Kathyinozarks Pages

Just Stuff

2012-01-23T16:08:00.000-06:00

Just finished watching the Bachelor, the drama is starting to heat up-lol This is interesting to see all the personalities develop, and there are a couple girls I hadn't thought of that may work out for Ben. I still like the girl he had the first date with the best though-I think she is from the south.

Finally a sunny day, very windy here still-but at least no tornadoes in Missouri-they went east and south of us last night. I was up til 1 am last night due to the sounds of the very high winds here.

Soooo, got my exercise today-hauled in and stacked 8 wheel barrel fulls of fire wood for the two wood stoves. Nikita and I took a nice long walk in the woods too. Got more done on my hooked rug, and we figured out the program I was typing the poems into. Just have one more detail to work out-then it's ready for the copyright office once I hear back from the college.

Oh and a nice surprise this morning-I sold all my 1960's knitting needles on etsy. I just put them in my shop over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised they sold already. I took up knitting back then, and just didn't really care for it-too complicated for me to figure out the increase and decrease when making clothes. So I was happy they found a good home.

I am thinking I will make up a couple batches of soap tomorrow. I just bought a heart mold that I think makes up 4 ounce bars-so thinking of making a batch red, and the other batch white-no colors-using all natural shea butter, and perhaps the red with all natural goats milk-will decide tomorrow-valentines day is coming up-so wanted a couple things in my shop.

I am also thinking of trying out a new natural dye-with pomegranates. I read about it on one of my natural dye sites-I was given four that didn't look so good to eat so tossed them in the freezer for a dye project.

We are so dry here-with hardly any snow or rain in december and january-but they say now that wednesday we may get a heavy dose of rain-which will be a good thing. I am always concerned over forest fires when he get this dry.

When we lived in Illinois we always held several food parties each year-sometimes we had 50 or more people attend-these are so much fun.

One thing we haven't done for a long time is hold an eggroll making party. We like to do this with 4 to 6 people. Larry has a very old Japanese recipe for making the skins from scratch-which takes alot of time-but oh so good. So I need to make up a list of ingredients that we need. thinking of doing this for super bowl sunday-eggroll making and eating-and not watch the super bowl-lol maybe a peak at the new commercials though.

Guess that's all the doings for me at this time-Have a great new week everyone.

Art Sunday More of Monet

2012-01-22T02:00:00.000-06:00

from here

for more art please take the art sunday tour with our host Nemo

Song Saturday Singing Away These Blues

2012-01-21T02:14:00.000-06:00

Art Sunday Monet Winter

2012-01-15T03:11:00.000-06:00

Paintings and more from here

Please visit our host Nemo to take the Art Sunday tour. I love to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the posts.

Love my new Mittens

2012-01-13T18:05:00.000-06:00

I am happy with these, I made them nice and long so they will fit under my coat sleaves, and the ribbing stretches a bit when I wear them-and I get a good fit. I don't think these need the blanket stitch edging. what do you think?

Mmmmmm I Think a cup of Hot Chocolate Sounds Good Tonight

2012-01-12T13:34:00.000-06:00

Along with a piece of homemade fudge lol

A Little Winter Here

2012-01-12T03:15:00.000-06:00

When you live in a rural area, the winter air is so clean and refreshing. I guess we have ice under the snow, and we have the arctic blast of air that they have been promising. Not alot of snow here just a couple of inches but with the high winds and the ice underneath all the schools here are closed.

Soooo one of the big advantages of being retired is to just stay cozy and warm inside, work on little projects-and enjoy the view. We have lots of birds at the feeders, and will watch today for deer browsing for food in the backyard. Perhaps we will get a glimpse of a fox or other wildlife that lives here in the woods with us.

Yesterday when Larry was working at the computer he saw an eagle fly by here-cool

Enjoy your thursday

Photos of my Progress on Weaving and Such for Hump Day Handmade

2012-01-11T09:39:00.000-06:00

I hadn't gotton back to my weaving since around end of October. I had major cleaning to do, some canning, making up the wedding quilt etc, so was happy to be able to sit back down at my loom.

The other day I finished up the third towel and I started on the 4th one.For my new readers, these will be kitchen or hand towels made from cotton. I went thru my old Handwoven magazines and found this pattern that I really love. The author says it is from the Viking era.

I used a heavier yarn for the stripe on this one, and decided I didn't like it. Soooo I took all that out, and put in a white stripe-which this yarn is a little too thin, which I knew, but will work. So this towel will be woven with brown and have the white stripe on either end. Each towel I have been changing the colors of the weft. The towls will all be different but will all match cause they all have the same warp thread.

Soon after I took this photo I broke a warp thread, so I mended that and will see how this goes. I think I am into the warp now that was really a mess to straighten out-so will see how fragile these yarns are now. With the mess I had with this warp in the beginning I am thankful to have gotton the 3 towels woven so far. If all goes well for sure there will be enough warp for 5 towels total, perhaps a 6th one.

I also am sharing a photo of the hand quilting, and progress being made on the rug hooking too. I haven't had the time to get back on this rug either for awhile. I have everything sitting out near the loom, so I just grab what I feel like working on now. The background is almost finished, and then to hook the border and sew that binding down-steam press and it will be finished. I think this piece will fit nicely on an antique little bench I have. The wool in this project is all from wool clothes at the resale shops that I felt down and cut into strips. I really enjoy the process of being frugal and going greener with these projects.

Art Sunday The Wolf Moon

2012-01-08T02:14:00.000-06:00

Since this is the wolf moon, and I love full moons-I am searching for paintings this morning. And please visit our host Nemo to take the full art sunday tour.

I found this one ebay here

from here

below from here

What Kind of Teapot are You! A Blog Thing

2012-01-07T10:44:00.000-06:00

You Are Measured

You believe in moderation, and you're pretty good at practicing it too. You avoid all extremes.
You try to live a sustainable life. You believe in conserving both your energy and your resources.

You're the type of person who puts a pot of tea on when you need some energy. You don't depend on it, but it gives you a boost.
Your signature tea: green tea - any and all kinds

The Teapot Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Tambour Beading

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-06:00

Needed to share this

Mmmmm Pie Anyone?

2012-01-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

In the front we have apple raisin pie made the traditional way but no sugar (sugar substitute), and to the back we have my gluten free version apple cranberry pie that I sweetened mine with honey. I am pleased with the crust too-it gets its pretty color from the ground almonds and brown rice flour.

I think this calls for a fresh pot of coffee.

Making Lasagna to go with My Homemade Bread

2012-01-02T10:14:00.000-06:00

I had bought some Kraft brand ricotta cheese ( a new product for down here) to make up lasagna with. I used one of our venison-pork sausages for the meat, and used Classico's 4 cheese sauce for the sauce along with some sharp cheddar cheese (I didn't have any mozarella defrosted). It definately smells wonderful already.

According to King Arthur Flour, they like this size pan better for gluten free yeast breads. The taller sides is to give the bread better structure. King Arthur makes this pan, and I do like it: it is a high quality heavy pan. The bread just fell right out of the pan. I almost put the bread back in to brown the sides a bit more, but decided I did not want the bread to dry out on me. It looks pretty though-so anxious for it to cool so I steel a slice-lol

The gluten free breads go stale really fast, must faster than gluten based home baked breads. They suggest to slice, wrap and freeze right away as soon as the bread is totally cooled.

Still the high winds here, so with the 30 degree temps, Nikita and I had a cold walk in the woods today. Our cat, Calico, is definately cracking me up. After 7 years here, she has decided to jump over the fence and spend time with Nikita not. They actually get along really well and Larry has caught Calico sleeping curled up next to Nikita-I need to see if I can catch a photo of that.

Early in the morning, Nikita knocks on the door for her treat, and of course Calico is right there trying to get in the house. Later when I was carrying wood for the wood stoves-I had to tell Calico no several times that she can not come in. Nikita decided she was not listening, so put her foot on Calico so she couldn't try to run in lol animal are just so intelligent if we only take the time to notice.

Rose Parade Watching and Quilt Update

2012-01-02T04:13:00.000-06:00

I love the rose parade, especially now with HD and I watch it on the home and garden channel so there are absolutely no commercials which I love.

I have the quilt layered on the floor in front of the tv and wood stove, so I will be basting this up today. I really like the way this one turned out. Alot of the outdoor quilt fabric prints are the same, but the shirts are all different and am really pleased with the colors and layout. I also have many of the shirt tags in this on too, and this one I did not add any more borders to, so will be a full size-easier and faster to complete.

I want to try out my new gluten free bread pan so may do that this afternoon. I have one more mix left of the french bread so would like to get that used up. We are very cold today, in the teens and 20s-a big change from the temperatures we have been spoiled with.

I am kinda anxious to see how the republican caucus turns out tomorrow. and I am pleased to see Rick Santorum gaining in the polls. I watched him on one of the debates a month ago, and was very impressed with him-I feel he is a true conservative, and has been un noticed by the press-which could be a good thing-as they mess everything up they report most times anyways-lol

Haven't decided what to make for supper yet-but I know we are having bread-lol Happy Monday!

My January !st of the New Year

2012-01-01T08:48:00.000-06:00

I got the quilt top finished, and I have the backing of cotton muslin in the dryer now. So, when that gets dry need to iron it, sew up the two pieces and layer and baste the quilt. If I stay on track I can get this on the quilt frame and start tieing it like I did the last couple quilts I have made like this.

and then I can start in ernest to make up quilts for us. I may make one like this for us, and also would like to get my t shirt quilt going-those are of the bulls and packers mostly, and also my other quilt projects that have been put on hold.

We still have very high winds here today, but considering the time of year it is can't complain-if the weather keeps up like it is we will be needing to mow grass here. and my rosemary plant is even still growing and looks alive and well-a hard freeze has usually killed it off every winter by now.

My rice dish was a hit last night, and I still had some left over to bring home-so that will go nicely with the black eyed peas that I just started to cook, and will steam up some cabbage too. These are the two things all the locals here cook up on New Years Day. I need all the help we can get-lol for an awesome 2012-I even like the sound of 2012 much better than 2011 so hoping things turn around for us and we can get our propertry sold.

Nikita and I took a nice walk, lovely with the sunshine. I am waiting for the broncos game to start this afternoon, they didn't show the Packer game here today at noon-which is ok, as I found out on the nfl channel that they were starting any of their key players today.

Happy New Year Day everyone!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T04:30:00.000-06:00

Only Around 750 More of These to Make-lol

2011-12-29T02:09:00.000-06:00

I finished up with the quilt top except to add the border. I need 4 inch square pieces to go in the corners, and was hoping to find some Green Bay Packer fabric for those this morning, when I go into town. Wal mart added back in a very small fabric area so hoping they might have a piece.
I have been working on cutting the 1 1/2" fabric strips to make that double nine patch pattern I posted awhile back. I have all my scraps cut up now, hoping I have enough, and just had to sew a couple strips together to see how it all works I have never done this before, but the newer sewing method is to sew the strips together and then cut into pieces the size one needs-in my case 1 1/2" when I sew three of these together I will have 9 little squares that will make up into a 9" block. Now when my mom made this same quilt in august when the pattern came out, she cut each of these little squares seperately and sewed it all together that way.
I have a problem with total accuracy on something that small, but she loves making quilts with lots of little pieces.
This is my first attempt though at working with blocks this small. Aren't they cute? I had to show Larry these little guys, and he says you know you just love the simple stuff-yeh that's me lol
I will need to work on sewing these up a few hours a day to accomplish the task though, as I need alot of these pieces, over 750. I need over five hundred put together this way and then around 200 or so with two lights on the outside and a strip of dark material in the middle.
I just hope I have enough fabric strips, if not I will be going thru my fabric stash to cut up more.
Wow we will be the 60s today and tommrow-how cool is that for the end of december?? I love it
Catch ya all later

A Little more on the Pileated Woodpecker

2011-12-27T03:41:00.000-06:00

Wow !! we got a special treat this morning. Larry was sitting in the bedroom having a cup of coffee, watching the squirels. All of a sudden 4 pileated woodpeckers flew in. Two for sure were males as they were both claiming the same tree. I am so hoping we have a pair that nests close to the house this spring.
I found this site just for the pileated here check the top of this page for more links-the gallery is nice too, and there is also an audio link too.
here is amap of their range, and live in forests
from here
from here
This link is for kids-but it has good information and photos too. here

Found some videos too:

This video I could not embed but it is a wonderful video of the baby birds here
and here is technical pdf of their courtship here
and this link has photos to tell the difference between the male and female here now I know for the next time what to look for.

These are such awesome birds, that I wanted to share more information about them with you.

from here

from here

Yes You can Make Gluten Free Cut Out Cookies with Success

2011-12-23T07:12:00.000-06:00

I followed the recipe from my 1948 Betty Crocker cookie cookbook for my cut outs this year. I always loved this one because it uses honey for most of the sugar. I decided to use my gluten free flour mix and also added in one teaspoon baking powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons xanthia gum to the recipe.
These are a little tricky to roll out but they worked out pretty well. You must keep the dough very cold, so I would pinch off a small amount roll out, and the left over dough went back into the frig. til I had all the main dough cut out. Instead of flour to roll out, I always now use powdered sugar-it keeps the dough from getting tough. Some years I frost them, and I just frost over the powdered sugar, and this year I am just sprinkling a little more sugar over them-helps to keep them moist as well. For gluten free, I rolled the dough out just a little thicker than the 1/4" and I also rolled on parchment paper.
Merry Christmas Cookies the light dough
mix together thoroughly: 1/3 cup soft shortening-I used butter
1/3 cup white sugar-(you could use a sugar substitue here as well)
1 egg
2/3 cup honey
sift together and stir in: 2 3/4 cup sifted gold medal flour (I used my own gluten flour baking mix with 1 1/2 tsp xanthia gum, and 1 tsp baking powder and I did not sift)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt I omit
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
chill dough. roll out 1/4" thick cut into desired shapes place 1" apart on lightly greased baking sheet. bake until when touched lightly with finger, no imprint remains. (this is a good test) when cool; ice and decorate as desired.
to change this to gingerbread dough use 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2/3 cups molasses ( I always use an organic dark ulsuphured molasses) to replace the sugars. and replace the vanilla with 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon ginger. I also like to add slivers of candied ginger (a tip I learned from Sea Nymph).

The Pileated Woodpecker was in the Yard Again

2011-12-22T10:57:00.000-06:00

If you look close on the tree that is straight to the right and just below center-you will find him climbing the tree. The photo should enlarge-just click on it.
we are really hoping he goes to nest this spring in our viewing area here looking out the window where the computer is

Chocolate Popcorn out of the Oven

2011-12-22T03:07:00.000-06:00

If you ever thought of making something like this-the link I posted for the recipe-turned out excellent. Because of the method of adding corn syrup and butter to the chocolate and then baking in the oven for 45 minutes-this turned out crunchy and not soggy like some recipes I have tried. I decided not to add nuts to this batch-the very dark chocolate ---so yummy! Next up my cut out cookies.

Christmas Divinity

2011-12-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Very pleased with this-turned out awesome. This is a recipe I have had in my files for a very long time, (dated 1983) and just never got around to making it-after making all of my regulars each Christmas.
I decided to add just a few drops of green food dye along with mixed candied fruits Recipe:

Basic Divinity
2 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp salt--I omited this as I saw salt added to the corn syrup
2 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup candied fruits or dried fruits chopped optional
1/2 cup chopped nuts optional
Just a note-I whipped up the egg whites first so they would be ready when the candy syrup came off the stove.
In a heavy 2 quart saucepan stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, salt. clip candy thermometer to side of pan cook and stir over medium high heat til sugar dissolves. avoid splashing the syrup on sides of pan.
Cook without stirring to 260 degrees f or hard ball stage. remove from heat. immediatly beat egg whites at high speed til stiff peaks form
remove the thermometer and gradually pour hot syrup in a thin stream over egg whites beating at high speed. add syrup slowly to ensure proper blending
add vanilla and a few drops food coloring if desired, beat at high speed for 4 to 5 minutes til candy holds its shape when beaters are lifted-mixture falls in a ribbon but mounds on itself.
if candy is beaten enough mixture will stay mounded in a soft shape when a spoonful is dropped onto waxed paper. if mixture flattens out, beat 1/2 to a minute more. the mixture is overbeaten if it is stiff to spoon and surface is rough. if mixture is too stiff, beat in hot water a few drops at a time until the candy is a softer consistency
when the candy holds its shape stir in fruits and nuts if desired. quickly drop candy by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. cool store tightly covered. makes 40 pieces.

I may have under beaten mine just a tiny bit as the candy flattened out a little, but I didn't want to over beat it.
It tastes heavenly

Peanut Brittle-Turned out Perfect

2011-12-21T06:41:00.000-06:00

This second photo shows the brittle almost done-waiting for it to hit 300 degrees or just the right color which sometimes is just a bit before. Top photo completed. (recipe should be in my tags, check for recipes candy

Better grab a piece before it's all put away lol Next up is Christmas divinity-this is something I have never made before but always wanted to-

Cannig Potatoes

2011-12-20T10:37:00.000-06:00

I have always thought about canning potatoes, but I really have never had an abundance of potatoes around, and I wasn't sure if I would like them. When I saw that Sea Nymph had canned a big batch of them I am thinking yes I must try this.
I really have no storage area here at all for cold storage of veggies, so I only keep around what will fit in the frig, and in a couple of crocks.
We ended up with 40 pounds of potatoes this past week, and 20 pounds of it was all sprouting soooo today was the day to can potatoes.
Sea's method that she posted was a raw or cold pack method, but when I did more reading in my Ball canning book and online they all said to blanch the potatoes. I did find one blog that posted the cold pack method. Most sites said to bring to a boil for 10 minutes-I am thinking they will be over cooked if I do that. I found one that said to bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
So I compromised-I had two very large pots full of quartered potatoes and it's just me working this up so I brought both just to a boil and took the lid off of one pot, and worked to can up the second pot. These were a combination of russetts and yukon golds.
Another thing was all over the place for information online was leaving the skins on or not to. I saw alot of blog posts where they canned with the skins on, but I had read that this was a major no no as the skins carry alot of diseases. So here I went with peeling them and soaking in lemon juice water.
I can 1get 6 pints per canner, so I loaded one canner, and started on the second-I think I ended up with at least 8 to 10 pints more in the second canner.
I will post a photo when they all come out of the canner-pretty cool!

Wow It's the Weekend Already? lol

2011-12-17T07:03:00.000-06:00

This week seems to have just flown by for me. I think it's because I am sewing several hours every day on the binding of this quilt-and I am still not finished. I now have one long side left and part of another-so should be able to get done this weekend and in the mail on monday.

This morning I finished up making a few handmade cards. Some of you are on my list. Perhaps this spring we'll do another handmade card swap-these really are so much fun to create.

I need to get a couple things off in the mail monday too, and I have a soap order I will be making on monday on tuesday.

I really don't have much to do for the holidays, but I always do seem to be busy too. and that's ok-I love have things to do.

I am wanting to bake us up some holiday goodies for us, and just a few to giveaway this year. I always take up a big tray to our little post office here-they are like family to us thru out the year. Peanut brittle is a must as long as I get a sunny day next week, and I want to make a steamed plum pudding this year for something different.

Well, I better find me something to eat, and start back on the sewing-later

Song Saturday (winter and sleigh rides)

2011-12-17T03:09:00.000-06:00

Lots of Christmas Candy Recipes

2011-12-16T03:19:00.000-06:00

I love this site Joy of Baking, wanted to share a link to their Christmas candy section-and for some reason the system is not letting me post a link soooo here it is lol Alot of the recipes also include a how to video.

Enjoy!

Pomegranate--need ideas

2011-12-15T05:48:00.000-06:00

I haven't purchased one of this in long time, but I do remember I always enjoyed them. Around Thanksgiving I had seen a recipe by Bobby Flay using fresh brussel sprouts, pomegrantes and pomegranate molasses I think it was. I never found nice brussel sprouts so I didn't make the dish, and I knew I wouldn't be able to find the molasses, but I figured I could improvise for that ingredient.

So anyways, I cut it open this morning and was going to add it to the fruit salad I was making. But after tasting some of the little red pearls I had forgotton that there were also little hard seeds inside too. Sooo now I don't want to add them to the salad-a little too crunchy for Larry's liking.

I am looking for ideas now on what to make with this. Have any of you made vinegar with these or possibly infuse the pomegranate with honey? thanks all

Chicken on a Tuesday--Holiday Appetizers

2011-12-13T02:26:00.000-06:00

recipe here the coating is made from any non sugar whole grain cereal-so for gluten free-choose a gf cereal to make this

From Betty Crocker-I thought this looked quick to make, and sounded tasty too Buffaloe Style Chicken Bites with Blue Cheese recipe here

From Taste of Home Sesame Chicken Bites recipe here, this one can also easily be converted to gluten free

And lastly from Paula Deen Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps recipe and video here

Healthy Mondays Holiday Appetizers

2011-12-12T03:35:00.000-06:00

Oven Fried Zucchini Sticks recipe here

Tomato Basil Skewers recipe here
More recipes from same site here
5 Holiday recipes here for appetizers

Goat Cheese Crostini recipe here for gluten free-just use gf breads

Eggplant Ricotta Bites recipe here this one also can be converted to gluten free

I also found some delicious looking vegetarian appetizer recipes: here and here and I loved these too from Care2 here

I hope these links give you some fresh ideas for healthier appetizers for the holidays

Art Sunday Christmas Ornaments

2011-12-11T01:46:00.000-06:00

I decided to go off topic a bit and share photos of Christmas ornaments. Years past alot of these were hand blown, so some are a form of art as well. and remember all those handmade ornaments we made as children?
from here with information on vintage as well

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here
from here

from here

Song Saturday How Much is that Doggie in the Window

2011-12-09T22:16:00.000-06:00

I am taking a trip down memory lane. My grandpa on my father's side sang in a quartet, and this is one of the songs he sang to us kids when we visited him. This song just popped in my head this morning.

Hump Day Handmade Part 2

2011-12-07T04:56:00.000-06:00

Cool! I just got this in from Cloth Paper Scissors

Easy Printing Without a Press

Collagraph print made from bubble wrap,
felt, and hemp.

Recently someone asked me: what's a collagraph? A collagraph (also spelled collograph) combines two of my favorite forms of art: collage and printmaking.

Collagraphs are easy to make with tools you most certainly have around the house.

Collagraph prints can be made with or without a printing press, which is great for the artist who only prints occasionally or doesn't have access to a printing studio.

They are usually done as a one-off monoprint, but I highly recommend making additional ghost monoprints, or even re-inking the plate with different colors and printing again to see what happens.

A piece of acrylic or thin board will give you a more durable plate. But since you're probably not making too many prints, stiff cardboard or foam core will work just fine. You might want to put a thin coat of acrylic paint or gesso down on the plate and let it dry first, to make it stand up to use better, but it's not necessary.

You'll also need glue, printing inks or acrylic paints, a brayer or two, and papers, sturdy found objects, and recyclable materials.

Decide on the size of your final image and find a suitable plate or cut one to size. Gather an assortment of found objects or recyclables. They should all be about the same thickness, but you can vary the materials. Milk bottle caps, foam shapes (purchased or cut from washed grocery trays), yarn or string, craft flowers, and abandoned swatches of knitting or crochet all make interesting collagraph materials. But you can also just use cardstock, textured paper, wallpaper, or fabric. I'm sure you can think of others.

When designing your collograph plate, keep in mind that you will be printing a mirror image. So any words or directional imagery should be glued down in reverse. Once you have your design, lift and glue each piece to the plate. Or, take a digital photo, remove all the materials, and use the photo as a guide.

Collagraph plate, left, and the print at right.

When the glue has dried, it's time to print. Working on a protected surface, spread some waterbased ink or acrylic paint on a palette and roll your brayer through it. Apply the paint/ink to the tops of the objects on the plate or to the whole plate, depending on your choice.

I applied the paint with a brayer on the abstract shapes plate. For the tree, I decided to apply the paint with a foam brush, which I thought gave me more control.

Turn the plate over onto your printing substrate: paper, fabric, canvas, etc. It can be interesting to print onto found papers such as old maps or even a collage of old receipts, letters, sheet music, etc. Experiment.

Impress the ink or paint onto the substrate by evenly pressing your hands over the back of the plate or rolling a clean brayer over it. Then lift your plate up and see what you've got. It's a very good idea to have another printing surface or several waiting in the wings so you can make a ghost print with any ink left over on the plate. I find sometimes I like my ghost prints better than the originals.

In these collagraphs, I experimented with bubble wrap, lace and fabric trims, shapes cut from a foam vegetable tray and stiff craft felt, and hemp twine. I used corrugated cardboard as a plate for the tree and foam core for the abstract. In both cases I printed on scrapbook papers with acrylic paint.

Collagraphs can be used to make a printed picture or a background for collage or a focal point. You can cut out the printed shapes for mixed-media art and the plate itself can often become the artwork.

Hump Day Handmade-Christmas from Recycled

2011-12-07T04:15:00.000-06:00

The last few years I have made all my cards that I send out thru the year, a wonderful creativity activity and I felt good mailing them out.
This year at the resale shop; I ran into a box of vintage made in the USA Hallmark Christmas cards-that I decided to mail out this year. They were very pretty, there was a dozen in the box. I need to make up a few more to mail out though.
I use what I have around to make cards, a nice way to be creative and be greener at the same time-I love recycling and repurposing into something new. Find scraps of card stock or cardboard from cereal boxes etc, find scraps of ribbons, fabrics, make stamps-the sky is the limit for making a card.
great ideas here cards, little boxes, garland etc
Christmas card ideas here
craft ideas from Tipnut for Christmas here
from Planet Green here
lots of Christmas crafts here
We always made a few handmade items when I was growing up. Either candles to give as gifts, food goodies, or ornaments for the tree and around the house. I still enjoy creating something from found materials for the holidays.
Have some fun creating!

Gluten Free Fried Chicken

2011-12-05T07:53:00.000-06:00

I have stepped up my gluten free baking and cooking this month. I have read my two new books from cover to cover now (check my reviews) and instead of doing with out I am adventuring into tackling more gluten free baking especially am ready to try some breads-not using mixes. I had gotton myself into relying on bread and cake gf mixes this past year, and I want to get away from that. I can make the end products healthier for us, and it is also so much cheaper to bake gluten free from scratch.
So today for some reason I decided to explore gluten free fried chicken. I am not one to do much of anything fried, but thought perhaps once in awhile it might be fun.

I found a recipe with lots of photos here, that I like the sound of .
and I found this baked version using potato flakes-I love that idea-here I wish there was a photo for this one-I just bought some Bob's Red Mill potato flakes for mixing into my gf bread baking mix, so I have that on hand already.
Just a note if you are new to buying all the flours and starches needed for gluten free baking-most health food stores unless they sell bulk, are just too expensive. If you can find a good one that sells bulk and Bob's Red Mill-that's a great find! Otherwise, alot of better grocery stores have an organic health food aisle if you live in a larger city, if so ask them if they can bring in Bob's Red Mill products if they don't have them already. My Super Wal Mart here now has a gluten free section, so I am able to buy a few items like the sorghum flour there. I also recently discovered that Amazon groceries online can be an excellent source-expecially if it qualitfys for free shipping after the $25.00 spent. compare prices there. Amazon has been a great source for me since I live out here in the woods, not close to any better grocery stores.

Civil War Christmas

2011-12-04T07:12:00.000-06:00

I have been doing a series of civil war posts this year, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war.

from here

from here I also found this blog post with more on this painting, and foods and hardships in the south during the war here
More history here in pdf form-very intersting reading on customs during this time period that we now still celebrate
I found these recipes here for Christmas foods during the civil war, below is the Christmas goose:
Dr. Kitchiner's Goose
When a goose is well picked [feathers removed], singed [pin feathers burned off by holding the bird over a small flame, usually gas], and cleaned [internal organs, feet, wingtips and head/neck removed], make the stuffing with about two ounces of onion*, and half as much green sage, chop them very fine, adding four ounces, i.e. about a large breakfast-cupful of stale bread-crumbs, a bit of butter about as big as a walnut, and a very little pepper and salt (to this some cooks add half the liver, parboiling it first), the yelk of an egg or two, and incorporating the whole well together, stuff the goose; do not quite fill it, but leave a little room for the stuffing to swell; spit it, tie it on the spit at both ends, to prevent its swinging round, and to keep the stuffing from coming out. From an hour and a half to an hour and three-quarters, will roast a fine full-grown goose. Send up gravy and apple sauce with it.

*If you think the flavour of raw onions too strong, cut them in slices, and lay them in cold water for a couple of hours, or add as much apple or potato as you have of onion.

silk christmas card 1860
ornaments in the 1800's here and a little more history here
a christmas bauble in production since 1847

from here

Herbs Ginger

2011-12-01T01:57:00.000-06:00

I love ginger, especially this time of year. I find it in my holiday baking, and I often drink cups of ginger tea (along with a slice of candied ginger at the bottom of my cup) for a cold coming on or stomach troubles. It's found in all types of dishes and baking.
It is also an herb with many qualties. Information here and here too
As always if you choose to take ginger as a medicine consult your health practioner first, especially if taking medications. I found this article about cautions here
There are many recipes on line using ginger frome homemade ginger ale, to stir frys, to baking. I decided to share this link to Eating Well's article on healthy ginger recipes and cooking tips here This includes a full range of recipes. I liked the looks of this cookie recipe:

Blueberry and White Chocolate Chunk Ginger Cookie recipe here

And here is a Ginger Ale recipe from Alton Brown

Bird Watching

2011-11-30T14:09:00.000-06:00

I put bird seed out this week, since we are down in the 20s now at night. I have moved alot of the feeders over in front of the bay window in our bedroom. My quilt frame is there and when we only want to feed one woodstove I work in that room, and enjoy watching all the bird visitors.

We have all of our lovely normal visitors but we have been pleasantly surprised by a visit twice this week so far, from my favorite Missouri bird the pileated woodpecker. We have many of the woodpeckers here in our woods-little ones up to this larger one of the species.

These guys are very large and just so cool to watch, they hear the bugs in the trees and so peck away to find them.

My camera was out of battery this morning so this is not my photo.

and here ia map where they reside.

a Chocolate BlogThing

2011-11-29T03:38:00.000-06:00

You Are Spontaneous and Easygoing

You know that life doesn't always go the way you plan, and to be honest, you think that's a beautiful thing.
You are good at letting go of control and seeing what just happens. You don't even try to change the future.

You stress less than most people and really cherish your imperfect life. You may have problems, but you don't let them weigh you down.
You find happiness wherever you can, and because of your attitude, you're able to find happiness in many places.

The Candy Box Test

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

Art Sunday Snowflakes

2011-11-27T02:49:00.000-06:00

With winter just around the corner, some of us will soon be seeing the beautiful snowflake
I found a link here how to draw a snowflake
25 amazing photographs of snowflakes here

How to create snowflakes in watercolor here
How to make paper snowflakes here
I couldn't find any paintings with snowflakes but I found this neat link-all about snowflakes and snow here

Christmas Cakes and Puddings-Gluten Free

2011-11-25T13:35:00.000-06:00

I am making up Larry's dark fruit cake, an english version tomorrow morning. I have the fruits soaking in rum overnight. I have made this every year since we have been married, and almost every year before that-it has become a tradition.
I usually make up a gluten free version for me, but this year I may still do that, but I really want to make a gluten free plum pudding. I have vintage and new steamers for this too. Looking online, I actually found serveral recipes for this. here's one
I like the looks of this recipe
This one looks really good too, it is made with almond flour and has a maple rhubarb sauce recipe to serve with it here

Here is a recipe more involved, also with almond flour here one of the ingredients is black treacle what is this??? does anyone know?

Here is a gluten free fruitcake recipe from Whole Foods Market, I like this one cause it uses dried fruits instead of sugary ones
This recipe is a little different, has crushed pineapple included to keep it moist here another recipe here that looks yummy.

I think I will also be making some other breads this year instead of cookies-date bread, and banana, or pumpkin breads too

If you need to bake gluten free for the holidays-not to fret-there are so many recipes available now online-just do a google search for what you need-you will be pleasantly surprised--enjoy baking this season!

Pumpkin Pecan Pie--in the oven

2011-11-23T07:17:00.000-06:00

I found the recipe I am using from their catalog-also on line. I love the way the crust was made, I use oil most of the time now-so perfect, and I tried out my just made gluten free baking flour mix that I put together.
Be sure to read the directions all the way thru though, and do what I just did-lol-the streusel topping goes on after the pie has been in the oven for 40 minutes. for some reason I didn't read the recipe thru, just the different steps til after it was in the oven-this is not my week I guess. funny actually-lol so I took off as much of the topping as I could, the rest I stirred into the filling-and is now baking til time for the topping. oh well, I love everything about this recipe-simple, don't have to buy special canned milk either and I used the soy milk I had on hand-love the flavor.

recipe here

"Doings"

2011-11-23T02:10:00.000-06:00

We will be having a warm up with sunshine for the next few days, before it goes back to "normal" weather-cold and dreary. I feel for all of you that are getting a pounding with rains and wind-stay safe and warm.

Yesterday my friend and I had a resale shop browsing day. We both had a box to drop off-I had a few christmas items that I really wanted to get dropped off, so was a nice day. I wasn't looking to purchase anything but I did come away with a couple small items. I was aggravated at myself though.

I needed a couple holiday trays to pass out my homemade goodies in-so I found a glass christmas plate for a dollar, and then I picked up a plastic snowman dish too. When I went to wash them, the plastic one had a really long sticky spot that just would not come off. I think was there before the resale shop sticker went on-cause theirs comes off real easy.

Soo, I used some of that stuff to get sticky stuff like this off, thinking first maybe I should not use cause this was plastic-but went ahead and did it. wow what a mess-it destroyed the plate-so had to throw it away.

Then, I had purchased two little coffee mugs for .50 each, that were made in Japan and they were just the right size when I want a small cup of coffee or tea. I wasn't going to buy them, cause I don't have room for them, but then I knew I would regret not buying them so I bought them. lol Well I warmed up some water in one of them in the microwave for tea-and wow the whole inside of the cup has all those crack lines now under the glaze-I always wondered how cups got so bad like this when I saw them at garage sales-so lesson learned--don't put vintage cups in the microwave. I didn't think these were older than the 60s but they must have been-sigh-I was really upset with myself with these two happenings.

gotta do some stuff this morning, then I think I will make up a couple pies today-haven't had pie here in some time now. I found a recipe from Penzeys for pumpkin pie that looked really good-has a crumble topping of pecans on top, and a very different pie crust too-one that you mix up-don't roll out, but pour in pie pan and then form in the pan-so thought I would try that out too with my gluten flours.

I caught a movie on hallmark channel this morning-so off to finish watching that. catch ya all in a bit

Smoked Turkey

2011-11-22T01:52:00.000-06:00

Larry indicated he would love to smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving this year. So, when I defrosted the freezers yesterday, I had one at the bottom that I pulled out. This one I bought last year and the price tag was .88 a pound on sale, this year I still have not seen one below 1.98 a pound-so not replacing it yet.
Larry has a brine recipe that he always used on his pheasants before smoking, so we are using that. When I watched Thanksgiving Live on Food Network last sunday, one of the chefs says she puts her frozen turkey in her brine to defrost-so its multi tasking-getting brined and defrosted at the same time.
Recipe from Larry is per two gallons of cold water add 2 cups canning salt, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup pickling spice. So I got that going yesterday morning.
We have the hickory cut up in chunks already that we gathered from the woods-so thats ready to go as well.
I found on line this good step by step tutorial here for smoking a turkey.

Chex Mix-from the Beginning

2011-11-17T10:36:00.000-06:00

Chex mix KPMX .
One of the great American food company traditions is promoting one's products through recipes. Period cookbooks and women's magazine ads from the 1950s and 1960s confirm the idea of combining manufactured cereal with other products and toasting them with butter was popular. According to one source, Chex Mix (aka TV Mix, Chex Party Mix. Mix Trix) was introduced in 1955 If so? The Ralston Purina company was not the first to market the idea. The 1950 edition of Betty Crocker's Cook Book [General Mills] has a recipe for "Buttered or Cheese Kix," Kix being a General Mills brand cereal.
"Traditional Chex Brand Party Mix. This crunchy nibble hit the party circuit in 1955. In St. Louis. There's a good reason for this. The recipe was dreamed up by the savvy folks at Ralston Purina--a St. Louis company--as a way to push its Chex Brand cereals (wheat, corn, and rice). Today, it's a staple in millions of homes from Maine to Monterey. Some cooks fiddle with the classic recipe, loading it with a favorite nut, perhaps..."
---The American Century Cookbook: The Most Popular Recipes of the 20th Century, Jean Anderson [Clarkson Potter:New York] 1997 (p. 36-7)

[1954]
"Mix Trix
1/2 cup Kix
1 cup Cheerios
1 cup Wheat Chex
1 cup Rice Chex
2 cups thin short pretzel sticks
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Mix the packaged cereals and pretzel sticks together. Combine the melted butter and seasoning. Pour over the cereal mix. Stir well together. Spread in a layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 250 degrees F. For an hour, stirring every 15 minutes."
---Martha Deane's Cooking for Compliments, Marian Young Taylor [M. Barrows:New York] 1954 (p. 17)
[NOTE: Martha Deane was a popular radio personality on WOR New York]
[1962]TV Mix
"TV Mix...1955...Now, television antennas topped nearly every house, and entertainment meant westerns in the living room. Davy Crockett put a coonskin cap on every kid. And the perfect snack was TV mix, a combo of crisp-srisp toasted cereals and salted nuts." (p. 90)
"TV Mix.
4 cups crisp doughnut-shaped oat cereal
6 cups crisp cereal corn puffs
3 cups bite-sized shredded -wheat squares
3 cups slim pretzel sticks
1 pound mixed salted nuts
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup bacon drippings
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teasoon Tabasco sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspooon savory
Combine cereals, pretzels, and nuts in roaster pan. Melt butter and bacon drippings; add Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco; mix well, and pour over cereal mixture. Thoroughly combine seasonings; sprinkle over mixture, mixing well. Toast in very slow oven (250 degrees F.) 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Makes 4 quarts." (p. 94)
---Better Homes & Gardens, May 1963
[1963]
"Party Mix: Easy to Fix Party
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned salt or 3/8 teaspoon salt
6 cups Chex (mix Wheat, Corn and Rice Chex equally or in any way you like!)
3/4 cup salted nuts.
1. Heat oven to 250 degrees F. 2. Slowly melt butter in shallow pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and salt. 3. Add Chex and nuts. Mix until all pieces are coated. 4. Heat in oven 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes. Spread on absorbent paper to cool. Yield: 6 3/4 cups."
---Display ad, Ralston Purina Company, Better Homes & Gardens, December 1963 (p. 76)

According to the records of the

"The town of Sterling, Colorado celebrated its favorite snack food today with a Main Street Parade, the naming of a "Mr. and Ms. Chex Mix" and even the presentation of a college scholarship. Saying they had to see it to believe it, several General Mills representatives flew in from Minneapolis to attend the festivities and hear the mayor proclaim Chex Mix as the city's official snack. The day's events developed after local radio DJ Jason Murphy asked listeners of his KPMX morning show to name their favorite snack food. The resounding answer was Chex Mix. "I was shocked by how many people called in to say Chex Mix ruled," says Murphy...Amused and flattered by the town's efforts, General Mills sent more than 700 bags of Chex Mix to Sterling, most of which will be donated to the local food shelf."
---"City of Sterling, Colorado Names Chex Mix Its Official Snack Food," Business Wire, February 23, 2001
If you want more details on this event, contact
ABOUT CHEX BRAND CEREAL
"In his book Great American Brands, historian David Powers Cleary recorded the origins of Chex cereal. In 1898 William Danforth, an owner of an animal feed business, saw something in wheat germ that cereal manufacturers of the period had overlooked. Cereal makers of the day removed wheat germ from whole wheat cereals because of perennial problems with the wheat germ quickly growing rancid. A miller from Kansas...discovered a way to keep the wheat germ from going bad. Meanwhile, Danforth believed wheat germ to be a form of nature's own purity and therefore importanat to sound health. Danforth soon began a collaboration with the Kansas miller to sell a ready-to-eat cereal for people: that collaboration marked the very beginning of what would become Chex cereal...by 1902, the company name had changed to Ralston Purina Company. To accompany the new name, Danforth wished to develop a logo that people would remember. He decided on a smart red and white checkerboard...[which] symbolized, to him, his philosophy of healthy living...By the time of the Great Depression, Ralston Wheat Cereal was losing money for the company, despite the growth of overall comapny sales to $60 million. The company remedied this lapse in sales by bringing in a famous cowboy, Tom Mix, to lend his name to the cereal. Eventually changing the cereal name to Chex..."
---"Chex," Encyclopedia of Consumer Brands, Volume 1: Consumable Products, Janice Jorgenson, editor [St. James:Detroit] 1994 (p. 114-116)
[NOTES: USPTO records indicate "Chex" was introduced in 1950; this book has much more information than can be paraphrased here. If you need more details ask your libarian to help you find a copy].
from here

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office "Chex Mix" was not registered until 1990: Registration #1663021

More Recipes of a Civil War Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T08:38:00.000-06:00

Turkey, stuffing, and Cranberry Sauce here
"Note that bread stuffing, sausage, and oysters were popular kinds of stuffing for turkey. Turkeys were typically boiled, roasted, or baked almost exactly like we do today. Turkeys were typically a lot smaller back then, a 10 pound turkey was typical. 20 pound turkeys were reserved for large parties."

In 1864 special meals were provided for the Union soldiers. A picture of Thanksgiving among the Troops appeared in Harper's Weekly magazine.

Thanksgiving was decreed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed several times, until 1941, when Thanksgiving was finally approved by Congress as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. President LIncoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation here
And I found this site that I really like-Thanksgiving Civil War Style-since Thanksgiving was not yet an official holiday the foods prepared were not treated as a holiday, this site shows foods common for this time period with recipes here

Sausage Making

2011-11-14T08:09:00.000-06:00

Photos of grinding up the sausage, and the summer sausage all mixed up.
I ended up with 5 pints of canned venison backstrap-sliced. I just now turned off the pressure canner. I ended up using the directions for canning meats in the newest Ball canning book. There was so many variations online that I decided to go with Ball for my first attempt and then decide if I liked the results.
I followed the sliced tenderloin recipe, this was perfect for the backstrap cause there was no fat or grissel to cut out. Anxious to open the canner and see what it looks like.
Larry ground up all the venison from the second deer, I mixed in pork or chicken-and I made three kinds-ended up with 9 Pounds each. Bratwurst, venison seasoning sausage, and breakfast sausage. I bagged it all up seperately and put in the frig for a bit-to take a break.
I think I will freeze most of it, and can about half of the breakfast sausage. Will give half of everything to our friend Mr. L

Making up Sausage This Afternoon

2011-11-14T03:58:00.000-06:00

I had in the freezer, three sausage spice blends I had purchased from Penzeys- venison sausage, summer sausage, and brat sausage.
This afternoon after Mr. L goes hunting, we will grind up the deer he got yesterday. He's really fast at butchering, and he has an outdoor frig, where he can put in a 5 gallon bucket of the butchered meat in cold water-to get all the blood out of the meat.
I went to town early this morning to buy ground pork and chicken. I haven't made sausage in a very long time, we are not set up for curing at this time, so I will be freezing and canning.
I am off to hunt down my canning recipes and search for a recipe for italian sausage spices. I use italian sausage for my handmade pizzas and other things so that would be nice to make.
We woke up this morning to 70 degrees and still these very high winds-but the temps will be dropping all day today as a big storm is moving in tonight-just hoping the t storms hold off to after monday football tonight-the Packers are playing, and our two friends here now are from Wisconsin---sooooo a Packer party tonight-lol
Our feast yesterday was excellent-of course too much food-so I sent alot of it home, we will have the fish for lunch, and the smoked venison I put in the freezer and will bring out next weekend for the next hunting camp.
catch all later on-Happy Monday

Our Feast is About Ready

2011-11-13T10:40:00.000-06:00

The smoker has been going since around 7:30 am, the venison roast looks and taste fabulous. I just put on about 12 trout that Larry had caught this summer-I am making some garlic-parmesean bread, and I just started a pot of wild rice on the stove, and will do a pot of green beans too.

I didn't want anything real heavy but I wanted something else besides the meat, fish, green beans, and bread, and I got to talking about foods with one of our friends, and he says you know I just love wild rice and he can't get his new wife to make it for him. so as I was going thru the freezer to find my sausage spices for tomorrow I found my last bag of native american wild rice from Wisconsin-I had brought down several bags of it with me when I retired. I thought perfect-will surprise my friend and it will go well this meal.

We have the rest of the first deer ground up and in the freezer, we ended up with 18 full quarts-split it with Mr. L. He got his deer this morning-so tomorrow I need to run to town and buy some fresh pork so we can add it to the ground venison and make sausage.

I need to find my recipes that my Mom gave me years ago of meat canning recipes from her amish neighbor. I remember one of them was for canned sausage patties.

So we got alot done today, and I am tired, especially since Nikita woke me up around 1 am and I couldn't get back to sleep.

Not going to get this quilt finished before they go back home tuesday morning, so will need to mail it off in a couple weeks instead. Since I am tying the knots closer together, is taking alot longer to do, and my right shoulder can't handle much more of 6-8 hours or tying-sooo will be a surprise in the mail for them.

Next weekend, we have the second group of friends coming in for more hunting-so that's kinda nice too.

Off to finish up supper

Song Saturday Good Morning Starshine

2011-11-11T23:32:00.000-06:00

Honoring All Veterans

2011-11-11T01:33:00.000-06:00

and a card from you http://www.jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=6&mpv=3283561&path=83560

A Couple Photos-Art Swap and Around the Homestead Here

2011-11-09T11:06:00.000-06:00

The first and last photos are of my art swap from my blog friend here in Missouri; Carol. She painted the two miniatures for me, made me a card, and preserved these leaves with something so they are no longer brittle-love it all so much-and blends in with my handmade pottery here too.

Next photo is of this neat building that Larry built for me one of the first years we moved down. It was suppose to be my garden shed, and upstairs a little apartment for visitors. Right now is curing all the wood for house-for my cabinets, and black walnut flooring for the living room, along with my garden tools. so far the gardening is not happening too well here for me. Mr. L is thinking it would be great converted to our "clubhouse" great place to hold cook outs and such. The just finished building the outside stairs and the deck to get to the second floor.

Next photo is Larrys new live bait pond-it is starting to fill up nicely now with all the rain we have gotton this week. He will raising minnows for live bait when they go fishing on the lake. he was tired of spending too much money for poor quality bait. so he the baby john deer build this pond-the wildlife loves it !!

Well off to get the last load of laundry on the line. figured I would do it this afternoon to save time tomorrow-will just leave it out on the line tonight, I don't think the wildlife will bother it lol

A Couple Tea Memes for Cold Morning

2011-11-09T03:14:00.000-06:00

You Appreciate All of Life's Moments

You are a great compromiser. You can deal with personalities of every flavor, and you're good at making sure each person has a say.

You have an ever chanting personality. You are big on self-improvement and growth. You're always getting better.

You love everything about life, including the sadder and darker parts. You appreciate every emotion.

You are energetic and downright hyper. All sorts of ideas and opportunities excite you.

The Tea Oracle

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

You Are Chai Tea

You're quite the charmer. You know how to get what you want from almost anyone.
You are high-powered and spunky. You bring a lot to the table... sometimes too much!

You are brilliant and pioneering. You never do things the normal way... you do them your way.
Friends describe you as sensitive, spirited, and compulsive. Bright and blazing with intensity, you seem mysterious and moody to many.

What's Your Tea Type?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Hump Day Handmade Tin Punching

2011-11-09T01:30:00.000-06:00

Several years ago I bought the tools to do this-the right little hammer, and a couple of tools that you hammer on to make the designs. We planned on using my handmade tin punched pieces for panels in some of my kitchen cupboards. Haven't tried this yet though-lol
I have just recently been informed that Mr. L wants to helps Larry make my kitchen cabints-he's a craftsman too and has made alot of furniture, spinning wheels, etc in the past. How exciting for me!! I have made do here with no cabinets for 7 years now-hopefully the weather will hold out for a bit so they can start on this after the deer hunt.

this photo came from this very informative article I just found here and at the end of the article it tells yo how to do it "cheaper" without buying all the special tools
I found this series of tutorials on tin punching in the simpliest form-for making a christmas ornament here
Here is tin punching a tin can into a light or luminaries
another how to here
so next year, I may be making up some tin panels

I may be doing some pineapples, fruit, or wheat since we have alot of 1800s in our home.
What is your experience of doing some tin punching??

Chicken Soup for a Rainy Tuesday

2011-11-08T02:25:00.000-06:00

Since I have been doing all this heavy cleaning and painting the last two weeks, I have been cooking just simple quick meals.
Sunday I got out my clay roaster and roasted one of the chickens Mr. L prepared for us along with lots of turnips, potatoes and a sprinkling of limes and herbs.
This roaster makes such excellent broth too, so yesterday I finished cooking down for soup. The soup was sooo delicious thought I would share my recipe.
Kathy's Roasted Chicken Soup
Roast a whole chicken the method you prefer you prefer-I used my clay baker roaster
Enjoy a meal when it comes out of the oven, then next day cook everything down for a couple hours into stock. Strain, cool, and skim the fat.
Bring the stock up to a simmer, add in the chicken meat.
Next I added a package of my own turnip greens, and a package of chantrelle mushrooms that I had sauted in butter-cooled and froze. This addition really stepped up the flavor of the soup. Add your favorite fresh mushroom that has been sliced and sauted in butter.
I then added in my favorite rice pasta, so here it's your pasta choice.
When the pasta is cooked tender, serve in soup mugs or something fun.
Enjoy!

Art Sunday Monet

2011-11-07T18:18:00.000-06:00

Woodgatherers at the edge of the forest

The Plain of Colombes

The Garden

The Valley of Sasso

Two Grain Stacks Close of Day, Autumn

Three Trees in Autumn
From here

Healthy Mondays Venison

2011-11-07T02:25:00.000-06:00

The first thing I ate when I stopped be a vegan was venison, and for several years I only ate wild game and fish. I have always felt since then, that if I was going to eat meat I would prefer to eat wild, or what we raised ourselves. It is not always the easiest to stick to this, but we are gradually getting back to it again.
I wanted to share a little venison, cause it is a healthy meat protein: "According to the USDA website on nutrition, venison is among the most nutritious meats around. It has fewer calories per serving than either beef, pork, or chicken in an equivalent serving". more here

I thought I would share a few salads I found on the net:

Recipe: Southwest Venison Salad

Ingredients

1/2 cup lime juice
2 tbs olive oil
4 medium garlic cloves
8 tbs chopped fresh cilantro
1-2 tsp chili powder
1-2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
nonstick cooking spray
4 3oz venison steaks
1 15 ounce can black beans, drained
4 medium-large roma tomatoes diced
8 tbs chopped scallions
4 cups organic romaine lettuce

Instructions

Place the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a closed jar. Shake until well mixed.
Lightly coat a grill with nonstick cooking spray, heat, and grill the venison until done. Slice into 1 inch strips.
Mix together the venison, beans, tomatoes, scallions, lettuce, and dressing, and serve. from here

This dish is found on restaurant menus throughout Mexico, but particularly in the western part of the country and in the Yucatan, where it is called zic de venado. This recipe is a good buffet dish, to be piled on tostadas or served with warm tortillas and habanero salsa. It makes an attractive presentation served on a bed of mesclun greens. Following are two variations on the traditional recipe, one savory and one sweet-and-hot.
Ingredients:

2 pounds venison, cooked and shredded (venison is lean and shreds nicely, like flank or skirt steak)
juice of 4 bitter (Seville) oranges or use half sweet oranges and half limes
� cup finely chopped cilantro
� red onion, peeled and finely chopped
� cup finely chopped radishes
salt to taste

Preparation:
Place the venison in a non-reactive bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients and let them rest for 15 minutes to combine the flavors. Add the mixture to the venison and serve immediately or refrigerate and bring to room temperature at serving time.
Serves 8-10 as part of a multicourse buffet or as an appetizer.
Variation I:
Omit the radishes and add � cup chopped green olives and 1 firm-ripe avocado, diced.
Variation II:
Omit the radishes and add 1 green mango, diced, 1 diced plantain and 2 (or more, to taste) serrano chiles, seeded and diced. from here

and this recipe looked delicious too Venison Salad with Beatroot,Apple, & Hazlenuts from here

Shredded Venison Salad: Salpicon De Venado by Karen Hursh Graber � 2005

Art Sunday Fiber Arts-Macrame

2011-11-05T19:08:00.000-05:00

Years ago back in the early 70's macarme was quite popular-mostly as plant hangers, belts, hanging lamps, jewelry-but I also knew of artists that took the form beyond that.
For some reason this popped in my mind tonight for art sunday.

from here

from here

from here

from here
A little history of macarme here and article on what cords, yarns are used here

Song Saturday

2011-11-05T03:05:00.000-05:00

A Couple Autumn Memes

2011-11-04T04:08:00.000-05:00

A couple memes before I get started with my day

You Are Ginger

You are soothing and calming. You provide a lot of comfort to those around you.
You are nurturing, but you also have a little bit of spice to you. You are a little wild!

You appreciate nature, and some of your best times are spent outdoors. You don't like being cooped up in an office for too long.
You are optimistic and cheerful. You show kindness to people, animals, and the earth. You believe in treading lightly.

What Fall Spice Are You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

You Are Wise

You are a prudent and rational person. You try not to do anything you regret, and if you do, you learn form your mistake.
You are educated or at the very least knowledgable. You have a perception that most people lack.

You've learned to be vigilant in your life. You are pretty much always on guard.
No matter how old you actually are, you are quite seasoned. You are experienced and worldly.

The Changing Leaves Test

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

You Are Chai Tea

You are a world traveler and adventurer. It's likely that you've seen many different autumns in many different places.
Your favorite fall things are a little exotic and adventurous. Leaves changing in Asia. The taste of a new pumpkin dish.

You're not a traditionalist when it comes to fall. You're eager to embrace any new fall thing that comes your way.
And you're willing to celebrate autumn anytime of the year. The leaves don't have to be falling for you to enjoy a warm beverage.

What Autumn Drink Are You?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

(I am not a world traveler-lol)

photos of curtains

2011-11-03T17:20:00.000-05:00

Christmas without Made in China

2011-11-03T16:09:00.000-05:00

I just got this in an email and I love it enough to share. I try so hard to Not buy China, and really this message is what Christmas is all about anyways, I remember when Christmas was never about tons of presents under the tree

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
Merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes
there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down
the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?

My Morning

2011-11-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

It's one of those days today, that would be comfy to work on the quilt that needs finishing up, or do a little reading-but I have some things that I just have to get done-more cleaning and making curtains.
I spent an hour or more thinking of ideas for easier tabs to make. I came up with one I really like, but don't have everything I need so I think I will do later, probably when I need to take the curtains down and wash them.
I have a huge trunk full of leather-all colors too, mostly small to large scraps. I found a beautiful off white that would look nice with my dyed fabric. I thought of cutting tabs-no need for seams on leather-sew buttons on front and back of curtains, so the tabs could come off before washing.
I went thru my antique buttons-most of them sorted by colors already-but I need about 30 for the fronts and just don't have enough the same size and close colors. I also need buttons for the backs too that won't show. I think I will search on etsy for some handmade wooden buttons-that way they will all be the same size too.
I wouldn't need to make buttonholes either, in the leather just make a slit-I love it!! This will have to wait cause the guys are coming next weekend, and Larry's room has the computer desk and his workbench that need to be put back in place-once that's done-can't get to the curtain rods easily. Sooooo, I finally got the panels all steam pressed, I am just going to sew a heading on top so the rod can slip thru, and hem them. The sides are all selvages and since their hand dyed-I am not going to mess with another hem on all those sides. Will still probably hand sew the hems though.
Yesterday he made rods out of copper pipe and these really cool decorator ends that we picked up at a garage sale for this room.
So that's next up. I am a slow sewer, especially handsewing, so this will take me all day. We got a rod up in the bathroom so I have thermal curtains up there-these were hand stenciled, left overs from our Illinois house-I always loved these.
I got Larry making the chili-lol to free up my time. He is a very good cook, he just won't cook any more. However he makes up a mean pot of chili-when I was gone to Indiana, when I got home everyone was raving about his delicious chili-so I asked him if he would make it up today-
still raining a little bit out there, and alot of leaves are finally falling now too. catch ya all a bit later-during my next break-lol

Hump Day Handmade Handmade Curtains

2011-11-02T03:07:00.000-05:00

Thru the years I have made almost all of my own curtains-they are fun to do, and you can save alot of money. My Mom has always made all of her own drapes-I haven't gotton into that too much, cause I don't have a formal house-never have. I am just a simple country girl and am not comfortable with "suburbia" lol
Since retirement I have really enjoyed dyeing fabrics so now I have been dyeing yards of kona cotton for curtains. When I made my kitchen curtains I put large grommets in and used leather suede for ties. Fun! So only your creativity and imagination are your limits.
Here are a few ideas and how to links:
here do it yourself how to
here how to measure your windows for curtains
here Tipnut-lots of tutorials and how tos
here bed linens into curtains I remember growing up-alot of people made curtains from sheets.
here can't sew you say-this is a neat site with tips and also no sew ideas for curtains

Curtain Rods-most seem to be made from China now-sigh-but if you choose to-find something to recycle into cool rods

Use copper pipe, tree branches, broom handles-painted,pvc pipe painted; look around and be creative here are more recyling tips for curtains and rods.
There are also alot of companies online that are making rods from recycled materials-I love that too.
So be creative, and have fun with it.

Vegan Chicken on a Tuesday

2011-11-01T01:06:00.001-05:00

What?? you may be saying to yourself now-lol-when I was a vegetarian I tried several dishes that used vegan products to taste like the different meats-I decided I really didn't care for that at the time-but I have known vegans that do.
These also make good health choices-as long as you check for added sodium content-and they stretch your food dollar too-especially if mixed with a meat (if you choose to). I used alot of tofu products when I was a vegetarian-I even made my own from scratch-was amazing how many food products you would get with the process of making the tofu.
This post topic popped in my mind last night-lol-this is for my new "Sis" here on Multiply-Mel
Recipes: Vegan Fried Chicken here
Rosemary Chicken here (seitan is wheat guten)
Here is an article on seitan here (not for us with celiac)
Chinese Vegetarian Chicken here I would like this one, made with dried tofu sheets which I am not familiar with. this has lots of photos too.
Vegan Chicken Salad here
I found several photos using vegan chicken

more photos here

Vegan Chicken on a Tuesday

2011-11-01T01:06:00.000-05:00

These also make good health choices-as long as you check for added sodium content-and they stretch your food dollar too-especially if mixed with a meat (if you choose to). I used alot of tofu products when I was a vegetarian-I even made my own from scratch-was amazing how many food products you would get with the process of making the tofu.

This post topic popped in my mind last night-lol-this is for my new "Sis" here on Multiply-Mel

Recipes: Vegan Fried Chicken here

Rosemary Chicken here (seitan is wheat guten)

Here is an article on seitan here (not for us with celiac)

Chinese Vegetarian Chicken here I would like this one, made with dried tofu sheets which I am not familiar with. this has lots of photos too.

Vegan Chicken Salad here

I found several photos using vegan chicken

more photos here

Healthy Mondays Peanut Butter

2011-10-30T15:08:00.000-05:00

I have always loved peanut butter, and felt it was a very healthy food. The label on the ingredients though must only say peanuts and perhaps a little salt-no added sugars, bad fats, etc etc. Found an article online too about this here
I've been buying Smuckers peanut butter for Larry cause when he needs a little pick me up thru the day he can use whole grain bread, my homemade no sugar jams, and peanut butter for a little healthy snack. I started using Smuckers cause it is available at a regular store, stirs up easily, and is only peanuts with a little salt. Be sure to read the label on the peanut butter you pick up at the store.
a good article here on benefits of peanut butter by Prevention

My personal feeling is that peanut butter is an excellent food for the diabetic, expecially when pairing with whole grain breads or crackers.

One of my fav cookies from childhood is the peanut butter cookie-now I make a healthier version-
How do you enjoy your peanut butter??

Art Sunday--I am hosting for Nemo this Week

2011-10-29T13:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Art Sunday, hosted by Nemo, but this week I am playing "hostess" for us.
Art Sunday started back on Yahoo 360, and was something I always enjoyed on Sunday mornings. I had my cup of coffee or tea, sometimes hot cocoa, and just enjoyed the "tour" of all the art posts.
So glad that Nemo has carried on our Art Sunday here on Multiply.
Anyone is welcome to participate; if you wish to share a blog on art, please put the link to your post here in comments and I will add you to this Sunday's art tour.
A link back to this post is always welcome, so your readers know about all the other art posts.
Enjoy!!

Art Sunday Halloween

2011-10-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

from here

from here

from here

from here

Some Blog Things-for fun

2011-10-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

You Are Harmonious

You are a natural counselor. You listen well and give out good advice when needed.
You are accommodating and peace-seeking. You do your best to make others happy.

You love to celebrate, but your favorite parties are chill and low key.
You strive to build close relationships. You are attracted to people of substance.

The Sushi Chopstick Test

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

And with the Cardinals in the playoffs--

You Are a Hot Dog

You are fun loving and quick to tell a story or joke. You always know how to have a good time.
You never quite feel settled. You have the spirit of an adventurer.

You are imaginative and very visual. You can play out whole movies in your head.
There's so much in this world that interests you. You like to dabble in a little of everything.

What Baseball Park Snack Are You?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

You Are Sweet Potato Fries

You are open-minded and very inventive. You like to play around with new ideas.
You are excited by knowledge, and you like to put what you learn to the test.

You are a natural creator, and you love to make things. You are definitely a mad scientist.
Some of your ideas may be total flops, but you will produce valuable, original works one day.

What Kind of French Fries Are You?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

You Are Compassionate

You have deep and genuine feelings. You are a very caring person.
You're the type not to make a fuss. You're more likely to sit back and figure out how you can help.

You're not looking for a lot of attention on Halloween. You're just happy to put a smile on someone else's face.
You believe that Halloween is mostly for kids, and you want to make it as special for them as possible.

The Halloween Cupcake Test

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

Herbs for Thursday White Willow Bark

2011-10-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

Of course when I have a long day, and am ending the day with aches and pains and tired-I can't sleep-I usually don't get to bed til around 11 to midnight-just cause I need to be totally exhausted so I will fall right to sleep.-well that's tonight, so thought I would a share an herb blog, instead of getting into another physical type project.
I have stopped using asprin on occasion, and tylenol, can't use any of the other stuff like advil and ibuprofen, so I have started back to taking the herb white willow bark when I need something like an asprin to relieve a little pain and swelling of joints etc.
Can't remember if I have posted about this herb before, but I wanted to share this with you, cause this is one that really works for me. Unlike the chemical form of asprin, white willow bark will not cause bleeding and other problems that asprin can. and it works for me, but then I am not someone that can take anything strong-tylenol was usually my go to for this, but now I am having trouble with it too-cause sme to get too "high" or too much of a "drugged" feeling-not good Of course always ask your own health care profesional if you decide you might want to try this.
I brought this up with my doctor today, he is very knowledgeable on alot of the more common herbs-and he knew right away that it was the herb that asprin was chemically copied from. He knows me-so he just nodded in approval-lol

White Willow Bark

Where does White Willow Bark come from?

White willow bark comes from the white willow tree, which can grow up to 23 meters tall. This tree is native to Europe and Asia and the name "white willow" comes from the leaves, which are covered with fine white hairs.

Chinese herbalists used this natural pain killer for centuries and in the 18th century Western medicine recognized white willow as a pain reliever and fever reducer. European settlers brought the white willow tree to North America, where they discovered that the local people were already using some of the native willow species to alleviate pain and fight fevers.

German and French scientists isolated the plant"s active ingredient - salicin - in 1828. A decade later, European chemists manufactured salicylic acid, a chemical related to aspirin, from salicin. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, was later created from another herb containing salicin. At the end of the 19th century, the Bayer company had started to commercially produce aspirin.

Concentrations of salicin are highest in the bark of the white willow and Salix alba is the most popular species used for medicinal purposes.

The salicin that comes from white willow bark is metabolized in your body to form salicylic acid, which reduces inflammation, pain and fever. Even though this herb is slower acting than aspiring, the beneficial effects of white willow bark last longer and has fewer side effects than aspirin. The most important fact is that white willow bark does not cause stomach bleeding like commercially available aspirin.

White willow bark is most effective at relieving headaches and severe muscle pain. The symptoms that are commonly associated with flu (fever, muscle aches, headache) are also greatly relieved when you use white willow bark.

White willow bark is also very effective in alleviating toothache.

Research conducted proved that people who suffer from osteoarthritis benefit from using low doses of white willow bark daily to relieve chronic pain associated with this debilitating condition. White willow bark reduces the swelling and inflammation associated with rheumatic conditions and increases joint mobility.

Women will also benefit by taking white willow bark as it eases the pain of menstrual cramps. Hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins cause the pain associated with the menstrual cycle and the salicin in white willow bark helps to regulate these hormones.

Concerns:
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

High doses of white willow bark can cause stomach upsets, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and nausea. If any of these side effects occur, lower the dosage or stop taking the herb.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take willow bark.

White willow bark has an anti-coagulant effect and people using blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin should not take this herbal remedy.

People who are using beta-blockers for high blood pressure should not take white willow bark as it may make the drugs less effective. (note: this was the first I had read about this concern)

Do not use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen with white willow bark as it might increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Do not give white willow bark to children under the age of 16 as it can cause a potentially fatal brain and liver condition known as Reye"s syndrome.

How do I use White willow bark?

Make sure that you purchase white willow bark extract standardized to contain 15% salicin. Do not purchase white willow bark tea, as you would need to consume several liters to get an effective dose.

To reduce pain and inflammation and lower a fever take one or two pills three times a day, or as needed. Follow the instructions given by your health care practitioner. (note: I purchase in capsule form, extracts can be good too, I agree making a tea would not get a strong enough dose)

White willow bark is safe to use over the long term. It has a very bitter taste, so the most convenient way to take it is in pill form.

article from here
A little more from Mountain Rose Herbs here

Pears Canned

2011-10-25T12:49:00.000-05:00

When I showed Larry these pears and had him help me cut them in half, he said these are winter pears. In the old days these were pears that one would put in their home root cellars. I think he is right-as these really are not canning pears. I can see that they would make up into a really nice pie, or one would just bake or cook up something with these during the winter months.
There was alot of waste with these so I dumped out the peelings etc by the edge of the woods for the deer and foxes etc.
Since these were so hard, and didn't want to cook them first before canning (hot pack) I decided to slice these-kinda like 1/8's of the pear.
I decided they needed a little something in the syrup, but not alot. So I made a syrup of 10 pints water to 1/4 cup local honey. As I brought it to a simmer I put in a stick of cinnamon-about 4" long, and a big slice of candied ginger. Turned out with just hint of the honey and the cinnamon and ginger-I think they will be good. I had one jar from the first batch that didn't seal-so we will try that one out in a day or two-after its been in the frig.
Glad I forced myself to get this project completed. Tomorrow we go for our 6 month check ups and its an hour to get there, so the morning will be taken up with that. Hope to tackle the green tomato salsa tomorrow-and then I will have the canning finished up.
two weeks till the hunters come-and this house is a major job to get cleaned and ready.
off to make supper

MMMMM I Just Love Caramel Apples

2011-10-23T03:21:00.000-05:00

Chocolate is good too, but not candied-I don't like those

recipe for this one here
I found a recipe here for making the caramel from scratch
Good Eats! lol

Art Sunday Grandma Moses

2011-10-23T02:56:00.000-05:00

I have posted Grandma Moses before, as alot of us have already too, but during autumn especially I really love everything "country" more so than any other season. I especially love her paintings for their simplicity-and well they just make me happy viewing them.
What makes her paintings even more special for me, is that she didn't take up painting til she was 75 years young, because she could no longer do her needlework do to arthritis. I love that about her, live life to the fullest, there is always something new we can learn. paintings chosen from here
Do take the art sunday with our host Nemo.

Song Saturday-I'm in the Mood For Janis Joplin

2011-10-22T02:51:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to tie lots of knots-on a quilt that is-lol

2011-10-21T09:24:00.000-05:00

Not a real good photo, but you can see that this quilt took up the whole length of the frame. Larry figured out poles long enough to fit a queen-and this one gave me just a couple inches to spare. The largest one I have put on here so far.
The last quilt I tied last spring I used 4" spacing and decided afterwards I would space the next one closer. This one will be 3" spacing across and down, I think I will like it better. If I had more time, I would consider 2" spacing, but I have only about 3 weeks to get this finished.
Next up is to mark the first row-which is always fun for me-not lol will probably do that first thing tomorrow morning. I am off to cut more strips

First Frost and blogthings for Halloween

2011-10-21T06:43:00.000-05:00

The basil plants are now history-ok cause I dehydrated lots of basil this year, and the morning glorys got hit pretty hard too, as well as a few wildflowers. I had covered a few annual flowers and veggies cause today starts the warm up thru next mid week.

Frost on the pumpkin?

You Are A Silly Pumpkin Face

You would make good pumpkin taffy.

What's Your Pumpkin Face?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

You Are A Cute Optimist

You are a naturally cheerful, happy go lucky person.
You're the type of person to see Halloween through the eyes of a child.

This Halloween, dress up as something cute - like a bunny.
The candy you should give out: candy corn

The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

You Are Pumpkin Bread

You are considerate and generous. Your heart warms when you're able to do something unexpectedly nice for someone else.
You know it can be a cold world out there, and you have plenty of happiness to spread around.

You try to give as much as possible every day, and you know that small acts of kindness can often mean the much.
Whether you're being a good listener or sharing a slice of your pumpkin bread, people feel lucky to be able to count on you.

What Pumpkin Treat Are You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Dried Tomatoes in Olive OIl

2011-10-21T05:46:00.000-05:00

Have any of you made this? or when you purchased it-what do you make with it??
I love this site and here is a how to http://www.pickyourown.org/tomatoes_sun_dried.htm
I have one dryer filled with sliced green tomatoes, some partially ripe tomatoes. I decided to slice them instead of chopping-cause it is faster for me to do-and I think I can do more things with them in slices.
This got me to thinking of those pretty jars you see with sun dried tomatoes in olive oil and spices. Pretty pricey too and just as easy to make yourself. But what do you do with them? Just eat them as a side, put on sandwiches? I have not tried this, but thought I may now.
found on food network

found here with recipe

Has any one made a green tomato jam?? I found several ideas online for this too

An Amendment to Fix Congress

2011-10-21T04:08:00.000-05:00

I got this at all places on my yahoo quilt group-I like this so passing it on

* If you agree with the following, please repost:

Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the best
quotes about the debt ceiling:

"I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law
that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all
sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election
...
The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only
3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it.
That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to
become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum
of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do
likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the
message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011
1. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when
they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system,
and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for
any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans
do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay
will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the
same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American
people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective
1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress
is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen
legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take
three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message. Maybe it
is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

If you agree with the above, pass it on.

Relish and Dills

2011-10-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

These canned goods always look so pretty in their jars. I ended up with quite a bit of the hot relish, and the dills I think will be really tasty. Recipes come from the new Ball canning book, I changed up the relish a bit, but I followed the green tomato dill recipe.
Half goes to Mr. L. I still have at least 1/2 bushel or more to go. Salsa and dried will be next

A Bushel of Green Tomatoes

2011-10-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

Wow-I wasn't expecting quite so many tomatoes-lol Mr. L picked every single green tomatoe on his plants and brought them to me to make salsa and relishes.
I got a late start too, and just finished hand chopping the first batch, I always forget just how long this takes. I don't like to put my relishes in a processor cause they just end up too fine or not chopped enough, and we like our salsas and relishes more chunky-can use them for more foods that way too.
I found a recipe that looks really good, I changed the recipe a bit since I didn't have a cabbage on hand, and I decided to add some hot peppers too. So this has chopped green tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and hot banana peppers. You put salt over and mix-let sit 4 hours and then rinse well drain and proceed to make the liquid and can. I decided I am too tired now to finish up-7 pm is kinda late to get into the last of the process, so I put it all in the frigerator-and will take it out first thing tomorrow morning.
I looked around for recipes using whole or small green tomatoes, and found one that was a dill pickle-has lots of garlic in it, dill and spices-I may make that one. I also want to follow my latest salsa recipe but use these green tomatoes. I need to wait for the cilantro to come in from Penzeys, and I am going to have to go to town to get a few ingredients like more vinegar and garlic-so this all might not get finished up til week.
Our truck that has over 550,000 miles on it now, and Larry just keeps it running-is acting up this month. He hasn't found the problem yet-so I am afraid of driving off to town and perhaps breaking down, or I would run to town tomorrow.

I have never made or even eaten a fried green tomatoe-any of you have a favorite recipe??
Larry just went out bow hunting for deer, the weather is finally cold enough to go out. We would like to get one before the deer hunters arrive so we can have one smoked and bbq'd for eats. I also plan on smoking a big batch of trout for them.
well, I am off here, need a break before supper.

Celestial Seasonings Tea Co

2011-10-18T09:47:00.000-05:00

Deb and I were talking about their Sleepy Time Tea earlier today; and that got me to remembering a bit of my past.
Life events had taken me to Denver, Co in the 70s and this is the time period when this tea company was beginning to expand etc. It was also when I learned how to weave, and another company in the area was new and growing as well Schacht weaving co here I believe these are both still out of Boulder, Co.
I have collected lots and lots of Celestial Seasonings tins, big ones and little ones, I love their art work. I had so many that I decided to sell a few at the resale shop and when I saw I only got a quarter off of each-that was it-I am enjoying my tins and using them more now.
Here is a link to their time line history--here browsing their online site, they have really expanded their line.
I always loved thier sleepy time tea-very soothing and relaxing
I have the tin and a coffee mug with their sleepy time logo Their art work has always made me happy and smile thru the years.
Why I am blogging about this?? Well, not sure now-lol I never get into the trap of feeling old-I refuse to do that, but I do have a soft spot for companies I grew up with thru the years.

Chickens and a Sharing Neighbor

2011-10-18T04:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon our dear friend Mr. L came over with 3 freshly butchered and cleaned whole chickens. Two fryers and one very very young one. What an awesome caring gift. He had bought a dozen chickens butchered and cleaned them all-cooled them down and saved a couple for him and his wife, and gave the rest out to friends.

This is what living is all about-sharing and caring for each other. I have been so fortunate never have had to grow up or live in a sub division. I have always been connected in some way to country rural living, except for a few years when I lived in downtown Denver, Co. So I am used to this kind of sharing and caring for each other, especially during my younger years

This can also occur any where though-if you choose to get involved with your neighbors and help one another out. We can all survive these tough times (or any times) much better. It's the way our forefathers survived-we need to get back to this Now

Healthy Mondays Cookies

2011-10-17T03:22:00.000-05:00

I haven't baked for awhile, been too busy and we have been warm here, but this week is a changing-quite cold and a freeze mid week-it is october after all lol
Alot of people when they go on their diets think they have to eliminate all baked items-not so if you bake them healthier.
My tips: always use whole grain flours -no white flours, cut the sugar in half right off the bat in most recipes-and then play around with part stevia, or a little honey, or molasses along with a little sugar. For baking diabetic I have learned a little sugar is ok so I love the new stevia and natural sugar blends. Use quality oils instead of butter you can upgrade the healthy part of your baked item right off by doing that. If the recipe calls for milk I use soy milk, or almond milk or coconut milk depending on the recipe.
From Eating Well-tips and recipes here

I found this excellent oatmeal recipe here it follows my ideas of a healthier cookie
There are lots of recipes online, just do a google search for healthy cookies-you will also find vegan and ways to add protein as well
Happy Monday

It's That Time Again-Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.primepuzzle.com/maxproject/pumpkin_sim.swf carve online-love this
pumpkins carving safely here
pumpkin carving patterns here
More fun ideas here-painting pumpkins etc
Lots of pumpkin decorating ideas here
Lots of photos of pumpkins carved here

and don't forget the yummy pumpkin seeds inside

skillet toasted pumpkin seeds here from Emeril here and sweet and salty here and real simple from Michael Chiarello here

Young or old-go have some pumpkin fun!

Finallly-lol-Basting the Quilt Layers

2011-10-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

This is another one of my men's cotton shirts quilts, I added buttons to all of the pockets on this one-a few vintage buttons thrown in, and it is alot bigger than I usually make. I kept adding borders to the backing and then to the front, and then more on the backing-lol I just barely had enough room on the floor to lay it out-fits right up against the hearth of the woodstove on one side and next to my loom on the other side. It is ending up 98" wide and over 100" long. I do love big quilts. This one I have an all natural cotton batting in, and the orange strip around the edges brings the fall theme all together, and is one of my own hand dyes. This will just fit on the frame so I can knot it easier-hoping.lol

Doings a Couple Memes This Morning

2011-10-13T04:21:00.000-05:00

I had totally forgotton about the Hunter's Full Moon-til I saw it in full view this morning, with my walk with Nikita. interesting read here from the Farmers Almanac
I am usually not effected by the full moons, but I think because of everything going on the last few weeks it got me-lol this time.
This morning on our walk, I wish I had my camera with me, but I took in the moment for memories sake. We had a huge storm come thru last night so we had puddles and Nikita loves to drink from them. The sun had come out, I was ahead of her watching her, and suddenly while drinking her full reflection along with the sky appeared in the puddle. She noticed it too, and was not alarmed as some dogs might be, she looked at herself for a bit and then continued drinking from the water. I felt like this should mean something, but just enjoyed it and didn't ponder it any further. This has never happened before.
Larry had decided enough of paying high prices for live bait that is not quality-so with his dozer has been building a pond to raise his own. I checked and this morning the bottom has a nice amount of water from the rains last night.
Mr. L was over at a neighbors, and she was going thru her extensive rock collection-collected from all over the states, and was just tossing alot of them out. she makes rock gardens with them. Mr. L asked if he could have a few, so he brought me over about a dozen cool rocks. So now I have these new rocks and the rocks from Scotland, so perhaps I can get back to rocking walls next week.
Last night my body was tired from the wood stacking, and crawling on the hard concrete floor to get this quilt layered, so just fell asleep on the couch during the news. Woke up, and Larry had fallen asleep too, so I cleaned up the kitchen, finished sewing on strips for the quilt backing, and turned on food network-they are having halloween wars now, and I like resturant impossible. before I could see the ending of one of the shows-a big storm blew in. High winds for a bit and then t storms for several hours-up til midnight. Of course Nikita is frightened by these and was glued to my side. Sooo I decided to make a birthday card for a friend (we are having a big party this saturday) and turned out sooo awesome, I know she will love it. I used some new oil sticks for the first time to print a stamp with so will finish the back up today.
Now to decide if I want to do the wash, or tackle the quilt again. Haven't decided yet. I guess we are going to the resale shops tomorrow so have Larry looking to see if he has anything for sale. I may just do some wash late this afternoon, and hang it out so it will dry while I am gone tomorrow morning-now thats thinking ahead-lol

a couple birthday blog things, Larry and I both have birthdays this month as do several of our friends

You Are Thoughtful

You are a selective and sometimes critical person. You examine everything carefully.
You are exacting. You like to be able to have as much control over your environment and as possible.

You like to have meaningful social interactions. You prefer relationships that are fulfilling and not casual.
You are sensitive and observant. You have a heightened awareness of everything going on around you.

What Does Your Birth Season Say About You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

You Are Open-Minded

You don't get too caught up in how you think things should be. You know there's not much you can control.
You are accepting and broad-minded. You think the world needs more tolerance and understanding.

You are intensely passionate, especially about causes and people you believe in.
You couldn't be someone else even if you tried! You're simply you - and thank goodness for that.

The Birthday Cupcake Test

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

and just for fun

You Are an Elegant and Magnetic Shoe

You are convincing and magnetic. Persuasion is an art form for you.
You are fascinating and alluring. People are definitely interested in what's going on in your life.

You shine when it comes to negotiating conflict. You can craft win-win situations.
You like to let loose but you always maintain your composure. You are always classy.

What Thousand Dollar Shoe Are You?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Photos of my Art Swap with Loretta in Scotland

2011-10-11T05:56:00.000-05:00

This is my art swap from Loretta, she made me a bag all from recycled materials that she sewed together with her treddle machine, and collected rocks from her nearby beach for my shower-

Chicken on a Tuesday Smoked

2011-10-11T02:56:00.000-05:00

Speaking of smoked meats---chicken in the smoker
and great tips from Emeril
If you do a google search for smoked chicken-wow lots of yummy recipes.

Autumn Slideshow

2011-10-10T05:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I grabbed the camera and took a few photos of flowers, veggies, colors-enjoy!

Art Sunday Deer

2011-10-09T04:26:00.000-05:00

Here in the woods we love watching the deer, as they wander thru the backyard (woods) from time to time, especially during the spring and winter months. We do still have a mother and her two young twins visit us right outside the window where the computer now is. I especially love watching all of nature's critters during this gorgeous colorful season.

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here
Please visit our host Nemo to take the art sunday tour.

My Last Box Arrived Today-that I mailed from Indiana

2011-10-08T08:14:00.000-05:00

Funny-I see a little spider popped into the picture below with my cast iron, we have alot of spiders trying to move in now.
There was only a couple things I really wanted, as they went thru the farm buildings and such when my Mom moved off of our generation farm.(around 200 years now)
I had spotted in one of the barn buildings this really neat handmade berry crate-its just been sitting there forever. It didn't get spotted I guess when my Grandma had passed and they had a huge auction of almost everything. My Mom and Dad then bought the farm and moved in, that was around 35 or 36 years ago.
I had asked Mom about it a couple years ago, and she said that's just always been right there-so either my grandpa or his father probably made it. I love it, and I have nothing in mementos that was from him. So when she told me they were going thru things to sell or to toss-I explained where it was and that I wanted it-unless Jerry really wanted it-but no way was it to be thrown out or left there. So Jerry made sure I got it. Mom thought I was crazy and wanted to toss it. lol-"that old thing"
The other items I really wanted were these two big bowls-one stainless and the other white porcelain bowl with the red rim these I remember my grandma using all the time. I also spotted those other two porcelain pieces. I said I would only take them if she wasn't using them-and no she doesn't use them-I mailed these off too.
When we went thru her sewing room, we put in a box for sale of her knitting materials cause she can't do that any more, and I spotted this box of patterns that goes with a big book that she had given me last year-so that was neat, as they are full size patterns for all kinds of projects.
and lastly Larry picked up this cast iron wagner cast iron at a sale just before I left-we have a large collection of cast iron and we do not have this piece-awesome! pretty heavy too- won't take much to clean it up. thought it would be great to make up some great cinnamon rolls or breads in on the fire one of these days.
so these are my newest treasures.

Domino Light-Sugar and Stevia

2011-10-06T08:03:00.000-05:00

The midwest where my Mom lives, being in the farm belt-the grocery stores are just so much better in food quality and choices. That is definately something I really miss here in Missouri-we live where there are no quality food stores near by. so, we also are the last to get new products as well.
While shopping at her local store, it is a chain in the area, small but very nice store-I saw this. I love this combination for baking-sugar and stevia, and you use half the amount called for in a recipe. This is what I was buying from a different brand that went out of business-now to see if I can find this online to buy affordably. Where I found this photo the price was $2.00 more than I paid plus the shipping-sigh
I found the sugar stevia to be excellent for quality results in baking, with much less sugar in the end prodct.

Well, I guess I'm ready for my Trip

2011-09-26T07:25:00.000-05:00

I am packed, but I keep going back to elimate more and more, so my bags are not too heavy. I pack light anyways, but with a bad lower back-everything is too heavy. I am not even going to take my purse with this time either, just use the carry on small bag for odds, food, and my id-lol

I made up my 5 gallon pail of laundry soap this morning. I had used up the very last of it yesterday so I wanted to get this made before I left. I just love this process so much. So simple to make, saves soooo much money, and no plastic to recycle. Just love it. My recipe is in the photo section on my home page. I would suggest not using fels napha bar soap for this, but rather a pure old time soap if you can find it. Here we have Kirks which has been made since the 1800s. The Fels Napha is really strong and actually was developed for stains. Alot of recipes online push this soap but it is really too harsh for every day laundry use. I do have bars around that I grate into a dry detergent for very heavily soiled laundry-like mechanics clothes.

Well I am off to take a walk with Nikita

Pumpkin and Chicken

2011-09-26T03:43:00.000-05:00

Who knew?? that pumpkin and chicken go well together in a recipe. I did a search, and wow lots of ideas.
This will be one of my last posts before my trip, so thought I would share chicken for tuesday (yeh I know it's monday lol) with pumpkin.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas recipe here

Spicy Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pumpkin Mole Sauce here
Chicken with Pumpkin seed Pesto & Buttrnut Sauce here and here for step by stop photos

Healthy Mondays Pumpkin

2011-09-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, when pumpkins and such will be coming available. I love the little pie pumpkins for the best flavor.
I have been posting some delicious looking pumpkin recipes, and decided to expand into Healthy Mondays.
Pumpkin is incredibly rich in vital anti-oxidants and vitamins. This humble backyard vegetable is very low in calories yet good source of vitamin A, flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants like leutin, xanthins and carotenes.
The plant is a "vine", creeps on the surface in a similar fashion like that of other members of the cururbitaceae family such as cucumber, squash, cantaloupes...etc. It is one of the most popular vegetable that is grown as commercial field crop all over the world including in the USA. from here
more information here

If you do a google search for pumpkin healthy recipes, it comes back with pages of recipes-so lots of ideas available.
Pueble Pumpkin Soup caught my eye-sounds really delicious here
Spiced Pumpkin Cookies-looked really good too here these are always so moist.
and Roasted Pumpkin with Shallots looked delicious too here
so go find some pie pumpkins, process it down, and enjoy Good Eats!

Good Morning

2011-09-25T04:06:00.000-05:00

Have a relaxing Sunday

Just My "Doings"

2011-09-22T04:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday turned out to be a busy day. I made the jam first thing and then I drove into town to get my hair trimmed-I grow it long and it had gotton so bad just had to be done-especially since I am taking my little trip to Indiana.
Needed a few groceries in town, and they had lots of meat marked down, so that took time to break and down, wrap and get in the freezer.
Talked to Mom and I think she is almost done with all her packing and sorting-she keeps telling us that she is too old for this job-its our job after she passes. and I said no this way when you and brother hold a big sale in the spring you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.lol Signing is tomorrow and saturday the big move. It's all happened and fallen into place so smoothly for her that once she gets moved this weekend-she'll have to take a deep breath and then she'll realize it all. I'll be there early wednesday morning.
I also have been working on sewing the blocks for the quilt I am making for our newly wed friends. I finished sewing up all the blocks last night, so now they need pressed and layed out to decide the placement of the blocks and sewn together into a top. I may just get it finished before I leave.
This morning I decided to make another jam for Larry. I just cut up the second pineapple, and we had a huge bunch of grapes that were on the edge-so I went thru those last night and those are going in this jam too-cause we won't be able to eat them fast enough before they spoil. and right now they are very sweet too.
Raining this morning, I guess it will rain off and on today and then move out and be gorgeous for the next week. I keep checking on the coral mushrooms here in the woods-and still no luck. was hoping to be able to can up at least one batch before I leave. Perhaps sunday we will see some since we are getting more rain today.
I forgot to buy a brush to use for sealing the rock shower yesterday when I was in town, so after the jam making will look around the house and see if I can find one.
I have Larry all set for food in the freezer so he can find it easily, he is so bad at looking around in the freezers and deciding what he wants to make for himself. I designed some crock pot meals for him, and I was going to make a homemade pizza before I leave so he'll have left overs of that. now to get me packed-which I haven't started thinking about yet. usually I am all packed the week before leaving. I am going even lighter than usual this time, especially since Mom will now have a washer and dryer in her new home. she will feel spoiled as there are all new kitchen appliances and a dish washer too. her and I have never in our life time used a dish washer. something I have never wanted-but she now says I think I just may like that-lol
Oh and those of you that get the Food Network channel-have any of you caught Chef Irvine's Restaurant Impossible? after you watch a couple shows it's pretty much all the same format-but I find it fascinating what he and his team can accomplish in 2 days with only 10,000 dollars. and what an eye opener what some of these families get themselves into-they pay too much for the restaurants that usually does not include the buildings-that really amazes me, and some of them the kitchens were soooo dirty that Chef Irvine refused to cook in them til they were totally scrubbed up and clean again. an interesting show, and I am glad they are showing how to decorate with hardly no money.
Enjoy your thursday!

Hump Day Handmade Cornhusk Dolls

2011-09-21T14:46:00.000-05:00

This is another project I always wanted to try. I'll have to see if I can locate some cornhusks.
I really like this tutorial here from snowowl and another tutorial here and here too all three sites have great pictures and instructions.

Kettlecorn

2011-09-20T14:47:00.000-05:00

MamaBear posted a recipe on this. I love this stuff-never thought of making it at home though-usually find it at events and fairs in the summer. I agree, this would be a tasty fall snack too.
So I had to get online and find some more recipes for making this at home.

DawnVGilmorePhotography, Flickr

Kettle corn is a great summer snack and it's quick and easy to make at home! I love kettle corn for its sweet-and-salty taste. But, better yet, it tends to have less fat and sodium than other flavored popcorns. So, grab some vegetable oil, white sugar, and unpopped popcorn kernels and you're well on your way to enjoying this delicious treat.

1. Cover the bottom of a high-sided pot or kettle with vegetable oil and place on medium heat. Put 3 kernels in the pot. When they pop, the vegetable oil is hot enough for the rest of the batch.

2. Remove the 3 pieces of popcorn and add the sugar (about 1/4 cup for evey 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels) to the pot. Stir the pot and when the sugar melts, add the rest of the popcorn. Don't forget to put on the lid!

3. Shake the pot constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. When the popping slows to almost nothing, remove the pot from the heat and pour into a large bowl.

4. If you like, add salt, making sure that it mixes with all of the popcorn.

5. Let cool and enjoy!
from here
A little different recipe: