Good Eats and Treats

Hi Sweet readers!

It's the day after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...... wait.......after lunch today some creatures were stirring.......

Miss Abbie got a new blanket for Christmas!

She even meditated on it today.

Before you get excited about the pattern.....I didn't knit it!  I found this blanket in ivory at a junkin store for 3 bucks. No stains or tears. It is perfect. I couldn't even buy the yarn for that so this is her present along with snackie treats this year.

On  Christmas Eve, she was rocking this for a few.......

She froze for about 15 minutes in one position so we took it off. :)

 

 

 

A big baked ham, cut in slices by the Mr. and I cut up some fresh sweet potatoes to make into a scrumptious sweet potato soufflé.

The recipe is simple but absolutely like dessert.

You bake it at 350.

While oven is preheating, cut up about 8 sweet potatoes after peeling them and washing. Slice and put in a pot on the stove top to boil for about 20 minutes. Drain them. Use enough sweet potatoes for 3 cups.
In a separate bowl put the well drained cooked sweet potatoes in, 2 tablespoons of vanilla flavoring, 2 eggs, 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 stick of softened butter.
Use electric mixer and mix well.
Pour into a large casserole dish. I use a clear one.
Then in a smaller bowl make the topping.
Put in this bowl, 1/3 cup of all purpose flour, 1cup of brown sugar, 2 cups of chopped pecans and 1/2 stick of very soft butter. I use the mixer again to make a crumbly topping.
Then pour the sweet potato part in the casserole dish, take a large spoon and just pour the pecan topping  by big spoonfuls on the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes.
For the last 5 minutes remove and put small marshmellows on top then put back in oven for 5 minutes until light golden brown.

 

And watch it fly off the stove.

 

 

Acorn squash steamed. Of course you eat the inner part and it's sooooooooo good. The first time I ate these were when I met my hubbie.

 

 

I also cooked some seasoned green beans.

Tiny buttered Southern tea biscuits....this was what was left of 12.

 

And today putting away all the Christmas décor into closets and cleaning up the mess afterward of just taking it easy yesterday.

 

Gathering all the Christmas stuff from our tree was easy. I just had a 3 foot silver tree out.

Pick it up and into the closet!

 

 

Although the tree was small, we had many blessings to be thankful for.

 

I made some progress on my "girly" thick scarf.

 

I'm using number 13 glass straights.

 

 

A little sparkle to go into the Winter months. I don't know why I'm doing this scarf in sections but I have. I think these will be the middle and then the ends will be chuncky lace sections.

 

Tonight working on some cross stitch while watching The Waltons, and then another long Winter's nap.

 

I hope you had a cozy Christmas too,

Jennifer

 

 

 

 

Twisted Tuesday~~~a Twist for Lemons

Some days I have deep introspection and retrospection. I awoke out of a dream three nights in a row now, dreaming about my dad, my daughter and my son, all in separate dreams. It's funny how there are some things in life that are for certain. Like love. God's love. A mother's unconditional love. (and taxes and death) but in simple processes such as releasing items that remind me of good memories from the past, it's really hard, but in time, necessary. I have clung to hope as most do. Never, ever give up hope.

Although I think our lives are lived in thirds, maybe fourths for those fortunate, I can't believe I'm in the 50-85 age group that TV commercials advertise things for. It's actually, mind-blowing when I think about how time flies so fast. I think of how I can spend the last third to make the most difference in the world and bless others. I am in no way perfect but I do have love to give.

This blog means a lot to me for sharing our interests, our hopes, our dreams, our lives and, because for example, it connects me to my adult children. There is a connection in the heart that forgives, but never forgets. Well, in most people who have a loving heart. I know when I see Olympia, Washington on the ticking at the bottom that my daughter must be thinking of me or she would not be drawn to this blog still.

It stumps my mind how people who say they love you, yet, do not show any love at all and honestly I've come to learn a lesson that some people, just cannot receive love. They don't think they are worth it, which is such a waste when they could be releasing that love. I know from experience it takes more energy to hold love in. This I know for sure.

Tuesday Twisted thoughts:

:: A parent's love, never goes away. It's there for the taking. It's a deep connection that no one can ever take away no matter what.

:: You have to BE a parent before to understand the first thought.

:: Giving away things, doesn't mean giving away love.

:: Money can't buy love

:: Love comes in many forms during life. It's whether we recognize it sent from God or not that makes the difference. And man, does it ever make our journey better when we recognize it's from God.

:: God gave us a guide on what real love is in the Bible. No one of us is perfect, but all of us have free will to follow that kind of love or turn their back on it.

:: I choose to follow that kind of love in Corinthians. At this age, I've learned to grab the real love and to remember the lessons I learned from the fake love given to me in the past.

:: God puts people, key people, in our life in answer to prayer and seeking the truth, for protection, for hugs, and for the kind of love that is genuine.

:: I'm glad I recognized that love from a real God-driven man the day after Christmas 2011. It was so different, so welcomed, so blessed, so refreshing, so comforting and so real.

:: There is no man or woman that can take the love I have for my son and my daughter away from me. No one can take away the memories of raising them, loving them, protecting them, birthing them, rocking them to sleep, keeping them warm, and hugged.

:: I am blessed to have dreams about my son and daughter where they tell me they love me, because only HE understands that hole in the heart that is put there when your children choose to cut you away like a stranger.  God knows the timing when we need to be reminded and it wakes me with a smile in the mornings. In the meantime, we are stretching and growing our patience and our hearts.

Today was one of those awakening days from a night full of sleep, not knowing why, but having dreams about my family. I thank God for those nights when he gives those dreams to me to help me remember that real love.

I'm blessed to wake up to a very understanding husband, who shows the love in his heart, which shines then to reflect in my own. I have good days and bad days with dealing with some trauma I have been through in life but it's remembering the real love that I've been blessed with that grounds me back.

Today, with all the cold wind and the assuredness of Winter coming on, I'm approaching the Winter season of my life too. I am prepared with the help of my Father God. He knows what is in store and he already knows how our lives will be lived. I hope that I live the rest of my life with the strength, the love, and the joy He gives me. Only for the taking if we want it.

 

I put a note on the side bar if you want to be a prayer partner. It's something that I've felt led to do. There are so many including myself and everyone who go through things and sometimes feel alone, when we are not. God explains about a cord of three strands in the Bible.

 

I so want to go on a medical missions for a long time now but with finances I just cannot do it. My heart has been pulling at this for a year. One day I believe I will be able to.

For now, I wish to start a prayer group, stitchers or not and I will be making a FB page for this. Through the holiday season especially, it's very hard and depression can worsen for many people. Do not feel alone.   I will post daily encouragements briefly and prayer requests can be left and praise reports. It's a closed group on FB but if you want to join it's pretty simple.

 

Trust me, I love to read encouraging thoughts and I know this is something that can make a difference to both of us. To all of us, all over the world.

 

As we enter this season of family and good-eats, and memories, let us seek peace and good-will just as we would expect from others. The Golden Rule is the best if we could only strive for it.

 

 Although I know deep inside, I'm not all I should be, THANK GOD, I'm not where I USED to be!

 

Just click on my pic below and it will take you to

 

Daily Sunshine Tea

 

This is a closed group but I welcome all new members!

 

Daily Sunshine Tea

Life is 1/2 unsweet lemonade and 1/2 sweet tea. This is the recipe for a most refreshing drink I frequently have for my lunch. There is actually a restaurant where you can order Sunshine Tea in Augusta Ga. I ate there for lunch for years until I moved up in the mountains. I couldn't think of a better name for a positive group. See you over there!!!  A small drink a day will refresh you!

 

Jennifer

Well, hello Wednesday!

Wednesday is here and almost gone. Few stitches in the sampler because it was a beautful, sunny day in the mountains. I had a million and one errands to run today and trying to get organized. Fixing to settle in after a good dinner AND fresh strawberries with pound cake.  One more thing is walking 2 miles. It's helped me sleep and feel better.
Then coming back to continue on stitching while watching the Casey Anthony trial updates. I think it's going to take 3 weeks to pick jurors for this case but I'm ready to see justice for Calee.

I will post a progress pic tonight later!!!! The row of flowers on the sampler is looking good!

Till then, stay safe, cool, and ever so peaceful........

North Georgia Mountains---many adventures just outside the homestead

Mr. Darcy and I had a great day off together. I feel so blessed to live in the North Georgia mountains. It's rich in history, many a junkin' store to walk through, many locals and tourists to meet and it's never but a very short drive from the homestead almost right in the back yard to see many quiet spots. 

 

God created the Earth so beautiful and to enjoy. And so on Wednesday we did just that. With an agenda, yet some serendipity on my part, for the day's adventures, Mr. Darcy and I had alot of fun, rest and relaxation, good exercise hiking and making memories, holding hands and conversation of which is always comforting.

 

Here are a few of our pics from our stop at Anna Ruby Falls which is very close to the homestead.

The Captain Nichols back in the day attended one of the churchs we go to and worship. Can you imagine him riding his horse and finding all this beauty?

 

The day was cloudy and overcast and we were just in the nick of time for no rain. But when we reached the large falls, the cool mountain mist was so refreshing peppering my face.

 

 

 

This tree we saw was growing on a huge rock. It had twisted and turned, acclimating itself, drawing water and nutrients and making roots in a rock.

 

 

Speaking of the rock.........this is my rock. :P

 

 

yes he's  Bulldog fan!

 

 

 

This water looked almost inviting for play but believe me, the water from here is cold. No matter what time of year!

 

 

Last time I went to the Falls, it was a dry season, but this time, the water was rushing and filling every gap. The sound so comforting, the mist so refreshing.

 

 

Half way up the mountain, I took a rest.

 

 

 

Those boots were a gift from Christmas and Country Outftters. They were worn specifically because all up and down he hike are signs that warn of Copperheads and rattlesnakes. Not my friends.

Mr. Darcy wanted to take pics here.

 

 

In the above pic, you can see in the distance the big Falls.

 

 

The Falls have two sides and huge. We didn't get a pic of both, wish we did but Mr Darcy did like it. This was his first time there. I've been here many times.

 

 

At the gift shop at the end, I thought this was a fox but they had it labeled as a racoon. Confused me.

 

 

Much of the streams and area are undisturbed. They do not remove trees that are fallen because they believe the natural habitat benefits all kinds of critters.

 

 

It was really the perfect temp of a day to hike here.

 

 

 

After the hike back, we went riding through the mountains and stopped to eat some really good fried chicken and veggies and dessert to fill us up!  We were hungry!

 

 

Then we roamed through a junkin/antique store which had quite the library of old books.

I got a hardback copy of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

 

 

There's just something about reading it from a hardback and not the Kindle. Plus there were pics in it randomly.

 

 

I felt the serenity of the many walks taken in the Jane Austen books after the walk with my loving husband. Now to read, on my back porch again of all the Jane Austen flair will be awesome.

 

I have started a good part of the way now on a late Summer shawl with my circular needles.

 

 

Here are the colors. 3 full skeins for a shawlette.

 

 

 

I've made a couple of dropped places but knit group is not far away and I hope someone can help me fix it!

 

Needle size# 11 Knitpics Dreamz ( LOVE)

32 in circulars

 

Following no pattern but my own simple fly- by- the- seat -of- my pants-- hope- it- looks- good approach.

 

Cross stitch designs are flittering around the desk and soon I will be offering another freebie to pay it forward for your stitchy fingers.

 

I am almost finished with a summer scarf for one mother's day project and I have one more to go so I best get busy.

 

Purl of Wisdom~~~ Thank God for the colors of nature. The palette of Spring gives us all free pleasure at taking in a fresh new approach.

 

 

Till later,

Jennifer

 

How Great Thou Art~~hymn series sampler

 

 

Today is a day of rest and it's a good one already. This morning I woke up and cooked thick peppered bacon and fried eggs for sandwiches while Abbie drooled at the stove.

 

This church reminds me of many here in the South in the Bible belt, especially out in the rural areas of North Ga mountains. Choirs belt out there praises. Congregations are cordial and inviting and dinner on the ground is not a foreign concept here.

 

I think this hymn speaks volumes to praise for our God. I designed How Great Thou Art sampler in a hymn series soon to be released.

 

 

I hope that your Sunday is peaceful, safe, hopeful, and filled with warm sunshine!

 

 

I believe today is going to be a good day.

 

Purl of wisdom~~ Take one day at a time. God is great and He knows the big picture.

My Cornflower Blue Superwash Wool Serendipity Style

While on a work trip this week, I had time to visit this shop in the DC area:

 

Looped Yarn Works

 

http://loopedyarnworks.com/

 

It was a hopping joint, and happy place by many young folks, that's for sure! It sure made me do a happy dance.

Knitting touches all the senses in the texture of yarns, the colors, the type of yarn, etc.

It was certainly a candy store for me and I took all the beautiful colors in and dreamed and drooled.

 

I have found Ravelry website and love this site as many knitters do. There are so many free patterns and I"m itching to make a summer shawl.

 

I was shocked to see many men in the shop and also alot of college kids.

 

I had tucked in my bag for the plane ride some 100% wool superwash yarn I had in my stash. It was discounted and I got 2 skeins, not even realizing what I would do with it. I have since (in music terminology) ad lib, and made up things as I went along.

 

I've learned lessons such as stockinette stitch blocks will certainly curl the edges by themselves and even if separated with garter stitch, they curl as well.

 

 The color is a yummy Cornflower Blue.

 

The only pics I can take are with my phone so please bear with it.

 

playing with increasing and decreasing and such, making some eyelets....no pattern.

 

 

still not blocked yet. It really looks good when stretched out a little.

 

then today.............. to here with some texture changes......................

 

 

and yes it's curling......I kinda like it this way.

I plan to double this length. I have one more skein in this lot number and brand.

 

 

just alternating stockinette blocks with garter blocks. I have a silver round scarf ring to use with it or without it.

 

 

 Stay warm. It's VERY cold here this week!

 

Dinner was a scrumptious Maryland Clam Chowder with bread and butter. Perfect for a cold night like this. More work in women's heatlh research all weekend. Just breaking up the time with some stitching so my left and right brain are both equally stimulated :0

 

Till later..............

The Christmas Child Wonder sampler

 

Only 11 days till Christmas left!

 

Shopping done yet??

 

All those gifts wrapped and ready???

 

Well, I designed another Christmas sampler called The Christmas Child Wonder. To be added to Feathers in the Nest shop soon.

 

 

 

It's time for a cuppa hot chocolate now.  We are enjoying the fireplace, a little cuddling, and watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel! One day I'll stitch up some of these myself. :o

 

Yawning.....

 

Jennifer

A Super Sweet December weekend

When I was a wee, little girl, Christmas time was always the best. We struggled like many folks and I remember that all our trees were "real" and several times I went with my dad to go out in the woods somewhere and we would pick out a tree together. If I liked one bigger, he would climb way to the top and cut the top of it off for the tree. As I grew older we bought trees or an artificial one but never would they replace those wispy ones from the woods we put in a bucket inside.

 

This is me. All giddy on Christmas Eve with my brother in matching pjs. I used to think that was so neat. We got one pair like that right before Christmas for a pic under the tree. I was 5 years old here and had made a Santa and proud to put his limp self with cotton balls and all right under the tree for Santa to see when he came to put the presents around!

 

Of course back then, mama put alot of icicles on the tree and as I grew older, she let me put them on there. I think then she would go back and even them out. :o

 

Those were the simple times.

 

 I guess my love for crafting came very early in life even way before this when I got put in the time out chair in kindergarten for playing with my crayons when I was supposed to be listening.

 

This weekend, Mr. Darcy and I went to a lovely, huge Christmas party and danced till we couldn't anymore. We had so much fun. The food was overflowing, the music was good too.

 

So, today I've been getting a little out of the village and decorating a bit. I'll show you some pics later but here are a few sneak peaks. We even got a pic with Santa but I don't have it with me right now.

 

 

 

more of the village when I get finished with it. It honestly takes a good 2-3 hours of set up.

I used a different "snow" this year. I so miss the other kind but couldn't find it in stores so I basically used the poly stuff.

 

 

 

On the baking front, Mr. Darcy likes yellow cake with chocolate frosting so in between decorating,

I made up one. The frosting recipe is from a Better Homes and Garden cookbook.

It's a Chocolate Butter Frosting.

 

simple to make and oh so rich!

 

it made enough for extra cupcakes if you whip it up though....I was licking beaters and bowls until I was about sick.

The one piece was mine till he gets home. Yes, I'm a pig. :P

 

 

Our Hoosier cabinet makes a great place to put sweets for the week.

 

the recipe for the frosting is:

 

Chocolate Butter Frosting

 

takes about 30 minutes to make, 20 if you are quick

 

this yields 4 and 1/2 cups of frosting!!!!!!  They say enough for one layered cake. I say enough for 2.

 

3/4 cup of sweet butter softened

 

2 pounds of powdered sugar (in a 2lb large bag)

 

1/2 -3/4 cup of milk ( I used canned evaporated milk as I was out of regular)

 

2 tablespoons of vanilla

 

3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey's and a bit more to taste)

 

In an extra large mixing bowl beat butter (softened) with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add the powdered cocoa. Beat in 2/3 cup or so of milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in remaining sugar ( LOTS). Beat in additional milk to reach spreading consistency.

To frost a 13 x 9 inch flat cake, halve the recipe.

 

Then try to refrain from licking all the icing and spread generously on the bottom layer and sides. Then plop out the 2nd from the baking pan and load up the top and ice and lick until your heart's desire. :0

 

 

So what else is on the stitching front???? Well, lots of cleaning and sorting into new cabinets downstairs in my sewing area. (didn't get it today) but in the process I pulled colors for the freebie previous to this post for Mr. Darcy and my first Christmas ornie.

 

I was about to pull the colors and then I found this in the mounds of stash.

 

 

so I decided to use these silks I got a couple of years ago and the ones I selected from the box for the sampler are here. Silks stitch like BUTTAH!

 

 

yep, with some small piece of 32 count antique white linen

 

 

Obviously this was in between the village decor and the chocolate mess I made. :P

 

My other things I gathered are a small wooden hoop I've had from the Scarlet Letter for 5 years or so and these scissors.

They are 7.99 including free shipping from Speed Factory Bike Ebay store. They are antiqued with titanium planting over stainless steel. They are razer sharp and 4 inches. They have several about 7 or 8 other vintage style scissors. Great for gifties for stitchers.

The seller for these on EBAY is:

 

hsuan05

 

 

Along with this small clip on Mighty Bright light and a pair of magnifying glasses and I'm good to go!

 

 

 

Well, best get back to decorating and cleaning up.

 

 Soon bedtime will be here and yes, I'm watching the 2 hour special of the Walton's wedding tonight if I can stay up late. Late to us is 10pm here on Fox Mountain. 

Soon to get out my Christmas cards.....

 

 

oh what a list of things to do in December! 

Till our threads entangle again,

 

Jennifer