A Gardener's Heaven

Today we visited a wonderful garden center located deep in Austin; it was the nicest garden center I have ever visited.
This plant was taller than a person; I think it was an Aloe Vera plant.
Elizabeth really liked this maze.
I liked how rocks were used a lot to outline individual growing areas.
We saw several outdoor water falls and ponds but this was the most spectacular.
The cousins loved this swing.
It was hard for them to get off so someone else could have a turn.
What a wonderful time we had at the garden center; I am so anxious to get my garden started when we get back home.

Photos Just For Grandma

Grandma...these photos are just you;


But all names are being withheld in order to protect our privacy!!!

IKEA

What a Store!Walking through the store was like walking through lovely homes; the store seems never ending.
Each section is so inviting and comfortable; all decorations are available for purchase.
I wanted to buy so many wonderful pieces of furniture, fancy decorations and fabrics...
But I only gave in to buying Swiss treats.

Spring Break

 Yesterday the kids and I loaded up the explorer and headed to the big city! Our drive was pretty routine with lovely rain most of the way. Just outside Coleman we met with a traffic jam;

And was stuck for about 20 minutes before a fireman told us to make a U-turn and directed us how to bypass the accident.

Today we are headed to Ikea; I have read a lot about this store and looking forward to seeing it.

Sweet Smelling Bargain

Earlier in the week I found this treasure at the thrift store.The cost?....... A whopping $1.50

I checked out the Yankee Candle web site and was shocked at the retail prices!

Smothered Steak

Today as I was digging in the freezer I found several small steaks; so for dinner tonight we had smothered steaks. (My mom is the one who gave me this recipe).

Begin by browning your steak on each side; sprinkle with Lawry's seasoned salt.

After the steaks are brown remove from the skillet; add to the drippings 1-can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom and 1-can water. Heat to a boil stirring well.

Pour this gravy over your browned meat and cover; bake at 350 until meat is tender.

Serve with your favorite sides.

This is my favorite way to eat steak; it is tender and full of flavor!

Quilt Block Tutorial

Here is a tutorial on how I am making each of the blocks for my king quilt. First begin with the center strip; it needs to be 4-inches wide and at least 18-inches long. The second strip needs to be 2-inches wide and at least 15-inches long. You will need two of them, one for each side of the center block.

The third strip needs to be 3-inches wide and at least 13.5-inches long. Once again you will need two, one for each side.

The forth strip needs to be 2-inches wide and at least 9.5-inches long. Two will be needed.

The fifth and final strip needs to be 2-inches wide and at least 5-inches long. Two will be needed.

Once the strips are cut locate the center of each one before sewing the strips together.

The seam allowance needed is 1/4-inch.

All seams need to be pressed away from the center block.

When the block has been stitched and pressed place on a cutting board;

Center a 12.5-inch square ruler to where no part of the ruler is hanging over the fabric strips.

As I begin to cut my square I never move the fabric; instead I move the cutting board so my fabric doesn't shift in any way.

And here is the completed quilt square;

It measures 12.5-inches square.