A Day at the Lake

Today was hot so I decided to take the kids to the lake. Because we live in West Texas, a dry area, finding a swimming hole isn't easy. The only place I know of that has enough water for swimming is Buffalo Springs Lake. It is a pretty place but it isn't free so we do not go very often. The cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child.

Our outing began with my Personal Chauffeur at the wheel.

Here we are entering the lake area.
This is the small beach where we spent the afternoon.
The water felt good and since it was a weekday we were not over crowded.
This was the very first time Elizabeth had ever been to the lake.
The day turned out nice but we are now exhausted and very sunburned!

Quilt Along Update

Well, the quilt top is finished! I am so pleased with how it has turned out.After I machine quilt it I am planning on using red for the binding.
I am very glad I participated in the quilt along. Knowing I needed to keep up with everyone else helped me stay focused and not find an excuse to put it away for a later time. I already have too many projects sitting around waiting to be finished.

Back to Normal

Elizabeth began feeling better last night.This morning she had a good appetite.

Is full of energy.

And is pretty much back to her energetic self.

Sick Day

Elizabeth woke up this morning with a sick stomach.So, all day she has laid around and been waited on.
Too bad she was too sick to appreciate being spoiled!

A Full Day

Today while I was working on Rani's pillow Elizabeth wanted to play in the sprinkler.
We gave Pat a weed eater for Father's Day and he has really been putting it to good use.
The grass and weeds were so high around the little trees that you could only see the tops of some.
The weed eater has made it very convenient to get close to the trunk of a tree without cutting into the irrigation hose.
I love how everything is looking.
When you stand in the middle of the trees it is like standing in a miniature forest.

Pillow Project

Jonathan has been after me lately to make a pillow for Rani to sleep on and since I was feeling lazy today I decided today was the day to get busy and make one.

I used a medium weight canvas type fabric with red stripes that I found at the thrift store last year. This fabric reminds me of the old blue stripped pillows we used when I was growing up.

Once the pillow was made I lined the inside with quilt batting leftovers and filled it up with a soft foam stuffing that I purchased for 50-cents a bag at a garage sale last year. It took two bags to fill the pillow.
Once the pillow was complete I took an old sheet and made a pillow case. I am hoping the pillow case will help keep the pillow clean. Rani didn't know what to think about her new bedding.
Jonathan laid next to her but she still wasn't sure about it.
I imagine in a couple of days she will love it. Hopefully she will shed more on the pillow and less on the couches.

Canning Jars

During Tex Prep Jonathan over heard one of his teachers talking about having an excess of canning jars that she wanted to get rid of. Jonathan told her I did canning and would be interested in them.

Today, while in town, we went to pick up the jars. I was shocked at just how many jars we ended up with.

The boxes of jars completely filled up the back of my explorer;
All the way up to the front seats.
There are many vintage jars;
With wonderful vintage lids. I love using vintage jars to store spices in.

I even found some bluish green jars. At antique stores these sell for $6 to $7 a piece.

Chicken Enchiladas

Begin your chicken enchiladas by chopping your chicken into small bite size pieces.
Grate some Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese.
A lot of people heat their corn tortillas in oil before adding to their enchilada sauce but that is not necessary; simply heat a tortilla over a flame until warm.

Place in your enchilada sauce;
And cover it in sauce. Do not leave in sauce too long or the tortilla will tear.
Now place the tortilla in your baking pan;
Add some chopped chicken;
And some cheese.

Roll the tortilla and scoot it to the side.
Continue until your dish is full.
Top with more cheese.
If you do not want to roll your enchiladas simply place your tortillas flat in your baking pan.
Add your chicken.

And your cheese. Continue layering until the pan is full.
Top with cheese.
Bake at 350 until the cheese is brown.
Now it's time to eat.

Home Made Enchilada Sauce

Here is a step by step guide to making great tasting enchilada sauce. The secret to this recipe is to use chicken broth instead of water. When I boil a chicken, along with adding some salt, I add an onion and one or two Jalapeno peppers that have been blended until smooth. This adds great flavor to the chicken as well as makes a very rich broth.

Now, first begin by melting 2 to 3 tablespoons shortening in a skillet. Next add 3 tablespoons flour.
With a wire wisk blend the flour and melted shortening.
To this add 2 tablespoons red chili powder.
Continue stirring until blended and thick.
Begin adding chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time. The amount of broth used depends on how thick or thin you need your sauce to be.
Continue blending to remove all lumps.
When your sauce begins to look and feel like thick paste;
Add more broth.

Continue stirring.
Add broth again.
And keep stirring until it is just right.
Add salt to taste at this point.Now your sauce is ready; it looks and smells great!