Helping Joplin, MO

The sweet Long ladies over at marie-madeline studio are putting together a nice way of helping the folks in Joplin, MO. They have invited us to help in this endevour. You can get all the details over at their website.

Strawberries

I picked my first fresh strawberries this morning! My grandchildren are going to want to come to Grandma's today for sure!

How do you like to serve fresh strawberries? Here is one of my family's favorites!!

STRAWBERRY PRETZEL JELLO SALAD

2 c. crushed pretzel sticks
3/4 c. melted butter
3 tbsp. sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sugar
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 (6 oz.) pkg. strawberry Jello
2 c. boiling water
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries, partially thawed or 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Mix first three ingredients and press in bottom of a 9"x13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees (metal pan) or 325 degrees (glass pan) 8 minutes. Let cool completely. Beat 1 cup sugar and cream cheese. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over pretzels. Mix Jello and water until dissolved. Add strawberries. Stir into Jello, then set aside for 10 minutes. Pour over cheese mixture. Chill.

(Hint) make sure you spread the cream cheese mixture completely over the pretzels so no jello can seep through...you don't want soggy pretzels!

Sewing is in the bag!

Today has turned into a beautiful day. The weather did not look good this morning....it was raining, like it has been a lot lately! The sun is shining brightly now...brightens things up a bit...well, quite a bit.

I have been busy in the sewing room. I have been cleaning up and tidying things up a bit. I must confess, I do not like a mess, so I am always orgainizing things and trying to make things look neater.

I also have just completed a new bag. The largest one I have made to date. It is just perfect for a beach bag or a weekend getaway. I was expermenting when I made it so wasn't sure just how it would turn out. I really do like it!! I have listed it for sale on ebay. I am adding a few pictures for you to see. I have orders for three more bags, so I better get busy.

Have a nice day,

Mary Ann

Blossoms around the farm

Sunshine and blue skies are on the forecast for today!! It is so pretty outdoors. I thought I would share some of my lovely blossoms that I have enjoyed this spring.

This is a lovely azalea bush that is right outside my bedroom window.

Some sweet begonias.

My favorite lilac bush!

More of the purple lilac.

Another azalea.

Lilac bush.

The white lilac bush.

I hope you all have a nice weekend.

Mary Ann

They make my heart pitter patter...

Is there anything as sweet as grandchildren? I really don't think so. Three of mine were here tonight to play in the warm sunshine. They enjoyed themselves...running,jumping, and simply enjoying life.

Fabric Fabric and More Fabric

As most of you know, I have a home based sewing business. A couple times a year a offer huge sale on my fabrics! Just thought I would let you all in on the sale. If you visit my eBay site , you will find some fabulous deals on premium quality fabric at unbeleivable starting prices!! I start my auctions at just $.99 ! I know, I am crazy!! Take a peek if you love beautiful fabric and like great deals! If anyone is interested, I always combine multiple auction wins and save you on postage. I can generally get a good 15 to 16 yards in a flat rate Priority Mail box for $10.95.

I will be listing more fabrics in the next couple days too. Here are a few already listed...

Mary Ann's EBAY store


Mary Ann

My little sweeties

It is beautiful and warm in Ohio today! Hooray. It has been so cold and dreary. Our family celebrated three birthdays on Thursday evening. My son, son-in-law, and oldest grandson all have birthdays within two weeks of each other. We celebrated with an indoor picnic and ice cream cake for dessert. I wanted to share some cute little pictures of my two youngest grandchildren.

Rebecca's Giveaway....

Rebecca over at A Gathering Place is having a real sweet giveaway. Please visit her and enter!