...

Jesus....my Lord and Savior....my bread of life

Sweet friends that make my days happier

My dishwasher...I realized tonight as I loaded her up how happy I am to have this convenience.....I mean, a girl can only do so many dishes by hand

Hot tea....heaven on earth

#2 pencils....freshly sharpened with a soft eraser (because I make a lot of mistakes : 0)

Next time I hope to have some picture of my finished Christmas decorations. I made good headway today. I'm keeping you all in my prayers....

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35