Osage Bluff Quilter

99 bottles of beer on the wall . . .

2012-01-22T21:08:00.000-06:00

99 bottles . . . wait I mean bars of soap.

Well we don't have 99 bars yet, but at the rate he's making it, we soon might. Yesterday's batch is the white soap he calls a "Castile" style soap. (And Margie if you're reading this you know you might have homemade soap at your house soon.) (Phil did you get the recipes I emailed you?)

Valentine's day is fast approaching. Today he made me the heart hanger to hang my Griswold/Wagner muffin pan. When he gave it to me, he said Happy Valentine's day a little early. And why that clock has military time, I have no clue.

Today we rearranged all our cast iron skillets. They range from #I to a #8. I am still looking for a #11 Wagner skillet. There will be no more pineapple upside-down cakes again until I find one. (Thanks favorite BIL Pat, for stealing mine)

Soap making

2012-01-19T22:10:00.000-06:00

It all started with 8 ice bags full of beef tallow. It had to be diced and ground. (Trust me, cause I forgot to get a picture of that.)

It was then rendered over a gas burner, in a cast iron kettle. After partially cooled, it was filtered through one of my embroidered tea towels. Yes, my vintage towel.

Here the blacksmith with his safety glasses on is heating the tallow and coconut oil. To that he added pine tar. We have found that pine tar soap helps dry skin and other skin aliments.

The glasses and an open window are necessary as he first mixed distilled water and lye. This mixture is dangerous and can be an accident waiting to happen.

When you add the lye water (after it cools to 93 degrees) you mix with it quickly with the oil mixture using a beater blade and a drill until the mixture starts to set up.

It is then poured into wooden trays he made. As you can see he got 1 and 1/2 trays full of soap. It was then covered it with heavy plastic and several layers of heavy towels. It has to cure over night.

The next day he cut it into 2 inch x 3 inch bars.

We now have 51 bars to cure out. This process will take about 2 to 4 weeks. If we would be stingy and keep it all, it would be enough, we figure, for about 2 years.

An old cookbook

2012-01-15T21:47:00.000-06:00

Today I decided to clean out my cookbook ~~cabinet~~ shelf. I came across a cookbook that belonged to my late aunt Tessie.

This recipe gave us a good laugh. A 10 cent bag of potato chips???? So I turned the cookbook over and saw it was dated 1955. The potato chip of our choice back then were made by a fairly local company named Backers. They are still in business today! I remember in 1962 stopping at the local grocery market while walking home from school. We could get nickel or dime candy bars and nickle and dime bags of chips too. Sodas were 10 cents with a 2 cents deposit. When you took the bottles back you could get your money back. In our case, we never took the cash. Earl's market had the best candy counter.

More interesting things found in this old book were some "hints". I'm going after my hand cream as soon as I'm finished typing!

Speaking of recipes, a friend told me about this blackberry lush recipe the other day. So today I cut the recipe in half and made it for the blacksmith and me. OMG is it good.

Here's the recipe!

To see what I did on Saturday check it out here. Osage Bluff Blacksmith.

Tuesday at Grandma's

2012-01-10T18:08:00.002-06:00

Never a dull moment!!

Shopping, canning, and eating out x 2

2012-01-07T22:25:00.000-06:00

My bff and I left the house by 9:30 and headed to the outlet mall at Lake Ozark. My goal was to find one good pair of nice comfortable shoes.

We picked and choose which stores to go in carefully. My bff recently had two surgeries on the same foot, just two weeks apart. We browsed at the Children's Palace, Body Works, Gold Toe, and then we hit the shoe stores. At Sketchers I found a pair of brown tie shoes I had been looking for. Our next stop was Naturalizers. As I was trying on sale shoes, bff found the marked down rack. Before the blink of an eye she found 4 pairs, all for less then $18 a pair. What a bargain she got! I did find a pair of black slip on every day flats. Okay so I ended up with a total of two pairs of shoes.

We then headed to Eldon where I found some sausage seasoning at the Amish store. Across the street I parked in the handicap spot and we shopped at Dollar General. I showed her the CD's I bought for the grand daughter for $5. They have 40 plus kids songs and the kids love to sing along. Bff has a 2 year grandson who is into music big time!

After a quick stop at Subway for lunch we headed home.

This is what I did after I got home. I canned pink grapefruits and Cutie oranges. I found the recipe for the grapefruits at Canning Granny.

Before I could can my regular oranges I got a call from my son to go out to eat with them. They are on the list for tomorrow.

Someone sure enjoyed her chicken legs!

Diner was great. I had buffet which included BBQ fall off the bone ribs and golden fried chicken. Did I mention there was cherry cobbler and peach cobbler with Central dairy ice cream too? On the way home, we stopped just a half mile down the road to visit with my Mom. She was so tickled to see the grand kids and great-grand kids. Thanks son and DIL for dinner.

The blacksmith called tonight. He was glad that they all three bagged a deer today. He will have about a 4 hour drive home in the morning. Red neck trailer and all!

I've got a free shopping weekend!

2012-01-06T20:44:00.000-06:00

The blacksmith, his brother (a.k.a. my favorite BIL), and nephew left to go deer hunting up north today.

I tried to tell them, they put the topper on the wrong thing. But you know I'm a woman, what do I know?!?!?

They still loaded it up.

And off they went.

So what's a girl to do, all alone? Let's go Shopping.

First it was Hobby Lobby, a girl needs fabric. Next stop was Missouri Blvd Antique shop, on to the car wash, and then lunch with my sister.

One of my first stops was Yellow Moon antique shop. There I saw this antique back pack. It was twice the price of the new oak back pack I bought the son for Christmas.

I saw this child mink stole. Sixty-five dollar would take it home. I so thought about Sarah at Makin' projik's and her little sweet cheeks. It would look adorable on her.

At Frenchie's Antique Mall I bought this cast iron muffin/pop over pan. It has both the mark of Griswold and Wagner ware.

I stopped in at the Lutheran resell it shop. There I spent $6.00, a pair of pink snow pants for the grand daughter for $3, a $2 pillow for the blacksmith and his recliner, and a $1 wall hanging for the laundry room.

And tomorrow's another day!

The last day of winter break

2012-01-03T18:54:00.000-06:00

The kids came this morning to spend their last winter holiday with us. We started breakfast with fried eggs, which they love, and ended with hot homemade cinnamon rolls. (Sarah and Jeremy, notice your old Garfield cups?)

Here is my recipe for those delicious homemade rolls.

Sweet rolls
4 t. yeast (2 pkgs) (I use rapid rise yeast)
1 cup lukewarm water
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons butter
5 cups flour
1 c boiling milk (I used 2 minutes in the microwave on high)

Mix together yeast, water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the salt. Let stand while beating eggs, 2/3 c. sugar, and melted butter. Add to yeast mixture, then beat in 3 cups flour. Mix well. Add 2 c. of flour but do not beat until you pour the hot milk over it. Beat well. (I used the paddle on my Kitchen Aid for the entire process).

Let rise until doubled. Punch down, cover, and put in the refrigerator for 8 hours or over night. (It keeps several days in the refrigerator)

To make the best hot rolls, take dough, and with a small amount of flour, roll until about 3/4 inch thick. Cut circles. Grease your pan, but before adding circles brush the round edge with melted butter. NOT the tops. Let rise and bake @375 F for 15-20 minutes. When the rolls are finished, then brush tops with melted butter.

For cinnamon rolls, roll dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, brush with melted butter, add white or brown sugar and cinnamon, roll, and slice. Let rise and bake @375 F for 20-25 minutes. Ice if desired.

The day started at 17 degrees, but at 10:30 we were up to 40 degrees and Grandpa thought it was time to go outdoors. (He did have an ulterior motive.)

'

Lizzie was first to drive the Farmall H. The trailer was loaded with cut firewood.

She thought it was a parade, by the way she was waving.

Alex gets a lesson in how to dump the trailer.

Brady could almost drive the tractor by himself.

Alex just enjoyed his ride.

And off into the sunset they went . . . . Gosh did Grandpa and Grandma enjoy this day!

New beginnings

2012-01-01T20:48:00.000-06:00

Welcome 2012. It's here. It came before we might have been ready, but like it or not, we can't change it.

My day started at 6:15 AM when I ~~kicked~~ gently rolled the husband out of bed. He had to meet Tom, a fellow blacksmith, for trip to a New Year's day "Headache Hammer-in". They would end up in Washington, Missouri at Washington Forge. I stayed in bed for about another hour and then decided it was time to get busy. All the Christmas decorations had been put away the day before. It was time now to do some laundry, dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming, and some cooking. I did sneak some sewing time in after the pork loin was roasting, the blackberry crisp was made, and the hot rolls were rising.

The one thing I really missed today was the New Year's day parade. So tomorrow when it's officially on TV, will it be called "the day after New year's day parade"? I will be glued to the TV to watch it then!

The blacksmiths came rolling back in about 4:30. Tom would be eating dinner with us.

Tom is all alone now. He lost his wife Phyllis, the love of his life, just two weeks ago today. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September, had surgery, and a few weeks later had surgery again for a second tumor. Three weeks later a third tumor came back and surgery was not an option.

Phyllis was the sweetest lady. She was a bee keeper, a hospice volunteer, and a quilter.

She also volunteered at our local Runge Conservation Center. Here you can see her on the right coming to see my grand kids. She was the volunteer assigned to help us on a cold, windy, April day when we had a show there.

This is one of Phyllis' unfinished quilts. Tom bought it along to see if I would be willing to finish it for him. Of course I would. I can't say no to a friend. I just hope I can do it justice and make the tiny stitches that she made.

So as we start this new year of 2012, I pray we all have our health, our happiness, and our family. It will be a new start for Tom, not an easy one. A new start for us, as we lost a friend.

Rest in peace Phyllis.

Quilts and pieces

2011-12-29T18:07:00.000-06:00

Back in June, I put this hand embroidered quilt in the frame in my living room. My mother made it over 20 years ago. I decided it was time to have it quilted. Thanks to some help from my MIL and friends, Deanna and Rita, I finished it just before Christmas.

It turned out better than I ever expected it too.

The details are just beautiful!

I also finished little Miss Sadie's quilt. As planned she was named Sadie, but I didn't finish the quilt until the day after she was born just to be sure. Sadie's daddy works as a lineman where I work. I had asked you fellow bloggers if I should add the name before she was born. It was unanimously a big NO.

I always like to included the year I make the quilt.

Another project finished just before Christmas.

Now this project was started months ago and is getting a little closer to completion. This is a paper piece pattern for those of you that don't quilt. This piece measures 20 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches and has 126 pieces of little fabric!!! I can't show you the front yet, as it's a surprise for someone. However there are two more pieces that measure the same size and those two combined have 508 little pieces of fabric in them.

By the time this small quilt is finished I expect it to have close to 700 pieces of fabric and will not be as big as a baby quilt.

Do you all have leftover cranberry sauce you made? Here is what I made with ours today. I have the recipe on my pinterest. If you haven't joined pinterest yet let me tell you, it can take up more time than blogging and facebook combined!

Back to my tiny pieces of fabric. Stay tuned!

GREAT guys in Mom's eyes

2011-12-28T20:14:00.001-06:00

Lunch time with mom. Today her two oldest great-grandsons came for a pizza party. Along with them was mom's great nephew. Of course I took mom's other two great-grandsons too.

Here is a group picture of all the fine young men. The three on the back row are all active military, 2 are seals, and one is a Marine. They are home for a very short Christmas break. Thank you men for serving our country, we are all very proud of you and that includes your great-grandmother and great aunt.

A switching of the glasses!

Mom and her four great grandsons.

Check this out

2011-12-27T20:14:00.000-06:00

You can find today's post at Osagebluff Blacksmith's blog.

You will even find out what this is.

While you are there, sign up to be a follower.

You never know what you might find for sale there.

Christmas at our house

2011-12-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

The kids open their presents in front of aunt Sarah.

Lizzie opens presents dressed in her Sunday best!

Stockings hold goodies too!

It takes a crew to put things together.

We don't have many pictures of our best photographer.

This one is blurry so that tells you I'm not the best photographer.

Lori is checking out her new kindle cover and light.

Christmas is high tech, using the video cameras to watch gift opening.

We miss you Sarah and Rusty!

A lady and her castle.

Sharing a sweet moment with her Daddy.

The oak handmade back pack was a hit with Jeremy!

Dudenhoeffer's baskets are awesome.

So an awesome basket, for an awesome son.

Dinner time! Santa is ready.

The menu:

baked ham, broccoli casserole, 2 cranberry salads, river potatoes, and grandma's fruit salad!

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Rusty bought Alex the blacksmith shop lego set.

It took a real blacksmith for the assembly.

This is the morning after photo.

No need to do dishes with company,

it's time to visit and watch the kids with their gifts,

the big kids too!

#24 children sleeping

2011-12-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow's the day! Hope you all are ready!

#23 A shining star(s)

2011-12-23T07:15:00.014-06:00

I don't remember when or how I met Tipper at the Blind Pig and the Acorn. It's been several years. Some day we will meet in person. She lives in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
Her family is very talented when it comes to music (among many other things). We have several of her daddy's and brother Paul's CDs, some that I won, and some that I bought. I currently have their Christmas CD that plays over and over in my car. When Christmas is over I am going replace it with a CD with songs from her two daughters, Chitter and Chatter, who are singing in the above video. It was something I won several weeks ago.

Be sure and visit Tipper's blog. You will find great stories, wonderful recipes, awesome music, and so much more.

Thank you Tipper for letting me post the girls beautiful rendition of Beautiful Star of Bethlehem!

#22 December daily photo(s) - Holiday greetings

2011-12-22T09:19:00.000-06:00

Oh that Grace, what choir leader she is!

#21 Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

2011-12-21T10:08:00.006-06:00

Just a few more post to go Susan for 25 photos in December!

Hard to believe this is our little Lizzie 2 years ago.

#20 A winter wonderland

2011-12-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

I'm still working along with Susan on December in 25 photos.

If only this was 2011, we have rain, rain and more rain today. This was December 2010.

Christmas Caroling with Mom

2011-12-19T21:03:00.000-06:00

Sunday, Mom's nephew Jay ~~asked to~~ was coerced into singing at Mom's home. We all gathered in the great room and the entire facility was invited to come and join in.

Jay did great even without his back up singers.

If you listen closely you can hear the residents sing too. (Watch for the back up singers taking a break).

We posed for a group photo afterwards. Branden, (Mom's grandson), and his girl friend Ashley, daughter Lona, nieces Doris and Cathy, and Jaybird. Mom and I are center front.

After the show, Lona and I were visiting with Mom in her room and who walks in? . . . her great grandson Dalton. He is a Navy seal, and surprised Mom with a Christmas visit from the west coast. Thank you Dalton for serving our country!

Mom had one of the best days in a long time.

Toyland Day #19

2011-12-19T07:24:00.000-06:00

Here I am in my kitchen, I even had an electric stove. You see my Daddy was making the dish cabinet in the basement weeks before Christmas. I asked him what he was making and he told me a tool cabinet.

Imagine my surprise when I woke up Christmas morning and told him, "Santa put my dishes on your cabinet Daddy."

I still have my little pine cabinet. I am pretty sure it's made from pine fruit shipping crates, as there is part of a label inside. Here is a picture I took last January. Lizzie is playing with my dish cabinet.

These are the moss rose dishes that came with my cabinet on my 5th Christmas.

Children and toys . . . makes Christmas complete!

December in photos - HIPPOPOTAMUS

2011-12-16T09:06:00.001-06:00

I couldn't for the life of me figure out why a hippopotamus was included on the 25 photos of December. That is until my co-worker reminded me of this song!

Being a quilter and being a participant in the 25 photo of December, I knew I had the perfect quilt block. Here it is on my Noah's Ark quilt!

Silver bells

2011-12-15T17:01:00.005-06:00

So I've been MIA. It's really because I couldn't find any ribbons and bows (no presents wrapped yet), something sticky (no candy made), reindeer in Missouri (no way), or hallways (I live in a modified cape cod house with no halls).

I don't really have any silver bells either. Thank goodness for google and youtube!

Besides, I've been spending my time trying to figure out pinterest. Good news is, I am almost there, or so I think!

The 3rd annual Sisterhood Christmas party

2011-12-11T22:54:00.000-06:00

The Sisterhood party is always so much fun. Today's theme was 'get comfortable in pjs and sweatshirts'.

The tables were all set.

The young nieces were ready to go.

Our hostesses Janie and Grace started uncovering all the food. There were meat and cheese trays, veggie trays, stuffed mushrooms (thank you Mandy), chicken spaghetti casserole (thank you Marla), sausage pinwheels (thank you Leah), warm blackberry pie (thank you Darlene), little smokies (thank you Karen), chocolate peanut butter bars (thank you Lori), a few pitchers of screwdrivers, and I brought a marinated cheese tray and raspberry lettuce salad.

Lot of conversations were going on at a time.

Lizzie awaits her screw driver. No wait, she had plain orange juice!

Lizzie and I played bingo.

While bingo was going on upstairs . . .

. . . the guys were playing cards in the basement.

Everyone was letting Lizzie try on their hats.

We played a games of charades. One team would do the charade and the other team had to sing a song.

It was a great day of being a kid again, with adult food and drinks. Thank you to all my sister-in-laws and family for bringing out the kid in all of us!

#10 Away in a manger December photos

2011-12-10T20:57:00.000-06:00

I'd love to tell you about my set. My Mother tells the story of how I saw this at a local hardware store when I was 5 years old. Money was tight. My daddy worked in a shoe factory. Mom was a stay at home mother. She told me if I wanted it I would have to use the money in my bank. Sure enough, the next time we went to town, (which sometimes was by Greyhound bus for the 8-10 mile trip), I took my bank along and bought it. It is showing signs of wear over the years, but I still love it the same as the day I bought it 54 years ago.

The other day my SIL had a luncheon for her sisters, sister in laws, and Mom. Grace can set one heck of a showy table. We all know Grace has many sets of everything. This includes her decorated Christmas trees, 15 this year.

Starting on the left and going clockwise is Grace, Janie, Darlene, Mom, Marla, and me. One sister, Karen, and sister in law, Larraine, missed out on a great luncheon!

These sisters are all in love with the family recipe for hickory nut cake. I am proud to say the hickory nuts came from a tree in my backyard!

Another family tradition are shavings. These are basically the same recipe you use to made egg noodles. You roll them as thin as possible, cut into rectangles, make slits, and fry. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon while still warm.

I snapped this picture in the bedroom when I put my coat in there. I only wish I had taken pictures of the other 14.

Stay tuned, for tomorrow is our Christmas sisterhood party!

Day 7, 8 and 9 in other words . . . catch up!

2011-12-09T21:05:00.000-06:00

Someone is falling down on their job, and I don't just mean me, as I am 3 days behind in my 25 photos of December posting. I wanted to get a particular picture for the red ribbon on a wreath. For years there were huge handmade natural wreaths hung on the Missouri State Capital. Today I knew I would be in town and my plan was to take that photo. To my surprise when I got to the beautiful capitol, there were no wreaths. There were yards and yards of hand made natural garland with lots of red bows but no wreaths!

So I thought, surely a block over at the Missouri Governor's mansion, there would be wreaths on the double doors. I'm not so sure I spy one, but it's the thought that counts. You can see lots of red bows and an added bonus is you get to see the beautiful Governor's mansion without leaving your seat!

Day 8, stamped and addresses Christmas cards. Not necessarily in that order! I will be first to tell you I'm not ahead of schedule.

Day 9, Santa Claus. I picked a table full to show you. These I made many years ago when my sister and I did craft shows. These are paper mache, done over styrofoam cones.

Lastly, I will show you a vintage Santa suit. It's your's for $20 plus shipping if you want it. I have it advertised on craigslist and so far no takers. It has a small rip in the top of the pants and the hair on the hat has some red fuzzing. Size is large 42-46.

#6 A candy cane, or five

2011-12-06T20:24:00.000-06:00

Well here we are at day 6. I can't believe I've made it every day so far without missing a beat. Susan who is hosting December in 25 photos is MIA. (In her defense, I do think she said something about a business trip).

Anyway, today as I was putting out more Christmas decorations I came across this jolly Santa. Low and behold he has 5 candy canes in his arm!

The big tree isn't up yet, but the smaller 4 are. I am so close to getting the quilt out of the frame and out of the living room. There is still hope for the tree this week.

#5 Something warm and tasty!

2011-12-05T11:13:00.002-06:00

Day 5 already of Susan's December in 25 photos.

My morning ritual is Mocha cappuccino, every day! Today was no exception! It's a must to be in my favorite cup that Rita gave me. Every time my granddaughter dries dishes, she will tell me "this is your favorite cup dramma?"

Now I'm off to wash that wall behind the cappuccino maker. Yuck!

PS If you want some cute printable gift tags, stationary and cards, pop over to A Holiday Haven. It's one of my favorite blogs.

#4 Presents wrapped under the tree

2011-12-04T20:55:00.000-06:00

Susan ,who's been hosting 25 photos of December, asked that today's photo be of presents wrapped and under the tree.

That's not happening at my house, not yet anyway. I've bought a few but wrapped none.

Today I didn't have time to wrap presents. The blacksmith and I went to an auction. I came home with a big smile on my face. If it were only Halloween I would be listing these to sell on Ebay or Etsy.

I got 3 unopened packages of Beistle Creation Witchs, dated 1984.

I got two Beistle Honeycomb Spiders, dated 1976. They were not in a package but are in pretty darn good shape. (There are some listed on Etsy for $24.99 each.

I got two packages of a dozen each of Cross leaf garland. These are 12 feet long and in fall colors. I'm not sure if they are Beistle. They are in perfect condition.

I got this unopened package of a good luck centerpiece, also by Beistle dated 1984, free. It sold, along with some baskets, for $3. I didn't want to give that for it. As the lady walked away with her purchase, I asked if she would take a dollar for the centerpiece. "Oh, this thing? You can just have it." Score! Good luck for me!

After the auction, I came home and pulled out some more Christmas decorations. Sooner or later, I will get my trees up and my packages wrapped.

#3 the Christmas Tree(s)

2011-12-03T19:55:00.000-06:00

It's day 3 of Susan's "December in 25 photos".

Today's is Christmas tree. Who can stop at just one?

This is our living room tree. Did I tell you it revolves? It's super big, and heavy, and a real chore to put up too. Some of my ornaments are antique, some from the blacksmith's grandmother's estate, some were gifts, and some I purchased. I then have a pretty good collection of Christopher Radko's. No round shiny balls for this gal.

This is what the blacksmith calls my Charlie Brown tree. I set it up in my computer room.

In one spare bedroom, I have this little green metallic tree with all red ornaments. All purchased at the dollar store.

The Noah's Ark bedroom has what else, a tree decorated with all animals, 2 by 2!

Our bedroom has a red, white, and blue tree to match everything else red, white, and blue in the room. More dollar store ornaments.

And if you think I have all these trees up already this year . . you're wrong! These are last years photos.

This is what it looks like now!!!

Happy Birthday Rosie!!

2011-12-03T08:46:00.000-06:00

Today my baby turns 28!

Happy birthday sweet daughter.

She's had a busy year, a new job, her wedding, a honeymoon to Hawaii, and gall bladder surgery all in a matter of a few weeks.

Hope you have a great day!

Love you, Mom

#2 A list

2011-12-02T19:39:00.000-06:00

List, don't we all have them? I hate it when I lose my shopping list before I even make it to the store.

Today I found these lists laying around. Don't you just love the honey do-list I left the blacksmith before I went to work today? You'll notice I sealed it with a kiss!

Now I do have a Christmas shopping list, with every one's name and what I think I want for them. But I can't show you that list, as most of the family reads my blog.

However after listing to Elizabeth's request in the below video I might have to change her present.

Yesterday I had quite a few of you ask about the rush light. A rush light is a type of candle or miniature torch formed by soaking the dried pith of the rush plant in fat or grease. For several centuries rush lights were a common source of artificial light for poor people. Candles were saved for when company came as they were more expensive and hard to come by.

The blacksmith sells his for $85.

25 December Daily Photo Ideas

2011-12-01T18:55:00.000-06:00

#1 Something RED

Our RED front door

A Rush light made by the blacksmith, with a RED candle.

I might just try a few days of this

2011-11-30T20:33:00.000-06:00

25 December days of photos is being hosted by Susan. I found out about it from Lori.

Something Red
A list
The Christmas tree
Presents wrapped under the tree
Something warm and tasty
A candy cane, or five
A wreath with a red bow
Stamped and addressed Christmas cards
Santa Claus
Away in a manger
Ribbons and bows
Something sticky
Reindeer
A decked hall
Silver bells
A hippopotamus
Under the mistletoe
A cup of cheer
Toys in every store
A winter wonderland
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Holiday greetings
A shining star
Children, sleeping
The number "25"

December there is so much going on and not always something that needs to be blogged about.

Here in Osage Bluff I am working my fingers to the bone to finish hand quilting a queen size quilt, it's a must. A must if I want to put up a Christmas tree this year. I've bought maybe 5 Christmas presents. I haven't baked a single cookie. There are dinners to attend, kids Christmas programs, and even a Christmas parade.

Feel free to join Susan, me, and Lori and submit your 25 photos or close to that!

A well set table for Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T23:58:00.000-06:00

As cousin Rita always says, "It's all in the presentation"

My sister in law Grace is known for her tableware, linens, and beautiful serving dishes. I wasn't surprised when my MIL called and told me how beautiful Grace's table was.

I then received this email showing me her table.

So I quickly undressed my table and took off my china and linens, and replaced them with saucer size paper plates, serving "pans", and the "nice" salt and pepper shakers.

I emailed my table picture to Grace and this was her reply:

"Wow! That looks waaaay better than I expected!"

I got so wrapped up in the joke, I forgot to take a picture of my real table. There was one good thing that came out of using my china. I found one of my every day ironstone plates stacked among them. I wondered where that one had gone! I guess it had been hiding there since Easter.

When my son asked what they could bring for our dinner, I said "nothing really, just what ever". So he brought a truck load of "stuff" to store in our basement, none of which was edible! Next time I will be a little more specific!

After our bellies were full we all enjoyed a game of blitz.

I hope you all had a wonderful family day!

Do your Christmas shopping here

2011-11-22T13:56:00.001-06:00

We have a store open in the basement. Come shop with us. We can ship in the US.

For more pictures visit the Blacksmith's blog!

My 2 pie basket

2011-11-20T21:47:00.000-06:00

I had a case of basketitis today. It's easy to get when you travel to Osage County to make a basket at the Dudenhoeffer's. This was my second time to make a basket. (Thanks Janet for the invite!) Here is my first time.

This was my first sign that I was headed on the right road.

My second sign that I was still going the right way.

The no doubt about it, the view from their front door is beautiful any season.

The basket making cabin is so inviting.

Today's basket is called a 2 pie basket. To get it started you need both hands and a foot.

It involves some floor time too. Plus you might need Alice's help.

It is also good exercise for the thighs!

Help is always available.

At break time not only do you get homemade cookies, cheese ball, crackers, and piping hot coffee, but there is shopping in the attic.

Joe's handy work is everywhere.

I made the basket in the first picture, but I purchased this one. I can't wait to put my homemade hot rolls in here on thanksgiving day!

Deer Camp 2011, the first weekend report.

2011-11-14T19:12:00.000-06:00

Deer camp, to some it's all about the kill. To us wives, it's all about the food. To the little ones, it's all about the fun!

This first weekend we had all of the above and more.

The grandsons not only got to target practice with their pellet guns, they got to spend the night, and even deer hunt.

This year we have a new player. This grandpa is 92 years young. Here's the last two left in the card game called Blitz, the youngest and the oldest, out of 8 players. He was constantly telling jokes. He loved the food and couldn't believe all that we had to eat.

After the card game on Saturday night, Grandpa (as we all called him) pulled out his zip lock bag of tricks.

This was a piece of wood with two holes drilled in it. Running through it was a tied string with a large wooden ball that would no way fit through the holes. The trick was to figure out how to get the string off.

Here an exchange student from Chile, tried her hand at assembling a pyramid with some wooden balls. Grandpa told her the game came from Chile, before he knew that is where she was from. She never mastered the assembly of it.

Some how the 10 year old figured it out. His grandpa might have had a hand in it.

Grandpa then gave the boys 7 or 8 nails and told them to fit them all on one. Grandpa finally had to show us all how to do it.

Sunday night before dinner, Grandpa pulled out his hand written joke book!

He even pulled out his prescription. (I'm sorry it's blurry). It says please give love, hugs and kisses daily, unlimited refills! When he gave it to the pharmacist, she told him in 30 years it's the first time she's seen this one.

When he left Sunday night, he called the boys over. He told them before he left he had to empty his pockets of quarters as they were weighing him down. He split all of his card winnings with them.

This Grandpa belongs to a niece's boyfriend. Grandpa was a deer hunter too. Unfortunately he didn't bag a big one, but then neither did anyone else at camp.

Mini Quilt challenge

2011-11-12T14:49:00.000-06:00

I love a challenge. Yesterday I was reading Dana's blog, Old Red Barn Co. and she had a link to amylouwho's blog. They were both talking about a mini quilt challenge.

I have made two mini quilts so let me tell you about them.

This one was made for my little girl Sarah Rosie. She was born December 1983, so some time after that I pieced all 178 pieces. It is hand quilted. It now hangs on a wall at my house. Someday I'm sure she will want to take it with her.

This one I pieced for my first (and only) granddaughter, Elizabeth. As you can tell it was made in 2009. It has 431 pieces and I machine quilted it.

So pop over to Amy's blog and look at all the other mini quilts!

My Noah's Ark obsession

2011-11-11T23:03:00.001-06:00

This is one of our spare bedrooms. It is packed with Noah's Ark collectibles. I made the quilt about 10 years ago. It has 50 animal blocks, everyone is different. It is all paper pieced.

On the wall you will see a Noah's Ark wall hanging. I found out just a few years ago that Jerri Lander's did the art work on it. I recently won one of her art prints.

There is a Noah's Ark lamp that I painted and with the hubby's help we wired it.

Across from the bed on the dresser is a Wade Noah's Ark. Every animal on there was collected one at a time from premiums on Red Rose tea boxes.

When the blacksmith was in grade school, the nuns sold candy out of this cabinet at recess. We purchased it from the parish about 20 years ago. It now holds many collectibles. One of my favorites is the Ark on top. My mother bought the ark for me one Christmas. The animals were purchased one at a time. The set is called Holy Herd.

There are coloring books, reading books, cards, puzzles, clocks, watches, water globes, a Mexican pottery set, picture frames, candles, and even games all featuring Noah's ark.

This wall hanging I embroidered a block a month, a pattern from Lynn Anderson.

This Elbreth pottery set I found on Ebay for a little of nothing compared to the new cost of it.

A friend cut out this mirror frame and I painted it.

The same friend cut out this set and I finished it. The lid lifts off and the animals can be stored inside.

Another one rest on top of the same beam.

I started collecting Noah's Arks many years ago. I was always fascinated with it. Once things became readily available I pretty much stopped collecting.

To show you how long I've been into collecting, look at the date on the envelope, April 1962. This is a get well card I mailed to a cousin's husband who was in the hospital.

I even wrote him a personal note.

Years later Herb's wife found it and gave it back to me. I put it away and forgot all about it until I rediscovered it this week.

I found it the same day as a cousin post his wedding picture on facebook!

And that's my obsession. Oh did I mention, I was in love Herb when I was only 10 years old???

Mrs Turkey

2011-11-06T20:11:00.000-06:00

Thank you for your comment, I see no blog for you or any way to email you. I was wrong, they are yellow eye beans. Your way sounds wonderful. I'm not sure how I will prepare them yet.

A Christmas Gathering

2011-11-05T22:17:00.002-05:00

Friday I went with 3 girl friends to Stover Missouri for a Christmas Gathering. It was two floors of Quilt shop vendors, and other vendors offering pottery, jewelry, stained glass, baskets, and western decor.

This was one of the first booths we came too.

Another view.

What's missing in this picture? Katie. I hope the girls told you I was there!

It was a fun day. We stopped at the Amish market in Excelsior, where we all left with a bag of goodies. Bread flour, yellow eye beans, cracked pecans and two Christmas gifts were in my bag.

We found at least 3 quilt shops along the way. Lunch was at a little diner in Stover where we found the best freshly made hamburgers. After that we made our way to the Outlet mall at Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks Carolyn for driving. The funny of the day, was the hand blow dryer in the bathroom. Who knew we all had loose skin on our hands!!!

And then came Saturday, The blacksmith and I went to Excelsior, Missouri just as I had done the day before.

It was Blacksmith Association of Missouri meeting. My other blog has a few more details.

Once again I was lucky enough to join a group of ladies for shopping. We found the scratch and dent store, and two Amish fabric and quilt shops. Thanks, Carla, Margie, Nancy, and Ester for a couple fun hours of shopping. In two days I was in more then a half dozen fabric stores. What a good girl I was, I only bought two pieces of fabric totalling less than 2 yards!

I love a good Barter

2011-11-03T20:43:00.003-05:00

Barter: to trade by exchanging one commodity for another.

See what I got? A pizza peel.

Earlier this year the Blacksmith did a show where I met a wood worker. I casually asked him if he had ever made a pizza peel. He told me no, but he was up to a challenge. Fast forward about 6 months. We received a call from someone wanting some custom work by the blacksmith.

When the gentlemen brought the item to duplicate, he told us he was the wood worker. He asked if I ever found a peel. I told him no and I ordered a peel. When he came to pick up his order, little money was exchanged as we bartered!!!

I love a good deal. This one was especially sweet since I did no work, it was all up to the blacksmith.

Winter's a comin'

2011-11-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

My friend Stephanie at Stephanie's Stuff talked about predicting the winter with persimmons. So the blacksmith and I had to check out our crop too.

We cut open many seeds, and found most with spoons, a knife or two, but no forks. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac a spoon indicates lots of heavy wet snow will fall.

Should I tell you that snow flurries are now in our Thursday of this week's forecast??????????

Do you think it makes any difference that he had to go 2 miles to get these persimmons??????

The son's 2nd annual Halloween party

2011-10-31T21:46:00.000-05:00

Here's the crew. The Star Wars family is the son and his family. Of course the pirate is the blacksmith in disguise, complete with hand forged sword and hook.

Mike, Eileen, and girls.

The Cat in the hat and son.

My great-nieces!

My neighbors, she won first place in the adult costumes division! Emily you did great making that costume.

First place in the children's division.

A craft table was set up for the kids.

The children line up for trick or treating.

An Osage Bluff couple! Uhmm . . . wonder who they are?

Candy, candy, and more candy!

The daughter in law ( Princess Leia), her oldest sister and her family.

A really cute family!

My niece and her family!

Some even tricked out their means of transportation. I just wished I had gotten a picture of Scooby Doo and the rest of the crew in it!

Two tourists headed for the beach!

And a great time was had by all! Good food, good friends, and great weather!

The Garden's end

2011-10-29T20:08:00.000-05:00

It's a bittersweet day. The garden got a killer frost last night. I guess all good things must come to an end.

On yesterday's post I talked about the green tomato pickles. Since we knew the killer frost was imminent, we decided to try our hand at making some.

We picked all that was left which came to about 11 or 12 pounds.

We cut them up along with some onions and sprinkled them down with canning salt. They sat overnight in the refrigerator.

The next day, they were drained and a pickling solution was made.

The end results was 5 quarts and one pint. Now the waiting starts, 3 weeks before they can be sampled.

Here is the recipe we used for sweet and tangy green tomato pickles.

We also canned the last of our turnip kraut. 42 pints. We've done this before and here is a link to previous post on making turnip kraut.

And so we close another canning season with the shelves stocked full. 228 pints, 53 quarts jars, plus 27 qt bags in the freezer full of corn, not to mention the 15 gallons of blackberries. Now if the blacksmith bags a deer, we will be set for awhile!

Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

2011-10-28T22:52:00.002-05:00

We pulled out of Mountain View, Arkansas at 8:30 and 106 miles later we were in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

It took us one stop at the visitor center to find the only RV park in the area. It happened to be across the bridge, a block away. It was $18 per night for water and electricity.

$2 was added if you wanted wifi.

This would be the wifi . . . a walk up the hill to the picnic table in 50 degree temps!

After setting up camp and grabbing a bite of lunch we headed about 16 miles away to Hardy, Arkansas.

We found this junk shop. Well I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder. There was too much "new" things and too high prices on what old stuff that was there.

In Hardy, one of the first shops we walked into had the most kitchen cupboards we had ever seen. I quit counting at 22.

We were told at this corner shop we could find some weights we were looking for. If they were there, we never uncovered them.

Both sides of the streets are lined with antique shops, craft shops, one tattoo parlor and an ice cream shop. We stayed a couple of hours and then headed back to the Casita.

Later in the afternoon, in Mammoth Spring we walked Main street and found a few antique shops too. Our neighbors at the campground recommended Fred's Fish House for dinner. It was one good recommendation. The blacksmith had fried walleye and I had shrimp. We both were served pickled green tomatoes. They were very tasty.

(More on that in another post).

We slept in until about 8 on Friday morning. We loaded up and headed for home, our 8 day trip was winding down. We drove across the bridge and stop at the spring. The morning fog was slowing floating off.

After a stop at McDonald's for coffee it was homeward bound.

It was a great trip.

We traveled about 1250 miles.

Ozark Folk Center

2011-10-26T16:49:00.000-05:00

Ozark Folk Center. Check it out!. It's a village full of crafters. We spent two days there. There is no amusement park theme to it, just good old fashioned crafts. The craftsmen and craft ladies are so ready to visit with you. You will love their accents and their hospitality. A restaurant is on site with good country cooking (even though they were out of chicken and dumplings by the dinner meal).

The jewelry maker

Plant Market

The broom maker at work

The broom maker's wonderful works of art.

Marva, the country cook.

It's not her best picture, but she was a dream to visit with. She was making corn cakes that she shared with us. They were topped with either apple or peach preserves.

The pot rack in the country kitchen was made on site by the local blacksmith.

I wanted all of her skillets!

I would take her stove too, if she would have parted with it. However it was too warm to transport, she was actually using it!

Of course I've seen plenty of blacksmith shops, so no need to show this one.

But the sign was unique.

Shannon cabin. Notice the smoke coming out of the chimney?

How did this picture get in here?

So I will just tell you the fried pies were awesome.

Mine was peach. The blacksmith had cherry. And they were still warm.

This guy was just hanging out while the old fashion carrousel with swings that he powered was being modified due to high winds.

Old time print shop. That press was so quiet!

The cooper was making wooden spoons, he said the market for spoons is more desirable than wooden buckets.

The spinning and weaving cabin.

The potter. Beautiful works, although I like cobalt blue pottery and not too many people do that. Therefore I left empty handed.

The candlestick maker. At least it's his shop, he's not in on the picture.

I bought this from the basket maker, Sharon Fernimen.

Can you guess what it is?

It's to cover your plate of food to keep bugs and flies off!

An old fashioned foot lathe. This gentlemen made some wonderful wooden tops.

Every night we went back to the Folk Center for their music show. It was 2 hours of pure bliss. Their music is so enjoyable (except for one lady who played the harp). Children and adult alike were invited at anytime to join on stage to dance. Clogging or square dancing or whatever was fine. I only wish we lived closer to have season tickets.

The three boys in this group are the Cobb brothers. Sorry the video isn't picture clear, but you can still hear the music.

We and the Casita visit Mountain View Arkansas

2011-10-23T21:39:00.001-05:00

We left Perry, Oklahoma Monday morning at 9:06. At 4:55 we pulled into Mountain View with 335 miles behind us. It was a long drive for the blacksmith. Our next three nights would be spent at Ozark RV park. It is located within walking distance (gated path included) to the Ozark Folk Center.

It is a full service RV park. Full hook ups, free wifi, free cable TV, laundry facilities, trash pick up, and even a community room and a free newspaper delivered to our door step.

For about $23 a night, before our Good Sam discount, we were put in lot 2A. A perfect spot, as it was located just across the drive way from the community house and there was a jam session to start at 7:00 PM.

After set up, I heated a bowl of chili up. The blacksmith took a nap and I walked over to the music just after it started.

The locals are very proud of their roots. Their music is pre-world war II, 1941. They do not use any electric instruments. The only thing being played that night were dulcimers, auto harps and one bass wash tub. I counted 30 musicians. Each person took a turn picking the song they wanted to play, and then everyone joined in. A lot of singing was going on. One lady chose Amazing Grace. "No, no" everyone said, "that is always our last song of the evening, we will come back to you".

At 9:00 came Amazing Grace, everyone joined in singing. I really enjoyed my evening.

The next morning after a great breakfast of homemade pork sausage that I had brought along, fried eggs, and toasted sour dough bread, we were ready for a day of shopping in the rain.

Our first stop was Main Street. We parked in front of the court house shown in the above picture.

We visited so many antique shops and even found a thing or two to buy. The fudge shop was open, but we kept on walking.

After lots of walking the downtown area, we went out of town for more antiquing.

This is a must see store, Mellon's Country Store. There was a corner dedicated to musicians in the front of the store. Most all businesses have an area to jam.

I just had to take a picture of the cocks combs!

Next time I will tell you about more music and the Ozark Folk Center.

Perry, Oklahoma

2011-10-22T15:19:00.002-05:00

We've been on a road trip!! Did ya miss me? I know at least 2 of my blogging buddies looked for me. One called and one emailed to see if we were okay. Thanks guys! I don't know about you, but I never post on facebook or the blog that we are leaving home.

So over the next few days I will blog about our trip.

Our first 3 nights were in Perry, Oklahoma. There we attended the Saltfork Craftsman's Association annual blacksmith conference.

We parked the Casita at Sooner's Corner RV park. A no frill park, no wifi, but full hook ups for $20 a night. Did I mention it was next to the Interstate and a truck stop? Luckily we were below one of the few hills in the county and it really wasn't too noisy. Great weather, not too hot, not too cold for sleeping. The daytime weather, well that's another story.

I watched one really good looking blacksmith work both days. It wasn't my husband, but he was almost as good looking. He was Mark Aspery from the state of California, originally from England. I loved his accent.

In their gallery I saw this fireplace screen. My blacksmith has made almost everything I wanted, except a screen. Had this been for sale it might have come home with me. Lucky for the husband it wasn't.

But lucky for us, our daughter and son in law were only an hour away. So Sunday afternoon we took off for their place about 2 o'clock. I was so busy catching up with them, I forgot to take a picture of the newlyweds or their brand new sofa that was delivered the day we got there.

I did snap a picture of the platform heels she bought for a wedding in Phoenix today. Oh to be young and wear those. It would be a dream for me. They were as adorable as the daughter wearing them!

We left Perry Monday morning. I snapped this picture while traveling through Tulsa.

Stayed tuned for more adventures.

Doe fawn sighted on game camera

2011-10-10T21:38:00.001-05:00

Oh wait, that's Lizzie!

A mother and her baby

2011-10-10T14:25:00.000-05:00

It's been deer season here since Friday, well it ends tonight. It was a special urban hunt, whatever that means. The blacksmith was hunting on his home place now owned by the favorite BIL that I've talked about before. Favorite BIL was gone fishing this weekend. Yes farmers get some R and R too.

While the blacksmith was walking in the woods, from his deer stand he saw this cow giving birth, it looked as if she might be in trouble. We went back a couple of hours later to see if everything was okay.

This is what we found.

And there is a reason, I am showing only the front of the cow. Thank you very much.

Nap time now. It's been a hard morning!

Looks at these beautiful spoons! Would you like to win them? Just visit Down on the farm's blog.

What's been going on in my neighborhood?

2011-10-03T19:20:00.002-05:00

Well last friday we canned pinto beans. I've talked about this before if you want the recipe go here. We always use the pressure canner or the water bath canner out in the garage. So I snuck this picture of what the husband does while he babysits the canners. He surfs in the garage. Thanks to the son we now have a wireless router. Thanks Jeremy, Dad can now surf on the deck, at the kitchen island, the garage, the recliner, and he's not tried the shop yet, but that will be next!

My neighbor Maggie called me over friday, she said she had some fabric for me. It didn't take me long to hop over, anytime free fabric is involved I get in a hurry. The stack above is in beautiful earthly colors. She had them leftover from a quilt she made. I'm sure with my stash I can make a full size top.

And this pile!!! I remember when she purchased this fabric, it was for a grandson. It includes a panel of the world map. It includes red quilt backing, and all the extras to make a full size top. She had even cut some squares and strips to get started, and then they changed colors in his room.

Thank goodness for neighbors like Maggie!

And then my boys came. They cut down 4 very tall walnut trees along the upper garden. We found that not much grows under Walnut trees. Had we cut the trees, they could have fallen into the power lines. The Electric Coop will take them down when the lines are in the way. You see I work for the Electric Cooperative and for years the blacksmith has referred to the linemen as my boys. Some are young enough to be my sons. One that cut the trees could have been my brother in law, he dated my sister back in the 70's, but then he married her best friend. LOL

And on a final note, I got all 17 windows washed yesterday and today. Now it's time for a glass of wine. Okay, maybe a bottle!

Linn Missouri Centennial 2011

2011-10-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

There was definitely a chill in the air when we arrived at 7 AM to set up our booth. The grass was sporting a very thin layer of frost! Yikes, I'm not ready for this cold stuff yet.

The blacksmith's cousins husband came by and snapped this picture of us. Thanks Mark!

About mid-morning I visited the food booth next to us. I had the most delicious peanut butter pie.

We we located away from the parade route, but a few of the entries came our way to unload, including Santa Claus driving a John Deere. Seems he was driving a bunch of hippies around.

It was a beautiful day in Osage county. Thanks to all that came by!

Daddy will you buy me . . . ????

2011-09-29T15:32:00.002-05:00

A goat, Daddy??

Chickens or pigeons Daddy???

White chickens Daddy???

Look Daddy some pets even drive their owner's truck.

Please Daddy a goat???

Geese Daddy??? Cause Grandpa said you have to say okay.

When Grandma and Grandpa took me to the swap meet, they told me all the animals that were going to be there. I asked if elephants would be there. Grandma said no, all I said was shoot, shoot!

And that was our day at Jacob's Cave swap meet.

Lizzie!

I won!

2011-09-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't know until tonight just how much I loved goats! You see a herd of girls names Cecily Rose, Opal, Sophia, Margaret, Jemima, Beatrix, Rosebud, and Ursula were given cookies to eat. The last three cookies left were the winners of an original art work from their master Jeri Landers. Each cookie had a name on it. Mine was left!

Thank you girls!

Check out Jeri's blog she does beautiful work.

I just recently purchased this print from her.

Now I need to frame another one!

Up Up and Away . . .

2011-09-27T22:32:00.001-05:00

. . . in my beautiful balloon!!

Only I wasn't in it. This flew over our ~~cuckoo nest~~ house Sunday evening. The 4 people even waved at me as I was filming them. When I called my bff (neighbor) she too wished she was in it. Maybe some day we girls will have to treat ourselves to a ride.

Now try to get that song out of your head.

Munichburg 2011

2011-09-25T22:00:00.001-05:00

It was a gorgeous day! The weather was a little cool, but no rain. There was always a steady crowd coming by. I was so busy I hardly got out of the booth to take pictures.

These little sailors were dancing across the street from us. We had a great view of the all day entertainment, from dancers to live music.

I did get to see the old cars every time I took a trip to the porta pottys.

Here you can even catch a glimpse of our friends Pat and Melvin in their authentic German dance clothes.

How did I ever survive without the Pioneer Woman???

2011-09-21T21:35:00.002-05:00

This was my treat for the day - Pumpkin Pie Latte. It's not my picture, I was too busy consuming the nice fall beverage. Thanks Google for the picture. Here's the recipe from Tasty kitchen to make the syrup.

Our dinner was Marlboro Man's steak sandwich. Pioneer Woman made it on her TV show this past Saturday on Food Network. I must say I am not usually a fan of cube steak. However, when the son gives you free meat for baby sitting an adorable little girl, and two cute boys, you make lemons into lemonade. Or in my case into steak sandwiches.

I recommend both of these! thanks Pioneer Woman!

What a weekend at the Heritage Festival in Columbia, MO

2011-09-19T22:23:00.003-05:00

It was a wet 2 days, more rain and cold on Saturday than Sunday. We had a good show and lots of great comments. I didn't get to walk around much since I am the Blacksmith's cashier. However I gave my camera to my daughter in law and she provided me with a few shots.

Our booth.

The cowboy tells his stories of life back then.

The history of the Nifong park.

The tin maker was a awesome craftsman.

The soap maker.

The Maplewood home.

Vendors.

Jeremy helps the boys with stilt walking.

The kids listening to the magician.

Jeremy and Lizzie

The grandsons try their hand at milking the cow.

Lizzie had her face painted.

Alex made a car.

Brady made a car too.

For more pictures visit My loves, My life.

Guess I had the last word.

Hannibal and Perry Missouri shopping

2011-09-15T20:28:00.000-05:00

The trip in our Casita last week provided us with some fun shopping. Perry, Missouri had many antique shops, even if it took us two trips to find them all open.

We didn't buy anything at Lick Creek Antiques, but it was fun looking in there. It was an old mercantile building, tin ceiling, balconies, and all. The owner obviously loves textiles. He had some of the oldest lace, clothing, trims, and shoes I had ever seen. It was like walking into a late 1800's shop. Wonderful things!

In Perry we also found these antique fiesta ware bowls. Now if you are into fiesta ware, you will know the original colors do not match the new colors with the same name. Thank goodness, because otherwise I might have had to spend $180 on the big bowl only, to match the daughter's set. NOT!

I even found a relative's business. My grandmother Cardwell was a Hickman. I have never met this Hickman, but his brother and I have communicated via email for years. We are 3rd cousins once or twice removed, I don't know how that whole removed thing works????

Now this is what I am talking about!! Ben Franklin 5 and Dime store!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a treat it was to go up and down the isles in there.

Look at the FABRIC!

And the reproduction feed sack fabric. To die for!?!?!?!

I even found this candolier for $1 in the sidewalk sale bin.

One afternoon we went to downtown Hannibal and I came upon Hickory Stick Quilt shop.

I had been looking for this Christmas panel and they had it.

Across the street was Mark Twain's home place.

We walked into 3 area restaurants before deciding on this one. We were the only table with customers for most of our meal. In honor of my daughter and my cousin in law Rita, I had toasted ravioli.

A cobalt blue fruit bowl I found in one of the shops for $5.

The new non-electric tater masher I had been looking for came home with me.

We are really into cast iron skillets. What a set we found here! None came home with us, as we are in search of a Wagner #11, most of these were Griswold.

Remember the lamb molds that keep multiplying, this one did not make it home with us. It too was a Griswold and the price tag of $195 was way too steep for us!

Just a fun few days in Florida, Paris, Mexico, Perry, and Monroe City; all in Missouri.

a trip to CLARK Missouri

2011-09-13T21:57:00.001-05:00

Last week while on our mini-vacation we met up with Ms. Tammy and PW from Flat Creek Farm. The two blacksmith's had plenty to gab about while we two bloggers kept up with their pace.

Visiting Mennonite country was a delight. I failed miserably at taking pictures, I was just so intrigued with the huge houses, the school yards full of bare footed children at play, the lack of electrical lines, and their wares for sale, to be taking pictures.

One of our first stops was the produce auction. Here you can see their carts lined up to go under the pavilion to be auctioned off.

Cart after cart full of the most perfect produce.

I know I didn't get a picture of it all, but there were white pumpkins, egg plants, hardy mums, pumpkins, fresh picked apples, and so much more.

We went to two Mennonite furniture shops. This child's chair almost came home with me. If only we had room to take it. It was selling for $95, what a steal!

This quarter sawn oak TV cabinet really wanted to ride home with me. This is just what I want when our 16 year old big screen television dies.

We found a bakery selling fried hand pies. Tammy and I each bought five, in five different flavors. You think either one of us took a picture of them? Heck no, we consumed them! There were blackberry, cherry cheese, peach cream, coconut cream, and black raspberry ones. The second bakery (Yes we found another bakery) had apples ones. We saw every kind of pie you could imagine rhubarb, rhubarb strawberry, pecan, and many more including my favorite of raisin.

We passed several saw mills, stopped at a scratch, ding, and dent store, (where I found a big box of my favorite Red Rose tea bags), saw huge gardens still full of tomatoes vines that were loaded, and I even noticed most houses had ice houses.

We toured the area for several hours. We then went to Ms. Tammy's house where she made a pot of good dark roast coffee which we enjoyed with our fried pies. It was a fun filled afternoon with good friends.

We left late afternoon, bidding each other goodbye, knowing we would be seeing them the next morning at the blacksmith meeting in Shelbyville, MO.

Saturday, we met at a fellow blacksmith's shop. It was the Blacksmith Association of Missouri's meeting day. I just had to snap a picture of the adorable out house beside his shop!

Parting ways once again, Ms. Tammy gave me a dozen of her colorful eggs. No dye would be needed on Easter with these guys!

They are true soldiers, they stand at attention at all times!

Before breakfast, I was reading Karen's blog at This Old House 2, and she talked about the true way to scramble eggs. Let me tell these eggs were the best ever! It would be like comparing generic white bread to Wonder bread. You wonder how you ever lived without them.

Ms. Tammy also gave me a bottle of the homemade vanilla she made with directions from Down on the farm. Today I used it for the first time and I am addicted to it now. Thanks to my friends, Ms. Tammy, Down on the farm and this old house 2, this post is complete.

Thanks Ms. Tammy and PW for showing us all the sights of Clark, MO!

Casita road trip to Mark Twain lake

2011-09-12T22:42:00.001-05:00

We set out early Wednesday morning last week for a few days of R & R. We stopped in Paris! Well that is Paris, Missouri.

Anyway I snapped a picture of their beautiful court house.

Here's a shot of the main street.

Mark Twain Landing is where we set up camp. Campsite #105 would be our home for 5 glorious days!

We drove to a beach, there are many in the area. It looked so lonely all deserted.

The campground had lots of RV's, just not a lot of people in them.

This pond was behind us.

If only we had a lake view like this!

They have cabins you can rent.

The blacksmith tried a few casts. From this pond you could keep your catch. Unfortunately he caught only a few very small ones.

This was the catch and release pond. Of course he caught about 30 here.

It was a beautiful evening.

Come back tomorrow and I will tell you more about our trip.

the coveted lamb #2

2011-09-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

Oh My Gosh!! do these thing multiply like rabbits???????????

I've been sewing for a looooong time now

2011-09-10T06:35:00.001-05:00

Deanna at My loves, my life got me to thinking the other day about how long I've been sewing. I too, started at about 12. I loved 7th grade home economic class. We either sewed or cooked, both of which I loved to do. From that point on I made most of my school clothes.

Mom used to say I probably would have made my winter coats, had she bought the fabric. I remember one time she took me to the woolen mills in California Missouri. There we bought yards of 60 inch herringbone black and gray wool for a $1 a yard. How I wish I still had the poncho with fringe, or the A-line skirt, or the lined skinny leg pants, that I made from that wool.

I made my prom dress my Junior and Senior year. I also made my formal when I was a sophomore and went to prom with a Senior. (Don't worry I married him!)

I made not only my wedding dress, but the 2 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls dresses too. Oh, I also made my light blue polyester going away dress.

Shortly after we were married, we got into muzzle loader rifle shooting. Back then a lot of the competitions required period dress. I got out my Necchi machine and started making outfits.

Here is one of my first calico dresses. Jeremy shows off the calico shirt and blue overalls that I made for him. Somehow, I still have his little outfit hanging in my closet. This was probably 1979.

I remember this match very well. I took 2nd place, shooting among some great guys and a few women. Here I am throwing a tomahawk. The target was probably a playing card mounted on a big wooden block. This match was at Arrow Rock State Park. I still proudly display the hand thrown dated crock that I won, on my mantel. I also have this red calico dress hanging in my closet, and I can still get it on! I just can't breathe! LOL

And what goes around comes around. The blacksmith is doing a show this month that requires us to wear period clothing. I pulled out an old simplicity pattern. 6 1/2 yards of calico and 12 buttonholes, later this is what I came up with.

For the blacksmith, I found a Green River Forge, Ltd. pattern, that I used way back when. For the 18th -19th century dropped sleeve shirt, I used hop sacking fabric in natural color. 3 yards of fabric, 6 pleats, and 8 button holes later it is finished.

I even made the blacksmith a pair of dropped front pants. 2 1/2 yards of fabric and 16 buttonholes later they are finished.

We are now ready to sport our newly made clothes. All 36 buttons have been sewn on!

What shall I sew next?

The coveted lamb

2011-09-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Today the blacksmith and I were antiquing in Monroe City (but that's another blog posting). Anyway, we were in an awesome antique store, when I spotted a milk glass donkey cart, the type his sister Janie collects. So being the age of the cell phones, I called her to see if she wanted me to pick it up for her.

While I had her on the phone, the blacksmith is looking at a cake mold and showing it to me. He tells me it is just like one his Grandmother Tappel had. So I tell Janie what he has, and she says, "How much? I want it!" I tell him, and he says, "too bad, I want it too!"

$8.00 later, it was ours! Sorry Janie.

It even has the original recipe sheet with it.

What I've been working on

2011-09-08T06:43:00.003-05:00

First of all I am going to have to get a new deck, this one is just too small for this large quilt!

I got the red and white fabric from a swap hosted by Karen at Sew Many Ways . It was fun picking out the fabric I wanted to send. It took me three stores before I decided.

Karen put together a little information regarding the swap:

121 swappers...4 ladies never responded, so we took the extra four squares from every one, put them in a basket and mixed them up. At the end, we gave everyone the four squares to make up the 125.
37 states represented...2 states with the most swappers....9 from California and 9 from Texas!!!

Alabama

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wyoming

16 international swappers

Alberta, Canada

2 from British Columbia, Canada

2 from Ontario, Canada

Victoria, Australia

Tasmania, Australia

Queensland, Australia

Holland

Scotland

Malaysia

Slovokia

Israel

2 from the United Kingdom

Thialand

I also was one of the lucky quilters to win a bag of the selvages from these fabrics. Five out of 121 were chosen and the odds weren't in my favor. But I lucked out and won! The selvages are the center of the blue blocks.

I had planned on using this quilt on my bed, under my top decorative quilt. Guess I didn't plan too well as it turned out a little too big. However it is now big enough to use as a top quilt on our queen size bed. I can't wait to get it into the frame to hand quilt. It will be easy as no marking will be needed, just stitch in the ditch.

Next up is a baby quilt. My lighting isn't the best, but the colors are gray and pink. It's for a young lineman I work with. They are expecting their first child, a girl. So far he has told me he painted the room gray. He thought the accent color was pink. Regardless, if he is correct or not, they are getting pink and grey. Now that I have the top 99% completed, I am going to make some changes.

I plan to paper piece the year "2011" and put it in the bottom border. I really want to paper piece her name, Sadie. I am just waiting on confirmation on the spelling. I don't know, do you think it's too much of a risk, in case they look at her at birth and say, no she isn't a Sadie????

This one I will machine quilt. For a baby quilt that gets lots of use, washing, and handling it is just more durable.

It's in the mail!

2011-09-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

I know you probably can't make it any bigger. So check it out here: Jeri Landers Lithographs. Any who, I have ordered this print and I can hardly wait. It will go right beside my quilting frame that is currently set up in the living room.

I've followed Jeri's blog for a long time. Her work is fabulous! I ordered one of her children books for the grand kids last year. You can follow along on the book she is currently working on by clicking here.

And while you are at it, follow her blog by clicking here!

It's a quilting Bee

2011-09-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

Now how many times have you see a quilting bee in this day and age?

Well we had one tonight at my house!

Thanks to my friends Deanna and Rita for helping me out tonight.

It's just like riding a bike, you never forget how!

What a hoot, good times and good conversations!

It's all in a day of shopping

2011-08-26T23:39:00.000-05:00

So you all know the blacksmith has been gone all week on a hunting trip. Today was my shopping day. Won't you ride along with me?

First it was a tag sale where I scored two purses and hat. Total spent $6.00.

At the second tag sale, I found nothing I needed.

A quick trip to the pharmacy. Score one expensive prescription.

A block away, J C Penney, score two pairs of pants, total spent $22.84, total saved $56.80 Need I say, I love coupons!

I never made it past the cash register at Kohl's, I only stopped for a gift card.

My choice for fabric today was Hobby Lobby.

This soft corduroy will be a jumper for Miss Elizabeth.

These pink and greys will be a baby quilt for a co-worker.

Goodwill, I made a drop off donation of clothing, bought nothing.

Across the street, I dropped off my glass bottles.

Across another street, I dropped off my necklace for repairs at Blue Diamond.

New junk store in town. I won't make the mistake of stopping there again!

One of my favorite antique shops, however I scored nothing today.

Calvary gifts a very nice re-sell it shop run by the church ladies.

There I scored these flip flops for my sister who loves dragon flies. Cost $1.00. I also bought a beautiful cobalt blue vase, I tried 3 times to get a good picture of it. Pictures just don't do it justice. You are just going to have to take my word, it was $6 well spent. I also got the blacksmith a nice Winchester camouflage shirt for 50 cents.

Tennyson's furniture, there I was pricing a TV stand to hold the DVR, satellite receiver etc.

Another junk shop. Today I found nothing.

Menard's, whew, are you getting tired yet? I am! Here I purchased several items with a total of $11 rebates.

Last stop, Habitat. I am looking for an old fashioned kitchen sink with the drain boards. No luck today. I then headed home for a couple of hours.

At five o'clock it was back to town.

It was dinner with my daughter in law and grand daughter at Madison's restaurant. Or as the grand daughter calls it - Madison's house.

After dinner we decided to see a movie. We saw "The Help". What a great movie!

Last stop at 9:15, was for milk and donuts! After all I need to refuel from all my shopping. Tomorrow is another day!

I'm off the hook once again!

2011-08-24T07:15:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Dear Hubby

I know you are enjoying your day to the max on your annual "squirrel" hunting trip.

The deal is if you aren't at home on your birthday

there is no gift exchange

and

no cakes to bake!

I'm scott free today . . . more ways than one!

Love ya!

It's a win, win situation!

2011-08-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

You know the old saying, the cobbler's kids go shoeless, or the mechanic's wife's car is never fixed? Well this blacksmith's wife is not doing without!

Look what he made me now. It holds all 5 of my rolling pins. One of which is from my grandma Cardwell's kitchen. I can still rememeber her rolling out dumplings with it. It's second from the bottom.

I love it.

WIN!

This is the blacksmith and his friend Kenny. They packed up and left today on their annual squirrel hunt in southern Missouri. They will be gone all week, minus the dog, he stays with me.

So I will be spending the week, eating what ever, when ever, I want, sleeping in the middle of the bed, shopping at TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Penneys, Dillards, Marshalls, the quilt store, antique shops, resell it shops, did I mention quilt shops?

WIN!

PS I really will miss him.

Men of the Club 2011

2011-08-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

A girl's night out with your BFF is always fun.

Especially when you get to see bare butts!!

Okay peeps, get your head out of the gutter. It was a fund raiser for the Boys and girls Club of Jefferson City!

Bass River Resort

2011-08-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

It was a weekend trip. The blacksmith and I had been invited by the son, his wife, and three grand kids to go along!

Our destination was Bass River Resort in Steelville MO.

The Casita at site #298. It was a really big camp ground. You can tell that by our high number. And they went even higher.

We arrived just after one big thunder and lightening storm. So big, in fact, the entire camp ground had no electricity, which meant no water. Thank goodness our camper had a bathroom with a reserve water tank that was full! The electricity came on about 9 and the entire camp ground broke out in cheers. But it was short lived, it went right back off and stayed off until after we went to bed. About 11:31 we woke up to cheers. This time it stayed on.

The son and family were camped just 2 sites away from us. I was so glad they asked us to go. The last time we camped with the son, was in the 80's. He was much younger then. Come to think of it so were we.

There was river time. The water was cold.

There was sun bathing time.

There was minnow, crayfish, and tadpole hunting going on too.

Card playing broke out too. Hot games of "Go fish", very appropriate since the two grown men forgot their fishing poles.

Bananagrams was played.

Marshmallow roasting is always a necessity.

It was a very restful weekend.

Peaceful river setting.

Now lets talk about the food.

FATTIES. Google fattie recipes, there are forum and recipe pages galore.

Heart attack waiting to happen, I think.

But gosh were they good!

Take 2 lbs of bacon. If you can weave a basket, then you can make these! Just kidding. Next add about pound of hamburger, throw on some seasonings.

Cream cheese went next, topped with jalapenos and a good squirt of BBQ sauce.

Roll them up good and tight.

The guys grilled them along with corn on the cob. With their grill they could just flip the entire grill.

Okay I need to apologize, I didn't get a picture of the uncut finished product. But you get the picture, right?

Man were they good. So good, we were awarded the leftovers, doubling the chances of the son's father having a heart attack.

Sunday morning as we were packing up, along with hundreds of other campers, the trash bin was over flowing. Here is where the backhoe came into play. First it looked like this.

A few stomps with the bucket and it all fit with room to spare.

It was a great weekend, except it went way too fast. Thanks Jeremy, Lori, and kids for inviting the old people. Hope we didn't slow you all down any.

Speaking of fast, this little girl never slowed down all weekend.

It closing, I am posting this picture for you Karen, just so you can see I made it on a horse. I am the third from the end, yes behind the tree!

Not!!!!

Garden . . . take two

2011-08-11T22:38:00.001-05:00

Grandpa says season one is about over. And that is what I think of that!

Grandma says she really doesn't need anymore tomatoes. I counted 73 jars of tomato juice, tomato salsa, tomato soup, chili sauce, spagaetti sauce, even whole tomatoes in the basement cabinet. But then I really can't count past 7 or is it 9???

Grandpa planted turnips, lettuce, white radishes and red radishes last friday. Monday evening I saw they were already peaking through the soil. He can hardly wait for fresh lettuce from the garden.

Grandma and Grandpa need a rest after all the garden work, think I will ask them to go camping with us this weekend!