Stover Lane

A Note

2012-01-29T22:11:00.003-06:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

xo

Sister says....

2011-11-08T15:22:00.002-06:00

In Memory of 5 years ago Today....(doesn't get easier)

Tricia and I had to let you go...........(we didn't want to)

Touching your Face, Holding your Hand,
looking into your Baby Blue Eyes...(You finally opened, and very clearly)

Looked at me, then Tricia.....

... It was your time to say Goodbye!!!!

I Love You Missy....I Miss You, Your Smile and Spunk!!..

♥ You Are My HEART.. ♥ and My Soul... ♥

In Loving Memory of You Today and Always!!!!

Love,
Me :)

(and me....and Tricia.....and family.....and friends)

9/11

2011-09-11T21:11:00.003-05:00

It's been a day of remembering and reflecting. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who lost their loved ones on this terrible day. The first responders and everyone helping with the cleanup are suffering greatly for their selflessness, you are in our hearts and prayers, we have not forgotten.

I found this in one of my old posts and it spoke to my heart today. Perhaps it will speak to yours.

Bull....A REALLY BIG BULL!

2011-08-19T22:28:00.001-05:00

I have to share this magnificant picture.....

Shreve and her Frisco.

Enjoy!

xo

It's humor Monday

2011-08-15T21:38:00.000-05:00

Comments can be as funny as some of the spam e-mails we receive. I got a real kick out of this one......

"The emergence of little huge absolutely corporate, almost national, and international marketing chains and companies."

This comment had an address....but of course I wouldn't want anyone to click on it.

Here's hoping the nice long rain we got today finds its way to Texas!

xo

Food....the ultimate tease!

2011-06-10T13:45:00.003-05:00

The Animal Rescue Site is one of my favorites. Where else can one donate free food with the ease of one click? The site features a rescue story each day which I heart reading.

Today's story has a twist to it...it's always nice to start the day with a good laugh so......

Freedom isn't free....

2011-05-27T22:11:00.000-05:00

Have a safe holiday and give your loved ones a hug!

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Hello Mothers!

2011-05-08T11:51:00.002-05:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Put down your coffee!

2011-03-19T08:58:00.003-05:00

I laughed so hard it brought tears to my eyes!

This is the funnest video yet!

Take a look HERE.

Then pass it on to your friends who need a good laugh today.

To all my artisian friends!

2011-03-14T11:47:00.001-05:00

It's true! It's free!

Think you're having a bad day?

2011-02-27T19:42:00.002-06:00

So, you think you're having a bad day? Now, what exactly is a bad day?

A bad hair day? Sitting in traffic and going nowhere fast? Boss giving you a bad time? And if you're in customer service.........well, we won't even go there!

If you want to feel better about YOUR day just check out April's week HERE.

Suddenly I'm having a GREAT day!!! (Sorry, April.)

xo

How to use Tattler Lids

2011-02-09T19:43:00.004-06:00

What are Tattler Lids?

Tattler Lids are reusable canning lids. They are plastic with a rubber sealer. This is so new that many canners, including myself, are not quite ready to make the switch. Just how do they really work?

I have a site on my sidebar "A matter of preparedness". A great site to check out now and then. Today happened to be the "now and then" day.

Much to my delight the topic for today is Tattler Lids and how to use them. This is an excellent instructional post, with pictures, showing us exactly how to use the lids.

Check it out HERE !

Free Books

2011-02-06T11:42:00.004-06:00

I love to read and I love FREE!! Put read and free together and what do you get?

Google Books!!

Classic, Cooking, Trending Topics, Magazines.....the list is long and has something for everyone.

Best of all, they're FREE!

Warning........enter at your own risk!!

It's Monday....time for a good laugh!

2011-01-17T13:10:00.000-06:00

2011

2010-12-31T07:38:00.001-06:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Fall....My Favorite Time of Year!

2010-11-16T08:39:00.000-06:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Digitally Correct

2010-10-13T07:48:00.002-05:00

This is the age of correctness. Politically.......and.......digitally.

According to Five Year Old Georgie there are three digital categories of correctness.

We are either

a Digital Native
or
a Digital Immigrant
or
a Digital Retard

Unfortunately....I fall into the last category and call my Digital Native brother to help me out......A LOT! (Thank you Larry!)

Check out little Georgie.........he'll tell you all about it!

xo

Romantic Candle Light

2010-09-20T11:39:00.003-05:00

And who doesn't love it? Even if they do drip and burn crazily?

Then I came across this little tidbit. If you chill your candles in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using them your candles will burn evenly without dripping.

Now I have to go to rearrange my frig to accomadate a few candles!

xo

Monday's funny!

2010-08-23T11:11:00.005-05:00

We've all fallen in love with Clover, Suzanne's (Chickens In The Road ) miniature goat, so we were super excited when she had twin babies. Stand next to Clover you'll find she only comes up to your knee. Her babies? Just twelve inches high. They are a few weeks old now and funny as ever! Take a look and get ready for super cuteness and some laughs! Just what we need on a Monday morning.

Jet Dry vs Vinegar

2010-08-16T18:45:00.002-05:00

Some time ago I decided to go homemade and whipped up some laundry soap. Awesome stuff! I am absolute in love with it. Clothes are softer, smell good, makes two gallons in about 10 minutes and minus all the additives you can't pronounce. I made 14 gallons for about $15.00.

This turned out so well I thought I would try the home made dishwasher soap. Sadly that didn't work out.

Lately I've been contemplating using Vinegar in the dishwasher rinse cycle. I keep crossing tracks with those who use it and love it. I ran out of Jet-Dry today and thought I would check out the ingredients and what do I find...."contains nonionic surfactant---Wash hands immediately after use".

Whoa Nellie! Do you wash your hands immediately after filling your rinse container? Just what is "nonionic surfactant"?

Perhaps I should do more than just contemplate changing to vinegar.

xo

Like Coffee?

2010-08-13T15:24:00.002-05:00

Our friends at American Made is having another drawing! All of the generous gifts given away at this site are all made in the USA.

On Monday, August 16, a one pound bag of coffee and a travel mug (think this winter and your drive to work, what would be better than a hot mug of fresh coffee courtesy of American Coffee)
will be given away to one lucky winner. That winner could be YOU!

Click on over to American Made and let them know which coffee is your favorite.

Hurry, the drawing is Monday!

xo

Easy hand stitching

2010-08-05T12:54:00.003-05:00

As I was viewing some of my newsletters and forums I came across these videos on how to stitch all these amazing and beautiful stitches. Some of the stitches I learned as a child and some I have never heard of before.

I know a lot of people who have never stitched and think it's hard or something they could never do themselves. It really isn't. It's just having someone to show you how. So for all my friends who fall into this category, and the rest of us who would like to add some new techniques I offer these videos. They are the best!

VIDEOS FOR FUN !

xo

Attention Home Bakers

2010-08-03T23:43:00.002-05:00

Made in the USA is giving away a non-stick bread loaf pan from Cooks and the Kitchen! Click on over and sign up!

Now that my bread machine has bit the dust and I have to REALLY make my bread by hand I'm going to need that loaf pan!

All the products being generously donated are all MADE IN THE USA!!

Good luck!

xo

Angel Food

2010-07-26T18:54:00.003-05:00

New lower prices at Angel Food Ministries!

Check out their all new menus!

Go HERE and check out the August menu!

xo

America

2010-07-26T11:31:00.003-05:00

This is a great YouTube. Be sure to read the credits to the very end and see who participated.

xo

A different lifestyle

2010-07-19T15:52:00.003-05:00

I started out looking for information on cast iron cookware. I'm getting away from my teflon coated cookware......since the teflon is coming off into our food. So instead of replacing nonstick with more nonstick I'm looking for great buys on cast iron. Cast iron......the cookware that can be handed down for generations......it never wears out. Ever tasted chicken that was fried in an iron skillet? Or bacon and eggs?

I'm not going to say how many hours I've been sitting here, reading....and reading.....and reading some more. I've learned a litle, joined a group that knows about cast iron and, hopefully, I'll learn a lot from them. My goal........to know all there is to know about cast iron cooking.

I don't know how it happens but I always end up way off topic when I do this sort of thing.
During my search I found THIS SITE and wanted to share it with you. I think you will enjoy this as much as I did. It has nothing to do with cast iron cookware and everything to do with how different people are......in a good way, that is!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

xo

P.S. If you have anything you'd like to share about cast iron cooking I would love to hear it! I'm a know nothing....really!

Growing Celery

2010-06-29T00:12:00.002-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me what we can learn on this "net". So many wonderful people share their knowledge with the rest of us. Many of my favorite sites are listed on the left side.

I just came across this entry regarding celery.

In a nut shell.....plant the bottom portion of the celery stock and it will re-grow!

Who knew!??!!

I love celery.....I may never have to buy another stock of celery......EVER!!

xo

Thought for today

2010-06-20T15:41:00.002-05:00

What is a vegetarian? A person who only eats side dishes. Now that would be an easy person to cook for :)

Suburban New York

2010-06-16T17:24:00.002-05:00

Here's an interesting write up on the new voting rules in a suburban New York city. Perhaps it will catch on nationwide. Wouldn't that be interesting?

Read six (yes, six) votes per voter. Vote early, vote often!

xo

Big Bird Got Lost

2010-06-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

Look who found him!

Free Craft Books

2010-06-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

I love FREE, don't you?

And these craft books are all FREE for you and me! Just download and have fun!

Go HERE for your free books.

(I have no idea how long this offer will last.)

xo

Letting Go

2010-06-09T23:48:00.004-05:00

I've been visiting The Daily Coyote for some time now. I don't remember exactly how I found Shreve. My first read was her cross country trip on her Vespa. I thought what a brave and daring person she was to do this.

Then she decides to chuck it all and move to a state she fell in love with on her journey home. And that's where The Daily Coyote begins. Shreve takes in a baby coyote and we join in on the fun.

Recently Shreve started a new blog......Honey Rock Dawn. Today's post is just awesome and I had to share with you. The comments are amazing and quite moving.

Take a look HERE!

xo

USA Fire and Rescue

2010-06-03T20:02:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorite sites. There's more here than the obvious. There's cooking! That's right.................cooking! The quick (and I do mean quick) and easy (and I do mean easy) kind of cooking!

And they have the sweetest, drop dead gorgeous, gal named Amy showing us how to do it (or not according to her out takes!)

Go HERE and check out her recipes and videos. It's worth the time and it's fun!

xo

Angel Food

2010-05-23T10:32:00.003-05:00

Angel Food Ministries can be a real help to some people.

Click HERE to see the June menu and find a host site near you.

Order on-line or at the site.

Everyone is qualifed and the specials can be purchased without buying the main menu. This is a real plus!

Food stamps are welcome here.

Need food stamps? Go HERE to apply on-line. A case worker from your state will then contact you.

New host sites are popping up everywhere so check it out!

The Little Drummer!

2010-05-17T16:49:00.004-05:00

I have three drummers in my family......Charlie, Braden and Isaiah. Knowing this my brother sent me this YouTube. This little fella is four years old and having an absolute blast! His expressions are priceless...........and what a grin when he sees his mom and dad in the crowd!

Love the music! Do you know the name of the song and the band? I'm asking cause I don't know.

Enjoy!

(Song by Joan Jett.....Thanks Jackie!)

Comments

2010-05-12T08:45:00.002-05:00

I'm getting some strange comments again and the strangest of all is the fact blogger will not let me delete them so.........I delete that day's writing. I've had to do this more than once but that's ok.

I reposted the San Francisco film......it's such a great one :)

Comments will be moderated (darn it) because of this. Is there a better solution? Inquiring minds would like to know :)

Have a blessed day, my friends!

xo

1906 San Francisco

2010-05-12T08:40:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this film? The camera was mounted on the front of a cable car.It's amazing.....the cars, the buggies, the people! And no one gets hit! The clock tower at the end of Market Street at the Embarcadero Warf (the Ferry Building) is still there!Records indicate this was filmed just four days before the quake and shipped by train to NY for processing.

Enjoy!

First 35mm film ever!

Where have I been?

2010-02-17T10:01:00.001-06:00

That question has been asked by many, including family. Well, my friends, it's been freezing, snowing, and COLD!

This has caused loss of electricy and/or the phone.

Therefore I have been:

1. Hibernating
2. Lazy
3. Brain freeze
4. Moving at a snails pace
5. Unmotivated
6. Just keeping warm
7. Burned out on the computer

I'm sure you get the idea!

I even forgot that I had started moderating the comments because of a few misguided people. I have turned that little feature off since I can't remember squat!

And today it's 16 degrees, which is really cold if you are from the south and really warm if you are from the north. For me, its just **** cold!!

So this is soup weather, my friends! And my favorite is potato soup. It's soooo yummy that I'm going to brave the cold just to get all my ingredients. (And that's saying a lot!)

Have a blessed day my friends and stay WARM!!

Angel Food

2009-12-20T12:46:00.006-06:00

Angel Food Ministries just posted their January menu. My goodness, it just keeps getting better and better.

A while back Angel Food changed their requirements so now the "Specials" can be purchased alone. No need to buy the Signature Box if you are just wanting one or more of the specials. There are no limits on any of the offerings. (Don't forget, if you eat then you qualify :) AND Food Stamps (EBT) accepted here!

In addition to the Signature Box is the Senior Convenience Box which, in reality, is good for everyone. Looking for a nutritious quick meal, here it is. Heat and serve.
Ten meals plus dessert plus fruit plus drink.

Angel Food has lowered their price on the Allergen Free Food Box. Certainly worth looking at.

And the Seafood Pack! Love seafood?

And Specials galore!

Take a look, it just may help with your food bill!

You will find the menu HERE.

xo

Tis the season

2009-12-19T22:03:00.002-06:00

It's been an incredibly busy ten days. A time of rapid healing........a lot of laughing at myself.

And for anyone who is recouping from head trauma...........it really does get better even if you don't see any improvement for a few years. Then suddenly it takes off.......as if making up for lost time. I can hardly keep up and yet, at the same time, it isn't totally back (as I learned last night, I still can't back my car down the driveway, lol. Don't ask! :)

There is something incredible in the air. My friends are talking about it, we all feel it. Something is up.

Perhaps it's just getting back to the reason for the season.

Perhaps it's getting back to the simple pleasure of life. The small things that mean so much.

There's something incredible in the air..........

The stores are busy, the lines are long. And "where is this" and "where is that" is being asked in the stores.

There's something incredible in the air..........

The busy stores are filled with smiling faces......young, old and in between. There are no unhappy, unruly, little ones running around. They are having too much fun.

There's something incredible in the air...........

The lines are long, but no one seems to care. There's lots of chatting and encouragement by total strangers.

There's something incredible in the air............

"Where is this" and "where is that" located? The question no sooner asked than an employee stops and escorts the customer to "this" or that" happily.

There's something incredible in the air.......

xo

Luxurious and Lucious

2009-12-06T12:44:00.007-06:00

What can possibly be luxurious and lucious at the same time?

Everything my sweet artesian friend Kay makes!

From soaps!

To moisturizing creams!

To herbal pillows!

To shea butters!

Oops no picture here

You'll have to see more for yourself at

The Rustic Cottage Shoppe!

I'm on my way right now to see what's new and exciting. Perhaps she's had time to restock my favorite Rose Petal Soap. It's to die for!!!

See y'all there!

Oh, wait......I can't actually SEE you.........can I?

What a bummer!

A little side note here......this past summer I developed a deep infection on my foot. I had used the last of Kay's soaps so I tried several name brand soaps on my foot. The pain.....oh the pain! Then came Kay's soap to the rescue!!! No more pain! All those natural ingredients did the trick.

Have a blessed week!

Privacy Please??

2009-12-05T08:20:00.003-06:00

Do you have children/ kids/rugrats/punks?

No?

Then go HERE and find out what you're missing.

It's great being a mom!

xo

The Pioneer Woman

2009-12-04T14:53:00.005-06:00

Are you a fan of The Pioneer Woman?

Yes?

Did you make it to her "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" book signing?

No?

Well neither did I. BUT we do have a chance of getting a signed copy!

When The Provident Woman left a comment about her contest I had to let all of you in on it! Is this not the sweetest thing to do?

Click HERE to reach her site. Then click the picture on the right sidebar.

Guess what else is included with the signed copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks book! A T-Shirt that The Pioneer Woman gives away at each signing.

Just think.......if you win.....you get everything without standing in line for a zillion hours!

Good luck!

xo

Camera 101

2009-12-04T11:33:00.007-06:00

Just exactly when did cameras become so complex?

I picked up a digital camera a few years back and once I figured out how to use it I love it....expecially the download aspect. No more running to the store and waiting forever for our pictures.

So far I've just stored my pictures on the computer, I haven't printed any of them but I will.

Today I was looking thru the pictures taken at Halle's birthday party. And I found this

*
*
*
*
*
*
and this

*
*
*
*
*
*
and this

What?????

Now I didn't take these pictures.......I handed my camera to a certain someone.......an adult certain someone who shall remain nameless!

Perhaps I should have tasted that punch!

xo

Canning is fun!

2009-11-29T09:12:00.006-06:00

My parents canned most of our food when I was growing up. And I have to tell you it spoils you!

Nothing tastes as good as home canned! Nothing!

I was not so fearless as my parents and the only thing I canned was green beans. But, oh, were they ever so good! And easy! At night I would listen for the little pop the lids made when they sealed. That will difinitely put a smile on your face.

If you like to can, or would like to start canning, you will love this!

Ball Blue Book of Preserving. But this isn't just any Ball Blue Book of Preserving.

This is the 100th anniversary edition of Ball Blue Book of Preserving. AND it's being given away at Suzanne's. All you have to do is leave a comment and let her know you would like to have the 100th anniversary edition of Ball Blue Book of Preserving. Or just say "I want the book"!

I'm late so hurry on over to Suzanne's. The giveaway ends at 9pm CST TODAY!

Good luck!

xo

FREE

2009-11-27T22:53:00.005-06:00

Free!

I love that word!

And I love all the free stuff that's floating around in the land of Internet!

I have so many of my favorite places listed in the left column that you may have missed my list of freebies so I've moved them up a bit. These are sites that give stuff away.......for free! And I just added two more sites that I found today.

So if you like to get free stuff check them out.

Have a great weekend!

xo

Don't forget

2009-11-21T12:18:00.005-06:00

to vote HERE for Suzanne today and every day.

If you haven't had a chance to meet Suzanne, and especially Clover, go HERE.

Here's the video she made for this job. Enjoy!

Good luck Suzanne! I hope you win cause you are the best of the finalists!

THIS IS IT

2009-11-17T10:37:00.006-06:00

The final round!

Who gets the job!

Remember Suzanne at Chickens In The Road!

and

WHY she's in the running for this job??

Go HERE to vote.

Your vote COUNTS! No matter what country you live in you can vote!!!!

Here's something each and every one of us can do to make a difference in someone's life!

Vote every day.....and more than once if you have access to more than one computer, it's allowed!!

Blessings to you all!

xo

Never wake the sleeping giant

2009-11-16T19:25:00.002-06:00

She looks so peaceful sleeping in the yard, like a baby. Wouldn't hurt a fly. Etc. etc. etc.

But looks can be very deceiving. I found this out the other day when she thought I had left, only I hadn't. And I came within a nano second of her ire.

When I opened the door, there she was, in the air, mouth open and a low growl!

In that nano second she realized it was me........

Her reflexes are so instant she was able to stop herself.

Me........I'm still trying to catch my breath!

xo

My watch dog

2009-11-15T17:30:00.002-06:00

That's her! Always on alert!

One Nation Under God

2009-11-11T11:34:00.002-06:00

In response to criticism of "One Nation Under God" Jon McNaughton did this incredible painting.

As you move your mouse over any person in the painting a description of that person will appear on the right side of your screen. (As you move your mouse...don't click.)

Also, as you move your mouse over Jesus Christ's garments you will find each piece explained.

Just below the painting is Jon's explaination. You may want to read this first.

Click here for Jon's painting.

xo

HR 3962

2009-11-09T14:49:00.003-06:00

If you would like to know how everyone voted on this health bill just click on the government link below.

HR 3962

Have a blessed day.

xo

A Heavenly Birthday

2009-11-08T00:05:00.003-06:00

Today is a celebration of Missy's heavenly birthday.

She's now tucked snugly between my birthday and her sisters' birthday.

We are celebrating her arrival into a place where the beauty and splendor is beyond our mortal words, thoughts or imaginations.

The wait for us to see Missy again is long but to her it will be a matter of hours as a year in heaven is equal to 1,000 years here on earth.

She is missed not only by her family but by all her neighbors, friends and acquaintances. Her sweet spirit was felt by all.

Happy heavenly birthday, Missy

We love you!

The rumors are true

2009-11-06T00:51:00.002-06:00

It really is expensive to eat out in NY City. When I first saw the receipt I thought it was a fake.....but no, it isn't.

Get ready for sticker shock.......and take a look at the tip!

Maybe this was Donald Trump's dinner :)

Take a peak at Waiter Rant....... oh, be sure you are sitting down!

xo

Three generations

2009-11-05T11:04:00.007-06:00

My oldest (by a few minutes) is a grandmother twice over. It's so much fun to see her in that role. From mother to "Nana".

And to see my oldest grandchild (by four days) loving on his two baby girls. He takes fatherhood very seriously. I can only imagine what it's going to be like when they are old enough to date. The thought just makes me smile.

Last Sunday I actually remembered to take my camera with me and caught this three generational picture. We have little Kyleigh with Auntie Michaela and Nana Jackie.

Kyleigh's wondering why her other Auntie took her bottle away.......the heck with being burped!

How to make foaming hand soap

2009-11-04T13:59:00.004-06:00

I like to keep hand soap next to my kitchen sink. But I don't. I just use the dish soap that's sitting there.

And yet, I like the foaming hand soap......how nice would that be sitting next to my sink. And even nicer if I could make my own!

Over time I looked around for the special containers needed and found them to be expensive which would defeat my purpose.

So I gave up on that idea.

Then one day I found myself at Walgreens thinking about how much I like foaming hand soap. And what the heck......why not just see if there was any foaming hand soap lurking on their shelves.

Well, this was my lucky day! For not only did I find foaming hand soap.......I found it on sale! On sale for ...........a little bit of nothing!!

Naturally I picked up this "little bit of nothing" and brought it home to live with me.
Then I started wondering just how long was it going to take to use up this "little bit of nothing". I mean......h..u..r..r..y......u..p! I want to make foaming hand soap!!

Finally it happened! The bottle was empty!

So I unscrewed the top, filled it with water to about the same point the soap was when I purchased the bottle (7.5 ozs).

I poured the water in a small bowl and added 3 tablespoons of liquid hand soap ( liquid dish soap works well also). I stirred this with a spoon then I poured this mixture back into the bottle and replaced the lid.

I let it sit for about ten minutes before I used it.

It works great!

And it's "cheap"!!

I love the feel of "cheap"!

xo

Reminder...giveaway tomorrow

2009-10-30T13:26:00.003-05:00

Don't forget..........Pumpkin Patch is having their drawing tomorrow.

If you haven't signed up hurry over, you have just enough time! And..... you just might win a great prize.

And......if you do....we'll all celebrate with you!

xo

Don't forget to vote!

2009-10-30T01:00:00.002-05:00

Go HERE to vote for Suzanne!

Your vote is very important and will help this single mom land a much needed job.

xo

Please help!

2009-10-29T07:37:00.005-05:00

Remember how good it feels when you can help someone! Just think how good it will feel to help someone, a very deserving someone, to get a job. This help will cost you zip! Zero! Nada! Well....it will cost five seconds. That's right....just five seconds....every day.

Suzanne who blogs Chickens In The Road is in the running for a paying job at SamE. She's a single mom living on a farm in WV. She's gone from last place to second and it's very close. Your daily vote does make a difference.

So please, everyone, check her out, and vote every day for this beautiful lady and her children.

xo

Born between 1925 and 1970?

2009-10-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

I'm prowling new blogs and came across this great read from Quilting Granny.

It is so true and what a life that was!

So if you were born between 1925 and 1970 take a peak at

Quilting Granny!

Have a blessed Sunday.

xo

Drawing October 31

2009-10-23T19:06:00.005-05:00

Once a week I go to the Quilters Club at the local community center. So far I've been doing my hand work and learning from the other quilters. They are so free with their knowlege and I'm finally ready to begin a quilt of my own.

So you can imagine my delight when I came across this drawing at Pumpkin Patch Primitive Quilt Shope !

Pumpkin Patch is giving away 27....yes!!......27.......fat quarters!

Just what I need for my first quilt!!

Drawing is October 31st so hurry on over and sign up. If you don't quilt I bet you know someone who does and what a great gift this would make. (So all my friends and relatives who do not quilt........ sign up and if you win......you know who to send it to! ) (Can you tell how much I want this??? lol)

Have a blessed day!

xo

Perfect?

2009-09-27T09:29:00.002-05:00

No, nor did I expect to be. I had chili in my frig!

My new life style started Friday. The big question was what to do with the chili sitting in my frig. And since I love my homemade chili I ate it! With crackers!

In this instance its combining starch and protein. A no no in this life style. But that's ok, I don't have to be perfect. And, besides, the chili is now gone!

My weight loss as of today is two pounds. Not bad for a new life style.

And I am encouraged! I am empowered! I can do this!

Oh, oh! This is taco day! Protein plus starch! Oh, no!

xo

Diet or Life Style

2009-09-24T13:45:00.005-05:00

We all diet to lose weight, right? I’ve tried it, many times. I always give it up because its hard and boring.

When I tried Weight Watchers I attended the meetings. We walk in the door, the lady signs us in right there at that HUGE scale. There we all weigh in, right in front of everyone. I hated that. Then on to the meeting.

I found the meetings BORING! It was ALL about sweets. I’m not a sweet eater so it didn’t help me at all. I did come away with one good idea and that was the FREE soup. Meaning, you can eat all the soup you want and its not counted on the diet.
The soup consisted of canned Tomato Juice and all the vegs you wanted to add. This was just fine except the juice is full of salt. I countered this by adding a lot of water.

There was another diet I tried of which I cannot remember the name. Each food was given a number and you were only allowed a certain number per day. This lasted one day.

So diets are out for me.

My younger brother has changed his eating habits and tells us he’s not on a diet, it’s a life style. I like that. I can do that. So I’m going to change my life style.

I did this “life style” many years ago, it worked and I felt great the entire time. Then “life” got in the way and I got lazy (meaning fast food) and away went the “life style”. It’s a Fit For Life life style. I’m going to do it again, slowly. I may take a step or two back but isn’t that what life is all about.

The premise is this.

Eat fruit from morning to noon. Noon to evening eat vegs. Evening have your protein but no starch or eat starch and no protein.

You will be surprised at how different you feel if you do not eat protein and starch together. After I have my steak (in my dreams, lol) and a baked potato I am so sleepy I can hardly function. Think of that Thanksgiving dinner. I mean, don’t we all nap after that one?

Our bodies function at it’s highest by scheduling food intake in this manner.
The reason:

Noon to 8pm…..eating and digestion
8pm to 4am…….absorption and use
4am to noon…….elimination

Want to get rid of toxins…..this will do it, anyway it certainly did for me.

See how easy this is. Eat when hungry, eat what our body needs at that time of day.
What to drink? It certainly IS NOT coca-cola, which I love!

Distilled water is recommended. This will be easy for me as I dislike the taste of tap water and bottled water is expensive.

So a change in Life Style is at hand. Not today…….tomorrow……today I had that beloved coke!

2009-09-17T01:48:00.000-05:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

What Chicago really thinks about America

2009-09-14T15:11:00.001-05:00

Mom of 9

2009-09-05T23:13:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure how I found mom of 9's place. Most likely it was on some one's favorite list and, being intrigued by the number 9, I clicked on over to check her out.

Mom's opening page is long and chock full of topics so when you visit be sure to scroll down and check them out. You'll be glad you did.

On one of her topics "Beauty Secrets" she writes about Rachel (Gen. 29:17). I've only looked at Rachel in terms of "unbelief" and "impatience". But there's so much more to Rachel than this.

I also found the following and since I don't want to lose it......I post it!

Beauty tips for everyone

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,reclaimed and redeemed and redeemed ... never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover you have two hands: one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.

Have a safe and blessed holiday!

Awesome Lightening

2009-09-01T23:03:00.002-05:00

I love thunderstorms! The lightening......thunder.....rain.....all of it!

Take a look HERE .....for some truly awesome lightening pics!

xo

Showing our gratitude

2009-08-28T18:40:00.000-05:00

Attention Stampers

2009-08-28T15:07:00.003-05:00

Sign up for a great contest going on at Fave Crafts.

They are giving away one set of Folk Art Metallic Pearl Inkpads in three colors.
The shimmering ink is acid-free and water based, perfect for scrapbooking or homemade cards.

Hurry on over! Someone has to win and it may as well be you! (or me!)

http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/Metallic-Pearl-Inkpads-Giveaway

xo

Inside a tornado

2009-08-24T08:07:00.003-05:00

I came across this video of a couple of storm chasers who decided they wanted to experience the inside of a tornado. Everyone else left the scene but these crazy guys stayed put.

http://www.tornadovideos.net/

This is on the front page so I'm not sure how long it will be here.

Enjoy and I hope you NEVER have a first hand experience!

Are you sure it's August?

2009-08-21T10:42:00.002-05:00

The hottest month of the year?

I've opened the windows to air out the house, my favorite thing to do. There's a nice breeze flowing thru.

Unfortunately.......it's c..o..l..d..! I've put on my sweats!

Is this really August?

xo

If they can't get tax on gasoline they'll

2009-08-19T19:03:00.003-05:00

Tax your bicycle.

That's right....bicycles!

The kind that kids and adults ride.

Isn't there news everywhere saying we have to quit using gas...walk, ride your bike...whatever.

Just heard this news from Topeka, Kansas.

If you ride an unlicensed bicycle you will get a $10 ticket and $76 court costs. Thats $86 for riding your bike.

That's one way to take the fun out of bike riding.

Steal the click

2009-08-16T13:18:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to everyone that's been clicking on the free food.

Please feel free to add the two icons to your web site.

It will go a long way in gettng free food to those in need.

Have a blessed Sunday!

xo

Doesn't cost you a thing

2009-08-12T12:07:00.002-05:00

If you're a giving person you will love the two icons I've added on the left.

They are both free to you unless your time is worth more than a few seconds.

The first donotes free food to the hungry.

The second donotes free food to rescued animals.

No money is exchanged.

No information is requested.

Just a few seconds of your time.

Got time?

xo

Family Taco Day

2009-08-02T14:39:00.004-05:00

Today is Sunday which translate to Taco Day. One of the things my kids loved was having Tacos on Sunday. Tacos being our favorite food :)

We keep this tradition going as much as possible and today is........Family Taco Day!

When Tricia and I get together at her house I am treated to Chili's Chicken Fajitias and I get mine with Pico De Gallo. I love that stuff!

I thought I would try to make up my own so I went on line and sure enough there was a recipe for Chili's Pico De Gallo! What luck and how simple!

This is my version after being in the frig for a couple of hours.....it'll be gone before dinner is over!

I used Chili's recipe except I didn't measure. I doubt if any of you will either :)

Chili's Pico De Gallo

1/2 Cup Onion diced

2T Cilantro chopped

l/2 Cup Tomato diced

Diced Jalipano...add by taste

Mix and serve.

Can't get any easier than that!

Have a blessed Sunday :)

Today's funnies

2009-08-01T13:44:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers is Jill. She keeps me laughing and has some of the most beautiful pictures of nature. I find them beautiful because they usually include one or more four legged creatures.

Today (she posts every day so if you check her out after today you'll want to scroll down to August 1) she posted some pictures a friend sent her. You will definitely get a laugh out of these.

Click here and have a good laugh!

Have a great weekend!

xo

Lovin the weather!

2009-07-31T11:34:00.004-05:00

It was so nice out yesterday that I opened all the windows and with the slight breeze coming in I had to put on sweats! Loved it!

Last night everything was quiet, except for the loud chirping, and I thought I was back on the farm :) No city noise whatsoever and city folks know how unusual that is.

It will be about 15 degrees warmer today but until then....the windows are open, slight breeze flowing in, a hound dog is braying (don't you just love their special bark) and the crickets are cricketing, and the birds are talking up a storm!

It's just soooooooooo beautiful today!

xo

The end of July

2009-07-30T11:58:00.002-05:00

For years all we've heard is "global warming". Well, it's the end of July, it's 70 degrees with a slight breeze, and I'm ready to put on my sweats.

I'm cold.

The A/C is off.

The plus......$ saved :)

Have a blessed day and enjoy......no matter what the weather may be :)

xo

My Garden

2009-07-29T20:56:00.005-05:00

Of all the vegs in my garden tomatoes are the ones I wanted the most.

I planted garlic, several different pepper plants and two different tomato plants.

I picked up Organic Soil For The Garden because.....well.....organic is suppose to be the best.....right?

After planting all my vegs in this Organic Soil I happen to see the back of the bag which stated it was not for containers and had to be mixed in the ground. Complete opposite of the front of the bag....the side everyone can see.

As I am planting all my vegs I'm having this conversation with me, myself and I that if nothing else grows I'll be very happy just to have tomatoes.

And that's exactly what I got.......tomatoes! Which is a real wonder since everything else died in this Organic Soil.

The plants are growing everywhere....the stakes failed....so over the top of the tires and onto the ground.....everywhere....my plants are growing and producing.

I've got to tell ya....these are the best tasting tomatoes....EVER!!

I'm a happy gardener...even if it is only tomatoes!

Angel Food Code

2009-07-28T11:08:00.004-05:00

Someone left this comment on Angel Food. I didn't check it out as I do not order online.

"Just to give you a heads up there is a coupon code floating around. It is good only for online ordering, but it takes 10% off a "signature box" of Angel Food. The coupon is "10sig98" and is good until August 31st. Hope this helps."

Thanks Anonymous, every little bit helps.

In my area that adds up to a gallon of milk at the grocery store.

Have a blessed day my friends :)

xo

A LOUD BOOM

2009-07-27T16:24:00.004-05:00

Remember this? My favorite kitchen equipment :) I like it so much I've been looking for two more to give to my kids. Unfortunately I bought the last one a long time ago......can't find another anywhere.

It's especially great when I want an egg on my salad. Just put a little water in it, add the egg, put the lid on, set the timer and before I get my salad made I have a hard boiled egg!

Until today.

Evidently I put the wrong time in, or it was just plain wore out.

As I'm fixing my salad there was a huge explosion in my microwave. Scared the you know what out of me!

My egg cooker exploded along with the egg. Water dripping down the counter.

I wonder if my microwave died along with it?

This is what keeps life interesting :)

A touch of heaven

2009-07-24T21:43:00.002-05:00

It's late and I'm hungry........really, really hungry.

It's hot and I don't want to cook.....let alone eat anything on the heavy side.

What could possibly be better than home grown vegees? With Ranch Dressing.....not just any Ranch Dressing.....but Ranch Dressing with vegees!

Oh, soooo good!

Just dip those home grown vegees in some new (and improved) Ranch Dressing!

A little touch of heaven......

xo

Angel Food

2009-07-24T20:37:00.003-05:00

It's that time of the month and Angel Food Ministries has posted their August menu. Something new added this month.......specials can now be purchased with or without purchasing one of the main menu boxes. Quite a few people were wanting to order just the specials so this is a good thing :)

To check out the August menu click HERE.

It just keeps getting better and better :)

xo

Bananas the easy way

2009-07-21T13:52:00.002-05:00

I've never met a banana that I didn't love :)

Not only do they taste good, no matter how you fix them, but they are good for you.

Although........sometimes..........and that sometimes can turn into every time......bananas can be hard to peal. I've ended up with some mashed bananas that way.

YouTube to the rescue! What would we ever do without YouTube?

How to open a banana like a monkey and never, ever, have a mashed banana :)

Yes it is!!

2009-07-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Greatest Play in Baseball

2009-07-13T00:01:00.002-05:00

Thanks Jim for sharing this one!

Have a blessed week every one :)

xo

Crafty Bloggers

2009-07-08T19:14:00.002-05:00

So many of my favorite bloggers are quite crafty. They are always coming up with something new........or something old.

Many of the items I would never attempt.......at least not yet.

But....

There is one item I've decided to try my hand at.

Home made laundry soap.

It sounds so easy, so few ingredients, and its cheap.

I've got the ingredients and then I realized.......I don't have an old pot to put it in.
I certainly don't want to go buy a new pot, nor do I want to use any of my cooking pots since I use all of them in the winter time.

I think it's time to check out the Goodwill and Salvation Army......perhaps Big Lots have some cheap pots.

I'll check out the garage sales as I roll along, surely someone has some super cheap pots to make soap in.

I tell ya, this is going to be some fun :)

xo

Children are so funny!

2009-07-07T21:13:00.002-05:00

Tennessee Ernie Ford.....remember him?

This is a clip showing Ernie and his children. They will crack (what an old slang word that is with a new meaning in this day and age) you up!!

Kindle

2009-07-07T18:54:00.004-05:00

When the Kindle came on the scene I couldn't see what all the fuss was about.

I love books..........and go into any library and you can just smell that wonderful aroma of books :) Growing up I loved the library.....I could spend all day there, every day, if I could.

So when the Kindle came on the scene I had absolutely no interest in same. I also wondered why anyone would want a Kindle over a book. Seriously :)

A while back I took advantage of free downloadable books. I did this only because they were free. Who wants to read books off the computer.......that was my thought at the time but.....as I say....they were free.......who can turn down free :)

I also thought the print would be so small that I would have mega trouble reading them.

Much to my surpirse I found I could zap the print to a size I could easily see! So....I read a book from my computer and loved it. So much so that I thought I would check out the Kindles. Perhaps they weren't so bad after all......I could slip it into my purse and any time I was at a "boring" place (like in the dentist's waiting room) I could pull out my Kindle and read a great book. Something more interesting than the magazines.

So I started to look into getting a Kindle.

Surely they can't be all that expensive.

After all they've been around for a while.

A long while.

And prices always come down after some time.

Ummmmmmm

No!

$359.00

I don't think so!

xo

A real blast!

2009-07-05T10:22:00.002-05:00

I sat on my porch last night and watched the huge display put on by my neighbors. There's just something this year that has hit the hearts of everyone and they showed it by their "over the top" fireworks :)

My sweet Miss C (my choc. lab) was calm thru it all. I'm not saying she particularly liked it but it didn't send her into any fear mode. She even came to the front door and sat while I was outside watching the fun :)

Everyone else in my family was at one of the many concerts going on. It was all family oriented so the kids attended with their parents. At one time I would not have missed a great concert but.......now.......I enjoy the comforts of air conditioning way too much, lol :)

Hope you enjoyed your 4th celebration as much as I did. We have so much to be thankful for :)

xo

New makes a huge difference

2009-07-03T07:37:00.002-05:00

I replaced my Maytag refrigerator this week. Not because I wanted to but because I had to. It was ten years old and stopped working properly at five. For some unknown reason every time I buy a Maytag of anything it breaks down at year five. I've made some expensive repairs which didn't repair anything so I've babied it along these last five years.

Actually I thought very little about the problems......I just worked around them. I think we all do that with things we don't want to replace. Now that the new one is in and working the way all frigs should I realize what poor shape the Maytag was in.

The delivery men were very nice and in a round about way did me a big favor. I've been wanting a different type of storm door but since the one I have (which is all glass) has nothing wrong with it I've never made the change. While taking out the old and in with the new.......they damaged this door beyond repair. So now I'm thinking.........get the door you've been wanting all these years :)

The old furnace was replace the day after the frig and what a huge difference it's making! The temp is set and it rarely comes on. The new thermostat is programable.......and after seeing the look on my face the installer totally programed it for me :) Isn't today's technology grand, lol.

It's taken some time to get all this done but it has definitely been worth it.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

xo

Ice cubes can be helpful

2009-06-26T15:49:00.007-05:00

We had quite an electrical storm complete with wind. We lost our power so I ended up in the cool basement. I have an area that I've made into a living room.

So I got out the candles, picked out a good book, and got confortable.

When the electricity is out during a really hot day (the heat index was about 110) I am always concerned about the contents of my refrigerator. In the winter I can pack everything and set it outside......not so in the summer.

So, I always keep ice cubes in a container in the freezer. If the cubes melt and refreeze I know to throw everyting out. This is also a good idea when leaving town, one never knows if the electricity went out during that time.

Fortunately my cubes didn't melt :)

xo

P.S. There's a bill before the House right now. Many people are calling their Representatives, if they can't get thru at the DC level they are calling their local offices, to let them know NOT to vote for the Cap and Tax bill.

If this bill passes our utilites will increase 50 plus percent.

My utility provider has already warned their customers about the price increase because of this bill. Hope your provider let you know what to expect.

P.S.S. Another bill (1500 pages) passed without being read. 219 for, 212 against. Now we have to call our Senators, that is if you are against this bill.

The question is

2009-06-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

"Are women born this way"?

I think so :)

xo

IT WAS LOST AND NOW IT'S FOUND!

2009-06-18T19:27:00.009-05:00

I can't believe it! I tell you....I....CAN'T.....BELIEVE......IT!!!

I found my little red recipe box!!!

This box is 35 years old and has all my old recipes in it!

I am replacing the furnace and must get my basement organized again so the people can have a clear path way to and from the furnace. So I am going thru all the boxes in the basement. This is an excellent time to get rid of stuff I no longer use or want. I'm on my last box and what do I find??!!

My little red recipe box! In the very last box! Isn't that the way it always is?

I am sooooo delighted!

I'm finding my old favorite receipes! It's like finding an old friend! (And my friends are looking their age, lol)

This Family Supper Casserole was one of many of my girls favorites. I remember it well.....it was soooo good!

This bread receipe was our favorite! I loved making home made bread!

Raisin Spice Cookies! YUM! The girls loved these....made them a lot in the winter time!

Another YUM!

I am so glad to find this recipe for Hamburger Summer Sausage. This stuff is soooo good. A beautiful lady I worked with gave me this receipe. She made this up for us every Christmas and since we all begged big time she gave us the recipe!

I guess you can tell how excited I am to find all my old, old recipes! I can't wait to start cooking them up again......what fun......what memories!

Have a blessed day, my friends!

P.S. I just can't believe I actually found my little old red recipe box, lol.

Kyleigh

2009-06-12T22:51:00.003-05:00

This is the sweetest picture of Kyleigh :)

I think she's signing to us......."Hey, Mom! Dad! I can hear much better now!"

Twit, Twit, Twitter!

2009-06-08T09:43:00.003-05:00

Twitter is all abuz now. It's so important that all the news media, talk show hosts, (my goodness the list is never ending) are all talking about it!

I would love to twitter........be on top of the lastest craze.......BUT......I haven't figured out how to do it. So I just read twitter :)

Rechelle, the country doctor's wife, is such a hoot to read :) She posted this short video about Twitter....I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much a I did.

Have a great Monday!

xo

Kyleigh

2009-06-04T14:58:00.005-05:00

I was so busy loving on this new baby and her sister that I didn't take more than a couple of pictures. It was only at the time of downloading my camera did I realize I did this.

So here we are with Mama Linsey and Halle kissing her baby sis, Kyleigh. Halle is crazy about her little sister. It rather surpised me as to how often she would come to her and give her kisses on her little head. Looks like she's going to be like her Grandma Jackie and Aunt Tricia.

Isaiah was spending the day. He thought it was really nice having some time to himself.......after all he's the only boy now in a house full of girls. Noisy, bossy girls at that!

He spent quite a bit of time teaching Halle his favorite game. They did take a second so I could take their picture. Oh, what cuties they are!

Next time I must remember to take more pictures!

Hey Denise :) I just saw your comment, lol. I'm rather late, that's for sure.

And your point is.....

2009-06-01T11:18:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's spring......probably the busiest time of year, what with trying to put in a garden, keeping the deer at arm's length, getting the lawn mowed, keeping a sweet, loveable dog confined, catching up on all the things I haven't been able to do but now I can, to a point.

So, why haven't I posted?

In reality, I sit down and can't find a thing to say.

Like, how is the garden doing? Well.....fine when you consider I'm using the wrong soil.

And how about the deer? That's working.......until they decide to visit my yard.

And that loveable dog? If the neighbors would stop feeding her she wouldn't mind staying home. She loves to lay in front of the walk and sun bathe........til she smells her treats via the loveable neighbors :) She has lost five pounds since I asked the neighbors to stop feeding her. (They didn't stop, they just don't give her as much as they had been.)

There.....you are now officially caught up on the news.

Tomorrow.....pictures.......of the new baby........and her sister......and their mother.

And while I am at it I just might add a picture or two of their grandmother Jackie :)

Have a blessed day, my friends!

xo

Monday's Bouquet

2009-05-18T15:12:00.002-05:00

The rain has vanished for a while. Here's a wide variety of flowers for our enjoyment this beautiful Monday.

Blessings :)

Before The Storm

2009-05-16T16:48:00.010-05:00

We had another big storm coming our way yesterday so I thought I would take some pictures of my little garden before it hit. Just in case I needed to remind myself what it looked like......

You know....... before the heavy rain..... and before the hail..... and before the tornado that might or might not hit. You know.....all that fun stuff :)

This is my tire loaded with my pea plants. No peas........no buds......just plants. I planted them 2 inches apart, just like the directions said. Perhaps I should have spaced them a little farther apart but heck.......I planted them in the wrong kind of soil so it shouldn't matter much.

This is one of my tomato plants. I don't think it cares much for it's home. Not the right kind of soil.....don't ya know.

These are my pepper plants. They appear to like their new home :)

Say hello to my garlic plants! They were planted in the wrong soil also and since I've never had garlic plants before I'm not sure if they like their new home or not. Looks like I need to do a little weeding there, lol.

My stick of an Apple tree is making a come back! (The deer had taken a big bite off the top and left only one tiny bud.)

Those are my "just in case pictures" I took yesterday.

This afternoon I took my trusty little camera out to see how my garden withstood the onslaught of rain we had yesterday.

LOOK what I found! A bud.....on a pea plant! I can hardly believe it! I'm holding my breath! Can it be??

AND check out my Apple tree! There's lots of new leaves since yesterday! I can hardly believe it :)

AH! The joys of gardening......