Out of the Fog...

Here is a look at the geese stopping off for a rest on their journey north.

Why I Was Late For Work Friday

I was a little late for work Friday. Now that is something that is really unusual, I am somewhat obsessed with being on time. But I had a really good reason. There was an amazing sunrise over a pond that I drive by everyday. Rising from the water was fog, and swimming amongst the fog were migrating geese. I always have my camera in my bag. This scene just screamed stop, take my picture!

This picture is really a way to tell you what I am doing with the new fabric in our stash. I am working on a camera bag that I can slip into my work bag. But I can grab it when needed, and find it has all the basics for the unexpected. (Stuff like extra batteries and digital cards)

New Fabrics!

Check out the new fabrics that have come into our stash! Hmmmm...thinking of many projects that they could become.

Another 5 Minutes...2

This is a reminder pic from last Sunday. If you recall I was lamenting about the weather. The day started with rain then came the freezing rain followed by snow with a bitter cold chaser. Note the thick layer of ice on the birch tree in the foreground. The next post shows you today!

Another 5 Minutes...

This pic is from today, it's bright sunny with temps near 55 degrees. We are able to get out and rake the lawn. Get rid of all the winter debris that has found its way into the yard. You can see a group of kids in the park across the road playing basketball. Just about as perfect as you can get!

People Viewing Window

It was really nice of the folks at the zoo to build a viewing window for the tiger to watch people!

Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison Wisconsin

Visit The Zoo

Sometimes you need to get out and enjoy the sunny winter days. This picture is from the Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, Henry Vilas Zoo. This nice kitty is a recent addition to the zoo family. I was amazed at how large this guy is. And he seemed to enjoy watching the guests as much as they did watching him. If you are in the area make time to visit the zoo. It is open year round and free!

My new projects!

I (Jamie) acquired a couple yards of the below fabric...Can you tell what's on it?! Scottie dogs! Apparently, fabric with Cocker Spaniel's (we have a Cocker) on it is hard to come by. And I'm even trying a new pattern....We have a couple of different patterns for aprons but I've only tried the "basic" pattern. There will definitely be pictures! Sorry about the weird angle on the picture of the fabric....Blogger did something funky with my picture.

More Cute Froggies

This is my (Jamie's) completed froggy apron...Totally an experiment that I will be using around our house....It's literally held together with about 4 different colors of thread.

How cute are those froggies?! Not much of a pink kinda girl but I really like this print and love how the apron turned out...4 different colors of thread and all!

Wait 5 Minutes...

Every one's favorite saying around here is, "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes, see it you like that ." Today is a "wait 5 minute day". This morning it was a pleasant high 30's with a light rain, now it is 31 degrees with freezing rain. The trees are making that crackle sound that causes you wonder about the lights staying on! The weather man says snow for later this afternoon. The calendar says spring arrives March 21st. Seems as if we are gonna do winter for a while longer.

Real post from the National Weather Service for today: By
Sunday afternoon, all of that precipitation is expected to become snow, and lots
of it. Snowfall on Sunday afternoon is expected to be heavy at times, due to the
possibility of thundersnow — the wintertime equivalent of a
thunderstorm. Expect rapid accumulations, with 4 to 8 inches of wet, heavy
snow on the ground by late Sunday. The storm is expected to make travel
difficult.

4 to 8 inches of snow can make travel difficult? Who would've thought! Thanks for that update.

Here's another Apron complete with Oven Mitt

The apron is an Large adult size. The tie's are made out of the same mushroom material as the oven mitt.

How cute are those little Mushrooms?!

An Award!

Thanks Shortmama! There is a set of rules to go with this award but I'm not always good with rules. Tomorrow we will have our next creations posted, so be sure to drop by and check them out.

Butterflies!

These patterns will eventually be cut out and turned into butterflies (there is one for dragonflies too that we still need to get copied) that will be added to some of our projects. I can hardly wait to see what they look like when they are finished! :)

Microwave Cashew Brittle

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1 cup cashews
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

In 1 1/2 qt. casserole, stir together sugar and syrup. Microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes. Stir in cashews. Microwave on high 3-5 minutes only until light brown. Add butter and vanilla, blending well. Microwave on high 1-2 minutes more. Nuts will be lightly browned and syrup VERY HOT! Add baking soda ans stir gently until light and foamy. Pour onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Cool 30-60 minutes. Break into small pieces and store in airtight container.

NOTE: You can sub 1 cup salted peanuts, or 1 cup pecan halves, or 1 cup dry roasted almonds.

Secret Kiss Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
sifted powdered sugar
1 pkg. Hershey Kisses, foil removed

Directions:

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla with 1 Tbsp. water. Stir in flour and nuts; mix well. Shape dough around Hershey Kisses forming a ball. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on rack; roll in powdered sugar. Makes about 60 cookies.