Recycling

I made these napkins years ago from fabric used for slings  - it's gorgeous cotton!  However, they were so plain that I seldom used them and then I got a brainwave a while back - why not embroider something on them!?!?!?!.  I had saved an oak leaf that I picked up at the cabin that seemed very appropriate  .... and the rest is history.

Downton Abbey and a finish ...

I had grandiose ideas for 'finishing' this one but they didn't work out so I ended up with this. The design for the keys came from the Sampler Girl. 

Gardening ......

Today we worked outdoors and even planted a couple of rows of onions, a row of beets, and a row of swiss chard ... we're hoping the weather will keep warming up so that these cool weather crops will do ok.  I potted geraniums that we had overwintered - the large pot will go to the cabin and the other will grace our deck at home; and transplanted some cherry tomatoes (sweet million) to take to the cabin ... these tomatoes are extremely sweet and delightful to eat! I think I started the scarlet runner beans too soon because they are looking like they belong in the story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk'!  One of them I've already planted at the house on the south side and provided protection with a milk carton - fingers are crossed that it will survive any cool weather; the other one, shown here, will go to the cabin for planting.  The green pot in the forefront is a peony root that I dug up to take to the cabin as well. 

We were at the cabin for a few days ..... it was extremely windy and daytime highs ranged from 20(C) to 5 (C) with some snow thrown in - crazy!  Nonetheless we really enjoyed ourselves.  This photo was taken on the way there. 

a finish ....

This little cutie is from  here .  I chose to finish it as a heart so it could be displayed with either my heart or my Easter collection.  If you recall, "finishing" x-stitch projects is a challenge for me so this is quite an accomplishment!!!

mailbox reveal

 This is what happened to the white mailbox ... we're hoping a Momma Bird with discriminating taste will choose to raise her babies in it!  Originally, I had planned to paint a design but the entire box was ribbed and I suspected the paint might run along these ribs.  So I came up with another idea and thank goodness for Mod Podge!

gone fishing ...

We were at the cottage for a few days .... it's a lovely time of year there!  Fishing season is closed just now but there was lots to do.  We spent all day outdoors doing one thing or another and got together with friends for dinner one evening - they are both excellent cooks and served up pickerel they'd caught last fall and fries made from their own potatoes - yummy!.  These are some of the stitcheries that are hanging in the cottage.  The plastic canvas needlepoint WELCOME sign was made by our late daughter - she was very good at it.  The water was alive with ducks, loons, and Canada geese - very entertaining. 

stay tuned

I have plans for this mailbox ... stay tuned!

Paradise

This is our version of Paradise  ... our home away from home.  We spent some time there this past weekend.  The river was alive with loons ... what a delight!

found it!

I've been unable to find my mom's recipe for Walnut Slice but  just the other day whilst thumbing through some old cookbooks there it was in a church cookbook!  I was thrilled and very much enjoyed looking through the cookbook with all the names of the contributors ... like taking a trip back in time.  This cookbook must be 40 years old!  Anyway, now that I've found it, not only have I made the dainties but I'm going to share the recipe. 

 MOM'S WALNUT SLICE

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter

Blend the 2 ingredients and pack into an ungreased 8" square cake pan.  Bake at 350 for 5 minutes.

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup coconut

Beat eggs and add sugar, followed by the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add nuts and coconut and spread on top of the shortbread base.  Bake in a moderate oven (350) for 25 minutes.  If desired a thin butter icing may be spread over the top while warm - I always add the icing.

Mom was a very good cook and even better at baking.  When she baked I doubt she ever had a failure.  In case you're wondering .... I did not inherit her skill.