In The Land of The Living Skies II

Canning

2011-10-26T18:38:00.006-06:00

This year my cherry trees were just loaded, so I spent about a week processing them.

After washing them, and checking them over.

Came the preparing of the pie filling, making of cherry liqueur, and drying.

This took all of two weeks. But we will be enjoying the proceeds this winter.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Family Reunion

2011-10-25T18:51:00.006-06:00

A weekend at the beginning of the summer was spent with Harvey's family. We gathered together at Prince Albert National Park. A wonderful time was had by all. Many members were missing (our own sons could not make it), but hopefully we will all be there for the next one.

Here is a picture of the family that was there. This is the brothers, sisters and their significant others. We were missing a husband, he was working in Alberta.

This is a picture of a very strange goose family. It caught our attention and I just had to take a picture.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

One Of My Many Sidetraking Projects

2011-10-24T18:06:00.002-06:00

This is my latest quilt project. It is just the quilt top and I will have to sandwich it tomorrow. Hope to get it done by the weekend.

Tomorrow, I hope to be able to post a few of the other projects that side tracked me since I last posted.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

A Month Gone By

2011-07-28T12:13:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that a month has gone by already!! Where does the time go.

No pictures this post, but I promise to put some up soon.

The family reunion went as well as can be expected. Not everybody could make it due to job demands, especially the younger generation. Perhaps the date will be better in two years, however no one offered to organize this next one.

I am really enjoying my vacation at home. I am sewing, even doing some sewing for income. Strange for me cause I really don't know what to charge. I even bought.....are you ready.... An Embroidery machine and so have been learning how to use it and fooling around with it. I am having so much fun!!

I have also spent a great deal of this past month thinking about retirement and pulling back from some of my volunteer activities. I am heading into a stressful position at the other school this year. It seems the student I will be working with the most has changed from the sweet child I knew in kindergarten. She now hits out, bites and kicks..... I will probably need the time away from volunteering to relax and unwind.

Harvey is talking more and more about retirement and I really would like to be able to spend time with him and not worry about going to work.

Off to do some sewing.

God bless.

Family Reunion Two

2011-06-23T06:23:00.003-06:00

Well today we leave for our family reunion in Northern Saskatchewan. We thought we would be leaving the rain and dark skies behind. Nope the forecast says .... rain. Guess we will be bringing it with us as we travel.

Hope to have lots of pictures and stories to share with you when we get back.

Once again blogger will not let me publish in IE (or perhaps it is the other way around). Thank heavens, the youngest of our sons put FF on our computer as well. Trying that now.

God bless.

More Flooding Pictures

2011-06-20T20:30:00.009-06:00

Blogger is making me work tonight. I need to edit the Html every time I post a picture. Here are a couple more.The highway as seen on a hill over looking the valley.

In this photo you can see the highway being covered by water. The bridge was built up over a meter in our last big flood the spring of 77. Didn't seem to do much good this year. The water is running over it about 2 feet high.

Please keep my city and the surrounding area in your prayers. We really need them.

Flooding Situation

2011-06-20T20:12:00.007-06:00

We are having a flood situation here in my city and the surrounding area. I hope these pictures tell a bit of the story.

Testing

2011-06-20T20:10:00.002-06:00

A little while ago I tried to post and nothing would happen. Trying once again as a test this time. It worked this time so I will try a real post.

Cherry Trees!!

2011-06-10T20:23:00.002-06:00

For the first time in many years our cherry trees are covered in blossoms. And said blossoms actually stayed on the trees for awhile. We may actually get a lovely harvest this August. Provinding we can keep the birds out.

God bless.

What Harvey Was Up To

2011-06-09T19:20:00.003-06:00

Harvey spent most of the winter making me these lovely wooden planters for the front. You can see the front is not paved yet, but hopefully it will be in time to make my front useable.

Most of these containers hold various herbs as well as flowers.

God bless.

Sunday Bliss

2011-06-05T07:02:00.005-06:00

It is early Sunday morning and not a creature is stirring in the house. Even the birds singing outside the windows does not wake up our cat. I so love mornings like this.

Yesterday instead of sewing I spent time getting my planting done. Think I will share with you all my garden adventures from yesterday. Nothing better than playing in the dirt.

First off a piture of my just weeded Hosta bed and a few of my yearly visitors.

I do love the pale green almost yellow colour of this one.

This one gets absolutely huge!!! I so enjoy watching it get bigger every year.

After church today it will be off for more garden adventures. We are very late getting everything in this year. The weather has been rainy or snowy this spring and now that we have this small window of opportunity the vegetable garden, weeding, and flower planting must be accomplished. I will share some more adventures with all of you later.

God bless.

Where Does The Time Go

2011-06-04T18:42:00.007-06:00

Time seems to have drifted by this past year. I can not believe that it has been over a year since I posted anything.
It is not that I haven't been busy. I have. Just thought I might share a few of the things I have been busy with the past little while.

My wardrobe has been sadly lacking so I have been busy sewing. Here are some of the tops I made.

Here are some samples of the capris and shorts I have been busy with as well.

The weather has been terrible here so far this spring, and gardening is just being completed now. I still have a bit to do with my flowers and I hope to get them done tomorrow.

I would promise to post more often, but until things settle down a bit I will put up a post whenever I can. Please forgive me.

God bless.

Peanut Butter Pie And Projects

2010-05-10T20:05:00.008-06:00

Ooops hit a wrong button and got a post with no post. My mind is gone.

Thought I would share a few things that I have been up to while MIA.

First off are a finished knitting project or two. This is the blue vest I shared earlier. I managed to get it finished before I started on the prayer shawls that the church gave my name out to do. I made two of them before I moved on to my next project.

This is a hooded vest/poncho that I made. I really like the way that it turned out. It looks blue here, but in actuality it is a deep purple. Wonder why it looks blue in the picture?

The last thing I am going to share is a new recipe. I made a peanut butter pie one evening and it was a big hit. This is very rich and a small slice really fills you up.

Peanut Butter Pie

1 9" crust baked

1 1/4 cup peanut butter smooth (I used crunchy)

1 8 oz package cream cheese softened

3/4 cup icing sugar

2 tbsp melted butter or margarine

2 tsp vanilla

1 1/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup icing sugar

Beat the peanut butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the 3/4 cup icing sugar, melted butter, and vanilla, mix well. Beat the whipping cream and 1/4 cup icing sugar until soft peaks form. Stir 1/4 of this mixture into the peanut butter mixture and mix thoroughly. Fold in remaining cream gently but thoroughly. Spoon into prepared crust. Chill for 1 hour or until firm.

Glaze

1/3 cup whipping cream

3 squares semi sweet chocolate

Bring cream to a boil over low heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Cool slightly and pour over filling, tilting pie to cover top completely. Chill for at least one hour.

Enjoy!!!

Well off to try and get a bit of visiting with all of you before bed. It is going to take me awhile to catch up so please be patient with me.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Peanut Butter Pie And Projects

2010-05-10T20:05:00.001-06:00

I'm Still Here

2010-05-04T18:55:00.002-06:00

These last few months have been extremely busy. I just don't know where the time has gone. Well I do, but won't bore you all with all that has been happening.

I will share one item with all of you though. I took on an extra sewing job, which seems to take up a great deal of my spare time. I have been making drapery to cover unsightly areas in the class rooms at school. Gone are the days when our children are to be distracted in any way shape or form while in school. The Board of Education has stressed that anything that could distract a child's attention (I say stimulate), should be covered up.

The drapery has to be the same colour as the walls and so I searched long and hard. The closest I could get was a cream coloured broadcloth! I have 4 rooms left to do and hope to be totally done by the end of the month. Whew, remind me please not to take on a project like this again!!!

I am looking forward to getting out in the garden and just enjoying what is left of the spring. My flowerbeds are a disaster, and I need to make the time, between rain or snow to get out and work on them.

I am still trying to cook something new every week. Sometimes I succeed and other times what I serve is a total disaster.

This is my promise to all of you, I will make at least one post a week, and drop by to visit at least once a week as well.

I do have lots to share with all of you, projects completed, wonderful recipes, and updates on my life.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

A Glimpse

2010-02-22T18:22:00.005-06:00

Thought that I would share a glimpse of my embroidery project.

This is one corner of the tablecloth. I have realized that I just can't work on it in the evening due to the bad lighting in my livingroom. I do work on it in front of the window while the sun is shining. Whew what a lot of work.

This is the next section that I started. I hope to have this little side flower done by the end of Wednesday. We will see.

When it gets too dark to thread my needle, I pull out a knitting project. This is going to be a U necked vest. It is made out of Soy and boy is it soft. Should add some more colour to my mainly black, brown and grey wardrobe.

Well off to visit everyone. Hope you are having a wonderful day.

God bless.

Eye Candy

2010-02-18T14:49:00.007-06:00

My idea of eye candy is yarn and of course knitting magazines or books. Yesterday while shopping what met my eyes but three new spring knitting magazines. Did I need them?.....No...But did I want them?....Yes.

Sometimes I indulge my wants, and this was one time that I did. It isn't like I don't have hundreds of knitting pattern free from on line, or lots of other magazines with patterns to chose from, but something called me to pick these up.

Look what I found inside.

This pretty sweater that would just be perfect to wear with some leggings in the spring.

This lovely sweater that can be worn with most of what I wear to work. It should keep the chill off. However I don't know why the photo is sideways. Oh well blogger must be doing something strange once again.

Something to do with the scraps of yarn leftover. I think these napking rings are so much fun and a much nicer way to use up said scraps than multistriped scarves or hats.

Well off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Kurt's Pride and Joy

2010-02-17T15:35:00.004-06:00

Over Christmas I did manage to get a few things out of my house that belonged to Kurt. Just thought I would share something of his with all of you.

Kurt went out to shovel our driveway and remarked how his students giggle over one of his ski jackets. One day while he was in high school we went shopping in Regina and happened to stop in at Jersey City (don't even think they exist any more) and he fell in love with a LA Raiders jacket. Since he needed a new coat we bought it for him, now his students get a kick out of his retro jacket and make fun of the fact he still wears it.

I sat and thought for awhile, and disappeared downstairs. When I came up I had a special surprise for him. Kurt came in from shoveling the driveway and I called him into the living room. There on the couch was this.....

Kurt wore this official Montreal Canadiens jacket for his junior high days and part of his high school days. This was a gift from my parents one birthday, and they went through a great deal of trouble to get it for him. Dad knew a few of the old players through his job and wrote to one of them about his grandson who was a big fan. The player sent Dad this jacket (it is the same as the team wore at that time) and Dad paid for it. Kurt was so proud of this coat and wore it proudly to hockey practices where it earned him the nickname "Froggie".

The look on his face was priceless and I got called the coolest Mom ever! All because I could not bear to get rid of a small piece of his childhood and teenage years.

The coat is with him now, and I just know he is proudly wearing it once again. Oh did I forget to mention that it still fits.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Days Slip By

2010-02-16T12:47:00.006-06:00

The days have been slipping by just like sand in an hour glass. I don't know where they have disappeared.

I have started a week of holidays, and hopefully will be able to visit more often.

Valentine's Day was spent quietly here in the Phillips house. Harvey came home with some lovely roses for me. Quite a surprise as he usually buys me chocolate. Lovely red ones that seem to be doing just beautifully sitting on my coffee table.

I did try a new recipe or two during the last while. This one is a keeper. We enjoyed this for supper last night.

Beef and Corn Bake

Company's Coming Casseroles

2 lbs ground beef

1 medium chopped onion

a little cooking oil

Put ground beef, onion and oil in a frying pan. Stir to break up meat as it browns. Drain off fat and discard. Put meat mixture into a large bowl.

12 0z kernel corn

2 cans condensed cream of tomato soup

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tbsp ketchup

Put corn, soup, salt, pepper and ketchup into bowl with beef mixture. Stir to mix together with the meat.

2 cups cooked noodles

Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain well. Combine with all ingredients in bowl. Pour into 3 qt casserole.

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

Sprinkle grated cheese over top. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Remove cover and continue to bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

I did cut down the meat to a little over 1 lb and it still turned out very well. We have leftovers for another meal.

Well off to visit you all.

Everybody have a great day.

God Bless.

Valentine's Day Is Coming

2010-02-09T18:41:00.006-06:00

It has been a few days since I posted anything. I am still alive and kicking. Busy getting ready for Valentine's Day and trying out a new recipe.

I had some leftover chicken from our Sunday Dinner and decided to make a totally new recipe tonight for supper. Harvey loved it and had second helpings. I did change the recipe up a bit as I did not have some of the ingredients to hand. It still tasted wonderful.

Here it is.

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Company's Coming Leftover Cookbook

3 cups medium bow pasta ( I used penne)

12 cups boiling water

2 tsp salt

Cook pasta in boiling water and salt in a large pot for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm. Drain. Return to pot. Cover to keep warm.

1 tbsp oil

1 cup thinly sliced onion

Heat oil in frying pan. Add onion and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often until onion is softened.

2 cups sliced white mushrooms

2 cups sliced brown mushrooms

1/2 tsp garlic powder

I did not have fresh mushrooms so used 2 cans of drained mushrooms. Add these to the cooked onion and cook for about 5 minutes. Or if using fresh until liquid is evaporated.

3/4 cup chicken broth

4 oz cream cheese cut up

Add broth to the mushroom mixture and bring to a boil. Add cut up cream cheese. Heat and stir until cheese is melted.

1 cup chopped leftover cooked chicken

1 tbsp dried parsley

Add chicken and parsley to the frying pan. Heat and stir until chicken is heated through. Add to pasta. Toss. Makes about 6 cups. Enough to serve 4.

Now for the fun stuff. I had a great deal of chocolate left from Christmas and decided to pull out the lollipop molds. I have been busy making Chocolate Lollipops for the students. Harvey thought they were so cute he asked me if I could make a few extra for the girls at work.

Hopefully I will be finished up tonight.

Well off to visit you all, hope the coffee is still on.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

New Project

2010-02-04T18:39:00.004-06:00

I promised myself that I would finish off a few of the many unfinished projects I have hanging around my sewing/craft room. Over the last while I have managed to cut down my yarn stash by about 15 balls, and decided it was time to pull out the stamped embroidery once again. Many of the pieces I got from my Dad when Mom passed away. I finished off a few of them and stored the others for a rainy day.

That rainy day has finally arrived. At the beginning of the week I pulled a tablecloth out of the tote to get started on.

This is the table cloth. It is covered with stamped daisies and stems. Oh my, I think perhaps I should have pulled out my unfinished dragon cross stitch or even the unfinished angel cross stitch. This is going to take a long time. Harvey figures I will still be working on it six months from now.

This is how far I have gotten in the past three days. Hope to finish another couple of stems tonight. Heck, even one stem will make me feel like I have accomplished something. Each of the four corners have this stamped design. The middles of the sides have a smaller stamped daisy bouquet and the center has a circle of daisies.

Oh well this should keep me busy for awhile.

Off to visit all of you.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Vest And A New Purse

2010-02-01T18:46:00.003-06:00

Today was a strange day. It started out nice and sunny. In fact the sun glare from the snow was blinding at times...then I left work to come home. I came out of the school expecting sunny skies and a gentle wind. What met my eyes was an overcast sky and softly falling snow. Oh well, only two more months of winter I hope.

Now I bet you are wondering how a purse and vest go together. Well I needed a break from black, brown and white purses and on this bright day turned dreary decided to get some colour in my life. The vest is something I have been knitting for awhile and I finally finished it tonight.

I think I managed to get a bit more colour in my life.

Well off to visit everyone. Hope the coffee is still on.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The Last Day of the Month

2010-01-31T18:51:00.003-06:00

Tonight I am going to share my thrift store find.

Since spring is so far away up here in the plains of Canada, I needed to bring some spring into my home. Searching one of the thrift stores in Regina I found a lovely glass container and looking further I came upon a package of fake limes that had never been opened. Bingo. Now this is sitting on my diningroom table.

All for a total cost of ....are you ready..... $3.50. It brightens up the room, and now all I need is just the right candles.

Off to visit everyone.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Biyearly Mammogram

2010-01-27T18:32:00.003-06:00

Last night I went to the mobile clinic for my biyearly mammogram. I am so happy the province sends a mobile clinic to all the cities outside of the two big cities in my province. I get to stay home, even work all day and then go after supper to have it done.

This year I had the last appointment of the day, and the technician was a bit tired and grouchy. Usually I enjoy talking to the ladies, but not last night! Oh well it is over for another two years and I can rest easy, I have been so lucky in that I have never gotten a letter telling me to come for more tests.

The weather here is very cold once again, the wind chill is almost unbearable at times. I hope it clears up and warms up by Friday as I am not working and have decided to go up and visit Kris (well at least take him out for supper) and do some shopping. I have a gift card for Michaels and am planning to do some serious shopping.

Well off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Cranberry Muffins

2010-01-25T18:03:00.003-06:00

I am mixing up my new recipe challenge to myself. I made these Cranberry Muffins yesterday and they are very, very, good. So I am sharing this recipe with all of you.

Cranberry Muffins

1 cup chopped cranberries (I used dry, rehydrated, next time I am using fresh)

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup sugar

1 beaten egg

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup melted shortening ( I used butter)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees when ready to bake. Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and cranberries in small bowl and soak together overnight. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and 1/4 cup sugar together. Add beaten egg, buttermilk and melted shortening. Mix in cranberry mixture. Grease muffin cups and put in the batter. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Mine made 10 muffins, but they are very large.

Hope you all enjoy them.

Off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Another Recipe

2010-01-21T18:54:00.006-06:00

Thought I would share my newest recipe with all of you. This is a picture of it before the baking.

This is a picture of the finished product. Harvey had two helpings so it has to be good.

Zucchini Pork Bake

Company's Coming Leftover Cookbook

2 tsp cooking oil

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped apple

Heat oil in frying pan on medium. Add onion and apple. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until onion is softened. Turn into large bowl.

2 cups grated zucchini

1 cup fine chopped leftover cooked pork

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese (at least medium)

3/4 cup flour

1/3 cup oil

4 bacon slices cooked crisp and crumbled

4 large eggs

1/4 tsp salt

Add above ingredients to the bowl. Mix well. Turn into greased 9 X 9 pan. Smooth top. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes or until golden and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Cuts into 9 pieces.

Well off to visit all of you now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tasty Beef Rolls

2010-01-17T19:20:00.005-06:00

I have another new recipe to share with all of you. This is so good and uses up many leftovers not just roast beef.Here they are cut and ready to go in the oven. They don't look very appetizing yet.Now here they are fresh out of the oven. Getting better!

Here is the finished product with the Mushroom Sauce. Mmmm, good.

Tasty Beef Rolls

Companies Coming Leftover Cookbook

1 cup chopped leftover cooked beef, packed

1 cup leftover cooked carrots (or mixed vegetables, this is what I used)

2 coarsely chopped green onions (I used 3 as they were fairly small)

10 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 tsp Worchestershire Sauce

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

2 1/3 cups Biscuit mix

1 tsp Curry powder

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup water

3 tbsp white wine (I left this out)

Process beef, carrots and green onions in a blender or food processor until finely ground. Turn into a medium bowl.

Add 1/3 cup soup. Reserve remaining soup. Add Worchestershir sauce, salt and pepper. Stir until beef and vegetables are well coated. Set aside.

Combine biscuit mix and curry powder in a separate bowl. Add milk. Stir until dough forms a soft ball. Turn on to a lightly floured surface. Knead 6 times. Place on a large sheet of waxed paper, lightly dusted with flour. Press or roll out into a 10 inch square. Spread beef mixture over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on 3 closest edges and a 2 inch border on the farthest edge. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Press seam together to seal. Cut into 8 slices and arrange cut side down, in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 8 rolls.

Combine reserved soup, water and wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium low. Simmer 2 mintes. Drizzle over each roll and serve.

We enjoyed this meal immensely.

Off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Finally Finished

2010-01-16T11:51:00.005-06:00

I had been working on a sweater for Harvey for Christmas for over a month. I never did get it finished in time for Christmas Day, but I did finish it yesterday.

I loved the pattern and the yarn, it just took a bit longer than expected what with working full time, baking and keeping house.

He did love it when he found the sweater laying on the bed. He had to try it on right away.

Now that I know how long this pattern takes I am sure I would be more than willing to make one for Kurt and one for Kris. This sweater was made from Beehive Astra and they have lots of colours to choose from.

Off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Anniversary And Some More Recipes

2010-01-12T18:33:00.007-06:00

Harvey and I just had our 34th Wedding Anniversary on January 10th. I must say the man can still surprise me. He disappeared for awhile on Saturday and came back with these lovely gifts for me.

Thirty-four various shades of pink roses, with a couple of white thrown in for good measure. This is one of the bouquets I made.

He also bought me an angel for my collection. I am now the proud owner of an "Angel of the Kitchen". He says it is because I am such a good cook that he picked that one.

This is one of the arrangements I made of the flowers.

Here is another one. Right now I feel like I am living in a florist shop.

I have three recipes to share with you. Only one has a picture to go with it though, Harvey ate the other two so quickly that I didn't even get a chance to get a picture.

The first one is not a new one but one that my family really enjoys. I had more leftover ham to use up and I always make this.

Souper Supper

Company's Coming Casseroles

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 soup can of water

1 soup can of rice

1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli

4 slices cheese cut up

1 1/2 cups cooked leftover ham cut up

Put soup, water, and rice in a casserole. Mix together. Add broccoli, cheese pieces, and ham. Stir to combine. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serves 6.

Italian Chops

Fix It And Forget It Cookbook

16 oz bottle Italian salad dressing

4 pork chops

baby carrots

quartered potatoes

Place pork chops in slow cooker. Add washed baby carrots (or sliced carrots) and potatoes. Pour salad dressing over top. Cover and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours.

I also added sliced onions to this.

Hot Turkey Sandwiches

Company's Coming Leftovers

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 can drained sliced mushrooms (10 oz)

2 tsp parsley flakes

1/4 tsp paprika

8 slices bread toasted

2 cups chopped or shredded leftover turkey

1/2 cup grated Cheddar Cheese (I used grated mozzerella)

Combine first 5 ingredients in a saucepan. Stir to combine. Heat on medium for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the turkey and heat through.

Make your toast and place the 2 slices of toast on each plate. Spoon the hot mixture on top. Top with the grated cheese and either broil until cheese melts or put in the microwave for a few seconds to melt.

Serves 4.

Well off to visit everyone.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sharing Some Christmas Photo's

2010-01-08T18:08:00.008-06:00

I thought I would share some photos from our Christmas Celebration with everyone. I finally got them downloaded on to the computer. Just a little bit slow here.

This is a picture of one of my great nephews, Peyton. He is a little doll and always wants me to play with him.

This is a picture of another great nephew, Jouquin, and his "MeMe" Nancy. Nancy is married to Harvey's brother Kevin.

This is a picture of Kevin, cleaning up after carving the Christmas beast. That is what we call the turkey in this family.

Our handsome boys, sitting in front of the fireplace letting their Dad take a photo of them. It isn't too often that they are together. It was wonderful to have them for an extended time. Kind of like the old days.

A photo opportunity. Those in the family that managed to make it to our celebration. There are two brothers and three sisters missing for various reasons. Harvey is in black on the end and is the oldest sibling here.

Well that is enough for tonight. I will share more in a day or two.

Off to visit everyone.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

New Recipe Is A Keeper

2010-01-05T19:13:00.006-06:00

Well my goal of at least one new recipe a week is one that I just may be able to keep.

I am sharing the recipe with all of you. It was very good, but made a very big batch. We ended up having the leftovers tonight. Good thing overall as I had forgotten how tired I am after working all day.

Ham and Pasta Bake

from Recipes For Leftovers by Jean Pare

2 cups chopped sweet potato or yam

2 tsp cooking oil

1/4 tsp salt

Combine sweet potato, cooking oil and salt in small bowl. Arrange in single layer on greased baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once at half time, until tender and golden brown.

3 1/2 cups penne pasta

Cook pasta as directed and drain. Set aside.

3 tbsp margarine(or butter)
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked leftover ham

1/3 cup chopped green onion
3 tbsp flour

1/2 cup sour cream
3 1/2 cups milk

1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper

10 oz box of thawed spinach, chopped (squeeze dry before chopping)
1 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese

Melt margarine in large saucepan on medium. Add ham and green onion and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until ham starts to brown.

Add the flour and heat and stir for 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk until boiling and thickened.

Add the sour cream and remaining ingredients. Stir and heat the spinach through.

Put sweet potato mixture, ham mixture and cooked pasta in a large bowl. Toss to mix well. Transfer to a greased 3 qt casserole (3l). Spread evenly.

Top with the grated cheese. Bake uncovered at 375 for about 35 minutes or until cheese is golden.

Serves 8

A picture of the finished product. I think next time I make it I will add another 1/2 cup of chopped ham.

It tastes a bit sweet, but was very, very, good.

Off to visit you all now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The New Year Is Here

2010-01-03T16:20:00.004-06:00

Well the old year is past, my tree is down and the decorations all put away. The house is quiet now that Kurt and Kris have left and it is only Harvey and I....can hardly wait until it is noisy and a constant go, go, once again.

I thought that to start the year off I would show a picture of the sweaters I made for the youngsters.

The black one was for Kris and the royal blue was for Kurt. Much easier to knit than the one I am doing for Harvey! I am still not done that one yet, working on the second sleeve. The pattern is gorgeous though and I will be sure to post a picture of it once I am done.

I have made some "goals" for this new year, while some of them are old ones that I did not follow through on, some are completely new and I have started out the month with a bang. The one goal that I think will be no problem to keep is making at least one new recipe a week. Started a new one today for supper. I will take some photo's and if it passes the taste test I will post the recipe...if not all I will share is a picture of my failure.

Well off to finish off the casserole and set the table. Be back to visit all of you after supper.

God bless.

Wishing You All A Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T05:56:00.004-06:00

Wishing you all the very best of the Christmas Season. May the joy and peace of Christ live within your homes always and may your New Year be all that you deserve it to be.

God bless each and every one of you.

Christmas Concert

2009-12-21T18:47:00.012-06:00

Thought that I would share some pictures that I took of our school Christmas Concert/Mass. These first ones are of some of the students getting ready downstairs at the church.

This is a photo of one of the students I work with a great deal. Doesn't she look lovely?

These are many of the students in my class. One of whom just loves to get his picture taken. Notice him waving at me.

Some of the actors from the live Nativity lining up on the church stairs just before going in .

The students in the class I work in lining up with their candles on the stairs, this was just prior to the Entrance hymn.

The Grade 4 class singing one of the hymns during the Mass.

Some of the French Immersion students acting out the Gospel.

All in all a very good night.

Off to visit you all.

Have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Look What Came In The Mail

2009-12-20T07:22:00.006-06:00

I meant to post this on Friday evening, but got caught up in the daily give and take of life. Meaning I spent part of the evening going over the Circle journal from the previous year and reaquainting myself with everyone.

Then yesterday afternoon, upon returning from my visit with a friend, I started to read the second journal. Today will be my first day of recording my experiences. So many of you lead much more exciting lives than I do, but I hope to leave with all of you a glimpse of what living on the prairies of Canada is like.

The other wonderful gift that arrived in the mail at the same time is this.... my book swap partner sent me these. Thank you Mary

I was partnered with Mama Bear from Bears In Exile/Return Home

Thank you Mama Bear for the lovely recipe book and the Heather Grahame novel. I really like to read her novels and this looks to be a great one.

Now I need to go and get a little done before we leave for Mass this morning. Hope to share some more surprises with you over the days leading up to Christmas. I will be visiting off and on all day. Kurt is home and I will have to wrestle the computer away from him at some point.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Still Busy In The Kitchen

2009-12-16T18:03:00.009-06:00

I have one thing to share with all of you before I start my kitchen adventures. I recieved this lovely parcel from Carrie at Under The Willows. It is her laundry detergent sample packaged just beautifully for me to try. It is going to get used this weekend. It smells so good that I can hardly wait to use it!

This chocolatey goodie is called Chocolate Brittle Surprise. Thought I would share the recipe with all of you.

Chocolate Brittle Surprise

35 unsalted soda crackers (this is the surprise) 2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup margarine or butter 1 cup chopped pecans (I use walnuts)

1 cup packed brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil spray. Place crackers on foil in 5 x 7 rows. Microwave butter on high for 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and stir. Microwave on high for 2 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over crackers and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. It should bubble but not burn. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crackers and let soften. Spread the chocolate over top. Sprinkle with nuts. Chill 1 hour and break into pieces. This can be frozen.

This is my version of Peanut Butter Cups. I am too lazy to coat the small cups with chocolate and chill.

Peanut Butter Cups

2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

2/3 cup graham wafer crumbs

30 mini paper cups

Melt the margarine and peanut butter in a large saucepan, cooking over medium heat until completely melted. Stir in icing sugar and graham cracker crumbs. press about 1/2 tbsp into each paper cup.

Melt the chocolate chips with about 2 tbsp margarine. Spoon and smooth over the peanut butter filling

Cream Cheese Mints

4 oz package softened Cream Cheese

3 1/2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)

1/8 or more tsp peppermint flavouring

Dipping chocolate

Combine cream cheese, icing sugar, and peppermint flavouring in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed. Roll into small balls and press down with a fork.

Melt chocolate and dip the patties into the chocolate. Lay on waxed paper to harden.

This is the start of my cookie making. These are my favorites, Whipped Shortbread...the jar is getting empty, just may have to make some more.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter softened

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup icing sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, butter and icing sugar. With an electric mixer beat until light and fluffy about 10 minutes. Form doug into balls and press down with a small glass. You can decorate them with sprinkles, or cut up pieces of red and green marachino cherries.

Bake for 12 tp 15 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies afe lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes. Store in an air tight container.

Off to visit all of you this evening.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sharing Recipes

2009-12-13T18:13:00.004-06:00

Thought that I better share a few of my recipes from my last post.

Buttertarts

Pastry for 12 tarts (I cheat and buy mine ready made)

Pour boiling water over

1/2 cup raisins

Let soak until the edges of the raisins turn white. Drain.

Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine

Add 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar and beat thoroughly.

Add 1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 beaten egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

Few drops lemon juice.

Combine until blended.

Fold in the drained raisins and then spoon the mixture into the unbaked tart shells. Fill each tart about 2/3 full.

Bake at 375 for about 20 to 25 minutes, trying not to let the filling to boil (I never seem able to do this).

This recipe doubled and triples easily.

Chocolate Snowballs

1 large package chocolate chips

2 cups coconut

1/4 cup margarine or butter

1/2 cup icing sugar

Melt chocolate chips and butter in a large saucepan. When the chocolate is melted and smooth, mix in the coconut and the icing sugar (powdered sugar). You may need to add a bit more icing sugar to the mixture. Form into balls and let harden. Just before serving roll in some more icing sugar if desired.

Old Fashioned Caramels

1 cup butter or margarine

2 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

14 oz can Condensed milk (not evaporated)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Line a 9 x9 pan with foil and butter lightly. In a heavy 3 qt saucepan, melt the margarine, and when melted add the brown sugar and mix well. Stir in the corn syrup and cook over medium low heat until the sugar dissolves and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and stir in the condensed milk. Cook over medium low, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reaches firm ball stage or about 244F. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Cool to room temperature. When candy has completely set, carefully remove the foil from the pan. Using a thin blade, cut into pieces, using a sawing motion. Wrap each piece in waxed paper. Store in refridgerator. Makes about 2 lbs of candy.

I have had to put the caramels back in the fridge to harden while cutting them as the heat from the blade and my hand softens them.

Scotch Shortbread

1 lb butter

1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

4 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Cream butter and icing sugar together in medium sized bowl. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt until a soft dough forms. Press dough into 2 pie plates. Prick dough with fork every 2 inches or so. Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes or until golden. Cut into wedges while still warm. When completely cool remove wedges and store in an air tight container.

I have been busy with more baking over the last week. Hopefully I will be able to post again tomorrow and share a few more of our family favorites with all of you.

Off to visit all of you, hope the coffee is on.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Baking the Days Away

2009-12-06T19:06:00.008-06:00

This past week and the weekend saw me getting started on my baking for Christmas.

The first thing I got ready were my Buttertarts. Christmas isn't Christmas without these. I managed to make 3 pails full or 5 dozen of the little fellows. Had to taste test them of course...so a few less than 5 dozen went in the freezer.

Two plates of buttery shortbread were next on the list. Had to try these as well, I don't want to serve anything I wouldn't eat myself....Would I?

Candy making started today. So far I have made......

Almond Bark......

Chocolate Snowballs. These will be rolled in icing sugar just before serving.

Caramels, cooling and waiting to be cut and wrapped.

Tomorrow I plan on making Whipped Shortbread Cookies, and Nut Toffee. Slowly but surely I am getting everything done. I may even get time to get a few of my refrigerator cookie recipes rolled into logs and into the fridge.

Well off to vist you all, between running to see the conclusion of The Amazing Race.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Last Day Of The Month

2009-11-30T15:21:00.008-06:00

The days seem to be passing in a blur. I never seem to have enough hours in a day to complete my tasks.

I have managed to get my tree decorated. There are a few bare spots on it, guess that is what happens when you decorate at night!

I have also managed to start decorating my house for the Christmas season. Still have more to do, like putting out the candles and adding some finishing touches as the weeks go by. But I will share what I have gotten done. Please don't mind the mess on the floor, I had boxes and ornaments all over the front room.

This jolly fellow was given to Harvey by one of his bosses many, many years ago. Harvey decided he should be standing on the woofer to the Surround Sound System this year. I also managed to get one of my wooden creches in the photo.

This is the start of the decorating on my coffee table. We had to move it to find room for the tree. Have I ever said that I have way too much "stuff". One of these days I will have to do a serious downsizing. Just not yet please!

This fellow was gift to me from my sister. She found him at a craft sale here in town. I had looked at him and decided the price was just a bit too high for me. She knows my tastes so very well.

The last picture I am going to share with you today is the wreath I finished making just about an hour ago. I managed to burn a few fingers with the hot glue gun this time. Sure hope the blisters do not get too big.

Everybody have a wonderful afternoon and evening. I am off to visit as many of you as possible before I have to make supper.

God bless

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T06:07:00.005-06:00

I want to wish all my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. May your day be full of family, love, and peace.

God bless.

Time Slipping By

2009-11-23T18:27:00.005-06:00

The days are slipping by so very quickly. Soon Christmas will be upon us and I have so much to do yet.

I haven't even started to decorate as of yet.....Perhaps this coming weekend when Harvey is watching the Grey Cup game I can start.

It isn't like I have been doing nothing. I am finished Kurts sweater, just have to sew it together (hopefully tonight) and I have started Harveys gift. I have also been straightening up the sewing/craft room and using up some of my fabric stash making some skirts.

Here is a picture of three skirts that I have completed. I still have two more to hem. I think I am on a plaid kick as the two I have left are plaids as well.

Off to visit all of you, hope the coffee is on.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

A Few Things to Share

2009-11-14T18:13:00.000-06:00

I have a few things I want to share with everyone.

Kurt is now the proud owner of a mortagage and a new home. The inspection went well and he signed off the mortgage on Wednesday. Now he has payments monthly and the fun of moving ahead of him. Considering all the knick knacks he has from his trips this should take awhile.....and lots of boxes!

On the Frugal Living forum that I moderate we are talking about panhandlers and the biblical quote "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares", came up. I mentioned that I had cross stitched that exact verse for my wall. I would like to share it with all of you.

I truely believe what goes around comes around and always take a look at this before I leave my home in the morning.

The other thing I would like to share is the wall hanging I made out of the table runner Kurt brought me from his trip to Europe and Asia this summer. I really had no place to use it as a table runner, but it sure looks nice hanging on my wall.

Well off to visit all of you now. Hope you have the tea on.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Lest We Forget

2009-11-11T06:04:00.000-06:00

This morning I will be attending the Rebembrance Day Service at our high school. Here I will remember those who sacrificed years of their lives to keep us save, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I will pray and remember those who are still serving hoping that they all come home soon.

Holidays and Working

2009-11-10T18:57:00.000-06:00

It is the second day of my three days off this week and I am enjoying it immensely. The first day was spent cleaning things that don't often get cleaned as good as I would like and today I spent in the sewing room getting caught up with a few gifts. Tomorrow will see me spending some more time in there doing mending and starting a few more gifts if at all possible.

This is what I finished off today after my visit to my favorite place. NOT!!

I managed to finish off two long table runners and 4 shorter ones. I have enough of the blue fabric left to make some pot holders and I think that I will do that tomorrow while the sun is shining. I always find it easier to sew during the day than at night when there is no sun shine.

Now on to where I went this morning. A week or so ago I lost a filling in my front tooth (one of the oldest in my mouth) and so visited the dentist. I had a feeling that this would mean another root canal and crown. I was right, and so I am sending the paperwork into Harvey's insurance company to see how much, if anything they will pay. It will take a couple of weeks at least. Whew, a bit of a respite. However I did get a cleaning and the dentist found another filling that had cracked, so I will be back in the chair on the 19th of this month to get that fixed.

Well off to visit you all now. Hope the coffee is ready.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Week Is Almost Over

2009-11-05T17:48:00.000-06:00

First I have to share the news that Kurt got his mortgage after a bit of paperwork and him losing his temper with the loans manager. Now everything hinges on the house inspection. That will be occuring in the middle of next week.

I had some frozen turkey from Thanksgiving and wanted to try something new. So I searched my cookbooks and came up with this Turkey Cheese Bake.

This is a picture of it right out of the oven. Nice and golden yellow.

This is a picture of the finished product on the table waiting to be served. I think that the next time I make it I will add some chopped green peppers and chopped mushrooms to it. Other than that Harvey really enjoyed it. This is similar to a crustless quiche.

I am going to share the recipe with all of you.

Turkey Cheese Bake

4 large potatoes with peel

Water

Salt

Grated sharp Cheddar cheese (I used medium)

4 fork beaten large eggs

2 1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups finely chopped leftover cooked turkey

2/3 cup half and half cream or milk (I used milk)

3 tbsp Mayonnaise

1 tbsp tomato paste

2/3 cup grated Cheddar cheese (either sharp or medium)

Cool potatoes in water and first amount of salt in a large uncovered pot for about 10 minutes or until partially cooked. Drain and cool. Peel potatoes and grate them coarsely into a medium bowl.

Add the next 6 ingredients. Stir and set aside.

Combine next four ingredients in a separate bowl, this is where I would add the chopped peppers (about 1/2 cup) and chopped mushrooms (same amount). Stir and spread evenly in the bottom of a greased 9 inch springform pan. Spoon the potato mixture over top. Spread evenly.

Sprinkle with the second amount of cheese. Bake at 350 F for about 1 hour or until golden and set. Cuts into 8 wedges.

Serve with a crusty bread and a salad.

Hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Well off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

New Home On The Horizon

2009-11-02T18:13:00.000-06:00

I mentioned yesterday that our oldest son Kurt made an offer on a home. They (the sellers and him) dickered for awhile...but now providing he can get a mortgage, and the house passes an inspection he will be the proud owner of a new home.

I am going to try and post a link here to some pictures of the house. I do hope it works.
Click here and hopefully it will lead you to the house. Sighs, I just tried the link and it does not work. Going to try a bit of fixing.

Well off to get some visiting done.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

November and Baked Beans

2009-11-01T18:40:00.000-06:00

Since I had used up the last of my homemade Baked Beans, today was the perfect day to make some more.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

1 pkg dried navy beans (about 4 cups)
1/2 lb of bacon diced
2 tbsp ketchup
1/3 cup molasses
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp prepared mustard

Soak dried beans in water to cover overnight. Drain water in the morning and add fresh. Parboil beans for 1 hour. Add beans and liquid to slow cooker, and add remaining ingredients. Turn slow cooker on to medium and cook for at least 8 hours.

Harvey loves these beans and they are so simple. Kind of put together and forget.

I now have several containers in my freezer once again.

Well off to visit all of you.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T18:42:00.001-06:00

Here is hoping that all of you have a Spooktacular Halloween.

I'll be back tomorrow with a longer post, got to greet all my little visitors.

God bless.

Sickness Has Hit The Phillips'

2009-10-25T19:00:00.000-06:00

I spent a great deal of this week trying to contact our youngest son, Kris. Harvey had some tickets for the football game on Saturday and this is something both of them enjoy a great deal. You could say that this is their bonding time.

I started phoning and leaving messages on Tuesday and as the days passed without hearing from him, I got more and more concerned. You see the flu has hit the school where I work and all I could think was that my baby was in trouble and needed me.

He finally phoned back late Thursday night. He sounded horrible!!! I explained why I had been calling, and he said he would phone back the next day with an update on his condition. Well, he did call on Friday and while he was feeling better.....still not well enough to go to the game with his Dad.

Today when I talked to him he was feeling more like his old self, still a bit weak as he couldn't keep anything down for awhile, but at least he was sounding healthier.

I did find out that he does not have a thermometer or much else in the way of first aid supplies in his apartment. I think I just figured out another gift for both our sons. A well stocked first aid kit, and the first thing I am buying for them is a thermometer!

I am hoping that I don't catch anything, but the school is hard hit. Some classes are missing over half their students....ours only lost 5.

Well off to visit you all now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Weekend and Finished Projects

2009-10-17T18:42:00.001-06:00

Today was the perfect day to make salsa. Many of the green tomatoes I had picked last week were ripe and I had some time on my hands between other household choresI chopped the green and red pepper, added the chopped large onion, the chilies and the jalopena peppers. Mixed in a bit of brown sugar, paprika, garlic, tomato paste, pickling salt and vinegar. The last thing I added was the peeled chopped tomatoes.

Cooked it all down for about an hour. The house smelled very good through most of the day.

Put it in jars to store in the cold room. The recipe only gave me 7 pint jars so I am very tempted to make some more....just have to see how fast the remaining tomatoes ripen.

I finished off the vest I was making for myself today. This was made with Vanna's Choice. I needed something warm to wear in school to go with my blue, grey and black pants. This fits the ticket very well.

I also like things that fit very long so I made this longer than normal to fit over my fairly large tush.

Well off to visit you all now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Gifts

2009-10-14T18:34:00.000-06:00

Things are finally back to as normal as they get in the Phillips' household. The boys are back in their respective abodes and I once again have the computer to myself....Well except when Harvey takes it over.

Kurt brought us gifts back from his trip this summer. He brought his dad a pen and ink drawing of some of the bridges in Prague. We have to find the perfect frame for it.

Mine came from Romania and I am going to do a bit of work on it.

This handmade runner is going to become a wall hanging for a corner of our living room. I held it up against the wall and it doesn't look half bad.

The best gift of all though was having my family together under one roof for a weekend. I miss our sons so very much.

The other gift arrived overnight and was not received with open arms.

Snow!!!! It has been snowing all day and I am pretty sure it snowed most of the night. The roads were terrible this morning, but by the time I came home the roads were wet and slushy. I can just imagine the skating rinks that I will have to negotiate tomorrow morning on the way to work. Have I ever mentioned the one and only thing I really hate about winter is the ice?

Well off to visit everyone.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-11T09:00:00.001-06:00

While I still have control of the computer this morning I want to wish all my Canadian Blogger friends a Happy Thanksgiving. May your table be surrounded by love, laughter and happiness forever.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

God bless.

Finished

2009-10-08T19:19:00.000-06:00

This week has seen me doing a bit of sewing. I managed to get a table runner made for our Canadian Thanksgiving and liked it so much that I had to make another one.

This is the first one I made and placed on our dining room table.

Here it is with the remainder of my holiday decorations. I enjoyed making this so very much and I had a small piece of the fabric left so.....

I just had to make a shorter one for the coffee table in our living room.

Harvey likes these so much he wants me to make some for every holiday! I have already found the perfect material in my fabric stash to make some for Christmas. Heck, I may even make a few for gifts!!!

Now that my decorating for fall is done....It is time to start my pies for our Thanksgiving suppper this weekend.

Off to visit you all now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

October Already

2009-10-04T18:58:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that a new month is already four days old. Where did all the time go?

The last few days have been rainy and cold. Our poor tomatoes are covered up every night with warm sheets, hopefully this will keep the frost at bay. I need a few more (well a lot more) to make salsa next week.

I did a bit more decorating for fall this past week. I found some gourds at the Farmer's Market for very little and bought 6. Added some candles (my favorite thing) and some sparkly leaves and presto another decoration, with very little work. Think it needs a few mini pumpkins and it is totally done.

Then in searching my fabric stash I found some lovely plaid flannel that just cried out to be made into big fluffy pillows for the living room. The great thing is that I can move them downstairs to the library when the fall season is over, the colours will go wonderfully down there. Aren't they the cutest things? I had some old pillows that had seen better days so I removed the stuffing after washing and drying them and used that to stuff them.

I found some lovely material to make a table runner and I think that will be my craft work for tomorrow night.

I have been craving Chocolate for awhile now, and everyone knows that chocolate is good for you. Today was the perfect day to bake.....so I decided to make a layer cake while the beef roast was cooking for dinner.

The icing is a bit runny and not as chocolate as I would like....but that's okay. Where it is going to end up, no one else will care.

Well off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

I'm Losing My Mind!

2009-09-29T19:23:00.000-06:00

For someone who likes to keep a tidy house, this time of year always makes me a bit crazy. This time the harvest is coming in a bit earlier. To think we went from temperatures in the mid 80's, low 90's to 50's and 60's almost overnight! One night we even had a bad frost predicted. It didn't happen but just made us realize that it is the end of September, not the middle of July!

This is what my hall looks like right now.

Boxes and baskets of cucumbers and hot peppers litter the hallway coming in from the front door.

The back door leads to these goodies, more cucumbers, some eggplant and the last of the green peppers.

We only picked one plant clean of tomatoes, and are busy covering the others.....

Thank heavens or I would be wondering where to put everything.

I did manage to get the onions dried and in the cold room, and the cantalope and watermelon are down there as well.

I am beginning to think I live in the produce section of the grocery store. I keep telling myself soon, soon everything will be cleaned up.

Well off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Decorating For Fall.

2009-09-26T18:54:00.000-06:00

I am a bit behind the rest of my blogging family in getting my house ready for this special time of year.

Well, today I decided it was time to do some fall decorating.

I went into my closet and started to pull out items that have been put away since last fall.

First was this Hurricane Lamp. I placed it on my table. It makes a lovely center piece.

Then I put the artifical flowers into one of the vases I received from the School Board. This arrangement will go on top of the TV cabinet eventually. Right now I have it sitting on the floor beside the TV. Hmmm, looks pretty good right there. Might have to do something else on the cabinet top this year.

Lastly I filled my mothers green glass bowl with colourful leaves, the remainder of the fake mini pumpkins and placed it on our coffee table. I put two orange tapers ( I don't remember where on earth I got them from) beside the bowl and a burnt orange toffee smelling candle in front.

Slowly but surely I am bringing fall into my house.

Off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Five Words Meme

2009-09-23T18:07:00.000-06:00

I saw this meme on one of my favorite blogs, and thought it would be fun to do. Mary emailed me my words and so here I go.

My first word is Profession.

To me a profession is anything at all that you are good at doing. I love being with children and so when the chance came to take a Teacher Assistant course, I was the first one to sign up. It has taken me a long time to become a full time Assistant and I am enjoying every minute.

Before this happened I had numerous professions from professional homemaker to professional sales assistant. Just like everyone else my profession has changed over the years, but the love of what I am doing during that time has never changed.

Saskatchewan

Perhaps the best way for me to talk about the province I now call home is in pictures. I will say this, we are a very laid back province and in most cities, towns, villages and hamlets greet everyone with a smile.

Here are a few pictures of what Saskatchewan means to me.

Fishing one of the many hundreds of small lakes, coming back just as the sun is setting.

Driving down the highway meeting a train. Then having the driver of the train blow his whistle and wave at your children as you pass.

Fields and fields of hay bales in the fall, waiting for the farmers to pick them up and store them for the winter.

Fluffy white clouds, floating in an endless blue sky over golden fields of grain.

You can see for miles and miles there is just such an openess in this province. This same openess is in the people that live here.

We only have just over a million in population, but are known for our volunteering spirit and our willingness to give to others. I have a feeling it is the pioneering spirit alive and well.

Hobbies

Anyone who reads my blog knows that I have many of these....but what do they really mean to me.

Reading takes me away to another place or time for awhile. I can be a swashbuckling pirate one moment or a nurse the next. Never a dull moment, I can travel the world and never leave my house if I have a book in my hand. Harvey usually tells me he knows if a book I am reading is happy or sad by looking at my face.

Knitting....well that is a bond between my mother and I. It keeps her alive to me.

Cross Stitch is something that I enjoy as well. The feel of the skeins of thread as I ready them to use, the in and out motion of the needle in the fabric takes me back to days when the ladies of the house would sit with their needlework.

Hobbies to me are something you love to do just because they add beauty to your life.

Christmas

What can a person say about Christmas. To me it is a time for family, for celebrating a very special person in my life, Christ is the center. Giving is more important to me than receiving, finding that right gift or making the right gift fills me with joy.

The smells of cinnamon, pine, vanilla, chocolate and snow (yes, snow actually has a smell to me) tell me that Christmas is filling my home.

Taking days to decorate my tree just right, unwrapping each ornament and remembering where they came from, wrapping gifts, singing carols and bundling up to attend midnight Mass as a family all mean Christmas.

Childhood

I think that overall my childhood was a happy one and so I still enjoy many of the things I did then. Give me a puddle to jump in, worms to dig up in the garden, snakes to chase down the road and I am happy.

I loved to play army and baseball with the boys, climb the highest tree and jump the creek. I think my poor mother never thought that I would take to being a girl at all. Mom always said if there was something to catch my clothes on and tear them I would find it. She spent a great deal of time mending my clothing.

I remember long days outside sitting under the Weeping Willow in our back yard reading. It was my own little hideaway. No one could find me or if they did know where I was they left me alone to travel the world.

Summers were spent camping in the trailer. We would go for the entire summer, Dad would come up on weekends but we spent most of the summer swimming, picking up big blocks of ice for the cooler and just lazing aroung the camper. This is still may favorite way to spend a summer.

Then every so often Dad would haul all of us from Ontario to visit relatives here in Saskatchewan. The camper came with us and we would live for weeks at a time in a relatives yard, or driveway. It was very hard to leave all the cousins when it was time to go home because school was only a week away.

Well off to visit you all now. If anyone wants to take part in this meme, let me know and I will email you your 5 words.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Starting to Decorate

2009-09-21T18:53:00.001-06:00

This past weekend I decided that it was time to get my house dressed for fall. So I spent some time hunting up supplies to make a fall wreath for my entry way.

This is what I came up with. It is absolutely amazing what a person can find in the hidden corners of a craft room. All I ended up buying was the grapevine wreath base. I took apart some old artificial flowers, some stems of coloured leaves and found the pumpkins nesting in the bottom of a closet. The ribbon was part of a swap I took part in last year.

I still have a ways to go in my decorating scheme, but at least I have started. Now just to head over to the neighbours to collect pinecones for my winter project.

The weekend went a bit downhill after this. Seems that we need a new alternator for our Trailblazer. We went to church and when I came out after putting the lectionary away (I was a proclaimer at Mass) found Harvey sitting in the SUV without it running.....strange. When I asked him why it hadn't been started he turned the key. Nothing....not a sound. Good thing we only live a few blocks from the church.

We had the car towed this morning (turns out it was closer to this afternoon) and we will be waiting for at least another 12 hours before it has been fixed. I ended up taking a cab to work and walking to the shop after work. I did get a courtesy car to use tomorrow until ours is ready.

So my Sunday afternoon was spent making Eggplant Parmigian for the freezer. I ended up making 10 containers for use during the winter. My freezer is getting pretty darn full, perhaps it is time to invest in a bigger freezer.

Well it is off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The End Of Summer

2009-09-19T18:38:00.000-06:00

While our temperatures are more along the line of what they should have been this past summer, I am seeing more and more of fall.

The sunsets are not as colourful or in the same position in the sky. It is off to the south a bit more and hidden by houses and trees. I am enjoying watching it disappear in the west however, and thinking of what the next day will bring.

The last few day lilies are blooming. Soon I will be spending my weekends cutting down the flowers in all my flower beds, getting them ready for winter.

The cayenne peppers are ripening nicely. Harvey figures he has enough to last him for the winter. Now I am just picking them to give to others....may as well use them up as much as possible. My frugal nature hates to see waste of any kind.

The only red I usually see in the fall is my Virginia Creeper. There are Dogwood trees/bushes farther north and I just love their reddish branches in the fall.

Most of our leaves turn either yellow, or a goldy colour. Some even turn brown and fall right away.

One sure fire way to know fall is here is the sound of the geese flying south for the winter. So far I haven't really heard them. Does this mean fall is still a little ways off?

Everybody have a wonderful evening. Off to visit now.

God bless.

Week End Officially Over

2009-09-14T19:24:00.000-06:00

Well the weekend is officially over and I actually made it.

I did go down to my students football game, but please remind me how not to be embarassed by a person jumping up and down in the middle of a football field screaming at the top of their voice, "I told you all Mrs. P was coming to watch me play! Hi Mrs. P!" That plus having every person in the stands looking at me was nerve wracking to say the least. Oh well at least I was appreciated for a couple of hours.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing my regular chores, getting the garden produce put up and baking some cookies for the upcoming weeks lunches. I also promised one of the boys that since he was behaving so well I would bring him something special. Must remember to do that tomorrow, all he asked for was Chocolate Chip Cookies, homemade of course.

Here is the fruits of my baking labours. Chocolate chip of course. Just hope they last the week, I am afraid I have been nibbling a little bit too much.

The fruits of the harvest came next.

More cucumbers and a cantalope or two.

A tisket, a tasket, a basket of green peppers and eggplants. I did take some of the peppers to school today and we used them at lunch during our staff meeting.

Lastly, but not least I managed to process a few more bags of tomatoes. Add to that a few bags of sliced green peppers and my work in the garden was done....for at least a few days.

All in all a productive weekend both work wise and spiritually.

Off to visit you all now.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Long Week

2009-09-11T18:58:00.000-06:00

Funny how a 4 day work week can tire me out and worry me so very much.

This week has had its ups and downs. Yesterday was a down day, today not so much so.

I received an email from our principal last night asking to meet with me....What? So many things going through my mind. Did I do something wrong? Was there a complaint about me? What did I do? Is it about the union? Am I going to be moved to a different class?

When I first read the email I was shocked. Then I thought I better phone the teacher I am working with this year to let her know about it. I probably shouldn't have but I felt she should know about it. Seems that she was very worried as well and had problems sleeping.

I arrived at work, and the first person I saw was the principal. I asked him when he wanted to meet and then came right out and asked if I had done something wrong as sleep was a hard commodity to come by last night. The poor man looked at me and said "Of course not, I am so sorry to have worried you. It was recommended to me that I ask you to sit in this meeting as a mediator if necessary by the Director of Student Services."

What? It seems that one of the other aides was giving him a very rough time with placement procedures, and he was worried about what was going to happen at this meeting.

While I agree with much of what our union has accomplished there are certain things I do take a neutral stance on. I am not rabidly union like a few of our members, and am willing and usually able to see both sides of the story.

Things went well, and everyone seems to be happy (at least aide wise). I do know that some of the teachers might be a bit upset with the appointment of one aide. She will be in grade 8 and can't seem to do even grade 6 math so there is a problem in the works. During the last two weeks, this same aide worked in the younger grades and had problems with English Language Arts, Spelling and Math. Heaven help the students.

One of our boys seem to be coming around. He has been coming in early every day to get work done that he didn't do at home. This morning he came in and started to talk to me about his football game tomorrow. He was a bit disappointed that his mom would not go and talked about riding his bike to the game. The look on his face just about broke my heart. I asked him when he played and then said maybe I would come and watch him play. His face just lit right up. When Harvey got home I talked to him about it. The first thing he said was "Your heart broke, didn't it?" I had to admit it did, and what I had told this child. My dear sweet husband looked at me and smiled and said "You did the right thing." Guess tomorrow morning at 9 am I will be down in the park watching this young fellow play football.

Off to visit all of you.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Posting Recipes

2009-09-08T18:26:00.000-06:00

I never thought to post the recipe for the eggplant, and decided while I was doing that I may as well post the recipe for the plum pie as well.

Stuffed Eggplant

2 med. sized eggplant washed and stalks removed

1/2 cup chopped ham (for those vegetarians out there this can be left out)

3 tbsp dried parsley

1 or 2 tomatoes peeled and chopped

1/4 cup dried bread crumbs

1/2 onion finely chopped or grated (I finely chopped mine)

2 1/2 cups grated cheddar (I used 1 1/2 cups and then used 1 cup of grated mozza over top)

salt

freshly ground pepper

Cut the eggplant in half, lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, to leave a 1/4 inch shell.

Roughly chop the flesh.

Make the stuffing by combining the ham, parsely, tomato, bread crumbs, onion, seasonings, and 1 1/2 cups grated cheese.

Place the eggplant shells in a baking dish and fill with the stuffing mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes and then uncover and cook for another 5 or 10 minutes or until crisp and golden.

Serve hot.

Now on to the Plum Pie

1 unbaked pie shell

Filling

11 plums, washed, pitted and quartered
1 well beaten egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar

Mix all filling ingredients together in a medium bowl and pour into shell. I baked it at 350 for around 50 minutes until it was golden brown and bubbly.

Serve with ice cream.

Well off to visit all of you. Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The Computer Is Mine Once Again

2009-09-07T18:35:00.000-06:00

Well Kris has gone back to Regina and the computer is once again available for me to use. I am not really used to sharing it anymore and when the boys come home it is tough to even get on to moderate the forum I visit.

Thought I would share with you what I have been up to this weekend when I couldn't get on to make a post.

I finished processing the carrots from the garden. Now they reside in the freezer to use over the winter. Hopefully we have enough to last us.

Grated up a fairly large zucchini and put it in the freezer. If there is another one at the school next week it may just find a home

Made a batch of plum jam from the plums my neighbour shared with me from her tree. They still need to be labled and taken to the cold room. Hopefully I will finish them off tonight.

With the remainder of the plums I made this plum pie for dessert last night. Even pulled out the ice cream maker and made vanilla ice cream to go with it. Tasted so good. There is enough of each leftover for Harvey and I to enjoy tonight before bed.

Supper tonight was Stuffed Eggplant. I meant to get a picture of the finished product, but of course forgot. Harvey really enjoyed this recipe, so I think I will add it to my collection.

Well off to pay a visit to all of you.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

One Week Finished

2009-09-02T19:27:00.000-06:00

The first week of school is over for me and things are going very well for the most part. Today had a few challenges, but nothing that I could not handle. Hopefully things will continue along the same paths that we have started.

I thought I would share a few photos with all of you of things that have changed, or that I have completed over the past few years.

Remember the bird feeder I won at the family reunion.....

Well, Harvey didn't like where we had put it so the feeder was moved to the backyard by the shed. Next he decided to "brighten it up" with some paint. Now I have a pretty all year sunflower in my back yard.

Then this year most of my delphiniums winter killed and a friend gave me a few plants that she dug out of her garden.

They are finally blooming!!! Harvey decided the easiest way to water them was to attach a small sprinkler to the top of the cages. It works great.

Lastly, a few years ago I decided we needed something on one wall in the bedroom so I picked this cross stitch pattern and once I was done had Harvey make a frame for it.

Sorry for the blurry picture, I don't understand why it is not clearer.

I really need to start a few more of these for other walls and spaces in our home. Perhaps this winter, if I can stop knitting for a little while.

Well off to visit everyone.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Garden's Bounty

2009-08-30T19:22:00.000-06:00

Our garden is giving up it's bounty now. Perhaps almost too fast for me to collect, process and eat.

Wonderful, shiney, purple eggplants. The plants have many more growing and hopefully the weather cooperates so we can feast on them for a long time.

Already had Eggplant Parmagian, now I am thinking Moussakka might be nice one evening this coming week.

Lots of green peppers. We used some in our breakfast omlets this morning. I did wash, clean and slice about 10 of them for the freezer. They are wonderful in soups, stews, spaghetti sauce and lasagna. A little taste of summer in the winter.

The last of the yellow wax beans. Frozen and ready for use during the winter. We did save a bowlful for supper tonight.

A large bowl of carrots. There is still more in the garden to eat. Plan on using some tomorrow for supper.

These are peeled, sliced, and blanched. Now I just have to put them into freezer bags.

Looks as if we are going to be well stocked for this winter. I love having my own fresh veggies (well almost fresh) to use in the cold, dark winter.

Well off to visit all of you. Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Long Days

2009-08-27T18:55:00.001-06:00

First off a couple of photo's of my new classroom. It is such a different atmosphere this year. The room is neat and tidy, no clutter at all. The teacher is much more organized which helps a great deal with the students I am hired to help with.

The young student I was hired to work with initially will not be coming back for awhile if ever this year. It seems that he has gotten a bit violent over the last week and Mom is afraid that he may do something to one of the teachers or another student. They (parents, teachers and mental health) are trying to get him a placement in a special school in the capital. I really feel for all those involved as M is a real sweetie when not getting new meds or facing something new.

I am finding it difficult to get back into the swing of full time work and full time housekeeping. It seems as if I no sooner get home than it is time to start supper.

Tonight was something quick and easy, Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Egg Salad Sandwiches.

I think I may be pulling out the slow cooker very quickly this year.

The green beans are finished in the garden. I did up the last bags for the freezer last night. Now to just get through the yellow wax beans! I am hoping to pull and freeze the remaining carrots tomorrow.

Off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go

2009-08-25T19:06:00.002-06:00

Well tomorrow is my first work day of the school year.

I think I have all my supplies ready! Guess I will know for sure what I am missing tomorrow. I can always pick up a few things from the supply cabinet at the school.

As far as I know I will be working with the same student that I did last year. Things do change though, and as the parents are trying to get a placement for him in a special school I will be playing a waiting game.

This is a picture of the sweater pattern I am thinking of making for the men in my life. I just have to search through my yarn stash to see if I have anything suitable to use. If not.......shopping time!!!

Well, I want an early night tonight so I am bright eyed and bushy tailed when we finally meet our new principal tomorrow.

Off to visit all of you. Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Weekly Doings

2009-08-23T19:01:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been a week since I posted. Where has the time gone!

It is hard to believe that the summer is almost over and I will be heading back to work the middle of next week.

I was sick for a day this week, lack of sleep, headache and aching body. I am feeling much better now and more able to face the fact that I am no longer as young as I once was.

On the days that I was feeling great I was busy in the garden. Today I picked a basket of cucumbers. Thank heavens Harvey plans on taking some of these to work with him tomorrow. I made double batches of pickles and relish last year and really do not need to make any this year.

Finished off the two sweaters I was working on to use up my yarn stash. I probably won't get to wear them very much before the cool weather hits, but there is always next year.

I started another one that I would like to get done in the next couple of weeks. A nice bright red one..... wonder if I can wear them as vests this winter.

This upcoming week will see me doing a bit more out in the garden. Carrots need to be harvested and prepared for the winter, potatoes are ready to be dug up, and more herbs need to be dried. Should be a busy week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I am off to visit everybody.

God bless.

Kitchen Duty Called

2009-08-18T18:41:00.000-06:00

First off I will post a picture of the moonflower bloom from last night. It wasn't as open as they usually get but it was pretty cold last night and that could have had something to do with it. Looking closely at the plant I think I see the start of a few more buds. Hope it stays warm enough for them to mature.

Today was another busy one blanching and freezing vegetables for the winter. I managed to get the last of the blueberries into the freezer as well. I just thinned the carrots out a bit and still managed to get three bags for the freezer and enough for supper tonight as well. Of course there was the saga of the never ending beans as well.....two bags of yellow beans rest in my freezer and 4 bags of green beans.

Then this afternoon while listening to TV (I get tired of the absolute silence after awhile and talking to oneself is frowned on) I finished cutting out the denim quilt patches that I started last night. I now have a sister in law dropping old jeans off for me to use. Means I should be kept pretty busy cutting quilt patches over the next little while.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful evening. Off to visit.

God bless.

Look What I Found

2009-08-17T18:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was looking at my Moonflower, despairing of ever getting a blossom on it this year. Finally my gaze wondered to the bottom of the plant.

Look a bud! Hidden at the bottom in the back of the plant.

This evening it is starting to open. While it won't be as big as last years showing I am happy to be getting anything at all considering the weather we have been having.

I hope to get a picture of the full bloom tonight and post it tomorrow.

Right now it looks as if another storm is moving in. Seems as if the sun has decided to move east for awhile, sure hope she comes back.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I'm off to visit all of you now.

God bless.

Finally A Breather

2009-08-15T18:44:00.000-06:00

Wow, it has been a busy week or two here in the Phillips house. Three weeks ago my washer broke down and I had to shop for a new one. After hearing so much about front loaders and the savings involved I ordered one and it arrived on Wednesday.Here is a picture of my new toy. I love how quickly I can get my washing done now and believe me 3 weeks of washing in one day is no mean feat. I just can't believe how little water these machines use.

Then of course the garden produce has started to come in with a vengence.

I spent 5 hours one afternoon boiling beets and getting them sliced and in the freezer. They are finished now and boy am I glad. I didn't have to pickle any as last year I made enough to last two years.

Of course at the same time I was trying to keep up with the beans. I did manage it with just a little hair pulling.

The cherries got ripe and so it was on to making cherry jam.

Then my sister in law called and said the chokecherries were ripe and it was time to pick them. Chokecherry jelly was next on my list of preserves.

Today a friend dropped off about 5 quarts of blueberries. What is a girl supposed to do! Of course! Make jam and freeze the rest.

All done now thank heavens.

Tomorrow it will be beans again and more than likely more cucumbers and perhaps a green pepper or two.

Well off to visit you all. Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Outside Clock

2009-08-10T15:34:00.000-06:00

I just had to share this picture of our clock with all of you. For years I wanted a clock outside (why I don't really know, but for some reason I need to know the time) and when my brothers gave me this clock for Christmas one year, well outside it went.

We have only changed the batteries in it once and are amazed at how well it keeps time. We don't bring it in over the winter so rain or shine, sleet or snow the clock keeps right on ticking. It keeps me from spending way to long outside in the sun, and helps me to keep appointments year after year.

It reminds me of God. Always there, always steady leading me to where I need to be. Helping me to realize that my faith is built on rock.

Off to visit all of you. Everybody have a wonderful afternoon.

God bless.

Colour, Colour, I Love Colour

2009-08-09T18:57:00.000-06:00

My lilies are in full bloom. These orange ones have taken over my perennial bed, guess I will have to thin them out soon.

These lovely double Impatience hang by my back door.

This year I really tried to keep to a colour theme with my baskets and boxes. Seems to have worked very well. Shades of pink or white surround my home.

Pink lilies in my perennial bed.

Pink mini roses greet friends on our deck.

And peachy pink sunsets given by God to enjoy each and every night.

Well off to visit all of you.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Pickles In A Bucket and More

2009-08-07T18:32:00.000-06:00

Today I decided to make Pickles In A Bucket. Kind of a misnomer as they are made in an ice cream pail. They take very little time to make and taste so good after about a week stored in the fridge. I used up 5 of my larger cucumbers.

Pickles In A Bucket

4 cups sugar

2 cups white vinegar

2 tbsp coarse salt (pickling salt)

1 tsp tumeric

1 tsp celery seed

1 tsp mustard seed

Mix all of the above in an ice cream pail (4 qt or 4 l depending on if you live in the U.S. or Canada). Stir well.

1 large red pepper cut in slices

1 large green pepper cut in slices

1 large onion sliced

5 cups thinly sliced cucumbers with peel

Add the remaining ingredients to fill bucket to level of liquid. Let stand 2 hours. Stir. It will shrink down a bit so you may be able to add a few more cucumber slices. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

We put this plastic owl into the cherry trees to try and keep the birds from eating all the cherries. I think they are getting a bit suspicous as I had to chase a few out of the tree. Wonder if it would help to move our friend around a little bit.

Remember the tiny little Moonflowers I planted. Well I have lots of green vines now, but no blossoms as of yet. Sure hope some appear soon, the summer is drawing to an end.

Well off to visit you all now.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Redesigning The Fire Pit

2009-08-05T18:51:00.001-06:00

Harvey and I took a good look at the area around our fire pit last night. It definitely needed some work. So today I gave the bench a coat of paint or two, moved some things around and we came up with this.

I sprayed the rocks with weed killer, moved the bench so all my flowers and plants are visible, and all that is left to do is move some of the bricks on the fire pit. It is so nice to finally have it the way we want it. Harvey is planning on extending the graveled area a bit so there is more room for another bench or even a couple of chairs. That might be our job for this weekend, providing it does not rain.

I am off to visit all of you now.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Working in the Garden and Yard

2009-08-03T18:16:00.001-06:00

I had promised last week to post a picture of the finished bench. We moved it from the front yard due to thefts to the back and placed it under the cherry trees. I have sat here a couple of times while resting from working in the garden. Nice and shaded. Hopefully I will be able to make a couple of nice cushions to make it a bit more comfortable for reading in the afternoon shade.

This is a picture of some of the cherries on one of our trees. I am having a great deal of fun keeping the robins out of the tree. While I don't mind sharing, Robins have a habit of just pecking every single cherry.

Tomatoes ripening on the vine. They are a bit later than normal this year due to the colder temperatures we have been having. I am sure they will taste great though.

Some of the beets that I managed to freeze for this winter, earlier in the week. I used the beet leaves for supper that night. Harvery loves beet greens! Me, well I can take them or leave them.

It seems as if every second day I am either picking beans or peas. I have managed to get a few packages frozen for winter use. Hopefully there will be a great many more. It really helps keep the grocery bill down in the winter. It always surprises me how much frozen vegetables cost.

Harvey has been busy getting my rain barrel set up. I think he went way to large, but as he says he works in the oil patch and nothing is small there. Here is a picture of the barrel so far. We still need a tap and a overflow hose of some kind.

This thing is 300 gallons! Should hold enough rain water to last a long time.

Well off to visit all of you. Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Busy Day In The Kitchen

2009-07-29T20:09:00.000-06:00

Today was a cool rainy day, and I could think of no better way of spending it than doing some serious cooking.

I picked today to make one batch of my yearly two batches of Cabbage Bread. The other batch will be made later on next month.

Thought I would share how I make this with all of you. It is a recipe that has been handed down on my Father's side of the family for many years....and if there really was a writen recipe it has been lost over time.

Hmm, where to start. Perhaps with the ingredients. You will need bread dough (I cheat and buy the frozen loaves, it saves time). Thaw and let rise. I usually do this over night.

Here is the dough nicely risen in my biggest bowl. I used 7 loaves this time.

Next, saute at least 2 chopped onions in a small amount of oil. Add about 3 pounds of ground beef as well as salt and pepper. Stir mixing and breaking up the chunks of meat until browned.Then take a nicely cleaned cabbage and slice it into thin slices.

I usually slice pieces off the cabbage and then cut it up as if I am making slaw.

Now take all that lovely thinly sliced cabbage and put it on top of the hamburger and onions cooking on the stove.

Allow the cabbage to cook down and then mix it with the cooked meat.

Once the cabbage is tender. Take it off the stove. Punch down the bread dough and cut pieces off it as if you are going to make buns. Roll the pieces out into a square on a lightly floured board. Put a few large spoonfuls of the ground beef/cabbage mixture on each and form into buns.

Place these buns on greased baking sheets and lightly grease the tops. Cover and let rise until doubled. Then pop them into the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Here is a picture of the finished product. I ended up making 4 dozen today. Hopefully I will be able to make another 4 dozen later on. These make a nice quick meal when I am tired from work.

Off to visit you all now.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Busy In The Garden

2009-07-28T17:42:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy few days around the Phillip's house. Harvey was busy painting and refurbishing on of my outdoor benches. Here is a picture of the ends all nicely spray painted black. I will post a picture of the finished project once he gets it together and set up under the cherry trees

Then this morning I got to go out and pick some more peas from our garden. Mmmm, nothing quite tastes the same as fresh peas.

My mint and oregano needed to be trimmed back....so I cut them back and dried the trimmings for use throughout the winter. I think tomorrow I will trim back the thyme and bring in the trimmings to dry.

Thank heavens that I have two dehydrators. They get a great deal of use at this time of year.

Well off to make supper. I will be by to visit all of you later tonight.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Silent Auction Items

2009-07-24T18:47:00.000-06:00

Well it is time I posted the items that we managed to bid on and win at the reunion.

First is this lovely bird feeder. It was made by a gentleman in a small town near Weyburn. We put it under the tree in our front yard. So far no birds have found it but I am hopeful.

This ornament was made by Harv's brother, Loran. Loran does lots of work on his lathe and Harvey really likes everything he does. This is project is called "Inside Out" because a person works from the inside out.

The last thing is this lovely basket. It is a spa pedicure basket and I can't wait to use it. Lots of lovely things to soak and use on my feet.

Today is a special day. It is Harvey's birthday so supper was something he loves, grilled smokie sausages and a Caesar Salad with Romaine lettuce from our garden. Dessert was Saskatoon Pie and Vanilla Icecream.

We actually picked enough Saskatoons for two lovely pies. One of which will be going in the freezer for later.

I think that they turned out very well, with just a little boil over. To make matters even better I have enough frozen berries to make another couple of pies this winter. Mmmm. A taste of summer when we are up to our armpits in snow.

Well off to visit all of you.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Unexpected Meeting

2009-07-23T18:22:00.000-06:00

My priest called an emergency Parish Council meeting tonight. Guess my Silent Auction items will have to wait until tomorrow to be posted.

I will visit everyone when I get home from the meeting.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

More Family Reunion Pictures

2009-07-22T18:44:00.000-06:00

I guess that I should keep my promise and post a few more pictures from our family reunion.

This is a picture of two of Harvey's sisters and our great niece Devenay, better known as Devi. The little darling had me playing hop scotch with her most of Friday evening.

The sister talking to her is also her Grandma Dinie (oh would she ever be upset to know I used her nickname instead of her whole name, but that is what Devi calls her). The other sister is Jocelyn a single woman who works for the government here.

This is a picture of my favorite niece Melanie. She is expecting her first child in just a few weeks! This is also the young lady that all the nephews fell in love with including my two sons. The boys would follow her all over and her patience was boundless.

This is a picture of Harvey's oldest brother Vernon and his younger brother Kevin. Vernon is wearing a hat and both brothers are farmers here.

This is another brother Lorne and his significant other Wendy. He is also Nathan's Dad. Lorne lives in the north of the province and works for the Federal government in the penal system here in Saskatchewan.

Two more sisters helping with the making of salads for supper on Saturday. Sylvia is manning the salad tongs and Janice is getting reading to take a photo. The salad was scrumptious and there was nothing left by the end of the meal.

Some of the youngsters playing with a small kitten they found. Emily is the young girl and Alex is the boy. Alex's mom Melissa is watching them to make sure they behave nicely with the kitty.

Tomorrow I will post some pictures of my Silent Auction wins.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I am off to visit you all.

God bless.

Family Reunion

2009-07-21T18:26:00.000-06:00

We got back late yesterday from the family reunion. I spent most of the time quietly observing how everyone was behaving. Harvey's family has a lot of latent sibling rivalry, which shouldn't have surprised me, but did.

This is a picture of Harveys family.
They are all standing in front of the hall that was reserved for the occasion. The food was great especially the pulled pork on Saturday night.

On Friday night we set up camp and then went off to Harvey's sisters for a BBQ supper.

This is a picture of the three people who travelled the farthest.

Nathan, Cindy and baby Audrey came all the way from Ottawa to join us.

More pictures tomorrow, I am still tired out! Must be getting too old for this kind of thing.

Well off to visit you all. Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

We're Going Camping....

2009-07-16T19:12:00.000-06:00

Well tomorrow we leave on our short vacation.

It is Harvey's family reunion, and while I love his family for the most part......together as a big group they drive me crazy! It is like each one has to out do the other. Harvey and I sort of sit back and watch the fireworks but every once in awhile they are directed at one of us.

Hopefully I can make it through the weekend without saying something that I shouldn't. Perhaps smiling and nodding my head like an idiot will work. Nah, think I will sit and visit with all the young people, that should keep me out of trouble.

I will have lots of pictures when I get back so everyone expect to be bored.

Off to visit all of you now. Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The Three Muskateers

2009-07-14T18:03:00.001-06:00

I have one more picture from the wedding that I would like to share with all of you. The young man in the forefront of the photo is our youngest son Kris. On the far side of the table are his cousin Jared (the blond) and Nolan his best friend who 6 years ago became a member of our family when he married Jared's sister, Kris's cousin.

These three were inseparable all through high school. Kris met Nolan in one of his classes and the two became best friends. Jared more or less got pulled into the group because he would come to visit Kris and Nolan would be here. The three boys got along great, and many was the weekend that my house was full of snoring bodies....I never knew who I would find sleeping in the spare room.

Over the past couple of years the bonds of friendship have been strained due to Kris's depression. At the wedding once again the three were together and I could see the tendrils of love, and friendship reaching out to Kris. I have not seen Kris this happy in a long time. On the way home from the reception Kris happened to mention that Jared and he are getting together for dinner this week and a trip to the cheap theater. Nolan invited Kris over for supper when Ashley and he get back from their vacation.

True friendship lasts through anything, and lends a helping hand when needed.

Off to visit all of you now. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Busy Weekend

2009-07-12T19:10:00.000-06:00

Well the weekend is winding down and I actually have time to post.

My nephew got married this weekend and I was quite busy from Friday until early this afternoon.

Meet Derek and Karla. Derek is my sister's youngest child and my godson. It was very strange to see him get married as to me he was still the chubby little fellow that chased frogs with me. Just goes to show a person that people (youngsters especially) grow up really fast!

Here is a picture of my sister's family. Derek and Karla are of course front and center. My neice Ashley and her husband Nolan are on the left side, Jared my sister's oldest boy is the tall fellow in the center and then come my sister and her husband Gerry.

When I heard that Karla made her own wedding cake, I just had to take a photo of it to share with all of you. It was absolutely perfect, and to think that with all the other wedding plans she still had time to make it is mind boggling to me.

Well off to visit all of you.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

2009-07-08T18:27:00.000-06:00

The last two days has seen us going through some very strange weather. One minute it is very cool and breezy, the next hot and humid. Then of course there are the sudden downpours of rain, with lots of thunder and lightening. As long as we don't get the golf ball sized hail that other places have gotten I will be happy.

I spent the last two days cleaning areas of the house that I have been unable or perhaps I should say unwilling to tackle until now. I never thought having a clean coat closet would give me so much pleasure!

I have also been busy doing some baking. Have to take advantage of the cooler weather, and at least I don't have to turn the air conditioning on full blast while baking. In fact the air conditioner has not been on for the last two days. Yippee, lower energy costs!!!

So what have I been baking between bouts of frantic cleaning.....

These are some Oatmeal Muffins. One of the ladies on the Frugal Living Forum posted the recipe and I just had to try them. These are so

good warm with lots of butter. They make a wonderful breakfast.

Next my chocolate cravings got the best of me and I just had to make these unbaked Chocolate Cookies. I may make another batch tomorrow if the weather is cooperative.

Then I discovered a container of sour cream waaaay back in the fridge. It was almost outdated and so I decided to make this Sour Cream Coffee Cake. It is all sliced up and in a container in my freezer for future enjoyment.

My last concoctions in the kitchen were..... blueberry muffins, using up the last of the fresh blueberries we had been given, and brownies another bowing to my inner chocoholic personality. I would upload some pictures of the finished product but blogger is not letting me. Guess my photos are causing "internal errors" right now.

Kris phoned tonight and he is coming home this weekend for his cousins wedding on Saturday. He sounds a bit better right now, so I hope it lasts. He did ask if I had made any Chocolate Chip Cookies lately, so I think I will make a double batch tomorrow.

Well off to visit you all. Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

My First Real Day Of Holidays

2009-07-06T18:36:00.000-06:00

I consider this my first real day of holidays. The house was my own, I could wonder around in my nightie all day if I so chose. But of course the day was so beautiful that the outside called to me. So into my clothes, coffee and camera in hand I ventured outside to take some more photos.

Look what I found growing on one of our tomato plants. Soon we will be feasting on fresh tomatoes. Mmmm, nothing better.

Next. I sat on our deck and enjoyed the privacy that the Virginia Creeper imparts. I love being surrounded by all this lush greenery when drinking my coffee in the morning. Makes me think that I am not surrounded by other houses and people. Nice, quiet and peaceful, just what I needed this morning.

Now on to what I have been keeping busy with in order to keep some semblance of sanity during the last month and a half. I am slowly but surely working my way through my yarn stash. I have managed to make 3 more baby afghans and a fourth is on my needles at this moment. I hope to have it finished in the next two weeks. There are 3 babies arriving in the family over the next few months and I like to have enough afghans on hand to make sure everyone receives one.

This summer Harvey's side of the family is having a reunion. It takes place in just two weeks. It was decided to have a silent auction and each family was to bring at least one item for it. Well I finally got to work (after procrastinating for months) and this is what I made for the auction. Not too bad if I say so myself. Hope they like it enough to bid on it.

Well off to visit all of you and continue my quest on getting caught up on everyone's news. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Blogging Break Over

2009-07-05T18:36:00.000-06:00

Well it has been a long time since I posted, things just seemed to spiral out of control for awhile. Now things are back to normal (or at least as normal as they get around here) and hopefully I can get back on track.

Spring weather was just so horrible this year. It seemed as if I was forever waiting to plant my garden and once we managed to we spent many a night running out and covering every thing up to protect it from frost. Hence my garden and flowers are just starting to grow and look half way decent.

This is a picture of one of the railing boxes on our front steps. The Cascade Petunias are finally filling out and looking very nice.

These are some lovely hot pink geraniums that I put in a basket beside the front door. They just keep right on blooming and the scent of the leaves keeps the mosquitoes far away from my front door.

Ahhh, some of the MoonFlowers I started in the house. This planter is on the cement patio, I have another on the deck. They aren't growing as quickly as I would like, but they are finally showing some signs of enjoying the warmer weather.

My Impatience corner. These are growing by leaps and bounds. I have mini roses on the deck floor and they are starting to bloom once again.

Now that I have talked about and shown you some of my babies I will tell you all about my last month of working.

I was really contemplating quitting my job by the middle of the month of May. It seemed that according to the teacher I could do nothing right. It made me wonder how I could go from being a blessing to the class to a total failure. She came right out and said I didn't know how to use my down time....then I looked over at the other aide who was sitting there doing nothing and said to her "I always ask you if there is anything you need done or write up reports for you, do you have any other suggestions as to what I could be doing?" This bothered me a great deal until it came to light that the teacher wanted me to quit so that her daughter would be hired to take my place. It was then I decided that I would go to the Principal if things stayed as tense between us as had been, or if my evaluation was not good. When the time came for my evaluation every thing was just fine, no problems what so ever. HUH? What ever happened to all the knit picking of every little thing I did...guess I will never know.

During this time our youngest son. Kris had another serious battle with depression. I spent many an hour on the phone with him and finally got a chance to go up and see him. He is doing better right now, but since it is situational depression it is bound to catch up with him again. It broke my heart to hear him crying on the phone and wondering if he would be living on the street and eating out of garbage cans in five years. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him over my dead body would that happen. I just hope the situation rights itself very soon. I am going to ask you all to pray for him, he really needs the prayers right now.

Well I am off to pay all of you a visit. It will be great to catch up with everyone. More garden pictures in my next post, and perhaps a picture or two of what I have been doing sewing and knitting wise to keep sane. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

So Cold Outside

2009-05-16T07:11:00.000-06:00

It is early Saturday morning, and I sit here listening to the birds singing, see the sun shining, and think to myself today is the day. Then I look out the window, see the frost on the windshields of the vehicles on the street and know it is not. It almost seems as if the weather just does not want to co operate with us gardeners here in Saskatchewan. We will have beautiful temperatures and sunny skies for a couple of days........then the temperature plummets and we get rain, hail, or snow. My poor plants are stuck in the house for awhile yet.

These pictures are of some Moonflower seeds I planted. Out of the eight seeds I planted I managed to get 4 to grow. In case anyone doesn't know Moonflowers are actually part of the Morning Glory family....except unlike Morning Glories these open at night. The flower is white and can be 6 inches in diameter. The first time I was given a plant by a friend I fell in love with them. I put plants on the deck and in the evening when I am enjoying the quiet, watching the stars or the moon, I can gaze also on the bright white flowers of this plant. They seem to reflect the light of the moon and sort of shimmer. This time I have enough to do a couple of large pots, one for the deck and one for the patio below.

Well off to visit you all now. Hope there is coffee on! Everybody have a wonderful day. God bless.

My Weekend Fun

2009-05-11T18:49:00.001-06:00

On Friday night, just after I finished the dishes and headed towards my chair to work on my knitting for the evening....a knock on the door. I opened the door and the two little boys from down the street, were standing there with these carnations in their fists.

They handed them to me and said "These flowers are for you for Mother's Day, cause we know your boys live far away." I almost cried at their thoughfulness.

Then on Mother's Day we followed our tradition of going to Regina to visit the greenhouses. My favorite one was closed for some reason this year, but we managed pretty well at the one that was open.

Here are just a few of the plants that I am going to need to make our yard beautiful for the rest of the spring and summer.

This will give me a good start, but I know that I need many more to make my yard be a place I want to spend my days and evenings enjoying.

The best thing about the whole day was I got to spend time with Harvey and our youngest son Kris....and when I got home our oldest son Kurt was phoning to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. What could be better....oh yeah....no cooking at all. Got to love days like that.

Well off to visit you all. Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Normality Once Again

2009-05-05T19:00:00.000-06:00

The past week went by in a blur. Things are finally getting back to normal around the school once again. While we will always miss Susie, she would want us to carry on, and so we are.

Today was a ghostly gray day to wake up to. This picture was taken early this morning looking down into the valley from our front window.

This picture was taken looking down the road towards the main street leading from the south that runs past our little side street.

Wisps of fog deadened the sound of the vehicles passing by. Once the fog lifted I could once again hear the sounds of passing vehicles and people walking. It always amazes me how fog can deaden sound.

The grass is greening up, and Harvey and I are planning a trip into Regina to visit one of the larger greenhouses this Sunday. I told him it could be my Mother's Day gift......plant shopping.

Speaking of plants. Does anyone know anything at all about orchids? I have managed to keep this one alive for two years.

Lots of interesting things happening to it right now, I just don't know if any of these green off shoots are flower stalks! Help!!!!

Well off to visit everyone, it has been awhile. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sad News

2009-04-27T18:58:00.000-06:00

Today I received some very sad news. Yesterday a friend of many years and her oldest daughter were traveling to Regina. Near a small town just an hour away, they were involved in a head on collision with another vehicle and died instantly.

Suzanne, was one of the most optimistic, happy people that I knew. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone she met.

Brittany, her daughter was only 19 years old, and attending her first year of post secondary education.

The world will be a grayer place without them.

Rest in peace my friends.

What's On My Needles

2009-04-25T18:51:00.001-06:00

We received news at the beginning of the week that one of our nephews and his wife just had a baby girl. I put aside my sewing to start knitting an afghan that was suitable for a new baby girl. So far it is moving right along, and as I watch television in the evening I just continue knitting away.

The strange thing is I have learned that 3 other nieces or nephews are expecting new additions to their families in the next 5 months. I think I am going to have a busy summer knitting, seems like I can never keep up with afghans lately for all the babies being born. I may have to find an easier and faster pattern to follow.

Off to visit with everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Locked Myself In My Sewing Room

2009-04-22T20:04:00.000-06:00

The weather wasn't the nicest over the last part of the Easter break, and so I decided to brighten my days with colourful fabrics.

I started these summer tops last Saturday and just put up the final hem yesterday evening.

I think they turned out very well and were so easy to make. Other than the hems the whole sewing spree lasted about 4 hours off and on throughout the weekend. These used up some fabric remnants that I have had for a few years. I am now planning to make a few more and use up those pieces of fabric that I picked up at rummage and garage sales. In fact I have one cut out and ready to start this Friday after work. Who knows I may even get another one ready to go! I had forgotten how much fun it is just to sew for me!

Off to visit you all now. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

My Sweetie

2009-04-20T18:28:00.000-06:00

There is a story behind this Chocolate Bar. You see our oldest son left a bar very similar to this one in his room downstairs when he was visiting over the Easter Break.

I cleaned up his room the day he left and saw it lying there in all its chocolate goodness, but instead of eating it immediately, I left it there for a bit later. Thinking to myself, "This will make a lovely dessert for Harvey and I later on."

Well later that night when the chocolate cravings hit I went downstairs to get it and divide it between my sweetie and me. Lo, and behold the chocolate was gone and the empty wrapper was staring me in the face.

I questioned my husband, and found to my surprise that he had found said chocolate and ate it. ((Sighs)), he never even shared it. Oh he had planned on only eating one half of it and bringing the rest upstairs to me, but once started just had to have another bite, until to his utter amazement it was gone!

I came back upstairs, gathered my knitting and tried to put the chocolate out of my mind.....I succeeded, but barely.

To my surprise the next day after work this lovely gift was lying on the table, with a note telling me to enjoy. Seems my sweetie decided that I deserved a chocolate bar of my own!

Got to love a man who brings you chocolate!!!

Off to visit you all now. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

What To Do On A Rainy Day

2009-04-16T14:41:00.000-06:00

Today has been dark and dreary. It has been raining since I got up this morning, putting me into a melancholy mood. To get myself out of this funk, I decided to move my clothes around. All my heavy sweaters, pants and dresses are now packed away until next winter. I changed the rods in my bedroom closet around to fit all my spring/summer clothes in.

My, my, I really do own way too many clothes. I now need to get some flat boxes or baskets for the top of the closet so I can organize all my wraps and scarves. Perhaps that would tidy it up a bit. I should also hang up my housecoat on the hook behind the door, it looks much tidier that way!

I still had much of the morning left so got busy doing some baking. I haven't baked for awhile and lately I have been craving CHOCOLATE. So here are pictures of my efforts in the kitchen this morning.

These are Brownie Bites. Nice and soft and full of chocolate

Now these are my favorite Chocolate goody. Unbaked Chocolate Cookies. I have convinced myself that because they have oatmeal in them they are healthy.

Then right after lunch I decided that I needed to cut up some old jeans into patches for a denim quilt I want to make. Here is the pile of squares I managed to get.

All in all a productive day! Well off to visit all of you. Everybody have a wonderful afternoon.

God bless.

All Is Quiet Once Again

2009-04-15T18:38:00.000-06:00

Well, all is quiet on the home front once again. While it is wonderful to have my family all home, it is nice to get my washer and dryer, and computer back. Seems as if our sons always have to be online checking something out, or downloading a new programme for me.

I spent the time before the holidays doing a tiny bit of decorating. I found an old twig wreath, some ribbon I had put away, and a great many plastic eggs from when the boys were so much younger (and now I know why I seem to save almost everything....you never know). I decided to try my hand at an Easter Wreath.

This is the beginning of my project. Harvey was certainly surprised when he came up from working on our income tax about a half an hour after I started to see this.

The finished project and to think it only cost me some time as I already had everything else in my craft room. The wreath adds a bit of colour to my entryway, and I used up things that might have been tossed eventually.

Then of course the week before Easter saw me also getting some treats ready for the students in the class. First it was melt the chocolate.

Next I poured both white and milk chocolate into some molds I had in the house added some sucker sticks. Voila, the perfect treat for hungry students. The only cost was the chocolate and I managed to get that on sale.

The children loved them and they got one of each in a cute little Easter bag, tied with some gold ribbon.

Well I am off to visit you all and get caught up on everything you have been up to. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T07:29:00.001-06:00

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The past week has seen me very busy at church. In the Catholic faith we start our Easter Celebrations on Holy Thursaday with the washing of the feet. Twelve people are chosen from the community to represent the twelve apostles and the priest reinacts Christs washing of their feet.

On Friday at 3 pm around the world Catholics gather to celebrate Good Friday. Here we venerate the Cross. While to non Christians around the world the cross is just a piece of wood to millions of Christians of all faiths it is a symbol of the agony that Christ underwent in order to fulfull God's plan.

Saturday night the church is dark, but magically comes alive with the light of hundreds of small flickering candles. On this Easter Vigil night, the priest blesses the fire we use to light the alter candles, lecturn candles, and of course the Easter Candle. He also blesses the water used for baptism that night (last night we had two adult baptisms, and confirmations as well). Finally after 40 days of Lent, we can once again sing Alleluia and the church rang with bells to celebrate that fact.

So between getting ready for all the services at church, the rush to get the children at school finished most of their work, and my busyness around the house I haven't made a post or visited anyone in awhile.

Both our boys are home, there was a bit of a scare that one of them would not be able to come and I will fill you all in on that in my next post (if I get up early enough I manage to get on the computer for a little while at least). I also hope to fill everyone in on other happenings around our little nest.

I will finish this off by wishing each and everyone of you a Joyous and Blessed Easter. Hope you all enjoy time with your families, and friends.

God bless.

Election Finally Over

2009-03-31T19:04:00.000-06:00

Well, Sunday's Parish Annual meeting went pretty well all told. One gentleman (and I use the term loosely) always asks the same questions. Seems he always wonders why we pay for the salaries of three priests. He always gets the same answers but never seems to understand what he is being told.

We didn't have an election this year after all. Shucks and I was looking so forward to the excitement it could have generated. Oh well at least all positions except one are filled and that one I will keep working on.

The weather has turned for the better and our snow piles are rapidly disappearing. However the city looks very dirty right now.

This is all that is left of the 6 foot snow pile in our front yard. The back yard is still under about 3 feet of snow, but I can tell it is disappearing a bit every day! I can hardly wait until it is all gone and the yard is dry enough to play in the dirt.

Off to visit everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Busy Finishing Projects

2009-03-27T19:18:00.000-06:00

The past week has seen me getting two days off of work, and what better way to spend my day than completing a couple of my unfinished knitting and sewing projects.

Well to be completely honest I just started the sewing project. I am planning on making a denim quilt for our family reunion. We are supposed to bring something for a silent auction and I figured this would be perfect. I tried to do something different than usual, but it took many days to make this one block, I think I will use it in the center of the quilt and just do what I normally do when making one.

This is a picture of the one block I made. It did turn out very nicely, but was way too time consuming. I should be able to use it as the center of my quilt however.

My knitting needles were also clicking away. I still have one scarf on them, but I hope to finish it up tomorrow. Here is a picture of the scarves that I have completed so far. I am slowly but surely using up the scattered balls of yarn in my stash. These scarves will go in my gift closet to be used for Christmas or other holidays next year.

The weather took a turn for the worst over the past week. We got more snow and the temperatures plunged down to the -20 C overnight. I thought that I could use a few ponchos to use underneath my coat for some extra warmth. These two ponchos are so easy to make and only take 3 or 4 100 gram balls each to make ( depending on the thickness of the wool a person uses). They were a great deal of fun to make and I think I may make a few more out of a thinner yarn for those cool spring evenings.

Too many projects and ideas running through my head. I do hope that I get a chance to finish a few more before the weather changes and calls me outside to the garden.

Well off to visit all of you. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.