Journal Entry #4 Caution picture overload

I did a thing. I entered my beaut, aka ‘69 Chevy Nova, in the car show.

What size motor does she have? She has a 383 Stroker V8. And yes, the nitrous is in the trunk

I had no idea how popular the car show was. Naples has a population of around 1300 and I thought maybe 40-50 people would show up. Nope. 183 registered and 40 (arriving late) were allowed in but not judged. Unreal! There were so many gorgeous vehicles and it did not make me mad when someone came over to check out my ride.

The vintage motorcycles were carrying some light weights.

They had the cutest trophies and I couldn’t figure out how to slip one into my pocket lol. The weather was perfect, the music was great, street tacos hit the spot and I had a good time visiting with old and new friends.

Happy Birthday Knox!

Recently, I was babysitting and we found ourselves at Joann’s. Imagine that? Knox is such a good shopper. I allowed him some room to roam and then it was time to leave. He said wait, I have to show you the softest thing ever! He was right. It was ultra-soft faux rabbit fur. I am Granna so I told him we would get a couple of yards and I would make it for his birthday. He dutifully practiced for his surprised face when he opened his gift on the drive home. haha, great kid.

Addison Claire

It’s hard to believe that this little sweetheart is almost 17 and attended Jr/Sr Prom this year.

Wow!

So glad I was able to see this performance. Incredible

Wesley Levi

Last weekend, the Cavs were tournament champions!

JD

And baseball is over. No playoffs for us but just wait until next year. Yeah, we’ll be ready for you!

There were some exciting plays. I think this kid lives for moments like this lol.

   

Hide your girlfriends, your sister and your moms.

And a few pictures of the lucky couple vacationing in Costa Rico!!

That’s it. Enjoy every day!

Journal Entry #3

Life is so good! The weather is warming up and the sun is shining. I went to a quilt show and that just brings joy to my soul.

Jake introduced me to someone recently and said “She’s retired. She likes to cut fabric into little pieces and sew them back together.” lol I guess he nailed it.

Even if that is not your thing, I’m sure you can appreciate the unbelievable work of others. Just look at this picture. I can’t imagine the mastery required to cut and sew bits of fabric to produce this photo-realistic piece of art. Just incredible. It is the Painted Ponies on the Prairie by Melissa Sobotka and was Best in Show at the Dallas Quilt Show.

New Puppies in the Family

Addi and Bennett have a new puppy – Archie! Goldens are one of my favorite dog breeds and I cannot wait to meet him!

And JD and Wes have a new little furball – Tate. What gorgeous eyes!

The grands have been busy

Baseball is back baby!

And we have two ball players in the fam!

 

Wes is blowing the competition out of the water in hurdles and high jump!

Addi’s school is shining in color guard competition. Hoping to see her perform this weekend!

 

JD, along with four other Pewitt teams, competed at the big Houston Ag Mechanics Show and all came home with blue ribbons!

New Bags

No new quilts to show this month. I am clocking a lot of hours on my newest endeavor and hope to show it to you next month. No Casey honey, it’s not yours.

I needed new bags for a recent trip and made these lovelies in an afternoon. It is so rewarding to be able to start and finish a project quickly. I have been making these for ten years and they really are practical and a lot cuter than a Walmart bag lol. I bought the expansion pack pattern but here is the link for the free pattern if you want to try it out https://www.incolororder.com/2011/10/lined-drawstring-bag-tutorial.html

New (to me) Recipes

It’s not as much fun cooking for one so I often scour the refrigerator or pantry for something quick to eat BUT what is fun is occasionally trying new recipes and sharing with friends or family. They love me and wouldn’t dare turn me away lol.

Baked Southwest Egg Rolls

I had never cooked with egg roll wrappers and these were good https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370121010533/ I dipped them in (semi) homemade ranch dressing. To make the dressing, use one cup of buttermilk, one cup of mayonnaise with lime and one package of Restaurant-Style Ranch Dressing mix. So good.

What if I made them with hamburger meat? Maybe add some cabbage and soy sauce. What if I fried them?

Apricot Fried Pies

  

Growing up it wasn’t uncommon to watch a movie on TV (thanks to channels 3, 6 and 12) and to notice Mom had disappeared into the kitchen. She would be back in a few minutes with delicious fried pies. The standard was chocolate (made with cocoa, sugar and butter) but she also made peach, apple or whatever fresh fruit was available. They were amazing!

I decided to try my hand at making some. My best friend Pinterest recommended a recipe that promised a flaky crust. I agree, when fresh, the crust was flaky and delicious. I used apricots because honestly, that is the only dried fruit I found at Aldi’s but it was a good choice. I cut them into smaller pieces and cooked them slowly on the stove for 45-50 minutes with a little water. Not as good as my memories of Mom’s but not bad. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370121023348/

Cinnamon Rolls

While this isn’t the first time I’ve made cinnamon rolls, it is the first time in a hundred years. I enjoyed the process and loved sharing them but honestly, I had no choice. The recipe said it would make two pans but I managed to get four + pans of cinnamon rolls! Whoa!

I followed the recipe except for adding four ounces of cream cheese to the icing. No need for me to look for another recipe, I loved these.  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370120075462/

Chocolate Ice Cream

My husband used to call when it was storming to see if I was shopping or cooking lol. I don’t know what it is that makes me do one or the other, but he was right. During a recent storm, I felt I was called to whip up a batch of ice cream. I used two cups of carnation milk, one can of sweetened condensed milk and a half cup of unsweetened cocoa. I would have used heavy cream but (of course) didn’t have any and I don’t think you can tell a difference. I used one-fourth cup of dark cocoa and one-fourth cup of regular cocoa and it hit the spot. The process took 25 minutes in my Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, then I placed it in the freezer for a few minutes to make it easy to scoop. Note: store your ice cream maker pan in the freezer and refrigerate all ingredients before making.

Some of my favorite things

Not new but something I use a lot – Mini Cuisinart Food Processor

On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you make a purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. I have temporary permission from Amazon to use affiliate links. If three people purchase an item I share within 180 days, they will review it to see if I am awarded that status. No pressure. Thought I would give it a try.

For Christmas, I bought a cheese shredder as a gift and received one as a gift. How awesome is that? It has three different blades and suctions to your countertop. Packaged shredded cheese always has a waxy texture to me that is hard to melt and tastes fake. I now buy block cheese and shred and store it in ziplock bags. It’s wonderful and takes your cooking up a notch 🙂

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I originally had included common ways to use ChatGPT in your life as the next topic but it was getting way too long and I would lose any audience I had But I couldn’t shorten it or rather I didn’t want to shorten it because there are so many things it can do. Is the technology a little scary? Yes. Is this technology also blowing your mind with endless possibilities? Ummm Yes.

Let me know if you would be interested in a separate blog post on how I use it. I may decide to post it anyway just to have a historical record 🙂

Now sharing a couple of pics of spring break kids living their best life!

    

Hope you find your joy this week!

2023 Journal Entry #2

Today is Valentine’s Day!

I received a thoughtful, pink Hallmark Valentine Day card from my special one – Blue Cross and Blue Shield lol.

I hosted Bunco last night to a wild, wonderful group of ladies and completely forgot to take pictures but trust me, we had a great time.

I made White Chicken Enchiladas, Beef Enchiladas in red sauce, white queso, Frito Corn Salad, Chocolate Cake, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies and Hibiscus tea.

I made coasters for each person.

Tonight is the last basketball game for Wes and JD. Baseball starts Thursday!

 

We’ve had some pretty bitter cold weather but thankfully, no snow.

The Dallas area got its share of ice and snow though. Knox is a cold-weather kid and loved every minute of it!

He also racked up another trophy in the Pinewood Derby contest!

New Projects

I used Silk Mineral Paint on this dated (and not in the cool way) bookcase and now love it! The paint adhered well and didn’t require sanding. I was able to cull a huge box of books so that’s a win too! Hmm. . . what else needs painting?

 

A flannel quilt for me!

The quilt top was a quick finish and something I have been wanting – a warm flannel quilt for the couch. Wish I had it ready now. I remember seeing a simple quilt pattern years ago and was able to track it down. It’s from one of my favorite quilters/bloggers Amy Smart https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/black-and-red-quilt/ Now to make the backing and wrangle it under my sewing machine to get it quilted.

What I’m Loving

A plan for getting fit

I joined a gym! No really, I did. If you are on Medicare, it turns out you can join Silver Sneakers and go to a select number of gyms for free. What a deal and really pretty smart for the health industry. I chose Titus Wellness Center

New podcasts

   Young Bloods, 11 episodes. Told from a true-crime perspective but it has a sci-fi twist.

   Reinvent Your Life, 17 episodes. I’m 13 episodes in and haven’t heard exactly how I’m supposed to do this yet but enjoying it anyway. This one goes on record as one of my 2023 challenge requirements.

  I know it sounds strange to list a cleaner as one of the things I’m loving but y’all, this stuff is crazy good. While prepping the house for the Bunco meeting, I started using this cleaner and it was amazing. It added depth to natural wood and a clean finish to other surfaces without any lingering residue. I just kept going from item to item cleaning because it was so outstanding! I know, I need to get a life.

See you next month!

“It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.” –Anonymous

2023 Journal Entry #1

2023 is here and I am glad! The further we get away from 2020, the better. I really think I had Covid during Christmas so really glad to move on from that too.

I am thankful and feeling optimistic for the new year. So much so that I decided to actually pick a focus word for the year. This year it is –

Challenge

Challenge myself to be better, do better!

I haven’t made a list yet of what these challenges will be but will keep myself open to possible learning opportunities. Here are a few that I want to include:

• Learn Procreate
• Explore more features of the Cricut
• Read more books that enhance me intellectually, emotionally or spiritually
• Spend more time with my Bible
• Make more quilts (so I can justify buying more fabric!)
• Try/learn/explore new things I may be uncomfortable with (but that would be good for me)

Welcome now to random thoughts

The Grands

Aren’t they awesome? If they only knew how much I absolutely adore each one with their own unique personality and gifts!!

Just a few Christmas projects

My cousin, Barbara Jo found these cute napkins https://youtu.be/dUQaPg1oAnA for us to make for each one in our Bunco group. They loved them but I think I enjoyed sewing with Bob in her barn more.

Farmhouse Aprons

I watched 10,002 videos and tutorials online. First I made a sample from my DIY newspaper pattern . . .

 

Then I made one for a Christmas gift. The fabric was really pretty but I would do a lot of things differently if I make another but it’s homemade and that gets extra points right? When I give you a gift that I made then you should know I really value you :).

  

First quilt top flimsy of the year

It’s okay. Not really my colors but I already had the fabric so that means it was free! Maybe I should challenge myself to open an Etsy store.

This next quilt top was made a couple of months ago and was made from ugly fabric, haha! I got the idea from https://weddingdressblue.wordpress.com/2022/07/20/quick-tutorial-trash-quilt/ and gathered up an assortment of green fabrics that I never would want to use. We’ll see if this one actually gets quilted because it is kinda ugly lol.

My new obsession

Okay now hear me out. Yep, just a sandwich but it is so good. Mix together lettuce (small strips) 1/2 T of mayo, seasoning (I use Badia Sazon Complete Seasoning but you could use Italian or whatever you like. Be generous.), 2-4 pepperoncini peppers and purple onion. Then drizzle Balsamic Vinegar. The recipe used Red Wine vinegar so I’ll probably try that later. I toast my bread in a skillet and added ham, cheese and tomatoes.

That’s all I have for now, 2023 let’s go!

So long summer

Where’s my hype guy for keeping summer here a little longer?

Here’s an abbreviated recap of summer 2022. Lord knows I am terrible when it comes to updating this blog but I want to journal these wonderful memories!

A look back at our summer

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A little football-watching

Loved my daily walks

Challenges were made and achieved

Identities were questioned

Stuff was getting canned

 

 

Stuff was getting made

Fun was had

Thanks summer 2022!

 

 

Kitchen Transformation

Or I guess you can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!

Before Pictures, zoom in to see the adorable chickens lol

Finished Pictures

LOVE the shiplap ceiling although it did cover up the classic popcorn ceiling haha. Really happy with the butcher block (African Mahogany) too. Still waiting for new cabinet doors under the sink.

I painted the Pie Safe blue to match the cabinets but the China Cabinet really stuck out. It was purchased close to 40 years ago and really wanted to keep it if I could. I used gel paint and love how it turned out! The gray cabinet was (relegated to the storage building) replaced with the black antique dresser which is so full of personality!

Really happy with how everything turned out. The colors are so uplifting, it’s even more fun to cook!

What I have learned/discovered/remembered is that . . .

Thought I would share random thoughts and I hope it elicits your own – enjoy!

– you should make a plan (or list. I like lists) for projects, goals, fun things to do, etc. There is a good chance you might actually do some of them. You could make the list while watching Netflix – this counts as being productive.

– the irritating little warning light will come on and stay on if one of your tires is one PSI off.

– cursive skills should be used.

– some people will STOP in the merge entry lane. Just sayin’

– and go 45 in a 70 on a two-lane road when you are running late for work.

– doing sit-ups are still worth doing even if your big workout plan starts tomorrow, no really. . . it’s on my plan.

– some days can be great, just cause. Don’t question it.

– “The Meddler” was good for me to watch. Not that I bug my kids, heavens no of course not, but that one day I may be ready to invite a nice person into my life. It could happen.

Which brings up my next thing remembered . . . God has everything under control.

– eating salads a couple of days of the week, is good for you and your jeans.

– we make our own happiness. Mom was right on that one.

– not everyone likes you.

– I should try to smile more when meeting / greeting people.

– I’m thankful I have a creative outlet. I didn’t say I was good at it but it’s cheap therapy.

 

– I want to always surround myself with positivity and nice people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– we can celebrate even the smallest victories.

Sometimes you just need to go for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

– everyone makes mistakes.

Cheers!

168 Days until Spring!

 

Yep, only 4038 more hours until Spring. Let’s don’t even think about this gorgeous weather going away.

These two, what a mess (and joy) they are! At two, their personalities are shining through in all of their blaze and glory.

 

 

What makes you happy?

I like fresh vegetables, anything cooked on the grill, good music, a good book, new socks

and having time in my sewing room.

Here are some of my new projects.

I follow aquiltinglife. Sherri, a prolific quilter, shared a pattern she created from one of her grandmother’s quilt tops.

I like making the tops, it’s just too hard to struggle with getting it quilted on my machine. I really need to find someone to quilt them. And these two are pretty large.

And this is Bennett’s “Soccer” quilt.

Which was made using left over fabric from Casey’s quilt!

 

And before and after of a chest that was really showing its age. Not perfect but I like it!

  

Continuing on with what makes me happy, it has to be my family! It is the love of my family and knowing everyone is safe and healthy (and happy, successful, kind, thoughtful good Christians who love their mamma a whole lot!)

Nat has just tested successfully for her LVN and I couldn’t be more proud. Raising a family and disciplining yourself to master a hard curriculum has got to be tough.

I love spending all the time I can with them.

They are growing up so dang fast!

    

So, we’re not saying bye to summer.

 

Just going to enjoy the day.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Every year I tell myself that I’m making new stockings for everyone WITH their names embroidered on them. I wish someone would remind of that in July.

I am pretty, darn lucky. In just a few days, this old house will be full of rich smells, kids running around screaming and adult voices, trying to be heard over the screaming. Friends and family will visit for Christmas dinner and hopefully, the food will taste great.

 

We’ll bring out the china that’s only used at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter and slave over the oven for 24 hours and then watch as it’s devoured in fifteen minutes. I can’t wait! The kids will run in and out popping fire crackers and then presents will be passed around. These guys should have a grand time this year.

Next, if there is time, we’ll play games, the kids will grab the iPads and iPhones and wait for our stomachs to allow us to go back for seconds. And we’ll be making memories!!

I was hoping to have this quilt ready by Christmas but I don’t think that’s going to happen. It can be a “rose” for Casey when complete. That’s on my list too – make a quilt for everyone in my family. . . that wants one.

I’m praying for safe travels for everyone and hope you have a very, merry Christmas. Remember the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

The life that is waiting

http://danegonzalez.com/project-365-march/

This has been a challenging post that, honestly, I didn’t know how to approach. My blog is read by very few so I don’t know what the concern was but there is something about posting on the internet that makes it seem so monumental. I haven’t posted in a while so I could just start anew and not mention anything but when I saw this quote, I thought that it had to be my beginning.

38 years ago, the life I had planned was very different than the one I am in now. I was married to a wonderful man and couldn’t wait to be a wife and mom. Oh, I would do it right. I would always explain to my children whenever I disagreed and they would be great kids and very respectful. My husband adored me and I him and we would always laugh and enjoy the simple things in life. Well, I was right on one account. I have great kids! But I no longer have my husband. He passed at the end of December and I guess I am still trying to see where I fit in. I had resigned my job with hopes of a better job where my boss is not a moron and be with Jim as he improved and got to come home. Well, bless his heart, he was in the hospital from September 1 until December 27 and only got to come home for two days.

I have stayed really busy and checked off a lot of my “to do” list that has been hanging over my shoulders. Getting my mom’s house ready to put on the market has really helped me purge “junk” from my own house. Do you know I found a drawer that had unused credit cards from 2004? Gasp.

Mom always scolded me that I couldn’t just keep my head in the sand forever but I disagree. I don’t hold grudges and I don’t dislike most people (it can be done but not easily) and I don’t like sad things so I refuse to think about them. If it works for me, can’t I exist this way? Will one day my head explode with all of the hurtful, awful, sad things that I pushed to the far corners of my mind or will I be allowed to live in my little world? Will thinking there is good in everyone and for those that aren’t, that “what goes around, comes around” keep me from living a happy life? You can tell me but I’ll probably ignore you because that’s what I have to do. But I would pretend I was listening. . .

So how am I filling up my days. I have spent time with family, spent a lot of time cleaning out a huge house (Mom’s), cleaned closets and drawers that have been neglected far too long. I have watched 28 videos out of a total of 124 in my quest to learn Adobe Illustrator. I have completed the last two years income taxes, painted the coffee table, cleaned out the gutters and installed a new ice-maker. I have started a new quilt and have ideas for many more and gone through some crazy cleaning sprees.

If the good Lord is willing, I know I’ll be okay but it will be different.