Done and changing

 

Whoop! It is finished. I was a little discouraged at first, but things just went together beautifully. I love putting the last couple of pieces in.

Ok, so now things are changing again. And as I am not computer savvy. I will just post this and hopefully whoever subscribes to email will know what to do. I would hate to lose any of my peeps

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Sharpening the brain cells

 Since my daughter has been in quarantine for Covid, I have been spending a lot of time outside. Finally getting things planted and enjoying the springtime sunshine before it gets too hot.

I've also been working on this....

I almost hate starting a new puzzle. I get discouraged too easily when I can't find pieces. And this one is sort of an impressionistic painting, which I won't be getting again. Still it's a nice way to pass the time.

Taking a look

Last week I took a chance and visited a local quilt shop. I say a chance, because I have not been quilting for almost a year now. But the quilt shop sent me a birthday discount. I have not been in that store for at least a couple of years.

Sweet Darlings is located in a very unconventional location. Not really near anything. So it is a little bit of a drive for me. 

The one thing I noticed right away was they had a lot less material then before. Quite a bit less. Still the fabric they had was beautiful. 

I think they are really counting on machine quilting, because I ran into a friend who was picking up quilts. And I know my SIL also takes her quilts up there.

The main reason I went was to try to gain some inspiration. My daughter has asked me to make her an "adult" quilt.  Nothing smutty you understand. But most of the quilts I have ever made for her are pink, pink, PINK! 

So even though I didn't really find anything, or even much inspiration, it was a pleasant visit.

Wishing you a spark of Kindness

 

Let It Be Me

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade's Misty River romance series. The stories surround the Miracle Five, five teens who miraculously survived a collapsed building during an earthquake. This is Sebastian Grant's story.

Highly intelligent, a highly skilled pediatric cardiac surgeon, Sebastian meets Leah in a most unusual way. She is his angel when he is in a car accident. And he is instantly smitten. The problem arrives when he discovers that Ben Coleman, his best friend is also smitten with her. Being a foster kid, and having no family, Ben's family had taken Sebastian under their wing after they survived the earthquake.

Leah is a math protégé and has had the care of her younger brother since she was 18 years old. Having sacrificed her PhD to care and support her brother, she learns through DNA testing that she is not the biological child of her parents. Nor the biological sister of her young brother. She asks Sebastian for his help dealing with hospital records trying to find out about her birth, and the possibility of her being switched with another baby. 

Leah values Ben as a friend, but has no other feelings for him. She fights the attraction she has for Sebastian, as she doesn't want to come between his and Ben's friendship. 

Wow! What an intriguing mystery and story line. Becky Wade has written the most interesting characters in this book. I really felt that Leah had the spotlight in this story. The complexity of Leah's and Sebastian's romance was a great draw. You could sense their struggles in wanting to do the right thing. Very well written, contemporary Christian romance. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Signs of Spring

A couple of years ago, I made this runner for my entry way.

I have another runner made by the same pattern that I use in the winter time in blues and grays.

I hope you are seeing Spring in your area.  It's the perfect time of year to add a splash of color.

Happy Easter

 

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." (John 11:25-27)

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6)

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

This weekend is the time Christians celebrate the Risen Savior. If it was not for the sacrifice Jesus made, we would be dead to our sin, eternally. Jesus paid the price we could not pay, for the debt that we owed.
 
We have all sinned, since we have all done wrong things. But God made a way for us to be forgiven so we can have eternal life in Heaven. We must recognize our sinfulness and accept that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin when he died on the cross and rose again from the grave.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

It's a free gift..........Have a blessed Easter

All packed up

 

A very sweet young lady and her mom came to see the HQ Sweet Sixteen and fell in love. They were both so excited about getting this machine. And I was just as excited to be able to pass it on to someone who will use and enjoy it.

So this is what my sewing room looks like now. But I still don't have any desire to sew or quilt! I go into the sewing room and sit, and look around, pondering. I have shared fabric with ladies who are doing QOV and Project Linus. Until I get some mojo back, the room will remain quiet. 

Wishing you a happy quilting day :-)

 

Sunday Morning

 

Majestic bougainvillea

 This magnificent bougainvillea has brought life to my back yard.

These flowers are so amazing up close.

"Anne’s beauty-loving eyes lingered on it all, taking everything greedily in. She had looked on so many unlovely places in her life, poor child; but this was as lovely as anything she had ever dreamed.”

~Anne of Green Gables~

My favorite time of year

 

Spring is busting out all over :-)

Sunday Morning

 

A little bit of Italy

 Mazzaro's is a destination point in St Petersburg Florida.  An Italian grocery store that is a sightseeing adventure as well.  Mazzaro's Italian Market is like stepping into Little Italy.

Located at 2909 22nd Avenue N, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713, the building sets the mood for the delights inside.

Fresh fruits and vegetables!

Vintage aprons

I have been thinking, and pondering, and figuring, and wondering about making a vintage type apron. I use an apron when I cook, but the only full size apron that I have is a red and green plaid which looks very Christmasy. As I am not a garment sewer, I was thinking about the investment of time and fabric. I am very protective of my fabric.

So one day, when my dear daughter and I were out and about on a shopping jaunt, I found this pretty little thing......


Now I know it is not really a vintage apron, but I just fell in love with the bright cheery flowers. The apron has a nice little scalloped edge that could easily pass as an apron from the past. The really wonderful part was that this little apron cost less then 1 1/2 yards of fabric.

Library

 Li·brar·y

n. pl. li·brar·ies A place in which literary and artistic materials, such as  books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, records,  and tapes, are kept for reading, reference, or lending. A collection of such materials, systematically arranged. A room in a private home for such a collection. d. An institution or foundation maintaining such a collection. I remember when I was a very little girl the first time my mother took me to the Library. We were living in a very big city at the time but what I remember most about that library is that it was upstairs. We climbed the stairs and entered into a place that was magic to me. I remember there was a low shelf next to the window with lots of children's books. I must have been about 4 years old, because I was not yet in school. I sat by the window and looked through many books. When we left, I am sure we took a few books home with us. We went back to that library many times, as I still remember checking out books from that library for elementary school. Books have always held a fascination to me. They are your friends when you are lonely, sick, or when you just want to travel to a different place or time. The Library is also a great resource for Quilting books. I have a very healthy collections of quilting books in my own library, but sometimes, I just enjoy looking at other books for ideas. I've checked out Harriet Hargrove and Sue Nickels machine quilting books in the past. Also books by Camille Roskelly. What fun to browse through these books and enjoy the amazing resource the Library affords. Have you ever checked what your local Library has available? You might be pleasantly surprised.

Make Their Day

 

Make Their Day by Karen Ehman is 101 different ways to love others well. And this book surely follows through.

Inspirational, I loved how Karen took every day ways to bless others. It was amazing how little simple ideas generated creativity. Some at low or no cost. Yet they significantly show love to your family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. 

Although it is not a big book, it was a quick read, and a handy reference to check back for reinforcement. My favorite one was "Notice the necessary people". Karen shares about Mr. Brown Day, when her family honored their post man. It was touching how she looked beyond herself and into the face of others who serve us faithfully.

I think Make Their Day would be a great book to give to friends and relatives. After all we could all use 101 ways to bring joy to someone's day.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Blueberry Lemon Loaf

 

This is the time of year for delicious blueberries and tangy lemons.  Somewhere, I found this recipe online, and I'm sorry that I did not note the author.  But blueberries were in my fridge and lemons were hanging on our tree.  Time to try this recipe.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

2 tsp lemon rind

1 cup full fat plain yogurt OR sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1.  Stir together first 4 dry ingredients.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, bet together eggs, vanilla, lemon rind, sour cream and oil.

3.  Add dry mixture and mix just until dry ingredients are well incorporated.  Don't over mix.

4.  Gently stir in blueberries.  (I coated mine with a little bit of flour so they would bake evenly in the loaf.

5.  Pour batter into well greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes (test doneness with toothpick)

6.  Once baked allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes then remove to cooling rack.

Lemon syrup:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Heat together until sugar is dissolved.

2.  Poke warm Lemon Blueberry loaf with small fork and brush lemon syrup over loaf.  Allow to cool completely.

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Stir together and drizzle over cooled loaf.  Allow to set.

This is a great combination. Enjoy!

Minnehaha woman sews for Vets

 Meet Nina Borroz. A 98 year old quilter spends her days making quilts for Veterans. 150 to 200 a year!

Check it out! Read more HERE.

Pretty in pink

 

Everything goes better with pink :-)

Hope Between the Pages

 

What a beautiful love story. Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham is the most beautiful love story that I've read.

This enchanting story set in the early 1900's between Sadie, a housemaid at the Biltmore House, and Oliver, a young English gentleman. Sadie is the library maid, and they both discover they have a love of books, as she recommends new books to Oliver. Because of the differences in their stations, it is mostly forbidden, but they form a friendship. But as they know one another, they are drawn together.

In dual time-slip, Clara Blackwell, searches for the deed to the bookshop she has inherited from her late father. It begins an adventure, finding out what happened to her great-grandmother Sadie Blackwell. 

Sadie and Clara's story was so well crafted that several times I had to put the book down to gather my thoughts. It's emotionally touching, beautifully descriptive, with well rounded characters. 

Pepper Basham has done a wonderful job of inviting us into the lives of these people. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Bread for the Journey

 

Commit thy works unto the Lord, 

and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:3

Clear skies

 I am so sorry about the adverse weather around the country. Apparently because we have a system coming from the south, we have been spared the really cold weather. So I will share a little bit of our paradise.

Stay safe. Spring is on the way :-)

Happy Valentine's Day

 

The way it should be

 

Christina Suzann Nelson has such a compelling way of writing, you really become wrapped up with her characters and story. Such is the case of "The Way It Should Be."

Twin sisters Zara and Eve have not seen each other in ten years. A lot has happened during that time. Zara finds the love of her life and feels like she has been given a new start in life.

Eve on the other hand has made so many mistakes and poor choices. Drugs, men, pregnancy.... She is in so deep, she can't see her way out. But Eve is given a chance to change, with the help of Tiff Bradley. A woman who lost a daughter to drugs years ago. 

This story was one I couldn't put down. The way Nelson weaves these women together makes you want to root for their success. And it is so difficult. Especially since it involves Eve's two young children. So many tough decisions, and the strength needed to go forward. There are also questions. So much doubt that the reader comes to realize that this story could be about any family. It takes a lot of love to overcome the pain.

I've read Nelson's other two books and was just as blown away by how she can move me with her tasteful and excellent writing. 

I liked the review by Lisa Wingate. "Christina Suzann Nelson's beautifully written tale will have readers considering complex questions long after closing the cover." 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A special gift

 Recently I was having lunch with an old friend. Our boys grew up together, so we had a kinship that spanned the years. After lunch she asked me if I remembered the antique quilt that she had. I said yes, as I had encouraged her to take it to have it evaluated. I knew it was old, but not much else. She was clearing out things in her house and asked me if I would like to have it. Of course I said YES!

And here it is ...

A crazy quilt that was made in 1889.

Apparently made by A.C.Waterman

The stitching is amazing. And the crochet work is beautiful.

It is extremely fragile. As I was unwrapping it, pieces of the fabric were falling off.

It's really a work of art. But for 132 years old, I would expect no less. I really think it belongs in a museum. 

The Shell Collector

 

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a touching and moving story about love, loss and second chances. 

Amanda Whittier struggles after the loss of her Marine husband two years ago. She moves to Whelk's Island North Carolina to start her life afresh. With plans to start her own business, she buys a run down cottage on the beach. She soon finds her neighbor, Maeve Lindsay, has experienced loss herself. Maeve collects shells on her walk every morning, and befriends Amanda's young children. 

Paul, a long time friend of the Whittier's, meets up with Amanda after a beach run. Hailey, Amanda's young daughter, runs to him thinking he is her father. A surprise all around, but Paul always cared for Amanda, and wants to be back in her life. 

This is such a beautiful story of how friendship can help mend hearts and move forward. I loved Maeve and how she opened her heart and her home as Amanda clings to the past. Maeve's relationship with Tug, the cafe owner, is sweet. And The Wife is an added fun aspect to the story.

I've read several of Miss Naigle's books and have always come away satisfied. But have some tissues available for this beautiful heartfelt story. Definitely a *5* star novel.

Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing and NetGalley.com provided an e-copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Side of Murder

 

Who killed Estelle Kobolt! Estelle was a piece of work. Nobody liked her, and anybody could have done her in. But when Samantha Barnes finds her face up, obviously drowned, she is sure it is murder. Even though her death is listed as accidental.

Sam, taking a break from the food scene, as she wields a knife against her ex goes viral on YouTube, finds refuge in the house her great aunt Ida left to her on the Cape. And ends up writing restaurant  reviews for the Cape Cod Clarion. 

 Samantha narrates the book, and with the witty dialogue you can't help but get wrapped up in all the characters.  There were a lot of twists and turns, which kept my interest. This is a cozy mystery, fast paced and fun. A real page turner. And you will never guess who the murderer is until the very end. This is Amy Pershing's debut novel, and I think she did a great job with the setting, characters and dialogue. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sweet Baby Ray's Chicken

I found this recipe online.  I had all the ingredients, so it was a go for dinner.  And I might add, it turned out great!

Sweet Baby Ray's Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken

5 - 6 skinless chicken breasts
1 small bottle Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
add in -
1/2 jar Peach Preserves

Mix sauce ingredients together
Put chicken in the Crock Pot and pour sauce mixture over the top.
Stir all around until chicken is well coated
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until chicken is fall apart tender.

 Taking the chicken right out of the crock pot.

Shredding the tender cooked chicken

I made Fried Rice and Steamed Broccoli to go along with the chicken.  It was a um-um good meal.

 Grace at Home

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