Nancy E. Mink; the Heavenly Seasoned Palette

My First Dog Show

2012-01-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

I knew it was going to be a fun day when I saw world champion dogs playing in the rain with their handlers as we drove to the parking lot. "They're allowed to get muddy paws?" You betcha!

This was my first visit to an AKC dog show and the end to my perception that purebreds and their handlers are "stuffy."

Newfoundlands having a meeting

It was an all-breed show, which meant that every breed was being judged. With over 160 breeds, there was more going on then you could see in the course of one day.

Labs just wanna have fun. Their tails never stop wagging.

There were six rings of different breeds being judged, two agility courses and, meanwhile, dogs mingling with the crowd as they got ready for their red carpet walk.

This was my Rottweiler buddy.
He'd lean hard against you if you stopped petting
(and he weighed a LOT)
He also gave me a kiss. sweeeeet.

Do they enjoy being pampered? YES! Their tails were wagging
and they got lots of pets, hugs and attention.

You could also walk through the bath and grooming area.

"I look good coming and going, dahling!"

The dogs were in their element as they greeted everyone. I was a little surprised at how accessible the dogs were to us. You need to ask the handler if you can pet them, but every one of them obliged and were pleased that we wanted to.

We met champions face to face. Some of the parent dogs of those champions were there, too.

We also got to meet puppies at their first AKC show. Cute! It was nice to see the handlers being so patient and kind. Unlike the more dignified veterans, the youngsters would jump up on the handler to play or get praised at the very end of their debut walk. I guess puppies will be puppies even if they are future champions!

It was clear that these are pets, first and foremost, that just happen to also be show dogs. Each dog was a ham; grinning, wagging and proud to have their turn in the spotlight.

I think the AKC is doing a great service for us and dogs. We would probably see most of these breeds gone if it wasn't for this organization. Their strict guidelines for breeding ensure the health and welfare of the dogs. If you have a chance to go to a show, please do, and take the kids! Whether you have a mixed breed shelter dog (as have been all of mine,) a purebred or have never owned a dog, I know that you will have a fun time.

Everyone, especially the dogs, loved the agility course!

Go With the Flow

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

First...if you want some uplifting, fun music to accompany you while you read this, click on the pink music player to the right for "It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter."

Well, I finally finished that tabletop quilt to match the Christmas dishes. I knew if I put it away unfinished that it would forever stay tucked in the back of the cupboard just that way, so I forced myself to get it done before starting another project.

"The Lord blesses his people with peace"
quilt with embroidery and applique

Now I get to go shopping for some fun Easter fabric this weekend!

I'm not the only one that procrastinated over the holidays. I just got my sister's Christmas "newsletter" on MLK day! Always nice to hear from her, though.

Then, there is my Amaryllis that just didn't want to bloom at Christmas. Still, it is nice to have bright red blooms during this dreary January weather.

Back yard snowgardeners

And oh, I can't forget the snow! We always get snow by Christmas, but, you guessed it; not this year! Our first snowflakes fell on Sunday and just now are melting away from the incoming Pineapple Express rainmaker. My husband got to stay home (there goes my work schedule!) due to snowy/icy roads. Pleading with him to stop bugging me so that I could get some work done, he emailed me from his new Ipad from the next room, "Look out the window." Now, how could I get mad when I saw this?

the rain is melting my heart!

You know, I think I like a little slower pace. That old "type A" personality gets me into too many stressed situations as I force everything and everyone to conform to my schedule. OK, I now pronounce 2012 as the year of going with the flow.
I plan to

Take time to enjoy life!

Coffee Fabric

2011-12-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

It's here!

I received the rest of the Cafe Americano fabric at Thanksgiving and immediately started designing, cutting and piecing to make this 5' square quilt...

Cafe Americano quilt

I'm thrilled that this is my first line of fabric for Wilmington Prints. I like the rich barn red, espresso browns and creamy tans.

I decided to use it as a table topper. It took me about 3 days from the start of the design to the last stitch on the binding. If you are interested, here is a link to a place where you can purchase the fabric online. The Cafe Americano fabric collection is also carried in many quilt shops across the country and Canada.

The fabric, which is 100% cotton for quilting, has a beautiful finish and feel to it. It was a dream to quilt. Speaking of which, I free-motion quilted the entire top, following the steamy swirls and curls, along with stippling and feather designs for the borders.

Happy Quilting!

Who Cares?

2011-12-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

How many times have you asked yourself this question? Sometimes it's easy to get the blues and wonder if anyone really cares while everyone around you is caught up in the madness of the season. Why make homemade cookies instead of store bought? Why decorate when nobody seems to notice?

I could go on because that is how I was feeling this season. Blame it on many things, I didn't have the usual holiday exuberance this year. That is, until yesterday.

It started when I walked up the steps of the hair salon to a waft of warm air filled with the scent of Christmas. There was happy chatter among ladies getting their hair done for the holidays. As busy as she was, my stylist greeted me with a hug and smile. A genuine smile, too, if you know what I mean!

As I sat in the chair, Lauren gave me a festive blue package. "You can open it now or later."

NOW!

In it was a candle (she knows me!) and three pretty little bags that were all Christmasy filled with yummy homemade cookies and candies. It was obvious that she had thought of me along with other friends as she bought the pretty little bags, made the goodies and festively wrapped them.

I left with a fresh new hairdo and spirit. Lighting the candle as soon as I got home, I finished decorating the house, put out the welcome flag and hung the wreath.

After all...why is Christmas?

The wise men brought Jesus gifts that had meaning. They must have thought of the significance of the Christ child to bring...

gold - symbolic of Christ's deity
incense - symbolizing purity
myrrh - symbolizing his future death to give us eternal life (myrrh was used in embalming)

The angels sang to him. Shepherd's worshiped him.

I have seen how precious something made from the heart and hands is to receive. I might be a bit late this year, but watch out people...I now have a full year to start "making!"

ps...here is a great blog that gives ideas for celebrating with more meaning. Grinchmas: Top 10 Ways to De-emphasize Gifts and Reclaim your Christmas Spirit Thanks, Marianne!

I Love Christmas Cards

2011-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

With mixed emotions (excitement, cheers, joy and a bit of angst,) we received our first Christmas card the day after Thanksgiving. I propped it against a pumpkin.

Each year actual Christmas cards mean a little bit more. Not only does the cost of the card and postage rise each year, but the time spent to think of friends and family and to write a special hello seems to be less available. Speaking of postage, it must be that a lot of you agree with sending actual cards. The demand has risen enough now for the USPS to collect cards the two Sundays before Christmas!

I enjoy form letters and emails from casual acquaintances, but I am so happy to see more cards delivered in the mailbox each year. Nothing beats the traditional greeting from someone that took the time to wish you a personal "Merry Christmas."

Here are some nifty ideas on card displays...

Martha Stewart's idea...attach to branches

Ribbon & clothespins
from Little Birdie Secrets

Old shutters and clothespins

More ribbon & clothespins (from Budget Wise Home)

On a hoop with clothespins

By now you are probably saying, "I must buy some clothespins!" You can buy colored plastic ones, miniature ones and old fashion pins, but the traditional wood pins are what I use. Just attach them to the edge of a cardboard box or a sturdy piece of paper and spray paint. Ta-da!

Attach clothespins on cardboard box to paint

Quick 'n Cute Coffee Fabric Gift Box

2011-11-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

Uncles, co-workers, brothers...it's hard to find, much less make, gifts for men. I made two of these baskets in one afternoon. I think any coffee drinker, whether man or woman, would like this collapsible fabric basket filled with coffees, mugs and sweets that is homemade especially for them by you!

Approx. 6"x6"x5" high fabric coffee basket.
One side says, "Espresso and chocolates. Say no more!"
It's collapsible & washable.

The fabric is from the "Cafe Americano" (yes, my artwork/ fabric collection!) manufactured by Wilmington Prints, which can be purchased at many nice quilt shops around the US and Canada or online. The fabric collection has delicious organic hues of espresso brown, luscious swirled cream, ripe coffee bean red and a touch of leaf green.

Click on this link for the free pattern and instructions to this cute little box. http://nancymink.blogspot.com/p/fabric-box_27.html

Materials:

3 Fat Quarters of various fabric patterns (I "fussy cut" out of 1/2 yd. of the border fabric for the sides, a fat quarter of the all-over coffee beans for the inside lining and a fat quarter of the brown stripe for the bottom/side)
1/4 yd (or 1 package) of single-side fusible firm stabilizer
lightweight Velcro dots or cut strips
2 large buttons for decoration

Click here to order fabric online at the Fat Quarter Shop.

There is also a matching apron that you can sew. Combine this with the fabric box for an extra special homemade gift. The fabric panel has everything, including the directions to make this apron, the coffee cup pockets and ties.

Apron made from one "Cafe Americano" panel.

Walking Among the Geese

2011-11-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

Canadian Geese at the Tualatin River Ntl. Wildlife Refuge

Thanksgiving weekend turned out to be gorgeous. Not only did we have have our feast, but we also were able to get outside to enjoy mostly sunny and warmish days. To walk off a bit of the mincemeat pie, we took a short drive to the recently built Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge.

Tualatin River Ntl. Wildlife Refuge

This refuge was completed only a few years ago. It is in the center of a 712 square mile watershed, with over 200 species of birds, 50 species of mammals and 25 species of amphibians.

Osprey flying over the refuge (photo by Rick Leinen)

Bald Eagle (photo by Susan Faye)

Red-winged Blackbird

Stellar Jay

Geese flying overhead. Mt. Hood is in the background.

The viewing blind.
Clouds rolled in with a few sprinkles as we were leaving.

The benches and signs are works of art.

There are many nice walking paths with plenty of benches along the way.

We took a 2 mile round trip path that follows the river to a viewing station. All of this is free for now. I read where they may charge a small fee soon. It is a first class wildlife sanctuary and one I don't mind supporting. I hope all of you that live in or visit northwest Oregon will get a chance to see this beautiful area that is filled with wildlife all year.

Keeping Thanksgiving Traditions

2011-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and be thankful for blessings. It's also an anxious time for many women with so much to do in preparation for the big Thanksgiving feast. Will there be enough energy left for black Friday?

Early Christmas Shopping (ps...those are "A Peaceful Christmas" dishes
which I designed. You can purchase them online...amazon.com - A Peaceful Christmas by Nancy E. Mink

Speaking of energy, I finally cleaned out my fridge to make room for a 28 pound turkey. Did I mention that is just for my husband and I this year?

Thanksgiving is my husband's favorite holiday. He makes it his mission to find the biggest turkey at the grocer's. I don't mind; the only difference between cooking that or a small turkey is the time in the oven. I've learned to plan and cook as much ahead of time as possible. Almost all of the side dishes and pies are made the day before and then heated in the oven while the turkey rests. The only last minute cooking is the gravy and rolls. I almost always forget the rolls!

I even have freezer boxes and bags waiting to be filled with leftovers. I prepare frozen "TV dinners" from much of the leftover food which comes in handy during busy holiday days or when work deadlines are looming. Of course, enough leftovers are kept handy for those delicious Thanksgiving weekend sandwiches. I'm not sure, but I may like the leftovers more than the main meal!

I get to enjoy Thanksgiving morning; a leisurely coffee by the fire and then a dip in the hot tub. Then, the turkey gets a good rubdown with spices and placed into the oven before a walk in the countryside.

A walk through our Christmas trees

Thanksgiving day starts our holiday Scrabble tournament, too. It is the world series...7 games from Thanksgiving through Christmas with winner takes all! I look forward to stormy evenings when we play Scrabble by the light of the Christmas tree with a cup of hot cider.

So, you see, Thanksgiving with just the two of us isn't lonely. We keep traditions alive...some old, some new. It has become a time to look forward to.

I hope that whether you have one or thirty people to be with at Thanksgiving, you will form your own traditions to make this a time to look forward to each year.

Favorite Days

2011-10-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Most everyone I meet says that autumn is their favorite time of year. What's not to love? The air smells earthy and clean with the first rains, yet it is warm enough not to care if you get caught in it by surprise. Nights are crisp, days are warm and we can turn our free time from gardening and canning to crafting and quilting.

rustic embroidered tea towel

I just finished another tea towel and the petite pumpkin quilted wall hanging is in place above the calendar. Don't you love rustic? It covers so many mistakes. This was made with fabric scraps, then tea-dyed and framed all in one afternoon.

Unlike the quick and rustic pumpkin, my sister Linda has quite an eye for detail. She hand quilts all of her pieces, and I have been lucky to receive some of her beautiful wall quilts and table runners. She has such talent and patience, not to mention a loving heart for giving me such treasures!

Autumn quilt by Linda McCoy

I cleaned the garden out of all its pumpkins and lined them up on windowsills, tables and porches. I'm ready for tricks and treats! Well, maybe just treats.

Happy autumn!

Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce (canning recipe)

2011-09-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well, just when we thought that our twenty tomato plants were going to be a disappointment due to the unusually cool spring and summer, they decided to outshine and outproduce everything else in the garden in a matter of a couple short weeks. They didn't care that we had plans for vacation. They ignored the fact that I had too many work deadlines to enjoy the fruit of their labor. They paid no attention to the calendar which stated it was autumn, not summer! Still, I was proud of those plants and couldn't let the beautiful fruit rot on the vine. Just the thought of a juicy bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich made from a gargantuan heirloom tomato was enough to get us picking...and picking...and picking!
Soon, the counters were lined with bowls and bags of heirloom tomatoes. Half were Italian sauce tomatoes, the others were for slicing. We handed out tomatoes to whoever would take them. We have eaten tomatoes at every meal until we finally had to break out the bottle of antacid. I canned thirty quarts of roasted tomato sauce and twelve pints of salsa. Yes, roasted tomato sauce! I let the oven do a lot of the work for me. Added benefits are the delicious roasted flavor, a thicker sauce, no peeling (hallelujah!) and being able to use slicing tomatoes. Here's how I did it...

Clean, core and cut into chunks your best slicing and/or paste tomatoes. (I used about 1/2 of each.)

Place in baking pans. Roast in a 350 degree oven until desired consistency. This took about 2 1/2 hours for my pans of tomatoes. Stir about every 1/2 hour to let all tomatoes absorb liquid and roast equally.

Place in sterile jars with 2 tbsp. lemon juice in each quart, then process per USDA recommendations for crushed tomatoes processed in a boiling water canner. http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/usda/GUIDE%203%20Home%20Can.pdf

Tips: Only use the best tomatoes; none that are over or under-ripe or blemished. I didn't add any salt, but did sprinkle some balsamic vinegar (optional) over the tomatoes before they roasted.

For the purists: You can strain the sauce before adding it to the jars. However, I felt the skins broke down enough for a rustic, slightly chunky sauce that didn't need straining.

Types of tomatoes I used: heirloom slicing tomatoes-

German stripe

Pineapple

Mortgage Lifter

Black Brandywine

Purple Cherokee

Stupice

Tennessee Britches

Black from Tula

Heirloom Italian sauce tomatoes-

San Marzano Redorta

Think Spring!

2011-08-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Labor Day already. So, what does that have to do with spring? You gardeners know!

I've learned that the early bird gets the fattest, healthiest bulbs to plant for spring blooms. I buy mine when they hit the shops this weekend. Don't even bother planting the ones that are left over and on clearance in late November; the ones with a bit of mold, all shrivelled or mushy. They will only give you heartache. Some parts of the country can't plant their bulbs until it is cooler. If this is you, still purchase your spring-blooming bulbs now and place them in a dry, cool dark place to keep until planting time.

It's also time to plant a new lawn or revive an old one. Around Labor Day we rake the leaves and pine needles to plant new lawn walkways throughout our little farmstead. After raking seed into the topsoil, we keep it moist with hand watering if the morning coastal mist doesn't keep it damp. With warm afternoon temperatures, the grass grows strong by winter.

One of our grass paths lined with
daffodils and rhododendrons

Happy Labor Day...

Happy Planting!

Berry Blue and Lemon Yellow

2011-08-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

I had a recent request to paint a yellow and blue motif for tableware; a classic! Somehow my mind turns to food even in my painting, so immediately I thought of blueberries and lemons.

Yellow & blue, lemons & blueberries; classics!

We've been picking blueberries for over a month now, and the bushes are still producing gallons of gargantuan berries. Luckily, freezing blueberries is a cinch and they make a welcome treat in the middle of winter. Still, fresh is best.

We have over 50 blueberry bushes and
one lonely huckleberry bush

Whether it be a handful of pop-in-your-mouth goodness straight off the bush or pies, cobblers and salads, we never tire of eating them. But, I digress. Back to yellow and blue.

So, I painted these lemons and blueberries and off they went to my agent who performs miracles on the business end so that I can have fun on the creative end.

From the original sketches to the finished paintings, thinking continuously of the fruit gave me quite a craving for those classic flavors. I reconstructed an old blueberry muffin recipe and the end result was a lemon-blueberry muffin that is delicious; not too cake-like, yet not too heavy; loaded with sweet berries.

I wish that I could sit over a cup of tea with you and share them, but since I can't, here is the recipe for you to try...

INGREDIENTS for 12 LEMON-BLUEBERRY MUFFINS:

2 C flour

2/3 C sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

8 ounces yogurt (I used lemon)

1/4 C olive oil

1 egg

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. lemon zest

2 C blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F.) Spray 12 muffin tins with Pam or line with paper liners. Stir together first 5 dry ingredients. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and place the rest of the wet ingredients in the well. Stir all of the ingredients just to blend; do not over-stir. Fold in the berries. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with course sugar (optional) Bake for 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing muffins from the tin onto a wire rack.

Season of Change

2011-08-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Every withered blade of wild grass, every pine needle, reflects the light as if holding tight to the last of the summer sun. Mornings and evenings are starting ever-so-slightly to close in now. It is the season of change between summer and autumn.

Long late-summer shadows through our pines
on my morning walk

"Did you hear that?" Last night the first flock of Canadian geese passed noisily overhead as my husband and I lay reading in bed. And so it is starting; the remarkable migration of our feathered friends silhouetted in brilliant sunsets or hidden in a morning mist.

I picked the first of my little pumpkins yesterday.
It gets a place of honor by the front door.

I can't drink in enough moments of this season, lest it pass by unnoticed from busy-ness of the day. This year I will not let the snow cover it until I have been filled to overflowing with the beauty of autumn.

Cool, coastal mornings give way to brilliant blue afternoon skies.
The sunflowers are glorious now!

Every Day a Food Day

2011-07-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Not that we need a reason to have a picnic or some pie ala-mode, but in case you would like one to ease some guilt, here are the official national culinary days for July. hmmm, I wonder who proclaimed these. Well, good job!

National Baked Bean Month
National Culinary Arts Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
National July Belongs to Blueberries Month
National Picnic Month (my personal favorite)

July 1 National Gingersnap Day
July 2 National Anisette Day
July 3 National Chocolate Wafer Day
July 4 National Barbecue Day
July 5 National Apple Turnover Day
July 6 National Fried Chicken Day
July 7 National Strawberry Sundae Day
July 7 National Macaroni Day
July 8 National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day
July 9 National Sugar Cookie Day
July 10 National Pina Colada Day
July 11 National Blueberry Muffin Day
July 12 National Pecan Pie Day
July 15 National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 17 National Peach Ice Cream Day
July 18 National Caviar Day
July 20 National Ice Cream Day
July 20 National Lollipop Day
July 21 National Creme Brulee Day
July 22 National Penuche Day
July 23 National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 25 National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 26 National Bagelfest
July 28 National Milk Chocolate Day
July 28 National Hamburger Day
July 29 National Lasagna Day
July 30 National Cheesecake Day
July 31 National Raspberry Cake Day

Blueberry Time!

2011-07-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

As I weeded the side yard this morning I saw ripe blueberries that I know were green yesterday. Amazing how fast fruit ripens. They are no more, as I popped them all into my mouth.

This will be the first of many gallons of blueberries this summer. The bushes (we have over fifty) are packed with huge berries this year. We'll have a berry picking party with friends, but there will still be plenty for preserves and freezing to use the entire year. With such an abundance of blueberries, we are always looking for some good recipes. Here are two from other friends/bloggers that you will enjoy.

Red, white and blueberry cones from "The Pretty Bee"

To-Die-For Muffins by "Life is Sweet"

Happy Birthday America

2011-07-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday I visited the Willamette National Cemetery with my husband. When I stood alone by our country's flag, surrounded by hill upon hill of graves with veterans that have served to keep our country united and free, I thought how easy it is to not fully realize the cost we have paid to have such a great, powerful nation.

Today we gather to celebrate the birthday of our country.

Little, local parades on Main Street show small-town spirit while larger cities have extensive fireworks and festivals. Most of us will see our flag displayed somewhere today. I hope that will be a moment of nostalgia and pride.

Becoming so global and "open minded" through the media, whether through television or social networking on the computer, seems to have placed questions, or worse yet, complacency, in the minds of many citizens. You would think it would be the opposite. We have young soldiers fighting for us now in the middle east, yet even with all of today's instant electronics we don't hear much of this war or the men who are losing their lives to keep our country free from terror and destruction.

We hear of illegal alien protests, gay pride and Gaga. We don't hear of Terry J. Lynch, Jason R. Watson or the thousands of other soldiers who have lost their lives recently for us.

Updated this 4th of July morning, there have been 2,553 casualties in Afghanistan of our US and coalition troops. There have been 4,786 casualties in Iraq.

Here is an excellent link that keeps updating how many soldiers have died in our current war in Afghanistan and Iraq. http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/index.html

If you click your mouse over a dot on the map, it tells of the soldier who died. Are their any from your town?

Fourth of July should be happy and celebrated; it is what our soldiers are fighting for.

I wish you all a fun, safe, patriotic 4th of July.

Fresh from the Strawberry Patch

2011-06-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

You know the problem that I had with thieves in the strawberry patch? The netting worked, and now I have plenty of berries for fresh eating, preserving and freezing. Here are some delightfully fresh recipes for early-in-the-summer days.

This delicious and healthy salad uses early summer greens and strawberries. (Other summer berries can be substituted) Sometimes I add a cooked chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs or Gorgonzola cheese on the top for a light summer dinner. Experiment by adding your own fresh vegetables to the salad. It is the honey-mustard-poppy seed dressing that makes it so good. I think this dressing would be great on any salad!

Salad
- about 1 pound lettuce or spinach (or combo)
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced or chopped
- 1/2 pint strawberries, halved or sliced if they are larger
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 small sweet onion, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup walnuts

Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Mix with salad just prior to serving.

Hot Strawberry-Pepper Relish

I made this relish to use up what remained of the strawberries. It has a sweet-hot-tangy flavor and the peppers tend to stay crunchy. It is great on a cracker with Gouda cheese, or heated in the microwave as a dip for shrimp or chicken fingers. Easy to make, it will be a welcome preserve in the winter.

Ingredients:
-1 box "no sugar needed" fruit pectin mixed with 1/4 cup sugar
-3 cups strawberries, mashed (including juice from berries)
-2 cups finely diced green bell peppers
-1 cup finely diced jalapeno pepper
-1 cup finely diced onion
-3/4 cup cider vinegar
-1 1/4 cup sugar

Mix the first 6 ingredients in a large saucepan/stockpot. Bring to a rolling boil. Add 1 1/4 cup sugar all at once, bring to rolling boil for 1 minute. Take off heat. Ladle into prepared canning jars with 2-piece canning lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Now, this is decadent!

Strawberry Cake with Strawberry-Pecan Icing by Christy at Fudge Ripple

The cake is heavenly made from scratch and the strawberry-pecan icing is perfection! Time doesn't permit me to follow as many blogs as I would like, but this one has too many good recipes and cooking ideas to pass up. Check it out if you get a chance...here is the link to the recipe and blog... http://fudgeripple.blogspot.com/2011/06/strawberry-cake.html?utm_source=BP_recent

Sweet Summertime

2011-06-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Summer is exalted with many glorious attributes, but one of the most delicious has to be summer fruit. I noticed a few green berries turned ruby red yesterday morning as if the strawberry patch knew that tomorrow was the first official day of summer. After waiting a year for the juicy berries, the first fruits are eaten fresh off the vine as I do chores outside and pass the patch to and fro. When I've had my fill and the entire patch is more red than green, I'll make strawberry jam and shortcakes and strawberry ice cream.

THIEF!!!!

So, imagine how surprised I was when, at waiting over 9 months for the first sweet, juicy strawberry, I went to the patch and there were no ripe berries. "Darn birds!" I went to check the rest of the garden when I caught the strawberry thief. A bright spot of red caught my eye as a quick squirrel carried his dessert to a safe branch half way up the fir tree to not only enjoy my fruit, but then scold me to get out of his way so that he could have seconds!

Somehow, you can't stay mad at a cute squirrel licking a big strawberry. However, today I'll place netting over the patch to keep thieves out and hope to be the one eating a sweet, juicy red berry tomorrow in celebration of summer. (ps...I may share with my friend.)

I'll Be Quilting on the Train

2011-04-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Soon I'm headed east on a long train ride, so I need some hand work to keep me occupied when the gorgeous scenery fades into the sunset. I think that I will make some small quilt blocks. My favorites involve stars, and what could be more fun than the good, old fashion Ohio star? There are so many variations that can be done with this quilt block!

You can embroider a cute pattern in the center square. Or, a "fussy cut" piece of fabric easily makes a theme quilt. Frame just one Ohio Star square for a cute wall hanging, or combine squares for anything from a table runner to a full bed quilt. Here's the basic directions...

The Ohio star quilt block is a very basic block that uses half square triangles and squares. This pattern is for a 6" square block. To complete one block:

Materials: Fat quarters or scraps of fabric in three colors (green, tan and white used for example pattern)

Step 1 - Using a rotary cutter:

Cut 1 patch 4 ½” square from the tan fabric.
Cut 4 patches 3 ½” square from both the green fabric and the white fabric.
Cut 4 patches 2 ½” square from the white fabric.

Step 2 - Piece using the half square triangle method:
(You will need a total of 8 half square triangles measuring 2 ½”)

Place one 3 ½” square of green fabric on one 3 ½” square of the white fabric, right sides together.

Draw a line on the diagonal on the lighter fabric from one corner to the opposite corner.
Stitch ¼” on each side of the marked line.
Cut on the drawn line with your rotary cutter or scissors to separate the square into triangles.
Fold open the square and press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric.
Using your plastic ruler, trim the square to be 2 ½”. Be sure to use the 45 degree angle on your ruler.

Step 3 - Sew two half square units together. Be sure to refer to the picture for the proper placement.
Step 4 - Sew row one - white square, double half square unit, white square.

Step 5 - Sew row two - double half square unit (as indicated in the picture), tan square, double half square unit.

Step 6 - Sew row three - white square, double half square unit, half square unit, white square.

Step 7 - Sew all the rows together to complete the Ohio star quilt block.

The Ohio star quilt block is a fun block to make many variations using so many different color combinations.

Stars by Charlotte Kleiner

A small quilt of Ohio stars that is HAND quilted!

Walk Into Spring

2011-03-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Begin each day as if it were on purpose.

It's here; SPRING! Much of us have had quite a wet, snowy, cold, dreary winter. But today the sun is shining and the property is showing colorful signs of life. Here are some pictures I took this morning on my morning walk with Callie.

A cool drink and we're on our way

Purple Plum Tree

Ready for the birds

Pansies spill over planters

Camellias

Almond tree in the orchard

The koi have started to come out of hibernation

Daffodils

Bring a bit of spring indoors

WELCOME TO SPRING!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

It's hard to find many decorations for St.Patrick's Day.

Maybe that's for the best, as it's nice to have a day that is mostly fun and not filled with too much commercialism.

Wear green, cook up a pot of corned beef and cabbage and enjoy!

by popular demand, here is the link to the free St. Patrick's Day embroidery pattern from last year...

http://nancymink.blogspot.com/2010/02/st-patricks-day-embroidery-free-pattern.html

Our almond tree is the first to blossom in the orchard

For me, this week marks the passing of winter.

The clocks are changed to allow an evening walk after dinner. Better yet, the official first day of spring is only 4 days away!

"Spring Cleaning"

St. Patrick's Day stands for the possibilities of what can come with brighter, warmer days ahead.

So, even if it may be raining, may your corned beef be tender and your day be bright.

Do You Like Sparrows?

2011-02-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

I admit sparrows are one of our least favorite birds. They are a nuisance at times and seem way too plentiful. Still, it is hard not to smile as the chubby little balls of fluff flit around the yard.

Common House Sparrow

I happened to see a cute, but frustrated, sparrow try to build a nest on our back porch beam this morning. She awkwardly pranced back and forth with a cumbersome load of twigs. She placed them in just the right spot, then took a few steps away as if to catch the big picture of her new home site. Soon she was performing the same ritual with some stringy moss.

Late Winter Nest Building

I felt pity on her when a Mr. Sparrow snatched the home she fretted over and moved it about two feet down the beam. Little Miss Sparrow just stood by and watched, then went to gather more material, which Mr. Sparrow took from her promptly. "The nerve of him!"

Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow

What I didn't know at the time was that house sparrows are monogomous and mate for life! The male is the one who chooses the nest site. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow build the nest, but it is Mr. Sparrow that has the final say as to how and where the nest is built.

Sparrow eggs...sparrows can raise up to four batches of chicks a year!

Both parents feed the young.

Always Hungry

Baby Fuzz

Both parents teach the fledglings to fly.

I will have a new respect for sparrows as I listen to their sweet song!

False Spring

2011-02-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Each year we get a week or two of sunshine and warmer temperatures in February; we call it "false spring." Daffodils and hyacinths start to bloom as buds on the fruit trees swell. I'm thankful for this time to breath the fresh air and finish late winter garden chores. There will still be frost and cold rain ahead, but the hard winter freezes are over and there are new signs of spring each day.

Daffodills in our front yard usher in the spring

Fountains and birdbaths are filled once again

Paul James from the show "Gardening by the Yard" has these winter gardening tips...

Prepare planting beds. Late winter is the ideal time to clean up flowerbeds by cutting back perennials and applying a layer of compost over the beds.
Give ornamental grasses their annual haircut.
Treating your trees with dormant oil spray can help keep damaging pests and disease away.
Prune deciduous trees and shrubs as well as roses. Apply dormant oil spray to those same plants to control various pests and diseases.

Clean birdhouses ready for spring babies

Weed-infested lawns will benefit from an application of pre-emergent herbicide.
If you're forcing spring-flowering trees and shrubs into blooming indoors, now's the time to take cuttings.

Our colorful mason bee homes full of bees
ready to work in our orchard

Late winter is also a good time to get power equipment serviced. If you wait until spring to have your equipment serviced, the service departments will be busy with the Spring rush. If you start early before the lines begin to form, you will be able to pick up your equipment in a few days rather than a few weeks

No more ice on our pond!

A serenade from my friend

Happy Vintage Valentine's Day

2011-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

When I was in grade school, each child would get a list of the students in their class to give a Valentines Day cards to. Mom purchased boxed sets of these little cards at Woolworths, then we'd pour through which ones we wanted to give to whom the evening before the big day.

Near the end of Valentine's Day we would walk around class and set the designated cards on the students' desk. Everyone got a pile of cards to take home. Some envelopes even had candy hearts inside!

Most were corny, but all were fun. Here are a few pictures of actual cards that were given circa 1950's...

You wear the 'craziest' hats

They nearly drive me 'bats'

Outside of that you're 'okay'

You're my valentine anyway.

Popular Pink

2011-02-04T00:16:00.000-08:00

It's the month for roses, chocolates, valentine cards and pink. I believe just about everything comes in pink these days.

Over-the-Top Pink

Crabapple Blossom Pink

Cupcake Pink

Pink Cupcake

Can army uniforms be raspberry pink?

A bit sexy in a tasteful way? Yes...they can! Check out this video; I give the designer of these uniforms "two thumbs up."

50's pink

40's Pink

Yummy Pink

Fun Pink

Cute Pink

Romantic Pink

Too Much Pink!
(This is the inside of a limo)

Seed Catalog Frenzy

2011-01-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Seed catalogs start filling my mailbox shortly after Christmas. I've learned to order from them early to get the best selection. Pen and paper in hand, I have hopes and dreams of perfectly planted garden beds and a pantry filled with fragrant fruits and veggies as I make out my order on frozen January evenings.

Here are links to some of my favorites along with a little seed catalog trivia...

Did you know that seed catalogs are the most widely-read garden books in the world?

Seed Savers Exchange
http://www.seedsavers.org/

The first mail order seed catalog was introduced in 1834.

Territorial Seed Company
http://www.territorialseed.com/

Seed companies that have been operating for a century or more include Ferry Morris Seeds (1856), Park Seeds (1868), and W. Atlee Burpee Seeds (1876).

Burpee Seeds
http://www.burpee.com/

Gurneys
http://gurneys.com/

Swan Island Dahlias
http://www.dahlias.com

Breck's Bulbs
http://brecks.com

It was the advent of the postal service, mail order houses, and their reasonably priced seeds, made it possible for more people to plant flowers. Prior to that time only the wealthy could afford cut flowers in their homes.

Multiple Catalogs...One-stop Shopping!
http://www.finegardening.com/garden-catalog

Sweet Garden Dreams!

January Party

2011-01-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

What do you get a mother, sister or friend that has just about everything and doesn't want another dust collector? A bit of time and a taste of spring in winter!

As a dark and cold month, it is nice to have a colorful, spring-like tea party in January. A friend is having a benchmark birthday this Saturday, crossing over from one decade to another. What better reason to have an indoor "spring" tea?

You Are Invited...

Bring Spring Indoors

Every age likes to make a wish and blow out the candles.

It's All in the Details

Tea Cookies for Party Favors

The Party Favor Box

A Pleasant Birthday Gift

Don't forget to tell everyone to dress for tea!

Under the Cloche

2011-01-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Cloches involve two things I love; glass and gardening. (I'm an amateur stained glass crafter) I love to decorate with cloches all year.

Other than starting seedlings in the spring and placing Christmas ornaments in them at the holidays, here are a few other cute uses...

Sunday Brunch with Friends
(notice the cute birds on top of the cloches)

Cake Under Glass

Moss Garden

Sewing Treasures

Winter White

Favorite Garden Items

Sometimes cloches can be hard to find, especially unusual shapes or ones with fancy tops. I find most of mine at a small nursery/gift shop nearby and sometimes find them at spring bazaars. Here is a link to one of my favorite places to order cloches and bell jars: http://www.englishcreekgardens.com/Cloche1.htm

Quilting Through 2011

2011-01-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

Quilting has become popular this past decade. From art quilts with hand painted fabrics to new spins on old fashion quilt blocks of pioneer days, it is a fun and creative outlet. I plan to have various quilt patterns on this blog throughout the year. Most will be simple and can be made in a day.

To start off, I wanted to show you a project by SSI that I think is darling. SSI (South Sea Imports, a division of MMFab) offers an array of updated quilting fabrics. I'm partial to their fabric for three reasons; it is very high quality 100% cotton that I have used for many years in various sewing projects, they include great patterns and ideas to use with their fabric and, I just signed a contract as one of their new fabric designers!

A lot of SSI fabric collections come with free projects; from full sized quilts to aprons with matching potholders.

This project will be perfect to make for my new grand niece born only a few weeks ago.

Baby Quilt

Wall Hanging

The Fabric

There are also matching pillows for this fabric. This is the link to complete patterns and directions. http://www.southseaimports.com/southseaimportsfolder/PImages/Pdf_78.pdf
You can purchase their fabric at most quilt shops and large fabric/craft stores.

Winter Light

2011-01-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Sad to put away the sparkling lights that cheered the house during December? This year I just couldn't pack my little clear rice lights away with the rest of the holiday decor. Instead, I tucked them among bushes, in dark cupboards and around pinecones in a bowl on the drysink. On timers, they turn on at dusk to greet me after work and then turn off automatically at a set time so that I don't have to remember to turn out the lights at bedtime. I highly recommend this to anyone that lives alone or has the task of lighting and warming the house before anyone else comes home.

Fill bottles or jars to brighten a dark kitchen corner

Pre-lighted twigs add icey sparkle to winter arrangements

Twigs purchased with lights on them

Battery operated, timed hurricane lantern that flickers like a candle

The latest battery operated candles look real when the light is dim. I use candles that have built-in timers; they turn themselves on the same time each day, then turn off after a set number of hours. These are great on bookshelves and on a bathroom vanity.

Battery operated candle with very tiny icey beads that catch the light.

Electric Candle Warmer

The latest candle warmers will start melting fragrant candles from the top while emitting a soft light. The fragrance starts almost immediately, and it is safer than lighting candles. However, the bulb can get hot and, like any appliance or hot wax item, they should not be used without supervision.

Here's to you and keeping the new year warm and inviting for your friends and family!

Welcome Friends and Family

2010-11-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome! For many reasons, it has been almost two months since my last blog; hectic lives, beautiful summer days, busy working...you know the typical excuses.

It is good to be back, though. The cold rain and short days have arrived, and with that come gatherings, crafting and decorating. I think you'll like what is in store for this blog in 2011. As I design some new lines of fabric for MMFab, there will be simple quilt and home decor patterns; free for you, of course! Gardening finds and recipes will be sprinkled throughout, of which I hope some of you contribute. Then, there will be the inspiration of going places, especially fun shops and bazaars.

Country Christms - Canby Fairgrounds (going on now)

My sister is coming for a visit in a few days, so I have been scoping out some places to go. One of the first is a local nursery called Al's.

Al's Garden Center - Sherwood, OR

If you aren't a gardener, I think you will still enjoy visiting nurseries over the holidays. Most have changed from only selling plants and pots to including nice home decor items. You can find beautiful gifts and fun decorating ideas for Christmas at many nurseries over the next few weeks.

So please stop by here often. I enjoy hearing from you, and all pictures and tips for home decorating and gardening that you can share are welcome additions; e-mail me anytime!

e-mail Nancy

Berry Good Things to Smile About

2010-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Listening to my family having five conversations at once. Eating berries right off the bush in the cool, dew-drenched morning. A story in my head that can't wait to be written. Autumn sunrise. Chocolate covered cherries. A surprise visit with a friend at the market.
Ramble off your favorite things as fast as you can and you can't help but smile. Smiling is the secret to health and serenity according to several spiritual traditions. "A deep inner smile spreads like a relaxing elixir making us receptive to transform negative energy into positive. Smile therapy actually lowers the stress hormones cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenaline and produces hormones which stabilise blood pressure, relax muscles, improve respiration, reduce pain, accelerate healing and stabilise mood." (Hodgkinson L. (1994) Smile Therapy, Optima.)

A friend of mine needs a smile. Many issues; health, family, etc., have gone askew for her lately. She doesn't need a sermon or advice. She just has to work through this, knowing she has friends that love her and are there if she needs them.

Since it is the height of berry season here, I am putting together a berry basket to leave on her doorstep.

Filled with berry jam, scones, blackberry tea, a bag of fresh blueberries and a berry candle, I think it will bring a smile to her heart. I needed something to line the berry basket, so I embroidered this quick berry design on a square piece of linen.

Embroidery Pattern (click on picture to enlarge and print)

-2 strand floss, stem stitch

-deep red writing

-berry pink berries (french knot dots)

-moss green leaves and stems (daisy stitch loops)

This would look good on a tea towel, also. I love that this simple design was completely embroidered during one two-hour long John Wayne classic last weekend.

I hope your day is rich with "berry good things" and includes smile therapy. It's fun medicine!

The Vegetable Strike of 2010

2010-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

We shake our head as we pass the "hot" garden beds with tomato, squash and pepper plants. While the rest of the country is enjoying thick, juicy tomato sandwiches and grilled zucchini, we are lucky to have a few green tomatoes on the vine. It has been unseasonably cool and wet here in the northern coastal region of Oregon. I've planted corn three times and the peppers twice. We haven't had so much as one cherry tomato ripen! And, who has ever heard of a zucchini plant not giving it's all to feed the entire neighborhood?

It looks like we will have to make a trip eastward to Hood River for some fresh, hot-weather vegetables this year. On the bright side, the flowers and berries have never been so prolific!

Berries of every type need picking each day. With over 50 blueberry plants and rows of boysen, rasp, straw, marion and goose berries, the freezer is full and the pantry gleaming with jars of colorful preserves. I am always on the lookout for good berry recipes. Here are three delicious recipes other than desserts that you other berry lovers may want to try.

3 cloves garlic

1 1/2 cups raspberries (or other berries)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 dash onion powder

1 tsp. "liquid smoke"

Place ingredients in saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until sauce is thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor or blender; cover and process until smooth. Strain seeds. Store in the refrigerator.

Dressing & Marinade:

1 cup sugar

1 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup apple juice concentrate, thawed

1 tbsp. prepared mustard

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. pepper

1 tbsp. grated onion

1 cup canola or vegetable oil

Combine ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Refrigerate 1/2 to use as dressing. Use the other 1/2 of dressing mixture to marinade 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for one hour, covered and refrigerated. Grill or cook chicken breasts. Chill.

Salad

Sliced chicken breasts (marinated and cooked from above)

Mixed salad greens

1/2 cup walnuts

1 cup fresh, firm berries

1 cup crumbled Bleu or Gorgonzola cheese

Plate the above ingredients, then drizzle with the berry dressing.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

5 tablespoons butter, cold, cut in chunks

1 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing the scones

1 cup fresh blueberries

Lemon Glaze:

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 lemon, zest finely grated

1 tablespoon butter

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Sift together the dry ingredients; the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in the butter to coat the pieces with the flour. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough. Fold the blueberries into the batter. Take care not to mash or bruise the blueberries because their strong color will bleed into the dough.
Press the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 3 by 1 1/4 inches. Cut the rectangle in 1/2 then cut the pieces in 1/2 again, giving you 4 (3-inch) squares. Cut the squares in 1/2 on a diagonal to give you the classic triangle shape. Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with a little heavy cream. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until brown. Let the scones cool a bit before you apply the glaze.
Mix the lemon juice and confectioners' sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon zest and butter. Microwave it for 30 seconds on high. Whisk the glaze to smooth out any lumps, then drizzle the glaze over the top of the scones. Let it set a minute before serving.

I Was a Tourist in My Own Neighborhood

2010-07-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoy everyday blessings; the ones that seem insignificant and can go unnoticed when life is on autopilot. It seems the older that I get, the more I prefer my life to be on an even keel. I no longer need mountaintop experiences and never have enjoyed those low valleys.

Still, whether we're one or one hundred, life will have ups and downs and will never be a smooth, even ride. Our jobs, some home remodelling and keeping up with the maintenance of our small, ageing farmstead has my husband and I working long hours seven days a week. What used to be enjoyable has become a chore. We are becoming "burned out."

What would taking one day off hurt in the long scheme of things? Actually, one week wouldn't hurt, but I would settle for a day. And so, we did. At my husband's suggestion, we took Saturday off and became a tourist in our own neighborhood.

A short drive through fragrant fields of flowers that are grown for seed took us to a nearby restaurant for an authentic German lunch. I learned that my husband is as bad at Trivial Pursuit as I am; it is nice to find out new things about your spouse after you've been married so long! Sausage and kraut for me, a reuben for Glen, and then it was onto the next little town for some antiquing before we hit up one of my favorite haunts; Bauman's Family Farm.

This local farm brought back fond memories of visits with my mom and dad each summer. We would always hit up Bauman’s to gaze at the produce picked from the fields each day, drink freshly pressed cider and peruse the humongous flower baskets grown in their nursery. We watched their farm operation grow with each annual visit.

We returned home refreshed, smiling and full from good food. Just one day of beautiful countryside and quaint homes inspired me to start painting. I can't sketch the visions in my head fast enough.

So, when your life is on autopilot or you are burned out with responsibilities, take a day off. We are not so important that the world can't live without us for a day. One day of peace and delight will sort the priorities of life back into their proper order.

Land That I Love

2010-05-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's almost summer. Time to open windows and let curtains lap up the warm, freshly-mown-grass-scented breeze. It's also time for picnics and neighborly gatherings on the porch. This tea towel will look good in your kitchen, but also as a nice runner/placemat on the porch table to compliment the flag you proudly fly on Memorial Day, 4th of July, Flag Day, and for some of us, every day of summer. Make some cherry lemonade and enjoy an old fashion evening on the porch with good company or a good book.

This pattern is primitive and simple. If this is your first time, you might want to review the total tea towel embroidery instructions on this past post, "A Year of Tea Towels."

Click the pattern picture below and then, when the larger picture shows on your screen, right click it and it and print the pattern at 100%.

The colors used are: Navy, Deep Red, Deep Gold, Moss Green, Black

This towel was embroidered on a pre-made black gingham tea towel. The flag was first embroidered on muslin, then cut 1/8" from the outer stitching. Threads were pulled out to form outer fringe, then sewn onto the towel. The lamb was cut out of muslin and then sewn onto the towel with a blanket stitch. All embroidery was done with 3 strands of floss in order to have more contrast against the background. The towel was "aged" after completed.

Cherry Lemonade

1 can lemonade concentrate (or make your favorite fresh lemonade)

2 cups of fresh cherry juice

small jar of marashino cherries

Make lemonade per instructions on can. Stir in fresh cherry juice and juice from marashino cherries. Freeze a cherry in the ice cubes.

Farmers' Markets...open, open, open

2010-04-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Yahoooo! Only a short week before most of the local farms and farmers' markets open. There has already been a myriad of flower farms and nurseries that have had shows, tours, and beginning-of-the-garden-season sales.

In a matter of days it will be time to stroll aisles loaded with colorful vegetables, flowers, local seafood and meats, honeys and jams. I envy the countries that take for granted their open markets for everyday shopping. Instead, we live out of superstores with processed food and under-ripe, over-geneticized produce. Ah; to grab a loaf of fresh bread, some specialty farm cheese and fresh fruit on the way home from work for whatever my taste has a whimsy for!

Well, we may not be able to do it daily, but most areas of our country have nearby farms that have opened their doors to the public so that we can enjoy their fresh, unique bounty any day of the season. localharvest.org is one of the best websites I have visitied in a while. Just plug in your zip code and what you are looking for (I entered "produce") and farms, farmers' markets and family-owned produce stands near your area will be listed, mapped out and described. Don't miss the photo section if you have time; it has great pictures of our farmers throughout the land. There is so much information on produce on the website that I'll be visiting it many times.

Our local "Beaverton Farmer's Market"

Cheese from a local dairy at the Beaverton Farmers Market

Asparagus is bountiful in the garden, so here is a delicious, simple recipe for a brunch or light dinner using some farmer's cheese and vegetables you can get at the local stand or from your own garden.

Asparugus Salad

Fresh asparugus (about 1 pound of spears)

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

about 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or other specialty cheese that you enjoy

1/4 cup basil

pine nuts

Italian dressing (I just use olive oil, wine vinegar, salt & pepper)

Blanch the asparagus (see below.) Toss with the onions and dressing, then place on plates. Sprinkle basil, pine nuts and cheese over the top. For variety, add a few slices of sweet citrus, such as mandarins or blood oranges.
(To blanch the asparagus, add the spears to a large pot of boiling water. Cook about 3 minutes; just until asparagus is crisp-tender and bright green in color. Drain, then immediately add asparagus to bowl of ice water to cool and stop the cooking. When completely cooled, drain the asparagus and pat dry.)

Hope you get to enjoy a trip to a local farm soon!

In the Garden - Can I Plant, Yet?

2010-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Each day in April I watch the forecast intently. "Dare I plant my garden?"

I've learned the hard way not to be impatient with plants that enjoy warm feet and sun on their face. Too many Aprils have fooled me with stretches of warm spring weather, only to turn so windy and wet that baby plants drown or, at best, remain weak.

A few years ago I planted seedlings in April, then new plants right next to them in May. The May plants became vigorous, rapidly outgrowing their neighbors. As a thank you for planting them in warm soil, they also gave me more produce.

So, now I enjoy April spring days for what they are. I take the backroads to do errands, enjoying orchards filled with blossoms. I relish painting by the fireplace with the last fires of the season while rain blows on the windows. I treasure all of the bouquets of tulips and lilacs that fragrant the house with spring.

These I have loved since I was little:

Wood to build with or to whittle,

Wind in the grass and falling rain,

First leaves along an April lane;

Yellow flowers, cloudy weather,

Rivers deep, the smell of leather.

Fields newly plowed, young corn in rows,

Back-country roads, and cawing crows,

Stone walls with stiles going over,

Daisies, Queen Anne’s Lace and Clover,

Night tunes of crickets, frog songs too,

Starched cotton cloth, the color blue,

Bells that ring from white church steeple,

Friendly dogs and friendly people.

-Elizabeth Ellen Long-

Still, us diehard gardeners can't bring ourselves to stay indoors when April skies are blue. So, what can we do during April's fickle weather? Here are a few plants that can weather April storms and cool nights...

Radishes

Leaf greens such as Kale, Collards, Lettuce and don't forget the Spinach.

Beets, Parsnips and Turnips.

Peas with or without edible pods

Swiss Chard (I love the rainbow colors)

Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbages.

Carrots

Don't be impatient; these may take a while to sprout. But, they can all tolerate a light frost and even a small dusting of snow when they are young.

With getting rid of any weeds that may have sprouted, working compost into the soil and planting these spring crops, your muscles will be telling you that it is that gardening time of year once again!

Happy Easter

2010-03-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been way too long since I posted on the blog. Life seems to have run at warp speed with spring chores and work contracts. I have taken time, however, to enjoy the beautiful spring we are having. The outdoor furniture was put in it's rightful place last week so that I can paint at the picnic table again on sunny afternoons. Whatever part of the world you live in, I hope you are having some beautiful days filled with blossoms, sweet air and birdsongs, too.

I have a long flight coming up in about a week, so I designed a spring garden pattern for another tea towel that I can make on the trip. I plan to embroider it in all one color, probably muted green, on a spring plaid towel.

I hope you will enjoy this pattern, too. If you haven't embroidered one of my patterns, you can click on this link for the full directions and how-to embroider videos from the past blog, "A Year of Tea Towels."
Embroidering these on flights makes the trip much more pleasant and quick. It's a way to keep busy while the family watches their TV, too, or a fun way to pass time while the oil gets changed and tires rotated on the car.

-PATTERN-

Left click on the pattern picture above. This will bring the picture up larger on your computer screen. Right click on the picture, then click on "print picture." The pattern will be printed to scale.

This Sunday is Easter, and I would be remiss if I didn't wish for all of my readers and friends to have a day filled with God's love and a celebration of joy with their family.

Let our lives be a hymn to this season,

Let our love be a prayer in His praise,

Let our homes be a place

Where His goodness and grace

Are glorified all of our days.

Let our hearts feel the joy that is Easter

Let our unfailing faith be expressed,

Let our thankful eyes see

Just how sweet life can be

And how beautifully, beautifully blessed.

Farmer's Market News...What's in Season

2010-02-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

About now I am anxious for the local produce stand and farmer's market to open. Unfortunately, that is still a couple of months off. The produce stand opens first (sometime in April) with produce they truck up from California and eastern Washington. I like to go there since it is in the open air and it gives me a little "Saturday market fix." The big whopper of a farmer's market, The Beaverton Saturday Market, isn't open until May.

So, what's in season now? Mostly produce from the southern states (I will include California in that, since they are pretty much considered to be part of the southwest)...that is some citrus for fruit, but mostly root vegetables and cole crops, such as cabbage and broccoli.

Some people are really missing out on a treat if the only root veggies they eat are potatoes and carrots. I have become addicted to a variety of roasted root vegetables. It is amazing how sweet and flavorful they become, and are so healthy! I roast two large baking pans full of them in one evening and that will last us for at least four nights' meals.

Here is how I prepare them, and then the dishes I use them in...

Vegetables to roast:

red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled

rutabagas, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces

carrots, unpeeled

parsnips, peeled

onions, peeled

leeks (white and pale green parts only)

turnips, peeled

sweet potatoes or yams, unpeeled

beets (blanch & peel before roasting)
squash, asparagus and fennel (I know, these aren't root veggies, but good)

Cut all of the vegetables into large chunks. Place them in a large bowl(s) and drizzle a little olive oil over them along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. You can also mix in your favorite herbs, such as rosemary and garlic. Toss them with your hands to coat them all. Place on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Roast in a 400 degree oven for about 1 hour until brown and caramalized, stirring and turning the vegetables mid-way. It's not an exact science and is easy to do...when they are brown and smell really good, you know they are ready.

Let them cool and then refrigerate in covered bowls or freezer bags.

Uses:

Plain as a side dish right out of the oven is my favorite. But, they are also good reheated and served with any main dish such as pork or fish.
Heat some in the microwave and then mash them with a bit of butter and milk. Serve as you would mashed potatoes with meat loaf, chicken, etc.
Make a quick au-gratin by slicing, layering them with bread crumbs, cheese and a small amount of cream or milk. Top with bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
Add roasted vegetables to hot chicken or vegetable stock for a very quick soup. I use an emersion blender for a creamy soup. Add a dollop of sour cream and some chives on top.
Toss cold, sliced roasted vegetables with a vinegar and oil salad dressing (Italian dressing) and place on a bed of lettuce for a winter salad. Add chunky croutons or a bit of gorgonzola cheese on top.

roasted vegetable soup....roasted vegetables mixed with penne & cheese

Don't let those parsnips or beets intimidate you! We had a friend in his 50's that had never had fresh cooked beets. He said he didn't like beets (he was used to those in a can!) Now he loves them and we make sure to plant a few extra to give to him. If you have time, pickle some little beets to use in green salads instead of those rubber tomatoes they have in the grocery store in winter.

Eat your vegetables!

In the Garden...Buy Your Seeds NOW!

2010-02-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

I have planted Heavenly Blue morning glories on my front porch trellises for the past few years. That is, until last year when I couldn't find any seed packets from the multitude of farm stores around here. This year I knew to buy early, so when the first seed packets hit the racks in January, I got a jump on other gardeners. ugh...There were other morning glories, but the slot for Heavenly Blue was empty.

This is a beautiful, well-tamed morning glory. It is the truest blue of any flower I've seen, and has gorgeous deep green heart-shaped leaves.

"We had them, but they went fast. I doubt if we'll get more in. All of the stores are having trouble re-ordering any seeds now that people have started gardening again." To aid in the economic crisis along with knowing where their veggies came from, it seems many people found out what a joy it was to garden last year. I guess they added a bit of Heavenly Blue color to the garden while they were at it.

So, if you haven't purchased your seeds, you better get them as soon as possible. Gardening has become the number one pastime. I am glad to see it, although it is making it harder to get the seeds that I rely on each year. This year I am turning to 100% heirloom seeds and going to start saving my own seeds each year. Here are some great sources for heirloom seeds with some rich history contained in each variety. (click on the name to go to their website)

Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization that saves and shares the heirloom seeds of our garden heritage. Today, the 890-acre Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa is the largest non-governmental seed bank in the United States. "We permanently maintain more than 25,000 endangered vegetable varieties, most having been brought to North America by members' ancestors who immigrated from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the world." Here are just some seeds I am trying this year...

Broom Corn ($2.75 for 100 seeds) for autumn projects and Milkmaid Nasturiums, a creamy lt. yellow that grows to 12 feet to add to my window boxes.

The Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, established at Monticello in 1987, collects, preserves, and distributes historic plant varieties that center on Thomas Jefferson's horticultural interests and the plants he grew at Monticello. It also covers the broad history of plants cultivated in America by including varieties documented through the nineteenth century.

The vegetable gardens at Monticello

Heritage Harvest Seed specializes in rare and endangered varieties. This young company's catalog is chock-full of intriguing heirlooms, like this rare French cherry tomato that is a very dark red and sweet, called Tonodose des Conores. ($3 for 25 seeds)

Ronniger's Potato Farm is known for its amazing collection of interesting potato varieties, including a number of rare spuds, along with garlic, onions. Many of the old-timers had faded to obscurity, but Ronnigers brought them back and now offers them virus-free thanks to the high-tech world of meristem tissue culture. Certified organic. This beautiful red potato is one of theirs, called Rio Colorado. It is a small, firm mid-season potato that is great for stews, creaming, and any time you want those tasty small potatoes.

South Carolina Foundation Seed Association is perhaps the most interesting source of pass-along and handed-down heirlooms from Georgia and the old South. This foundation offers beans, butterbeans, corn, peanuts, squash, pumpkins, and others adapted to hot summers. Each of these varieties has a rich history, including some traditional Native American and African-American varieties. You have to download their order form and send it in. But, if you want seed such as Texas Longhorn field peas that can be grown up John Haulk Corn (which grows to 15 feet) and is good eating and for corn meal, it is worth the old fashion trouble of sending in the form.

So, what about my Heavenly Blue morning glories?

I found them at a seed company not far from where I live, called The Victory Seed Company. They are a small, family owned organization that works to preserve plant varieties by locating, growing, documenting and offering heirloom and rare open-pollinated seeds to home gardeners. Along with some nice information about World War II Victory Gardens accompanied by original posters and pamphlets, this family seed company offers a good-sized assortment of heirloom and more recent vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

Have fun planning your own victory garden, and remember, buy your seeds early!

St. Patrick's Day Embroidery (free pattern)

2010-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hi friends. Well, Valentine's Day is only 2 weeks away. Did you embroider last month's pattern? Here is a picture of a completed towel. "Elizabeth" was embroidered on a purchased kitchen towel with a blanket stitch around the edges of the towel in 6-strand black embroidery floss. Prim cute!

Now it's time to start the St. Patrick's Day pattern.

Whether embroidered all in green or the colors shown, this will look cheery for the entire month of March. Is someone you know a little under the weather or have the winter blues? Line a basket with this embroidered towel, place a few teas in the basket and wrap it up with a pretty green bow for a real mood booster.

To print pattern: click on the following picture. A large picture will come up on your screen. Right click on it and then click on "print picture." The pattern will be printed to scale.

Click here for materials, directions and how-to embroider videos from the past blog, "A Year of Tea Towels."

Have a beautiful week and fun crafting!

In the January Garden

2010-01-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

The middle of January can be bleak, to say the least. Who wants to garden in cold, wet weather? As passionate as I am about plants, I am not a hardy winter soul; I’d much rather paint and write and let the yard go until sunny spring days.

Force yourself! Each day, instead of shoving the dog out the door when you get home from work, go out with him. Keep small pruning shears and old gloves in your coat pocket. Pick just one plant to prune. (Any more than that can be overwhelming when you'd rather be sitting by the fire. If, after that one, you want more, go to it!)

One plant a day will get the yard in shape by the time the daffodils bloom. Just 15 minutes is about all it takes. You’ll be surprised what a mood lifter it can be when a bit of Vitamin D soaks in and you get some exercise and fresh air. Too cold to stay out? Then, by all means go back in after that one plant is done.

Try it, you’ll like it! Come spring, the bushes and yard will be tidy and you can spend more time tending to sweet flowers and bird watching.

TIP OF THE WEEK: As you prune a bush or tree a day, lay the clippings under that same bush in a pile. Wait until a sunny day when you have more time to gather the piles from multiple bushes to recycle.

JANUARY GARDEN CHORES:

Prune dormant fruit trees.

Plant any bulbs that you didn’t get to in the fall. (throw away any soft, molded ones.) You’d be surprised how most will still come up and flower later in the spring or summer.

Shear off grasses if there are green shoots starting to show and if the birds have eaten the seed heads.

Plan your vegetable and flower garden. Buy seed packets now, as some of the unusual or popular seeds are hard to find during planting season.

Scatter wood stove or fireplace ash over alkaline loving plants, such as iris and lawns.

Clean bird houses for the early birds that start to nest soon. Keep feeders clean and full. Set out suet cakes for winter energy.

Valentine's Day Tea Towel Patterns

2010-01-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

Here are two cute patterns to embroider on a tea towel for Valentine's Day. Hang your towel over a cabinet door or over the back of a chair to add a cheery welcome to a beloved day.

HOW TO PRINT THE PATTERN:

1. Left click on the pattern picture below that you wish to use. This will bring the picture up larger on your computer screen. Right click on the picture, then click on "print picture." The pattern will be printed to scale.

2. Click here for materials, directions and how-to embroider videos from the past blog, "A Year of Tea Towels."

3. Embroider in the colors shown under the pattern. (These patterns also look good in "redwork" or "bluework." Anotherwords, all of the embroidery is done just in red or blue floss.)

Meet Elizabeth. She will be in some of the patterns for the primitive decor.

6-strand Embroidery Floss (divide into 3 strands) Colors for Elizabeth:

Black

Deep Red

Shell Pink

Medium Blue

Mossy Green

This is Mary Jane. She will be in patterns with a more retro style. Important...Click on the larger picutre that is on its side for printing out the pattern!

Do not use this picture for the pattern; use the one below that is on its side.

6-strand Embroidery Floss (divide into 3 strands) Colors for Mary Jane:

Black

Deep Red

Shell Pink

Medium Blue

Mossy Green

Bright Yellow
Brown

I found this simple red tea towel in a local craft shop and embroidered Elizabeth on it in all white floss. I was able to complete the embroidery while on a flight. It adds a nice splash of color to my kitchen as it hangs on the oven door. Experiment with different colored towels or add various material and trims to the edge of a simple white flour sack towel. Have fun!

A Year of Tea Towels

2010-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Like many of you, I love to craft. I don't have time to get out and put away something messy or time consuming. I think I've found something fun, creative and worthy of placing around the home or to give as a gift.

If you've been to recent craft shows, trendy gift shops or skimmed through home and garden magazines lately, you'll see a trend. Tea towels have made a comeback! Cute towels that are not only useful, they are an easy and inexpensive way to add a spark of the season to any room, not just the kitchen.

I embellish my towels with seasonal or retro fabric and embroider sentiments for the season. Throughout the year I will post the patterns and how-to for a tea towel for each holiday and various occasions.

Tuck an end of a towel into a kitchen drawer and let the embroidered decoration herald the holiday. Hang a retro towel over an armoir door or use it as a bathroom handtowel. Line a basket full of potpourri, Easter eggs or Christmas ornaments. Embroider a set for a new bride or as a housewarming gift. Place one a serving tray. Use it to wrap up a dozen homemade muffins for a neighbor or present a towel with a pretty ribbon as a hostess gift. The possibilities are endless.

All of the materials to make one towel can fit in a quart freezer bag and be tucked in a purse, carry-on luggage or in a pocket of your laptop carrier. While you are getting the car tires rotated, flying across country or sitting in front of the television, it is ready for you to pick up and stitch while stress and time passes away creatively.

MATERIALS

Once you have the initial investment for materials, future towels are inexpensive to make. The following is a list of materials, where I bought them and how much I paid.

1. RED WATERPROOF ARTIST PEN (mine is by Faber Castell, extra fine, bought at Krogers/Fred Meyer for $3.00 in the hobby section. Also available at Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics. Any waterproof, extra fine pen will work.

2. PATTERN printed from your computer off my blog on typical 81/2 x 11" paper. The directions for printing will be under each pattern. Patterns will be updated for each holiday and season. (I'm also open to custom patterns if you have a suggestion of something you'd like; just leave in the comment section or email me at nancy@nancyminkart.com.)

3. EMBROIDERY FLOSS in colors to match your material, decor or as I have used which will be stated under the pattern. I buy my floss at JoAnn Fabrics, BiMart of Walmart for about 50 cents each.

4. SCISSORS small, inexpensive blunt-nose scissors will travel easily and is allowed through security and on aircrafts to use while flying. I bought these at Walmart in the children's craft section for $1.00

5. EMBROIDERY HOOP about 6" in diameter. Plastic or wood is OK. WalMart or JoAnns for about $3.00

6. FLOUR SACK OR KITCHEN TOWEL to embroider. A 5-pack of white flour sack towels can be bought at WalMart in the kitchen section for around $4.00. I keep an eye out for good buys for other kitchen towels to embroider, such as the retro one with red borders shown (around $2.00 each)

OPTIONAL:

7. ONE YARD or 1 package RIC-RAC or trim. I like the giant ric-rac for a retro look.

8. 1/3 YARD OF FABRIC. Seasonal, retro, patterns and colors to match the holiday or decor. (note: "fat quarters" are not wide enough and will not work for flour sack towels, but will work for a typical kitchen towel.)

DIRECTIONS

Pre-wash, dry and iron the towel and fabric.
Add fabric and trim: (If you are not adding these, skip to step #7)
1. Sew the fabric to one edge of the towel, right side to right side, leaving 1” of fabric longer at each end of towel. Press seam towards fabric.
2. Press opposite fabric end under 1/2”.
3. Fold fabric to meet the seam, right side to right side, then stitch each side closed in line with the towel.
4. Trim the seams to ¼” from the stitching.
5. Turn the fabric to the right side and press. Pin rickrack to towel, centered over seam. Stitch the trim onto the seam and through the double layers of fabric and towel.
6. Zigzag stitch, or hand stitch, each end of rickrack to prevent raveling.
7. Tape the pattern to a window or light box. Tape the towel over the pattern (centered and about 2 inches from the bottom of the towel) and trace the pattern with the extra fine permanent marker pen.
8. Embroider using 3 strands of floss with a basic stem stitch. French knot any dots and lazy-daisy stitch loops for flowers.

HOW TO EMBROIDER

Like most anything, practice makes perfect. These patterns and towels are very forgiving. The "handmade" look is desireable; don't worry if your stitches aren't perfect or the back of the towel looks messy. When your towel is complete, you'll be surprised at how cheery and nice it will look!

Here are some videos to help the beginner with the stitches used.

The STEM STITCH (used to outline)

Click here to play a short video on how to stem stitch.

The FRENCH KNOT (used for dots)

Click here to play a short video on how to french knot.

The LAZY DAISY (used for flower petals)

Click here to play a short video on how to lazy daisy stitch.

READY, SET, GET CRAFTING!
Tomorrow will be the debut of the first set of patterns for Valentine's Day.
Take your pick between the primitive look of Elizabeth, or the more retro style of Mary Jane.

FUTURE PATTERNS to be on my blog (at least one each month)

Valentine's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Easter
Spring
Gardening
Summer
4th of July (can also be used for other patriotic days)
Autumn
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Winter
Christmas
Celebrate (can be used for birthdays, teas and other celebrations)

New Years Resolutions are Coming

2009-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

I’ve never been good with New Year’s resolutions. I tend to set goals throughout the year, break them, reset them, and that dance continues throughout life. But, there is just something about the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start.

The Top 10* New Year’s resolutions last year:

1. Get out of debt or save money

2. Lose weight

3. Develop a healthy habit (e.g. healthy eating, exercise)

4. Get organized

5. Spend more time with family and friends

6. Develop a new skill or talent

7. Work less, play more

8. Other

9. Break an unhealthy habit (e.g. smoking, alcohol, overeating)

10. Change employment

*By the RISMEDIA-FranklinCovey survey

All of the top ten goals listed seem to be good ones. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep it all in perspective this way: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things.

If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. Is losing weight for vanity or health? If I was honest, I'd say both. Will a higher paying job let you afford luxuries, yet you won't be able to have time with your family to enjoy them? We should weigh our resolutions to God's standards if they are a means to achieve peace, joy and contentment.

So, will I make any New Year’s resolutions this year? Well, not so much resolutions as recommitments; mostly to do with my time; time alone with God to listen and learn from him more is high on the list. Of course, I’ll be in good company as I try to shed any extra holiday pounds plus a few more.

New Year Traditions

In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first new moon after the vernal equinox (first day of spring)

The early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.

Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the New Year by consuming black-eyed peas with ham hocks.

The Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1886. Members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers. It celebrated the ripening of the orange crop in California.

The song, "Auld Lang Syne," is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world. Written in the 1700’s, it is an old Scottish tune. "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

To you, dear reader and friend, I hope that 2010 will be a year for you that is filled with a warm and peaceful home, happy and healthy family and Christ foremost in your heart.

Christmas Cards or Mass E-mailed Newsletters?

2009-12-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Waiting behind two other vehicles to drop off the last of my Christmas cards, I noticed that Main Street looked like a Thomas Kinkade painting. Firemen volunteer their time to place wreaths on the old fashion lights and hang banners and garland across the streets each year. These heroes dressed in yellow rain slickers and firemen hats are not too busy to pass out candy canes to children in awe.

“What is taking so long with these cars?” Accustomed to never having to wait in such a small town, I became annoyed with the car ahead of me. “Oh, now what?”

The young woman in the car ahead of me walked toward my truck and asked me to roll down my window. “The boxes are overflowing and so we have to go inside to mail anything. Do you want me to take yours and mail them?”

After handing her my cards and exchanging smiles and Christmas greetings, I was on my way. As I passed the three boxes I noticed white cards sprinkled with red and green stuffed tight into the slot until not one more envelope could fit without being crushed.

How wonderful that Christmas cards are not a lost tradition. It seems I have received as many, if not more, cards than before this year. In an informal poll on Facebook, 49 out of 50 responders declared they send and like to receive actual Christmas cards instead of those mass Christmas newsletter emails.

Hooray! Christmas cards take some thought about the person you are sending them to. Every card I have received has at least one handwritten sentence or phrase acknowledging and greeting me or my family. It is addressed just to my home. I am more than a “send to all” button.

OK, you may be thinking you don’t have time to send cards. Well, if you must e-mail a Christmas newsletter, there is some etiquette that can be adhered to so that it is more of a true Christmas greeting and the reader may actually enjoy getting them from you each year.

Keep it concise; no more than a couple of paragraphs.
No mass “send to all.” Once you have the main newsletter written, save it and then e-mail it individually (not mass “send to all”) with at least one sentence written directly to them. Actually acknowledge who you are sending it to and wish them a blessed Christmas.
Cut and paste. Your family and close friends already know what happened to your family throughout the year. It is impersonal and a bit insulting to send them a rehash of it all as if you were never present in their life.
Write for the reason of your family’s blessings and Christmas. That is Christ! Give Him the honor of being the center of your letter. Otherwise, do not send your newsletter at Christmas, but another date such as on your birthday or New Years. Last year I received one newsletter on Martin Luther King’s birthday. The senders did not acknowledge Christmas or Christ, so I was glad it was not meant to be for Christmas.
Above all, send your email because you have a heart for the recipient and for Christ. Push a prideful heart aside and fill it, and your letter, full of good tidings at Christmas.

Look Up!

2009-12-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

Mornings are too cold. With the turning of the calendar page to December, the freezing north wind has arrived. Clear and cold, even Callie the dog doesn't want to get out of her sheepskin bed until the fire has warmed the living room and I've broken the ice from her pond. But, the freezing, clear sky is radiant with a full moon and dazzling stars, putting my Christmas decorations to shame and making the freezing battles of the day well worth the show nature gives me in return at night.

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him? Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:3, 4, 9

Crafty Advent Calendars

2009-12-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Loving homemade decorations and gifts, I looked at the little empty matchbox, "there must be something to do with this cute little thing." Seems I am not the only one that thinks so. The following are advent calendars made out of decorated matchboxes. I hope they inspire you to get creative this Christmas.

This is a swag I am finishing...made of large ric-rac, buttons and little matchboxes covered in scrapbook papers and embellishments.

These were made from covering the little boxes and then taping or glueing them together.

Of course, if there isn't time, just decorate the boxes and place them in a cute container!

So, what can you put into these cute little boxes?

Little candies and trinkets
A word or name from the Bible. Whoever reads a verse at the dinner table with that name in it gets an extra Christmas cookie for dessert.
For just couples...something romantic in each box; a long kiss, lunch together, etc.
Coupons for good or fun deeds.

Merry Crafting!

Thanksgiving is Not What You Think!

2009-11-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday filled with full and thankful hearts. It is family and tradition. There are practically no signs of this celebration in the shops, for which I am grateful for.

It is a shame, though, that our schools do not teach our children the true reason that we have a day set aside to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sure, the Pilgrims’ first feast is a tradition which plays a role in the big meal of the day, but it is not the reason we have a Thanksgiving holiday.
Read the following excerpts from the three proclamations of our forefathers who declared that there be a day set aside for “thanksgiving:”

The first Continental Congress Thanksgiving Proclamation of October, 1782:

“Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of Thursday the twenty-eight day of November next, as a day of solemn thanksgiving to God for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to God for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.”

George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789

“to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks”

Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Each of these proclamations was made in times of war and unrest. Times of distress made our country pull together in rememberance of why we would give our life to live in this country. We were thankful that God had his hand on our shoulder as a people and government.
We are in times of distress today. We are at war abroad and we have economical and political strife in the states. Are we thankful for what we have or have we become spoiled?
Traditions are important, and Thanksgiving is probably full of more traditions shared across our great country more than any other holiday. I love the traditions. But, let's not let any of them overshadow the reason for Thanksgiving...

Your Christmas Tree is Coming!

2009-11-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I followed a few trucks headed through town that were loaded with fragrant Christmas trees. Each tree was bundled to protect its branches. “I wonder where these trees are headed. What delights will those branches hold?” I knew that each tree was about to be the center of a story; a story that for some would live through generations, while others would be forgotten when the last ornament was removed from it’s brittle branch.

As a birthday cake is to our own birthday party, the Christmas tree is to Christ’s birthday festivities. It is the centerpiece of the celebration around the world, adding a glow to the room and the heart.
Living on part of an old Christmas tree farm and in the area that grows more Christmas trees than anywhere in the world, I get a sneak preview of Christmas in late October as helicopters fly over the house on their way to load trucks with the fragrant firs and pines. Anticipation of the holiday swells as truck after truck head through our little town with the precious Christmas cargo.

Spiced cider and Christmas carols have already made their way into my studio and tomorrow I plan to go to the opening of my favorite holiday craft show, “Christmas in the Country.” I can’t wait!

You may be thinking,

“Thanksgiving is a couple weeks away, yet.” You are so right; isn’t it a wonderful time of year? It used to bother me that Thanksgiving was overshadowed by Christmas. Not any more. I ignore the tasteless music on the grocer’s intercom as I hum my favorite carols while searching for ornaments that reflect Christ, family and friends. Thanksgiving and Christmas have a blurred line as I thank the Lord for the grace and blessings he has given me. I enjoy celebrating from the first tree I see swinging through the air from a helicopter in October through the New Year when I am reminded that every day I have peace, hope and joy because of what happened long ago on Christmas Day. I’ve learned to sort out the materialistic and tacky and keep the worship and joy in my heart and soul.

Christ is the center, the reason, the celebration. And, what a grand celebration it should be.

Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without!

2009-10-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Isn’t it nice that “vintage” is in vogue again?

vintage embroidered tea towels

Not only is it great to have low-cost (usually) used items to display and give as gifts in this slow economy, but it is fun to search for items that we affectionately remember our grandmothers using in their homes. Of course, some of us are a bit surprised by what is classified as vintage since we remember growing up with it ourselves!

Front and back covers of a WWII booklet issued by the National Cotton Council of America which sums up the homefront effort to conserve

"A Yard Saved Is a Yard Gained for Victory."

Maybe some of you remember the life and times growing up in the 1930’s-40’s the same as Gail Martin, a fun lady that is 83 years young.

“In the 1930’s, when feed and flour companies began using attractive print material for sacks to hold their product, Mother was in ‘seventh heaven.’ This advertising gimmick certainly had results the ad people were looking for, as everyone was soon proudly wearing feed sack dresses. Mother baked all our bread so we bought more flour than we do now. Back then, flour came in twenty-five, fifty & one hundred pound sacks. Mother's kitchen cabinet had a large flour storage area built in that held fifty pounds or more.

A lot of time and much thought went into buying the flour and chicken feed. We girls loved to go with our parents to Eureka, the closest town from our rural home, to help choose the material we liked best. Then, Mother had to be sure Daddy bought enough to make what we had in mind. When that turned out to be impossible, we traded sacks with our neighbors and relatives until we had the required yardage.”

Feed and flour sack material was colorful and cheery

Times were hard back then, but there is a reason that they are looked back upon fondly. Values were strong. For the most part, God seemed to be more accepted and present in families and society. Hard times bound the family and community closer together. More often than not, the load was lightened by many a neighbor helping neighbor.

Hospitality wasn’t so much of an art back then, as it was a necessity; a means of companionship, catching up with the latest news and checking on the needs of those you care about. So much has been lost today due to the lack of face-to-face hospitality.

There shouldn’t need to be a reason to open your heart and home, but I have a good one ...the holidays. When the house is already cleaned and decorated for autumn and winter festivities, when the cookies are already made or bought, why not invite a friend or neighbor to your home for some spiced cider and cookies? You may be surprised at how much fun it is to get to know someone and to share the blessing of your home.

Plan Ahead...Save Your Seeds!

2009-10-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

For years I have saved heirloom flower seeds to plant a border around the vegetable gardens. They attract honey bees for pollination and "good" bugs (like ladybugs and lacewings) that help eat the "bad" bugs. Most of the seeds come up as expected, but sometimes I'm surprised at a color that pops up.

flowers surrounding cucumber plants

This year I made some cute little seed packets to save my seeds in. I pick the seeds off the plants, place them on a paper towel and let them dry for a few days. Then I place them in these envelopes and seal them. I'll sow them early next spring (usually around mid-April for our zone 7.)

Little seed saver envelopes. The flap says,

"Enjoy these flowers the Lord has made and "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." Psalm 96:9

You can print and make some of these cute seed-saver envelopes, too. Here's how...

Envelope Template

Click on the template picture above; a large picture of it will come up on your screen.
Right click on the picture.
Click on "save picture as" and save it to your computer.
Bring up the picture in the software of your choice and print it. Two can fit on one page if you turn it to its side.
Print, cut out, fold the flaps, then glue the bottom flap to the side flaps.

I hope that you save some seeds for yourself and also share some with a neighbor. It is not so much about saving money, although that is nice, but seeing flowers grow into beautiful bouquets from seeds you harvested yourself. It is a colorful miracle of life.

Time to Harvest Herbs (how to dry herbs,make a wreath, herbes de provence recipe)

2009-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Time to get cozy at home, warm the hearth and have some crafting fun!

With a "pineapple express" on its way (a very wet, sultry rain here in the northwest) I decided it was time to pick herbs to dry before they got drenched. Here is some inspiration for you to preserve your aromatic bounty to enjoy all winter...

Make an Aromatic Herb Wreath

Herb bunches were trimmed uniformly after the wreath was fully assembled.

Materials You'll Need:

Florist Wires Heavy gage wire or wire wreath frame Herbs Wire Cutters Ribbon

Use wire cutters to cut a long strip - about 2 1/2 to 3 feet in length - of heavy-gauge wire.

Bend each end into a hook.

Gather herb bundles that are about 6" long. Use herbs that are suitable for air drying (see below.)

Use floristwire to bind the bundles of herbs to the heavy-gauge wire.

Cover the entire length of the heavy-gauge wire with herbs, making sure to keep them close together to prevent gaps. Option: add edible flowers or peppers for color (echinacea, violas, red chiles, etc.)

Bend the covered heavy-gauge wire into any shape you want, such as a typical round wreath, square or heart.

Add a bow and hang tag with the herb names.

hang tag made from scrapbook paper

For retaining highest flavor and quality, air drying is the easiest, most inexpensive method for preserving herbs. Moisture evaporates slowly and naturally during air drying, leaving the precious herb oils behind. Dehydrators are useful if you are drying large quantities of herbs or high moisture herbs such as basil. Use a microwave oven as a last resort for drying as microwaves literally cook the herbs producing very poor quality.

Sturdy herbs are best suited for air-drying, such as sage, thyme, summer savory, dill, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary and marjoram. Basil, tarragon, lemon balm and the mints have a high moisture content and will mold if not dried quickly. Chives are best frozen.

NO TIME to make a fancy wreath? Tie a bunch of herbs with a rubber band, pretty ribbon and hang tag. Why not make extras to share with your neighbors?

The best time to cut herbs for drying is just before they flower. This is when the leaves have the most oil, which is what gives herbs aroma and flavor. But, if your herbs have already flowered, they can still be harvested and dried. Cut herbs in mid-morning when the leaves are dry but before the midday sun.

To air dry herbs, follow these simple steps:

Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut large stems or branches from mature plants. Remove any old, damaged or diseased leaves.

Rinse each branch in cold water and dry with towels or paper towels to remove all visible water. Wet herbs tend to mold which destroys the whole bunch.

Tie three or four stems together in a small bunch with a rubber band. For high moisture herbs, use smaller bunches.

Place the bunch upside down. Hang them in a warm, airy room out of any light. Leave undisturbed for about two weeks or longer.

When the leaves are dry, check for any signs of mold growth. Toss the entire bunch if moldy and try again. Strip dried leaves from stems and discard stems. Crush the leaves if desired, but keep in mind that whole herbs retain their flavor longer than crushed, ground or rubbed herbs.

Store dried herbs in small airtight containers away from the light. Zip closure plastic bags, colored bailing wire jars and ceramic crocks can be used for storage. Add a cute hang tag.

Herbs Which Require Fast Drying:

Basil, tarragon, lemon balm and mints have high moisture content and will mold if not dried quickly and are best dried in a dehydrator.

Store herbs in a cool, dry, dark place (away from sunlight). Dried herbs keep for years but for best results use within a year. Most herbs will diminish in flavor with age and a larger amount will be needed to achieve the desired flavor in cooking.

Use Your Herbs:

To release the full flavor, crush whole herb leaves just before adding to the recipe. When using dried herbs, add to soups and stews during the last half-hour of cooking or follow recipe directions. Be creative and add dried herbs to flavor your favorite dishes. Make bottles of crushed herb mixtures for gifts, such as herbes de provence.

Recipe for Herbes de ProvenceIngredients:1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon chervil
1 tablespoon rosemary
1 tablespoon summer savory
1 teaspoon lavender
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon marjoram
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon mint
2 powdered or chopped bay leaves
Preparation:Mix together all of the ingredients and store in a tightly sealed container.Makes about 1/3 cup herb mix.

Happy Fall Y'all

2009-09-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

It's here. The first official day of autumn. Most everyone I know says it is their favorite time of year. It is mine. Here's some of the reasons why...

Golden autumn mornings cast long shadows from our fir trees in the back yard.

Decorations of nature's fruits, flowers and happy findings.

(I found this cute antique pewter pitcher in Indiana for only a couple dollars. Don't you love successful treasure hunts?)

Fall brings out the crafty side of us. This is a new tea towel pattern for my "Faithful Hearts" line of fabric and home decor.

Shops are decorated so cute this time of year. I got that old pottery jug from an antique store for only $4.00 in Indiana. No wonder the antique shopkeepers travel back there to bring it to our western stores. It was a good thing I took a large, empty suitcase with me. It was just 2 pounds under the airline limit on my return!

Birds enjoy the autumn harvest for more than just feasting.

From our grapevines to mason jars in only hours. Yum!

I've come to enjoy the color orange in the gardens, and, even a spot here and there in the home.

Come autumn, orange explodes!

Take time during the harvest to sit a spell on warm autumn afternoons.

Enjoy the sight, smell and taste of autumn.