On Saturday morning Elizabeth hand delivered small envelopes to each of us with invitations for a mock sleepover she wanted to have.
Monday, March 29, 2010
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.
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.
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
Friday, March 5, 2010
Homemade Buttermilk
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.
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.