The Answer Is.......

Hold on, I'll tell you in a second. I had so many guesses that it took a while to read through them all. NOT!! Actually, I only had one person make a guess. Thank you Mary. I couldn't keep her in suspense any longer. The answer as to what this strange looking green thing is is that it is called a Banana Bunker!! I'll be using it to protect my banana that I will carry to work in my lunchbag. No more bruises or smushes. This was found at a new store in town called PLAY where you can find many unusual and fun items. It was fun shopping there for Christmas gifts.

A Vintage Gift From My Mom

Kate and I made a quick one day trip back home to visit Mom and some of the other family. I love making that trip because it just completes my Christmas. There is always an abundance of family, laughter and food! Mom had mentioned these cookie cutters to me over the phone asking if I would like them. OH, YES, I WOULD!! is what I probably said. As a child, many Christmas cut out cookies were made with these....even the ones that aren't the originals. I'm very happy to have them. I still have to make my Sour Cream Cut Outs for Fred(as a little birthday gift)this weekend. I think I'll only use these.

A Remembered Recipe

When I mentioned that I had made Strawberry Bread while Christmas baking, Colleen told me she had forgotten about it and would like the recipe. I'm taking the easy way out by posting a picture of the recipe instead of typing it out. If any of you out there in "Blogland" would like to try it and aren't able to see the recipe clearly, please comment and I will type it in. I didn't take a picture of it cut or by itself, so I'm showing it with some of the other goodies I made. It bakes up very red so it is a perfect bread for Christmas or even Valentine's Day. I imagine you could serve it with strawberry jam too. Enjoy!!

Christmas Eve Dinner

I know many of you have fancy dinners on Christmas Eve. I'm lucky if I can pull off all that I have to do and if that includes a meal then I have succeeded. This year I planned ahead and made time to make dinner. We don't do fancy. We save that for Christmas day. I chose a simple dish that is called "Baked Stew". It is out of one of our church cookbooks submitted by my friend Sandy. Here's the recipe:

1 can of tomato soup
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
(I use cream of chicken)
1 # of ground beef
5 medium potatoes
6 carrots
1/4 c. diced onions
1/4 c. diced celery
salt and pepper

Brown onion, celery and meat in skillet. Mix soups together over low heat in a saucepan. Prepare vegetables(I didn't peel the potatoes and I used baby carrots)by cutting into small chunks. Mix all ingredients together, put into a greased 13 x 9 pan. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes. Serves 4-6

Midnight...Christmas Morning

This is my Silent Night photo. I took it just past midnight Christmas morning. Kate and Fred/Dad were in bed(of course), the house was quiet and I was just sitting, looking at the tree, and realizing that this is the 40th Christmas Fred/Dad and I are spending together!! We were dating at Christmas in 1969 and now have been married for 39 1/2 years. Christmas of 1971 was celebrated with our daughter, Colleen, just 1 1/2 months old. In 1975, Leslie was with us and as the years flew by we had Beth and Kate to enjoy the holiday with. Wow!! Time really does fly! I can't wrap my head around that number 40. Before I know it, 40 will turn to 41. I only wish I could slow time down.

Guess This Gift!

What did you receive for Christmas? Anything quite like this? This is a picture of one of the gifts my daughter Leslie presented me with. Any idea what it is? I'd like to see your guesses in the comments. I'll be using it when I go to work mostly. I'm going to appreciate it when lunchtime rolls around. After I get some guesses I'll tell you what it is and why I'm glad I was given it.

Early Morning Snow

Overnight, about 6-8 inches of snow dropped, depending on where you lived in the area. Schools closed and driving was a little tricky for some. I really didn't have a problem and arrived at work on time. Before I left I went out on the porch and took a few pictures. As my blogging daughters know, my camera doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles so I was pleased that the falling snowflakes show up on one of the pictures. So this is what it looked like at 7:00 AM this morning.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....

The tree is finally up and done. I changed how I decorated it this year. I have a ton of icicles, some of which never make it on the tree, so I wanted to highlight them this year. I added touches of red and gold and if you look close in a picture or two, you might see our green pickle. I have collected icicles over many years and some have been gifts. I love the look.

Noel, Noel

Growing up, when all the Christmas decorating was done, these 4 stood guard over the kitchen sink. I've heard that not only does Mom still have a set but one of my sisters managed to score one too. Not to be outdone, I found and won this set on ebay. They arrived today in the middle of my decorating. I was so excited when I opened the package. I'm hoping my memory is correct and that this is the set Mom has. I found that there are a number of different but very similar NOEL candle sets available. No matter, they are now on MY kitchen windowsill and as I look at them I'm transported back to my youth with very special memories of our Christmases.

Our New Sofa

Colleen, this is mostly for you since you just requested you wanted to see it. I love it. It is so cushy and bouncy. You could bounce yourself right up and out if you wanted too. I'm thinking I might add a Christmas pillow or 2 for some color.

My Phone Miracle

This is my Dad and Olivia about 3 weeks before he passed away September 20th. They seem to be having a very important conversation. Earlier this month I posted that somehow the 2 voicemails my father had left on my phone were deleted-gone-vanished. I tried everything I could, immediately, to retrieve them. Nothing worked. I don't know what happened but THEY ARE BACK!! Someone left a voicemail about a week and a half ago and after I listened to that one, the "voice" said I had 5 saved voicemails. Two of them were my Dads!! I can't explain it but I'm grateful they returned. Now, Kate(daughter) is using a voice recorder to tape them and then she will put them on the computer for me....never to be lost again.

Olivia

This is our Olivia! She will be the pink and green tutu wearer. Isn't she adorable? I love that face she has on. Wonder what she's thinking about.

After and Before(since I can't figure out how to do this properly)

Where are my blog helpers when I need them? Well, a few months back I bought this armoire from Craigslist. My intention was to spray paint it and use it as a linen closet because I was tired of having towels in storage totes and sheets stuffed in plastic bags stuffed in my closet! When I took the before picture I didn't realize that the top 2 drawers weren't in. That's ok because you'll see them in the finished project. My husband helped ALOT!! I had to ask one of my favorite son-in-laws to help "push" it up the stairs. I only wish I had taken some pictures of that! We used Rustoleum's Strawflower(a buttery yellow) The hardware was sprayed with Rustoleum's Hammered Bronze. I used the bronze on the magazine holder and lamp base that I posted a while back. I really love how it turned out! I now have the sheets, towels and blankets in the drawers and behind the door(3 shelves). Thanks Fred and Chris!!

I'm Crafty!!!!!!

Look at this! I'm crafty! I actually made something to give as a gift for Christmas. I found the directions here. It's my first homemade tutu and it is going to my littlest granddaughter, Olivia. She'll be 15 months old at Christmas and I think she will really like this. Should I add some floaty ribbon between some of the pieces? I would like your thoughts on that. I can't stop patting myself on the back. Is that wrong? ;0)

Gnome's the word

My oldest daughter Colleen and her family came up early for Thanksgiving staying at Leslie's. Early in the week everyone was at my house and we had a family craft night. I was introduced to wool felting and we all tried our hand at Gnomes. I had a bit of a time adjusting to the technique so the top picture is my first 2 "Gnomes". The red-capped one was the first. His oversized eyes were turned into sunglasses and I gave him a candy cane cane. Miss Matrushka came next. I've since learned that the placement of the face made her look like a Russian nesting doll. Thanksgiving night, at Leslie's, the wool came out again and I made a second attempt. I think these came out better, more Gnome-like. We had a good time being together, playing, laughing and eating way too much!

So Incredibly Sad Right Now

My Dad passed away September 20th. A few weeks before he died he had called me on my cell phone to wish me a Happy Birthday(which wasn't for another month). I had saved that voicemail along with another I had received from him. Tonight, just a few minutes ago, I found that they were erased off of my phone. Somehow, yesterday, I hit the wrong button and...poof they were deleted. I wasn't ready for them to be gone. I hadn't listened to them enough times yet. I know I will get over this but right now I'm sad. Tomorrow I will be better and I will post something happier or funny or pretty. Promise.

Ice cream anyone?

I bought these 6 little dessert dishes at the last Stormville flea market of this year. I found them within 15 minutes of arriving and other than a bag of kettle corn, this was my only purchase. How does $3.00 sound? Yep, that's all I spent on them. I'm loving them. I might even use them for a centerpiece with each one holding a tea light and as Leslie suggested...adding a bit of berries or greens around the stem.

A Christmas Post

Last Christmas our family tried to do a handmade Christmas. Now, not all gifts were handmade and not everyone got crafty but that was ok. Those that did make things did a great job. I really enjoyed receiving the gifts from my Grandchildren and the others that found themselves inspired. This year Christmas has snuck up on us again. I was just talking to Leslie yesterday about how we didn't consider handmade again this year. So, in case anyone decides to try to make gifts, take a look at this blog that I came across this afternoon...lifeingrace Edie is hosting the 12 Days of Handmade Christmas. Maybe someone(maybe me!)will see a project they'd like to try. I already like the idea of day 1...a dishmat. I usually just use a handtowel that gets soaked quickly. This thicker mat might just do the trick. I'm looking forward to the other ideas.

Spooky Spider

Just a simple little post for Halloween. Yep, I did it myself. Well, I found the idea in a magazine. Which one?.... I can't remember. Let me spend 15 minutes looking for it so I can give credit where credit is due. 1 minute - 2 minutes - 3 minutes - - - - 15 minutes. No such luck! Well, anyway, this was easy. Fred sprayed the wreath black and I glued the mini pumpkin on. The spider is foam with a sticky dot and then I had some fun with the cobweb. I'm pleased with how real(to me anyway)the spider looks. I was going to take it to work to hang by my desk but it never made it. I've hung it on the front door.

The love affair begins..

with spraypaint!!! This is my absolute first time use of the product. I found this lamp over the summer at a yard sale. The flowers are what caught my eye. The round base was brass that was dirty and in bad condition. A little sanding, washing and spraying---with Rustoleum hammered bronze(see it in use again in the next post down)made it pretty again. The new bell shade added the final touch. It sits in my living room, along with some more of my "fake" family. Since the picture was taken I have added some real family pictures Leslie.

Flea Market Before and After

Just a short post showing my cast iron magazine holder I bought at the Stormville Flea Market. I think it was a deal. I paid $10 for it, brought it home, sanded it a bit to clean it up and sprayed it with Rustoleum hammered bronze. I like the look it creates. Feels nice when a project has been completed! It now holds my stash of magazines.

The Hudson Valley's Best Kept Secret....

So what is it? It could be many things or places but someone decided this made the grade. I agree. It's the Stormville Airport Flea Market. It started out small but has become huge with so many vendors. Check out the photos on the link. Leslie and her family went with us recently and did we ever have fun! We both picked up a number of things, some of which I will post here later. This is where Fred bought my kitchen table. Leslie scored a beautiful old Singer sewing machine which you can see here and some quilts. If you are ever in the area, you need to check this out. The last one for the year is coming up and it will be a smaller one. The antiques will be located on one side of the runway and the newer vendors on the other. I'll be there!


picture found on this blog

Birthday Gift From My Husband

This is the metal top table(I think it's also called enamel) Fred bought me at the Stormville Flea Market a few weeks ago. It's black and white with a little red showing under the dings and chips on the base. It has 2 leaves that slide out. I have one pulled out here. We're guessing it's from the 30's or 40's. I love the detail. That's why I have a closeup so you can see it too. The woman at the booth where we bought it said this is the most detailed one she has seen. This table is smaller than the one that it replaced so it makes for a little more room in my kitchen. Now I have to replace the chairs. As you can see, the brown ones just don't go!

My first redo

I've been bitten!! I read blogs and see how creative other women are out there in "blogland" So, I just have to try being creative myself. This is a simple project. I bought this jewelry box quite a while ago to hold the myriad of 'jewels' that I own. This is the front that opens like a door and it is supposed to hang on the wall. Each of the compartments held a fake family picture. I was going to put real family pics in but I think that would have taken longer than doing this. I went and bought some scrapbook papers that to my eye seemed to go together, cut and taped, and here it is! I'm pleased with it. Now, I just have to get it on the wall. What do you think? (can you tell, I'm fishing for comments?)

Back in the Saddle Again

My title refers to blogging...nothing horse related(but maybe you can see that Bronco in the mirror. Does that count?) Our main computer crashed so I haven't been able to access my pictures until Kate loaded them on another computer upstairs today. So now I can blog! Yea! Haven't you all been waiting with bated breath for this? Seriously, I bought this armoire off of Craigslist last weekend. It's not as old as I thought it looked in the ad but that's ok. It's not staying like this. It also has 2 drawers on top that I forgot to put back in when I took the picture. Behind the door are a couple of shelves. I'm going to put this in the bedroom for use as a linen closet. This old house has the bare minimum of closet space so I have nowhere to put towels and sheets except in plastic tubs. Yuck! I'm tired of that. I picked out my paint today and have it almost done(with Fred's help). The faster I get it out of HIS garage the better. He really has to clean it up in order for it to hold a car when the snow begins to fly. When my youngest computer geek has more time I'll have her upload the rest of the pictures so you can see the work in progress. Any guesses on what color I chose? Leslie, you can't guess.

My Guitar Hero

While daughter Leslie and family were over this week, the borrowed WII came out. Chris(son-in-law) set up Guitar Hero and we all had a go at it including the 2 grands. Dad got right into it being Willy Nelson playing "On the Road Again". The cowboy hat was added for atmosphere. Boxing was next with Chris and the kids really working up a sweat. Maybe I should try this out! Unfortunately, the floor wouldn't hold up with any amount of motion. It bounces!

Autumn Tastiness

Hey everyone. Did you miss me? Did you think i fell off the face of the earth? Well, i am back!!

Today I made some yummy desserts, if i do say so myself, for one of my favorite son-in-laws birthday!!!! I was going to make him dinner as well, but i got turned down for a date with his wonderful wife...my favorite daughter. So i fed the kids and then had them all back for dessert.

This is my old family recipe for Apple Oatmeal Crisp and a new one from Sondra Lee's magazine called Butterscotch Bread Pudding. You should definitely give one of these a try. The Apple Oatmeal Crisp is perfect family comfort food. And perfect for a cool fall night.

Apple Oatmeal Crisp

4-5 Apples,medium/tart, peeled and sliced
3/4 c Brown Sugar
3/4 c. Rolled Oats
1/2 c. Flour
1 t. Cinnamon
1/2 c. Butter, 1 stick

Spread sliced apples in a greased 9 inch pie plate, or similar...set aside. Mix oats, sugar, flour and cinnamon. cut in butter with fork or pastry cutter. Sprinkle evenly over apples. Bake in pre-heated 350 oven for 35-45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is crisp and brown. Serve warm, if desired top with ice cream.

Enjoy! Guest blogged by Leslie as Me.

What I did at work today

Today was carnival day at work! Why?, you may be asking. The New York State Department of Health survey was deficiency free this year at our facility!! To thank all the employees for a job well done, we were treated to a mini carnival on the back patio. We had carnival food...snow cones, popcorn, hotdogs, cotton candy and nachos. If you won the "knock the ball out of the air" game you got a shot at the money vault. Real money, play money and lottery tickets were flying around for one to catch. It looked easier than it was. I caught two 1$ bills and a lotto ticket. Some of us also won(but I don't know how) a ticket to throw a pie at our adminstrator. He was a good sport!! I managed to graze his hair but someone else(good job Jane!)did much better than me.