An apron

I swear I am working on those pillows! It's just that I needed a quick gift for someone special this weekend and an apron seemed just the thing. An autumn apron in apple red (yeah, I know, branch out already right?) with plaid ties and ruffles and a rosey pocket. Some big vintage ric rac was the  finishing touch.

Ok, now I'm off to work on those long awaited pillows....right after I hit the Farmers Market.  It's only open for two more weeks, a girls gotta enjoy it while she can:>) Have a great weekend everyone!

A little fall nesting

I was feeling the need for a little autumn color. I can't abide orange and brown, I love them outside but red is still my go to choice for color. I'm beginning to think I need to branch out a bit, but for now, I whipped up these pillows for the sofa.  I am still working on the heart and home pillows, it is slow going with all the applique and embroidery but these stitched up quick as a wink with simple envelope backs.  I should have the other pillows finished this weekend:>)

I also wanted to show you the new/old coffee table Earl and I found while we were out garage saleing this summer. It used to be a piano bench and we both really love the curvy, carved legs. It was a steal at $8.  A light sanding and a few coats of poly brought it back to life.  Ok, enough sharing, back to work on sewing those pillows.  I am just closing my eyes to the housework today and getting them done.  It's always a balancing act when it comes to what you need to do (housework),and what you want to do, (sewing).  Today, sewing wins:>)

Youth is Wasted on the Young ~ George Bernard Shaw

Dropped off at University yesterday, one daughter.  Going back to work today, one mom.  I helped carry her few belongings into her dorm room yesterday and was hit with a wave of nostalgia.  I wanted to move in.  Of course, this is my Alma Mater and I have many happy memories there, not the least of which is meeting the man of my dreams (yes it's Earl!).  Let me pause a moment to reminisce..........sigh.  Yeah, life was good.  Did I realize it then?  Well, a little, but when we returned home I told Earl that just for a moment I had thoughts of selling the house and both of us returning to carefree days in an apartment on campus.  Walking in the cool night air and looking at the stars on campus, no bills once tuition was paid.  Opportunities for fun just laid out for you.

We had our chance and now it's her turn.  Lucky girl.  I wouldn't go back to high school for a million bucks, but college?  If I could live those carefree days again? You bet.  How about you?  Would you go back?

What to do with an abundance of zucchini

If life gives you zucchini...make zucchini chips!  We were blessed with an overabundance of this favorite veggie this year. Two huge plants gave us all we could eat fresh and kept on producing! I sliced the fresh zucchini fairly thin, about 1/4" thick, and laid them in the dehydrator. Sprinkled lightly with salt and left overnight it produces a crisp, delicious veggie chip that is fantastic with your favorite dip.  Healthy, low cal, NO FAT!  Perfect when you want something crunchy and lighty salty but are trying to lay off the fattening stuff.  We have been drying these practically non -stop for 3 weeks and what you see in the bowl is all we have. We can't stop eating them.

My sis-in-love turned me onto the next great thing.  Home made greek yogurt in my crock pot!  Seems it is easy as can be using the directions here.  Easy as pie, and with a little honey and fresh raspberries, oh my, it is my family's new favorite treat!  I had a quickie garage sale just before heading to Florida (I made a whole $20, next time I'll advertise, or just donate to begin with)  Sis brought over some things to put in the sale and among them was this yogurt maker. I snatched it up in case the crock pot thing didn't work. Since it does, I went to retrieve the maker to give to Goodwill when I noticed the little jars that came in it were milk glass! Did you know that sis? No, you can't have it back! lol:>)(No. really, you can't).  I think they are perfect for portioning out the yogurt and keeping in the fridge.  If you try this recipe and run into any glitches contact me and I'll try to help. We didn't read the directions as carefully as we should have and had a few batches that didn't thicken properly. We heated them up and came up with a wonderful soft cheese that Victoria herbed and we used as a spread so it is a no lose recipe as far as I am concerned!

Today I have a free day so I'm baking, doing a little sewing (house pillows!) and puttering around. This weekend we take Victoria back to University. Last year I cried all the way home, this year I am just so grateful that her financial aid made it possible for her to go back, and I know she will be fine and will be home before I know it. No tears this year, I swear!   Enjoy the last weekend of summer. It seems more like the first weekend of Autumn to me. The weather is cool and I am ready:>) Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

I'm back!

Back from florida and a much needed vacation. It was fun but I returned with very few photos.  This is Cinderellas castle at Disney. It was great fun and we stayed for the evening fireworks. Lovely.  Now I'm jumping back into real life and it's going to be a busy week. Today, shopping for school essentials before Victoria heads back to college Monday. Tomorrow, a work meeting and Thursday I head back to the school kitchen to put things back together for the school year. This weekend we will visit my mother and move Victoria back to school.  The summer has flown (as I am sure you have all noticed!) I also need to get my etsy orders mailed, the house cleaned, meals cooked....you get the idea. Sometimes I wonder if a vacation is worth all the catch up work you need to do when you get home. I'll be stopping in to say hello  and catch up with my blog friends too. Oh happy September. Things do speed up again in the fall don't they?