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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Wednesday Filled with Words


Good Morning!  Today I am sharing a little different kind of post. 
Kind of more of a letter filled with what I've been up to and plans. 

I slept in and when I was finally up I sat down to read emails. 
And thought I would go by and read posts at HHM. 
Sandra's current photo spoke to me today.  I love the farm table. 

I was already planning today to put out my Spring decor.  A few 
bunnies are already looking over my table from the hutch. 

I have begun dressing the kitchen hutch for the season/holiday. 
It's fun playing 'Dress Up'.  

I have been a bit AWOL here.  Mostly because I've been crocheting and reading alot.   I mentioned in my Saturday HHM post I needed to crochet less.  LOL.  It has become a bit of an 
addiction. 

I am working with 3 different groups.  I get a new block every other week.  It's fun learning new stitches.  I love videos that help explain
the stitches.  I've been wanting to become better at crochet and
make some new modern things.  It's not your grandmothers craft
anymore.  Although I am a grandmother so I guess it is.  

Another reason I have been AWOL and a reason I have just been 
chilling with the crochet is I have had a bit of hard time and hassles with my mothers living in a nursing facility.  A nicer way of saying
'nursing home'.  Which is what it is.  She is mad.  The facility is lacking and that's all I'll say to that point.  Except we are trying/hoping to move her but she is on a waiting list for another 
facility I hope is better. 

And, the cold weather brings me down.  We have had a few warmer days in January and February but lots of rain and with 
the frustrations of other things I think I have been a bit depressed. 

Come on Spring! 
Today I am off from work and I am going to Smile.
I am going to 'Dress The Table'
and
Sew.  Yes I started that Quilt I've been talking about. 
And
Crochet
Have a Good Day!

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Happy Homemaker in Texas

Welcome 
I'm glad your back.  I'm glad I'm back.
I was on a short vaca last week. 

The weather 
Today the sun is out.  Last week we saw very little sun.  A few days it came out around noon.  It was mostly cold and rainy all week. 
I don't do well in this kind of weather.  Glad I don't live in a dreary place where it's cold and rainy. 

Outside my window
From where I sit at the computer now I still see the front yard but mostly bushes. 
Last week I did see a Blue Jay outside my window.  Today it's sunny and a bit windy I can see the bushes blowing.  
Hopefully once it really warms up I won't see those bushes they are old and overgrown and never had any care.  I hope to rip them out.
I plan to put in some native grasses that will be no maintenance and drought tolerant. 

What I am reading 
I am reading this series for a tour.  I was excited to get the offer. 
Not sure how I am liking it though.  It's a good clean book but a little slow so far. 

On the pile
        
I have a pile to read for tours.  These all look good.  The only new author is the last one.  I'm expecting some great page turning. 

Family news
We've decide to get a brother or sister for Domino.  We are so excited but it is a long slow task.  We are looking for a low low low
cost adoption or free.  We went to the shelter a couple of weeks ago for a free adoption day.  They seemed to be over run with Pit mixes.  We are looking for a 1-2 year old sweet dog for her to play with.  She is such a happy sweet dog. 
Domino visits Mother.  
Here's the visit at Valentines.  Domino took her a sparkly dog . . . 
    
We want to get another dog that she can play with and to train as a Therapy dog like Domino.

In the garden 
One Hyacinth  has sprouted amid the weeds and the Parsley.
I have no idea what this flower is.  It began blooming in January the first two were  yellow.  It was part of one of the strips of seeds you can buy.  I bought it at Big Lots  2 years ago before  at the. end of Summer I was surprised last Summer how many flowers grew and bloomed.

On the menu
Oh my poor menu.  I have been trying to clean out the freezer.  The Cowboy does not support my menu planning efforts.  He tends to go to store and finds bargains then fills the freezer and I never know whats in it.  Sometimes it's full of ribs sometimes it's full of fish.  
I always have a hard time planning meals.   So lately it's a surprise every night. 

On my To  Do List
1. Get caught up on writing letters
2. Finish putting away Christmas (yes I am so behind.  I still have a few things to find boxes for.  I had some new stuff from Mothers and it was hard getting everything packed away again)
3.  Start some seeds
4.  Get new sections of garden ready
5.  Finish rearranging the kitchen (I have moved the foil, waxed paper etc. to a smaller drawer that I had the towels in.  I switched them it works alot better now. 
6. Spend time at the sewing machine.
7. Read less/crochet less

My Ta Da Moment 
I made it through the week.  I started out behind on everything after my weekend trip.  Which BTW was so much fun . . . 
The stack of books he took for a 4 hour drive . . .
Waiting to compete.   We had a wonderful short trip.  
Then I came home to cold rainy weather and was behind all week.  I just didn't have interest or energy to do more than read and crochet. 

I hope it's a better week.  The sun is shining!

In the craft basket

The start of the new block for the Moogly Crochet Along . . . 

I got this far and thought it didn't look right.  I was advised that my edge was wrong so I re-did it . . . 

Now I am 8 petals in 4 more to go.  I don't like the edge.  And I still think my first one is too long.  I switched to the verigated thread that I had chosen for the project but still don't think I like it.  
Here's what the block should look like.  The pattern is here

I am going to finish up to the grey part where it starts making the 
square.  I just want to see how the pattern works up.  I am sure
I will be ripping out this one and starting over. 

I did get started on this quilt that I have been wanting to make 
since I saw it in December. 
Suburbs Christmas Quilt with a Free Tree Block add on
The pattern is found here at Cluck Cluck Sew.  I love her blog and her work.  This quilt is my inspiration I already have the pattern and have made the block many times in different colors.  I loved her 
color choices a new more modern look.  Here are my first few blocks . . . 
It has been so long since I sewed anything.  The one with the blue door is my favorite.  It's been a challenge finding fabric that would work for the project but I am loving being back behind the machine. 

Scripture/Devo
I loved this one found on Pinterest here's the link but it would not open on my computer so I couldn't go to the site.  I think it's something about my settings changed when we got a new provider. 

 I hope I have a bunch of  Sunflowers this Summer to take some photo's and illustrate scripture like this.  



Thanks for coming by. 
Have a great week!

Monday, February 18, 2019

Book Spotlight-Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin


About the book (provided by Bethany Books)
Hardcover: 400 Pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 5, 2019)
In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life–a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.
Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel’s half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.
When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.
Buy the book 

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

About the author

A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and Christy Award finalist and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

Connect with Kate

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Simple Sunday- The Fabulous Party-Now Link Here

Bible Verses About Love: she who kneels before f=god can stand before anyone



Link up

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Valentines Day Features from The Fabulous Party




Are you counting down the days till Valentines Day?  To inspire you today I am sharing a few features from The Fabulous Party.  

Here are just a few there are lots of links to visit at the party. 

This simple, no-fail family recipe creates the most heavenly pillows of sweet, fluffy goodness, bursting with vanilla flavor that you'll never want to purchase another marshmallow again.


Robin from Fluster Buster shared these yummy simple treats.
Click here to visit the post. 
I love listening to happy Valentine's Day songs each year. Here are 25 of my favorite songs to include in our playlists. Best of all, this music is all family friendly, so it's the perfect list to play for kids and children of all ages. Enjoy the songs as a couple, driving in your car with friends, or even just as fun background music for a day at home with the family. #valentinesday #music #love

Leslie at Play Dates and Parties shared some great Love Songs.
Click here to visit the post. 

Collage of Scrapbook Pages with text overlay - Easy Valentine Scrapbook
Marie's post is here


Carol shared her lovely table.  Click here to visit her post. 

We'd love for you to link your posts at the weekly party.  All links are 'Pinned' and 2 links each week are featured here on my Saturday post and on the sidebar over at Our Holiday Journey. 
Click here to join the party.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Menu Monday-Spaghetti Sauce From Taco Meat?


Hello I am glad you stopped in.  I am back today to share my menu 
plans for the week and chat a bit about menu planning and implementing 'Said' menu. 

First let's start of with my plans for the week . . . 
This Weeks Menu Plan with updates . . . 
Monday-Leftover Lasagna from Saturday, Salad and Bread
               Taco's a simple yummy meal!
Tuesday -Pulled Pork Sandwich, Potato Salad, Devil Eggs
Wednesday - Beef Pot Pie, Broccoli Salad
Thursday - Crab Cakes, Shrimp Salad, French Fries
Friday- Grilled Venison Sausage/Chicken Sausage, Pinto's, Fried Potato's

Sounds yummy doesn't it?  I thought so when I planned it on 
Saturday morning!  And I had great plans.   But dawng it I've already messed up  and it's only Monday.   

Tonight we won't be having the left over Lasagna.  I ended up eating for lunch on Sunday!  Well not all of it.  Domino had a bowl!  I made individual dishes. One for each of us and one dish for 2 for the leftovers!  

The good news is we ate it all!  

The bad news is I have to rethink Mondays meal!

Falling back on the old stand by Taco's.  They are super simple.  
Tacos

I already have the meat ready.  I cooked plenty when I did the 
Lasagna on Saturday.  Usually I do it the other way around cooking the Taco meat first.  We've learned we love Spaghetti made from Taco meat.  Adds a flavor that we really like.  

Have you ever tried Spaghetti from leftover Taco meat? 

Did you notice the Taco shells?  I make my own.  We've found that a box of store bought is way too much for just the two of us.  They always go stale.  I like my own better anyway.  I just cook what we need.   
Well I wonder if I'll stick to the menu for the rest of the week. 
Come by on Saturday for my Happy Homemaker post for an update.

Enjoy your week!
Happy Valentines Day!







Sunday, February 10, 2019

Family Supper-Valentines Dinner Date

To celebrate Valentines I am re-posting from 2016


Valentines Dinner Date

We have a tradition for Valentines Day at our house.  For the last few years The Cowboy and I have hosted a special dinner for our daughter and grandson. 

We decorate the house and cook a really nice dinner.   
        My Valentines Mantle:


 We had a wonderful time.  It's a special evening for some very special people . . . 
             Valentines Dinner:
                         I always wish I'd gotten more photos! 
In the past The Cowboy has been the waiter and I've been the chef. 
This year we teamed up in the kitchen . . . 
       Meatball Baby Birds on an Angel Hair Nest:
I cooked our grandsons meal of Baby Bird meatballs on an 
angel hair pasta nest.  A hotdog and green beans.  I wasn't sure he'd eat the meatballs.  He didn't Daisy enjoyed them this morning! 

The Cowboy cooked our daughters meal . . . 
       Pan Seared Salmon on Angel Hair:
I felt bad this one came out blurry.  She enjoyed a Salmon straight from Alaska.  The Cowboys co-worker just returned from a fishing trip.  We found crab legs on sale.  So we included a couple to make a nice presentation.  

        We enjoyed a special evening and a special dinner date!

I hope you'll join me this week to celebrate Valentines Day!
Linking with The Fabulous Party 
And a few others. 
My list is below.
Have a Lovely Week

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Happy Homemaker in Texas


Joining Sandra
She provides the prompts
I add a few of my own
The Weather
Brr...we are having some Winter now.  But it's expected to be back in the upper 70's next week.

Outside My Window
Cut grass well not really it's weeds.  But at least I got it cut before the temps dropped!

On The Breakfast Plate
Working today so grabbing some Pancakes from McDonalds. 
A real healthy breakfast!

What I Am Reading 

On My Pile
Lot's of Cozy's to get into this week for reviews. 
    
These are on tour at Great Escapes.  Click here to check out the tours. 

This Weeks Menu
Monday-Leftover Lasagna from Saturday, Salad and Bread
Tuesday -Pulled Pork Sandwich, Potato Salad, Devil Eggs
Wednesday - Beef Pot Pie, Broccoli Salad
Thursday - Crab Cakes, Shrimp Salad, French Fries
Friday- Grilled Venison Sausage/Chicken Sausage, Pinto's, Fried Potato's

Dinner Tonight
Lasagna, Salad and Bread

In The Craft Basket 
Lot's of crocheted hearts for this months and flowers for next month.  
My mother is in a Long Term Care Facility.  I left her Christmas Tree up and am changing it each month.  Next month I'll do 
Spring so I am making crocheted flowers. 

What I Want To Make
Suburbs Christmas Quilt with a Free Tree Block add on
Getting closer,  pulled fabric and found patterns.  Hopefully starting today. 

In The Garden 
Just plans and hopes and dreams.  Planning on rotating all the crops.  I started some Carrots, Celery and Romaine in flower posts.  

The Fabulous Party Features

Robin at Fluster Buster shared some ideas for gifts.  Click here
New to the party this week.  Lovely nature photo's. Click here

Join the party!  You can link any Family Friendly posts!  We'd love to see your Valentine's posts.  This week  I'll be featuring Valentines posts daily her and over at the party!  

From The Camera
An old one and one I love . . . 

I love my Cowboys

Scripture/Devo

Linking with Sandra
Click here to join the party