Oct9

Venturing and raining

Posted on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 by Dianne

Today I got awake a little after 7 and got up right before 8 as I knew my sister-in-law Colleen wanted me down to her house around 10:30 so she could do my hair. I actually got out the door around 9:30 and even stopped at the post office in Chadds Ford to mail a package and the Love Quilts Thunderbird square. Colleen wasn’t home, but I went in and ate some yogurt and only had to wait about 10 minutes as she had been food shopping. So now I have brown hair again(!), almost like my real color. She was nice enough to trim my hair and blow it dry too. I was out of there by 12, got lunch for my mom and me and headed for mom’s house. After we ate, she wasn’t feeling chipper and I just started tidying up there. Two hours later she was ready to go out, but I was ready to go home. I left at 3 and headed down the road then decided to stop off at a cross stitch shop I hadn’t been to in years. I was looking around and saw the cute punch needlework samples. The shopkeeper showed me how to do it (she was a lefty too) and I decided to buy a kit and the needle. I also bought Little House’s ‘House of a Needleworker’; The Prairie Schooler’ Santa’s 1-4 days of Christmas; TPS 2005 and 2007 Santa cards and some mocha linen to make the Santas on. I stopped and got us some pizza (small ones-white for me and regular for Bri). When I went to look at my stash from the shop, I saw the linen said $8.50 on it and the receipt said $17.00! That’s a big difference. I’ll have to call to see about that and may have to make another trip there.

~Update-I was charged for the bigger piece of linen (one number difference in the item number on the receipt!), so I do have to go back to the store and either get my money back or another piece of fabric. I might as well get another piece of fabric. ; )

Needless to say, I’m bushed. We had some thunderstorms pass through tonight and it’s now in the 60s. Nice to have some rain!

And I got a new school photo of my darling niece Tori. She did good posing as it looks just like her, no silly or scared face just her sweet smile.

Oct8

2 figure ‘8’s and I don’t mean ice skating!

Posted on Monday, October 8, 2007 by Dianne

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Another very warm day through most of the country. I didn’t even venture out.

But look what I found last night when I was watering my flowers (yes still doing that because they still look fairly decent):

Very unusual to be still getting veggies in October! But Bri just piped in that he planted these late. We still have a few tomatoes clinging to the vine. I’d like to make some green fried tomatoes, but I didn’t feel like picking them the same time I got the cukes.

We had whole wheat spaghetti and turkey meatballs. The Classico spaghetti sauce was the three mushroom kind-very good. And after dinner I make a quick Pillsbury pumpkin bread:

My sister-in-law is doing my hair tomorrow, so I’ll take them a loaf for their dinner. These are the mini loaf pans.

And it was about 88 degrees today! Unbelievable!

Oct7

July crept back in…

Posted on Sunday, October 7, 2007 by Dianne

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Bri and I did go to the flea market, but if was rather miserable it was so hot. When the sun went in, we got a little relief. We actually had people asking us to buy stuff at what we wanted to pay. I got a cute butterfly dish with a brass back, a nice photo album (I don’t like really big ones, and I just filled the one I had been using for 2 yrs) and a Brown Bag gingerbread man cookie mold (to resell) all for about $4. I found some really old kids’ books for snipping up for my collages, etc. One is a math book from 1928. I had been doing a page of a little boy and girl and just couldn’t get it finished. I found the perfect illustration from the new math book find and presto, it’s done. I think Bri bought a Paul McCartney lp (we still have a bunch) for $1 and he thought that was too much.

We hit the mall, no decent restaurant and I didn’t finish the filled pizza slice (like a sad Hot pocket with processed chicken) I ordered. I did venture into Boscov’s and found a garnet red top with a little sparkle I purchased for my 30th class reunion. Now to figure out what goes on the bottom. ; )

I added some lights and figures with lights (Casper the Friendly ghost and a trio of pumpkins) to the front window when I got home. The house is bit in a jumble, but who wants to clean when we have this kind of weather?

Thanks for your comments yesterday. And Lost Roses, yes, your team deserved to win, and that’s all I’m saying. ; )

Oct6

Photo Hunt-Curvy

Posted on Saturday, October 6, 2007 by Dianne

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Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So I’ve been told (and I know-lol) that I am curvy. But you ain’t seeing me in a bathing suit. ; )
So instead, here is a knot garden at Longwood Gardens:

By the way, I added some of the pictures I’ve been editing in paint shop pro over in my Flickr account if you’d like to take a look. There are over 2k photos there now (I’ve been adding to it for at least 8 years or more). It’s not a free account, but I don’t have to pay up for another few weeks. You can upload any size photo you want, join groups, have contacts, etc.! It’s fun to see art trading cards that others do as they inspire me.
Hope you are having a nice Saturday. Bri and I both seem to have tummy issues, but I think I narrowed mine down to eating these cheddar ‘whale’ snacks that are very orange, but oh so good. They are a rip off of the Pepperidge Farm fish. I ate some at bedtime and had heartburn around 3 am. I’ve been cutting back on peppermint products too. I still think Sean has something to do with how we feel. You’ll see what I mean soon.
My mom is at a fair that she has gone to with I’ve been a kid. A bum tranmission (her car is on it’s last legs) didn’t deter her from attending today. It’s in a ritzy area, so they usually have great knick knacks and clothes. I have gone in the past, but it’s over an hour to get there and you know the early bird gets the worm and I am not an early bird by any means. Tomorrow is a big flea market at the Delco campus of Penn State where Sean use to attend. We’re going to try to go there at least and before noon. ; )

The Phillies are having a hard time with the Colorado Rockies, meaning they have lost 2 out of 2 games so far. They are in Colorado now. I learned not to get my hopes up when it comes to our teams winning the big games. I guess that’s why we were over the moon when the Phils won the World Series in 1980. As the late Tug McGraw use to say, ‘You’ve gotta believe’.

It was a sad past week-the anniversary of the Nickel Mines shooting in Amish country was a year ago. Two guards in Abington (part of Philly) were assassinated as they added money to an ATM machine (I believe this is what happened). The killer didn’t just ask them to surrender the money, he shot them in cold blood. Both had been police officers for many years. And my friend Lisa lost her young dad, only 54, last Oct. 6th. God bless her.

College boy update-
He is doing well; got some good grades this past week. He is still struggling with Statistics and needs to pull that grade up. He got an ‘A’ on a paper I proof read about surveillance and a ‘B’ on one about two South American countries and their weather. He would have gotten an ‘A’ on that one also, but he forgot a map of the countries.
He is learning the hard way when it comes to parties. Let’s just say he isn’t going to drink ‘punch’ anymore, just beverages that are in cans. It seems after he was sick last weekend, my tummy acted up-see!!-it is Sean!
And congrats to singer Sally Taylor and her husband Dean on the arrival of their son born on the 4th of Oct. No name was given, but he’s a cutie and makes James a grandfather for the first time. If that boy doesn’t have curly hair, I’ll be surprised! I didn’t know her husband’s hair was so curly and Sal has a head of curls herself. Neat, I got credit for telling celebrity baby blog about the little guy’s arrival. I just love the Taylors!

Oct5

Some shares

Posted on Friday, October 5, 2007 by Dianne

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Finally! The ’57 Thunderbird for Elijah at Love Quilts is finished. I think it looks cool. The variegated floss for the border and flames was one ‘x’ at a time.

And here is where I hung up my framed pieces.

The lighthouse is in the living room over a watercolor of the same lighthouse in Cape May!

Doesn’t this photo look like my cross stitched piece?

Walk in the Woods is hanging over the entertainment center on the only gold wall in the family room. I look at it every time I watch tv or am stitching. Great inspiration!

I have another ‘share’ but you can’t see it until I send it to the recipient.
Today I was decorating for fall and Halloween in the middle of an allergy attack. I am not careful when I vacuum (like behind the entertainment center) and am down in the basement digging for boxes. I do wear a dust mask when it’s a planned session-lol But it wasn’t funny today. Took a few doses of allergy nasal spray. I am far from finished. Maybe tomorrow!

Oct5

Holiday Cooking Recipe exchange

Posted on Friday, October 5, 2007 by Dianne

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I was invited to participant in this again, thanks Overwhelmed with Joy! Here’s my post from last year. I’m going to post a real winner first. Thanks Bisquick!

Melt-in-your-mouth pancakes (they really do!)

2	Original Bisquick® mix
1	cup milk
1	tablespoon sugar
2	tablespoons lemon juice
2	teaspoons baking powder
2	eggs

1.	Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)
2.	Stir all ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle.
3.	Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. To keep warm, place in single layer on cookie sheet. Cover with aluminum foil, and place in 200°F oven up to 10 minutes.
(Total time will vary; cook or bake time is per batch.)
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Decrease baking powder to 1 teaspoon.Makes 14 pancakes breakfast dessert

My father-in-law must have his coleslaw with his holiday meals

Tangy-Creamy Coleslaw
1/2 (16 ounce) jar coleslaw dressing
1/4 cup dill pickle juice
1/ teaspoon celery seeds
1 small cabbage, coarsely grated or finely chopped
1 large carrot, coarsely grated or finely chopped
Stir together first 3 ingredients. Add cabbage and carrot; toss to coat. Chill 1 hour. Serve with slotted spoon. 6-8 servings
*salad* *side*

Good for breakfast on Christmas morning:

Bacon and Cheese Strata

6 slices bacon
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard with seeds
12 slices firm white bread
1.5 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss)
9 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp.salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Cook bacon in the microwave on doubled paper towels and cover with single paper towel. Cook until brown and crisp-3 minutes and let stand 5 minutes. Crumble coarsely.
Grease 9″ x 13″ ceramic or glass baking dish.
Spread mustard on 1 side of each bread slice (to me this is a lot of mustard). Arrange 6 slices mustard side up, in the baking dish, cutting to fit. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Top with 2 Tbsp of bacon, then remaining bread slices mustard side up.
Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl with a wire whisk until blended. Slowly pour the egg mixture all over the bread slices; press bread down to help absorb eggs. You may have to spoon the eggs on the uncoated bread. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat over to 350. Bake strata 40 minutes or until puffed and golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand at least 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.
*breakfast* *side*

This is the most tried and true recipe this year, though I have made the others too.

Microwave Oven Peanut Brittle

1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 pinch salt
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
Grease a baking sheet and set aside. In a glass bowl, combine peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook in microwave for 6-7 minutes on High (700w) Will be HOT; mixture should be bubbly and peanuts browned. Stir in butter and vanilla. cook 2-3 minutes longer.
Quickly stir in baking soda, just until mixture is foamy. Pour immediately onto greased baking sheet. Let cool for 15 minutes or until set. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Makes one pound. Great for a gift.
*candy*

Oct4

I’m here…

Posted on Thursday, October 4, 2007 by Dianne

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…let’s see…laundry….not too bad since there are only two of us. Finishing the Thunderbird for Love Quilts. Messing with paper crafts. Finding the fall and Halloween decorations and doing a little decorating outside the front door. And listing on eBay-my day so far. I’m glad I got the food shopping out of the way yesterday, though the store smells made me a little queasy. Still playing touch and go with my tummy, though I will say I’m not watching what I eat. Bri took me out for ice cream at Bruster’s last night. Now that place smelled heavenly as they are baking the waffle cones while we waited. It was a huge brownie (naughty) and some ice cream and lots of whipped cream. It seemed to coat my tummy. I’ve had this problem in the past and I think it can be stress related too. I have to watch food coloring too. Ginger is really good for what is ailing you. Even Bri said he’s been a bit off. It could be the change in the weather, though it’s in the 80s today.

I did watch Pushing Daisies and it was a bit quirky. It will be interesting to see what happens each week. I was trying to think what movie it reminded me of-I’d say ‘James and the Giant Peach’.

Oct2

Thanks so much

Posted on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 by Dianne

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I really appreciate your lovely comments about my two new framed pieces. I want to hang them up tomorrow so they won’t be damaged just leaning against the entertainment center.

I am feeling better. I think the fish oil I was taking wasn’t agreeing with me. Bummer. I guess we’ll have to eat more salmon or other Omega-3 rich foods.

Not too much going on. I was like in slow motion today. I did a few cleaning up chores, but I am concentrating on finishing up the ’57 Thunderbird by at least the 7th as it’s due on the 15th. I’m not crazy about deadlines, but they really get me going. I also made the small gift for MarJean who guessed the squash count for our garden. I need to assemble that and send it on it’s merry way. It turned out cute and a bit whimiscal.

I’ve also been watching some of the new shows-some kinda silly like the Caveman show though they had some good lines. I want to see ‘Pushing Daisies’ to see what that is all about. My mom and I agreed that ‘Private Practice’ with Kate Walsh and Tim Daly is really good (I really like TD).

Hope all is well with my blogging friends. : )

And added a little later…Pea had her desktop up, so here is mine. I use mainly my own collages. This one is of little gardening girls. Switched to Halloween!

Oct1

My 1st professionally framed XS pieces

Posted on Monday, October 1, 2007 by Dianne

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This has a pretty moss colored mat with a thread-like texture through it. The frame is a two-tone wood and has some of the maple color of what’s in the house. I will probably hang this in the family room. I realize this photo is a bit dark.

This is off white and with a distressed look. I think it will go in the kitchen as it’s under glass like the first piece.
I went down to my mom’s although I am having some tummy issues. We went out to lunch, then to JoAnn’s and I came home. Well, I did make a brief stop at Borders and they had the JCS ’07 Ornament Issue. It has some cute designs. We ordered Chinese which may not have been a wise choice for yours truly as I have a burning tummy right now. Oy.

Sep30

The Phillies are on top!

Posted on Sunday, September 30, 2007 by Dianne

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So I’m jumping on the bandwagon! Well, it’s been 14 long years since they won the National League East Championship. My guys watch a lot of the games. It was fun to watch the last few minutes of the game today and see the excitement in the players eyes and the fans spinning around their shirts or whatever they were.

Funny thing, I asked Bri to bring up a box out of the basement thinking it was my old stuff and it was full of Sean’s old books. Right on top though was an old banner that I made post the 1980 World’s Series for the first time I went to the ballpark. It read ‘Media, PA….home of Tug McGraw and Mike Schmidt!’ (My hometown) I guess it fell out of my Phillies memorabilia bag!

Way to go team!