My Views Yesterday...

I was making great progress, as I sat in my favorite stitching spot. This wing part will be completed soon.

I take frequent "stretch" breaks for the benefit of my legs, back, and hands. Sometimes I get up and make a cuppa tea (or grab a snack), and other times, I stretch in place and check to see what's going on outside our dining room windows.

Yesterday, I was looking out the window more frequently because we had storms rolling through and it got really windy and rainy. I noticed movement in one of the dark tracks you can see in the field. At first I thought I was seeing deer because of white tail flashes. I was wrong.

Handsome grabbed our binoculars and we realized I'd been watching two foxes playing with each other. Even as it started to rain, they continued running up and down the right side, chasing each other. It was adorable! 

Coincidentally, I'd also seen gophers running around in our yard, and had really just been wishing we had foxes.

I hope they're denning nearby, because those gophers are digging holes in our yard. You can just imagine how that could harm Bella or Carly if they stepped in a hole while running around. They could do catastrophic damage to a leg or foot.

I think these critters might be the perfect meals for the foxes, and a much better alternative to us trying to get rid of them (the gophers, not the foxes). I think we need to put up a sign saying, "Foxes Welcome". In the meantime, I hope they'll continue to hang out nearby!

Good and Plenty...

 

It was a very productive day yesterday! I canned Breakfast in a Jar (BIAJ), as well as ingredients to make a favorite sandwich (Emeril's Kicked Up Stuffed Garlic Bread), the venison that started all this, and finally, onions, and small jars of onion/green/red peppers for future use.

I'm disappointed that my quart jars of raw peppers, onions, and Italian sausage reduced to only half-full after they were processed. They were crammed full beforehand. They've all sealed, so I know they're safe, but I'll need to do something different next time. 

All in all, there are 3 quarts of Emeril's Garlic Bread Filling, 4 quarts plus 2 pints of BIAJ, 3 pints of sliced onions, and five small jars of onion/pepper mix. Everything sealed already, so I'll remove the rings, wash my jars, and place them on the pantry shelves. 

Today will definitely be a stitching day. I need a rest.

Breakfast In A Jar...

These are most of the ingredients for my current canning project. I also have bulk Italian sausage that will be browned and added to each jar. I'm making quarts of Breakfast in a Jar from My Basic Homestead on Instagram. I've been following her for a while and really like her recipes.

This is the recipe I'm using (in case you'd like to try it yourself), but I'm omitting the eggs. I'd rather add fresh eggs later when I prepare the jar contents for a meal.

I know that it doesn't take long to make this meal any day of the week, but I don't always have all the ingredients on hand. This way I can be assured of a tasty breakfast or brunch anytime, just by pulling a jar off the shelf.

I'll process these jars  along with the venison pints I prepared on Monday. They'll time out the same in the canner.

It got into the 80s yesterday, so I didn't want to heat up our non-air conditioned farmhouse. I'll do this early today before the temperature rises today, and will have them out of the canner by mid-morning. First my morning cuppa, and then I'll tie on my apron and get busy. See you tomorrow!

 

Enjoying Life...

 

I'd love to think this could be me, but who am I kidding? In case you're curious, yesterday morning began with me in the kitchen making two dozen homemade stuffed oreos to take to the physical therapy staff. (They were a huge hit, too!)

When I opened the little fridge to put the dough in to chill for an hour, I saw the venison loin I put in there to thaw on Saturday...and completely forgot. Soooo, once the dough was in the fridge, I had at least an hour to deal with the venison.

I sliced it into medallions and then browned it with onions and placed them in jars. I didn't have time to run the canner before PT, but I wouldn't have lit up the canner for three pints. I put the lids and rings on them and put them in the fridge until I can properly can them after work today.

After PT, I ran to the grocery store. I needed a few things for something else I'm going to can so the pressure canner gets filled. I'll tell you about it tomorrow. 

Instead, I made a batch of cinnamon rolls last night. Two 2-packs are going to my coworkers, another 2-pack to Andy and Shelly, and a 2-pack for Handsome and me. It was a good day (and night).

I work until 4:30 today, and then I'm going to do my batch of canning. I can't wait to tell you what I'm making to fill up my pressure canner! See you tomorrow.

Oh, and maybe this image will be my life next year. For now, busy suits me just fine. 

Working On Wing Part Three...

Even though my orange silk thread arrived, I need to work my way up to those areas first. I made great progress when I worked on my third wing part over the weekend, and am expecting to complete it soon.

I have PT mid-afternoon today, so I'm baking cinnamon rolls to take with me for the therapy department personnel. I'm hoping to do more needle dancing when I get back home.

I also work tomorrow, and I'll be doing more canning in a few days, so I'm looking forward to a fun-filled, productive week. Come along, and I'll happily share it all with you!

Sunday Scripture...

Matthew 6:26

Yes, You!...

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I'm Back In Business...

My order arrived right on time, so I'll be able to continue work on my Monarch butterfly.

The best part is that there was no discernible difference in color. Great news considering I purchased my threads in 2019!

I've been taking it easy the past couple days because my shoulder and arm have been giving me grief. That's why I've been going to physical therapy. We've determined nothing is torn - and thankfully, my shoulder joint looks great in the xrays - but some days it still hurts like the dickens, and no medicines help. So, on those days, I rest. 

The strangest thing is that it never hurt the days I was busy canning, or the day after, so the amount of activity isn't necessarily the culprit. Yesterday was a good day again, so needle dancing won't be an issue, and neither will work for a few hours tonight.

No time to feel sorry for myself. Now that my thread arrived, it's time to get busy again! Happy Weekend!

 

Fall In Love With Your Life...

For me it's time with Handsome, family and friends, our pets, needlework, sewing, and preparing the goodness that comes out of our farmhouse kitchen. Plus, a hot cup of tea. Yes, definitely a hot cup of tea.

Elisabetta's New Book...

I recently found out that Elisabetta Sforga has a new book, "Bouquet Letters". I have her two earlier books, and this one looks to be equally inspiring.  I may need to add it to my needlework library.

I learned about it from Mary Corbet's weekly newsletter. It will be available on her website (HERE) as soon as her order clears customs. I'll be watching for it!  

 

A Great Day To Can...

Chicken Stew

I managed to get quite a bit done yesterday! First up was a batch of chicken stew. 

In the past, a quart jar always had leftovers, so when I found pint and a half jars from Azure Standard, I had to get some. These are the perfect size for hearty meals for two. I'll definitely use them again. Also, I started the day with nine pounds of chicken breasts to fill all these jars.

My chicken stew includes cut up chicken breast meat, Yukon gold potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, and peas), and onions. 

Now there are six jars of stewed goodness on the shelf. All I need to do is add baked French rolls or buttermilk biscuits for a quick, easy, and healthy meal.

Cubed Chicken and Chicken Fajita 

Next was to cut up the rest of the chicken we bought for two pints of cubed chicken, and six pints of chicken fajita meat.  

I started by putting the taco seasoning in the bottom of each jar, followed by chopped green chilies, cut up chicken, and topped with roasted red peppers. 

Canned Yellow Onions

Last on my list was to chop up four beautiful, huge yellow onions I bought on my last trip to the grocery store.

For these, I used eight ounce jars, which are just right for opening and adding to any meal prep. They're almost like caramelized onions. 

It's my first time canning them, and I can't wait to try them soon. I went to bed "happy tired" having created all this goodness for the pantry. I have more to can later this week. More about that later, though, as I'm out the door to work today.

I'll Be Canning Today...

 

Good news is that I've completed half my butterfly wing parts. Bad news is that the two orange threads on the card are all I have left until my reorder arrives.

I could certainly begin stitching the next to wing parts with the other colors I'm using, but I'm going to do some canning today instead.

I'm going to pressure can chicken vegetable soup, chicken fajita meat, plain chicken, and canned onions. I can accomplish all that sooner than stitching, for sure. I'll show you tomorrow.

Happy June, Everyone!

Sunday Scripture...

 

Isaiah 41:10

Saturday Silliness...

 

Steve Does It Again - via In Otter News

A Wee Bit More...

It wasn't much, but I managed to start on the oranges yesterday. In reassessing my raw materials, I've realized that there's no way my remaining Kreinik Au Ver A Soi- Soi d'Alger color 614 skein (my main orange) will last for the remaining wings. So, last night I went online and purchased more to make sure I have what I need. Now I can rest easy, knowing I won't run out. 

I'll continue on this wing today, and then move to the next one while I wait for my order to arrive from Colorado. I'm hoping it doesn't take too long.

I work later today, so after I refill the bird feeders and feed the girls, (and enjoy a hot cuppa), I'll be seated back at my hoop for a while. Happy Friday, y'all!

 

Still Winging It...

I got in a bit more stitching yesterday. I sat down between loads of laundry, and enjoyed my dining room view while sheets dried on the line.

I'm working out all the edges and black sections now, and will again finish with the monarch oranges. Perhaps I'll get to that today after this morning's PT session. (I'm sure hoping so.)

What is especially fun is stitching these colors as I watch at least a half dozen Baltimore orioles (same coloration) flying past the windows to the grape jelly feeders I fill daily for them. I'll try to get a few photos of them soon.

 

More Progress Has Been Made...

First Upper Monarch Wing Completed

I managed quite a bit of needle dancing over the holiday weekend. We had one rainy day that was made for stitching, and I finished this wing part that day. I'm so pleased to see it done and now waiting for the other parts to come alive.

Beginning Work On First Lower Wing

In fact, I even got a healthy start on the first lower wing! This all happened before Monday when I spend all day in the kitchen. (I baked four loaves of bread, and a half dozen hamburger buns.)

I also mixed, froze, and vacuum-sealed thirty four fresh rhubarb scones for sharing and later consumption. Lastly, I made rhubarb custard pie in a long baking dish which finished baking at midnight! I went to bed shortly after that, but not before Handsome tried it and gave it his seal of approval. (He did stay up later than I did.)

I worked my shift yesterday, and I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I changed clothes when I got home, and took a two hour nap. 

Today is going to be a "take it easy" day. I'm going to play it by ear. See you tomorrow!

 

So Much Fun...

I went to town Saturday afternoon to spend time with family, and friends who are family. We were celebrating my second-eldest niece, and my eldest niece's daughter who both had birthdays this month.

One flew in from Colorado and the other came from Minnesota with her mumma. Also in attendance were my sister Lyn's widow, and her ex who essentially raised her two daughters. (Yes, the guys do get along well.) Add two aunties, a nephew, dear friends, and besties, and we had everyone we needed to have a great celebration.

I stayed about four hours and then came home. I was so happy to see everyone and share in the celebration. The girls were staying at my Mother's so it was a short visit for me. I hope next time we can have them here for an overnight. It was a great start to our holiday weekend.

 

We Remember...

 

Sunday Scripture...

 

Psalm 46: 10-11

Sweets For The Sweet....

I spent part of yesterday making these white chocolate-covered sandwich cookies. I'm meeting up with sister,Jan to visit with our nieces who are visiting from out of town.

Don't you love the edible images I used? I purchased them from Evil Cake Genius and they have MANY images, suitable for any occasion. You can even order custom edible images for weddings, birthdays, or any other excuse occasion you can think of...or choose something like the ones I've used simply to dress up your dessert!

I haven't seen the ladies in a while, so it should be a fun reunion. I promise to take pictures! 

I hope you have a safe and restful Memorial weekend, my friends. 

May Classmate Dinner...

 

Front row: Al, Brad, and Cal  Back row: Deb, Bruce, Donna

We changed our dinner from Wednesday to Thursday this month to accommodate folks who couldn't join us on Wednesdays. As it turned out, Thursday apparently didn't work either. The result was a wonderfully small group of regulars.

Unlike the larger groups that end up with multiple conversations, we were all part of each story. We got all caught up, and truthfully, I heard one of these old friends laugh harder than I've ever heard him laugh in decades. It was great.

We're going back to Wednesdays from now on, but I'll file this month away as one of my favorites. I sure do love these people.

Buggers!...

I had PT this morning and needed it in a big way. I woke up in pain, so I finally took an anti-inflammatory and Handsome drove me to my appointment. I'm feeling much better, but that my excuse for this late post - and I'm sticking with it.

I'm sharing a photo of how I decided to preserve and protect my goldwork birds. Handsome purchased this shadowbox frame ages ago for another purpose, but I came across it still unused, so I appropriated it. 

I attached dark-colored, round-head pins and then hung the birds from those. I used similar pins to secure the bottom of each ornament to keep them from twisting. I'm quite chuffed with how it turned out, and the frame now hangs in the hall outside my studio where I can see it every day.

This afternoon is another classmate dinner, but I didn't want to leave again without writing today's post. I'll be on time tomorrow, for sure! See you then.

 

Patterns Coming...

 

I've decided to create digital patterns for my Brynwood wool pincushions. There are actually three. My Woolen Acorn pincushion isn't in this photo, but will definitely have a pattern.

I'll debut the patterns in June, but I'm letting you know here first. I'm going to create each pincushion - start to finish - so I can photograph each step. Once I've written the instructions, I'll be ready to list them up in my Etsy shop. I may even make a few kits available. (I haven't decided on that yet.)

I have two appointments today. Even so, I'm going to try to get in some stitching time. Hard to believe it's already "hump day"! Hope yours is a good one.

Another Color Block Done...

I finished another orange color block yesterday. The rest of this week is going to be busy, but I'll work on this as I'm able.

I have work today, two appointments tomorrow, classmate dinner on a Thursday this month, and then work again on Friday. Whew! Seems like a lot when I put it all out there. Almost "social butterfly" status! lol (Well, for this week, anyway.)

I'll still be sharing other fun things this week that might interest you, so I'll see you tomorrow!