Thimble Cottage

Moving On

2011-04-30T10:47:00.002-04:00

So I am moving on....
Painful post deleted...
Healing...

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T11:19:00.002-05:00

From our family to yours.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2 :14

And where have you been and why are you wearing blue glitter?

2010-11-10T16:29:00.002-05:00

It has been a long time since my last post. In fact the last time was April. The summer was a busy one and autumn has been too. So I will just give a little quickie list of things accomplished:
1. Living room painted a lovely golden taupe by Mr. Builder and me
2. Dining Room painted nice bird egg color by the name of Sea Foam ( I think)
3. Kitchen- touch up paint
4. Guest bath - ditto
5. Kitchen door painted
6. Tile Coasters made as gifts and taught to our co-op kids
7. Covered composition books also for co-op
8. Charlotte Mason Conference attended (Wow! I learned so much.)
9. Assorted craft projects
10. Shopping for some new items to give the living room a fresh look...new pillows, a lamp and fall decorations
11. Taking care of my family
12. Lots of laundry
13. Reading

Oh, I forgot to mention teaching my child. We spent a lovely afternoon outdoors today reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and doing some dry brush watercolor painting. We both are wearing blue glitter...a Martha Stewart snowflake project that I thought would not take long to do. This is day 2 and we have only completed 2 of them. There is a long wait time for the glue to dry. So if you see a mom out there wearing blue glitter...it may be me.

Quilting-Hand Quilting and Binding

2010-04-01T15:44:00.004-04:00

Hand Quilting for Co-op

Begin by cutting an 18-20 inch piece of quilting thread and thread it through your quilting "between" needle. Knot the end. Purl Bee has great instructions for making a quilter's knot and more hand-quilting instructions. Quilt around the redwork on your quilt top first.

Quilt around the edge of your embroidery square. Mark even distances around the border strip and make faint lines with a pencil. Quilt on top of these.

If you are using a strips for your binding then sew two of them together along the short end. (It will be really long now). Fold in half with wrong sides facing together and press lengthwise.

Pin onto the edge of your quilt top, being careful to line edges together. Use the techniques shown on V and CO. to do the corners and where the ends of the strip meets (these are very helpful). Sew all the way around as instructed in the tutorial.

Flip the border strip over and pin into place and then blind stitch as V and Co. suggests.

Enjoy your quilt.

Quilting- The Sandwich

2010-04-01T15:19:00.005-04:00

Sandwich Instructions for Co-op:

Begin by pressing your backing and quilt top (not the batting). Try to make sure you have no wrinkles. As you will notice I added another layer of strips and some rick-rack to my quilting project. I used the same instructions that were included in the previous post to do this. Lay your quilt backing on a smooth surface and make sure that there are no wrinkles in the fabric. Center your batting on top of this. Smooth all wrinkles out of it. Lay your quilt top in the center, carefully smoothing all wrinkles out of it.Beginning in the center and smoothing fabric as you go, carefully pin through all layers with you safety pins. Continue by working out from the center. I used straight pins for my project and ended up with a few needle pricks because of it. Need more help? Visit the Purl Bee for more instructions.

Quilting-Adding Strips

2010-04-01T15:01:00.007-04:00

The following are instructions for the small quilt that we are making in our co-op.

Begin by putting right sides of the fabric together. Line edges up carefully together and pin in place.

Sew together using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Make sure to keep seam as straight as possible.

Carefully cut the edge of the strip. If you do not have a square to use then just turn the fabric over and use the embroidery sample as your square edge.

Flip the fabric to the back and carefully press the seams toward the darker fabric.

Repeat the process on the opposite side.
Trim and press the other side.
Use the same process to line up your strip on the top and bottom.
Sew, trim, and press.

The quilt sandwich will be in the next post.

Candles at Bona Vita Rusticanda Est

2010-02-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

Tim's Mom had a great idea! She placed a stemmed candle holder inside a flower vase to protect the flame from drafts. It was beautiful.

Around the House-Cinnamon Buns

2010-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Not the real kind, but looking at them will still make one hungry.

Around the House-Cottage

2010-01-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

This sweet little cottage my dear sister-in laws gave to me for Christmas. It is covered in glitter and sparkles so beautifully in the evening light. I love little cottages, churches and house light boxes. They add a little warth on these cold, dreary days.

Around the House-Winter

2010-01-19T15:20:00.004-05:00

A few more pictures of things around the house.

The Big Snow

2010-01-07T15:25:00.005-05:00

Just a few pictures of the big snow that we had a few weeks ago. I am visiting Tim's Mom and finally posting....impossible to do with my dino-dial-up.

Christmas

2009-12-25T06:56:00.000-05:00

And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; for there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

May God bless you as we celebrate the birth of His Son and our Saviour.

Christmas...a long time ago

2009-12-16T10:28:00.005-05:00

Me and my brothers and sister... in our jammies...waiting for the man in a red suit. Gotta love the red santa mouse. My sister had a head full of golden curls and I think she received a little doll that looked just like her one Christmas. It actually walked. Somehow I remember that doll and can only remember a couple of my presents from childhood. One was a little miniature toy piano and the other a record player that was red and white.
I can remember those snowy trips through the mountains on Christmas eve or Christmas day to see my mother's parents. They would have a cedar Christmas tree and there would be soft peppermint candy to eat. My mother and her sisters would hide grandma's egg custard pies from each other. Grandma had a black, old-fashioned cookstove that she baked them in. Her home was filled with aunts, uncles and lots of children all crowded in together. There was lots of laughter and a few jokes (mainly that the women pulled on the men).
We also visited my dad's parents in those snowy mountains. Their house was also filled with lots of aunts, uncles, children and lots of drop in visitors. Grandma Hattie was an wonderful cook and her table stayed filled, all the time, with lots of goodies. Her cakes were awesome. They also had a cedar tree and lots of peppermint candy. My dad's brothers were a lot of fun and I remember really enjoying all the fun times at grandma and papa's house. I remember a huge peppermint stick that was hidden under one of the beds. It was in a cardboard box and I imagine that someone had won it somehow. When no one was looking I would sneak in and chip off a piece of it and enjoying it's cool, sweet, pepperminty flavor. I would play with my aunt who was only a few months older than me.
It is so good to remember those sweet times and all the lovely family members that made me feel so loved.

Wreath

2009-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

This beautiful wreath was a gift from my sweet husband.

New Pedestal

2009-12-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

It was made from a column from our home. My husband cut off the rotted part and made a base and top for it. I painted and distressed it. This had been one of my favorite projects. I also love the tree in the canner.

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-12-01T16:01:00.004-05:00

I found a great tutorial on how to make these wonderful cinnamon buns at The Pickled Pepper Patch. They fooled a lot of friends and family. I love them.

Snow Buddies

2009-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Me and my brother building our snowman.

Creating---Cards

2009-11-05T10:51:00.002-05:00

Handmade Thanksgiving cards for some friends and family...ready to mail.

Playing at the Beach

2009-09-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

My children doing their favorite things at the beach.

The Boundary House

2009-09-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

This is one of our most favorite places to eat. The blackened shrimp, flounder and salmon are excellent. We all love their house salad and house dressing and the smashed sweet potatoes leave my mouth watering even now. Love the croissants (made locally) too!

From Under My Umbrella

2009-09-08T14:21:00.002-04:00

This was the view from under my umbrella at the beach a couple of weeks ago. I love to sit there and read books. This time it was For the Children's Sake. I really miss the time with my husband and children.

Tea Birthday Party

2009-09-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

These are pictures of the lovely surprise tea that my darling daughter did for me on my birthday back in the spring. She prepared all the food herself and kept the entire thing a surprise. She used the help of her brothers (one to keep me out on errands long enough to prepare everything) and the other to help her around the house. Our home was full of sweet friends and good food when we returned. Thank you to my sweeties for my special day and thanks to all my dear friends that helped to make my day so special.

Missing Mom

2009-09-01T14:56:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just miss your Mom, and lately as I grow older, I really miss her wisdom. How I would love to just sit around and have a long talk with her, but that will have to wait. She has been gone along time now and so has Dad. I love my parents.

Anniversary

2009-08-18T15:07:00.004-04:00

Had a lot of fun spending time with my guy this past weekend. I hope we are blessed with many, many more.

Ordinary Arts

2009-07-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.

Thomas More

Around the House Part 2

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Laundry Closet

2009-07-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

After

Before

Our laundry closet has been in desperate need of a makeover. I had started painting the cabinets, that my husband built for me, a lovely shade of dark red in the spring. After the first 2 coats I decided that I hated it. It made the area so dark and gloomy. My back was bothering me so I had to wait for a bit of recovery time before trying to make a change. A couple of weeks ago it was cool enough to open the windows, so I began again. This time I painted the cabinets white and the walls dark red. I love the change! I still have a lot of finish work and trim to do and not all of the cabinets are included in the pictures. I will post the finished laundry closet at a later date. Lovin it!

My New Home Accents

2009-07-27T13:20:00.006-04:00

After

Before

I found these lovely home accents and really liked the clearance price ($2-$3), but not the original black color. What's a girl to do but pull out paint and stain and change the original into the lovely.

The Garden of Miss Organized

2009-07-17T13:00:00.005-04:00

A few pictures from my daughter's garden. The first is of her Teddy Bear Sunflowers (it may be called a Baby Bear). I bought the seeds for her because I have loved this particular kind for years and couldn't resist when I saw the seeds at a local shop. I love her cucumbers crawling up the old ladder (it was my dad's and I am fond of it). My husband made this square foot garden for us a few years ago and more was added this year. My daughter took over the gardening last year and has been doing a fine job with it.

Ten

2009-07-16T16:52:00.002-04:00

Jam

2009-07-16T14:54:00.004-04:00

Thirty-four jars made by me and my daughter. We thought that we had completely missed the opportunity to make jam. The berries in our area have been long gone, but I found giant strawberries at a local superstore and now my boys can pour tons of jam over their pancakes.

My Chickens

2009-07-15T14:53:00.001-04:00

Well, as close to the real thing as I'm going to get. These were given to me by my sister-in-laws.

Around the House

2009-07-14T14:41:00.003-04:00

One of my Favorite Things

2009-07-01T15:19:00.002-04:00

I love this little house. The little windows glow at night. The last two posts are from pictures taken last fall.

Candlebox Makeover

2009-06-30T15:04:00.007-04:00

Some time ago I posted about some projects that I was working on and finally I am visiting at Tim's Mom's house so that I can upload the pictures (on her super fast web connection). Here are the before and after pictures.

The Green one is now black.

The blue one is red.
These fit my decor much better. I will have to ask my husband to make another
so that I can have a white one too.

Jane Austen Fan Fiction and More

2009-06-04T09:21:00.004-04:00

Sometime after Christmas I had a strong desire to read...and I wanted to read books related to Jane Austen's World and characters, so these are the books that I have spent all of winter and spring reading.

Duty and Desire
Ted and Marilyn Bader

Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma
Diana Birchall

Mr. Darcy's Diary
Amanda Grange

Mr. Knightley's Diary
Amanda Grange

Conviction
Skylar Hamilton Burris

Lydia Bennet's Story
Jane Odiwe

Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride
Helen Halstead

The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy
Mary Street

Letters From Pemberley
Jane Dawkins

Just Jane
Jane Moser

Captain Wentworth's Dairy
Amande Grange

The Darcy Connection
Elizabeth Aston

Mr. Darcy's Dream
Elizabeth Aston

Teverton Hall
Jane Gillespie

Brightsea
Jane Gillispie

I enjoyed most of the books very well, however there were a few that changed the character of the characters so much that I did not like what they became.

And here are a few that I read that were not Jane Austen related:

Lord Deverill's Secret
Amanda Grange

A Lady of Secret Devotion
Tracie Peterson

A Lady of High Regard
Tracie Peterson

Happy Reading
Mrs. Sensibility

My 20 Favorites

2009-05-04T09:14:00.004-04:00

Peggy from The Simple Woman has this fun meme on her blog. Please visit her sweet blog.

20 Of My Favorite Things

1. Color-Pink (rose) and White
2. Dessert-white creme filled Dunkin Donuts or white birthday cake with white icing (the real stuff)
3. Smell-Fresh clean sheets (with a little lavender scent) My husband's cologne
4. Flower-Roses
5. Animal-kittens
6. Month-October
7. Beverage-Tea
8. Pair of shoes-currently...my white EARTH sandals
9. Snack-currently...Midnight Taco Doritos
10. Song-currently...Casting Crowns-Praise You in This Storm
11. Book-Jane Eyre
12. Fruit-Strawberries
13. Hairstyle-long and flowing
14. Piece of clothing-white cotton peasant blouse (does not look that great on me, but oh so comfortable)
15. Store to clothes shop-Ross, Cato
16. Season-Autumn
17. Hobby-knitting
18. Thing to collect-Teacups-tea things
19. Movie-My favorites in the sidebar
20. Restaurant-Cheddars

Sugar Pie Farmhouse

2009-04-07T08:48:00.003-04:00

Miss Ruth Ann over at Warm Pie Happy Home announced a few weeks ago that she was creating a new website and I have been watching and waiting. Well, it is here! I never cease to be amazed at all the wonderful things that she does. The new website is lovely (I could eat it all up)! Sugar Pie Farmhouse contains her blog, her newsletter, Sugar Pie Sisterhood (you WILL want to join), and some awesome Blue Ribbon Product Reviews (where you actually see and hear her talk about her favorite things....she even has on her really cute, pink, cupcake apron in the review about the Anchor-Hocking glass canisters). I just love it so much that, "I would like to marry it" as Ruth Ann says. Go by for a visit...you will not be disappointed.
Mrs. Sensibility

Famous Birthdays

2009-04-06T10:18:00.002-04:00

I thought I would share the the date of birth for some of my favorite authors:

Laura Ingalls Wilder: February 7, 1867
Grace Livingston Hill: April 16, 1865
Charlotte Bronte: April 21, 1816
Tasha Tudor (Starling Burgess): August 28, 1915
Jane Austen: December 16, 1775

I am still around, but it is so hard to get by blog to upload pics or even to load so that I can post. I think I will start going to the library once a week so that I can post from there. Have a lovely day!
Mrs. Sensibility

New Aprons

2009-03-02T16:55:00.005-05:00

An apron for a friend...

...and one for me.

A Touch of Spring

2009-02-12T16:19:00.002-05:00

The beautiful flowers were a gift from my wonderful husband a few weeks ago. I love flowers (especially pink ones) and they make me so look forward to Spring.

What Have I Been Reading Lately?

2009-01-31T09:36:00.009-05:00

I have not been crafting very much lately with the exception of knitted dishcloths, but I have been reading in spare moments. I have read two of Tracy Peterson's books. My sister loaned me A Lady of Hidden Intent and I really enjoyed it . The main charater is a dressmaker and this really interested the crafting side of my nature. I moved on to a previous book in the series A Lady of High Regard. I enjoyed this book, but found it much harder to identify with the main character.

So now I have moved on to a new author suggested by a friend. Her name is Jamie Carie and I am into the first few chapters of the book and enjoying it very much. This one begins in England during the Regency era and moves to Philadelphia and the Quaker community. There is an air of mystery involved so it is a page turner for me.
In have yet to post my pictures of the crafts that I have worked on and will do so soon. It is very slow to post or load from my computer at home.

There are several new links additions in my sidebar under Where I Visit. These are wonderful and I read them as often as I possibly can. I hope that you enjoy them too.

A thank you to our local cable company

2009-01-14T10:08:00.002-05:00

By not running cable the 1/2 mile to our home we have a total of $15,000 that we have been able to use for other household needs. Just think if it had been run at the cost to you of $5,000 thirteen years ago then you would currently have a profit of $10,600 from us. All the sudden dino-dial-up does not seem so bad.
A Happy Non-Customer

Beatrix Potter Wish List

2009-01-11T09:50:00.005-05:00

This is the first item on my wish list. I viewed this movie a few years ago and would like to have it for my family. The scenery in this one was lovely.

This book looks very interesting. It is long (608 pages) and I would love to read it. I love pictures and there are not many in this book, but I feel that it will give me much more information about her life than any other has thus far.
I have had the pleasure of looking through the old edition of this book at our library and it is beautiful. I think it was the one book that has given me a longing to someday visit the Lake District. It has also given me a desire to know more about Miss Potter and her life.

There are many other Beatrix Potter items that I have found interesting. but these are my top 3 choices.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-01-07T11:00:00.002-05:00

My little family has been very busy and I have not had time to blog, but I will be back in a few days with some of the goodies that I have made to share.
Mrs. Rabbit

Miss Holly Jolly Apron

2008-12-06T13:45:00.003-05:00

This is a sweet little apron that I made from a curtain (turned upside down). I like the nontraditional Christmas fabric and the button details. I will enjoy this little holiday apron. It is snowy at my house (much to be done for the holidays) and it has been hard getting anything to load on my computer (dial-up and updates) so I have not been blogging much. I hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas preparations.

Little House Homemaking Quote

2008-11-19T20:44:00.002-05:00

The sunshine came streaming through the windows into the house, and everything was so neat and pretty. The table was covered in a red cloth, and the cookstove was polished shining black. Through the bedroom door Laura could see the trundle bed in its place under the big bed. The pantry door stood wide open, giving the sight and smell of the goodies on the shelves, and Black Susan came purring down the stairs from the attic, where she had been taking a nap.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Quilt Give-A-Way at The Old Red Barn

2008-11-16T10:33:00.003-05:00

My mother was a quilter and I have made a few baby quilts , but wow the quilts in this giveaway are beautiful. Go visit Dana at The Old Red Barn and see for yourself. Be sure to enter the contest.

My Autumn Favorites

2008-10-29T11:18:00.005-04:00

* Beautiful, bright gold, red, magenta, chocolate and pumpkin colored leaves against a bird egg blue sky
* My brother's apple cider, spicy tea and
hot chocolate
* Autumn Woods and Harvest Yankee candles
* Pumpkins in all shapes and sizes
* Walks in the cool, crisp air with my love...or a moonlit walk
* New snuggly flannel sheets
* Pumpkin patches and corn mazes
* Caramel apples, hot apple pie and caramel popcorn
* Toasting marshmallows on a campfire
* Time spent as a family laughing and playing
* God our wonderful creator

Autumn

2008-10-08T10:12:00.001-04:00

The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.

~Emily Dickinson~

Spicy Autumn Pumpkin Pie

2008-09-09T18:11:00.002-04:00

My mother made wonderful pies. I never have been able to make a really great pie shell so I buy the ready made ones. The pumpkin pie recipe was the result of playing with the ingredients for a few years to get the spiciness that I love. Hope you enjoy it too.

1 can pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can evaporated milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Mix together well and place in an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until firm in center.

Now if you want to see a really great tutorial for pie shells go to visit Warm Pie, Happy Home. Now Ruth Anne is a gal who can make pies. Wish I lived next door!

The Simple Woman Daybook 3

2008-09-08T12:08:00.007-04:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside My Window...A warm and sunny, autumn day.

I am thinking...About the ladies in my Round-Robin group that Peggy created. I am hoping that they are having a lovely day.

I am thankful for...Continued healing for my child. The wound is nearing being completely healed.

From the kitchen...Nothing baking today as my family has a class they will attend tonight.

I am wearing...My favorite faded blue jean skirt, a bright pink, 3/4 length sleeve, cotton knit top, bright pink socks and my hair down. I also have on some dangling, clear crystal earrings and a few sprays of my favorite aeropostale perfume.

I am creating...Still working on my candle box.

I am going...To do a little grocery shopping in town.

I am reading...Little Women and Pride and Prejudice.

I am hoping...For a week of accomplishment.

I am hearing...The sounds of autumn.

Around the house...Cleaning to be done.

One of my favorite things...Autumn scented candles.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Schoolwork, Doctor's visit and a visit to the library.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This is one of my favorite pictures of my son. My daughter made this one. I feel that it really displays his personality.

The Simple Woman Daybook 2

2008-08-25T12:56:00.005-04:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside My Window...A cloudy day with a few roses in bloom.

I am thinking...About the items that I need to purchase for the class that I will be teaching.

I am thankful for...Continued healing for my child.

From the kitchen...Homemade rolls later today.

I am wearing...Blush....My favorite faded blue jean skirt, a white cotton knit, v-neck top, fuzzy blue and white socks and my hair down (again). I guess it must be my Monday outfit and I did not realize it. I also have on a light sage, cable knit sweater and some dangling, tiny, clear stone earrings.

I am creating...Well, recreating a candlebox. It is having a makeover.

I am going...To do a little shopping in town.

I am reading...Little Women and Pride and Prejudice.

I am hoping...For a good week of school for everyone.

I am hearing...Aahhh....Quiet.

Around the house...Lots of organizing to be done...just gotta tackle that attic..

One of my favorite things...A nice cup of tea.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Schoolwork, Doctor's visit and a visit to the library.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This is my favorite shelf. My sister in law got this one for my birthday. I just LOVE the red color. In fact I want to redo the entire kitchen, where it hangs, to match it.

Calamity Jane's Fall Giveaway

2008-08-20T10:26:00.002-04:00

Calamity Jane has a wonderful purse that she is giving away. It is beautiful and so perfect for fall. Go by and leave her a comment to enter for the giveaway.
Mrs. Sensibility

The Simple Woman Daybook

2008-08-18T17:04:00.009-04:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside My Window...I can see the fuzzy kittens lazily sleeping on the front porch together.

I am thinking...About all the projects that I must finish in the next two weeks.

I am thankful for...The time alone with my sweetie this past weekend.

From the kitchen...Nothing baking yet. My daughter and husband made a German Chocolate Cake yesterday. Meal plans will be simple tonight since everyone is busy.

I am wearing...My favorite faded blue jean skirt, a white cotton knit, v-neck top, fuzzy blue and white socks and my hair down. Only my wedding band to dress things up today.

I am creating...My School Planning Binder for using with my son.

I am going...To do a little shopping in town. I am looking forward to looking at my favorite craft store.

I am reading...Little Women and Pride and Prejudice.

I am hoping...For trouble free healing for my child since surgery.

I am hearing...The voices of my youngest and oldest talking about tonight's plans.

Around the house...Laundry to do as well as a lot of reading and planning.

One of my favorite things...The excitement of new school year plans and looking forward to the Autumn.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Schoolwork and making some of the projects for the class that I will be teaching.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...An older picture of a sweet little wreath made from the flowers that my daughter and I grew one year.

Mrs. Sensibility

Twenty-Six

2008-08-14T10:42:00.003-04:00

Twenty-Six years of loving and caring for each other.

Little Women Quote

2008-08-06T17:15:00.002-04:00

At the Kings she daily saw all she wanted, for the children's older sisters were just out, and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball-dresses and bouquets, heard lively gossip about theatres, concerts, sleighing parties and merry-makings of all kinds, and saw money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her. Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward every one sometimes, for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott

Six Quirky Things

2008-07-27T16:44:00.005-04:00

Tim's Mom tagged me with this Six Quirky Things about Yourself meme.

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other blogger's by linking to them.
5) Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

So 6 uninteresting quirky facts about myself are . . .

1. I drink practically every cold drink through a straw. It is actually hard for me to drink it any other way.

2. I always have something to drink with my meal or a snack. I have an aunt that would wait until her meal was finished before drinking anything. I just can't imagine why?

3. I love tiny things (i.e. small books).

4. I love roses (which is not that quirky) but the fact that pink (coral pink) ones are really the only ones that I really, really like.

5. I really do not like to go barefoot nor do I like for my feet to be dirty. Where are my socks?

6. I find it almost impossible to sleep without a fan running.

Here's who I'm tagging:

Lea at Farmhouse Blessings
Peggy at The Simple Woman
Cary at Serenity Farms
I will add more later

Cath Kidston In Print and Tea

2008-07-17T10:08:00.010-04:00

Sometimes you find the nicest things in places where you do not expect them. I found this book in a Big Lots this past week. I saw it awhile ago but kept waiting to purchase it. Guess what???? Yesterday it was on clearance for (hold your breath) $1. I am really enjoying all the ideas. I just gotta try making those frilly rubber gloves.

I also found this lovely tea. It is a very smooth blend of Earl Grey with rose petals. Most of the time trying black teas leaves me less than happy because they are so strong, but this is very smooth with a hint of floral. The tea bags have a silky feel to them and you can get a second cup from one bag or just make a small pot of tea to share with a friend.

I have more finds that I will share later.

Mrs. Sensibility

New Teas

2008-06-30T20:32:00.008-04:00

I found these two new lovely teas on clearance (for two dollars each) at a local shop. Both teas are loose leaf and from two leaves and a bud. The first one is orange sencha and the second alpine berry. I look forward to sharing a cuppa with a friend or two very soon.

Reading

2008-06-29T20:01:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I just get busy with projects and have little time to blog. Currently I am reading Little Women in preparation for a class that I will be teaching. It will be a literature study with some homemaking crafts and skills added in. Some of the skills will be knitting, crocheting and basket weaving. I hope the young ladies will enjoy this class as much as I am enjoying the preparation of it.

Mrs. Sensibility

2008-06-25T16:42:00.002-04:00

This is the latest photo of me taken by my daughter who loves photography. I have posted it in the sidebar but it gets resized in the upload. This one was taken around a small lake at the beach.

~Tasha~ Forever Christmas

2008-06-25T09:34:00.002-04:00

This was my recent find at my favorite used book store. I have been collecting Tasha's books for years so I was really excited to find this one for under one dollar. It is so very beautiful inside and a wonderful inspiration. There is descriptions of the way in which she celebrated Christmas complete with photographs and Christmas illustrations from her books. I am very pleased with this beautiful treasure.

Taking Tea With Alice

2008-06-23T21:29:00.004-04:00

I love tea books....well, sweet tea books and this one is lovely. All of the Victorian tea party ideas and menus are based on the book Alice in Wonderland. One can prepare: Tea with the Mad Hatter, Tea in the Garden, A Nursery Tea, Cupid's Tea, Tea with the Fairies, or a Family Tea. There are some lovely recipes for different tea sandwiches, cookies and desserts. The Shortbread Crowns will be one that I try soon. There are photographs of each of the tea themes all prepared for the young ones to enjoy. I think this would work well for young ones (it is targeted for this age group), but I feel that Mom's would enjoy these as well.
Tealightfully Yours,
Mrs. Sensibility

Jane Eyre

2008-06-18T07:27:00.003-04:00

I finished reading Jane Eyre last night. This morning I feel like Mr. Rochester in the movie version imploring, "Jane, Jane, don't leave me." I am still mulling over thoughts about this book. I am not as strong as Jane nor my character as "good." Tim's mom has many of the same characteristics found in Jane and we are friends, so I feel that had Jane been a real person that we could have been friends. I would have admired her character and strength greatly. I would have found her relationship with Mr. Rochester to be profound and passionate and would have acknowledged that they were the best of friends. What she shared with him one could only observe, for no one could have ventured there. Together they lived in a different sphere.....and so it should be so between a man and his wife...two as one.

Definitions

2008-04-29T21:17:00.003-04:00

*While reading Sense and Sensibility I found myself wondering what the meaning of certain words that defined the character of certain men (Willowby). So here they are:

From Websters 1828 dictionary:

Beaux (beau): A man of dress; a fine, g*y man; one whose great care is to deck his person. In familiar language, a man who attends a lady.

C*xcomb: A fop(The Latin voppa, a senseless fellow, is evidently from the same root, with the sense of emptiness or lightness); a vain showy fellow; a superficial pretender to knowledge or accomplishments.

From my modern Webster's:

Bl*ckguard: a contemptible person-scoundrel

or the Free Dictionary definition:
someone who is morally reprehensible

I hope these will help you as you read.
Mrs. Sensibility

A Man and A Woman

2008-04-26T23:46:00.003-04:00

As unto the bow the cord is,
So unto the man is woman;
Though she bends him, she obeys him,
Though she draws him, yet she follows;
Useless each without the other!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Castles in the Air

2008-04-26T15:02:00.003-04:00

"It was rather a pretty little picture, for the sisters sat together in the shady nook, with sun and shadow flickering over them,- the aromatic wind lifting their hair and cooling their hot cheeks,- and all the little wood-people going on with their affairs as if these were no strangers, but old friends.

Meg sat upon her cushion sewing daintily with her white hands, and looking fresh and sweet as a rose, in her pink dress, among the green. Beth was sorting cones that lay thick under the hemlock nearby, for she made pretty things of them. Amy was sketching a group of ferns, and Jo was knitting as she read aloud."

Lousia May Alcott
"Little Women

Sometimes the passages I read paint very vivid pictures in my mind. This passage was one of those. How I long to join the girls and share in their conversation and their dreaming. I can almost see the flickering of the "sun and shadow" and smell and feel the "aromatic wind" lifting my hair and cooling my cheeks. Even though I am much closer to the age of Marmee, the little girl part of me longs for the dreamy days where my concerns are centered on what I might one day be.
I have often wondered which of the girls I would think myself to be the most like. I suppose as a girl I would have thought it to be Jo, for what girl does not want to write or own horses? But I suppose that I am really more of a Meg. I cannot say that I wish to have "heaps of money" or "a house full of lots of luxurious things", but I want to do good and I love being a homemaker. I hope dear mothers and daughters that you do too.

Written a few years ago for Little Women Home Companion. This was a newsletter that I co-wrote and edited with my daughter.

Miss Hannah Apron

2008-04-24T14:57:00.000-04:00

Miss Hannah was made by me last autumn. I participated in an apron exchange and made two sister aprons. This is the one I kept. Miss Hannah is a hard worker but knows how to look pretty for more formal occasions. She is made from homespun with a delicate lace to dress her up.

Miss Rosette Apron

2008-04-23T21:50:00.006-04:00

She's short, cute and a bit flirty. Hot pink and lime green ruffles dress her up a little more than her sister Miss Rosy. Miss Rosette is springtime, lace and roses wrapped up into one. She looks great on my tiny model but I will need to make a bigger size for yours truly. I have to admit that I love her.....OOh La La

Sense and Sensibility

2008-04-01T13:18:00.003-04:00

What I watched while recovering this weekend.....Lovely!

Pink Dishcloths and Other Colors Too!

2008-03-26T10:09:00.004-04:00

I found the pattern for this lovely dishcloth at Homespun Living. I had to learn the purl stitch and my library ladies were very helpful with that. They looked at my twisted work and then found books on knitting for me. The pattern repeats over and over and one soon memorizes it. I find this very relaxing work that I often do when we are watching a dvd or video together as a family. Sometimes I work on them when visiting with Tim's Mom. Maybe lessons for Miss M. will happen one day. I am still under the weather. Apparently a headache goes along with this congestion thing and it makes many naps in bed very pleasing. A few Tylenol are also very helpful. Just to note...the dishcloth shown here was knitted on larger needles then recommended. This made it easier for me.

Emma Schedule-updated

2008-03-25T10:29:00.001-04:00

I am reading Emma with Tim's Mom and had posted our schedule. However, we found that with so much going on in our families that we need to slow down and Tim's Mom made a new schedule. This post is the updated one.

Z Mar 20 ch 28
F Mar 21 ch 29
S Mar 22/23 ch 30

M Mar 24 ch 31
T Mar 25 ch 32
W Mar 26 ch 33
Z Mar 27 ch 34
F Mar 28 ch 35
S Mar 29/30 ch 36

M Mar 31 ch 37
T Apr 1 ch 38
W Apr 2 ch 39
Z Apr 3 ch 40
F Apr 4 ch 41
S Apr 5, 6 ch 42

M Apr 7 ch 43
T Apr 8 ch 44
W Apr 9 ch 45
Z Apr 10 ch 46
F Apr 11 ch 47
S Apr 12, 13 ch 48

M Apr 14 ch 49
T Apr 15 ch 50
W Apr 16 ch 51
Z Apr 17 ch 52
F Apr 18 ch 53
S Apr 19, 20 ch 54

M Apr 21 ch 55
Next - Jane Eyre

The Miss Rosy Apron

2008-03-24T14:14:00.003-04:00

The last couple of weeks have been busy and I have not had time to post. I have been sick this weekend, but wanted to take a moment to post a picture of this sweet apron that I made. This one is for my friend Miss. P. and will soon be on the way to her. I have a few more cut out to make and will perhaps even do a drawing for one here at Thimble Cottage. By the way, this is my 100th post and I feel like celebrating. It has taken me a long time to get this point. I journal when I have a spare moment. With a family to care for and the waiting time involved in using dinosaur-dial-up there are lags in my blogging. I would love to journal more often, but I will be content with what I am blessed with.

Sweet Iced Tea- Recipe Monday

2008-03-10T23:01:00.000-04:00

My husband loves homemade iced tea. I love it too, but want it decaffinated. This is a very sweet tea and you may need to adjust the amount of sugar for your family's tastes.
In a small saucepan combine two cups of cold water and two cups of sugar. Stir and bring to a boil on high. Remove from heat and add three family size decaffeinated tea bags. Make sure you press them into the mixture with a spoon so that the tea bags are fully immersed in the mixture. Let cool for about an hour. Pour mixture into one gallon of cold water and stir. We like place the tea bags in a little longer to make the flavor stronger. Refrigerate.

Emma Reading Schedule

2008-03-04T08:32:00.002-05:00

Tim's Mom made this reading schedule for the two of us. We would love to have others join in. Please feel free to use the schedule and to leave comments on our blogs.

Mar/Apr 2008

M Mar 3 ch 1, 2
T Mar 4 ch 3, 4
W Mar 5 ch 5, 6
Z Mar 6 ch 7, 8
F Mar 7 ch 9, 10
S Mar 8/9 ch 11, 12

M Mar 10 ch 13, 14
T Mar 11 ch 15, 16
W Mar 12 ch 17, 18
Z Mar 13 ch 19, 20
F Mar 14 ch 21, 22
S Mar 15/16 ch 23, 24

M Mar 17 ch 25, 26
T Mar 18 ch 27, 28
W Mar 19 ch 29, 30
Z Mar 20 ch 31, 32
F Mar 21 ch 33, 34
S Mar 22/23 ch 35, 36

M Mar 24 ch 37, 38
T Mar 25 ch 39, 40
W Mar 26 ch 41, 42
Z Mar 27 ch 43, 44
F Mar 28 ch 45, 46
S Mar 29/30 ch 47, 48

M Mar 31 ch 49, 50
T Apr 1 ch 51, 52
W Apr 2 ch 53, 54
Z Apr 3 ch 55, afterward

Salad Dressing: Recipe Monday

2008-03-03T09:36:00.005-05:00

1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup vinegar

Mix in a food processor until very well blended.

This is a wonderful sweet flavored salad dressing that my family has enjoyed for years. My sister shared this wonderful recipe with me.

Sense and Sensibility: chapter five

2008-03-02T11:05:00.003-05:00

Mrs. Henry Daswood informs her stepson and his wife that they will be leaving Norland for Devonshire. There they are to reside at Barton Cottage. She invites Mr. And Mrs. John Dashwood and Edward to visit. John apologizes that he will not be able to help in the removal of their furniture due to the distance. Instead, the linen, plate, china, books and pianoforte are to be sent by water.

Mrs. Henry Dashwood sold the horses left her upon her husband’s death and will now have no need for the carriage, so it is to be sold too. They are to bring with them two maids and a man to set up housekeeping. These leave ahead of the family to prepare the home.

Fanny’s satisfaction of their removal is evident. Mrs. Henry Dashwood looks for John to fulfill the promise made to his father concerning the family but soon realizes that the stay at Norland is to be the extent of it. Marianne feels deeply the removal from Norland and wonders who remains to enjoy the happy home and grounds she has known.

Sense and Sensibility: chapter four

2008-03-02T10:38:00.002-05:00

Marianne and Elinor are discussing Edward’s character. Marianne pities Edward for his lack of taste in drawing. Elinor feels that although not formally trained, he does have simplicity of taste and perfect judgment in such matters. Elinor comments that she hopes that Marianne does not consider Edward deficient of taste. Marianne replies that she considers Edward to be “everything that is worthy and amiable.” Elinor is pleased with the comment and states that since she has spent more time with Edward she believes him to have an “excellence of understanding.” He is well informed, enjoys books, and has a lively imagination. Although not considered handsome, he has a “general sweetness of countenance.” Marianne replies that she will find him handsome as soon as it is revealed that he is to be her brother. Elinor regretted the warmth of her statement as there was not understanding between herself and Edward. She does of course think highly of him and esteems him, but she knows that much is expected of him from his mother in the way of fortune or fame in marriage. He does not indulge his affections and she feels them to be no more than friendship.

Edward’s attentions to Elinor have made Fanny uncomfortable and she quickly informs her mother in law of the expectations for Edward in the way of marriage. The meaning is clear to Mrs. Henry Dashwood and upon receiving an invitation from her cousin Sir John Middleton for a cottage near his estate, Barton Park, she quickly accepts.

Our Favorite Punch- Recipe Monday

2008-02-25T10:44:00.003-05:00

2 packages Kool-aid
3 quarts water (chilled)
2 small cans frozen orange juice
1 quart pineapple juice
2 cups sugar
1 quart Gingerale (chilled)

Mix Kool-aid, water, orange juice, pineapple juice and sugar together. Add Gingerale before serving.

Sense and Sensibility: chapter three

2008-02-21T10:26:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters remained at Norland for several months. Although she had wanted to be gone once her grief had abated, she could not find an adequate situation that would be her idea of comfort and Elinor's idea of economy. Mrs. Dashwood was comforted by her late husband's assertion that his son would care for them and believed it as he had. Thus, she thought that the small sum of 7000 pounds that was left her would keep them very comfortably. She was also convinced of this by his behavior towards them.

As she came to know Fanny, her dislike for her grew. Both would have found it hard to live in the same household had it not been for the arrival and long visit from Fanny's brother, Edward Ferrars. Mrs. Dashwood believed there to be a growing attachment between Edward and Elinor and therefore bided her time.

Edward was a shy, very pleasant gentleman. He was the eldest of his late wealthy father. However, his inheritance depended upon the goodwill of his mother and she wanted him distinguished. He wanted to live a quiet, private life. To Mrs. Henry Dashwood it mattered only that he loved her daughter.

It was Elinor who first observed the difference between Edward and his sister, Fanny and her mother agreed with the observation. This endeared the young man to Mrs. Henry Dashwood. She took time to become acquainted with him and shared her observation of an attachment between him and Elinior with Marianne. The later had a high opinion of Edward, as he was very amiable, but found him wanting. He was not a handsome, lacked spirit and knew nothing about drawing. She felt that she could never marry a man whose tastes were not as her own. He had shared a reading of poetry the night before with a dreadful indifference. In fact, Marianne felt that she would never be able to find a man that she could really love. Her mother reminded her that at seventeen it was much too early to despair of the matter.

Cream Cheese Frosting- Recipe Monday

2008-02-18T10:34:00.004-05:00

8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick margarine or butter
1 box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all together well and frost cake.

This has always been one of my favorite cake frostings. My husband loves it on Red Velvet Cake.

Jane Austin Quiz

2008-02-12T18:46:00.000-05:00

I have always wondered which Jane Austin character that I was most like and here is the answer. I have to admit that I am not really surprised. I think I am a little like Anne too....or maybe I want to be. To take the quiz visit The Emma Adapations Page.

Blog Changes

2008-02-11T16:37:00.001-05:00

I've made a few changes to my journal such as adding another sidebar. I have not figured out how to do a few minor things such as having the girl images center in the sidebar but overall I am very happy with the changes. I was visiting Cindy at her blog Home Simple Home and read one her entires about changing her blog template and decided to try it with mine too. She has a different template altogether but gave the addy to Tips for New Bloggers that explains how to do it. I made my template a little wider but feel it needs to be wider still so that the sidebars are not so close to the journaling. It is so funny how little things like this can bring me so much happiness. Ahhhh the simple things......

Miss Emily's Ginger Cookies- Recipe Monday

2008-02-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Miss Emily's Ginger Cookies
(our variation)

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 egg slightly beaten
1/4 cup molasses
2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 1/2 cups of plain flour

Cream sugar, egg, and butter together. Add to this mixture the rest of the ingredients. Roll into small balls and then roll them in sugar. place on a cookie sheet and slightly flatten. Bake for 5- 7 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool on rack.

This is my little ones favorite cookie. They are soft and chewy and not as heavily ginger flavored as many other versions.

Sense and Sensibility: chapter two

2008-02-06T18:49:00.000-05:00

Upon her arrival to Norland Mrs. John Dashwood assumed the position of Mistress. Mrs. Henry Dashwood and daughters were treated with civility and kindness as visitors in their own home. John invited the family to continue to consider Norland their home and since it suited Mrs. Henry Dashwood to remain where she had had so many pleasant memories, the decision was made to remain there for a while.

Mr. John Dashwood intended to give his step-mother and half-sisters the sum of three thousand pounds but his wife, Fanny suggested that this would greatly deplete their son’s inheritance. John replied that his father’s request was of no particular sum but rather that he assist them and make them comfortable and that he felt that he must do something for them. The sum of 500 pounds was then suggested by John and Fanny found more objections. He then suggested an annuity. Fanny related her own Mother’s disagreeable dealings of having to pay annuities to her servants after the death of her husband. John again made a suggestion of 50 pounds every now and then. Fanny then suggested that perhaps his Father had not meant for him to give the family any money at all but rather help with housing, moving items and presents of food from their harvest in season. In fact she strongly felt that Henry could not have meant anything more since the family would need little after they moved. Their housekeeping would be small. There would be no horses, carriages and they would not keep company so they would certainly be able to live comfortably on the 500 pounds a year that they were to inherit.

Mrs. Henry Dashwood would have the china, plate and linen that had been packed away after the family had moved to Norland and John suggested that this was a valuable legacy. In fact, it was better than that which they would have at Norland. Fanny suggested that Henry had thought only of his wife and daughters and would have left all to them if he could have. So Mr. John Dashwood decided the best way to fulfill his promise to his Father would to be the neighborly acts of kindness that his wife suggested.

Tim's Mom....What do you think 500 pounds would be equivalent to now?

Sense and Sensibility: chapter one

2008-02-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

The Dashwood family, for many generations, had lived at Norland Park which was a rather large estate in Sussex. The elder Mr. Dashwood had not married and his sister had been his companion and housekeeper. Upon her death his nephew, Mr. Henry Dashwood and family was invited to take up residence with him. He became very fond of the family and his days were very comfortable due to the attention and kindness bestowed upon him. Henry Dashwood and his current wife had three daughters that lived with them at Norland. Henry's son Mr. John Dashwood, by his first wife, was well cared for from the fortune that he had received from his late mother's estate. He had also gained wealth through his marriage. His father, Mr. Henry Dashwood had a small interest in his former wife's estate that would end after his death. His present wife had no fortune coming into the marriage and thereby neither did the daughters of their union.

The elder Mr. Dashwood passed away and the estate was left to left to Mr. Henry Dashwood with such terms as that it would belong to his grandson upon Henry's death. This of course would leave his wife and three daughters with very little to live upon when he died. Knowing that he was to soon pass away he called upon his son John and had him promise to care for them and make them comfortable. Mr. Henry Dashwood passed away a year after the elder Mr. Dashwood and the estate became the property of Mr. and Mrs. John Dashwood and his young son.

Mr. John Dashwood remembered his promise to his father to care for his half sisters and intended to do so. However, he was easily persuaded by his wife to do nothing. As soon as the funeral was over his wife prepared to move into the estate and make changes. Mrs. Henry Dashwood felt very deeply this lack of love and concern and would have quickly taken her girls and left Norland. Her love for her girls and her desire to encourage the relationship with their brother helped her to restrain her feelings.

Elinor, a young woman of 19 years, was the oldest of Henry's daughters and was blessed with a great deal of understanding and a steady judgment. She was a counselor to her mother (who was rather imprudent) and helped with the decisions and affairs of the household. Elinor was an affectionate young woman with a good heart and felt many things deeply but was well able to govern her feelings. Her mother and sisters did not have the desire to govern their emotions.

Marianne was a very clever and sensible young woman and very close to Elinor in both age and relationship. She felt sorrows and joys deeply and felt little need to restrain her emotions. In fact the only thing she lacked was prudence. She was in every respect very like her mother. This concerned Elinor a great deal but was a characteristic valued by her mother. Young Margaret, at 13, was good humored but, had observed and taken on much of the behavior of her mother and Marianne. As a result, Elinor dealt most with her brother and sister-in-law after their arrival and continued to encourage her mother and sisters.

Sense and Sensibility

2008-02-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

Leslie and I have decided to read this lovely book together. I will be posting a brief synopsis of each chapter and Tim's Mom will also be posting about our reading on Bona Vita Rusticanda Est. I will also post questions that Leslie will answer. I hope that you will join us in our adventure into Jane Austin's World.

Festive Cheese Ball- Recipe Monday

2008-02-04T10:56:00.000-05:00

2- 8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1- 8 1/2 oz. can of crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups of chopped pecans
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped finely
2 tablespoons onion, chopped finely
1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Beat cream cheese till smooth. Add in other ingredients using only 3/4 cup of the nuts. shape into a ball and then roll in remaining nuts.

This was a family holiday favorite when I was young. I hope that you and your family will enjoy it too.

New Teas and Winter Blahs

2008-01-30T17:15:00.000-05:00

January is a blah month for me. I really have a hard time focusing and accomplishing anything. I did however decide to do something that I had been putting off which was to order some more tea. This time it is from Atlantic Spice and the three kinds are Ambrosia, Tropicana and Peach Passion. I really look forward to sharing these with friends. I have been wanting a copy of Marmee Dear's Homemaker's Treasury and ordered one for myself. She has a special going on until February 6th. They are $22 with free shipping. I will write review for it after it arrives.

I have had several lovely tea time visits with Tim's Mom. We viewed The Shop Around the Corner which is a vintage Jimmy Stewart movie. Leslie told me that it was the basis for You've Got Mail which I really like with the exception of some situations and language (we have a filter for this).
Sunday nights one can find me watching The Jane Austin Collection on PBS. I love Jane Austin and it has really been wonderful to see these many new versions of her work. This next Sunday will be a movie about her life and I look forward to viewing it.

Our family viewed Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House with Cary Grant this past week and found it alot of fun. Of course anything With Mr. Grant has been a hit at our house. One of my favorites is I was a Male War Bride. This is a clever, cheerful vintage film with that produces lots of laughs.

Well, those are a few of my blues chasers. Perhaps you will enjoy them too.

Breakfast Casserole- Recipe Monday

2008-01-28T12:21:00.000-05:00

Mrs. C's Breakfast Casserole

7 eggs beaten
2 cups of milk
1 cup grated cheese
6 slices of white bread, cubed and no crusts
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 dab mustard
1 pound sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained

Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Mix ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

This was made for my family by Mrs. C after the death of my father and is a wonderful comfort food. It would be great for a breakfast for overnight guests or a brunch.

Hashbrown Casserole- Recipe Monday

2008-01-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

Farmgirl Hashbrown Casserole

2 pounds frozen hashbrowns
1/2 cup melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups crushed cornflakes 1/4 cup melted butter

Defrost the hashbrowns and combine with 1/2 cup butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, cheese, salt and pepper. Place in a 3 quart casserole dish that has been greased. Saute the cornflakes in the butter until golden brown and then sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

About Little Women Home Companion

2008-01-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

Little Women Home Companion was a magazine that my daughter and I created together during her middle school years. It was for mothers and daughters and included recipes, craft ideas, poetry, and links to wonderful sites that we found online during that time (check these carefully now for it has been several years). There was a section about nature study that I had observed, fiction stories that my daughter wrote, a summary about the current chapter that we were reading in Little Women and more. It has a little of a Victorian flair to it and I really miss the time we spent working on the magazine together. Hopefully someday we can begin working on it again. You can find the link for it under labels in the sidebar. When we first created it there were pictures of many of the projects but we have not been able to find them or upload them. I hope you enjoy what was so special to us.

Mom's Double Delight Chocolate Muffins

2008-01-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

I thought I would have daily themes for my blog and this is the beginning with Recipe Mondays. The recipe for today is my husband's favorite muffin.

1 stick of butter, softened
1 cup of sugar (plus some to sprinkle on top)
1 cup of sour cream
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups of plain all purpose flour
1/2 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup pecans (opt.)

Mix together butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream and chocolate. Add to it the flour, salt, baking soda, chocolate chips and pecans. Mix just until everything is well combined. Put the mixture into a well greased, giant muffin pan ( the one that makes 6 muffins). Sprinkle tops with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Remove from muffin tin immediately and let cool on a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Learning With Friends

2008-01-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

About once a month there is a group of women that I know that meet for dinner and share what they have learned about Charlotte Mason and her method of education. Last night I had the opportunity to visit with these ladies and discuss chapter 4 of School Education by Charlotte Mason. I really need to read this chapter once again and give it more thought.
Some of the ideas that mentioned in this chapter are :
Children should be free in their play
Personal initiative in work
Children must stand or fall by their own efforts
Boys and girls are generally dutiful
Children should choose their own friends
Should be free to spend their own pocket money
Should form their own opinions and
Spontaneity
I will address some of what I have learned in a future post but I really enjoyed sharing with the other ladies in the group.

Making Your Home Cozy

2008-01-09T02:40:00.002-05:00

Back Home Again

2008-01-09T01:46:00.000-05:00

It has been fun going back and forth between my other blog and this one. Both have little things that I enjoy on them but I will have to say that the ability to make my blog a little more unique has won out....so I will be here from now on with the journal of my days and thoughts that I have. It is nice to be back home and I am really looking forward to posting more often. See you soon....

A New Year

2008-01-01T15:41:00.001-05:00

AllPosters

Happy New Year!
I found this sweet little poster online. I really like the print...in fact I have one hanging in our home. My dear daughter drew her own version for me when she was little and I need to frame it too. So here is my list of things I would like to accomplish this new year....

*Declutter and organize our home
*I have a cleaning plan and I need to just do it!!!
*Stay on task with my little one's schoolwork
*Plan for and stick with our budget
*Have a large project and small project to accomplish each month....I actually need to write them down and plan them into my planner

My thoughts are:

*an apron a month I already have a few I have made so I want to include these and add a few more
*Finish a couple of rag quilts that I begun a few years ago
*Finish a cross-stitch project that has been ongoing forever.... I do not care as much for cross-stitch since it is harder for me to see as clearly now
* Finish a few more little folk type houses for our mantle
*make some little ornament projects that I found on the internet
*make some purses

I also want to schedule in some books that I want to get read and start a new Bible study plan and schedule times to have tea with dear friends.
These are just a few of my thoughts...

Way Cool Apron

2007-11-05T15:10:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you just find something that is way too cool......and I found this apron tutorial on One More Moore. It is soooooooo cute and I look forward to trying one myself soon. I have been resting alot.....Doc's orders from my foot surgery. My toes are very colorful....blue, black, purple, and red. I have had time to make some scarves and finish a shawl for a friend's daughter. There is 3 loaves of buttermilk bread rising and more shawls to be begun but, I really want to make aprons....love the ruffled apron inspiration.

Recovering

2007-10-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

I am home again recovering from day surgery done on Thursday. I managed to make my way down the steps today to go through a lot of email. I mailed a package to my apron swap partner on Wednesday (made it that morning too). I really hope she enjoys it. It is homespun and has a fall/winter flavor to it. I took a picture and will post it later. Well, back to bed....