I received my Mug Mat Swap!

I recently join in a "Mug Mat" swap hosted by Donna at Brynwood Needleworks. If you haven't "met" Donna please visit her lovely blog. She is just about the most creative woman I have seen. She can do beautiful things with fabric.

I signed up do swap a handcrafted "Mug Mat" which Donna was hosting for her blog followers. My swap partner was Laura from Fun With This and That. This is the sweet package I received from Laura.






I have sent my package off to Laura and I hope she enjoyes it.

Fresh Green Beans

The green beans are ready. I picked some and need to go back to the garden and pick the rest of them in a few minutes. We also picked peas already this past week. I frozen them. I will can the green beans probably in the morning. Thankfully, it is a tiny bit cooler outside, not a lot, but every litle bit helps.

It's Strawberry Time In My Garden

Our strawberries are starting to ripen as the days are warming up. We planted about a dozen plants in containers on the back patio. I just have to walk out my back door and pick some fresh strawberries!

I got to babysit a princess today!

I got to babysit my princess today while her mommy and daddy had a little date for lunch. Her mama brought her in a delightful little outfit but the princesss and I had a secret mission! I had saved one of her mama's dresses from when she was also about four months old. So, while mama was away, we got the princess all dressed up in her mama's little dress and bonnett. Then we got the camera out. I think she looks so sweet and beleive me she is a sweetie. Grandchildren are such a blessing.

I Got The Sweetest Phone Call

The telephone rang and I picked up the receiver. A sweet little voice asked if Grandpa was home from work yet. I said that yes, Grandpa had just got home. The little voice said "I wanted to come up and help Grandpa in the garden." The voice belonged to my eight year old grandson, Benji. My son's farm is just a half mile down the road from our farm. I asked if he want Uncle Andy to come down and get him so he could help Grandpa. Andy ( my son-in-law) hopped on the four wheeler and went right down and picked Benji up.

Recycling Ideas!

I created a recycled skirt for my granddaughter today. I purchased an Old Navy skirt from the thrift store for $1.99. The skirt was in like new condition but was a mini skirt and my granddaughter like long skirts. You can also use old jeans that have holes, stains, or are too short. I cut the bottom portion off. I then added a cute cotton print to make the bottom portion of the skirt.

I Think Spring Is Really Here!

It's been a little while since I posted. I have been busy sewing for another wedding. It's finished and it was beautiful. It's always nice to see a bride and groom so happy and in love. It's also a nice feeling to know that I had a little part in creating the beautiful satin gowns that will be part of the bride's wedding memories.

We've had one new calf born this spring. We are waiting on one more that is due anytime now! My hubby is getting things ready for his garden. He has also planted another apple tree. We've never had too much success with our grape arbor. We think it does not get enough sun. So, Hubby is starting a new arbor in a sunnier spot!

Wishing you a beautiful week.

Yummy Comfort Food

Blueberry Jam Tart

1 cup flour
pinch salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
8 T unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract
1/2 cup non instant oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 heaped tablespoons of jam ( raspberry, blueberry etc)

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir this mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir in the oats and sliced almonds. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the greased 8" X 8" pan. Dollop the raspberry jam over top and spread it out with a rubber spatula to within 1/2 inch of the sides of the pan all around. Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly over top.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the jam is lightly bubbling. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.