My daughter

These are a couple of senior pictures from my daughter. It was 5 years ago but she really hasn't changed much.

Snow Geese

Coming home from work yesterday thru the country I spotted thousands of snow geese in on field. I happen to have my camera so I took a few pictures. The pictures do not even touch the beauty of them.
One picture is on twice~~~sorry. Click to enlarge.

Sisters

My sister Kim is 2 yrs. older than me. Seems as we got older we did help each other with our kids but now I don't spend much time with her. Things happen and then you get thinking about younger years. Kim was always there for me when were growing up. When she would go on dates sometimes I would beg for me to go and take a girlfriend along to the shows. Even tho you grow apart, the sisterly bond is still there.

Crazy for Christmas?

This morning at Wal-Mart I found this magazine. There are a couple things that I really liked. This appears to be the 2nd issue. It is to be published 4 times a year.
I think about Christmas almost all the time. I try to make several gifts and with working and everything else~~~I have to start early!

My vanilla

I started this vanilla on January 17th. I am shaking at least once a day and at times, twice.

Today January 21st is.........

Visit your local fabric store day and

also national hug day so hug away!!!!

My bottle from '08

See post below.

Homemade vanilla

Back in August of '08 (31st) I started a bottle of homemade vanilla to give as gifts that Christmas. I had read several different things about starting it and such and this is what I did.
Got a bottle (5th) of Vodka, purchased vanilla beans (I got mine off of e-bay), we slit them open to expose the SMALL vanilla beans inside, cut them in half and put into the bottles that I gave as gifts. I put 2 vanilla beans in each 4 oz. container that I gave. You put them in a dark dry place and shake them daily for the first month and after that I shook them about 3 times a week. Closer to Christmas I strained them to get the seeds out but left the beans in.
Have read where you can use Brandy and Rum (for deeper color) also but it will turn brown with the vodka. They say as you use the vanilla down refill with vodka and it will keep infusing.
I did not give any this past Christmas and I guess a couple people where looking for it. So thought I would start this batch now (11 months ahead instead of 3 3/4 months like last time to let it have more taste).
This go around I am using the 2 vodka bottles with half in each and will keep shaking it in there and then closer to Christmas will put into containers. I have about 8 1/2 beans in each bottle.
Can also use fresh or beans taken from vanilla and make vanilla sugar. Today I took some of the old beans from the one bottle and put then in sugar to try. Threw others out. Wish I would of kept them to do more sugar. Will have to order more.
Pictures are showing:
Vodka I used (they say whether it is cheap or higher the taste depends on the bean. So I have read)
vanilla beans
slitted beans
see the little beans falling (click to enlarge picture to see them)
look at the seeds in the bottom of the bottle after 1 shake

Gooseberry Books

Putting my GB books back out that were taken down for Christmas. I just leave the Christmas ones out.

Cleaning Cabinet

This a.m. DH and I put the new pots and pans up that I got for Christmas. Took some old ones out and also several lids that were in there from other sets in the past.
As you can see I was doing the supervising!

Playing with the cricut

Got the Cricut Expression tonight that I ordered on New Years Eve. My daughter and I were playing. The 3D snowflakes are neat as are the boxes.

Click to enlarge

Patterns

If anybody is interested in the pattern below instructions are at:

http://lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com
post on 9-11-09
the one I received also has an X sewn on the bottom 2 layers under triangles.


and then the criss cross squares ones are at:
http://www.allsorts.typepad.com
post on 11-21-06

Coaster I received from 12 Days of Christmas Swap

Posting this picture to get the pattern. I have gotten this pattern and then criss cross squares also for coasters.

Click to enlarge.

Our outside cat!?!

This is Thomas our outside cat. DD's BF has really taken to him and brings him in off and on.

Chargers

Normally after Christmas I find gold chargers (which I have brought before for a set of g'mas dishes) this year I got 12 red ones for $3.75 that will go with both sets of my Christmas dishes. I also found silver and got a set of 12 for also $3.75 and they will go with the snowmen dishes and then my set of dishes that were my other g'mas. The tree dishes my parents got me years ago and I have a service for 8. Can't find them anywhere to add on. This year at Dollar General I got the snowmen service for 12. Now will I use them??? (The chargers)

Click to enlarge.

For my niece

My oldest niece Madison for her b'day (will be 7) wants a blanket that is super soft with hearts. Wanted pink with a big heart in middle. For the reverse side I will try to find the ultra cuddle fleece. That stuff is really soft. I am not going to tie it just sew and tack it.