Monday, March 29, 2010

Mock Sleepover

On Saturday morning Elizabeth hand delivered small envelopes to each of us with invitations for a mock sleepover she wanted to have.
She was so excited and wanted to have it "right away"! While everyone gathered in the living room I made popcorn and pizza.
The movie we chose was Boys Town; it is a wonderful old movie based on a true story.
Elizabeth had the best time and it felt nice having everyone sit down to watch a movie together.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

The Foxfire Books

A recent conversation with my mom got me to thinking about "The Foxfire Books". If you have any interest in learning back to basic ways these books are a great starting place.
We currently have 6 of the 12 books available; each book is packed with information.
Someday I hope to make a crazy quilt just like this one.
I remember making a reed basket in school; we soaked the reed in water to make it soft enough to weave. I like how this book shows a basket being made with wide narrow strips of reed; the lady making the basket sure knew what she was doing.
As long as I can remember I have wanted to have a dipper gourd.
I plan to grow some in the garden this year so I can enjoy a nice sip of cool water on a hot summer day.
In one of the books you can learn how to repair your own shoes. I'm not sure if this technique would come in handy in today's world since so many of our shoes are made with plastic.
I wish we lived in an area with lots of trees so we could make homemade shingles to go on a shed or storeroom. I have always liked how they look when the wood turns grey.
If you like moonshine one of the books tells how to make a homemade still.
Pat's aunt used to make candied watermelon rind but I never heard of pickled watermelon.
If you like music one of the books shows how to make a banjo and even a dulcimer.
When I was growing up we used to make and play on stilts all the time. We also used to attach a string handle to cans and walk on the cans. I so need to make some of these for Elizabeth.
My grandma used to make dolls out of old wrinkled apples. These bring back fun memories.
I love browsing the pages of these books and getting inspired to make something!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Amish Oatmeal Bread

One of the blogs I enjoy reading has a weekly recipe share called Tasty Tuesday. It's always fun to discover new recipes as well as discovering a new blog to read.The recipe that caught my eye this week was for Amish Oatmeal Bread;not only did I absolutely love this bread but the blog, Out on The Ranch, where the recipe originated is very inspirational!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Day Trip Disappointment

On Monday Elizabeth and I went on another "day trip"; sadly our plans didn't turn out the way I had hoped. We headed for Plainview to visit their antique stores but they were all closed! I know museums are usually closed on Monday, but an antique store? The day wasn't a total lost though....we ate some of the best sopapillas ever!We ate lunch at a restaurant called Little Mexico and had sopapillas for dessert. They were very flaky, drizzled in honey, drizzled in caramel, sprinkled with cinnamon and whipped cream to dip them in!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Hummmm

What to blog about? I just do not know what to blog about lately! I have been sewing but just doll clothes. I have been working in the garden but since I wrote about that last year I do not want to repeat myself....hummmm, I guess I will talk about one of my recent doll outfits.When I first made this dress it hung on the doll like a potato sack. My mom suggested I add elastic to the waist and "presto" my sack dress was transformed! Thank you mom; since I did not inherit your creativity I'm so glad you are willing to share it with me!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Leftover Baked Potatoes

Here is a fun and very tasty way to use up leftover baked potatoes.
Begin by slicing your leftover potatoes into thick sections.
Place in a greased skillet and fry until golden brown.
Seasoned with salt and pepper.
Leftover potatoes are wonderful with lunch or supper but I like them best with breakfast.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Homemade Buttermilk

This is what I made with my homemade buttermilk.
Homemade biscuits covered with homemade butter and topped with homemade jelly.
Pure down home goodness!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Making Butter

Many years ago while browsing through the pages of this book;I discovered how to make butter. It's so easy and very fun, especially for kids.
You first begin with some heavy whipping cream that has been left out on the counter overnight; leaving it out overnight helps to speed up the process but if you forget to leave it out do not worry, cream straight from the fridge still works.
When the cream is ready pour it into a churn. If you do not have a churn a blender or mixer will work.
Next you need some energy, lots and lots of energy.
Turning the handle on a butter churn is very exciting to kids.
As the paddles spin and swirl the cream it will begin to thicken like a milkshake.
Soon after the cream becomes thick it will turn into butter.
Now place a colander over a large bowl.
And pour all the liquid and butter into the colander to drain.
Be sure to keep the liquid; it is buttermilk and works nicely when making biscuits or pancakes.
The butter now needs to be rinsed. I like to place a cloth napkin in my colander before rinsing the butter so I can squeeze and work the butter without getting it all over my hands.
Once you have finished rinsing the butter place it in a dish and store in the fridge.
A 16 ounce carton of heavy cream makes about 5 ounces of wonderful butter. Cost wise it is cheaper to buy butter ready made....but the enjoyment it brings to everyone who helps with making the butter is priceless!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Chenille Blanket

Whenever possible I like giving handmade gifts, especially to babies. So on Saturday, while trying to decide on a gift, I visited my local Jo Ann's in search of the perfect fabric for a baby blanket. I was drawn to the chenille fabric and was surprised at how heavy it was.After visiting with one of the ladies working the cutting table I decided to back the chenille with flannel; the two combinations worked very well together.
I must say I loved how nice the blanket felt when completed.

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