What,  summer is over!???!! No it can't possibly be because when I went for groceries today the store was packed! People everywhere! Actually I think this is the second round of tourists the older ones that don't have little ones to tote around. The next group will be the leaf peepers! Then it will be those that want to join in on the fun at "Prelude". WELCOME to MAINE! 

So hey thanks for checking in....let's chat a bit!

Fall is in the air....pumpkins are starting to show up.....leaves are falling and so are the acorns. My Roomie over at ACORNHOLLOW mentioned in her blog that acorns will be abundant this year. I hear that also and think it means we'll have a very cold and snowy winter. Grr!  But what to do with all these acorns? I read that acorns can be used as a dye and they are a natural mordant. Some of you rug hookers may be aware of this and I may be last to know!

https:/fiderartsy.com and Mother Earth News has very interesting articles on the subject. Check them out and if you decided to dye some fabric, cotton or wool check back in and let me know how it turned out. Also used are rhubarb both leaves or stalks and black walnuts. I know where to get a bunch.

Today makes 2 full weeks since MR had his surgery.  I have to tell you I am truly amazed and happy at his progress. He walks around the house on his own and is able to bend his knee more and more everyday. He was able to walk over next door and spent some time out on the deck. Getting comfortable at night and sleeping has been a bit better. I made him a small this pillow that he can use for sleeping. And look where I found him on Sunday?

Yup that's right...out in his work area. No cane in sight! Instead of playing Where's Waldo let's play Where's the Cane! Lol. He had his 2 wk follow up and the PA says he's ready to hit the gym for pt. Happy Days!

That's it for today....the sun is up and I may get another paddle in...

Thanks again for stopping in.....be sure to let me know you were here...drop me a comment...love hearing from you. I so appreciate all the comments.

A Dieu...till we meet again.

Patience vs Patient

In looking back I can't  believe it's been that long since we've enjoyed a cup of tea together....shame on me!  My hope is that you have not abandoned me.

I do enjoy chatting with you (s) and appreciate your feedback. Stick around I'll share a bit of what's been happening.....

Summer started with a bang....had the company of my sisterhood....you know the "hookers".  Hehehe don't you love that? We're good at what we do but don't make much money. Such a great time...lots of talking...sharing...laughs, eating
great food. Crafting with embroidery,  Watercolors, jewelry wrapping and working with fimo...lots of fun stuff.

Family and friends were here for the next few weeks. Always a great time.

It's been a hectic summer.

Mr M. has not been doing so well.... knee problems that also was affecting his back and he'd been hesitant about going for the surgery. 

The time is now. A full knee replacement  scheduled on Monday the 22nd .  After a few hours he returned to recovery where he was sitting up and eating...

   

Surprised the hell out of me...I anticipated him being all drugged up and out of it. Before he could leave they had him up and walking (with walker) and even claimed 5 steps...up and down...then he was good to go.

The procedure was performed with the Mako robotic system.....What?! That's not what a wanted! I was thinking more along the lines of a 20 to 25 foot center console fishing boat, Mako...but he says nomore boats..oh well I'll settle for this for now! Lol.

So today makes a week and he has greatly improved....he's walking and using his knee not just dragging it...climbing stairs ready to start with a cane. 

This is the part where the "patient" is being cared for by Me..aka Nurse Ratchet.

"Patience " is not his strong suit!  I on the other hand is trying to have patience.

Awe...not really...but he sure going to owe me big time! Lol

Today I got myself a little gift...I think I deserved it.

   

I bought these 3 little air plants.."bromeliad" to add to my others. How cute are these....as you can see the pink one has a flower and the other has great color on the leaves. They look great IMO in this handmade pottery pot my SIL made me in 1993. Wow!

That's all for now...I hope to be back to you soon...

Till the A Bientot.

Wait for it!,

Where have I been you ask! Gosh I didn't realize how long I was away. 

Thanks so much for asking.

We've had a very busy summer and I have lots to tell you about.

I don't have the time right now

But I will be back...

So wait for it!

 

 

Feeling like a Big Girl......

       

With tea in hand I welcome you all! I sure hope you'll sit for a while

and enjoy your time with me. 

I noticed that my last post earned me 59 readers and new "followers". 

I thank you!

Before I forget again I don't want to leave out the appliqué project I mentioned.

Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

These are the mug mats I was working on. I enjoyed making them and love the fabric I used for  the backing. I like it so much so that I made a few masks with it as well as other items.

I plan on making a few more mats.

I am on to making this little thread catcher using fabric scraps and a recycled plastic cup that the icing comes in Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. Yup! You got it! I don't throw too much away.

No judging!

Can you see the plastic cup? I plan on adding a little embroidery on it and it will have a lid on it. That's what the circles are.

The vase with flowers were from my other half and the bunnies I made a few years ago.

It was a wonderful Easter!

We finally able to visit with my kids and grand kids with lots and lots of hugs.  It was a full house but oh so enjoyable! On Sunday we got to see our daughter and her family. We met Ellie for the first time...my new grand dog is precious. I would have taken her home.

I felt like a " grown-up" venturing out on my own. So happy to have received our 2nd vaccine! 

 

What's in the oven you ask..

Well I decided to try my hand at whoopee pies. I'm not much of a fan as I think they are too dry.

But this recipe was pretty moist and I used a peanut butter filling. 

I must admit they were pretty tasty.

The next time I make these I will use a smaller scoop. 

Before I end this I just want to thank all of you for  spending your time with me...

I am so grateful for all of you.

A Bientot for now

But I will be back soon.

What is Bergamot a plant a tea or a bread?

Earl Grey Tea Cake

 Can you answer that question or are you confused?

Hello and welcome! I have my tea ready and will be enjoying some home made tea bread along with it.

So today I made Earl Grey Tea Cake Earl Grey Tea Cake with a honey citrus glaze. 

An herbal plant used in teas and flavorings. I have to admit I did some research. I'm sure many of you have enjoyed the tea..it's certainly one of my favorites. A citrus flavor of limes but I didn't know that the plant can be many flavors. Hum!

Intereating......anyhow I added more lime juice and grated limes. The glaze is very sweet and interesting.

Was I a fan? Not really. Not going to be making it again soon...it was bland for my liking but by all means if you're inclined to do some baking by all means do try it out and let me know what you think.

This weeks I made the onion bread recipe that Cathy gave me. Obviously I tweaked it up a bit. Omitted the poppy seeds and added garlic and rosemary.

It was a hit! (No picture maybe next time)

2nd vaccine done and we couldn't be happier. So looking forward to seeing my family and showering them with hugs...and my friends...yippee!

On a final note I have a few more watercolor flowers to add to the out going happy mail. Be sure to check your snail box.

Also decided to make a few appliqué mug mats. This is the first one and not sure what the next one will be. If you have any suggestions be sure to let me know.

A Bientot for now....looking forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you so much for sharing your time with me.

Donna

Recipies...Let's talk family favorites.

Hello! Welcome back...got your tea ready? I have mine and today it will be Earl Grey.... and did you know that there is a Tea Bread recipe that includes Earl Gray as an ingredient along with prunes....it sounds delicious eh? I may have to give it a try. This week a made Lemon bread with a lemon glaze....very tangy. I use lots of lemon and for the glaze I use fresh squeezed lemon juice with powdered sugar.

My intent was to make poppy seed bread but MR said he didn't like all those little black seeds in his bread. Well! By all means let's keep them out! Lol.

I believe the reason for his dislike of the seeds was due to the onion bread I had made earlier. Poppy seeds were also in it. It sure was good.

Are you thinking that's all I do is cook or bake? Gosh I'm thinking the same. I am easily influenced by my "chat" group and they have been doing the same.

Before I go on one of my Vt girls DY has captured this photo of her new friend while out on a walk. When she comes upon him he just stops in his tracks and stares while she talks to him!

I believe he thinks "what a Foxy Lady" but what is she doing?. She says he stays staring until he's tired of listening.  Now how beautiful is this animal.

So this friend is also  a wonderful rug hooker so I think she could hook this picture of him. Hum!? I Wonder if she's given him a name?  *Thank you for allowing me to use your photo.

Sprouts...let's get an update on how they are doing. 

From start to finish. On Friday I placed roughly a tsp of seeds in a jar. Rinsed and drained them. Here is what they looked like.

Those broccoli seeds are so tiny.

You can see how they have opened and the sprouting has begun.

It is amazing how quickly you can have fresh sprouts for your salad or my favorite on tuna salad on slices of artisan bread. Now I won't bore you with day by day progress i will skip to Sunday. 9 days and voila! We have sprouts.

If you have not tried this at home go ahead and give it a go! Any questions give me a shout!  *I was planning on sharing some with you JJM...but you were in and out to fast.

RECIPE.

Let me tell you about a family Favorite Recipe....Stuffed Steak.

The first time having this was at my Mother-in-law's..better known as Mémère Yvonne. Never had heard of it. Take a lg London broil steak with a pocket sliced into it and stuff it with ground pork along with onion and spices. I use pretty much the same method I would if making pork pies. (Another favorite) Secure it with string or nails....bakes for 2 to 3 hrs at 325*. Yummy! My husband's idea.

We have not had this in quite a while and I must say it was well worth the wait. Give it a try....

I regret to say I didn't get the chance to shoot it when it came out of the oven.

One last note...I have not completed Saundra's challenge but I hope to get it done today. Certainly not an easy one hence the name challenge. I know you're not surprised...I did say I would be pulling up the rear with this.

 Remember when i asked if you could guess who sent me the Rod Stewart song Have I told you lately? No one got it right...it was not my SIL but it was my Son. How thoughtful...love.

Gotta run and thank you again for being here.

Be sure to leave a comment then check your mail box for Happy Mail.

A Bientot....Donna

I could shout it from the rooftop!!

Let me open by saying I love this image and the quote. I found it to be so appropriate for you (s) and I. 

Happy Sunday  and again I welcome you to sit and sip for a bit...lol! I made a rhyme! 

I can't believe I was able to keep this from you all week but on Monday I received THE call. That's right Maine Health was calling to schedule our vaccine apt..she (a very nice lady) asked if we had a preference for the location and time. Option was Friday evening or the same day at 5:30! Well that was a no brainer! I was also able to schedule for both of us! I was so excited I could have kissed her! And I told her so....she started laughing and said that she is told that quite often throughout the day! One person offered "a big sloppy wet kiss"! Um that would be a NO!

Here it is....over and done till the 2nd dose of Pfizer. Damn I was so relieved...and feel like things are finally looking up. I guess there are  perks for being old! I. Think we are that much closer to having some what normal summer...fingers crossed.

I started some sprouts after a discussion with my hooker friends...doing broccoli sprouts and lentils.

above are the broccoli after 2 days.....they have started to sprout

these are the lentils and they have also begun to sprout. I should probably be able to enjoy some by next weekend....

I chose to join the challenge over at Saundra at Woodland Junction....the tulip called my name so I'm gathering up fabric and doing color planning. What the hay did I get myself into?....a mixture of textures but no wool....I should check if this challenge has a due date as I'm certain I will be last to complete. No pictures to share yet. I do enjoy seeing progress from the others. Very nice.

This is a short post...don't have much to share....I hope you enjoyed your tea with me. Keep an eye open for "happy~mail" ....no telling who will be the next to receive snailmail from me. Be sure to share a comment.

I thank you so much for being here with me....you are much appreciated! 

A Bientot! 

Donna