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.