All Grown Up!

I can't believe that Buster will be 1 year old in just 8 days. In some ways, it seems like yesterday that I drove down that country driveway to see that cute, little, innocent, playful, loving puppy! In other ways. . . . .it's been the longest year of my life!

I'm used to very calm, sedate, loving, gentle Labs! Breezy, my Lab from years ago, was a quiet, gentle, lazy girl. Nothing like this tornado of destruction I have now.
If it weren't for the fact that he is sooooooo happy, loveable, and attached to me, I think I would have gotten rid of him by now. It's those eyes. . . . . .

We still have a lot of behavioral issues to work through. And what in the world are we going to do with the anxiety attacks he has when he is not velcroed to my leg? And how can I afford to keep replacing windows when he decides he doesn't like the squirrels in the yard?

Everyone says, "Give him two years. . .he'll settle down!" Well, I've aged 10 years in the past one, and I'm not sure I'll make it another year, but. . . .



I don't think I could go a day without those slobber kisses and those dreamy eyes!!!!!

Meet Mr. Grumps!

Let me introduce you to our new resident here at our home! He moved in unannounced with much ta-do, and it seems that he has decided to stay.

At first I thought a squirrel was resting with his head in the doorway to the birdhouse, but quickly realized that it was not MRS. PEARL, the squirrel! I quickly got my binoculars, and sho-nuf, those big old eyes were staring right back at me.

I should have known something was amis out there! All the little chickadees, titmice, cardinals, etc., were just having a fit. I watched for a while, and one brave titmice decided he would take charge and actually started pecking at poor Mr. Grump's face. Too much trouble for him, so he retreated back into the house.

I couldn't take my eyes off that bird house. All day long I felt that I had these eyes following me wherever I went. And in the evening, he sat there with his head poking out, staring into my window, as if he were watching TV with me.

Take another look at that picture. I think his name is appropriate, don't you? In some ways, I'm glad he is here. My sister has chickens and goats, etc., and has been battling the mice and rat problem. So Mr. Grumps will have to work for his room and board here. And he will definitely have to make peace with the little birds I feed here. If he causes problems, he will be kicked off the property. It does seem that some agreements and propertly lines were drawn between them all, as peace returned yesterday and all the complaining, striking, and sign carrying had stopped.

I would love to see inside that birdhouse. I wonder if there is a Mrs. Grumps and if I will know the difference between the two??????

A Whole New Me!

I never thought it would come to this!!!! But I have fallen in love with aprons!
Yes, you heard me right ---- APRONS! For about 18 years now I have been thrift shopping, antique shopping, etc., and I always notice the aprons. For a long time, I had a few hanging in my bathroom window, acting as my curtain there with clothes line, clothes pins and everything. But I NEVER thought I would wear one.

Lea from Farmhouse Blessings has been making aprons for some time now, and recently joined
Apronista. I guess I have the fever, because now I want aprons!!!! I want to MAKE aprons. I want to WEAR apons.
I can't sew worth a lick, but by golly, I'm going to learn. How hard can an apron be, anyways?????

You've GOT to get over to that Apronista site! They are having an April Challenge, and we have to use vintage linens, fabric or anything vintage to make an apron. Right up my alley, for sure.

So far, this is the rough beginnings of my very, VERY first apron ever!!!!

But please be warned: I'm all happy, smiles, and gung-ho right now. And I will keep you updated on my progress. . . . .BUT. . .the last picture you see just might be a wadded up bundle of fabric in the trash can!!!!!

Plan B for the Scalloped Potatoes!

I was all prepared with my ingredients, suggestions, recipes, and tools. . . .went for my potatoes . . . .and they were rotten!!!!!! Since I tend to get crabby in the kitchen, I decided to save the day and come up with "Plan B."

I'm so glad I did, because it rated a "10" in my book!

I went with elbo macaroni. A big pot full!

Here's what I came up with:

1 can evaporated milk
1 cups water
1/2 stick butter
1 envelope of Pepper Gravy Mix (says makes 3 1/2 cups on the envelope)
Paprika
3 chopped onions sauteed in a little butter
cheddar cheese
2 cups left over ham
bread crumbs

Cook pasta til just done. Drain.
Mix the milk, water, and gravy mix in sauce pan, heat, and stir til thickened.
Fry onions till just clear (not browned) in a little butter or oil.
Add onions, ham, and shredded cheese to gravy mixture. (I eye-balled the cheese. I do like lots of cheese, though)
Mix in macaroni
Dump the whole mixture into 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs
Put more cheese on the top
Back at 375 till cheese is melted and browning some.

This had to be the best I've ever made.

Buster thought so, too.

So the scalloped potatoes will have to wait until the next ham comes along!

Scalloped Potatoes?????

I was sooooo blessed this Easter and received one of those wonderful, spiral cut hams! I can't stop picking at it.

Years ago, I remember having the absolute best scalloped potatoes with ham chunks in it. It was soooo creamy, cheezy and tasty.

I have tried a million recipes down through the years -- some OK, some terrible, etc.
My main problem is that it seems to separate or "curdle" or something. Not that nice, creamy texture that you want.

Does anyone have a good recipe?? I'd love to use my left over ham like this, but don't want to ruin the ham AND the cheese, AND the potatoes in a not-so-good recipe!

Thanks!!!!

I've been tagged ----- AGAIN!

Blondie from Vintage Prims! has tagged me today and I must tell 5 things about myself that most people wouldn't know. Then I am to tag 5 more people! This is hard, as I've done it before, but I'll do my best to come up with another 5 things. Here goes:

1. I eat my jelly beans according to color, and I eat all the black ones first.
2. I want to buy every commercial site or building that I see that is for sale. I always thing I could really do something in that spot and make a million bucks!
3. I can't touch worms or other squiggly things, and I hate to see fish die on a hook, so I can't go fishing!
4. I'm a counter and there are 56 steps from my back door to my Sister's front door.
5. I can't sleep without a light on!

Now who can I possibly tag that hasn't already been through this?????

Joann from http://jywheeler.blogspot.com/
Kris at http://paintedkreations4u.blogspot.com
Vic at http://2muchfarmprimitives.blogspot.com/
Dani at http://dani-eagleswings.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Paula, of Fraker Farm!

Every once in a while, someone comes along and does something that lifts you up, and today was on of those days. Paula, from Fraker Farm, gave me this award from her blog, and was so gracious in her remarks! Thank you, Paula, for that! It was YOU who made MY day!

I'd like to pass this on to people who make my day every day!!!!

To Cyndi, of ByLightOfMoon
To Naomi, of Naomi's Notions
To Penny, of Miss Pootsie's Primitives
To Andra, of Andra Whims and Whimsies
To Linda, Of Linda*Pinda*Designs

These gals don't have the slightest idea of how much they have meant to ME!

Cora

Another great Giveaway!!!!

You just have to run on over to Fraker Farm and sign up for this great giveaway!!!!
I just love these totes!!!!! Click on the pictures!

And while you are at it, check out her Etsy shop!!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5516810

What great stuff over there! Just love those bonnets!

You Just Gotta Enter this Giveaway!!!!

Please click on the picture to take you to the greatest giveaway ever!!!! Can you believe this wonderful quilt is being given away in a drawing????? And as a bonus, Dana is giving away her wonderful soaps, too!



What more could you want, a quilt and handmade soaps, etc.?????? I'm just dooling over this one! This has to be the most generous prize I've seen in a long time. I just hope someone I know wins this (ME!!!!) Thank you, Dana, from The Old Red Barn, for such a wonderful blog, and for being so generous with this! We love you!

Somehow!

It seems lately that I hear of so many of my friends who are hurting, disappointed, let down, and feeling so alone. The pain goes on, even though you try to smile, and you just wish somehow. . . .things would just go back to how they were before. My friend, God knows! And He is there for you. . .just as He has been there for me! If you are hurting today because of a failed friendship or a disappointment, this is for you!

Somehow

Somehow, when friends have failed and turned away,
And disappointments seem to want to stay,
And tears replace the smiles of yesterday,
I knew You'd always be there, Lord, somehow I knew You would!

Somehow, when others just don't understand,
And things go wrong, against the way I planned,
And dreams, now broken pieces in my hand,
I knew You'd always be there, Lord, somehow I knew You would.

When all that seemed so right and good to me,
I felt that I was all that I could be,
Yet, someone felt I failed them miserably,
I knew You'd always be there, Lord, somehow I knew You would.

Somehow, when clouds of doubt hang in the sky,
And all I ask is "Why? Please, tell me why?"
When others laugh and all I do is cry,
I knew You'd always be there, Lord, somehow I knew You would.

Somehow, when lonliness has entered in,
When forcing smiles, but crying deep within,
When longing for what's gone, or could have been,
I knew You'd always be there, Lord, somehow I knew You would.

When others fail, just teach me to forgive,
And may I live the life that You would live,
Just giving all you've given me to give,
Somehow, you'll always be there, Lord, somehow I know You will!

--Cora Eelman

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." -- Heb. 13:5

A Clean House Gift-Away!

What a great giveaway, gals! Please click on the picture and hop over to A Clean House and sign up! And while you are at it, take the time to read her blog! It is just so wonderful! I'm so glad I found this peaceful haven!

Giveaway And Free Pattern!

I am so privileged to belong to a wonderful Ebay group called Glad Tidings Primitives and Folk Art. We have our own blog where each of us posts our new creations, thoughts, etc. Yesterday, Naomi, from Naomi's Notions, and Penny, from Miss Pootsie's posted wonderful surprises for you. A free pattern and a sign up for a free giveaway. Please stop by and check them out!!!!

CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN AND GIVEAWAY DRAWING!